04 Apr 2021 | 07:21 AM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Authorities extend state of emergency across the West Bank through at least May 3 /update 52
Palestinian authorities extend state of emergency across the West Bank through at least May 3; certain COVID-19 restrictions eased.
Event
Authorities in the West Bank have extended the existing state of emergency through at least May 3 as part of efforts to combat COVID-19. The measure grants authorities the power to enact localized lockdowns in areas witnessing spikes in COVID-19 cases. Additionally, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has further eased certain COVID-19 restrictions in the West Bank as of April 4. Restaurants, stores, and industrial sector businesses can now increase their maximum capacity to 50 percent. Banks, meanwhile, can resume their operations with limited services.
COVID-19 restrictions that remain in place include:
A nightly 19:00-06:00 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 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; 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 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.
In the Gaza Strip, vehicular travel is prohibited in all governorates on Fridays and Saturdays until further notice. Wedding halls and popular weekly markets are closed. All businesses throughout the territory must close by 21:00 nightly. Authorities have reiterated that funerals and weddings may no longer take place outdoors on public streets or in private homes. All gatherings in public areas and parks are banned.
Most institutions of learning and houses of worship in Gaza are closed until further notice. All individuals must wear protective face coverings and adhere to social distancing guidelines when 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.
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.
