Following the spread of the Corona virus, the Foreign Ministry issued travel warnings for two destinations in the Far East • The travel warning to Japan states that "it is advisable to avoid non-essential travel" • For travel to South Korea, the Ministry recommends "consider it seriously" • In addition, Israelis in South Korea are recommended to return to Israel

• Corona spread in Thailand (airport preparation) // Photo: IPA

Corona panic: Foreign Ministry issued warnings on two popular destinations among Israelis traveling in the Far East - Japan and South Korea on Sunday.

The trip to Japan reads: "Due to the multiplicity of corona virus cases in Japan, we recommend avoiding non-essential travel to Japan at this time. Israelis located in Japan should be vigilant in terms of proximity to sick people, abide by the hygiene instructions of the Health Rebellion and follow local government guidelines. Israelis who return to Israel from Japan or stay in the 14 days prior to their return will have a 14-day isolation period. "

Special status assessment on the Corona virus in the Ministry of Health's Medical Corps // Photo: GPO

The trip warning to South Korea was formulated more strictly, stating: "Due to a significant increase in the country's corona virus incidence, we strongly recommend that you travel to South Korea at this time and completely avoid visiting the Cheongdo Dargu areas of Israel located in Korea and should consider leaving the country and follow. Local Authorities Guidelines. "

Following the travel warning, the airline operating flights to Japan, South Korea and Thailand are set to allow refunds to ticket buyers for these destinations. This is not a written law but a decision made by the airlines. The only airline that operates direct flights to Thailand and Japan from Israel is El Al. The only airline that operates direct flights to South Korea from Israel is "Korean Airlines".

Earlier today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed concerns about the spread of the virus in Israel, saying "over-preparation is preferable to under-preparation." This was stated in a special discussion to assess the situation regarding the outbreak of the Corona virus in Israel. The meeting was attended by Minister of Health Yaacov Litzman, Minister of Public Security Gilad Arden, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, Chief Executive Officers, Chief of Staff and other senior officials. The Ministry of Health's current state of affairs held regular assessments of the issue and updates on Recent developments on the state of expansion, in Israel and in their husband. In the discussion, the Prime Minister said that Israel will continue with the worsening trend in the treatment of the virus.

Prime Minister Netanyahu explained that Israel is preparing to prevent the spread of the Corona and Israel's conduct in parallel with the rest of the world. "We are constantly reviewing our policy and we are adjusting it to suit the evolving circumstances," the prime minister said, emphasizing that, "First of all, we are stepping up entry into Israel from other countries. Today we will add Australia and Italy, when necessary we will add other countries."

Prime Minister Olmert addressed criticism of Israel's "pioneering" conduct, emphasizing that "Israel has been more stringent today than any other country, and we will continue to do what is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus in Israel. We have also issued guidelines to Israelis returning to Israel, and we "We demand strict adherence to these guidelines that we publish to the public in Israel. Here, too, we require the public to show maximum responsibility. Everyone will follow the instructions given by the Ministry of Health."

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Photo: Paz Barr

Health Minister Litzman addressed criticism of the Ministry of Health's policy regarding the isolation provisions given to some of the residents who returned to the country from the Far East. "There are no compromises in isolation. Anyone who needs isolation must adhere to our guidelines - whether at home or in the hospital," Litzman noted, explaining that the ministry is monitoring the spread of the virus, which could also affect Turkey, and the Ministry of Health will monitor developments later today. "We will continue the policy of aggravation, and this includes the trips of the youth who planned to fly abroad."

Minister of Public Security Gilad Arden mentioned during the hearing the possibility that the Corona outbreak in Israel would be exploited by political parties to try to influence the election day, which will be held in eight days, on March 2. Minister Arden said there was concern that the virus would also be thrown out on election day - and said police were also preparing for cases of misuse of the virus to prevent damage to the purity of the election. In addition, Arden said police have prepared all enforcement teams in the case of civilians who do not obey the instructions.

Special debate in the Ministry of Health / Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO

Prime Minister Netanyahu also addressed the issue of purity of the elections, emphasizing that "even the Israeli police should be involved in this matter, including the GSS activities." There can be all kinds of factors, including foreign factors, that can interfere in this way in elections. We have an interest in stopping it. "

Earlier today, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri announced today that he has decided to prevent entry into Israel of anyone who has stayed in Japan or South Korea for the past two weeks and who are not citizens of Israel or its residents - in all crossings. Therefore, their entry will be avoided through the air, land, and maritime border crossings. The ban on entering anyone staying in Japan and arriving by air will take effect starting tomorrow morning at 8am.

It was also reported that the Population and Immigration Authority would consider finding suitable solutions for special situations. This order is added to the previous orders relating to those who have stayed in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand and Singapore. Interior Minister Deri instructed the Director General of the Population and Immigration Authority, Prof. Shlomo Moore Yosef, to be in continuous contact with the Director General of the Ministry of Health to find suitable solutions in accordance with the updated recommendations on the matter.

While the South Korean government today formally protested the decision to ban its citizens from entering Israel, the Foreign Ministry administration has held a comprehensive debate on how to prevent damage to Israel-Far East relations, where fears of the presence of the Corona virus are mounting.