jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Jerusalem municipality to re-open a coronavirus situation room on Sunday

Some 1,504 people tested positive on Thursday , the same day that the government labeled a new group of cities as “ restricted zones.
” These include areas of Jerusalem , Beit Shemesh , Beitar Illit , Kiryat Malachi , Lod and Ramla In Jerusalem alone , about 100 new patients were diagnosed in the last day and more than 1,200 have been diagnosed in the holy city in the past week .
As a result of the spike in cases , the Jerusalem municipality announced on Friday that its designated situation room to plan strategies for combating coronavirus will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The designated situation room will focus on transferring infected patients and their families to coronavirus hotels across the country and will include representatives from the IDF Home Front Command , Israel Police , Magen David Adom , local health funds and relevant community administrations .
The purpose of the coronavirus situation room , according to a message issued by the municipality , is to stop the chain of infections and isolate the infected , as to prevent further spreading of the virus .
As of Friday , at 5:30 p.m. , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus - though the country topped 36,000 cases since the pandemic started .
Some 351 people have died .
Overnight , the Home Front Command managed to evacuate nearly 40 sick people from Beit Shemesh and relocate them to state-run “ coronavirus hotels , ” a spokesperson for the city said .
However , the fact that the government placed restrictions on so many haredi ( ultra-Orthodox ) cities , caused uproar among the community .
On Friday , MK Yisrael Eichler called upon his fellow haredi MKs to quit the Knesset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Israeli media .
Eichler referred to the lockdowns as `` selective '' lockdowns of haredi neighborhoods and called on ministers from haredi parties to simultaneously quit the government until they are lifted .
`` That 's the only way for Netanyahu to realize that haredi human rights ca n't be ignored , '' Eichler said .
“ The coronavirus does not differential us .
It hurts everyone , ” MK Rafi Peretz said later in a Facebook post , encouraging unity and compassion .
“ This is a difficult time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in crisis for several months , ” he wrote .
“ The health and economic uncertainty are very great .
No one wants to get infected ; we all want to stay healthy , and no one wants to lose their livelihood .
The situation we are in is difficult for all of us .
“ It 's a time to think about each other , to be considerate , to empathize , ” he continued , “ and to keep the rules for public health .
Together , we can beat coronavirus.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on people who break the Health Ministry directives .
As part of the nationwide efforts to enforce the coronavirus restrictions , police located and dispersed a mass party in Ben Shemen forest , issuing fines to dozens of participants who were not wearing masks and detaining the party 's organizers , Israel Police said Friday .
The party was reportedly attended by hundreds of teenagers , who , after noticing the police officers , started chanting , “ Cops !
Put your masks on ! ''
Police also found alcohol bottles and drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While many managed to escape , some participants were fined for violating the restrictions and not wearing masks , and the party 's organizers were detained for questioning .

Israel hit a record for the most people diagnosed with coronavirus in a single day, the Health Ministry reported Friday morning.Some 1,504 people tested positive on Thursday, the same day that the government labeled a new group of cities as “restricted zones.” These include areas of Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Beitar Illit, Kiryat Malachi, Lod and Ramle.In Jerusalem alone, more than 1,200 were diagnosed last week.As a result of the spike in cases, the Jerusalem municipality announced that its designated situation room to plan strategies for combating coronavirus will be reopened and operational starting Sunday.The situation room will focus on transferring infected patients and their families to coronavirus hotels across the country and will include representatives from the IDF Home Front Command, Israel Police, Magen David Adom, local health funds and relevant community administrations.The purpose of the coronavirus situation room, according to a message issued by the municipality, is to stop the chains of infection and isolate the sick to help prevent further spreading of the virus.As Shabbat exited, the Health Ministry reported the next round of numbers: Some 1,360 people tested positive on Friday and another 643 between midnight and press time on Saturday.There are currently 134 patients in serious condition, including 49 who are intubated.In total, 37,463 people have been infected with coronavirus in Israel; there are 18,295 active cases.The Health Ministry has predicted that within the next 10 to 14 days, the country will have 400 patients in serious condition, given the large number of people who were infected with coronavirus two weeks prior.However, in general, it appears as if fewer people are becoming seriously ill during the second wave. Some have even purported that the virus has changed and became less deadly.However, Prof. Ran Balicer, a public health physician who serves as founding director of the Clalit Research Institute, told N12 that the virus is the same, rather lower-risk people are contracting the virus. There are fewer elderly infected, he said, because “members of the at-risk population are protecting themselves.”Before Shabbat, the Home Front Command managed to evacuate nearly 40 sick people from Beit Shemesh and relocate them to state-run “coronavirus hotels,” a spokesperson for the city said.However, the fact that the government placed restrictions on so many haredi (ultra-Orthodox) cities caused uproar among haredi leaders.On Friday, MK Yisrael Eichler called upon his fellow haredi MKs to quit the coalition until lockdowns on haredi neighborhoods are lifted, according to Israeli media.Eichler referred to the lockdowns as “selective” lockdowns of haredi neighborhoods and called on ministers from haredi parties to simultaneously quit the government until they are lifted.“That’s the only way for Netanyahu to realize that haredi human rights can’t be ignored,” Eichler said.“The coronavirus does not differentiate between us. It hurts everyone,” MK Rafi Peretz said later in a Facebook post, encouraging unity and compassion.“This is a difficult time, and the State of Israel has been in crisis for several months,” he wrote. “The health and economic uncertainty are very great. No one wants to get infected; we all want to stay healthy, and no one wants to lose their livelihood. The situation we are in is difficult for all of us.“It’s a time to think about each other, to be considerate, to empathize,” he continued, “and to keep the rules for public health. Together, we can beat coronavirus.”The country is continuing to crack down on people who break the Health Ministry directives.Police reported Saturday night that they administered 3,835 tickets to people not wearing masks over the weekend, as well as dozens of fines on restaurants and businesses that were not following Health Ministry guidelines. Some 154 tickets were administered to people who left their restricted zone.On Friday, police dispersed a mass party in the Ben Shemen forest, issuing fines to dozens of participants who were not wearing masks and detaining the party’s organizers, Israel Police said Friday.The party was reportedly attended by hundreds of teenagers, who, after noticing the police officers, started chanting, “Cops! Put your masks on!”Police also found alcohol bottles and drugs suspected to be marijuana at the scene.While many managed to escape, some participants were fined for violating the restrictions and not wearing masks, and the party’s organizers were detained for questioning.Also, on Friday, an adviser to MK Orna Barbivai tested positive for the coronavirus and she and her team entered quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Netanyahu and Katz meet with Israel's self-employed and business owners

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz on Friday met with representatives of industries badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Meeting attendees included President of the Association for the Self-Employed Roee Cohen, representative of independent business owners Talya Laufer Epstien, Institute of Tax Consultants in Israel President Yaron Gindi, Head of the association of Hotels and Event Gardens Noam Levy, Head of the Union of Restaurant and Bar Owners Shai Berman, Head of the Union of Stage Producers Yoni Fiengold and others. The meeting occurred ahead of a planned mass protest set to take place in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening.Netanyahu told the delegation that "speaking with you really helped us" and vowed that "if needed we will do more things, so that nobody will be lost in the shuffle."Katz said that, in his opinon, the plan he and the prime minister unveiled on Thursday "is your plan" and said the government will be presented with it for approval on Monday.The meeting ended with some in the group agreeing to give the administration's new plan a chance by skipping the protest and others, faced with a past history of disappointment, participated, Channel 13 reported on Friday.Police said that at the time of this writing the protest organizer "withdrew the permit request out of his own accord" and that other organizers who wish to proceed with it must request a new permit.The NIS 80 billion package Netanyahu and Katz presented on Thursday will extend unemployment aid until June 2021, or as long as the unemployment rate the country is facing is above 10%. Israel's unemployment rate was reported to stand at 21% on Thursday with roughly one million people out of work.The plan offers relief and will be brought before the government for approval on Sunday. The first payments for the self-employed and other business owners is expected to be in their bank accounts on Wednesday. Other aspects of the plan require the Knesset’s approval and new legislation. Netanyahu complained about bureaucracy and pointed to the lengthy process of passing a law in the Knesset as a reason for previous failures to get the money to those in need.Katz on Thursday described the plan's benefits as “giving handsomely.”The plan does not tie unemployment benefits with vocational training, something that Netanyahu hinted will be included in the plan at a later stage, as some lines of work, including tourism and aviation, may change radically as the world struggles with the new virus.Israel currently does not have a budget and faces a deficit of NIS 88.4 billion, the Finance Ministry reported in June. Netanyahu told the press during the Thursday presentation that “we shouldn’t be afraid to take loans” and pointed to Israel’s allegedly strong economy as an assurance that the country could obtain large loans to fund the plan if it needs to.Model Michael Lewis took to social media on Friday to tearfully confess he owes NIS 30,000 in 2018 taxes and due to the pandemic, he can’t pay, Kan tweeted.Already NIS 47,000 in the red, he said he’ll go to prison because “at least in prison I’ll get something to eat.” Lewis was selected by E! as one of the sexiest men alive nine years ago.The planned Saturday night protest by those suffering financial hardships was further inflamed by what many view as excessive police brutality in enforcing the Health Ministry’s regulations and a sense that those in the ruling class fail to see how dire things are.Health Minister Yuli Edelstein was the latest to experience this rage after it was discovered that he attended a social event with dozens of guests in his own back yard after telling the public at a press conference about the shutting down of gyms and swimming pools. Edelstein denies this claim. He joins the long list of such noted people as Minister Tzachi Hanegbi who publicly said he thinks people who say they have nothing to eat are full of “bullsh*t”, and Netanyahu himself who asked, and got on June 23, a decade’s worth of back taxes to the tune of NIS 1 million paid by the State of Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Police disperse mass party in Ben Shemen forest, dozens fined


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Lapid: Conversation with Maas on coronavirus was 'constructive'

I had a very constructive conversation with German Foreign Minister @ HeikoMaas today.We discussed Germany ’ s successful management of @ @ @ @ @ economic impact , Germany ’ s upcoming presidency of the EU and the latest developments @ @ @ @ @

Opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on Twitter on Friday that he spoke with German Foreign Affairs Minister Heiko Maas about coronavirus and its impact on Germany's economy."I had a very constructive conversation with German Foreign Minister @HeikoMaas today. We discussed Germany’s successful management of the COVID-19 crisis and the economic impact, Germany’s upcoming presidency of the EU and the latest developments in the Middle East," Lapid tweeted.
I had a very constructive conversation with German Foreign Minister @HeikoMaas today. We discussed Germany’s successful management of the COVID-19 crisis and the economic impact, Germany’s upcoming presidency of the EU and the latest developments in the Middle East. — יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) July 10, 2020


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--MK calls on haredi MKs to quit Knesset until COVID-19 lockdowns are over


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Mexican president thanks Trump for not mentioning border wall at summit

MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday expressed his gratitude to Donald Trump for avoiding in public the thorny subject of the U.S. president 's promised border wall during the two leaders ' summit in Washington earlier this week .
Lopez Obrador also thanked his U.S. counterpart for a less `` discriminatory tone '' during his visit , a rare reference from the Mexican leader to Trump 's past insults toward Mexico and its migrants .
`` We thank him for not raising the subject ( of the border wall ) in public , '' Lopez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference , adding that the wall was mentioned during a White House dinner `` but without the purpose of imposing anything . ''
Dating back to his successful 2016 presidential campaign , Trump made the construction of a wall on the country 's southern border a signature pledge , while also promising to force Mexico to pay for it .
His administration has constructed sections of high fencing along the border .
The Washington summit between the two presidents mostly focused on economic issues , in particular the celebration of a revamped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the beginning of this month .

MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday expressed his gratitude to Donald Trump for avoiding in public the thorny subject of the U.S. president's promised border wall during the two leaders' summit in Washington earlier this week.
Lopez Obrador also thanked his U.S. counterpart for a less "discriminatory tone" during his visit, a rare reference from the Mexican leader to Trump's past insults toward Mexico and its migrants.
"We thank him for not raising the subject (of the border wall) in public," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a regular government news conference, adding that the wall was mentioned during a White House dinner "but without the purpose of imposing anything."
Dating back to his successful 2016 presidential campaign, Trump made the construction of a wall on the country's southern border a signature pledge, while also promising to force Mexico to pay for it.
His administration has constructed sections of high fencing along the border.
The Washington summit between the two presidents mostly focused on economic issues, in particular the celebration of a revamped North American trade accord that took effect at the beginning of this month.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--463 IDF service members and civilian employees diagnosed with coronavirus

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit reported on Friday that 463 IDF service members and civilian employees tested positive for coronavirus and that all are in light condition. Additionally, the IDF added the 9,874 personnel are in home isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Russia defends anti-viral drug as COVID-19 death toll passes 11,000

MOSCOW - Russia moved to defend its Avifavir anti-viral drug on Friday following an inconclusive clinical trial in Japan that tested it against COVID-19 and as the country 's total death toll from the infection surpassed 11,000 .
Russia is gradually lifting coronavirus-related restrictions , in place since March and set to reduce its gross domestic product by up to 6 % this year , despite recording thousands of new cases daily .
After re-opening sport facilities and restaurants , Moscow now aims to open doors to cinemas from Aug 1 as it continues trials of a number of anti-viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) is leading the race with its anti-viral drug Avifavir , sending a first batch of 100,000 treatment courses to 35 Russian regions and Belarus last month , with plans to produce more in July .
Avifavir , known generically as favipiravir , was first developed in the late 1990s by a Japanese company later bought by Fujifilm .
There is no vaccine for COVID-19 for now .
A Fujita Health University researcher Yohei Doi , after completing trials on 89 patients across Japan , said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Avigan , yielded inconclusive results as a treatment of COVID-19 .
Although patients given the drug early in the trial showed more improvement than those who got delayed doses , the results did not reach statistical significance , he said .
Russia 's ChemRar , Avifavir 's manufacturer and an RDIF partner , said on Friday that trials completed in Japan were 'preliminary ' and did not allow a final conclusion to be drawn about how effective favipiravir and favipiravir-based drugs are .
Andrey Ivashenko , ChemRar 's board chairman , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most impact when used on early and mid-coronavirus stages but has less impact if taken later .
Over 700 people took part in ChemRar-led trials , he said , and the company was in talks with Fujifilm to share results of Russia-based trials as well as on possible collaboration on the drug .
On Friday , Russia 's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 6,635 new cases , down from a mid-May peak of nearly 12,000 and bringing its nationwide tally of infections to 713,936 , the world 's fourth highest caseload .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 489,068 people have recovered , it said .

MOSCOW - Russia moved to defend its Avifavir anti-viral drug on Friday following an inconclusive clinical trial in Japan that tested it against COVID-19 and as the country's total death toll from the infection surpassed 11,000.
Russia is gradually lifting coronavirus-related restrictions, in place since March and set to reduce its gross domestic product by up to 6% this year, despite recording thousands of new cases daily.
After re-opening sport facilities and restaurants, Moscow now aims to open doors to cinemas from Aug 1 as it continues trials of a number of anti-viral drugs against COVID-19 at home.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is leading the race with its anti-viral drug Avifavir, sending a first batch of 100,000 treatment courses to 35 Russian regions and Belarus last month, with plans to produce more in July.
Avifavir, known generically as favipiravir, was first developed in the late 1990s by a Japanese company later bought by Fujifilm. There is no vaccine for COVID-19 for now.
A Fujita Health University researcher Yohei Doi, after completing trials on 89 patients across Japan, said on Friday that Tokyo's version of favipiravir, Avigan, yielded inconclusive results as a treatment of COVID-19.
Although patients given the drug early in the trial showed more improvement than those who got delayed doses, the results did not reach statistical significance, he said.
Russia's ChemRar, Avifavir's manufacturer and an RDIF partner, said on Friday that trials completed in Japan were 'preliminary' and did not allow a final conclusion to be drawn about how effective favipiravir and favipiravir-based drugs are.
Andrey Ivashenko, ChemRar's board chairman, said in a statement that Avifavir has the most impact when used on early and mid-coronavirus stages but has less impact if taken later.
Over 700 people took part in ChemRar-led trials, he said, and the company was in talks with Fujifilm to share results of Russia-based trials as well as on possible collaboration on the drug.
On Friday, Russia's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 6,635 new cases, down from a mid-May peak of nearly 12,000 and bringing its nationwide tally of infections to 713,936, the world's fourth highest caseload.
The death toll now stands at 11,017 and 489,068 people have recovered, it said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Police arrest 45-year-old from Tel Aviv suspected of rape - report

Israel Police on Wednesday arrested a 45-year-old resident of Tel Aviv who allegedly raped a young woman in a hotel.According to testimony by the victim, the suspect offered her alcohol and later took advantage of her state and raped her.The police extended the suspect's arrest by five days, until July 14.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--iPhone users around the world report technical issues

Thousands of iPhone users around the world on Friday reported technical issues with different apps, including Israeli GPS navigation app Waze, Spotify, Tinder, Pinterest and others, according to Israeli media. The apps reportedly close upon being activated.The reason for the issues is apparently a bug in the Facebook app. Facebook responded by saying that they are looking into the issue.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Fire breaks out at Kibbutz Snir in northern Israel - report

A large fire broke out near Kibbutz Snir, located in the Hula Valley in the upper Galilee on Friday afternoon, Ynet reported. The fire started near a large intersection on Highway 99.Firefighters on the scene are attempting to prevent the fire from spreading towards the kibbutz.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Suspected sexual assault 12-year-old girl who was camping at Lake Kinneret

According to an initial police investigation , the girl was sleeping alongside her sister in a tent when she woke @ @ @ @ @ man touching her .

According to an initial police investigation, the girl was sleeping alongside her sister in a tent when she woke up to find a strange man touching her.
This is a developing story.
A 12-year-old girl was the victim of an alleged sexual assault while camping with her family early on Saturday morning at one of the beaches surrounding Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), a spokesperson for Israel Police announced.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Search party finds body of drowned Ashdod man - police

The man allegedly entered the sea with another man who nearly drowned , but managed to save himself .
Maritime @ @ @ @ @ chopper and IDF Navy forces have been scanning the area since yesterday

The man allegedly entered the sea with another man who nearly drowned, but managed to save himself. Maritime police forces, a police chopper and IDF Navy forces have been scanning the area since yesterday
The body of a drowned man was found by search parties on Saturday, police reported, after a day-long search for the man, who went missing while swimming with another man near Lido Beach in Ashdod on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Palmachim, Dor beaches reach full capacity, public warned not to arrive

Also on Saturday morning , the Nature and Parks Authority announced that the Palmachim Beach National Park has also reached @ @ @ @ @ recommended not to reach the area in the next few hours .

Also on Saturday morning, the Nature and Parks Authority announced that the Palmachim Beach National Park has also reached full capacity. It is recommended not to reach the area in the next few hours.
The Hof HaCarmel Regional Council updated on Saturday morning that Dor Beach had reached full capacity, and that the parking lot is completely full. The public has been asked not to arrive in the coming hours.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Palestinian coronavirus death toll rises by two to 28 - Health Ministry

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Saturday that the death toll from COVID-19 in the Palestinian Authority has risen by two to 28.Also on Saturday, markets in Gaza began opening up under strict social distancing rules, after being closed for more than two months.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Russia reports 6,611 new coronavirus infections, 188 new deaths

MOSCOW - Russia on Saturday reported 6,611 new coronavirus cases , taking its nationwide tally of infections to 720,547 .
@ @ @ @ @ response center said 188 people had died from the virus in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ to 11,205 .
Russia said 497,446 people have recovered from the virus .

MOSCOW - Russia on Saturday reported 6,611 new coronavirus cases, taking its nationwide tally of infections to 720,547.
The country's coronavirus crisis response center said 188 people had died from the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 11,205.
Russia said 497,446 people have recovered from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Teen killed in suspected shark attack off Australian coast -police

SYDNEY - A teenage boy died from a suspected shark attack while surfing off Australia 's east coast , the @ @ @ @ @ adding that surrounding beaches had been closed .
The boy , 17 , was attacked @ @ @ @ @ , 380 kilometres ( 240 miles ) south of Brisbane , police said , citing @ @ @ @ @ took the boy to shore , where he was treated for severe leg injuries but @ @ @ @ @ , they said .
The boy 's name and nationality were not disclosed .
Local @ @ @ @ @ investigation of the incident .
Australia is known for a large number of unprovoked shark @ @ @ @ @ 's attack was the country 's 10th so far in 2020 , according to data @ @ @ @ @ Society .

SYDNEY - A teenage boy died from a suspected shark attack while surfing off Australia's east coast, the police said on Saturday, adding that surrounding beaches had been closed.
The boy, 17, was attacked while surfing near Coffs Harbour, 380 kilometres (240 miles) south of Brisbane, police said, citing witnesses.
Several other surfers took the boy to shore, where he was treated for severe leg injuries but he died at the scene, they said. The boy's name and nationality were not disclosed.
Local authorities are conducting a formal investigation of the incident.
Australia is known for a large number of unprovoked shark encounters with humans and Saturday's attack was the country's 10th so far in 2020, according to data published by the Taronga Conservation Society.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Australia's Victoria state logs another day of high coronavirus infections

`` We will see more and more additional cases .
This is going to be with us for months and months , '' Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised news conference .
`` Nobody is enjoying being locked at home .
It is frustrating , it is challenging , but the strategy will be successful if we all play our part . ''
Victoria , home to a quarter of the country 's 25 million people , has also become the first state to ask people to wear masks with the order directed at residents of Melbourne .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported just 11 new cases between them on Saturday , have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus .
Authorities had previously attributed most new cases to people returning from overseas .
The country 's deputy chief medical officer , Nick Coatsworth , said it was to soon to say whether the community transmission had spread from Victoria to other states .
`` We are all on high alert , '' he said .
`` It is fair to say that the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia has avoided the high COVID-19 casualty numbers of other countries after closing its borders and going into nationwide lockdown in March , with some 9,300 infections and 107 deaths .
There were seven new cases in neighbouring New South Wales , the most-populous state , including a man who had visited a Sydney pub that has been linked to two other infections , authorities said .
A pop-up testing clinic was set up at the pub so patrons who were there on the same night could be tested .
Australia on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's remdesivir as the first treatment option for virus , joining the United States and the European Commission .

SYDNEY - Australia 's second most-populous state reported one of its highest daily increases in coronavirus infections on Saturday and warned the numbers would get worse before they got better as its capital city began its first weekend of a six-week lockdown.
The state of Victoria logged 216 new cases, down from a record 288 the previous day but still one of the biggest daily increases of any part of the country.
"We will see more and more additional cases. This is going to be with us for months and months," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised news conference.
"Nobody is enjoying being locked at home. It is frustrating, it is challenging, but the strategy will be successful if we all play our part."
Victoria, home to a quarter of the country's 25 million people, has also become the first state to ask people to wear masks with the order directed at residents of Melbourne.
The other seven states and territories, which reported just 11 new cases between them on Saturday, have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus. Authorities had previously attributed most new cases to people returning from overseas.
The country's deputy chief medical officer, Nick Coatsworth, said it was to soon to say whether the community transmission had spread from Victoria to other states.
"We are all on high alert," he said. "It is fair to say that the next couple of days are critical."
Australia has avoided the high COVID-19 casualty numbers of other countries after closing its borders and going into nationwide lockdown in March, with some 9,300 infections and 107 deaths.
There were seven new cases in neighbouring New South Wales, the most-populous state, including a man who had visited a Sydney pub that has been linked to two other infections, authorities said. A pop-up testing clinic was set up at the pub so patrons who were there on the same night could be tested.
Australia on Friday gave provisional approval to Gilead Sciences Inc's remdesivir as the first treatment option for virus, joining the United States and the European Commission.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 378 to 198,556 - RKI

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 378 to 198,556, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.The reported death toll rose by six to 9,060, the tally showed.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Coronavirus: US case total at 3,173,212 – CDC

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 3,173,212 cases of coronavirus as of Friday, an increase of 66,281 from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 811 to 133,666.The CDC on Saturday reported its tally of cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET July 10 compared to its count a day earlier.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Coronavirus: Brazil records over 1,000 new cases, total tops 1.8 million

Brazil, the world's No. 2 coronavirus hotspot after the United States, recorded 1,071 new deaths from the outbreak on Saturday, with a total of 1,839,850 confirmed cases, the Health Ministry said.Brazil has now recorded a total of 71,469 deaths, the ministry said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--On fifth attempt, UN Security Council renews Syria aid via Turkey

The United Nations describes the aid delivered from Turkey as a `` lifeline '' for Syrians in the country 's @ @ @ @ @ had been deadlocked , with most members pitted against Syrian allies Russia and China , @ @ @ @ @ the council 's fifth vote this week on the issue .

The United Nations Security Council on Saturday approved aid deliveries to Syria through one border crossing from Turkey, a day after its authorization for the six-year-long humanitarian operation ended, leaving millions of Syrian civilians in limbo.
The United Nations describes the aid delivered from Turkey as a "lifeline" for Syrians in the country's northwest. The 15-member council had been deadlocked, with most members pitted against Syrian allies Russia and China, which abstained on Saturday in the council's fifth vote this week on the issue.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Thousands join anti-government protest in Serbian capital

Protesters , most of whom wore masks , walked in front of the parliament building in the Serbian capital , occasionally calling for President Aleksandar Vucic to step down .
`` We hope that authorities will hear us , '' said Stefana Radjenovic , one of the protesters .
`` We want authorities to stop lying to us and we want to know the entire truth about everything that has been happening in connection with the coronavirus epidemic . ''
Similar peaceful protests were held in the cities of Novi Sad , Zrenjanin , Cacak and Nis .
Late on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threw flares and stones .
Fourteen police officers were injured and 71 people arrested , police said .
This week 's demonstrations were initially driven by frustration over economically stifling measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus , but soon evolved into anti-government rallies that demanded Vucic 's resignation .
Critics say the government 's decisions to allow soccer matches , religious festivities , parties and private gatherings to resume in May and parliamentary elections to go ahead on June 21 are to blame for a surge in infections .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak in order to allow the elections to proceed .
Vucic dismissed those claims and described the protests as `` senseless . ''
Serbia , a country of 7 million , has so far reported 18,073 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus , and 382 deaths .

Several thousand people gathered in front of the Serbian parliament building in Belgrade on Saturday for a fifth consecutive night of protests against government policies, including measures to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Protesters, most of whom wore masks, walked in front of the parliament building in the Serbian capital, occasionally calling for President Aleksandar Vucic to step down.
"We hope that authorities will hear us," said Stefana Radjenovic, one of the protesters.
"We want authorities to stop lying to us and we want to know the entire truth about everything that has been happening in connection with the coronavirus epidemic."
Similar peaceful protests were held in the cities of Novi Sad, Zrenjanin, Cacak and Nis.
Late on Friday, police clashed with demonstrators who threw flares and stones. Fourteen police officers were injured and 71 people arrested, police said.
This week's demonstrations were initially driven by frustration over economically stifling measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, but soon evolved into anti-government rallies that demanded Vucic's resignation.
Critics say the government's decisions to allow soccer matches, religious festivities, parties and private gatherings to resume in May and parliamentary elections to go ahead on June 21 are to blame for a surge in infections.
Many believe the government was playing down the outbreak in order to allow the elections to proceed.
Vucic dismissed those claims and described the protests as "senseless."
Serbia, a country of 7 million, has so far reported 18,073 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, and 382 deaths.
It is the first country in Europe to have held elections since the pandemic was declared. A number of opposition parties boycotted the vote to protest Vucic's control of the media, which they said did not give them enough coverage. Vucic rejected those claims.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Libya's LNA says blockade on oil will continue

The Libyan National Army (LNA) of Khalifa Haftar said on Saturday the country's oil fields and ports are "closed until the orders of the Libyan people are implemented," indicating a blockade on exports will continue.Speaking in an online statement, LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari said that the loading of a tanker on Friday with oil from storage after six months without exports had been at the request of "friendly and brotherly countries."


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--540 coronavirus cases among IDF service members and civilian employees

The IDF Spokesperson 's Unit reported 77 new coronavirus cases among IDF service members and civilian employees on Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ to 540 .
All those infected were in light condition .
Some 9,874 personnel were @ @ @ @ @ Thursday evening .
An updated number had not been released as of Saturday night .

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit reported 77 new coronavirus cases among IDF service members and civilian employees on Saturday night, bringing the total number to 540. All those infected were in light condition.
Some 9,874 personnel were in home isolation as of Thursday evening. An updated number had not been released as of Saturday night.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Air defenses respond to drones near airbase in northern Syria - report

No information was available concerning damage or casualties .

No information was available concerning damage or casualties.
Syrian air defenses responded to drones heading towards the Hmeimim airbase near Latakia in northern Syria on Saturday night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan and son test positive for COVID-19

MUMBAI - Amitabh Bachchan, one of India's best known movie stars, has tested positive for COVID-19 together with his actor son Abhishek Bachchan, they said late on Saturday.Both were admitted to the same private hospital"I have tested COVID positive ... shifted to hospital ... hospital informing authorities ... family and staff undergone tests, results awaited," Amitabh Bachchan, 77, said in a tweet.Minutes later, his 44-year-old son Abhishek Bachchan also tweeted he had been infected."Both of us having mild symptoms have been admitted to hospital. We have informed all the required authorities and our family and staff are all being tested," he said."I request all to stay calm and not panic."The Bollywood actors were admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment hub.Around India, fans, politicians, fellow actors and businessmen wished the pair a full and speedy recovery."I will pray and not eat till you recover and leave hospital," posted one fan Manoj Pandit on Twitter, where Amitabh Bachchan has over 43 million followers.WORLD'S THIRD WORST OUTBREAKDespite a stringent lockdown, the new coronavirus has infected over 820,000 people and killed over 22,000 in India.In the previous 24 hours, India recorded 27,114 cases, making it the nation with the third-biggest outbreak behind the United States and Brazil in confirmed infections.Mumbai has recorded over 84,500 COVID-19 cases, of which 4,899 have died.A Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan has been helping lead the fight against COVID-19, appearing in public service advertisements.He joined the film industry in 1969 and has made over 200 movies. The actor suffered a near-fatal injury during the shooting of an action scene on a film set in 1982 and was critically ill for several months.In recent years, he returned as the celebrity host of "Kaun Banega Crorepati," India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" and one of its most watched shows.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Benny Gantz: Citizens protesting are in distress, and rightfully so

Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz said that "the citizens who took to the streets tonight express the real and just distress and they have the full right to do so" in reaction to the protest of the self-employed and the employed who were harmed by the coronavirus crisis."It is our responsibility as the government to listen and act to find a solution," Gantz said. "I informed the prime minister and the finance minister that alongside the immediate aid plan, Blue and White will insist that a much broader budgetary policy be introduced as soon as possible to encourage growth going forward."He nevertheless called on protesters to follow the coronavirus restrictions so that "the law enforcement agencies will be patient and maintain the right to demonstrate."


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Wife of Brazil's Bolsonaro, and two daughters, negative for coronavirus

Michelle Bolsonaro , the wife of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who is sick with the new coronavirus , said on @ @ @ @ @ two daughters had tested negative for the virus .
The president announced that he had @ @ @ @ @ and said he was quarantining while also taking the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine .
More than @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for coronavirus and over 70,000 have died .
Only the United States @ @ @ @ @ Bolsonaro , whose grandmother was rushed to hospital and intubated last week , made the @ @ @ @ @ has two daughters , one of whom she had with the president .

Michelle Bolsonaro, the wife of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who is sick with the new coronavirus, said on Saturday that she and her two daughters had tested negative for the virus.
The president announced that he had tested positive on Tuesday, and said he was quarantining while also taking the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine.
More than 1.8 million people in Brazil have tested positive for coronavirus and over 70,000 have died. Only the United States has worse statistics.
Michelle Bolsonaro, whose grandmother was rushed to hospital and intubated last week, made the announcement on Instagram. She has two daughters, one of whom she had with the president.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--UK deaths from confirmed COVID-19 cases rise by 148 to 44,798

The United Kingdom 's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 44,798 , up 148 on the previous @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .

The United Kingdom's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 44,798, up 148 on the previous day, the government said on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--IDF arrests three Palestinians who crossed the Gaza fence

The IDF arrested three Palestinians who had snuck over the Gaza fence into Israel on Saturday evening, according to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.The suspects did not have weapons on their persons, and after an investigation on-location, they were returned to Gaza.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Coronavirus in Israel: 1,182 tests, 133 in serious condition

Since the beginning of Shabbat, 1,182 Israelis have been tested for coronavirus, according to N12. Additionally, 133 coronavirus patients are reportedly in serious condition and 49 people are on ventilators.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--4,138 tickets distriputed to coronavirus rule-breakers throughout weekend

Throughout the weekend, 4,138 tickets were distributed by the Israel Police to people who broke the restrictions set forth to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.A total of 3,855 of them were distributed to people who were not wearing their masks.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 12.59 million, death toll at 560,026

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in @ @ @

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019. Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.
More than 12.59 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 560,026 have died, according to a Reuters tally.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Motorcyclist critically injured after accident in Modiin

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A 28-year-old man was critically injured after his motorcycle slipped in Hevel Modiin.Magen David Adom medics treated him on the spot, performing CPR. He was then evacuated to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Fire in Jordan Valley burns for over 24 hours

A fire has been raging in the Jordan Valley for the past 24 hours and, despite six firefighting planes and fire crews attempting to stop the spread of the flames, it is still ablaze.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--From Monday, 10:00 p.m. restriction on public transport to be canceled - report

The restriction on public transport put in place last week, which states that all transport will cease at 10:00 p.m., has been canceled by the government, according to Transportation Minister Miri Regev in an announcement she made on Kan.The lifting of the restriction will come into effect on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--PM Netanyahu and Israel Katz approve self-employed coronavirus grant

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz approved a grant for self-employed businesses, in an attempt to help recover the damages caused by the coronavirus, it was announced Sunday morning. The grant will be up to NIS 7,500.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Israel Katz: 'Protests are a part of democracy'

Finance Minister Israel Katz told 103FM radio on Sunday morning that, "Protests are a part of democracy, though I'm sad to hear what transpired afterwards with regard to the violence that was reported," when asked about how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had tried to prevent the protest on Friday."Expressing a protest is a legitimate thing," Katz said."This is clearly the culmination of a process that took a few months, where people felt that the state aid was insufficient, or maybe the criteria left some out. The new economic plan intends to remedy these problems, this is a comprehensive economic plan meant to give a financial safety net." Katz further elaborated.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Police clear out protestors' equipment from next to PM's residence

Israeli police removed protestors' equipment in Jerusalem after they decided to settle in Balfour Street, close to the Prime Minister's Residence, the Jerusalem Municipality announced Sunday morning.The protest was approved by the police to be held for a few hours, but protestors decided to remain there after the approved time, bringing generators, tents and fences to more permanently stay in the area, which had to be cleared.Many complaints were filed against the protestors by guests of nearby hotels for disturbing public order.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 248 to 198,804 - RKI

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 248 to 198,804, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday.The reported COVID-19 death toll rose by three to 9,063, the tally showed.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Tunisian parties seek to oust parliament speaker, Islamists want new gov't

The no-confidence motion poses the biggest challenge yet to Ennahda , which first took power following the Arab Spring uprising , but was forced to step down in 2013 after a series of protests .
Pressure on the government has mounted in recent weeks after opponents called for the resignation of Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh over an alleged conflict of interest .
On Sunday , Ennahda , the main party in the ruling coalition , said it supported calls to change the government .
Ennahda said that it wants `` to hold talks to form a strong new government because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict of interest involving the prime minister , '' Imed Khmiri a senior official in Ennahda told Reuters .
Fakhfakh has rejected accusations of corruption after an independent member of parliament published documents last month indicating that companies the prime minister owns shares in had won deals worth 44 million dinars ( $ 15 million ) from the state .
Mohammed Ammar from Attayar party , said that a group of parliamentary blocs agreed to start the process of withdrawing confidence from the speaker , citing numerous violations , poor management and unilateral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocs include the Tahya Tounes , Attayar , Chaab and Reform parties , which are in the coalition with Ennahda .
The Free Constitutional party led by Abir Moussi , a supporter of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali overthrown by the 2011 revolution , has campaigned to oust Ghannouchi for weeks .
Moussi 's party accused Ghannouchi of serving the Muslim Brotherhood ’ s agenda and foreign allies , including Turkey and Qatar .
Ghannouchi has rejected these accusations , arguing that Tunisians want a government focused on economic and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for withdrawing confidence require the signature of 73 members of the house for it to be put to a public vote .
To succeed , 109 lawmakers will need to vote for no-confidence .
The five parties have about 90 members .

At least five Tunisian parties plan to launch a vote of no confidence in parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi who has been accused of partisan interests, while members of his moderate Islamist Ennahda party have called for a new government, escalating the country's political crisis.
The no-confidence motion poses the biggest challenge yet to Ennahda, which first took power following the Arab Spring uprising, but was forced to step down in 2013 after a series of protests.
Pressure on the government has mounted in recent weeks after opponents called for the resignation of Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh over an alleged conflict of interest.
On Sunday, Ennahda, the main party in the ruling coalition, said it supported calls to change the government.
Ennahda said that it wants "to hold talks to form a strong new government because this government lost credibility after suspicion of conflict of interest involving the prime minister," Imed Khmiri a senior official in Ennahda told Reuters.
Fakhfakh has rejected accusations of corruption after an independent member of parliament published documents last month indicating that companies the prime minister owns shares in had won deals worth 44 million dinars ($15 million) from the state.
Mohammed Ammar from Attayar party, said that a group of parliamentary blocs agreed to start the process of withdrawing confidence from the speaker, citing numerous violations, poor management and unilateral decisions that serve partisan interests.
These blocs include the Tahya Tounes, Attayar, Chaab and Reform parties, which are in the coalition with Ennahda.
The Free Constitutional party led by Abir Moussi, a supporter of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali overthrown by the 2011 revolution, has campaigned to oust Ghannouchi for weeks.
Moussi's party accused Ghannouchi of serving the Muslim Brotherhood’s agenda and foreign allies, including Turkey and Qatar.
Ghannouchi has rejected these accusations, arguing that Tunisians want a government focused on economic and social policy, not political in-fighting.
Procedures for withdrawing confidence require the signature of 73 members of the house for it to be put to a public vote. To succeed, 109 lawmakers will need to vote for no-confidence.
The five parties have about 90 members.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--US CDC reports coronavirus cases rise by 62,918 to 3.2 million total

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19 , caused by the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
ET on July 11 versus its previous report a day earlier .
The CDC @ @ @ @ @ cases reported by individual states .

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on July 11 versus its previous report a day earlier.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday reported 3,236,130 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 62,918 cases from its previous count and said that the number of deaths had risen by 906 to 134,572.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Mexico set to surpass Italy's COVID-19 tally as death toll nears 35,000

Mexico on Saturday recorded 539 additional fatalities to bring its coronavirus toll to 34,730 , with 295,268 confirmed cases .
Italy has recorded 34,945 deaths and 242,827 cases .
While Italy appears to have tamed the virus , the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down in Mexico , where the government has faced criticism for reopening its economy too soon .
Mexican authorities have gradually raised the projections of total fatalities and as recently as June forecast up to 35,000 deaths through October .
In early May , the estimate was 6,000 .
The coronavirus death toll per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers about 120 million , is the 16th highest in the world , according to data by research firm Statista .
But Mexican officials say the true toll is likely much higher due to limited testing .
A Reuters analysis of funeral homes data in May indicated a toll more than double the reported figures .
Hugo Lopez-Gatell , Mexico 's deputy health minister and coronavirus czar , this week said the virus was `` slowing down . ''
But several former officials have criticized President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador 's administration for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health minister Salomon Chertorivski earlier this week said the government had reopened the economy before globally-established criteria for doing so were met .
`` There are three fundamental variables : a reduction in the last 14 days in the numbers of contagions , reduction in recent days in the number of deaths , and reduction in the number of hospitalized people , '' Chertorivski told Mexican newspaper Reforma .
`` None of those three parameters were achieved . ''

Mexico on Saturday recorded 539 additional fatalities to bring its coronavirus toll to 34,730, with 295,268 confirmed cases. Italy has recorded 34,945 deaths and 242,827 cases.
While Italy appears to have tamed the virus, the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down in Mexico, where the government has faced criticism for reopening its economy too soon.
Mexican authorities have gradually raised the projections of total fatalities and as recently as June forecast up to 35,000 deaths through October. In early May, the estimate was 6,000.
The coronavirus death toll per million residents in Mexico, whose population numbers about 120 million, is the 16th highest in the world, according to data by research firm Statista.
But Mexican officials say the true toll is likely much higher due to limited testing. A Reuters analysis of funeral homes data in May indicated a toll more than double the reported figures.
Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Mexico's deputy health minister and coronavirus czar, this week said the virus was "slowing down."
But several former officials have criticized President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration for its handling of the epidemic.
Former health minister Salomon Chertorivski earlier this week said the government had reopened the economy before globally-established criteria for doing so were met.
"There are three fundamental variables: a reduction in the last 14 days in the numbers of contagions, reduction in recent days in the number of deaths, and reduction in the number of hospitalized people," Chertorivski told Mexican newspaper Reforma.
"None of those three parameters were achieved."
MEXICO CITY - Mexico's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic is poised to overtake Italy's and shoot above 35,000 on Sunday, with the Latin American nation set to post the world's fourth highest deaths total, according to Reuters data.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Three more coronavirus hotels to open in next two days

Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz announced on Sunday his intention to open three more hotels housing people who test positive for coronavirus in the coming two days.His decision came at the end of the daily Defense Ministry assessment in coordination with the Health Ministry.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Number of coronavirus victims in Israel reaches 362

The Knesset coronavirus committee meeting is expected to once and for all vote on Monday whether or not to reopen gyms and public pools after a heated debate Sunday and on the backdrop of yet another spike in cases.Some 1,151 people tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, the Health Ministry reported on Sunday, and more than 1,300 on Friday. There were another 646 people diagnosed on Sunday between midnight and press time.On Saturday, only 20,294 people were screened, meaning that the percentage of people who tested positive increased to around 6%, a percentage that Dr. Emilia Ennis, director of the Department of Epidemiology at the Health Ministry, called, “worrisome” during her presentation at the committee meeting.When comparing early July data to April data, Israel’s most difficult month in the fight against coronavirus, so far, she showed, the number of patients infected is trending to be higher than the final number in April. However, the discrepancy could be due to the number of tests being done.On Sunday evening there were 151 people in serious condition, including 47 who were intubated. Some 362 people have died in Israel from the virus.Despite the high numbers, buses are expected to resume running past 10 p.m. on Monday, Transportation Minister Miri Regev said, revoking a decision that went into effect only a few days prior."I came here immediately after the government meeting to take a close look at the bus operation," Transportation Minister Miri Regev said Sunday in a statement that was disseminated by video, “and I see that things are going well… I made a decision: starting tomorrow, buses will run even after 10 p.m.”At the same time, Interior Minister Arye Deri convinced the cabinet that the Health Ministry should be required to publish its “red zone” criteria ahead of designating any new neighborhoods as such. The move came after push back from the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community that decisions were made to discriminate against their community.During the Knesset coronavirus committee meeting, it was revealed that some 170 cases of infection originated since June from weddings, 35 from gyms, 21 from restaurants and six from bars.Ennis, however, said that “in most cases the source of infection is difficult to identify.”She said in as many as one-third of cases, the source of infection is unknown. However, a Health Ministry report that came out soon after her presentation indicated that this number was even higher, perhaps as high as 58%.The Health Ministry showed that from the beginning of the pandemic until July 6 there were 30,162 people infected with coronavirus, but only 21,562 for which the ministry made efforts to track the origin of their infection. The ministry was unable to determine how 12,581 (58%) of those patients were infected.Of the 8,981 (42%) that they could track, the most common places for people to contract the virus are: at home ( approximately 65.8%), educational institutions (10.3%), medical institutions (5.8%), events or conferences (3.95%), synagogues (2.2%), shopping centers or stores (2%), or at recreational locations (1.8%). Another 8.2% were not exposed to any of these places but came in contact with a sick person at an unknown location.Ennis told the committee that the conditions at gyms and pools lend themselves to increased infection and that is why the Health Ministry advised the government to shut them down. Among the conditions at gyms: close quarters, heat, humidity, breathing more and more deeply and touching the surfaces of shared equipment. Among the conditions at pools: No mask wearing, crowding and difficulty in observing the rules of hygiene."It is imperative to find the delicate balance between maintaining public health and the duty to maintain people's livelihoods,” said Knesset coronavirus committee chairwoman Yifat Shasha-Biton at the start of the session. “We must understand what underlies every decision - understand the logic behind these decisions. The issue of social distancing and the observance of Health Ministry guidelines are critical to preventing an outbreak, but also to allowing the economy to function.”“We have no magic solution,” Health Ministry deputy director-general Itamar Grotto said at a previous meeting earlier in the day.In her presentation, Ennis showed that there is an increase in the number of difficult patients.According to the Health Ministry, there was no change in the criteria for who is considered a serious patient, despite reports by the Hebrew media outlet N12 to the contrary.The Health Ministry released a backgrounder on Sunday detailing this criterion, as defined by the World Health Organization. Those with mild symptoms have a low fever, cough, weakness and potentially a loss of taste or smell. Those with moderate symptoms have been diagnosed via a clinical or X-ray with “COVID-19 pneumonia.” Serious patients, as suffering from dyspnea (a respiratory rate of 30 or more breaths per minute), have a blood oxygen saturation of 93% or less, a ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2:FiO2) of less than 300 mm Hg.“If the upward trend in the number of serious patients continues, then the number of these will exceed the number in the first wave,” she continued. “Two days ago, there were 35 new serious patients added in one day, which is more than the peak day in the first wave - 29 new serious patients in a day.”“It is our job to stop the outbreaks before they start,” Ennis said, “After there is already an outbreak, it is very difficult to stop the spread.”Gil Hoffman and Tamar Beeri contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--WHO reports record daily rise in global COVID-19 cases, up over 230,000

The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Sunday , with the total rising by @ @ @ @ @ The biggest increases were from the United States , Brazil , India and South Africa @ @ @ @ @ report .
The previous WHO record for new cases was 228,102 on July 10 .
@ @ @ @ @ 5,000 a day .
Global coronavirus cases were approaching 13 million on Sunday , according @ @ @ @ @ marking another milestone in the spread of the disease that has killed more than 565,000 @ @ @ @ @

The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Sunday, with the total rising by 230,370 in 24 hours.
The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report. The previous WHO record for new cases was 228,102 on July 10. Deaths remained steady at about 5,000 a day.
Global coronavirus cases were approaching 13 million on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally, marking another milestone in the spread of the disease that has killed more than 565,000 people in seven months.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--From Monday, 10:00 p.m. restriction on public transport to be canceled


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--170 Israelis caught coronavirus at weddings in one month, 35 at gyms


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Israeli doctor caught drugging women, raping them on dates - report

Israel Police discovered that a doctor who works at a hospital in the center of the country has been taking women on dates, giving them date rape drugs, and proceeding to have sex with them without their consent, according to Israel's Channel 13.The discovery was made a few days after it was revealed that the Israel Police, alongside the Health Ministry, have been examining the possibility of bringing an Italian technology to Israel which is capable of detecting date rape drugs using a lock of hair.The police is investigating the doctor.


jerusalempost--2020-07-12--Litzman meets with Netanyahu to discuss bias, violence towards haredim

Construction and Housing Minister Ya'acov Litzman met on Sunday afternoon with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after demanding an urgent meeting with the prime minister in order to discuss the harsh coronavirus restrictions set forth in haredi neighborhoods.He claimed that the police was bullying the haredi community and expressed an explicit prejudice against it while using violence, in contrast to other protest.On Saturday night, a large protest in Rabin Square, populated mostly by a secular audience, got violent as police clashed with protesters there, as well.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Kosovo president Thaci meets war crimes prosecutors in The Hague

Before entering the Specialist Chambers set up to handle cases of alleged crimes during the uprising , Thaci said he @ @ @ @ @ reconciliation and peace . ''

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci arrived in The Hague on Monday for a meeting with war crimes prosecutors, who last month indicted him for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Kosovo's 1998-99 uprising against Serbian rule.
Before entering the Specialist Chambers set up to handle cases of alleged crimes during the uprising, Thaci said he stood for "truth, reconciliation and peace."
Prosecutors hold Thaci, an ex-top commander in the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), responsible for nearly 100 murders during the war which ultimately led to Kosovo's independence. Thaci has previously denied involvement in any war crimes during the late 1990s conflict.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Coronavirus c'ttee votes: Swimming pools and gyms to open

while avoiding a general lockdown.
His remarks came before a Channel 13 report said Health Ministry officials said there was no other solution for the country except a second national lockdown.
Some 40,632 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed since the beginning of the outbreak in Israel, 1,336 of whom were ascertained in the previous 24 hours, the ministry announced Monday night. There were 20,560 active cases, while 21,568 people have recovered, it said.
The number of patients in serious condition and intubated also was on the rise, with 183 in serious condition (an increase of 32) and 54 patients (an additional eight) since Sunday night. There are 365 patients who have passed away since the outbreak began.
“We are all responsible one for another. Whoever does not wear a mask endangers all those around,” Levy said during a press conference.
He said he was saddened by the choice of the Knesset Coronavirus Committee to reopen gyms, which he described as places where it is easy to get infected.
, which would clearly cause economic, health and psychological damages,” Levy said. “We are trying to implement restrictions to prevent gatherings that are at the root of the infection.”
The committee voted in favor of the measure just moments after the prime minister’s spokesperson announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein had decided to allow outdoor pools to reopen under stricter requirements but to leave gyms closed.
The committee allowed both kinds of facilities to start operating again.
Immediately after the vote, coalition chairman Miki Zohar called on the committee to replace Knesset Coronavirus Committee Chairwoman MK Yifat Shasha-Biton (Likud). She was eventually suspended.
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman and senior Yamina MK Bezalel Smotrich both called on Blue and White MKs not to allow Shasha-Biton to be removed from her position.
Liberman said if Blue and White representatives in the coalition would “have a drop of self-respect and responsibility left,” they would oppose Shasha-Biton’s removal. Smotrich sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, arguing that the Knesset needs to be “protected from being trampled on,” not only from the High Court of Justice but also by the government.
Earlier in the day, Israel Association of Biochemists, Microbiologists and Laboratory Workers Union head Esther Admon warned that labs performing coronavirus tests were on the verge of collapsing.
The number of daily tests has significantly increased compared with the first wave in the March-April period. Between 20,000 and 30,000 tests have been performed every day countrywide over the past few weeks. On Sunday, 21,539 tests were carried out.
“All labs are in crisis. We are not going to get to the winter,” she said during a meeting of the State Comptroller Committee at the Knesset, as reported by the Hebrew website Ynet. “There is an overload, and we can’t recruit workers.”
Nurses warned that they were near the breaking point and threatened to go on strike.
“The nurses are collapsing. We are no longer able to continue,” Nurses Union chairwoman Ilana Cohen said during an interview on 103 FM, as reported by The Jerusalem Post’s sister publication Maariv. “Before the election, everyone talked about the healthcare system that was drained, about the need to hire hundreds of people, and after the election, everyone forgot.”
As of Monday night, there were 2,894 medical staff in isolation after coming in contact with coronavirus patients, including more than 800 nurses.
In the morning, Netanyahu met with Interior Minister Arye Deri and Construction and Housing Minister Ya’acov Litzman, leaders of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, respectively, to discuss the lockdown imposed on several haredi towns and neighborhoods around the country. In recent days, protesters in some of the areas clashed with police.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the designation of further restricted areas will be discussed with the leaders of the haredi sector.
Health Ministry director-general Hezy Levy on Monday said he is worried about the spike in the number of infections and that decisions the authorities are taking are intended to lower the morbidity rate “We are working to avoid a general lockdown The Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--IDF: 568 active coronavirus patients, 12,130 soldiers in quarantine

The IDF released updated numbers on Monday regarding coronavirus infections among soldiers, officers and civil servants.There are currently 568 soldiers, officers and civil servants who have tested positive to coronavirus.12,130 soldiers are currently in quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Pfizer, BioNTech's coronavirus vaccines get FDA's 'fast track' status

Two experimental coronavirus vaccines by German biotech firm BioNTech and U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer have received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 'fast track' designation, the companies said on Monday.The vaccines, BNT162b1 and BNT162b2, are the two most advanced of the four vaccines being developed by the companies.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Netanyahu asks coronavirus cabinet to reject reopening of pools and gyms


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Several soldiers killed in Armenia-Azerbaijan border clashes

The two former Soviet republics have long been in conflict over Azerbaijan 's breakaway , mainly ethnic Armenian region of @ @ @ @ @ clashes occurred some 300 km ( 190 miles ) from the mountainous enclave .
The @ @ @ @ @ of its soldiers were killed and five wounded while Armenia 's ministry said that two @ @ @ @ @ .
The two sides traded accusations of ceasefire violations and firing artillery .
Exchanges of @ @ @ @ @ continued into Monday in the rugged South Caucasus region .
Nagorno-Karabakh , a highland enclave @ @ @ @ @ by ethnic Armenians who declared independence during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet @ @ @ @ @ Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994 , Azerbaijan and Armenia continue to accuse each @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier .

Several Azeri and Armenian soldiers have been killed and wounded in border clashes, defense ministries of both countries said on Monday, with each accusing the other of encroaching on their territory.
The two former Soviet republics have long been in conflict over Azerbaijan's breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh, although the latest clashes occurred some 300 km (190 miles) from the mountainous enclave.
The Azeri defense ministry said four of its soldiers were killed and five wounded while Armenia's ministry said that two of its soldiers were wounded. The two sides traded accusations of ceasefire violations and firing artillery.
Exchanges of fire began on Sunday and continued into Monday in the rugged South Caucasus region.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a highland enclave within Azerbaijan, is run by ethnic Armenians who declared independence during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union crumbled in 1991.
Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia continue to accuse each other of shooting attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.
The frozen Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has concerned the international community in part because of its threat to stability in a region that serves as a corridor for pipelines taking oil and gas to world markets.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Philippines reports 65 new coronavirus deaths, 836 more infections

In a bulletin , the ministry said total deaths have reached 1,599 , while confirmed infections rose to 57,006 , @ @ @ @ @ Rodrigo Duterte eased the quarantine measures in the capital in June to revive the economy @

The Philippines' health ministry on Monday reported 65 more novel coronavirus deaths and 836 additional infections.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths have reached 1,599, while confirmed infections rose to 57,006, more than triple when President Rodrigo Duterte eased the quarantine measures in the capital in June to revive the economy.
Earlier on Monday, in an announcement delayed from Sunday, the country posted its biggest daily rise in deaths due to the virus at 162.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Elvis Presley's grandson dies aged 27

Elvis Presley's grandson dies aged 27

There was no immediate word from authorities on the circumstances or timing of Keough 's death .
The Los Angeles County coroner 's office confirmed only that the death of an individual of his name and age was under investigation .
Citing unnamed law enforcement sources , celebrity news website TMZ said Keough had taken his own life on Sunday in Calabasas , California , a community northwest of Los Angeles .
That information could not be independently verified .
Keough was the younger of the two children Lisa Marie Presley had by her first husband , musician Danny Keough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The other is actress Riley Keough , 31 .
Presley , 52 , singer-songwriter in her own right , also has twin 11-year-old daughters with her fourth husband , musician-producer Michael Lockwood , whom she wed in 2006 after two brief marriages , to pop star Michael Jackson and actor Nicolas Cage .
She is the only offspring of rock pioneer Presley , by his marriage to actress Priscilla Presley .
Lisa Marie Presley 's only son , who kept a low public profile , bore an uncanny resemblance to his grandfather , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rock ' n ' Roll , '' who died in 1977 .
`` She is completely heartbroken , inconsolable and beyond devastated , but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley , '' Roger Widynowksi , a spokesman for Lisa Marie Presley 's manager , said in a statement .
`` She adored that boy .
He was the love of her life . ''
Her close relationship to her son , whose middle name was Storm , was reported to have inspired the title track she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Storm & Grace , '' released in 2012 .
One of the last times he was seen in public with the family , according to TMZ , was during a vigil at Graceland for the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley 's death .

A little-known member of one of rock 'n' roll music's royal families, Benjamin Keough, grandson of the late Elvis Presley and only son of the "The King's" daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, has died aged 27, her spokesman said on Sunday.
There was no immediate word from authorities on the circumstances or timing of Keough's death. The Los Angeles County coroner's office confirmed only that the death of an individual of his name and age was under investigation.
Citing unnamed law enforcement sources, celebrity news website TMZ said Keough had taken his own life on Sunday in Calabasas, California, a community northwest of Los Angeles. That information could not be independently verified.
Keough was the younger of the two children Lisa Marie Presley had by her first husband, musician Danny Keough, before their divorce in 1994. The other is actress Riley Keough, 31.
Presley, 52, singer-songwriter in her own right, also has twin 11-year-old daughters with her fourth husband, musician-producer Michael Lockwood, whom she wed in 2006 after two brief marriages, to pop star Michael Jackson and actor Nicolas Cage.
She is the only offspring of rock pioneer Presley, by his marriage to actress Priscilla Presley.
Lisa Marie Presley's only son, who kept a low public profile, bore an uncanny resemblance to his grandfather, widely acclaimed as the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," who died in 1977.
"She is completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated, but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley," Roger Widynowksi, a spokesman for Lisa Marie Presley's manager, said in a statement.
"She adored that boy. He was the love of her life."
Her close relationship to her son, whose middle name was Storm, was reported to have inspired the title track she wrote for her third album, "Storm & Grace," released in 2012.
One of the last times he was seen in public with the family, according to TMZ, was during a vigil at Graceland for the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death.
Benjamin Keough was himself a musician who struck a record deal and had earned a couple of acting credits in his burgeoning career, TMZ added.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Hong Kong reports 52 new coronavirus cases as local transmissions spike

Hong Kong recorded 52 new cases of coronavirus on Monday, including 41 that were locally transmitted, health authorities said, as worries over an escalating third wave of infections in the global financial hub grow.Since late January, the Chinese-ruled city has reported more than 1,500 cases and seven deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Gunmen attack army in northeast Lebanon, kill one soldier

Gunmen opened fire on several army positions and a patrol in Lebanon's Baalbek region in the Bekaa Valley overnight, killing one soldier, the military command said in a statement on Monday."A number of armed (men) fired at a patrol belonging to the army and military centers...which led to the martyrdom of one of the soldiers," it said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Thirty-two more coronavirus cases at US Futenma base in Okinawa

Another 32 cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed at the Futenma U.S. military base on the southern island of Okinawa, TV Asahi reported on Monday.That comes on top of 62 previously confirmed infections at U.S. bases on the island, in an outbreak that drew a sharp rebuke from the prefecture's governor.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Russia reports more than 6,500 new coronavirus infections

Russia on Monday reported 6,537 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its overall tally to 733,699, the fourth largest reported in the world.Authorities said 104 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 11,439.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Bomb blast, clash at Afghan government compound, dozens hurt

The attack took place at a government facility in Samangan 's capital , Aybak , close to an office of @ @ @ @ @ the main intelligence agency , officials said .
It was not immediately clear what the @ @ @ @ @ or who was behind it .
`` It 's a complex attack that started with @ @ @ @ @ with the attackers are still going on , '' said Mohammad Sediq Azizi , a @ @ @ @ @ government .
The province 's health director , Khalil Musadeq , said 43 civilians and @ @ @ @ @ had been wounded in the attack , with that number expected to rise and deaths @ @

Gunmen clashed with security forces following a car-bomb blast at a government compound in Afghanistan's northern province of Samangan on Monday, officials said, and more than 40 people were wounded.
The attack took place at a government facility in Samangan's capital, Aybak, close to an office of the National Security Directorate, the main intelligence agency, officials said.
It was not immediately clear what the target of the attack was or who was behind it.
"It's a complex attack that started with a car bomb. Clashes with the attackers are still going on," said Mohammad Sediq Azizi, a spokesman for Samangan's provincial government.
The province's health director, Khalil Musadeq, said 43 civilians and members of the security forces had been wounded in the attack, with that number expected to rise and deaths expected.
The attack comes at a sensitive time as violence in the Afghanistan ramps up even as the United States tries to usher the government and the Taliban towards peace talks to end more than 18 years of war.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Kelly Preston, wife of John Travolta, dies at 57

`` It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her @ @ @ @ @ , '' the 66-year-old `` Grease '' actor said in his post .
Born Kelly @ @ @ @ @ she changed her name to Kelly Preston before securing her first film role in the @ @ @ @ @ '' then appeared in another teen comedy , `` Secret Admirer . ''
Travolta , @ @ @ @ @ movies `` Saturday Night Fever '' and `` Grease , '' met Preston in 1988 @ @ @ @ @ a film called `` The Experts . ''
They married on Sept. 5 , 1991 @ @ @ @ @ is survived by her husband and their children - daughter Ella , 20 , and @ @ @ @ @ son Jett died at age 16 in January 2009 during a family vacation in the @ @

American actress Kelly Preston who has appeared in films including "Jerry Maguire" and "Twins," has died aged 57 after battling breast cancer for nearly two years, her husband, John Travolta, announced in an Instagram post late on Sunday.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer," the 66-year-old "Grease" actor said in his post.
Born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith in Honolulu, she changed her name to Kelly Preston before securing her first film role in the 1985 romcom "Mischief," then appeared in another teen comedy, "Secret Admirer."
Travolta, star of the hit dance movies "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease," met Preston in 1988 when they appeared together in a film called "The Experts." They married on Sept. 5, 1991, in Paris.
Preston is survived by her husband and their children - daughter Ella, 20, and 9-year-old son Benjamin. Their son Jett died at age 16 in January 2009 during a family vacation in the Bahamas.
"I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you," her daughter, Ella Travolta, wrote in a tribute posted on Instagram.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Likud MK Ariel Kallner enters quarantine after coronavirus contact

Likud MK Ariel Kallner has entered quarantine after coming into contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient.Kallner entered quarantine on Sunday night and will be able to leave on Wednesday, July 22.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Public Security Minister Ohana appoints advisor for haredi community

Public Security Minister Amir Ohana appointed on Sunday Maj.-Gen. (Ret.) Arik Yakuel as special advisor in matters regarding the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community.Yakuel, 63, served in the Israel Police in several positions over the years, including chief explosives officer and head of the planning department. Yakuel was the first haredi man to reach such a senior position within the Israel Police ranks.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Intelligence Minister reiterates importance of Shin Bet's surveillance

Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen referred to Shin Bet's surveillance measures on Monday and emphasized their importance in helping combat the spread of coronavirus.Cohen said, "Those who were still doubtful are not anymore. Shin Bet's surveillance is saving lives, preventing a lockdown and helping us bring down the curve. Those who oppose surveillance will have to accept the responsibility for the deaths of many citizens and for the worsening economic situation, which is bad as it is."


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Accused New Zealand mosque shooter to represent himself at sentencing

Brenton Tarrant pleaded guilty earlier this year to 51 charges of murder , 40 charges of attempted murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act .
His guilty plea made a six-week trial due to begin in June redundant .
Tarrant 's decision to represent himself would not affect the sentencing hearing set to begin on Aug. 24 , Judge Cameron Mander said in minutes of a hearing released by the court .
The judge approved Tarrant 's request in a pre-trial video call after he was satisfied that Tarrant understood his rights to have legal representation and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tarrant 's lawyers said there was no `` conflict or relationship breakdown '' between them and Tarrant , and that the request was consistent with his rights .
`` Tarrant has instructed counsel that he wishes to act for himself at sentence , '' the lawyers , who have appeared for Tarrant since his second court appearance on April 5 last year , said in an emailed statement .
`` We are not disappointed by Mr Tarrant 's decision . ''
The sentencing date was formally confirmed on Monday at the high court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survivors and family liaison representatives , the New Zealand Herald said in a report .

An Australian man who pleaded guilty to killing 51 Muslim worshipers in New Zealand's worst mass shooting in 2019 has decided to represent himself a month ahead of the sentencing hearing, the court said on Monday.
Brenton Tarrant pleaded guilty earlier this year to 51 charges of murder, 40 charges of attempted murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act. His guilty plea made a six-week trial due to begin in June redundant.
Tarrant's decision to represent himself would not affect the sentencing hearing set to begin on Aug. 24, Judge Cameron Mander said in minutes of a hearing released by the court.
The judge approved Tarrant's request in a pre-trial video call after he was satisfied that Tarrant understood his rights to have legal representation and that he wished to waive those rights.
Tarrant's lawyers said there was no "conflict or relationship breakdown" between them and Tarrant, and that the request was consistent with his rights.
"Tarrant has instructed counsel that he wishes to act for himself at sentence," the lawyers, who have appeared for Tarrant since his second court appearance on April 5 last year, said in an emailed statement.
"We are not disappointed by Mr Tarrant's decision."
The sentencing date was formally confirmed on Monday at the high court in Christchurch in the presence of shooting survivors and family liaison representatives, the New Zealand Herald said in a report.
Tarrant has been in police custody since March 15, 2019, when he was arrested and accused of using semi-automatic weapons to target Muslims attending Friday prayers at two mosques in the city of Christchurch.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--New Zealand opposition leader resigns two months before election

New Zealand opposition leader Todd Muller unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday after just over 50 days in the role , leaving the conservative National Party scrambling to find a new leader to face Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the Sept. 19 election .
Muller was elected leader of the opposition in May , following a string of opinion polls that showed Ardern 's Labour Party was set to retain power .
`` It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muller said in a statement .
`` The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally , and on my family , and this has become untenable from a health perspective . ''
Muller said he would take some time to spend with his family and `` restore my energy before reconnecting with my community '' .
Ardern passed on her best wishes for Muller and his family .
`` No matter what side of Parliament you 're sitting , politics is a difficult place , '' the New Zealand Herald said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New Zealand goes to the polls in September in what is expected to be a coronavirus-dominated campaign .
Recent opinion polls have predicted that Labour could govern on its own , without needing a coalition partner , helped by the soaring popularity of Ardern with most New Zealanders approving of her government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis.New Zealand opposition leader Todd Muller unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday after just over 50 days in the role , leaving the conservative National Party scrambling to find a new leader to face Prime Minister Jacinda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muller was elected leader of the opposition in May , following a string of opinion polls that showed Ardern 's Labour Party was set to retain power .
`` It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand , '' Muller said in a statement .
`` The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally , and on my family , and this has become untenable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he would take some time to spend with his family and `` restore my energy before reconnecting with my community '' .
Ardern passed on her best wishes for Muller and his family .
`` No matter what side of Parliament you 're sitting , politics is a difficult place , '' the New Zealand Herald said in a report quoting the prime minister .
New Zealand goes to the polls in September in what is expected to be a coronavirus-dominated campaign .
Recent opinion polls have predicted that Labour could govern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition partner , helped by the soaring popularity of Ardern with most New Zealanders approving of her government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis .

New Zealand opposition leader Todd Muller unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday after just over 50 days in the role, leaving the conservative National Party scrambling to find a new leader to face Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the Sept. 19 election.
Muller was elected leader of the opposition in May, following a string of opinion polls that showed Ardern's Labour Party was set to retain power.
"It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand," Muller said in a statement.
"The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally, and on my family, and this has become untenable from a health perspective."
Muller said he would take some time to spend with his family and "restore my energy before reconnecting with my community".
Ardern passed on her best wishes for Muller and his family.
"No matter what side of Parliament you're sitting, politics is a difficult place," the New Zealand Herald said in a report quoting the prime minister.
New Zealand goes to the polls in September in what is expected to be a coronavirus-dominated campaign.
Recent opinion polls have predicted that Labour could govern on its own, without needing a coalition partner, helped by the soaring popularity of Ardern with most New Zealanders approving of her government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.New Zealand opposition leader Todd Muller unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday after just over 50 days in the role, leaving the conservative National Party scrambling to find a new leader to face Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the Sept. 19 election.
Muller was elected leader of the opposition in May, following a string of opinion polls that showed Ardern's Labour Party was set to retain power.
"It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand," Muller said in a statement.
"The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally, and on my family, and this has become untenable from a health perspective."
Muller said he would take some time to spend with his family and "restore my energy before reconnecting with my community".
Ardern passed on her best wishes for Muller and his family.
"No matter what side of Parliament you're sitting, politics is a difficult place," the New Zealand Herald said in a report quoting the prime minister.
New Zealand goes to the polls in September in what is expected to be a coronavirus-dominated campaign.
Recent opinion polls have predicted that Labour could govern on its own, without needing a coalition partner, helped by the soaring popularity of Ardern with most New Zealanders approving of her government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Brazil registers 20,286 confirmed cases of new coronavirus, 733 deaths

BRASILIA - Brazil recorded 20,286 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours as well as @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said on Monday .
Brazil has registered nearly 1.9 million cases since the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ total 72,833 , according to the ministry .

BRASILIA - Brazil recorded 20,286 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours as well as 733 deaths, the Health Ministry said on Monday.
Brazil has registered nearly 1.9 million cases since the pandemic began, while cumulative deaths total 72,833, according to the ministry.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--20 arrested protesting coronavirus lockdown of Haredi J'lem neighborhood

Twenty people were either arrested or detained during clashes with the police as around 300 protested the coronavirus lockdown of the ultra-Orthodox Romema neighborhood of Jerusalem on Monday.One of the protesters was a 13-year-old boy, whose twin brother was also arrested two weeks ago in the Old City. According to Ynet, the protesters fired fireworks, set fire to garbage cans and broke through the checkpoints set up at the site.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Israel passes 40,000 coronavirus cases, 1,336 diagnosed since midnight

The Health Ministry updated that from midnight to 22:30 on Monday evening, 1,336 new cases of coronavirus were identified in Israel, and one additional person has died.The number of active patients now stands at 20,872 - of whom 183 are hospitalized in serious condition and 54 of whom are on ventilators.The death toll in Israel rose to 365, and the total number of confirmed patients in Israel is now 40,632 since the outbreak began.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--California governor orders churches, businesses shut COVID-19 cases surge

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday ordered a massive retrenchment of the state's optimistic reopening on Monday, shutting bars and banning indoor restaurant dining statewide and closing churches, gyms and hair salons in hardest-hit counties.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--IDF soldier injured from live fire in Jordan Valley exercise

An IDF soldier sustained light injuries from live fire during an exercise near Kfir Brigade 's base in Hammam el @ @ @ @ @ , the IDF Spokesperson 's Unit reported Monday evening The soldier reportedly received treatment in @ @ @ @ @ to the Haemek Medical Center in the northern city of Afula .

An IDF soldier sustained light injuries from live fire during an exercise near Kfir Brigade's base in Hammam el Malih in the Jordan Valley, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit reported Monday evening
The soldier reportedly received treatment in the field and was evacuated to the Haemek Medical Center in the northern city of Afula.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--EU should not cease dialog with China over Hong Kong - Merkel

China's decision to impose a new security law on Hong Kong is no reason for the European Union to sever dialog with the world's second-biggest economy, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday."It is important that EU member states are trying to find a common policy toward China and a common answer," Merkel said during a news conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte."This is very important for me. (But) this is no reason not to remain in dialog with China."


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Over 40,000 total coronavirus cases confirmed in Israel

The new numbers mark a rise of about 1,234 patients in the past 24 hours .
Some 183 of the @ @ @ @ @ condition , with 54 people on respirators , meaning over 30 patients were recorded as @ @ @ @ @ patients were intubated over the past 24 hours .

The new numbers mark a rise of about 1,234 patients in the past 24 hours.
Some 183 of the current patients are in serious condition, with 54 people on respirators, meaning over 30 patients were recorded as in serious condition and seven patients were intubated over the past 24 hours.
Some 40,248 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed since the beginning of the outbreak in Israel, according to a Monday evening update by the Health Ministry. 20,560 cases are currently active, while 21,568 patients have recovered and 365 patients have passed away since the outbreak began.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Almost 40,000 total coronavirus cases confirmed in Israel

The new numbers mark a rise of about 1,300 patients in the past 24 hours .
Some 172 of the @ @ @ @ @ condition , with 53 people on respirators .
The Health Ministry released a second update @ @ @ @ @ technical error occurred in data concerning confirmed infections .

The new numbers mark a rise of about 1,300 patients in the past 24 hours.
Some 172 of the current patients are in serious condition, with 53 people on respirators.
The Health Ministry released a second update on Monday afternoon after a technical error occurred in data concerning confirmed infections.
Some 39,979 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed since the beginning of the outbreak in Israel, according to a Monday afternoon update by the Health Ministry. 20,333 cases are currently active, while 21,537 patients have recovered and 364 patients have passed away since the outbreak began.


jerusalempost--2020-07-13--Police, residents clash in Beit Jann, two officers wounded

Two police officers were wounded during clashes in the Druze village of Beit Jann in the Galilee , Kan reported @ @ @ @ @ Kan , clashes broke out in Beit Jann after a Nature and Parks Authority patrol @ @ @ @ @ hand demolition orders to the residents .
The patrol was reportedly attacked by locals .
@ @ @ @ @ on fire and another vehicle was damaged , Kan reported .

Two police officers were wounded during clashes in the Druze village of Beit Jann in the Galilee, Kan reported Monday afternoon.
According to Kan, clashes broke out in Beit Jann after a Nature and Parks Authority patrol arrived at the village to hand demolition orders to the residents.
The patrol was reportedly attacked by locals. A vehicle has been set on fire and another vehicle was damaged, Kan reported.