In a recorded audio message meant to be forwarded to friends and family, Bennett said that in the next two to three weeks anyone who is over the age of 60 and has not yet received their third vaccine is six times more likely to become seriously ill from the coronavirus, compared to those who are five days past their third shot. Bennett warned that all those over the age of 60 take extreme caution until they get their third dose, including not being in crowded places, and only seeing their grandchildren outside and masked. Israel is facing a new wave of infections, with 3,430 testing positive on Wednesday according to the Israeli Ministry of Health, while 250 people are listed as in serious condition. Two weeks ago, that figure stood at 62. Despite the rise in cases and hospitalizations, experts say it is at a lower percentage of positive cases than in previous waves, which experts have attributed to Israel’s high vaccination rate. Health Ministry Director General Prof. Nachman Ash said in an interview with Army Radio on Thursday that though he would not impose a lockdown right now, “the reality could make it a necessary step” at some point in the future. “We have started a third vaccination campaign to reduce the serious cases, and if we see a decrease it could prevent or delay more difficult steps,” he said.A government statement on Tuesday warned people to avoid crowds and get vaccinated immediately: “Otherwise, there will be no choice but to impose more severe restrictions, including closure.”In that vein, Israelis were also told to “stop shaking hands, stop embracing and kissing and avoid any gathering in a closed space that is not necessary.” Last month Israel completely prohibited people from coming to Israel from Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Cyprus, Georgia, Great Britain, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Turkey and Uzbekistan unless they obtain special permission from Israeli authorities.