09 Apr 2021 | 05:55 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Authorities permit businesses in the West Bank to operate between 06:00-19:00 on Saturdays starting April 10 /update 53
Businesses in West Bank, Palestinian Territories, permitted to operate Saturdays effective from April 10 amid easing of COVID restrictions.
Event
The Palestinian Authority (PA) will permit all businesses in the West Bank to operate between 06:00-19:00 on Saturdays effective April 10; previously, only essential businesses were permitted to operate. The announcement comes amid a gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Restaurants, stores, and industrial sector businesses have been allowed to increase their operating capacities to 50 percent; banks have resumed their operations with limited services.
COVID-19 restrictions that remain in place in the West Bank 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, movement is prohibited in all governorates. All nonessential businesses must close; only pharmacies and bakeries can operate.
Except as specified otherwise, 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; violations are punishable by fines.
The existing state of emergency in the West Bank remains in effect through at least May 3. 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.
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.
