IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi entered quarantine Thursday (July 9) after confirming a member of the military with whom he met last week had been diagnosed with COVID-19.
A number of senior military officers also entered a 14-day quarantine at that time as well, the IDF said. In addition, 10,000 active soldiers and civilian contractors have been placed in quarantine. The IDF decided it will not lock down any bases, but has reduced weekend leaves to once every three weeks.
“The chief of staff will … stick to his daily routine as much as possible,” the IDF said in a statement. “He feels well, is not displaying any symptoms and will be tested shortly.”
This is not the first time the chief of staff has found himself in this position; his first bout with quarantine “on the job” came in April after a similar exposure. At that time he tested negative and was allowed to leave the isolation.
Defense Minister / Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz also entered quarantine this week on Wednesday after it was discovered that a family member with whom he was in contact was later diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 28.
