Israel: Authorities to close Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to all passenger flights from 0001 Jan. 26 – Jan. 31 /update 83

Event

Authorities in Israel will close Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to all inbound and outbound passenger flights from 0001 Jan. 26 – Jan. 31 in efforts to combat the spread of new mutated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strains. During this period, travel to and from Israel will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances subject to approval by a committee of health and transportation officials.

Lockdown restrictions remain in effect nationwide through at least Jan. 31. The restrictions are as follows:

• All nonessential businesses are required to close.

• Residents must remain within 1 km (0.6 miles) of their homes, except for essential reasons, such as commuting to work, buying groceries, exercising, or seeking medical care.

• Gatherings are limited to five people in closed spaces and 10 people in open areas.

• All schools and universities, except for special education programs, will be closed for in-person classes.

• Public transportation will operate at 50-percent capacity.

• Facemasks are required on public transportation.

All travelers to Israel must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Israelis returning from abroad are no longer required to quarantine in government-designated facilities. Instead, travelers must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Israel and quarantine at home for 14 days; the quarantine period may be reduced to 10 days contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test taken after nine days. Previously, authorities had mandated that all Israelis returning from abroad quarantine in government-designated facilities for 10-14 days due to concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered COVID-19 strain. A ban on the entry of foreign nationals remains in effect. Only diplomats are exempt from the measure.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Israel Government Coronavirus Response Website (Hebrew)
Israel Ministry of Health (Hebrew)
El Al Airlines
World Health Organization