Israel finds new cases of fast-spreading virus strain

JERUSALEM

Israel on Wednesday found at least four new cases of a new fast-spreading strain of coronavirus which emerged in the UK last week.

Three people who tested positive for the new COVID-19 strain had recently arrived from the UK, while the other had not left the country in recent days, Israel’s Health Ministry said in a statement.

On Sunday Israel issued a series of measures to contain the spread of the new strain.

The entry of passengers from the UK, Denmark and South Africa was prohibited except for Israeli nationals, who will be subject to a 14-day quarantine.

On Monday, Tel Aviv banned the entry of all foreigners to the country for at least 10 days, except those with employment visas and their families.

Under the measures, all Israelis returning from abroad will be kept in quarantine at designated hotels beginning Wednesday at 10 pm.

The UK announced last week a fast-spreading new strain of the COVID-19 in southern England.

The World Health Organization requested that countries redouble their health measures in light of the new strain.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz