jerusalempost--2020-07-28--Taliban announce three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan for Eid al-Adha

Disagreements over a prisoner exchange and the violence have delayed peace talks between an Afghan government-mandated committee and the Taliban , as envisaged in an agreement signed between the United States and the militant group in Doha in February .
`` In order for our people to spend the three days of Eid in confidence and happiness , all fighters are instructed not to carry out any operations , '' Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted .
However , he added that if Taliban fighters come under attack from government forces , they will retaliate .
The Afghan president 's spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcomed the ceasefire announcement but added that Afghans wanted enduring peace and the start of direct peace negotiations .
Since the US-Taliban agreement , 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants , President Ashraf Ghani said in a speech on Tuesday .
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan ( UNAMA ) said in a report on Monday that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year , mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and the Taliban @

Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban militants announced on Tuesday that they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday, offering some respite from weeks of increasing violence.
Disagreements over a prisoner exchange and the violence have delayed peace talks between an Afghan government-mandated committee and the Taliban, as envisaged in an agreement signed between the United States and the militant group in Doha in February.
"In order for our people to spend the three days of Eid in confidence and happiness, all fighters are instructed not to carry out any operations," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.
However, he added that if Taliban fighters come under attack from government forces, they will retaliate.
The Afghan president's spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, said the government welcomed the ceasefire announcement but added that Afghans wanted enduring peace and the start of direct peace negotiations.
Since the US-Taliban agreement, 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants, President Ashraf Ghani said in a speech on Tuesday.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report on Monday that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year, mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and the Taliban.
The US State Department said last week that US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad would travel to the region to push for an agreement on prisoner exchanges and a reduction in violence.


jerusalempost--2020-07-28--Trump alleges pharmaceutical industry runs false ads on drug price plan

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President Donald Trump on Tuesday slammed the pharmaceutical industry for what he claimed were false advertisements alleging his drug price plan would raise the cost of prescriptions for US senior citizens."Big Pharma is taking television ads trying to make the case that I am raising prescription drug prices on seniors. The ad is a lie!," he said on Twitter. "What I have done will lead to a 50% REDUCTION in prices, at least, & Big Pharma is not happy about it."


jerusalempost--2020-07-28--Obama and George Clooney to hold virtual fundraiser for Biden

Obama and Clooney will engage in a “ virtual conversation ” according to an invitation to donors obtained by Reuters .
Tickets range from $ 250 to $ 250,000 .
In June , Obama held a fundraiser for Biden , Obama ’ s former vice president , that brought in more than $ 11 million .
Biden will face President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 general election .
The coronavirus pandemic has forced Biden to hold campaign events online or close to his Delaware home .
But virtual fundraisers have proven to be effective for Biden , helping him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican groups in May and June .
Biden on Tuesday will also give an address in Wilmington , Delaware detailing how he would address systemic racism and racial economic inequality , the fourth and final plank of his sweeping plan to revitalize the coronavirus-hit US economy .
Clooney , an outspoken critic of Trump , and his wife Amal head the Clooney Foundation for Justice , a global human-rights advocacy organization .
Last month , he donated $ 500,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative , a nonprofit that provides legal representation to prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Former president Barack Obama will be joined by actor George Clooney on Tuesday in Obama’s latest effort to boost Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.
Obama and Clooney will engage in a “virtual conversation” according to an invitation to donors obtained by Reuters. Tickets range from $250 to $250,000.
In June, Obama held a fundraiser for Biden, Obama’s former vice president, that brought in more than $11 million. Biden will face President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 general election.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced Biden to hold campaign events online or close to his Delaware home. But virtual fundraisers have proven to be effective for Biden, helping him and allied Democratic groups outraise Trump and Republican groups in May and June.
Biden on Tuesday will also give an address in Wilmington, Delaware detailing how he would address systemic racism and racial economic inequality, the fourth and final plank of his sweeping plan to revitalize the coronavirus-hit US economy.
Clooney, an outspoken critic of Trump, and his wife Amal head the Clooney Foundation for Justice, a global human-rights advocacy organization. Last month, he donated $500,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that provides legal representation to prisoners who may have been wrongly accused.


jerusalempost--2020-07-28--US House Judiciary head Nadler in accident, Barr hearing delayed – report

Nadler was one of the Democratic representatives who argued before the US Senate for conviction after the House impeached Republican @ @ @ @ @ year .

US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler was uninjured in a car accident on Tuesday, CNN reported, but a high-profile hearing with Attorney-General William Barr has been delayed until later in the day.
Nadler was one of the Democratic representatives who argued before the US Senate for conviction after the House impeached Republican President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Barr was expected to be questioned heavily about the Trump administration's response to protests in Portland, Oregon, where federal agents have shot protesters with rubber bullets and used tear gas to disperse them.


jerusalempost--2020-07-28--Finance Committee approves 'Check for Every Citizen' for 2nd, 3rd readings

The proposed "Check for Every Citizen" stimulus plan was approved for second and third readings in the Knesset Finance Committee on Tuesday.The bill offers improved economic benefits for the public, including an extended eligibility period for unemployment benefits, which more people would be eligible for under the new bill.Furthermore, the bill includes an "adaptation grant" for senior people over the age of 67, which will also involve social support for people who had lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-07-28--Former head of Julis local council convicted of murder

Former head of the Julis local council Salman Amar was convicted of murder on Tuesday, four years after shooting and killing Munir Nabuani, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv.The murder took place in 2016, just outside of the Druze local council building in Julis, a Druze village and a local council in northern Israel.Amar shot Nabuani after Nabuani ran towards him with a stick. However, Amar continued shooting after Nabuani had fallen down and was no longer holding the stick or posing a threat.


jerusalempost--2020-07-28--Former Malaysian PM Najib to appeal guilty verdict in graft trial

`` I am surely not satisfied with the result , '' Najib told reporters , adding that an appeal would @ @ @ @ @ possible .
`` This is definitely not the end of the world , because there @ @ @ @ @ , and we hope that we would be successful then , '' Najib said .

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak on Tuesday said he would appeal a guilty verdict and a 12-year jail sentence against him over corruption charges related to a multi-billion-dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB.
"I am surely not satisfied with the result," Najib told reporters, adding that an appeal would be filed as soon as possible.
"This is definitely not the end of the world, because there's a process of appeal, and we hope that we would be successful then," Najib said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Iran fires ballistic missiles from underground for first time

The video showed clouds of dust before the missiles streaked into the sky .
The military drill in the Gulf @ @ @ @ @ , comes at a time of high tension between Tehran and Washington .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ two bases with American troops in the region to go on heightened alert and said @ @ @ @ @ were irresponsible .
There have been periodic confrontations in the Gulf in recent years between @ @ @ @ @ military , which has accused the Guards ’ navy of sending fast-attack boats to harass @ @ @ @ @ the Strait of Hormuz .
The video posted by YJC showed fast-attack boats firing missiles @ @ @ @ @ a mock-up U.S. aircraft carrier .

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards fired ballistic missiles from underground for the first time as part of an annual military drill , Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the aerospace division of the Guards, said in a video posted online by YJC, a news agency linked to Iran’s state TV.
The video showed clouds of dust before the missiles streaked into the sky.
The military drill in the Gulf, which began on Tuesday, comes at a time of high tension between Tehran and Washington.
The U.S. military said the drill caused two bases with American troops in the region to go on heightened alert and said Tehran’s missile launches were irresponsible.
There have been periodic confrontations in the Gulf in recent years between the Guards and the U.S. military, which has accused the Guards’ navy of sending fast-attack boats to harass U.S. warships as they pass the Strait of Hormuz.
The video posted by YJC showed fast-attack boats firing missiles as well as missiles striking a mock-up U.S. aircraft carrier.
Tehran, which opposes the presence of U.S. and other Western navies in the Gulf, holds annual naval war games in phases in the strategic waterway, the conduit for some 30% of all crude and other oil liquids traded by sea.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 16.82 million, death toll at 660,546

More than 16.82 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 660,546 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Philippines confirms 1,874 new coronavirus cases, 16 deaths

In a bulletin , the ministry said total deaths have increased to 1,962 while confirmed cases have reached 85,486 .
@ @ @ @ @ more businesses would be allowed to reopen , including gyms and sports facilities , internet @ @ @ @ @

The Philippine health ministry on Wednesday reported 1,874 new coronavirus infections and 16 additional COVID-19 deaths.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths have increased to 1,962 while confirmed cases have reached 85,486.
The Philippines on Wednesday said more businesses would be allowed to reopen, including gyms and sports facilities, internet cafes and pet shops.
Wednesday marked the 15th successive day of 1,000 or more new cases, which has pushed many hospitals nearer their patient capacity.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Hong Kong reports 118 new coronavirus cases

The measures , which are the toughest introduced since the outbreak , are to last for at least one week @ @ @ @ @ the city is on the brink of a large-scale outbreak .

Hong Kong reported 118 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, including 113 that were locally transmitted, as strict new measures including a restriction of gatherings to two people and a ban on restaurant dining, took effect.
The measures, which are the toughest introduced since the outbreak, are to last for at least one week as leader Carrie Lam warned the city is on the brink of a large-scale outbreak.
The global financial hub reported 106 new cases on Tuesday. Since late January, about 3,000 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 24 of whom have died.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Steinsaltz Center head: Use Tisha Be'aAv for reflection

The limitation on travel due to the coronavirus should give people more time to reflect about life, especially on Tisha Be'Av, the head of the Steinzaltz Center in Jerusalem, Rabbi Meni Even Israel said in an interview with The Jerusalem Post."There is a notion today that people have more time," he said. "Corona saved us time from travelling and gave us more time to reflect. When you cannot travel, you can make it meaningful. Corona can give us a diff perspective on what we are."Even Israel said the fact that visits to the Western Wall this year are limited due to the virus creates an opportunity for more introspection at home."We are going to be alone to reflect," he said. "Every generation that doesn’t rebuild Temple is considered responsible. Does it mean we will be there physically? We can try to build a spiritual temple all around. Zoom is 500 people maximum. That is a dwelling place. We should spend the day reflecting on how to make people come together in a meaningful experience."


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Man suspected of threatening Netanyahu arrested near PM's office - report

The man was carrying two knives and a toy gun .

The man was carrying two knives and a toy gun.
A man in his 30's was arrested just meters away from the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on Wednesday after he was suspected of threatening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, according to Ynet.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Jordan's King Abdullah issues decree to hold parliamentary elections

Jordan's King Abdullah issued a royal decree to hold parliamentary elections, with the date to be set within the next 10 days by an independent election commission, state media said.Parliament ended its four-year term last May and the king had the option to either extend its term or dissolve it. Constitutionally, most powers rest with the king, who appoints governments and approves legislation.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Indonesia reports 2,381 new coronavirus infections, 74 new deaths

Indonesia reported 2,381 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, taking the total to 104,432, data from the country's COVID-19 task force showed.The Southeast Asian nation also reported 74 new COVID-19 related deaths, taking total fatalities to 4,975.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Head of 'coronavirus hotline' quits amid Shin Bet surveillance chaos

Head of the "coronavirus hotline" at the Health Ministry, Ayelet Greenbaum Arizon, has decided to step down on Wednesday.Her decision to quit comes amid chaos as a result of the Shin Bet surveillance, where many Israelis complained about wrongfully receiving notifications of having to enter isolation after coming in contact with a coronavirus patient.Greenbaum Arizon claimed that her decision had nothing to do with developments with the hotline. "My departure has nothing to do with coronavirus, if anything, that is what kept me in office until the end of the year," she said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Coronavirus: 2,093 new diagnoses in one day

There have been 2,093 people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the last day, according to the Health Ministry. Since midnight there were an additional 283.Some 322 people are in serious condition, including 98 who are intubated.Overnight, several more people died, bringing the death toll to 490.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Russia's coronavirus cases near 830,000

Russia's coronavirus cases near 830,000

In the daily readout , officials said 169 people had died in the last 24 hours , pushing the national @ @ @ @ @

Russia on Wednesday reported 5,475 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its national tally to 828,990, the fourth largest in the world.
In the daily readout, officials said 169 people had died in the last 24 hours, pushing the national death toll to 13,673.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Grotto: Won't demand quarantine from those coming from 'green' states

Health Ministry deputy director-general Itamar Grotto announced on Wednesday that Israel is on its way to reach an agreement that would not demand those coming from "green states," countries with a low coronavirus infection rate, to go into isolation upon their arrival.Grotto revealed the plan during a State Audit Committee meeting, where the topic in discussion was the future of aviation during coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Finance Minister Katz to lay down one-year budget on Sunday

Finance Minister Israel Katz is expected to present to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a one-year budget plan on Sunday, he revealed in an interview on Reshet Bet Radio.Katz claimed the budget plan deals with a coronavirus support package and budgetary and constitutional changes.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--China reports 101 new coronavirus cases for July 28 vs 68 prior day

China reports 101 new coronavirus cases for July 28 vs 68 prior dayChina reported 101 new coronavirus cases in the mainland for July 28, up from 68 cases a day earlier, the health commission said on Wednesday.Of the new infections, 89 were in the far western region of Xinjiang and one in Beijing, while three were imported cases, according to a statement by the National Health Commission.China reported 27 new asymptomatic patients, down from 34 a day earlier.As of Tuesday, mainland China had 84,060 confirmed coronavirus cases, the health authority said. The COVID-19 death toll remained at 4,634.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--US Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg undergoes bile duct procedure

WASHINGTON , July 29 - US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader is resting comfortably after undergoing a non-surgical medical procedure @ @ @ @ @ York hospital , the court said .
Ginsburg , at 87 the oldest member of @ @ @ @ @ to be released from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center by the end of the week @ @ @ @ @ was revised , the court said in a statement .

WASHINGTON, July 29 - US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader is resting comfortably after undergoing a non-surgical medical procedure on Wednesday at a New York hospital, the court said.
Ginsburg, at 87 the oldest member of the Supreme Court, expects to be released from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center by the end of the week after a bile duct stent was revised, the court said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Explosion reported at Lone Star NGL's facility at Mont Belvieu, Texas

July 29 - An explosion was reported at the Lone Star NGL 's natural gas facility at Mont Belvieu , @ @ @ @ @ local media report on Wednesday .

July 29 - An explosion was reported at the Lone Star NGL's natural gas facility at Mont Belvieu, Texas, according to a local media report on Wednesday.
The explosion took place at about 4:45 p.m. on West Winfree Street, which is about 30 miles (48 km) east of Houston and the Mont Belvieu Fire Department was working with other first responders at the scene, the report said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Nancy Pelosi announces mask-wearing requirement for House members

WASHINGTON , July 29 - US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday announced that members and staff are required to @ @ @ @ @ of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic .

WASHINGTON, July 29 - US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday announced that members and staff are required to wear masks in the House of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic.
Members will be allowed to remove their masks to speak in the House when addressing the chamber, Pelosi said on the House floor.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Brazil expected to reopen international travel to foreigners

BRASILIA/SAO PAULO , July 29 - Brazil is expected to announce that it will reopen international air travel to foreigners @ @ @ @ @ since March due to the coronavirus crisis , two sources with knowledge of the matter @ @ @ @ @

BRASILIA/SAO PAULO, July 29 - Brazil is expected to announce that it will reopen international air travel to foreigners, which had been banned since March due to the coronavirus crisis, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.
The sources said the federal government is expected to publish a decree announcing the lifting of the travel ban, although it will likely include some restrictions.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Brazil confirms over 70,000 coronavirus cases in new daily record

RIO DE JANEIRO/BRASILIA , July 29 - Brazil set a daily record on Wednesday for both confirmed cases of the @ @ @ @ @ , with 70,074 new cases and 1,595 fatalities , Health Ministry data showed .

RIO DE JANEIRO/BRASILIA, July 29 - Brazil set a daily record on Wednesday for both confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and related deaths, with 70,074 new cases and 1,595 fatalities, Health Ministry data showed.
Brazil has now registered more than 2.5 million confirmed cases of the virus and 90,134 deaths since the pandemic began, according to ministry data.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Hundreds stormed through the barriers at the Western Wall Plaza

Hundreds rammed the barriers at the Western Wall Plaza on Wednesday night, after they were placed to separate the worshipers due to the coronavirus restrictions, according to Walla.Earlier this week, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation announced that the Plaza is to be divided into separate sectors so that the traditional Tisha B'av prayers will take place according to the regulations: up to 20 worshipers in each sector.The original plan was to enable no more than a thousand worshipers, and not 10,000 as has been allowed before.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Trump to accept Republican nomination in Charlotte

WASHINGTON , July 29 - US President Donald Trump will accept the Republican presidential nomination in Charlotte , a North @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , citing an interview with Vice President Mike Pence .

WASHINGTON, July 29 - US President Donald Trump will accept the Republican presidential nomination in Charlotte, a North Carolina TV journalist reported on Wednesday, citing an interview with Vice President Mike Pence.
"I just wrapped an interview with @VP and he told me Pres Trump will accept the nomination IN Charlotte on the Monday of @GOPconvention," reporter Tim Boyum said on Twitter.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Stun grenade thrown at house in Mevaseret Zion, no injuries reported

A stun grenade was thrown Wednesday at a house in Mevaseret Zion, a city outside of Jerusalem, which was heard by residents in the area.Police investigators arrived at the scene and located the remains of the stun grenade, which was apparently thrown into a backyard. No damage or injuries were reported.Police suspect that the incident was likely criminal.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--IDF: 473 soldiers diagnosed with COVID-19, all with mild symptoms

As of Wednesday, 473 IDF soldiers in regular, permanent service and IDF contractors have tested positive with coronavirus, all of whom are reported to be asymptomatic or experiencing light symptoms.Additionally, 5,455 soldiers are currently in self-isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Coronavirus in Israel: 2,104 new verified cases, 491 dead

Israel's Health Ministry announced Wednesday that 2,104 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, bringing the total amount of cases thus far to 67,734 since the start of the pandemic.Among active cases of coronavirus, 328 patients are in serious condition and 99 are currently on respirators.Israel's coronavirus death toll rose to 491.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--US expands deployment of federal agents to Cleveland, Milwaukee and Detroit

The US Justice Department said on Wednesday it would send dozens of law enforcement officials to Cleveland, Milwaukee and Detroit to combat violent crime, expanding the deployment of federal agents to major cities under a program promoted by President Donald Trump.The move follows similar deployments to Chicago, Kansas City, Missouri and Albuquerque, New Mexico under what is known as Operation Legend, an initiative launched to address rising crime in some cities as unrest swept the nation after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi tours Gaza area, meets with commanders

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi visited the Gaza region Wednesday for an "operational tour," where he met with commander of the Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Brig-Gen. Eliezer Toledano, in addition to other officers, the IDF announced on Wednesday.During the tour, Kochavi received a presentation on the "Smart and Lethal Border" project in the northern division of Gaza, which focuses on developing a stronger multidimensional defense system based on coordinated operational, technological and intelligence capabilities.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--US military to move its European headquarters out of Germany

`` Instead of strengthening NATO , the troop withdrawal will weaken the alliance , '' Norbert Roettgen , chairman of @ @ @ @ @ affairs committee , told Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper .
`` The effectiveness of the US military @ @ @ @ @ , especially with a view to Russia and ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East @ @ @ @ @

The US military said on Wednesday it would move its headquarters out of Stuttgart, Germany to Belgium, as it outlined broader plans to shift 12,000 troops out of Germany on orders from President Donald Trump.
Trump announced last month plans to cut the number of US troops in Germany to 25,000, faulting the close US ally for failing to meet NATO's defense spending target and accusing it of taking advantage of America on trade.
A senior member of Chancellor Angel Merkel's conservatives has criticised a US decision to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany and move its European headquarters to Belgium.
"Instead of strengthening NATO, the troop withdrawal will weaken the alliance," Norbert Roettgen, chairman of the German parliament's foreign affairs committee, told Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.
"The effectiveness of the US military is not increased but reduced, especially with a view to Russia and ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East," Roettgen added.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--EU buys remdesivir to treat 30,000 COVID patients, seeks more

The anti-viral is the only drug so far authorized in the EU to treat patients with severe symptoms of COVID-19 , but nearly all available supplies have already been bought by the United States .
The EU Commission has agreed to pay 63 million euros ( $ 74 million ) to buy enough doses to treat about 30,000 patients , it said in a statement .
The United States signed a deal with Gilead in June for more than 500,000 courses of treatment , which accounts for most of the company 's output through September .
The price paid by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with exchange rates at the end of June when Gilead set a $ 2,340 price per patient for wealthier nations , although most patients in the United States are being charged a higher rate .
`` This agreement is consistent with the previously announced pricing , '' Gilead said in a statement .
`` This contract uses an average cost per dose of 345 euros , '' an EU spokesman told Reuters , for a total of six doses per patient .
He added that the price agreed was valid `` for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company , '' signaling that it could change later in the year .
The Commission said this batch would address `` just immediate needs , '' and that it was already working to secure new doses from October .
While the number of hospitalizations is on the rise in Europe , they remain far below the height of the outbreak in March and April , when many hospitals were overwhelmed .

The European Union's executive said on Wednesday it had agreed to buy a limited supply of the COVID-19 medicine remdesivir from U.S. drugmaker Gilead to address the short-term needs of European patients, and hoped to be able to order more later.
The anti-viral is the only drug so far authorized in the EU to treat patients with severe symptoms of COVID-19, but nearly all available supplies have already been bought by the United States.
The EU Commission has agreed to pay 63 million euros ($74 million) to buy enough doses to treat about 30,000 patients, it said in a statement.
The United States signed a deal with Gilead in June for more than 500,000 courses of treatment, which accounts for most of the company's output through September.
The price paid by the EU appears to be in line with exchange rates at the end of June when Gilead set a $2,340 price per patient for wealthier nations, although most patients in the United States are being charged a higher rate.
"This agreement is consistent with the previously announced pricing," Gilead said in a statement.
"This contract uses an average cost per dose of 345 euros," an EU spokesman told Reuters, for a total of six doses per patient.
He added that the price agreed was valid "for the period of restricted supply access to the company," signaling that it could change later in the year.
The Commission said this batch would address "just immediate needs," and that it was already working to secure new doses from October.
Most European countries have passed the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but a new wave of infections in recent days has pushed countries to reintroduce restrictions.
While the number of hospitalizations is on the rise in Europe, they remain far below the height of the outbreak in March and April, when many hospitals were overwhelmed.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Nurses to provide recovery certificate to asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers

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Certified nurses in Israel will be able to provide those who tested positive with coronavirus, were asymptomatic and recovered with a certificate of recovery starting Wednesday.Prior to this, all those who tested positive and were asymptomatic were required to get the certificate from a doctor.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Trump says if Russian bounty reports were true, he would be very angry

Before leaving the White House for a trip to Texas , Trump told reporters he would respond appropriately if the @ @ @ @ @ was enough evidence for the issue to be included in a widely read CIA report @ @ @ @ @ as earlier indications Russia was providing aid to the Taliban .

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday if US intelligence reports that Russia paid Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan were true, he would be very angry about it.
Before leaving the White House for a trip to Texas, Trump told reporters he would respond appropriately if the reports were proven. There was enough evidence for the issue to be included in a widely read CIA report in May, as well as earlier indications Russia was providing aid to the Taliban.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--MK Rafi Peretz enters isolation after staffer diagnosed with coronavirus

Jerusalem Affairs Minister MK Rafi Peretz will be forced to enter isolation after his Director-General Avi Cohen tested positive for coronavirus Wednesday.Following the completion of coronavirus testing on Peretz and his staff, the former will be required to remain in isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Man arrested for carrying illegal 'Carlo' style gun

A resident of the city of Baqa al-Gharbiya in the Haifa District was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of carrying an illegal "Carlo" style firearm in the local cemetery, according to Walla."Carlo" style submachine guns have been commonly produced by Palestinians in small workshops in the West Bank, and have been used in terrorist attacks by Palestinians targeting Israelis and Arab-Israeli street gangs in recent years.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Moderna says COVID-19 vaccine pricing to ensure broad access

Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Bancel declined to comment on the specific price of the vaccine on a conference call with @ @

Moderna Inc plans to price its experimental coronavirus vaccine in a way that ensures broad access, it said on Wednesday, adding that it did not intend to conduct late-stage trials of the shot outside the United States.
Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Bancel declined to comment on the specific price of the vaccine on a conference call with analysts.
The Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, that the company was planning to price the vaccine at $50 to $60 per course, at least $11 more than another vaccine from Pfizer Inc and BioNTech.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Katz: Israel needs a budget, I intend to give it one

Finance Minister Israel Katz told Reshet Bet radio on Wednesday that “the state of Israel needs a budget” and that he intends to present one to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.The report comes on the heels of a meeting Katz held at the Knesset with Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Wednesday about the budget, which ended with the two men not reaching an agreement.Blue and White is pushing for a two-year budget, but Katz and the Likud party are pushing for a one-year budget.While Blue and White point to the existing coalition government agreement, which included having a two-year budget as a condition, Netanyahu claims that the COVID-19 pandemic made a long-term budget impractical.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Coronavirus in Israel: 2,093 new diagnoses in one day

There have been 2,093 people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the last day, according to the Health Ministry. Since midnight there were an additional 283.Some 322 people are in serious condition, including 98 who are intubated.Overnight, several more people died, bringing the death toll to 490.


jerusalempost--2020-07-29--Knesset approves 2nd, 3rd reading of 'Check for Every Citizen' program

The Knesset approved the "Check for Every Citizen" program championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday on second and third reading.The plan includes each adult Israeli receiving a NIS 750 grant with further benefits offered for each child. NIS 400 grants will be given for the first four children, with NIS 300 given for a fifth child onward. The child grants are unlimited, meaning the more children a family has, the more grants it will receive.The grant offered to IDF soldiers who finished their service or will finish it during 2020 was increased to NIS 1,250.Further aid was extended to Holocaust survivors, those who became disabled during their army service, new immigrants who arrived to the country in the past year, and other groups if they are in need of aid.The modified plan will cost roughly NIS 6.7 billion and marks a win for ultra-Orthodox parties, who insisted it be changed to extend benefits to households that have more than three children.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--White House opposes requirement to wear masks on planes, trains

The White House on Thursday said it opposed language in a bill before Congress that would require airline, train and public transit passengers and workers to wear masks to address the coronavirus pandemic.The administration in a letter to Congress opposed a provision in a US House of Representatives spending bill that would require the masks, calling it "overly restrictive" and said "such decisions should be left to states, local governments, transportation systems, and public health leaders." Airlines, Amtrak and most public transit systems require all passengers and workers to wear facial coverings.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Trump doubles down against mail-in voting

President Donald Trump, whose suggestion to delay the 2020 U.S. election was roundly rejected earlier on Thursday, said the results of the vote should be known on election night."Must know Election results on the night of the Election, not days, months, or even years later!" Trump said on Twitter, referring to mail-in balloting that could take a longer time to tally votes.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Coronavirus restrictions to be extended to next week

Restrictions on the of opening stores and the number of worshipers in synagogues will be extended to next week, according to a report by Walla on Thursday.It was reported that the reason for the extension was due to objections from the ultra-Orthodox parties. The parties claimed that any opening of stores on the weekend should be in conjunction with the easing of coronavirus restrictions at synagogues.Further discussions in the coronavirus cabinet will commence next Monday on restrictions.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--WHO: countries should resume international travel, prioritize emergencies

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday said countries should gradually lift international travel measures based on a thorough risk assessment and prioritize essential travel for emergencies.WHO recommends that priority should be given to essential travel for emergencies, humanitarian actions, travel of essential personnel, and repatriation, it said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Eight "La Familia" activists detained after attacking cameramen, driver

At least eight activists from the right wing organization "La Familia" were detained by border police after attacking two cameramen and a Palestinian driver during protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu at the First Station in Jerusalem on Thursday night.
עוד פעם תקיפה, עוד פעם קובי כהן שלנו סרג'יו המפיק הותקפנו הפעם לה פמיליה. המבט מאוד מאיים. הלה פמיליה אשכרה חיפשו ערבים לתקוף. תיעוד ו pic.twitter.com/73ds8PRaNY — Yossi Eli יוסי אלי (@Yossi_eli) July 30, 2020


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Court lets ex-Trump lawyer Cohen publish book while sentenced at home

The agreement between Cohen 's lawyers and federal prosecutors also frees Cohen to engage with news organizations and use social media , as he serves the remainder of his three-year term for campaign finance violations and other crimes in home confinement .
`` There shall be no specific media provision '' governing Cohen 's activities , according to the agreement , which requires approval by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan .
Cohen , 53 , had served about one year of his prison term before being sent home to his Manhattan apartment in May , because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal authorities returned him to prison on July 9 , one week after Cohen tweeted he was close to finishing his book , when Cohen questioned their new requirement that he agree to steer clear of media .
But Hellerstein ordered his release last week , saying the return to prison amounted to government retaliation against Cohen 's desire to exercise his First Amendment rights .
The judge gave both sides a week to negotiate a media provision that is `` consistent with the First Amendment but yet serves the purposes of confinement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to campaign violations tied to hush money payments to pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal , who claimed they had affairs with Trump .
He also pleaded guilty to evading taxes on more than $ 4 million in income and making false statements to a bank .
Trump has denied having the encounters with Daniels and McDougal , and called Cohen a `` rat . ''

Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, will be allowed to publish a book critical of the US president before the Nov. 3 election while completing his criminal sentence at home, under an agreement filed on Thursday.
The agreement between Cohen's lawyers and federal prosecutors also frees Cohen to engage with news organizations and use social media, as he serves the remainder of his three-year term for campaign finance violations and other crimes in home confinement.
"There shall be no specific media provision" governing Cohen's activities, according to the agreement, which requires approval by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan.
Cohen, 53, had served about one year of his prison term before being sent home to his Manhattan apartment in May, because of the risk of contracting COVID-19 behind bars.
Federal authorities returned him to prison on July 9, one week after Cohen tweeted he was close to finishing his book, when Cohen questioned their new requirement that he agree to steer clear of media.
But Hellerstein ordered his release last week, saying the return to prison amounted to government retaliation against Cohen's desire to exercise his First Amendment rights.
The judge gave both sides a week to negotiate a media provision that is "consistent with the First Amendment but yet serves the purposes of confinement."
Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to campaign violations tied to hush money payments to pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed they had affairs with Trump.
He also pleaded guilty to evading taxes on more than $4 million in income and making false statements to a bank.
Trump has denied having the encounters with Daniels and McDougal, and called Cohen a "rat."
Cohen, who once said he would "take a bullet" for Trump, said in court papers that his planned book would contain unflattering details about Trump, including racist and anti-Semitic remarks.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Two Rockets hit perimeter of Baghdad international airport

The military said the Katyusha rocket was launched from two different places near the Baghdad airport road and Radwaniyah area @

Two rockets landed in the perimeter of Baghdad International Airport on Thursday, the Iraqi military said in a statement.
The military said the Katyusha rocket was launched from two different places near the Baghdad airport road and Radwaniyah area.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Young man and woman dead after tragic car accident in Ar'ara

A young man and woman, both in their 20s, were killed on Thursday after being hit by a vehicle while they were sitting outside in the yard of their home in Ar'ara.The Magen David Adom team that arrived at the scene said they suffered a very severe multi-systemic injury. When the medics arrived, they found the man and woman lifeless and were forced to determine their deaths.According to a preliminary investigation, the two were likely hit after a truck lost control and hit two other nearby vehicles, dragging them into yard and fatally injuring the two.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Teachers Union head threatens strike unless over Education Ministry plans

Teachers Union Leader Yafa Ben David said on Thursday evening that, unless the Education Ministry begins to include teachers in its preparations to open schools in September, they will go on strike, Channel 13 reported.Ben David claimed that the union requests that teachers who face greater risk from the novel coronavirus be allowed to work from home to avoid infection.On Wednesday, Education Minister Yoav Gallant called for a NIS 4.2 billion budget to open the school year. It is yet unknown how the ministry plans to recruit and train tens of thousands of new teachers needed to teach classes should students be placed in small study groups to avoid infections.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--WHO urges countries to support 'COVAX' vaccine scheme

The World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Thursday that any country that supports the COVAX financing initiative has a better chance of getting a successful COVID-19 vaccine.Soumya Swaminathan told a news briefing in Geneva that the more countries that joined COVAX, a scheme designed to guarantee fast and equitable access globally to COVID-19 vaccines, the greater its chances of success.More than 75 countries have expressed an interest in joining COVAX, which is co-led by the GAVI vaccines alliance, the WHO and the CEPI Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Its aim is to deliver 2 billion doses of effective, approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.Some global health agencies are concerned about wealthier countries going it alone in the race for a coronavirus vaccine, striking deals with drugmakers to secure millions of doses of promising candidates for their own citizens.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Trump likely to address UN in person in September, says UN envoy

The annual high-level gathering had been shaping up to be a weeklong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the world @ @ @ @ @ Antonio Guterres suggested in May that leaders send video statements due to likely travel issues @ @ @ @ @ agreed last week to the special measures .
`` We 're hoping that President Trump @ @ @ @ @ person in the General Assembly .
He will be the only world leader to be @ @ @ @ @ US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft told the Meridian International diplomacy think tank .
@ @ @ @ @ to be focused on human rights issues , on transparency , on accountability , '' @ @ @ @ @ States is traditionally the second country after Brazil to address the General Assembly , which @ @ @ @ @ year on Sept. 22 .

US President Donald Trump hopes to address the UN General Assembly in person in September, his UN envoy said on Thursday, while all other world leaders will send videos instead of traveling to New York amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual high-level gathering had been shaping up to be a weeklong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the world body, but UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres suggested in May that leaders send video statements due to likely travel issues.
The 193-member General Assembly agreed last week to the special measures.
"We're hoping that President Trump will actually be speaking in person in the General Assembly. He will be the only world leader to be speaking in person," US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft told the Meridian International diplomacy think tank.
"Obviously we're going to be focused on human rights issues, on transparency, on accountability," she added.
The United States is traditionally the second country after Brazil to address the General Assembly, which is due to start this year on Sept. 22.
The coronavirus has infected at least 17.1 million people and there have been more than 668,000 known deaths worldwide, according to a Reuters tally. New York was an epicenter earlier this year for the virus, which emerged in China in December.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--EU sanctions Russian intel, N Korean, Chinese firms over cyberattacks

In its first ever sanctions related to cybercrime , the EU targeted the department for special technologies of the Russian military intelligence service , known as Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation , it said in a statement .
The bloc accused the Russian service of having carried out two cyberattacks in June 2017 , which hit several companies in Europe resulting in large financial losses .
The service is also accused of two cyberattacks against Ukraine 's power grid in 2015 and 2016 .
Four individuals working for the Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating in an attempted cyberattack against the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) in the Netherlands in April 2018 .
North Korean company Chosun Expo was also sanctioned on suspicion of having supported the Lazarus Group , which is deemed responsible for a series of major attacks worldwide , including an $ 81 million heist against Bangladesh Bank 's account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2016 , the world 's biggest cyber fraud .
The company is also allegedly linked to an attack against Hollywood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release of a satirical movie about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2014 .
The US Treasury last year imposed sanctions on the Lazarus Group and two other North Korean hacking groups for their alleged participation in the attacks on Sony Pictures and the central bank of Bangladesh , among others .
It said North Korea 's main intelligence service was behind the hacking groups .
North Korea has denied any involvement in cyberattacks .
The EU sanctions also hit Chinese firm Haitai Technology Development , which is accused of having supported cyberattacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aimed at stealing commercially sensitive data from multinationals across the world .
Two Chinese individuals allegedly involved in the attacks were also sanctioned .

The European Union on Thursday imposed travel and financial sanctions on a department of Russia's military intelligence service and on firms from North Korea and China over their suspected participation in major cyberattacks across the world.In its first ever sanctions related to cybercrime, the EU targeted the department for special technologies of the Russian military intelligence service, known as Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, it said in a statement.The bloc accused the Russian service of having carried out two cyberattacks in June 2017, which hit several companies in Europe resulting in large financial losses. The service is also accused of two cyberattacks against Ukraine's power grid in 2015 and 2016.Four individuals working for the Russian military intelligence service were also sanctioned for allegedly participating in an attempted cyberattack against the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the Netherlands in April 2018.North Korean company Chosun Expo was also sanctioned on suspicion of having supported the Lazarus Group, which is deemed responsible for a series of major attacks worldwide, including an $81 million heist against Bangladesh Bank's account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2016, the world's biggest cyber fraud.The company is also allegedly linked to an attack against Hollywood film studio Sony Pictures to prevent the release of a satirical movie about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2014.The US Treasury last year imposed sanctions on the Lazarus Group and two other North Korean hacking groups for their alleged participation in the attacks on Sony Pictures and the central bank of Bangladesh, among others. It said North Korea's main intelligence service was behind the hacking groups.North Korea has denied any involvement in cyberattacks.The EU sanctions also hit Chinese firm Haitai Technology Development, which is accused of having supported cyberattacks - known as Operation Cloud Hopper - aimed at stealing commercially sensitive data from multinationals across the world. Two Chinese individuals allegedly involved in the attacks were also sanctioned.Sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes. EU individuals, companies and other entities are forbidden from making funds available to those blacklisted.China's diplomatic mission to the European Union said in a statement early on Friday that China "is a staunch defender of network security and one of the biggest victims of hacker attacks."China wants global cyberspace security to be maintained through "dialog and cooperation" and not by unilateral sanctions, the statement added.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Dozens protesting outside Amir Ohana's residence in Tel Aviv

The protest takes place following another protest that took place outside Ohana 's house on Tuesday in which five participants @ @ @ @ @ protesters , Ohana 's cousin also demonstrated in front of the house with a megaphone @ @ @ @ @ we want is democracy , we want equality .
Ohana should resign , Iyad 's @ @ @ @ @ ''

The protest takes place following another protest that took place outside Ohana's house on Tuesday in which five participants were attacked. Among the protesters, Ohana's cousin also demonstrated in front of the house with a megaphone, shouting: "All we want is democracy, we want equality. Ohana should resign, Iyad's blood is not worthless."
Dozens of people protested outside the home of Public Security Minister Amir Ohana in Tel Aviv on Thursday evening, with police forces in place to secure the area.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Trump, after Portland deal, says feds won't leave 'until there is safety'

President Donald Trump on Thursday said the governor of Oregon was not doing enough to rein in protesters in Portland and that U.S. agents would not leave the city "until there is safety," one day after the state and his administration reached a deal to phase out a federal law enforcement presence."Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon, isn’t doing her job. She must clear out, and in some cases arrest, the Anarchists & Agitators in Portland. If she can’t do it, the Federal Government will do it for her. We will not be leaving until there is safety!"


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Canada's Trudeau to make testimony to parliamentary cmte amid ethics probe

The escalating scandal over the C $ 900 million ( $ 671 million ) contract granted to WE Charity Canada has hurt Trudeau in the polls , with his Liberal Party slipping to a 4-point lead over the opposition Conservatives , an Abacus Data poll showed Thursday .
The Liberal-led government 's popularity had soared amid Canada 's response to the COVID-19 crisis .
Trudeau is scheduled to appear under oath at 3 p.m. ( 1900 GMT ) , while his chief of staff , Katie Telford , is to follow him at 4:15 p.m .
The committee voted late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three hours .
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer said a longer testimony is needed to get to the bottom of the affair .
The committee alone can not force Trudeau to stay on past his schedule time .
`` One hour is not sufficient when we 're talking about a billion dollars , '' he told reporters on Thursday .
Testimony by a Canadian prime minister before a parliamentary committee is very unusual .
It last happened in 2006 when then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper appeared at one to speak about Senate reform .
Trudeau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under investigation for possible conflict-of-interest violations .
It is the third ethics probe he has faced in three years .
The prime minister has already apologized publicly for participating in the Cabinet decision to pick WE Charity to administer the grant program .
The charity backed out shortly after the program was announced .
Canada 's ethics commissioner launched the investigation after WE Charity disclosed that it had paid Trudeau 's mother and brother for speaking appearances .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will make a rare appearance before a parliamentary committee on Thursday amid questions over a government decision to allow a charity with ties to his family to manage a major student grant program.
The escalating scandal over the C$900 million ($671 million) contract granted to WE Charity Canada has hurt Trudeau in the polls, with his Liberal Party slipping to a 4-point lead over the opposition Conservatives, an Abacus Data poll showed Thursday.
The Liberal-led government's popularity had soared amid Canada's response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Trudeau is scheduled to appear under oath at 3 p.m. (1900 GMT), while his chief of staff, Katie Telford, is to follow him at 4:15 p.m. The committee voted late Wednesday to extend Trudeau's testimony to three hours.
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer said a longer testimony is needed to get to the bottom of the affair. The committee alone cannot force Trudeau to stay on past his schedule time.
"One hour is not sufficient when we're talking about a billion dollars," he told reporters on Thursday.
Testimony by a Canadian prime minister before a parliamentary committee is very unusual. It last happened in 2006 when then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper appeared at one to speak about Senate reform.
Trudeau's testimony comes after he was put under investigation for possible conflict-of-interest violations. It is the third ethics probe he has faced in three years.
The prime minister has already apologized publicly for participating in the Cabinet decision to pick WE Charity to administer the grant program. The charity backed out shortly after the program was announced.
Canada's ethics commissioner launched the investigation after WE Charity disclosed that it had paid Trudeau's mother and brother for speaking appearances.
Both the prime minister and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, have regularly participated in WE Charity events.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Nepal to reopen Everest to climbers despite coronavirus case rise

Home to eight of the world ’ s 14 tallest mountains , Nepal shut down climbing and trekking in March to stem the novel coronavirus , which has so far infected 19,547 people and caused 52 deaths in the country of 30 million .
`` We have reopened mountaineering and will issue climbing permits for the autumn season , '' tourism department official Mira Acharya said , adding that climbers must follow health protocols issued by the government .
The autumn climbing season in Nepal runs from September to November .
While infections in many Western nations are falling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnessing a steady rise in the caseload .
The absence of climbing in the popular April-May season caused Nepal millions of dollars in losses .
Hundreds of foreign travelers and some 200,000 sherpas , guides and porters were hit .
Though the government now wants to reopen climbing , international flights are shut until mid-August and travel restrictions within Nepal remain , meaning climbers will still be kept away in the short term , expedition organizers said .
`` Some climbers to smaller mountains may come but I have doubts about big ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an expedition organizer in the capital Kathmandu .
Nepal on Thursday also allowed the reopening of hotels and restaurants with some restrictions .
No conferences , seminars , gyms or casinos would be allowed , said Binayak Shah , vice president of the Hotel Association Nepal ( HAN ) .

Nepal will reopen its Himalayan mountains including Mount Everest to climbers for the autumn season, officials said on Thursday, to boost the tourism-dependent economy despite rising coronavirus infections.
Home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, Nepal shut down climbing and trekking in March to stem the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected 19,547 people and caused 52 deaths in the country of 30 million.
"We have reopened mountaineering and will issue climbing permits for the autumn season," tourism department official Mira Acharya said, adding that climbers must follow health protocols issued by the government. The autumn climbing season in Nepal runs from September to November.
While infections in many Western nations are falling, South Asian countries including Nepal are still witnessing a steady rise in the caseload.
The absence of climbing in the popular April-May season caused Nepal millions of dollars in losses. Hundreds of foreign travelers and some 200,000 sherpas, guides and porters were hit.
Though the government now wants to reopen climbing, international flights are shut until mid-August and travel restrictions within Nepal remain, meaning climbers will still be kept away in the short term, expedition organizers said.
"Some climbers to smaller mountains may come but I have doubts about big ones," said Ang Tshering Sherpa, an expedition organizer in the capital Kathmandu.
Nepal on Thursday also allowed the reopening of hotels and restaurants with some restrictions. No conferences, seminars, gyms or casinos would be allowed, said Binayak Shah, vice president of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN).
"Now it is (about) which hotel is safe, not which offers better services," Shah said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--National Insurance Institute to wire Israelis NIS 1.5 billion on Sunday

The National Insurance Institute (NII) announced that it will wire Israelis NIS 1.5 billion on Sunday as part of the recently approved "Check for Every Citizen" plan. Child support benefits for over 29 million Israeli minors are expected to be wired to the bank accounts of their parents. Other payments, such as extra benefits for Holocaust Survivors in need, are to follow.“A project on such as massive scale as Check for Every Citizen was never attempted in this country,” NII Director General Meir Shpigler said in a press release on Thursday. “Funds will be wired to those who are eligible for them in a series of steps until the last of [Israel’s] citizens would get the benefits they deserve.”


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Brazil President Bolsonaro's wife, minister test positive for COVID-19

Just days after her husband said he had overcome the virus with a negative test following weeks in quarantine , @ @ @ @ @ tested positive , the presidential office said in a statement .
`` First lady Michelle @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
She is in good health and will follow all established protocols , @ @ @ @ @ to the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
Earlier on Thursday , Brazil 's @ @ @ @ @ Marcos Pontes , said his test had come back positive , becoming the fifth minister @ @ @ @ @ be diagnosed with the disease .
Their infections are a palpable sign of the scale @ @ @ @ @ , which set fresh daily records on Wednesday for new COVID-19 cases and related fatalities @ @ @ @ @ cases and 1,595 additional deaths reported by the Health Ministry , pushed the country past @ @ @ @ @ killed .
Pontes made his announcement on Facebook , saying he was quarantining and working @ @

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's wife and one of his ministers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to an official statement on Thursday, as the spread of the novel coronavirus showed no signs of slowing in the country with the world's second-worst outbreak after the United States.
Just days after her husband said he had overcome the virus with a negative test following weeks in quarantine, Bolsonaro's wife Michelle has tested positive, the presidential office said in a statement.
"First lady Michelle Bolsonaro tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. She is in good health and will follow all established protocols," it said, referring to the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Earlier on Thursday, Brazil's science and technology minister, Marcos Pontes, said his test had come back positive, becoming the fifth minister in Bolsonaro's government to be diagnosed with the disease.
Their infections are a palpable sign of the scale of the outbreak in Brazil, which set fresh daily records on Wednesday for new COVID-19 cases and related fatalities.
The 69,074 new confirmed cases and 1,595 additional deaths reported by the Health Ministry, pushed the country past 2.5 million infections and 90,000 killed.
Pontes made his announcement on Facebook, saying he was quarantining and working remotely.
"I just tested positive for the new coronavirus," he said. "I'm well, just a bit of flu symptoms and a headache."


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Eli Lilly starts mid-stage study of COVID-19 treatment

The company said its experimental antibody treatment , LY-CoV555 being developed with Canadian biotech AbCellera has moved into mid-stage testing and that it was planning final-stage human trials in the coming weeks .
Lilly expects efficacy data from the mid-stage trial in the fourth quarter of the year .
“ As long as it looks safe , why not push forward ?
It ’ s all about risk versus reward , and the reward might be huge if something were to work , ” said UBS analyst Navin Jacob .
The urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic had driven Lilly 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as early data on the antibody treatment was mostly focused on safety , said Chief Scientific Officer Daniel Skovronsky on a conference call .
Companies and governments are boosting `` at-risk '' spending - in part by ramping up manufacturing of unproven products - as global hopes ride on an effective vaccine or therapy to help curtail a pandemic that has claimed some 668,000 lives and hammered economies worldwide .
Eli Lilly is also developing another antibody treatment with Chinese drugmaker Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co Ltd .
The drugs belong to a class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are among the most widely used biotechnology medicines .
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc and other drugmakers are testing similar treatments against COVID-19 .
Lilly also reported second-quarter sales that fell short of Wall Street estimates , as it took a nearly $ 500 million hit with patients avoiding hospitals and doctors ' offices earlier in the pandemic .
Revenue fell 2.4 % to $ 5.50 billion , missing estimates of $ 5.76 billion , and Lilly 's shares fell nearly 6 % .
`` We anticipate this disruption will continue until vaccines and new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the infection , '' said Lilly 's Chief Executive David Ricks .
The company , however , beat second-quarter profit estimates by 33 cents , and raised both ends of its full-year profit forecast range by 50 cents , suggesting confidence in a better second half of the year .

Eli Lilly and Co on Thursday said it plans to test its experimental coronavirus therapy in studies meant to secure regulatory approval, even before the company has seen data on how effective it may be.
The company said its experimental antibody treatment, LY-CoV555 being developed with Canadian biotech AbCellera has moved into mid-stage testing and that it was planning final-stage human trials in the coming weeks.
Lilly expects efficacy data from the mid-stage trial in the fourth quarter of the year.
“As long as it looks safe, why not push forward? It’s all about risk versus reward, and the reward might be huge if something were to work,” said UBS analyst Navin Jacob.
The urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic had driven Lilly's decision to start the pivotal efficacy trials as early data on the antibody treatment was mostly focused on safety, said Chief Scientific Officer Daniel Skovronsky on a conference call.
Companies and governments are boosting "at-risk" spending - in part by ramping up manufacturing of unproven products - as global hopes ride on an effective vaccine or therapy to help curtail a pandemic that has claimed some 668,000 lives and hammered economies worldwide.
Eli Lilly is also developing another antibody treatment with Chinese drugmaker Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co Ltd.
The drugs belong to a class of treatments known as monoclonal antibodies that are among the most widely used biotechnology medicines. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc and other drugmakers are testing similar treatments against COVID-19.
Lilly also reported second-quarter sales that fell short of Wall Street estimates, as it took a nearly $500 million hit with patients avoiding hospitals and doctors' offices earlier in the pandemic.
Revenue fell 2.4% to $5.50 billion, missing estimates of $5.76 billion, and Lilly's shares fell nearly 6%.
"We anticipate this disruption will continue until vaccines and new medicines can be used to manage the spread of the infection," said Lilly's Chief Executive David Ricks.
The company, however, beat second-quarter profit estimates by 33 cents, and raised both ends of its full-year profit forecast range by 50 cents, suggesting confidence in a better second half of the year.
The company now expects 2020 adjusted earnings of $7.20 to $7.40 per share.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--What would it take to postpone the US presidential election?

Below are some facts around what changing the date of the election would entail : The Constitution gives Congress the power to set the date of the presidential election .
Since 1845 , that day has been every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November , which in 2020 is Nov. 3 .
Even if Trump declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus , he would not be permitted to change the day , legal experts said .
`` President Trump has absolutely no legal authority to delay the election , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Kentucky and an election law expert .
Douglas noted that every presidential election since 1845 has gone forward as scheduled , even in the midst of wars and pandemics .
Congress could technically extend the ability to postpone an election to the executive , according to a 2004 Congressional Research Service report https : //fas.org/sgp/crs/RL32471.pdf .
( fas.org/sgp/crs/RL32471.pdf ) However , given that Democrats currently control the House of Representatives , it is virtually certain that Congress would not entertain any sort of postponement .
Even if Congress decided to delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would still end at noon on Jan. 20 , 2021 , a date that is set in the Constitution 's 20th Amendment .
Only another amendment , which requires a legislative supermajority as well as ratification by at least 38 US states , can alter that date .
If there was no winner of the presidential election by Jan. 20 , the Constitution dictates that the Speaker of the House - currently Democrat Nancy Pelosi - would become acting president until a successor was confirmed .

President Donald Trump on Thursday raised the possibility of delaying the Nov. 3 US presidential election, though the Constitution bestows that power on Congress, not the president.
Below are some facts around what changing the date of the election would entail:
The Constitution gives Congress the power to set the date of the presidential election. Since 1845, that day has been every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, which in 2020 is Nov. 3.
Even if Trump declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus, he would not be permitted to change the day, legal experts said.
"President Trump has absolutely no legal authority to delay the election," said Joshua Douglas, a professor at the University of Kentucky and an election law expert.
Douglas noted that every presidential election since 1845 has gone forward as scheduled, even in the midst of wars and pandemics.
Congress could technically extend the ability to postpone an election to the executive, according to a 2004 Congressional Research Service report https://fas.org/sgp/crs/RL32471.pdf.(fas.org/sgp/crs/RL32471.pdf)
However, given that Democrats currently control the House of Representatives, it is virtually certain that Congress would not entertain any sort of postponement.
Even if Congress decided to delay the election, Trump's presidential term would still end at noon on Jan. 20, 2021, a date that is set in the Constitution's 20th Amendment.
Only another amendment, which requires a legislative supermajority as well as ratification by at least 38 US states, can alter that date.
If there was no winner of the presidential election by Jan. 20, the Constitution dictates that the Speaker of the House - currently Democrat Nancy Pelosi - would become acting president until a successor was confirmed.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Coronavirus in Israel: IDF reports 457 active cases of COVID-19

As of Thursday, 457 soldiers and IDF employees have active cases of coronavirus, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced in a statement. All are in a light condition.Also as of Thursday, 5,159 service members are in home isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Biden opens election front in Ohio with new ad push

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's campaign said on Thursday it was expanding advertising into the battleground state of Ohio, highlighting his media offensive into states that President Donald Trump won in 2016.The new ad marks Biden's first advertising push of the general election season into Ohio - where Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton handily in 2016 - and what the campaign said was the ninth battleground state in which it will be "up on the air with ads."It will contrast Biden's "working-class upbringing" with the Trump administration's prioritization of "wealthy donors and the well-connected," the campaign said in a statement, and will run on broadcast and digital platforms in the Youngstown and Toledo markets through the Democratic convention in late August.The purchase cost "seven figures," but the campaign didn't give a more precise amount.Biden announced earlier in July $15 million in new spending on advertising, as the former vice president seeks to capitalize on his polling advantage over Trump ahead of the Nov. 3 election and a dramatic uptick in fundraising in recent months.His campaign has said as many as 16 states could be up for grabs in November, with Trump's coronavirus response and the battered economy making places like Arizona, Texas and Georgia, which have been inhospitable for Democrats, more competitive.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Russia sentences former US marine to nine years on police assault charge

Trevor Reed , a student at the University of North Texas , said he could not remember the events of last summer because he was drunk when he was detained after leaving a party in Moscow .
But he denied the charge in court after hearing what he said was the flimsy evidence presented during the trial and the investigation 's failure to obtain video evidence that could prove his innocence .
`` It 's clearly political , '' he told reporters in court .
The conviction is likely to spur media speculation that Reed could become part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow and Washington .
Neither side has confirmed such talks are taking place .
Russia convicted US citizen Paul Whelan , also a former Marine , last month of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in jail .
Whelan denied wrongdoing .
US investor Michael Calvey is being held under house arrest on fraud charges he denies .
Whelan 's lawyer has said he believes Moscow wants to exchange Whelan for an arms dealer , Viktor Bout , and another Russian held in US prisons .
Prosecutors accused Reed of grabbing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a car after the American was detained on Aug. 15 .
That , they said , caused the vehicle to swerve dangerously .
He was also accused of elbowing a second officer .
Reed said he traveled to Moscow in May last year to learn Russian and see his Russian girlfriend .
She burst into tears in court and was escorted outside after swearing loudly during the verdict .
`` This conviction , and a sentence of nine years , for an alleged crime that so obviously did not occur , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US ambassador to Moscow .
`` This was theater of the absurd . ''
Reed 's father , Joey , said he planned to appeal publicly to President Vladimir Putin to intervene in the case .

A Russian court sentenced a former US Marine to nine years in jail on Thursday after convicting him of endangering the lives of two police officers in a trial the United States criticized as "theater of the absurd" and lacking serious evidence.
Trevor Reed, a student at the University of North Texas, said he could not remember the events of last summer because he was drunk when he was detained after leaving a party in Moscow.
But he denied the charge in court after hearing what he said was the flimsy evidence presented during the trial and the investigation's failure to obtain video evidence that could prove his innocence.
"It's clearly political," he told reporters in court.
The conviction is likely to spur media speculation that Reed could become part of a possible prisoner swap reportedly being negotiated by Moscow and Washington. Neither side has confirmed such talks are taking place.
Russia convicted US citizen Paul Whelan, also a former Marine, last month of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in jail. Whelan denied wrongdoing. US investor Michael Calvey is being held under house arrest on fraud charges he denies.
Whelan's lawyer has said he believes Moscow wants to exchange Whelan for an arms dealer, Viktor Bout, and another Russian held in US prisons.
Prosecutors accused Reed of grabbing a police officer who was behind the wheel of a car after the American was detained on Aug. 15. That, they said, caused the vehicle to swerve dangerously. He was also accused of elbowing a second officer.
Reed said he traveled to Moscow in May last year to learn Russian and see his Russian girlfriend. She burst into tears in court and was escorted outside after swearing loudly during the verdict.
"This conviction, and a sentence of nine years, for an alleged crime that so obviously did not occur, is ridiculous," said John Sullivan, the US ambassador to Moscow. "This was theater of the absurd."
Reed's father, Joey, said he planned to appeal publicly to President Vladimir Putin to intervene in the case.
"We believe (this case) happened for one reason – he stumbled him into police custody because he was intoxicated, and once they saw they had a former US Marine they said 'We're gonna keep this guy'," he said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Iraq says nearly 560 killed in anti-government unrest

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi 's new government has pledged to investigate the deaths and incarceration of hundreds of protesters in @ @ @ @ @ government last year .
The death toll is roughly in line with what news outlets @ @ @ @ @ .
The government will treat all 560 people as `` martyrs '' and each family @ @ @ @ @ diners ( $ 8,380 ) in compensation , Hisham Daoud , the prime minister 's @ @ @ @ @ The protests caused the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi , who was replaced @ @ @ @ @ a former intelligence chief .
Protests began on Oct. 1 and continued for several months @ @ @ @ @ of Iraqis demanding jobs , services and the removal of the ruling elite , which @ @ @ @ @ caused the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi , who was replaced in May @ @ @ @ @ intelligence chief .

Nearly 560 Iraqi protesters and security forces were killed in months of anti-government unrest that erupted last year, the government said on Thursday.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's new government has pledged to investigate the deaths and incarceration of hundreds of protesters in unrest that unseated the previous government last year.
The death toll is roughly in line with what news outlets and rights groups have reported.
The government will treat all 560 people as "martyrs" and each family will be offered 10 million diners ($8,380) in compensation, Hisham Daoud, the prime minister's adviser, told reporters.
Protests began on Oct. 1 and continued for several months, with hundreds of thousands of Iraqis demanding jobs, services and the removal of the ruling elite, which they said was corrupt.
The protests caused the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who was replaced in May by Kadhimi, a former intelligence chief.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Ukraine makes every effort to maximize compensation for downed plane

Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 jet after mistaking it for a missile at a @ @ @ @ @ United States had risen .
All 176 people on board - including 57 Canadians - @ @ @ @ @ will achieve justice , no matter how much time and effort it costs , '' @ @ @ @ @ published by the ministry after the two delegations met in Kyiv .
The ministry said @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in February that Ukraine was not satisfied with @ @ @ @ @ had offered to families of Ukrainians killed in the incident .
An international team has @ @ @ @ @ flight recorders from the plane .

Ukraine will make every effort to maximize compensation for a Ukrainian jet shot down by Iran on Jan. 8 but talks with Tehran, which began on Thursday, will not be easy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.
Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 jet after mistaking it for a missile at a time when tensions with the United States had risen. All 176 people on board - including 57 Canadians - were killed.
"We will achieve justice, no matter how much time and effort it costs," Kuleba said in a statement published by the ministry after the two delegations met in Kyiv.
The ministry said more details would be reported on Friday.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in February that Ukraine was not satisfied with the size of compensation Iran had offered to families of Ukrainians killed in the incident.
An international team has started examining the black box flight recorders from the plane.
A senior Ukrainian diplomat said last week that the transcript from the black boxes showed there had been illegal interference with the plane.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Inovio vaccine candidate shows promise in non-human study

Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Thursday its COVID-19 vaccine candidate was effective in protecting rhesus macaques from the virus 13 weeks after the last vaccination.Shares of the company were up 6% before the bell.Results from the study of the vaccine, INO-4800, in monkeys demonstrate that it reduced viral load in lower lungs and nasal passages in those who received two doses of the vaccine four weeks apart."INO-4800 could provide protection in a more real-world setting," said Chief Executive Officer J. Joseph Kim said referring to the study results, which were submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and also published on the non-peer reviewed preprint site, bioRxiv.Earlier in the day, Johnson & Johnson kicked off US human safety trials for its vaccine candidate, after it showed strong protection in monkeys in a single dose.Inovio in June said the experimental coronavirus vaccine, which is part of the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed program, showed promise and was found to be safe in an early-stage human trial.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Earthquake rattles Los Angeles, no immediate reports of damage

Though relatively small in magnitude , the quake , which struck at 4:29 a.m. Pacific time ( 1129 GMT ) @ @ @ @ @ of the Los Angeles area , social media reports said .
A second quake of @ @ @ @ @ later , the survey said .
People on social media reported feeling the quake in @ @ @ @ @ and Sherman Oaks , with some saying they did not receive a # ShakeAlert message @ @ @ @ @ Felt it in Sherman Oaks !
Woke us up from a dead sleep .
No @ @ @ @ @ though , '' Twitter user Joe Hubbard said .
Another Twitter user , Lee A @ @ @ @ @ an alert after the shaking began .

An earthquake of 4.2 magnitude hit about a mile (2 km) north of the Los Angeles community of Pacoima on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of damage.
Though relatively small in magnitude, the quake, which struck at 4:29 a.m. Pacific time (1129 GMT), was felt in much of the Los Angeles area, social media reports said. A second quake of 3.3 magnitude struck nine minutes later, the survey said.
People on social media reported feeling the quake in areas such as North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks, with some saying they did not receive a #ShakeAlert message on their phones.
"Felt it in Sherman Oaks! Woke us up from a dead sleep. No alert on the phone, though," Twitter user Joe Hubbard said.
Another Twitter user, Lee A Houck, said she received an alert after the shaking began.
"Usually there's more notice to drop, cover, hold on," Houck said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--UK PM Johnson: We cannot delude ourselves that the pandemic is over

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said COVID-19 was now under some measure of control in the UK, but a resurgence of the coronavirus in some European countries made clear that the pandemic was not over."This country has had a massive success now in reducing the numbers of those tragic deaths, and we've got it at the moment under some measure of control," he said on Thursday."But I have to tell you that we are looking at a resurgence of the virus in some other European countries and you can see what's been happening in the United States, and so it is absolutely vital as a country that we continue to keep our focus and our discipline, and that we don't delude ourselves that somehow we are out of the woods or that that is all over because it isn't all over."He said the virus was "bubbling up a little bit" in 10 to 30 places within the UK, and that it was vital Britons stuck to social distancing rules, washed their hands, and got tested if they had any symptoms.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Vietnam reports 5 more COVID-19 cases in central region

Vietnam reported five more novel coronavirus infections late on Thursday, bringing its total cases to 464, as authorities nationwide rush to track down new infections linked to a central city where the virus resurfaced last week.All of the new cases, aged between 45 and 69, are from Quang Nam province, which is home to the tourism town of Hoi An and near to Danang, where authorities on Saturday reported the country's first locally transmitted case in more than three months.


jerusalempost--2020-07-30--Philippines confirms nearly 4,000 new coronavirus cases

The information on the surge in infections , which was a sharp increase from the record 2,539 cases confirmed on @ @ @ @ @ in a regular circular issued by the inter-agency task force .

The Philippine government's COVID-19 task force confirmed 3,954 new infections on Thursday, the country's largest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases.
The information on the surge in infections, which was a sharp increase from the record 2,539 cases confirmed on July 8, was mentioned in a regular circular issued by the inter-agency task force.
The health ministry was expected to release further details later on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--Explosions heard near Tabriz in Iran

Explosions heard near Tabriz in Iran

Explosions were heard on Friday afternoon near the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz.Several Iranian sources claim that the explosions came from a military base belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.Other sources claim that the explosions were merely fireworks.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--One US Marine dead, eight missing after "tragic incident" off California

One US Marine died , two were injured and eight others were missing after a `` tragic incident '' off @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , the US Marine Corps said .
Search and rescue efforts were underway @ @ @ @ @ and Coast Guard , the First Marine Expeditionary Force said in a tweet early on @ @ @ @ @ deeply saddened by this tragic incident .
I ask that you keep our Marines , @ @ @ @ @ your prayers as we continue our search , '' Colonel Christopher Bronzi said on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ of what had happened .

One US Marine died, two were injured and eight others were missing after a "tragic incident" off the coast of Southern California on Thursday, the US Marine Corps said.
Search and rescue efforts were underway with support from the Navy and Coast Guard, the First Marine Expeditionary Force said in a tweet early on Monday.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. I ask that you keep our Marines, sailors and their families in your prayers as we continue our search," Colonel Christopher Bronzi said on Twitter, without giving further details of what had happened.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 17.38 million, death toll at 673,277

More than 17.38 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 673,277 have died @ @ @ @ @ tally .
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the @ @ @ @ @ China in December 2019 .

More than 17.38 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 673,277 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--Health Ministry to announce uniform gathering restrictions on Monday

According to the Health Ministry , a `` round table '' will be convened .
Those involved will meet three times per week to discuss a method for effectively and coherently making decision about restrictions .
Regarding reducing the current weekend restrictions or any other immediate next steps : Health Minister Yuli Edesltein will present a proposal at the coronavirus cabinet on Monday .
The country will soon have a uniform procedure to determine when and how to restriction gatherings at places of work , cultural events and synagogues , the Health Ministry said Friday .
The plan will begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chezy Levy and new coronavirus project manager Prof. Ronni Gamzu , along with the relevant parties from the various government ministries , at the beginning of next week.According to the Health Ministry , a `` round table '' will be convened .
Those involved will meet three times per week to discuss a method for effectively and coherently making decision about restrictions.Regarding reducing the current weekend restrictions or any other immediate next steps : Health Minister Yuli Edesltein will present a proposal at the coronavirus cabinet on Monday .
The plan comes at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is gaining control of The plan comes at the same time as reports that Israel is gaining control of coronavirus , but that the number of infected people continues to rise .
Specifically , according to the Health Ministry ’ s Friday mid-morning report , there were 1,786 people diagnosed with the novel virus on Thursday .
The total number of people infected with the virus stands at 70,582 , among them 26,260 active patients .
The number of new patients in serious condition has gone down by about 1 % for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients in serious condition on Friday morning , including 100 who werre intubated.The number of new patients in serious condition has gone down by about 1 % for the last two days .
Several more people died overnight , bringing the death toll to 509 .
On Thursday , a report by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem predicted that at least another 200 people will die of coronavirus within the next three weeks .
At the same time , according to their model , Israel has “ gained control ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the curve .
However , the number of daily cases will need to go down to ensure that come winter , when Israelis suffer from the flu and COVID-19 , the country ’ s hospital system does not become overwhelmed .
Where are Israel 's `` red zones ? ''
As of Friday morning , the Health Ministry was still reporting a number of cities with high levels of infection .
These include : Bnei Brak , Beit Shemesh , Modi'in Illit , Elad , Qalansawe , Ein Mahil , Kfar Masaryk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no longer red zone , but an `` orange '' or `` amber '' zone .
Where are Israel 's `` red zones ?
`` As of Friday morning , the Health Ministry was still reporting a number of cities with high levels of infection .
These include : Bnei Brak , Beit Shemesh , Modi'in Illit , Elad , Qalansawe , Ein Mahil , Kfar Masaryk , Mevo Horon and Mitzpe Yeriho.Jerusalem is no longer red zone , but an `` orange '' or `` amber '' zone .

The total number of people infected with the virus stands at 72,218 among them 26,590 active patients.
There were 328 patients in serious condition on Saturday night, including 96 who were intubated.
More than 10 people died over the weekend, bringing the death toll to 526.
Stores could be open next weekend, the skies by mid-August and schools on September 1, as Israel’s new coronavirus czar Ronni Gamzu – or as he likes to be known, “director of the Shield of Israel program” – leads a new coronavirus decision-making process.The Health Ministry announced Friday that Israel will soon have a uniform procedure for determining when and how to establish restrictions at places of work, cultural events and even synagogues. The plan will begin to be formulated by Health Ministry director-general Chezy Levy and Gamzu, along with the relevant parties from the various government ministries, at the start of this week.According to the Health Ministry, “round tables” will be convened and relevant parties will meet as often as three times a week to make decisions effectively and coherently about restrictions.Among the discussions expected to happen this coming week: Opening schools and the skies. In an interview with N12’s Dana Weiss, Gamzu said that opening schools is a “complicated question,” but one that he plans to deeply investigate in the coming week with hopes that “we will have a decision by the end of the week.”Last week, Gamzu said in a separate interview that he believed schools could open by September 1.Also, he said there will be discussions about opening the skies by mid-August, at least for visitors from green states and maybe to travelers from additional locations, as well.First on the agenda, however, will likely be removing weekend restrictions on stores and malls.“I have received many requests in recent days regarding changes in restrictions,” Gamzu said in a statement shortly before Shabbat. “These requests – for the most part – are correct and justified, based on the real distress” in which people find themselves. “At the same time... the necessary corrections or changes cannot be realized through hasty or rash decisions. Providing the Israeli public with a correct, professional and appropriate response requires consideration, an examination of alternatives and an orderly presentation of those decisions to the public – one that is transparent.”He asked the public to be patient, to work with him collaboratively.“I am convinced that only in this way will we be able to quickly embark on the royal path in the fight against the epidemic,” he said.Despite Gamzu’s heart-felt plea on Friday afternoon, many stores opened on Saturday in defiance of the government’s failure to lift restrictions on them before the weekend, when they make a hefty portion of their profits.Among those, The Jerusalem Post’s Hebrew sister paper Ma’ariv reported, was Bilu Center Mall in Kiryat Ekron, near Rehovot. Police officers arrived at the scene, ordered the managers or people in charge to close, but in general did not issue any fines.Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, Levy and Gamzu had agreed on Thursday that the weekend closure of stores and malls should be lifted before Saturday, but they could not get buy-ins from all ministers and therefore no change was made and it was decided to push off making any decisions until the next coronavirus cabinet meeting on Monday.Also, on Saturday, the Kinneret Towns Association reported that more than 45,000 people visited beaches over Shabbat. At one point on Saturday, it had to close entry because of congestion on all but one beach.The Israel Police, in cooperation with the Sea of Galilee Authority’s inspectors, increased enforcement to ensure Health Ministry directives were followed, in addition to standard safety protocols.Likewise, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, reported that some 70,000 people visited the country’s national parks and trails.Palmahim National Park was fully occupied Saturday and forced to turn people away.In total, the police issued 1,905 tickets over the weekend, mostly for people not wearing masks in public spaces.In the interview with Weiss, Gamzu admitted that mistakes had been made, that incoherent and illogical restrictions had been put into place, which caused the public to disconnect from its leaders.“We did not succeed,” he said. “But when we say we failed – that is all of us. We did not prepare well enough. We did not use all the tools at our disposal. The Health Ministry thought it could investigate everyone. It didn’t.”Gamzu’s new methodology is coming at the same time as reports that Israel is gaining control of coronavirus.On Saturday night, the Health Ministry reported that Israel surpassed 72,000 patients since the start of the pandemic and reported that more than 500 were dead.Specifically, according to the ministry’s post-Shabbat report, there were 1,358 people diagnosed with the novel virus on Friday.Jerusalem Affairs Minister MK Rafi Peretz tested positive for coronavirus. He entered quarantine three days ago after his director-general, Avi Cohen, tested positive for the virus. In addition, three other MKs – Avi Dichter, Osnat Hila Mark and Eli Cohen – are in isolation after coming in contact with a known coronavirus patient.Gamzu told Weiss that, “right now the situation is manageable in terms of the number of sick and the number of seriously ill.” When asked to rank the situation on a scale of one to 10, he said it is a seven.He said the country is at a turning point – either the infection rate can increase or retract.“We are starting to have some breathing room – slowly, slowly,” he said. “This is the time to open. This is the time to ease restrictions. This is the time to get back our income.”On Thursday, a report by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem predicted that at least another 200 people will die of coronavirus within the next three weeks. At the same time, according to their model, Israel has “gained control” of the pandemic and has started to flatten the curve.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--Temple Mount closes to visitors amid Eid al-Adha

Police announced on Friday that the Temple Mount will be closed to visitors on Sunday and Monday due to the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.The holiday began on Thursday and ends on Monday evening and honors Ibrahim's willing sacrifice of his son Ismael as a showing of obedience to God.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--Hong Kong reports 121 new coronavirus cases

Hong Kong reported 121 new coronavirus cases on Friday , including 118 that were locally transmitted , as authorities said @ @ @ @ @ a critical period to battle a third wave of the virus which has seen a @ @ @ @ @ Chinese territory reported a daily record of 149 new cases on Thursday .
Since late @ @ @ @ @ have been infected in Hong Kong , 27 of whom have died .

Hong Kong reported 121 new coronavirus cases on Friday, including 118 that were locally transmitted, as authorities said the global financial hub faced a critical period to battle a third wave of the virus which has seen a resurgence this month.
The Chinese territory reported a daily record of 149 new cases on Thursday. Since late January, over 3,100 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 27 of whom have died.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--Philippines records 4,063 new coronavirus cases

The Philippine health ministry on Friday confirmed 4,063 novel coronavirus infections , reporting the highest daily case increase in Southeast @ @ @ @ @ day .
In a bulletin , the ministry said total confirmed infections have risen to @ @ @ @ @ by 40 to 2,023 .

The Philippine health ministry on Friday confirmed 4,063 novel coronavirus infections, reporting the highest daily case increase in Southeast Asia for a second straight day.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed infections have risen to 93,354, while deaths increased by 40 to 2,023.


jerusalempost--2020-07-31--Russia's coronavirus case tally nears 840,000

Russia reported 5,482 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday , pushing its national tally to 839,981 , the @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials said 161 people had died in the last 24 hours , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ .

Russia reported 5,482 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday, pushing its national tally to 839,981, the world's fourth largest caseload.
Officials said 161 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 13,963.