Health Ministry Director General Professor Nachman Ash on Friday morning officially approved the administration of a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in institutions. Prof. Ash's decision was announced Thursday evening, along with the decision to reinstate mask mandates for large outdoor gatherings. The approval is part of a program intended to protect the elderly, including those in geriatric hospitals and other out-of-home institutions. Related articles: German intelligence had evidence COVID leaked from Wuhan lab This is the source of COVID-19 COVID-19 caused by leak from Chinese lab Biden tests positive for COVID-19 The decision was made in light of the concerns of an outbreak of COVID-19 infections in these institutions, and in light of the risk to the occupants' health and lives. Those who are employed in such institutions will also be allowed, if they are interested, to receive a fourth dose.