The new Covid variant cases in Israel have been identified in recent weeks. The cases were discovered by a team of researchers at Tel Aviv University. The variant, known as B.1.1.7, is the same one that was first seen in the United Kingdom. It is believed to be more contagious than other variants, and is associated with higher rates of hospitalization and death. The cases have been found among travelers who have returned from the U.K., and among contact cases, meaning those who have come into contact with someone who was infected.
The cases have been reported in a number of cities and areas across the country, including Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv and the Golan Heights. The Israeli government has taken a number of measures in response to the new variant, including increasing testing and contact tracing, as well as tightening restrictions on movement and gatherings.