From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Health Ministry announces end of quarantine requirement for those with COVID
Renee Ghert-Zand is the health reporter and a feature writer for The Times of Israel.
The Health Ministry announces that the quarantine requirement for those infected with COVID-19 will end at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16.
“Cancellation of compulsory quarantine is normalizing our response to COVID and is a meaningful milestone. Israel’s overcoming the pandemic and returning to routine are impressive accomplishments. However, we must exhibit mutual responsibility and stay isolated if we are infected to prevent infecting others,” says Prof. Salman Zarka, Israel’s COVID czar from July 2021 until last month and director of Ziv Medical Center in Safed.
Notwithstanding the decision, the ministry reminds the public that COVID is a serious infectious disease and can be life-threatening for medically at-risk individuals. Anyone who feels unwell is advised to take a COVID test and avoid being in contact with others until symptoms have passed. A person who tests positive for COVID should isolate themselves at home until they are no longer symptomatic. If they must go out, they should avoid crowded locations and wear a mask.
Finally, the Health Ministry encourages all Israelis — especially those in at-risk groups — to get vaccinated against the disease according to the ministry’s guidelines.
“We have defeated the pandemic but not the virus, which is still here and endangers the health — and even life — of those who are vulnerable, and we must always take that into consideration,” Zarka adds.
