Health Ministry threatens jail as dozens ignore coronavirus quarantine order

Officials warn of 7-year sentences for violating the 14-day isolation period, urge Israelis to act responsibly to protect public health and demand that employers ensure their staff comply
Sivan Hilaie|
The Health Ministry announced Thursday that has has begun enforcing a quarantine order issued for those returning from several countries in Asia, introduced in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter
  • According to the ministry, some 50 people are believed to have violated instructions to remain quarantined for a period of 14 days upon return to Israel.
    Health officials visit quarantined citizens urging them to comply with order or else

    Those found to have violated the order may face up to seven years in prison, the ministry said, referring to a section of the criminal code relating to the spread of disease and another section that refers to the violation of a legal order.
    The order to remain in a 14-day quarantine was recently extended from just arrivals from China to include those returning from Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, and Singapore as of February 16, and instructs employers to enforce the order regarding their employees.
    2 View gallery
    הפרה צו בידוד משרד הבריאות נגיף קורונה ישראל
    הפרה צו בידוד משרד הבריאות נגיף קורונה ישראל
    Health officials visit quarantined citizens
    "We consider those quarantined as partners in an effort to avoid contamination of the public," the ministry said, expressing the hope that those who had to be quarantined would show concern for their families, neighbors and people more susceptible to illness, such as the elderly.
    The 11 Israeli passengers on the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise liner in Japan who have not tested positive for the disease all disembarked from the ship Thursday and were already on their way back to Israel.
    They were set to land in the country early Friday morning.
    2 View gallery
    תרגיל מסכם בבית חולים שיבא תל השומר
    תרגיל מסכם בבית חולים שיבא תל השומר
    Health workers prepare for the arrival of Israelis who spent more than 14 days quarantined on a cruise liner in Japan
    (Photo: Tal Shahar)
    Upon arrival, they will be transported to the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv where they will remain in a special ward until their condition is confirmed.
    Comments
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    ""