Photo taken on Dec 4, 2018 from the Israeli Kibbutz of Misgav Am shows Israeli diggers working on the border with Lebanon. (Photo/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that anyone entering Israel would have to undergo a 14-day quarantine due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The decision, which is valid for two weeks, will not apply retroactively to people who returned to Israel in recent days.

It was also decided that tourists without a permanent address in Israel would not be allowed to enter the state.

Netanyahu rejected the Israeli Ministry of Health's recommendation to impose a complete air closure on the state.

"This is a tough decision, but it is essential to maintain the public health which comes first. At the same time, we are taking decisions to maintain the Israeli economy," said Netanyahu.

So far, 42 coronavirus patients have been diagnosed in Israel, according to Israeli Ministry of Health.

Israel has already imposed restrictions on travellers arriving from certain countries.