Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Authorities close Gaza border crossings as first COVID-19 death recorded May 23 /update 36

Event

On Saturday, May 23, authorities in the Gaza Strip announced the first recorded death in the territory associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The victim was reportedly a 77-year-old woman who had recently returned from Egypt and had been quarantined. The death comes as 35 new COVID-19 cases were identified in the Gaza Strip in the past week, bringing the total to 55 as of Saturday. Following the recent rise in cases, officials also ordered the closure of border crossings to all but essential traffic until June 30, with pedestrian crossings expected to be restricted until the end of July. However, lockdown measures are yet to be implemented.

Further measures are likely to be announced should there be an increase in cases.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.