jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Iran has 92 coronavirus deaths, 2,922 infections - health ministry

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DUBAI, Ninety-two people have died in Iran from the novel coronavirus and 2,922 have been infected, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur announced on state TV on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Tokyo 2020 Olympics committee steps up health measures for torch relay

TOKYO, Tokyo 2020 Olympics organizing committee said on Wednesday it had stepped up its measures to protect the health of runners and spectators for the torch relay as the coronavirus spreads nationwide.The measures will include limiting the number of visitors to venues and monitoring the health of runners, the committee said in a statement.Details of specific relay events will be reviewed based on the infection status of each prefecture, the committee said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Benjamin Netanyahu to convene with right-wing bloc at 2pm

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene with the leaders of the right wing bloc for a second time @ @ @ @ @ .
As of noon , Netanyahu is holding discussions in his office in the Knesset @

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene with the leaders of the right wing bloc for a second time on Wednesday at 2pm IST.
As of noon, Netanyahu is holding discussions in his office in the Knesset.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--US carries out airstrike on Taliban fighters for first time since Doha deal

The United States conducted an airstrike on Wednesday against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, a US forces spokesman said, the first such attack since a troop withdrawal agreement was signed between the two sides on Saturday.The Taliban fighters were "were actively attacking an (Afghan National Security Forces) checkpoint. This was a defensive strike to disrupt the attack," said Colonel Sonny Leggett, a spokesman for the US Forces in Afghanistan in a tweet.He said Washington was committed to peace but would defend against Afghan forces if needed."Taliban leadership promised the (international) community they would reduce violence and not increase attacks. We call on the Taliban to stop needless attacks and uphold their commitments," he said.The airstrike was the first by the United States against the Taliban in 11 days, when a reduction in violence agreement had begun between the sides in the lead up to Saturday's pact.Since the signing, the Taliban had decided on Monday to resume normal operations against Afghan forces, though sources have said they would continue to hold back on attacks on foreign forces.The Taliban has so far declined to confirm or deny responsibility for any of the attacks and did not immediately respond to request for comment on the airstrike.On Tuesday, there were several attacks against Afghan officials blamed on the Taliban, including one at a security checkpoint near a copper mine that killed five Afghan policemen.A Ministry of Defence spokesman said on Wednesday that in the past 24 hours there had been clashes between the Taliban and Afghan security forces in nine provinces, including Helmand.A spokesman for Helmand's provincial governor said that the Taliban had attacked a security checkpoint in Washer district - a different district to the one in which the US carried out its airstike - on Tuesday evening, killing two police officers.A defense ministry spokesman also confirmed an attack against an Afghan army base in the city of Kunduz and said there were seven casualties.The weekend agreement envisages a full withdrawal of all US and coalition forces within 14 months, dependent on security guarantees by the Taliban, but faces a number of hurdles as the United States tries to shepherd the Taliban and Afghan government towards talks.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Iraq reports its first coronavirus death, in Kurdish region

Iraq reported its first coronavirus death on Wednesday, an elderly man in the Kurdish province of Sulaimaniya, the local health department said.Iraq has so far has recorded 31 cases of the new coronavirus, one Iranian student who has since been sent home and 30 Iraqis who had all visited Iran recently.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Germany reports 44 new confirmed coronavirus cases

Fifteen of Germany 's 16 federal states have now reported cases of the novel coronavirus , with the western state @ @ @ @ @ affected , according to the RKI .

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased to 240 on Wednesday, up from 196 on Tuesday afternoon, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said.
Fifteen of Germany's 16 federal states have now reported cases of the novel coronavirus, with the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia being most affected, according to the RKI.
Germany has not reported a fatal case of the virus, which emerged in the Chinese metropolis Wuhan late last year and is quickly spreading around the world.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Coronavirus median incubation period 5-7 days, maximum 14

Du also said that , while in Hubei province some individuals have tested positive for the virus even after being @ @ @ @ @ is no data tracking such cases .

The median incubation period of the new coronavirus is five to seven days and the maximum 14 days, Du Bin, Chairman of the Critical Care Medical Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, told a press event on Wednesday in Beijing.
Du also said that, while in Hubei province some individuals have tested positive for the virus even after being discharged from hospital, there is no data tracking such cases.
He said there was no evidence yet that such patients can transmit the virus to others.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Two Turkish soldiers killed, six wounded in Syria's Idlib

Two more Turkish soldiers have been killed and six wounded in an attack by Syrian government forces in northwest Syria's Idlib region, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.Immediately after the Syrian forces opened fire, Turkish forces retaliated and continued to strike targets, the ministry statement said. The incident brought to 59 the death toll, including one on Tuesday, of Turkish forces in their Idlib operation which began last month.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--China encourages export of medical suits to meet overseas demand amid virus outbreak

China is encouraging producers of protective suits for medical use to export to meet overseas demand as the coronavirus spreads outside the country, a government official said Wednesday.Cao Xuejun, a senior official at China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, made the comment at a press briefing in Beijing.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--CEC director: Final election results expected at 8 pm

The final results of the March-2020 general election are to be expected around 8 p.m. IST , according to Central @ @ @ @ @ Orli Adas .
`` Toward 20:00 there will be final , yet non-official results , @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday morning .

The final results of the March-2020 general election are to be expected around 8 p.m. IST, according to Central Election Committee Director, Attorney Orli Adas.
"Toward 20:00 there will be final, yet non-official results," Adas told Army Radio Wednesday morning.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Total confirmed coronavirus cases in India rise to 28 - health minister

An Italian had tested positive for the virus in the western desert state of Rajasthan , a health official said @ @ @

Sixteen Italian nationals in India have tested positive for coronavirus, New Delhi's health minister said on Wednesday, as the total number of cases in the country rose sharply to 28.
An Italian had tested positive for the virus in the western desert state of Rajasthan, a health official said on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Abu Dhabi's Etihad asks cabin crew to take leave

However , a spokesman for Etihad denied such an email had been sent .
Etihad has cancelled most flights to @ @ @ @ @ virus , and airlines around the world have warned of the toll it is having @ @ @ @ @ is asking cabin crew to take paid leave between April 6 and May 5 , @ @ @ @ @ which does not mention the virus .
It did not give a reason for the @ @ @ @ @ a great opportunity to take some time out or rest , relax and celebrate with @ @ @ @ @ slots will be available ... in blocks of six , 12 , or 18 days @ @ @ @ @ .

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways is asking cabin crew staff to take paid leave, according to an internal email seen by Reuters, as the rapidly spreading coronavirus dents global travel demand.
However, a spokesman for Etihad denied such an email had been sent.
Etihad has cancelled most flights to mainland China because of the virus, and airlines around the world have warned of the toll it is having on operations.
The company is asking cabin crew to take paid leave between April 6 and May 5, according to the email, which does not mention the virus. It did not give a reason for the proposal.
"This is a great opportunity to take some time out or rest, relax and celebrate with family and friends. Leave slots will be available ... in blocks of six, 12, or 18 days," the email says.
Priority will be given to those who submit longer date requests, it says.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Poland reports first coronavirus case - health minister

Poland has confirmed its first coronavirus infection, Poland's Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said on Wednesday.Szumowski said the sick man is in hospital in Zielona Gora, western Poland, and that his condition is good.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Japan's Hokkaido reports 3 more coronavirus infections

The new cases all involve men , one in his 50s and the other two in their 60s , the @ @ @ @ @ .

Japan's northern island of Hokkaido reported three more cases of coronavirus infections on Wednesday, bringing the total to 82 in the prefecture.
The new cases all involve men, one in his 50s and the other two in their 60s, the prefecture said on its website.
Hokkaido accounts for the highest number of infections among Japan's prefectures.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Russia says Turkey does not meet terms of pact in Syria's Idlib

Russia accused Turkey on Wednesday of failing to meet its obligations under a pact to create a demilitarized zone in Syria's Idlib province and of helping militants instead.The RIA news agency quoted a Russian defense ministry spokesman as saying "terrorist" fortifications had merged with Turkish outposts in Idlib, resulting in daily attacks on Russia's Hmeimim air base in Syria.Turkey had amassed troop numbers in Idlib equal to a mechanized division, violating international law, the Russian spokesman said.Turkish military spokesmen were not immediately available for comment.The Russian accusation came on the eve of a Thursday meeting in Moscow between President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.They are expected to try to de-escalate tensions that have brought Turkey and Russia dangerously close to direct military confrontation.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Sanders campaign requests injunction to keep Los Angeles County polls open

LOS ANGELES - The campaign of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders requested an emergency injunction on Tuesday asking for polls in Los Angeles County to stay open for an extra two hours after reports of delays and long lines in the Democratic primary vote.According to the request filed with Los Angeles County elections chief Dean Logan, "multiple polling locations in the County have experienced extreme wait times for individuals to vote, including wait times up to four hours to cast a ballot."Los Angeles County is one of several big jurisdictions in California that used new voting machines and procedures in the Super Tuesday primary.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Mainland China reports 119 new coronavirus cases, down from day earlier

SHANGHAI/BEIJING - Mainland China had 119 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, the country's National Health Commission said on Wednesday, down slightly from 125 on the previous day.The total number of cases on the mainland has now reached 80,270.The number of deaths rose by 38 to bring the total mainland China death toll to 2,981 by March 3.Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak, reported 37 new deaths and 115 new cases on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--South Korea reports 516 new cases of coronavirus, brings total to 5,328

SEOUL - South Korea reported 516 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, a day after a record spike in cases prompted the country's president to declare a "war" on the fast spreading pathogen.The new cases bring South Korea's total to 5,328, with 34 deaths, the worst epidemic of any nation outside China.On Tuesday President Moon Jae-in apologized for shortages of face masks and promised support for virus-hit small businesses in Asia's fourth-biggest economy.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--California governor declares state of emergency after coronavirus death

Earlier on Wednesday , health officials announced the first California death from the virus , an elderly person with underlying @ @ @ @ @ the first coronavirus fatality in the United States outside of Washington state , where 10 @ @ @

The first California death from the virus was an elderly person in Placer County, near Sacramento, health officials said. The person had underlying health problems and likely had been exposed on a cruise ship voyage between San Francisco and Mexico last month.
It was the first coronavirus fatality in the United States outside of Washington state, where 10 people have died in a cluster of at least 39 infections that have emerged through community transmission of the virus in two Seattle-area counties.
Although the Placer County patient who died was not believed to have contracted the virus locally, that case and a previous one from the San Francisco Bay Area linked to the same ocean liner have led health authorities to seek other cruise passengers who may have had close contact with those two individuals.
Hours after the person's death was announced, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency in response to the coronavirus, which he said has resulted in 53 cases across the nation's most populous state.
"The State of California is deploying every level of government to help identify cases and slow the spread of this coronavirus," Newsom said in a statement.
Newsom said the cruise ship, named the Grand Princess, had later sailed on to Hawaii and was returning to San Francisco, but would not be allowed into port until passengers had been tested for the virus.
"We are holding that ship off the coast," Newsom said.
Six new coronavirus patients were confirmed in Los Angeles County, public health officials said on Wednesday. One was a federal contractor who may have been exposed while conducting medical screenings at Los Angeles International Airport, the US Department of Homeland Security reported.
Three others likely were infected while traveling recently to northern Italy, one of the areas hardest hit in the global outbreak. Of the six in Los Angeles County, only one has been hospitalized. The other five are recovering in home isolation.
The greater Seattle region represents the biggest concentration of cases detected in the United States from a virus that has killed more than 3,000 people worldwide, mostly in China, where the epidemic originated in December.
With most of the Seattle-area cases not linked to travel or exposure to people who might have been infected abroad, that means the virus has gone from being an imported phenomenon to taking up residence in Washington state, health officials say.
At least 18 cases, including six deaths, were connected to a long-term nursing facility for the elderly, called LifeCare Center of Kirkland, in a Seattle suburb.
'DISTANCING MEASURES'
Seattle health authorities urged a number of measures for curbing further spread of the disease, including recommendations for anyone aged 60 and older and individuals with underlying chronic health problems or compromised immunity to stay home and away from large gatherings and public places.
They also urged companies to allow their employees to work from home as much as possible, stagger shifts to ease commuter congestion on public transportation and avoid large work-related gatherings.
"The distancing measures that we're recommending are essential because we need to slow the spread of the disease to the point where we are able to continue to handle the load," said Patty Hayes, the public health director for Seattle and King County.
A growing number of US companies are adopting such steps. On Wednesday Microsoft Corp asked its employees in the Seattle region near its headquarters and in the San Francisco Bay Area to work from home if possible until March 25.
In New York state, the number of cases rose to 10 on Wednesday. Three family members and a neighbor of a lawyer who was previously identified as infected tested positive. The neighbor's wife and three of his children have also contracted the virus, Governor Andrew Cuomo said.
About 1,000 people in suburban Westchester County, where the two families live, were under self-quarantine orders because of possible exposure, Cuomo said.
"We are, if anything, being overcautious," he said.
AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, said Wednesday that people in a group from New York that attended its 18,000-person policy conference in Washington, D.C., this week potentially had been in contact with an individual who contacted the coronavirus before the conference.
Dozens of Congress members attended the conference, as well as Vice President Mike Pence.
EMERGENCY FUNDS
US lawmakers reached bipartisan agreement on an $8.3 billion emergency bill to help fund efforts to contain the virus. The bill garnered enough votes to pass in the House of Representatives.
More than $3 billion would be devoted to research and development of coronavirus vaccines, test kits and therapeutics. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the fast-spreading illness.
The administration is working to allow laboratories to develop their own coronavirus tests without seeking regulatory approval first, US Health Secretary Alex Azar said.
The latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed 129 confirmed and presumed cases in the United States, up from the previous 108. They were 80 reported by public health authorities in 13 states plus 49 among people repatriated from abroad, according to the CDC website.
Those figures do not necessarily reflect Wednesday's updates from three states.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--US Representatives move swiftly to approve coronavirus funding bill

The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved an $8.3 billion funding bill to combat the spread of coronavirus on Wednesday, sending the emergency legislation to the Senate.The measure, which passed 415-2, funds a series of government-sponsored initiatives including expanded testing for the virus that has infected at least 129 people in the United States. The Senate is expected to take up the bill quickly and send it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law this week.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Coronavirus has spread to nearly all Iran provinces

Coronavirus has spread to almost all of Iran's provinces but the country will get through the outbreak with a "minimum" number of deaths, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday."This disease is a widespread disease," he said during a Cabinet meeting, according to the official presidency website."It has reached almost all our provinces and in one sense it's a global disease."The health ministry said on Tuesday that 92 people had died so far from coronavirus, one of the highest death tolls outside China where the epidemic originated late last year. It said 2,922 people had been infected with the disease.Among those infected is first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri, the IranWire news site reported, citing an "informed source". There was no immediate confirmation from officials.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Yossi Dagan to remain in quarantine after returning from France

Samaria Regional Court head Yossi Dagan reported via social media on Wednesday he will enter self-imposed quarantine at his house @ @ @ @ @ of meetings in Paris , France .
Dagan was meeting with a group which supports @ @ @ @ @ .
He also visited Brussels where he met European Union Parliament members .
He returned @ @ @ @ @ and claimed to be feeling in good health .

Samaria Regional Court head Yossi Dagan reported via social media on Wednesday he will enter self-imposed quarantine at his house after returning from a series of meetings in Paris, France.
Dagan was meeting with a group which supports the Jewish settlements in Samaria. He also visited Brussels where he met European Union Parliament members.
He returned to Israel eight days ago and claimed to be feeling in good health.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--France's Macron and Trump agree to coordinate on coronavirus within G7

French President Emmanuel Macron agreed with US President Donald Trump to coordinate efforts to fight the coronavirus under American leadership of the Group of Seven countries, Macron said in a tweet after a phone call with Trump."Excellent discussion with @realDonaldTrump," Macron tweeted. "To better deal with Covid-19, we are ready to coordinate our scientific, health and economic response within the framework of the US G7 Presidency."An Elysee official said Macron had suggested the idea to use the G7 forum to accelerate efforts to fight the disease. "President Trump thought that was a very good idea and the right forum," the official said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Hungary confirms first two coronavirus cases - both Iranian students

Hungary has confirmed its first cases of the coronavirus, both of them Iranian students in the country, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday."We have the first infected individual, or rather two right away, whom we had to hospitalise because of the infection," Orban said in a video on his Facebook page. "They have no symptoms yet but the fact of the infection has been confirmed."Iran has been one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus outside China, where the epidemic originated.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Third Israeli to contact coronavirus released from hospital

Shimon Dahan, an Israeli who contracted coronavirus while staying aboard the Princess Diamond cruise ship in Japan, is expected to be released from hospital on Wednesday as he is reportedly healthy.Dahan was the third Israeli to contract coronavirus while in Japan and his doctors say he does not pose a risk to anyone.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--IDF Chief of Staff to postpone visit in the US due to coronavirus warning

DF Chief of Staff Aviv Kocahvi postponed a planned official visit to the US due to recent warnings by the @ @ @ @ @ avoid travel overseas , the IDF Spokesperson reported on Wednesday .

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kocahvi postponed a planned official visit to the US due to recent warnings by the Health Ministry asking Israelis to avoid travel overseas, the IDF Spokesperson reported on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Coronavirus in Israel: Health Ministry website crashes

The Health Ministry website crashed Wednesday, likely due to an overload of traffic.When one entered the site at around 7:30 p.m. Israel time through Google a message popped up that read, "the page you requested does not exist."


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--U.S. CDC reports 129 coronavirus cases, including those under investigation

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday reported 129 cases of coronavirus in the country, which includes cases reported by individual states that were yet to be confirmed by the agency.The latest number represents an increase of 7 confirmed cases, and 13 more cases under investigation. The number of deaths due to the virus now stand at nine.Cases detected among former passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship rose to 46 from CDC's count of 45 as of Monday, while three cases were detected in citizens repatriated from Wuhan, China


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Trump meets with U.S. airline officials amid coronavirus outbreak

Representatives from some of the nation's top airlines met with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, saying they have stepped up their cleaning and other procedures amid concerns about the coronavirus.Representatives from Southwest Airlines Co., United Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue, among others, attended the meeting at the White House with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other top U.S. officials.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Odeh on Netanyahu: Wouldn’t know Democracy if it indicted him three times

Joint List leader Ayman Odeh slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, saying he doesn’t know what democracy is.“Netanyahu would not know what democracy is even if it indicted him on three different charges,” he wrote on twitter, adding “even if democracy prevented him from forming a coalition three times.”His comments were wry play on the fact that Netanyahu is facing three charges and is now attempting to form a ruling coalition for the third time.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Iraq to halt trade with Iran, Kuwait for a week over coronavirus concerns

Iraq's border port commission said on Wednesday it would halt trade between Iraq and both Iran and Kuwait for a week from March 8 over coronavirus concerns, according to the Iraqi state news agency.The border port commission added that Iraqis now in Iran would be allowed to enter Iraq until March 15.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--MK Jabareen: Anti-Bibi law better than Jewish supremacy laws

Hadash MK Yousef Jabareen said on Wednesday that passing a law preventing a person indicted of bribery from serving as prime minister is “slightly more democratic” than “keeping 5 million Palestinians under occupation with no rights, and passing Jewish supremacy laws.”Jabareen was referring to the rumored proposition by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz that the Knesset should pass a law forbidding the president from tasking a person indicted of a crime with forming a coalition.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Interior Minister Aryeh Deri: Left is half a million votes short

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said on Wednesday that the right wing block won the latest election by half a million votes, if not more.“The people spoke in a very clear manner and we will not let anyone change these results with new laws,” he warned.Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is said to be attempting to pass a law that will prevent the president of the country from being able to appoint a politician indicted for crimes to form a government, such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Deri said that nobody could handle the current coronavirus epidemic better than Netanyahu, and that if anyone attempts to change Israeli politics now, “history will not forgive him.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Zandberg: We must send that racist Netanyahu off packing

Meretz MK Tamar Zandberg said on Wednesday that it is time to send Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “off packing” for being, allegedly, a racist.Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday and said that, as the Joint List party is not a Zionist party, the Left is unable to form a ruling coalition unless it cancels the will of the voters. Netanyahu did not say so openly, but it might be understood from his words that only Jewish Israeli citizens are legitimate voters.“In a democracy the votes of all citizens are equal,” Zandberg said, “even those of Arabs.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Netanyahu: Gantz is attempting to cancel the will of the voters

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday and said that the health and security of Israeli citizens stand @ @ @ @ @ “ This is why I say that the move [ Blue and White leader Benny @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to cancel the will of the voters , ” he continued .
Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ , as the Joint List Party is not a Zionist party , the Left does @ @ @ @ @ create a ruling coalition .
While not a Zionist party , Joint List is currently @ @ @ @ @ Blue and White 's leader Benny Gantz previously ruled out forming a government with the @ @ @

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday and said that the health and security of Israeli citizens stand above all other things.
“This is why I say that the move [Blue and White leader Benny] Gantz is doing is an attempt to cancel the will of the voters,” he continued.
Netanyahu went on to say that, as the Joint List Party is not a Zionist party, the Left does not have enough seats to create a ruling coalition.
While not a Zionist party, Joint List is currently the third largest party. Blue and White's leader Benny Gantz previously ruled out forming a government with the Joint List.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Coronavirus may disrupt Jerusalem Marathon

With at least 50,000 people in quarantine, the Health Ministry on Wednesday expanded its list of restrictive orders, which will likely lead to thousands more Israelis going into home isolation. By some reports, as many as 100,000 people are currently in isolation.“We have to understand, we are in the midst of a global epidemic ,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a press conference, “the most dangerous of these epidemics in the last 100 years.”He said that Israel is in one of the best positions of any Western country.“We had to take tough, even very rigid steps to slow the spread of the disease in Israel, and indeed it did,” the prime minister said. “Today we will take similar steps, dozens more steps.”Those steps include that a person returning to the country from France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain or Austria will be required to enter 14 days of quarantine. This restriction is retroactive and applies from the date that a person landed back in Israel.On Wednesday, some 19 flights were expected to land in Israel from these European countries, which would put hundreds more Israelis in quarantine, Channel 12 reported. Many of them would not even be aware of the new guidelines upon landing in Israel. Moreover, no foreigners arriving from these countries may enter Israel unless they can prove that they have a place in which they can be quarantined for the requisite time period. Any foreign traveler who has been in Iran, Iraq, Syria or Lebanon for the 14 days prior to arrival in Israel will not be allowed to enter.As a result of the travel restrictions, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Aviv Kochavi pushed off his upcoming trip to Washington.Healthcare workers are forbidden from international travel, and it is recommended that civil workers refrain from travel, too.Israel will not host international conferences until further notice, and citizens returning from international conferences will be required to enter quarantine as well. Mass events over 5,000 people will also not be allowed, canceling several festive events planned for the upcoming Purim holiday.Finally, the Health Ministry asks that individuals adhere to a strict personal hygiene and avoid shaking hands.Magen David Adom reported that it received three times its normal daily amount of calls Wednesday following the Health Ministry briefing, and asked the public to call only if they have symptoms of the virus. All others should call the Health Ministry coronavirus hotline.As a result of the new restrictions, the Jerusalem Municipality released a statement explaining that it is reviewing the precautions and determining how they might impact the Jerusalem Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on March 20.Furthermore, a basketball game between Hapoel Jerusalem and Peristeri BC at Jerusalem’s Payis Arena was held without fans. Israel’s National Soccer Cup was also impacted by the announcement.The press conference took place hours after it was determined that hundreds more Israelis are likely to enter isolation because a newly diagnosed coronavirus patient attended a soccer game at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv.The Health Ministry said that anyone who entered through gate Seight and sat in certain sections and rows of the stadium should go into home quarantine, after patient No. 13, a high school student from the Brenner Regional Council, visited the stadium on February 24.On the same day, the ministry announced that the Israelis who had been in home-based quarantine but voted at the Klausner Street “coronavirus voting station” in Tel Aviv were required to extend their isolation by another 14 days. This request came because “patient No. 15” was diagnosed with the novel virus Tuesday night.Patient 15 returned from Italy on February 29 and had been in self-quarantine – except the hour between 10:15 and 11:15 on Monday morning, when he left his house to vote in the election.One other person, patient No. 14, was also diagnosed late Tuesday: an elementary school deputy principal from Kiryat Ono.Patient No. 13 and patient No. 14 both contracted the coronavirus at the Red Pirate toy store in Or Yehuda.As a result of the student being diagnosed with the potentially lethal virus, some 1,500 high school students, teachers, staff members and even school bus drivers who came into contact with the student were asked to enter home quarantine.Twenty-seven students from the elementary school have also been quarantined.According to the Health Ministry, all of the newly diagnosed patients have mild symptoms.“All of the instructions provided by the Health Ministry have prevented the disease from spreading,” said Education Minister Rafi Peretz. “Schools and school principals are receiving clear instructions – we are not leaving anyone to deal with this on their own.“The decision to put these students in isolation was made by the Health Ministry,” he continued, noting that the Education Ministry would continue to follow the Health Ministry’s recommendation “in hopes that these actions will prevent wider spread.”Health Ministry director-general Prof. Itamar Grotto, who is currently under quarantine himself, posted on Facebook Wednesday to help inform the public about the spread of the coronavirus in Israel and around the world.He said that there are currently more than 93,000 cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide, and more than 3,200 people dead as a result. Outside of China, there have been 13,000 cases reported and about 200 deaths.“At present, the disease is declining in China,” he said, “but in all other countries, we are watching the rise and spread of the disease.”The disease associated with the coronavirus has been named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization.Grotto named South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland among the countries known to have high rates of the virus, but said that there are other countries about which we don’t have enough information, such as the United States.“It is estimated that the disease is more widespread than reported, and we need to make decisions based on partial information,” he said, “taking into account the differences between countries and their readiness levels.”Responding to an inquiry about whether people should forgo all travel or expect to face quarantine upon return to Israel, Grotto said that “travel to countries where an outbreak is already known should now be reconsidered,” and that one should reconsider any travel at all based on necessity and personal health status.“Older people, over the age of 60, or people who have preexisting conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory illness, are advised to take extreme care,” Grotto noted. “The risk for children under the age of 18 is actually lower.”Among the many recommendations by the Health Ministry is that people who fall into the high-risk category should not have any interaction with people who traveled abroad or have any symptoms similar to those of the coronavirus.The symptoms of the new coronavirus are fever, coughing and shortness of breath.Grotto added that the possibility of one returning from a visit and being required to go into isolation is real and should be taken into account.“However, it should be noted, as there is widespread expansion [of the virus] in Israel, the risk of acquiring the disease in Israel will be no different than abroad, and the Health Ministry’s recommendations will focus more on guidelines within Israel rather than travel abroad,” he said.“We believe that widespread expansion in Israel is inevitable,” Grotto concluded. “We are currently working on estimating the extent of morbidity expected, using mathematical models based on the knowledge we have on the subject from around the world.“It seems we are looking at dealing with this for at least the next few months, so we need to preserve our energy.”On Thursday, a conference will take place at Haifa University about the coronavirus. Participants from colleges and universities across Israel are expected to attend. They will receive an up-to-date overview on the world’s coronavirus morbidity and response, as well as review the Health Ministry’s guidelines.The country has expanded the number of hospitals that can treat coronavirus patients. On Tuesday, Rambam Medical Center opened an isolation unit . On Wednesday, the Rabin Medical Center-Hasharon Campus in Petah Tikva and Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon also announced they were prepared to take in COVID-19 patients. The 15-year-old teenager – patient No. 13 – is being held in quarantine at Barzilai.Until now, all patients that required hospitalization have been treated at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.On Wednesday night, Shimon Dahan, an Israeli who contracted coronavirus while staying aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, was released from the hospital. Dahan was the third Israeli to contract coronavirus while in Japan, and his doctors say he does not pose a risk to anyone.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Lawyer escaped the law for 15 years, sentenced for six

The Tel Aviv district court sentenced Michael Caprov, 66 years-old, to six years in prison for theft, fraud, and obstruction, Maariv reported on Wednesday.Caprov was able to dodge police for 15 years after being originally found guilty in 2004 for theft and fraud. The court sentenced him for another charge of obstruction due to his avoidance of justice.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Britain reaches 85 coronavirus cases in the biggest daily jump

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Britain rose to 85 on Wednesday in the biggest daily jump since it was first detected in the country, health ministry figures showed on Wednesday.The number of confirmed cases was 51 on Tuesday. Britain has not recorded any deaths from the disease.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Netanyahu: We're in the midst of a pandemic, and expanding quarantine

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told Israelis that while it is not openly spoken of as such, the coronavirus epidemic is a global-scale outbreak and it could “possibly be among the worst diseases in this century.”Italy is an advanced nation, he said, and yet is currently shutting down schools and universities in an attempt to prevent further spreading of the virus.“We have it under control,” he said, “also due to you, the people of Israel.”He asked Israelis to avoid handshakes and suggested greeting one another using the Indian greeting of namaste while keeping one’s hand clasped together.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Lufthansa to ground 150 aircraft due to coronavirus

Lufthansa will ground 150 aircraft due to the coronavirus, the German airline said on Wednesday."We are dynamically adjusting our plans to reflect extraordinary circumstances," a Lufthansa spokesman said.European airline bosses warned on Tuesday that the worst is still to come for the airline industry in terms of economic damage from the coronavirus outbreak, but they predicted that travel demand could stabilize in the coming weeks


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Italian govt likely to order Serie A matches be played behind closed doors

`` We are heading towards that decision , '' Spadafora told reporters when asked if the government was thinking of @ @ @ @ @ .

Italy's Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said on Wednesday the government was likely to order that all top-flight Serie A soccer matches should be played behind closed doors in a further effort to contain the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
"We are heading towards that decision," Spadafora told reporters when asked if the government was thinking of blocking fans from attending games.
The government last month banned sporting events in the country's most affected northern regions and so far 10 Serie A matches have been postponed. However, the contagion has spread and ministers are considering new measures to tackle it.


jerusalempost--2020-03-04--Egypt bars entry of Qatari nationals over coronavirus fears

Egypt has decided to bar the entry of Qatari nationals, including those who have valid residency in Egypt, amid fears over the coronavirus, the cabinet said on Wednesday.The measure will take effect from March 6 until further notice. Qatar had on Sunday imposed a temporary restriction on entry to its territory on visitors from Egypt via intermediate points because of the virus's spread.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Asia World Cup qualifiers may be postponed due to coronavirus

Asian World Cup qualifying matches may be postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, world soccer body FIFA said after meeting Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officials on Thursday."For both FIFA and the AFC, the well-being and health of all individuals involved in football matches remains the highest priority, and as such, a formal proposal to postpone upcoming matches in the Asian FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers will now be shared with the relevant member associations," it said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Tourist from Greece diagnosed with coronavirus after visiting Israel, PA

A tourist from Greece who visited Israel between February 19 and 27 has tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Health Ministry.The ministry is conducting an epidemiological investigation, in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority. The relevant information will be released to the public as soon possible.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--South Africa confirms first case of coronavirus

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa on Thursday confirmed a case of coronavirus, the health ministry said, the country's first case of the deadly disease sweeping through the world."The National Institute for Communicable Diseases confirmed that a suspected case of COVID-19 has tested positive," the ministry said."The patient is a 38-year-old male who traveled to Italy with his wife. They were part of a group of 10 people and they arrived back in South Africa on March 1, 2020," it added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity ordered closed over coronavirus fears

The ministry did not say how long the closure of the church , a popular pilgrimage site at the traditional @ @ @ @ @ last .

Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity was ordered closed on Thursday due to concern over the coronavirus, the Palestinian Tourism Ministry said.
The ministry did not say how long the closure of the church, a popular pilgrimage site at the traditional birthplace of Jesus, would last.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Putin begins talks with Erdogan on Syria with condolences for dead Turkish soldiers

Putin , speaking alongside Erdogan at a meeting in the Kremlin , said the situation in Syria 's Idlib province @ @ @ @ @ it required direct talks between the two men .

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday began Syria ceasefire talks with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan by offering his condolences over the recent killing of Turkish soldiers in Syria's Idlib region.
Putin, speaking alongside Erdogan at a meeting in the Kremlin, said the situation in Syria's Idlib province had become so tense that it required direct talks between the two men.
Erdogan is in Moscow at a time when the Russian and Turkish militaries are facing off in a war that has displaced nearly a million people in three months.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Health Ministry: Coronavirus warnings on social media 'fake news'

The Health Ministry reported on Thursday that there is a false message being shared on social media that talks about mass closures and imminent economic collapseThe ministry asks that the public only get information from official sources and that people continue to operate as usual


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Iran reports 107 deaths, 3,513 infections from coronavirus

`` In the last 24 hours the lab samples that have been confirmed include 591 infections from COVID-19 ... so @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , '' Jahanpur said .
`` Unfortunately 15 people died in the past day @ @ @ @ @ our dear countrymen who have passed away from COVID-19 to 107 . ''

One hundred and seven people have died and 3,513 have been infected with coronavirus in Iran, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur announced on state TV on Thursday.
"In the last 24 hours the lab samples that have been confirmed include 591 infections from COVID-19 ...so we have 3513 cases of COVID-19," Jahanpur said. "Unfortunately 15 people died in the past day which brings the total of our dear countrymen who have passed away from COVID-19 to 107."
All schools and universities will be closed until the end of the Iranian calendar year on March 20, Health Minister Saeed Namaki announced on state TV earlier.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Japan to suspend visas for Chinese, South Korean visitors, quarantine them

Japan will suspend existing visas for visitors from China and South Korea and quarantine them for two weeks in response to the widening coronavirus virus, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday.The measures will go into effect on March 9.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Palestinian Authority issues foreign tourist ban over coronavirus fears

The number of confirmed Palestinian coronavirus cases has risen to 19, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health announced on Saturday.The ministry said 18 Palestinians have been placed in quarantine for 14 days – 16 in Jericho and two at the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.Another 350 Palestinians who were in the company of infected or suspected cases were ordered to isolate themselves at home, the ministry added.On Thursday, PA Minister of Health Mai al-Kaila announced that seven Palestinians from Bethlehem have tested positive for the coronavirus.Thirty-two people are being kept in a quarantine at the Angel Hotel in Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, where Greek tourists stayed last week. One of the tourists was diagnosed with the virus after returning to his country.Another 15 people are in a quarantine at a hotel in Bethlehem visited by infected touristsThe ministry said tests have been conducted on 500 Palestinians suspected of contracting the disease, but all turned out negative.On Thursday PA President Mahmoud Abbas declared a 30-day “state of emergency” to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.The decision came shortly after Defense Minister Naftali Bennet ordered the IDF to lockdown Bethlehem due to concerns regarding the spread of the virus.The PA has ordered all churches, mosques and educational institutions closed until further notice after the discovery of the coronavirus cases in Bethlehem.In addition, the PA has decided to impose a ban on the entry of tourists from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Iran and Italy into Palestinian communities.The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bethlehem announced the formation of an emergency committee to follow on the situation in the city as most residents remained indoors and businesses were shut over the weekend.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Kazakhstan bars entry to South Korean nationals due to coronavirus

Kazakhstan will bar entry to nationals of South Korea from March 8 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, deputy industry minister Berik Kamaliyev said on Thursday.Healthcare minister Yelzhan Birtanov told the same briefing that the Central Asian nation stood ready to deport foreigners who arrived from South Korea and other countries such as China from where it has banned nationals from entering Kazakhstan due to the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Versace postpones fashion show in the United States because of coronavirus

The decision follows `` restrictive measures relating to international mobility , '' said a statement by the Milan-based fashion house @ @ @ @ @ Capri Holding .
The 'Cruise ' Collection - a show that is hosted outside the @ @ @ @ @ which is an important source of sales - was supposed to be held on May @ @ @ @ @ not disclosed .
The statement added that `` Versace is aware of the need to @ @ @ @ @ and safety of its guests and employees '' and that further details would be provided @ @ @ @ @ Last month Italy 's Prada put off a show in Japan in May due to @ @ @ @

Italian brand Versace said on Thursday it was postponing a fashion show scheduled for mid-May in the United States because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The decision follows "restrictive measures relating to international mobility," said a statement by the Milan-based fashion house which is owned by U.S. Capri Holding.
The 'Cruise' Collection - a show that is hosted outside the usual fashion week calendar but which is an important source of sales - was supposed to be held on May 16. The location was not disclosed.
The statement added that "Versace is aware of the need to give priority to the health and safety of its guests and employees" and that further details would be provided as soon as possible.
Last month Italy's Prada put off a show in Japan in May due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani decided to hold a closed door show at Milan Fashion Week on Feb. 23, days after the first official case of coronavirus was announced in the northern regions of Italy.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Erdogan flies to Moscow for Syria ceasefire talks with Putin

A senior Turkish official told Reuters that a ceasefire was likely to be finally agreed at the meeting , after @ @ @ @ @ halt fighting between Turkey and allied Syrian rebels and Russian-backed Syrian government forces .
`` @ @ @ @ @ determinant today than military diplomacy , '' the official said .
Russian air strikes have @ @ @ @ @ President Bashar al-Assad 's forces to retake the last large rebel-held territory in the northwest @

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan flew to Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin over a potential ceasefire in Syria's Idlib, where their militaries are facing off in a war that has displaced nearly a million people in three months.
A senior Turkish official told Reuters that a ceasefire was likely to be finally agreed at the meeting, after weeks of diplomacy failed to halt fighting between Turkey and allied Syrian rebels and Russian-backed Syrian government forces.
"Political diplomacy will be more determinant today than military diplomacy," the official said.
Russian air strikes have propelled a push by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces to retake the last large rebel-held territory in the northwest.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Dubai requests all sports activities to be postponed due to coronavirus

The circular , issued by Dubai Sports Council , said the request was a precautionary measure to ensure public health @ @ @ @ @ the Dubai government media office did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment .

Dubai has asked sports events organizers to postpone all sports related activities until the end of the month due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a government circular seen by Reuters.
The circular, issued by Dubai Sports Council, said the request was a precautionary measure to ensure public health.
Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai government media office did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.
The United Arab Emirates has reported at least 27 cases of people infected with the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Germany reports 109 new confirmed coronavirus cases

As of Thursday morning , there were 349 cases spread across all but one federal state , up from 240 @ @ @ @ @ with 262 on Wednesday afternoon , the Robert Koch Institute said .
The hardest-hit state @ @ @ @ @ North Rhine-Westphalia , Germany 's most populous , with 175 cases .

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany jumped by 109 within a day, a public health institute said on Thursday.
As of Thursday morning, there were 349 cases spread across all but one federal state, up from 240 on Wednesday morning and compared with 262 on Wednesday afternoon, the Robert Koch Institute said.
The hardest-hit state is the western region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous, with 175 cases.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Swiss report first coronavirus death

Swiss report first coronavirus death

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A 74-year-old woman in western Switzerland has died after contracting the new coronavirus, the country's first death from the rapidly spreading disease outbreak, regional police said on Thursday.The woman had been hospitalized in the canton of Vaud since Tuesday, police said. She was a high-risk patient suffering from chronic disease, authorities added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Iraq cancels Friday prayer in Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala over coronavirus

Iraq canceled Friday prayers in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala due to conerns about the coronavirus, a statement from the holy site administration said on Thursday.Kerbala, like the neighboring holy city of Najaf, attract Shi'ites pilgrims from Iraq and abroad.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--South Korea reports 322 additional cases of coronavirus

South Korea reported 322 more cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, taking the total tally to 6,088 after 438 new cases were reported earlier in the day.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Bosnia confirms its first case of coronavirus

Bosnia has confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus, television in the country's Serb-dominated region reported on Thursday, quoting the health ministry.The case was confirmed in the Serb Republic but there were no details available immediately, the RTRS said. The regional health ministry will hold a news conference at 8 a.m. GMT. Bosnia is divided into two regions, one dominated by Serbs and the other by Croats and Bosniak Muslims.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Four tourists reportedly spread coronavirus in Bethlehem

Four tourists who visited Bethlehem reportedly had coronavirus , making this the first time the virus has been reported in @ @ @ @ @ of the emplyoees of the hotel in which the tourists stayed were placed under at-home @ @

Four tourists who visited Bethlehem reportedly had coronavirus, making this the first time the virus has been reported in the Palestinian Authority, Ynet reported citing Palestinian media.
All of the emplyoees of the hotel in which the tourists stayed were placed under at-home quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Coronavirus measures may postpone Netanyahu's trial - report

The Prison Authority, Ministry of Justice and Israel Police may declare a state of emergency regarding the coronavirus that could delay Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, Kan reported on Thursday.If adopted, the measure will postpone all non-urgent court proceedings. As Netanyahu's trial is planned for March 17, this would likely be included in the postponed events.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--UAE advises against travel abroad over coronavirus concerns

DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates has urged citizens and other residents to avoid traveling abroad because of concerns over a coronavirus, state news agency WAM said on Thursday.Authorities in the Gulf state may order medical checks on returning travelers and ask them to stay in isolation at home, pending the outcome, WAM said, citing a health ministry statement.The UAE, which has closed schools and educational institutions for four weeks, said students and education workers would have to spend 14 days in home isolation on returning to the country.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Thailand reports four new coronavirus cases, total 47

The new cases include a 29 year-old Italian man who arrived in Thailand on March 1 and was diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ in Chonburi province on March 2 .
The second case is a 42 year-old Thai @ @ @ @ @ from Italy on March 2 and was diagnosed with the virus on March 3 in @ @ @ @ @ third is a 22 year-old Chinese male student who was screened with symptoms while in @ @ @ @ @ Airport while traveling from Iran to China .
The fourth case is a 20 year-old @ @ @ @ @ from Iran on Feb. 27 and was diagnosed with the virus in the southern Nakhon @ @ @ @ @ 2 .

Thailand reports four new coronavirus cases, bringing its total to 47 since January, Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoen, director-general of the Department of Disease Control said in a news conference on Thursday.
The new cases include a 29 year-old Italian man who arrived in Thailand on March 1 and was diagnosed with the virus at a hospital in Chonburi province on March 2.
The second case is a 42 year-old Thai male office worker who returned from Italy on March 2 and was diagnosed with the virus on March 3 in a Chonburi hospital.
The third is a 22 year-old Chinese male student who was screened with symptoms while in transit at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport while traveling from Iran to China.
The fourth case is a 20 year-old Thai male student who arrived from Iran on Feb. 27 and was diagnosed with the virus in the southern Nakhon Si Thammarat province on March 2.
Thailand has recorded one coronavirus fatality, 31 patients have recovered and returned home, while 15 are still being treated in hospitals.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Australia to ban travelers from South Korea due to coronavirus

The Australian government on Thursday banned the arrival of foreigners from South Korea , tightening its border controls in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus as it recorded its second death from the illness .
Prime Minister Scott Morrison also extended existing bans on foreigners arriving from mainland China and Iran and said there would be tougher screening processes for people arriving from Italy .
`` It affords the best protection and enables us to slow down the rate of transmission , '' Morrison told reporters in Canberra as he outlined the new restrictions .
Australia was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hardline approach to tackling the coronavirus outbreak , imposing border controls on visitors from the epidemic 's epicenter in China just over a month ago .
Iran , Italy and South Korea have each reported thousands of coronavirus cases .
The restrictions mean that any foreign traveler who has been in China , Iran and South Korea within two weeks of arriving in Australia will be turned away .
Australian nationals and residents are exempted from the bans , but are required to self-isolate from two weeks on their return to Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed on a weekly basis .
Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed that Australia now has 53 cases of coronavirus .
The majority of those cases are people who contracted the disease while onboard a Carnival Corp cruise ship and were evacuated back to Australia for treatment after the Diamond Princess was quarantined off the Japanese coast .
However , concerns are growing that the illness may spread more rapidly as people in at least five of the confirmed cases contracted the virus locally , including doctors who had not treated any known infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bans are expected to weigh on Australia 's economy .
Australia 's Treasury Department on Thursday earlier warned the crisis will subtract at least half a percentage point from the country 's economic growth in the current quarter .

The Australian government on Thursday banned the arrival of foreigners from South Korea, tightening its border controls in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus as it recorded its second death from the illness.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison also extended existing bans on foreigners arriving from mainland China and Iran and said there would be tougher screening processes for people arriving from Italy.
"It affords the best protection and enables us to slow down the rate of transmission," Morrison told reporters in Canberra as he outlined the new restrictions.
Australia was one of the first countries to take a hardline approach to tackling the coronavirus outbreak, imposing border controls on visitors from the epidemic's epicenter in China just over a month ago.
Iran, Italy and South Korea have each reported thousands of coronavirus cases.
The restrictions mean that any foreign traveler who has been in China, Iran and South Korea within two weeks of arriving in Australia will be turned away.
Australian nationals and residents are exempted from the bans, but are required to self-isolate from two weeks on their return to Australia.
Morrison said the bans would be reviewed on a weekly basis.
Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed that Australia now has 53 cases of coronavirus. The majority of those cases are people who contracted the disease while onboard a Carnival Corp cruise ship and were evacuated back to Australia for treatment after the Diamond Princess was quarantined off the Japanese coast.
However, concerns are growing that the illness may spread more rapidly as people in at least five of the confirmed cases contracted the virus locally, including doctors who had not treated any known infected patients.
The extension of the travel bans are expected to weigh on Australia's economy.
Australia's Treasury Department on Thursday earlier warned the crisis will subtract at least half a percentage point from the country's economic growth in the current quarter.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Microsoft asks employees in Seattle area to work from home

Microsoft asked many of its employees in the Seattle region near its headquarters and the San Francisco Bay Area to work from home if possible until March 25 .
`` Taking these measures will ensure your safety and also make the workplace safer for those that need to be onsite , '' Executive Vice President Kurt DelBene told employees in a blog post .
The post said that some employees for whom `` it is essential to be in the office or other work environments '' - such as data center and retail employees - should continue to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would follow government guidelines for disinfecting its sites for essential personnel .
Microsoft also asked employees to suspend any business travel to the areas `` unless essential for the continuity of Microsoft . ''
Microsoft also said employees should cancel non-essential travel to areas with active coronavirus cases - which includes much of Europe , Asia and the Americas - and that employees were not required to travel if they had concerns about doing so .
In the greater Seattle area , the total number of coronavirus cases climbed to 39 on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and nine deaths a day earlier , the Washington State Health Department announced .
The first death in California from the coronavirus was announced on Wednesday .
The Seattle area has the largest concentration of coronavirus cases detected to date in the United States .
Several cases were connected to a long-term care facility for the elderly .
Microsoft also implemented new guidelines for employees who do come to its offices .
It recommended `` limiting prolonged close interactions with people '' by keeping in-person meetings as short as possible and staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meters , away from others .

Microsoft asked many of its employees in the Seattle region near its headquarters and the San Francisco Bay Area to work from home if possible until March 25.
"Taking these measures will ensure your safety and also make the workplace safer for those that need to be onsite," Executive Vice President Kurt DelBene told employees in a blog post.
The post said that some employees for whom "it is essential to be in the office or other work environments" - such as data center and retail employees - should continue to go to their work locations and that the company would follow government guidelines for disinfecting its sites for essential personnel.
Microsoft also asked employees to suspend any business travel to the areas "unless essential for the continuity of Microsoft."
Microsoft also said employees should cancel non-essential travel to areas with active coronavirus cases - which includes much of Europe, Asia and the Americas - and that employees were not required to travel if they had concerns about doing so.
In the greater Seattle area, the total number of coronavirus cases climbed to 39 on Wednesday and 10 deaths, up from 27 cases and nine deaths a day earlier, the Washington State Health Department announced. The first death in California from the coronavirus was announced on Wednesday.
The Seattle area has the largest concentration of coronavirus cases detected to date in the United States. Several cases were connected to a long-term care facility for the elderly.
Microsoft also implemented new guidelines for employees who do come to its offices. It recommended "limiting prolonged close interactions with people" by keeping in-person meetings as short as possible and staying at least 6 feet, or 1.8 meters, away from others.
Microsoft Corp on Wednesday joined the growing number of US companies asking employees to work from home in order to limit exposure to the spreading coronavirus outbreak, as it responded to cases near its Seattle headquarters and in California.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--South Korea confirms 438 new coronavirus cases, 5,766 total infections

The Korea Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention also said three more deaths from the virus were reported , @ @ @ @ @ .

The Korea Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention also said three more deaths from the virus were reported, bringing the total to 35.
South Korea confirmed 438 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking total infections to 5,766.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Coronavirus spreads in Japan as IOC reaffirms commitment to Olympics

A man in his 60s tested positive for the virus , marking the first confirmed infection from Shiga prefecture , @ @ @ @ @ media briefing on Thursday .
Japan 's confirmed coronavirus infections rose above 1,000 on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ were confirmed , the biggest one-day increase to date .
Twelve people have died from @ @ @ @ @ the health ministry .
The rapid spread of the outbreak has raised questions about whether @ @ @ @ @ Games as scheduled from July 24 .
But IOC President Thomas Bach said the words @ @ @ @ @ were not mentioned during two-day meeting focused on preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Games .
@ @ @ @ @ confident the Games would go ahead , Bach said the IOC and 2020 Games organizers @ @ @ @ @ including from the World Health Organization .

A man in his 60s tested positive for the virus, marking the first confirmed infection from Shiga prefecture, an official said at a media briefing on Thursday.
Japan's confirmed coronavirus infections rose above 1,000 on Wednesday, when 36 new cases were confirmed, the biggest one-day increase to date. Twelve people have died from the disease, according to the health ministry.
The rapid spread of the outbreak has raised questions about whether Tokyo can host the Olympic Games as scheduled from July 24.
But IOC President Thomas Bach said the words 'cancellation' or 'postponement' were not mentioned during two-day meeting focused on preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Asked what made him so confident the Games would go ahead, Bach said the IOC and 2020 Games organizers were receiving expert information, including from the World Health Organization.
Japan's western prefecture of Shiga reported its first coronavirus infection as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirmed its commitment to starting the Tokyo games on schedule in July.


jerusalempost--2020-03-06--Turkey attacks Syrian military after two Turkish troops killed - Anadolu

On Thursday , two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded after Syrian government forces opened fire in the @ @ @ @ @ , the Turkish Defence Ministry said .
A ceasefire deal between agreed between Russian President @ @ @ @ @ Recep Tayyip Erdogan came into effect at midnight in Idlib .

On Thursday, two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded after Syrian government forces opened fire in the northwestern Syrian town of Idlib, the Turkish Defence Ministry said.
A ceasefire deal between agreed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan came into effect at midnight in Idlib.
CAIRO, - Turkey killed 21 members of the Syrian government armed forces and destroyed two artillery pieces and two missile launchers after two Turkish soldiers were killed earlier, the state-owned Anadolu news agency reported on Friday, citing the Turkish Defence Ministry.


jerusalempost--2020-03-06--Three coronavirus cases confirmed in Maryland -governor

The patients contracted the disease while traveling overseas and are in good condition , Hogan said .
He provided no @ @ @

The patients contracted the disease while traveling overseas and are in good condition, Hogan said. He provided no additional details.
WASHINGTON - Maryland's public health laboratory has confirmed three coronavirus cases, Governor Larry Hogan said in a statement on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--US coronavirus death toll rises to 12

US coronavirus death toll rises to 12

Of the 12 U.S. deaths , 11 have come in Washington state and one in California .
Many of the @ @ @ @ @ linked to an outbreak at a nursing facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland , @ @ @ @

Of the 12 U.S. deaths, 11 have come in Washington state and one in California.
Many of the cases in Washington have been linked to an outbreak at a nursing facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, including six deaths.
The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus rose to 12 on Thursday when King County, Washington reported the latest fatality.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Harris County, Texas, confirms first two cases of coronavirus

The two cases are believed to be travel-related , the Harris County Public Health department said in a written statement @ @ @ @ @ evidence of community spread .

The two cases are believed to be travel-related, the Harris County Public Health department said in a written statement, and there is no evidence of community spread.
Nearby Fort Bend County reported a presumptive positive case on Wednesday.
March 5 - The first two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Harris County, Texas, public health officials there said on Thursday, in a man and woman from an unincorporated area north of Houston.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Ireland reports first coronavirus community transmission, cases hit 13

DUBLIN - Health authorities in Ireland reported the first community transmission of coronavirus not associated with travel from an affected @ @ @ @ @ as the number of cases rose to 13 from six a day earlier .
The @ @ @ @ @ virus via community transmission is in a hospital in Cork , where his diagnosis was @ @ @ @ @ after admission , giving rise to the potential of contact with health workers , Dr @ @ @ @ @ Officer with the Department of Health told a news conference .
Cork University Hospital ( @ @ @ @ @ that strict visiting restrictions had been put in place at the hospital due to infection @ @ @ @ @ outpatient appointments on Friday canceled .

DUBLIN - Health authorities in Ireland reported the first community transmission of coronavirus not associated with travel from an affected area of Italy on Thursday as the number of cases rose to 13 from six a day earlier.
The male patient who contracted the virus via community transmission is in a hospital in Cork, where his diagnosis was made a number of days after admission, giving rise to the potential of contact with health workers, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health told a news conference.
Cork University Hospital (CUH) said on Twitter that strict visiting restrictions had been put in place at the hospital due to infection control concerns, with all outpatient appointments on Friday canceled.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Naftali Bennett closes Bethlehem, Abbas declares state of emergency

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett announced on Thursday , in coordination with the IDF and Palestinian Authority ( PA ) , @ @ @ @ @ to concerns on the spreading of coronavirus .
Both Israelis and Palestinians will be restricted @ @ @ @ @ city .
The decision by Bennett to close the city was made on the basis @ @ @ @ @ originating from the Bethlehem area .
The closure will take effect on Thursday evening until @ @ @ @ @ on access .
Palestinian Authority President Abbas also declared a 'state of emergency ' in @ @ @ @ @ after 7 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Bethlehem .

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett announced on Thursday, in coordination with the IDF and Palestinian Authority (PA), a closure of Bethlehem due to concerns on the spreading of coronavirus. Both Israelis and Palestinians will be restricted from entering and leaving the city.
The decision by Bennett to close the city was made on the basis of several cases of coronavirus originating from the Bethlehem area.
The closure will take effect on Thursday evening until a new announcement is made on access.
Palestinian Authority President Abbas also declared a 'state of emergency' in Palestinian territories for 30 days after 7 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Bethlehem.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Knesset Speaker Edelstein appoints attorney Sagit Afik as legal adviser

Afik will take office upon the end of Attorney Eyal Yanon 's ten-year term on April 1 .
For the @ @ @ @ @ served as the Finance Committee 's General Counsel .

Afik will take office upon the end of Attorney Eyal Yanon's ten-year term on April 1. For the past 15 years, Afik served as the Finance Committee's General Counsel.
Current Speaker of the Knesset and Likud second-in-command Yuli Edelstein appointed a new interim-legal adviser for the upcoming 23rd Knesset, following the results of the 2020 Israeli election held on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Israeli and Palestinian Authority officials meet to discuss coronavirus

Follow-up meetings are also being planned to discuss additional measures to manage the outbreak of the virus , which has @ @ @ @ @ cases in both Israel and the PA-controlled West Bank .

Follow-up meetings are also being planned to discuss additional measures to manage the outbreak of the virus, which has led to a growing number cases in both Israel and the PA-controlled West Bank.
Representatives from Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) met Thursday to discuss and share information on the coronavirus, according to a report released by Haaretz.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Katyusha rockets fired towards US embassy in Iraqi capital - sources

At least two Katyusha rockets were fired late on Thursday towards the heavily fortified Green Zone, which is housing the US embassy and other missions, in the Iraqi capital, police sources said.One rocket landed near the entrance of the Green Zone the other near the Turkish embassy, the sources said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--France reports three more coronavirus deaths, taking total to seven

A total of 23 people are in a very serious condition , health agency director Jerome Salomon said at a @ @ @ @ @ .

Three more people have died from coronavirus infection in France on Thursday, taking the total to seven, while the number of confirmed infections rose by 138 to 423, a health official said.
A total of 23 people are in a very serious condition, health agency director Jerome Salomon said at a daily briefing about the virus.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a video on the Elysee palace website that it now appeared to be "inevitable" the coronavirus outbreak will develop into an epidemic in France.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--17th Israeli diagnosed with coronavirus

17th Israeli diagnosed with coronavirus

On Thursday , two more Israelis were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease , and an American tourist who spent time in Jerusalem before returning to New York was diagnosed with the virus .
Patient No .
17 , a pensioner from the center of the country , returned to Israel from Italy on February 29 , according to the Health Ministry .
The patient drove from Ben-Gurion Airport directly to his home in a private car and entered isolation .
Patient No .
16 is a 38-year-old male tour-bus driver from east Jerusalem who is currently being treated in isolation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checked in with pneumonia .
According to the hospital ’ s director of infectious disease , the man is in stable condition and fully conscious .
Hebrew media reported that the driver recently toured with a group of pilgrims from Greece , 21 of whom had been diagnosed with coronavirus upon return to their country on February 27 .
The group had made stops in Israel , the West Bank and Egypt .
The Palestinian Authority Tourism Ministry said it closed Bethlehem ’ s Church of the Nativity on Thursday due to concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood that the Greeks prayed at the site .
The ministry did not say how long the closure order would remain in effect .
Earlier in the day , the Health Ministry shared the itinerary of the American woman from Westchester , New York , who traveled around Jerusalem from February 23-27 .
She visited several locations popular with Anglo-Israelis , including Mamilla , First Station and Talpiot .
The ministry is asking anyone who was in the locations she visited when she was there to immediately start a 14-day home isolation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ following locations must be placed under a 14-day home quarantine : Italy , Germany , France , Spain , Austria , Switzerland , mainland China ( including Hong Kong and Macau ) , South Korea , Japan , Thailand and Singapore , ” the Health Ministry said Thursday .
An estimated 70,000 Israelis are currently in self-isolation , according to the Health Ministry .
On Wednesday , the ministry expanded restrictions to help avoid spread of the potentially lethal virus , asking the public to avoid congregating in groups of more than 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conferences .
Healthcare workers and soldiers are forbidden to travel abroad .
The Israel Police reported that a number of people are deliberately violating Health Ministry quarantine regulations .
As a result , the police opened eight separate criminal investigations against people who have not stayed in quarantine as required by the Health Ministry .
Government officials held several meetings about the coronavirus Thursday , including with foreign diplomats in Jerusalem in an effort to defend the travel ban it has put in place against tourists from 12 countries .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions because we can , ” Population and Immigration Authority director-general Shlomo Mor-Yosef told a gathering of foreign diplomats while explaining the decision to not allow tourists arriving from 12 countries into Israel .
“ We are talking about risk management of an international global pandemic , ” he said .
“ Every country has its own measures and its own limitations and ability .
It depends how much risk you would like to take .
“ All the measures are not against anyone and not pro-anyone , ” Mor-Yosef said .
Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimal ports of entry , while European countries are too porous and can not monitor entry and exits in the same fashion , he said .
The outbreak of the disease in Israel has been linked so far to Israelis returning from abroad and tourists who came here , Mor-Yosef said of the 17 reported cases of coronavirus in the country .
The epidemic has not yet reached the stage of community infection .
“ We can count the numbers by names .
We know exactly where they came from and how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that home isolation is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease .
“ The minute we will have cases that came out of the blue , meaning we do not know how they acquired the disease , I think that home isolation won ’ t be the right medication , ” he added .
Because tourists can not comply with a self-quarantine , at-home plan , the best solution is to keep them from entering the country unless they can prove that they have a place in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Hotel-room isolation is not home isolation , so the decision if you are a tourist [ from the 12 countries ] ... you are not allowed into Israel , ” he said .
Those who are not Israeli citizens but are permanent or temporary residents will be allowed into Israel but must comply with the self-isolation instructions , including diplomats and business people , Mor-Yosef said .
`` When we started with China , the ambassador was on his way to Israel , ” he said .
“ He stayed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is working.
” Many people are not working , and many activities are being canceled as a result of the threat of the virus spreading .
The Tomb of Joseph in Nablus has been ordered closed ahead of the scheduled monthly visit , which was to take place on Monday , the Jewish Fast of Esther , due to the outbreak of coronavirus .
Following discussions between Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan , OC Samaria Brigade Col. Sagiv Dahan and in consultation with Rabbi Elyakim Levanon of the Elon Moreh Yeshiva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monthly visit .
The decision was made by telephone consultation with Dagan , as he is currently in home quarantine after returning from France earlier this week , in accordance with a directive issued by the Health Ministry on Wednesday .
Dagan said in a statement : “ Following the assessment of the situation we had with the Shimron Brigade and the Central Command and in light of the Health ’ s Ministry ’ s instructions , we decided to postpone the entrance to Joseph ’ s Tomb on the third day of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ta ’ anit Esther [ Fast of Esther . ]
“ We have a responsibility to get the general public to pray and connect with their roots , ” he said .
“ But on such days , we must take increased precautions and obey the Health Ministry ’ s instructions for the health of our people .
We count on the IDF and the health system .
We will immediately coordinate with the Samaria Division to determine the new date for entering Joseph ’ s Tomb.
” Monthly entry to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nablus , is organized by the Samaria Regional Council in coordination with Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories [ COGAT ] and the IDF Samaria Division .
Averting fears that the Western Wall in Jerusalem may be closed to visitors , Health Minister Ya ’ acov Litzman announced on Wednesday that the Western Wall Plaza is open and that there is no concern about coming to the Western Wall due to the coronavirus .
Shmuel Rabinowitz , rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites , said : “ In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more appropriate than coming to pray at the Western Wall and asking the Creator of the Universe , the Healer of all men , to remove all illness from the inhabitants of this land and the entire world.
” Nine people who had been quarantined at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer expressed thanks on Thursday .
These individuals , who were not diagnosed with the illness but had been on the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship , were released from the hospital Thursday night to much celebration .
There had been 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ docked in Yokohama , Japan , when the coronavirus started spreading aboard the boat .
Four Israelis were diagnosed with virus before leaving the ship .
Another 10 Israelis underwent 14 days of quarantine on the boat and then were brought to Israel for a further 14 days of quarantine at Sheba .
Before being released , the patients were rechecked and confirmed not to be carrying the virus .
The quarantine restrictions are beginning to have acute economic impact on Israel .
On Thursday , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tasked Finance Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support businesses deemed critical for the economy , as local businesses have lost billions of shekels due to the quarantine of employees , lack of supplies , delivery delays and cancellation of flights .
At the same time , some industries are benefiting .
A report on Israel ’ s Channel 12 showed that due to widespread fear that they will have to enter isolation , Israelis are stockpiling pasta , cereal , bottled water and other dry goods .
And the online grocery shopping industry is skyrocketing with people afraid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the World Health Organization ’ s March 5 report , there are now 95,265 reported cases of COVID-19 globally , and 3,355 deaths .
In the past 24 hours , China reported 143 cases .
Outside China , 2,055 cases were reported in 33 countries .
“ This epidemic can be pushed back , but only with a collective , coordinated and comprehensive approach that engages the entire machinery of government , ” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday during a virtual press conference .
“ We are calling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale and clear-minded determination .
”

Seventeen Israelis have been diagnosed with coronavirus, and some 70,000 more are in home isolation, as fears of a pandemic spread ahead of the Purim holiday.On Thursday, two more Israelis were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease, and an American tourist who spent time in Jerusalem before returning to New York was diagnosed with the virus.Patient No. 17, a pensioner from the center of the country, returned to Israel from Italy on February 29, according to the Health Ministry. The patient drove from Ben-Gurion Airport directly to his home in a private car and entered isolation.Patient No. 16 is a 38-year-old male tour-bus driver from east Jerusalem who is currently being treated in isolation at Poriya Hospital in Tiberias, where he checked in with pneumonia. According to the hospital’s director of infectious disease, the man is in stable condition and fully conscious.Hebrew media reported that the driver recently toured with a group of pilgrims from Greece, 21 of whom had been diagnosed with coronavirus upon return to their country on February 27. The group had made stops in Israel, the West Bank and Egypt.The Palestinian Authority Tourism Ministry said it closed Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity on Thursday due to concern over the coronavirus, after it was understood that the Greeks prayed at the site. The ministry did not say how long the closure order would remain in effect.Earlier in the day, the Health Ministry shared the itinerary of the American woman from Westchester, New York, who traveled around Jerusalem from February 23-27. She visited several locations popular with Anglo-Israelis, including Mamilla, First Station and Talpiot.The ministry is asking anyone who was in the locations she visited when she was there to immediately start a 14-day home isolation.“[Israeli] travelers from the following locations must be placed under a 14-day home quarantine: Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, mainland China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore,” the Health Ministry said Thursday.An estimated 70,000 Israelis are currently in self-isolation, according to the Health Ministry.On Wednesday, the ministry expanded restrictions to help avoid spread of the potentially lethal virus, asking the public to avoid congregating in groups of more than 5,000 people and to stay away from international conferences. Healthcare workers and soldiers are forbidden to travel abroad.The Israel Police reported that a number of people are deliberately violating Health Ministry quarantine regulations. As a result, the police opened eight separate criminal investigations against people who have not stayed in quarantine as required by the Health Ministry.“The police will be notified of those who violate the guidelines of the Health Ministry and will react,” the Israel Police said in a statement.Government officials held several meetings about the coronavirus Thursday, including with foreign diplomats in Jerusalem in an effort to defend the travel ban it has put in place against tourists from 12 countries.“We are [putting in place] so many restrictions because we can,” Population and Immigration Authority director-general Shlomo Mor-Yosef told a gathering of foreign diplomats while explaining the decision to not allow tourists arriving from 12 countries into Israel.“We are talking about risk management of an international global pandemic,” he said. “Every country has its own measures and its own limitations and ability. It depends how much risk you would like to take.“All the measures are not against anyone and not pro-anyone,” Mor-Yosef said.Israel’s borders are highly monitored with minimal ports of entry, while European countries are too porous and cannot monitor entry and exits in the same fashion, he said.The outbreak of the disease in Israel has been linked so far to Israelis returning from abroad and tourists who came here, Mor-Yosef said of the 17 reported cases of coronavirus in the country. The epidemic has not yet reached the stage of community infection.“We can count the numbers by names. We know exactly where they came from and how they acquired the disease,” Mor-Yosef said, adding that home isolation is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease. “The minute we will have cases that came out of the blue, meaning we do not know how they acquired the disease, I think that home isolation won’t be the right medication,” he added.Because tourists cannot comply with a self-quarantine, at-home plan, the best solution is to keep them from entering the country unless they can prove that they have a place in which to stay in Israel, Mor-Yosef said.“Hotel-room isolation is not home isolation, so the decision if you are a tourist [from the 12 countries]... you are not allowed into Israel,” he said.Those who are not Israeli citizens but are permanent or temporary residents will be allowed into Israel but must comply with the self-isolation instructions, including diplomats and business people, Mor-Yosef said.“When we started with China, the ambassador was on his way to Israel,” he said. “He stayed for 14 days at home, and now he is working.”Many people are not working, and many activities are being canceled as a result of the threat of the virus spreading.The Tomb of Joseph in Nablus has been ordered closed ahead of the scheduled monthly visit, which was to take place on Monday, the Jewish Fast of Esther, due to the outbreak of coronavirus.Following discussions between Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, OC Samaria Brigade Col. Sagiv Dahan and in consultation with Rabbi Elyakim Levanon of the Elon Moreh Yeshiva, it was decided to cancel the monthly visit.The decision was made by telephone consultation with Dagan, as he is currently in home quarantine after returning from France earlier this week, in accordance with a directive issued by the Health Ministry on Wednesday.Dagan said in a statement: “Following the assessment of the situation we had with the Shimron Brigade and the Central Command and in light of the Health’s Ministry’s instructions, we decided to postpone the entrance to Joseph’s Tomb on the third day of [the Jewish month of] Adar, Ta’anit Esther [Fast of Esther.]“We have a responsibility to get the general public to pray and connect with their roots,” he said. “But on such days, we must take increased precautions and obey the Health Ministry’s instructions for the health of our people. We count on the IDF and the health system. We will immediately coordinate with the Samaria Division to determine the new date for entering Joseph’s Tomb.”Monthly entry to the tomb, located inside the Palestinian city of Nablus, is organized by the Samaria Regional Council in coordination with Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories [COGAT] and the IDF Samaria Division.Averting fears that the Western Wall in Jerusalem may be closed to visitors, Health Minister Ya’acov Litzman announced on Wednesday that the Western Wall Plaza is open and that there is no concern about coming to the Western Wall due to the coronavirus.Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, said: “In this time of distress, there is nothing more appropriate than coming to pray at the Western Wall and asking the Creator of the Universe, the Healer of all men, to remove all illness from the inhabitants of this land and the entire world.”Nine people who had been quarantined at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer expressed thanks on Thursday. These individuals, who were not diagnosed with the illness but had been on the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship, were released from the hospital Thursday night to much celebration.There had been 15 Israelis on the ship, which was docked in Yokohama, Japan, when the coronavirus started spreading aboard the boat. Four Israelis were diagnosed with virus before leaving the ship. Another 10 Israelis underwent 14 days of quarantine on the boat and then were brought to Israel for a further 14 days of quarantine at Sheba.Before being released, the patients were rechecked and confirmed not to be carrying the virus.The quarantine restrictions are beginning to have acute economic impact on Israel. On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tasked Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon with establishing an emergency fund to support businesses deemed critical for the economy, as local businesses have lost billions of shekels due to the quarantine of employees, lack of supplies, delivery delays and cancellation of flights.At the same time, some industries are benefiting. A report on Israel’s Channel 12 showed that due to widespread fear that they will have to enter isolation, Israelis are stockpiling pasta, cereal, bottled water and other dry goods. And the online grocery shopping industry is skyrocketing with people afraid to shop at crowded grocery stores.According to the World Health Organization’s March 5 report, there are now 95,265 reported cases of COVID-19 globally, and 3,355 deaths. In the past 24 hours, China reported 143 cases. Outside China, 2,055 cases were reported in 33 countries.“This epidemic can be pushed back, but only with a collective, coordinated and comprehensive approach that engages the entire machinery of government,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday during a virtual press conference. “We are calling on every country to act with speed, scale and clear-minded determination.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--First coronavirus death in Britain confirmed

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The first coronavirus death in Britain has been confirmed, medical authorities said on Thursday."The patient, who was being treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, was an older patient who had underlying health conditions," England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said in a statement."We believe they contracted the virus in the UK and contact tracing is already underway," he added.The hospital, in Reading, west of London, also issued a statement."The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus," it sai


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Coronavirus epidemic could be pushed back with concerted approach - WHO

The epidemic of COVID-19 coronavirus infection spreading around the world from China can be contained and controlled, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday, but only with a concerted response by all the world's governments."We are calling on every country to act with speed, scale and clear-minded determination," the WHO's director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told a briefing at the U.N. health agency's Geneva headquarters.Tedros voiced concern that "some countries have either not taken this seriously enough, or have decided there is nothing they can do."He added: "This is not the time to give up. This is not a time for excuses. This is a time for pulling out all the stops."


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Coronavirus death toll in Italy's Lombardy region rises to 98

The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, which has borne the brunt of a nationwide contagion, has risen over the past day to 98 from 73, a local official said on Thursday.The latest national death toll figures are due to be released later in the day. On Wednesday the tally stood at 107.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Three killed in fatal car accident in West Bank

The death of the three individuals was pronounced by Magen David Adom ( MDA ) paramedics at the scene , @ @ @ @ @ victims killed on the road this week to seven .
An MDA paramedic recalled the @ @ @ @ @ this was a serious head on accident between two private vehicles .
Two of the @ @ @ @ @ vehicles and another was trapped inside the vehicle .
We were forced to pronounce their @ @ @ @ @

The death of the three individuals was pronounced by Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics at the scene, raising the total number of victims killed on the road this week to seven.
An MDA paramedic recalled the scene, saying that "this was a serious head on accident between two private vehicles. Two of the wounded were lying alongside the vehicles and another was trapped inside the vehicle. We were forced to pronounce their deaths at the scene. "
Three people were killed in a car accident early Thursday morning near a settlement in the northern West Bank, when two vehicles traveling on Highway 596 collided head on.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--9 Israelis from 'Diamond Princess' cruise ship released from quarantine

Nine Israelis who came back from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan have been released from quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--Pompeo says Iran must be held accountable on nuclear commitments

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday called on all nations to hold Iran accountable for its commitments under international nuclear agreements and said Tehran's failure to report nuclear material was a clear violation of safeguard agreements.Iran on Thursday stood by its decision to deny UN nuclear inspectors access to sites where they have questions about past activities, arguing that the agency's case is based on "fabricated" Israeli intelligence.


jerusalempost--2020-03-05--France reports two more coronavirus deaths, taking total to six

French authorities on Thursday reported two more deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak in the country, taking the total of deaths to six.Authorities said in a statement France has also registered 92 new confirmed coronavirus cases, taking the total toll of cases to 377.