Last Updated on February 3, 2020
New rulings and daily updates. The most up-to-date Israel Ministry of Health guidelines for the Coronavirus.
As at Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 there are 324 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in Israel. Eleven people have recovered and four are in a serious condition.
The first cases of Coronavirus originated in China with other countries in the Far East following closely behind; Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Macau. Travelers from these and some European were required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
On March 9th, it was announced, with immediate effect, that all travelers entering Israel, from any country barring none are required to self quarantine for 14 days. The situation which is having deep implications on Israel’s and the world’s economy, is being monitored carefully.
- How do you say virus, anti-virus, vaccine, epidemic and pandemic in Hebrew? A free, quick Hebrew lesson.
- Emergency telephone numbers
- Ben-Gurion flight arrivals and departures information
February Updates
26.02.20 Italy now added to the list of ‘self-quarantine’ countries. All non-essential travel to Europe should be avoided. Israelis are also urged to re-consider all non-essential travel abroad.
25.02.20 12 – 15 special polling stations for Monday’s election, will be set up in major cities for Coronavirus quarantined voters.
24.02.20 The effectiveness of a face-mask in protecting from a Coronavirus infection is limited. With extended use, it wears out and gets moist. There is no recommendation to routinely use a face-mask to protection from respiratory illnesses, including the infection caused by the novel Coronavirus, unless a healthcare professional recommends it. People who are showing symptoms or people suspected of a Coronavirus infection or confirmed patients should wear a face-mask (in order to avoid spreading the infection to others), as well as people who have contact or are taking care of suspected or confirmed patients (in order to protect themselves).
23.02.20 New ruling! Do not go directly to your health practitioner or medical center if you have coronavirus symptoms, instead you must contact MADA (Magen David Adom) and they will direct you accordingly.
20.02.20 Do not use hand sanitizers, disinfectant gels and other “anti-corona”, over-the-counter products unless they are specifically registered as a drug with the Israel Ministry of Health. Here is a list of the approved products…
19.02.20 First 2 Israelis get off Coronavirus ship, others to remain until Thursday
18.02.20 Special arrangements for quarantined voters
17.02.20 Any person who visited one of the following locations: China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Macau over the last 14 days, and has one of the following symptoms: fever of 38C (100.4F) degrees or higher, cough, trouble breathing, or any other respiratory symptom, should refer to the nearest healthcare clinic or medical center. The quarantine requirement does not apply to travelers who only caught a connecting flight from these locations.
16.02.20 Special prayers against the corona virus at the Kotel, in Jerusalem, today from 4pm – an initiative lead by Rav Shmuel Eliyahu the Chief Rabbi of Zfat.
12.01.20 Call the Kol Habriut Hotline at *5400 for answers to all Coronavirus related questions.
11.02.20 the Ministry of Health reports that up until now, around 140 patients were screened in Israel due to suspected infection with the virus. All results received were negative.
05.05.20 If you have quarantined yourself, you must report it to the MOH by filling our this form (Hebrew)
04.02.20 The Ministry of Health has issued a general sick leave letter for employees in home quarantine
04.02.20 Don’t worry – your online purchase from Aliexpress or other Chinese suppliers, is safe. According to the MOH, there is no risk and as of now, they understand that the Coronavirus cannot be transmitted via parcels or food – there are no reports that the infection can spread this way.
03.02.20 The Ministry of Health has contacted mobile phone companies to send a text message in Hebrew and English to all travelers entering Israel explaining the Ministry of Health’s measures regarding the Coronavirus.
The quarantine period
People who have been exposed to the new coronavirus and who are at risk for coming down with COVID-19 might practice self-quarantine. Health experts recommend that self-quarantine lasts 14 days. Two weeks provides enough time for them to know whether or not they will become ill and be contagious to other people.
Reduce the risk:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water; before eating, after using the bathroom and after coughing or sneezing
- Put your hand over your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing (and then wash your hands)
- If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow
- Refrain from shaking hands
- No visiting public places/spaces including parks and leisure parks. Gatherings of more than 5,000 people have now been suspended
- Refraining from going to work
- Keep your children at home if they are unwell
- Avoid public transport if you are unwell
- Keep away from shopping malls and central shopping districts
- Symptoms of the virus – fever, cough or difficulty breathing
FYI – Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the viruses cause respiratory infections which are typically mild, including the common cold; however, rarer forms such as SARS, MERS and the novel Coronavirus causing the current outbreak can be lethal. In cows and pigs they may cause diarrhea, while in chickens they can cause an upper respiratory disease. There are NO vaccines or antiviral drugs that are approved for prevention or treatment.
Suggestions from the MOH
- It is strongly suggested that you seek medical attention if you have a fever or a cough. Keep your mouth and nose covered with a surgical mask or similar. Contact MADA – Magen David Adom for instructions (Emergency numbers)
- If you are absent from work according to the quarantine ruling, you will be compensated according to the standard sick-leave upon the presentation of a medical certificate.
- If you have no symptoms, you may return to your regular lifestyle on the 15th day.
- Wash your hands regularly by using soap and water or a disinfectant. Wash hands especially after coughing and sneezing, and after contact with a patient or his/her environment.
- People with chronic health conditions and the elderly are more susceptible
Self-quarantine
If you are placing yourself or have placed yourself into self-quarantine, you must report this to the MOH by filling out this form (Hebrew only)
