Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Authorities extend state of emergency in West Bank for 30 days August 4 /update 50

Event

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared on Tuesday, August 4, that the current state of emergency will be extended in the West Bank for a further 30 days due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Authorities also announced the lifting of some lockdown measures and the lifting of a number of restrictions, including the reopening of cafes, restaurants, and gyms at a 50 percent capacity. A total lockdown will remain in place during weekends from Thursday from 21:00 (local time) until Sunday. Businesses may only operate during weekdays between 07:00 and 12:00. Authorities stated that areas deemed as having high levels of COVID-19 cases would be cordoned off when necessary. Public events such as weddings remain banned.

As of Thursday, August 6, health authorities have confirmed 13,065 COVID-19 cases with 89 associated deaths in the West Bank and Gaza. 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized

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.