17 Dec 2020 | 09:38 PM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Coronavirus disease-related restrictions tightened in West Bank through Jan. 2 due to increased disease activity /update 36
Authorities in the West Bank tighten business and movement restrictions territorywide Dec. 17-Jan. 2 due to increased coronavirus activity.
Event
As part of ongoing efforts to combat a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, the Palestinian Authority (PA) will tighten restrictions across the West Bank from Dec. 17-Jan. 2. The following measures are in effect:
A nightly 1900-0600 curfew will remain in effect through at least Jan. 2 across the territory.
Travel between all governorates in the West Bank will be prohibited; only medical personnel and workers transporting essential goods are exempt.
On Fridays and Saturdays, movement is prohibited in all governorates and all non-essential businesses are required to close; only pharmacies and bakeries are permitted to operate.
Sports clubs, hair salons, indoor entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafes must close for the duration of the measure; restaurants and cafes may remain open for delivery service only.
Schools and universities will cease in-person classes.
Government institutions, as well as civil and private establishments, will operate at a maximum of 30 percent capacity.
Travel to and from the West Bank is prohibited. Palestinians who work in Israel will not be permitted to reenter the West Bank and are instructed 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 required in public; violators may be fined.
The West Bank's existing state of emergency (SoE) remains in effect through at least Jan. 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.
In the Gaza Strip, authorities had 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 schools except for high schools and nursery schools, universities, kindergartens, and mosques must closed until further notice. Additionally, a 24-hour curfew is in effect 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. Residents are instructed 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.
