Israel: Authorities order an additional two-week mandatory quarantine of travelers from several countries beginning Jan. 28 /update 84

Event

Authorities in Israel have ordered the mandatory quarantine of travelers arriving from Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Zambia for an additional two weeks beginning Jan. 28. Affected individuals will undergo quarantine in government-designated facilities to combat the spread of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strains.

All other travelers to Israel must complete a 14-day quarantine; individuals may reduce their quarantine period to 10 days contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test taken after nine days. All travelers to Israel must also present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. A ban on the entry of foreign nationals remains in effect. Only diplomats are exempt from the measure.

Authorities in Israel have closed Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to all inbound and outbound passenger flights from 0001 Jan. 26-Jan. 31 in efforts to combat the spread of new COVID-19 strains. During this period, officials only allow travel to and from Israel in exceptional circumstances subject to approval by a committee of health and transportation officials.

Nationwide lockdown restrictions remain in effect nationwide through at least Jan. 31. The measures 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.

• 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 mandatory on public transportation.

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