New wave of Covid-19 begins in fully vaccinated Israel

Speaking to 103 FM (https://bit.ly/3y3ocZB), Ash confirmed that
the Health Ministry has identified a significant increase in
infections, as well as an increase in serious cases and
hospitalizations.
"I think we can start calling this a new wave," he said, adding that
the BA.5 subvariant responsible for the increase in cases was
thought to be similar to the Omicron variant from which it developed
in terms of severity and rate of infection.
"Even if this variant is highly contagious, there is no room for
restrictions like shutting down or anything like that"
According to data shared by the Health Ministry on Sunday morning,
a total of 4,931 new COVID-19 cases were reported throughout the
day on Saturday. There was a 40% positive return rate for some
12200 PCR and antigen tests taken.
Israelis walk on the streets of Tel Aviv without wearing protective
face masks, as Israel lifts the restrictions on wearing a mask
outdoors.
The number of serious cases has risen to 158, an increase of 125%
compared to a week prior. Of that number, 42 people are considered
to be in critical condition, with 37 of them intubated and two people
connected to ECMO machines.
The R-rate currently stands at 1.3, a slight drop from earlier in the
week when it was 1.51.
Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba announced on Sunday that they
would be reopening their COVID-19 ward due to an increase in
hospitalizations.