03 Dec 2020 | 11:55 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: West Bank extends state of emergency through January 3 due to increased coronavirus disease activity /update 33
Palestinian authorities extend the state of emergency in the West Bank through Jan. 3 due to increased coronavirus disease activity.
Event
As part of efforts to combat a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has extended the West Bank's state of emergency (SoE) through at least Jan. 3, 2021. The measure grants authorities the power to enact localized lockdowns in areas witnessing spikes in COVID-19 cases. A nightly curfew of 1900-0600 remains in effect through Dec. 11 in the West Bank. Furthermore, Israeli authorities have banned Israelis from entering Area B of the West Bank until at least Dec. 12 in an effort to limit the COVID-19 infection rate; Area B denotes parts of the West Bank under joint Israeli-Palestinian control.
Authorities are monitoring the epidemiological situation throughout the West Bank and will enact localized lockdowns on areas with increased disease activity. All social gatherings, including weddings, funerals, conferences, and graduation parties, remain banned throughout the West Bank until further notice. Friday prayers are allowed in public squares, albeit with public health precautions, including mandatory protective face coverings and social distancing. Cafes, restaurants, sports clubs, and gyms can operate at 50-percent capacity.
Authorities in the Gaza Strip have required all businesses and establishments to close at 1700 daily until further notice. Furthermore, gatherings of more than 15 people are prohibited, including at funerals and weddings. A 2000-0700 curfew remains in effect in all governorates until further notice; however, a 24-hour curfew is in effect in locations where infection rates are high. Officials require individuals to wear protective face coverings and adhere to social-distancing precautions in public. Nonessential businesses, schools, mosques, and cafes throughout Gaza are closed during curfew hours. Officials are instructing residents to remain at home unless shopping for essential goods. All travelers arriving in Gaza are required to quarantine at government-run facilities for 21 days.
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.
Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
