Israeli health minister has confirmed that 4 cases of the new coronavirus strain were discovered in Israel. The ministry is reportedly still conducting further tests. This comes as the Corona Cabinet is considering imposing a third lockdown in Israel, next week.
New coronavirus strain from UK found in Israel
According to Israeli media, three of the four new coronavirus strain cases were discovered among people quarantining in a state-run hotel after arriving from the UK in the country.
Another case, which reportedly is thought to be originated in Israel, is being investigated.
The new coronavirus strain initially found in the UK is believed to be more infectious, but not more dangerous.
Statements from the Israeli government
“In the last two days we have been making a concerted effort to check that the mutation from the UK has not infiltrated,” Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said. “Until a few minutes ago, we were optimistic. But now we are less optimistic. This information came in a few minutes ago from our labs.”
After hearing about the four cases of a new coronavirus strain in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message in which he lauded the country’s efforts to restrict travel on the right time from Britain and then the rest of the world.
According to the German health minister, vaccines are effective against new coronavirus strain.
The new coronavirus strain was initially discovered in the UK. However, today UK’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that a second “more transmissible” strain of coronavirus that was initially found in South Africa, has been detected in the UK.
