jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Government unanimously approves new movement restrictions overnight

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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 public 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
So far , 47 Israelis are taking advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 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 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

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--2020-03-20--Thailand reports 50 new coronavirus infections for total of 322

BANGKOK - Thailand reported 50 new coronavirus infections , taking its tally to 322 , a health official said on @ @ @ @ @ located in Bangkok , the capital .
A group of 41 new cases is linked @ @ @ @ @ another , of nine , centers on overseas arrivals and contact with foreigners , Suwannachai @ @ @ @ @ disease control department , told a news conference .
Thailand has had one death in @ @ @ @ @ patients having recovered and gone home , while 278 are still in hospital .

BANGKOK - Thailand reported 50 new coronavirus infections, taking its tally to 322, a health official said on Friday, with the majority located in Bangkok, the capital.
A group of 41 new cases is linked to earlier infections, while another, of nine, centers on overseas arrivals and contact with foreigners, Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the disease control department, told a news conference.
Thailand has had one death in the outbreak, with 43 patients having recovered and gone home, while 278 are still in hospital.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Unity will help Iran overcome coronavirus, Rouhani says

`` These acts of sacrifice were made by medical groups , physicians , nurses , assistants , managers and the staff working in hospitals , '' said Khamenei , who looked healthy despite rumors that he had been infected with the new coronavirus .
Officials close to Khamenei , contacted by Reuters on Wednesday , denied the rumors .
Nowruz , or `` new day '' in Persian , is an ancient celebration and the most important date in the calendar , when families gather and exchange gifts .
But the coronavirus has overshadowed the celebrations .
`` Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation , '' Khamenei said .
`` It was a year that began with the floods and that ended with the coronavirus ... but we will overcome all hardships with unity . ''
He named the new year : `` The year of boosting production . ''
In a separate message , President Hassan Rouhani said Iranians praised doctors and nurses for their courage in fighting the disease .
Millions of Iranians are now confined within their own walls for the New Year celebrations .
But police said many defied warnings by health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by heading to the Caspian coast , a favorite destination during the Nowruz holidays .
Unlike in his usual fiery speeches , the anti-US hardliner Khamenei refrained from attacking Iran 's longtime foe in his remarks .
`` Iran benefited from America 's sanctions .
It made us self-sufficient in all areas , '' Khamenei said .
Friction between Tehran and Washington has increased since 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran 's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country , crippling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a medical furlough to imprisoned US Navy veteran Michael White , who has been in prison since his arrest in 2018 .
His release is conditioned on him staying in Iran , US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo said .
White was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison on charges of insulting Khamenei and posting anti-establishment remarks on social media under a pseudonym .
It is not clear exactly how many Americans Iran may hold , but Washington has warned Tehran that it would hold the clerical rulers directly responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected the Islamic Republic .
But growing discontent over economic hardship , combined with the coronavirus outbreak 's impact , could force Iran to choose diplomacy over confrontation with the United States .
`` Yes .
It was a very unique speech by the leader .
His language was different , his tone was different and it was not hostile towards America , '' said an official in Tehran , who asked not to be named .
When asked whether Tehran and Washington might try to ease the tension , he said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First sanctions or at least some sanctions must be lifted .
Then we will see . ''

DUBAI - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a speech on state television for the Persian New Year, praised Iranians for their "dazzling" sacrifices in fighting the coronavirus outbreak in the worst-hit country in the Middle East.
Iran 's utmost authority said it has been a tumultuous year for Iranians who have endured US sanctions, floods, and the coronavirus that has killed nearly 1,300 people in Iran and infected more than 18,000 people.
"These acts of sacrifice were made by medical groups, physicians, nurses, assistants, managers and the staff working in hospitals," said Khamenei, who looked healthy despite rumors that he had been infected with the new coronavirus.
Officials close to Khamenei, contacted by Reuters on Wednesday, denied the rumors.
Nowruz, or "new day" in Persian, is an ancient celebration and the most important date in the calendar, when families gather and exchange gifts. But the coronavirus has overshadowed the celebrations.
"Last year was a tumultuous year for the Iranian nation," Khamenei said. "It was a year that began with the floods and that ended with the coronavirus...but we will overcome all hardships with unity."
He named the new year: "The year of boosting production."
In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said Iranians praised doctors and nurses for their courage in fighting the disease.
Millions of Iranians are now confined within their own walls for the New Year celebrations. But police said many defied warnings by health officials to stay home and avoid crowds by heading to the Caspian coast, a favorite destination during the Nowruz holidays.
Unlike in his usual fiery speeches, the anti-US hardliner Khamenei refrained from attacking Iran's longtime foe in his remarks.
"Iran benefited from America's sanctions. It made us self-sufficient in all areas," Khamenei said.
Friction between Tehran and Washington has increased since 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy.
Iran on Thursday granted a medical furlough to imprisoned US Navy veteran Michael White, who has been in prison since his arrest in 2018. His release is conditioned on him staying in Iran, US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo said.
White was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison on charges of insulting Khamenei and posting anti-establishment remarks on social media under a pseudonym.
It is not clear exactly how many Americans Iran may hold, but Washington has warned Tehran that it would hold the clerical rulers directly responsible for any American deaths since the outbreak has infected the Islamic Republic.
But growing discontent over economic hardship, combined with the coronavirus outbreak's impact, could force Iran to choose diplomacy over confrontation with the United States.
"Yes. It was a very unique speech by the leader. His language was different, his tone was different and it was not hostile towards America," said an official in Tehran, who asked not to be named.
When asked whether Tehran and Washington might try to ease the tension, he said : "Americans know what they should do. First sanctions or at least some sanctions must be lifted. Then we will see."


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--California governor issues statewide 'stay at home' order over coronavirus

California 's governor on Thursday issued an unprecedented statewide `` stay at home order '' directing the state 's 40 million residents to hunker down in their homes for the foreseeable future in the face of the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic .
Governor Gavin Newsom 's directive , effective immediately , marks the largest and most sweeping government clampdown yet in the worsening public health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak , which he predicted could infect more than half the state within eight weeks .
`` We are confident the people of California will abide by it , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Democrat in his first term as governor of the nation 's most populous state , told a late-afternoon news briefing from the state capital in Sacramento .
`` They 'll step up as they have over the last number of weeks to protect themselves , to protect their families and to protect the broader community in this great state and the world we reside in , '' he said .
Newsom called the order essential in light of modeling by experts that showed roughly 56 percent of the state 's residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract the respiratory illness in the next eight weeks .
Such numbers would require nearly 20,000 more hospital beds than the state could provide .
Already more than 1,000 Californians have been confirmed as infected and 18 have died , the third largest death toll in the United States behind only Washington state and New York .
Newsom said exceptions to the stay-at-home rule would be granted for residents to make trips to grocery stores , pharmacies , doctors and laundromats , and workers in `` critical infrastructure sectors . ''
The governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order but suggested it would last for at least eight weeks .
Newsom was also vague about enforcement , saying he expected Californians would bend to `` social pressure '' on their own .
The announcement caught many in the state by surprise and drew swift criticism from U.S. House of Representatives Republican leader Kevin McCarthy , who told Fox News Channel he was unhappy the governor did not consult with lawmakers in Washington .
`` We do think there was an ability to do this without shutting down the entire state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of experts before he just made this decision , '' McCarthy told Fox .
Newsom said during the news conference he had discussed the matter with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , a Democrat from Northern California .
Earlier on Thursday the governor asked President Donald Trump to send a US Navy hospital ship to the port of Los Angeles `` immediately '' as the state braces for the expected surge in the number of coronavirus cases .
Trump has said he would deploy two Navy hospital ships , one to each coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessels were not yet ready to take on patients .

California's governor on Thursday issued an unprecedented statewide "stay at home order" directing the state's 40 million residents to hunker down in their homes for the foreseeable future in the face of the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Gavin Newsom's directive, effective immediately, marks the largest and most sweeping government clampdown yet in the worsening public health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak, which he predicted could infect more than half the state within eight weeks.
"We are confident the people of California will abide by it, they will meet this moment," Newsom, a Democrat in his first term as governor of the nation's most populous state, told a late-afternoon news briefing from the state capital in Sacramento.
"They'll step up as they have over the last number of weeks to protect themselves, to protect their families and to protect the broader community in this great state and the world we reside in," he said.
Newsom called the order essential in light of modeling by experts that showed roughly 56 percent of the state's residents, or 25 million people, would contract the respiratory illness in the next eight weeks. Such numbers would require nearly 20,000 more hospital beds than the state could provide.
Already more than 1,000 Californians have been confirmed as infected and 18 have died, the third largest death toll in the United States behind only Washington state and New York.
Newsom said exceptions to the stay-at-home rule would be granted for residents to make trips to grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors and laundromats, and workers in "critical infrastructure sectors."
The governor did not give an end date for the order but suggested it would last for at least eight weeks.
'SOCIAL PRESSURE'
Newsom was also vague about enforcement, saying he expected Californians would bend to "social pressure" on their own.
The announcement caught many in the state by surprise and drew swift criticism from U.S. House of Representatives Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, who told Fox News Channel he was unhappy the governor did not consult with lawmakers in Washington.
"We do think there was an ability to do this without shutting down the entire state. I hope he consulted with a lot of experts before he just made this decision," McCarthy told Fox.
Newsom said during the news conference he had discussed the matter with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from Northern California.
Earlier on Thursday the governor asked President Donald Trump to send a US Navy hospital ship to the port of Los Angeles "immediately" as the state braces for the expected surge in the number of coronavirus cases.
Trump has said he would deploy two Navy hospital ships, one to each coast, but defense officials have said the vessels were not yet ready to take on patients.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--China's Jiangsu to quarantine tourists from coronavirus-infected countries

China reported 39 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday , all of which had arrived from abroad .
The total @ @ @ @ @ has reached 228 .
The neighbouring city of Shanghai implemented similar quarantine restrictions on incoming @ @ @ @

China reported 39 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, all of which had arrived from abroad. The total number of confirmed imported infections has reached 228.
The neighbouring city of Shanghai implemented similar quarantine restrictions on incoming travellers on Thursday.
The eastern coastal province of Jiangsu will force travellers who visited 24 key coronavirus-infected countries over the last two weeks to undergo 14 days of quarantine and observation in medical facilities, the local government said on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Whole Foods' New York employee tests positive for coronavirus

The affected store was closed early Wednesday for additional cleaning and disinfection , the spokeswoman told Reuters .

The affected store was closed early Wednesday for additional cleaning and disinfection, the spokeswoman told Reuters.
A Whole Foods Market employee working at one of its grocery stores in New York City tested positive for the coronavirus and was placed in quarantine, a spokeswoman for the Amazon.com Inc-owned company said on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Los Angeles mayor orders residents to stay at home, businesses to close

Mayor Eric Garcetti said the orders would require the shuttering of all indoor shopping malls , playgrounds and other gathering @ @ @ @ @ end of the month .
`` We 're taking this urgent action to limit the @ @ @ @ @ lives , '' Garcetti said at an afternoon news conference .
The orders are similar @ @ @ @ @ place '' directives given in more than a dozen Northern California counties .
California has @ @ @ @ @ states in the outbreak of COVID-19 , with more than 1,000 confirmed cases and at @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , California Governor Gavin Newsom asked President Donald Trump to send a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ port of Los Angeles `` immediately '' as the state braces for an expected surge @ @ @ @ @ cases over the next eight weeks .
Newsom said in a letter to Trump that @ @ @ @ @ 56 percent of Californians , or about 25.5 million people , were expected to contract @ @ @ @ @ next eight weeks .

Mayor Eric Garcetti said the orders would require the shuttering of all indoor shopping malls, playgrounds and other gathering places at least until the end of the month.
"We're taking this urgent action to limit the spread of COVID-19 and save lives," Garcetti said at an afternoon news conference.
The orders are similar to so-called "shelter in place" directives given in more than a dozen Northern California counties.
California has been among the hardest hit states in the outbreak of COVID-19, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases and at least 18 deaths.
Earlier on Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom asked President Donald Trump to send a U.S. Navy hospital ship to the port of Los Angeles "immediately" as the state braces for an expected surge in the number of coronavirus cases over the next eight weeks.
Newsom said in a letter to Trump that experts were projecting that roughly 56 percent of Californians, or about 25.5 million people, were expected to contract the respiratory illness over the next eight weeks.
The mayor of Los Angeles and county officials on Thursday ordered all residents of America's second largest city to stay in their homes and "non-essential retail businesses" to close in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--NASA temporarily closes rocket production facilities due to coronavirus

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement he was shutting down the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and @ @ @ @ @ nearby Hancock County , Mississippi , due to a rise in coronavirus cases in the @ @

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement he was shutting down the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and the Stennis Space Center in nearby Hancock County, Mississippi, due to a rise in coronavirus cases in the region.
The coronavirus outbreak dealt a blow to NASA's plans to return Americans to the moon by 2024, as the space agency chief on Thursday ordered the temporary closure of two rocket production facilities after an employee tested positive for the respiratory illness.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Haiti declares state of emergency amid coronavirus outbreak

President Jovenel Moise told a news conference that all ports , airports and borders will be closed from midnight on @ @ @ @ @ remain open for goods traffic .
Schools , universities and industrial parks would be closed @ @ @ @ @ be in force from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as of Friday , he added @

President Jovenel Moise told a news conference that all ports, airports and borders will be closed from midnight on Thursday, though they would remain open for goods traffic.
Schools, universities and industrial parks would be closed, and a curfew would be in force from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as of Friday, he added.
Haiti's government on Thursday declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, saying it would close its borders and impose a curfew after authorities detected the first two cases of infection in the impoverished Caribbean nation.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--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 @ @ @ @ @ US state .
The majority of those deaths have come in the Seattle area , @ @ @ @ @ care facility in the suburb of Kirkland where the respiratory illness first surfaced in the @ @ @ @ @ has confirmed more than 1,300 cases of COVID-19 statewide , prompting Governor Jay Inslee to @ @ @ @ @ $ 200 million in emergency funds intended to slow the spread of the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ died from coronavirus in the United States , where the number of confirmed cases has @ @ @ @

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--2020-03-20--FDA says no scientific evidence that ibuprofen worsens coronavirus

The agency said it is aware of news reports stating the use of these medicines - commonly used to relieve @ @ @ @ @ and bring down fever - could worsen the infection caused by the coronavirus .
Particularly @ @ @ @ @ suggested that NSAIDs could worsen COVID-19 , demand for alternatives such as Johnson & Johnson @ @ @ @ @ the drugmaker to scale up production .
J & J is running its Tylenol manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ America to meet surging demand due to the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak , a top executive @ @ @ @ @ issue is being further investigated and more information will be made public when available , @ @ @ @ @ , the agency added that all prescription NSAID labels warn that the use of these @ @ @ @ @ of diagnostic signs in detecting infections .
On Wednesday , the European Medicines Agency also @ @ @ @ @ scientific evidence showing that the widely used anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen worsens the effects of the @ @

The agency said it is aware of news reports stating the use of these medicines - commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down fever - could worsen the infection caused by the coronavirus.
Particularly after France's health minister suggested that NSAIDs could worsen COVID-19, demand for alternatives such as Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol surged, prompting the drugmaker to scale up production.
J&J is running its Tylenol manufacturing at maximum capacity in North America to meet surging demand due to the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak, a top executive said on Thursday.
The issue is being further investigated and more information will be made public when available, the FDA said.
However, the agency added that all prescription NSAID labels warn that the use of these medicines may diminish the utility of diagnostic signs in detecting infections.
On Wednesday, the European Medicines Agency also said that there is no scientific evidence showing that the widely used anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen worsens the effects of the coronavirus.
The US Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it is not aware of scientific evidence connecting the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, with worsening COVID-19 symptoms.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--California urges Trump to send Navy hospital ship to LA 'immediately'

Trump said earlier this week the Navy hospital ships Mercy and Comfort would be pressed into service , one on each coast , as healthcare systems become badly strained during the pandemic .
But US defense officials have said the ships were not yet ready to sail on the emergency mission , with the Comfort undergoing maintenance in Virginia .
CNN reported on Thursday , citing an unnamed US defense official , that the Mercy would be sent from San Diego to the Seattle area , site of one of the nation 's worst outbreaks of the respiratory illness that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 11,000 others .
`` I respectfully request you immediately deploy the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to be stationed at the port of Los Angeles through September 1 , 2020 , to help decompress our current health care delivery system in the Los Angeles region in response to the COVID-19 outbreak , '' Newsom said in a letter to Trump .
He said Los Angeles , as the nation 's second-largest city , would likely be `` disproportionately impacted '' by the pandemic in the coming weeks .
Trump spoke with several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the federal government would be helping out U.S. auto companies and might consider a relief package for the hospitality industry as well .
It was not clear if Newsom , a Democrat in his first term as California 's governor , was on that call .
In a separate letter sent to US congressional leaders , the California governor asked for additional federal funding for unemployment insurance and social safety net programs and aid to small businesses , schools and universities .
US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday introduced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide direct financial help for Americans , relief for small businesses and their employees , steps to stabilize the economy , and support for healthcare professionals and coronavirus patients Newsom said Wednesday that modeling has shown more than 60,000 homeless people could become ill with the coronavirus in California over the next eight weeks , overwhelming hospitals .

Trump said earlier this week the Navy hospital ships Mercy and Comfort would be pressed into service, one on each coast, as healthcare systems become badly strained during the pandemic.
But US defense officials have said the ships were not yet ready to sail on the emergency mission, with the Comfort undergoing maintenance in Virginia.
CNN reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed US defense official, that the Mercy would be sent from San Diego to the Seattle area, site of one of the nation's worst outbreaks of the respiratory illness that has killed 187 people nationwide and infected more than 11,000 others.
"I respectfully request you immediately deploy the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to be stationed at the port of Los Angeles through September 1, 2020, to help decompress our current health care delivery system in the Los Angeles region in response to the COVID-19 outbreak," Newsom said in a letter to Trump.
He said Los Angeles, as the nation's second-largest city, would likely be "disproportionately impacted" by the pandemic in the coming weeks.
Trump spoke with several state governors by phone on Thursday, saying the federal government would be helping out U.S. auto companies and might consider a relief package for the hospitality industry as well. It was not clear if Newsom, a Democrat in his first term as California's governor, was on that call.
In a separate letter sent to US congressional leaders, the California governor asked for additional federal funding for unemployment insurance and social safety net programs and aid to small businesses, schools and universities.
US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday introduced a $1 trillion-plus package of legislation to provide direct financial help for Americans, relief for small businesses and their employees, steps to stabilize the economy, and support for healthcare professionals and coronavirus patients
Newsom said Wednesday that modeling has shown more than 60,000 homeless people could become ill with the coronavirus in California over the next eight weeks, overwhelming hospitals.
California's governor on Thursday asked President Donald Trump to send a US Navy hospital ship to the port of Los Angeles "immediately" as the state braces for an expected surge in the number of coronavirus cases over the next eight weeks.


jerusalempost--2020-03-19--Bolsonaro expects coronavirus outbreak to peak in 3 to 4 months

Speaking via a broadcast on his Facebook page on the day Brazil 's death toll from the outbreak rose to @ @ @ @ @ government is taking actionable measures to fight it , and that his role is not @ @ @ @ @ country .

Speaking via a broadcast on his Facebook page on the day Brazil's death toll from the outbreak rose to seven, Bolsonaro said his government is taking actionable measures to fight it, and that his role is not to cause panic in the country.
The coronavirus outbreak in Brazil is expected to peak in three or four months, President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday, adding that the country should then return to normality in six to seven months' time.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--83-year-old coronavirus patient brought to Hasharon Hospital

An 83-year-old man was reported on Friday night to have the novel coronavirus and was taken to Hasharon Hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ illnesses and his medical condition is currently critical .

An 83-year-old man was reported on Friday night to have the novel coronavirus and was taken to Hasharon Hospital.
The man suffers from other illnesses and his medical condition is currently critical.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--New York JFK air traffic tower shut after testing positive for coronavirus

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JFK
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it had temporarily closed the air traffic control tower at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and shuttered part of the Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center for cleaning after new cases of COVID-19 were reported.The FAA said a technician athad tested positive and air traffic controllers will operate from an alternate location on airport property. In Indiana, after an air traffic control supervisor tested positive for COVID-19, the FAA vacated work areas at the Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control and flights through the airspace handled by those sectors were rerouted. Air traffic control towers remain closed at Chicago Midway and Las Vegas airports after other coronavirus cases were reported earlier this week.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Cuba bans entry of foreign tourists to slow coronavirus spread

Cuba from Tuesday will stop allowing foreigners to enter the island with the exception of residents in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus in the Caribbean nation, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on state television late on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--North Korea fired unidentified projectile

North Korea fired an unidentified projectile into the sea off the east coast of the Korean peninsula, Yonhap reported on Saturday citing South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.A Joint Chiefs spokesman could not immediately be reached.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--French city of Nice to impose curfew

French city of Nice to impose curfew

`` A curfew is going to be put in place , '' Prefect Bernard Gonzalez told BFM TV .
`` @ @ @ @ @ at those who find it funny to gather together and defy public authorities . ''

A curfew will be imposed in the French Riviera city of Nice from Saturday night, the local prefect said on Friday, saying it was necessary to enforce strict confinement measures decided by France to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
"A curfew is going to be put in place," Prefect Bernard Gonzalez told BFM TV. "This decree is essentially aimed at those who find it funny to gather together and defy public authorities."
The curfew will start at 11 pm local time (2200 GMT) and run until 5 am.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--At least 11 dead, 904 people infected with coronavirus in Brazil

At least 11 people have died from the coronavirus outbreak in Brazil, up from seven on Thursday, the country's health ministry said on Friday.Infections now number 904, the ministry said, compared with 621 the previous day. Brazil is currently Latin America's hardest hit country by the outbreak, which has sparked a global crisis.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--USA Swimming calls for Olympics to be postponed

USA Swimming has called for the Tokyo Olympics to be postponed for one year due to the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey wrote a letter to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee @ @ @ @ @ push for a postponement .
Hinchey said the swimmers ca n't properly prepare for the @ @ @ @ @ due to the current circumstances caused by the pandemic .
`` Everyone has experienced unimaginable @ @ @ @ @ the Olympic Games , which calls into question the authenticity of a level playing field @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` Our athletes are under tremendous pressure , stress and anxiety , and @ @ @ @ @ should be among the highest priorities . ''
Hinchey wrote that the Olympics are the @ @ @ @ @ 's life and he urged the USOPC `` to use its voice and speak up @ @ @ @ @ He allowed that the decision is difficult but one that needs to be made .

USA Swimming has called for the Tokyo Olympics to be postponed for one year due to the coronavirus pandemic, USA Today reported Friday.
USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey wrote a letter to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and asked the entity to push for a postponement.
Hinchey said the swimmers can't properly prepare for the Olympic Trials or the Olympics due to the current circumstances caused by the pandemic.
"Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruptions, mere months before the Olympic Games, which calls into question the authenticity of a level playing field for all," Hinchey wrote. "Our athletes are under tremendous pressure, stress and anxiety, and their mental health and wellness should be among the highest priorities."
Hinchey wrote that the Olympics are the biggest competition of a swimmer's life and he urged the USOPC "to use its voice and speak up for the athletes."
He allowed that the decision is difficult but one that needs to be made.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--UAE announces first two deaths from coronavirus

The United Arab Emirates health ministry announced on Friday its first two deaths from coronavirus, UAE official news agency WAM said.The two deaths are for cases that suffered from previous health conditions, the agency said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--France reports 78 more coronavirus deaths, raising total to 450

During a press conference , health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had risen to 12,612 , @ @ @ @ @ , which is a rise of 15 % in 24 hours .
Salomon said 1,297 @ @ @ @ @ condition , needing life support , up 16 % compared to Thursday .
It is @ @ @ @ @ beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country .

During a press conference, health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had risen to 12,612, up from 10,995 on Thursday, which is a rise of 15% in 24 hours.
Salomon said 1,297 people were in a serious condition, needing life support, up 16% compared to Thursday.
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country.
French health authorities reported 78 new deaths from coronavirus on Friday, taking the total to 450 or an increase of 21%, the toll rising less sharply then the two days before as extra measures to enforce the national lockdown were locally announced.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Coronavirus death toll in UK rises by 33 to 177

As of Friday morning , 3,983 people had tested positive for the virus across the country , out of 66,976 @ @ @ @ @

As of Friday morning, 3,983 people had tested positive for the virus across the country, out of 66,976 who had been tested.
A total of 177 patients have died in the United Kingdom after testing positive for coronavirus, the health ministry said on Friday, up from 144 on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Italy coronavirus deaths surge by 627 in a day, lifting death toll to 4,032

On Thursday , Italy overtook China as the country to register most deaths from the highly contagious virus .
Until @ @ @ @ @ recorded more than 475 deaths in a single day , while China , where the @ @ @ @ @ has never reported more than 150 .
The total number of cases in Italy rose @ @ @ @ @ 41,035 , an increase of 14.6 % , the Civil Protection Agency said .
The @ @ @ @ @ remains in a critical situation , with 2,549 deaths and 22,264 cases .
Of those @ @ @ @ @ had fully recovered on Friday compared to 4,440 the day before .
There were 2,655 @ @ @ @ @ a previous 2,498 .

On Thursday, Italy overtook China as the country to register most deaths from the highly contagious virus.
Until Friday, Italy had never recorded more than 475 deaths in a single day, while China, where the contagion has slowed sharply, has never reported more than 150.
The total number of cases in Italy rose to 47,021 from a previous 41,035, an increase of 14.6%, the Civil Protection Agency said.
The hardest-hit northern region of Lombardy remains in a critical situation, with 2,549 deaths and 22,264 cases.
Of those originally infected nationwide, 5,129 had fully recovered on Friday compared to 4,440 the day before. There were 2,655 people in intensive care against a previous 2,498.
The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has leapt by 627 to 4,032, officials said on Friday, an increase of 18.4% -- by far the largest daily rise in absolute terms since the contagion emerged a month ago.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--US and Mexico agree to restrict non-essential travel over shared border

During a press conference with top US officials , Trump also announced that he would invoke a health-focused statute to @ @ @ @ @ from entering the United States illegally , saying illegal immigration `` threaten to create a @ @ @ @

During a press conference with top US officials, Trump also announced that he would invoke a health-focused statute to block migrants from either border from entering the United States illegally, saying illegal immigration "threaten to create a perfect storm."
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States and Mexico would restrict non-essential travel across their shared border in an effort to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--US says  'disappointed' by Iraq's failure to protect coalition forces

The Iraqi government has told the United States that Baghdad will investigate thoroughly and bring to justice those individuals responsible @ @ @ @ @ attack that killed one British and two American personnel .

The Iraqi government has told the United States that Baghdad will investigate thoroughly and bring to justice those individuals responsible for last week's rocket attack that killed one British and two American personnel.
The United States has been 'enormously disappointed' with the Iraqi government's performance in fulfilling its obligation to protect US-led coalition forces inside the country, a senior State Department official said on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Italy to use army to enforce coronavirus lockdown in worst-hit region

`` ( The request to use the army ) has been accepted ... and 114 soldiers will be on the @ @ @ @ @ is still too little , but it is positive , '' Attilio Fontana told a @ @ @ @ @ also asked the government to further tighten the restrictions already in place , which include @ @ @ @ @ commercial activities and a ban on public gatherings .
Fontana , without giving numbers , @ @ @ @ @ spreading in Lombardy , the Italian region which has so far registered by far the @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Italy .
`` Unfortunately we are not seeing a change of trend in @ @ @ @ @ rising , '' he said .

"(The request to use the army) has been accepted... and 114 soldiers will be on the ground throughout Lombardy... it is still too little, but it is positive," Attilio Fontana told a news conference.
Lombardy has also asked the government to further tighten the restrictions already in place, which include the closure of all non-essential commercial activities and a ban on public gatherings.
Fontana, without giving numbers, added that contagion is still spreading in Lombardy, the Italian region which has so far registered by far the highest number of cases and deaths in Italy.
"Unfortunately we are not seeing a change of trend in the numbers, which are rising," he said.
The president of Lombardy said on Friday the government had agreed to deploy the army in his region to enforce the lockdown against the coronavirus epidemic, which is not slowing down.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--UK to order London pubs, restaurants and gyms to shut - Evening Standard

LONDON - Pubs , restaurants , gyms and cinemas across London will be ordered to close as part of the @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak , the Evening Standard reported on Friday .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ to avoid pubs and other social gatherings .
Johnson is due to hold a news @ @ @ @ @ Friday .

LONDON - Pubs, restaurants, gyms and cinemas across London will be ordered to close as part of the capital's efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, the Evening Standard reported on Friday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has so far advised Britons to avoid pubs and other social gatherings. Johnson is due to hold a news conference at 1700 GMT on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Police set up blockades around Temple Mount, riots ensue

Israel Police set up blockades around the Temple Mount on Friday morning and began limiting the entrance of worshippers wishing to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque in an attempt to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, prompting clashes with police forces in Wadi Joz.
המשטרה סגרה את חלק משערי הר הבית. בשערי העיר העתיקה מורשים לעבור רק תושבי העיר. המטרה היא לדלל את מספר המתפללים באל-אקצא. התוצאה עימותים עם מתפללים פלסטינים בואדי ג'וז. pic.twitter.com/QqEPsW6Uyq — nir hasson (@nirhasson) March 20, 2020


jerusalempost--2020-03-20--Belgium coronavirus deathtoll rises to 37 in largest daily jump

BRUSSELS - Belgium recorded 16 new deaths on Thursday because of coronavirus , for a total of 37 in the @ @ @ @ @ rise since the beginning of the epidemic , a spokesman for the Belgian health ministry @ @ @ @ @ country added 462 new coronavirus cases on Thursday , bringing the total number of infected @ @ @ @ @ .
Telework has become mandatory for all companies and social distancing measures must be implemented @ @ @ @ @ close and could be fined .
The spokesman said the coming days would be `` @ @ @ @ @ number of patients in hospitals will continue to increase but that hospitals were ready to @ @ @ @ @ capacity of 1900 beds , at least at the beginning .

BRUSSELS - Belgium recorded 16 new deaths on Thursday because of coronavirus, for a total of 37 in the country, the biggest daily rise since the beginning of the epidemic, a spokesman for the Belgian health ministry said on Friday.
The country added 462 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of infected in the country to 2257.
Telework has become mandatory for all companies and social distancing measures must be implemented or companies will have to close and could be fined.
The spokesman said the coming days would be "extremely intense" because the number of patients in hospitals will continue to increase but that hospitals were ready to cope, with a total capacity of 1900 beds, at least at the beginning.
Belgium imposed lockdown measures on Wednesday to contain the spread of coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Pakistan suspends international flights for two weeks to contain Covid-19

`` The Government of Pakistan has decided to suspend operation of all international passenger , chartered and private flights to @ @ @ @ @ March 2020 ( 2000 hrs PST ) to 4th April 2020 ( 2000 hrs PST @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
Pakistan has reported three deaths and 481 confirmed cases of the @ @

"The Government of Pakistan has decided to suspend operation of all international passenger, chartered and private flights to Pakistan, effective from 21st March 2020 (2000 hrs PST) to 4th April 2020 (2000 hrs PST)," it said in a statement.
Cargo and diplomatic flights are exempt.
Pakistan has reported three deaths and 481 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Pakistan on Saturday suspended all international flight operations for two weeks in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the civil aviation authority said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Mauritius reports first death from coronavirus

NAIROBI - Mauritius has confirmed its first death from the coronavirus, while the number of confirmed cases have risen, a health ministry official said on Saturday."Mauritius has registered its first death linked to COVID-19. Actually some 13 patients have been tested COVID-19 positive. Their state of health is stable and they are being treated in isolation," Kavish Pultoo, adviser on information matters at the Ministry of Health, told Reuters.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Hong Kong postpones university entrance exams, schools to remain closed

HONG KONG - Hong Kong said on Saturday a surge in imported cases of coronavirus would likely lead to a community outbreak and pile pressure on the city's already stretched healthcare system.The government also said it would postpone university entrance exams until April 24.The Chinese-ruled territory, with 273 confirmed cases of coronavirus and four deaths, is trying to contain a surge in cases as people return from overseas infected with the disease."The influx of people returning from overseas will last at least two weeks ... The recent epidemic caused by imported cases is much more severe than any period of combating the pandemic in the past two months," Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said."It is more difficult to handle and (will) most likely lead to a large and continuous community outbreak."Hong Kong has toughened curbs on travellers, ordering 14 days of quarantine for arrivals from midnight on Thursday and advising against all non-essential travel.The government said it would make civil servants work from home and urged employers to be flexible with work from home arrangements.Schools would remain closed until further notice, it added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--German coronavirus cases rise by 2,705 to 16,662

FRANKFURT - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen by 2,705 within a day to reach 16,662, the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases said on Saturday.It said a total of 47 people had died after testing positive, an increase of 16 from a tally of 31 published on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Philippines announces 19th coronavirus death, confirmed cases rise to 307

MANILA - The Philippines' health ministry on Saturday reported a 19th death related to coronavirus and said the number of confirmed cases had risen to 307.The government has placed more than half of the country's population under strict home quarantine to stem the spread of the coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Indonesia confirms 81 new coronavirus cases, 6 more deaths

JAKARTA - Indonesia has confirmed 81 new coronavirus cases and 6 more deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 450 and deaths to 38, a health ministry official told reporters on Saturday.This comes a day after the governor of Jakarta declared a state of emergency in the Indonesian capital for the next two weeks over the coronavirus outbreak as the death toll in the country climbed to the highest in Southeast Asia.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Palestinian Authority reports 4 new coronavirus cases, 52 cases overall

The Palestinian Authority updated on Saturday that four new cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed, three in Ramallah and one in Hebron.Following the new infections, the number of infected patients rose to 52, of which 17 have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Iran president expects coronavirus restrictions to ease within three weeks

DUBAI - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that social distancing measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the country, including travel restrictions, will apply for only two to three weeks as he expects the crisis to ease by then.Iran "has to do everything necessary to return economic production to normal," he said in comments broadcast on state TV. He also accused "counter-revolutionaries" of plotting to shut down economic production.Iran is one of the countries most affected by the pandemic outside of China, with more than 1,400 deaths so far, and nearly 20,0000 confirmed infections.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Two wounded at a shooting event in Jaljulia

Two men were injured on Saturday morning: one, 30, in serious condition and another, 23, in moderate condition, at a shooting event in Jaljulia.They were evacuated to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Thailand reports 89 new coronavirus cases in highest daily jump

BANGKOK - Thailand reported its largest daily increase in coronavirus infections on Saturday, with 89 new cases taking the national tally to 411.Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a Public Health Ministry spokesman, said the new cases were linked to earlier infections from a boxing match, an entertainment complex and a religious gathering in neighboring Malaysia.Of those infected, 366 are currently being treated, while 44 have recovered.Thailand has reported one death in the outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--United Airlines slashes international schedule by 95% for April

United will temporarily suspend all flights to Canada effective April 1 and will draw down its remaining trans-Atlantic , trans-Pacific @ @ @ @ @ airline said in a statement .

United Airlines Holdings Inc said on Friday it would slash its international schedule by 95% for April because of government restrictions prohibiting travel in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
United will temporarily suspend all flights to Canada effective April 1 and will draw down its remaining trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and Mexico operations, the airline said in a statement.
The airline this week had announced a 60% reduction in domestic and international schedules for April, citing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on travel demand.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Mexico's Interjet airline to suspend international flights

Mexican airline Interjet said on Friday that it will suspend international flights beginning March 24 due to falling demand and the closure of borders and restrictions imposed by various countries aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus.The company added in a statement that its national routes in Mexico will continue to operate.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Biden was vastly outspent by Sanders in February

Despite being outspent , Biden 's campaign finished the month surging at the polls with a victory in the February @ @ @ @ @ Carolina .
Since early March , the former vice president has led the Democratic contest @ @ @ @ @ take on Republican President Donald Trump in the November presidential election .
In February , @ @ @ @ @ 13.1 million , compared to $ 45.8 million spent by Sanders .
His campaign manager @ @ @ @ @ reassessing his bid .

U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden's campaign in February spent less than one-third the amount spent by rival Democrat Bernie Sanders, according to disclosures by the campaigns filed on Friday.
Despite being outspent, Biden's campaign finished the month surging at the polls with a victory in the February 29 nomination contest in South Carolina.
Since early March, the former vice president has led the Democratic contest to be the nominee to take on Republican President Donald Trump in the November presidential election.
In February, Biden's campaign spend $13.1 million, compared to $45.8 million spent by Sanders. His campaign manager said this week he was reassessing his bid.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Singapore reports two deaths from coronavirus, first fatalities in country

The patients who died were a 75-year-old Singaporean woman and a 64-year-old Indonesian man , the health minstry said in @ @ @

Singapore reported two coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday , marking the city-state's first fatalities from the infection.
The patients who died were a 75-year-old Singaporean woman and a 64-year-old Indonesian man, the health minstry said in a statement.
Singapore, widely praised for its fastidious onslaught against the virus, has confirmed 385 cases of the infection and had so far managed to avoid any fatalities since the outbreak began in the city-state in late January.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Colombia to hold 19-day quarantine to fight coronavirus

Colombia will enter a nationwide quarantine from Tuesday night, President Ivan Duque said late on Friday, the most drastic measure implemented so far by the South American country as it seeks to prevent the spread of the fast-moving coronavirus.The quarantine will last for 19 days. The capital Bogota began holding a 4-day quarantine drill on Friday. The country has 158 confirmed cases of the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--South Korea reports 147 new coronavirus cases, total 8,799

The new cases bring the country 's total to 8,799 .

South Korea reported 147 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new cases bring the country's total to 8,799.
The newly reported cases rose back up to above 100, from the 87 recorded on Friday, although South Korea has been experiencing a downward trend in new cases from the peak of 909 cases reported on Feb. 29.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Confirmed coronavirus cases in Mexico rise to more than 200

Mexico 's health ministry said on Friday that confirmed coronavirus cases in the country now total 203 , up by @ @ @ @ @ previous day 's tally of 164 .

Mexico's health ministry said on Friday that confirmed coronavirus cases in the country now total 203, up by nearly a quarter from the previous day's tally of 164.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Paraguay confirms first death due to coronavirus

Paraguay on Friday confirmed the first death in the country due to coronavirus , the health ministry said on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ President Mario Abdo extended a previously announced quarantine through April 12 , and called for @ @ @ @ @ last one week .
Paraguay has thus far recorded 18 cases of coronavirus .

Paraguay on Friday confirmed the first death in the country due to coronavirus, the health ministry said on Twitter.
Earlier on Friday, President Mario Abdo extended a previously announced quarantine through April 12, and called for a social isolation policy to last one week.
Paraguay has thus far recorded 18 cases of coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Shooting reported in Jalijulia, three men injured

Three men were injured during a Friday night shooting in the Arab town of Jalikulia near Kfar Saba .
One @ @ @ @ @ critically injured and the other two moderately injured , all were taken by emergency services @ @ @ @ @ Saba .
Another shooting incident took place on Friday night at Kfar Bara where a @ @ @ @ @ s was lightly injured , police is investigating the shootings and reported that the two @ @ @ @ @

Three men were injured during a Friday night shooting in the Arab town of Jalikulia near Kfar Saba. One of the young men was critically injured and the other two moderately injured, all were taken by emergency services to Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba. Another shooting incident took place on Friday night at Kfar Bara where a man in his 50’s was lightly injured, police is investigating the shootings and reported that the two cases are not related.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Cyprus reports its first coronavirus death - health ministry

No further details were made available in a health ministry statement .
As of Saturday , Cyprus had 84 cases @ @ @ @ @ government controlled areas .

No further details were made available in a health ministry statement. As of Saturday, Cyprus had 84 cases of coronavirus in the southern government controlled areas.
Cyprus registered its first death from coronavirus on Saturday, the health ministry said, involving an individual who had underlying health issues.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Italy deaths jump by almost 800 from coronavirus

Italy on Thursday overtook China as the country worst affect by the highly contagious virus .
Italy 's fatalities jumped by 793 to 4,825 in their largest one-day rise since the contagion emerged a month ago .
`` What we all understand is that no member state can face this threat alone .
The virus has no borders and the European Union is stronger when we show full solidarity , '' EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen told Italy 's Corriere della Sera newspaper .
Reported infections in Italy rose to 53,578 from 47,021 , the Civil Protection Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care , up from 2,655 .
Late on Friday the EU Commission moved to formalise a deal reached by EU finance ministers on March 5 to suspend EU budget rules that limit borrowing , giving hardest-hit Italy and other governments a free hand to fight the disease .
Italy 's failure to reduce its huge debt of 134 % of gross domestic product would normally have drawn a rebuke from the EU executive , but von der Leyen said there were now other priorities .
`` The Italian government will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy as needed .
Normal budget rules , debt rules for example , will not be applied at this stage , '' she said .
Brussels is expected next week to unveil a plan for using the euro zone 's bailout fund , known as the European Stability Mechanism ( ESM ) , which could unlock unlimited sovereign bond purchases by the European Central Bank .
`` This work is ongoing , '' Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said in an interview with Reuters .
Lombardy , the northern Italian region around Milan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains in a critical situation , with 3,095 deaths and 25,515 cases .
In a statement released late on Saturday , Fontana said weekly open markets must be halted as well as most offices and construction sites .
People will not be allowed to practice any outdoor sport , even individually , in the region .
The lockdown measures imposed in Italy earlier this month and emulated by several other countries in Europe , are likely to trigger a recession and heavy job losses .
Dombrovskis said the Commission is accelerating work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scheduled for presentation in the fourth quarter .
The spreading coronavirus is infecting an increasing number of celebrities .
Italian Serie A soccer champions Juventus said on Saturday the team 's Argentinian striker Paulo Dybala has tested positive but has no symptoms , making him one of the most high-profile players to be infected so far .

Italy on Thursday overtook China as the country worst affect by the highly contagious virus.
Italy's fatalities jumped by 793 to 4,825 in their largest one-day rise since the contagion emerged a month ago.
"What we all understand is that no member state can face this threat alone. The virus has no borders and the European Union is stronger when we show full solidarity," EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen told Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper.
Reported infections in Italy rose to 53,578 from 47,021, the Civil Protection Agency said. There were 2,857 people in intensive care, up from 2,655.
Late on Friday the EU Commission moved to formalise a deal reached by EU finance ministers on March 5 to suspend EU budget rules that limit borrowing, giving hardest-hit Italy and other governments a free hand to fight the disease.
Italy's failure to reduce its huge debt of 134% of gross domestic product would normally have drawn a rebuke from the EU executive, but von der Leyen said there were now other priorities.
"The Italian government will be able to put as much money into the economy as needed. Normal budget rules, debt rules for example, will not be applied at this stage," she said.
Brussels is expected next week to unveil a plan for using the euro zone's bailout fund, known as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), which could unlock unlimited sovereign bond purchases by the European Central Bank.
"This work is ongoing," Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said in an interview with Reuters.
TOUGHER LOCKDOWN IN LOMBARDY
Lombardy, the northern Italian region around Milan which is the worst-affected by coronavirus, remains in a critical situation, with 3,095 deaths and 25,515 cases.
Lombardy's President Attilio Fontana asked businesses to close all operations excluding "essential" supply chains.
In a statement released late on Saturday, Fontana said weekly open markets must be halted as well as most offices and construction sites.
People will not be allowed to practice any outdoor sport, even individually, in the region.
The lockdown measures imposed in Italy earlier this month and emulated by several other countries in Europe, are likely to trigger a recession and heavy job losses.
Dombrovskis said the Commission is accelerating work on an EU-wide scheme to help the unemployed, scheduled for presentation in the fourth quarter.
The spreading coronavirus is infecting an increasing number of celebrities. Italian Serie A soccer champions Juventus said on Saturday the team's Argentinian striker Paulo Dybala has tested positive but has no symptoms, making him one of the most high-profile players to be infected so far.
Italy recorded a jump in deaths from coronavirus of almost 800 on Saturday, taking the toll in the world's hardest-hit country to almost 5,000.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Emergency medicine staff member diagnosed with the coronavirus

The epidemiologic investigation stated that she contracted the virus from her place of living , and not from the hospital.The @ @ @ @ @ to be at the hospital was March 16 , and all staff members who have @ @ @ @ @ have been put into quarantine .

The epidemiologic investigation stated that she contracted the virus from her place of living, and not from the hospital.The last date she was reported to be at the hospital was March 16, and all staff members who have come in contact with her have been put into quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Senior health insurance official: Coronavirus tests have disappeared

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"A portion of the coronavirus tests have gone missing," a senior official at health insurance company Clalit told Army Radio on Saturday night.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Israeli consulate worker in New York diagnosed with coronavirus

`` We are taking all the necessary steps according to the Health Ministry 's guidlines , in order to protect @ @ @ @ @ '' the worker said .

"We are taking all the necessary steps according to the Health Ministry's guidlines, in order to protect all the consulate workers," the worker said.
A worker in the Israeli consulate in New York tested positive for the coronavirus on Saturday, and is considered to be in good condition, staying in his house for quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Brazil's Sao Paulo braces for two-week coronavirus shutdown

Brazil's largest state Sao Paulo will essentially shut down for two weeks to help fight the coronavirus, its governor said on Saturday, as President Jair Bolsonaro again claimed that "hysteria" over the outbreak could cause more harm than the virus itself.Sao Paulo state Governor Joao Doria said a statewide quarantine order would take effect on Tuesday and last through April 7.All but non-essential businesses and services, including bars and restaurants, will remain closed across the country's most populous state, which includes its financial hub, for the duration.Bolsonaro, meanwhile, signed an executive order guaranteeing the continued national provision of a wide range of essential public services. These included internet, health and medical services, defense, water, sanitation and postal services.Doria said the coronavirus-related death toll in Sao Paulo state now stood at 15. With the state of Rio de Janeiro announcing its third death on Saturday, the total across Brazil is at least 18, up from 11 confirmed on Friday."This implies the obligatory closing of all non-essential business and services throughout the state," Doria told reporters.Sao Paulo state is home to some 46 million people and is Brazil's industrial, business and financial engine, accounting for around a third of the nation's economic output.A growing number of Brazilian businesses have already moved to suspend operations and close stores indefinitely across the country.Health ministry figures on Friday showed 904 confirmed coronavirus cases in Brazil, with the tally expected to rise above 1,000 when the next set of official figures are released.In a TV interview aired on Friday night, Bolsonaro voiced his frustration over business and commercial closures affecting the economy and called a decision to close churches to stop the spread of coronavirus "absurd.""What I see in Brazil is not all, but many people taking absurd steps ... closing shopping malls, there are people who want to close churches, people's last refuge," the right-wing former army captain said in an interview with SBT's Programa do Ratinho."I don't want to bring panic to the Brazilian population. I don't want hysteria because it gets in the way ... it hurts the economy," he said.Bolsonaro is under huge pressure for his handling of the crisis. His own health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, has warned that the country's fragile healthcare system could collapse as early as next month.Approval of Bolsonaro's government fell to a record low this week, according to an XP Investimentos poll, and Brazilians across the country have been banging pots and pans nightly in protests against him.On top of that, Brazilian media reported that Bolsonaro attempted to call Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday but he refused to answer.Bolsonaro's office declined to comment on the reported snub.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--England coronavirus death toll rises by 53 to 220

The confirmed death toll in England from the coronavirus has risen by 53 people to 220, the National Health Service said on Saturday.The patients who died were aged between 41 and 94 and all had underlying health conditions, the NHS said.Some 72,818 people had been tested as of 0900 GMT with 5,018 testing positive, it said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Satmar rebbe of Kiryas Yoel diagnosed with coronavirus

The grand rabbi of the Kiryas Yoel branch of the Satmar hassidic community has contracted coronavirus .
Grand Rabbi Aharon @ @ @ @ @ tested positive over the weekend , but has been in isolation in his home since @ @ @

The grand rabbi of the Kiryas Yoel branch of the Satmar hassidic community has contracted coronavirus.
Grand Rabbi Aharon Teitelbaum, 73, was tested positive over the weekend, but has been in isolation in his home since last week.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Smotrich in quarantine after coming in conctact with coronavirus patient

Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich entered quarantine on Saturday night after coming in contact with a woman who was infected with coronavirus."Together we'll get through this period," Smotrich conveyed. "I call on all Israeli citizens to obey the instructions put out by the Health Ministry and wish everyone well. I will continue to work from home."His ministry notified that Smotrich met the woman on March 17 and will enter quarantine until March 31.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--US Senate's coronavirus package would be worth more than $2 trillion

The coronavirus stimulus package being negotiated by the US Senate would be worth more than $2 trillion, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said on Saturday."The package is coming in at about 10 percent of GDP," Kudlow told reporters. Asked if that amounted to more than $2 trillion, Kudlow said: "That's correct."


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Finland confirms its first coronavirus death

`` Finland 's first coronavirus death is very unfortunate , but not surprising , '' it said .

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare confirmed on Saturday the country's first coronavirus death, saying that an elderly patient in the capital had died.
"Finland's first coronavirus death is very unfortunate, but not surprising," it said.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country amounted to 521 on Saturday, the health authority added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Singapore reports 47 more coronavirus cases after first deaths

SINGAPORE - Singapore on Saturday reported 47 new cases of coronavirus , which were mainly imported , taking the city-state @ @ @ @ @ .
Of the new cases , 39 were imported and had a travel history to @ @ @ @ @ , North America and Southeast Asian nations , the health ministry said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ residents and long-term pass holders .
Saturday 's number of new cases is the same @ @ @ @ @ March 18 , the city-state 's biggest daily jump .
Singapore also reported two virus-related @ @ @ @ @ with underlying health conditions , marking the first fatalities in the city-state 's widely praised @ @ @ @ @

SINGAPORE - Singapore on Saturday reported 47 new cases of coronavirus, which were mainly imported, taking the city-state's tally to 432 infections.
Of the new cases, 39 were imported and had a travel history to countries including Australia, Europe, North America and Southeast Asian nations, the health ministry said in a statement. A majority were returning residents and long-term pass holders.
Saturday's number of new cases is the same as the count reported on March 18, the city-state's biggest daily jump.
Singapore also reported two virus-related deaths on Saturday of people with underlying health conditions, marking the first fatalities in the city-state's widely praised battle against the infection.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Turkey suspends flights to 46 more countries, bans picnics

ANKARA - Turkey extended measures against the coronavirus on Saturday , suspended flights with 46 more countries and banning picnics @ @ @ @ @ number of cases has roughly doubled every day for a week .
The death toll @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus rose to nine , Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said late on Friday , after @ @ @ @ @ the highly contagious respiratory illness .
The number of confirmed cases in the country has @ @ @ @ @ was announced last week , reaching 670 on Friday .
Ankara had already banned flights @ @ @ @ @ schools , cafes and bars , banned mass prayers and indefinitely postponed matches in its @ @ @ @ @ new ban applies to countries including Canada and the northern part of Cyprus .
On @ @ @ @ @ ban to picnics and barbecues , as well as barbershops , hair and beauty salons @ @ @ @ @ Fenerbahce basketball players and staff members showing coronavirus symptoms have been sent to hospital for @ @ @ @ @ said .

ANKARA - Turkey extended measures against the coronavirus on Saturday, suspended flights with 46 more countries and banning picnics and barbecues, as the number of cases has roughly doubled every day for a week.
The death toll in Turkey due to the coronavirus rose to nine, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said late on Friday, after five elderly patients died of the highly contagious respiratory illness.
The number of confirmed cases in the country has surged since the first case was announced last week, reaching 670 on Friday.
Ankara had already banned flights with 22 countries, closed schools, cafes and bars, banned mass prayers and indefinitely postponed matches in its main sports leagues. The new ban applies to countries including Canada and the northern part of Cyprus.
On Saturday, it extended the ban to picnics and barbecues, as well as barbershops, hair and beauty salons.
Earlier on Saturday, Fenerbahce basketball players and staff members showing coronavirus symptoms have been sent to hospital for tests, the Turkish team said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Portugal's death toll from coronavirus doubles to 12

LISBON - The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic in Portugal doubled overnight to 12 , the country 's national @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
The number of confirmed cases rose to 1,280 from 1,059 the previous day @ @ @ @ @ that 35 people were in intensive care .
Portugal declared a state of emergency to @ @ @ @ @ virus on Wednesday .

LISBON - The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic in Portugal doubled overnight to 12, the country's national health authority DGS said on Saturday.
The number of confirmed cases rose to 1,280 from 1,059 the previous day, it said, adding that 35 people were in intensive care. Portugal declared a state of emergency to stem the spread of the virus on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-21--Spain's coronavirus deaths surpass 1,300, close to 25,000 cases

MADRID - Spain's death toll from the coronavirus epidemic soared on Saturday to 1,326 from 1,002 on Friday, according to the country's Health Ministry latest data.The number of registered cases in the country rose to 24,926 on Saturday from 19,980 in the previous tally announced on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-22--Spain's coronavirus deaths surpass 1,700, cases over 28,000

Spain's death toll from the coronavirus epidemic soared to 1,720 on Sunday from 1,326 the day before, according to multiple media outlets citing the latest health data.The number of registered cases in the country rose to 28,572 on Sunday from 24,926 in the previous tally announced on Saturday, the reports added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-22--Flights announced for Israelis still in Italy

The Foreign Ministry arranged two flights from Italy for any Israelis still there .
The flights , operated by Israir @ @ @ @ @ and Milan on Monday evening .
The Foreign Ministry announced via the Israeli Embassy in @ @ @ @ @ that anyone wanting to board the flight needs to fill out special forms , and @ @ @

The Foreign Ministry arranged two flights from Italy for any Israelis still there.
The flights, operated by Israir, will leave from Rome and Milan on Monday evening.
The Foreign Ministry announced via the Israeli Embassy in Italy's social media accounts that anyone wanting to board the flight needs to fill out special forms, and provided links.
Israir will also reportedly operate a flight from Zagreb to Israel on Sunday night to get 50 Israeli students home after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake shook Croatia.
The Foreign Ministry repeated its call last week for Israelis abroad to return immediately, because a growing number of countries have closed themselves off to air travel.
Among the countries where there are no longer commercial flights are Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Macedonia, Jordan, Egypt, Columbia and Peru.
"Due to reduction and cancellation of flights all over the world and the decision of many countries to close their skies and borders because of the coronavirus outbreak, we call on all Israelis abroad to come back to Israel as soon as possible," the Foreign Ministry stated.
On Sunday, the ministry updated its chart of ways to leave countries around the world.
Israel has worked to help those who have been trapped behind closed borders.
Last week, the Foreign Ministry arranged for four El Al planes to land in Lima, Peru to rescue some 1,000 Israelis, mostly young adults on post-army backpacking trips.
Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-22--Ambassadors in Israel, FM coordinate international efforts

The Foreign Ministry and foreign ambassadors in Israel discussed ways to increase their cooperation amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a video conference on Sunday.The Population, Immigration and Borders Authority also participated in the meeting.The Foreign Ministry updated the ambassadors about how Israel is handling the COVID-19 outbreak.The participants discussed how their countries can work together to fight the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-22--Oman bans public gatherings, shuts currency exchange stores

Oman on Sunday banned public gatherings in the Gulf Arab state, limited staffing at state entities and shut currency exchange bureaus as part of measures to fight the coronavirus.Authorities in the sultanate, which has reported 55 cases of the virus, also asked the private sector to facilitate remote working and urged commercial businesses and individuals to limit cash transactions, state television reported.


jerusalempost--2020-03-22--Worldwide coronavirus deaths exceed 13,000

More than 305,000 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus across the world and more than 13,000 have died, with deaths in Italy surpassing the toll in China, where the outbreak began, according to a Reuters tally.


jerusalempost--2020-03-22--Lockdowns not enough to defeat coronavirus - WHO

`` What we really need to focus on is finding those who are sick , those who have the virus @ @ @ @ @ find their contacts and isolate them , '' Mike Ryan said in an interview on @ @ @ @ @ Show .
`` The danger right now with the lockdowns ... if we do n't @ @ @ @ @ public health measures now , when those movement restrictions and lockdowns are lifted , the @ @ @ @ @ jump back up . ''

Countries can't simply lock down their societies to defeat coronavirus, the World Health Organization's top emergency expert said on Sunday, adding that there need to be public health measures to avoid a resurgence of the virus later on.
"What we really need to focus on is finding those who are sick, those who have the virus, and isolate them, find their contacts and isolate them," Mike Ryan said in an interview on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show.
"The danger right now with the lockdowns ... if we don't put in place the strong public health measures now, when those movement restrictions and lockdowns are lifted, the danger is the disease will jump back up."


jerusalempost--2020-03-22--Iran's death toll from the coronavirus reaches 1,685

`` There were 1,028 new confirmed infected cases in the past 24 hours ... and 7,913 people have recovered , @ @ @ @ @

Iran's death toll has reached 1,685 with 129 deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry's spokesman told state TV on Sunday, adding that the total number of infected people in Iran had reached 21,638.
"There were 1,028 new confirmed infected cases in the past 24 hours ... and 7,913 people have recovered," said Kianush Jahanpur.
Iran is the Middle Eastern country most affected by the coronavirus.