05 May 2021 | 02:20 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Authorities extend COVID-19-related state of emergency in the West Bank until June 3 /update 55
Authorities extend COVID-19-related state of emergency in the West Bank, Palestinian Territories, until at least June 3.
Event
Authorities in the West Bank have extended the existing COVID-19-related state of emergency until at least June 3. The measure grants authorities the power to enact localized lockdowns in areas witnessing spikes in COVID-19 cases.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has gradually eased some COVID-19 restrictions in the West Bank. All businesses in the territory are permitted to operate between 06:00-19:00 on Saturdays; previously, only essential businesses were permitted to operate. 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.
In the Gaza Strip, vehicular travel remains prohibited on Fridays and Saturdays only until further notice. Wedding halls and popular weekly markets are closed. 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. 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 up to 21 days. The Rafah and Erez border crossings are operating; however, travel is limited to urgent cases, notably humanitarian missions.
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.
