Israel: Authorities extend coronavirus disease-related restrictions nationwide through at least Jan. 31 /update 82

Event

Authorities in Israel extended existing lockdown restrictions nationwide through at least Jan. 31 as part of ongoing efforts to curb a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The restrictions, which were previously in effect through Jan. 21, are as follows:

• All nonessential businesses are required to close.

• Residents must remain within 1 km (0.6 miles) of their homes, except for essential reasons, such as commuting to work, buying groceries, exercising, or seeking medical care.

• Gatherings are limited to five people in closed spaces and 10 people in open areas.

• Travel abroad is prohibited except for essential purposes. Individuals who purchased tickets prior to the announcement of the new restrictions will be permitted to leave the country, but no new tickets will be honored.

• All schools and universities, except for special education programs, will be closed for in-person classes.

• Public transportation will operate at 50-percent capacity.

• Facemasks are required on public transportation.

All travelers to Israel must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Israelis returning from abroad are no longer required to quarantine in government-designated facilities. Instead, travelers must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Israel and quarantine at home for 14 days; the quarantine period may be reduced to 10 days contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test taken after nine days. Previously, authorities had mandated that all Israelis returning from abroad quarantine in government-designated facilities for 10-14 days due to concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered COVID-19 strain. A ban on the entry of foreign nationals remains in effect. Only diplomats are exempt from the measure.

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

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

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