First Confirmation of Delta Plus Variant in Israel

A Total of 4 Cases... First Infected Person Is a Vaccinated Individual Arriving from Overseas

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Israel, which is tightening quarantine measures again due to the spread of the Delta variant virus, has confirmed the Delta Plus variant for the first time.

Local media such as The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post reported on the 7th (local time) that "four cases of Delta Plus infection have been confirmed in Israel."

The Delta Plus variant is known to be up to three times more contagious and more lethal than the existing coronavirus. So far, infections have been reported in the UK, India, Canada, China, Japan, Nepal, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, Switzerland, the United States, Denmark, and other countries.

The first Delta Plus infected person in Israel was a vaccinated individual who entered the country from abroad, but their nationality has not been disclosed. Another person who had contact with this infected individual is currently awaiting test results.

An official from the Israeli health authorities stated that even vaccinated arrivals who have visited epidemic areas may be subject to quarantine. The Israeli government decided at a cabinet meeting on the same day to mandate quarantine for all arrivals until they confirm a negative COVID-19 test result.

Israel, which has conducted COVID-19 vaccinations at the fastest rate in the world, has recently seen a surge in confirmed cases due to the spread of the Delta variant. The number of new cases, which was in the single digits at the beginning of last month, rapidly increased after the indoor mask mandate was lifted on the 15th of the same month.

In response, the indoor mask mandate was reinstated on the 25th, just ten days later, and vaccination for those aged 12 to 15 was strongly recommended, but the number of cases remained in the 500s for two consecutive days on the 5th and 6th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.