jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Czech government closing most shops, restaurants to fight coronavirus

Exceptions on the shop ban will include food stores , pharmacies and gas stations .

Exceptions on the shop ban will include food stores, pharmacies and gas stations.
PRAGUE - The Czech government will shut most shops and restaurants from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday as part of measures to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, it said in an overnight statement.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Mainland China reports 11 new coronavirus cases, 13 new deaths

That brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,824 .
The death toll from @ @ @ @ @ had reached 3,189 as of the end of Friday , up by 13 from the @ @ @ @ @ the latest deaths were in the central province of Hubei , the epicenter of the @ @ @ @ @ them were in Hubei 's provincial capital of Wuhan .

That brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,824.
The death toll from the outbreak in mainland China had reached 3,189 as of the end of Friday, up by 13 from the previous day. All of the latest deaths were in the central province of Hubei, the epicenter of the outbreak, and 10 of them were in Hubei's provincial capital of Wuhan.
BEIJING- Mainland China had 11 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections on March 13, the country's National Health Commission said on Saturday, up from eight cases a day earlier.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--US Open Cup to be postponed due to coronavirus

`` The health and safety of players , coaches , staff and fans is our main priority , '' U.S. @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
`` Given the unique nature of the competition , which @ @ @ @ @ that have suspended their seasons , we are taking this action and will look to @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to be played . ''
Teams from Major @ @ @ @ @ , USL League One , National Independent Soccer Association and various amateur organizations compete in @ @ @ @ @ play for 30 days earlier this week , and other leagues took similar action as @ @ @ @ @ action was slated for April 7-9 and third-round play was scheduled for April 21-23 .
@ @ @ @ @ in 1914 and has been played every year since its inception .
The Atlanta United @ @ @ @ @ defeating fellow MLS side Minnesota United 2-1 in the final .

First-round competition was scheduled for March 24-25.
"The health and safety of players, coaches, staff and fans is our main priority," U.S. Open Cup commissioner Paul Marstaller said in a statement. "Given the unique nature of the competition, which encompasses clubs from multiple leagues that have suspended their seasons, we are taking this action and will look to determine future dates to allow the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to be played."
Teams from Major League Soccer, USL Championship, USL League One, National Independent Soccer Association and various amateur organizations compete in the tournament. MLS suspended play for 30 days earlier this week, and other leagues took similar action as coronavirus concerns increased.
Second-round action was slated for April 7-9 and third-round play was scheduled for April 21-23.
The U.S. Open Cup began in 1914 and has been played every year since its inception.
The Atlanta United won the 2019 championship, defeating fellow MLS side Minnesota United 2-1 in the final.
The U.S. Open Cup was temporarily suspended on Friday due to the coronavirus outbreak, U.S. Soccer announced.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--San Francisco prohibits non-essential events over 100 people

for its cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge , on Friday banned non-essential events of over 100 people through @ @ @ @ @ existing ban on public gatherings as the fight to contain the rapidly spreading coronavirus intensified @

San Francisco, the California city know for its cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge, on Friday banned non-essential events of over 100 people through April 30, tightening an existing ban on public gatherings as the fight to contain the rapidly spreading coronavirus intensified.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--South Korea reports 107 new coronavirus cases, total 8,086

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day is a row @ @ @ @ @ in daily cases raised hopes that Asia 's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) recorded 107 new coronavirus cases on Saturday compared @ @ @ @ @ , taking the national tally to 8,086 .
In contrast , 204 patients were released @ @ @ @ @ been isolated for treatment .
For the second day in a row , the daily @ @ @ @ @ that of new confirmed cases since South Korea 's first patient was confirmed on January @ @ @ @ @ figures , South Korea has continued to see a steady drop in the number of @ @ @ @ @ that the outbreak may be slowing in Asia 's fourth-largest economy .
Of the latest @ @ @ @ @ from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre @ @ @ @ @ , while 15 and 13 were in Gyeonggi and Seoul , respectively .

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day is a row, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 107 new coronavirus cases on Saturday compared with 110 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 8,086. In contrast, 204 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment.
For the second day in a row, the daily number of recovered people exceeded that of new confirmed cases since South Korea's first patient was confirmed on January 20.
With the latest figures, South Korea has continued to see a steady drop in the number of new cases, raising hopes that the outbreak may be slowing in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Of the latest 107 cases, 62 were from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic is located, while 15 and 13 were in Gyeonggi and Seoul, respectively.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--AP closes DC office after journalist shows coronavirus symptoms

The Associated Press is temporarily closing its office from Friday in Washington , D.C. after one of its staff journalists @ @ @ @ @ with a possible coronavirus patient , showed some symptoms of illness , the AP reported @ @ @ @ @ of hundreds of journalists at a journalism convention last week in New Orleans where an @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , the news agency said in a news report .
A colleague of @ @ @ @ @ office also showed some symptoms and the AP told staffers there to work from home @ @ @ @ @ according to the report .

The Associated Press is temporarily closing its office from Friday in Washington, D.C. after one of its staff journalists, who had direct contact with a possible coronavirus patient, showed some symptoms of illness, the AP reported.
The staffer was one of hundreds of journalists at a journalism convention last week in New Orleans where an attendee later tested positive for the coronavirus, the news agency said in a news report.
A colleague of the journalist in the D.C. office also showed some symptoms and the AP told staffers there to work from home until at least Tuesday, according to the report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Bolivia reports seven locally transmitted cases of coronavirus

LA PAZ - Bolivia reported seven locally transmitted cases of coronavirus on Friday , the ministry of health said , @ @ @ @ @ of people-to-people spread in the country .
There are currently 10 confirmed cases of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ three cases were linked to travel , the ministry said .

LA PAZ - Bolivia reported seven locally transmitted cases of coronavirus on Friday, the ministry of health said, marking the first recorded cases of people-to-people spread in the country.
There are currently 10 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Bolivia. The other three cases were linked to travel, the ministry said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Panama coronavirus tally rises to 36, including three foreigners

A day earlier , Panama said it had 27 coronavirus cases .

A day earlier, Panama said it had 27 coronavirus cases.
Panama's Health Minister Rosario Turner on Friday said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Central American country has risen to 36, and includes three foreigners.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Mauritania confirms first coronavirus case

Mauritania 's health ministry confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the West African country in a statement on Friday @ @ @ @ @ European man living in Mauritania who returned to the country 's capital Nouakchott on March @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine .
His nationality was not specified .

Mauritania's health ministry confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the West African country in a statement on Friday.
The patient is a European man living in Mauritania who returned to the country's capital Nouakchott on March 9 and had since been in quarantine. His nationality was not specified.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Chief Rabbi: Health Ministry instructions are Halacha

The Chief Rabbi 's office announced Saturday night that the instructions published by the Health Ministry are to be followed @ @ @ @ @ all health-related instructions are today 's Halacha . ''
The office reported they are holding @ @ @ @ @ , minyan prayer , funerals and other issues , adding that any decision would be @ @ @ @ @ .
The Chief Rabbi called upon all Jews to follow the Health Ministry 's instructions @ @ @ @ @ and prayers to stop the pandemic .
`` Following discussions [ Health Ministry director Moshe @ @ @ @ @ with Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and [ Religious Services ] Minister Yitzhak Vaknin , @ @ @ @ @ shut down all mikvehs for man starting tomorrow morning , '' the ministry said .
@ @ @ @ @ all mikvehs for man , both public and private . ''

Despite the closure of mikvas, ritual baths, for men due to the coronavirus outbreak, Jewish visitors continued to ascend to the Temple Mount on Sunday morning after finding immersion alternatives.
Jewish law requires that that Jewish men and women immerse in a ritual bath before going up to the Temple Mount, the holiest place in Judaism, in order to purify themselves and failure to do so is considered a serious violation of Jewish practice.
Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount, March 15, 2020 (Credit: Association of Temple Mount Organizations)
Following the announcement on Saturday night by the Religious Services Ministry that all mikvas for men, who unlike women are not required by Jewish law to immerse on a regular basis, were being shut, concerns were raised that Jewish men would effectively be barred from the Temple Mount.
Jewish activist groups have however recommended that those who wish to ascend to the site should immerse in natural springs or the sea, which are considered natural mikvas in Jewish law and can be used for purification purposes.
There are several natural springs in the Jerusalem region, including the Shiloah spring close to the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount itself, the Lifta spring close to the Givat Shaul neighborhood, the Sataf spring close to the village of Ein Karem, and the Ein Lavan spring close to Jerusalem’s Malha neighborhood.
On Sunday morning, 42 Jewish visitors went up to the Temple Mount, compared to 35 on the same day last year, and did so in groups of ten, in accordance with instructions from the Health Ministry for the public to refrain from gatherings of ten people or more.
Asaf Fried, a spokesman for an association of Temple Mount activist groups, said that Jewish visitors to the site were reciting psalms and prayers for the health of those sick from coronavirus and for the success of the country’s efforts to stop the spread of the disease.
“We are always insistent that we want much more than visitation to the Temple Mount, we want to build the temple, but at this time we hope very much that we will be able to pray at the one and only site God ever instructed the Jewish people to pray,” said Friend.
He also recalled the incident from the Book of Samuel II in the Bible, where it is recorded that King David purchased land on the Temple Mount and built and altar to God there to stop the spread of a plague which had killed 70,000 people in the ancient Kingdom of Israel.
“There is a direct connection between a plague and the Temple Mount, as is recorded in the second book of Samuel. The Temple Mount is where God promised to hear our prayer, and all Jews turn to the Temple Mount wherever they are in the world when they pray,” continued Fried.
On Saturday night, the Chief Rabbi's office announced Saturday night that the instructions published by the Health Ministry are to be followed closely, saying that "all health-related instructions are today's Halacha (Jewish Law)."
The office reported they are holding discussions with professionals regarding weddings, minyans (prayer services with ten or more people), funerals and other issues, adding that any decision would be reported once it is made.
The Chief Rabbi called upon all Jews to follow the Health Ministry's instructions and to give their thoughts and prayers to stop the pandemic.
"Following discussions [Health Ministry director Moshe Bar Siman Tov] held with Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and [Religious Services] Minister Yitzhak Vaknin, it has been decided to shut down all mikvehs (ritual baths) for men starting tomorrow morning," the ministry said.
"The announcement applies to all mikvehs for men, both public and private."
On Sunday morning, Chief Rabbi David Lau asked worshipers in Modi'in, his hometown, to separate into smaller prayer services in order to prevent any gathering of over ten people. Lau prayed outside with a small group on Sunday as well.
The Health Ministry later changed its recommendations, allowing citizens to hold funerals and circumcisions with up to 20 participants, as long as a two-meter (6.6-feet) distance is kept between those attending the events.
According to Chief Rabbi of Safed Shmuel Eliyahu, minyans are to be held with up to 20 participants, as long as they keep a distance of at least one person between them, with the optimal distance standing at two meters (6.6 feet).
According to Eliyahu, all participants must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer and refrain from kissing the Torah or the mezuzahs, as well as shaking hands. Any participant who experiences a fever must return home.
Rabbis from the national-religious rabbinical association Tzohar responded to the Health Ministry's updated instructions, calling upon rabbis to cancel minyans that do not meet the ministry's standards.
"The government's instructions regarding gatherings require many changes," Tzohar said. "Due to the restriction of gatherings to ten participants, we recommend [people] pray individually and not in groups, unless the conditions allow so.”
In light of the new directives by the Health Ministry, the World Organization of Orthodox Communities and Synagogues published new instructions for synagogues during the coronavirus outbreak.
In any place where a prayer service cannot be held according to the directives issued by the Health Ministry, no services should be held. In places where the directives can be kept, the services should consist of no more than ten people. If there are separated rooms, additional services can be held. In places with a big enough women's section, up to ten worshipers can stand in there.
Each worshiper should be two meters away from other worshipers, including during Torah reading. Worshipers should use their own, personal prayer book and wash and sanitize their hands and should not shake hands or use a public tallit (prayer shawl). Those who are at risk for the virus or do not feel well should not come to a synagogue.
Those praying alone should try and pray at the same time as a minyan. Worshipers should pray for the recovery of those who are ill.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--One dead following shooting in Rishon Lezion

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A 50-year-old woman died and a 57-year-old man is seriously injured following a shooting incident in Rishon Lezion on Saturday night.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Foreign Ministry cadets go into quarantine

The entire Foreign Ministry Cadets' Course had to go into quarantine on Saturday night, after one of the students was found to have the novel coronavirus.The cadet took part in an event with American tourists, where two participants were found to carry the virus. He entered quarantine on Thursday after finding out.After he was found to have the virus, as well, all of the cadets and their instructors are meant to go into self-quarantine for 14 days and report if they have any symptoms.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Liberman: We urge gov't of Likud, Blue and White to deal with coronavirus

Yisrael Beteynu leader Avigdor Liberman called on the Likud Party and Blue and White to form an emergency government to deal with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in Israel.Liberman wrote on his Twitter account on Saturday night: "In light of the situation and in order to facilitate decision-making processes, we urge the establishment of an emergency government composed only of the Likud and Blue and White, which will only deal with the coronavirus outbreak.""Our support for government will be guaranteed without being part of it," Liberman wrote.
בעת הזאת, ישראל ביתנו תעמוד לצד הממשלה בכל הנדרש למאבק בקורונה. לאור המצב ועל מנת להקל על תהליכי קבלת ההחלטות, אנו קוראים להקים ממשלת חירום שתורכב מהליכוד ומכחול לבן בלבד, שתטפל אך ורק במשבר הקורונה. תמיכתנו בממשלה תהיה מובטחת גם בלי להיות חלק ממנה. — אביגדור ליברמן (@AvigdorLiberman) March 14, 2020
The Health Ministry reported on Saturday night that 193 Israelis were infected with the coronavirus and that close to 40,000 people are in home quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Couple over 80 diagnosed with the coronavirus, transferred to hospital

Three people diagnosed with the coronavirus were transferred to Lev Hasharon Hospital- Rabin Medical Center over the weekend, including one couple over the age of 80. Two of the three are considered to be in moderate condition, and the third is in light condition, according to the hospital.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--France reports 12 new deaths from coronavirus taking tally to 91

PARIS - France 's Public Health Authority on Saturday reported 12 new deaths from coronavirus taking the total to 91 @

PARIS - France's Public Health Authority on Saturday reported 12 new deaths from coronavirus taking the total to 91.
It said on its website that the number of cases had risen to 4,499, up from 3,661 on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Edelstein: Still unsure how Knesset inauguration will occur on Monday

On Monday, the members of the 23rd Knesset will be sworn in and a new Knesset will begin."The importance of parliamentary oversight during a crisis is undeniable and this is the primary purpose of the Knesset," Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein said in a statement on Saturday.However, he admitted that how the ceremony will take place under the restrictions in place due to the spread of the coronavirus is still unsure."The manner of how the inauguration will take place will be decided after another assessment tomorrow with relevant professionals," Edelstein said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Coronavirus death toll in Italy rises to 1,441

The death toll in Italy's coronavirus outbreak rose to 1,441 on Saturday, up almost 14% from the 1,266 total reported a day earlier, the civil protection authority said on Saturday.The total number of cases rose to 21,157 from 17,660, the authority said. Italy remains the worst affected country in Europe and second only to China, where the highly infectious virus first emerged.The agency said 1,966 patients had recovered from the disease, which broke out in the north of the country on Feb. 21, compared to 1,439 the day before.The number of patients in intensive care rose to 1,518 against a previous 1,328.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Emergency coronavirus meeting held by ministry officials in Knesset

Ministry officials are holding an emergency coronavirus meeting in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.Officials include all ministry heads and Bank of Israel governor.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Coronavirus causes Syria to delay elections

BEIRUT - Syria will postpone parliamentary elections to May 20 from April 13 as a precautionary step against the spread @ @ @ @ @ from the president 's office said on Saturday .

BEIRUT - Syria will postpone parliamentary elections to May 20 from April 13 as a precautionary step against the spread of coronavirus, a statement from the president's office said on Saturday.
Syria has said it has no confirmed cases but is taking preventative steps such as shutting schools and public venues as it monitors for the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Three American troops wounded in rocket attack in Iraq, US official says

WASHINGTON - Three US troops have been wounded in a rocket attack in Iraq on the same base where Iran-backed @ @ @ @ @ killing two Americans and a British soldier , a US official told Reuters on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ spoke on condition of anonymity , did not detail the extent of the injuries or @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON - Three US troops have been wounded in a rocket attack in Iraq on the same base where Iran-backed militia struck on Wednesday, killing two Americans and a British soldier, a US official told Reuters on Saturday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not detail the extent of the injuries or speculate about any US response.
The rocket attacks came less than two days after the United States launched retaliatory air strikes at facilities in Iraq that the Pentagon linked to the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, which it blamed for Wednesday's attack. Iraq protested the US air strikes and said members of its security forces were among the dead.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Egypt suspends schools due to coronavirus

CAIRO - Egypt will suspend schools and universities for two weeks starting March 15 amid to prevent the spread of @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement on Saturday .
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also called for @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 6.38 billion ) fund to finance the state 's `` comprehensive plan '' @ @ @ @ @ the statement said .

CAIRO - Egypt will suspend schools and universities for two weeks starting March 15 amid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the presidency said in a statement on Saturday.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also called for a 100 billion Egyptian pounds ($6.38 billion) fund to finance the state's "comprehensive plan" for tackling the disease, the statement said.
The country has so far registered 93 cases of the new coronavirus, with two fatalities. ($1 = 15.6700 Egyptian pounds)


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Jordan tightens lockdown to combat coronavirus

AMMAN - Jordan said it would stop all incoming and outgoing passenger flights into the country from Tuesday as it @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus .
Announcing the move on Saturday , Prime Minister Omar Razzaz @ @ @ @ @ be closed for two weeks and all tourist sites and all sports and cinemas would @ @ @ @ @ had one confirmed COVID-19 case that was treated and left hospital on Friday but is @ @ @ @ @ which the virus has spread in neighboring countries .

AMMAN - Jordan said it would stop all incoming and outgoing passenger flights into the country from Tuesday as it tightens border controls to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Announcing the move on Saturday, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said universities and schools would be closed for two weeks and all tourist sites and all sports and cinemas would also be shut.
Jordan had one confirmed COVID-19 case that was treated and left hospital on Friday but is worried because of speed at which the virus has spread in neighboring countries.
It had already closed its borders with Egypt, Iraq, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--First coronavirus death reported in New York

WASHINGTON/CHICAGO - Donald Trump tested negative for the coronavirus, his doctor said on Saturday, as the US president extended a travel ban to Britain and Ireland to try to slow the spread of a pandemic that has shut down much of the daily routine of American life.
After White House officials took the unprecedented step of checking the temperatures of journalists entering the briefing room, Trump told reporters he took a test for the virus on Friday night. On Saturday evening, his physician, Sean Conley, said the results were negative.
The US president met with a Brazilian delegation last week, at least one member of which has since tested positive
Trump said Americans should reconsider non-essential travel, and that his administration was also considering domestic travel restrictions.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the country has recorded 2,226 case of the new coronavirus but has not yet reached the peak of the outbreak.
"This will get worse before it gets better," Surgeon General Jerome Adams said at the briefing. But, he added, "99% of people will recover and people need to know that."
Critics have accused Trump of focusing too much on markets, which on Friday saw the three major Wall Street indexes gain more than 9% after having had their worst day since 1987 on Thursday.
All three indexes were nevertheless down at least 8% for the week and about 20% below mid-February record highs.
At the briefing, Trump told reporters he was "honored to see that the stock market set a record in a short period of time over a 45-minute period." He called it an "all-time record" that he hoped would be repeated daily.
"They said, 'Sir, you just set a record in the history of the stock market. That was pretty good. Those great companies that were there, they couldn't have been too unhappy about it ... They are all big, publicly listed companies, so they did a good job," he said before turning the microphone over to Vice President Mike Pence, who is running the White House's response to the outbreak.
Pence said the administration was extending to Britain and Ireland travel restrictions that were first imposed on China and expanded this week to continental Europe.
AIRLINES PLAN FLIGHT CUTS
US airlines, which have already been battered by the restrictions and a steep drop in demand, said on Saturday that they were preparing more flight cuts. Pence said the new restrictions will take effect at midnight on Monday.
Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, said Trump decided to add Britain to the travel ban because of the rising number of coronavirus cases there. Health authorities in England announced on Saturday a further 10 deaths caused by COVID-19, almost doubling the number of fatalities in Britain since Friday.
A senior DHS official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Britain and Ireland were added because the United States was not able effectively to determine whether travelers from those countries were trying to sidestep the European travel ban.
"The travel investigation couldn't be effectively managed on our side," the senior DHS official said.
US citizens and legal residents will still be able to return home and will be funneled through certain airports, Pence said.
The vice president also told reporters that visits to nursing homes were being suspended to protect the most vulnerable. A nursing home in Washington state has been the site of most of the US deaths caused by the coronavirus.
Earlier on Saturday, officials in New York said an 82-year-old woman became the state's first coronavirus fatality.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the woman, who had previously suffered from emphysema, was hospitalized on March 3. He told reporters that the state's tally of cases had risen to 524. Nationwide, at least 52 people have died.
SHELVES PICKED CLEAN
The pandemic has forced public schools, sports events and cultural and entertainment venues to close across the United States.
American shoppers picked grocery store shelves clean of products ranging from disinfectants and toilet paper to rice and milk, causing retailers to race to restock their stores. In response to the run on certain items, major retailers have imposed some purchase limits. On Saturday morning, about 500 people were lined up for two blocks outside a Costco in Garden Grove, California, waiting for the store to open.
Long lines of shoppers were reported outside food stores in other parts of the United States.
On Friday, Trump declared a national emergency in a move that he said would bring "the full power of the federal government" to bear on the escalating health crisis by freeing up some $50 billion in aid. He also urged every state to set up emergency centers to help fight the virus.
Early on Saturday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a coronavirus aid package that would provide free testing and paid sick leave, in a bid to limit the economic damage from the outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Catering Halls Union will work to shut down events in Israel

The Israeli Union of Catering Halls and Gardens decided to try shutting down all of their events in an emergency meeting, according to Channel 12. The decision could cause up to 40,000 employees to be laid off or put into non-paid leave.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Abu Dhabi shuts Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World due to coronavirus

The latest announcement was made in tweets by the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office .
Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates federation .
Gulf Arab states have stepped up measures to contain the outbreak , with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait taking the most drastic decisions by canceling all international flights .
Saudi Arabia has suspended all international flights for two weeks , starting Sunday , while Kuwait did not specify a period for the lockdown which started Saturday .
The Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) , a group of six oil-rich Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Oman , has reported nearly 850 coronavirus infections , mostly people who had traveled to Iran or who were contaminated by them .
No death has been reported in the GCC , unlike Iran , where the death toll from the virus rose by nearly one hundred on Saturday to 611 , out of a total of 12,729 infections .
Oman , which has the lowest number of infection in the region at 20 , announced on Saturday a one-month closure of schools and educational institutions , a precaution taken by other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 new infections , bringing the total number of people diagnosed with the disease to 337 , the highest in the GCC , followed by Bahrain , 211 , and Kuwait , 104 .
Gulf health authorities have intensified pleas to the population to avoid gatherings , carrying out campaigns to sanitize public places .
`` I urge you by God to stay at home , '' said Kuwaiti Health Minister Basel Al-Sabah on state TV .

The latest announcement was made in tweets by the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office. Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates federation.
Gulf Arab states have stepped up measures to contain the outbreak, with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait taking the most drastic decisions by canceling all international flights.
Saudi Arabia has suspended all international flights for two weeks, starting Sunday, while Kuwait did not specify a period for the lockdown which started Saturday.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a group of six oil-rich Arab monarchies which also gathers Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, has reported nearly 850 coronavirus infections, mostly people who had traveled to Iran or who were contaminated by them.
No death has been reported in the GCC, unlike Iran, where the death toll from the virus rose by nearly one hundred on Saturday to 611, out of a total of 12,729 infections.
Oman, which has the lowest number of infection in the region at 20, announced on Saturday a one-month closure of schools and educational institutions, a precaution taken by other GCC states.
Qatar confirmed on Saturday 17 new infections, bringing the total number of people diagnosed with the disease to 337, the highest in the GCC, followed by Bahrain, 211, and Kuwait, 104.
Gulf health authorities have intensified pleas to the population to avoid gatherings, carrying out campaigns to sanitize public places.
"I urge you by God to stay at home," said Kuwaiti Health Minister Basel Al-Sabah on state TV.
DUBAI - Abu Dhabi announced on Saturday it was shutting major tourism and cultural venues, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum and the Ferrari World theme park, from March 15-31, as Arab states in the Gulf stepped up measures against coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Iraqi military says 33 rockets used in Taji base attack

The military found seven rocket launchers and 24 unused rockets in the nearby Abu Izam area , it said in @ @ @ @ @ to arrest those responsible .
The military said the US or other foreign forces should @ @ @ @ @ pretext to take military action without Iraq 's approval .
It called on all foreign @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary resolution calling for their withdrawal .

The military found seven rocket launchers and 24 unused rockets in the nearby Abu Izam area, it said in a statement, and promised to arrest those responsible.
The military said the US or other foreign forces should not use the attack as pretext to take military action without Iraq's approval. It called on all foreign troops to quickly implement a parliamentary resolution calling for their withdrawal.
BAGHDAD - Iraq's military said on Saturday that 33 Katyusha rockets had been launched on Taji base north of Baghdad which houses US-led coalition troops and said the attack critically injured several Iraqi air defense servicemen.


jerusalempost--2020-03-14--Seville suspends Easter processions over coronavirus concerns

`` I want to communicate the most difficult decision I have taken in my five years as mayor , the @ @ @ @ @ processions 2020 , '' Seville mayor Juan Espadas Cejas wrote on Twitter .

"I want to communicate the most difficult decision I have taken in my five years as mayor, the suspension of the Holy Week processions 2020," Seville mayor Juan Espadas Cejas wrote on Twitter.
MADRID - The mayor of the southern Spanish city of Seville said on Saturday Holy Week processions would be canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--El Salvador enacts emergency measures due to coronavirus

El Salvador's Congress on Saturday approved a series of emergency measures sought by President Nayib Bukele to prevent the spread of coronavirus into the Central American country and to off the risk of a public health crisis.The measures include restrictions on entry to and exit from El Salvador, as well as curbs on public gatherings. El Salvador has so far not reported any cases of coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Due to coronavirus, Australia will impose isolation on foreign arrivals

Australia will also ban cruise ships from foreign ports for an initial 30 days , he said .

Australia will impose a 14-day self isolation on all international passenger arrivals from midnight Sunday to try and contain the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
Australia will also ban cruise ships from foreign ports for an initial 30 days, he said.
Australia has recorded more than 250 coronavirus cases and three deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Argentina bars non-residents from countries highly affected by coronavirus

The ban was established for 30 days , according to the decree published in the official bulletin .
The bulletin @ @ @ @ @ would be included in the ban , though Argentina already temporarily stopped issuing visas to @ @ @ @ @ , China , South Korea , Japan , Iran , Britain and many European countries @

Argentina banned entry to non-residents who have traveled to a country highly affected by coronavirus in the last 14 days, the government officially announced late on Saturday.
The ban was established for 30 days, according to the decree published in the official bulletin.
The bulletin did not specify which countries would be included in the ban, though Argentina already temporarily stopped issuing visas to travelers from the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Britain and many European countries.
Argentina now has 45 cases of coronavirus, the health ministry said, up from 21 on March 12.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Wife of Spain's prime minister tests positive for coronavirus

MADRID - Spain put its 47 million inhabitants under partial lockdown on Saturday as part of a 15-day state of emergency to combat the coronavirus epidemic in Europe's second worst-affected country by the disease after Italy.Effective immediately, all Spaniards must stay home except to buy food, medicines, go to work or to the hospital or for emergencies.Bars, restaurants, and shops selling anything but food and other staples must shut down. All leisure and sports activities also have to close, including cinemas, theaters, swimming pools or football grounds."We will (eventually) return to the routine of our jobs and again visit our friends and loved ones," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a nationally televised address."Until that time comes, let's not waste energies that are essential now. Let's not lose our way," he said, urging all to stay home.Shortly after the announcement, the government said Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, had tested positive for coronavirus Spain had 193 coronavirus deaths and 6,250 cases so far, public broadcaster TVE said, well up from 120 deaths reported on Friday.Schools are shut across Spain and a first package of economic steps was announced on Thursday.The government had been expected to announce further measures on Saturday to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the crisis, with aid for companies and workers. But after a seven-hour cabinet meeting, ministers could not agree and Sanchez said the measures would wait until the next meeting.In the steps announced on Saturday, domestic transport will be curtailed from Monday, with airline, train and boat operators ordered to cut services by at least half and to ensure a maximum possible distance between passengers on all means of transport.City buses and metro will still fully work and international flights are not affected.Employers must let staff work remotely and the government said people should chose that option whenever possible. Most judicial proceedings are suspended.Sanchez said the measures would have a major impact on citizens and businesses, but promised the government would work to mitigate it."I want to tell the workers, the self-employed, and businesses that the government of Spain is going to do everything in its power to cushion the effects of this crisis," he said.The decree does not foresee closing the borders and allows exemptions: the green light to stay open applies to supermarkets and petrol stations, but also hairdressers."DIFFICULT" BUT "NECESSARY"?Spain's Interior Ministry will control all police forces, including local and regional ones, under the 15-day emergency, and the armed forces would be on stand-by to help if needed.The health and transport ministries would have nationwide reach, taking over some local or regional powers, which Catalan and Basque leaders immediately criticized.A government source said the emergency measures envisage the possibility of ordering companies to produce certain goods, such as protective masks for instance.On Friday, the World Health Organization said Europe had become the epicenter of a coronavirus pandemic.Throughout Madrid people went out on their balconies at 2100 GMT to show their gratitude to health workers by applauding. In the largely deserted streets below, reaction to the emergency measures was mixed."It's going to be difficult," university professor Leopoldo Agraz said of the confinment at home. "Whoever has to work at home like some colleague I have from the university, with five children at her side, is going to have a hard time..."But others like student Carlos Losa said: "The truth is it's necessary. It is necessary because I believe that the spread of the coronavirus had to be stopped."


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Two New York state politicians diagnosed with coronavirus

New York state politicians Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron were diagnosed with coronavirus , a statement released by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced Sunday morning.The statement made clear that neither Weinstein nor Barron have been in Albany since early March."We have spoken with the Senate and are undertaking an intensive cleaning of the Capital and the Legislative Office Building," the statement said. "All legislators and staff that have come in contact with these members will be tested to ensure the safety of everyone."Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, we are closing the Capitol to visitors effective tomorrow."Earlier on Saturday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement confirming the city's first death from the novel coronavirus.The patient was an 82-year-old woman from Brooklyn with advanced emphysema who was one of the first cases in the city.De Blasio thanked the hospital staff for their efforts in trying to save the woman's life.Another death was also reported Saturday in Rockland County, northwest of the city, The New York Times reported. The patient, a 65-year-old man from Suffern, died Thursday, according to county officials. The Rockland County chief medical examiner said that significant preexisting health problems likely contributed to his death, according to the Times.This is following the announcement Saturday of the second coronavirus death in New Jersey. According to New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy, the second death was a woman in her 50s.These announcements come as the outbreak of the coronavirus continues to worsen in New York. On Friday, all schools in the ultra-Orthodox Crown Heights neighborhood were closed after three cases were confirmed in the community."All Crown Heights schools will be closed as of 12 p.m. today until further notice, under the guidance of all the Rabbonim of the Crown Heights Beis Din," the statement read.The statement further explained that while there is no worry that any children will be seriously ill, it is important to prevent the spread of the virus to the vulnerable members of the community, such as the elderly."Professionals advised that young children should not visit the elderly and that everyone should take extra precautions and stay home as much as possible," the statement said."It is very important to note that many children who are carrying the virus will not even appear sick. We need to keep them home regardless to stop the spread."It is our job as parents and teachers to model calm behavior and to reassure our children by talking to them about bitachon and safe health practices."The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York is over 600, with many are worried that the hospitals – especially the ones in New York City, which many consider among the best in the world, according to the Times – are moving too slowly for the increasingly worsening outbreak.The worst concentration of cases is in New York city, where nearly 270 patients have been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Just north of the city, in Westchester County, almost 180 people have tested positive.The city at the epicenter of the Westchester outbreak, New Rochelle, has been given a quarantine area with a mile-long radius to stop the spread of the virus."The containment area is a geographic region, one mile in radius, within which large institutions like schools and houses of worship are prohibited from having large gatherings, which is a common sense measure to slow the spread of the virus in an area with a high concentration of positive tests," New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson told The Jerusalem Post in an interview.The mayor added that the people of the city have been doing their best to handle the situation calmly and by listening to the advice of medical experts.Omri Nahmias contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Iran's death toll from coronavirus reaches 724

Iran's death toll from the new coronavirus has reached 724, with 113 new deaths in the past 24 hours, an Iranian health official tweeted on Sunday, adding that some 13,938 people have been infected across the country."In the past 24 hours, 1,209 new cases have been confirmed ... with 113 deaths in the past 24 hours, the death toll has reached 724," Alireza Vahabzadeh, an adviser to Iran's health minister, tweeted.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Belgian parties inch toward national unity gov't to tackle coronavirus

Six Belgian parties inched towards forming a national government on Sunday as the coronavirus crisis revived months of stalled talks in the linguistically and politically divided country.Belgium has been run by a caretaker administration with limited powers for more than a year and a May election failed to resolve the standoff.The cabinet of Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes has ordered the closure of schools, cafes, sports and cultural centres to slow the virus's spread, but the administration cannot take steps such as launching new budgetary measures that are likely to be required to shore up the euro zone's sixth largest economy.Bart De Wever, leader of the centre-right N-VA, the largest party in Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, called on Saturday for the creation of an emergency government, which would be in power for a year and focus on the coronavirus and its aftermath.The centre-left Socialists (PS), the largest party in the French-speaking south of Belgium, agreed that it was time to set aside political differences during the crisis. They and four other parties met on Saturday until the early hours of Sunday, with individual party meetings set for Sunday.But the parties are still divided over who will lead an emergency government. De Wever has put himself forward as prime minister, but the PS said it would be irresponsible "to change captain in the middle of a storm", preferring to stick with Wilmes, a French-speaking liberal.Belgium set a world record of 18 months to form a government after parliamentary elections in 2010 and, until the coronavirus struck, could have been on course to beat that due to differences between the two largest parties, the PS and separatist N-VA.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Minister Deri: Beach season to be delayed

Interior Minister Arye Deri said Sunday the beach season will be delayed due to the spread of the coronavirus.Beaches were scheduled to open April 1, but in light of the bans on gathering and in order to maintain public health, Deri said the season would be pushed off until further notice.On Saturday night, the government limited gatherings to no more than 10 people.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Al-Aqsa, Dome of the Rock closed to prevent coronavirus spread

Jerusalem 's Al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock will shut their doors as a precaution against coronavirus , Islamic @ @ @ @ @ , while outdoor prayers will still be allowed at the complex that houses Islam 's @ @ @ @ @ The Islamic Waqf department decided to shut down the enclosed prayer places inside the blessed @ @ @ @ @ as a protective measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
All prayers will be @ @ @ @ @ of the Aqsa mosque , '' the director of Al-Aqsa mosque , Omar Kiswani told @ @

Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock will shut their doors as a precaution against coronavirus, Islamic religious authorities said on Sunday, while outdoor prayers will still be allowed at the complex that houses Islam's third holiest site.
"The Islamic Waqf department decided to shut down the enclosed prayer places inside the blessed Aqsa mosque until further notice as a protective measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus. All prayers will be held in the open areas of the Aqsa mosque," the director of Al-Aqsa mosque, Omar Kiswani told Reuters.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Laniado Hospital bans visitors until further notice

Patients who need assistance will be allowed to have one person accompanying them for the minimal time possible .
That @ @ @ @ @ only person allowed to accompany them , they will not be allowed to switch with @ @ @

Patients who need assistance will be allowed to have one person accompanying them for the minimal time possible. That one person will be the only person allowed to accompany them, they will not be allowed to switch with another person.
The Laniado Hospital in Netanya announced on Sunday that there would be a complete ban on visitors until further notice.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--UK to begin isolating over-70s to protect them from coronavirus

Isolating people aged over 70 for up to four months is in Britain's action plan to tackle coronavirus and it will be implemented in the coming weeks, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday.Asked by Sky News whether people would be told to isolate for up to four months, Hancock said: "That is in the plan, yes, it's clearly in the action plan... We will be setting it out with more detail when it's the right time to do so because we absolutely appreciate that that is a very big ask of the elderly and the vulnerable and it's for their own self-protection."He said the announcement would come "certainly in the coming weeks, absolutely."


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Jordan confirms six new coronavirus cases

Jordan confirmed six new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, including one from an American tourist coming from Egypt, the minister of health said.The kingdom had previously reported only one case of the virus. It took measures to fight the outbreak on Saturday, including a tighter lockdown that closes all borders and bans all incoming and outgoing flights as of Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Coronavirus forces closure of all French ski resorts

All French ski resorts are closing on Sunday and will not reopen for the rest of the season as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, ski resort operators said, dealing another heavy blow to a France's tourism industry."The ski season ends today," Domaines Skiables de France, which group's the country's resort operators, said on Twitter. "Holiday-makers and professionals, we're all passionate about skiing and must face up to the seriousness of the situation."Most resorts usually close in April or early May. The shutdown comes just three weeks before the French and British school holidays, one of the busiest periods of the season.Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Saturday evening that France would shut all shops, restaurants and entertainment sites.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Vatican: Papal Easter events to be held without faithful attending

All of Pope Francis' Easter services next month will be held without the faithful attending due to the coronavirus outbreak, Vatican said on Sunday, in a step believed to be unprecedented in modern times.The services, four days of major events from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, usually draw tens of thousands of people to sites in Rome and in the Vatican.A note on the website of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household also said that until Easter Sunday on April 12, the pope's general audiences and Sunday blessings will continue to be seen over the internet and television without public participation.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Ten cars vandalized in Palestinian town near Nablus

Ten cars were vandalized in the Palestinian town of Huwara , located south of Nablus , on Saturday night , @ @ @ @ @ .
A group of settlers caused a disturbance on the area and damaged windshields after @ @ @ @ @ and Palestinians last week , resulting in the injury of a 14-year-old from Yitzhar , @ @ @ @ @ the security system .

Ten cars were vandalized in the Palestinian town of Huwara, located south of Nablus, on Saturday night, according to Walla! news.
A group of settlers caused a disturbance on the area and damaged windshields after clashes broke out between settlers and Palestinians last week, resulting in the injury of a 14-year-old from Yitzhar, according to an official in the security system.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Health Minister tried to keep Haredi schools open in coronavirus outbreak

Netanyahu and Ben Shabbat refused the request and turned Litzman to Education Minister Rafi Peretz .
The first request was @ @ @ @ @ meeting involving other officials on Thursday , but was only brought up again once after @ @ @ @ @ was not accepted and most Haredi schools have closed in accordance with Health Ministry requirements @ @ @ @ @ to comment on the report , according to Walla !
.

Netanyahu and Ben Shabbat refused the request and turned Litzman to Education Minister Rafi Peretz. The first request was made by Litzman during a meeting involving other officials on Thursday, but was only brought up again once after that. Litzman's request was not accepted and most Haredi schools have closed in accordance with Health Ministry requirements.
Litzman's office refused to comment on the report, according to Walla!.
Health Minister Ya'acov Litzman asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the head of the National Security Council Meir Ben Shabbat to allow some schools to remain open after the ministry closed all schools throughout Israel due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Walla! news.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Kinneret water level rises by 2.5 cm over the weekend

The water level of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) rose by 2.5 cm over the weekend, bringing the water level to 209.48 meters below sea level, according to the Water Authority. The Kinneret is now 0.58 meters below the upper red line threshold which marks 208.9 meters below sea level.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Uzbekistan confirms first coronavirus case

An Uzbek citizen has tested positive for coronavirus after returning from France, Uzbekistan's Healthcare Ministry said on Sunday, marking the first infection from the virus in the Central Asian country of 34 million.It said it was taking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.Uzbekistan's state airline said on Sunday it was suspending or curbing flights to a number of cities in Western Europe, Asia and the Middle East until the end of April.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Israeli soccer leagues begin talks in attempt to ease financial losses

Israeli soccer leagues began talks with the Finance Ministry and Sports Ministry on Sunday in order to find ways to ease the heavy expected losses in the sector after all games were canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Walla! news.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Americans to have access to more than 2,000 labs for testing

WASHINGTON - US Vice President Mike Pence said on Sunday that Americans would have access in the days ahead to @ @ @ @ @ the country capable of processing coronavirus tests .
Speaking to reporters at the White House @ @ @ @ @ and President Donald Trump would brief US state governors on Monday on the widening testing @ @ @ @ @ crisis .

WASHINGTON - Americans are waking up to a new reality as coronavirus spreads, with store shelves stripped bare of essentials, schools closed and millions of jobs in jeopardy as businesses temporarily shut their doors. New York City joined the nation's other major public school systems in calling off classes starting this week.
"We're learning from watching other countries," Trump said. "It's a very contagious virus ... but it's something that we have tremendous control of."
Trump has faced criticism at home and abroad for sometimes downplaying the seriousness of the coronavirus and overstating his administration's ability to handle it.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, said the United States was entering a new phase of coronavirus testing but tempered the president's optimism.
"The worst is yet ahead for us," Fauci said, a warning he has issued frequently in the past week. "It is how we respond to that challenge that is going to what the ultimate end point is going to be."
US Vice President Mike Pence said testing for coronavirus was expanding with more than 2,000 labs across the country ready to process tests and 10 states operating drive-through testing.
US Assistant Health Secretary Brett Giroir said there will be 1.9 million high-throughput tests available this week.
The United States has lagged behind other industrialized nations in its ability to test for the coronavirus. In early March, the Trump administration said close to 1 million coronavirus tests would soon be available and anyone who needed a test would get one, a promise it failed to keep.
With limited testing available, US officials have recorded nearly 3,000 cases and 65 deaths, up from 58 on Saturday. Globally more than 162,000 are infected and over 6,000 have died.
Pence also said the government on Monday morning would issue updated federal guidelines, which he described as "broad-based recommendations for the American public."
The US Centers for Disease Control on Sunday recommended that events with gatherings of 50 or more people over the next eight weeks be postponed or canceled.
DON'T HOARD
The White House appealed to Americans not to hoard as the coronavirus spreads, reassuring them that grocery supply chains were strong.
Trump held a phone call on Sunday with 30 executives from grocery stores including Amazon.com Inc's Whole Foods, Target Corp, Costco Wholesale Corp and Walmart Inc, the White House said.
"Have a nice dinner, relax because there's plenty, but you don't have to ... you don't have to buy the quantities," Trump said. "We're doing really, really well. A lot of good things are going to happen."
Trump tested negative for coronavirus, his doctors said on Saturday, as the president extended a travel ban to Britain and Ireland to try to slow the pandemic.
Travelers returning to the United States and being screened for the coronavirus were met by long lines and massive delays at some major airports, prompting federal officials to deploy more staff and Trump to appeal for patience.
Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, squaring off in a Democratic debate, blasted Trump's handling of the coronavirus and touted their own plans to deal with it.
In their first one-on-one debate, the two Democratic contenders to face Trump in the November election said the Republican president had contributed to worries about the pandemic by minimizing the threat before declaring a national emergency on Friday.
CLOSURES EXPAND
TheUS containment measures have so far been mild compared to the nationwide lockdowns imposed in Italy, France and Spain. However, Ohio and Illinois on Sunday ordered all bars and restaurants to close, although carry-out and delivery are still allowed.
"I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing," Fauci said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Elderly people and those with underlying conditions need to be especially cautious.
Fauci said he did not see domestic travel restrictions in the immediate future.
Even though Americans are not barred from going to the movies, ticket sales in North America fell to their lowest level in more than two decades this weekend, according to measurement firm Comscore.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Two Palestinians arrested by IDF after crossing security fence

Two Palestinians were arrested by IDF soldiers on Sunday as they attempted to cross over into Israel from the southern @ @ @ @ @ were unarmed and after they were questioned by Israeli security forces were sent back to @ @

Two Palestinians were arrested by IDF soldiers on Sunday as they attempted to cross over into Israel from the southern Gaza Strip. The two were unarmed and after they were questioned by Israeli security forces were sent back to Gaza.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Iraqi government imposes curfew in Baghdad over coronavirus concerns

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The Iraqi government has imposed a curfew in the capital Baghdad as of March 17 until March 24 to prevent coronavirus from spreading, the state news agency said on Sunday.At least 124 cases have been confirmed so far in Iraq, the Health Ministry said on Sunday, and 10 people have died.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Slovakia declares state of emergency due to COVID-19

Pellegrini said the government 's crisis committee would meet on Monday to discuss further measures , including steps to ease @ @ @ @ @ on the economy .
He added it was `` highly probable '' Volkswagen would halt @ @ @ @ @ plant near Bratislava on Monday or in the next few days .

Slovakia declared a state of emergency on Sunday to contain the coronavirus outbreak, ordering the closure of all shops except food stores, pharmacies, banks, petrol stations and post offices from 6 a.m. on Monday, Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said.
Pellegrini said the government's crisis committee would meet on Monday to discuss further measures, including steps to ease the impact of the crisis on the economy.
He added it was "highly probable" Volkswagen would halt production at its auto production plant near Bratislava on Monday or in the next few days.
Slovakia has 61 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 17 from a day earlier. The country has reported no deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: South Africa declares COVID-19 a national disaster

Addressing the nation in a live television broadcast after a special cabinet meeting , Ramphosa said the outbreak , first @ @ @ @ @ could have a significant and `` potentially lasting '' impact on a struggling economy already @ @ @

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday declared a national state of disaster as he announced a range of extraordinary measures to contain a COVID-19 outbreak that has infected 61 so far.
Addressing the nation in a live television broadcast after a special cabinet meeting, Ramphosa said the outbreak, first detected on March 5, could have a significant and "potentially lasting" impact on a struggling economy already in recession.
Measures to be taken to limit its spread include travel bans to high-risk countries, he said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Trump mulls possible pardon for former national security adviser

Flynn sought to withdraw the guilty plea in January , arguing that prosecutors violated his rights and duped him into a plea agreement .
Trump said the FBI and Justice Department had `` destroyed '' Flynn 's life and that of his family , and cited an unspecified , unsubstantiated report that they had lost records related to Flynn .
`` I am strongly considering a Full Pardon ! ''
Trump said on Twitter .
Flynn was supposed to help cooperate with the government as part of his plea deal .
But he later switched lawyers and tactics , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his rights and tricked him into lying about his December 2016 conversations with Sergei Kislyak , then Moscow 's ambassador in Washington .
The Department of Justice has repeatedly denied allegations of prosecutorial misconduct , and U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan rejected all of Flynn ’ s claims in December and set a sentencing date .
Shortly after that , Flynn filed the motion to withdraw his plea .
Flynn , who also previously led the Defense Intelligence Agency , served just 24 days in the Republican Trump administration before he was @ @ @ @ @

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he is considering a full pardon for his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who had pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about dealings with Russia's ambassador before Trump took office.
Flynn sought to withdraw the guilty plea in January, arguing that prosecutors violated his rights and duped him into a plea agreement. Trump said the FBI and Justice Department had "destroyed" Flynn's life and that of his family, and cited an unspecified, unsubstantiated report that they had lost records related to Flynn.
"I am strongly considering a Full Pardon!" Trump said on Twitter.
Flynn was supposed to help cooperate with the government as part of his plea deal. But he later switched lawyers and tactics, arguing that prosecutors in the case had violated his rights and tricked him into lying about his December 2016 conversations with Sergei Kislyak, then Moscow's ambassador in Washington.
The Department of Justice has repeatedly denied allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, and U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan rejected all of Flynn’s claims in December and set a sentencing date.
Shortly after that, Flynn filed the motion to withdraw his plea.
Flynn, who also previously led the Defense Intelligence Agency, served just 24 days in the Republican Trump administration before he was fired in January 2017.
He was one of several former Trump aides to plead guilty or be convicted at trial in former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 U.S. election to boost Trump's candidacy, as well as numerous contacts between Trump's campaign and Russia.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Emergency meeting between Rivlin, Netanyahu, Gantz began

President Reuven Rivlin , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz began an emergency meeting on @ @ @ @ @ the support of 61 MKs and will be presented by the president with the mandate @ @ @ @ @ Monday .

President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz began an emergency meeting on Sunday night after Gantz got the support of 61 MKs and will be presented by the president with the mandate to form a government on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Netanyahu's coronavirus test comes back negative

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those who come have come into close contact were found not to have coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Neither Netanyahu nor the others being checked displayed symptoms of COVID-19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ instructions of the Prime Minister 's Office Deputy Director-General for Security and Emergencies .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those who come have come into close contact were found not to have coronavirus, after testing was conducted on Sunday.
Neither Netanyahu nor the others being checked displayed symptoms of COVID-19. The tests were administered at the instructions of the Prime Minister's Office Deputy Director-General for Security and Emergencies.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--All schools in Netherlands to close due to coronavirus

The step came as the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the country rose by 176 to 1,135 , with 20 deaths , the National Institute for Public Health ( RIVM ) said .
The restrictions will remain in place until at least April 6 , Education Minister Arie Slob said in a press conference .
`` It has become clear that it was impossible for many schools to remain open , as many teachers were already sick at home and because of safety risks , '' he said .
`` Therefore we have decided to close all schools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's 17 million residents to keep their distance when leaving the house .
`` Do not hoard , it 's not necessary there is enough to go around , '' Slob said .
All saunas , sex clubs , sport schools and marijuana coffee shops were also ordered to close at 1800 ( 1700GMT ) Sunday evening .
Prime Minister Mark Rutte 's Cabinet had initially resisted closing schools , but changed course after coming under pressure from educators and medical specialists .
A letter sent to parents in Amsterdam said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed and plans were being drawn up in the event the closures would last longer .
Healthcare Minister Bruno Bruins said additional measures were likely .
`` I am certain these will not be our last measures , the situation keeps developing very rapidly and we will keep deciding on further measures based on the knowledge of experts .
I can not speculate on what measures these will be , but it is clear that more will follow . ''

All Dutch schools, cafes, restaurants and sport clubs were ordered to be closed on Sunday as the government sought to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands.
The step came as the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the country rose by 176 to 1,135, with 20 deaths, the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said.
The restrictions will remain in place until at least April 6, Education Minister Arie Slob said in a press conference. "It has become clear that it was impossible for many schools to remain open, as many teachers were already sick at home and because of safety risks," he said. "Therefore we have decided to close all schools and daycare centres."
The government asked the country's 17 million residents to keep their distance when leaving the house. "Do not hoard, it's not necessary there is enough to go around," Slob said.
All saunas, sex clubs, sport schools and marijuana coffee shops were also ordered to close at 1800 (1700GMT) Sunday evening.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte's Cabinet had initially resisted closing schools, but changed course after coming under pressure from educators and medical specialists.
A letter sent to parents in Amsterdam said Dutch medical professionals had recommended schools be closed and plans were being drawn up in the event the closures would last longer.
Healthcare Minister Bruno Bruins said additional measures were likely.
"I am certain these will not be our last measures, the situation keeps developing very rapidly and we will keep deciding on further measures based on the knowledge of experts. I cannot speculate on what measures these will be, but it is clear that more will follow."
Rutte was scheduled to address the nation on Monday evening to explain the unprecedented measures.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Israel discovers root of coronavirus in patient No. 29, previously unknown

Visitors to the ward told Ynet that the isolation was not properly maintained in the hospital's coronavirus ward and that staff treating coronavirus patients was also treating other patients.
However, it was noted, that the doctor's husband also felt ill and may have the virus and infected her. However, she spent two days in the ward, where dozens of elderly people are in poor physical condition before being diagnosed.
The coronavirus continues to spread across Israel. According to the Ministry of Health, as of 8 a.m.. Monday there are 250 people infected with the virus. Some 50 of them were diagnosed in the last 24 hours - the highest number in one day so far.According to Mako, one of the reasons for this could be the increase in the number of tests conducted on Sunday - about 1,000 versus around 400 on Saturday.Some 190 people are in hospital, 44 in home care and another 12 in process of being hospitalized. Four Israelis have recovered from the virus.Among those infected with COVID-19, Ynet said, was a senior doctor in one of the unit's at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital. All the patients - many of them seniors - had to be transported to another hospital unit and the staff was sent home and into isolation while the unit in question undergoes disinfection, Ynet reported.On Monday morning, the Health Ministry reported on these 250 diagnoses, the majority of whom are in good condition, while 11 are moderate and four are in critical condition. To date, more than 63,000 citizens have been in home isolation.Among those tested for the virus on Sunday were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those who came into close contact with him. The screenings were found to be negative.Neither Netanyahu nor the others being checked displayed symptoms of COVID-19. The tests were administered at the instructions of the Prime Minister's Office deputy director-general for security and emergencies.The Health Ministry informed the public on Sunday that it has discovered the origin of contraction for patient No. 29, a Magen David Adom worker in his 40s. He became infected via contact with a family member who was exposed to coronavirus via a known patient, the ministry said, and his wife and two children contracted the virus from him.Now, there remains only one other patient with unknown origin: Patient No. 71, a man in his 60s from the center of the country.The number of patients, which continues to grow by more than a dozen daily, comes on the backdrop of new restrictions, including the closing Sunday morning of all cafes and other leisure and recreation facilities and the mandate that no one should gather in groups larger than 10.Restaurants were shuttered, malls locked and cities were eerily quiet throughout the day. Moreover, after a late-night Saturday request of the public by Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich “to minimize rides and only use public transit for important commutes," the trains and buses were nearly empty.Channel 12 reported that there are usually 50,000 to 60,000 daily rides on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv train and on Sunday there were fewer than 5,000.The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem, a popular accommodation for visiting dignitaries, celebrities and foreign correspondents, announced that it would be shutting its doors due to the outbreak."Following last night's announcement by the Israeli government, we are forced by law to close our hotel and all public outlets (restaurants, bars and fitness center),” hotel general manager Guy Lindt wrote on the hotel's Facebook page. “Sadly, we cannot honor future bookings as well as existing ones until further notice.”Moreover, Interior Minister Arye Deri said Sunday that the beach season will be delayed due to the spread of the virus. Beaches were scheduled to open April 1, but in light of the bans on gathering and in order to maintain public health, Deri said the season would be pushed back until further notice.The cabinet held a lengthy discussion on authorizing the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) to assist in the national effort to deal with the spread of the coronavirus, clarifying that the request for the assistance of the ISA came from Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov.It was clarified that the ISA would not take part in enforcement vis-à-vis those in quarantine or in quarantine procedures and that the authorization to view this personal data would be valid for no more than 30 days from the approval of the decision by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Subcommittee on the Secret Services.Police reported that they have opened 59 investigations tied to the coronavirus. Seven are connected to the sharing of fake news and 52 are tied to people or establishments that broke quarantine or other regulations put in place.In one striking incident, a person who was breaking the conditions of their required coronavirus quarantine was arrested in Tel Aviv after attacking security guards at a train station.A video of the arrest showed police officers in full-body protective gear pinning down the man who was supposed to be in quarantine.Israel Police stated that a man, 47, was found on Bograshov St. in Tel Aviv after refusing to stay in quarantine . He had been involved in an attack on security guards at the city's Hahagana train station. A hearing will be held on Sunday to determine whether to extend his arrest."The police call on the public to listen to directives and instructions from the Health Ministry; not following them disrupts the national effort to fight the outbreak of the virus and its spread in Israel," said Israel Police on Saturday night. "Additionally, there is an absolute prohibition on spreading fake news whose sole purpose is to plant panic throughout the public. Relevant and authoritative information, including updates and official directives, will be published only by authorized officials and on the Health Ministry website."President Reuven Rivlin told the public on Sunday to “keep calm and avoid hysteria.”Speaking ahead of his meetings with members of the 23rd Knesset to receive their recommendations before announcing which member of Knesset will be tasked with forming a government in the next 28 days, the president reminded people to “follow the rules and instructions and do not give way to fear and panic.“More than ever, the success of the State of Israel in dealing with this extreme crisis lies in the hands of our civil society,” said the president. “Now is when we are asked to give our children, on our own, a positive and normal routine. Now is when we are asked, more than ever, to take responsibility for our fellows, particularly the elderly among us – in our buildings, communities, neighborhoods, and those who are at the highest risk not just of getting sick, but of finding themselves isolated and without supplies.“That is the spirit, our spirit, and if we maintain it, it will take care of us,” the president concluded.Lahav Harkov contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Edelstein: No time for small politics, no to new speaker

Blue and White , which now has the backing of 61 MKs , announced it will seek to replace with @ @ @ @

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein said on Sunday that “this is not the time for small-minded politics” and argued that to replace the Knesset Speaker at a time such as this would thwart the efforts to establish an emergency unity government.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Greece reports 4 coronavirus deaths, 331 cases

Greece reported one more fatality from coronavirus on Sunday, raising the total number of deaths in the country to four.Confirmed infections rose by 103 to a total of 331, the health ministry's Sotiris Tsiodras said at a news conference.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--UK confirms 35 coronavirus deaths, 1,372 total cases

The British government said earlier on Sunday it would step up its response to the crisis , including isolating older @ @ @ @ @ weeks '' .
Britain has to date taken less stringent steps to slow the virus @ @ @ @ @ However , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government would legislate this week to force @ @ @ @ @ are diagnosed with the virus , and was ready to ban mass gatherings Britain reported @ @ @ @ @ on Jan. 31 .

The number of deaths of Britons with coronavirus jumped by 14 in the last 24 hours to 35, while the number of people diagnosed rose by 20% to 1,372, health authorities said on Sunday.
The British government said earlier on Sunday it would step up its response to the crisis, including isolating older people "in the coming weeks".
Britain has to date taken less stringent steps to slow the virus than elsewhere in Europe.
However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government would legislate this week to force people into quarantine if they are diagnosed with the virus, and was ready to ban mass gatherings
Britain reported its first confirmed coronavirus case on Jan. 31.
A total of 40,279 people have been tested in the country, the health ministry said on Sunday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Lebanon's president calls on citizens to work from home due to coronavirus

`` Each of us is called upon to continue his work , from home , in the way he sees @ @ @ @ @ in a televised address at the start of a cabinet meeting expected to declare measures @ @ @ @ @ .
Lebanon , which is already hit by a deep financial crisis , said the @ @ @ @ @ reached 99 .
Three people have so far died .
Health officials have warned that @ @ @ @ @ strain Lebanon 's strapped medical resources after a months-long dollar shortage that has strained supplies @ @ @ @ @ the closure of restaurants and many public venues , and halted flights from many corona-infected @ @ @ @ @ to reduce potential exposure , security forces were dispatched to Beirut 's seaside corniche to @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy one of the city 's few public spaces .
`` We heard they @ @ @ @ @ curfew so we said let 's take advantage of the last Sunday and the sea @ @ @ @ @ , a film producer .

President Michel Aoun declared a medical state of emergency in Lebanon on Sunday and called on people to work from home as the country steps up measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"Each of us is called upon to continue his work, from home, in the way he sees appropriate," Aoun said in a televised address at the start of a cabinet meeting expected to declare measures to deal with the outbreak.
Lebanon, which is already hit by a deep financial crisis, said the total number of cases had reached 99. Three people have so far died.
Health officials have warned that any wider outbreak could severely strain Lebanon's strapped medical resources after a months-long dollar shortage that has strained supplies.
Lebanon last week ordered the closure of restaurants and many public venues, and halted flights from many corona-infected countries.
In a bid to reduce potential exposure, security forces were dispatched to Beirut's seaside corniche to disperse crowds who had come to enjoy one of the city's few public spaces.
"We heard they are going to issue a curfew so we said let's take advantage of the last Sunday and the sea," said Mohamed Sabah, a film producer.
Lebanon's banks will shut until March 29, according to Lebanese media, two days after the central bank asked commercial banks that have imposed strict capital controls to prioritize hard currency for the import of corona-related supplies.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Due to coronavirus, Israel Electric Corporation won't disconnect clients

As many people are unable to work in a time of massive home quarantine , the Israel Electric Corporation reported @ @ @ @ @ disconnect clients who can not pay their debts but instead offer them special codes so @ @ @ @ @ electric power despite not being able to work .

As many people are unable to work in a time of massive home quarantine, the Israel Electric Corporation reported on Sunday it will not disconnect clients who cannot pay their debts but instead offer them special codes so they can continue to enjoy electric power despite not being able to work.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--213 people test positive for coronavirus in Israel


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Vietnam confirms 4 new coronavirus cases, bringing country's total to 57

The latest detected patients include a Lithuanian , a German and two British nationals , the health ministry said in @ @ @ @ @ been no deaths in the country , it said , and 16 of the cases @ @ @ @ @ recovered .

Vietnam has confirmed four more cases of coronavirus, all among foreign nationals, its health ministry said on Sunday, bringing its total number of cases to 57.
The latest detected patients include a Lithuanian, a German and two British nationals, the health ministry said in a statement.
There have been no deaths in the country, it said, and 16 of the cases confirmed so far have fully recovered.
Vietnam on Sunday said all passengers coming from or through China, South Korea, the UK and Schengen countries would be compulsorily quarantined and tested for coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--France denies border closures with Germany due to coronavirus

Without citing a source , Bild reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her interior minister had agreed closures with @ @ @ @ @ that they would take place from 8 a.m. local time ( 0700 GMT ) on @ @ @ @ @ not a border closure .
These are steps to reinforce controls , '' a French @ @ @ @ @ giving further details .

Steps taken on the Franco-German frontier as a result of the coronavirus outbreak are not border closures, but a strengthening of controls, France's presidency said on Sunday.
Without citing a source, Bild reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her interior minister had agreed closures with the state premiers involved and that they would take place from 8 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Monday.
"This is not a border closure. These are steps to reinforce controls," a French presidency official said, without giving further details.
The official said French President Emmanuel Macron and Merkel had been in talks over the weekend and had coordinated their efforts.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Rivlin summons Netanyahu, Gantz to emergency meeting to form government

President Reuven Rivlin summoned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to an meeting on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ of a unity government .

President Reuven Rivlin summoned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to an emrgency meeting on Sunday evening to discuss the formation of a unity government.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Equatorial Guinea confirms country's first coronavirus case

The 42-year-old woman flew back to the capital Malabo from Spain on March 13 , the ministry said in a @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention shared with Reuters on Sunday .
News of the virus @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks has raised concerns among health specialists over whether the continent 's often dilapidated @ @ @ @ @ to cope .
Congo Republic also announced its first case on Saturday .
Africa 's @ @ @ @ @ countries susceptible despite efforts by many to suspend flights , ban public gatherings and increase @ @ @

Equatorial Guinea has reported its first case of COVID-19, the health ministry said in a statement, bringing the number of African countries directly affected by coronavirus to 26.
The 42-year-old woman flew back to the capital Malabo from Spain on March 13, the ministry said in a statement that the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared with Reuters on Sunday.
News of the virus' spread in Africa in recent weeks has raised concerns among health specialists over whether the continent's often dilapidated health infrastructure will be able to cope. Congo Republic also announced its first case on Saturday.
Africa's porous borders will make some countries susceptible despite efforts by many to suspend flights, ban public gatherings and increase sanitation measures.
Some, like Somalia, are fighting insurgencies while others, such as South Sudan, have high levels of malnutrition, malaria and other diseases that make populations vulnerable to infection.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Tunisia asks citizens for financial donations to fight coronavirus

Tunisia has created a voluntary fund dedicated to fighting the coronavirus outbreak and reducing its economic repercussions, the North African country's Ministry of Finance said Sunday.Tunisia, whose health sector infrastructure is weak, has announced 18 case of coronavirus and suspended prayers at mosques, closed cafes from 1600 local time each day and banned all cultural, sports and economic gatherings.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Lebanon declares medical state of emergency due to coronavirus

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Sunday his country was in a state of "medical emergency" because of the threat of coronavirus.The statement issued by the defense council of Lebanon, which is already facing an economic crisis, called for a "general mobilization" but did not provide details.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Germany to shut Austria, Switzerland, France borders due to coronavirus

Without citing a source , Bild reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her interior minister had agreed the closures @ @ @ @ @ and that they would take place from 8 a.m. local time ( 0700 GMT ) @ @ @ @ @ continue to flow between the countries and commuters could also still cross the borders , @ @ @

Germany plans to close its borders with Austria, France and Switzerland from Monday, Focus Online and newspaper Bild reported on Sunday.
Without citing a source, Bild reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her interior minister had agreed the closures with the state premiers involved and that they would take place from 8 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Monday.
Goods would continue to flow between the countries and commuters could also still cross the borders, it said.
The aim was to contain the coronavirus and to stop panic buying by foreigners which has led to some supply problems in the border regions, Bild added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Singapore reports total of 226 coronavirus cases in country

Singapore on Sunday confirmed 14 new cases of the novel coronavirus, its health ministry said, marking the biggest daily increase of the infection in the city-state.Singapore has confirmed a total 226 cases of the virus so far, with 105 having fully recovered. Nine of the cases confirmed on Sunday are imported.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Benjamin Netanyahu tested for coronavirus

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those who come have come into close contact with him were checked for coronavirus on @ @ @ @ @ Netanyahu and those who come have come into close contact with him were checked for @ @ @ @ @ Netanyahu nor the others being checked displayed symptoms of COVID-19 .
The tests were administered @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister 's Office Deputy Director-General for Security and Emergencies .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those who come have come into close contact with him were checked for coronavirus on Sunday.
Neither Netanyahu nor the others being checked displayed symptoms of COVID-19. The tests were administered at the instructions of the Prime Minister's Office Deputy Director-General for Security and Emergencies.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Georgia closes border with Russia amid coronavirus fears

`` This decision would not apply accordingly to the citizens of the Russian Federation and Georgia who wish to return @ @ @ @ @ '' the Georgian government said on its website .
Restrictions will not apply to freight @ @ @ @ @ of 3.7 million has 30 cases of coronavirus , the highest number in the South @ @ @

Georgia will temporarily shut its border with Russia for travellers from March 16 in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Georgian government said on Sunday.
"This decision would not apply accordingly to the citizens of the Russian Federation and Georgia who wish to return to their home country," the Georgian government said on its website.
Restrictions will not apply to freight traffic.
The ex-Soviet country of 3.7 million has 30 cases of coronavirus, the highest number in the South Caucasus region.
Earlier this month, Georgia elections officials delayed the state's presidential primary set for March 24 until May 19 in an effort to slow the spread of the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Hungary confirms first death from coronavirus - report

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Hungary confirmed the first death in the country due to the novel COVID-19 (coronavirus), the government said, according to state news agency MTI.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Morocco suspends all int'l passenger flights- foreign ministry

Morocco on Sunday suspended day all international passenger flights to and from its airports as a protective measure against the spread of coronavirus, the foreign ministry said.Morocco has confirmed 28 coronavirus cases including one death and one recovery.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--Olympics-Tokyo 2020 torch handover behind closed doors in Athens

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games flame handover in Athens next week will be done behind closed doors amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Greek Olympic Committee said on Sunday. Greece on Friday cancelled the remainder of the domestic Olympic torch relay through the country to avoid attracting crowds a day after the Tokyo Games flame was lit in ancient Olympia.


jerusalempost--2020-03-15--American Colony Hotel announces it will close due to coronavirus

The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem announced on Sunday that it would be shutting its doors due to the coronavirus outbreak."Following last night's announcement by the Israeli government, we are forced by law to close our Hotel and all public outlets (restaurants, bars and fitness center). Sadly we cannot honor future bookings as well as existing ones until further notice," the hotel's general manager Guy Lindt wrote on The American Colony Hotel's Facebook page.The iconic hotel is famous for hosting journalists, dignitaries and celebrities alike.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--Coronavirus cases in Spain rise to 8,744 with a death toll at 297

MADRID - Spain's tally of coronavirus cases rose to 8,744 on Monday and the number of fatalities rose to 297, said Fernando Simon, the head of the country's health emergency centre.The previous tally was 7,753 cases on Sunday, with 288 fatalities.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--Coronavirus death toll in Iran reaches 853 - Iranian official

DUBAI - Iran's death toll from the new coronavirus has reached 853 with 129 new deaths in the past 24 hours, a health ministry official tweeted on Monday, adding that 14,991 people have been infected across Iran."In the past 24 hours we had 1,053 confirmed new cases of coronavirus and 129 new deaths," Alireza Vahabzadeh tweeted.To contain the outbreak in Iran, one of the deadliest outside of China, officials have called on people to stay at home.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--First coronavirus death reported in Bahrain

DUBAI - Bahrain reported its first death from coronavirus on Monday, the health ministry said on Twitter, the first death from COVID-19 virus in the Gulf states.The deceased was a 65-year-old Bahraini citizen who had underlying health conditions.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--Macron, Merkel to discuss EU officials matters of coronavirus, borders

PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron will discuss the coronavirus and the topic of border controls on Monday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and leading EU officials Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, said Macron's office.The discussion between Macron and Merkel comes after Germany decided to temporarily introduce border controls on its frontiers with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark from Monday to curb the spread of coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--Iranian Ayatollah Hashem Bathaei-Golpaygani dies of coronavirus - report

Ayatollah Hashem Bathaei-Golpaygani, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts, died of coronavirus on Monday morning, Iranian news outlets have reported.Bathaei-Golpaygani was being treated for the illness in Shahid Beheshti Hospital, where he was taken on Saturday.The country's death toll from Covid-19 has now reached 853, with 129 reported in the past 24 hours, a health ministry official tweeted on Monday, adding that a total of 14,991 people have been infected across the Islamic Republic."In the past 24 hours we had 1,053 confirmed new cases of coronavirus and 129 new deaths," Alireza Vahabzadeh tweeted.A number of politicians, doctors, commanders of the elite Revolutionary Guards and clerics have been infected with the virus in Iran, several of whom have died. These include Nasser Shabani, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Farhad Tazari, the former head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ Political Bureau, and Seyed Mohammad Mir-Mohammadi, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, a body that advises Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.To contain the outbreak in Iran, one of the deadliest outside of China, officials have called on people to stay at home."Based on the figures, we have past the peak of the outbreak, but I still suggest people stay at home, and in case of urgency, observe all health protocols," said President Hassan Rouhani , according to state TV.A host of senior officials have contracted the virus. Several of them, including two members of a top clerical body, have died, according to state media.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--Japanese man accused of killing 19 disabled people sentenced to death

A Japanese man was sentenced to death on Monday for killing 19 disabled people in a knife-wielding rampage in 2016, one of post-war Japan's worst mass killings.Satoshi Uematsu, 30, has admitted to stabbing to death or injuring the victims at a care center for people with mental disabilities. He had once worked in the facility, located in Sagamihara, southwest of Tokyo.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--Rwanda says number of coronavirus cases rises to five

The number of coronavirus cases in Rwanda has risen to five from one, and included a man of Rwandese nationality with no recent history of travel, the health ministry said late on Sunday.The east African country confirmed its first case of coronavirus on Saturday, becoming one of at least 26 countries on the African continent where the outbreak has spread.The ministry said in a statement the four additional cases included a 34-year-old man who arrived from South Sudan on March 6 and his brother, who also had a recent history of travel.A fourth person was a 22-year-old man of Ugandan nationality who arrived in Rwanda from London on Sunday.The case of the man with no history of travel testing positive would suggest transmission within the community.Several African governments have closed borders, canceled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to try to contain the spread of the outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--Turkey reports 12 new coronavirus cases, brings total to 18

Turkey identified 12 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing its total to 18, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday, marking the highest daily rise since the country announced its first case last week.Koca said two of the new cases were related to the first case reported in the country, seven had traveled from Europe and three from the United States.Last Wednesday, Turkey became the last major economy to report an outbreak after taking what the World Health Organization (WHO) described as "vigilant" measures to delay it.Since then, the government has ramped up measures to halt the spread of the virus, closing schools and universities, holding sports events without spectators and halting flights to many countries.Thousands of Muslims returning to Turkey from a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia were taken into quarantine on Sunday and the Interior Ministry said that bars and nightclubs will be closed from Monday to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.


jerusalempost--2020-03-16--First coronavirus death reported in Mexico

MEXICO CITY - Mexico has registered its first death due to coronavirus , according to Mexican media reports on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ the matter .
Veteran broadcaster Joaquin Lopez-Doriga said on Twitter that businessman Jose Kuri had @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus following a trip to the United States .
Two people familiar with the matter @ @ @ @ @ , speaking on condition of anonymity .

MEXICO CITY - Mexico has registered its first death due to coronavirus, according to Mexican media reports on Sunday and two people familiar with the matter.
Veteran broadcaster Joaquin Lopez-Doriga said on Twitter that businessman Jose Kuri had died after testing positive for coronavirus following a trip to the United States.
Two people familiar with the matter confirmed that Kuri had died, speaking on condition of anonymity.