Israel tightened entry rules over coronavirus threat

The ban on entry into the country for foreigners from a number of countries and restrictions on citizens coming to Israel from abroad in connection with the coronavirus epidemic have been imposed by local authorities. This was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 23 February in a statement distributed by his office. A total ban on entry into Israel is imposed on foreigners who have been in South Korea or Japan for the past two weeks, as well as on citizens of Australia and Italy. Israeli citizens returning from travel to Italy or Australia will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine. As soon as they arrive in the country, such citizens will have to notify their arrival of medical services and undergo a home quarantine, during which they are prohibited from attending mass events and any public places, including schools, offices, and public transport. Violation of quarantine is punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years. On 23 February, a group of ministers will be formed in Israel to coordinate daily the actions of various services and agencies to counter the threat of coronavirus proliferation in the country. Earlier, the news agency reported a ban on foreigners coming from Asia from entering Israel.