jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Netanyahu to the media: Last thing I do will be to harm democracy

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein halted proceedings of the Knesset plenum after only three minutes on Wednesday, just two days after the members of the 23rd Knesset were sworn in, due to continued fighting over the makeup of Knesset committees.Edelstein (Likud) complained that Blue and White was unwilling to accept his compromise proposals that he said could have allowed the Knesset to start working immediately. He said more time was needed for negotiations, so the plenum would not meet again until next Monday.Blue and White expressed outrage, accusing Edelstein of "trampling Israeli democracy at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's behest." The party said it would appeal to the Supreme Court against Edelstein on Thursday to force him to convene the plenum and "end the craziness."But the earliest the plenum can be convened again is Monday, which would leave plenty of time for negotiations with Likud on a unity government.Blue and White leader Benny Gantz told his faction in rounds of 10 at a time to follow Health Ministry guidelines that Edelstein was “not allowing us to do our job.”Netanyahu responded in a Channel 12 interview that the Knesset was not meeting was because there was no agreement reached yet between the coalition and opposition. He supported Edelstein and blamed Blue and White for "engaging in political hackery" instead of supporting his efforts to fight the coronavirus."The last thing I want to do is harm our democracy," Netanyahu said.Earlier, Blue and White faction chairman Avi Nissenkorn notified Edelstein that 61 Members of Knesset demanded that the plenum vote Wednesday on the establishment of an Arrangements Committee and a Knesset speaker. Nissenkorn made a written request to Edelstein, signed by 61 Members of Knesset. All of the 61 except for two who are in quarantine came to the Knesset ready to vote.Blue and White wanted a vote in the plenum, because its center-left bloc enjoys a 61-58 majority over the center-right bloc of the Likud. If Blue and White gains control over the Knesset's key committees, the party could initiate a vote to replace Edelstein and pass legislation that could oust Netanyahu.President Reuven Rivlin called Edelstein and urged him not to let the coronavirus prevent the Knesset from meeting."A paralyzed Knesset harms the ability of the State of Israel to function responsibly at a time of emergency," Rivlin told Edelstein. "Care must be taken to prevent a fatal blow to the infrastructure of our democracy."Edelstein met with representatives of Likud and Blue and White on Wednesday morning, in an effort to reach a compromise on forming the most urgent committees for the new Knesset. He said he offered ideas to Ze'ev Elkin (Likud) and Nissenkorn about forming some of the committees, but they were not accepted."I hope and pray that good sense will win and we will begin our parliamentary oversight work as necessary," Edelstein said.But Blue and White and Labor-Meretz MKs said Edelstein was part of the problem and that he was purposely preventing the plenum from convening, because he does not want there to be a vote on replacing him."What is happening in the Knesset now is a new peak in shame," Meretz leader Nitzan Horowitz said. "Bibi has no majority, so the Knesset is paralyzed. There are no committees. There is no budget. There is no organization for the fight against the coronavirus or supervision of the defense establishment. If the Knesset does not return, we will have to go to the Supreme Court."Blue and White MK Boaz Toporovsky pointed out that the courts have also been shut down due to the virus."In Israel at this moment, there is only one functioning branch of government," he said. "This is a real danger to Israeli democracy."


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Angela Merkel urges Germans to use wartime solidarity

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday urged all citizens to help fight the spread of the coronavirus by sticking to @ @ @ @ @ reducing direct social contact and avoiding as much new infections as possible .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ seriously , '' Merkel said in a televised speech .
`` Since German reunification , @ @ @ @ @ Two , there has never been a challenge for our country in which acting in @ @ @ @ @ . ''

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday urged all citizens to help fight the spread of the coronavirus by sticking to the latest rules aimed at reducing direct social contact and avoiding as much new infections as possible.
"It is serious. Take it seriously," Merkel said in a televised speech. "Since German reunification, actually, since World War Two, there has never been a challenge for our country in which acting in solidarity was so very crucial."
Merkel appealed to citizens to abide by the unprecedented rules restricting public life, agreed with the 16 federal states earlier this week, adding: "As the government, we will always re-examine what can be corrected, but also what may still be necessary."


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Netanyahu: If public doesn’t follow guidelines, Israel will be on lockdown

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed ultra-orthodox Jews and Arab-Israelis on Wednesday evening on Channel 12 and urged them to follow @ @ @ @ @ instructions and avoid gathering in large groups .
Netanyahu said that if the public does @ @ @ @ @ he will enforce a nationwide lockdown .
“ Leaders around the world laud my decisions @ @ @ @ @ He also said that thanked his “ friends around the world ” for a shipment @ @ @ @ @ going to arrive in Israel on Thursday .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed ultra-orthodox Jews and Arab-Israelis on Wednesday evening on Channel 12 and urged them to follow the Health Ministry’s instructions and avoid gathering in large groups.
Netanyahu said that if the public does not listen to the guidelines he will enforce a nationwide lockdown.
“Leaders around the world laud my decisions,” he said. He also said that thanked his “friends around the world” for a shipment of medical checks that is going to arrive in Israel on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: UK orders schools closed indefinitely starting Friday

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Britain has ordered the closure of schools until further notice from Friday evening to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.“After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon they will remain closed until further notice, this will be for all children except for those of key workers and where children are most vulnerable,” the education minister Gavin Williamson told parliament.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Italy death toll rises to 2,978, 475 new deaths in 24 hours

The total number of cases in Italy , the European country hardest hit by the virus , rose to 35,713 @ @ @ @ @ up 13.35 % , the Civil Protection Agency said .

The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has surged in the last 24 hours by 475 to 2,978, an increase of 19%, the biggest jump in numerical terms since the contagion came to light last month, officials said on Wednesday.
The total number of cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, rose to 35,713 from a previous 31,506, up 13.35%, the Civil Protection Agency said.
Of those originally infected, 4,025 had fully recovered compared to 2,941 the day before. Some 2,257 people were in intensive care against a previous 2,060.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Canada to roll out C$27 billion stimulus package

`` No Canadian should have to worry about paying their rent or buying groceries during this difficult time , '' Trudeau said at a news conference outside his home , where he has been under quarantine since last week when his wife tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` ( These ) economic measures will ensure that our economy rebounds after this ... Our government is prepared to do more . ''
The government will also provide C $ 55 billion in additional aid to businesses and households through tax deferrals .
The combined measures will put more than 3 percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into circulation , the finance minister said .
The Liberal government `` will do whatever it takes '' to support the economy , Finance Minister Bill Morneau told reporters later , calling the measures a `` first phase '' of economic stimulus .
Talks with airlines and the oil and gas sector about specific aid to them are ongoing , he said .
The government will soon announce a significant investment in Alberta - the heart of the country 's struggling energy sector - which will include funding to clean up orphan wells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Stephen Poloz spoke alongside Morneau at the news conference .
The central bank is ready to provide markets with all the liquidity it needs , Poloz said .
He did not rule out further rate cuts or even quantitative easing .
Canada has recorded about 600 cases of the virus nationwide , and eight deaths .
With the spread of the diseases accelerating , Canadian authorities have shuttered schools , closed bars and restaurants and are encouraging people to stay at home .
On Wednesday , Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two countries , just two days after Canada said it would bar all foreign nationals except Americans from entering the country .
The Canadian dollar weakened further after the announcement , touching a four-year low of 1.4535 to the U.S. dollar .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said his government would provide C$27 billion ($18.6 billion) in support directly to families and businesses struggling because of the coronavirus outbreak, and stands ready to do more.
"No Canadian should have to worry about paying their rent or buying groceries during this difficult time," Trudeau said at a news conference outside his home, where he has been under quarantine since last week when his wife tested positive for COVID-19.
"(These) economic measures will ensure that our economy rebounds after this ... Our government is prepared to do more."
The government will also provide C$55 billion in additional aid to businesses and households through tax deferrals. The combined measures will put more than 3 percentage points of the country's annual output into circulation, the finance minister said.
The Liberal government "will do whatever it takes" to support the economy, Finance Minister Bill Morneau told reporters later, calling the measures a "first phase" of economic stimulus. Talks with airlines and the oil and gas sector about specific aid to them are ongoing, he said.
The government will soon announce a significant investment in Alberta - the heart of the country's struggling energy sector - which will include funding to clean up orphan wells, Morneau said.
Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz spoke alongside Morneau at the news conference. The central bank is ready to provide markets with all the liquidity it needs, Poloz said. He did not rule out further rate cuts or even quantitative easing.
Canada has recorded about 600 cases of the virus nationwide, and eight deaths. With the spread of the diseases accelerating, Canadian authorities have shuttered schools, closed bars and restaurants and are encouraging people to stay at home.
On Wednesday, Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to stop all non-essential travel between the two countries, just two days after Canada said it would bar all foreign nationals except Americans from entering the country.
The Canadian dollar weakened further after the announcement, touching a four-year low of 1.4535 to the U.S. dollar.
The fiscal package "will help prevent prolonged slump," Stephen Brown, a senior economist at Capital Economics, said in a note. "We still think the government needs to do more to secure a strong recovery further down the line."


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--COGAT oversees hundreds of WHO coronavirus aid kits shipped to Gaza

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories ( COGAT ) said on Wednesday it oversaw the delivery of hundreds @ @ @ @ @ people of the Gaza Strip , bought by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ .
The Gaza Strip is controlled by the Islamic terror group Hamas , and Israel @ @ @ @ @ free passage of goods into the coastal enclave .
The kits are meant to check @ @ @ @ @ .
The shipment contained , in addition , protective eyewear and clothing for medical teams @ @ @ @ @ with patients.The Gaza Strip is controlled by the Islamic terror group Hamas , and Israel @ @ @ @ @ free passage of goods into the coastal enclave .

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said on Wednesday it oversaw the delivery of hundreds of aid kits to the people of the Gaza Strip, bought by the World Health Organization (WHO) to fight the novel coronavirus.
The kits are meant to check if patients have the virus. The shipment contained, in addition, protective eyewear and clothing for medical teams that are coming in contact with patients.The Gaza Strip is controlled by the Islamic terror group Hamas, and Israel normally does not allow the free passage of goods into the coastal enclave.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: UK confirms 2,626 cases, 91 deaths

The number of people who have tested positive in the United Kingdom for coronavirus has increased to 2,626, the health ministry said on Wednesday.The figure was an increase of 676 or 35% from Tuesday. So far, Britain has reported 91 deaths from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Greece bans gatherings of 10 people or more amid coronavirus fears

ATHENS - Greece will ban public gatherings of 10 people and more, effective Thursday, in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus, its crisis management minister said."Movement outside of the home must be limited to the absolute minimum and only for vital needs," the minister, Nikos Hardalias, told journalists. Greece reported a rise in the number of coronavirus cases on Wednesday by 31, to 418 people.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Rivlin to Abbas: World is dealing with coronavirus, we must work together

President Reuven Rivlin spoke on the phone with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and told him that “ the whole @ @ @ @ @ a crisis that does not distinguish between who people are or where they live.
” @ @ @ @ @ to ensure the safety of both Israelis and Palestinians , ” he added .
Rivling @ @ @ @ @ the Palestinian leader that he is available to provide all the help needed in every @ @ @ @

President Reuven Rivlin spoke on the phone with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and told him that “the whole world is dealing with with a crisis that does not distinguish between who people are or where they live.”
“Our cooperation is needed to ensure the safety of both Israelis and Palestinians,” he added.
Rivling stressed during his conversation with the Palestinian leader that he is available to provide all the help needed in every matter regarding coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--US envoy: Coronavirus makes prisoner releases by Kabul, Taliban 'urgent'

`` No prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides , '' @ @ @ @ @ said on Twitter .

U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday said the coronavirus pandemic made prisoner releases by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government and the Taliban "urgent" and that they should begin "as soon as possible."
"No prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides," U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: AT&T to close 40% of US retail stores, reduce hours

AT&T Inc said Wednesday it will close 40% of its U.S-company owned retail stores nationwide as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.The company will reduce hours at stores that remain open and will close all stores on Sunday. Staffing in stores that remain open will adhere to social distancing guidelines.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Turkey's Erdogan advises citizens to say home for 3 weeks

`` None of our citizens must leave their homes or get in contact with anyone , unless absolutely necessary , @ @ @ @ @ '' Erdogan said in a speech after a special meeting in Ankara to tackle the @ @ @

President Tayyip Erdogan advised Turks on Wednesday not to leave home unless necessary for three weeks and to minimize social contact until the threat of coronavirus recedes, but did not instruct people to stay away from work.
"None of our citizens must leave their homes or get in contact with anyone, unless absolutely necessary, until the threat disappears," Erdogan said in a speech after a special meeting in Ankara to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
"Our citizens who are going to their offices should directly return to their homes at the end of the business day," he said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Trump wants to send taxpayers $500b., airlines loans of $50b.

The Trump administration on Wednesday asked Congress to approve $500 billion in cash payments to taxpayers in two rounds that would start April 6 and $50 billion in secured loans to U.S. airlines to address the financial impact of the coronavirus, according to a document seen by Reuters.The payments would be tiered based on income and family size. They would be made in $250 billion rounds starting April 6 and May 18, according to the document.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Death toll in Lombardy, Italy jumps by 319 in 24 hours

The sources said the number of new cases in the region , which includes Italy 's financial capital Milan , @ @ @ @ @ , with the tally of confirmed cases rising above 17,700 .

The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, which has borne the brunt of a nationwide contagion, has risen by 319 in a day to 1,959, two sources with access to the data said on Wednesday.
The sources said the number of new cases in the region, which includes Italy's financial capital Milan, had increased by almost 1,500, with the tally of confirmed cases rising above 17,700.
The latest national death toll figures are due to be released later in the day. On Tuesday, the country-wide tally stood at 2,503.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Ministry of Health slammed for ‘slow’ response to coronavirus in elderly

The Association for Protected Living and Elderly People ’ s Home in Israel slammed the Health Ministry on Wednesday for @ @ @ @ @ hopefully not too late ” regarding its handling of coronavirus among the elderly .
The @ @ @ @ @ move , but said “ we need equipment on a consistant basis.
” It demanded @ @ @ @ @ attention as hospitals as the elderly are at greater risk if exposed to coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ ministry intends to supply protective gear and sanitation materials to homes for the aged with @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus.The organization lauded the ministry 's move , but said “ we need equipment @ @ @ @ @ It demanded to be given the same attention as hospitals as the elderly are at @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .

The Association for Protected Living and Elderly People’s Home in Israel slammed the Health Ministry on Wednesday for “too little, and hopefully not too late” regarding its handling of coronavirus among the elderly.
At the moment, the ministry intends to supply protective gear and sanitation materials to homes for the aged with quarantine rooms for patients diagnosed with coronavirus.The organization lauded the ministry's move, but said “we need equipment on a consistant basis.” It demanded to be given the same attention as hospitals as the elderly are at greater risk if exposed to coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Democratic Senator Schumer slams President Trump's call for $1,000 checks

`` The coronavirus is slowing our economy to a near standstill and we are almost certainly anticipating a recession , @ @ @ @ @ speech on the Senate floor .
He added that expanded unemployment benefits would be a @ @ @ @ @ workers than a $ 1,000 check from Washington .

US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday warned of an economic recession as the coronavirus spreads through the country and criticized the Trump administration's latest call for issuing $1,000 checks to Americans in response.
"The coronavirus is slowing our economy to a near standstill and we are almost certainly anticipating a recession," Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor. He added that expanded unemployment benefits would be a more effective way of helping workers than a $1,000 check from Washington.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Washington state reports 8 more deaths due to coronavirus

Washington state on Thursday reported eight more deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, bringing the death toll there to 74, the most of any US state. The majority of those deaths have come in the Seattle area, clustered around a long-term nursing care facility in the suburb of Kirkland where the respiratory illness first surfaced in the United States.
Washington state has confirmed more than 1,300 cases of COVID-19 statewide, prompting Governor Jay Inslee to sign legislation this week approving $200 million in emergency funds intended to slow the spread of the disease.
At least 199 people have died from coronavirus in the United States, where the number of confirmed cases has surged past 12,000.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Argentina announces obligatory quarantine to fight coronavirus outbreak

The quarantine will be in effect from midnight on Friday morning until March 31 , the sources said .
Argentina @ @ @ @ @ for a total of 15 days and suspended flights from highly affected countries .

The quarantine will be in effect from midnight on Friday morning until March 31, the sources said.
Argentina has already closed its borders for a total of 15 days and suspended flights from highly affected countries.
Argentina will announce an obligatory quarantine to curb the spread of coronavirus, provincial government sources said on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Panama to suspend all international flights on Sunday due to coronavirus

Writing on Twitter , Cortizo said cargo flights , humanitarian flights and domestic flights would continue operating as normal for @ @ @ @

Writing on Twitter, Cortizo said cargo flights, humanitarian flights and domestic flights would continue operating as normal for the time being.
Panama will for 30 days suspend all international passenger flights from 11:59 p.m. on Sunday to contain the spread of coronavirus, President Laurentino Cortizo said on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Coronavirus treatment touted by Trump in short supply

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ( ASHP ) , which maintains a list of drugs in shortage independent of the US Food and Drug Administration 's list , added the generic malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to its list on Thursday .
Four out of eight manufacturers of the drug are currently in shortage , it said .
The new coronavirus , which causes the highly contagious COVID-19 respiratory illness , emerged in December in Wuhan , China and has spread throughout the world .
There are currently no vaccines or treatments approved for the disease , but researchers are studying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the moment , most patients can only receive supportive care .
Erin Fox , senior director of drug information at University of Utah Health , who maintains ASHP 's shortages list , said pharmacists are unable to get the drug or fill prescriptions in full .
Fox said that University of Utah 's 12 retail pharmacies are not filling prescriptions for prophylactic use , and are preserving their stocks for inpatient needs .
The FDA could not be reached for comment , but hydroxychloroquine is not currently on its drugs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health regulators to expedite potential therapies aimed at treating COVID-19 , including hydroxychloroquine .
`` We 're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately , '' Trump said of the malaria drug at a White House briefing .
Fox and the FDA have been watching for drug shortages that could be due to supply chain issues with manufacturing in China and India .
But surging demand in recent weeks is the issue with the malaria drug , which can also treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus , according to online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive Jessica Nouhavandi sent a letter to prescribers earlier this week , urging them to be aware of potential hoarding of the drug that could deprives those who really need it .
On Thursday , Nouhavandi said demand was its highest yet after Trump 's comments .
Jeff Bartone , who owns Hock 's Pharmacy in Vandalia , Ohio , said he purchased five bottles of hydroxychloroquine this morning , but within an hour the company that distributes it to his pharmacy had run out .
He said four backup prescription drug wholesalers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bartone said he does not typically stock large amounts of the drug because it is not widely prescribed .
Mylan NV - one of the manufacturers ASHP said was in shortage - said it was ramping up production of the drug and expects to be in a position to begin supplying it more broadly in mid-April .
It said with the raw materials on hand it can make 50 million tablets to potentially treat more than 1.5 million patients .
Bayer AG said it would donate 3 million tablets of Resochin - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chloroquine phosphate .
Chloroquine is also in shortage , according to the ASHP .
Online pharmacy Valisure said it too was unable to order any chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine as of Thursday from its four distributors .
Valisure Chief Executive David Light said other potential treatments are also becoming difficult to obtain .
`` Kaletra and losartan are being rationed , meaning we are only allowed to order limited quantities at a time , '' he said .
Kaletra , a combination HIV treatment sold by AbbVie , and the generic blood pressure drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus , although Chinese investigators reported this week that Kaletra failed to improve outcomes for seriously ill COVID-19 patients .

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), which maintains a list of drugs in shortage independent of the US Food and Drug Administration's list, added the generic malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to its list on Thursday. Four out of eight manufacturers of the drug are currently in shortage, it said.
The new coronavirus, which causes the highly contagious COVID-19 respiratory illness, emerged in December in Wuhan, China and has spread throughout the world.
There are currently no vaccines or treatments approved for the disease, but researchers are studying existing treatments and working on experimental ones. At the moment, most patients can only receive supportive care.
Erin Fox, senior director of drug information at University of Utah Health, who maintains ASHP's shortages list, said pharmacists are unable to get the drug or fill prescriptions in full.
Fox said that University of Utah's 12 retail pharmacies are not filling prescriptions for prophylactic use, and are preserving their stocks for inpatient needs.
The FDA could not be reached for comment, but hydroxychloroquine is not currently on its drugs in shortage list.
Trump called on US health regulators to expedite potential therapies aimed at treating COVID-19, including hydroxychloroquine.
"We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately," Trump said of the malaria drug at a White House briefing.
RUN ON PHARMACIES
Fox and the FDA have been watching for drug shortages that could be due to supply chain issues with manufacturing in China and India. But surging demand in recent weeks is the issue with the malaria drug, which can also treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, according to online pharmacy, Honeybee Health.
Its co-Chief Executive Jessica Nouhavandi sent a letter to prescribers earlier this week, urging them to be aware of potential hoarding of the drug that could deprives those who really need it.
On Thursday, Nouhavandi said demand was its highest yet after Trump's comments.
Jeff Bartone, who owns Hock's Pharmacy in Vandalia, Ohio, said he purchased five bottles of hydroxychloroquine this morning, but within an hour the company that distributes it to his pharmacy had run out.
He said four backup prescription drug wholesalers were out of the drug as well.
Bartone said he does not typically stock large amounts of the drug because it is not widely prescribed.
Mylan NV - one of the manufacturers ASHP said was in shortage - said it was ramping up production of the drug and expects to be in a position to begin supplying it more broadly in mid-April.
It said with the raw materials on hand it can make 50 million tablets to potentially treat more than 1.5 million patients.
Bayer AG said it would donate 3 million tablets of Resochin - a closely related drug known generically as chloroquine phosphate. Chloroquine is also in shortage, according to the ASHP.
Online pharmacy Valisure said it too was unable to order any chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine as of Thursday from its four distributors.
Valisure Chief Executive David Light said other potential treatments are also becoming difficult to obtain.
"Kaletra and losartan are being rationed, meaning we are only allowed to order limited quantities at a time," he said.
Kaletra, a combination HIV treatment sold by AbbVie , and the generic blood pressure drug losartan have been considered as potential treatments for the virus, although Chinese investigators reported this week that Kaletra failed to improve outcomes for seriously ill COVID-19 patients.
NEW YORK, March 19 (Reuters) - An old malaria treatment that has been tried with some success against the new coronavirus and was touted by US President Donald Trump at a news briefing earlier on Thursday is in short supply as demand surges amid the fast-spreading outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Militant attack kills about 30 Malian soldiers -army

Suspected Islamist militants killed about 30 Malian soldiers on Thursday in an attack on an army base in the country's northeast, the army said in a tweet.The army had said earlier in the day that two soldiers had died in the attack on the base in the town of Tarkint.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Defense Ministry purchases 2,500 ventilators

Defense Ministry purchased 2,500 ventilators at the cost of roughly NIS 50 million to meet demands by the Health Ministry @ @ @ @ @ national effort to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak .
1,000 machines will be built in @ @ @ @ @ built overseas and shipped over .
The first machines will be brought to the country @ @ @ @ @ during the summer months.1,000 machines will be built in this country and the rest built @ @ @ @ @

The Health Ministry guidelines to fight the spread of coronavirus will no longer be recommendations or requests. Rather, overnight Thursday the government signed existing restrictions into legally enforceable orders, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national state of emergency.
Going forward, for the next seven days, whoever breaks these orders will be subject to fines.
"There has not been anything like this since the establishment of the state," the prime minister said. "There has actually been no such thing like this in the last 100 years."
“It is not going to be easy; I am asking for your cooperation.”
In general, the new orders include that Israelis are not allowed to leave their homes unless "absolutely necessary." Visiting parks, beaches, pools, libraries and museums is prohibited, as are all social interactions. Work that can be done from home should be.
Currently all “essential” services will remain open, including supermarkets, pharmacies and most medical services. In addition, while Israelis are encouraged to work from home, employees who need to travel to work will be able to do so.
The announcement came on the backdrop of the largest spike in the number of infected Israelis: 677, according to the Health Ministry. At press time Wednesday, 433 Israelis had been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 - an increase of 244 patients in one day.By morning, the number of infected Israelis had risen to 705.On Friday it was reported that an 83-year-old man was taken to Hasharon Hospital after being found to be infected with COVID-19 and 74-year-old actor Tuvia Tzafir is also sick with the virus. Tzafir is under medical care in his home.
It is estimated that the number of people infected with the virus will rise significantly in the wake of the increase in the number of tests that are being conducted.
Government hearings in recent days have revealed a significant gap between the Health and Finance ministries. The Health Ministry has been demanding increased restrictions but the Finance Ministry said that it fears further restrictions would cause a serious blow to the economy.
A full lockdown would only be implemented if the public fails to comply with the guidelines presented by the Health Ministry or if the rate of infection across the country sharply rises.
The government has expressed concern over specific sectors of society not adhering to the guidelines: the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) and the Arab sectors. The Health Ministry has run special campaigns targeting those sectors in recent days to convince them of the importance of adhering to the restrictions; haredi and Arab leaders have met with ministry officials.
In his remarks, which were delivered shortly after the prime minister’s on Thursday, Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov said that the government is putting these orders into place for three reasons: To push off the spread of the virus; to reduce the total number of Israelis infected; and to flatten the curve for the coronavirus.
Minutes after the briefing, the Defense Ministry announced that it had purchased 2,500 ventilators at a cost of more than NIS 50 million. The first machine will arrive in Israel by mid-May. He said that the government is “buying precious time” to acquire much needed safety gear and treatment equipment, to staff-up hospitals and to increase the number of hospital beds available to treat potentially critically-ill patients.Minutes after the briefing, the Defense Ministry announced that it had purchased 2,500 ventilators at a cost of more than NIS 50 million. The first machine will arrive in Israel by mid-May.
It is likely that the number of infections in Israel jumped so much in recent days because of the significant increase in the number of tests that have been conducted - around 2,200 daily, according to the Health Ministry, with the goal of reaching as many as 5,000 tests per day.
On Friday, many more Israelis were listed in critical condition – a total to 10, including a 91-year-old woman who has been described as worse than the rest – but the majority of those afflicted (662) have mild symptoms, the ministry reported.
Eighteen Israelis are in moderate condition and 15 have recovered.
ON TUESDAY, the IDF’s Homefront Command along with the Israel Police and Health Ministry opened the country’s first corona quarantine facility in Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel; soon after, a similar facility opened in Jerusalem. In total, four hotels will be opened across the country to isolate those diagnosed with the virus as well as provide them with medical care as needed. ON TUESDAY, the IDF’s Homefront Command along with the Israel Police and Health Ministry opened the country’s first corona quarantine facility in Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel; soon after, a similar facility opened in Jerusalem. In total, four hotels will be opened across the country to isolate those diagnosed with the virus as well as provide them with medical care as needed.
So far, 47 Israelis are taking advantage of these hotels.
Moreover, the Israeli military is moving to a higher state of readiness and is preparing to assist the police to enforce a quarantine should a full nationwide lockdown be imposed due to the continued spread of the deadly coronavirus, IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman announced on Thursday.
While a national state of emergency has not been declared as Netanyahu explained on Thursday, the defense establishment has been preparing to assist should he announce the move and a full countrywide lockdown is imposed. The military will also be enforcing the regulations imposed by the Health Ministry on all bases across the country.
Zilberman, on a conference call with reporters, said that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi held a situational assessment with the General Staff regarding the ongoing pandemic and raised the military’s state of alert in order to deal with the crisis in the country.
The military on Tuesday dubbed the fight against the virus “Operation Sunbeam,” and will see commanders enforce the regulations placed by the Health Ministry to avoid crowds. To ensure that orders are being followed by troops, several surprise reviews have been conducted in 40 bases across the country.
Troops will also work in shifts known as “capsule systems,” especially those in essential units, which will see all troops per shift remain completely separate from the other. Troops will also be asked to refrain from taking public transportation; as such, the military will provide buses in which no more than 25 soldiers will travel at a time.
The military has also been working in conjunction with Magen David Adom rescue services and has established a call center, a national emergency portal, blood drive with a goal to obtain at least 7,000 units of blood, and logistical help for the drive-thru test centers and the quarantine hotels across the country and more.
ON THURSDAY, Israel’s Defense Minister Naftali Bennett ordered the IDF’s Homefront Command to establish the national emergency center to assist the public due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The center will serve as a focal point for managing civilian assistance and will assist local authorities and the general public with food, medical assistance, psychological support, transportation and more. ON THURSDAY, Israel’s Defense Minister Naftali Bennett ordered the IDF’s Homefront Command to establish the national emergency center to assist the public due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The center will serve as a focal point for managing civilian assistance and will assist local authorities and the general public with food, medical assistance, psychological support, transportation and more.
The center is expected to open next week and will be run by troops from the Homefront Command.
The IDF’s elite 81 Intelligence Technology Unit is also working with MDA, various hospitals and the Health Ministry on technological aspects, including producing face masks for health care providers and 50 vans with internal separators to protect drivers from infected patients, as well as information management software for laboratories testing for the coronavirus.
According to Zilberman, the unit is aiming to produce some 1,000 masks per day, with 400 masks having already been delivered to medical professionals. In a bid to support health care providers, hundreds of female soldiers will also support medical professionals by caring for and teaching their children.
Zilberman also confirmed that the IDF will be testing Israelis for the coronavirus along with crews from Magen David Adom. Starting Thursday morning, some 100 crews will begin travelling to the homes of Israelis across the country who are suspected of carrying the virus.
Despite reports that the military is also currently discussing the process of establishing a field hospital in the south of the country for patients who are slightly ill with the virus, Zilberman denied the reports, saying that the military is not equipped to build such facilities. The field hospitals that the military can build are better suited for natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Rather, the holiday village at Ashkelon of “Yahad – United for Israel’s Soldiers” will be converted into an inpatient facility for soldiers who have been diagnosed with the virus. It will open as early as Friday morning, managed by the military’s Medical Corps.
Police, however, have already been working to stop civilians from breaking quarantine, which is against the law. Police opened criminal investigations against 92 people who allegedly violated quarantine instructions by the Health Ministry, and arrested three people who were actively violating it. One man was arrested three times after he continued to break his quarantine.
Some 13 criminal cases are currently being investigated against people suspected of spreading fake news about the novel coronavirus and promoting panic among the general public.
Police and inspectors from the Health Ministry have visited the homes of 2,831 Israelis, at the time of writing.
THE IMPACT of the recent restrictions has already given a major hit to the Israeli public, as thousands of Israelis have been sent on unpaid leave. THE IMPACT of the recent restrictions has already given a major hit to the Israeli public, as thousands of Israelis have been sent on unpaid leave.
The National Insurance Institute reported that 95,600 people registered between Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 8 a.m. - almost 7,000 per hour.
Since the beginning of March, around 400,000 job seekers have registered for financial assistance: 86% of those who applied for financial assistance were sent on unpaid leave. More than half of those applying (53%) were men.
At the same time, the Foreign Ministry on Thursday called on all Israelis abroad to return to Israel as soon as possible due to countries closing their borders and canceling all their flights as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
"Due to reduction and cancellation of flights all over the world and the decision of many countries to close their skies and borders due to the coronavirus outbreak, we call on all Israelis abroad to come back to Israel as soon as possible," the Foreign Ministry stated.
The ministry added that even though tickets are hard to come by and some routes are uncomfortable, there are still aviation companies flying. For the convenience of those seeking to return to the country, the ministry compiled a list of possible ways to leave the countries.
Among those who went in and out of quarantine: Former Beit Shemesh mayor Moshe Abutbul became the fifth MK to be quarantined on Thursday after he and his son were in contact with a technician at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem who was diagnosed with the virus.
Abutbul joined ministers Arye Deri (Shas) and Tzachi Hanegbi (Likud) and Blue and White MKs Ram Ben-Barak and Alon Shuster in quarantine.
In contrast, Shalva Dahan, the last patient in hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, who had been quarantined on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked off of Japan, was released, a spokesperson for Sheba said. Dahan had spent 28 days in an isolation room at Sheba after she was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus upon her return to Israel. Over 700 of the ship's more than 3,700 passengers caught the virus, and at least seven have died.
Worldwide, nearly 215,000 people have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and close to 10,000 have died. However, on Thursday, for the first time, China reported no new domestic cases.
Gil Hoffman contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Association for Civil Rights in Israel lauds court’s surveillance ruling

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel [ ACRI ] lauded on Thursday a ruling by the Supreme Court in @ @ @ @ @ surveillance of coronavirus infected citizens would be frozen on Tuesday if there was no Knesset @ @ @ @ @ “ We will continue to stand guard , ” the ACRI said , “ to @ @ @ @ @ against the novel coronavirus is not used to back up extreme anti-democratic means .
”

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel [ACRI] lauded on Thursday a ruling by the Supreme Court in which the Shin Bet's surveillance of coronavirus infected citizens would be frozen on Tuesday if there was no Knesset oversight by that date.
“We will continue to stand guard,” the ACRI said, “to make sure that the fight against the novel coronavirus is not used to back up extreme anti-democratic means.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Netanyahu: Emergency warrants will be approved on Thursday night

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Thursday and said he is prepared to sign the guidelines initiated by @ @ @ @ @ emergency orders , '' that will effectively place Israelis under house quarantine for seven days @ @ @ @ @ not to exploit the option of going outside the house to buy groceries and stressed @ @ @ @ @ public is vital to keeping the COVID-19 outbreak at bay .
“ Each and every @ @ @ @ @ fighter in this war , ” he said .
“ Don ’ t say this @ @ @ @ @ me .
”


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--30,000 Palestinian workers to remain in Israel due to coronavirus

30,000 Palestinian workers who , before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus were able to enter the country for work @ @ @ @ @ Bank , will be allowed to remain in the country following the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and could not be halted even during the COVID-19 outbreak .
The decision precedes a @ @ @ @ @ points between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to begin on Sunday morning .
Building contractors @ @ @ @ @ it their workers are well housed and fed during the weeks they are expected to @ @ @ @ @ should they fail to do so their workers will be returned to the PA , @ @ @ @ @ to complete their projects .

30,000 Palestinian workers who, before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus were able to enter the country for work and return to the West Bank, will be allowed to remain in the country following the government’s decision that construction is vital and could not be halted even during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The decision precedes a complete closure of the check points between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to begin on Sunday morning.
Building contractors are requested to see to it their workers are well housed and fed during the weeks they are expected to work in the country and should they fail to do so their workers will be returned to the PA, making it difficult for them to complete their projects.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Number of coronavirus deaths in UK rises to 144, up 40% in a day

LONDON - The number of people in the United Kingdom who have died after contracting the coronavirus rose to 144 @ @ @ @ @ a day , the health ministry said on Thursday .
The number of positive cases @ @ @ @ @ 25 % , to 3,269 .

LONDON - The number of people in the United Kingdom who have died after contracting the coronavirus rose to 144, up 40% in a day, the health ministry said on Thursday.
The number of positive cases increased by 643, or 25%, to 3,269.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--France reports another huge spike in coronavirus deaths

PARIS - French health authorities reported 108 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday , taking the total to 372 or @ @ @ @ @ % , the toll rising sharply yet again as the country was in its third @ @ @ @ @ at containing the outbreak .
During a press conference , health agency director Jerome Salomon @ @ @ @ @ had risen to 10,995 , up from 9,134 on Tuesday , which is a rise @ @ @ @ @ hours .
Salomon said 1,122 people were in a serious condition , needing life support @ @ @ @ @ to Wednesday .
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary @ @ @ @ @ spread around the country .

PARIS - French health authorities reported 108 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total to 372 or an increase of almost 41%, the toll rising sharply yet again as the country was in its third day of a lockdown aimed at containing the outbreak.
During a press conference, health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had risen to 10,995, up from 9,134 on Tuesday, which is a rise of 20% in 24 hours.
Salomon said 1,122 people were in a serious condition, needing life support, up 20.5% compared to Wednesday.
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Egypt registers 46 new coronavirus cases and one new death

CAIRO - Egypt on Thursday registered 46 new coronavirus cases , the health ministry said in a statement , bringing @ @ @ @ @ .
The ministry said that there was one new fatality , bringing the total number @ @ @ @ @

CAIRO - Egypt on Thursday registered 46 new coronavirus cases, the health ministry said in a statement, bringing the total up to 256.
The ministry said that there was one new fatality, bringing the total number of deaths to 7.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--City buses to reduce trips per route to no more than two an hour

The authority said that if there is a question about a particular line , travelers should check with the bus @ @ @ @ @ trips per hour will remain unchanged.Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the country is facing @ @ @ @ @ `` Avoid traveling by public transportation , '' he said .

Lines that already have two trips per hour will remain unchanged. Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the country is facing a public health crisis. "Avoid traveling by public transportation," he said. The authority said that if there is a question about a particular line, travelers should check with the bus company.Lines that already have two trips per hour will remain unchanged.Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the country is facing a public health crisis."Avoid traveling by public transportation," he said.
City buses will begin running no more than two times per route per hour beginning tonight, according to the Transportation Authority, except for in major cities- those buses will run three times per hour.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Netanyahu prepared to sign Health Ministry guidelines into legal orders

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he is prepared to sign the guidelines initiated the other day into "orders," so that whoever breaks them would be fined, according to a report by Channel 12.The relevant ministries are working on drafting the orders, the news channel reported. If it is ready early enough Thursday, the prime minister will announce it tonight.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Italy reports 427 new coronavirus deaths, overtakes China's death toll

ROME - The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy rose in the last 24 hours by 427 @ @ @ @ @ total number of deaths so far registered in China , officials said on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ slight improvement on the day before , when Italy recorded 475 deaths .
Some 3,245 @ @ @ @ @ since the virus first emerged there late last year .
Italy 's outbreak came to @ @ @ @ @ the country on Feb. 21 .
The total number of cases in Italy rose to @ @ @ @ @ , up 14.9 % , a faster rate of growth than seen over the last @ @ @ @ @ Protection Agency said .
Of those originally infected , 4,440 had fully recovered compared to @ @ @ @ @ There were 2,498 people in intensive care against a previous 2,257 .

ROME - The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy rose in the last 24 hours by 427 to 3,405, overtaking the total number of deaths so far registered in China, officials said on Thursday.
Thursday's figure represented a slight improvement on the day before, when Italy recorded 475 deaths.
Some 3,245 people have died in China since the virus first emerged there late last year. Italy's outbreak came to light in the north of the country on Feb. 21.
The total number of cases in Italy rose to 41,035 from a previous 35,713, up 14.9%, a faster rate of growth than seen over the last three days, the Civil Protection Agency said.
Of those originally infected, 4,440 had fully recovered compared to 4,025 the day before. There were 2,498 people in intensive care against a previous 2,257.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--US CDC reports 10,491 coronavirus cases, 150 deaths

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) on Thursday reported 10,491 cases of coronavirus , an @ @ @ @ @ its previous count , and said the death toll had risen by 53 to 150 @ @ @ @ @ tally of cases of the respiratory illness , COVID-19 , caused by a new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ ET on Thursday compared with its report on Wednesday .
Coronavirus cases have been reported @ @ @ @ @ the District of Columbia .
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by @ @ @

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reported 10,491 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 3,404 cases from its previous count, and said the death toll had risen by 53 to 150.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness, COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 pm ET on Thursday compared with its report on Wednesday.
Coronavirus cases have been reported in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Zandberg urges Gantz not to turn against ‘huge block eager for change’

MK Tamar Zandberg ( Meretz ) urged Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Thursday not to turn his back @ @ @ @ @ ( of voters ) eager for change ” by accepting an offer to serve in @ @ @ @ @ Netanyahu .
Allegedly , the offer will lead to the split of Blue and White @ @ @ @ @ Ya ’ alon are opposed to such a move .
Zandberg claimed that such a @ @ @ @ @ crazy breach of trust ” for such voters who placed their trust in Gantz to @ @ @ @ @ .

MK Tamar Zandberg (Meretz) urged Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Thursday not to turn his back to a ”huge block (of voters) eager for change” by accepting an offer to serve in coalition with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Allegedly, the offer will lead to the split of Blue and White as Yair Lapid and Moshe Ya’alon are opposed to such a move.
Zandberg claimed that such a move would be a “crazy breach of trust” for such voters who placed their trust in Gantz to win and lead the country.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Rio reports first coronavirus deaths as Brazil closes land borders

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil 's tourist mecca of Rio de Janeiro reported its first two coronavirus deaths on Thursday , bringing the country 's toll to six , as Latin America 's largest nation closed more borders to foreign visitors .
The state government said the two deaths were a 63-year-old diabetic woman in the hilly interior of Rio de Janeiro state and a 69-year-old man , also diabetic , in the city of Niteroi .
President Jair Bolsonaro , who has faced criticism for his lax handling of an outbreak he initially called a `` fantasy , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors at land borders with Argentina , Paraguay , Bolivia , Peru , Colombia , Suriname and French Guiana .
On Wednesday , Brazil began turning away Venezuelans at the border .
Brazil had reported 428 confirmed cases of the virus as of Wednesday evening , more than doubling in three days .
Responding to the latest deaths , Rio Governor Wilson Witzel urged people to stay indoors and to avoid gyms and beaches .
Brazil 's major cities have moved to restrict social gatherings in an attempt to slow the outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close .
But the measures remain inconsistent between cities and states .
Brazil 's benchmark Bovespa index slipped as much as 7 % to a nearly three-year low before paring losses as U.S. markets recovered on pledges of economic stimulus from Washington .
The rapid spread of the virus represents a major threat for the far-right populist Bolsonaro , who was already struggling to resuscitate the country 's weak economy .

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's tourist mecca of Rio de Janeiro reported its first two coronavirus deaths on Thursday, bringing the country's toll to six, as Latin America's largest nation closed more borders to foreign visitors.
The state government said the two deaths were a 63-year-old diabetic woman in the hilly interior of Rio de Janeiro state and a 69-year-old man, also diabetic, in the city of Niteroi.
President Jair Bolsonaro, who has faced criticism for his lax handling of an outbreak he initially called a "fantasy," issued a decree restricting entry of foreign visitors at land borders with Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Suriname and French Guiana. On Wednesday, Brazil began turning away Venezuelans at the border.
Brazil had reported 428 confirmed cases of the virus as of Wednesday evening, more than doubling in three days.
Responding to the latest deaths, Rio Governor Wilson Witzel urged people to stay indoors and to avoid gyms and beaches.
Brazil's major cities have moved to restrict social gatherings in an attempt to slow the outbreak, with shopping malls and nightclubs asked to close. But the measures remain inconsistent between cities and states.
Brazil's benchmark Bovespa index slipped as much as 7% to a nearly three-year low before paring losses as U.S. markets recovered on pledges of economic stimulus from Washington.
The rapid spread of the virus represents a major threat for the far-right populist Bolsonaro, who was already struggling to resuscitate the country's weak economy.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Dutch minister leading coronavirus fight resigns due to exhaustion

AMSTERDAM - The Dutch minister in charge of the government 's fight against the coronavirus outbreak resigned on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ a parliamentary debate .

AMSTERDAM - The Dutch minister in charge of the government's fight against the coronavirus outbreak resigned on Thursday, a day after collapsing during a parliamentary debate.
Medical care minister Bruno Bruins, 56, fell down Wednesday evening on the floor of parliament. He later said he was exhausted and had fainted after weeks of intense work.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Yisrael Beytenu vows to support death penalty for terrorist

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman said on Thursday that despite Likud ’ s efforts to embarrass his party by bringing @ @ @ @ @ about applying the death penalty to terrorists , his party will vote in favor as @ @ @ @ @ are not embarrassed , ” he said .
“ We believe in it.
” Liberman @ @ @ @ @ Likud for “ not saying good morning unless instructed to do so from Balfur Street @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister .

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman said on Thursday that despite Likud’s efforts to embarrass his party by bringing to the Knesset a vote about applying the death penalty to terrorists, his party will vote in favor as “those who have principles are not embarrassed,” he said. “We believe in it.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Greece has registered 464 coronavirus cases, six deaths

ATHENS - Greece has so far confirmed 464 coronavirus cases and registered six deaths , a health ministry official said @ @ @ @ @ , a health ministry coordinator , said that estimates for at least 2,000-3,000 people being @ @ @ @ @ being confirmed .
He added that 19 people have recovered .
There were 418 cases @ @ @ @

ATHENS - Greece has so far confirmed 464 coronavirus cases and registered six deaths, a health ministry official said on Thursday.
Sotiris Tsiodras, a health ministry coordinator, said that estimates for at least 2,000-3,000 people being infected in Greece were gradually being confirmed. He added that 19 people have recovered. There were 418 cases reported on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--55 medical staff members, including top doctors, in COVID-19 quarantine

55 medical staff members who work in hospitals in the center of the country are currently in quarantine after contracting @ @ @ @ @ reported on Thursday.All 55 were reported as having COVID-19 after a patient in the hospital @ @ @ @ @ to have the disease or having been in contact with someone who has , was @ @ @ @ @ allegedly spreading it inside the hospital .

55 medical staff members who work in hospitals in the center of the country are currently in quarantine after contracting the novel coronavirus, KAN reported on Thursday.All 55 were reported as having COVID-19 after a patient in the hospital, who was not known to have the disease or having been in contact with someone who has, was reported as having it., allegedly spreading it inside the hospital.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Trudeau says Canada-U.S. border closure to take effect as early as Friday

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that he expects the closure of the United States-Canada border to come @ @ @ @ @ , or early Saturday .
The United States and Canada announced on Wednesday they would @ @ @ @ @ `` non-essential traffic '' to curb transmission of the novel coronavirus .
Trudeau told reporters @ @ @ @ @ plans with American officials to implement the plan announced on Wednesday .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that he expects the closure of the United States-Canada border to come into effect on Friday night, or early Saturday.
The United States and Canada announced on Wednesday they would close their shared border to "non-essential traffic" to curb transmission of the novel coronavirus.
Trudeau told reporters that Canada is finalising the plans with American officials to implement the plan announced on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Prince Albert of Monaco first nobleman to have coronavirus

Prince Albert of Monaco was reported on Thursday to have tested positive for coronavirus , Reuters reported , the first @ @ @ @ @ of a royal family contracting the disease .
The prince , 62 years-old , is @ @ @ @ @ Principality of Monaco .
His mother was the late American actress Grace Kelly .
Other @ @ @ @ @ contracting the COVID 19 virus so far include American actor Tom Hanks and British actor @ @ @

Prince Albert of Monaco was reported on Thursday to have tested positive for coronavirus, Reuters reported, the first such case of a member of a royal family contracting the disease.
The prince, 62 years-old, is the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco. His mother was the late American actress Grace Kelly.
Other famous people to have reported contracting the COVID 19 virus so far include American actor Tom Hanks and British actor Idris Elba.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--US blacklists 5 UAE-based companies over purchase of Iran oil

WASHINGTON - The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on five United Arab Emirates-based companies , accusing them of having collectively purchased in 2019 hundreds of thousands of metric tons of petroleum products from Iran .
The US Treasury Department said in a statement the blacklisted companies - Petro Grand FZE , Alphabet International DMCC , Swissol Trade DMCC , Alam Althrwa General Trading LLC and Alwaneo LLC Co - purchased the petroleum products in 2019 from the National Iranian Oil Company for delivery to the United Arab Emirates .
The announcement , which followed the blacklisting of Chinese and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran oil trade , seemed a further indication Washington would not ease its campaign of choking off Tehran 's ability to export its oil , despite appeals from China and others that it do so on humanitarian grounds because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The U.S. `` maximum pressure '' campaign , instituted after President Donald Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal Iran struck with six major world powers , aims to force Tehran to limit its nuclear , missile and regional activities .
Thursday 's sanctions freeze any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar Americans from doing business with them .
`` The Iranian regime uses revenues from petroleum and petrochemical sales to fund its terrorist proxies ... instead of the health and well-being of the Iranian people , '' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement .

WASHINGTON - The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on five United Arab Emirates-based companies, accusing them of having collectively purchased in 2019 hundreds of thousands of metric tons of petroleum products from Iran.
The US Treasury Department said in a statement the blacklisted companies - Petro Grand FZE, Alphabet International DMCC, Swissol Trade DMCC, Alam Althrwa General Trading LLC and Alwaneo LLC Co - purchased the petroleum products in 2019 from the National Iranian Oil Company for delivery to the United Arab Emirates.
The announcement, which followed the blacklisting of Chinese and South African companies earlier this week over Iran oil trade, seemed a further indication Washington would not ease its campaign of choking off Tehran's ability to export its oil, despite appeals from China and others that it do so on humanitarian grounds because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The U.S. "maximum pressure" campaign, instituted after President Donald Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal Iran struck with six major world powers, aims to force Tehran to limit its nuclear, missile and regional activities.
Thursday's sanctions freeze any US-held assets of the companies and generally bar Americans from doing business with them.
"The Iranian regime uses revenues from petroleum and petrochemical sales to fund its terrorist proxies ... instead of the health and well-being of the Iranian people," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Shas MK becomes fifth MK quarantined

Shas MK becomes fifth MK quarantined

Former Beit Shemesh mayor Moshe Abutbul became the fifth MK to be quarantined on Thursday.A Shas spokesman said Abutbul and his son went into quarantine after a technician at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem was diagnosed with the virus after Abutbul and his son were in the room for magnetic resonance imaging.Abutbul joined Ministers Arye Deri (Shas) and Tzachi Hanegbi (Likud) and Blue and White MKs Ram Ben-Barak and Alon Shuster in quarantine.Hanegbi, Ben-Barak and Shuster were quarantined after they were at a conference with Merhavim Regional Council mayor Shai Hajaj, who contracted the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--US House lawmaker self quarantines after contact with Diaz-Balart

WASHINGTON - US Representative Tom Cole , a prominent Republican in the House of Representatives , announced on Thursday that @ @ @ @ @ 27 after contact with another lawmaker who has tested positive for coronavirus infection .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Attending Physician of Congress that my friend Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` While I have no symptoms and feel fine , I was @ @ @ @ @ period last week .
Out of an abundance of caution , I am following the @ @ @ @ @ until March 27 . ''

WASHINGTON - US Representative Tom Cole, a prominent Republican in the House of Representatives, announced on Thursday that he would self-quarantine until March 27 after contact with another lawmaker who has tested positive for coronavirus infection.
"I was informed by the Attending Physician of Congress that my friend Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has tested positive for COVID-19," Cole said in a statement.
"While I have no symptoms and feel fine, I was around him for an extended period last week. Out of an abundance of caution, I am following the doctor's instructions to self-quarantine until March 27."


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Police arrest quarantine violators and those who spread fake news

Police opened criminal investigations against 92 people who allegedly violated quarantine instructions by the Health Ministry , and arrested three @ @ @ @ @ it .
One man was arrested three times after he continued to break his quarantine @ @ @ @ @ currently investigated against people suspected of spreading fake news about the novel coronavirus and promoting @ @ @ @ @ .
Police and inspectors from the Health Ministry visited the homes of 2,831 Israelis at @ @ @ @ @

Police opened criminal investigations against 92 people who allegedly violated quarantine instructions by the Health Ministry, and arrested three people who were actively violating it. One man was arrested three times after he continued to break his quarantine.
13 criminal cases are currently investigated against people suspected of spreading fake news about the novel coronavirus and promoting panic among the general public.
Police and inspectors from the Health Ministry visited the homes of 2,831 Israelis at the time of writing.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Blue and White won’t speak with Netanyahu until the Knesset opens

MK Ofer Shelach ( Blue and White ) told the press on Thursday his party will no longer speak with @ @ @ @ @ the Likud party until the Knesset is reopened .
Earlier on Thursday , Blue and @ @ @ @ @ away from a remote briefing on the novel coronavirus situation in the country due to @ @ @ @ @ in his view , should be done at the Knesset in front of a committee @ @ @ @ @ administration is doing .
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein instructed the Knesset to close due to @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , MK Offer Cassif ( Hadash ) slammed the decision , saying no other @ @ @ @ @ due to the virus .

MK Ofer Shelach (Blue and White) told the press on Thursday his party will no longer speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or the Likud party until the Knesset is reopened.
Earlier on Thursday, Blue and White MK Avi Nissenkorn walked away from a remote briefing on the novel coronavirus situation in the country due to the fact such briefings, in his view, should be done at the Knesset in front of a committee which can oversee what the administration is doing.
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein instructed the Knesset to close due to the COVID-19 epedmic. On Wednesday, MK Offer Cassif (Hadash) slammed the decision, saying no other parliament in the world closed due to the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Coronavirus-hit Italian cruise ship docks in southern France

MARSEILLE - An Italian cruise ship that earlier in its voyage disembarked two passengers who later tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ , southern France , authorities and passengers said on Thursday .
The 1,400 passengers and @ @ @ @ @ - which left Fort Lauderdale , Florida , on March 5 on a cruise destined @ @ @ @ @ will remain on board as they wait for the results of coronavirus infection tests on @ @ @ @ @ regional health authority will investigate the situation on board .
We are waiting for its @ @ @ @ @ can disembark , '' a port authority spokesman said .
France is in its third @ @ @ @ @ to fight the coronavirus pandemic , with 264 dead so far .
According to a @ @ @ @ @ reposted on a passengers ' Facebook group , the cruise operator has made arrangements for @ @ @ @ @ ship in Marseille and fly home from there .
Others will remain on the ship @ @ @ @ @ sail to Savona , northern Italy , where all remaining passengers will disembark .

MARSEILLE - An Italian cruise ship that earlier in its voyage disembarked two passengers who later tested positive for the coronavirus has docked in Marseille, southern France, authorities and passengers said on Thursday.
The 1,400 passengers and the crew of the ship - which left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 5 on a cruise destined for Venice, Italy - will remain on board as they wait for the results of coronavirus infection tests on suspected cases.
"The regional health authority will investigate the situation on board. We are waiting for its decision to see whether passengers can disembark," a port authority spokesman said.
France is in its third day of a virtual lockdown to fight the coronavirus pandemic, with 264 dead so far.
According to a message from the captain, reposted on a passengers' Facebook group, the cruise operator has made arrangements for some passengers to leave the ship in Marseille and fly home from there. Others will remain on the ship, which on Friday will sail to Savona, northern Italy, where all remaining passengers will disembark.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Spain's coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,000

MADRID - Spain 's death toll from the coronavirus epidemic soared to 1,002 on Friday from 767 on the previous @ @ @ @ @ health emergencies chief Fernando Simon said .
The number of registered cases in the country @ @ @ @ @ from 17,147 on Thursday , Simon said .

MADRID - Spain's death toll from the coronavirus epidemic soared to 1,002 on Friday from 767 on the previous day, the country's health emergencies chief Fernando Simon said.
The number of registered cases in the country rose to 19,980 on Friday from 17,147 on Thursday, Simon said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Singapore has 40 new virus cases, mostly imported, steps up distancing

Singapore reported 40 new coronavirus cases on Friday , mainly imported infections from the United Kingdom , and advised further @ @ @ @ @ fight against the pandemic .
Its tally of cases stands at 385 , with no @ @ @ @ @ said all gatherings of 250 people or more must be canceled .
Among other measures @ @ @ @ @ facilitate working from home and stagger working hours to reduce contact between staff .
Authorities @ @ @ @ @ not planning for a lockdown but have not ruled it out .

Singapore reported 40 new coronavirus cases on Friday, mainly imported infections from the United Kingdom, and advised further social distancing measures in its fight against the pandemic.
Its tally of cases stands at 385, with no deaths.
The health ministry said all gatherings of 250 people or more must be canceled. Among other measures, it asked employers to facilitate working from home and stagger working hours to reduce contact between staff.
Authorities have previously said Singapore is not planning for a lockdown but have not ruled it out.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Netanyahu examining bringing remote learning back to schools

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his office's director, Ronen Peretz, to examine the immediate return of remote learning in schools through a virtual classroom, on Friday.Schools and universities throughout Israel have closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak, and while some schools are currently using conference apps to continue teaching, the pandemic has thrown the end of the school year in doubt.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Iran coronavirus death toll jumps 149 to 1,433 - health ministry

DUBAI - Iran 's death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose by 149 to 1,433 on Friday , a @ @ @ @ @ adding that that total number of confirmed infections had increased by 1,237 to 19,644 .
@ @ @ @ @ countries outside China most affected by the pandemic .

DUBAI - Iran's death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose by 149 to 1,433 on Friday, a health ministry official tweeted, adding that that total number of confirmed infections had increased by 1,237 to 19,644.
Iran is one of the countries outside China most affected by the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--South Africa's health minister says coronavirus cases rise to 202

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa 's Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Friday that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases had @ @ @ @ @ , with the first cases recorded in the Free State province .
The virus has @ @ @ @ @ than in Asia or Europe , but the number of cases has started to rise @ @ @ @ @ in recent days .
Africa 's most industrialised economy has the most cases in sub-Saharan @ @

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Friday that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases had risen by 52 to 202, with the first cases recorded in the Free State province.
The virus has multiplied in Africa more slowly than in Asia or Europe, but the number of cases has started to rise more rapidly in South Africa in recent days. Africa's most industrialised economy has the most cases in sub-Saharan Africa.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Kremlin says Putin does not need a coronavirus test as he has no symptoms

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been tested for the new coronavirus and does not need to undergo @ @ @ @ @ is healthy and has no symptoms , the Kremlin said on Friday .
Russia has @ @ @ @ @ far , less than in many other European countries .
But the figure has risen @ @ @ @ @ one person diagnosed with the virus has died .

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been tested for the new coronavirus and does not need to undergo such a test because he is healthy and has no symptoms, the Kremlin said on Friday.
Russia has reported 199 coronavirus cases so far, less than in many other European countries. But the figure has risen sharply in recent days and one person diagnosed with the virus has died.
"Thank God, he always feels brilliant," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call when asked if Putin had undergone a coronavirus test.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--German health official: It's up to authorities to decide on curfew

BERLIN - The health official leading Germany 's fight against coronavirus urged people on Friday to keep their distance to @ @ @ @ @ said it was up to the authorities to decide whether to impose a curfew to @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We recommend keeping maximal distance .
It is up to the authorities to @ @ @ @ @ to achieve that , '' Lothar Wieler , president of the Robert Koch Institute , @ @ @ @ @ after the number of German cases of COVID-19 rose by 2,958 overnight to 13,957 .
@ @ @ @ @ by 11 to 31 .

BERLIN - The health official leading Germany's fight against coronavirus urged people on Friday to keep their distance to curb the pandemic, but said it was up to the authorities to decide whether to impose a curfew to force them to do so.
"We recommend keeping maximal distance. It is up to the authorities to decide on the measures needed to achieve that," Lothar Wieler, president of the Robert Koch Institute, told reporters.
He spoke after the number of German cases of COVID-19 rose by 2,958 overnight to 13,957. The number of fatalities rose by 11 to 31.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Protests set near Gantz, Edelstein homes

Left-wing protesters will demonstrate outside the homes of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on Friday afternoon .
The protesters are complaining that Knesset committees have not been set up yet .
Edelstein has said they will be set up on Monday and Gantz 's party went to the Supreme Court to ensure that they would be set up , but the protesters said they wanted to make a point about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continuing to serve despite his indictments .
`` A black flag is flying over the actions of the indicted prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But he is not the only one who is guilty .
Our elected officials collaborating with his anti-democratic actions is a crime against Israeli democracy . ''
The protesters said they would demonstrate outside Gant 's home in Rosh Ha'ayin `` to remind him that he has a spine and balls . ''
They said they would also protest outside the Tel Aviv home of Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar and the Kiryat Ono home of Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan `` to remind them that they are not dish rags .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they were sent by the left-wing inside Blue and White to pressure Gantz not to join a national unity government .

Left-wing protesters demonstrated outside the homes of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on Friday afternoon.
The protesters complained that Knesset committees have not been set up yet. Edelstein has said they will be set up on Monday and Gantz's party went to the Supreme Court to ensure that they would be set up, but the protesters said they wanted to make a point about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continuing to serve despite his indictments.
"A black flag is flying over the actions of the indicted prime minister," the protest organizers said. "But he is not the only one who is guilty. Our elected officials collaborating with his anti-democratic actions is a crime against Israeli democracy."
The protesters said they demonstrated outside Gantz's home in Rosh Ha'ayin "to remind him that he has a spine and balls." Dozens of cars came near Gantz's home.
They also protested outside the Tel Aviv home of Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar and the Kiryat Ono home of Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan "to remind them that they are not dish rags."
Edelstein blasted the protesters, saying that they were sent by the left-wing inside Blue and White to pressure Gantz not to join a national unity government.
There will be an anti-Netanyahu demonsration on Saturday night on Facebook. Speakers include former Shin-Bet head Yuval Diskin, former Mossad head Efraim Halevy and former Supreme Court judge Elyakim Rubinstein. It will be hosted by actor Lior Ashkenazi, who plays Gantz on the Eretz Nehederet show.
There will be a pro-Netanyahu rally on porches and doorsteps across the country in favor of Netanyahu.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Train frequency to be reduced by half starting on Monday

In line with the Health Ministry 's guidelines on reducing public transport , and due to a minority of trips @ @ @ @ @ , which reflected a decline of about 80 percent in demand , the Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ Friday to operate the rail service in a limited format , starting this coming Monday @ @ @ @ @ means that the frequency of trains will be reduced by about half , and one @ @ @ @ @ one hour , in each direction , for most train lines .
Translated by Idan @ @ @ @ @ remain open for service , with the exception of the Jerusalem-Malha , Dimona and Rishon @ @ @ @ @ were closed to service last week due to a shortage of train inspectors who are @ @ @ @ @ .

In line with the Health Ministry's guidelines on reducing public transport, and due to a minority of trips recorded in the past week, which reflected a decline of about 80 percent in demand, the Ministry of Transport instructed Israel Railways on Friday to operate the rail service in a limited format, starting this coming Monday until further notice.
This means that the frequency of trains will be reduced by about half, and one train will be operated at one hour, in each direction, for most train lines.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Hong Kong sees 48 new cases of coronavirus, bulk of infections imported

HONG KONG - Hong Kong said on Friday it had recorded 48 new cases of coronavirus , a one-day record @ @ @ @ @ down to deal with a flood of people returning from overseas who are infected with @ @ @

HONG KONG - Hong Kong said on Friday it had recorded 48 new cases of coronavirus, a one-day record, as the city hunkers down to deal with a flood of people returning from overseas who are infected with the virus.
The number brings the total of confirmed cases in the global financial hub to 256. Of the confirmed new cases, 36 had overseas travel records, the government said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Philippines reports 13 new coronavirus infections, one new death

MANILA - The Philippines ' health ministry on Friday recorded 13 new coronavirus cases and one death as the country @ @ @ @ @ strict quarantine measures .
The new coronavirus has infected 230 people in the Philippines , @ @ @ @ @ Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a regular news conference .

MANILA - The Philippines' health ministry on Friday recorded 13 new coronavirus cases and one death as the country's main island is under strict quarantine measures.
The new coronavirus has infected 230 people in the Philippines, resulting in 18 deaths, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a regular news conference.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--France says 130,000 of its nationals trying to return home

PARIS - France is trying to facilitate the repatriation of 130,000 of its nationals stuck overseas due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Le Drian said on Friday .
`` The fundamental principle is that for the 130,000 @ @ @ @ @ them back to the national territory , but we ask them to be calm and @ @ @ @ @ told France Info radio , adding that it would be up to them to pay @ @ @ @ @

PARIS - France is trying to facilitate the repatriation of 130,000 of its nationals stuck overseas due to the coronavirus outbreak, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Friday.
"The fundamental principle is that for the 130,000, we want to bring them back to the national territory, but we ask them to be calm and patient," Le Drian told France Info radio, adding that it would be up to them to pay for their return tickets.
Le Drian urged the more than 3 million French expatriates to stay where they are and warned that the government was ready to toughen up restrictions in France to limit people's movements if existing guidelines were not adhered to sufficiently.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--91-year-old coronavirus victim in critical condition in Tel Aviv hospital

A spokesperson for Wolfson Medical Center , Tel Aviv released an update on the status of the Israelis suffering from @ @ @ @ @ there .
The hardest hit of the thirteen patients was a ninety-one-year-old woman , who @ @ @ @ @ and unstable .
Two more are in severe condition in the Intensive Care Unit , @ @ @ @ @ receiving breathing assistance .
One is a sixty-seven-year old woman with pre-existing conditions , and @ @ @ @ @ man with no pre-existing conditions .
Three more are in medium condition , while another @ @ @ @ @ cases of the disease .

A spokesperson for Wolfson Medical Center, Tel Aviv released an update on the status of the Israelis suffering from coronavirus who are in quarantine there.
The hardest hit of the thirteen patients was a ninety-one-year-old woman, who is currently in critical condition and unstable.
Two more are in severe condition in the Intensive Care Unit, both are currently unconscious and receiving breathing assistance. One is a sixty-seven-year old woman with pre-existing conditions, and the other is a forty-five-year-old man with no pre-existing conditions.
Three more are in medium condition, while another seven were diagnosed with light cases of the disease.