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Israel needs an honest conversation with its superspreaders
[YNet] - For many weeks now, Israel has been categorized as a "red" country due to its high coronavirus infection rates. But that sweeping designation does not reflect the true state of affairs.

According to the data presented last week to ministers, almost half of Israel's local authorities are actually "green" due to their low infection rates.

According to the same data, COVID-19 is actually rampant in just 20 of Israel's hundreds of cities and local councils; the second coronavirus wave is the result of outbreaks in two sectors - the Arab and ultra-Orthodox communities.

Almost 40% of new coronavirus patients are ultra-Orthodox and 20% are Arab. The figures may even be higher and not properly reflect the true picture, because the members of the ultra-Orthodox community rarely get tested.

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis form a disproportionate percentage of new coronavirus infections - some would say they constitute more than 50% of new infections while comprising just 10% or so of the overall population.

In the ultra-Orthodox sector, 31% of respondents said they are refraining from getting tested for fear they may need to enter isolation. More than 40% of those surveyed said they attended public gatherings that violated Health Ministry regulations. One third said they personally know someone who has violated isolation directives.
Doesn't surprise me, or any other Israeli who seen how they drive - like they really believe G*d is watching out for them.
...Despite the disturbing figures regarding the infection rate among the Ultra-Orthodox, the government has thus far done nothing to help them get through the pandemic with dignity.
They have representatives in government. In fact, ultra-orthodox parties are the keystone of the current (and every previous) ruling coalition. And that's why the government doesn't crack down on them.
Instead of lecturing, we need dialogue. The sector must be offered the tools to stem further infections while being able to adhere to custom and shown respect.

And if that doesn't work, the country must really crack down on the community and fully enforce the virus regulations.
The good news, some of their top Ayatollahs (and I don't use the term lightly) got Covid with the expected results. This might make the rest think. Or it might not - holiness drives out logic.


Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2020-08-25
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=580572