While the forecasts are becoming more gloomy, the Prime Minister and senior officials from the Ministry of Health have decided to ease the burden on the vaccinated, with the understanding that continuing to send them into isolation if they are exposed to a confirmed patient will paralyze the economy and lead to a de facto lockdown.
Exclusive recordings released this evening (Tuesday) on the main edition of News 12 reveal the arguments that took place during the discussion.
Naftali Bennett: "Itamar is a vaccinated guy, at his work he was confirmed and he is sitting next to him, so they tell him: 'Itamar, go do a PCR now, stay home until the PCR result, and when the PCR is negative they tell him: 'Itamar, you are allowed to go around but it could be that you are, it is definitely possible that you are carrying the virus and we haven't figured it out yet, so when you enter any place, stay away from vulnerable people like the elderly and for 10 days don't go to a crowded place.'".
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Nitzan Horowitz: "Yes, yes, that's perfectly fine. Absolutely fine.".
Health Ministry officials opposed the option, which they incidentally raised only yesterday, according to which vaccinated people who were exposed to a verified household member would be sent to 7-day quarantine.
Director General of the Ministry of Health, Prof. Nachman Ash: "In the ultra-Orthodox, Arab sectors and those of low socioeconomic status, there is a feeling that once we require isolation for all family members (because of one confirmed case in the home), this has a very great significance for the family, which could also last longer...""
Horowitz: "We can't do it because it's simply, it's disproportionate in my opinion (in a) sweeping way. For large families, it's extremely problematic, if we look at the ultra-Orthodox sector, for example, or among the Arabs. I also don't think it will work, and it's a decree that I don't think the public can stand - isolation of all household members.".
Then an argument broke out about the tests between the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health - and it seems that the two are running out of patience with each other.
Bennett: "How many (tests) are we able to do with a relatively quick response? So it won't be 170,000, let's say what, 120,000?""
Horowitz: "It's hard to know and give an exact number. It's hard to know. Okay, so I'll tell you 140, what good would it do if we said that? So we'll say a number, what difference does it make? It's hard to know that.".
Bennett: "I don't understand what you're talking about...""
Horowitz: "No, because sometimes you go into details that are not necessary. What is a 'mission'? Whatever happens, we seem to make an effort to do it as quickly as possible. What good would it do if we said a number?""
Bennett: "I want to go down in detail, maybe it's not good, maybe there are those who prefer to stay at the sky's level, this is my way.".
Horowitz: "It can also be done with other ministries, not just with the Ministry of Health.".
Bennett: "Okay. Okay. Are you done? Or are there any more comments on the...?""
Horowitz: "I will have comments later.".
Bennett: "Okay.".
And if that's not enough, this is what the Corona Projector, Prof. Salman Zarka, told the Prime Minister, ahead of the Baba Sali celebration that is expected to take place next week, with the participation of thousands, when there is still no plan to limit this gathering at the height of the outbreak.
Prof. Zarka: "I must say that I think that this situation, excuse the rudeness, that I now have to beg the rabbi to cancel an event of 100,000 people, does not seem to me to be considered reasonable in the State of Israel. 100,000 people who will be there in Netivot next week, you used the expression - excuse me - is a mass attack. All our discussions to stop the pandemic in the face of this type of event, it is disproportionate.".
Bennett: "I ask that you act with sensitivity and determination and reach an agreed arrangement that is, of course, based on a green light, and bring what you can. Good luck Salman, may you be strong - and ask for blessings for me.".
