Omicron: Israel scraps controversial tech for 'cellular monitoring' of COVID carriers

Israel on Thursday decided to scrap emergency order which directed country's security service to digitally trace confirmed carriers of Omicron variant of COVID-19, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office informed. decision to discontinue Shin Bet's tracking comes after Cabinet approved practice under an emergency measure on Tuesday. According to Haaretz, PM's office informed that practice will not be extended after its expiration on Thursday at midnight.

For unversed, after reports of new COVID variant Omicron emerged earlier on Sunday, COVID cabinet authorised military-level surveillance technology to locate virus carriers and determine ir primary contacts. As per provisions set by Cabinet, cellphone geolocation was to be tracked by Shin Bet, however, as per new order on Friday, cellular tracking will now be used after reactivating depending upon infection rates. Shin Bet tracking is a technology developed for counter-terrorism and counter-espionage. As per statement by PM's office, as quoted by Haaretz, 'cellular monitoring' system "has contributed over last week to effort to break chain of infection."

Speaking on Israeli ministration's revised decision, a government ombudsman told Associated Press that he was against implementing technology calling it "ineffective." Following announcement, Israeli Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, who was initially criticised over emergency order, took to Twitter to express satisfaction on scrapping of use of 'controversial' technology highlighting that he knew from beginning that " use of this tool would be limited and brief."

Omicron Variant detected in Israel

As of Thursday, Israel recorded three Omicron infection cases. One of infected was tested positive for strain after returning from Malawi. As per reports, individual h received AstraZeneca vaccine. Two or infected persons were said to have returned from South Africa and or from England, both having received three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech jabs. Currently, Israel health authorities are tracking 30 COVID patients highly suspected to be carrying Omicron variant. Six out of 30 have been completely vaccinated as per Israel rules and 19 of m h not set foot abro.

PM and Health Minister also decided to amp up measures for all people arriving in Israel. As per Haaretz, people refusing COVID PCR tests on arrival will be imposed with a fine of 2,500 shekel. fine will also be generated automatically for those who do not get tested in ir this or seventh day of quarantine (as required based on vaccination status.) Travellers to Israel are also required to undergo mandatory three-day quarantine on arrival- regardless of vaccination status, y will also have to undergo anor PCR test after 72hours in country. Travellers will be released only if y test negative in both cases.

(With inputs from AP, Image: AP/PIXABAY/Unsplash (representative)