Researchers from Hebrew University have estimated that in approximately another two weeks, Israel will reach the peak of the Omicron wave, with between 800,000 and two million active infections. They also estimate that the highest number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in serious condition will reach between 1,000 and 2,000, and that children under age 11 will comprise 2.5% of those patients. The researchers warned that the high infection rates may heavily burden both the economy and the healthcare system, and recommended, among other things, that gatherings be limited. Related articles: CDC approves COVID shots that target Omicron Pfizer seeks US approval of vaccine targeting Omicron Britain authorizes Moderna's booster against Omicron New research links COVID spike protein to heart damage The fifth wave is expected to begin to abate between January 25-30, they added. Last week , health officials estimated that this week would see about 50,000 confirmed cases per day, and that in around two weeks there would be 200,000 confirmed cases per day.