Israel Leads World In COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Per Capita

Israel is currently leading every other country in the world in the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered per 100 people, according to data posted by Our World in Data.

Israel is far ahead of the other countries listed on the chart as of December 30, with 9.18 doses per 100 people. Bahrain is second with 3.37, Iceland with 1.43, and the UK with 1.18. The US is in fifth place with 0.84.

The government has hit its goal of at least 150,000 vaccinations a day for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, according to the Health Ministry.

Israel’s vaccination drive began on December 20 and is focused on medical and healthcare workers, at-risk groups, and people over 60. Teachers are also said to be prioritized for vaccination from the start of next week.

Meanwhile, Israel is in the midst of its third nationwide lockdown. The Health Ministry reported some 5,250 daily infections on Wednesday, among the highest daily number in coronavirus cases since the start of October.

While the third lockdown continues, many small businesses and restaurants, hard hit by the pandemic, have broken the rules this time around, allowing takeout orders and selling products that are not essential items, according to Haaretz.

One of the most controversial decisions of this third lockdown is the government’s ban on takeout and curbside pickup from restaurants and stores because they are worried about the crowds outside the businesses. These businesses are allowed delivery only.