In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IDF is supporting the national effort to combat the coronavirus. The IDF has implemented a series of measures to minimize the virus’ impact on the military and maintain its operational readiness.

The IDF will continue to conduct regular situational assessments, update its protocol in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, and limit the movement of military personnel as necessary (Picture source: IDF)

As of March 28, 2020, 3,697 soldiers were in quarantine. 58 IDF soldiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak; all 58 have or had relatively mild cases and anyone who is suspected of coming into contact with them has been placed in quarantine.

The IDF continues to assist all soldiers, including lone soldiers, who have been impacted by the virus
Until further notice, the IDF has implemented these essential policies to limit the spread of COVID-19 and maintain its operational capabilities:
* All soldiers are prohibited from traveling abroad on personal or official purposes unless in exceptional circumstances with explicit approval.
* All soldiers returning from abroad are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine.
* Any soldier suspected of coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be placed in 14-day home quarantine.
* All meetings in the IDF are limited to 10 people, gatherings in closed spaces are limited to 30 people, and gatherings in open spaces are limited to 100.
* All soldiers are expected to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from one another.
* Civilians are not permitted to enter IDF bases unless in exceptional circumstances with explicit approval.
* All soldiers serving in closed bases, combat units and training bases are to remain on base for an extended period of up to one month.
* Any soldier who has been in contact with someone in quarantine will not be able to enter bases that are crucial to the security of Israel.
* All preliminary testing periods (for combat) have been canceled until further notice. All First Call-Ups—and tests—have been delayed until after Passover.
* The IDF will provide means of transport for soldiers between bases in different Commands and has instructed all soldiers to limit their use of public transportation.
* All soldiers serving on open bases will work in shifts to limit contact between one another.
* At the end of each workday and shift, each base will be thoroughly disinfected as instructed by the Operations Directorate.
* Those who are suspected of being sick will be evacuated according to the guidelines provided by the Medical Corps.
* Any soldier with a temperature above 37.5 Celsius (99.5 Fahrenheit) will not be permitted to enter military bases.

The IDF will continue to conduct regular situational assessments, update its protocol in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, and limit the movement of military personnel as necessary. In addition, the IDF will assist the Ministry of Health by transporting the equipment for medical tests as needed.

200 reserve soldiers from the Military Unit for Hospital Assistance have been recruited in order to provide logistical and administrative assistance in 10 civilian hospitals throughout Israel. The reservists will partake in tasks such as evacuating hospital wards, adjusting wards to different needs, establishing new wards, and transporting medical equipment.

Upon request by the Israeli Police, the IDF provides approximately 500 soldiers to help enforce civilian lockdowns around Israel. Serving in an auxiliary position to the Israeli Police, the IDF follows the government and the Ministry of Health’s instructions to help minimize the spread of the virus.