World

Israel bans entry from 7 African countries due to new COVID-19 variant

November 26, 2021
Travelers walk to a coronavirus testing area after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport - Courtesy file photo (Credit: timesofisrael)
Travelers walk to a coronavirus testing area after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport - Courtesy file photo (Credit: timesofisrael)

JERUSALEM — Israel announced on Thursday a ban on entry of travelers from seven African countries, after a new COVID-19 variant was detected in South Africa.

Amid reports of the heavily mutated variant known as B.1.1529, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horwitz decided to list South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini as "red countries," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

"Foreigners from these countries will not be able to enter Israel," it said.

Israeli citizens who return home from trips to these countries will need to stay in a designated quarantine motel for seven days, even if they are fully vaccinated, it said.

They will be released after two negative PCR tests. Travelers who refuse to be tested will need to stay in quarantine for 12 days, according to the statement.

Scientists in South Africa said they have detected the new COVID-19 variant and are still studying its implications. — Agencies


November 26, 2021
2410 views
HIGHLIGHTS
World
9 hours ago

Fallen crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison

World
9 hours ago

Jacob Zuma barred from running in South Africa elections

World
12 hours ago

India opposition leader Kejriwal to remain in jail in corruption case