13 Mar 2021 | 11:46 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Authorities extend existing state of emergency in the West Bank through April 5 due to COVID-19 /update 48
Palestinian authorities extend existing state of emergency across the West Bank through at least April 5 to combat COVID-19.
Event
Authorities in the West Bank have extended the existing state of emergency (SoE) through at least April 5 as part of their efforts to combat COVID-19. 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 is closed until further notice. The restriction applies to all travelers except those approved for humanitarian reasons. Furthermore, authorities have closed schools and universities, except high schools, throughout the West Bank through March 19 to stem the spread of new COVID-19 strains.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has also extended several other COVID-19-related restrictions across the West Bank through at least March 19. Measures that are 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 and 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; authorities have instructed affected individuals 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 face possible fines.
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 is open.
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.
