02 Feb 2021 | 02:38 AM UTC
Palestinian Territories: Authorities extend coronavirus-related state of emergency through March 1 /update 42
Palestinian authorities extend existing state of emergency through March 1 to combat COVID-19. Other restrictions in place.
Event
Palestinian authorities in the West Bank have extended the existing state of emergency (SoE) through March 1. The measure grants authorities the power to enact localized lockdowns in areas witnessing spikes in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. Authorities are monitoring the epidemiological situation throughout the West Bank and will enact localized lockdowns on areas with increased disease activity.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has also extended restrictions across the West Bank through at least Feb. 15. The measures that remain in effect include:
A nightly 1900-0600 curfew will remain in effect through at least Feb. 15 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 and Saturdays, movement is prohibited in all governorates. All nonessential businesses must close; only pharmacies and bakeries can operate.
Schools and universities have ceased most in-person classes.
Government institutions, as well as 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 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 mandatory in public; violators may be fined.
Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced the closure of the Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan from 1700 Jan. 28 until further notice as part of ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19. The restriction applies to all cases except those approved for humanitarian reasons.
In the Gaza Strip, authorities reduced weekend curfew hours to run from 2000 on Thursdays until 0700 on Sundays; previously, the curfew began at 1830 on Thursdays. The weekend curfew will remain in effect until further notice. Additionally, starting Jan. 22, residents are allowed to travel on foot during the weekend curfew, although the use of vehicular transportation remains prohibited. A nightly curfew remains in effect from 1800 for businesses and 1830 for individuals across the territory. Although authorities have not specified the time at which curfew hours end each morning, a nightly 2000-0700 curfew was previously in effect in most places throughout the territory. Nonessential businesses throughout Gaza are closed during curfew hours. Residents are instructed to remain at home unless shopping for essential goods.
Gatherings, including funerals and weddings, of more than 15 people remain prohibited in Gaza. Most institutions of learning and houses of worship are closed until further notice. All individuals must wear protective face coverings and adhere to social distancing precautions in public. All travelers arriving in Gaza must 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.
