World
Israel ‘closes skies’ to prevent virus spread
Israel on Sunday announced a week-long ban on most incoming and outgoing flights in a bid to slow the spread of new variants of the novel coronavirus.
The measure will begin at midnight from Monday into Tuesday and remain in effect until January 31, a statement from the prime minister’s office said.
Exceptions will be made for cargo and firefighting flights, as well as trips for medical treatments, funerals and legal procedures.
A panel of health and interior ministry officials will be able to issue exemptions on request “for humanitarian or personal needs,” the statement said.