jerusalempost--2020-07-06--Pakistan's health minister tests positive for COVID-19

Pakistan 's health minister on Monday said he had tested positive for COVID-19 , the latest senior figure to contract the novel coronavirus in a country where rising cases are putting pressure on the health system .
`` I have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Under ( medical ) advice I have isolated myself at home & taking all precautions .
I have mild symptoms .
Please keep me in your kind prayers , '' State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza said on Twitter .
Pakistan has so far confirmed more than 229,831 cases with 4,762 deaths , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to confirm around 4,000 new cases per day , despite daily testing numbers falling .
A number of high level officials have tested positive in Pakistan , including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who announced he had the virus on Friday , just days after meeting with U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad .
The Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed and the speaker of the lower house of parliament , Asad Qaiser have also contracted the virus .
On Monday , 48 doctors resigned in the eastern city of Lahore , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Salman Haseeb , president of the Young Doctors Association for Punjab , said the resignations were due to low morale in the stretched health system due to poor working conditions .

Pakistan's health minister on Monday said he had tested positive for COVID-19, the latest senior figure to contract the novel coronavirus in a country where rising cases are putting pressure on the health system.
"I have tested positive for COVID-19. Under (medical) advice I have isolated myself at home & taking all precautions. I have mild symptoms. Please keep me in your kind prayers," State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza said on Twitter.
Pakistan has so far confirmed more than 229,831 cases with 4,762 deaths, according to government figures. The country has continued to confirm around 4,000 new cases per day, despite daily testing numbers falling.
A number of high level officials have tested positive in Pakistan, including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who announced he had the virus on Friday, just days after meeting with U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad.
The Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed and the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Asad Qaiser have also contracted the virus.
On Monday, 48 doctors resigned in the eastern city of Lahore, one of the hardest hit areas by the virus. Salman Haseeb, president of the Young Doctors Association for Punjab, said the resignations were due to low morale in the stretched health system due to poor working conditions.
"See the lack of seriousness of the government during the deadly pandemic that it is accepting resignations instead of addressing the doctors' problems at this critical time when more doctors are much needed in Pakistan," he said. The spokesman for the Punjab Health Department, Syed Hammad Raza, told Reuters that the resignations were not related to COVID-19 and were due to personal reasons, and that doctors had enough protective equipment and received extra bonuses for working during the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-07-06--Ashkelon teacher infected with coronavirus

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An Ashkelon teacher who works at Mitzpe Barnea was found to be infected with coronavirus. Two classes and most of the faculty began a 14-day quarantine period, the city’s spokesperson reported on Sunday.The school will be thoroughly fumigated as per the city’s policy as the students are meant to hold some classes in it during the summer break.


jerusalempost--2020-07-06--Rafi Peretz may merge lists with Likud

Rafi Peretz may merge lists with Likud

Jerusalem Minister Rafi Peretz submitted Monday a request to split from Yamina and may join lists with Likud , The @ @ @ @ @ Maariv reported .
Peretz first informed Yamina of his plans to split from the list @ @ @ @ @ party , Bayit Yehudi ( Jewish Home ) , is currently in talks with Prime @ @ @ @ @ Party ahead of a potential merger of the two .

Jerusalem Minister Rafi Peretz submitted Monday a request to split from Yamina and may join lists with Likud, The Jerusalem Posts's sister publication Maariv reported.
Peretz first informed Yamina of his plans to split from the list on May 14. His party, Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home), is currently in talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party ahead of a potential merger of the two.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Britain compliant with Saudi Arabia arms order, can issue export licenses

Britain has complied with a court order over its decisions on granting export licenses to sell arms to Saudi Arabia, its trade minister said on Tuesday, meaning it can once again issue new licenses to export arms to the kingdom.The Court of Appeal last year concluded that Britain's government had erred in law in its decision-making processes on arms export licenses to Saudi Arabia.Trade minister Liz Truss said the government had "now re-taken the decisions that were the subject of judicial review on the correct legal basis, as required by the Order of the Court of Appeal of 20 June.""It follows that the undertaking that my predecessor gave to the Court – that we would not grant any new licenses for the export of arms or military equipment to Saudi Arabia for possible use in Yemen – falls away," she said in a written statement.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Mass coronavirus infections at underground prom parties in Ra'anana

At least 25 teenagers tested positive for coronavirus after underground prom parties in Ra'anana, according to Israeli media.Following instructions by the Health Ministry to avoid organized prom parties, many teenagers chose to arrange private parties to celebrate the end of the school year. In Ra'anana, these parties became coronavirus centers. According to some estimates, the number of infected teenagers is much higher.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Iraq partially reopens Iran trade crossing

The crossing was being opened only for the trade of foodstuffs , allowing in some 500 trucks from Iran per @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday and Sunday from now on , one of the officials said .
Iraq closed @ @ @ @ @ boundaries in March except for the delivery of essential goods such as food as it @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus .
Iran , which shares a long border with Iraq , has @ @ @ @ @ virus in the Middle East but the spread has also accelerated in Iraq which is @ @ @ @ @ every day .
More than 2,500 people have died from COVID-19 in Iraq according to @ @ @ @

Iraq partially reopened its southern Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran on Tuesday after more than three months of closure to combat the spread of the new coronavirus, border officials said.
The crossing was being opened only for the trade of foodstuffs, allowing in some 500 trucks from Iran per week and would open every Wednesday and Sunday from now on, one of the officials said.
Iraq closed its international borders and provincial boundaries in March except for the delivery of essential goods such as food as it sought to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Iran, which shares a long border with Iraq, has been the epicenter of the virus in the Middle East but the spread has also accelerated in Iraq which is registering nearly 2,000 new cases every day. More than 2,500 people have died from COVID-19 in Iraq according to its health ministry.
Iran is one of Iraq's biggest trading partners. Both countries' economies are in crisis. Iran continues to suffer from U.S. sanctions and Iraq is reeling from low prices of oil, which accounts for almost all its state revenue.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Iran records highest daily death toll from COVID-19

The 200 deaths reported on Tuesday exceed the previous record from Sunday , when the ministry reported 163 deaths in @ @ @ @ @ Republic has recorded a total of 11,931 deaths and 245,688 infections from the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement on state TV .
The number of new daily infections and @ @ @ @ @ the past week following the gradual lifting of restrictions that began in mid-April .
Iran @ @ @ @ @ hit countries early in the pandemic .
The highest number of deaths recorded in a @ @ @ @ @ was 158 on April 4 .

Iran has recorded its highest number of deaths from COVID-19 within a 24-hour period, Health Ministry figures showed on Tuesday.
The 200 deaths reported on Tuesday exceed the previous record from Sunday, when the ministry reported 163 deaths in a day.
The Islamic Republic has recorded a total of 11,931 deaths and 245,688 infections from the coronavirus, ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said in a statement on state TV.
The number of new daily infections and deaths has increased sharply in the past week following the gradual lifting of restrictions that began in mid-April.
Iran was one of the hardest hit countries early in the pandemic. The highest number of deaths recorded in a day in that first phase was 158 on April 4.
President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday launched new measures to try to curb the renewed spread. Iranians who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week, he said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Construction to restart at Islamic cemetery in Jaffa after court ruling

`` The decision by the court proves that the municipality worked and works sensitively and according to the law , @ @ @ @ @ Municipality in response to the ruling.The El-Asaf cemetery dates to the 18th century and was @ @ @ @ @ the city of Tel Aviv began digging to construct the foundation of the planned Center @ @ @ @ @ , a building dating to the Ottoman period stood on the same grounds , Ynet @ @ @ @ @ after construction began at the site last month , with multiple incidents of arson in @ @

"The decision by the court proves that the municipality worked and works sensitively and according to the law," said the Tel Aviv Municipality in response to the ruling.The municipality added that it "welcomes the court decision enabling the continuation of work to establish a homeless shelter in Jaffa, an important social project whose purpose is to enable the rehabilitation of hundreds of homeless people. The court rejected the petition, held that the construction permit is valid and that work may continue as planned.""The decision of the court proves that the municipality has worked and continues to work in a sensitive manner and in compliance with the law," said Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai.The El-Asaf cemetery dates to the 18th century and was discovered in April 2018 as the city of Tel Aviv began digging to construct the foundation of the planned Center for the Homeless. Previously, a building dating to the Ottoman period stood on the same grounds, Ynet reported.Riots and protests broke out after construction began at the site last month, with multiple incidents of arson in Jaffa.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Leonardo hotel in Beersheba to open as coronavirus hotel

The Leonardo hotel in Beersheba will be turned into a coronavirus hotel due to the increased infection rates around Israel, according to KAN news.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Indonesia reports 1,268 new coronavirus infections, 68 deaths

The official also announced 68 additional deaths due to the virus , bringing the total number of fatalities to 3,309 @ @ @ @ @ recovered .

Indonesia on Tuesday reported 1,268 new coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of cases to 66,226, Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto told a televised briefing.
The official also announced 68 additional deaths due to the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities to 3,309, while 30,785 people have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--UK COVID-19 death toll passes 55,000 including suspected cases

The Reuters tally comprises fatalities where COVID-19 was mentioned on death certificates in England , Wales and Northern Ireland up @ @ @ @ @ up to June 28 in Scotland .
It also includes more recent hospital deaths .

The United Kingdom's suspected COVID-19 death toll has hit 55,398, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources that underline the country's status as one of the worst hit in the world.
The Reuters tally comprises fatalities where COVID-19 was mentioned on death certificates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland up to June 26, and up to June 28 in Scotland. It also includes more recent hospital deaths.
The Office for National Statistics said total deaths in England and Wales in the week to June 26 had now fallen below the five-year average for the second week running.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Coronavirus: 1,471 students, teachers have virus

Some 1,471 people in Israel's education system have tested positive for coronavirus as of Tuesday afternoon the Education Ministry announced, out of around 2,300,00 students and 200,000 teaching staff.A total of 31,262 students and teachers have been quarantined as of Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Arye Deri: We can't go to fourth elections

`` I say this to myself and all my colleagues .
We can not go to fourth elections , '' @ @ @ @ @ will never forgive us .
This government is not a simple creation .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ but this is the best that was possible facing fourth elections .
Our grandchildren , @ @ @ @ @ will not forgive us if we drag the country to fourth elections when there are @ @ @ @ @ through the month .
We need to decide that in the next few months we @ @ @ @ @ and the economy . ''

"I say this to myself and all my colleagues. We cannot go to fourth elections," said Deri. "History will never forgive us. This government is not a simple creation. It's unbalanced. It's unequal but this is the best that was possible facing fourth elections. Our grandchildren, children and the weak populations will not forgive us if we drag the country to fourth elections when there are people who can't get through the month. We need to decide that in the next few months we will deal only with health and the economy."
Shas MK Arye Deri stressed at the opening ceremony of the elections committee for the 24th Knesset that Israel "cannot go to fourth elections."


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Aide to head of Russian space agency detained on treason charges

It said the detention of Ivan Safronov , a former journalist specializing in military affairs , was not linked to @ @ @ @ @ agency where he has worked as an advisor to General Director Dmitry Rogozin .

An aide to the head of Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, was detained by the authorities on Tuesday and charged with state treason, Roscosmos said in a statement.
It said the detention of Ivan Safronov, a former journalist specializing in military affairs, was not linked to his work with the space agency where he has worked as an advisor to General Director Dmitry Rogozin.
Safronov joined Roscosmos as a media advisor in May.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Russia reports more than 6,300 new coronavirus infections

The country 's coronavirus crisis response center said 198 people had died from the virus in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ to 10,494 .

Russia on Tuesday reported 6,368 new coronavirus cases, taking its nationwide tally of infections to 694,230.
The country's coronavirus crisis response center said 198 people had died from the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 10,494.
Russia said 463,880 people have recovered from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Coronavirus: 1,057 new patients in a single day; death toll hits 338

There were 1,057 people diagnosed with coronavirus on Monday, according to the Health Ministry.As of Tuesday morning, the country has 12,717 active cases of the virus, including 89 people who are in serious condition. Among those in the hospital, 36 are intubated.Overnight, more people died, bringing the country's death toll to 338.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Israel's Chief Rabbi: Coronavirus patients should not fast on Thursday

Israel's Chief Rabbi David Lau ruled on Tuesday that those who test positive for the coronavirus or feel symptoms of the virus should not fast on Thursday, which marks the 17th of Tammuz, a Jewish fast day that lasts from sunrise to sunset.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Buses to keep air conditioning, number of passengers under discussion

The number of passengers who will be allowed on buses is still under discussion .

The number of passengers who will be allowed on buses is still under discussion.
Buses will be allowed to travel with air conditioning, despite an earlier decision by the coronavirus cabinet stating that they could not travel with air conditioning, Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--India's coronavirus death toll hits 20,000 as infections surge

India's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surpassed 20,000 on Tuesday and case numbers surged as the south Asian nation pushed ahead with relaxations to its almost two-month lockdown amid grim economic forecasts.The rate of both new COVID-19 infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people that has left tens of thousands without work and shuttered businesses.The country reported 467 new deaths on Tuesday, taking the toll to 20,160. It also recorded 22,252 new infections, increasing the total to 719,665. India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil.But its death rate per 10,000 people is still a low 0.15, compared with 3.97 in the United States and 6.65 in the United Kingdom, according to a Reuters tally.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Mexico posts 6,258 new coronavirus cases, 895 more deaths

Mexico 's health ministry on Tuesday reported 6,258 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 895 additional fatalities , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ cases and 32,014 deaths .
The government has said the real number of infected people @ @ @ @ @ the confirmed cases .

Mexico's health ministry on Tuesday reported 6,258 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 895 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 268,008 cases and 32,014 deaths.
The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Trump aides weighed proposals to undermine Hong Kong’s dollar peg

US President Donald Trump 's top advisers weighed proposals to undermine the Hong Kong currency 's peg to the US dollar , Bloomberg reported on Tuesday , citing people familiar with the matter , although the idea did not appear to gain traction .
The proposal to strike against the Hong Kong dollar peg , possibly by limiting the ability of Hong Kong banks to buy US dollars , was raised as part of broader discussions among advisers to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , it added .
Other administration members pushed back against the proposal , worrying that such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks and the United States , not China , sources told Bloomberg .
The idea was n't elevated to White House 's senior levels , the report said , suggesting that it has n't gained serious traction yet .
A top priority for the administration has been to find ways to punish banks based in Hong Kong , particularly HSBC Holdings Plc , according to the report .
US Treasury , State Department and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
Last month , Hong Kong Finance Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no plans to change its currency 's peg to the US dollar .

US President Donald Trump's top advisers weighed proposals to undermine the Hong Kong currency's peg to the US dollar, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter, although the idea did not appear to gain traction.
The proposal to strike against the Hong Kong dollar peg, possibly by limiting the ability of Hong Kong banks to buy US dollars, was raised as part of broader discussions among advisers to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, it added.
Other administration members pushed back against the proposal, worrying that such a move would only hurt Hong Kong banks and the United States, not China, sources told Bloomberg.
The idea wasn't elevated to White House's senior levels, the report said, suggesting that it hasn't gained serious traction yet.
A top priority for the administration has been to find ways to punish banks based in Hong Kong, particularly HSBC Holdings Plc, according to the report.
US Treasury, State Department and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Televangelists tied to Trump approved for millions in COVID aid

WASHINGTON - Megachurches and other religious organizations with ties to vocal supporters of US President Donald Trump were approved for millions of dollars in forgivable loans from a taxpayer-funded pandemic aid bailout , according to long-awaited government data released this week .
Among those approved for loans through the massive government relief program were a Dallas megachurch whose pastor has been an outspoken ally of the president ; a Florida church tied to Trump spiritual adviser and `` prosperity gospel '' leader Paula White ; and a Christian-focused nonprofit where Jay Sekulow , the lawyer who defended the president during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evangelical Christians played a key role in Trump 's victory in the 2016 presidential election and have remained a largely unwavering contingent of his base .
Vice President Mike Pence spoke at a rally last month at the First Baptist Church of Dallas , whose pastor , Robert Jeffress , has been on Trump 's evangelical advisory board .
The church was approved for a $ 2-5 million loan , the data showed .
Launched on April 3 , the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) allows small businesses , nonprofits and individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgivable government-backed loans .
Some say allowing religious institutions to qualify for loan forgiveness highlights a breakdown in the American tradition of a strict separation of church and state .
`` The notion of separation of church and state is dead , and the PPP loan program is the evidence of that , '' said Micah Schwartzman , a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law .
`` The money is going to fund core activities of many organizations , including religious organizations .
That 's something we ’ ve not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious organizations approved for about 88,400 small business loans also included Faith and Freedom Coalition Inc in Georgia , which qualified for a $ 150,000- $ 350,000 loan .
The evangelical group 's founder and chairman Ralph Reed praised Trump for his photo-op at a church nearby the White House after authorities hurled tear gas and shot rubber bullets at protesters .
Cross Church of Arkansas , whose pastor emeritus has been a member of Trump 's evangelical advisory board , received a $ 1.8 million loan and will seek loan forgiveness if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Reuters .
The American Center for Law and Justice Inc , a nonprofit founded by televangelist Pat Robertson and also known as Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism Inc. , was approved for a $ 1-2 million loan .
Sekulow is listed as chief counsel on the organization 's website .
City of Destiny Inc. of Florida , where , White , Trump 's spiritual adviser , is listed as an oversight pastor , was approved for a loan of $ 150,000- $ 350,000 , the data showed .
Other than Cross Church of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not respond to requests for comment .
Data released this week by the US Treasury Department and Small Business Administration named borrowers that were approved for loans of $ 150,000 or more under the $ 660 billion Paycheck Protection Program .
The data showed religious organizations accounting for more than 1 million of the 51.1 million jobs protected by the high-profile program .
The list of named religious organizations was heavily skewed toward Christian denominations , according to a Reuters analysis .
A White House official said : `` This program was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political affiliations .
We didn ’ t discriminate based on one ideology or another . ''

WASHINGTON - Megachurches and other religious organizations with ties to vocal supporters of US President Donald Trump were approved for millions of dollars in forgivable loans from a taxpayer-funded pandemic aid bailout, according to long-awaited government data released this week.
Among those approved for loans through the massive government relief program were a Dallas megachurch whose pastor has been an outspoken ally of the president; a Florida church tied to Trump spiritual adviser and "prosperity gospel" leader Paula White; and a Christian-focused nonprofit where Jay Sekulow, the lawyer who defended the president during his impeachment, is chief counsel.
Evangelical Christians played a key role in Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election and have remained a largely unwavering contingent of his base.
Vice President Mike Pence spoke at a rally last month at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, whose pastor, Robert Jeffress, has been on Trump's evangelical advisory board. The church was approved for a $2-5 million loan, the data showed.
Launched on April 3, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) allows small businesses, nonprofits and individuals hurt by the pandemic to apply for forgivable government-backed loans. Some say allowing religious institutions to qualify for loan forgiveness highlights a breakdown in the American tradition of a strict separation of church and state.
"The notion of separation of church and state is dead, and the PPP loan program is the evidence of that," said Micah Schwartzman, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law. "The money is going to fund core activities of many organizations, including religious organizations. That's something we’ve not seen before."
The list of religious organizations approved for about 88,400 small business loans also included Faith and Freedom Coalition Inc in Georgia, which qualified for a $150,000-$350,000 loan. The evangelical group's founder and chairman Ralph Reed praised Trump for his photo-op at a church nearby the White House after authorities hurled tear gas and shot rubber bullets at protesters.
Cross Church of Arkansas, whose pastor emeritus has been a member of Trump's evangelical advisory board, received a $1.8 million loan and will seek loan forgiveness if the requirements are met, a spokesman told Reuters.
The American Center for Law and Justice Inc, a nonprofit founded by televangelist Pat Robertson and also known as Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism Inc., was approved for a $1-2 million loan. Sekulow is listed as chief counsel on the organization's website.
City of Destiny Inc. of Florida, where, White, Trump's spiritual adviser, is listed as an oversight pastor, was approved for a loan of $150,000-$350,000, the data showed.
Other than Cross Church of Arkansas, the other churches and organizations did not respond to requests for comment.
Data released this week by the US Treasury Department and Small Business Administration named borrowers that were approved for loans of $150,000 or more under the $660 billion Paycheck Protection Program.
The data showed religious organizations accounting for more than 1 million of the 51.1 million jobs protected by the high-profile program. The list of named religious organizations was heavily skewed toward Christian denominations, according to a Reuters analysis.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Extrajudicial killings suspected as dozens of bodies found in Burkina Faso

OUAGADOUGOU - At least 180 bodies have been found in common graves in Djibo , a town in the north of Burkina Faso , Human Rights Watch ( HRW ) , said in a report released on Wednesday , saying that the killings were likely carried out by government forces .
`` Available evidence suggests government forces were involved in mass extrajudicial executions , '' HRW said .
It called for the government to hold those responsible to account .
The Burkina Faso government told HRW it will investigate the claims .
Minister of Defence Moumina Cheriff Sy said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups using stolen army uniforms and logistical equipment .
`` It is difficult for the population to distinguish between armed terrorist groups and the defense and security forces , '' he said .
Burkina Faso has been battling militant groups with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State since 2017 .
Hundreds of civilians have been killed and almost a million displaced by the conflict , which is also affecting neighbors Niger and Mali .
Despite promises to investigate and prosecute previous reports of rights abuses , rights groups say the government had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of abuses by soldiers prompted European Union and Sahel leaders to warn during a security summit on June 30 that any of their troops found guilty of human rights abuses would be punished severely .
The HRW report said the killings in Djibo likely took place between November 2019 and June 2020 .
Residents who saw the bodies told HRW that the dead were all men .
It said the bodies were left in groups along major roadways , under bridges , and in fields and vacant lots around Djibo .
`` Burkina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned Djibo into a 'killing field , ' '' said Corinne Dufka , Sahel director at Human Rights Watch .
A community leader in Djibo told HRW , `` Many of the dead were blindfolded , had their hands tied up ... and were shot in the head . ''
Many who spoke to HRW said they were fearful of being killed by government forces as well as jihadi militants .
`` At night , so many times I 'd hear the sound of vehicles and then , bam !
bam !
bam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd see or hear of bodies found in this place or that , '' a Djibo farmer said .

OUAGADOUGOU - At least 180 bodies have been found in common graves in Djibo, a town in the north of Burkina Faso, Human Rights Watch (HRW), said in a report released on Wednesday, saying that the killings were likely carried out by government forces.
"Available evidence suggests government forces were involved in mass extrajudicial executions," HRW said. It called for the government to hold those responsible to account.
The Burkina Faso government told HRW it will investigate the claims.
Minister of Defence Moumina Cheriff Sy said the killings could have been committed by jihadist groups using stolen army uniforms and logistical equipment.
"It is difficult for the population to distinguish between armed terrorist groups and the defense and security forces," he said.
Burkina Faso has been battling militant groups with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State since 2017. Hundreds of civilians have been killed and almost a million displaced by the conflict, which is also affecting neighbors Niger and Mali.
Despite promises to investigate and prosecute previous reports of rights abuses, rights groups say the government had done little.
Concerns over increased reports of abuses by soldiers prompted European Union and Sahel leaders to warn during a security summit on June 30 that any of their troops found guilty of human rights abuses would be punished severely.
The HRW report said the killings in Djibo likely took place between November 2019 and June 2020. Residents who saw the bodies told HRW that the dead were all men.
It said the bodies were left in groups along major roadways, under bridges, and in fields and vacant lots around Djibo.
"Burkina Faso authorities need to urgently uncover who turned Djibo into a 'killing field,'" said Corinne Dufka, Sahel director at Human Rights Watch.
A community leader in Djibo told HRW, "Many of the dead were blindfolded, had their hands tied up...and were shot in the head."
Many who spoke to HRW said they were fearful of being killed by government forces as well as jihadi militants.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Mike Pence says US to maintain 'strong stand' on TikTok

WASHINGTON - US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the United States would `` continue to take a strong stand '' regarding Chinese entities that threaten US security , including potentially the social media app TikTok .
Pence made the remark in an interview with Fox News Channel a day after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was looking at banning Chinese social media apps , including TikTok , suggesting it shared information with the Chinese government , a charge TikTok denied .
Pence , citing Washington 's tough stance against Chinese telecommunications company Huawei Technologies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clear his administration would defend US interests from `` being compromised by the Chinese Communist Party . ''
`` So these entities , whether it be Huawei and perhaps even TikTok , that represent a threat to the privacy and to the security of the country , we 'll continue to take a strong stand , '' Pence said .
US lawmakers have raised national security concerns over TikTok 's handling of user data , saying they were worried about Chinese laws requiring domestic companies `` to support and cooperate with intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Federal Trade Commission and the US Justice Department are looking into allegations that the short-form video app owned by China-based ByteDance failed to live up to a 2019 agreement aimed at protecting children 's privacy , according to two people interviewed by the agencies .

WASHINGTON - US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the United States would "continue to take a strong stand" regarding Chinese entities that threaten US security, including potentially the social media app TikTok.
Pence made the remark in an interview with Fox News Channel a day after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was looking at banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok, suggesting it shared information with the Chinese government, a charge TikTok denied.
Pence, citing Washington's tough stance against Chinese telecommunications company Huawei Technologies, said President Donald Trump had made it clear his administration would defend US interests from "being compromised by the Chinese Communist Party."
"So these entities, whether it be Huawei and perhaps even TikTok, that represent a threat to the privacy and to the security of the country, we'll continue to take a strong stand," Pence said.
US lawmakers have raised national security concerns over TikTok's handling of user data, saying they were worried about Chinese laws requiring domestic companies "to support and cooperate with intelligence work controlled by the Chinese Communist Party."


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--US colleges scramble after new Trump order on foreign students

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - Many US colleges were scrambling on Tuesday to modify plans for the fall semester in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic a day after the Trump administration issued an order that could force tens of thousands of foreign students to leave the country if their schools hold all classes online .
The announcement blindsided academic institutions grappling with the logistical challenges of safely resuming classes , particularly after the federal government had granted exceptions to the rules limiting online learning for foreign students when colleges and universities in March rushed to shutter campuses and move to online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are more than a million foreign students at US colleges and universities , and many schools depend on revenue from foreign students , who often pay full tuition .
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) agency said institutions moving entirely to online learning must submit plans to the agency by July 15 .
Schools that will use only in-person learning , shortened or delayed classes , or a blend of in-person and online learning must submit plans by Aug. 1 .
The guidance applies to holders of F-1 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vocational students .
During a roundtable in Washington on reopening schools , President Donald Trump criticized a decision by Harvard University to conduct courses online in the coming academic year .
`` I think it 's ridiculous , I think it 's an easy way out , '' Trump said .
`` I think they ought to be ashamed of themselves . ''
The chancellor of Rutgers University-Newark , Nancy Cantor , said in a statement on Tuesday that the school , along with other colleges across the country and lawmakers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully understand and respond to this announcement . ''
In the 2018/19 school year Rutgers had nearly 7,000 international students enrolled , according to data published by the Institute of International Education .
Cantor tried to assure foreign students the university 's model for the fall would be a hybrid of online and in-person classes .
Most students attending schools with that type of blended curriculum , as well as those with full-time in-person instruction , would be exempt from the new rules if their plans are approved by ICE .
Lee Bollinger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York , called the administration 's actions `` deeply misguided '' and said the university would take a number of steps in response , including structuring courses so they fit into the hybrid model .
“ Together , these changes mark a devastating reversal of federal policy announced at the onset of the pandemic , '' Bollinger said .
Ken Cuccinelli , acting deputy secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security told CNN on Tuesday that the new rules would “ encourage schools to reopen . ''
Business and conservative groups have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting parents back to work and reviving the US economy .
The United States is experiencing a new surge in coronavirus cases , especially among younger people , raising concerns about the increased risk of spread to vulnerable adults at home as well as to older teachers and school staff if in-person classes resume .
In a survey by the newspaper the Chronicle of Higher Education of hundreds of colleges around the country , the majority said they will offer either in-person instruction or some sort of hybrid model with on-campus and online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out their plans .
Toni Molle , director of public affairs for California State University , which bills itself as the nation 's largest four-year public university , with 23 campuses across California , said the institution was reviewing the new guidance to determine the impact on students .
Some schools - including Harvard University - have said they would offer online-only classes , which could create problems for their international students , and may now have to alter their plans .
Harvard President Larry Bacow said the institution was `` deeply concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a blunt , one-size-fits-all approach . ''

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - Many US colleges were scrambling on Tuesday to modify plans for the fall semester in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic a day after the Trump administration issued an order that could force tens of thousands of foreign students to leave the country if their schools hold all classes online.
The announcement blindsided academic institutions grappling with the logistical challenges of safely resuming classes, particularly after the federal government had granted exceptions to the rules limiting online learning for foreign students when colleges and universities in March rushed to shutter campuses and move to online classes as the pandemic forced lockdowns.
There are more than a million foreign students at US colleges and universities, and many schools depend on revenue from foreign students, who often pay full tuition.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency said institutions moving entirely to online learning must submit plans to the agency by July 15. Schools that will use only in-person learning, shortened or delayed classes, or a blend of in-person and online learning must submit plans by Aug. 1.
The guidance applies to holders of F-1 and M-1 visas, which are for academic and vocational students.
During a roundtable in Washington on reopening schools, President Donald Trump criticized a decision by Harvard University to conduct courses online in the coming academic year.
"I think it's ridiculous, I think it's an easy way out," Trump said. "I think they ought to be ashamed of themselves."
The chancellor of Rutgers University-Newark, Nancy Cantor, said in a statement on Tuesday that the school, along with other colleges across the country and lawmakers in Congress, was working to "to fully understand and respond to this announcement."
In the 2018/19 school year Rutgers had nearly 7,000 international students enrolled, according to data published by the Institute of International Education.
Cantor tried to assure foreign students the university's model for the fall would be a hybrid of online and in-person classes. Most students attending schools with that type of blended curriculum, as well as those with full-time in-person instruction, would be exempt from the new rules if their plans are approved by ICE.
Lee Bollinger, president of Columbia University in New York, called the administration's actions "deeply misguided" and said the university would take a number of steps in response, including structuring courses so they fit into the hybrid model.
“Together, these changes mark a devastating reversal of federal policy announced at the onset of the pandemic," Bollinger said.
Ken Cuccinelli, acting deputy secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security told CNN on Tuesday that the new rules would “encourage schools to reopen."
Business and conservative groups have urged reopening schools safely as important to getting parents back to work and reviving the US economy.
CORONAVIRUS SURGE
The United States is experiencing a new surge in coronavirus cases, especially among younger people, raising concerns about the increased risk of spread to vulnerable adults at home as well as to older teachers and school staff if in-person classes resume.
In a survey by the newspaper the Chronicle of Higher Education of hundreds of colleges around the country, the majority said they will offer either in-person instruction or some sort of hybrid model with on-campus and online courses. But many are still sorting out their plans.
Toni Molle, director of public affairs for California State University, which bills itself as the nation's largest four-year public university, with 23 campuses across California, said the institution was reviewing the new guidance to determine the impact on students.
Some schools - including Harvard University - have said they would offer online-only classes, which could create problems for their international students, and may now have to alter their plans.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Boeing settles nearly all Lion Air 737 MAX crash claims - filing

SEATTLE - Boeing Co has reached settlement agreements in more than 90 % of the wrongful death claims filed in federal court after the 2018 crash of a Lion Air 737 MAX in Indonesia that killed all 189 people on board , a court filing on Tuesday said .
The fatal crash , followed within five months by another 737 MAX jetliner in Ethiopia , led to the worldwide grounding of the best-selling model and a corporate crisis that has included hundreds of lawsuits alleging the jet was unsafe and separate probes by the Justice Department and US lawmakers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of remaining hurdles to win US Federal Aviation Administration approval to fly the MAX again commercially , potentially later this year .
In a filing in federal court in Chicago , Boeing said claims relating to 171 of the 189 people on board the crashed jet have been fully or partially settled .
That includes 140 of the 150 claims filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois .
The company did not disclose how much it paid victims ' families or estates .
In 2019 , Reuters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been settled for at least $ 1.2 million per claim .
A Boeing spokesman said the company remains committed to resolving the remaining cases .
`` We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those onboard Lion Air Flight 610 , '' the spokesman , Gordon Johndroe , said by email .
`` We are pleased to have made significant progress in recent months in resolving cases brought by the victims ' families on terms that we believe fairly compensate them . ''

SEATTLE - Boeing Co has reached settlement agreements in more than 90% of the wrongful death claims filed in federal court after the 2018 crash of a Lion Air 737 MAX in Indonesia that killed all 189 people on board, a court filing on Tuesday said.
The fatal crash, followed within five months by another 737 MAX jetliner in Ethiopia, led to the worldwide grounding of the best-selling model and a corporate crisis that has included hundreds of lawsuits alleging the jet was unsafe and separate probes by the Justice Department and US lawmakers.
Boeing has been racing to clear a number of remaining hurdles to win US Federal Aviation Administration approval to fly the MAX again commercially, potentially later this year.
In a filing in federal court in Chicago, Boeing said claims relating to 171 of the 189 people on board the crashed jet have been fully or partially settled. That includes 140 of the 150 claims filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The company did not disclose how much it paid victims' families or estates. In 2019, Reuters reported that some Lion Air cases had been settled for at least $1.2 million per claim.
A Boeing spokesman said the company remains committed to resolving the remaining cases.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those onboard Lion Air Flight 610," the spokesman, Gordon Johndroe, said by email.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--US probing allegations TikTok violated children's privacy - sources

WASHINGTON - The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Justice Department are looking into allegations that popular app TikTok failed to live up to a 2019 agreement aimed at protecting children 's privacy , according to two people interviewed by the agencies .
A staffer in a Massachusetts tech policy group and another source said they took part in separate conference calls with FTC and Justice Department officials to discuss accusations the China-based short video sharing app had failed to live up to an agreement announced in February 2019 .
The Center for Digital Democracy , Campaign for a Commercial-Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FTC look into their allegations TikTok failed to delete videos and personal information about users age 13 and younger as it had agreed to do , among other violations .
Reuters could not determine whether any action would be taken against TikTok by either of the two agencies .
A TikTok spokesman said they take `` safety seriously for all our users , '' adding that in the United States they `` accommodate users under 13 in a limited app experience that introduces additional safety and privacy protections designed specifically for a younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FTC , which reached the original consent agreement with TikTok , and Justice Department , which often files court documents for the FTC , met via video with representatives of the groups to discuss the matter , said David Monahan , a campaign manager with the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood .
`` I got the sense from our conversation that they are looking into the assertions that we raised in our complaint , '' Monahan said .
A second person , speaking privately , confirmed that advocates had met with officials from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violated the consent decree .
The FTC declined to comment .
The Justice Department had no immediate comment .

WASHINGTON - The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Justice Department are looking into allegations that popular app TikTok failed to live up to a 2019 agreement aimed at protecting children's privacy, according to two people interviewed by the agencies.
A staffer in a Massachusetts tech policy group and another source said they took part in separate conference calls with FTC and Justice Department officials to discuss accusations the China-based short video sharing app had failed to live up to an agreement announced in February 2019.
The Center for Digital Democracy, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and others in May asked the FTC look into their allegations TikTok failed to delete videos and personal information about users age 13 and younger as it had agreed to do, among other violations.
Reuters could not determine whether any action would be taken against TikTok by either of the two agencies.
A TikTok spokesman said they take "safety seriously for all our users," adding that in the United States they "accommodate users under 13 in a limited app experience that introduces additional safety and privacy protections designed specifically for a younger audience."
Officials from both the FTC, which reached the original consent agreement with TikTok, and Justice Department, which often files court documents for the FTC, met via video with representatives of the groups to discuss the matter, said David Monahan, a campaign manager with the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.
"I got the sense from our conversation that they are looking into the assertions that we raised in our complaint," Monahan said.
A second person, speaking privately, confirmed that advocates had met with officials from the two agencies to discuss concerns TikTok violated the consent decree.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Demonstrators storm Serbian parliament in protest over lockdown

BELGRADE - A group of opposition supporters stormed the Serbian parliament building in Belgrade on Tuesday in a protest against a lockdown planned for the capital this weekend to halt the spread of the coronavirus .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday evening that stricter measures including the lockdown of Belgrade over the weekend would be introduced because of the rising number of coronavirus infections .
Opponents blame the increase on the government and say people should not have to pay the price for another lockdown .
After Vucic 's statement , several thousand people began gathering in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ square .
Around 10 p.m. , a small group of protesters pushed past a police cordon , broke through a door and entered the parliament building .
But police later pushed them back .
The crowd demanded Vucic 's resignation and shouted : `` Serbia has risen . ''
A Reuters cameraman said the police threw teargas , pushing the crowd away from the parliament building .
Police reinforcements later arrived .
`` People gathered spontaneously .
Discontent can be felt in the air , '' Radomir Lazovic of the Do Not Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Serbia , a country of 7 million people , has reported 16,168 coronavirus infections and 330 deaths .
But the numbers are spiking and 299 cases and 13 deaths were reported just on Tuesday .
Epidemiologists and doctors warned that hospitals were running at full capacity and that medical workers were tired .
In early March , Serbia introduced a lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus .
But in late May , the Balkan country was among the first to open up and set elections for June 21 .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Progressive Party ( SNS ) organized rallies at which people did not wear masks .
Top party officials , including the president 's adviser , were infected after celebrating their election victory in a small room while not wearing masks .
Opposition parties , many of which boycotted the election , criticize Vucic for using the lockdowns to strengthen what they call his autocratic rule .

BELGRADE - A group of opposition supporters stormed the Serbian parliament building in Belgrade on Tuesday in a protest against a lockdown planned for the capital this weekend to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday evening that stricter measures including the lockdown of Belgrade over the weekend would be introduced because of the rising number of coronavirus infections.
Opponents blame the increase on the government and say people should not have to pay the price for another lockdown.
After Vucic's statement, several thousand people began gathering in front of the parliament in Belgrade's central square.
Around 10 p.m., a small group of protesters pushed past a police cordon, broke through a door and entered the parliament building. But police later pushed them back.
The crowd demanded Vucic's resignation and shouted: "Serbia has risen." A Reuters cameraman said the police threw teargas, pushing the crowd away from the parliament building. Police reinforcements later arrived.
"People gathered spontaneously. Discontent can be felt in the air," Radomir Lazovic of the Do Not Let Belgrade Drown opposition group told N1 television.
Serbia, a country of 7 million people, has reported 16,168 coronavirus infections and 330 deaths. But the numbers are spiking and 299 cases and 13 deaths were reported just on Tuesday.
Epidemiologists and doctors warned that hospitals were running at full capacity and that medical workers were tired.
In early March, Serbia introduced a lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
But in late May, the Balkan country was among the first to open up and set elections for June 21. During the campaign, Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) organized rallies at which people did not wear masks.
Top party officials, including the president's adviser, were infected after celebrating their election victory in a small room while not wearing masks.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--US coronavirus cases hit 3 million, stoking fears of overwhelmed hospitals

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States pushed past 3 million on Tuesday , according to a Reuters tally , roughly equal to the population of Nevada , stoking fears that hospitals will be overwhelmed .
The United States has the highest known numbers of both COVID-19 cases and deaths in the world .
More than 130,000 Americans have died from the disease , a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers in many states .
In the first seven days of July , 18 states have reported record increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Reuters tally .
In Texas alone , the number of hospitalized patients more than doubled in just two weeks .
The Democratic mayor of Austin warned over the weekend that his city 's hospitals could reach capacity in two weeks and run out of intensive care unit ( ICU ) beds in 10 days .
In Arizona , about 90 % of ICU beds are full .
The rise in cases also cast a shadow over the nation 's Fourth of July celebrations , with many towns and cities across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large crowds gathering .
During an Independence Day speech at the White House on Saturday , US President Donald Trump asserted without evidence that 99 % of coronavirus cases in the United States were `` totally harmless . ''
Trump , a Republican , has refused to wear a mask in public and has been reluctant to encourage Americans to do so , saying it was a personal choice .
A July 4 celebration he attended at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota was `` mask-optional '' and had no social distancing .

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States pushed past 3 million on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, roughly equal to the population of Nevada, stoking fears that hospitals will be overwhelmed.
The United States has the highest known numbers of both COVID-19 cases and deaths in the world. More than 130,000 Americans have died from the disease, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers in many states.
In the first seven days of July, 18 states have reported record increases in new cases of COVID-19, according to a Reuters tally.
In Texas alone, the number of hospitalized patients more than doubled in just two weeks. The Democratic mayor of Austin warned over the weekend that his city's hospitals could reach capacity in two weeks and run out of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in 10 days. In Arizona, about 90% of ICU beds are full.
The rise in cases also cast a shadow over the nation's Fourth of July celebrations, with many towns and cities across the country canceling annual fireworks displays to avoid large crowds gathering.
During an Independence Day speech at the White House on Saturday, US President Donald Trump asserted without evidence that 99% of coronavirus cases in the United States were "totally harmless."


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Venezuela top court ousts leaders of Guaido's party ahead of vote

CARACAS - Venezuela 's pro-government supreme court on Tuesday ousted the leaders of opposition leader Juan Guaido 's Popular Will political party , the latest in a series of interventions in opposition parties ahead of Dec. 6 legislative elections .
Guaido - who invoked his position as congress ' speaker to assume an interim presidency in early 2019 , arguing President Nicolas Maduro rigged his re-election - has called on opposition parties to boycott the December vote due to expected tampering by the unpopular Maduro , who has overseen an economic collapse .
The court named a politician who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under accusations of being a shadow ally of the ruling Socialist Party as the new party leader , a move that mirrors its interventions in the Democratic Action and First Justice opposition parties last month .
It has also named directors to the National Electoral Council ( CNE ) , a responsibility the constitution ascribes to the National Assembly .
The new CNE leadership proceeded to increase the number of seats in parliament to 277 , from 167 currently , citing a population increase in a country where some 5 million people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lopez , Voluntad Popular 's leader , said the party would not obey `` dictatorial impositions . ''
`` Our posture is that we can not fight for free elections while participating in electoral frauds and farses , '' Lopez wrote on Twitter .
A loss of control of parliament by the opposition could complicate Guaido 's international standing .
He is recognized as Venezuela 's legitimate leader by dozens of western democracies , including the United States and much of Latin America and Europe .

CARACAS - Venezuela's pro-government supreme court on Tuesday ousted the leaders of opposition leader Juan Guaido's Popular Will political party, the latest in a series of interventions in opposition parties ahead of Dec. 6 legislative elections.
Guaido - who invoked his position as congress' speaker to assume an interim presidency in early 2019, arguing President Nicolas Maduro rigged his re-election - has called on opposition parties to boycott the December vote due to expected tampering by the unpopular Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse.
The court named a politician who was expelled from Popular Will earlier this year under accusations of being a shadow ally of the ruling Socialist Party as the new party leader, a move that mirrors its interventions in the Democratic Action and First Justice opposition parties last month.
It has also named directors to the National Electoral Council (CNE), a responsibility the constitution ascribes to the National Assembly. The new CNE leadership proceeded to increase the number of seats in parliament to 277, from 167 currently, citing a population increase in a country where some 5 million people have emigrated to escape crushing poverty.
Leopoldo Lopez, Voluntad Popular's leader, said the party would not obey "dictatorial impositions."
"Our posture is that we cannot fight for free elections while participating in electoral frauds and farses," Lopez wrote on Twitter.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Israel’s Judo team begins quarantine after member has COVID-19

The Israeli national Judo team for men will begin a 14-day quarantine period after one of its members was reported @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus on Tuesday night , Kan tweeted .
The number of patients reported to have @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 on Tuesday as the nation faces a second wave of coronavirus .

The Israeli national Judo team for men will begin a 14-day quarantine period after one of its members was reported to have tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday night, Kan tweeted.
The number of patients reported to have the virus increased by roughly 1,000 on Tuesday as the nation faces a second wave of coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Beitar Illit mayor against lockdown: Will turn us into a COVID-19 hotspot

Beitar Illit Mayor Meir Rubinstein spoke out against the decision of the Health Ministry to place the city under lockdown @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus patients in it .
`` I am totally against the lockdown , '' @ @ @ @ @ will not be of any use and will only turn the city into a virus @ @ @ @ @ publication of The Jerusalem Post , Maariv , reported on Tuesday night .
Rubinstein argued @ @ @ @ @ plan to evacuate patients out of the city but the Health Ministry objects to it @ @ @ @ @ sanctions and restrictions . ''

Beitar Illit Mayor Meir Rubinstein spoke out against the decision of the Health Ministry to place the city under lockdown due to the high numbers of coronavirus patients in it.
"I am totally against the lockdown," he said, "it will not be of any use and will only turn the city into a virus hostspot," the sister publication of The Jerusalem Post, Maariv, reported on Tuesday night.
Rubinstein argued that the city has a plan to evacuate patients out of the city but the Health Ministry objects to it because it works "with sanctions and restrictions."


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--US will restrict visas for some Chinese officials over Tibet - Pompeo

WASHINGTON - The United States will restrict visas for some Chinese officials because China obstructs travel to the Tibetan Autonomous @ @ @ @ @ by US diplomats , journalists and tourists , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on @ @ @ @ @ am announcing visa restrictions on PRC government and Chinese Communist Party officials determined to be @ @ @ @ @ or execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Tibetan areas , ' '' @ @ @ @ @ , referring to the People 's Republic of China .

WASHINGTON - The United States will restrict visas for some Chinese officials because China obstructs travel to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas by US diplomats, journalists and tourists, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday.
"Today I am announcing visa restrictions on PRC government and Chinese Communist Party officials determined to be 'substantially involved in the formulation or execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Tibetan areas,'" Pompeo said in a statement, referring to the People's Republic of China.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Netanyahu: Summer camps must be closed immediately – report

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the National Security Council demand that summer camps for children aged fifth grade and higher @ @ @ @ @ prevent the spread of coronavirus , Kan tweeted on Tuesday evening .
Sadetsky mentioned the @ @ @ @ @ as one reason the virus is spreading across the country .
Israel is currently facing @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , and the growing numbers of patients and the new restrictions led to @ @ @ @ @ health head , Prof. Sigal Sadetsky on Tuesday.Sadetsky mentioned the decision to open schools again @ @ @ @ @ is spreading across the country .
The number of new patients passed 1,000 on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the National Security Council demand that summer camps for children aged fifth grade and higher will be closed immediately to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Kan tweeted on Tuesday evening.
Israel is currently facing the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, and the growing numbers of patients and the new restrictions led to the resignation of former Public health head, Prof. Sigal Sadetsky on Tuesday.Sadetsky mentioned the decision to open schools again as one reason the virus is spreading across the country.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--US withdrawal from WHO to take effect July 2021 - UN

WASHINGTON - The United States will leave the World Health Organization on July 6 , 2021 , the United Nations said on Tuesday after receiving formal notification of the decision by President Donald Trump more than a month ago .
Trump had to give one-year notice of the US withdrawal from the Geneva-based UN agency under a 1948 joint resolution of the US Congress , which also obliges Washington to pay financial support .
The United States currently owes the WHO more than $ 200 million in assessed contributions , according to the WHO website .
After more than 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to quit the WHO after Trump accused it of becoming a puppet of China amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The virus first emerged in China ’ s Wuhan city late last year .
“ The Secretary-General ... is in the process of verifying with the World Health Organization whether all the conditions for such withdrawal are met , ” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said .
Trump had halted funding for the 194-member organization in April , then in a May 18 letter gave the WHO 30 days to commit to reforms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than two weeks later .
The WHO is an independent international body that works with the United Nations .
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that the WHO is “ absolutely critical to the world ’ s efforts to win the war against COVID-19.
” Trump has long scorned multilateralism as he focuses on an “ America First ” agenda .
Since taking office , he has quit the UN Human Rights Council , the UN cultural agency , a global accord to tackle climate change and the Iran nuclear deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN population fund and the UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees .

WASHINGTON - The United States will leave the World Health Organization on July 6, 2021, the United Nations said on Tuesday after receiving formal notification of the decision by President Donald Trump more than a month ago.
Trump had to give one-year notice of the US withdrawal from the Geneva-based UN agency under a 1948 joint resolution of the US Congress, which also obliges Washington to pay financial support. The United States currently owes the WHO more than $200 million in assessed contributions, according to the WHO website.
After more than 70 years of membership, the United States moved to quit the WHO after Trump accused it of becoming a puppet of China amid the coronavirus pandemic. The virus first emerged in China’s Wuhan city late last year.
“The Secretary-General ... is in the process of verifying with the World Health Organization whether all the conditions for such withdrawal are met,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
Trump had halted funding for the 194-member organization in April, then in a May 18 letter gave the WHO 30 days to commit to reforms. He announced the United States would quit less than two weeks later.
The WHO is an independent international body that works with the United Nations. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that the WHO is “absolutely critical to the world’s efforts to win the war against COVID-19.”


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Turkey says six killed in bomb attack near Syria border

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A bomb attack by the Kurdish YPG militia killed six people and wounded 11 on Tuesday in the northeastern Syrian town of Tel Abyad, near the Turkish border, the Turkish Defence Ministry said.The Arab town, from which Turkish-backed forces last October pushed out the YPG militia in a major campaign spearheaded by the Turkish army, has seen a series of car blasts that have killed dozens of civilians.The attack was carried out with a car bomb and wounded civilians were treated in hospitals on both sides of the border, according to a statement by the governor's office in Turkey's southeastern province of Sanliurfa.The governor's office said 17 people were wounded in the attack.The YPG -- which Ankara considers a terrorist group because of its ties to PKK Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey -- had for years been allied to the United States in the fight against Islamic State.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Turkey, Italy agree Libya needs political solution

Turkey and Italy's defense ministers agreed at talks on Tuesday on the need for a political solution to Libya's conflict, according to a readout by the Turkish defense ministry."We have gladly observed that we share common and similar views on several issues," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in the readout, adding security and defense cooperation between the countries would benefit the Mediterranean region.Turkey, with the second largest military in NATO, backs the internationally recognized GNA government in Libya's conflict while eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia.Relations between some NATO members have soured over the Libya as Turkey has accused France of backing Haftar's forces. Paris denies this and accused Turkish warships of aggressive behavior in a June 10 incident when a French frigate under NATO command tried to inspect a cargo ship suspected of smuggling arms to Libya in violation of a U.N. embargo.The European Union recognizes the GNA but there are differences between member states. Italy, whose state-controlled oil and gas major Eni is the biggest foreign oil producer in Libya, has sent troops to train GNA security forces.European countries worry about Libya because of its energy supplies and - given its chronic disorder - its role as a major source of undocumented migration to Europe and as a haven for Islamist militants.Italian Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini said all parties need to work together to achieve stability in the Mediterrenean, according to the Turkish ministry readout.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Investigators identify remains of one of 43 students missing in Mexico

Investigators from Austria's University of Innsbruck have identified the remains of one student teacher who disappeared in Mexico along with 42 fellow students in 2014, an official from the Mexican Attorney General's office said on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Teacher infected with COVID-19, kids at 3 kindergartens enter quarantine

Children at three kindergartens in the Tel Baruch neighborhood of Tel Aviv entered quarantine on Tuesday after a substitute teaching assistant who attended all three kindergartens tested positive for coronavirus, according to Walla.Due to the young ages of the children that were required to enter quarantine, their parents are also expected to quarantine with them.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Philippines' Duterte tells citizens not to fear anti-terror bill

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday told citizens not to fear a new anti-terrorism law, addressing for the first time the controversial legislation that has unnerved rights groups over potential violations of civil liberties.The mercurial leader last week signed the anti-terrorism bill, prompting rights groups to stage protests and lawyers to question the law before the Supreme Court."For the law-abiding citizen of this country, I am addressing you with all sincerity, do not be afraid if you are not a terrorist," he said in a televised national address mainly to update Filipinos on the coronavirus outbreak.Those not planning to bomb churches and public utilities to derail the nation have nothing to fear, Duterte said, adding that communists are among the terrorists.The conflict between the government and the armed wing of the communist party has raged for half a century and killed more than 40,000 people. In the volatile south, the Philippines faces piracy, kidnappings and extremism by groups influenced by Islamic State, who occupied a southern city in 2017 and are now increasingly carrying out suicide bombings.The new law creates an anti-terrorism council appointed by the president, which can tag individuals and groups as terrorists and detain them without charge for up to 24 days. It also allows for 90 days of surveillance and wiretaps, and punishments that include life imprisonment without parole.Local and international human rights groups had said that while the Philippines does have clear security threats, the legislation could be abused to target administration opponents and suppress peaceful dissent.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Man drowns at Tel Aviv beach

Man drowns at Tel Aviv beach

A man drowned at the Jerusalem Beach in Tel Aviv, Israel Police reported on Tuesday.He was pronounced dead on the spot after resuscitation efforts failed.Following the incident, the police issued a message reminding swimmers that swimming in undeclared beaches or beaches without a lifeguard is forbidden and poses a high risk.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--496 IDF personnel infected with coronavirus since beginning of outbreak

The IDF announced on Tuesday that 496 IDF personnel, including soldiers, officers and civilian employees have been infected with coronavirus since the beginning of the outbreak.Some 251 of the 496 are considered active cases, while the rest have recovered or been released from service.There are currently 7,809 IDF personnel in quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--French coronavirus death toll up 13 at 29,933

The number of people who have died from coronavirus infection in France rose by 13 to 29,933 on Tuesday, but that figure takes into account a downward revision of fatalities in nursing homes.The number of people who died in hospitals increased by 34 to 19,457, compared to the daily average of 23 over the past seven days.The health ministry also reported the death toll in nursing homes now stands at 10,476, versus 10,497 a week earlier.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Six test positive for COVID-19 at a Kiryat Bialik retirement home

Six residents at a retirement house in Kiryat Bialik tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, according to Walla.Nine residents from the retirement home were sent to the Rambam Medical Center on Monday after not feeling well. The six who tested positive for coronavirus were admitted at the medical center's coronavirus ward.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--WHO experts to travel to China at weekend to study COVID-19 origins

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that experts from the global body would travel to China at the weekend to prepare a study of the origins of the novel coronavirus and how it jumped from animals to humans."The best place to start is clearly where the disease emerged in humans first, and where the disease emerged in humans first, where the first clusters of atypical pneumonia occurred, was in Wuhan," Dr Mike Ryan head of the WHO's emergencies program, told a news briefing in Geneva.Heavily criticized by the United States and others who have accused it of secrecy and a late response to the outbreak, which emerged in the central city of Wuhan late last year, China has said it was transparent throughout the early stages of the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--PA: West Bank lockdown will be extended by five days

The Palestinian Authority (PA) spokesperson said on Tuesday that the West Bank lockdown will be extended by five days, according to Walla.The PA also instructed Israeli Arabs to avoid visiting the West Bank.About 5,092 PA residents have been infected with coronavirus, and 22 have died.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Gov't considering placing Beitar Illit under lockdown, mayor objects

The government is considering placing Beitar Illit under lockdown, according The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv.Beitar Illit Mayor Meir Rubenstein sent a letter to Health Minister Yuli Edelstein opposing the suggestion, stating that "as long as no organized evacuation process is underway, the lockdown is not only useless, but actually increases morbidity rates."


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--Trump  to encourage schools to safely reopen amid coronavirus surge

President Donald Trump is pushing for schools to reopen in the fall and is hosting White House events on the topic on Tuesday, despite a steady increase in coronavirus infections across the country led by younger Americans and rising hospitalizations in many states.Trump, a Republican seeking re-election in November, on Monday tweeted "SCHOOLS MUST OPEN IN THE FALL!!!," as local officials across the country began pausing or scaling back their reopenings due to the surge in infections.On Tuesday, he will hold a discussion at the White House on re-opening schools, while Vice President Mike Pence speaks with governors on the topic, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters."It is really ... critically important to get our schools open," the official said, highlighting the role schools play in communities. "There are a variety of different strategies that schools can adopt that really minimize the risk and can open these schools quite safely."The call comes as state and local governments, which largely control schools for kindergarten through 12th grade, grapple with how to handle the upcoming school year, seeking to balance the need for education with the risk of spreading the highly contagious disease.Educators say socialization and other benefits such as school food programs are critically important. Experts have also shown online learning exacerbates the divide between poorer and more wealthy Americans, who have greater access to technology.Most working parents of school-age children also depend on in-person instruction to allow them to work.But an alarming surge in cases in the United States, especially among younger people, has raised concerns about the increased risk of spread by children to vulnerable adults at home as well as to older teachers and school staff.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "encourages school districts to make reopening plans that anticipate COVID-19 cases, minimize risk of spread and then limit the need for the potential of school closures," the official said.Florida, a Republican-led state, on Monday issued a sweeping executive order for children to return to school this fall, despite sharply rising new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations there.Asked about Florida, the senior administration official stressed that "these are state and local decisions at the end of the day and we are confident that state and local leaders across the country are taking these decisions very seriously."Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, said it was too soon to decide on schools given the nature of the resurgent outbreak.If Trump wants schools to re-open, he should call for masks to be worn nationwide, she told CNN, calling mask wearing "a simple, cost effective" solution to mitigate virus spread.Colleges and universities are also weighing plans to resume this autumn, including calendar changes on online classes.The Trump administration on Monday said foreign students must leave the country if their schools move to fully online classes, which could choke off revenue for those schools.


jerusalempost--2020-07-07--WHO recognizes 'emerging evidence' of airborne spread of COVID-19

GENEVA, July 7 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization on Tuesday acknowledged "evidence emerging" of the airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, after a group of scientists urged the global body to update its guidance on how the respiratory disease passes between people.
"We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19," Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, told a news briefing.
The WHO has previously said the virus that causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease spreads primarily through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person that quickly sink to the ground.
But in an open letter to the Geneva-based agency, published on Monday in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal, 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined evidence that they say shows floating virus particles can infect people who breathe them in.
Because those smaller exhaled particles can linger in the air, the scientists in the group had been urging WHO to update its guidance.
"We wanted them to acknowledge the evidence ," said Jose Jimenez, a chemist at the University of Colorado who signed the paper.
"This is definitely not an attack on the WHO. It's a scientific debate, but we felt we needed to go public because they were refusing to hear the evidence after many conversations with them," he said in a telephone interview.
Speaking at Tuesday's briefing in Geneva, Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO's technical lead for infection prevention and control, said there was evidence emerging of airborne transmission of the coronavirus , but that it was not definitive.
."..The possibility of airborne transmission in public settings - especially in very specific conditions, crowded, closed, poorly ventilated settings that have been described, cannot be ruled out," she said.
"However, the evidence needs to be gathered and interpreted, and we continue to support this."
Jimenez said historically, there has been a fierce opposition in the medical profession to the notion of aerosol transmission, and the bar for proof has been set very high. A key concern has been a fear of panic.
"If people hear airborne, healthcare workers will refuse to go to the hospital," he said. Or people will buy up all the highly protective N95 respirator masks, "and there will be none left for developing countries."
Jimenez said the WHO panel assessing the evidence on airborne transmission was not scientifically diverse, and lacked representation from experts in aerosol transmission.
Any change in the WHO's assessment of risk of transmission could affect its current advice on keeping 1-meter (3.3 feet) of physical distancing. Governments, which rely on the agency for guidance policy, may also have to adjust public health measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
Van Kerkhove said the WHO would publish a scientific brief summarizing the state of knowledge on modes of transmission of the virus in the coming days.
"A comprehensive package of interventions is required to be able to stop transmission," she said.
"This includes not only physical distancing, it includes the use of masks where appropriate in certain settings, specifically where you can't do physical distancing and especially for healthcare workers."


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Taliban suicide bomber kills three as violence rises despite peace push

Bloodshed is escalating anew in Afghanistan even as the United States tries to broker a peace deal between the Taliban @ @ @ @ @ two decades of war .
`` At around 4 a.m. , a suicide bomber driving @ @ @ @ @ force ) truck came under fire from security forces before reaching his goal , but @ @ @ @ @ and the governor 's residential complex , '' the governor 's spokesman , Bahir Ahmad @ @ @ @ @ members of the security forces were killed and 14 people wounded , including civilians , @ @ @ @ @ Sha Wali Kot district of Kandahar , he said , and the police headquarters and @ @ @ @ @ damage .
The Taliban claimed responsibility , saying in a statement that the police headquarters @ @ @ @ @ military hub for security force operations against the Islamist insurgents .

A Taliban suicide bomber detonated an explosive-packed military vehicle on the approach to the provincial governor's residence and police headquarters in the Afghan province of Kandahar on Wednesday, killing at least three people, authorities said.
Bloodshed is escalating anew in Afghanistan even as the United States tries to broker a peace deal between the Taliban and Afghan government after almost two decades of war.
"At around 4 a.m., a suicide bomber driving a large (Afghan security force) truck came under fire from security forces before reaching his goal, but detonated explosives near police headquarters and the governor's residential complex," the governor's spokesman, Bahir Ahmad Ahamdi, said.
Three members of the security forces were killed and 14 people wounded, including civilians, in the attack in the Sha Wali Kot district of Kandahar, he said, and the police headquarters and governor's compound suffered severe damage.
The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying in a statement that the police headquarters had been used as a military hub for security force operations against the Islamist insurgents.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Biogen submits US marketing application for Alzheimer's disease drug

Biogen Inc said on Wednesday that it submitted the marketing application for its experimental Alzheimer's disease therapy, aducanumab, to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Iran's coronavirus death toll passes 12,000

Iran's death toll from the coronavirus passed 12,000 on Wednesday, Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said in a statement on state TV.There were 153 deaths from the new coronavirus in the past 24 hours, giving a total of 12,084. The total number of infections in the country has reached 248,379, with 209,463 people having recovered, she said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--WHO's Tedros pulls out of UK event after US confirms to exit WHO

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pulled out of a London event at the last minute on Wednesday after organizers said he had to attend diplomatic meetings linked to the US notification of its withdrawal from the WHO.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Entire IDF battalion enters quarantine

Entire IDF battalion enters quarantine

One of the confirmed patients held a birthday party at a pool and is expected to stand trial after she recovers .
A person infected with the coronavirus was present at the party .
The soldiers at the party entered quarantine and were tested and a number of soldiers were confirmed as infected .
The soldiers who came into direct contact with the infected soldier entered home quarantine and those with symptoms will be tested as necessary .
The rest of the battalion is in isolation together at an infantry base in the Golan Heights .
`` The entire battalion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely no person can enter the battalion and the soldiers are required to stay closed up on base until further notice , '' explained an official from the battalion to Israel Hayom .
`` The soldiers are training , but are not coming into contact with any other unit or person . ''
On Tuesday , the IDF announced that 496 soldiers have been infected throughout the IDF so far .
All are or were in light condition .
245 of the infected have either recovered or been discharged from the military .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday evening .

One of the confirmed patients held a birthday party at a pool and is expected to stand trial after she recovers. A person infected with the coronavirus was present at the party. The soldiers at the party entered quarantine and were tested and a number of soldiers were confirmed as infected.
The soldiers who came into direct contact with the infected soldier entered home quarantine and those with symptoms will be tested as necessary. The rest of the battalion is in isolation together at an infantry base in the Golan Heights.
"The entire battalion is in unit quarantine, meaning, absolutely no person can enter the battalion and the soldiers are required to stay closed up on base until further notice," explained an official from the battalion to Israel Hayom. "The soldiers are training, but are not coming into contact with any other unit or person."
On Tuesday, the IDF announced that 496 soldiers have been infected throughout the IDF so far. All are or were in light condition. 245 of the infected have either recovered or been discharged from the military. 7,809 soldiers were in quarantine as of Tuesday evening.
The entire Nachshon Battalion in the IDF's Kfir brigade entered quarantine on Wednesday due to concerns that the hundreds of soldiers in the battalion came into contact with a number of confirmed coronavirus patients, according to Israel Hayom.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Oman coronavirus cases exceed 50,000 - Health Ministry

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Oman exceeded 50,000 on Wednesday, the Health Ministry said.The country reported another 1,210 new cases of the coronavirus and nine deaths in the last 24 hours, to take its total count to 50,207 cases with 233 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Indonesia reports record daily high of 1,853 coronavirus cases

Indonesia reported its biggest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, with 1,853 infections, taking the case total to 68,079.There were 50 new coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 3,359, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Israel to receive 990 millions gallons of diesel from United States

Israel will receive 990 million gallons of diesel , gasoline , and jet fuel at a cost of $ 3 @ @ @ @ @ Security Cooperation Agency in an official notification to Congress .
The cost of the fuel @ @ @ @ @ aid money given to Israel and vendors will be selected “ using a competitive bid @ @ @ @ @ Energy for supply source , ” the statement released on Monday said.
” The proposed @ @ @ @ @ fuel will enable Israel to maintain operational aircraft .
Diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline will @ @ @ @ @ , ” read the statement .
” The proposed sale will improve Israel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ future threats in order to defend its borders .
”

Israel will receive 990 million gallons of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel at a cost of $3 billion, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency in an official notification to Congress.
The cost of the fuel will be covered by US aid money given to Israel and vendors will be selected “using a competitive bid process through Defense Logistics Agency Energy for supply source,” the statement released on Monday said.
”The proposed sale of the JP-8 aviation fuel will enable Israel to maintain operational aircraft. Diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline will be used for ground vehicles,” read the statement. ”The proposed sale will improve Israel’s ability to meet current and future threats in order to defend its borders.”


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--475 new coronavirus cases in West Bank

475 new coronavirus cases in West Bank

Some 21 cases in the West Bank are in serious condition .
One death was recorded in Hebron on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ to 23 in the West Bank , Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem .

Some 21 cases in the West Bank are in serious condition. One death was recorded in Hebron on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 23 in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.
Some 475 new coronavirus cases were reported in the West Bank in the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian media. 316 of the cases were recorded in the Hebron area.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Gantz enters quarantine after possible contact with coronavirus patient

President Reuven Rivlin said on Wednesday afternoon that "the State of Israel did not develop a clear combat theory to fight the coronavirus," according to Israel's Channel 13, as a record number of new cases were registered in the span of 24 hours - 1,348 - and serious cases also significantly increased."We do not have a single body that keeps track of the information, the battle, the coping, and the discussion with the public," Rivlin clarified. "The reins must be placed in the hands of the body that can bring about the best results, to which all of the other ministries subordinate themselves and assist."As of Wednesday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in consultations with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein to declare red zones in several cities, after the government decided in the morning to put the whole city of Beitar Illit in lockdown for a week, since 169 people were found infected with the virus there this past week. According to Channel 12, the additional cities that could be affected are Jerusalem, Ashdod, Lod, Modiin Illit, Ramle, Raanana, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak and Kiryat Malachi.Earlier in the day, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, as well as an entire IDF battalion, entered quarantine after coming into contact with coronavirus patients. Gantz said that he will remain in isolation until a coronavirus test and the epidemiological survey are completed.“I feel great, and intend to continue working as usual,” Gantz reassured. “There is no room to take risks.”The IDF's Nachshon Battalion was also forced to go in isolation after several among its hundreds of soldiers tested positive for the virus, the Hebrew daily Israel Hayom reported. The origin of the infection might have been a female soldier who recently organized a birthday party attended by someone who was found to be infected. According to the report, the soldier, who is among the identified patients, might stand trial after she recovers.Meanwhile, Education Minister Yoav Galant on Wednesday unveiled a new plan for the next school year in light of the coronavirus crisis.The plan envisions three possible frameworks under which schools will operate starting from September 1, as reported by the Hebrew website Ynet. In the first scenario, middle and high schools will offer a combination of in-person and remote learning, while elementary schools and preschools will function as they have been, in person with additional safeguards.In the second scenario, students from grades 5 through 12 will study from home, while those in grades 1 to 4 will be divided in smaller groups and taught in person; preschools will continue to function in current settings with additional safeguards. In the third option, preschool children will also be split into smaller groups.The minister vowed to provide teachers and schools with masks and all the material and infrastructure needed, as well as training for additional staff. The cost is estimated at NIS 1 billion.In the evening, the report released by the Health Ministry revealed that not only were over 1,300 new cases registered in the previous 24 hours, but the number of serious patients also increased significantly from the previous update: 113 compared to 86 as of Tuesday night. Overall, 33,175 people in Israel have been infected with the virus, while there are currently 14,516 active cases, 405 of whom are hospitalized. Moreover, there are currently 39 intubated patients. Since the beginning of the crisis, 344 Israelis have succumbed to the virus.As a consequence of the spike in infections, Gantz announced that in the next 48 hours the Defense Ministry would open two or three more hotels for coronavirus patients, at least one of which will be devoted to the ultra-Orthodox sector. There are currently 12 such hotels, half for the ultra-Orthodox.New coronavirus regulations for public transportation continued to generate confusion as they came into effect on Wednesday morning.Ynet reported that starting at 9 a.m., the new rules limited the number of passengers on city buses to 30, on intercity lines to 32 and on elongated buses to 50, but the government did not first transmit all of the guidelines to the companies operating them.The issue of public transportation has been very chaotic since Monday, when the authorities rolled out regulations to contain the latest coronavirus outbreak. In addition to closing or limiting the activities of cultural centers, gyms, pools, bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants, it was stated that buses would need to operate with only 20 passengers, no air-conditioning and open windows, causing an uproar in the industry which branded the conditions as not being feasible. The rules were therefore suspended.Under the new compromise, air-conditioning can be on and windows should be open “as much as possible,” Transportation Minister Miri Regev said, according to Ynet.Moreover, buses will stop running at 10 p.m.On Wednesday the government also released the new requirements for the "purple ribbon" certification, under which hotels can continue to operate. Among others, access to the facilities must be restricted only to guests; a distance of two meters between members of nuclear families has to be ensured when they sit in the lobby or in the dining room, whose hours and numbers of patrons are subject to limitations; the maximum possible distance between workers and guests has to be maintained at all times; and masks need to be worn in every public area of the hotel.The efforts in enforcing the coronavirus regulations also continued on Wednesday, with the police announcing that they gave almost 4,500 fines to individuals not wearing masks.In the afternoon, Netanyahu met with Finance Minister Israel Katz and other economic experts on "coronavirus packages," which are financial aid packages intended for those who are self-employed, as well as those who are working or seeking work.The package plan will be presented to the Knesset for approval at the beginning of next week.The number of Palestinians infected with the virus is also increasing. There are about 4,500 active cases in the West Bank, 3,773 of which are in Hebron, including over 300 new cases registered today.Tamar Beeri contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--1,320 new coronavirus cases in past 24 hours, 107 in serious condition


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Russia's coronavirus case tally passes 700,000

The country 's coronavirus crisis response center said 173 people had died from the virus overnight , taking the official @ @ @ @ @

The total number of cases of the novel coronavirus in Russia passed 700,000 on Wednesday, as the country reported 6,562 new infections in the past 24 hours.
The country's coronavirus crisis response center said 173 people had died from the virus overnight, taking the official death toll to 10,667.
Total infections stand at 700,792. Russia says 472,511 people have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Kanye West breaks ranks with Trump, vows to win US presidential race

West , previously a vocal supporter of Trump , announced on Saturday that he would run for president in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ the red hat off , with this interview , '' West told Forbes , referring @ @ @ @ @ `` Make America Great Again '' baseball caps .
`` Like anything I 've ever @ @ @ @ @ I 'm doing to win , '' he added .

Rapper Kanye West signaled that he no longer supported U.S. President Donald Trump and said he had entered the presidential race to win it, in an interview published on Wednesday.
West, previously a vocal supporter of Trump, announced on Saturday that he would run for president in 2020.
"I am taking the red hat off, with this interview," West told Forbes, referring to Trump's trademark red "Make America Great Again" baseball caps.
"Like anything I've ever done in my life, I'm doing to win," he added.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 397 to 197,341

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 397 to 197,341, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday.The reported death toll rose by 12 to 9,036, the tally showed.