Israel will likely allow entry for those who have received the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine , Israel Hayom found out from sources involved in the matter.
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The announcement came less than a week after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi.
Israel does not currently recognize the Russian-manufactured vaccine based on World Health Organization guidelines. According to sources, whether tourists vaccinated with Sputnik V will be able to enter Israel will be decided by the special ministerial forum dealing with coroanvirus restrictions.
Coronavirus Commissioner Salman Zarka told Army Radio on Wednesday that foreigners vaccinated with Sputnik V will be required to take a serological test upon arrival. Such a test determines the number of antibodies one has against the coronavirus.
"The test will authenticate whether a person has been vaccinated," Zarka said.
Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash stressed that Sputnik V is the only vaccine Israel will recognize in combination with a serological test.
"It is true that there are different opinions on the matter, but this plan will make sure that the individual entering the country has indeed been innoculated," he said.
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