Israel is banning all foreign travellers who have been to Singapore, Thailand, Macau and Hong Kong for the past 14 days, the Times of Israel reported.

The announcement was made by Israel's Minister of the Interior, Aryeh Deri, on Feb. 17.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the ban is expected to come into effect at an unspecified time during the coming week and joins an earlier similar restriction that was imposed on foreign nationals entering the country from China.

Israelis returning from Singapore will be quarantined for 14 days

Additionally, Israelis returning from these four territories and China have been ordered to be subjected to a home quarantine of 14 days, a press release by Israel's health ministry stated.

Should they feel unwell, they should call a clinic or emergency room prior to their arrival for a check-up, cover their nose and mouth, and avoid using public transport.

Israel's Foreign Ministry concerned about diplomatic fallout

The Times of Israel also reported that Israel's foreign ministry has since raised concerns about a diplomatic fallout over the ban.

Unnamed officials had reportedly voiced fears that "revenge steps" would be taken by East Asian countries over the extreme steps that Israel had taken to protect itself.

Such fears include a greater frequency of travel warnings to Israel in the event of terror attacks, and a reduction in the degree of economic cooperation.

Israel's national airline, El Al, is considering suspending all flights to Thailand.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's national airline Cathay Pacific is set to suspend all flights to Israel, due to its employees reportedly being unable to travel to the country under the new regulations.

Mothership has reached out to both the Israeli Embassy in Singapore and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comments.

Israel previously issued a travel advisory against Singapore

Earlier on Feb. 9, Israel's health ministry issued a travel advisory against Singapore and the following countries:

• Thailand
• Japan
• Hong Kong
• Macau
• South Korea
• Taiwan

The ministry also expanded its definition of a suspected infection, so as to run tests on more people who are returning from the aforementioned countries.

It includes people who have:

• Come into close contact with someone with a confirmed case of the virus.
• Stayed in any of the above countries, and exhibits a fever over 38°C (100.4F), coughing, difficulty breathing or any other respiratory symptom within 14 days of coming into contact with a confirmed patient.

Top photo from Ray in Manila via Flickr