jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Trump says 'not easy' to get face masks, ventilators to US states

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday acknowledged the difficulty of procuring crucial healthcare supplies amid the coronavirus pandemic as state and local officials raise alarms about a healthcare delivery system in danger of collapse.
In an early morning tweet, Trump said: "The World market for face masks and ventilators is Crazy. We are helping the states to get equipment, but it is not easy."
Some state and local officials have decried a lack of coordinated federal action amid the swiftly spreading coronavirus, saying having localities act on their own has put them in competition for supplies against other states and municipalities, the US government and even other countries.
In New York state, the epicenter of the US outbreak, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has appealed for ventilators, masks and other medical equipment as the number of coronavirus cases spiraled and critical items were in short supply. Officials in California, another hot spot, called for 50,000 additional hospital beds.
Trump on Tuesday said federal officials had procured 400 ventilators for New York City and pointed to four temporary hospitals being arranged in the state. New York officials could not be immediately reached for comment on Trump's tweet.
State governors and others have called on Trump to leverage the Defense Production Act, a measure that would allow the US government to speed up manufacturing. The Republican president on Sunday said he hesitated to utilize it because "nationalizing our businesses is not a good concept."
Congress is grappling with a far-reaching economic stabilization package for the coronavirus crisis that could include more money for hospitals and equipment, among other needs. Democrats and Republicans have so far failed to reach an agreement, but the US Treasury secretary and the Senate Democratic leader late on Monday expressed optimism that a deal could be reached soon.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--UAE airports to suspend all passenger flights as of Thursday

The latest statements from the United Arab Emirates ' main airports came after the government announced early on Monday that @ @ @ @ @ to and from the country would be suspended after 48 hours .
`` We would @ @ @ @ @ all passenger flights to , from , and through AUH will be temporarily suspended starting @ @ @ @ @ for two weeks except cargo and evacuation flights , '' Abu Dhabi Airport tweeted on @ @

Dubai Airports and Abu Dhabi Airport said they will suspend all passenger flights as of 11:59 pm local time on Thursday for two weeks, with the exception of evacuation flights, as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The latest statements from the United Arab Emirates' main airports came after the government announced early on Monday that all passenger and transit flights to and from the country would be suspended after 48 hours.
"We would like to inform you that all passenger flights to, from, and through AUH will be temporarily suspended starting March 26 23:59 UAE time for two weeks except cargo and evacuation flights," Abu Dhabi Airport tweeted on Tuesday.
Dubai Airports' website carried the same notice for Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Iran death toll from coronavirus close to 2,000 - Health Ministry

The total number of people diagnosed with the disease increased by 1,762 in the past 24 hours , to 24,811 @ @ @ @ @ TV .

Iran's death toll from the coronavirus outbreak increased by 122 in the past 24 hours to 1,934, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Tuesday.
The total number of people diagnosed with the disease increased by 1,762 in the past 24 hours, to 24,811, he added on state TV.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--UK minister says people must do everything possible now

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday instructed people to stay at home , with limited exceptions , and avoid gatherings @ @ @ @ @ should have been issued earlier , Gove said the government had taken appropriate steps on @ @ @ @ @ `` I think the most important thing now is not to look back but to @ @ @ @ @ in order to ensure that the instructions that have been put in place are followed @ @ @ @ @ News .

History would judge whether Britain had acted too slowly to stop the spread of the coronavirus but the important thing now was to follow new restrictions, senior minister Michael Gove said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday instructed people to stay at home, with limited exceptions, and avoid gatherings. Asked whether the rules should have been issued earlier, Gove said the government had taken appropriate steps on the advice of experts.
"I think the most important thing now is not to look back but to do everything that we can in order to ensure that the instructions that have been put in place are followed," Gove told Sky News.
"People will form their own judgment at some point in the future, what I am concerned about now is making sure that we do everything possible to protect the NHS and that means wherever possible people should stay at home."


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Indonesia reports biggest daily rise in coronavirus cases

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Indonesia on Tuesday confirmed 107 new coronavirus cases, the biggest daily increase to date in the Southeast Asian country, bringing the total number of cases to 686, Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said on Tuesday.Seven more people had died of the disease as of Tuesday, bringing the total number of deaths to 55, he said, adding 30 people had recovered from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Laos records first two coronavirus cases - Thai Media

The two cases include a 28-year-old male hotel worker and a 36-year-old female tour guide , both in the capital @ @ @ @ @ said .

Laos has recorded its first two coronavirus cases, a news report on Thai state-owned media MCOT said on Tuesday, citing the Laos Health Ministry.
The two cases include a 28-year-old male hotel worker and a 36-year-old female tour guide, both in the capital Vientiane, a news report said.
The two patients have travelled abroad and work closely with foreigners. They are currently being treated at a hospital, the news report said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Ayelet Shaked: Edelstein will go out gracefully

Former justice minister Ayelet Shaked expressed confidence on Tuesday that Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein would honor the Supreme Court 's request to allow a vote to replace him by Wednesday 's deadline .
The decision came after Edelstein refused to convene the Knesset following last Monday 's swearing-in of the new parliament .
Five justices told Edelstein ( Likud ) late Monday night that he must hold a vote for the Blue and White party to potentially replace him no later than Wednesday .
Edelstein responded that if it intervened to essentially force him out of office , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establishment as politicized in the eyes of much of the Israeli public.The decision came after Edelstein refused to convene the Knesset following last Monday 's swearing-in of the new parliament .
Shaked ( Yamina ) said Edelstein was right to complain about the court 's behavior and to try to postpone the vote to enable coalition talks to proceed .
`` A week in the Knesset is very little time , '' she told Army Radio .
`` Stalling is legitimate in the political game .
The Supreme Court did not have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , MK Nir Barakat , said that although , `` the High Court 's decision must be respected , it was a mistake that the High Court ever addressed the issue . ''
MK Gideon Sa'ar told Kan News , `` The high court can not come in place of the knesset .
Unfortunately the court is leading us to anarchy . ''
Blue and White MK Ofer Shelah , who will head a special Knesset committee on the coronavirus , said he was sure Edelstein would permit the vote to elect a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his Blue and White colleague , Meir Cohen , was a worthy replacement .
In the same interview , MK Nir Barakat , said that although , `` the High Court 's decision must be respected , it was a mistake that the High Court ever addressed the issue .
`` MK Gideon Sa'ar told Kan News , `` The high court can not come in place of the knesset .
Unfortunately the court is leading us to anarchy .
`` Blue and White MK Ofer Shelah , who will head a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was sure Edelstein would permit the vote to elect a new Knesset speaker on Wednesday .
He said his Blue and White colleague , Meir Cohen , was a worthy replacement .
`` I do n't want to even entertain the thought that the Knesset speaker will not respect the decision of the High Court , '' Shelah told Army Radio .
The justices said they decided to issue a ruling after Edelstein refused to commit to any other set date and said he would delay the vote based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The High Court did not say what actions it would take if Edelstein attempted to ignore the ruling .
The High Court decision was issued at 10:06 p.m. , less than an hour after Edelstein 's 9:13 p.m. response to the High Court regarding the issue .
The Likud responded that the Kneset speaker always comes from the party of the prime minister .
The Likud said mockingly that if it wants to replace Edelstein , he should form a government and appoint Joint List MK Heba Yazbak .
Blue and White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netanyahu 's partner in destroying democracy.The Likud responded that the Kneset speaker always comes from the party of the prime minister .
The Likud said mockingly that if it wants to replace Edelstein , he should form a government and appoint Joint List MK Heba Yazbak .

Former justice minister Ayelet Shaked expressed confidence on Tuesday that Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein would honor the Supreme Court's request to allow a vote to replace him by Wednesday's deadline.
The decision came after Edelstein refused to convene the Knesset following last Monday's swearing-in of the new parliament. Five justices told Edelstein (Likud) late Monday night that he must hold a vote for the Blue and White party to potentially replace him no later than Wednesday. Edelstein responded that if it intervened to essentially force him out of office, it would permanently damage the court and the judicial establishment as politicized in the eyes of much of the Israeli public.The decision came after Edelstein refused to convene the Knesset following last Monday's swearing-in of the new parliament.
Shaked (Yamina) said Edelstein was right to complain about the court's behavior and to try to postpone the vote to enable coalition talks to proceed.
"A week in the Knesset is very little time," she told Army Radio. "Stalling is legitimate in the political game. The Supreme Court did not have to intervene."
In the same interview, MK Nir Barakat, said that although, "the High Court's decision must be respected, it was a mistake that the High Court ever addressed the issue." MK Gideon Sa'ar told Kan News, "The high court cannot come in place of the knesset. Unfortunately the court is leading us to anarchy." In the same interview, MK Nir Barakat, said that although, "the High Court's decision must be respected, it was a mistake that the High Court ever addressed the issue."MK Gideon Sa'ar told Kan News, "The high court cannot come in place of the knesset. Unfortunately the court is leading us to anarchy."Blue and White MK Ofer Shelah, who will head a special Knesset committee on the coronavirus, said he was sure Edelstein would permit the vote to elect a new Knesset speaker on Wednesday. He said his Blue and White colleague, Meir Cohen, was a worthy replacement.
"I don't want to even entertain the thought that the Knesset speaker will not respect the decision of the High Court," Shelah told Army Radio.
The justices said they decided to issue a ruling after Edelstein refused to commit to any other set date and said he would delay the vote based on the ongoing political negotiations to form a government. The High Court did not say what actions it would take if Edelstein attempted to ignore the ruling. The High Court decision was issued at 10:06 p.m., less than an hour after Edelstein's 9:13 p.m. response to the High Court regarding the issue.
The Likud responded that the Kneset speaker always comes from the party of the prime minister. The Likud said mockingly that if it wants to replace Edelstein, he should form a government and appoint Joint List MK Heba Yazbak. Blue and White responded that Edelstein would be remembered as Netanyahu's partner in destroying democracy.The Likud responded that the Kneset speaker always comes from the party of the prime minister. The Likud said mockingly that if it wants to replace Edelstein, he should form a government and appoint Joint List MK Heba Yazbak.
Earlier Monday, the High Court had tried to pressure Edelstein into committing to allowing the vote by Wednesday, giving him only until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to declare his intentions.Edelstein obtained an extension until 9:00 p.m. to make his position known.Edelstein listed off the weeks that often passed between the swearing in of a new Knesset and the vote on a new speaker as opposed to effectively a one-week deadline that Blue and White, and potentially the court were suggesting.The Knesset speaker tried to embrace Knesset Legal Adviser Eyal Yinon to show he had legal support even if Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit has vehemently attacked Edelstein's position of delaying a vote to replace him as dangerous to democracy.Yinon for his own part has expressed disagreement with Edelstein's decision to delay the vote, but has provided enough ambiguity in his position to suggest the idea that giving Edelstein some short extension to try to get the political parties involved to reach a compromise is legally defendable.On Tuesday afternoon, Edelstein's Likud colleagues, Justice Minister Amir Ohana and Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said Edelstein should reject the court's request to allow a vote by Wednesday. Levin issued a sharp attack on the court, accusing chief justice Esther Hayut of a coup in the Knesset and inviting her to convene the plenum."The High Court has officially taken control over the Knesset and made the Knesset speaker into a rubber stamp," Levin said. "The Knesset is now run by the judges. This does not happen in any other democracy."Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused the court of "trampling an elected democratic institution and trying to bury the Knesset's agenda." His Yamina colleague, former justice minister Ayelet Shaked said "those who asked the Supreme Court to be the nursery school teacher of the Knesset are killing our democracy."Blue and White responded that the ministers should respect the decisions of both the court and the voters."Democracy is democracy, and not only when it is comfortable for Netanyahu," Blue and White said.Blue and White leader Benny Gantz called on Netanyahu to condemn the Likud ministers who spoke against respecting the Supreme Court. He vowed to hold a vote soon on replacing Edelstein."The cynical attempt to condition coalition talks on harming our democracy won't work," Gantz said.Blue and White officials said the statements of the Likud ministers made it harder to cooperate on a unity government.Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said that Edelstein should respect the high court's decision.At a hearing late Sunday, the High Court appeared to side with the Blue and White party's petition to force Edelstein to make the new Knesset start functioning.All five justices, President Esther Hayut, Vice President Hanan Melcer, Uzi Vogelman, Neal Hendel and Yitzhak Amit expressed vehement discomfort with the idea that he was rejecting the will of a 61 MK majority, with Hendel asking if there was any precedent for this.Both Blue and White and the Movement for the Quality of Government’s, who filed the petitions to the High Court, asked the court to compel Edelstein to enable voting to form Knesset committees and to choose a new speaker.Edelstein on Sunday had expressed confidence that the courts would not intervene with the work of the Knesset. He said he intended to form the committees on Monday and only delayed it until then, because he was giving a chance to coalition talks.Edelstein said electing a new speaker would prevent a unity government's formation and Likud and its satellite parties warned that coaliton talks would stop if Edelstein was ousted.However, justice after justice endorsed the view of the petitioners at the Sunday hearing, which squared with the view of Mandelblit’s office, that Edelstein had exceeded his powers and an ironclad rule that a majority is decisive. A lawyer representing Mandelblit said that Edelstein’s move to delay the vote to oust him was a danger to democracy.It was unclear if the High Court would rule later Monday night, Tuesday or shortly after.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Israel and US hold joint military exercise

The Israeli and US militaries will hold a joint aerial exercise in southern Israel on Wednesday in which F-35 fighter jets will take part, the Israel Defense Forces said.The IDF said in a statement that since the drill will be held solely in the air with no person-to-person contact, it will take place despite the IDF's ban on international exercises with foreign militaries due to the continued spread of the coronavirus pandemic.The drill, which is part of the IDF's regular 2020 training schedule, will begin Tuesday afternoon and last until Thursday evening and during that time residents of the area might notice a high number of fighter jets.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--China health commission says virus transmission risks remain

China cannot afford to let its guard down when it comes to combating the coronavirus, with the country still at risk from sporadic infections as well as those from overseas, a health official said on Tuesday.Mi Feng, spokesman with the National Health Commission, told a press briefing that "prevention and control work could still not be relaxed".


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Head of Paris Olympics says postponement of Tokyo Games 'more than likely'

The head of the Paris 2024 Olympics said on Tuesday that health is more important than the games and that a postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games is "more than likely," but he did not call on organizers to do so."Today the games are not the priority, the priority is health, and that is how the world of sports contributes to that international solidarity," Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 Olympics organizing committee and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said on France Info radio.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Taiwan's coronavirus cases top 200 for first time

Taiwan's government on Tuesday announced 20 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 215.All new cases were imported, with the patients having traveled to countries including Britain, Ireland, Turkey and Indonesia, the government said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--German coronavirus cases rise to 27,436

German coronavirus cases rise to 27,436

BERLIN - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen by 4,764 within a day to reach to 27,436, the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases said on Tuesday.It said a total of 114 people had died, an increase of 28 from 86 published on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Cambodia uses coronavirus crisis to arrest 17 critics - rights group

Seventeen people have been arrested since late January for sharing information about the coronavirus in Cambodia , including four members @ @ @ @ @ opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party ( CNRP ) , New York-based Human Rights Watch said @ @ @ @ @ penal code violations including incitement , conspiracy , and spreading false information , the group @ @ @ @ @ a 14-year-old girl who expressed fears on social media about rumours of coronavirus cases at @ @ @ @ @ province , Human Rights Watch said .
Twelve were released from detention after signing pledges @ @ @ @ @ news '' and to apologise , the group said .
`` The Cambodian government is @ @ @ @ @ lock up opposition activists and others expressing concern about the virus and the government 's @ @ @ @ @ Robertson , the group 's deputy Asia director , referring to the disease associated with @ @ @ @ @ 's truly frightening that during a national crisis , the Cambodian government seems more interested @ @ @ @ @ undertaking a massive COVID-19 public information campaign , '' Robertson said .

The Cambodian government has used the coronavirus outbreak to lock up opposition activists and others expressing concern about the virus and the government's response, U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday.
Seventeen people have been arrested since late January for sharing information about the coronavirus in Cambodia, including four members or supporters of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), New York-based Human Rights Watch said.
They were charged with penal code violations including incitement, conspiracy, and spreading false information, the group said.
The arrests included a 14-year-old girl who expressed fears on social media about rumours of coronavirus cases at her school and in her province, Human Rights Watch said. Twelve were released from detention after signing pledges not to spread "fake news" and to apologise, the group said.
"The Cambodian government is misusing the COVID-19 outbreak to lock up opposition activists and others expressing concern about the virus and the government's response," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy Asia director, referring to the disease associated with the virus.
"It's truly frightening that during a national crisis, the Cambodian government seems more interested in silencing online critics than undertaking a massive COVID-19 public information campaign," Robertson said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--IMF says Mideast, Central Asia countries asking for coronavirus support

The International Monetary Fund said it has been approached by a dozen countries in the Middle East and Central Asia @ @ @ @ @ support in dealing with the coronavirus impact on their economies .
The challenge would be @ @ @ @ @ conflict-torn states such as Iraq , Sudan and Yemen , Director of the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ Jihad Azour , wrote in an online IMF blog .

The International Monetary Fund said it has been approached by a dozen countries in the Middle East and Central Asia who have asked for financial support in dealing with the coronavirus impact on their economies.
The challenge would be especially daunting for fragile and conflict-torn states such as Iraq, Sudan and Yemen, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, Jihad Azour, wrote in an online IMF blog.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Security guards asked to return weapons during unpaid leave

Security guards who were asked to go on unpaid leave for more than one week due to the coronavirus have been told to deposit their weapons in the offices of their security companies, at the orders of the Public Security Ministry.Kan reported that the directive was given for fear that leaving the weapons in the hands of the security guards in their homes under current circumstances could lead to their unnecessarily or unlawful use.Hundreds of security guards have already returned their weapons, Kan said.A report by Media Line said that a record number of Israelis who are at home under stringent directives are contacting ERAN, the country’s largest mental-health hotline, to cope with elevated anxiety and stress linked to the coronavirus pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Beijing tightens quarantine rules for travelers from overseas

Beijing 's city government is further strengthening quarantine rules for individuals who arrive in China from overseas , as the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-related risks , Beijing Daily reported on Tuesday .
The paper , the official publication @ @ @ @ @ Party organization , said all people entering the Chinese capital will be subject to centralized @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
The report also said those who enter the city and have traveled from @ @ @ @ @ past 14 days will also be subject to centralized quarantine and testing for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ 3,300 and infected nearly 82,000 in mainland China .

Beijing's city government is further strengthening quarantine rules for individuals who arrive in China from overseas, as the Chinese capital seeks to minimize coronavirus-related risks, Beijing Daily reported on Tuesday.
The paper, the official publication of the city's Communist Party organization, said all people entering the Chinese capital will be subject to centralized quarantine and testing for the coronavirus.
The report also said those who enter the city and have traveled from overseas to China in the past 14 days will also be subject to centralized quarantine and testing for the coronavirus, which has killed nearly 3,300 and infected nearly 82,000 in mainland China.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--South Korea reports 76 new coronavirus cases, total 9,037

SEOUL - South Korea reported 76 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday , taking its total infections to 9,037 , the @ @ @ @ @ citing health authorities .

SEOUL - South Korea reported 76 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking its total infections to 9,037, the Yonhap news agency said, citing health authorities.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Mexico reports 367 coronavirus cases and 2 more deaths

Mexico had 367 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country on Monday , up from 316 the day before , @ @ @ @ @ said , with a total of four deaths .
Previously the country had reported two @ @

Mexico had 367 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country on Monday, up from 316 the day before, deputy health secretary Hugo Lopez-Gatell said, with a total of four deaths.
Previously the country had reported two deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-03-23--Syrian air defense intercepts drone near Syria's Hmeimim air base

CAIRO - Syrian air defense said on Monday it intercepted a drone in the vicinity of Syria 's Hmeimim air @ @ @ @ @ state media reported .

CAIRO - Syrian air defense said on Monday it intercepted a drone in the vicinity of Syria's Hmeimim air base near Jableh, Syrian state media reported.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Trump: goal is still to loosen coronavirus restrictions by Easter

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday his administration's decision to loosen restrictions related to the coronavirus and re-open the US economy would be based on facts and data but said the goal remained to do so by the Easter holiday in April.Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said that for the most part he did not expect to have to use the Defense Production Act but would do so as needed.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Saudi king to chair G20 leaders call on coronavirus on Thursday

Saudi Arabia's King Salman will chair an extraordinary virtual meeting of the leaders from the Group of 20 major economies on March 26 to advance a global coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak, a statement said on Wednesday.The kingdom, which holds the G20 presidency this year, called last week for the leaders to speak by video-conference amid criticism that the group has been slow to respond to the global crisis.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Four-week-old baby and his mother test positive for coronavirus

A mother and her four-week-old son, have been tested positive for the coronavirus at Rambam Hosptial, both in light condition.They were tested according to protocol and were hospitalized.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--State Comptroller begins home quarantine for coronavirus

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman entered home quarantine on Tuesday after coming in contact with a worker in his office that @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus , Kan reported .
Englman and other high-ranking officials in his office @ @ @ @ @ quarantine period to ensure they were not infected .

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman entered home quarantine on Tuesday after coming in contact with a worker in his office that was found to be infected with the coronavirus, Kan reported.
Englman and other high-ranking officials in his office will start a 10 day quarantine period to ensure they were not infected.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Egypt declares two-week curfew to counter coronavirus

Egypt has declared a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for two weeks from Wednesday to prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ who violate the measure will be punished under emergency laws , the prime minister said @ @ @ @ @ suspended at Egyptian airports on March 19 until the end of the month , will @ @ @ @ @ two weeks until April 15 .
A closure of schools and universities will also be @ @ @ @ @ cafes , sports clubs and gyms will be shut for the next two weeks and @ @ @ @ @ deliveries .
Shops other than food stores and pharmacies will be required to close from @ @ @ @ @ earlier than previously , as well as at weekends .

Egypt has declared a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for two weeks from Wednesday to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and those who violate the measure will be punished under emergency laws, the prime minister said.
Flights, which were suspended at Egyptian airports on March 19 until the end of the month, will remain grounded for an additional two weeks until April 15.
A closure of schools and universities will also be extended to mid-April, while cafes, sports clubs and gyms will be shut for the next two weeks and restaurants will be restricted to deliveries.
Shops other than food stores and pharmacies will be required to close from 5 p.m., two hours earlier than previously, as well as at weekends.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Three explosions heard near Iraqi base housing US troops

Multiple rocket attacks have targeted the base in recent weeks .
On March 11 , two US troops and a @ @ @ @ @ a rocket attack on the base .

Multiple rocket attacks have targeted the base in recent weeks. On March 11, two US troops and a British national were killed by a rocket attack on the base.
Three explosions were heard near the Camp Taji training base north of Baghdad, where US-led coalition troops are housed, according to Sky News Arabia.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--France fifth country to report more than 1,000 coronavirus deaths

Health agency director Jerome Salomon told a news conference that the total number of infections in France had risen to @ @ @ @ @ jump in 24 hours .
Salomon said 2,516 people were in a serious condition needing @ @ @ @ @ 21 % from Monday , with 8,000 hospital beds now equipped with ventilators .

Health agency director Jerome Salomon told a news conference that the total number of infections in France had risen to 22,300, a 12% jump in 24 hours.
Salomon said 2,516 people were in a serious condition needing life support, up by 21% from Monday, with 8,000 hospital beds now equipped with ventilators.
French authorities reported 240 new deaths from coronavirus on Tuesday for a total of 1,100, an increase of 28% that made France the fifth country to cross the 1,000-fatalities threshold after China, Italy, Iran and Spain.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Horovitz to head Knesset Committee on Education in time of COVID-19

Meretz leader MK Nitzan Horovitz is expected to be elected on Wednesday to lead the special Knesset committee to oversee @ @ @ @ @ the time of the novel coronavirus epidemic , the Knesset spokesperson reported on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ gave an interview on Tuesday during which he said his ministry will be able to @ @ @ @ @ all students after Passover .

Meretz leader MK Nitzan Horovitz is expected to be elected on Wednesday to lead the special Knesset committee to oversee education in the country during the time of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the Knesset spokesperson reported on Tuesday.
Education Minister Rabbi Rafi Peretz gave an interview on Tuesday during which he said his ministry will be able to offer long distance learning to all students after Passover.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Court allows Shin Bet to use digital means to curb coronavirus

The Supreme Court removed its objection to Shin Bet using digital means to check up on Israeli citizens who are @ @ @ @ @ Knesset had formed a committee that will over-see how these means are being used that @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
The committee in charge of over-seeing what the Shin-Bet is doing is the @ @ @ @

The Supreme Court removed its objection to Shin Bet using digital means to check up on Israeli citizens who are infected with coronavirus as the Knesset had formed a committee that will over-see how these means are being used that will begin to work on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Medical NGO MSF surprised by Iran decision to cancel coronavirus mission

`` We are surprised to learn that the deployment of our treatment unity is canceled , '' Michel-Olivier Lacharite , @ @ @ @ @ Medecins Sans Frontieres crisis response team , said in a statement .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ approval and were ready to set up the 50-bed unit at the end of the @ @ @ @ @ were still ready to deploy on Iran or elsewhere on the region .

"We are surprised to learn that the deployment of our treatment unity is canceled," Michel-Olivier Lacharite, who is in charge of Medecins Sans Frontieres crisis response team, said in a statement.
He said the group had been given prior approval and were ready to set up the 50-bed unit at the end of the week. He said they were still ready to deploy on Iran or elsewhere on the region.
French medical charity MSF said on Tuesday it did not understand a decision by Iranian authorities to cancel a mission it had prearranged to set up a facility to fight coronavirus in Isfahan.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Tenuva dairy employee infected with coronavirus, 15 workers in quarantine

`` We completely disinfected the relevant area .
Production operations continue as usual .
All food production processes at the @ @ @ @ @ is no risk of infection through food , '' said Tenuva .

"We completely disinfected the relevant area. Production operations continue as usual. All food production processes at the dairy are safe and there is no risk of infection through food," said Tenuva.
An employee at the packing division of the Tenuva dairy company was confirmed as having been infected with the coronavirus on Tuesday, leading to the quarantine of 15 employees, according to Channel 13.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Oleh group housing put under lockdown after coronavirus infection

Residents were told to stay in their homes until the Health Ministry gives them further instructions after the epidimeological investigation @ @ @ @ @ were not at home were asked to return immediatly .
A command center was set @ @ @ @ @ is in contact with all the residents .
Authorities gathered a list of necessary items @ @ @ @ @ food and medicine .
Two dogs belonging to residents were taken by city veterinarians .
@ @ @ @ @ was disinfected .
`` This is an older population that is in the at-risk group @ @ @ @ @ possible to ensure their welfare in the situation , '' said Greenberg .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ on residents to follow Health Ministry instructions and avoid going out to the public area @ @ @ @

Residents were told to stay in their homes until the Health Ministry gives them further instructions after the epidimeological investigation is completed. Those who were not at home were asked to return immediatly. A command center was set up at the scene and is in contact with all the residents.
Authorities gathered a list of necessary items for the residents, including food and medicine. Two dogs belonging to residents were taken by city veterinarians. The entire building and area was disinfected.
"This is an older population that is in the at-risk group and we are doing everything possible to ensure their welfare in the situation," said Greenberg. "At this opportunity, I call on residents to follow Health Ministry instructions and avoid going out to the public area unless necessary."
Residents of group housing for new olim in Petah Tikva were told to stay in their homes by Mayor Rami Greenberg after a resident was confirmed as having been infected with the novel coronavirus. The infected resident is currently hospitalized at the Shiba Medical Center.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--President Rivlin: My heart goes out to families who lose loved ones

President Reuven Rivlin took to social media on Tuesday to say his heart goes out “ to the families who @ @ @ @ @ loved ones in the terrible plague , ” meaning coronavirus , “ and asked to @ @ @ @ @ distant terrible way.
” The president was referring to the fact those who bury their @ @ @ @ @ the body for fear of spreading the virus further .

President Reuven Rivlin took to social media on Tuesday to say his heart goes out “to the families who face the loss of their loved ones in the terrible plague,” meaning coronavirus, “and asked to bid them farewell in a distant terrible way.”
The president was referring to the fact those who bury their loved ones cannot touch the body for fear of spreading the virus further.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Netanyahu: Mossad chief to head effort to purchase medical equipment

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Mossad Chief Yosi Cohen to lead a new National Emergency Team that will orchestrate Israel @ @ @ @ @ medical equipment needed to face the novel coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ Industries to examine options to manufacture such medical equipment in the country .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Mossad Chief Yosi Cohen to lead a new National Emergency Team that will orchestrate Israel’s efforts to purchase medical equipment needed to face the novel coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday.
In addition, he instructed the Israeli Defense Industries to examine options to manufacture such medical equipment in the country.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--US CDC reports a total of 44,183 coronavirus cases, 544 deaths

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness , COVID-19 , caused by a new coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ ET on March 23 compared to its tally a day earlier .
Coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ states and the District of Columbia .
The total case count does not include cases @ @ @ @ @ , China and Japan .

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday reported 44,183 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 10,779 cases from its previous count, and said the death toll had risen by 144 to 544.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness, COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on March 23 compared to its tally a day earlier.
Coronavirus cases have been reported in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The total case count does not include cases among repatriated citizens from Wuhan, China and Japan.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Greta Thunberg enters home quarantine due to coronavirus

`` The coronavirus is a terrible event ... there is no positive to come out of it , '' the Swedish teenager told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an online interview .
`` But it also shows one thing : That once we are in a crisis , we can act to do something quickly , act fast , '' said Thunberg , 17 , whose solo school strikes for climate action helped spark a global youth climate strike movement .
`` Though it must be in a different way to how we have acted in this case , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and treat a crisis like a crisis . ''
Thunberg wrote in a social media post on Tuesday that she and her father had both shown symptoms of COVID-19 infection after returning from a recent trip to Central Europe .
She had stayed inside and self-isolated for the past two weeks , though she had not been tested for the virus , she said on Instagram , where she has 10 million followers .
`` It 's extremely likely that I 've had it , given the combined symptoms and circumstances , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case was mild , which should be a warning to other young people to follow the advice of experts and local authorities , and stay at home .
`` Our actions can be the difference between life and death for many others , '' she said , adding that she had now `` basically recovered . ''
COVID-19 has so far infected nearly 400,000 people globally with more than 17,000 deaths , according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource center .
The youth climate strike movement that Thunberg inspired drew millions onto the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year , however , faced with the emerging pandemic , young Fridays for Future climate activists have taken their weekly actions digital , using the Twitter hashtag # ClimateStrikeOnline .
Thunberg urged young climate activists , many now stuck at home as schools close , to help others through the COVID-19 epidemic and to keep up their activism in safe ways .
`` First of all , right now , we need to help in any way we can and back up society and people in need , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change , `` what we are telling everyone to do is to listen to the experts and listen to the science , and that 's what we need to do in this case as well , '' she said .

Climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Tuesday the swift and far-ranging economic and social shifts being brought in to stem the coronavirus pandemic showed that the rapid action needed to curb climate change was also possible.
Officials around the world have responded to the growing coronavirus outbreak by shutting businesses, closing schools and other facilities, banning gatherings and travel, and proposing large-scale financial bailouts to keep slowing economies afloat.
"The coronavirus is a terrible event ... there is no positive to come out of it," the Swedish teenager told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an online interview.
"But it also shows one thing: That once we are in a crisis, we can act to do something quickly, act fast," said Thunberg, 17, whose solo school strikes for climate action helped spark a global youth climate strike movement.
"Though it must be in a different way to how we have acted in this case, we can act fast and change our habits and treat a crisis like a crisis."
Thunberg wrote in a social media post on Tuesday that she and her father had both shown symptoms of COVID-19 infection after returning from a recent trip to Central Europe.
She had stayed inside and self-isolated for the past two weeks, though she had not been tested for the virus, she said on Instagram, where she has 10 million followers.
"It's extremely likely that I've had it, given the combined symptoms and circumstances," she wrote.
She said her suspected case was mild, which should be a warning to other young people to follow the advice of experts and local authorities, and stay at home.
"Our actions can be the difference between life and death for many others," she said, adding that she had now "basically recovered."
COVID-19 has so far infected nearly 400,000 people globally with more than 17,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource center.
The youth climate strike movement that Thunberg inspired drew millions onto the streets around the world in 2019.
This year, however, faced with the emerging pandemic, young Fridays for Future climate activists have taken their weekly actions digital, using the Twitter hashtag #ClimateStrikeOnline.
Thunberg urged young climate activists, many now stuck at home as schools close, to help others through the COVID-19 epidemic and to keep up their activism in safe ways.
"First of all, right now, we need to help in any way we can and back up society and people in need," she said.
In figuring out how to deal with climate change, "what we are telling everyone to do is to listen to the experts and listen to the science, and that's what we need to do in this case as well," she said.
The virus crisis "doesn't mean we need to let go completely of activism," she added. "We can do it online and at home. We just need to be creative and find new ways."


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Israel loses third person to coronavirus: 87-year-old male

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Additional restrictions, according to the Prime Minister's Office: Public transportation will be significantly reduced, and may only be used for approved purposes, food delivery and essential house maintenance services will be allowed to operate but there will be no takeaway. Supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and banks will continue to operate as usual. The new restrictions will go into effect on Wednesday night. The government met for six hours before approving these changes, the same night that two Israelis died of the novel coronavirus, raising Israel’s death toll from the pandemic rose to three. Israelis will no longer have freedom of movement after the government approved a set of new restrictions passed overnight Tuesday by the government that forbid the public from walking more than 100 meters from home to help combat the spread of coronavirus.Additional restrictions, according to the Prime Minister's Office: Public transportation will be significantly reduced, and may only be used for approved purposes, food delivery and essential house maintenance services will be allowed to operate but there will be no takeaway.Supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and banks will continue to operate as usual.The new restrictions will go into effect on Wednesday night.The government met for six hours before approving these changes, the same night that two Israelis died of the novel coronavirus, raising Israel’s death toll from the pandemic rose to three.
Some 1,930 Israelis have been diagnosed with coronavirus as of Tuesday night, the Health Ministry reported. Thirty-four were in serious condition.About 6% of people tested are infected with coronavirus, according to the Health Ministry, which wants a complete lockdown. The Finance Ministry has said if a full closure is implemented, the economy would not recover.A draft of the new restrictions, which were expected to be approved overnight Tuesday, included additional measures such as that leisure activities will be allowed within walking distance but sporting events will be forbidden, and that while existing guidelines regarding travel to and from work would not change, companies would be allowed to check their employees’ temperatures before letting them enter the building.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday night told the cabinet 10,000 Israelis could die from the coronavirus and 1,000,000 could be infected.“We could reach a million infected within a month,” he said, N12 reported. “There could also be 10,000 dead Israelis.”Netanyahu instructed Mossad Director Yossi Cohen to lead a new National Emergency Team that will orchestrate efforts to purchase medical equipment, especially ventilators, that will be needed to treat patients. In addition, he instructed the Israeli Defense Industries to examine options to manufacture the medical equipment here.Penalties being considered for breaking these orders would be up to six months in prison or fines as high as NIS 3,000.The Health Ministry guidelines have stung the economy, pushing Israel’s unemployment rate to 19%.The Israeli Employment Service said some 633,939 people applied for unemployment benefits in March, including 18,105 people between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.According to Bank of Israel estimates published on Tuesday, current measures to contain the novel coronavirus are likely to result in an unemployment rate of approximately 7%, an increase of 150,000 people, by the end of 2020.“We must help individuals whose company or turnover has been impacted, and they must continue to meet their ongoing expenses,” Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron said. “We also need to help those who have been made redundant or have been placed on unpaid leave, and their income has been affected dramatically. This is what governments around the world are doing and on a huge scale.”Meanwhile, most infected people have mild cases of the virus – 1,795 – and another 45 are in moderate condition, the Health Ministry reported.The man who died on Monday had been brought to Hadassah-University Medical Center from the Nofim Geriatric Center, where he lived. Shortly before news of his death, the second coronavirus patient who died was identified as Malka Kever, 67, from Bat Yam. She died at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. She had preexisting conditions.“Our intensive care team fought for her life with great dedication, but her condition deteriorated,” the hospital said.Kever was patient No. 445. She had previously volunteered at the hospital where she died, until she was diagnosed with cancer in the last year, N12 reported.Her family members, who are in isolation, called on the public to “stay home.”“Don’t go out, you risk yourself, your children, your relatives and people you don’t know,” Kever’s daughter, Dorit, told N12. “My mother gave her life, gave her soul to the Creator because of this illness. We are hurting, we are sad.”The man in his 60s who died Monday at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) in Tel Aviv and was suspected of having coronavirus had not contracted the disease, the hospital reported. Test results revealed that the man had respiratory symptoms and his death, as determined by the hospital, was probably from a different viral disease.In a related development, a premature baby at the prenatal ward of Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem was reported on Tuesday as not having had the novel coronavirus after it was earlier reported that a worker of the ward was infected with the virus and might have infected him. All the premature babies in the ward were found not to have the virus, and the hospital is working alongside the Health Ministry to proceed with removing the workers of the ward out of quarantine per the regulations.Some 53 people have recovered from the virus.So far, more than 135,000 Israelis have spent time in quarantine. The Health Ministry said 71,029 are in isolation now, including another member of the government.Diaspora Affairs Minister Tzipi Hotovely became the latest MK to enter home quarantine on Tuesday, bringing the number up to eight. Hotovely came in contact with a deputy director-general of her ministry who was later diagnosed with the virus. She will need to be quarantined until April 1.Hotovely is the sixth MK from Netanyahu’s right-center bloc in quarantine, joining ministers Tzachi Hanegbi (Likud), Arye Deri (Shas), Bezalel Smotrich (Yamina) and Shas MKs Itzik Cohen and Moshe Abutbul. The only quarantined MKs from the left-center bloc are Alon Shuster and Ran Ben-Barak.The number of infected people is expected to climb as Israel conducts more coronavirus tests. In the last 24 hours, more than 3,700 people were screened. On Monday, Magen David Adom opened up three more drive-through testing complexes in Jerusalem, Beersheba and Haifa.In total, according to the ministry, 27,054 tests had been taken by Tuesday morning.Gil Hoffman and Eytan Halon contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Pence: Trump will use emergency act to combat coronavirus if necessary

He also said that the White House coronavirus task force has not discussed a nationwide lockdown , as has been @ @ @ @ @ counter the spread of the coronavirus .

President Donald Trump is prepared to use the Defense Production Act but industry has been stepping forward, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Fox News on Tuesday.
He also said that the White House coronavirus task force has not discussed a nationwide lockdown, as has been done in other countries to counter the spread of the coronavirus.
Pence said during a Fox News town hall that Trump initiated the act that allows the president to mandate production, but added: "Every time we've asked American industry to step forward, they've said yes. No one has said 'no.'"


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--El Al to evacuate Israeli backpackers in Colombia

Reservations for the flight can be made by calling 03-9771123 .

Reservations for the flight can be made by calling 03-9771123.
El Al is organizing a flight to Bogota, Colombia in order to evacuate Israeli backpackers on Wednesday at 10 p.m. Colombia time after a complete lockdown was implemented on Colombia. This will be El Al's first ever flight to the country.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--BoI: Israel unemployment rate likely to stand at 7% by year's end

Israel's current measures to contain the novel coronavirus are likely to result in an unemployment rate of approximately 7% - an increase of 150,000 people - by the end of 2020, according to Bank of Israel estimates published on Tuesday.Damage to Israel's GDP is estimated to reach NIS 50 billion ($13.9b.), although this is likely to increase should the outbreak continue beyond current expectations or further restrictions on economic activity are implemented."We must help individuals whose company or turnover has been impacted, and they must continue to meet their ongoing expenses," said Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron. "We also need to help those who have been made redundant, or have been placed on unpaid leave and their income has been affected dramatically. This is what governments around the world are doing, and on a huge scale."While welcoming financial aid measures already announced by the Finance Ministry, Yaron said it will be necessary to establish a "significant financial safety net" of at least NIS 15b. ($4.2b.).


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Cambodia reports 4 new coronavirus cases, bringing country's total to 91

Four new coronavirus cases were reported in Cambodia, bringing their total to 91 cases.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--New Right MK: ‘We must obey the court, Civil War if we don’t’

New Right MK Matan Kahana addressed the Knesset on Tuesday and said that the Supreme Court ruling that Knesset Speaker @ @ @ @ @ voting to take place to decide who the next speaker will be must be obeyed @ @ @ @ @ is always right or because it protects democracy , ” he said , “ because @ @ @ @ @ a civil war.
” Kahana did say that , in his view , the court @ @ @ @ @ Knesset what to do and a law should be made to “ teach the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ ” He also supported making a law that would allow Knesset members to vote proposals @ @ @ @ @ striking them down if a large majority is in favor of them .

New Right MK Matan Kahana addressed the Knesset on Tuesday and said that the Supreme Court ruling that Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein must allow a voting to take place to decide who the next speaker will be must be obeyed.
“Not because it is always right or because it protects democracy,” he said, “because the other option would be a civil war.”
Kahana did say that, in his view, the court should not dictate to the Knesset what to do and a law should be made to “teach the Supreme Court what its function is.” He also supported making a law that would allow Knesset members to vote proposals into law despite the court striking them down if a large majority is in favor of them.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Netanyahu: Restaurant deliveries to continue, take-out banned

As new regulations to fight the coronavirus outbreak were being discussed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday to allow deliveries from restaurants to continue, while banning take-out options.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Pentagon: Coronavirus outbreak could continue for months

`` I think we need to plan for this to be a few months long at least and we 're @ @ @ @ @ do that , '' U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said when asked how long the @ @ @ @ @ long the military would continue the support efforts to counter it .
`` I am @ @ @ @ @ end of the day , in a period of months , we will get through @ @ @ @ @ during a virtual town hall .

Senior Pentagon leaders said on Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic which has hit the United States could continue for months.
"I think we need to plan for this to be a few months long at least and we're taking all precautionary measures to do that," U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said when asked how long the outbreak may last and how long the military would continue the support efforts to counter it.
"I am fully confident that at the end of the day, in a period of months, we will get through this," Esper said during a virtual town hall.
At the same event, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said that while it was unclear how long the outbreak would last, taking models from the experience of other countries, which may or may not apply to the United States, the outbreak could last into July.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Police opens 23 cases against coronavirus fake-news spreaders

Police opened 23 investigations into people who spread false information about the novel coronavirus , what is known as fake @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
135 investigations are currently conducted against people who violated quarantine orders .
54 @ @ @ @ @ after they were found to violate the People ’ s Health Order meant to curb @ @ @ @ @ are currently conducted against people who violated quarantine orders .

Police opened 23 investigations into people who spread false information about the novel coronavirus, what is known as fake news, Maariv reported on Tuesday.
54 businesses were issued closing warrants after they were found to violate the People’s Health Order meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.135 investigations are currently conducted against people who violated quarantine orders.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--New Knesset coronavirus committee passes 55-0

The new Knesset coronavirus committee passed 55-0 on Tuesday and will be headed by Ofer Shelah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will now have oversight.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--All of India under 21-day lockdown due to coronavirus

`` There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes , '' Modi said in a televised @ @

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday the government would impose a nationwide lockdown from midnight for 21 days to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
"There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes," Modi said in a televised address.
India has so far reported 482 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and nine deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Trump: US citizens will take precautions due to coronavirus when at work

`` Our people want to return to work , '' he said on Twitter .
`` They will practice Social @ @ @ @ @ and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly .
We can do two things @ @ @ @ @ NOT BE WORSE ( by far ) THAN THE PROBLEM ! ''

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday restated his concerns about the economic toll of the coronavirus impact and said Americans will take precautions to avoid infection when they return to work.
"Our people want to return to work," he said on Twitter. "They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly. We can do two things together. THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM!"


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--UK citizens face £30 fine for breaking coronavirus instructions

On Monday , Johnson said Britons would only be allowed out to shop for basic necessities , exercise , for @ @ @ @ @ provide care or to travel to work where absolutely necessary .
Gatherings of more than @ @ @ @ @ do not live together are banned .
`` Regulations will be made as soon as @ @ @ @ @ the latest to allow the police to issue fines to those who refuse to comply @ @ @ @ @ , adding police would `` take whatever steps they consider approporiate to disperse groups of @ @ @ @ @ rules '' .

Britons who flout the government's instructions to stay at home face on-the-spot fines of 30 pounds ($35) which could rise significantly if needed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Johnson said Britons would only be allowed out to shop for basic necessities, exercise, for a medical need, to provide care or to travel to work where absolutely necessary. Gatherings of more than two people in public who do not live together are banned.
"Regulations will be made as soon as possible and by Thursday at the latest to allow the police to issue fines to those who refuse to comply," the spokesman said, adding police would "take whatever steps they consider approporiate to disperse groups of people who are flouting the rules".
The spokesman said those ignoring the rules would initially be fined 30 pounds but this amount would be kept under review and could be increased "significantly if it is necessary to ensure public compliance".


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Premature baby does not have novel coronavirus

A premature baby at the prenatal ward of Shaare Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem was reported on Tuesday as not having @ @ @ @ @ was earlier reported a worker of the ward was infected with the virus and might @ @ @ @ @ the prematures babies in the ward were found to not have the virus and the @ @ @ @ @ Health Ministry to proceed with removing the workers of the ward out of quarantine per @ @ @

A premature baby at the prenatal ward of Shaare Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem was reported on Tuesday as not having the novel coronavirus after it was earlier reported a worker of the ward was infected with the virus and might have infected him.
All the prematures babies in the ward were found to not have the virus and the hospital is working alongside the Health Ministry to proceed with removing the workers of the ward out of quarantine per the regulations.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus

`` The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus , '' Clarence House said @

Britain's Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus. The heir to the throne, 71, has mild symptoms "but otherwise remains in good health" Clarence House said in a statement."The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus," the statement read. "He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual."
"The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus," Clarence House said.
"It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks."The Prince and his wife, Camilla, are self-isolating at their home in Scotland.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Government accepts proposal to extend police commissioner's term

The government approved on Wednesday a proposal by the Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan to extend the term of the police commissioner and the commissioner of prisons until 30 September 2020 or until a new appointment by the government, whichever comes first.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Iran coronavirus toll rises to 2,077 after 143 new deaths

An Iranian health ministry official said on Wednesday that 2,077 people had died so far from the new coronavirus in Iran, with 143 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.The total number of people infected with the coronavirus has climbed to 27,017, Alireza Vahabzadeh tweeted.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Coronavirus cases in Russia reach 658, record daily rise - government

The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has surged to 658, with new daily cases at a record 163, the government's official coronavirus website showed on Wednesday.An earlier report on one of Russia's coronavirus monitoring websites had said the number of total cases was 516.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Special committee on coronavirus approves appointment of Shelah as chairman

The special committee on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic approved the appointment of MK Ofer Shelah as chairman, and is currently meeting to discuss further regulations to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Shelah said after his appointment last night, "The commission has arisen during a tremendous national crisis, which the Knesset has a crucial role to play in dealing with."We will assist whatever the government and executive bodies need to do, monitor them for the benefit of the public and develop a conceptual and legal infrastructure for the national system, health, economy and government, so that we are better prepared in the future."


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--2,030 Israelis diagnosed with coronavirus - 37 in serious condition

Late Tuesday night , State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman and other senior comptroller officials announced that they would go into 10 @ @ @ @ @ senior official in the office tested positive for the coronavirus .
Englman has no symptoms @ @ @ @ @ as a matter of standard precautions directed by the Health Ministry , and will continue @ @ @ @ @ .
Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report .
The quarantine announcement came only days @ @ @ @ @ report of his term , which included a key chapter about Israel knowing already in @ @ @ @ @ it is not properly prepared for the breakout of a pandemic.Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to @ @ @

Israel will have no choice but to implement a full closure even within the next few days unless there is an immediate improvement in the trend of the number of people infected with coronavirus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Wednesday, minutes after the number of sick Israelis climbed to 2,369, according to the Health Ministry.
"The steps that we have taken here in Israel are being taken all over the world; however, they are not enough because the number of patients is doubling every three days,” the prime minister said. “In two weeks we are liable to find ourselves with thousands of patients many of whom will be in danger of death
“Therefore, I am already telling you,” he continued, “that if we do not see an immediate improvement in the trend, there will be no alternative but to impose a complete lockdown, except for essential needs such as food and medicines. This is a matter of a few days. We are making all of the requisite preparations – logistical and legal."
The prime minister's speech came only four hours after a new round of stricter regulations to contain the coronavirus outbreak came into effect at 5 p.m., and on the backdrop of the news that two more Israelis died overnight, bringing the total to five.
Netanyahu added that the Defense Ministry and the Mossad are working together to procure necessary medical equipment from abroad, as well as considering ways to have such equipment manufactured in Israel. He added that a plan to ease the economic strain on the Israeli public and businesses would be rolled out in the coming days.
The government-approved state-of-emergency restrictions drastically reduce freedom of movement. For the next seven days at least, people will only be allowed to go on short walks within 100 meters of their homes.
Additional restrictions: Public transport will be drastically reduced; attending weddings or other religious ceremonies is allowed, if 10-participant and two-meter rules are followed; going to the mikvah is allowed, as long as arrangements have been made in advance; only two people may travel in a car at one time and they may only be traveling to or from an approved place of work or to the grocery store, pharmacy or a medical appointment; private taxis will be available, but only one passenger and the driver can be in the car at a time.
No deliveries can be made except for approved items including newspapers, and essential products and appliances, such as for medical needs.
All businesses must be closed, including from within one's residence, except for various food stores and pharmacies, and those selling optical, hygiene or telecommunications products, electrical appliances or medical accessories. Online sale with shipping is allowed for all types of products: when delivered to private homes, the shipment will be placed outside the residence.
Essential services will remain open, including supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and banks, which will operate as normal. However, stores must mark a two 2-meter distance between people at checkout lines and ensure that no more than four people are waiting to check out at a time.
People can go to work as long as the guidelines are followed, but employers must check the temperature of all those arriving and anyone with a temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius or above must be refused.
In addition, the government has approved Israeli's right to protest, so long as they do it in accordance with the Health Ministry's rules: no more than 10 people and a space of two meters between people.
In addition, children of divorced parents can continue to travel between the two houses.
Breaking the regulations constitutes a criminal offense and those who transgress them will face fines between NIS 500 and NIS 5,000 or a suspended jail sentence.
Police reported on Wednesday that it had so far opened 135 investigations against individuals who broke quarantine and 163 cases against those who held illegal gatherings.
Back to the victims, a 76-year-old man, Hillel Moshe from Yehud, was named as Israel's fourth victim. He had been hospitalized at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, since last Monday and had significant pre-existing medical conditions. Moshe's wife is also hospitalized in Sheba with the virus.
The fifth victim is Reuven Ben-Moshe, 87, from Petah Tikva. He had been hospitalized in Bnei Brak. He also had pre-existing conditions.
The name of the third person who died was released Wednesday: Moshe Ornstein, 87, who had been a resident in the Nofim Geriatric Center in Jerusalem. He had been hospitalized at Hadassah University Medical Center, in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem.
Of the 2,369 infected people reported by the Health Ministry, 39 were in serious condition, 64 in moderate condition and 2,197 had mild symptoms. Among those in serious condition is a 45-year-old patient who, according to Channel 12, had no preexisting medical conditions.
More than 1,000 Israelis with the virus are being treated at home. Another 281 are recovering in one of the "coronavirus hotels" that were set up by the Defense Ministry, while almost 400 are hospitalized.
Netanyahu said that more than 5,000 tests for coronavirus had been conducted on Wednesday, pushing the total number of tests conducted to around 37,000 - which means around 6% of those tested for the virus have been diagnosed as positive.
Boaz Toporovsky (Blue and White) and Sondos Saleh (Joint List) became the latest MKs to enter home quarantine on Tuesday, bringing up the number to 10. Five MKs, including two ministers, ended their quarantine on Wednesday.
In addition, late Tuesday night, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman and other senior comptroller officials announced that they would go into 10 days of quarantine after a senior official in the office tested positive for the coronavirus. Englman has no symptoms, but took the measure as a matter of standard precautions directed by the Health Ministry, and will continue to carry out his duties.
The quarantine announcement came only days after Englman issued the first report of his term, which included a key chapter about Israel knowing already in the fall of 2019 that it is not properly prepared for the breakout of a pandemic.
Late Wednesday, in an impassioned speech, President Reuven Rivlin asked the public to "learn the art of obedience:
"My fellow Israeli citizens, once I was a young man and now I am old," the president said. "As a child I personally experienced the siege of Jerusalem. As a people and as a nation, we have known the most severe moments of existential threat, and we beat them. I have no doubt in my heart that today, too, if we hold fast to public and personal responsibility and to the mutual obligations we have to each other, we can beat this."
Yonah Jeremy Bob and Gil Hoffman contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Fourth Israeli dies of coronavirus

Fourth Israeli dies of coronavirus


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--South Africa's coronavirus cases rise to 709 - health minister

South Africa's number of coronavirus cases has risen to 709, from 554 on Tuesday, health minister Zweli Mkhize said on Wednesday."We are now at 709 cases," he said, speaking on local news channel SABC.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--US Senate reaches agreement on massive coronavirus response bill

trillion
US senators will vote on Wednesday on a $2-bipartisan package of legislation to alleviate the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic , hoping it will become law quickly so they can get out of Washington.
Top aides to President Donald Trump and senior Senate Republicans and Democrats announced they had agreed on the unprecedented stimulus bill in the early hours of Wednesday, after five days of marathon talks.
"We're going to pass this legislation later today," Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
The massive bill is expected to include a $500 billion fund to help hard-hit industries and a comparable amount for direct payments of up to $3,000 to millions of US families.
It will also include $350 billion for small-business loans, $250 billion for expanded unemployment aid and $150 billion for various healthcare initiatives, including $100 billion for hospitals and related health systems.
It aims to flood the US economy with cash in a bid to stem the impact of a pandemic that has killed more than 660 people in the United States and sickened more than 50,000, shuttered thousands of businesses, thrown millions out of work and led states to order 100 million people - nearly a third of the population - to stay at home.
"This is not a moment of celebration, but one of necessity," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.
The bill is expected to pass the Senate easily, more so because Senator Rand Paul, a Republican who was the only senator to vote against an earlier round of emergency virus funding, may be unable to vote after testing positive for the disease.
If passed, the unprecedented rescue package, which Schumer called the largest in US history - would be the third approved by Congress this month to counter the impact of the crisis.
To become law, the measure must pass the Republican-led Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was consulted during negotiations on the bipartisan Senate deal, struck after Democrats twice blocked a measure written by Republicans.
Aides to Pelosi did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her view of the bill.
It also must be signed by Republican President Donald Trump, who said on Tuesday he wanted Americans to end "social distancing" restrictions intended to slow the spread of the virus and return to work by Easter, April 12.
That worried health officials, who fear ending the lockdown too soon could bring more virus-related deaths.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the administration point man for talks, told reporters Trump "absolutely" would sign the bipartisan stimulus agreement if it passed Congress.
Talks on the deal kept the Senate in Washington as the virus' impact on the United States increased dramatically. Members of the House of Representatives left Washington 10 days ago.
While stuck in Washington, many senators told aides to work from home to lower the risk of contagion, Paul announced his positive test and a handful of other lawmakers self-quarantined, because they had been exposed to Paul or others with the illness.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Magnitude 7.8 quake strikes off Russia's Kuril Islands

US authorities put out tsunami warnings on Wednesday after an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck off Russia's Kuril Islands, but meteorological officials in Japan issued no alerts, although they said there might be slight tidal changes.The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said a tsunami watch was issued for the state of Hawaii, while another agency, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, said the quake had potential to generate a destructive tsunami."Tsunami waves are forecast to be less than 0.3 meters above the tide level," the center said in its advisory about risks to the coasts of Hawaii, Japan, Russia and the Pacific islands of Midway, the Northern Marianas and Wake Island.The height is equivalent to just under a foot.The Japan Meteorological Association warned against slight tidal changes but said no warnings or even watch advisories had been issued.The earthquake, 218 km (135 miles) south-southeast of the town of Severo, struck at a depth of 56.7 km (35 miles), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said.There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--India bans export of key malaria drug amid coronavirus outbreak

The Indian government said on Wednesday that it is banning the export of hydroxychloroquine and formulations made from the medication, as experts test the efficacy of the drug in helping treat patients infected with COVID-19.There are currently no approved treatments, or preventive vaccines for COVID-19, the highly contagious, sometimes deadly respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. Researchers are studying existing treatments and working on experimental ones, but most current patients receive only supportive care such as breathing assistance.Hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug, is among the medications that are being tested, as a potential treatment for patients with the disease. Earlier this week, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), which maintains a list of drug shortages, said hydroxychloroquine was in shortage.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Israeli government approves new restrictions to combat coronavirus

Israelis will no longer have freedom of movement after the government approved a set of new restrictions passed overnight Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ the public from walking more than 100 meters from home to help combat the spread @ @ @ @ @ to the Prime Minister 's Office : Public transportation will be significantly reduced , and @ @ @ @ @ approved purposes , food delivery and essential house maintenance services will be allowed to operate @ @ @ @ @ takeaway.Supermarkets , pharmacies , gas stations and banks will continue to operate as usual.The new @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday night.The government met for six hours before approving these changes , the same @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus , raising Israel ’ s death toll from the pandemic rose @ @ @

Additional restrictions, according to the Prime Minister's Office: Public transportation will be significantly reduced, and may only be used for approved purposes, food delivery and essential house maintenance services will be allowed to operate but there will be no takeaway. Supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and banks will continue to operate as usual. The new restrictions will go into effect on Wednesday night. The government met for six hours before approving these changes, the same night that two Israelis died of the novel coronavirus, raising Israel’s death toll from the pandemic rose to three. Israelis will no longer have freedom of movement after the government approved a set of new restrictions passed overnight Tuesday by the government that forbid the public from walking more than 100 meters from home to help combat the spread of coronavirus.Additional restrictions, according to the Prime Minister's Office: Public transportation will be significantly reduced, and may only be used for approved purposes, food delivery and essential house maintenance services will be allowed to operate but there will be no takeaway.Supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and banks will continue to operate as usual.The new restrictions will go into effect on Wednesday night.The government met for six hours before approving these changes, the same night that two Israelis died of the novel coronavirus, raising Israel’s death toll from the pandemic rose to three.
Some 1,930 Israelis have been diagnosed with coronavirus as of Tuesday night, the Health Ministry reported. Thirty-four were in serious condition.About 6% of people tested are infected with coronavirus, according to the Health Ministry, which wants a complete lockdown. The Finance Ministry has said if a full closure is implemented, the economy would not recover.A draft of the new restrictions, which were expected to be approved overnight Tuesday, included additional measures such as that leisure activities will be allowed within walking distance but sporting events will be forbidden, and that while existing guidelines regarding travel to and from work would not change, companies would be allowed to check their employees’ temperatures before letting them enter the building.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday night told the cabinet 10,000 Israelis could die from the coronavirus and 1,000,000 could be infected.“We could reach a million infected within a month,” he said, N12 reported. “There could also be 10,000 dead Israelis.”Netanyahu instructed Mossad Director Yossi Cohen to lead a new National Emergency Team that will orchestrate efforts to purchase medical equipment, especially ventilators, that will be needed to treat patients. In addition, he instructed the Israeli Defense Industries to examine options to manufacture the medical equipment here.Penalties being considered for breaking these orders would be up to six months in prison or fines as high as NIS 3,000.The Health Ministry guidelines have stung the economy, pushing Israel’s unemployment rate to 19%.The Israeli Employment Service said some 633,939 people applied for unemployment benefits in March, including 18,105 people between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.According to Bank of Israel estimates published on Tuesday, current measures to contain the novel coronavirus are likely to result in an unemployment rate of approximately 7%, an increase of 150,000 people, by the end of 2020.“We must help individuals whose company or turnover has been impacted, and they must continue to meet their ongoing expenses,” Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron said. “We also need to help those who have been made redundant or have been placed on unpaid leave, and their income has been affected dramatically. This is what governments around the world are doing and on a huge scale.”Meanwhile, most infected people have mild cases of the virus – 1,795 – and another 45 are in moderate condition, the Health Ministry reported.The man who died on Monday had been brought to Hadassah-University Medical Center from the Nofim Geriatric Center, where he lived. Shortly before news of his death, the second coronavirus patient who died was identified as Malka Kever, 67, from Bat Yam. She died at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. She had preexisting conditions.“Our intensive care team fought for her life with great dedication, but her condition deteriorated,” the hospital said.Kever was patient No. 445. She had previously volunteered at the hospital where she died, until she was diagnosed with cancer in the last year, N12 reported.Her family members, who are in isolation, called on the public to “stay home.”“Don’t go out, you risk yourself, your children, your relatives and people you don’t know,” Kever’s daughter, Dorit, told N12. “My mother gave her life, gave her soul to the Creator because of this illness. We are hurting, we are sad.”The man in his 60s who died Monday at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) in Tel Aviv and was suspected of having coronavirus had not contracted the disease, the hospital reported. Test results revealed that the man had respiratory symptoms and his death, as determined by the hospital, was probably from a different viral disease.In a related development, a premature baby at the prenatal ward of Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem was reported on Tuesday as not having had the novel coronavirus after it was earlier reported that a worker of the ward was infected with the virus and might have infected him. All the premature babies in the ward were found not to have the virus, and the hospital is working alongside the Health Ministry to proceed with removing the workers of the ward out of quarantine per the regulations.Some 53 people have recovered from the virus.So far, more than 135,000 Israelis have spent time in quarantine. The Health Ministry said 71,029 are in isolation now, including another member of the government.Diaspora Affairs Minister Tzipi Hotovely became the latest MK to enter home quarantine on Tuesday, bringing the number up to eight. Hotovely came in contact with a deputy director-general of her ministry who was later diagnosed with the virus. She will need to be quarantined until April 1.Hotovely is the sixth MK from Netanyahu’s right-center bloc in quarantine, joining ministers Tzachi Hanegbi (Likud), Arye Deri (Shas), Bezalel Smotrich (Yamina) and Shas MKs Itzik Cohen and Moshe Abutbul. The only quarantined MKs from the left-center bloc are Alon Shuster and Ran Ben-Barak.The number of infected people is expected to climb as Israel conducts more coronavirus tests. In the last 24 hours, more than 3,700 people were screened. On Monday, Magen David Adom opened up three more drive-through testing complexes in Jerusalem, Beersheba and Haifa.In total, according to the ministry, 27,054 tests had been taken by Tuesday morning.Gil Hoffman and Eytan Halon contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--New Zealand declares national emergency to tackle COVID-19

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared a state of national emergency as the country prepares to go into a complete lockdown at midnight to combat the coronavirus outbreak."Its a state of emergency to preserve our way of life," Ardern said in a speech in parliament on Wednesday, declaring a state of national emergency. The country will go into its highest level of alert from midnight.The number of COVID-19 cases in New Zealand rose to 205, authorities announced earlier in the day.


jerusalempost--2020-03-24--Two more NYSE floor traders test positive for coronavirus

Two more New York Stock Exchange floor traders tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday despite strict measures taken to prevent people infected by the virus from entering the exchange while it remained open last week, according to a memo seen by Reuters."Given the possibility of exposure, and consistent with local, state, and federal government guidance, we recommend that all those who worked on the NYSE Trading Floor over the last 14 days should self-quarantine until a two week symptom-free period has elapsed," Intercontinental Exchange Inc-owned NYSE said in a memo to traders.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--France to withdraw all troops from Iraq due to coronavirus outbreak

France will withdraw all troops it has stationed in Iraq until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Armed Forces Ministry said on Wednesday."France has taken the decision to repatriate until further notice its personnel deployed in operation Chammal in Iraq," the ministry said, adding about 100 hundred soldiers were concerned.The army said it would continue air operations against Islamic State.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Coronvirus death toll in England rises by 28 to 414

LONDON - Another 28 people in England have died after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of @ @ @ @ @ country 's health service said on Wednesday .
The latest fatalities were aged between 47 @ @ @ @ @ the 47-year-old had underlying health conditions , National Health Service England said in a statement @

LONDON - Another 28 people in England have died after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths to 414, the country's health service said on Wednesday.
The latest fatalities were aged between 47 and 93 and all except the 47-year-old had underlying health conditions, National Health Service England said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Western Wall now only reachable by those who live in the Old City

The new Health Ministry regulations enforce a 100-meter zone around each Israeli ’ s home address , meaning that only @ @ @ @ @ Old City of Jerusalem are currently able to visit the Western Wall .
The site @ @ @ @ @ still visit it , and it is unclear if the police will enforce the regulations @ @ @ @ @ social distancing to stay at a distance from one another .

The new Health Ministry regulations enforce a 100-meter zone around each Israeli’s home address, meaning that only people who live in the Old City of Jerusalem are currently able to visit the Western Wall.
The site remains open and people may still visit it, and it is unclear if the police will enforce the regulations if people pray while practicing social distancing to stay at a distance from one another.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Tomb of the Patriarchs to close over coronavirus

The Tomb of the Patriarchs will shut down to worshipers and visitors in light of the emergency orders involving the @ @ @ @ @ in the plaza outside the tomb , close to the site of the former stairwell @ @ @ @ @ the Ottoman Empire .
Jews were only allowed to go as far as the seventh @ @ @ @ @ need to stand two meters apart .
Morning services will be at 7:30 and 8:30 @ @ @ @ @ be 15 minutes before sunset and the afternoon service will be 15 minutes after sunset @

The Tomb of the Patriarchs will shut down to worshipers and visitors in light of the emergency orders involving the coronavirus.Prayer services will be held in the plaza outside the tomb, close to the site of the former stairwell to the Tomb used during the Ottoman Empire.Jews were only allowed to go as far as the seventh step on that stairwell.Worshippers will need to stand two meters apart. Morning services will be at 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Afternoon services will be 15 minutes before sunset and the afternoon service will be 15 minutes after sunset.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Defense Ministry takes over returning Israelis in time of coronavirus

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday his ministry will take over the issue of returning Israelis who are returning @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 outbreak .
All those returning to the country will be placed in home quarantine @ @ @ @ @ the exception of those coming back from the US , Italy , France and Spain @ @ @ @ @ from those four countries will be taken to a checking point in the airport and @ @ @ @ @ They will then be taken to a guest hotel and placed there until the results @ @ @ @ @ Negative results will mean they will complete the rest of the 14 days at their @ @ @ @ @ will mean they will be treated accordingly .
The new system will begin to function @ @ @ @ @

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday his ministry will take over the issue of returning Israelis who are returning at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak.
All those returning to the country will be placed in home quarantine of 14 days, with the exception of those coming back from the US, Italy, France and Spain.
Those who are coming from those four countries will be taken to a checking point in the airport and inspected for the virus. They will then be taken to a guest hotel and placed there until the results return in 48 hours. Negative results will mean they will complete the rest of the 14 days at their homes and a positive result will mean they will be treated accordingly.
The new system will begin to function after the upcoming Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Netanyahu: In coronavirus, anyone who infects infected the world

“ Therefore , I am already telling you , ” he continued , “ that if we do not see an immediate improvement in the trend , there will be no alternative but to impose a complete lockdown , except for essential needs such as food and medicines .
This is a matter of a few days .
We are making all of the requisite preparations – logistical and legal . ''
The prime minister 's speech came only four hours after a new round of stricter regulations to contain the coronavirus outbreak came into effect at 5 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that two more Israelis died overnight , bringing the total to five .
Netanyahu added that the Defense Ministry and the Mossad are working together to procure necessary medical equipment from abroad , as well as considering ways to have such equipment manufactured in Israel .
He added that a plan to ease the economic strain on the Israeli public and businesses would be rolled out in the coming days .
The government-approved state-of-emergency restrictions drastically reduce freedom of movement .
For the next seven days at least , people will only be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 meters of their homes .
Additional restrictions : Public transport will be drastically reduced ; attending weddings or other religious ceremonies is allowed , if 10-participant and two-meter rules are followed ; going to the mikvah is allowed , as long as arrangements have been made in advance ; only two people may travel in a car at one time and they may only be traveling to or from an approved place of work or to the grocery store , pharmacy or a medical appointment ; private taxis will be available , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be in the car at a time .
No deliveries can be made except for approved items including newspapers , and essential products and appliances , such as for medical needs .
All businesses must be closed , including from within one 's residence , except for various food stores and pharmacies , and those selling optical , hygiene or telecommunications products , electrical appliances or medical accessories .
Online sale with shipping is allowed for all types of products : when delivered to private homes , the shipment will be placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain open , including supermarkets , pharmacies , gas stations and banks , which will operate as normal .
However , stores must mark a two 2-meter distance between people at checkout lines and ensure that no more than four people are waiting to check out at a time .
People can go to work as long as the guidelines are followed , but employers must check the temperature of all those arriving and anyone with a temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius or above must be refused .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protest , so long as they do it in accordance with the Health Ministry 's rules : no more than 10 people and a space of two meters between people .
In addition , children of divorced parents can continue to travel between the two houses .
Breaking the regulations constitutes a criminal offense and those who transgress them will face fines between NIS 500 and NIS 5,000 or a suspended jail sentence .
Police reported on Wednesday that it had so far opened 135 investigations against individuals who broke quarantine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings .
Back to the victims , a 76-year-old man , Hillel Moshe from Yehud , was named as Israel 's fourth victim .
He had been hospitalized at Sheba Medical Center , Tel Hashomer , since last Monday and had significant pre-existing medical conditions .
Moshe 's wife is also hospitalized in Sheba with the virus .
The fifth victim is Reuven Ben-Moshe , 87 , from Petah Tikva .
He had been hospitalized in Bnei Brak .
He also had pre-existing conditions .
The name of the third person who died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 87 , who had been a resident in the Nofim Geriatric Center in Jerusalem .
He had been hospitalized at Hadassah University Medical Center , in Jerusalem 's Ein Kerem .
Of the 2,369 infected people reported by the Health Ministry , 39 were in serious condition , 64 in moderate condition and 2,197 had mild symptoms .
Among those in serious condition is a 45-year-old patient who , according to Channel 12 , had no preexisting medical conditions .
More than 1,000 Israelis with the virus are being treated at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` coronavirus hotels '' that were set up by the Defense Ministry , while almost 400 are hospitalized .
Netanyahu said that more than 5,000 tests for coronavirus had been conducted on Wednesday , pushing the total number of tests conducted to around 37,000 - which means around 6 % of those tested for the virus have been diagnosed as positive .
Boaz Toporovsky ( Blue and White ) and Sondos Saleh ( Joint List ) became the latest MKs to enter home quarantine on Tuesday , bringing up the number to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers , ended their quarantine on Wednesday .
In addition , late Tuesday night , State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman and other senior comptroller officials announced that they would go into 10 days of quarantine after a senior official in the office tested positive for the coronavirus .
Englman has no symptoms , but took the measure as a matter of standard precautions directed by the Health Ministry , and will continue to carry out his duties .
The quarantine announcement came only days after Englman issued the first report of his term , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing already in the fall of 2019 that it is not properly prepared for the breakout of a pandemic .
Late Wednesday , in an impassioned speech , President Reuven Rivlin asked the public to `` learn the art of obedience : '' My fellow Israeli citizens , once I was a young man and now I am old , '' the president said .
`` As a child I personally experienced the siege of Jerusalem .
As a people and as a nation , we have known the most severe moments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I have no doubt in my heart that today , too , if we hold fast to public and personal responsibility and to the mutual obligations we have to each other , we can beat this . ''
Yonah Jeremy Bob and Gil Hoffman contributed to this report .


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Netanyahu: You must obey, do not lave your homes in time of coronavirus


jerusalempost--2020-03-25--Regev: Sport should be allowed even in time of coronavirus

Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev said during the government meeting that sports should be allowed even in time of @ @ @ @ @ .
Regev said that “ young people stay at home , drink and eat , @ @ @ @ @ sports are good for the body ’ s immune system .
Interior Minister Arye Deri @ @ @ @ @ odd how quickly the government closed down houses of prayer and how much time is @ @ @ @ @ sports .

Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev said during the government meeting that sports should be allowed even in time of coronavirus, Channel 12 reported.
Regev said that “young people stay at home, drink and eat,” she also said that sports are good for the body’s immune system.
Interior Minister Arye Deri said that it’s odd how quickly the government closed down houses of prayer and how much time is spent over the issue of sports.