Over the course of the past week, it has been reported that the number of soldiers diagnosed with the coronavirus has tripled. According to Brig.-Gen. Tarif Bader, most of these soldiers are showing minor symptoms or are asymptomatic. This is a positive note as the IDF have most soldiers continue performing their duties, albeit separately.
During the first wave, the army took drastic steps to reduce their exposure to coronavirus. Senior command required soldiers to remain on base for over a 2-month period which includes the holiday of Passover. This helps keep the number of soldiers becoming ill to only 60-65.
In this second wave, the army is already showing a sharp increase in the number of soldiers testing positive, 384. This does not necessarily impact operational performance but the number of soldiers in quarantine has skyrocketed to over 10,000 including IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
But the second wave differs in many aspects. There is more testing available reducing the quarantine time for soldiers if their test comes back negative. Soldiers are required to remain within their units for longer periods of time, 21 days, instead of shorter 2-week periods.
The IDF’s Medical Corps is working hand-in-hand with the Health Ministry and Home Front Command, as well as other emergency services to help where needed and educate soldiers on keeping healthy.
At LIBI we continue to have soldiers stay in our “Soldier Houses” and hostels. We continue to deliver treats, games, and entertainment to keep our soldiers’ spirits up. Consider helping us continue in this important work