Ministers on Monday approved an outline that calls for mandatory quarantine for all Israelis returning from "red" countries, nations with high COVID-19 morbidity.
According to the draft, authored by the Defense Ministry alongside health, justice and aviation officials, all arrivals from "red" countries will have to undergo coronavirus testing. Those who agree to be tested will enter 10-day isolation. Those breaking quarantine will be subject to criminal procedures.
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Israelis at Ben Gurion Airport boarding the first commercial flight to Dubai
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
Travelers will be tested twice: once upon landing back in Israel and several days before leaving quarantine.
Those who refuse to get tested will be taken to coronavirus quarantine hotels operated by the IDF Home Front Command.
As of now, the measures will only apply to Israelis returning from Serbia and Turkey.
The outline will go into effect after it is approved by the government, health officials and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.
Prof. Ran Balicer, the head of the advisory board for the Coronavirus Cabinet, told Ynet on Monday that "what is happening at Ben Gurion Airport over the past several months is an airlift of COVID patients arriving in Israel every day."
"Around 4% of arrivals from some of these countries tested positive for COVID, but most of them were not tested at all," he said.
"We are importing more and more morbidity and unlike other nations who test travelers returning from virus hotspots - we do not test anyone here."
First published: 17:12, 12.07.20