JERUSALEM

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett decided on Wednesday to administer a fourth dose of coronavirus vaccine to people over the age of 60 and healthcare workers, according to Israeli media.

Haaretz newspaper said Bennett responded positively to the advice of the health board and instructed the authorities to give the vaccines.

Earlier this week, the Israeli government approved a proposal submitted by Bennett to reduce the work capacity in government institutions to 50%, and to refer the remaining percentage of employees to work from home.

The decision will enter into force as of Sunday, until Jan. 26, 2022.

The health ministry said on Wednesday the number of people infected with omicron variant in Israel doubled within one day to reach 341.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat