07 Dec 2020 | 08:45 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Authorities in the West Bank impose coronavirus disease-related restrictions from Dec. 10-17 /update 35
Authorities in the West Bank impose business and movement restrictions Dec. 10-17 due to increased coronavirus disease activity.
Event
As part of ongoing efforts to combat a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced that all nonessential businesses will close in the West Bank governorates of Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm from 1900 Dec. 10 – Dec. 17. Only pharmacies and grocery stores will be permitted to operate. Schools will cease in-person classes in the affected areas for the duration of the measure. Furthermore, travel between all governorates in the West Bank will be prohibited from Dec. 10–17; only the transport of essential goods will be allowed. A nightly curfew of 1900-0600 will remain in effect through at least Dec. 17 across the territory; a 48-hour closure of nonessential businesses on Fridays and Saturdays remains in effect. Mosques will close in all governorates. Government institutions will operate at a reduced capacity.
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. Furthermore, Israeli authorities have banned Israelis from entering Area B of the West Bank until at least Dec. 12 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.
Authorities in the Gaza Strip tightened COVID-19 restrictions Dec. 5 in an effort to combat a surge in cases. A nightly curfew is in effect beginning at 1800 for businesses and at 1830 for residents across the territory; officials did not specify the curfew end time. A nightly curfew of 2000-0700 was previously in effect in most places throughout the territory. All mosques, schools, universities, and kindergartens, except for high schools and nurseries, must close until further notice. Additionally, beginning Dec. 11, authorities will impose a 24-hour curfew on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of December.
Gatherings, including funerals and weddings, of more than 15 people remain prohibited in Gaza. Officials require individuals to wear protective face coverings and adhere to social-distancing precautions in public. Nonessential businesses 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.
