Omicron Variant Causes Fifth Wave Of COVID-19, Israeli PM: It's A Highly Contagious Variant

JAKARTA - Israel is in the midst of a fifth wave of COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday, urging citizens to step up vaccinations and take precautions such as working from home.

In a televised address, PM Bennett said Israel had bought time by moving quickly to restrict travel, when the Omicron variant was first detected last month. However, this is now diminishing, with He forecasting a wave of illness in a few weeks.

Earlier on Sunday, the Health Ministry's advisory committee recommended that Israel add the United States to its list of "red" countries whose citizens cannot fly without special permission. PM Bennett did not mention this measure in his speech.

Israel has recorded 134 confirmed cases of Omicron and another 307 suspected cases, the Health Ministry said. Of these, 167 are symptoms, the ministry said.

"The time we bought is running out. The numbers are still not high but this is a very contagious variant, doubling itself every two-three days, as we are seeing around the world. You could say the fifth wave has started," PM Bennett quoted him as saying. Reuters 20 December.

In its first rapid response to the Omicron variant, which was first detected in southern Africa and Hong Kong, Israel barred entry to foreigners on November 25. Israel has also imposed a three to 14 day quarantine order for Israelis returning from abroad.

However, PM Bennett has also come under domestic criticism for his wife and children's overseas holidays, after he urged Israelis to avoid such trips.