Israel bans foreigners from Dec. 23 for at least 10 days

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel’s COVID-19 cabinet approved a decision Monday to ban all foreigners, including those with current visas, from entering the country starting December 23, the Jerusalem Post reports. Aimed at slowing Israel’s current surge in coronavirus cases, the ban will be in place for at least 10 days, with the option to extend as needed.

The Health Ministry said there maybe some rare exceptions to the ban, but otherwise, the measure comes into force at 10 pm on December 23, the Jerusalem Post said. Moreover, any Israeli citizen returning home will have to quarantine in a designated hotel for 10-14 days.

Israel’s airlines are preparing for a massive influx of Israelis abroad who are keen to get home before Wednesday’s cut off time in order to avoid mandatory quarantine, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The travel ban decision was taken as the rate of infection increased last week. The Health Ministry said 3,046 new cases were diagnosed Sunday as 4.4% of those who tested were found to be positive for the virus.

The government is seeking to avoid the country’s third lockdown, although further restrictions affecting shops and public transport among other things, may be imposed. As of Tuesday, Israel has reported 378,000 cases and 3,111 deaths for a population of nearly 9 million people.

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