jerusalempost--2020-04-21--Ikea Israel to reopen three branches on Wednesday

Swedish furniture giant Ikea announced on Tuesday that it will reopen three of its Israeli branches on Wednesday , N12 @ @ @ @ @ in Tel Aviv harbor , Rishon LeZion and Netanya .
Ikea Israel has been closed @ @ @ @ @ reopening is possible under the new Health Ministry guidelines , as these branches are located @ @ @ @ @ not inside shopping centers .
The branches will function while following the ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ will be disinfected at regular intervals and a barrier will be erected between the seller @ @ @ @

Swedish furniture giant Ikea announced on Tuesday that it will reopen three of its Israeli branches on Wednesday, N12 reported. The branches are in Tel Aviv harbor, Rishon LeZion and Netanya.
Ikea Israel has been closed since March 15.
The reopening is possible under the new Health Ministry guidelines, as these branches are located in open air spaces and not inside shopping centers. The branches will function while following the ministry’s guidelines, meaning the branch will be disinfected at regular intervals and a barrier will be erected between the seller and the buyer.


jerusalempost--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: UK PM Johnson to talk to Trump, Queen while recovering

Johnson is recovering at his country residence after he was hospitalized with COVID-19 .
His foreign minister , Dominic Raab @ @ @ @ @ him while he recovers .
`` Yesterday he sent a message of condolence to ( @ @ @ @ @ Trudeau after the very sad loss of life in the shooting in Canada .
Later @ @ @ @ @ speaking to President Trump , '' the spokesman told reporters .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will speak to U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday and meet Queen Elizabeth later this week, his spokesman said, adding that the British leader is still not "formally doing government work."
Johnson is recovering at his country residence after he was hospitalized with COVID-19. His foreign minister, Dominic Raab, is standing in for him while he recovers.
"Yesterday he sent a message of condolence to (Canadian Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau after the very sad loss of life in the shooting in Canada. Later today ... he will be speaking to President Trump," the spokesman told reporters.
Later this week, the prime minister is also expected to have an audience with Queen Elizabeth, the spokesman said, adding that it would be the first such meeting for three weeks.


jerusalempost--2020-04-21--COVID-19 death toll in Britain over 40% higher than early data suggested

The Office for National Statistics said it recorded 13,121 deaths by April 10 in England and Wales , which account for the vast majority of Britain 's population , compared with 9,288 in the government 's daily toll for those who died in hospital .
The ONS figures include deaths in care homes and hospices as well as in hospitals .
Britain , which scientists say is probably now around the peak of the outbreak , has reported the world 's fifth-highest national death toll from COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
The global death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 170,000 .
The latest hospital death data show 16,509 people with COVID-19 had died across the United Kingdom as of this Sunday .
If these figures underestimate the overall death toll by a similar amount , then the true human cost for the United Kingdom as a whole could be above 23,000 based on the latest data - making it the second worst hit in Europe after Italy .
However , the difference between the initial daily figures published by the government and the later ONS data has narrowed with each week that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the time the ONS reports on the latest toll .
Still , Tuesday 's figures are likely to raise further questions about Britain 's decision to impose its lockdown of society at a later date than European peers , many of which have had less severe outbreaks of the novel coronavirus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is still on sick leave after falling ill with COVID-19 as his ministers attempt to tackle urgent issues such as a shortage of personal protective equipment for health workers .
Including all deaths , 18,516 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven days to April 10 -- almost 8,000 more than normal for the time of year and marking the deadliest week since a severe flu outbreak more than 20 years ago .
Martin Hibberd , professor of emerging infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , said the figures marked a `` rapid '' increase .
`` With limited testing being carried out , it may be that all of the 7,996 excess deaths were directly due to COVID-19 , '' Hibberd said .
`` ( But ) it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these were indirectly involved , such as through inability to access typical medical care for other conditions because of COVID-19 activities . ''
COVID-19 was mentioned in a third of all death certificates issued in England and Wales in the week to April 19 .
In London , more than half of the death certificates issued that week mentioned COVID-19 .
The ONS figures are based on mentions of COVID-19 on death certificates , whether or not the deceased had tested positive for coronavirus .
`` In care homes settings there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all causes ... than there were two weeks previously , '' ONS statistician Nick Stripe told the BBC .
`` About 17 % of those deaths mention COVID on the death certificate . ''

The true extent of Britain's COVID-19 death toll was more than 40% higher than the government's daily figures indicated as of April 10, according to data that put the country on track to become among the worst-hit in Europe.
The Office for National Statistics said it recorded 13,121 deaths by April 10 in England and Wales, which account for the vast majority of Britain's population, compared with 9,288 in the government's daily toll for those who died in hospital.
The ONS figures include deaths in care homes and hospices as well as in hospitals.
Britain, which scientists say is probably now around the peak of the outbreak, has reported the world's fifth-highest national death toll from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The global death toll from COVID-19 now stands at around 170,000.
The latest hospital death data show 16,509 people with COVID-19 had died across the United Kingdom as of this Sunday.
If these figures underestimate the overall death toll by a similar amount, then the true human cost for the United Kingdom as a whole could be above 23,000 based on the latest data - making it the second worst hit in Europe after Italy.
However, the difference between the initial daily figures published by the government and the later ONS data has narrowed with each week that passes, and may have reduced further by the time the ONS reports on the latest toll.
Still, Tuesday's figures are likely to raise further questions about Britain's decision to impose its lockdown of society at a later date than European peers, many of which have had less severe outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is still on sick leave after falling ill with COVID-19 as his ministers attempt to tackle urgent issues such as a shortage of personal protective equipment for health workers.
DEADLIEST WEEK
Including all deaths, 18,516 people died in England and Wales during the seven days to April 10 -- almost 8,000 more than normal for the time of year and marking the deadliest week since a severe flu outbreak more than 20 years ago.
Martin Hibberd, professor of emerging infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said the figures marked a "rapid" increase.
"With limited testing being carried out, it may be that all of the 7,996 excess deaths were directly due to COVID-19," Hibberd said.
"(But) it is also likely that at least some of these were indirectly involved, such as through inability to access typical medical care for other conditions because of COVID-19 activities."
COVID-19 was mentioned in a third of all death certificates issued in England and Wales in the week to April 19.
In London, more than half of the death certificates issued that week mentioned COVID-19.
The ONS figures are based on mentions of COVID-19 on death certificates, whether or not the deceased had tested positive for coronavirus.
"In care homes settings there are now double the number of deaths from all causes... than there were two weeks previously," ONS statistician Nick Stripe told the BBC.
"About 17% of those deaths mention COVID on the death certificate."


jerusalempost--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: LabCorp to prioritize at-home tests to healthcare workers

Shares of LabCorp were up 4.4 % at $ 152 in premarket trading , after the company said it expects @ @ @ @ @ available to customers in the United States in the coming weeks .
LabCorp 's test @ @ @ @ @ Food and Drug Administration 's emergency use pathway on Monday , allows people to collect @ @ @ @ @ and mail the samples to labs , reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to @ @ @ @ @ has been working to increase its testing capacity as it contends with an onslaught of @ @ @ @ @ cases and more than 39,000 deaths .
Diagnostics companies have been launching their own kits @ @ @ @ @ tests of at least 12 such companies are being used or allowed for use in @ @ @ @

LabCorp said on Tuesday its at-home coronavirus testing kit had won U.S. authorization and it would prioritize distribution for healthcare workers who may have been exposed to the virus or are symptomatic.
Shares of LabCorp were up 4.4% at $152 in premarket trading, after the company said it expects to make the test kits available to customers in the United States in the coming weeks.
LabCorp's test, authorized through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's emergency use pathway on Monday, allows people to collect nasal swab specimens at home and mail the samples to labs, reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to physicians.
The United States has been working to increase its testing capacity as it contends with an onslaught of infections, with over 746,000 cases and more than 39,000 deaths.
Diagnostics companies have been launching their own kits to expand testing, and tests of at least 12 such companies are being used or allowed for use in the United States.
LabCorp had launched its lab test for COVID-19 early in March and currently conducts nearly 55,000-65,000 tests a day and offers results within two to four days.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Total of 69 UK health service staff have died of coronavirus

The government is under pressure over accusations it has failed to deliver personal protective equipment to all the medical and @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 've delivered 1 billion items of personal protective equipment and tens of @ @ @ @ @ the devolved administrations ( semi-autonomous governments of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland ) , @ @ @ @ @

A total of 69 people who worked for Britain's National Health Service have died of COVID-19 while the number of staff in care homes for the elderly who have died from the disease is not known, foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Wednesday.
The government is under pressure over accusations it has failed to deliver personal protective equipment to all the medical and care staff who require it.
"We've delivered 1 billion items of personal protective equipment and tens of millions have been distributed via the devolved administrations (semi-autonomous governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)," Raab told parliament.
"We recognize though that we have got to strive even harder in this incredibly difficult and competitive international environment to source the equipment."


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Trump to sign executive order on immigration on Wednesday

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U.S. President Donald Trump, said in a tweet he would sign an executive order later on Wednesday "prohibiting immigration" that he has said would protect U.S. workers amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.As of late Tuesday, some questions remained unanswered as the Trump administration continued to work on the order, which the Republican president has said would temporarily suspend immigration to the United States.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Iran coronavirus death toll rises by 94 to 5,391

The Islamic Republic has 85,996 diagnosed cases , Jahanpur said .

The death toll from the outbreak of the new coronavirus in Iran rose by 94 in the past 24 hours to 5,391, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said in a statement on state TV on Wednesday.
The Islamic Republic has 85,996 diagnosed cases, Jahanpur said.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Germany approves first trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate

The trial , only the fourth worldwide of a preventive agent targeting the virus behind the global pandemic , will @ @ @ @ @ people aged between 18 and 55 in the first stage , and on further people @ @ @ @ @ risk from the disease , in a second stage .

Germany gave the green light for human trials of potential coronavirus vaccines developed by German biotech company BioNTech, which is racing teams in Germany, the U.S. and China to develop an agent that will stop the pandemic.
The trial, only the fourth worldwide of a vaccine targeting the virus, will be initially conducted on 200 healthy people, with more subjects, including some at higher risk from the disease, to be included in a second stage, German vaccines regulator the Paul Ehrlich Institut said on Wednesday.
BioNTech said it was developing four vaccine candidates under a program named BNT162 with its partner, pharma giant Pfizer.
Tests of the vaccine were also planned in the United States, once regulatory approval for testing on humans had been secured there.
BioNTech, which awarded the rights in China to BNT162 to Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical under a March collaboration deal, is competing with Germany's CureVac and U.S. biotech firm Moderna in the race to develop messenger-RNA vaccines.
These molecules act as recipes that instruct human cells to produce antigen proteins, which allow the immune system to develop an arsenal against future coronavirus infections.
Moderna started testing its experimental vaccine on humans in March.
Two different experimental coronavirus vaccines were approved for human tests by China last week. A unit of Sinovac Biotech and the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products are developing these compounds.
In March, China gave the green-light for another clinical trial for a vaccine candidate developed by the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and biotech firm CanSino Bio.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Oil hits lowest this century as coronavirus crisis hammers demand

A glut has been building since OPEC+ , led by Saudi Arabia and Russia , failed to renew output cuts last month .
OPEC+ agreed new curbs this month , but government lockdowns to contain the pandemic have cut fuel demand more steeply .
Brent crude LCOc1 , which fell 24 % in the previous session , touched $ 15.98 a barrel , its lowest since June 1999 .
It was trading down $ 1.83 , or 9.5 % , at $ 17.50 by 0840 GMT .
U.S. West Texas Intermediate CLc1 was down 15 cents , or 1.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared for more surprises in this broken oil market , ” said Rystad Energy ’ s head of oil markets , Bjornar Tonhaugen , adding that prices could sink to unprecedented levels because there will simply not be enough storage capacity unless there are further outputs cuts .
The falls follow two of the wildest days in the history of oil trading , with supply looking likely to outstrip demand for months to come .
The nearby U.S. contract fell into negative territory for the first time ever on Monday and Brent ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to a time when OPEC was also tackling a supply glut and business and consumers were concerned about the Millenium Bug affecting computers after the turn of the century .
In the latest sign of excess supply , the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday reported that U.S. crude inventories rose by 13.2 million barrels , against analyst expectations for an increase of 13.1 million barrels .
The U.S. government ’ s official supply report is due later on Wednesday .
In an effort to shore up the market , OPEC+ this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bpd .
Other nations , including the United States , have also said they will pump less .

A glut has been building since OPEC+, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, failed to renew output cuts last month. OPEC+ agreed new curbs this month, but government lockdowns to contain the pandemic have cut fuel demand more steeply.
Brent crude LCOc1, which fell 24% in the previous session, touched $15.98 a barrel, its lowest since June 1999. It was trading down $1.83, or 9.5%, at $17.50 by 0840 GMT.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate CLc1 was down 15 cents, or 1.3%, at $11.42.
“Be prepared for more surprises in this broken oil market,” said Rystad Energy’s head of oil markets, Bjornar Tonhaugen, adding that prices could sink to unprecedented levels because there will simply not be enough storage capacity unless there are further outputs cuts.
The falls follow two of the wildest days in the history of oil trading, with supply looking likely to outstrip demand for months to come.
The nearby U.S. contract fell into negative territory for the first time ever on Monday and Brent’s low on Wednesday takes the price back to a time when OPEC was also tackling a supply glut and business and consumers were concerned about the Millenium Bug affecting computers after the turn of the century.
In the latest sign of excess supply, the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday reported that U.S. crude inventories rose by 13.2 million barrels, against analyst expectations for an increase of 13.1 million barrels.
The U.S. government’s official supply report is due later on Wednesday.
In an effort to shore up the market, OPEC+ this month agreed to reduce output by 9.7 million bpd. Other nations, including the United States, have also said they will pump less.
Oil slumped to less than $16 a barrel on Wednesday, hitting its lowest since 1999, with the market awash with excess supply as the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic continues to hammer demand for fuels.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Spain to let children out, aims for lockdown easing by late May

With the world ’ s second most infections , more than 200,000 , and Europe ’ s second highest death toll , 21,282 , Spain has imposed one of the severest lockdowns , including a controversial bar on children leaving homes even for walks .
It has taken a few tentative easing steps , including allowing some workers to return from last week and giving permission for children to go outside from next weekend , but most restrictions remain in force .
With the epidemic seemingly having passed its peak , measures will be eased slowly and gradually to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session where he will ask lawmakers to extend the state of emergency until May 9 .
“ We will be going back-and-forth depending on how the pandemic evolves , ” he said .
On Tuesday night , the government bowed to public pressure and said children under 14 would be able to take short walks outside under supervision .
The cabinet had initially said children would only be allowed to accompany parents to buy food or medicine , provoking criticism on social media and pot-banging protests on balconies .
“ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Salvador Illa .
A sharp slowdown in infections has Spaniards optimistic their nightmare may be easing , and officials are turning their attention to restarting the flagging economy .
Carmaker Volkswagen ’ s Spanish unit SEAT , which employs around 15,000 people , said it plans to resume production from April 27 and aims to carry out 3,000 coronavirus tests a week on its workforce to minimize risk .
The crisis has also hit Spain ’ s vital tourism industry : on Tuesday the San Fermin bull-running fiesta in Pamplona was suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

With the world’s second most infections, more than 200,000, and Europe’s second highest death toll, 21,282, Spain has imposed one of the severest lockdowns, including a controversial bar on children leaving homes even for walks.
Spain reports 435 coronavirus deaths overnight, bringing total at 21,717
Spain expects initial EU consensus on coronavirus aid at Thursday summit
It has taken a few tentative easing steps, including allowing some workers to return from last week and giving permission for children to go outside from next weekend, but most restrictions remain in force.
With the epidemic seemingly having passed its peak, measures will be eased slowly and gradually to ensure safety, Sanchez said at a parliamentary session where he will ask lawmakers to extend the state of emergency until May 9.
“We will be going back-and-forth depending on how the pandemic evolves,” he said.
On Tuesday night, the government bowed to public pressure and said children under 14 would be able to take short walks outside under supervision.
The cabinet had initially said children would only be allowed to accompany parents to buy food or medicine, provoking criticism on social media and pot-banging protests on balconies.
“This is a government that listens,” said Health Minister Salvador Illa.
A sharp slowdown in infections has Spaniards optimistic their nightmare may be easing, and officials are turning their attention to restarting the flagging economy.
Carmaker Volkswagen’s Spanish unit SEAT, which employs around 15,000 people, said it plans to resume production from April 27 and aims to carry out 3,000 coronavirus tests a week on its workforce to minimize risk.
The crisis has also hit Spain’s vital tourism industry: on Tuesday the San Fermin bull-running fiesta in Pamplona was suspended for the first time in four decades.
Spain aims to begin winding down its coronavirus lockdown in the second half of May, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday, though restrictions could come back if the epidemic worsens again in one of the worst-hit nations.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--China reports 30 new coronavirus cases in mainland, up from day earlier

The National Health Commission said in a statement the number of new asymptomatic patients , who are infected with the @ @ @ @ @ , also rose to 42 from 37 a day earlier .
A total of 82,788 @ @ @ @ @ to date in mainland China , while the number of deaths remained unchanged at 4,632 @

Mainland China reported on Wednesday 30 new coronavirus cases, 23 of which were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas, up from 11 a day earlier.
The National Health Commission said in a statement the number of new asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but not showing symptoms, also rose to 42 from 37 a day earlier.
A total of 82,788 coronavirus cases have been reported to date in mainland China, while the number of deaths remained unchanged at 4,632.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Coronavirus patient prematurely gives birth to twins, one of them dies

A 35-year-old coronavirus patient, who was in a light condition, prematurely gave birth to twins at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, near Tiberias last week, and one of the babies passed away early Wednesday morning.The mother was sent home after the birth while the two babies remained at the premature births ward at the hospital due to their light weight.The babies both tested negative for the virus, however, one of the twins experienced a worsening in her condition overnight, and she passed away early Wednesday morning.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Police in English town warn public about man with weapons

The police in Kent, southeast England, have warned the public to stay away from an area in the town of Chatham where a man with weapons has been seen on a balcony, the BBC reported on Wednesday.Footage on social media appeared to show a man shooting randomly in various directions. Kent police were not immediately available for comment.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Israeli man stabs spouse at supermarket in Afula and escapes

An Israel man stabbed his spouse at a supermarket in Afula and escaped the scene on Wednesday.The woman who is in her 40's was moderately wounded from the attack and was evacuated to the Emek Medical Center.The stabbing is presumed to have been over a relationship feud.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Israeli man dies in a paragliding accident in northern Israel

A 74-year-old Israeli man passed after being invloved in a paragliding accident on Wednesday near the Kinneret in northern Israel.The man reportedly crashed into the Kinneret. He was retrieved by a fishing boat and MDA forces attempted to save his life but eventually had to pronounce him dead.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Number of coronavirus cases in Poland exceeds 10,000

The ministry said the number of people infected rose to 10,034 in the country of 38 million .

The number of people infected with the new coronavirus in Poland exceeded 10,000 on Wednesday, with the death toll reaching 404, the Health Ministry said on its Twitter account.
The ministry said the number of people infected rose to 10,034 in the country of 38 million.
On Monday the government started to relax some of the restrictions imposed during the outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Russia's confirmed coronavirus cases reach 58,000

Russia recorded 5,236 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing its nationwide tally to 57,999, the Russian coronavirus crisis response center said on Wednesday.Fifty-seven people with the virus died in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 513, it said.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Financial Times analysis sees UK coronavirus death toll at 41,000

The FT extrapolation , based on figures from the ONS that were also published on Tuesday , includes deaths that @ @ @ @ @ reflect recent mortality trends .

The novel coronavirus outbreak has caused as many as 41,000 deaths in the United Kingdom, according to a Financial Times analysis of the latest data from the statistics office.
The FT extrapolation, based on figures from the ONS that were also published on Tuesday, includes deaths that occurred outside hospitals updated to reflect recent mortality trends.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Construction accident in Rishon Lezion, forces search for trapped workers

A crane hit a building at a construction site on Avraham Buma Shavit Street in the southern industrial area in Rishon Lezion, Wednesday morning.There are conflicting reports about whether workers are trapped under the rubble. Rescue forces are working to find and remove bodies.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: 187 people dead; 14,326 infected

As the authorities deliberate strategies to gradually lift restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak, parents protested on the Knesset lawn Wednesday, calling on the government to open up preschools and kindergartens.The Knesset has yet to decide when to reopen programs for the country’s youngest children . Elementary, secondary and high schools are engaged in online learning.Although the number of people infected with the virus is still rising, the current wave of the outbreak is over, Health Ministry deputy director-general Itamar Grotto told Ynet. Asked about the reopening of schools, he said: “If the education system starts to operate again, it is clear to us that there will be more people infected. The state has to decide how much risk it is willing to take.”To compensate for the school days missed because of the emergency, the authorities are looking into shortening summer vacation. In a special meeting of the Knesset covering education issues, Education Ministry director-general Shmuel Abuab said teachers are going to be asked to work nine additional days in July, Ynet reported.Meanwhile, the number of people who have died from COVID-19 in Israel reached 189, the Health Ministry announced Wednesday morning. The figure marked an increase of six people over the previous 24 hours.In addition, 14,498 people have been infected. Of them, 470 are currently hospitalized. On Tuesday, the ministry performed a record number of tests, 13,342, almost 2,000 more than the previous day.Some 141 Israelis are in serious condition, including 106 who are intubated. The number of patients in serious condition has been decreasing over the past few days after peaking at 182 on April 17.More than 75% of those who succumbed to the virus were older than 70; 25.54% were 70-79; 33.15% were 80-89; and 29.89% were 90-99. Among the latest victims were a 79-year-old with underlying conditions who passed away at Ma’aynei Hayeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak and an 85-year-old who was hospitalized at Shohan Medical Center in Pardes Hanna.At last count, 5,215 people have recovered.While the government has already started to lessen some restrictions, more limiting measures are going to be implemented for the upcoming national holidays of Remembrance Day and Independence Day, as well as for the month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan.Bereaved families who make their way to military cemeteries for Remembrance Day will not be stopped by force, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Wednesday.The cabinet voted in favor of a lockdown, canceling all public transportation and banning intercity travel on Remembrance Day and Independence Day, with no additional limitations within cities, starting on Monday night and ending Wednesday night.Police will close access routes to military cemeteries on Remembrance Day. But due to the lockdown, “we expect that people won’t come,” Bennett said, adding that “if a bereaved father walks to the cemetery, he will be allowed in. If hundreds come, it is still different from millions coming. No one will use force against bereaved families.”Bennett urged the bereaved families to use the days before Remembrance Day to visit their loved ones while keeping to regulations.“It was a very hard decision, but every year more than one million people come to the cemeteries, and we know that a lot of family members are elderly and there could be another explosion of coronavirus infections,” he said.Due to the continued spread of the coronavirus, the Defense Ministry last month decided the main ceremonies at the Western Wall Plaza (on Remembrance Day Eve) and Mount Herzl (Remembrance Day) will be held without an audience and will be broadcast live.In addition, ceremonies in the 53 military cemeteries across the country will be canceled in their usual form. Instead, soldiers will hold a candlelight vigil as well as a salute by a commander and military cantor saying the kaddish. The laying of wreaths and candles on graves will take place in accordance with Health Ministry guidelines.The option to postpone Remembrance Day to the fall was discussed, but it was decided against because of the continued uncertainty of the coronavirus, Bennett said.The lockdown will put a damper on the traditional Independence Day barbecues. Earlier this week, the IAF announced it would not conduct its traditional flyover, replacing it with a smaller one over hospitals to salute medical crews.The usual free concerts sponsored by municipalities around the country were canceled weeks ago, and the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl will be filmed in advance without an audience. The International Bible Contest held on Independence Day every year will also take place without an audience, and foreign contestants will participate from Israeli embassies and consulates in their home countries.On Tuesday, April 28, at 5 p.m. until Wednesday, April 29, at 8 p.m., Israelis will be under lockdown and can only leave their homes for medicine and essential services. Supermarkets will be closed, and people have been instructed to celebrate the holiday at home. It will be possible to leave the house for a short walk or some exercise as per Health Ministry guidelines.The ministers also voted in favor of a curfew for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, during which adherents fast in daytime and feast at night. From Thursday until May 3, businesses in predominantly Muslim towns will be closed from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. except for pharmacies.Businesses will be able to make deliveries but not travel between towns.The decisions about Ramadan were made in cooperation with Arab mayors, Interior Minister Arye Deri said in the meeting.Two other changes to the coronavirus restrictions were announced on Wednesday. First, Israelis will now be able to leave their homes for job interviews. Also, the number of guests allowed at weddings is now 19, but guests have been advised to stay two meters apart.The cabinet members also discussed the continuing limitations on businesses more generally, with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon saying “the public is exploding” and working illegally anyway. He demanded that a meeting be held on the subject as soon as possible.Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit sent a letter Wednesday night to Cabinet Secretary Tzachi Braverman that someone in the closed cabinet meetings was facilitating real-time access to the meetings’ developments to a member of the media, adding that if this continued, he would open a criminal probe.Mandelblit said Braverman had addressed the issue with those present at a cabinet meeting after repeated violations, and the media personality had taunted Braverman in real time on social media that he would maintain his access.Mandelblit said all those present at meetings must sign a commitment not to provide access to the media, and a criminal probe would be inevitable if the issue did not improve.As of Wednesday evening, the number of coronavirus cases worldwide had topped 2.57 million, with some 178,500 deaths, 46,000 of them in the US.Yonah Jeremy Bob and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 2,237 to 145,694

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 2,237 to 145,694, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday, marking a second consecutive day of new infections accelerating.The reported death toll rose by 281 to 4,879, the tally showed.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--IDF demolishes illegal buildings in the West Bank

IDF Forces and Border Patrol soldiers have begun demolishing four illegal structures in Tkuma, built in area C.In addition to the area C demolitions, two more such buildings in the "Kumi Uri" settlement, illegally built in area B, will be demolished as they were rebuilt following their removal in January.These actions were done in accordance with rules and regulations and under operational considerations.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Trump agrees to help New York double coronavirus testing - governor

Cuomo , speaking at a briefing after meeting with Trump in Washington earlier in the day , also said the president indicated he would work to get federal funding to states in the next financial aid legislation to be passed by Congress .
With coronavirus-related hospitalizations trending lower in New York , Cuomo has in the past few days turned his attention to the challenge of widespread testing , which he has said would be critical to getting New Yorkers back to work .
Cuomo said Trump had agreed in their White House meeting to have the federal government take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who supply New York 's state labs have struggled to procure from overseas .
The governor added that it was up to his state to help the labs boost their testing capacity and to organize the workforce needed to take more samples from the population .
`` That is an intelligent division of labor , '' Cuomo told the briefing .
`` Let each level of government do what it does best . ''
Cuomo said New York would aim to double the number of people it tests each day - including diagnostic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He characterized it as `` an enormous undertaking '' that would take several weeks , without being specific on timing .

Cuomo, speaking at a briefing after meeting with Trump in Washington earlier in the day, also said the president indicated he would work to get federal funding to states in the next financial aid legislation to be passed by Congress.
With coronavirus-related hospitalizations trending lower in New York, Cuomo has in the past few days turned his attention to the challenge of widespread testing, which he has said would be critical to getting New Yorkers back to work.
Cuomo said Trump had agreed in their White House meeting to have the federal government take charge of securing materials that the manufacturers who supply New York's state labs have struggled to procure from overseas.
The governor added that it was up to his state to help the labs boost their testing capacity and to organize the workforce needed to take more samples from the population.
"That is an intelligent division of labor," Cuomo told the briefing. "Let each level of government do what it does best."
Cuomo said New York would aim to double the number of people it tests each day - including diagnostic and antibody tests - to 40,000. He characterized it as "an enormous undertaking" that would take several weeks, without being specific on timing.
U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to have the federal government help procure chemical reagents and other supplies needed for New York to double its testing capacity for the novel coronavirus, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Two cats in NY become first pets in US to test positive for coronavirus

The cats , from separate areas of New York state , had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery .
It is believed that they contracted the virus from people in their households or neighborhoods , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
A tiger and a lion , also in New York , were earlier this month identified as infected with the new coronavirus .
New York City is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States , which like much of the world is taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but authorities indicated owners did not need to fear their pets .
`` Animals , pets , can get infected .
...
There 's no evidence that the virus is transmitted from the pet to a human , '' Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said at the daily coronavirus briefing .
The CDC recommends that owners not let their pets interact with people or other animals outside the household .
Cats should be kept indoors and dogs should be walked on a leash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.8 meters ) from other animals and people , it said .
The CDC said coronavirus infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide , mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19 .
`` There is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States , '' the CDC said in a statement .
`` Therefore , there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare .
Further studies are needed to understand if and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be affected . ''
The agency added it is not recommending routine testing of animals at this juncture .
Earlier this month , a study suggested that cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable , prompting the World Health Organization to say it will take a closer look at transmission of the virus between humans and pets .
A recent study published on the website of the journal Science found that cats and ferrets can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 , the scientific term for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in humans .
The study , based on research conducted in China in January and February , found , however , that dogs , chickens , pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus .
The United States has the world 's largest number of coronavirus cases at over 830,000 , with 47,050 deaths as of Wednesday .

The cats, from separate areas of New York state, had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery. It is believed that they contracted the virus from people in their households or neighborhoods, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A tiger and a lion, also in New York, were earlier this month identified as infected with the new coronavirus.
New York City is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, which like much of the world is taking extraordinary measures to prevent the spread, but authorities indicated owners did not need to fear their pets.
"Animals, pets, can get infected. ... There's no evidence that the virus is transmitted from the pet to a human," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said at the daily coronavirus briefing.
The CDC recommends that owners not let their pets interact with people or other animals outside the household. Cats should be kept indoors and dogs should be walked on a leash, maintaining at least six feet (1.8 meters) from other animals and people, it said.
The CDC said coronavirus infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide, mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19.
"There is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States," the CDC said in a statement. "Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected."
The agency added it is not recommending routine testing of animals at this juncture.
Earlier this month, a study suggested that cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, prompting the World Health Organization to say it will take a closer look at transmission of the virus between humans and pets.
A recent study published on the website of the journal Science found that cats and ferrets can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the scientific term for the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease in humans.
The study, based on research conducted in China in January and February, found, however, that dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus.
The United States has the world's largest number of coronavirus cases at over 830,000, with 47,050 deaths as of Wednesday.
Two cats in New York have become the first pets in the United States to test positive for the new coronavirus but there is no evidence pets can spread the virus to humans, according to US health authorities.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Trump calls on CDC head to walk back remarks on second wave of coronavirus

CDC Director Robert Redfield made the widely circulated comment in an interview Tuesday with the Washington Post .
On Wednesday , Trump tweeted that the health expert was misquoted and would be putting out a statement .
Redfield , however , said he was quoted accurately .
`` I think it 's really important to emphasize what I did n't say : I did n't say that this was going to be worse , '' Redfield said at the daily White House coronavirus briefing .
`` I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulating at the same time . ''
Redfield 's remarks came as Trump appeared to downplay the risk that the coming fall or winter could bring another serious wave of COVID-19 combined with outbreaks of seasonal flu .
`` We will not go through what we went through in the last few months , '' Trump said .
`` It may not come back at all . ''
Trump said , however , that there could be `` embers of corona '' that could combine with flu to create `` a mess .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimism in the nation 's battle with the virus , he said he disagreed with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp 's aggressive push to re-open his state 's economy in violation of federal recommendations .
Trump said that was too soon .
`` They can wait a little bit longer , just a little bit - not much , '' Trump said .
`` Because safety has to predominate .
We have to have that . ''
Even so , Trump said he was encouraged to see some states begin to open up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his administration will hold a July 4 celebration on the National Mall in Washington , as it did last year .
At present , the capital remains under a stay-at-home order through May 15 .

CDC Director Robert Redfield made the widely circulated comment in an interview Tuesday with the Washington Post.
On Wednesday, Trump tweeted that the health expert was misquoted and would be putting out a statement. Redfield, however, said he was quoted accurately. "I think it's really important to emphasize what I didn't say: I didn't say that this was going to be worse," Redfield said at the daily White House coronavirus briefing. "I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated because we're going to have flu and coronavirus circulating at the same time."
Redfield's remarks came as Trump appeared to downplay the risk that the coming fall or winter could bring another serious wave of COVID-19 combined with outbreaks of seasonal flu.
"We will not go through what we went through in the last few months," Trump said. "It may not come back at all."
Trump said, however, that there could be "embers of corona" that could combine with flu to create "a mess."
Even as Trump attempted to project optimism in the nation's battle with the virus, he said he disagreed with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's aggressive push to re-open his state's economy in violation of federal recommendations. Trump said that was too soon.
"They can wait a little bit longer, just a little bit - not much," Trump said. "Because safety has to predominate. We have to have that."
Even so, Trump said he was encouraged to see some states begin to open up their economies and ease restrictions.
He announced that his administration will hold a July 4 celebration on the National Mall in Washington, as it did last year. At present, the capital remains under a stay-at-home order through May 15.
The director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was called on by President Donald Trump on Wednesday to walk back his remark that the second wave of novel coronavirus in the fall could be worse than the current situation.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--UK to test prevalence of coronavirus in general population

Health minister Matt Hancock - who has faced criticism over limited testing facilities for some health and social care workers - said on Thursday the research would help the government understand the trajectory of the disease better .
More than 18,000 British people have died in hospital of the disease so far , and the country is now in its fifth week of a lockdown that stops most people from leaving home other than to buy food , exercise , or undertake essential work .
Britain 's health ministry said initial results from the research - which it is conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the University of Oxford - would be available in early May .
Twenty thousand households from across England will take part in the pilot , which will be expanded to 300,000 households throughout the United Kingdom over the next 12 months .
Participants will provide weekly samples from self-administered nose and throat swabs for the first five weeks , which will show if they currently have the virus , and then monthly samples for the following year .
Adults from around 1,000 households will also provide blood samples to see if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus .
`` Understanding more about the rate of COVID-19 infection in the general population , and the longer-term prevalence of antibodies , is a vital part of our ongoing response to this virus , '' Hancock said .
Tests will be administered by IQVIA , a US health data company that has worked before with Britain 's state-run health service , and analysed in British government laboratories .
The government 's chief medical adviser , Chris Whitty , said at a news conference on Wednesday that Britain did not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he hoped they would be available in the near future .
Whitty said it would not be possible to end all lockdown restrictions until a vaccine or effective treatment for COVID-19 was developed and rolled out , something that could easily take until the end of the year .

Health minister Matt Hancock - who has faced criticism over limited testing facilities for some health and social care workers - said on Thursday the research would help the government understand the trajectory of the disease better.
More than 18,000 British people have died in hospital of the disease so far, and the country is now in its fifth week of a lockdown that stops most people from leaving home other than to buy food, exercise, or undertake essential work.
Britain's health ministry said initial results from the research - which it is conducting jointly with the Office for National Statistics and the University of Oxford - would be available in early May.
Twenty thousand households from across England will take part in the pilot, which will be expanded to 300,000 households throughout the United Kingdom over the next 12 months.
Participants will provide weekly samples from self-administered nose and throat swabs for the first five weeks, which will show if they currently have the virus, and then monthly samples for the following year.
Adults from around 1,000 households will also provide blood samples to see if they have developed antibodies following an earlier infection with the coronavirus.
"Understanding more about the rate of COVID-19 infection in the general population, and the longer-term prevalence of antibodies, is a vital part of our ongoing response to this virus," Hancock said.
Tests will be administered by IQVIA, a US health data company that has worked before with Britain's state-run health service, and analysed in British government laboratories.
The government's chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, said at a news conference on Wednesday that Britain did not yet have any reliable antibody tests, though he hoped they would be available in the near future.
Whitty said it would not be possible to end all lockdown restrictions until a vaccine or effective treatment for COVID-19 was developed and rolled out, something that could easily take until the end of the year.
Britain's government plans to test a sample of 20,000 English households for COVID-19 in the coming weeks to try to establish how far the disease has spread across the country.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--US official says he was ousted for urging caution on coronavirus drug

Rick Bright said in a statement that he was replaced as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , or BARDA , and reassigned to a new role because he resisted efforts to push hydroxychloroquine and the related chloroquine as cures for COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus .
`` While I am prepared to look at all options and to think 'outside the box ' for effective treatments , I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public , '' Bright said in the statement , reported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bright said the US government has promoted the medicines as a `` panacea '' even though they `` clearly lack scientific merit . ''
Bright has retained a law firm , Katz , Marshall & Banks , known for representing whistleblowers .
The US Department of Health and Human Services , which oversees BARDA , said on Tuesday that Bright had been moved to a new public-private partnership under the National Institutes of Health announced last week .
BARDA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday .
Bright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was named BARDA 's director in 2016 before Trump took office as president .
Trump has repeatedly promoted chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential treatments for COVID-19 , including saying early this month , `` I may take it , '' even though doctors said the drugs ' effectiveness were unproven and further tests were required .
In the absence of any known effective treatments , doctors on the frontlines said they began using hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine on deteriorating patients based on a few small studies suggesting a possible benefit .
Some said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use the therapies widely touted by Trump and other supporters .
After Reuters reported on that pattern , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed from its website highly unusual guidance informing doctors on how to prescribe the drugs .

Rick Bright said in a statement that he was replaced as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, and reassigned to a new role because he resisted efforts to push hydroxychloroquine and the related chloroquine as cures for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.
"While I am prepared to look at all options and to think 'outside the box' for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public," Bright said in the statement, reported by multiple US media outlets on Wednesday.
Bright said the US government has promoted the medicines as a "panacea" even though they "clearly lack scientific merit."
Bright has retained a law firm, Katz, Marshall & Banks, known for representing whistleblowers.
The US Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees BARDA, said on Tuesday that Bright had been moved to a new public-private partnership under the National Institutes of Health announced last week.
BARDA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
Bright, an expert in vaccines and therapeutics, was named BARDA's director in 2016 before Trump took office as president.
Trump has repeatedly promoted chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential treatments for COVID-19, including saying early this month, "I may take it," even though doctors said the drugs' effectiveness were unproven and further tests were required.
In the absence of any known effective treatments, doctors on the frontlines said they began using hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine on deteriorating patients based on a few small studies suggesting a possible benefit. Some said they had come under pressure from patients to use the therapies widely touted by Trump and other supporters.
After Reuters reported on that pattern, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed from its website highly unusual guidance informing doctors on how to prescribe the drugs.
The ousted director of a key US agency charged with developing drugs to fight the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday said he was dismissed because he called for careful vetting of a treatment frequently touted by President Donald Trump.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--US coronavirus deaths top 47,000 after near-record increase day before

A University of Washington model , often cited by the White House , projected a total of nearly 66,000 US coronavirus deaths by Aug. 4 , an upward revision from its most recent previous estimate of 60,000 deaths .
At current rates , US deaths could reach 50,000 later this week .
The first US coronavirus death occurred weeks earlier than previously believed , according to California county health officials who saved tissue samples for weeks until they could be tested .
The first US death was on Feb. 6 , instead of Feb. 29 , they reported .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll has soared to the highest in the world .
US deaths totaled 47,050 on Wednesday , with the day 's count about 1,800 and some states have yet to report .
US deaths increased by 2,792 on Tuesday alone , just shy of a peak of 2,806 deaths in a single day on April 15 .
New York state , the epicenter of the US outbreak , reported 474 new deaths on Wednesday , the smallest increase since April 1 .
Some nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey reported record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have said that deaths are a lagging indicator of the outbreak , coming weeks after patients fall sick , and do not mean stay-at-home restrictions are failing to slow the spread of the virus .
The United States has by far the world 's largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases at over 830,000 .
Cases rose 20,000 so far on Wednesday and were on track to continue the slow but steady decline seen throughout April .
President Donald Trump on Wednesday applauded steps taken by a handful of Republican-led US states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to start reopening their economies despite warnings of a potential fresh surge of coronavirus infections .

A University of Washington model, often cited by the White House, projected a total of nearly 66,000 US coronavirus deaths by Aug. 4, an upward revision from its most recent previous estimate of 60,000 deaths. At current rates, US deaths could reach 50,000 later this week.
The first US coronavirus death occurred weeks earlier than previously believed, according to California county health officials who saved tissue samples for weeks until they could be tested. The first US death was on Feb. 6, instead of Feb. 29, they reported.
In the weeks since, the US death toll has soared to the highest in the world.
US deaths totaled 47,050 on Wednesday, with the day's count about 1,800 and some states have yet to report. US deaths increased by 2,792 on Tuesday alone, just shy of a peak of 2,806 deaths in a single day on April 15.
New York state, the epicenter of the US outbreak, reported 474 new deaths on Wednesday, the smallest increase since April 1. Some nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey reported record single-day deaths tolls on Tuesday.
Health officials have said that deaths are a lagging indicator of the outbreak, coming weeks after patients fall sick, and do not mean stay-at-home restrictions are failing to slow the spread of the virus.
The United States has by far the world's largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases at over 830,000. Cases rose 20,000 so far on Wednesday and were on track to continue the slow but steady decline seen throughout April.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday applauded steps taken by a handful of Republican-led US states, including Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, to start reopening their economies despite warnings of a potential fresh surge of coronavirus infections.
US coronavirus deaths topped 47,000 on Wednesday after rising by a near-record single-day number the previous day, according to a Reuters tally.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--UTJ holds shortest negotiations in Israel’s political history – report

United Torah Judaism ( UTJ ) conducted the shortest political negotiations in the country ’ s history , taking just @ @ @ @ @ said on Wednesday .
Unconfirmed reports claim top ranking UTJ members said they got “ @ @ @ @ @ of Likud and ergo had no reason to prolong discussions .
In addition to keeping @ @ @ @ @ of the Knesset Finance Committee , UTJ asked for two more vice minister positions and @ @ @ @ @ committee .

United Torah Judaism (UTJ) conducted the shortest political negotiations in the country’s history, taking just seven minutes, Channel 12 said on Wednesday.
Unconfirmed reports claim top ranking UTJ members said they got “everything we wanted” out of Likud and ergo had no reason to prolong discussions.
In addition to keeping the Health Ministry and head of the Knesset Finance Committee, UTJ asked for two more vice minister positions and to head one more Knesset committee.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Delta Airlines to resume flights to Israel in May - report

Delta Airlines reportedly will resume its flights from New York to Tel Aviv on May 8 , Channel 13 reported @ @ @ @ @ it was assured by the Federal Aviation Administration that Ben-Gurion Airport is safe and that @ @ @ @ @ be disinfected before flying to ensure maximum safety from the coronavirus .
Flights are already @ @ @ @ @ s site with a round trip from Tel Aviv to New York costing $ 1,440 @ @ @ @ @ the cost is $ 915 .

Delta Airlines reportedly will resume its flights from New York to Tel Aviv on May 8, Channel 13 reported on Wednesday.
Delta said it was assured by the Federal Aviation Administration that Ben-Gurion Airport is safe and that all of its planes will be disinfected before flying to ensure maximum safety from the coronavirus.
Flights are already available on the company’s site with a round trip from Tel Aviv to New York costing $1,440 and starting on May 10 the cost is $915.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--France registers 14th consecutive decline in intensive care patients

France registered a total of 21,340 deaths from coronavirus infections on Wednesday, an increase of 544 or 2.6%, the fourth-highest casualty tally in the world, but trailing just a few hundred behind Spain, which has a death toll of 21,717.The number of people in French hospitals with COVID-19 fell by 365 or 1.2% to 29,741, the eight consecutive fall and more than 2,300 patients less than the high of 32,113 set on April 13, the health ministry said on Wednesday.The number of patients in intensive care units - the most important metric of a health system's ability to deal with the epidemic - fell by 215 or 4% to 5,218, the 14th consecutive decline. There are now nearly 2,000 people less in ICUs from the high of 7,148 set on April 8.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Abbas: Palestinian peace accords void if Israel annexes West Bank

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in remarks aired on Wednesday that his administration would regard agreements with Israel and the United States "completely cancelled" if Israel annexes land in the occupied West Bank."We have informed the relevant international parties, including the American and the Israeli governments, that we will not stand hand-cuffed if Israel announces the annexation of any part of our land," Abbas said on Palestine TV.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Attacks in Afghanistan kill dozens of civilians, security force members

Abdul Qadeer Mutfi , spokesman for the Mine and Petroleum Ministry , said in a tweet that eight Afghan security force members were killed in a Taliban attack on a checkpoint at the Mes Aynak Copper Mine in eastern Logar province on Tuesday evening .
The insurgent group had also attacked several checkpoints in the northern province of Sar-e-Pul , provincial governor spokesman Zabihullah Amani said , killing 11 Afghan security force members , wounding 19 and resulting in one being captured by the Taliban .
Attacks are threatening to derail a fragile peace process , with the Taliban rejecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a ceasefire as the country also attempts to deal with the growing outbreak of coronavirus and prisoner exchanges take place with an eye to formal peace talks .
After a week-long reduction in violence leading up to the signing of a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February , the militant group resumed attacks on Afghan forces , though has held back on attacking foreign forces .
The United States and other foreign powers have called for the Taliban to reduce its attacks , with the commander of U.S. forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their political capital in Qatar over the issue .
The Ministry of Interior said in a tweet that a clearance operation in Logar had resulted in 20 Taliban fighters being killed .
In southern Kandahar province , clashes in three districts killed four Afghan security force members and 31 Taliban fighters , according to a provincial police statement .
A roadside blast also killed at least four civilians in central Ghazni province late Tuesday night , the Interior Ministry said in a statement , accusing the Taliban of planting a bomb .

Clashes between Afghan forces and Taliban militants killed dozens nationwide in the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday, even as the United States tries to broker peace talks between the warring sides.
Abdul Qadeer Mutfi, spokesman for the Mine and Petroleum Ministry, said in a tweet that eight Afghan security force members were killed in a Taliban attack on a checkpoint at the Mes Aynak Copper Mine in eastern Logar province on Tuesday evening.
The insurgent group had also attacked several checkpoints in the northern province of Sar-e-Pul, provincial governor spokesman Zabihullah Amani said, killing 11 Afghan security force members, wounding 19 and resulting in one being captured by the Taliban.
Attacks are threatening to derail a fragile peace process, with the Taliban rejecting the Afghan government’s repeated calls for a ceasefire as the country also attempts to deal with the growing outbreak of coronavirus and prisoner exchanges take place with an eye to formal peace talks.
After a week-long reduction in violence leading up to the signing of a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February, the militant group resumed attacks on Afghan forces, though has held back on attacking foreign forces.
The United States and other foreign powers have called for the Taliban to reduce its attacks, with the commander of U.S. forces this month meeting the Taliban leadership at their political capital in Qatar over the issue.
The Ministry of Interior said in a tweet that a clearance operation in Logar had resulted in 20 Taliban fighters being killed.
In southern Kandahar province, clashes in three districts killed four Afghan security force members and 31 Taliban fighters, according to a provincial police statement.
A roadside blast also killed at least four civilians in central Ghazni province late Tuesday night, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, accusing the Taliban of planting a bomb.
The Taliban spokesman could not immediately be reached for request for comment. The group has not made any public claim of responsibility for Tuesday’s attacks.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Two arrested during anti-coronavirus regulations protest

Two ultra-Orthodox men were arrested on Wednesday during a protest in Beit Shemesh against the Health Ministry 's coronavirus regulations @ @ @ @ @ On Monday , there was a protests and on Tuesday , demonstrators threw stones at @ @ @ @ @ Jerusalem neighborhood of Mea Sheerim .
Some groups in the haredi community are angry over @ @ @ @ @ prayer being halted as part of the nationwide effort to curb the spread of coronavirus @

Two ultra-Orthodox men were arrested on Wednesday during a protest in Beit Shemesh against the Health Ministry's coronavirus regulations, Yisrael Hayom reported.
On Monday, there was a protests and on Tuesday, demonstrators threw stones at an IDF vehicle in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Mea Sheerim.
Some groups in the haredi community are angry over ritual bathing houses and communal prayer being halted as part of the nationwide effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Israel's banks to open additional branches on Thursday

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Banks will open additional branches on Thursday following new instructions issued by the Bank of Israel, reflecting the government's decision to lift some restrictions on the economy earlier this week.The number of branches open to the public will be increased from 15% to at least 30% across the country, the central bank said.Despite increased access, the Bank of Israel's Supervision Department urged the public to continue carrying out a range of banking activities by telephone, bank applications and websites, and ATMs.


jerusalempost--2020-04-22--Health Ministry: Don’t lockdown Muslims during Ramadan

The Health Ministry said on Wednesday that it is not in favor of keeping Muslims in Israel under lockdown during @ @ @ @ @ citing that the current rate of coronavirus patients among Arab-Israeli communities is 25 % .
@ @ @ @ @ the lockdown as an option to be used if there is a massive outbreak during @ @

The Health Ministry said on Wednesday that it is not in favor of keeping Muslims in Israel under lockdown during the month of Ramadan, citing that the current rate of coronavirus patients among Arab-Israeli communities is 25%.
The ministry suggested to keep the lockdown as an option to be used if there is a massive outbreak during Ramadan.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Iran summons Swiss ambassador as US representative over Gulf tensions

Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents U.S. interests in the country, over recent Gulf tensions, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday, according to the IRIB news agency.The ambassador was given a message to pass on to the United States that Iran will strongly defend its maritime rights in the Gulf and respond to any threats.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--IATA not satisfied with Middle East efforts to support airlines

`` We would ... like them to really prioritize aviation and announce specific rescue measures for the airlines and aviation @ @ @ @ @ nations , '' Muhammad Albakri said on a call with reporters .

"We would ... like them to really prioritize aviation and announce specific rescue measures for the airlines and aviation industry in line with other nations," Muhammad Albakri said on a call with reporters.
The International Air Transport Association's vice president for the Middle East said on Thursday that the industry body was not satisfied with regional government's efforts to support their airlines.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Malaysia reports 71 new coronavirus cases, with two new deaths

The health ministry also reported two new deaths , raising the total number of fatalities from the outbreak to 95 @

The health ministry also reported two new deaths, raising the total number of fatalities from the outbreak to 95.
Malaysia reported 71 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday, raising the cumulative total to 5,603.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Spain's death toll from coronavirus rises to 22,157

That was slightly higher than the previous day when 435 people died .
The number of diagnosed cases rose to @ @ @ @ @ before .

That was slightly higher than the previous day when 435 people died. The number of diagnosed cases rose to 213,024 from 208,389 the day before.
The Spanish health ministry said on Thursday that 440 people died from the coronavirus in the previous 24 hours, which brought total fatalities to 22,157.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Defense Minister Bennett presents coronavirus exit strategy to PM Netanyahu

Bennett explained that at this stage the closure would crush the livelihood of Israelis , which is infinitely worse than @ @ @ @ @ closures .

Bennett explained that at this stage the closure would crush the livelihood of Israelis, which is infinitely worse than the medical benefits of the closures.
Defense Minister MK Naftali Bennett presented Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with plan for the immediate opening of educational institutions and stores, as an exit strategy following the coronavirus pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--WHO is indispensable partner for Germany, Merkel says

The World Health Organisation is an indispensable partner for Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday, distancing her government from President Donald Trump's pause in U.S. funding to the global body."The WHO is an indispensable partner and we support it in its mandate," Merkel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Merkel says we are still at the start of the coronavirus pandemic

`` We are not living in the final phase of the pandemic , but still at the beginning , '' @ @ @ @ @ house of parliament .
`` We have won time , '' Merkel said , adding @ @ @ @ @ well to bolster Germany 's healthcare system .

Germany is still at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and will have to live with it for a long time, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.
"We are not living in the final phase of the pandemic, but still at the beginning," she told the Bundestag lower house of parliament.
"We have won time," Merkel said, adding that this had been used well to bolster Germany's healthcare system.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Chinese construction worker killed in Kiryat Gat accident

Israel Police , in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Social Affairs , launched an investigation into the circumstances @ @ @ @

Israel Police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Social Affairs, launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
A 45-year-old Chinese construction worker was killed Thursday morning after being hit by a heavy object that fell at a construction site Harimon Street in Kiryat Gat.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--UK PM Johnson sure to be back at work soon, minister says

`` He is also right now , as he is fully recovering , doing what we are asking people across @ @ @ @ @ he is taking the advice of the medical experts and the doctors and doing as @ @ @ @ @ do , '' Lewis told Sky .

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is recovering well from grave COVID-19 complications and will be back at work soon, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said on Thursday.
"He is also right now, as he is fully recovering, doing what we are asking people across the country to do, he is taking the advice of the medical experts and the doctors and doing as the doctors outlined him to do," Lewis told Sky.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him back in full swing and in full grip of the reins as prime minister of the country. I'm sure he will be very soon, I am sure he will be very keen to get back but I think he is also doing the right thing."


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--US calls on China to permanently close wildlife wet markets

The new coronavirus is believed to have emerged in a market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last @ @ @ @ @ around the world killing over 180,000 people and infecting over 2.6 million , Reuters calculations @ @ @ @ @ strong link between illegal wildlife sold in wet markets and zoonotic diseases , the United @ @ @ @ @ People 's Republic of China to permanently close its wildlife wet markets and all markets @ @ @ @ @ '' Pompeo said in a statement late on Wednesday .

The new coronavirus is believed to have emerged in a market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. It has spread around the world killing over 180,000 people and infecting over 2.6 million, Reuters calculations show.
"Given the strong link between illegal wildlife sold in wet markets and zoonotic diseases, the United States has called on the People's Republic of China to permanently close its wildlife wet markets and all markets that sell illegal wildlife," Pompeo said in a statement late on Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States has called on China to permanently close its wildlife wet markets, citing links between those markets and zoonotic diseases.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Thailand reports 13 new coronavirus cases, one new death

Thailand reported 13 new coronavirus cases on Thursday and one more death , a 78-year-old woman who had other health @ @ @ @ @ cases , five were linked to previous cases and five had no known links .
@ @ @ @ @ reported from the southern island of Phuket where the authorities are aggressively testing the population @ @ @ @ @ is severe , said Taweesin Wisanuyothin , a spokesman for the government 's Centre for @ @ @ @

Thailand reported 13 new coronavirus cases on Thursday and one more death, a 78-year-old woman who had other health complications.
Of the new cases, five were linked to previous cases and five had no known links.
Three other new cases were reported from the southern island of Phuket where the authorities are aggressively testing the population because the infection rate there is severe, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
Since the outbreak escalated in January, Thailand has reported a total of 2,839 cases and 50 fatalities, while 2,430 patients have recovered and gone home.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 2,352 to 148,046

The reported death toll rose by 215 to 5,094 , the tally showed .

The reported death toll rose by 215 to 5,094, the tally showed.
Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 2,352 to 148,046, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday, marking a third consecutive day of new infections accelerating.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Coronavirus death toll in Israel rises to 191

In addition , 14,498 people have been infected .
Of them , 470 are currently hospitalized .
On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ number of tests , 13,342 , almost 2,000 more than the previous day .

In addition, 14,498 people have been infected. Of them, 470 are currently hospitalized. On Tuesday, the ministry performed a record number of tests, 13,342, almost 2,000 more than the previous day.
The coronavirus death toll in Israel reached 191 as two more patients pass away at the Ichilov Hospital on Wednesday night.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--IDF: Flight training for Independence Day to be heard throughout country

The IDF also reiterated the Health Ministry 's guidelines on social distancing and crowds in light of the ongoing coronavirus @ @

The IDF also reiterated the Health Ministry's guidelines on social distancing and crowds in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced early Thursday that flight training for pilots participating in the annual Independence Day ceremony will take place and be heard throughout the country, warning Israelis to expect the sound of aircraft.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Mainland China reports 10 new coronavirus cases vs 30 a day earlier

The commission said six of the new COVID-19 cases confirmed on Wednesday were imported , down from 23 a day @ @ @ @ @ new asymptomatic patients , who are infected but do not show symptoms , also declined @ @ @ @ @ day earlier .
Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases for mainland China now stands at @ @ @ @ @ deaths were reported , leaving the toll unchanged at 4,632

The commission said six of the new COVID-19 cases confirmed on Wednesday were imported, down from 23 a day earlier. The number of new asymptomatic patients, who are infected but do not show symptoms, also declined to 27 from 42 a day earlier.
Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases for mainland China now stands at 82,798. No new COVID-19 deaths were reported, leaving the toll unchanged at 4,632
Mainland China reported 10 new coronavirus cases as of the end of April 22, down from 30 a day earlier as the number of so-called imported cases involving travelers from overseas declined, the National Health Commission said on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-04-24--Sunlight, heat and humidity weaken coronavirus, US official says

US government researchers have determined that the virus survives best indoors and in dry conditions , and loses potency when temperatures and humidity rise - and especially when it is exposed to sunlight , said William Bryan , acting head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 's Science and Technology Directorate .
`` The virus dies quickest in the presence of direct sunlight , '' he told a White House news briefing .
The findings could bolster hopes that the coronavirus will mimic the behavior of other respiratory diseases like influenza , which typically are less contagious in warm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proven lethal in warm-weather places like Singapore , raising broader questions about the impact of environmental factors .
President Donald Trump said the findings should be interpreted cautiously .
`` I hope people enjoy the sun and if it has an impact , that 's great , '' he said .
On nonporous surfaces like stainless steel , the virus takes 18 hours to lose half its strength in a dark , low-humidity environment , Bryan said .
In a high-humidity environment , that half-life dropped to six hours , and when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunlight , the half-life dropped to two minutes , he said .
Researchers found a similar effect with the coronavirus that was suspended in the air - simulating the coughing or sneezing that often spreads the disease .
In a dark room , the virus maintained half its strength for an hour .
But when exposed to sunlight , it lost half its strength in 90 seconds , Bryan said .

The coronavirus appears to weaken more quickly when exposed to sunlight, heat and humidity, a U.S. official said on Thursday in a potential sign that the pandemic could become less contagious in summer months.
US government researchers have determined that the virus survives best indoors and in dry conditions, and loses potency when temperatures and humidity rise - and especially when it is exposed to sunlight, said William Bryan, acting head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.
"The virus dies quickest in the presence of direct sunlight," he told a White House news briefing.
The findings could bolster hopes that the coronavirus will mimic the behavior of other respiratory diseases like influenza, which typically are less contagious in warm weather.
But the coronavirus has also proven lethal in warm-weather places like Singapore, raising broader questions about the impact of environmental factors.
President Donald Trump said the findings should be interpreted cautiously. "I hope people enjoy the sun and if it has an impact, that's great," he said.
On nonporous surfaces like stainless steel, the virus takes 18 hours to lose half its strength in a dark, low-humidity environment, Bryan said.
In a high-humidity environment, that half-life dropped to six hours, and when the virus was exposed to high humidity and sunlight, the half-life dropped to two minutes, he said.
Researchers found a similar effect with the coronavirus that was suspended in the air - simulating the coughing or sneezing that often spreads the disease. In a dark room, the virus maintained half its strength for an hour. But when exposed to sunlight, it lost half its strength in 90 seconds, Bryan said.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Beyonce Pledges $6 Million to Health Services Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Beyonce's BeyGOOD has partnered with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's #startsmall to provide $6 million in funding to mental health and personal wellness services as the coronavirus pandemic continues to throttle the country.The mental health initiative includes a key national partnership with UCLA. BeyGOOD has also partnered with the National Alliance in Mental Illness, which provides local support in Houston, New York, New Orleans and Detroit.BeyGOOD is also supporting United Memorial Center, Bread of Life, Matthew 25 and other organizations to help provide basic necessities, including food, water, cleaning supplies, medicines and face masks, to help alleviate mental and physical burdens in struggling communities.In an official statement, the initiative emphasized how communities of colors are facing disproportionate hardship during the pandemic, pointing to more underserved living spaces making it more difficult for inhabitants to practice social distancing, leading to higher rates of infection and fatalities in areas that were already challenged by a lack of funds for education, health and housing."Beyonce's BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic," the organization's official statement reads."In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis."A list of the organizations that BeyGOOD has partnered with can be found on Beyonce's official website, along with links to donation pages for each one.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Employers can test workers for COVID-19 says US civil rights agency

The U.S. agency that enforces civil rights laws against disability discrimination said on Thursday that companies can test employees for COVID-19 before permitting them to enter the workplace as long as the tests are accurate and reliable.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last month said employers may take workers' temperatures without violating the the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but Thursday's guidance appears to authorize a broader array of testing options.The commission said mandatory medical testing, which is generally prohibited by the ADA, is allowed if it is "job related and consistent with business necessity." Applying that standard, the new guidance allows employers to take steps to determine if employees entering the workplace have COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, because the virus poses a "direct threat" to the health of others.But before implementing testing, employers should review standards from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other authorities about which type of testing is considered safe and accurate, the commission said. And employers who test workers should still require employees to observe infection control practices, such as social distancing and regular handwashing, to prevent transmission of the coronavirus.The EEOC announcement comes as some states begin to lift shelter-in-place orders and allow businesses to reopen and their employees to return to work.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--California suffered state's deadliest day of coronavirus outbreak-115 dead

California recorded 115 deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours , the state 's deadliest day of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ said on Thursday .
Newsom said the deaths came as the number of hospitalizations and @ @ @ @ @ from COVID-19 dropped slightly .

California recorded 115 deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, the state's deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday.
Newsom said the deaths came as the number of hospitalizations and intensive care unit patients suffering from COVID-19 dropped slightly.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--El Al agrees to sell and lease back three aircraft in $76m. deal

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Israel's flagship carrier El Al has signed a memorandum of understanding to sell and lease back three Boeing 737-800 aircraft to a foreign company.The aircraft, expected to be sold for approximately $76 million, will be leased back to El Al for a period of eight years.El Al said on Monday that it was in "advanced negotiations" with an Israeli bank and the Finance Ministry as it seeks a $345m. government-secured loan, which will reportedly require layoffs of 1,600 of the airline's 6,500-strong staff.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Coronavirus cases accelerate in Peru to top 20,000

Peru 's reported coronavirus cases rapidly increased this week and topped 20,000 on Thursday , doubling in nine days , @ @ @ @ @ a national quarantine in the world 's No .
2 copper producer .
The crisis @ @ @ @ @ and Peru 's hospitals are straining to deal with a rapid rise in the number @ @ @ @ @ bodies being kept in hallways , masks being repeatedly reused , and protests breaking out @ @ @ @ @ their safety.Peru recorded its first coronavirus case on March 6 and took 25 days to @ @ @ @ @ took only 14 more days to reach 10,000 cases on April 14 , according to @ @ @ @ @ doubled again to 20,914 confirmed cases on Thursday .
Peru has a total of 572 @ @ @ @ @ of cases in South America after Brazil , despite a tough lockdown aimed at halting @ @ @ @ @ .

Peru's reported coronavirus cases rapidly increased this week and topped 20,000 on Thursday, doubling in nine days, as President Martin Vizcarra extended a national quarantine in the world's No. 2 copper producer.
The crisis has left millions without jobs and Peru's hospitals are straining to deal with a rapid rise in the number of COVID-19 infections, with bodies being kept in hallways, masks being repeatedly reused, and protests breaking out amongst medical workers concerned over their safety.Peru recorded its first coronavirus case on March 6 and took 25 days to reach 1,000 cases. It took only 14 more days to reach 10,000 cases on April 14, according to a Reuters tally. Cases doubled again to 20,914 confirmed cases on Thursday. Peru has a total of 572 deaths.Peru has the second-highest number of cases in South America after Brazil, despite a tough lockdown aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Coronavirus death toll in France close to 22,000

The number of people who have died from coronavirus infection in France rose by 516 to 21,856 on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
The 2.4 % increase was slightly slower than on Wednesday and Thursday @ @ @ @ @ increased by 2.6 % , but well below the more than 4 % rate seen @ @ @ @ @ of people in hospital with COVID-19 infection fell further to 29,129 from 29,741 on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ in intensive care fell to 5,053 from 5,218 on Wednesday .
Both have been on @ @ @ @ @ days .

The number of people who have died from coronavirus infection in France rose by 516 to 21,856 on Thursday, the health ministry said in a statement.
The 2.4% increase was slightly slower than on Wednesday and Thursday, when the death toll increased by 2.6%, but well below the more than 4% rate seen last week.
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 infection fell further to 29,129 from 29,741 on Wednesday and the number of people in intensive care fell to 5,053 from 5,218 on Wednesday. Both have been on a downward trend for several days.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Trump calls on CDC head to walk back remarks on second wave of coronavirus

CDC Director Robert Redfield made the widely circulated comment in an interview Tuesday with the Washington Post .
On Wednesday , Trump tweeted that the health expert was misquoted and would be putting out a statement .
Redfield , however , said he was quoted accurately .
`` I think it 's really important to emphasize what I did n't say : I did n't say that this was going to be worse , '' Redfield said at the daily White House coronavirus briefing .
`` I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulating at the same time . ''
Redfield 's remarks came as Trump appeared to downplay the risk that the coming fall or winter could bring another serious wave of COVID-19 combined with outbreaks of seasonal flu .
`` We will not go through what we went through in the last few months , '' Trump said .
`` It may not come back at all . ''
Trump said , however , that there could be `` embers of corona '' that could combine with flu to create `` a mess .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimism in the nation 's battle with the virus , he said he disagreed with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp 's aggressive push to re-open his state 's economy in violation of federal recommendations .
Trump said that was too soon .
`` They can wait a little bit longer , just a little bit - not much , '' Trump said .
`` Because safety has to predominate .
We have to have that . ''
Even so , Trump said he was encouraged to see some states begin to open up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his administration will hold a July 4 celebration on the National Mall in Washington , as it did last year .
At present , the capital remains under a stay-at-home order through May 15 .

CDC Director Robert Redfield made the widely circulated comment in an interview Tuesday with the Washington Post.
On Wednesday, Trump tweeted that the health expert was misquoted and would be putting out a statement. Redfield, however, said he was quoted accurately. "I think it's really important to emphasize what I didn't say: I didn't say that this was going to be worse," Redfield said at the daily White House coronavirus briefing. "I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated because we're going to have flu and coronavirus circulating at the same time."
Redfield's remarks came as Trump appeared to downplay the risk that the coming fall or winter could bring another serious wave of COVID-19 combined with outbreaks of seasonal flu.
"We will not go through what we went through in the last few months," Trump said. "It may not come back at all."
Trump said, however, that there could be "embers of corona" that could combine with flu to create "a mess."
Even as Trump attempted to project optimism in the nation's battle with the virus, he said he disagreed with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's aggressive push to re-open his state's economy in violation of federal recommendations. Trump said that was too soon.
"They can wait a little bit longer, just a little bit - not much," Trump said. "Because safety has to predominate. We have to have that."
Even so, Trump said he was encouraged to see some states begin to open up their economies and ease restrictions.
He announced that his administration will hold a July 4 celebration on the National Mall in Washington, as it did last year. At present, the capital remains under a stay-at-home order through May 15.
The director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was called on by President Donald Trump on Wednesday to walk back his remark that the second wave of novel coronavirus in the fall could be worse than the current situation.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Coronavirus cases in Turkey rise by 3,116 new cases, death toll by 115

Turkey 's confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease increased by 3,116 in the past 24 hours , and 115 more @ @ @ @ @ the death toll to 2,491 , Health Ministry data showed on Thursday .
The total @ @ @ @ @ country stood at 101,790 , the data showed , the highest total for any country @ @ @ @ @ States .
A total of 18,491 people have recovered from the new coronavirus so far @ @ @ @ @ tests carried out over the past 24 hours stood at 40,962 .

Turkey's confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease increased by 3,116 in the past 24 hours, and 115 more people have died, taking the death toll to 2,491, Health Ministry data showed on Thursday.
The total number of cases in the country stood at 101,790, the data showed, the highest total for any country outside Europe or the United States. A total of 18,491 people have recovered from the new coronavirus so far, and the number of tests carried out over the past 24 hours stood at 40,962.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--Number of job losses in US top post-Great Recession employment gains

A record 26 million Americans sought unemployment benefits over the last five weeks , confirming that all the jobs created during the longest employment boom in US history were wiped out in about a month as the novel coronavirus savages the economy .
The Labor Department said on Thursday 4.427 million more people applied for unemployment benefits for the first time last week , down from a revised 5.237 million the week before .
The median expectation among economists in a Reuters poll was for claims to have fallen to 4.2 million last week , although estimates had ranged as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data brings the cumulative unemployment benefits claims to more than 26 million since the week ending March 21 , representing about 16 % of the labor force .
The economy created 22 million jobs during the employment boom which started in September 2010 and abruptly ended in February this year .
Though weekly jobless filings remain very high , last week 's data marked the third straight weekly decline , raising hopes that the worst may be over .
Weekly claims appeared to have peaked at a record 6.867 million in the week @ @ @ @

A record 26 million Americans sought unemployment benefits over the last five weeks, confirming that all the jobs created during the longest employment boom in US history were wiped out in about a month as the novel coronavirus savages the economy.
WASHINGTON -
The Labor Department said on Thursday 4.427 million more people applied for unemployment benefits for the first time last week, down from a revised 5.237 million the week before. The median expectation among economists in a Reuters poll was for claims to have fallen to 4.2 million last week, although estimates had ranged as high as 5.5 million.
The latest data brings the cumulative unemployment benefits claims to more than 26 million since the week ending March 21, representing about 16% of the labor force. The economy created 22 million jobs during the employment boom which started in September 2010 and abruptly ended in February this year.
Though weekly jobless filings remain very high, last week's data marked the third straight weekly decline, raising hopes that the worst may be over. Weekly claims appeared to have peaked at a record 6.867 million in the week ended March 28.


jerusalempost--2020-04-23--US coronavirus deaths top 48,000, averaging 2,000 lives lost a day

At current rates , US deaths will reach 50,000 later this week .
The total number of US cases was @ @ @ @ @ yet to report on Thursday .
US cases rose by over 30,000 on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ days but in line with an average of 30,000 new cases a day in April @ @ @ @ @ tally .
Across the country , state officials say there remain bottlenecks in testing capacity @ @ @ @ @ as swabs used for taking samples and not enough workers to contact- trace infections .

At current rates, US deaths will reach 50,000 later this week.
The total number of US cases was approaching 850,000 with most states yet to report on Thursday.
US cases rose by over 30,000 on Wednesday, the biggest increase in five days but in line with an average of 30,000 new cases a day in April, according to a Reuters tally.
Across the country, state officials say there remain bottlenecks in testing capacity, shortages of materials such as swabs used for taking samples and not enough workers to contact- trace infections.
US coronavirus deaths topped 48,000 on Thursday as the number of lives lost in April rises by an average of 2,000 a day, according to a Reuters tally.