Israel Health Ministry forbids serological tests to prove past COVID-19 infection 'in effort to increase vaccination rates'

N12 today reported that Israel’s Health Ministry decided to forbid serological to document past COVID-19 infection, "in its efforts to increase vaccination rates in the country."

"As those who had COVID-19 in the past are exempt from inoculation and are eligible for a Green Pass - granting a slew of movement privileges - the demand for serological tests in hospitals and HMOs has increased of late."

The Ministry, however, decided to significantly limit serological tests to specific medical inquiries and individuals who were vaccinated or infected abroad and wish to prove it when entering Israel. According to the report, Kupat Holim HMOs were unable to keep up with the growing demand for these tests.

‍I24NEWS reports that because the Health Ministry listed a positive serological test as a condition for receiving a Green Passport, many citizens not willing to risk the vaccine and requested the test that reveals presence of antibodies against COVID-19.