Intelligence researchers warn against “New York” covid strain

Military Intelligence (AMAN) researchers are warning against letting the newly discovered “New York” coronavirus variant being allowed to reach Israel. They describe it as rapidly transmissible compared with other variants and linked to cases of patients being re-infected after recovering from the virus. The extensive ties between New York and Israel make this threat substantial and every effort is advised to exclude its entry.

Logged on Thursday were 3,782 new covid cases and 5.6pc positive tests, as well as a declining  level of 738 critically ill patients with 238 on ventilators. The death figure rose to a total of 5,694. Some 4,650 million Israelis have received their first vaccine shots, and 3,200 million their second.