Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Authorities announce lockdown in West Bank for five days from July 3 /update 43

Event

Palestinian authorities announced on Wednesday, July 1, that the West Bank will be sealed off from the rest of the country for five days from Friday, July 3, due to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the area. This means that all West Bank governorates, towns, and villages will be closed off, however, pharmacies, bakeries, and supermarkets will remain open.

On Thursday, June 25, Israeli authorities announced an extension to the entry ban on foreign nationals until August 1, to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Under the restriction, only passengers with a permit issued by the Israeli Airports Authority (IAA) may enter the country. The order also includes stopover flights for passengers en route to a second destination.

As of Thursday, July 2, health authorities have confirmed 26,257 COVID-19 cases with 324 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term. 

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.