Dear Clients and Colleagues,

In light of the efficacy of the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and in order to encourage citizens to get vaccinated, the Ministry of Health has decided to take the following steps:

As of Friday, September 3, 2021, individuals returning from “orange countries” who are vaccinated and/or recovered from COVID-19, will be required to be in quarantine until receipt of a negative COVID-19 test or 24 hours after arrival (the earlier of the two) and will then not be required to complete the full quarantine period.

Given this update, individuals returning from abroad must comply with the following restrictions, depending upon the classification of the country they visited:

• “Yellow countries”: vaccinated individuals are required to be in quarantine until receipt of a negative COVID-19 test or 24 hours after arrival (the earlier of the two) and will then not be required to complete the full quarantine period. Unvaccinated individuals must complete the full period of quarantine.
• “Orange countries”: vaccinated individuals are required to be in quarantine until receipt of a negative COVID-19 test or 24 hours after arrival (the earlier of the two) and will then not be required to complete the full quarantine period. Unvaccinated individuals must complete the full period of quarantine.
• “Red Countries”: It is forbidden to travel to these countries, unless one has received special approval from the Exceptions Committee. Those returning from a red country must complete the full quarantine period.

Who is considered “vaccinated“?

• Those who have been vaccinated with three doses of the vaccine, and one week has passed since the date the third dose was administered.
• Those who have been vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine, and less than six (6) months have passed since the date the second dose was administered.

Who is considered “recovered“?

• Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and less than six (6) months have passed since the date he/she received a recovery certificate.
• Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

According to the Ministry of Health, the following is the protocol for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccination:

• First dose > 21 days later a second dose > 5 months later a third dose

As of August 31, 2021, the classification of countries will be updated as follows:

• “Red Countries”: Bulgaria, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey
• “Yellow Countries”: Bahrain, Hong Kong, Hungary, Taiwan, New Zealand, China, Singapore, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic
• “Orange Countries”: All countries not classified as a “Red” or “Yellow” country

Please note that as of October 1, 2021, the Green Pass expiration dates are also expected to change in accordance with the new definitions of “vaccinated” and “recovered,” as follows:

• Those who have received three doses of the vaccine, the Green Pass will be valid for six (6) months after the date the third dose was administered.
• Those who have received two doses of the vaccine, the Green Pass will be valid for six (6) months after the date the second dose was administered.
• Those who have recovered and are not vaccinated, the Green Pass will be valid for six (6) months after the date he/she received the recovery certificate.
• Those who have recovered and have received at least one dose of the vaccine, the Green Pass will be valid for six (6) months after the date he/she received the dose of the vaccine.

One will be eligible for a Green Pass seven (7) days after receiving the applicable vaccine.

We will continue to provide you with updates of any developments.

The Labour and Employment Department
Herzog Fox & Neeman