27 Feb 2021 | 06:27 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Authorities extend existing restrictions and close schools in the West Bank through March 12 due to COVID-19 /update 46
Palestinian authorities extend existing restrictions, close schools across the West Bank through at least March 12 due to COVID-19 activity.
Event
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has extended COVID-19-related restrictions across the West Bank through at least March 12. The measures that remain in effect include:
A nightly 1900-0600 curfew is in effect 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. All nonessential businesses must close; only pharmacies and bakeries can operate.
Government institutions, as well as civil and private establishments, must limit their operations to no more than 50-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 mandatory in public; violators may be fined.
Furthermore, authorities have closed schools and universities throughout the West Bank, with the exception of high schools, through March 12 in efforts to stem the spread of new COVID-19 strains.
The existing state of emergency (SoE) in the West Bank 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. The Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan remains closed until further notice. The restriction applies to all travelers except those approved for humanitarian reasons.
Authorities in the Gaza Strip have lifted the COVID-19-related 2000-0700 nightly curfew and the 24-hour weekend curfew on Fridays and Saturdays. The easing of restrictions followed an assessment of the epidemiological situation in the territory. Some popular markets in Gaza will remain closed on weekends to prevent crowding in public spaces. 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. The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip reopened indefinitely from Feb. 9 to allow for the passage of travelers in both directions.
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.
