[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] As the India-originated 'Delta variant,' which is more transmissible than COVID-19, spreads to countries around the world, concerns are growing as cases of infection with the Delta variant have been reported even after completing vaccination.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 26th (local time), about half of the adults infected with the Delta variant in Israel were confirmed positive despite having completed the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Accordingly, the Israeli government reintroduced the indoor mask mandate that had been lifted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of the high transmissibility of the Delta variant and recommended wearing masks even after vaccination. According to CNBC on the same day, Mariangela Simao, WHO Deputy Director-General, said at a regular briefing, "You should not think you are safe just because you have received the second dose of the vaccine. You still need to protect yourself."
She added, "Vaccines alone cannot stop community transmission," and emphasized, "You must continuously wear masks, stay in ventilated spaces, and maintain social distancing."
Previously, WHO predicted that the Delta variant would become the dominant strain worldwide. Currently, the Delta variant has spread to over 90 countries, and the emergence of the more potent 'Delta Plus variant' has raised further concerns about the spread of infection.
Meanwhile, health authorities plan to proceed as scheduled with the 'outdoor no-mask' policy for vaccinated individuals starting next month. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, 190 cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed domestically so far. The health authorities stated that since the influx of the Delta variant is still in its early stages, they will monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
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