IMPACT – HIGH

Israel has mandated 14 days of home quarantine for anyone traveling to the country from Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand or Singapore. The change follows even stricter measures that were put in place for travelers from mainland China earlier this month. Israeli authorities continue to warn against nonessential travel to China and other countries in the region, as officials look to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Key Points:

  • As of Feb. 16, anyone arriving in Israel from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand or Singapore must be quarantined at home for 14 days from their last date of stay in any of these locations. Isolation is mandatory, and those who are subject to home quarantine must register on the Ministry of Health website or contact the Kol-Habriut Call Center.
  • These restrictions apply to both Israeli nationals and foreign nationals, but do not apply to individuals who only had a connecting flight in Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand or Singapore.
  • Those arriving in Israel from any of these locations or from Japan, South Korea or Taiwan are urged to monitor their health closely. Such individuals should go to the nearest health center if they have a fever of 38C (100.4F) or higher, a cough, trouble breathing or other respiratory symptoms. Health officials have urged people to call health centers before checking in and to follow the advice on this webpage.
  • The Ministry of Health continues warn against undertaking nonessential travel to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

Background: Jurisdictions across the globe are implementing entry bans and other immigration restrictions in order to guard against the spread of coronavirus. Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had “closed land crossings, seaports and airports to arrivals from China.” Israeli nationals and permanent residents were permitted to return to the country from mainland China, but were subjected to home quarantine. The addition of new locations came after an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in areas near China.

Analysis & Comments: Those planning travel between Israel and China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand are urged to reconsider their plans. Employers must be prepared to be flexible with employee schedules and start dates for employees who are affected by travel restrictions. The response to the coronavirus is evolving rapidly, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.