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Prime Minister Naftali Bennett convened a meeting of all coalition party leaders late on Saturday to discuss the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
The ministers were briefed by health officials and discussed the next steps to be taken to curb its spread.
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Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett
(Photo: Moti Milrod)
The Health Ministry said 20 new cases of contagion were confirmed bringing the number of Israelis infected by the variant to 55.
For the first time since the new variant was detected in the country, one unvaccinated person who was infected by Omicron was reported to be in serious condition.
The Prime Minister's office said the ministers decided to review the list of red countries daily and that more will be added to the list in the next few days.
"We are in better shape than other countries because we took quick and decisive steps, but we must not let down our guard," Bennett said.
"We must act to stop the spread of the virus and prevent the loss of control over morbidity in Israel. That requires decisive action, an increase in the rate of vaccination and delaying the arrival of the variant by vigilance on ports of entry," he added.
The government called for increased enforcement of Green Pass regulations and quarantines and instructed law enforcement to ensure the Green Pass is updated electronically and not shown on hard copy.
Sporting events, conferences, hotels, gyms must all enforce Green Pass regulations.
The Green Pass must also be enforced in houses of worship with over 50 people, events halls and indoor dining and bars, museums and libraries as well as amusement parks and institutes of higher education.
First published: 07:33, 12.12.21