Israelis banned from flying to Britain as virus cases rise

Israel is to ban its citizens from flying to the UK apart from exceptional circumstances as part of measures to curb a surge in coronavirus cases.

Under plans agreed on Thursday, Cyprus, Georgia and Turkey will join Britain as new additions to Israel’s red list from next Friday, 30 July.

Travel to red list countries is only permitted if permission is granted by a government exemptions committee.

The number of seriously ill COVID-19 patients in Israel reached 72 on Thursday morning, an increase of nine on the previous day.

Over half of those testing positive for the virus have received two vaccines, official figures show.

“We understand that the coronavirus isn’t going anywhere soon,” said Nitzan Horowitz, the health minister, according to Haaretz. “Our strategy is clear – live with the coronavirus.”

Israeli ministers also agreed on Thursday to officially distinguish between citizens who are vaccinated and those who decline the jab.

People arriving in the country will be allowed to leave quarantine as soon as they receive a negative test result, provided they have already had two vaccines.

Unvaccinated arrivals will have to quarantine for seven days.

The Israeli “corona cabinet” of ministers said the measure provided an incentive to Israelis who have not had a jab.