Health Minister Yuli Edelstein convened a press conference this evening (Sunday) following the outbreak of the coronavirus in several locations across the country.
""The infection incident at the school in Jerusalem is very concerning to us. We are certain that it is a symptom of something broader that is happening in other places," the minister said.
Edelstein announced a change in testing policy: "Until now, we have performed tests on those who were near a confirmed patient and developed symptoms - from now on, we will expand the tests to those who do not have symptoms throughout the country.".
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Edelstein emphasized: "We are not changing the isolation policy. There will be no situation where someone who receives a negative result will exempt themselves from isolation." According to him, "household members of a confirmed patient, even if they do not have symptoms, will be tested on the day the household member is confirmed and another test after 5 days.".
In addition, "any person with symptoms who was in close contact with a confirmed patient will be tested. Symptoms are: fever, cough, loss of sense of taste. Definition of close contact: less than 2 meters away and for at least 15 minutes.".
'"During the day, I heard claims that not everyone who asked to be tested was actually tested. We are also addressing this issue and implementing the policy we are leading here. We will continue to be in contact with the health funds to ensure that what we present here will indeed be implemented on the ground.".
'"I clarify - we are not changing the isolation rules as a result of tests," said Edelstein, "a period of fourteen days from the date of exposure. A negative test or two or more negative tests does not release you from isolation.".
'"I ask the public - go get tested. We have spoken and are speaking with the health funds that are standing, together with MDA, on the front lines - and I am sure that everything will fall into place peacefully. In conclusion, I would like to thank the laboratory staff, the doctors, the nurses and brothers who are doing sacred work for all the citizens of Israel.".
Anyone who meets any of these conditions will be tested:
1. One of the most significant innovations is: Household members of a confirmed patient, even if they do not have symptoms, will be tested on the day the household member is confirmed and another test after 5 days.
I would like to dwell on this innovation for half a minute. Until now, we have carried out such tests in a spot-by-spot manner in Jerusalem around schools. From now on, we will expand the tests even without symptoms to the entire country, not just to schools. This is important news!
2. Asymptomatic individuals who were in close contact with a confirmed patient in schools (in the same classroom, on shared transportation, and in some cases even the entire school).
3. People without symptoms who were in close contact with a confirmed patient in institutional housing settings (supportive housing, nursing homes, welfare settings that constitute a home for life, etc.).
4. At the discretion of the treating physician (this section in itself dramatically expands the performance of the tests).
5. All special populations in accordance with the Ministry of Health's guidelines in special cases.
6. Any person with symptoms who has been in close contact with a confirmed patient. Symptoms include: fever, cough, loss of taste. Close contact is defined as less than 2 meters away and for at least 15 minutes.
7. Any person with symptoms of the disease who has arrived at a hospital.
