Salman Zarka says staying home will still be recommended for those infected; Health Ministry director says 5th round of vaccination being considered but admits public reluctant

Officials said concerned of outbreak during Passover holiday; daily cases on course to surpass 30,000 next week; first case of BA.3 Omicron strain identified in country

Two weeks after most restrictions lifted, coronavirus czar Salman Zarka said to be worried that trend of declining cases will reverse ahead of Purim, Passover

Zarka says it's too early to ease restrictions as Health Ministry reportedly considers canceling mask mandate in light of waning fifth wave

Israelis no longer have to flash pass at restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and hotels, but will still have to at events and dance clubs, even as serious cases continue to climb

Serious illness much more likely for unvaccinated; coronavirus czar says Omicron-fueled wave not over yet; positive test rate of 28.79% highest since start of pandemic

While seriously ill patients currently number 871, COVID czar told number will climb passed peak of 1,200 seen during previous wave, that hospitals running out of beds as well

Serious cases still rising but expert says Israel may be at wave's peak with tens of thousands of undetected daily infections; finance, culture ministers announce aid for art world

Data shows close to 320,000 tests carried out, with over 12% positivity rate; more than half a million Israelis receive fourth vaccine jab as of Friday morning

Salman Zarka says he cannot promise that a lockdown will not become necessary if hospitals are overwhelmed