Israel Extends Foreign Tourist Quarantine Exemption by One Month Amid Delta Variant Spread

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Israel has postponed the exemption from self-quarantine for foreign tourists, which was scheduled to take effect from the 1st of next month, due to the spread of the Delta variant, AP News reported on the 23rd (local time).

According to the report, Israel decided to delay the exemption from self-quarantine for foreign tourists by one month and apply it from August 1st.

Israel, which has been easing COVID-19 restrictions by increasing vaccination rates, had originally announced that from next month, vaccinated foreigners and accompanying children under 6 years old would be allowed entry without quarantine.

However, this decision was reversed as the Delta variant originating from India has been spreading worldwide recently.

According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, there were 110 new confirmed COVID-19 cases reported the previous day.

The authorities estimate that about 70% of the recent increase in infections is due to the Delta variant, and most transmissions occurred during violations of quarantine obligations by incoming travelers.

Given this situation, Israel has issued new administrative orders to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19, including reinstating mandatory mask-wearing in certain facilities such as airports and hospitals.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.