22 Jan 2021 | 05:15 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Weekend curfew hours and movement restrictions eased in Gaza Strip from Jan. 22 /update 40
Gaza Strip eases weekend movement restrictions, reduces curfew hours to run from 2000 on Thursdays until 0700 on Sundays from Jan. 22.
Event
Authorities in the Gaza Strip have reduced weekend curfew hours to run from 2000 on Thursdays until 0700 on Sundays; previously the curfew began at 1830 on Thursdays. The weekend curfew will remain in effect until further notice as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Furthermore beginning Jan. 22, residents are allowed to travel on foot during the weekend curfew, although the use of vehicular transportation remains prohibited. A nightly curfew remains in effect beginning at 1800 for businesses and at 1830 for individuals across the territory. Although authorities have not specified the time at which curfew hours end each morning, a nightly 2000-0700 curfew was previously in effect in most places throughout the territory. Nonessential businesses throughout Gaza are closed during curfew hours. Residents are instructed to remain at home unless shopping for essential goods.
Gatherings, including funerals and weddings, of more than 15 people remain prohibited in Gaza. Most institutions of learning and houses of worship are closed until further notice. All individuals must wear protective face coverings and adhere to social distancing precautions in public. All travelers arriving in Gaza must quarantine at government-run facilities for 21 days.
As part of ongoing efforts to combat a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has extended restrictions across the West Bank through at least Feb. 1. The following measures are in effect:
A nightly 1900-0600 curfew will remain in effect through at least Feb. 1 across the territory.
Travel between all governorates in the West Bank is prohibited; only medical personnel and workers transporting essential goods are exempt.
On Fridays and Saturdays, movement is prohibited in all governorates and all nonessential businesses are required to close; only pharmacies and bakeries are permitted to operate.
Schools and universities have ceased most in-person classes.
Government institutions, as well as civil and private establishments, must limit their operations to no more than 30-percent capacity.
Travel to and from the West Bank is prohibited. Palestinians who work in Israel are not permitted to reenter the West Bank and are instructed to remain at their workplaces for the duration of the closure.
All social gatherings, including weddings and funerals, remain banned until further notice.
Facemasks and social distancing are required in public; violators may be fined.
The West Bank's existing state of emergency (SoE) remains in effect. The measure grants authorities the power to enact localized lockdowns in areas witnessing spikes in COVID-19 cases. Authorities are monitoring the epidemiological situation throughout the West Bank and will enact localized lockdowns on areas with increased disease activity.
Officials could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Border crossings between Israel and the Palestinian Territories may close with little-to-no advance notice.
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.
Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
