Israel has taken some of the strongest measures in the world against the spread of Coronavirus within its borders.
That has included banning non-Israelis who have visited China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, or Thailand in the past 2 weeks and quarantining Israelis who visited those countries.
Today the country warned its citizens to refrain from all travel out of the country unless there is a genuine need to fly abroad.
Additionally, Israel announced that it would start quarantining Israeli citizens returning from Italy for 2 weeks starting on Sunday. Presumably non-Israelis who have been to Italy will be turned away from entry. El Al has cancelled their flight to and from Milan tomorrow and more cancellations are likely.
Will Israel close its borders completely in response to a global pandemic? It seems like that’s a strong possibility given how they have reacted so far.
I wrote a couple of weeks ago asking if 2/3rds of the planet would be infected and now the CDC says a US outbreak is a question of when, not if and that disruption to everyday life may be severe.
If Israel manages to avoid that fate it would be impressive.
For Americans, it seems like stocking up on shelf-stable food and N95 masks may be a wise move at this point, though unfortunately N95 masks won’t work properly if you have a beard.
How are you preparing for coronavirus and will you freeze your travel plans?
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94 Comments On "Israel To Its Citizens: Don’t Travel Abroad; Returnees From Italy Will Be Subject To 2 Week Coronavirus Quarantine"
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Do you see any issues with flying domestically for now?
Just wear a mask
Paper masks help those who are infected limit the chances of spreading an airborne virus, but do not stop those who are not infected from getting infected.
Any good deals on N95 masks?
All n95 masks that I’ve tried to order or in-store pickup over the last week have all been cancelled……
I made an order on Amazon over a month ago and it keeps getting delayed.
eBay seems to be the best bet: https://fave.co/2Vo9MQL
While not N95/N99 rated – if mask are required to travel or shop in public or enter stores – as is the case in China. Perhaps even for day to day traveling on Subway
A DYI such might be an option – as few if any seem to be available to purchase.
I am sure it could be modified to be more protective – granted I doubt that most of us need – the all day N95 protection or Surgical masks that Medical/dental personal need/use.
DYI instructions from easy to purchase items or items one might have on hand
https://survivalmedicine.news/2020-02-22-how-to-make-your-own-coronavirus-protective-mask-instructions.html
I am actually more concerned about US medical providers running out (i.e Nurses and Doctors).
If it’s not N95 or better then the mask won’t provide protection.
Dan, any way you could offer these masks on this website. Not sure if they are commercialized yet though.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-antiviral-masks-from-israel-may-help-stop-deadly-virus/
Agreed. And even N95 are most useful for preventing an infected person from passing on the virus. They are less useful for protecting a healthy person from airborne infection, especially if installed incorrectly or the user has a beard (as you mentioned).
Uline still seems to have, industrial but still N95.
On the website Uline says repeat customers only…
These are selling on ebay for 50 for one mask!
The company I work for is based in Taiwan w/ offices all over the world and just yesterday sent our NY office (and others) n95 masks (even though the slow economy has virtually cut out all company travel). Actually one of our divisions makes them. Maybe I can help out some people if needed.
“stocking up on shelf-stable food”?!
Sounds quite drastic; chill!
Y2K is over.
Those are pretty basic precautions based on what the CDC is saying.
CDC knows nothing. everything is in HaShems hands
According to that logic, why wear a seatbelt?
Nothing wrong with taking basic precautions.
There are those who dont wear seatbelts for that reason.
Im not saying go to china or an area thats infected. but in areas that aren’t infected trust in HaShem not the CDC
You’re not making any sense.
In areas that are affected by coronavirus you shouldn’t trust in Hashem?
Basic hishtadlus always applies, and that includes following orders from experts and Doctors. It’s not a contradiction.
no you always trust in HaShem but you also cant put yourself in a dangerous situation. ie crossing a busy street without looking.
wearing a mask in chicago or ny is not a dangerous situation
Nobody is talking about wearing a mask or needing food today in NYC. It’s being prepared for an outbreak.
So you wouldn’t shave your beard if there was an outbreak? (using the seatbelt logic..)
If and when the time came, I’d have to ask my Rov for guidance and/or search for alternative mask options.
CDC has to be as apocalyptic as possible because tgeir job is to prevent a worst case scenario. That does not mean that its actuallya necessity. More often than not these statements just cause mass hysteria and the news jumps on them to gain readership, but the info is not generally helpful in real life.
Daven with a minyan. Harav Gamliel Rabinovitch shlita says its a great shmira.
Ha Rav Gamliel made two public videos yesterday promising there is a plague of coronavirus and if men dont talk in shul, n daven 3 x day in minyan, and women light shabbos candles early, they will be protected. not syaign go to China… but we have to do spirutal hishtadlus too…
If states or Fed widespread Quarantines (they have independent power to Quarantine some local laws more powerful than Fed) shopping for available foods may be a challenge at local supermarkets -in addition to supply issues – local chains supply logistics have three hours of food stored under Just In Time supply at local warehouses i.e. Kroger logistics). HKG had store runs on food and TP.
P&G warns 17,600 products possibly hit by coronavirus
“Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble has warned around 17,600 products could be affected by the coronavirus.
P&G’s CFO Jon Moeller, speaking at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference in the US, said P&G used 387 suppliers across China, shipping more than 9,000 materials.
“Each of these suppliers faces their own challenges in resuming operations,” he said.
Smartphones and cars are among the consumer products most affected by the outbreak, according to TrendForce.”
https://www.cips.org/en/supply-management/news/2020/february/pg-warns-17600-products-possibly-hit-by-coronavirus/
If your dependent on a Rx to live – it may be worth trying to get and fill a 6 month+ prescription (likely have to pay out of pocket unless your friendly doctor adjusts you dosage to 6X daily or as needed – as many insurance companies only cover 30-90 day Rx).
China manufactures a disproportionate percentage of all the Rx sold in the US.
https://www.cfr.org/blog/us-dependence-pharmaceutical-products-china (8.14.2019)
Not trying to be a fear monger – just pragmatic. While the Diamond princess quarantined in Yokohama is a reason to be hopeful – the last I heard out of the several thousand only two elderly people died.
While the US has world class health care available – our Achilles heel could be the supply chain that is dependent on China and India – Potentially enough hospital beds and medical providers if the becomes a pandemic.
Actually there have been 4 deaths so far from the diamond princess out of 705 confirmed cases, but only 10 recoveries. So if you want to base on flawed early numbers you have a 28% fatality/recovery rate which is obviously too high. Will take at least another 45-60 days to see how it ends up. For reference, Dr Li Wenliang died about 42 days after being infected. Passengers only started disembarking last week, so it’s still very early to see the full picture.
https://covid19info.live
2 more deaths from the Diamond Princess, raising the total to 6 deaths. Only 10 recoveries so far. That’s why we aren’t so excited about the death rate a week after people got infected. Hopefully it ends here.
@yuneeq if the 3.5% death rate is truly accurate then from the Diamond Princess we would expect to see upto 129-130 deaths if all were exposed. 21+/- if the 704 (most recent) reported infected remains static.
The 3.5% mortality rate is primarily extrapolated from PRC numbers – which IMHO are suspect.
I think that we will see more accurate numbers for recovery and mortality with South Korea and Italy, as the have better medical care as well as open/welcome external help from WHO and CDC.
“if the 3.5% death rate is truly accurate”
Not sure who mentioned 3.5%, but most estimates have it at 2-3%, with the disclaimer that it is subject to change. The CCP’s numbers are completely unreliable but obviously that can go both ways. They have a motive to underreport deaths, and they have testing limitations that also caused them to underreport.
I don’t think SK or Italy will be more accurate than a cruise ship which is basically a completely controlled environment, though the cruise ship CFR won’t take into account the deaths caused to due health system constraints of treating thousands of patients at once. Ie. The same illness that may cause 10 deaths on the cruise ship, may cause 20 deaths if treated in overcrowded hospitals. Don’t forget that approximately 20% of cases are severe or critical.
The CDC (almost) always overreacts
Can you shave your beard if it’s to put on a mask if the virus spreads?
Do you think there’ll be an issue about going to Israel for Pesach????
Israel has shown it’s not afraid to close its borders to non citizens, when they’re coming from a country that has had outbreaks. I assume the us will fall into that category soon, and so I would not be surprised at all if israel closes its borders in the coming weeks
As an Israeli it seems to me a little harsh. This wasn’t even a decision of high government officials, just an internal Ministry of Health committee.
They definitely did not take into account the damage this will cost the economy.
It wasnt a decision (at this point) it’s just a recommendation.
It was a decision to make a recommendation. Such decisions can destroy a small business
Imagine what will happen to the economy if it does hit c”v. China half HALF of it’s citizens under quarantine and look at the effect on its economy (and ours).
Do you think a stop over in Italy would warrant a 2 week quarantine?
There will be no flights from Italy, so that’s not even a question
I had the same question. Alitalia says (as of today) despite Israel’s statement, there are no plans cancel our Tel Aviv to US Peisach flights with stopovers in Rome. And what Israel govt does won’t affect that (and Israel so far is saying citizens will be let back in, though subject to quarantine). However Alitalia advised keeping track over what Italian govt decides.
No
https://www.health.gov.il/English/Topics/Diseases/corona/Pages/default.aspx
The Tel Aviv Marathon (28 Feb, this Friday) was told by the Ministry of Health that all foreign people were to be barred from racing. This was announced Sunday. A lot of upset people. Supposedly they were also talking about canceling it outright, but nothing further on that. And now people who are already in Israel are being told they might be able to run. Talk is the same is going to happen with the Jerusalem Marathon (20 March). I already have my tickets and registration for that in hand… :-/
Perhaps the beard is the least of your problems if all these forecasts come to fruition.
Would border closings prevent people from flying out of israel or only in?
Probably wont be able to fly out, which pilot will fly if they know they wont be let back in?
If they’re not letting people in the airlines will stop flying eventually
Gonna be wearing my gas mask for now on
https://nypost.com/2020/02/26/83-people-in-nassau-county-being-monitored-for-possible-coronavirus-exposure/?utm_campaign=iosapp
It’s the Israeli Express card: Don’t leave home.
Do you think Americans currently in Israel should maybe make their way back home to the US?
Can someone explain to me why coronavirus is causing mass world disruption but the flu which kills just as many people is harmless? Someone?
1. Coronavirus has a much higher mortality rate.
2. Coronavirus has no publicly available vaccine.
Sounds like a bit of a hyped up scare.
If one of the reasons is vaccine based. IMO
OK, let’s make this simpler.
-1 in 7,000 people with influenza die and influenza is only spread when you’re showing symptoms.
-1 in 30 people with COVID-19 have died so far and it can be spread before you’re showing symptoms.
Where did you get your numbers from?
https://covid19info.live is a great source
But the VAST majority of fatalities have been men in their 70’s. That’s important to keep in mind. If you are not in that demographic – and do not come into regular contact with them – the odds of having major complications from the virus are minimal. Even infants don’t seem to be affected by COVID-19.
Even among younger people, the mortality numbers are still scary high.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics
So that’s 1 in 500 for 10-40. Still much worse than the flu.
Yep, the flu is .1% mortality rate even accounting for all the old and sick people. And besides, should we not try to save parents and grandparents from a 15% mortality rate?
New virus spreading much faster and often presents with minor, unspecific symptoms so people keep working, shopping, traveling & spreading it unknowingly. The prediction is that 60% of world pop could get the virus, so even if death rate <1% that’s a LOT of people chas v’sholom. Plus that many people out of work (plus the people caring for them) even if only for a week, could cause major disruptions in economies.
If I already purchased tickets on Alitalia in December for my children to come from Israel for Pesach is there any chance I can get a refund?
Wait and see what happens over the coming days/weeks. Waivers will be coming out.
My son and his family including 2 month old (Israeli/American) have plane tickets booked for a trip to come to NY from israel next week for 2 weeks via Elal. Should he consider cancelling and is there any chance they would get a refund?
Would you be worried to fly internationally now? I’m scheduled to fly next week to Russia and Hungary…
Somewhat. If you leave the country you risk traveling to an area with an outbreak. There could also be an outbreak at home and then you are stuck abroad and faced with the decision of going back to an area with an outbreak.
Hopefully airlines will be issuing waivers. I wouldn’t cancel anything until closer to departure.
i have to cancel a trip next week on british airways to tel aviv for entire family can i hope for any waivers ?
Will there be enough matzo in Israel if no-one flies out?
Serbia?
R’ Dan,
I have a flight from JFK to EY right after Purim for a few days with Alitalia (stopover in Rome airport) and returning with Air France (stopover in Paris Airport) 1) Will Israel let me in? 2) Will the USA let me back in? If not and I have to cancel, how do I get my points back from Flying Blue?
Israel is currently instructing citizens who have been in italy to quarantine. I dont know if they’re letting in foreigners who have been in Italy
Question is if it even applies to flyovers too or someone who was in Italy for a period of time?
Aaaaand since I wrote my comment above Israel has now blocked entrance officially to anyone who has been in italy.
I imagine a stopover counts but I dont actually know
Any idea on how to find out?
Is there a valid concern of Americans in Israel who plan on coming home for pesach?
CDC beard guide for face masks:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/FacialHairWmask11282017-508.pdf
I’m genuinely fascinated with all the names of the various facial hairstyles.
Choose your style, in time for Purim.
lets not forget that over 30,000 people have already fully recovered!! EVEN BEFORE ANY VACCINE CAME OUT!! This overdone panic is negatively affecting a lot of jobs = money!
That’s good, but doesn’t change the fact that it has killed 1 in every 30 people!
As of now Italy is on the list, effective immediately no Non Israeli citizens will be allowed to enter Israel, and all passenger that returned from Italy withing the past 14 days are required to quarantine immediately until 14 days from their return date pass.
ALSO:
due to a person that returned from Italy being diagnosed with the Corona virus today, all passengers that returned to TLV on ELAL flight LY382 this past Sunday Feb 23, are required to report to the Israeli Health Department and undertake quarantine procedures immediately. ELLA has now announced that they are trying to reach out to all passengers of that flight.
Wise decision
4.55 million tourists visited Israel last year – a record. Terrible news for pilgrims of many faiths, and the Israeli businesses who accommodate them.
Interior Minister Arye Dery announces he intends to sign on Thursday a decree to ban visitors from Italy from entering Israel. This includes anyone traveling via Italy who does not hold Israeli citizenship.
An Israeli man who returned from Italy earlier this week tested positive for the new strain of coronavirus, the Health Ministry says. He will be placed under quarantine at the Sheba Medical Center in central Israel.
El Al announced it would suspend its flights to all destinations in Italy as of Friday, as well as to Thailand starting Monday, as toll of coronavirus cases rises in both countries.
I advise anyone with Alitalia tickets to ask now for a refund based on the non entry rule. Book on another airline, because they won’t automatically compensate you if they have to cancel for a health crisis.
Does anyone have any idea where I can get masks? they seem to buy sold out everywhere.
https://fave.co/2Vo9MQL
Thanks for that.. wow what a markup
Guns killed 150 million American people in past few years, according to the former VP, and yet the current VP is wasting his time on Coronavirus. Ridicules!!
That was senile Joe Biden totally skewing the numbers. You think almost half of Americans died due to gun violence?
How many masks would one person need during an outbreak?
Costco today looked like a hurricane is coming… Limits on bottled water.