Report details non-final government plan for reopening Israel’s skies

A report details how the government is planning to open Israel to flights starting August 16, as discussed by the coronavirus cabinet.

Channel 12 says that according to the plan, which still isn’t final, travelers coming from countries with low infection rates (“green” countries) will no longer be required to quarantine.

The report says they will have to declare that they haven’t been to a country with high infection rates (“red” countries) during their time abroad, but doesn’t say how that declaration will be verified.

Quarantine for arrivals from “red” countries could be shortened from the current 14-day period by several days, the report says.

A coronavirus testing lab will be opened at Ben Gurion Airport, coronavirus czar Ronni Gamzu says in a press briefing. The Channel 12 report says passengers will be required to undergo a test before departing Israel since many countries demand proof that arrivals don’t have the virus.

It isn’t clear where Israelis will be allowed to travel, since Israel has one of the highest morbidity rates in the world.

Israelis can currently enter the United States and Ukraine, and the report says there are talks with about ten “green” countries about letting in Israelis, including Greece and Cyprus.

Passengers going to — or returning from — “green” countries will go through a different process from those coming or going to “red” countries, the report says.

It adds that the flight crew will wear protective gear, and that one option being considered is having no meals served during the flights.

No tickets can currently be ordered, since airlines will only determine details and prices when they receive government orders.