jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Coronavirus: Buses to hold 30 passengers, run until 10 p.m.

Inner-city buses will be allowed to transport 32 passengers , while intercity buses will be allowed to carry 30 passengers @ @ @ @ @ allowed on articulated buses ( the buses that are connected in the middle by an @ @ @ @

Inner-city buses will be allowed to transport 32 passengers, while intercity buses will be allowed to carry 30 passengers. 50 passengers will be allowed on articulated buses (the buses that are connected in the middle by an accordion-type joint).
Transportation Minister Miri Regev reached an agreement with the Health Ministry and National Security Council on Wednesday to allow buses to run at 50% capacity and only until 10 p.m.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--China challenges the US to reduce its nuclear arsenal to same level

BEIJING - If the United States were willing to reduce its nuclear arsenal to China 's level , China would @ @ @ @ @ participate in trilateral arms control negotiation with the US and Russia , a senior Chinese @ @ @ @ @ The US has repeatedly called for China to join in trilateral negotiations to extend a @ @ @ @ @ the US and Russia that is due to expire in February next year .
Fu @ @ @ @ @ control department of Chinese foreign ministry , reiterated to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that @ @ @ @ @ joining the trilateral negotiation .

BEIJING - If the United States were willing to reduce its nuclear arsenal to China's level, China would "be happy to" participate in trilateral arms control negotiation with the US and Russia, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Wednesday.
The US has repeatedly called for China to join in trilateral negotiations to extend a flagship nuclear arms treaty between the US and Russia that is due to expire in February next year.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--US, S. Korean officials discuss N. Korea strategy as it rejects talks

SEOUL - The US point man for North Korea met with South Korean officials in Seoul on Wednesday for wide-ranging talks , overshadowed by Pyongyang 's insistence that it has no intention of returning to denuclearisation negotiations any time soon .
Stephen Biegun , who led working-level negotiations with the North Koreans and now has broader responsibility as US Deputy Secretary of State , met with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha .
Biegun was also due to meet with Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young and chief nuclear negotiator Lee Do-hoon .
Talks will likely cover a range of issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over military cost-sharing , but North Korea is expected to dominate the agenda , Seoul officials said .
In a brief conversation before their closed-door meeting , Kang told Biegun he had come at an important time for political developments and also after South Korean President Moon Jae-in recently reshuffled some of his senior North Korea policy aides .
Biegun is likely to meet with Suh Hoon , Moon 's new national security advisor who , as spy chief , was instrumental in facilitating summits between US President Donald Trump and North Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said .
Talks with Pyongyang have since stalled , and North Korean officials say the country has no intention to sit down with the United States .
Moon 's call for a new Trump-Kim summit and Biegun 's visit had sparked speculation of a last-ditch effort to try to revive North Korea talks ahead of the US presidential election in November .
But Biegun has previously played down the likelihood of another in-person summit between Trump and Kim , saying the coronavirus pandemic made arranging such an event unlikely before the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Biegun and the entire US delegation , as well as the American military air crew who piloted their aircraft , underwent tests for COVID-19 at the US military base in South Korea where they landed .
After the tests came back negative , the delegation continued on to Seoul .
Besides the coronavirus challenges , North Korea 's strident rejections of new talks also means Biegun 's visit is more likely to focus on coordination between the two allies , rather than seizing some opening for diplomacy , said John Delury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University in Seoul .
`` I don ’ t see signals from North Korea that they are looking for engagement , '' he said .
Coordination between the two long-time allies is critical now , said Duyeon Kim , a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group , a Belgium-based independent non-profit organization .
`` The allies should get on the same page about upcoming defense drills , how their working group can support inter-Korean projects while enforcing existing sanctions , and how to jointly respond if Pyongyang escalates or tests more weapons @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL - The US point man for North Korea met with South Korean officials in Seoul on Wednesday for wide-ranging talks, overshadowed by Pyongyang's insistence that it has no intention of returning to denuclearisation negotiations any time soon.
Stephen Biegun, who led working-level negotiations with the North Koreans and now has broader responsibility as US Deputy Secretary of State, met with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha.
Biegun was also due to meet with Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young and chief nuclear negotiator Lee Do-hoon.
Talks will likely cover a range of issues, including coronavirus responses and ongoing negotiations over military cost-sharing, but North Korea is expected to dominate the agenda, Seoul officials said.
In a brief conversation before their closed-door meeting, Kang told Biegun he had come at an important time for political developments and also after South Korean President Moon Jae-in recently reshuffled some of his senior North Korea policy aides.
Biegun is likely to meet with Suh Hoon, Moon's new national security advisor who, as spy chief, was instrumental in facilitating summits between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a Seoul official said.
Talks with Pyongyang have since stalled, and North Korean officials say the country has no intention to sit down with the United States.
NORTH KOREA NOT ENGAGING
Moon's call for a new Trump-Kim summit and Biegun's visit had sparked speculation of a last-ditch effort to try to revive North Korea talks ahead of the US presidential election in November.
But Biegun has previously played down the likelihood of another in-person summit between Trump and Kim, saying the coronavirus pandemic made arranging such an event unlikely before the election.
Upon arrival in South Korea on Tuesday, Biegun and the entire US delegation, as well as the American military air crew who piloted their aircraft, underwent tests for COVID-19 at the US military base in South Korea where they landed.
After the tests came back negative, the delegation continued on to Seoul.
Besides the coronavirus challenges, North Korea's strident rejections of new talks also means Biegun's visit is more likely to focus on coordination between the two allies, rather than seizing some opening for diplomacy, said John Delury, a North Korea expert at Yonsei University in Seoul.
"I don’t see signals from North Korea that they are looking for engagement," he said.
Coordination between the two long-time allies is critical now, said Duyeon Kim, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, a Belgium-based independent non-profit organization.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Mexico posts record 6,995 new coronavirus cases

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MEXICO CITY - Mexico on Wednesday posted a record for new coronavirus cases reported on a single day, with 6,995 cases, bringing its overall tally of infections to 275,003, health ministry data showed.The country also recorded 782 additional fatalities, bringing its overall death toll to 32,796.Mexico's previous one-day record was last week on Thursday when 6,741 new cases were registered.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--US coronavirus cases rise by over 58,000 setting new single-day record

The United States reported more than 60,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the biggest increase ever reported by a country in a single day, according to a Reuters tally.The United States faces a bleak summer with record-breaking infections and many states forced to close parts of the economy again, leaving some workers without a paycheck.In addition to nearly 10,000 new cases in Florida, Texas reported over 9,500 cases and California reported more than 8,500 new infections. California and Texas also each reported a record one-day increase in deaths.It was the second day in a row that U.S. deaths climbed by more than 900 in a day, the highest levels seen since early June, according to the tally.Tennessee, West Virginia and Utah all had record daily increases in new cases, and infections are rising in 42 out of 50 states, according to a Reuters analysis of cases for the past two weeks compared with the prior two weeks.The U.S. tally stood at 60,020 late on Wednesday, with a few local governments not yet reporting.The previous US record for new cases in a day was 56,818 last Friday. The United States has reported over 3 million cases and 132,000 deaths from the virus, putting President Donald Trump's pandemic strategy under scrutiny.Globally, cases rose to more than 12 million on Wednesday, with 546,000 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Brazil surpasses 1.7 million coronavirus cases, nearly 68,000 dead

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil exceeded 1.7 million confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus as of Wednesday, and the disease has killed a total of 67,964 people, according to the country's Health Ministry.In the last 24 hours, the country registered 44,571 new cases and an additional 1,223 deaths from the disease, ministry data showed.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Gilead begins testing inhalable form of remdesivir for COVID-19

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Wednesday it has started an early-stage study of its antiviral COVID-19 treatment remdesivir that can be inhaled, for use outside of hospitals.The company said the trial, which will enroll about 60 healthy Americans aged between 18 and 45, will test the drug particularly in those cases where the disease has not progressed to require hospitalization.The drug is currently used intravenously and an inhaled formulation would be given through a nebulizer, which could potentially allow for easier administration outside hospitals.Remdesivir was granted emergency use authorization in the United States to treat severe cases of COVID-19 in patients who are hospitalized.Gilead is hoping to target the disease at the onset with the inhaled form of remdesivir, by delivering the drug directly to the primary site of infection.Remdesivir is believed to be at the forefront in the fight against the coronavirus after the drug helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial.Gilead also plans to start additional clinical trials to evaluate remdesivir when used in combination with anti-inflammatory medicines.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Trump, Mexico's president briefly discussed immigration -White House

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador briefly discussed immigration during their talks on Wednesday, the White House said."It came up briefly, and just noting the great cooperation that has been had between Mexico and the United States," White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told reporters when asked if the two leaders discussed immigration.She said the subject of the United States asking Mexico for paying for a wall on the two countries' border did not come up in the talks between Trump and Lopez Obrador while she was in the room.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Amishav neighborhood in Ramla to enter lockdown starting Thursday

Ramla Mayor Michael Vidal announced on Wednesday that the Amishav neighborhood in the city will be locked down starting Thursday, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv."Following the spread of the coronavirus and after several conversations with Prof. Grotto, deputy director-general of the Health Ministry, and a close evaluation of the morbidity rates in Ramla, we decided to close the Amishav neighborhood starting tomorrow," Vidal wrote.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Brazil TV journalists quarantined after interviewing infected Bolsonaro

On Tuesday , Bolsonaro told a handful of television journalists at his official residence that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
Several held microphones in front of his chest , without the minimum 1-2 meters ( 3-6 feet ) of distance advocated by medical experts to avoid contagion .
The right-wing president later in the interview backed away from reporters and removed his mask , saying he wanted to show his face as evidence he was doing well .
In separate emailed statements , CNN Brasil , Record TV and the state-run Brazil Communications Company ( EBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the job following the interview .
Record and EBC said their journalists would return to work only if they tested negative for the virus in coming days .
CNN Brasil did not give details on the protocol for its journalists .
The journalists ' union for the Federal District , where Brasilia is located , called on media to suspend in-person coverage of Bolsonaro .
The president has already canceled in-person appearances but will continue with videoconferences .
Bolsonaro has consistently sought to downplay the novel coronavirus pandemic , calling the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and city social-distancing measures that he calls too damaging for the economy .
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 1.6 million people in Brazil , and over 66,000 have died from the COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the virus .

Brazilian broadcasters have pulled journalists off the job after they were exposed to President Jair Bolsonaro in an interview where he announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus, quarantining them until they test negative for the disease.
On Tuesday, Bolsonaro told a handful of television journalists at his official residence that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Several held microphones in front of his chest, without the minimum 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) of distance advocated by medical experts to avoid contagion.
The right-wing president later in the interview backed away from reporters and removed his mask, saying he wanted to show his face as evidence he was doing well.
In separate emailed statements, CNN Brasil, Record TV and the state-run Brazil Communications Company (EBC) said they had taken their reporters off the job following the interview.
Record and EBC said their journalists would return to work only if they tested negative for the virus in coming days. CNN Brasil did not give details on the protocol for its journalists.
The journalists' union for the Federal District, where Brasilia is located, called on media to suspend in-person coverage of Bolsonaro. The president has already canceled in-person appearances but will continue with videoconferences.
Bolsonaro has consistently sought to downplay the novel coronavirus pandemic, calling the virus a "little flu" and fighting state and city social-distancing measures that he calls too damaging for the economy.
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 1.6 million people in Brazil, and over 66,000 have died from the COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the virus.
Bolsonaro on Wednesday said on Twitter he was doing "very well," crediting his use of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine - unproven for treating COVID-19 - for his mild symptoms.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--316 active cases of coronavirus in IDF

316 active cases of coronavirus in IDF

The IDF announced on Wednesday night that 316 soldiers are currently positive for coronavirus.Altogether, 562 soldiers have tested positive for coronavirus, out of which 246 have either healed or been released from service.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Facebook suspends Bolsonaro-linked disinformation network

The company said that despite efforts to disguise who was behind the activity , it had found links to the staff of two Brazilian lawmakers , as well as the president and his sons , Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro .
Nathaniel Gleicher , Facebook 's head of cybersecurity policy , said there was no evidence the politicians themselves had operated the accounts .
`` What we can prove is that employees of those offices are engaged on our platforms in this type of behavior , '' he told Reuters ahead of the announcement .
Facebook said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , including one it attributed to Roger Stone , a longtime friend and adviser of U.S. President Donald Trump .
The president 's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The allegations by Facebook add to a burgeoning political crisis in Brazil , where Bolsonaro 's sons and supporters have been accused of running a coordinated online campaign to smear the president 's opponents .
The accusations have spurred a congressional inquiry and a separate Supreme Court investigation into so-called `` fake news attacks '' on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police raids in May on the homes and offices of Bolsonaro allies .
Bolsonaro , who is also under mounting criticism over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak , has said the court 's investigation is unconstitutional and risks establishing censorship in Brazil by policing what people can say online .
Facebook has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks to better police how political groups use its platform .
Hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott aimed at forcing the company to block hate speech on its site , and multiple employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zuckerberg 's decision not to challenge inflammatory posts Trump .
Gleicher said his team had identified and suspended more than 80 accounts on Facebook and its photo-sharing site , Instagram , as part of the Brazilian network .
The accounts had amassed 1.8 million followers , he said , and some dated back to 2018 .
Researchers at the Atlantic Council 's Digital Forensic Research Lab , who spent a week analyzing the activity identified by Facebook , said they had found five current and former political staffers who registered and operated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fake Brazilians and news outlets to spread `` hyper-partisan views '' supporting Bolsonaro and attacking his critics , said researcher Luiza Bandeira .
Their targets included opposition lawmakers , former ministers and members of Brazil 's Supreme Court .
More recently , the accounts also amplified Bolsonaro 's claims that the risks of the coronavirus pandemic are exaggerated .
The disease has killed more than 66,000 people in Brazil and Bolsonaro himself tested positive this week .
`` We have known for a long time that when people disagree with Bolsonaro they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online disinformation to mock and discredit them , '' said Bandeira .
`` So knowing now that part of these attacks are coming from people directly related to the Bolsonaro family , that explains a lot . ''

Facebook Inc on Wednesday suspended a network of social media accounts it said were used to spread divisive political messages online by employees of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and two of his sons.
The company said that despite efforts to disguise who was behind the activity, it had found links to the staff of two Brazilian lawmakers, as well as the president and his sons, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, said there was no evidence the politicians themselves had operated the accounts. "What we can prove is that employees of those offices are engaged on our platforms in this type of behavior," he told Reuters ahead of the announcement.
Facebook said it has also suspended three other disinformation networks on Wednesday, including one it attributed to Roger Stone, a longtime friend and adviser of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The allegations by Facebook add to a burgeoning political crisis in Brazil, where Bolsonaro's sons and supporters have been accused of running a coordinated online campaign to smear the president's opponents.
The accusations have spurred a congressional inquiry and a separate Supreme Court investigation into so-called "fake news attacks" on the country's judiciary, which led to police raids in May on the homes and offices of Bolsonaro allies.
Bolsonaro, who is also under mounting criticism over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, has said the court's investigation is unconstitutional and risks establishing censorship in Brazil by policing what people can say online.
Facebook has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks to better police how political groups use its platform. Hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott aimed at forcing the company to block hate speech on its site, and multiple employees walked out last month over CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision not to challenge inflammatory posts Trump.
Gleicher said his team had identified and suspended more than 80 accounts on Facebook and its photo-sharing site, Instagram, as part of the Brazilian network. The accounts had amassed 1.8 million followers, he said, and some dated back to 2018.
Researchers at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, who spent a week analyzing the activity identified by Facebook, said they had found five current and former political staffers who registered and operated the accounts.
Some of those accounts posed as fake Brazilians and news outlets to spread "hyper-partisan views" supporting Bolsonaro and attacking his critics, said researcher Luiza Bandeira. Their targets included opposition lawmakers, former ministers and members of Brazil's Supreme Court.
More recently, the accounts also amplified Bolsonaro's claims that the risks of the coronavirus pandemic are exaggerated. The disease has killed more than 66,000 people in Brazil and Bolsonaro himself tested positive this week.
"We have known for a long time that when people disagree with Bolsonaro they are targeted by this machine that uses online disinformation to mock and discredit them," said Bandeira.
"So knowing now that part of these attacks are coming from people directly related to the Bolsonaro family, that explains a lot."


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Gilead begins testing inhalable form of remdisivir for coronavirus

The company said the trial , which will enroll about 60 healthy Americans aged between 18 and 45 , will @ @ @ @ @ those cases where the disease has not progressed to require hospitalization .
( https : @ @

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Wednesday it has started an early-stage study of its antiviral COVID-19 treatment remdesivir that can be inhaled, for use outside of hospitals.
The company said the trial, which will enroll about 60 healthy Americans aged between 18 and 45, will test the drug particularly in those cases where the disease has not progressed to require hospitalization. (https://bit.ly/38G3Zup)
Gilead also plans to start additional clinical trials to evaluate remdesivir when used in combination with anti-inflammatory medicines.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly dies, aged 61

Gon Coulibaly , 61 , became unwell during a weekly cabinet meeting and was evacuated to a hospital where he @ @ @ @ @ .

Amadou Gon Coulibaly, Ivory Coast's prime minister and its ruling party's candidate for the October presidential election, has died, President Alassane Ouattara said on Wednesday, adding that the country was mourning.
Gon Coulibaly, 61, became unwell during a weekly cabinet meeting and was evacuated to a hospital where he passed away, Ouattara said.
He was handpicked as the ruling RHDP party's candidate in March, and had returned to the country on July 2 after a prolonged stay in France to undergo a heart exam and rest. He had heart surgery in 2012.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Gov't considering lockdown in nine Israeli regions - report

The Israeli government is considering enforcing a total lockdown in nine regions throughout the country, including Jerusalem, Bnei Brak and Ashdod, where coronavirus numbers are the highest.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Coronavirus committee to convene over restricted zones

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday evening with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and the ministry's chief of staff to discuss the coronavirus morbidity rate, during which he directed them to have the coronavirus committee of ministers convene immediately over restricted zones.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Trudeau: Canada handled coronavirus better than the US

Canada - with a population a tenth of the size of the United States - has so far recorded 8,711 @ @ @ @ @ Trudeau said the situation was stabilizing , although some hot spots remained .
In contrast @ @ @ @ @ recorded more than 3 million cases and 131,000 deaths .
Authorities have reported alarming upswings @ @ @ @ @ roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks .
`` We were able to @ @ @ @ @ many of our allies , particularly including our neighbor , '' Trudeau told a briefing @ @ @ @ @ efforts to restart the economy .
Canada and the United States have blocked nonessential travel @ @ @ @ @ March and are discussing whether to extend the ban when it expires on July 21 @ @ @ @ @ with US President Donald Trump have been good over the last 18 months , he @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday to herald the start of a new continental trade agreement with the United States @ @ @

Canada handled the coronavirus outbreak better than many of its allies, including the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday in a rare public comment on the faltering US effort.
Canada - with a population a tenth of the size of the United States - has so far recorded 8,711 deaths and 106,167 cases and Trudeau said the situation was stabilizing, although some hot spots remained.
In contrast, the United States has recorded more than 3 million cases and 131,000 deaths. Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily case loads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks.
"We were able to control the virus better than many of our allies, particularly including our neighbor," Trudeau told a briefing, saying this would help efforts to restart the economy.
Canada and the United States have blocked nonessential travel between the two nations since March and are discussing whether to extend the ban when it expires on July 21.
Although Trudeau's relations with US President Donald Trump have been good over the last 18 months, he skipped a Washington meeting on Wednesday to herald the start of a new continental trade agreement with the United States and Mexico.
Trudeau, who would have had to enter a 14-day quarantine period on his return, repeated concerns about the possible imposition of US tariffs on Canadian exports of aluminum.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Coronavirus in Israel:  632 new cases, death toll rises to 344

The Health Ministry announced 632 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday evening, bringing Israel's total cases since the beginning of the outbreak to 33,175, of which 14,516 are considered active cases. Meanwhile, Israel's death toll rose to 344.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Rivlin: Israel has no clear combat strategy against coronavirus

President Reuven Rivlin said on Wednesday afternoon that "the State of Israel did not develop a clear combat theory to fight the coronavirus," according to Israel's Channel 13, as a record number of new cases were registered in the span of 24 hours - 1,348 - and serious cases also significantly increased."We do not have a single body that keeps track of the information, the battle, the coping, and the discussion with the public," Rivlin clarified. "The reins must be placed in the hands of the body that can bring about the best results, to which all of the other ministries subordinate themselves and assist."As of Wednesday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in consultations with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein to declare red zones in several cities, after the government decided in the morning to put the whole city of Beitar Illit in lockdown for a week, since 169 people were found infected with the virus there this past week. According to Channel 12, the additional cities that could be affected are Jerusalem, Ashdod, Lod, Modiin Illit, Ramle, Raanana, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak and Kiryat Malachi.Earlier in the day, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, as well as an entire IDF battalion, entered quarantine after coming into contact with coronavirus patients. Gantz said that he will remain in isolation until a coronavirus test and the epidemiological survey are completed.“I feel great, and intend to continue working as usual,” Gantz reassured. “There is no room to take risks.”The IDF's Nachshon Battalion was also forced to go in isolation after several among its hundreds of soldiers tested positive for the virus, the Hebrew daily Israel Hayom reported. The origin of the infection might have been a female soldier who recently organized a birthday party attended by someone who was found to be infected. According to the report, the soldier, who is among the identified patients, might stand trial after she recovers.Meanwhile, Education Minister Yoav Galant on Wednesday unveiled a new plan for the next school year in light of the coronavirus crisis.The plan envisions three possible frameworks under which schools will operate starting from September 1, as reported by the Hebrew website Ynet. In the first scenario, middle and high schools will offer a combination of in-person and remote learning, while elementary schools and preschools will function as they have been, in person with additional safeguards.In the second scenario, students from grades 5 through 12 will study from home, while those in grades 1 to 4 will be divided in smaller groups and taught in person; preschools will continue to function in current settings with additional safeguards. In the third option, preschool children will also be split into smaller groups.The minister vowed to provide teachers and schools with masks and all the material and infrastructure needed, as well as training for additional staff. The cost is estimated at NIS 1 billion.In the evening, the report released by the Health Ministry revealed that not only were over 1,300 new cases registered in the previous 24 hours, but the number of serious patients also increased significantly from the previous update: 113 compared to 86 as of Tuesday night. Overall, 33,175 people in Israel have been infected with the virus, while there are currently 14,516 active cases, 405 of whom are hospitalized. Moreover, there are currently 39 intubated patients. Since the beginning of the crisis, 344 Israelis have succumbed to the virus.As a consequence of the spike in infections, Gantz announced that in the next 48 hours the Defense Ministry would open two or three more hotels for coronavirus patients, at least one of which will be devoted to the ultra-Orthodox sector. There are currently 12 such hotels, half for the ultra-Orthodox.New coronavirus regulations for public transportation continued to generate confusion as they came into effect on Wednesday morning.Ynet reported that starting at 9 a.m., the new rules limited the number of passengers on city buses to 30, on intercity lines to 32 and on elongated buses to 50, but the government did not first transmit all of the guidelines to the companies operating them.The issue of public transportation has been very chaotic since Monday, when the authorities rolled out regulations to contain the latest coronavirus outbreak. In addition to closing or limiting the activities of cultural centers, gyms, pools, bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants, it was stated that buses would need to operate with only 20 passengers, no air-conditioning and open windows, causing an uproar in the industry which branded the conditions as not being feasible. The rules were therefore suspended.Under the new compromise, air-conditioning can be on and windows should be open “as much as possible,” Transportation Minister Miri Regev said, according to Ynet.Moreover, buses will stop running at 10 p.m.On Wednesday the government also released the new requirements for the "purple ribbon" certification, under which hotels can continue to operate. Among others, access to the facilities must be restricted only to guests; a distance of two meters between members of nuclear families has to be ensured when they sit in the lobby or in the dining room, whose hours and numbers of patrons are subject to limitations; the maximum possible distance between workers and guests has to be maintained at all times; and masks need to be worn in every public area of the hotel.The efforts in enforcing the coronavirus regulations also continued on Wednesday, with the police announcing that they gave almost 4,500 fines to individuals not wearing masks.In the afternoon, Netanyahu met with Finance Minister Israel Katz and other economic experts on "coronavirus packages," which are financial aid packages intended for those who are self-employed, as well as those who are working or seeking work.The package plan will be presented to the Knesset for approval at the beginning of next week.The number of Palestinians infected with the virus is also increasing. There are about 4,500 active cases in the West Bank, 3,773 of which are in Hebron, including over 300 new cases registered today.Tamar Beeri contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Pompeo: UN arms embargo on Iran must be extended to stop regional conflict

`` The Security Council must extend the arms embargo on Iran to prevent further conflict in the region , '' @ @ @ @ @ news conference .
`` No serious person can possibly believe Iran will use any weapon @ @ @ @ @ . ''

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday urged the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran and said the US and partner forces last month seized a vessel carrying arms to Houthi rebels in Yemen.
"The Security Council must extend the arms embargo on Iran to prevent further conflict in the region," Pompeo told a State Department news conference. "No serious person can possibly believe Iran will use any weapon it receives for peaceful ends."


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--White House adviser says another COVID lockdown would be a big mistake

Another nationwide shutdown to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic would be "a big mistake," White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told CNBC in an interview on Wednesday as some states rolled back their re-openings amid a surge in cases.Kudlow later told reporters that there may be some spots of economic impact as states impose more measures aimed at mitigating the outbreak, but added that he has seen no evidence of a double-dip recession.


jerusalempost--2020-07-08--Netanyahu meets with finance minister on coronavirus aide packages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday afternoon with Finance Minister Israel Katz and other economic experts on "coronavirus packages," which are financial aide packages intended for self-employed people, as well as those who are working and seeking work.The package plan will be presented to the Knesset and asked for approval in the beginning of the following week.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--UN rights investigator calls on Saudi to free women activists

An investigator for the UN Human Rights Council urged member states on Thursday to pressure Saudi Arabia to free women activists before a G20 nations summit which Riyadh will be hosting in November.At least a dozen prominent women's rights activists were arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2018 as it lifted a ban on women driving cars, a step that many of the detainees had long campaigned for. The women were rounded up as part of a broader crackdown on dissent that extended to clerics and intellectuals.In a speech to the council in Geneva, Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said Saudi Arabia should release "prisoners of conscience, women, human rights defenders that are currently in prison for demanding the right to drive".There was no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia, the current chair of the Group of 20 major economies.Several of the arrested women have alleged torture and sexual assault in detention. Saudi officials deny this and said the detainees were suspected of having harmed Saudi interests and offered support to hostile elements abroad.Some of the activists are now on trial, but few charges have been made public. Charges against at least some of the activists relate to contacts with foreign journalists, diplomats and human rights groups.Their prosecution has drawn global criticism, particularly following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.The families of some of the activists, included Loujain al-Hathloul, raised concerns earlier this year when they were unable to contact their detained relatives in prison for several weeks. Contact was eventually restored.Callamard, who led a U.N. investigation into Khashoggi's killing, also said that "far more needs to be done" internationally regarding accountability for his death.She welcomed efforts by Turkey, which last week began trying 20 suspects in absentia over Khashoggi's killing. Callamard attended those proceedings.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--WHO sets up panel to review handling of pandemic

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have agreed to head the panel @ @ @ @ @ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual meeting with representatives of WHO 's 194 @ @ @ @ @ webcast .
`` This is a time for self-reflection , '' Tedros said , noting @ @ @ @ @ in May called unanimously for an evaluation of the global response to the pandemic .

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday that it was setting up an independent panel to review its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response by governments.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have agreed to head the panel and chose its members, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual meeting with representatives of WHO's 194 member states, which was webcast.
"This is a time for self-reflection," Tedros said, noting that WHO's member states in May called unanimously for an evaluation of the global response to the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Iran's coronavirus cases exceed 250,000

Iran's coronavirus cases exceed 250,000

Iran has been facing a sharp rise in the number of daily infections and deaths in past weeks as lockdown @ @ @ @

Iran's total number of cases for the coronavirus has reached 250,458, the Health Ministry said on Thursday, adding that 221 people had died in the past 24 hours taking the toll to 12,305.
Iran has been facing a sharp rise in the number of daily infections and deaths in past weeks as lockdown measures have eased.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Stones thrown at Israeli youth who entered village in Area A

Five Israeli youth had stones thrown at them on Thursday afternoon after they accidentally entered an Arab village located in Area A, where entrance is forbidden for Israeli citizens in the West Bank, Israel Hayom reported.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Philippines reports zero coronavirus deaths, 1,395 more cases

In a bulletin , the ministry said total deaths remained at 1,314 while confirmed infections have risen to 51,754 .

The Philippines' health ministry on Thursday reported zero coronavirus deaths, the first day in four months without a fatality, and 1,395 additional infections.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths remained at 1,314 while confirmed infections have risen to 51,754.
The Philippines has reported record daily high infection numbers on three of the past six days.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Indonesia reports more than 70,000 coronavirus infections

Indonesia reported its biggest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases on Thursday, with 2,657 infections, taking the case total to 70,736.There were 58 new coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 3,417, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Hong Kong reports jump in local coronavirus infections for 2nd day

The total number of cases in the global financial hub since late January now stands at 1,366 .
Seven people @ @ @

Hong Kong reported 42 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, of which 34 were locally transmitted, marking the second consecutive day of a jump in local infections and fuelling fears of renewed community spread.
The total number of cases in the global financial hub since late January now stands at 1,366. Seven people have died.
Authorities also said on Thursday the number of people at each table in a restaurant would be capped at eight, while no more than four could be seated in a bar together, with the restrictions due to take effect from midnight on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Coronavirus: 1,668 students and education staff sick, 28,816 in isolation

Out of the total number of coronavirus patients in Israel, there are 1,668 students or education staff sick with the virus, while 28,816 are currently in quarantine, the Education Ministry reported on Thursday morning.Furthermore, the government approved on Thursday for 10% of all exams to taken physically on campuses, as well as for students who cannot take exams online to use campus computers for that purpose, as long as the number of students does not exceed 10% of all students.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Jerusalem Deputy Mayor released from hospital after COVID-19 treatment

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Tzvika Cohen was released from the Hadassah-University Medical Center on Thursday after receiving treatment for coronavirus, the hospital updated.Cohen was released from the hospital in light condition and will resume his recovery at home.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--South Korea finds just one case of coronavirus antibodies

While the sample size is small it is believed to be a reliable indicator of a low infection rate among the 51 million people of a country held up as a coronavirus mitigation success story .
`` The results indicate that each citizen has taken an active participation in tough social distancing , '' Kwon Jun-wook , the deputy director of the Korea Centers for Disease and Prevention ( KCDC ) , told a briefing .
South Korea at one time had the most serious outbreak of the coronavirus outside China .
It has had 13,293 cases and 287 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic without a full lockdown of its economy .
It has credited its success to widespread testing and strict social distancing .
Antibody , or serology , tests show whether a person has been exposed to the virus .
Out of 1,555 people tested nationwide between April 21 and June 19 , none showed antibodies .
One person was found with neutralizing antibodies from another sample of 1,500 people tested in late May in the capital , Seoul , the KCDC said .
Similar testing has shown rates ranging from 0.1 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % in Spain , it said .
The KCDC plans to expand testing to 3,300 people every two months and include regions hard hit by the virus , such as Daegu city , which had South Korea 's biggest outbreak .
It was hoped the survey would offer insight into the level of herd immunity and asymptomatic infections , the KCDC said .

Just one person in a South Korean survey of more than 3,000 people showed neutralizing antibodies to the novel coronavirus, health authorities said on Thursday, indicating the virus has not spread widely in the community.
While the sample size is small it is believed to be a reliable indicator of a low infection rate among the 51 million people of a country held up as a coronavirus mitigation success story.
"The results indicate that each citizen has taken an active participation in tough social distancing," Kwon Jun-wook, the deputy director of the Korea Centers for Disease and Prevention (KCDC), told a briefing.
South Korea at one time had the most serious outbreak of the coronavirus outside China. It has had 13,293 cases and 287 deaths and has won praise for handling the pandemic without a full lockdown of its economy.
It has credited its success to widespread testing and strict social distancing.
Antibody, or serology, tests show whether a person has been exposed to the virus.
Out of 1,555 people tested nationwide between April 21 and June 19, none showed antibodies. One person was found with neutralizing antibodies from another sample of 1,500 people tested in late May in the capital, Seoul, the KCDC said.
Similar testing has shown rates ranging from 0.1% in Tokyo to 17% in London and 5% in Spain, it said.
The KCDC plans to expand testing to 3,300 people every two months and include regions hard hit by the virus, such as Daegu city, which had South Korea's biggest outbreak.
It was hoped the survey would offer insight into the level of herd immunity and asymptomatic infections, the KCDC said.
Despite its success, South Korea is battling small but persistent clusters of infections with 50 new cases reported on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Russia reports more than 6,500 new coronavirus cases

Russia on Thursday reported 6,509 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its official nationwide tally to 707,301, the fourth largest caseload in the world.The national coronavirus taskforce said 176 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official virus death toll to 10,843.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Tokyo coronavirus cases hit record daily high of 224

Tokyo has recorded 224 new cases of coronavirus infection on Thursday, public broadcaster NHK said, surpassing the Japanese capital's previous record of 206 infections on April 17.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise 442 to 197,783

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose 442 to 197,783, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday, with the reported death toll up 12 at 9,048.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Minister Rafi Peretz enters quarantine after advisor contracts COVID-19

Jerusalem Affairs Minister Rafi Peretz has entered quarantine on Thursday following a positive diagnosis of one his advisors who last came in contact with Peretz last Tuesday.The advisor received a positive diagnosis Thursday morning. Peretz announced that he is awaiting Health Ministry instructions and that he would go into quarantine until results of the epidemiological investigation was finished.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Dozens of soldiers stationed at Gaza border enter quarantine

Dozens of soldiers stationed at the Gaza border had to enter quarantine on Thursday morning following the positive diagnoses of a one of the soldiers, Channel 13 reported.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Number of Palestinians who died of coronavirus in West Bank at 20

The number of Palestinians that have succumbed to the coronavirus rose to 20 overnight following the death of two people @ @ @ @ @ ( 67 ) who died in a village just outside of Hebron and a second @ @ @ @ @ in a hospital in Nablus .
Since the recent rise in morbidity rates in the @ @ @ @ @ has died in Jenin , one in the Jerusalem outskirts , 16 in Hebron , @ @ @ @ @ one in Qalqiliya .

The number of Palestinians that have succumbed to the coronavirus rose to 20 overnight following the death of two people Wednesday night, one man (67) who died in a village just outside of Hebron and a second (59) who died in a hospital in Nablus.
Since the recent rise in morbidity rates in the West Bank, one person has died in Jenin, one in the Jerusalem outskirts, 16 in Hebron, one in Nablus, and one in Qalqiliya.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Israeli airlines sign aid agreements with state

Israeli airline companies have signed agreements with the state regarding aid packages on Thursday morning, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv.According to the agreements, Israir Airlines will receive a credit of NIS 140 million from the state, while El Al will fire 1,300 employees as part of a new working agreement.The agreements are meant to ease the transition of the airlines into routine activity and to do as soon as possible.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Chezy Levy opposes exams on campuses, voices concern to Elkin

Director-General of the Health Ministry Chezy Levy objected to the possibility of taking exams on campuses, saying it "has the potential to infect many," according to a report by Ynet on Thursday morning.Levy voiced his objection in a letter sent to Minister of Higher Education Ze'ev Elkin, after the Council for Higher Education suggested last week that up to half of the exams take place on campuses.Rejecting the possibility, Levy wrote to Elkin: "A meeting point of many students has the potential to infect many."


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--China reports 4 new coronavirus cases in mainland

SHANGHAI - China reported four new coronavirus cases in the mainland for July 9, down from nine a day earlier, the health authority said on Friday.All four of the new infections were imported cases, according to a statement by the National Health Commission.China also reported three new asymptomatic patients, compared with six such cases a day earlier.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Mexico posts record 7,280 new coronavirus cases

MEXICO CITY - Mexico on Thursday posted a fresh record for new coronavirus cases reported on a single day, with 7,280 cases, bringing its overall tally of infections to 282,283, health ministry data showed.The country also recorded 730 additional fatalities, bringing its overall death toll to 33,526.Mexico's previous one-day record was posted a day earlier on Wednesday, when 6,995 new cases were registered.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--US coronavirus cases rise by over 55,000 for third day in a row

The United States reported at least 60,565 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, a new record increase and the second day in a row infections have risen by at least 60,000, according to a Reuters tally.For a third day in a row, U.S. deaths climbed by more than 800, the highest levels seen since early June, according to the tally. Florida reported a record increase of 120 deaths and California had 136 new fatalities, not far from a record of 149 set the previous day, according to the tally.With California, Florida and Texas recently breaking records, hopes are fading for an economic rival and U.S. stocks closed down about 1% as investors worry another lockdown will cripple businesses.Even outside the nation's three most populous states, cases are rising. Alabama, Montana and Wisconsin recorded their biggest one-day rise in cases ever on Thursday. Infections are increasing in 41 out of 50 states, according to a Reuters analysis of cases for the past two weeks compared with the prior two weeks.The previous record was on Wednesday when cases rose by 60,541 in a single day.The United States has reported more than 3.1 million cases total and over 133,000 deaths from the virus, making some Americans hesitant to return to public spaces and patronize businesses despite President Donald Trump's efforts to downplay the risks.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Venezuelan socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello positive for COVID-19

CARACAS - Venezuelan socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello has tested positive for COVID-19, the official wrote on Twitter. Shortly after his announcement, President Nicolas Maduro said on state television Cabello would need several days of treatment and recovery, but that "he is already resting, he is fine."


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--France to restore Notre-Dame Cathedral as it was before inferno

PARIS - Paris' centuries-old Notre-Dame Cathedral will be rebuilt as it was before being engulfed in a fire last year, the public body in charge of its restoration said on Thursday.The April 15, 2019 blaze gutted the Gothic landmark and major tourist attraction, destroying the spire and roof in a disaster that stunned the nation.A national heritage and architectural commission approved plans to restore the cathedral to its last "complete, coherent and known" state, including the spire, the restoration body said in a statement.President Emmanuel Macron promised after the fire to rebuild Notre-Dame within five years, and later suggested that a contemporary design could be used for the spire.Church officials hope Notre-Dame will be open for mass by 2024, when Paris is due to host the Olympic Games.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Brazil registers 42,619 new cases of coronavirus, 1,220 deaths

BRASILIA - Brazil recorded 42,619 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours as well as 1,220 deaths, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.Brazil has registered more than 1.7 million cases since the pandemic began, while cumulative deaths total 69,184, according to the ministry.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Three Sudanese citizens arrested after attempting to cross border

The IDF arrested three Sudanese citizens who were trying to cross the border into Israel on Thursday night.Following an alert of movement along the fence, the IDF fired flash bombs in the area.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Greece passes law regulating demonstrations, thousands march in Athens

ATHENS - Greece’s parliament approved a bill on Thursday regulating street demonstrations as thousands marched through central Athens to denounce the new law.The law was introduced by Greece's conservative government in an attempt to regulate demonstrations which it says cause frequent disruptions to the public and affect commerce.About 10,000 demonstrators rallied outside parliament holding banners reading "hands off demonstrations". A group of protesters who peeled off from the main group threw petrol bombs at police, who responded with teargas.The bill mandates the appointment of a liaison officer, restrictions on demonstrations or outright bans if authorities deem they threaten public safety. It also holds organisers accountable for harm or damage caused by protesters.The new legislation was approved by 187 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament.Street protests occur frequently in Greece, which is still recovering from a deep socioeconomic crisis that erupted in late 2009 and led to three international bailouts on tough austerity terms.During the crisis, Syntagma Square in front of parliament was the scene of large anti-austerity protests, some of which turned violent. Demonstrations have continued during the economic recovery but turnout has fallen."One's freedom to protest is as valuable as another person's freedom to reach the hospital, his work, his home," said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a parliamentary address supporting the bill.The new rules aim to replace a 1971 junta decree restricting rallies. Unionists and opposition parties accuse the government of acting preemptively to quash any opposition to possible fallout from the coronavirus pandemic."The government ... dares boldly with a junta-inspired bill to promote new restrictions to quash and destroy a main democratic right, which our people conquered through bloody battles," unionist Dimitris Karagiannis said before the vote.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--384 IDF soldiers have coronavirus, almost 10,000 in quarantine

A total of 639 IDF soldiers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus so far since the pandemic began, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit reported on Thursday night.Of those, 384 currently have COVID-19 while 255 have either healed or been released from service. A total of 9,874 soldiers are currently in quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--IDF soldiers shoot at Palestinians throwing Molotov cocktails near Ariel

Home Front Command fighters from the Kedem Battalion identified two Palestinians who were throwing Molotov cocktails toward a military outpost @ @ @ @ @ on them , the IDF confirmed on Thursday .
One of the Palestinian men was @ @ @ @ @ is currently being treated by an IDF emergency medical crew , Rescuers Without Borders ( @ @ @ @ @ Samaria reported .
The other suspect has not yet been captured .

Home Front Command fighters from the Kedem Battalion identified two Palestinians who were throwing Molotov cocktails toward a military outpost near Ariel and opened fire on them, the IDF confirmed on Thursday.
One of the Palestinian men was injured in his leg and is currently being treated by an IDF emergency medical crew, Rescuers Without Borders (formerly Hatzalah) Judea and Samaria reported. The other suspect has not yet been captured.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--White House reporter tests positive for coronavirus -association

WASHINGTON - A reporter who attended White House briefings this week has tested positive for the coronavirus, the White House Correspondents' Association said on Thursday, raising further concerns about the health of staff and journalists working in the building.The individual, who wore a mask during press conferences with Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Monday and Wednesday, has no symptoms and spent no additional time at the White house this week, the group said, adding that it was contacting individuals who had been in close contact with the person.The news comes as President Donald Trump has resumed a robust travel and events schedule despite concerns that he is exposing himself, his staff and others to greater risk of the contracting the deadly respiratory disease.Nine of Trump's campaign staffers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last month for his first rally since the pandemic began tested positive for coronavirus. Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence's press secretary, and one of Trump's personal valets were also diagnosed with the disease in May.Some measures have been taken to ensure greater safety during the news conferences, including allowing only a limited the number of journalists to attend in order to increase spacing, as well as coronavirus testing and mandatory mask wearing.A suspected case of coronavirus within the White House press corps in March turned out to be negative.The virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, has killed over 130,000 Americans and infected more than 3 million, led by a recent surge of cases in the south and west.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--First coronavirus case recorded in Syria's northwest – aid groups

Doctors have worried for months about the pandemic reaching the northwest , Syria 's last big rebel bastion , where @ @ @ @ @ a million people earlier this year .
The person infected is a physician at Bab @ @ @ @ @ border , said a report from the Assistance Coordination Unit ( ACU ) , a @ @ @ @ @ belongs to the Syrian opposition .
He isolated himself as soon as he showed symptoms @ @ @ @ @ came in contact with him will be tested , said the ACU , which has @ @ @ @ @ .
Aid workers have warned that any outbreak in the crowded camps for the displaced @ @ @ @ @ .
The tented makeshift settlements often do not have clean water , let alone space @ @ @ @ @ kits have also been scarce .
The UOSSM medical charity , which operates in rebel @ @ @ @ @ case , warned the virus could `` spread through refugee camps like wildfire . ''

The first coronavirus case was confirmed in northwest Syria on Thursday, aid workers said, raising fears for a region where hospitals lie in ruins and camps overflow with people after nearly a decade of war.
Doctors have worried for months about the pandemic reaching the northwest, Syria's last big rebel bastion, where an army offensive uprooted around a million people earlier this year.
The person infected is a physician at Bab al-Hawa hospital near the Turkish border, said a report from the Assistance Coordination Unit (ACU), a group which delivers aid and belongs to the Syrian opposition.
He isolated himself as soon as he showed symptoms this week and anyone who came in contact with him will be tested, said the ACU, which has received Western and Turkish Backing.
Aid workers have warned that any outbreak in the crowded camps for the displaced would be lethal and fast. The tented makeshift settlements often do not have clean water, let alone space for social distancing.
Test kits have also been scarce.
The UOSSM medical charity, which operates in rebel territory and also reported the case, warned the virus could "spread through refugee camps like wildfire."
"The medical infrastructure cannot handle the existing population needs let alone a wide spread pandemic," it said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Pentagon to Congress: Russian bounty intelligence not corroborated

`` That is a unique , discrete piece of information that is not corroborated , '' Army General Mark Milley @ @ @ @ @ Chiefs of Staff , told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee , in comments @ @ @ @ @ Defense Secretary Mark Esper .
President Donald Trump , a Republican who has worked to @ @ @ @ @ , has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter @ @ @ @ @ news outlets last month .

Intelligence suggesting Russia paid bounties to the Taliban has not been corroborated and there is no evidence that any payments led to deaths of service members, the Pentagon's top civilian and military leaders told Congress on Thursday.
"That is a unique, discrete piece of information that is not corroborated," Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, in comments echoed at the hearing by Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Trump continues to see hydroxychloroquine as promising against COVID-19

Trump told reporters in May he had started taking hydroxychloroquine after two White House staffers tested positive for COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ that Trump had suffered from no side effects after a two-week course of the malaria @ @ @ @ @ heart problems .

US President Donald Trump continues to see a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, as a promising drug to be used to prevent infection with the coronavirus, the White House said on Thursday, though the US Food and Drug Administration has said its efficacy and safety were unproven."The president has always said that he sees hydroxychloroquine as a very promising prophylactic but that every person should not take it unless they get a prescription from their doctor," White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said at a news conference.
Trump told reporters in May he had started taking hydroxychloroquine after two White House staffers tested positive for COVID-19. His doctor said last month that Trump had suffered from no side effects after a two-week course of the malaria drug, which can cause heart problems.
Earlier this week, another world leader, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, said he had tested positive for the virus and was taking hydroxychloroquine. Bolsonaro has pushed his government to make the drug widely available and has encouraged Brazilians to take it both to treat COVID-19 and to prevent it.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--National Service volunteer at Knesset tests positive for coronavirus

According to a preliminary investigation , the volunteer was last in the Knesset on Sunday , May 5 .
The @ @ @ @ @ investigation into the issue , coordinated by representatives of the Health Ministry .

According to a preliminary investigation, the volunteer was last in the Knesset on Sunday, May 5.
The Knesset will continue the epidemiological investigation into the issue, coordinated by representatives of the Health Ministry.
Knesset officer Joseph Griff announced on Thursday evening that a National Service volunteer who works at the Knesset has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Coronavirus vaccine makers to testify before US House committee

Officials from Merck & Co Inc , Moderna , Pfizer Inc , AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson will testify on @ @ @ @ @ Committee of Energy and Commerce said on Thursday .
`` This hearing will provide an @ @ @ @ @ the American people to hear directly from some of the manufacturers currently developing potential COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ said .
The five companies , alongside several others , are racing to develop vaccines @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus , and the United States has poured billions in funding some of @ @ @ @ @ vaccines should they work .
At the hearing , the companies are also expected to @ @ @ @ @ to manufacture and distribute an eventual vaccine .
None of the five companies immediately responded @ @ @ @ @ a comment .

Five companies developing coronavirus vaccines will testify before a sub-committee of the US House Of Representatives later this month, sharing information about their research and development efforts.
Officials from Merck & Co Inc, Moderna, Pfizer Inc, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson will testify on July 21, the House Committee of Energy and Commerce said on Thursday.
"This hearing will provide an opportunity for both Congress and the American people to hear directly from some of the manufacturers currently developing potential COVID-19 vaccines," the committee said.
The five companies, alongside several others, are racing to develop vaccines for COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, and the United States has poured billions in funding some of them to secure access to vaccines should they work.
At the hearing, the companies are also expected to share information about their preparations to manufacture and distribute an eventual vaccine.
None of the five companies immediately responded to Reuters' request for a comment.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Health Ministry says 922 new coronavirus cases disgnosed since midnight

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Closures will be imposed on neighborhoods across the country starting Friday afternoon, government ministers decided Thursday night, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted for the first time that Israel had reopened its economy too quickly after the first wave of the virus.The closures will go into effect in neighborhoods in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Lod, Ramle and Kiryat Malachi starting today at 1 p.m. The closures will be in effect for a week.On Thursday night, Netanyahu admitted that Israel had opened its economy too quickly after the first wave of the virus.“Looking back, as part of trial and error, it can be said that this last step was premature,” the prime minister said. “Many urged us to do it, to open up the economy unhindered. This has not stopped these same people from asking us today, ‘Why did you open this way?’”He said that Israel opened up “because we listened to your hardships and wanted to put as many of you back into the workforce as possible.”The prime minister then encouraged the public to “wear masks. Studies show that when two people wear masks and stay two meters apart, the chance of getting infected is nil. So, I ask for your cooperation.”He said, “We are doing everything to avoid a complete closure – it is in our hands.”The mayors of most of the cities who expected to be closed on Thursday pushed back, trying to get their communities off the list.Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion wrote a heated letter to Deputy Director-General Itamar Grotto of the Health Ministry that was disseminated to the press on Thursday, in which he said that, “My unequivocal stance is against closure. The proposed closure will turn these neighborhoods into hatching grounds for coronavirus.”He said that unlike in other cities, the residents of Jerusalem live in crowded neighborhoods and the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community specifically has large families in small apartments.“Their hermetic closure will lead to mass infection within the community and make matters worse,” Leon argued.He proposed opening “coronavirus hotels” that would be operated by the municipality and the Home Front Command to remove the sick from their homes and prevent further infection. He also recommended, among other things, that yeshiva students who board at their schools should continue to stay there, operating in capsules, so as to not send potentially sick young men back to their families.“I believe that the issue must be systemic, including taking into account the best options for preventing the spread of infection,” the mayor concluded. “Closure without such solutions will achieve the opposite goal.”The Health Ministry defined the criteria for naming a restrictive zone: more than 50 infected residents, more than 151.8 infections per 100,000 residents, more than 98.9% increase in the number of active patients in seven days, Israeli media reported.According to data presented by the Health Ministry on Thursday morning 2,159 were sick in Jerusalem, 234 in Modi’in Illit, 216 in Ramle, 279 in Beit Shemesh, 228 in Lod, 149 in Kiryat Malachi and 828 in Ashdod.But numbers are up across the country and not just in these cities, Health Ministry data showed.Some 1,322 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, the Health Ministry said Thursday.In total, some 34,825 Israelis have been diagnosed with coronavirus, though there are only 16,025 people who remain infected. The rest have recovered.The percentage of people who tested positive out of those screened on Wednesday stood at around 4.5% – a number that has remained more or less consistent for the past few weeks. On Wednesday, some 29,271 people were tested.In total, just more than 8,550 Israelis have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the first nine days of July, compared to 8,395 all last month. Moreover, more than half of Israelis who have been infected with corona were infected in the last 40 days.Among the sick, 122 people are in serious condition, among them 39 who are intubated. So far, the virus has killed 348 Israelis.Between midnight and press time on Thursday, some 922 people tested positive.“I worry that in the coming weeks, we will see the consequences of the past two weeks,” Dr. Uri Galanta, the head of the coronavirus ward at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, said. “Take care so we can keep safe.”A report by N12 said that the Health Ministry on Thursday ordered all public hospitals to open an area to admit coronavirus patients into the emergency rooms to ensure they stay separated from non-coronavirus patients.Also, Defense Minister Benny Gantz issued a special order to recruit 2,000 additional IDF reservists until the end of July who can help work with the Health Ministry to stop the spread of the virus. Until now, around 750 reservists have been called up.Gantz is also considering a plan to open more coronavirus hotels next week.At the same time, Interior Minister Arye Deri announced that he has extended the ability for foreign nursing aides to enter Israel with a work permit due to the increase in elderly people in need of private care. The workers must enter isolation for 14 days.Meanwhile, the Institute for Biological Research announced it will collaborate with Italy’s Careggi University Hospital and Tuscany Life Sciences in the fight against coronavirus.According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, the memorandum of understanding was decided on during a phone conversation between Netanyahu and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Gantz appoints Col. Doron Ben Barak as IDF chief censor

Gantz decided to appoint Ben Barak , who currently serves as deputy chief of staff , to the position after @ @ @ @ @ Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi .
Ben Barak , 47 , has served in various positions @ @ @ @ @ Office for the past 25 years .
Among other things , he served as the @ @ @ @ @ Command and the Air Force , chief litigator of the Central Command , and the @ @ @ @ @ .
Ben Barak will replace Col .
( res . )
Eyal Samuelov , who @ @ @ @ @ minister 's request to serve as temporary chief censor after the resignation of Brig.-Gen. Ariella @ @ @ @ @ he takes office in the coming weeks , Ben Barak will officially be promoted to @ @ @ @ @

Gantz decided to appoint Ben Barak, who currently serves as deputy chief of staff, to the position after consulting with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
Ben Barak, 47, has served in various positions in the Military Attorney's Office for the past 25 years.
Among other things, he served as the attorney-general of the Home Front Command and the Air Force, chief litigator of the Central Command, and the attorney-general for Judea and Samaria.
Ben Barak will replace Col. (res.) Eyal Samuelov, who replied to the previous defense minister's request to serve as temporary chief censor after the resignation of Brig.-Gen. Ariella Ben-Avraham last February.
When he takes office in the coming weeks, Ben Barak will officially be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general.
Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz appointed Col. Doron Ben Barak to the position of IDF chief censor on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--US says alleged human rights abuses in Sahel must be addressed

The United States on Thursday said it was "deeply concerned" about increasing alleged human rights abuses by state security forces in the West African Sahel region and that they must be addressed."The United States has made clear that our assistance to the region must not be used in any way that contributes to violations or abuses of human rights and that without prompt and thorough action to address these allegations, US security assistance may be at risk," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--Gantz approves 2,000 more IDF reserves for a month to combat COVID-19

Following a situation assessment meeting in the Defense Ministry headed by Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz , @ @ @ @ @ on Thursdsay to recruit 2,000 additional IDF reserve soldiers until the end of July in @ @ @ @ @ the spread of COVID-19 .
Up until this point , only 750 reserve soldiers have @ @ @ @ @ in the fight against the novel coronavirus .
During the meeting , Gantz was also @ @ @ @ @ open more coronavirus quarantine hotels next week , in case the amount of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ As of Thursday afternoon , the IDF has seen 562 of its soldiers and IDF @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , 316 of whom are in light condition and 246 have recovered .

Following a situation assessment meeting in the Defense Ministry headed by Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz, a special order was made on Thursdsay to recruit 2,000 additional IDF reserve soldiers until the end of July in an attempt to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Up until this point, only 750 reserve soldiers have been called up to serve in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
During the meeting, Gantz was also presented with a plan to open more coronavirus quarantine hotels next week, in case the amount of confirmed cases continues its current climb.
As of Thursday afternoon, the IDF has seen 562 of its soldiers and IDF citizen employees contract the novel coronavirus, 316 of whom are in light condition and 246 have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-07-09--IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi goes into coronavirus quarantine

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced on Thursday that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Aviv Kochavi went into quarantine after coming into contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient.Other high-ranking officers will be going into quarantine as well, according to the military's announcement, which did not include their names.Kochavi is reportedly feeling well, is not exhibiting any symptoms, and will be tested soon.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Nir Barkat to enter quarantine

Nir Barkat to enter quarantine

MKs Nir Barkat, Tehila Friedman, Aida Tuma-Saliman and one of her legislative assistants will enter quarantine on Friday afternoon, following an examination by the Health Ministry.The MKs were notified on Friday that they came into contact with someone on Wednesday who has since been diagnosed with the coronavirus, leading to their subsequent need to enter isolation.Their isolation is expected to remain in effect until July 14.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Knesset to discuss cancelling rent payments during coronavirus period

On Sunday the Knesset Ministerial Committee on Legislative Affairs is expected to discuss MK Ofer Cassif 's bill suggesting cancelling @ @ @ @ @ 60-day emergency period due to the coronavirus , in addition to indemnity payments on behalf @ @ @ @ @ light of the financial crisis affecting the livelihood of millions of Israelis , the bill @ @ @ @ @ during the emergency period will be cancelled and the state treasury will compensate those affected @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , the bill proposes prohibiting evicting tenants during that 60-day period .

On Sunday the Knesset Ministerial Committee on Legislative Affairs is expected to discuss MK Ofer Cassif's bill suggesting cancelling rent payments during a special 60-day emergency period due to the coronavirus, in addition to indemnity payments on behalf of the Knesset.
In light of the financial crisis affecting the livelihood of millions of Israelis, the bill proposes that all rent payments during the emergency period will be cancelled and the state treasury will compensate those affected, such as landlords. Additionally, the bill proposes prohibiting evicting tenants during that 60-day period.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Advisor to MK Orna Barbivai tests positive for coronavirus

An advisor to MK Orna Barbivai has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Chen Tamir , who works with the @ @ @ @ @ positive for the disease , leading to Barbivai and her team to enter quarantine until @ @ @

An advisor to MK Orna Barbivai has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Chen Tamir, who works with the Yesh Atid MK, tested positive for the disease, leading to Barbivai and her team to enter quarantine until July 21.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Coronavirus: 16,651 active cases in Israel, increase of 1,464 in last day

Some 16,651 active cases of the coronavirus were reported by the Health Ministry on Friday morning, marking an increase of 1,464 in the past 24 hours.Overall, 350 people have succumbed to the virus, while 39 patients are currently intubated and 124 are in serious condition.On Thursday 27,996 coronavirus tests were conducted.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 395 to 198,178 - RKI

BERLIN - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 395 to 198,178, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.The reported death toll rose by six to 9,054, the tally showed


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--US coronavirus cases rise by record 60,565 in single day

The United States reported at least 60,565 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, a new record increase and the second day in a row infections have risen by at least 60,000, according to a Reuters tally.For a third day in a row, U.S. deaths climbed by more than 800, the highest levels seen since early June, according to the tally. Florida reported a record increase of 120 deaths and California had 136 new fatalities, not far from a record of 149 set the previous day, according to the tally.With California, Florida and Texas recently breaking records, hopes are fading for an economic rival and U.S. stocks closed down about 1% as investors worry another lockdown will cripple businesses.Even outside the nation's three most populous states, cases are rising. Alabama, Montana and Wisconsin recorded their biggest one-day rise in cases ever on Thursday. Infections are increasing in 41 out of 50 states, according to a Reuters analysis of cases for the past two weeks compared with the prior two weeks.The previous record was on Wednesday when cases rose by 60,541 in a single day.The United States has reported more than 3.1 million cases total and over 133,000 deaths from the virus, making some Americans hesitant to return to public spaces and patronize businesses despite President Donald Trump's efforts to downplay the risks.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Mexico reports 6,891 new coronavirus cases, 665 more deaths

Mexico's health ministry on Friday reported 6,891 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 665 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 289,174 cases and 34,191 deaths.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-07-11--Trump's planned order on 'dreamer' immigrants will not include amnesty

U.S. President Donald Trump's planned executive order on immigration will not include amnesty for migrants who are in the United States illegally but arrived in the country as children, a White House spokesman said on Friday."This does not include amnesty," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement, after Trump said in a television interview that his planned order would include a road to citizenship for such immigrants, known as "Dreamers."


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--US coronavirus cases rise by record for third day in a row, up over 62,500

Seven states reported record increases in cases on Friday : Alaska , Georgia , Louisiana , Montana , Ohio , @ @ @ @ @ Disney Co stuck to its plans to reopen its flagship theme park in Orlando on @ @ @ @ @ its second-highest increase in cases ever with more than 11,000 new cases .
Disney 's @ @ @ @ @ week that she believes the broad set of safeguards the company developed with health experts @ @ @ @ @ the park safely .
Americans have become increasingly divided on issues such as the reopening @ @ @ @ @ wearing face masks in public .
There is near-universal consensus among health experts that wearing @ @ @ @ @ most effective ways to stop transmission of the virus , which has killed more than @ @ @ @ @ record on Thursday was when cases rose by 62,304 .
In June , cases rose @ @ @ @ @ a day , according to a Reuters tally .

The United States reported at least 62,500 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, a record daily increase for a third day in a row, according to a Reuters tally.
Seven states reported record increases in cases on Friday: Alaska, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana, Ohio, Utah and Wisconsin.
Walt Disney Co stuck to its plans to reopen its flagship theme park in Orlando on Saturday even as Florida recorded its second-highest increase in cases ever with more than 11,000 new cases.
Disney's chief medical officer said this week that she believes the broad set of safeguards the company developed with health experts would allow guests to visit the park safely.
Americans have become increasingly divided on issues such as the reopening of schools and businesses and wearing face masks in public. There is near-universal consensus among health experts that wearing masks is one of the most effective ways to stop transmission of the virus, which has killed more than 133,000 Americans.
The previous record on Thursday was when cases rose by 62,304. In June, cases rose by an average of 28,000 a day, according to a Reuters tally.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Trump to sign immigration order with road to citizenship for 'Dreamers'

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will sign an executive order on immigration in the next few weeks with a road to citizenship for migrants who are in the United States illegally but arrived in the country as children.In an interview with Spanish-language TV network Telemundo, Trump said one aspect of the measure will be Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the program under which such migrants have been allowed to stay in the United States temporarily. "We're going to have a road to citizenship," he said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--United States' CDC reports 3,106,931 coronavirus cases

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19 , caused by a new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ ET on July 9 compared with its previous report a day earlier .

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday reported 3,106,931 cases of new coronavirus, an increase of 59,260 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 799 to 132,855.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 pm ET on July 9 compared with its previous report a day earlier.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Brazil registers another 1,214 coronavirus deaths on Friday

Brazil registered 45,048 additional cases of the novel coronavirus over the last 24 hours and 1,214 new deaths, the health ministry said on Friday.The nation has now registered 1,800,827 total confirmed cases and 70,398 deaths attributable to the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Amazon.com says it sent the TikTok ban email to employees in error

A company spokeswoman said there has been no change in its policy on TikTok .
`` This morning ’ s @ @ @ @ @ employees was sent in error , '' a company spokeswoman said .
`` There is @ @ @ @ @ right now with regard to TikTok . ''

Amazon.com Inc said it sent an email earlier on Friday that requested employees remove the TikTok app from mobile devices that also had access to company emails in error.
A company spokeswoman said there has been no change in its policy on TikTok.
"This morning’s email to some of our employees was sent in error," a company spokeswoman said. "There is no change to our policies right now with regard to TikTok."


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Canada's biggest grocers defend ending premium COVID-19 pay for workers

TORONTO - Canada's biggest grocery chains on Friday defended the mid-June end of premium wages for workers, saying the extra pay was temporary and that, despite some courtesy communication among them, the decisions to terminate them had been made independently.Executives from Loblaw Companies, Empire Cos and Metro Inc, in testimony before a parliamentary committee, said that the additional pay was introduced when lockdowns began and ended when they began to ease.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--IDF vehicle turns over near Egyptian border, four injured - report

An IDF vehicle was turned over near the Egyptian border on Friday evening, according to an initial report by N12.According to the report, three soldiers were lightly injured and one was severely injured.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--WHO reports record daily increase in global COVID-19 cases, up 228,102

The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Friday , with the total rising by @ @ @ @ @ The biggest increases were from the United States , Brazil , India and South Africa @ @ @ @ @ report .
The previous WHO record for new cases was 212,326 on July 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ 5,000 a day .
Global coronavirus cases exceeded 12 million on Wednesday , according to @ @ @ @ @ another milestone in the spread of the disease that has killed more than 555,000 people @ @ @ @

The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Friday, with the total rising by 228,102 in 24 hours.
The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report . The previous WHO record for new cases was 212,326 on July 4. Deaths remained steady at about 5,000 a day.
Global coronavirus cases exceeded 12 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking another milestone in the spread of the disease that has killed more than 555,000 people in seven months.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--US CDC Reports 799 new coronavirus deaths, almost 60k daily cases

The new addition brings the total number of US coronavirus deaths to 132,056 and the total number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ began .

The new addition brings the total number of US coronavirus deaths to 132,056 and the total number of confirmed cases to 3,106,855 since the pandemic began.
The US CDC on Friday reported that the country had diagnosed 799 new COVID-19 deaths and 59,260 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours since their report on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Search underway after contact lost with a swimmer in Ashdod

Israel Police announced it launched a search on Friday evening in an attempt to locate a man who was last seen swimming near Lido Beach in Ashdod.The man allegedly entered the sea with another man who nearly drowned, but managed to save himself.Maritime police forces, a police chopper and IDF Navy forces are scanning the area.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--US files superseding indictment against Ghislaine Maxwell

The indictment was made public on Friday in Manhattan federal court , and like the original indictment accused Maxwell of @ @ @ @ @ has been charged with luring underage girls so Epstein could sexually abuse them .

The indictment was made public on Friday in Manhattan federal court, and like the original indictment accused Maxwell of six criminal counts. Maxwell has been charged with luring underage girls so Epstein could sexually abuse them.
NEW YORK - US prosecutors have filed a superseding indictment against Ghislaine Maxwel l, the former girlfriend and longtime associate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--Hundreds barred from voting in Spanish regional elections due to COVID-19

`` People with active coronavirus infections , i.e .
PCR positive in the previous 14 days ... can not attend activities in person , '' Basque regional health chief Nekane Murga told reporters .
`` They can not go to vote . ''
There are around 200 such cases across the region , she said , while those awaiting results of a coronavirus test are also barred from leaving their homes until they can rule out infection , she said .
In Galicia , there are 259 people with active cases of the virus who can not leave their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is extremely problematic , and what 's more , it is quite infuriating because it could have been anticipated , '' political scientist Pablo Simon wrote on Twitter .
Galician and Basque authorities did not specify what mechanisms , if any , were in place to prevent infected people from turning up to vote .
While a postal ballot is an option in both elections , authorities could not say how many people in isolation had made arrangements to vote by mail .
Both regions had previously scheduled their elections for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after Spain entered lockdown in early March .
With more than 2,600 cases diagnosed in the last week , compared with 632 in the second-worst hit region of Madrid , Catalonia has become the new epicentre of the virus in Spain .
Regional leader Quim Torra on Wednesday announced compulsory mask use even when safe distance can be guaranteed , a move followed by similar regulations in the Balearic Islands and Extremadura .

MADRID - Some 450 people who recently tested positive for the coronavirus will be unable to vote in elections in the Spanish regions of Galicia and the Basque Country on Sunday, authorities said on Friday.
"People with active coronavirus infections, i.e. PCR positive in the previous 14 days ... cannot attend activities in person," Basque regional health chief Nekane Murga told reporters. "They cannot go to vote."
There are around 200 such cases across the region, she said, while those awaiting results of a coronavirus test are also barred from leaving their homes until they can rule out infection, she said.
In Galicia, there are 259 people with active cases of the virus who cannot leave their homes to vote, local authorities said.
"This is extremely problematic, and what's more, it is quite infuriating because it could have been anticipated," political scientist Pablo Simon wrote on Twitter.
Galician and Basque authorities did not specify what mechanisms, if any, were in place to prevent infected people from turning up to vote.
While a postal ballot is an option in both elections, authorities could not say how many people in isolation had made arrangements to vote by mail.
Both regions had previously scheduled their elections for April but postponed them to July 12 shortly after Spain entered lockdown in early March.
National restrictions were eased on June 21, but a sudden uptick in fresh outbreaks has spooked authorities and triggered local lockdowns in the Basque Country, Galicia and Catalonia.
With more than 2,600 cases diagnosed in the last week, compared with 632 in the second-worst hit region of Madrid, Catalonia has become the new epicentre of the virus in Spain.
Regional leader Quim Torra on Wednesday announced compulsory mask use even when safe distance can be guaranteed, a move followed by similar regulations in the Balearic Islands and Extremadura.


jerusalempost--2020-07-10--WHO official says eradication of new coronavirus is unlikely

`` In the current situation it is unlikely we can eradicate this virus , '' he told an online briefing @ @ @ @ @ that , by extinguishing clusters of infection , the world could `` potentially avoid the @ @ @ @ @ and having to move backwards in terms of lockdown . ''

"In the current situation it is unlikely we can eradicate this virus," he told an online briefing from Geneva.
He said that, by extinguishing clusters of infection, the world could "potentially avoid the worst of having second peaks and having to move backwards in terms of lockdown."
GENEVA - Dr Mike Ryan, head of the World Health Organization's emergencies program, said on Friday it was unlikely that the new coronavirus would be eliminated.