jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Israel's El Al airlines may be heading back into state hands

El Al 's union told Reuters it did not oppose state control and said the main issue was keeping the carrier flying , as airlines across the globe have grounded planes and sought government aid .
El Al and controlling shareholder Knafaim Holdings have been in bailout talks with the Finance Ministry , which offered to back $ 250 million in bank loans but said El Al must issue $ 150 million in shares .
The state said it would buy the shares , giving it a majority , if no one else did .
El Al , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racked up debt to renew its fleet , suspended flights when Israel closed its borders and furloughed most of its 6,500 employees .
It has said it faces bankruptcy without state help .
The government has indicated it would not let Israeli aviation collapse , calling it a strategic asset , Meidan Bar , chairman of the Israel Air Line Pilots Association , said .
He said El Al provided a vital link to the world , as most other international airlines had halted flights to Israel during periods of conflict in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority , it would give control to an independent trustee to handle daily operations and would seek to sell the shares in the future , a senior finance ministry official told Reuters .
`` The state is not interested in nationalising El Al and making it a government company .
The aim is to assist the company so it can recover from the crisis , '' the official said .
`` We know we are headed down a new road , it does n't matter if it 's a government or private company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the transport union at Israel 's labour federation .
`` We know we will have to let a number of workers go . ''

The coronavirus crisis may be pushing El Al Israel Airlines back into the hands of the state, less than two decades after the flag carrier was privatised.
El Al's union told Reuters it did not oppose state control and said the main issue was keeping the carrier flying, as airlines across the globe have grounded planes and sought government aid.
El Al and controlling shareholder Knafaim Holdings have been in bailout talks with the Finance Ministry, which offered to back $250 million in bank loans but said El Al must issue $150 million in shares. The state said it would buy the shares, giving it a majority, if no one else did.
El Al, which has reported losses for two years running and racked up debt to renew its fleet, suspended flights when Israel closed its borders and furloughed most of its 6,500 employees. It has said it faces bankruptcy without state help.
The government has indicated it would not let Israeli aviation collapse, calling it a strategic asset, Meidan Bar, chairman of the Israel Air Line Pilots Association, said.
He said El Al provided a vital link to the world, as most other international airlines had halted flights to Israel during periods of conflict in the past.
If the state had a majority, it would give control to an independent trustee to handle daily operations and would seek to sell the shares in the future, a senior finance ministry official told Reuters.
"The state is not interested in nationalising El Al and making it a government company. The aim is to assist the company so it can recover from the crisis," the official said.
El Al and Knafaim Holdings declined to comment.
"We know we are headed down a new road, it doesn't matter if it's a government or private company," said Avi Edri, head of the transport union at Israel's labour federation. "We know we will have to let a number of workers go."
Two decades ago, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was finance minister, he led a push to sell El Al and other state-owned companies. His office declined to comment on El Al's fate.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--US aircraft intercept Russian nuclear-capable bombers near Alaska

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MOSCOW - US fighter jets intercepted and escorted four Russian nuclear-capable bombers during a routine flight over neutral waters near the United States, the RIA news agency reported on Wednesday, citing the Russian Defence Ministry.Russia said the 11-hour flight, carried out by its Tupolev Tu-95MS bombers, complied with international law and that US F-22 Raptor tactical fighters had accompanied its planes during some stages of their flight.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--North Korean leader's sister emerges as policymaker in spat with South

Believed to be in her early 30s , Kim Yo Jong is the only close relative of the North Korean leader to play a public role in politics .
During the 2018-2019 flurry of international diplomacy , Kim Yo Jong garnered global attention by leading a delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea .
Later , she was often seen dashing about to make sure everything went well for her older brother , including holding an ashtray for him at a train station on his way to a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more public policy role , cementing her status as an influential political player in her own right .
`` Prior to this , Kim Yo Jong was portrayed in state media as Kim Jong Un 's sister , his protocol officer , or one of his accompanying officials , '' said Rachel Minyoung Lee , a former North Korea open source intelligence analyst in the U.S. government .
`` Now , North Koreans know for sure there is more to her than that . ''
Kim has worked behind the scenes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role that led the United States to add her to a list of sanctioned senior officials in 2017 because of human rights abuses and censorship .

The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is taking a leading role in a new, more hard-line pressure campaign against South Korea, highlighting what analysts say is a substantive policy role that goes beyond being her brother's assistant.
Believed to be in her early 30s, Kim Yo Jong is the only close relative of the North Korean leader to play a public role in politics.
During the 2018-2019 flurry of international diplomacy, Kim Yo Jong garnered global attention by leading a delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. Later, she was often seen dashing about to make sure everything went well for her older brother, including holding an ashtray for him at a train station on his way to a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam.
But this year, Kim has taken on a more public policy role, cementing her status as an influential political player in her own right.
"Prior to this, Kim Yo Jong was portrayed in state media as Kim Jong Un's sister, his protocol officer, or one of his accompanying officials," said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former North Korea open source intelligence analyst in the U.S. government. "Now, North Koreans know for sure there is more to her than that."
Kim has worked behind the scenes in North Korea's propaganda agencies, a role that led the United States to add her to a list of sanctioned senior officials in 2017 because of human rights abuses and censorship.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Russia's coronavirus case tally approaches 500,000

The country 's coronavirus crisis response center said 216 people had died from the virus in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ toll to 6,358 .

Russia on Wednesday reported 8,404 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the nationwide tally of infections to 493,657.
The country's coronavirus crisis response center said 216 people had died from the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to 6,358.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Netanyahu meets again with Bulgarian PM on Friday

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held another meeting Friday morning with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov in Varna, Bulgaria.The two leaders discussed continued cooperation between their two countries in security, economics and technology.In light of the intention of Israel, Greece and Cyprus to promote the construction of the East-Med pipeline for the export of gas to Europe, the prime ministers also discussed cooperation in this area. Netanyahu said on Thursday that he believes that part of the gas will also reach Bulgaria.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Bulgaria on Thursday to meet with the heads of four Balkan countries and further his policy of forging sub-alliances inside the EU to counteract what he views as hostile treatment of Israel from Brussels.Herb Keinon contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Entrance to Jerusalem blocked by protesters

Protesters have blocked the main entrance leading to Jerusalem on morning , demanding solutions to the culture crisis , Israeli @ @ @ @ @ come amid the culture crisis , after several weeks of prominent artists and institutes demanding @ @ @ @ @ that has hit the culture world in Israel due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ jams on Sha'ar Hagai , the main road leading to Jerusalem .

Protesters have blocked the main entrance leading to Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, demanding solutions to the culture crisis, Israeli media reported.
The protests come amid the culture crisis, after several weeks of prominent artists and institutes demanding solutions to the economic crisis that has hit the culture world in Israel due to the coronavirus pandemic.The protests have caused serious traffic jams on Sha'ar Hagai, the main road leading to Jerusalem.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Pence: no rise in US coronavirus cases seen yet due to protests

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday there had been no sign yet of an increase in coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ protests over police misconduct and racism .
`` What I can tell you is that @ @ @ @ @ we do n't see an increase in new cases now , nearly two weeks on @ @ @ @ @ took effect , '' Pence said in an interview on Fox Business Network .
`` @ @ @ @ @ wearing masks and engaging in some social distancing , '' he said .

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday there had been no sign yet of an increase in coronavirus cases from two weeks of nationwide protests over police misconduct and racism.
"What I can tell you is that, at this point, we don't see an increase in new cases now, nearly two weeks on from when the first protests took effect," Pence said in an interview on Fox Business Network.
"Many people at protests were wearing masks and engaging in some social distancing," he said.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Brazil's COVID-19 death toll nears 40,000

With another 1,274 fatalities , the death toll in Brazil has reached 39,680 , the world 's third highest after @ @ @ @ @ .

With another 1,274 fatalities, the death toll in Brazil has reached 39,680, the world's third highest after the United States and Britain.
Brazil registered 772,416 confirmed cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, with 32,913 new infections in the last 24 hours, as the world's second worst outbreak after the United States continued to surge.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Pelosi urges Congress to remove Confederate statues from US Capitol

USHouse of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday urged Congress to immediately take steps to remove from the US Capitol 11 statues representing Confederate leaders and soldiers from the 1860s Civil War."Their statues pay homage to hate, not heritage. They must be removed," Pelosi, a Democrat, said in a letter to leaders of a congressional committee in charge of managing the statues on display at the Capitol.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--35-year-old man critically wounded in Haifa shooting

A 35-year-old man is in critical condition after being wounded by gunfire on Raziel Street in Haifa early Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ the scene to treat the 35-year-old man , where they found him unconscious .
The @ @ @ @ @ remain unclear .

A 35-year-old man is in critical condition after being wounded by gunfire on Raziel Street in Haifa early Thursday.
MDA paramedics were called to the scene to treat the 35-year-old man, where they found him unconscious. The circumstances surrounding the shooting incident remain unclear.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Raanana kindergarten closed after child's mother diagnosed with COVID-19

In accordance with the Health Ministry 's guidelines on exposure , the municipality decided to close the kindergarten as a @ @ @ @ @ spread of coronavirus .
Disinfectant procedures and cleaning of the kindergarten will be conducted by @ @ @ @ @

Disinfectant procedures and cleaning of the kindergarten will be conducted by municipal authorities early Thursday. In accordance with the Health Ministry's guidelines on exposure, the municipality decided to close the kindergarten as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Disinfectant procedures and cleaning of the kindergarten will be conducted by municipal authorities early Thursday.
The Savion kindergarten in Raanana, north of Tel Aviv, will be closed Thursday after a mother of one of the children tested positive for the coronavirus earlier Wednesday, according to a report by Walla news.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--1,058 IDF soldiers in quarantine, with 26 active infections

The number of Israel Defense Soldiers (IDF) currently self-isolating due to potential exposure to the coronavirus currently stands at 1,058.As of right now there are 26 verified cases of coronavirus among IDF personnel.Meanwhile an additional 243 IDF soldiers, permanent personnel and military workers have recovered or have been released from service.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Guards who shot Sheba stabber to be interrogated under caution - report

The guards who shot Mustafa Younis in the Sheba Medical Center last month will be interrogated under caution , Haaretz @ @ @ @ @ the State Attorney 's Office .
Younis , a 27-year-old man from Kafr Ara , @ @ @ @ @ Ramat Gan 's Sheba Medical Center in May after stabbing a security guard during an @ @ @ @ @ initially reported as a suspected terror incident , but police later confirmed the incident was @ @

The guards who shot Mustafa Younis in the Sheba Medical Center last month will be interrogated under caution, Haaretz reported Wednesday evening, citing the State Attorney's Office.
Younis, a 27-year-old man from Kafr Ara, was shot and killed at Ramat Gan's Sheba Medical Center in May after stabbing a security guard during an altercation. The incident was initially reported as a suspected terror incident, but police later confirmed the incident was criminal.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Coronavirus update: 18,355 people have been infected - up 175 from Tuesday

Similarly , the number of Israel Defense Soldiers ( IDF ) currently self-isolating due to potential exposure to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ As of right now there are 26 verified cases of coronavirus among IDF personnel .

Similarly, the number of Israel Defense Soldiers (IDF) currently self-isolating due to potential exposure to the coronavirus currently stands at 1,058. As of right now there are 26 verified cases of coronavirus among IDF personnel.
Police are cracking down on Israelis who are not wearing masks in public spaces and on businesses that are open but not adhering to the Health Ministry’s Purple Ribbon standards.According to Police, some 381 tickets and fines were administered over the last day – four times the number handed out on an average day last week.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the National Security Council to help cops and inspectors step up enforcement of Health Ministry regulations, such as wearing masks and maintaining two meters distances, in order to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus and to keep the economy open.Some 175 Israelis were diagnosed with coronavirus in the last day, bringing the total number of active cases to 2,869, among them 31 in serious condition, including 22 on ventilators. So far, 299 people have died.But senior health experts explain that it is not just the numbers that are worrisome, but rather how widespread the infection is across the country. According to the Health Ministry, there are sick people in more than 100 cities and towns.On the other hand, the spike still does seem to have started as a result of opening up schools and preschools in full last month. As such, the average age of people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 is lower than it was during the first peak.In the last 10 days, 11.2% of infections were children nine and younger, 23% children between the ages of 10 and 19, and 57% adults under 59 – perhaps parents or teachers. In contrast, only 14.4% of people infected are over the age of 60 (7.3% between 60 and 80).During the first peak, 18% of infections were in people over 60. Older people and people with chronic illness are at greater risk of experiencing serious symptoms or dying from the disease.Israeli school children have had a challenging year, first moving to online learning as the schools shut down to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Then, learning in capsules.Now, thousands of children are in isolation after classmates or teachers became infected with COVID-19. The Education Ministry reported on Wednesday night that there are 433 sick students and teachers, and 23,969 in isolation. Some 144 schools are closed.As such, student in grades 11 and 12 are unsure if they will succeed at their matriculation exams.Israel’s National Student and Youth Council has called on the Education Ministry to “stop confusing the students” and to issue clear guidelines on how students in grades 11 and 12 should study and prepare for their matriculation exams in the shadow of coronavirus.“In recent days, a number of inquiries have come to us regarding the difficulty created by the coronavirus crisis,” the council said in a statement, highlighting students who were forced into isolation or schools that were closed, thereby leaving them no teacher to help them study for their exams.Known as the “Bagrut,” Israeli matriculation exams are used for assessing the knowledge of students on subjects covered in high school and can impact their placement in the IDF and then college.Council chairman Nimrod Peperni noted that it was also brought to the council’s attention that some students were being penalized for not attending school after the Education Ministry said that attendance was voluntary during the coronavirus crisis. He said that students’ grades were being impacted by their failure to attend, including those who are afraid of becoming infected and those who cannot come because they or someone in their family is high-risk.At the same time, it is still unclear when the school year will end for children in younger grades, as Teachers’ Association chairman Ran Erez has still not signed an agreement to add nine days to the school year to make up for some of the school days lost to the first coronavirus peak. Because he has not signed, neither will Yaffa Ben-David, the head of the Israeli Teachers Union, who is responsible for extending elementary schools.Erez has reportedly committed verbally, but only next week are the two expected to meet and finalize the decision. If they sign, school will end on July 13.Already, the National Security Council is planning for what schools and the rest of Israel will look like in the fall and winter, when many health experts have predicted Israel will see a second wave alongside seasonal flu.Plexiglass between student desks and rapid epidemiological tracking are just two of the efforts that are being considered, according to a plan prepared by the National Security Council.The document, which was obtained by the Hebrew website N12, outlines various steps that would need to be taken in preparation for a second wave.According to N12, the plan includes increasing the country’s ability to track where sick people have been and with whom they have interacted in order to quickly stop the infection chain. It also addresses at-risk populations, such as the elderly, and discusses the need to continually review the situation through the Health Ministry’s Magen Avot v’Imahot (Guarding Fathers and Mothers) program.The Bedouin and foreign workers communities are specifically highlighted as needing extra attention since they have had high infection rates.Regarding the education system, it calls on schools and the Education Ministry to begin preparing for the school year that opens September 2020 and raises the idea of Plexiglas partitions between student desks.N12 said that the document also highlights the need for continued dialogue with countries that are leading the fight against the virus and learning from them about how they face various challenges of returning to routine. On Wednesday, Netanyahu spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and again discussed the potential areas in which India and Israel could expand their cooperation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including research and development efforts in the fields of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--David Friedman to meet Netanyahu, Gantz, Ashkenazi on annexation

US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , Alternate Prime Minister Benny @ @ @ @ @ Ashkenazi on Sunday , according to Channel 13 .
The meeting is reportedly meant to @ @ @ @ @ three officials , getting them on the same page regarding Israel 's upcoming annexation of @ @ @ @ @ and the Jordan Valley .

US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Sunday, according to Channel 13.
The meeting is reportedly meant to reconcile the differences between the three officials, getting them on the same page regarding Israel's upcoming annexation of parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Coronavirus in Israel's schools: 23,969 students & teachers in isolation


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Minneapolis police chief breaks off talks with officer union

The Minneapolis Police Department will withdraw from contract negotiations with the police union, one step in a planned reform of the department in the wake of George Floyd's death, the department's chief said on Wednesday.Chief Medaria Arradondo also said that he would implement a new early warning system to identify police officer conduct that would allow supervisors to more quickly address problems.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--US protesters topple statue of Christopher Columbus, throw it in a lake

A wave of demonstrations has swept across the United States and Europe following the death of George Floyd .
Floyd @ @ @ @ @ a police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he was held @ @ @ @ @ in Minneapolis on May 25 .
Some of the civil action has focused on monuments @ @ @ @ @ , which some people see as offensive in today 's multi-ethnic society .
Protesters have @ @ @ @ @ empire and the slave trade .

Anti-racism protesters in Virginia tore down a statue of Christopher Columbus on Tuesday night in Byrd park in Richmond, then draped it in a burning flag and dumped it in a lake, images of the incident posted on social media showed.
A wave of demonstrations has swept across the United States and Europe following the death of George Floyd.
Floyd, 46, died after a police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he was held face down in a street in Minneapolis on May 25.
Some of the civil action has focused on monuments glorifying countries' imperialist past, which some people see as offensive in today's multi-ethnic society. Protesters have torn down statues linked to empire and the slave trade.
Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451 and his voyages across the Atlantic opened the way for European colonization of the Americas. He first arrived in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492, a date marked as Columbus Day in the United States, a federal holiday.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Toppled statue of slave trader in Bristol to be put in a museum

Anti-racism protesters pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol on Sunday and threw it into the harbor , @ @ @ @ @ 's imperial past .

A toppled statue of a 17th Century English slave trader will be retrieved from the harbor and exhibited in a museum, Bristol City Council said on Wednesday.
Anti-racism protesters pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol on Sunday and threw it into the harbor, triggering a debate about Britain's imperial past.
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said Colston's statue would be retrieved and displayed alongside Black Lives Matter placards from the recent protest so the 300 year story of slavery and the fight for racial equality could be better understood.


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Swedish police investigating reports of gunshots at shopping mall

Police said it was responding to calls that shots had been fired in a shopping complex in the northern suburb @ @ @ @ @ telecom heavyweight Ericsson and that it had opened a preliminary investigation into suspected robbery .
@ @ @ @ @ aggravated robbery in the Kista mall , '' a police spokesman said .

Swedish police said on Wednesday they were investigating reports of gunshots having been fired at a shopping mall in the Stockholm suburb of Kista in what they believed was an attempted robbery.
Police said it was responding to calls that shots had been fired in a shopping complex in the northern suburb home to the headquarters of telecom heavyweight Ericsson and that it had opened a preliminary investigation into suspected robbery.
"There is an attempted aggravated robbery in the Kista mall," a police spokesman said.
"We have located the victim who is not physically injured."


jerusalempost--2020-06-10--Turkey claims radical groups are trying to disrupt ceasefire in Idlib

`` There are some radical groups , some unknown groups with their own agenda there that have attempted to disrupt @ @ @ @ @ it , but we are discussing it with our Russian counterparts and the March 5 @ @ @ @ @ Akar told broadcaster A Haber .
He made no mention of air strikes on Monday @ @ @ @ @ rebel-held villages , the first such strikes since the March ceasefire .

Radical groups in Syria's northwestern Idlib region are trying to disrupt a three-month-old ceasefire reached by Turkey and Russia but the agreement still stands, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Wednesday.
"There are some radical groups, some unknown groups with their own agenda there that have attempted to disrupt the ceasefire and are violating it, but we are discussing it with our Russian counterparts and the March 5 agreement still stands," Akar told broadcaster A Haber.
He made no mention of air strikes on Monday on several villages in Syrian rebel-held villages, the first such strikes since the March ceasefire.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Egypt allows foreign tourists to some resorts from July 1

Egypt closed its airports in March as part of its measures to curb the spread of the deadly disease .

Egypt will allow scheduled international flights and foreign tourists to resorts that have been least affected by the coronavirus starting from July 1, the cabinet said.
Egypt suspended regular international flights in March and shut down restaurants, hotels and cafes.
Airports remain closed to all but domestic and repatriation flights, but hotels were last month allowed to reopen for domestic tourists at reduced capacity if they met strict health protocols.
The areas opening up are southern Sinai, where the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab are located, and Red Sea province, home to the Hurghada and Marsa Alam resorts, as well as Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean, the cabinet statement said.
The pandemic has shut down Egypt's tourist sector, which accounts for 5% of GDP.
Egypt also announced the relaxation of some restrictions during the next two weeks, including reducing the night curfew by an hour. Shop hours will be extended by an hour.
Egypt, a country of around 100 million people, has reported 38,284 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, including 1,342 deaths. New daily cases have stayed above 1,000 over the past two weeks.
Egypt is also considering reopening mosques in least affected provinces starting from July 1 and will hold end-of-year exams for the last grade high school students as scheduled later this month, State Information Minister Osama Heikal told a televised briefing.
Public beaches and parks will remain shut until the end of June, he added.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Gantz discusses Israel-EU relations, Iran with EU Foreign Minister Borell

Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz emphasized his commitment to peace and security in a conversation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell on Thursday.Gantz told Borrell he is "committed to promoting the peace process" and emphasized that he wants an "open dialogue with the European community and regional partners."The defense minister also said he "will do all it takes to protect Israel's security."Borrell has repeatedly criticized Israel for considering extending its laws to parts of the West Bank, despite a lack of unanimity among EU member states in approval of the statements he has released.In the statements, Borrell has said that annexation goes against international law and the EU will not let it stand without a response.While the EU has not made specific threats to Israel, there are a number of areas in which EU-Israel ties can be weakened if the government proceeds with annexation, such as the multi-billion Euro Horizon program for scientific cooperation, which is up for renewal next year.However, formal sanctions are not on the table, because they require unanimity and some member states have ruled it out.Gantz and Borrell also discussed the need to take action to stop Iran from attaining nuclear weapons.The alternate prime minister called on the EU "to promote an assertive policy and act to continue the arms embargo on the Iranian regime."


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Riots in Mea She'arim: Policemen stoned, three suspects arrested

Police officers entered the haredi ( ultra-Orthodox ) neighborhood of Mea She'arim in Jerusalem and were attacked by individuals who @ @ @ @ @ them from a nearby rooftop , Ynet reported on Thursday .
Reinforcements were dispatched to @ @ @ @ @ Police reported that three suspects were arrested for disorderly conduct .

Police officers entered the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) neighborhood of Mea She'arim in Jerusalem and were attacked by individuals who threw stones and bottles at them from a nearby rooftop, Ynet reported on Thursday. Reinforcements were dispatched to the scene.
The Israel Police reported that three suspects were arrested for disorderly conduct.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 7.38 million, death toll at 415,545

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More than 7.38 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 415,545 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Ivory Coast army says 12 soldiers killed and seven wounded

Two other gendarmes are reported missing , while one assailant was killed The officer said the assailants were believed to @ @ @ @ @ Faso .

Some 12 Ivorian soldiers were killed and other seven wounded in an attack at a northern border post near Burkina Faso early on Thursday, a senior officer at the Ivorian army chief of staff office told Reuters by phone.
Two other gendarmes are reported missing, while one assailant was killed
The officer said the assailants were believed to have come from neighboring Burkina Faso.
Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso launched a joint military operation last month to the tackle expanding threat from Islamist jihadists linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State in the Sahel region.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Malaysia reports 31 new coronavirus cases; no new deaths

Malaysian health authorities on Thursday reported 31 new coronavirus cases, raising the cumulative total to 8,369 cases.The health ministry also reported no new deaths, keeping total fatalities at 118.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Philippines reports nine novel coronavirus deaths, 443 more infections

The Philippines' health ministry on Thursday confirmed nine more new coronavirus deaths and 443 additional infections.In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed infections have increased to 24,175 while deaths have reached 1,036.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Indonesia coronavirus-related deaths reach 2,000

Indonesia reported 979 new coronavirus infections and 41 new deaths on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 35,295 and fatalities to 2,000, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.He said 12,636 people have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Beijing city reports first confirmed COVID-19 case in nearly two months

The patient , a 52-year-old man , checked into a clinic on Wednesday due to a fever , according to @ @ @ @ @ 's Daily .
The patient said he has not left Beijing or been in contact @ @ @ @ @ overseas in the last two weeks , the report said .

Beijing has confirmed a new coronavirus case on Thursday, Chinese official and ruling Communist Party-backed media reported, the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the capital in nearly two months.
The patient, a 52-year-old man, checked into a clinic on Wednesday due to a fever, according to the official party newspaper People's Daily. The patient said he has not left Beijing or been in contact with anyone who traveled from overseas in the last two weeks, the report said.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Russia's coronavirus case tally passes the half million mark

Russia on Thursday reported 8,779 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing its nationwide infection tally to 502,436.Officials said 174 people had died in the last 24 hours, pushing the official national death toll to 6,532


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Stabbing incident at Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center

An unusual violent incident took place at the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center in Be'er Ya'akov on Wednesday night , during @ @ @ @ @ multiple times by a visitor .
The victim had reportedly admitted himself to the emergency @ @ @ @ @ being involved in a fight .
The assailant , who arrived at the medical center @ @ @ @ @ the victim with multiple stabbings .
The victim is currently hospitalized and is in stable @ @

An unusual violent incident took place at the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center in Be'er Ya'akov on Wednesday night, during which a man was stabbed multiple times by a visitor.
The victim had reportedly admitted himself to the emergency room during the night after being involved in a fight.
The assailant, who arrived at the medical center later that night, attacked the victim with multiple stabbings. The victim is currently hospitalized and is in stable condition.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Gantz instructs Defense Ministry to nominate soldier's commissioner

The soldier 's commissioner is responsible for inquiring complaints made by soldiers , detect deficiencies and offer suitable solutions .
@ @ @ @ @ Eitan Dahan has been filling the position for the past year and a half while @ @ @ @ @ the Defense Ministry and will stay in the position until a permanent commissioner is found @

The soldier's commissioner is responsible for inquiring complaints made by soldiers, detect deficiencies and offer suitable solutions.
Brigadier-General (ret.) Eitan Dahan has been filling the position for the past year and a half while also functioning as comptroller of the Defense Ministry and will stay in the position until a permanent commissioner is found.
Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz has instructed Defense Ministry Director-General, Major-General (ret.) Amir Eshel, to start the process of nominating a permanent commissioner for soldiers on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Thailand reports no new coronavirus cases, no new deaths

It was the first time in nearly three weeks that no cases were reported and the 17th day without a @ @ @ @ @ cases have been found in quarantine among Thais returning from abroad .

Thailand on Thursday reported no new coronavirus infections or deaths, maintaining the total of 3,125 confirmed cases and 58 fatalities.
It was the first time in nearly three weeks that no cases were reported and the 17th day without a local transmission. All recent cases have been found in quarantine among Thais returning from abroad.
There are 2,987 patients who have recovered, said Panprapa Yongtrakul, a spokeswoman for the government's COVID-19 Administration Centre.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--US could reach 200,000 coronavirus deaths in September, expert says

The United States may see 200,000 deaths because of the coronavirus at some point in September , a leading expert @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases surpassed 2 million on Wednesday as governments relax restrictions .
Ashish Jha , @ @ @ @ @ Global Health Institute , told CNN in an interview on Wednesday that without drastic action @ @ @ @ @ deaths would march on .
`` Even if we do n't have increasing cases , @ @ @ @ @ flat , it 's reasonable to expect that we 're going to hit 200,000 deaths @ @ @ @ @ September , '' Jha said .
`` And that 's just through September .
The @ @ @ @ @ in September . ''
Total US coronavirus-related deaths totaled 112,754 on Wednesday , the most @ @ @ @

The United States may see 200,000 deaths because of the coronavirus at some point in September, a leading expert said, while total U.S. coronavirus cases surpassed 2 million on Wednesday as governments relax restrictions.
Ashish Jha, the head of Harvard's Global Health Institute, told CNN in an interview on Wednesday that without drastic action, the number of U.S. deaths would march on.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Mexico confirms 4,883 coronavirus cases in new daily record

Mexico 's health ministry reported a record 4,883 new confirmed coronavirus infections along with 708 additional fatalities on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ country to 129,184 cases and 15,357 deaths .

Mexico's health ministry reported a record 4,883 new confirmed coronavirus infections along with 708 additional fatalities on Wednesday, bringing the total in the country to 129,184 cases and 15,357 deaths.
The government has said the real number of infected people is significantly higher than the official count.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Israeli Foreign Minister Ashkenazi congratulates Trump for ICC sanctions

`` I thank President Trump for taking steps against the politically driven tribunal which illegitimately claims jurisdiction over Israel and @ @ @ @ @ Ashkenazi said on Twitter .

"I thank President Trump for taking steps against the politically driven tribunal which illegitimately claims jurisdiction over Israel and the United States," Ashkenazi said on Twitter.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Thursday evening congratulated US President Donald Trump and his administration on the decision to impose sanctions on officials at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Former inmates protest in Tel Aviv against coronavirus restrictions

Dozens of former inmates and their family members protested at Tel Aviv ’ s Rabin Square on Thursday evening against @ @ @ @ @ immoral attempt to use the coronavirus restrictions to harm inmates and their families .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the right place but that does not mean we deserve to be punished for it @ @ @ @ @ at the protest , according to Kan. “ [ The ] coronavirus is just an @ @ @ @ @ read .
Public Security Minister Amir Ohana recently suggested that , should the number of @ @ @ @ @ would be denied family visits and meeting their lawyers to avoid spreading the virus .

Dozens of former inmates and their family members protested at Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square on Thursday evening against what they claim is an immoral attempt to use the coronavirus restrictions to harm inmates and their families.
אסירים משוחררים ובני משפחותיהם מפגינים בשעה זו בכיכר רבין בתל אביב, במחאה על הצפיפות בבתי הכלא והגבלות הקורונה@Roi_Yanovsky pic.twitter.com/MRnnVLG2Mj — כאן חדשות (@kann_news) June 11, 2020
“We were not born in the right place but that does not mean we deserve to be punished for it,” a man said at the protest, according to Kan.
“[The] coronavirus is just an excuse,” one sign read.
Public Security Minister Amir Ohana recently suggested that, should the number of COVID-19 patients increase, inmates would be denied family visits and meeting their lawyers to avoid spreading the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Fire on Palestinian plantation suspected to be arson by settlers

A fire that broke out on a Palestinian plantation in the West Bank is suspected of being arson at the hands of Israeli settlers, Israel's KAN News reported on Thursday night.Security cameras in the village showed three Israelis arriving at the location of the fire before it broke out.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Hezbollah commander announced dead under murky circumstances – report

Top-ranking Hezbollah commander Hassan Mahmoud Farhat was reported dead under circumstances that are not clear at the time of this writing, KAN tweeted on Thursday evening.
בחיזבאללה הודיעו על מותו של חסן מחמוד פרחאת, מפקד בכיר בארגון, בנסיבות לא ברורות. בחוגים המקורבים לארגון מדווחים על כך שהוא מת בתאונה בכפרו בדרום לבנון@MosheBerkovitch — כאן חדשות (@kann_news) June 11, 2020
Sources close to Hezbollah report that Farhat was killed in accident in his village in southeast Lebanon.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Beersheba school closes after student tests positive for coronavirus

Ben Gurion private school in Beersheba will be closed from Friday and on because one of the students tested positive for coronavirus.All of the students and teachers were sent into quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--US lawmakers back new helicopter safety equipment after Kobe Bryant crash

A group of Democratic US lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation that would require new safety equipment on helicopters that carry six or more passengers in the wake of a crash that killed NBA star Kobe Bryant in January.The new equipment includes terrain awareness and warning systems and crash-resistant flight data and voice recorders.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Coronavirus surges in Israel: 214 new cases in one day

Bedouin towns in the South and areas of southern Tel Aviv where many foreign workers live face an immediate lockdown after they were designated “red zones” by the coronavirus cabinet on Thursday.The move came as the number of cases of coronavirus in Israel continues to spike, increasing by more than 200 within 24 hours. At last count, the number of active cases was 3,019, including 34 in serious condition, 24 of whom are intubated.Moreover, another Israeli succumbed to the virus, bringing the death toll to 300. The mortality rate in Israel is 1.6%, which means about one out of 61 coronavirus patients have died.“I’m afraid that in a month and a half we will see a mass of severely ill patients,” outgoing Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov warned on Thursday in an interview with N12.Rather than globally reinstate restrictions, the cabinet decided to step up communication and enforcement of Health Ministry regulations. The Israel Police said it administered 965 fines on Thursday.However, the cabinet agreed to monitor the situation and reconvene next week to consider further restrictions, including returning middle and high schools to a capsule or distance learning system.The Education Ministry reported Thursday evening that 460 students and faculty have tested positive for coronavirus, and 25,517 are in isolation. Some 165 schools are closed.Israel is averaging about 200 new patients every day, the same amount it had during the first coronavirus peak, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday. The number of cases began doubling every couple of days then, and the country was at risk of having a high number of serious patients and deaths.“The distance between 200 and the peak was 10 days away,” Netanyahu said during a prime-time television briefing. “If it continues, we will restore restrictions, and the economy will stop.”On March 22, Israel had 188 daily cases. On March 31, it had 663 daily cases, a 252% increase.The spike in cases is because “we did not adhere to the rules,” Netanyahu said. “I say it directly and honestly: We did not. I ask you to do what I am talking about more strongly in the coming days.”Using the Hebrew acronym mami, he said the public should remember the regulations: wear a mask, keep a distance of two meters and wash hands.At the same time, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said while “the easiest thing for me is to lead a line of closures,” he would first tackle the virus by increasing testing.On Wednesday, Israel tested the highest number of people in one day to date: 17,212.Speaking after Netanyahu, Finance Minister Israel Katz announced two additional financial-assistance measures for unemployed workers aged over 67 and for employees eligible for negative income tax.Workers aged over 67 who are yet to return to the workforce will receive an additional grant of NIS 4,000, Katz said. Individuals eligible for negative income tax will immediately receive all financial aid previously set to be paid over the next year.According to data published by the Israeli Employment Service on Thursday evening, almost 323,000 employees have formally reported their return to the workplace since restrictions were first eased on April 19.Eytan Halon contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Itzik Shmuli meets with LGBTQ+ organizations amid Pride Month

Labor and Social Services Minister Itzik Shmuli met with LGBTQ+ organizations on Thursday amid Pride Month.Shmuli, who is openly gay, met with representatives of the different organizations along with other key members of the ministry, as well as Head of the Knesset Committee Eitan Ginsburg, who is also openly gay.The organizations reviewed key challenges that they have faced as well as the needs of the communittee from the Labor and Social Services Ministry.They additionally told Shmuli that the adoption law discriminates against LGBTQ+ families and must be changed so that registration of LGBTQ+ parents and surrogacy abroad is eased.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Brazil research institute to help test, produce Chinese COVID-19 vaccine

Butantan president Dimas Covas and Sao Paulo Governor João Doria said the vaccine being developed by the Chinese laboratory was @ @ @ @ @ clinical testing and could be ready to vaccinate millions of Brazilians by June next year @ @ @ @ @ clinical testing would be conducted in Brazil with 9,000 volunteers .
Once it has been @ @ @ @ @ Butantan will own the technology to eventually produce the vaccine in Brazil on a large @ @ @ @ @ the federal university of Sao Paulo , Unifesp , announced that Brazil will take part @ @ @ @ @ vaccine being developed by Oxford University and drugmaker AstraZeneca , with some 2,000 volunteers .
@ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic , with at least 39,680 deaths and 772,416 confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ the world 's worst outbreak after the United States .

The Butantan Institute, one of Brazil's leading biomedical research centers, on Thursday announced an agreement with China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd to potentially produce a vaccine against the new coronavirus.
Butantan president Dimas Covas and Sao Paulo Governor João Doria said the vaccine being developed by the Chinese laboratory was entering the third phase of clinical testing and could be ready to vaccinate millions of Brazilians by June next year.
Covas said phase three clinical testing would be conducted in Brazil with 9,000 volunteers. Once it has been proven to be effective, Butantan will own the technology to eventually produce the vaccine in Brazil on a large scale.
Last week, the federal university of Sao Paulo, Unifesp, announced that Brazil will take part in clinical trials for the vaccine being developed by Oxford University and drugmaker AstraZeneca, with some 2,000 volunteers.
Brazil has become an epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, with at least 39,680 deaths and 772,416 confirmed cases of infection as of Wednesday, the world's worst outbreak after the United States.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Pompeo, Austrian FM discuss annexation, Hezbollah in Europe

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg on Thursday. Among the topics discussed were the Trump peace plan; Austria is one of the countries that has consistently come out against EU statements condemning Israel before a decision is made on annexation.They also discussed "efforts to hold Iranian terrorism proxy Hezbollah accountable for its malign activities in Europe," according to a State Department readout.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Education Ministry: 460 students, faculty test positive for coronavirus


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Top US general apologizes for taking part in Trump walk during protests

`` I should not have been there , '' Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley said in a @ @ @ @ @ the National Defense University due to take place on Thursday .
`` My presence in @ @ @ @ @ environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics . ''
Milley and @ @ @ @ @ with the Republican president during his surprise trip to the historic Saint John ’ s @ @ @ @ @ during which he held up a Bible for photographers .
Law enforcement used tear gas @ @ @ @ @ mostly peaceful protesters before Trump crossed the street to the church , drawing condemnation from @ @ @ @ @ `` As a commissioned uniformed officer , it was a mistake that I have learned @ @ @ @ @ hope we all can learn from it , '' Milley said .
His comments were @ @ @ @ @ York Times .

The top US military officer on Thursday said he made a mistake by joining President Donald Trump as he walked to a church for a photo opportunity after authorities dispersed protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets near the White House.
"I should not have been there," Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley said in a prerecorded video commencement address to the National Defense University due to take place on Thursday. "My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics."
Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper walked with the Republican president during his surprise trip to the historic Saint John’s Church on June 1, during which he held up a Bible for photographers.
Law enforcement used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse mostly peaceful protesters before Trump crossed the street to the church, drawing condemnation from Democrats and some Republicans.
"As a commissioned uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from, and I sincerely hope we all can learn from it," Milley said. His comments were first reported by The New York Times.
Protests spread nationwide in response to the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Emergent BioSolutions signs deal to make AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

The deal comes weeks after the United States pledged up to $ 1.2 billion to secure 300 million doses of @ @ @ @ @ is among the first to move into mid-stage trials .
AstraZeneca has said that the @ @ @ @ @ of its vaccine would likely be available in June or July .
However , experts @ @ @ @ @ and effective vaccine could take at least 12 to 18 months from the start of @ @ @ @ @ , Emergent said large-scale manufacturing of the vaccine will be done at its Baltimore Bayview @ @ @ @ @ capacity to produce up to hundreds of millions of doses annually .
Emergent , which @ @ @ @ @ with Johnson & Johnson to make its COVID-19 vaccine , said it would reserve some @ @ @ @ @ through 2020 for AstraZeneca .

Emergent BioSolutions Inc said on Thursday it signed an $87 million deal to make AstraZeneca Plc's experimental COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, boosting the British drugmaker's efforts to bring a vaccine to the market.
The deal comes weeks after the United States pledged up to $1.2 billion to secure 300 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine, which is among the first to move into mid-stage trials.
AstraZeneca has said that the first indication of the effectiveness of its vaccine would likely be available in June or July. However, experts have cautioned that a safe and effective vaccine could take at least 12 to 18 months from the start of development.
Under the agreement, Emergent said large-scale manufacturing of the vaccine will be done at its Baltimore Bayview facility, which has the capacity to produce up to hundreds of millions of doses annually.
Emergent, which has also signed a deal with Johnson & Johnson to make its COVID-19 vaccine, said it would reserve some of its large-scale manufacturing capacity through 2020 for AstraZeneca.
Last week, the US government awarded Emergent $628 million as the country looks to secure manufacturing capacity under its Operation Warp Speed program.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--Germany, Turkey in close contact over coronavirus travel warnings

Germany is in close contact with countries outside Europe, including Turkey, over whether travel warnings in place due to the coronavirus pandemic can be lifted, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Thursday.Lifting the warnings would depend on factors like the number of infections and capacity levels at local health systems, Maas said after talks with ministers from several popular holiday destinations for Germans.


jerusalempost--2020-06-11--China offering coronavirus candidate vaccines to state workers – report

No proven vaccines have been developed yet for the virus , although mass trials for a number of candidate vaccines are expected to get underway soon in countries around the world .
Employees in China can volunteer to take one of two vaccine candidates being developed by affiliates of state-owned China National Pharmaceutical Group ( Sinopharm ) , the newspaper backed by the Communist Party reported , citing a written notice sent to the state-owned companies .
It did not name the two candidate vaccines , which are being tested on more than 1,000 people each and are among five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed `` no distinct adverse reaction '' in the first two phases of human trials .
The plan is also part of China 's effort to resume overseas projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative , a scheme to link China with Asia , Europe and beyond through large-scale infrastructure projects , according to the notice .
`` For better prevention and quicker recovery of Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI ) projects , Sinopharm has given priority to supporting workers intending to go overseas to vaccinate for urgent needs , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales , a vaccine normally has to go through large-scale , `` Phase 3 '' trials to observe to what extent they provide protection against infection .
That ideally requires exposing people in a real-life environment with relatively high infection risk .
China , where the virus first originated in late December , has seen a sharp drop in the number of new cases , making it less favourable as a late-stage clinical trial site .

China is offering candidate vaccines for the new coronavirus to employees at state-owned firms travelling overseas, as it seeks more data on their efficacy, state media Global Times reported on Thursday.
No proven vaccines have been developed yet for the virus, although mass trials for a number of candidate vaccines are expected to get underway soon in countries around the world.
Employees in China can volunteer to take one of two vaccine candidates being developed by affiliates of state-owned China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), the newspaper backed by the Communist Party reported, citing a written notice sent to the state-owned companies.
It did not name the two candidate vaccines, which are being tested on more than 1,000 people each and are among five candidates China has in clinical trials that showed "no distinct adverse reaction" in the first two phases of human trials.
The plan is also part of China's effort to resume overseas projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, a scheme to link China with Asia, Europe and beyond through large-scale infrastructure projects, according to the notice.
"For better prevention and quicker recovery of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, Sinopharm has given priority to supporting workers intending to go overseas to vaccinate for urgent needs," it said.
Before regulatory approval for sales, a vaccine normally has to go through large-scale, "Phase 3" trials to observe to what extent they provide protection against infection.
That ideally requires exposing people in a real-life environment with relatively high infection risk.
China, where the virus first originated in late December, has seen a sharp drop in the number of new cases, making it less favourable as a late-stage clinical trial site.
Vaccinating people travelling abroad, especially those going to high-risk areas, is one option for conducting a Phase 3 trial, Zhu Fengcai, deputy director of a local branch of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told financial media service Caixin in April.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Deputy D-G Itamar Grotto to Bar Siman Tov: I made a mistake

Health Ministry deputy director-general Itamar Grotto explained on Friday that he allowed billionaire Teddy Sagi into the country without coronavirus isolation in a manner consistent with the policy for granting exemptions.He said that he did not personally know billionaire Teddy Sagi, the Cypriot-Israeli tycoon, whose entrance into the country without isolation sparked outrage.Sagi reportedly requested that Grotto let him out of the 14-day isolation period required by the Health Ministry to attend a family event. Grotto granted him permission, and Sagi was later caught on film at a rooftop party, raising questions as to why the special permission was granted.In an open letter addressed to director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov and disseminated to the media on Friday, Grotto responded to a series of media attacks over the past few days.“I don’t know Teddy Sagi and I have nothing to do with Teddy Sagi,” Grotto wrote. “Teddy Sagi never contacted me for approval… I got the call from the civil service.”Grotto explained that approvals have been granted in the past specifically for people who want to attend family events and therefore, the decision to allow Sagi into Israel was in line with Health Ministry policies and practice.Later, an email received by Israeli media showed that Grotto had in fact allowed Sagi out of isolation only for the family event: "quarantine until the family event and quarantine until you leave the country," the email said.In his letter to Bar Siman Tov, Grotto also stressed that Sagi arrived on a private plane from Cyprus, without fear of exposure to other people on the way. Cyprus is a green state, meaning it has an exceptionally low infection rate.Sagi had also reported that he had previously been infected with coronavirus and recovered.He said that Sagi also took a serological (antibody) test in Israel and was found to be immune to corona, which verified his previous claim that he had been infected and recovered. He likewise retook a PCR test before leaving back to Cyprus, which also came out negative.“It can be said unequivocally that he was at no risk of infecting others,” Grotto continued, stating that he approved the exception for Sagi “in a manner consistent with the organization’s policy.”Moreover, Grotto maintained that, as per media reports, relief of this kind was provided by the Health Ministry throughout the coronavirus crisis to a variety of people for a multitude of reasons – many with the full knowledge and consent of Bar Siman Tov.“I have received hundreds of inquiries regarding various reliefs, including in the area of exemptions from isolation. I hope and believe that in most cases I have decided correctly, and I am surely sorry for any case where this was not the case,” Grotto wrote.Grotto requested that his letter to Bar Siman Tov, which was copied to newly appointed Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, be shared with the media “in order to reduce, even if slightly, the damage done to me.”Following the report on N12, Edelstein summoned Grotto for a disciplinary hearing, vowing to “examine the issue with all disciplinary measures at his disposal.”However, after investigation, it does not appear that Grotto will be fired.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--UN regrets Trump move against ICC, says court must be protected

The UN human rights office on Friday regretted the impact that US sanctions authorized by President Donald Trump may have on trials and investigations under way at the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying its independence must be protected.Trump on Thursday authorized US economic and travel sanctions against employees of the Hague-based tribunal involved in an investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan."The independence of the ICC and its ability to operate without interference must be guaranteed so that it can decide matters without any improper influence, inducement, pressures, threats or interference, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reasons," UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a UN briefing in Geneva. "Victims of gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law and their families have the right to redress and the truth."


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Four killed and "many injured" in blast in Kabul mosque

A blast in a Kabul mosque during Friday prayers killed at least four people and wounded many more, Afghanistan's interior ministry said on Friday."Explosives placed inside the Shir Shah-E-Suri Mosque exploded during Friday prayers," said a Ministry of Interior statement, adding that the West Kabul mosque's mullah was among those killed.No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.The United States is attempting to broker peace talks between the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban to end 18 years of war. The Islamic State group also has a presence in the country and has carried out large-scale attacks in Kabul in recent months.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--China: US should meet N. Korean demands to de-escalate tensions

China said on Friday the United States should take concrete measures to address North Korea's concerns, amid escalating tensions between Pyongyang and Washington.Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters during a daily briefing that one reason for the deterioration in bilateral relations since a summit in Singapore in 2018 was because North Korea's legitimate concerns had not been resolved.North Korea sees little use maintaining a personal relationship between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and US President Donald Trump if Washington sticks to hostile policies, state media reported on Friday - the two-year anniversary of the leaders' first summit.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--China says Twitter should shut down accounts that smear China

China on Friday said Twitter should shut down accounts that smear China if it wants to fight disinformation, arguing that the country is the biggest victim of disinformation.Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters during a briefing that many platforms had much falsehood about China and that there was a need for Chinese voices with objective views.Beijing blocks Twitter in mainland China.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Science and Technology Minister Izhar Shay tests negative for coronavirus

Science and Technology Minister Izhar Shay, was notified Friday morning that the coronavirus test he performed had a negative result.In accordance with Health Ministry regulations, Shay will remain in isolation until Thursday, at the end of 14 days from the date of exposure to his assistant who tested positive for COVID-19.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Cooling tower at Haifa oil refinery collapses

One of the water cooling towers at the Haifa oil refinery collapsed Friday morning.The water tower had been showing recent signs of deterioration and has not been in use since 2009.The tower was one of two in the area, and posed as one of most notable icons of the city. The second tower is used as a visitor center, where training tours are held for the Haifa refinery group.No injuries were reported at the time of the incident.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Two Haifa schools close after two children suspected with coronavirus

Two schools in Haifa closed on Friday morning after two school children were suspected to have contracted the coronavirus, reported Walla.Children of the two schools were requested not to arrive in a joint decision made by the Health Ministry and the Haifa Municipality on Thursday.An assessment of the situation will be made after the results are returned from the two school children.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--UK economy shrunk by record 20.4% in April

In the three months to April , gross domestic product contracted by 10.4 % from the previous three-month-period , the @ @ @ @ @ said .

Britain's economy shrank by a record 20.4% in April from March as the country spent the month in a tight coronavirus lockdown, official data showed on Friday.
In the three months to April, gross domestic product contracted by 10.4% from the previous three-month-period, the Office for National Statistics also said.
A Reuters poll of economists had produced median forecasts for a monthly fall of 18.4% and a contraction 10.0% in the February-April period


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Turkish Airlines to resume flights to China, US in June

Turkish Airlines will resume some international flights this month to China, South Korea and the United States among other destinations, the airline said on Friday, a day after it began restarting such services.On Twitter, Chief Executive Bilal Eksi said flights to Chicago and Washington DC would resume on June 19, and those to Los Angeles would restart on June 24, with three each week.In a notice on its website, the airline said it would start a weekly flight to Shanghai from June 19, with two weekly flights each to Hong Kong and Seoul from June 24. On Thursday, it had resumed flights to Britain, Germany and the Netherlands.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--S.Korea to indefinitely extend intensive prevention, sanitation guidelines

SEOUL - South Korea will indefinitely extend intensive prevention and sanitation guidelines until the daily new cases of the new @ @ @ @ @ , Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said on Friday .
The announcement comes as new cases @ @ @ @ @ digits daily , after series of new clusters in the capital Seoul area .

SEOUL - South Korea will indefinitely extend intensive prevention and sanitation guidelines until the daily new cases of the new coronavirus drops to single digits, Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said on Friday.
The announcement comes as new cases have persisted in the mid-double digits daily, after series of new clusters in the capital Seoul area.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--China reports 7 new confirmed, 1 asymptomatic coronavirus cases

The National Health Commission said in a statement on Friday that six of the new confirmed patients reported were so-called @ @ @ @ @ overseas .
The commission reported 11 confirmed cases , all of which were imported , @ @ @ @ @ day earlier .
The total number of COVID-19 cases in mainland China now stands at @ @ @ @ @ toll remained unchanged at 4,634 .
China does not count asymptomatic patients , who are @ @ @ @ @ symptomless , as confirmed cases .

The National Health Commission said in a statement on Friday that six of the new confirmed patients reported were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas.
The commission reported 11 confirmed cases, all of which were imported, and seven asymptomatic cases a day earlier.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,064, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. China does not count asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but symptomless, as confirmed cases.
Mainland China reported seven new confirmed COVID-19 cases and one asymptomatic case as of end-June 11, the country's national health authority said.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Man charged with threatening to torch African American church in Virginia

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A man from North Carolina was arrested on Friday on a charge of threatening to torch a predominantly African American church in Virginia after one of its ministers took part in a local prayer vigil for George Floyd, federal court documents show.John Malcolm Bareswill, 63, who owns a package delivery service in Virginia Beach, is accused of threatening arson against a Baptist church in that resort city in an anonymous phone call placed to the congregation on June 7.An FBI affidavit filed in the case said the caller uttered a racial slur and told those listening by speakerphone on the other end, including three young children, that they "need to shut up" before threatening to burn the church. The incident was reported to authorities, who later traced the call to Bareswill's mobile phone, the FBI said.Investigators, seizing the phone as evidence, found Bareswill had used it to search the internet for such phrases as "Who said all whites are racist" and "Black Lives Matter protest held in Virginia," as well as for information about at least three predominantly African American religious institutions, including the church he allegedly threatened, according to the affidavit.Bareswill, who lives in the neighboring state of North Carolina, is charged with making a telephonic threat to use fire to kill, injure or intimidate any individual or to damage or destroy any building. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, federal prosecutors said in a statement.Authorities said the threatening call came days after a church leader partook in a prayer vigil and peaceful rally that included a moment of silence for Floyd, the black man whose death under the knee of a white Minneapolis policeman sparked a storm of nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality.It was not immediately known whether Bareswill had yet obtained legal representation.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--France calls on US to withdraw measures targeting ICC

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement that the U.S. decision risks putting into question the independence @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized U.S. economic and travel sanctions against ICC employees involved @ @ @ @ @ American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan .

France said on Friday that a U.S. decision to impose sanctions against employees of the International Criminal Court is an attack on states party to the Rome Statute and called on the U.S. to withdraw those measures.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement that the U.S. decision risks putting into question the independence of the justice system.
President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized U.S. economic and travel sanctions against ICC employees involved in an investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--French coronavirus 24-hour death toll under 30 for 3rd day in a row

On Thursday and Wednesday the toll stood at 27 and 23 , after averaging over 50 in the previous seven @ @ @ @ @ 33 days since the end of lockdown on May 11 .

France reported on Friday that the number of people who died from coronavirus infection over the past 24 hours increased by just 28 to 29,374, the third day that the toll remained under 30 and the lowest three-day toll since lockdown started in mid-March.
On Thursday and Wednesday the toll stood at 27 and 23, after averaging over 50 in the previous seven days and 91 in the 33 days since the end of lockdown on May 11.
The health ministry also reported the number of people in hospital fell by 341 to 11,124 and the number of people in intensive care units fell by 24 to 879, with both numbers continuing weeks-long downtrends.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Trump says police choke holds should be banned in most instances

President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Friday that he would like to see a ban on police choke holds in most instances, although he suggested their use would be understandable in some one-on-one situations."I don't like choke holds ... (but) sometimes, if you're alone and you're fighting someone, it's tough," Trump told Fox News Channel, while adding: "It would be, I think, a very good thing that, generally speaking, it should be ended."Trump's comments follow the May 25 death of African American George Floyd , who died after a Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd's death ignited a wave of protests in American cities and abroad, and it re-energized the Black Lives Matter racial justice movement.Trump on Thursday announced modest plans for an executive order on policing , while making it clear he would not support sweeping proposals in response to the protests.Some Republicans in Congress have indicated support for certain measures proposed by Democrats, including a ban on choke holds and eliminating the legal defense of "qualified immunity," which helps officers evade civil rights lawsuits."I think it's a disgrace and it's got to stop," Trump said of police violence against African Americans. He added that the actions of a "bad apple" could not be allowed to destroy the image of law enforcement officers who "take really good care of us."In the interview, which was taped on Thursday, Trump said he wanted "really compassionate but strong law enforcement."He said the concept of banning choke holds "sounds so perfect." But he said the use of a choke hold could be understandable "if a police officer is in a bad scuffle and he's got somebody in a choke hold.""And that does happen. So, you have to be careful," Trump added.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--US CDC reports 2,016,027 coronavirus cases

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

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday reported 2,016,027 cases of new coronavirus, an increase of 21,744 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 947 to 113,914.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 pm ET on June 11 versus its previous report on Thursday.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 7.57 million, death toll at 421,641

More than 7.57 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 421,641 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--New York's Cuomo ties state funding to police changes to fight racism

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Friday he will sign an executive order requiring local governments to develop and adopt by April 1 plans to reinvent police departments to address use of force, police bias and other issues that have triggered anti-racism protests.Cuomo said departments must "reinvent and modernize" to battle systemic racism and qualify for state funding.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Italy's coronavirus death toll rises by 56 to 34,223

The official tally of new cases rose by just 163 against 379 on Thursday , but this was muddied by @ @ @ @ @ by the southern region of Campania , which subtracted previous cases and reported a total @ @ @ @ @ The northern region of Lombardy , where the outbreak was first identified , remains by @ @ @ @ @ Italy 's 20 regions , reporting 272 new infections on Friday .
The second highest @ @ @ @ @ , on Lombardy 's southern border , which recorded just 33 .
The total number @ @ @ @ @ Italy 's outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now amounts to 236,305 , the @ @ @ @ @ People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 28,997 from 30,637 the day before @ @ @ @ @ in intensive care on Friday , down from 236 on Thursday , maintaining a long-running @ @ @ @ @ infected , 173,085 were declared recovered against 171,338 a day earlier .

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy climbed by 56 on Friday against 53 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, taking the total toll to 34,223.
The official tally of new cases rose by just 163 against 379 on Thursday, but this was muddied by a recalculation of past data by the southern region of Campania, which subtracted previous cases and reported a total of -229 on Friday.
The northern region of Lombardy, where the outbreak was first identified, remains by far the worst affected of Italy's 20 regions, reporting 272 new infections on Friday.
The second highest regional tally was in Emilia-Romagna, on Lombardy's southern border, which recorded just 33.
The total number of confirmed cases nationwide since Italy's outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now amounts to 236,305, the seventh highest global tally.
People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 28,997 from 30,637 the day before.
There were 227 people in intensive care on Friday, down from 236 on Thursday, maintaining a long-running decline. Of those originally infected, 173,085 were declared recovered against 171,338 a day earlier.
The agency said 2.784 million people had been tested for the virus as of Friday against 2.746 million on Thursday, out of a population of around 60 million.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Bennet: Government trying to buy calm from Hamas inmates with cakes

Former defense minister Naftali Bennett slammed the government on Friday for agreeing to a series of steps concerning the prison conditions of Hamas members serving time in Israeli prisons .
There is also an offer on the table to add more channels to prison TVs and a way to switch them , which Bennett criticized , saying it will ensure Hamas members “ will have a more interesting time.
” He was also displeased with an offer allowing a Hamas member will be “ present when cakes are made.
” Bennet argued that , among these , is the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held and “ where they recruit the next generation of terrorists !
” There is also an offer on the table to add more channels to prison TVs and a way to switch them , which Bennett criticized , saying it will ensure Hamas members “ will have a more interesting time.
” He was also displeased with an offer allowing a Hamas member will be “ present when cakes are made.
” Hamas inmates , and other Palestinian inmates , in Israeli prisons have a history of requesting to control their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own food to ensure it is Halal .
He warned that these gestures will be met with “ terror attacks.
” Bennet argued that the government is allowing such things to “ buy calm ” and that when he was defense minister , he would not have allowed it.He warned that these gestures will be met with “ terror attacks .
”

Former defense minister Naftali Bennett slammed the government on Friday for agreeing to a series of steps concerning the prison conditions of Hamas members serving time in Israeli prisons.
There is also an offer on the table to add more channels to prison TVs and a way to switch them, which Bennett criticized, saying it will ensure Hamas members “will have a more interesting time.” He was also displeased with an offer allowing a Hamas member will be “present when cakes are made.” Bennet argued that, among these, is the right to visit the wing where minors are held and “where they recruit the next generation of terrorists!”There is also an offer on the table to add more channels to prison TVs and a way to switch them, which Bennett criticized, saying it will ensure Hamas members “will have a more interesting time.”He was also displeased with an offer allowing a Hamas member will be “present when cakes are made.”
Hamas inmates, and other Palestinian inmates, in Israeli prisons have a history of requesting to control their own diets and being allowed to make their own food to ensure it is Halal.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Man arrested after allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old IDF soldier

Police arrested on Thursday a 56-year-old resident of Sakhnin for allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old IDF soldier while she was waiting @ @ @ @ @ Police Spokesperson 's Office reported on Friday .
Police are investigating the situation and the @ @ @ @ @ man was brought to a Haifa court on Friday morning and his arrest extended until @ @ @ @ @ and the suspect 's motives .

Police arrested on Thursday a 56-year-old resident of Sakhnin for allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old IDF soldier while she was waiting for a bus, the Police Spokesperson's Office reported on Friday.
The man was brought to a Haifa court on Friday morning and his arrest extended until Sunday.Police are investigating the situation and the suspect's motives.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Fire onboard docked French nuclear submarine under control

It said in a statement that nobody was hurt and that no nuclear substances or weapons were on board .
@ @ @ @ @ the vessel was the SNA Perle and that Defence Minister Florence Parly would go to @ @ @ @ @ .

A fire onboard a nuclear submarine docked at the Mediterranean port of Toulon is under control, the local prefecture said on Friday.
It said in a statement that nobody was hurt and that no nuclear substances or weapons were on board.
A defense ministry source said the vessel was the SNA Perle and that Defence Minister Florence Parly would go to Toulon as soon as possible.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--UK death toll from confirmed COVID-19 cases rises by 202 to 41,481

The United Kingdom's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 202 to 41,481 as of 1600 on June 11, according to government data released on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-06-12--Gantz, ministers meet to discuss West Bank settlements

Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz met Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn and Minister for Civic Issues within the @ @ @ @ @ Friday to discuss the ramifications of the High Court nixing the Settlements Law on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ retroactively legalized over 4,000 unauthorized settler units in the West Bank .
The three discussed @ @ @ @ @ options to deal with units which , in hindsight , were built on private Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ special committee be formed to discuss such options and suggest solutions .

Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz met Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn and Minister for Civic Issues within the Defense Ministry Michael Biton on Friday to discuss the ramifications of the High Court nixing the Settlements Law on Tuesday.
The law would have retroactively legalized over 4,000 unauthorized settler units in the West Bank.
The three discussed if there were other legal options to deal with units which, in hindsight, were built on private Palestinian land. They ordered a special committee be formed to discuss such options and suggest solutions.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Russia's coronavirus cases pass 520,000

Russia's coronavirus cases pass 520,000

Russia reported 8,706 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, raising its cumulative tally above 520,000 as data showed that more than 2,700 people infected with the virus had died in April.With 520,129 cases, Russia has the third highest number in the world after the United States and Brazil. Its official death toll stands at 6,829, many times lower than the figure seen in other countries with serious outbreaks.The Kremlin has denied any problem with its official data after the World Health Organization (WHO) said Russia's low death rate was "difficult to understand".Rosstat, the country's state statistics service, on Saturday published data showing that 2,712 people infected with the coronavirus had died in April. The virus was identified as the main cause of death in 1,660 cases, the data showed.Moscow's health department this week raised its death toll for May, citing changes in the way it determines the cause of death for patients suffering from other health problems.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Malaysia reports 43 new coronavirus cases, one new death

KUALA LUMPUR, - Malaysia reported 43 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, raising the cumulative total to 8,445 infections.The health ministry also reported one new death, taking total fatalities from the outbreak to 120.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Public warned against going to overcrowded Palmahim, Kinneret beaches

Israel 's Nature and Parks Authority warned on Saturday morning that the public should avoid going to Palmahim National Park @ @ @ @ @ reporting that the park had reached full capacity .
Furthermore , the Kinneret Urban Union @ @ @ @ @ lake 's beaches have also been closed as 15,000 Israelis visited the Kinneret 's 15 @ @

Israel's Nature and Parks Authority warned on Saturday morning that the public should avoid going to Palmahim National Park in the coming hours, reporting that the park had reached full capacity.
Furthermore, the Kinneret Urban Union said that all of the lake's beaches have also been closed as 15,000 Israelis visited the Kinneret's 15 beaches.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Israel confirms 81 new coronavirus patients overnight

Some 266 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Israel during the 24-hour period between Friday and Saturday , bringing the total number of cases in the country to 18,876 - 3,257 of which are currently active patients .
Some 33 patients are classified as being in serious condition , 25 of whom are intubated .
The number of people who have died as a result of the coronavirus remains 300 , as no new deaths were recorded .
“ Even at these joyous events , adhere to the Health Ministry guidelines : wearing masks , hygiene and two-meters distance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government announced its decision .
“ Shabbat shalom and lots of joy.
” Some 266 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Israel during the 24-hour period between Friday and Saturday , bringing the total number of cases in the country to 18,876 - 3,257 of which are currently active patients.Some 33 patients are classified as being in serious condition , 25 of whom are intubated .
The number of people who have died as a result of the coronavirus remains 300 , as no new deaths were recorded .
Two employees of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in different departments , tested positive for corona on Friday .
An epidemiological investigation is being conducted by Health Ministry and city management will inform employees if they need to enter isolation .
The government approved the opening of the halls for only weddings or religious events , such as bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies , beginning on Sunday .
The number of people at the event can not exceed 250 and the space must be large enough for all guests to have their own two-square meters .
Two employees of the Holon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departments , tested positive for corona on Friday .
An epidemiological investigation is being conducted by Health Ministry and city management will inform employees if they need to enter isolation.The government approved the opening of the halls for only weddings or religious events , such as bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies , beginning on Sunday .
The number of people at the event can not exceed 250 and the space must be large enough for all guests to have their own two-square meters .
Hall operators are required to record the names and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 20 days after an event .
Any non-wedding or non-religious ceremony is still required to adhere to previous guidelines of up to 50 people gathering at a time .
Breaking the rules is considered a criminal offence .
Moreover , the government extended all other emergency regulations through June 21 - three months from when they were originally implemented .
On Thursday night , Bedouin towns in the South and areas of southern Tel Aviv where many foreign workers live were placed under lockdown and designated “ red zones ” by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the current guidelines were made , the cabinet is expected to reconvene next week .

Event halls will open Sunday for weddings and religious events, and the beaches were so crowded over the weekend that many of them had to turn visitors away, despite the number of coronavirus cases continuing to rise.The Kinneret Towns Association said that some 20,000 visitors lined the lake’s beach fronts, forcing them to send out a message to the public that they should go somewhere else.On Saturday night, the Health Ministry reported that 18,972 people have been infected with coronavirus – up 177 since the night before. In terms of active cases: 3,315, an increase of 130 in one day.So far, 35 patients are in serious condition – up two from Friday – among them 26 who are ventilated. In total, 300 people have died.Among the newly infected are three of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security guards who work at his residence in Jerusalem. The guards work outside the house and are not in direct contact with Netanyahu, who therefore is not required to enter isolation.The Prime Minister’s Office said he was screened for the virus a few days ago and tested negative In addition, during Shabbat, the President’s House was informed that one of its staff members had tested positive for coronavirus. However, in line with instructions from the Health Ministry, President Reuven Rivlin is not required to self-isolate at this stage, his spokesperson said.On May 4, as Netanyahu lifted restrictions, he warned the country that there are three ways the easing of restrictions could be halted: should there be 100 new daily cases of infection – excluding individuals arriving from abroad, outbreaks in retirement homes and those living in towns or cities currently defined as outbreak hot spots; should the rate of infections return to doubling itself within 10 days; or should the number of patients in serious condition reach 250.So far, Israel has crossed red lines in two of the three categories, with an average of around 200 people being diagnosed per day.Although some of the patients are from designated “red zones,” included the Bedouin towns of Arara, Hura and Rahat in the south, southern Tel Aviv, the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community of Bnei Brak and haredi areas of Jerusalem and Safed, around 70% appear to be from other localities that are not labeled as problematic. This means that the virus is active across Israel.One reason for this could be the increase in testing. Last month, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein announced a change in testing policy that has allowed the country to test as many as 17,000 people per day – there were 12,578 people tested on Friday. The more people who are screened, the more positive results there will be.However, Israel has also crossed the second red line, with the country’s pace of infection doubling in 10 days or less, as well.The only line that has not been crossed is the number of seriously ill patients. On Saturday, there were 35. Part of the reason for this is likely that much of the infection has started in the schools and the sick are therefore younger people. The Health Ministry showed that around 20% of positive cases are 20-29, as opposed to less than 10% who are over 70.Looking at Safed, for example, the Corona National Information and Knowledge Center showed that while the infection rate has spiked in the city, more than half the patients are under the age of 20 and 22% of cases were contracted at school.Some 45% caught corona at synagogue and 33% from home.At least three more schools were closed over the weekend, two in Pardes Hanna and one in Holon, bringing the total to 177 schools and preschools that cannot operate because of the virus.There are 493 students and teachers infected and 25,821 are in isolation, the Education Ministry reported.Most of the morbidity is in Jerusalem (41%), Tel Aviv (15%) and Bnei Brak schools (4%).Despite the spike, the government on Friday announced that it had approved and was moving forward with opening the wedding and event halls today for up to 250 people.Some 25,000 couples registered to be married in the coming weeks, according to Edelstein.“Even at these joyous events, adhere to the Health Ministry guidelines: wearing masks, hygiene and keeping two-meters distance,” Edelstein said as the government announced its decision.The government approved the opening of the halls for only weddings or religious events, such as bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies. The number of people at the event cannot exceed 250, and the space must be large enough for all guests to have their own two square meters.Hall operators are required to record the names and numbers of all guests and keep it for 20 days after an event.Any non-wedding or non-religious ceremony is still required to adhere to previous guidelines of up to 50 people gathering at a time.Breaking the rules is considered a criminal offense.Moreover, the government extended all other emergency regulations through June 21 – three months from when they were originally implemented.Although no other changes to the current guidelines were made, the cabinet is expected to reconvene next week.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--India records largest single-day jump in coronavirus cases

NEW DELHI - India reported its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus cases on Saturday , adding 11,458 confirmed infections and @ @ @ @ @ to more than 300,000 , according to data from the federal health ministry .
India @ @ @ @ @ in the world , having surpassed the United Kingdom on Friday , with cases steadily @ @ @ @ @ that began in late March and has since been loosened .
Confirmed cases in the @ @ @ @ @ moved past the 100,000 mark , data showed on Saturday .
The national capital New @ @ @ @ @ system has also been reeling , saw more than 2,000 new cases .
Despite the @ @ @ @ @ recovery rate of patients was improving , with more than 147,000 people having been cured @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
India has 145,779 active cases , and has recorded 8,884 deaths .

NEW DELHI - India reported its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus cases on Saturday, adding 11,458 confirmed infections and taking the its total count to more than 300,000, according to data from the federal health ministry.
India is the fourth-worst affected country in the world, having surpassed the United Kingdom on Friday, with cases steadily increasingly despite a nationwide lockdown that began in late March and has since been loosened.
Confirmed cases in the worst-hit western state of Maharashtra moved past the 100,000 mark, data showed on Saturday. The national capital New Delhi, where the health system has also been reeling, saw more than 2,000 new cases.
Despite the rising case load, the recovery rate of patients was improving, with more than 147,000 people having been cured, the federal government said on Friday.
India has 145,779 active cases, and has recorded 8,884 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Australia's largest state reports first local coronavirus case in weeks

SYDNEY - Australia 's largest state of New South Wales on Saturday reported its first locally transmitted COVID-19 case since late May , a sign the threat from the pandemic is far from over as social distancing restrictions continue to be eased .
The state recorded four new coronavirus cases overnight , taking the total number in Australia to nearly 7,300 .
The local case was a man in his 20s , and according to health authorities he did not attend any of the recent Black Lives Matter protests in Sydney .
`` The virus is likely still circulating in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or no obvious symptoms can unknowingly pass the infection on to other people , '' NSW Health said .
Two of the four new cases were travelers who are already in hotel quarantine , while one was linked to a previously reported infection at a public school .
Australia has so far been successful in curbing the spread of the coronavirus , with many parts of the country claiming to have eliminated the disease already .
The country has reported 102 deaths and is on track to fully re-open its economy by next @ @

SYDNEY - Australia's largest state of New South Wales on Saturday reported its first locally transmitted COVID-19 case since late May, a sign the threat from the pandemic is far from over as social distancing restrictions continue to be eased.
The state recorded four new coronavirus cases overnight, taking the total number in Australia to nearly 7,300.
The local case was a man in his 20s, and according to health authorities he did not attend any of the recent Black Lives Matter protests in Sydney.
"The virus is likely still circulating in the community. People with mild symptoms or no obvious symptoms can unknowingly pass the infection on to other people," NSW Health said.
Two of the four new cases were travelers who are already in hotel quarantine, while one was linked to a previously reported infection at a public school.
Australia has so far been successful in curbing the spread of the coronavirus, with many parts of the country claiming to have eliminated the disease already. The country has reported 102 deaths and is on track to fully re-open its economy by next month.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 348 to 186,022

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 348 to 186,022, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.The reported death toll rose by 18 to 8,781 the tally showed.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--China reports 11 new confirmed, 7 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases for June 12

China reported 11 new COVID-19 cases and seven asymptomatic cases for June 12, the national health authority said on Saturday.The National Health Commission (NHC) said in a statement that five of the new confirmed patients were so-called imported cases involving travelers from overseas.The six locally transmitted cases were all in Beijing, the statement said.The NHC reported seven confirmed cases and one asymptomatic case a day earlier.The total number of COVID-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,075, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. China does not count asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but do not display symptoms, as confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-06-13--Mexico reports record tally of 5,222 new coronavirus cases

Mexico's health ministry reported a record 5,222 new confirmed coronavirus infections along with 504 additional fatalities on Friday, bringing the total in the country to 139,196 cases and 16,448 deaths.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the official count.