For the first time, Israelis will be able to obtain a coronavirus recovery certificate from the Health Ministry through a serological test, The Jerusalem Post confirmed on Monday.
Under the new policy, individuals who had the disease but never officially tested positive will be able to prove the presence of antibodies in their blood by undergoing a specific type of serological test known as “N.” This type of test identifies antibodies triggered by the disease as opposed to those elicited by vaccination.
With the results of the serological test, they will be able to receive a Green Pass with only one shot or with the two regular shots given to be considered fully immunized, regardless of how much time has passed since the vaccination.
According to the general rules, those who recovered are eligible for a Green Pass for six months after their recovery date as proven by a PCR test. Once the six months expire, they need one shot. If they caught the COVID-19 virus after they were already vaccinated, they do not need another inoculation.
The combination of recovery and one vaccine is considered to give very strong and durable protection against the virus.
According to the new policy, individuals who feel they have recovered from coronavirus and do not want to receive two or three doses of the vaccine will be able to obtain a Green Pass after only one vaccination.
The test can be performed at a laboratory recognized by the Health Ministry. Those who wish to undergo it will need to pay out of their own pockets, and it can cost from NIS 150-NIS 400.
So far, 1.32 million Israelis have recovered from COVID-19, according to the Health Ministry.