EMA official says no data available to support need for jab to fight Omicron, recommends spacing vaccines, claims short intervals cannot represent a sustainable long-term strategy

After two and a half weeks, only 56,000 children aged 5-11 have been vaccinated, corresponding to between 40% and 50% of student body; nurses to return to administering vaccines for measles and rubella among others

Health Ministry says infection rate now stands at 12.09%, while virus' reproduction number at 2.02, indicating a widespread contagion; 72 new serious patients were admitted to hospitals Tuesday, highest single-day tally since end of September

Prof. Eran Segal, whose coronavirus prediction models is used by coronavirus cabinet, tells Ynet by next week country may see 1 in every 10 Israelis infected with Omicron; calls on Israelis to stay home, avoid crowds

Health Ministry says hospitals treating 802 patients, with 257 in serious condition, of whom 64 connected to ventilators; data shows unvaccinated over the age of 60 are 8 times more likely to develop severe illness than vaccinated