Passengers entering Israel prepare for 14-day self-quarantine

With 42 confirmed cases of the virus, Israel has already taken some tough counter-measures, forcing visitors from many countries in Asia and Europe into home isolation.

The virus has hit travel and trade, with tourism in particular expected to suffer.

Passengers entering Israel on Tuesday (March 10) prepared to self-quarantine for 14 days, after the country required it from anyone arriving from overseas as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced the decision on Monday (March 9), said the new measures would be in effect for two weeks initially.

Government officials said the order would come into force immediately for Israelis returning to the country.

From Thursday, any non-Israelis seeking to enter the country will have to prove they have the means to self-quarantine, the officials said.

Israeli media said the latest measure would mean quarantine for some 300,000 citizens in a country of around 9 million.