Israel reverses controversial order to quarantine citizens arriving from overseas in state-run facilities
Reversal of short-lived ruling allows Israelis to isolate at home
A controversial measure that resulted in Israelis being forcibly quarantined in state-run facilities upon arrivals from overseas has been reversed just a week after it went into effect.
The ruling came down suddenly last week when passengers on a flight landing from England were brought directly to state-run facilities and forced to spend the required quarantine period there rather than at home.
All incoming passengers however will be required to undergo a coronavirus test in order to be allowed to isolate at home. Those who refuse a test will be taken to the state-run facilities.
Since the measure went into effect, Israelis have been rioting at the facilities, trying to break out and demanding to be allowed to be released to home. Many described the conditions as being imprisoned.
The cabinet decision aimed at preventing the spread of new coronavirus mutations, but was made as flights were en route to Israel from the UK, so that returning Israelis were very surprised to learn that they would not be returning to their homes. Instead, they were taken to an isolated area in the airport terminal, where they underwent coronavirus tests, and were then taken immediately for isolation in the hotels.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
