Live updates: follow the latest news on Covid-19 variant Omicron
Israeli parents are being called upon to vaccinate their children against the coronavirus as the Omicron variant shows signs of spreading and the authorities prepare to expand a travel ban to include the US.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the number of cases of the new variant remains relatively low – in part thanks to earlier moves to ban most foreigners from entering Israel. But he said it was just a matter of time before the numbers begin to rise.
“The fifth wave has begun,” he said.
Mr Bennett said it was especially important for parents to get their children vaccinated. Last month, Israel began offering vaccines to younger children between the ages of 5 and 12, but the authorities say the vaccination rate in that age group remains disappointingly low.
“The children’s vaccine is safe, and it is the responsibility of the parents,” Mr Bennett said. “A parent who has been vaccinated three times also needs to protect his children. Don’t leave your children exposed and vulnerable to the coming Omicron,” he said.
Predicting a surge in cases in the coming weeks, he said the government is working on new safety recommendations. In the meantime, he urged people to socially distance, wear masks and to work from home whenever possible. Before taking office in June, Mr Bennett strongly criticised his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, for imposing painful lockdowns that hit the economy hard.
Israel introduced a world-leading vaccination campaign early this year, and more than 4.1 million of Israel’s 9.3 million people have received a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
The country’s health ministry has reported at least 134 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant since its emergence in late November. The Haaretz news site on Sunday said 17 travellers with the coronavirus arrived on a single flight from Miami, most of them with the Omicron variant.
Israel largely closed its international borders last month after the emergence of Omicron. Foreign citizens are not allowed to enter, and all Israelis arriving from overseas are required to quarantine – including those who are vaccinated.
Israeli ministers on Monday agreed to ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the omicron variant.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office announced the decision following a Cabinet vote.
A parliamentary committee is expected to give the measure final approval. Once authorised, the travel ban will take effect at midnight Wednesday morning.
Israel had already banned Israelis from visiting dozens of other countries.
I Feel Pretty
Dir: Abby Kohn/Mark Silverstein
Starring: Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Rory Scovel
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The specs: Fenyr SuperSport
Price, base: Dh5.1 million
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm
Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm
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Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Uruguay 3 Russia 0
Uruguay: Suárez (10'), Cheryshev (23' og), Cavani (90')
Russia: Smolnikov (Red card: 36')
Man of the match: Diego Godin (Uruguay)
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Company Profile
Company name: Fine Diner
Started: March, 2020
Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and food delivery
Initial investment: Dh75,000
Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp
Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months
