COVID-19: Israel adds UK, Belgium & Denmark to travel ban list over Omicron concerns

Israel, on Sunday, ded UK, Belgium and Denmark to its travel ban list in light of rapid surge in Omicron COVID-19 cases in three European countries, top Israeli health officials informed. anuncement was me by Israel's He of Public Health Services, Dr Sharon Alroy Preis, in a press briefing attended by Israeli Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz and Health Ministery director-general Prof Nachman Ash, local media reported. Presently, around 50 African nations are on list and new nations are expected to be ded in next 72 hours.

As per Israel's new travel restrictions, citizens cant travel to 'red' countries unless y obtain special permission. ditionally, when citizens return from said nations, y will be subjected to a mandatory one week quarantine, irrespective of ir COVID-19 vaccination status, Jerusalem Post reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett h said during Cabinet's weekly meet that country’s main aim is to delay penetration of Omicron variant.

"Two weeks ago, when we decided to tighten restrictions to enter country following what was n a new coronavirus mutation, some said we were exaggerating…and w everyone understands we were t," Bennett h said while opening Cabinet's weekly meeting, local media reported.

“We alrey kw that Omicron has arrived and is in Israel, but at moment, following our measures, numbers are still relatively small," Israeli PM ted while ding that stringent monitoring and borders are crucial to prevent cases from drastically spiking.

Israel extends travel restrictions by 10 days

Earlier, Israel’s Cabinet approved extension of 10 days to existing travel restrictions which were anunced at end of last month to prevent spre of Omicron variant. While measures were rmally set to expire on Sunday, Horowitz anunced extension and called it a “difficult but necessary step”, as per Jerusalem Post. Horowitz also urged people to avoid any n-essential trips.

Presently, Israel remains closed to almost all foreign nations with limited exceptions. Israelis returning from or nations will be required to quarantine for a minimum of three days if fully vaccinated and seven days if y are t.

new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus was first flagged by South African scientists on 24 vember and World Health Organization designated it as a “Variant of Concern” on vember 26.

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