Israel: Authorities reinstate indoor mask mandate from June 25 due to increased COVID-19 activity /update 108

Event

Authorities in Israel reinstated the indoor mask mandate from June 25 due to an increase in COVID-19 disease activity nationwide. Those exempt from the mandate include individuals under seven years old, any two coworkers who regularly share the same space, and persons engaging in physical activity. Facemasks are generally not required in outdoor spaces; however, the Health Ministry has recommended that people wear facemasks at crowded gatherings in open areas.

Vaccinated individual tourists remain barred from entering Israel until at least Aug. 1 due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 variants. Authorities had previously planned to permit vaccinated individual tourists to enter the country from July 1. Currently, only limited groups of vaccinated foreign tourists are permitted to enter Israel as part of organized tours. Arriving tourists are required to take a serological test to prove the existence of COVID-19 antibodies. Israel is negotiating with other countries regarding mutual recognition of vaccination certificates to remove the need for serological tests. However, the serological test requirement remains in effect until further notice; the presence of antibodies from a serological test allows international travelers to forgo the quarantine requirement.

Foreigners who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the disease and have first-degree relatives in Israel are also currently permitted to enter the country. These individuals must submit an entry request to Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority and receive approval prior to their flight; they must also show proof of vaccination or recovery, as well as proof of relation to an Israeli citizen or resident. Foreigners who have not been vaccinated against or have not recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed entry in exceptional circumstances, such as marriage to an Israeli citizen. Foreigners are required to have valid health insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 for the duration of their visit.

All persons traveling to Israel must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for the country. Moreover, all incoming international travelers are also required to undergo a second COVID-19 test upon arrival at their own expense; this second test will be carried out either at the border crossing or at a government-designated quarantine facility. Violations may be punishable by fines.

A ban on Israelis traveling to Argentina, Brazil, India, South Africa, Mexico, and Russia remains in effect until further notice amid ongoing concerns over the spread of COVID-19 variants. Only persons who have obtained special permission from authorities are allowed to travel to these prohibited locations; such permission is granted solely in exceptional cases, such as for humanitarian purposes. Israelis are permitted to take connecting flights through the countries in question provided the layover is less than 12 hours. All Israelis returning from these locations, including those who have been inoculated against COVID-19, are required to self-isolate for 14 days; the isolation period may be shortened to 10 days upon receipt of negative results from two COVID-19 tests.

Israelis returning from abroad are required to quarantine at home in accordance with instructions from the Health Ministry; individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the disease are exempt from the quarantine requirement, provided they test negative for the disease. The quarantine period is 14 days, but may be reduced to 10 days upon receipt of negative results from two COVID-19 tests. Israelis who are unable to quarantine at home are required to do so in government-designated facilities.

Most domestic COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted following a decrease in disease activity nationwide. Capacity limits have been lifted in all public places, including businesses, workplaces, public transport, and airports. Additionally, caps on the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings have been removed. Businesses are no longer required to follow social distancing guidelines or place partitions between customers and employees. Furthermore, entry to some establishments, such as hotels, event halls, and sports stadiums, is no longer restricted to individuals who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19. Despite lifting such restrictions, authorities may order individuals who have come into contact with persons infected with certain COVID-19 variants to self-isolate, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and 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. 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.

Resources

Government of Israel Website (Hebrew)
El Al Airlines
World Health Organization