In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, the Israeli authorities announced, on Wednesday, March 4, the prohibition for the French and the nationals of several other European countries to enter their territory, unless they have a permanent place of residence in Israel. "The nationals of these countries will not be able to enter Israeli territory unless they prove that they have a place to quarantine themselves", the Israeli health ministry said in a statement, citing France, Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland among these countries.
Restrictions had already been imposed on Italy, the largest source of the epidemic in Europe, and on many Asian countries, prompting the Israeli authorities to send many travelers home after arriving at Ben-Gurion international airport. Tel Aviv and to cancel air connections.
"Act to the maximum"
Israelis returning from France and other European countries will be able to return to Israel but will have to remain in isolation, at home, for fourteen days, said the authorities, which have so far identified fifteen cases of infection with the new coronavirus on the territory.
"We are in a better situation than other countries because, from the start, I have given instructions to act at the maximum and not at the minimum. We have taken strict, very strict measures to slow the spread of the disease in Israel ”, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Unlike other countries, we have also opted for a policy of isolation and extensive testing", he added during his first press conference since the victory of his party, Likud, in the legislative elections on Monday.
Along with Italy and Germany, France is one of the main sources of the new coronavirus in Europe. About 150,000 French people are established in Israel, many of whom have dual nationality. Israeli authorities have previously urged their nationals to avoid travel abroad to avoid contamination with the coronavirus.
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