Israel Orders Quarantine for All Arrivals Over Coronavirus

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday extended quarantine orders to all people arriving in the country, requiring them to stay isolated in their homes for two weeks. Netanyahu called the move “a difficult but vital decision.” 

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According to details provided by the Health Ministry, as of Monday at 8 P.M. all Israeli citizens returning to Israel from anywhere abroad must enter a 14-day home quarantine immediately upon their return.

Starting Thursday at 8 P.M., foreign nationals arriving to an international border crossing will be permitted entry into Israel, provided that they can demonstrate their ability to enter home quarantine in Israel.

Tourists currently in Israel will be given time arrange their exit from Israel in the coming days. Until their departure, they must adhere to follow the following rules:

  • If they develop any symptoms, they must immediately call Magen David Adom, Israel’s national medical emergency service
  • Take care to maintain good hygiene practises
  • Avoid, as much as possible, large crowds
  • Note that it will not be possible to exit to neighbouring countries and then return to Israel
  • Document the course of their travels in Israel

Anyone who has returned to Israel from abroad in the previous 14 days, and who is not already under home quarantine as stipulated by the Health Ministry is not obligated to enter home quarantine. This applies so long as they don't develop symptoms of the disease, in which case home quarantine with immediate effect is ordered.

All those currently under home quarantine stipulated by previous instructions by the Health Ministry are to continue their quarantine to the completion of 14 days following their return to Israel.