Israel announced on Sunday night some changes to its travel policy for passengers departing from and arriving in the country, as the number of serious cases continues to rise.
According to the new measures, Israelis will be barred from traveling to Bulgaria, Brazil, Georgia, Mexico, Spain and Turkey. Under special circumstances, Israelis can apply for a permit through an exceptions committee.
Moreover, vaccinated Israelis who return from Australia, Austria, China, Czech Republic, Hung Kong, Hungry, Moldova, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan, will have to quarantine for 24 hours or until the receipt of a negative COVID-19 test.
Snow in Brazil, denial in Israel: Why extreme weather is the new normal. LISTEN
Passengers traveling to all other countries will be required to quarantine upon arrival even if they are vaccinated or have recovered.
The new restrictions are scheduled to come into effect on August 16, however they are still pending approval by the Israeli Knesset. The Health Ministry will occasionally update the lists will be by the Health Minisrty according to infection rates abroad.
Israel saw a drop in new coronavirus cases on Saturday, with Sunday’s health ministry data revealing 2,886 new cases. Serious cases rose to 348 on Saturday, 19 more than the previous day.
On Sunday, Israel also reinstated several restrictions in an effort to contain the outbreak of the delta variant.
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox school year begins today without COVID restrictions
Bennett approves COVID plan for beginning of Israel’s school year
As serious cases swell, Israel’s COVID contact-tracing falls behind
Attendance to certain events and entry to certain places will now require a Green Pass – a certificate granted upon full vaccination or proof of immunity.
From Sunday onward, places that require a green passport will only allow entry to unvaccinated people upon the presentation of a negative COVID-19 test.
Also starting on Sunday, mask wearing is mandatory even in outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more.