jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Numbers top 5,000 - 94 in serious condition

The government is considering imposing a full lockdown on haredi (ultra-Orthodox) cities and towns in which the number of people infected with coronavirus continues to rise.A team of top scientists said it expects Israel will have 500 critically ill patients by next week.“[On Monday], there were talks between the prime minister, health minister and defense minister, and we are preparing for such a scenario with Home Front Command,” Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov said Tuesday in a live-streamed interview.Specifically, the number of people infected with the virus continues to spike in the haredi city of Bnei Brak, where there has been an increase of 66 sick people in one day and there are 571 people infected out of a population less than 200,000, or some 285 out of every 100,000. In Israel, an average of 53 people is infected out of every 100,000.Health officials predict that if the trend in Bnei Brak continues, as many as 1,500 residents will be sick with coronavirus by next week , among them as many 60 to 80 people in serious condition within the next two months.A team of scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Racah Institute have analyzed current data and forecast new figures related to the expected number of Israelis who will become critically ill with the coronavirus: likely 500 by April 9 and 1,000 by April 14.“It takes 12 days for a person to go from being diagnosed to being hospitalized and then critically ill,” HU’s Prof. Nadav Katz said. Even if the country enforced a more serious quarantine today and stopped any further infection, “The people who are already ill are going to get worse and become critically ill no matter what we do. It is a known fraction,” he said.Katz examined data in Israel and several other countries to determine how long it takes from infection to critical illness to make his prediction. While 500 is guaranteed, in his estimation, the larger number can be halted through protective measures, specifically isolation and proper care of at-risk populations and citizens 65 years and older, he said.The country must crack down on the less obedient parts of the population to end the coronavirus crisis faster, Katz said. “If we take half measures it is almost as bad as doing nothing at all,” he said.Government officials have considered imposing a closure on Bnei Brak and Jerusalem’s Mea She’arim haredi neighborhood to curb the spread of the disease.The Israel Police said it is prepared to do so. However, some Health Ministry officials said they feared imposing a full closure in these areas may lead to an even more significant rate of infection there.The Health Ministry is working with the haredi population to enable the implementation of regulations and provide clearer information, Bar Siman Tov said Tuesday.The police said they have issued fines over the past two days totaling NIS 650,000 for violating Health Ministry regulations in three major haredi centers: Mea She’arim, Beit Shemesh and Bnei Brak.“There should be zero tolerance for those violating the regulations,” Bar Siman Tov said, adding that the country was increasing the number of people being screened for COVID-19 in haredi and Arab areas with a goal of isolating anyone who tests positive and those who have come in contact with the sick.The health funds will open four testing branches in Bnei Brak, and anyone with a fever over 38°C or who is coughing or having difficulty breathing would be able to make an appointment to be tested, Health Minister Ya’acov Litzman said Tuesday. In addition, Magen David Adom launched a drive-through testing complex in the city.In the rest of Israel, the number of sick people per day seems to be declining, Bar Siman Tov said, adding that he does not want to be too optimistic.“We look at the whole world, and we see a sharp rise in cases – almost 80,000 new sick people per day, and it influences our decisions,” he said. “We are worried about what is happening with our neighbors, and it is too early to be optimistic.”“We hope that this trend line will continue through Passover, and that after the holiday we will be able to return to life,” Bar Siman Tov said. “We are watching the numbers and fear there will be an increase of infections around the holidays.”Israel was ranked the No. 1 safest country to stay free of coronavirus by the Deep Knowledge Group, a consortium of commercial and nonprofit organizations active on many fronts in the realm of DeepTech and Frontier Technologies. A release about this success was disseminated by the Prime Minister’s Office.Overnight Monday and on Tuesday, five more Israelis succumbed to the virus, bringing the total number of victims to 20: a 90-year-old who was intubated at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon; a 70-year-old man who was hospitalized at Assuta Ashdod Medical Center; a 90-year-old woman who was hospitalized at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot; a 49-year-old woman who was treated at Shamir Medical Center in Tzrifin; and a woman in her 50s who died at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. All five patients had multiple preexisting conditions.On Wednesday morning, the Health Ministry was reporting a 21st person, though no details had yet to be released.On Monday, the Health Ministry reported that 16 people had died. On Tuesday, it was reported that the 58-year-old man who passed away on Monday at Shamir Medical Center and who at first was believed to have died from COVID-19 was found to be negative to the virus.As of Wednesday morning, the number of patients who had been diagnosed with coronavirus was 5,591, of which 97 are in serious condition and 76 of them intubated. So far, 226 people have recovered from the virus.Tamar Peretz Levy of Lod, the 49-year-old woman who is the country’s youngest patient to die of the virus to date, was the mother of two four-year-old twins who are now orphans. The children lost their father, Shimon, shortly after they were born.In a statement disseminated by the city, Levy was described as a heroine who spent many years fighting to start a family and bring the twins into the world. She died after a few days in the hospital.Currently there are 39,670 Israelis in quarantine, including 3,489 medical professionals – 758 doctors and 1,299 nurses. To date, 160,961 Israelis have been isolated.Hundreds of tourists have not been put into quarantine, despite an announcement by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett last week that every passenger who arrives at Ben-Gurion Airport from a country with a high chance of contracting the virus will be screened for the virus and be isolated in a coronavirus hotel.But the plan seems to have been canceled, and hundreds of passengers, including from New York, Spain and France, have been entering the country without interruption, Channel 12 reported.“Originally, it was the decision of the National Security Council and the prime minister to test travelers upon landing,” Bennett said Tuesday. “But for a plethora of reasons, the decision changed to house quarantine… I can’t get everything I want approved.”The Health Ministry is ramping up regulations aimed at curbing the virus’s transmission. It is considering requiring all citizens to wear masks when outside their home.Since the World Health Organization declared that the novel coronavirus may not be spread as an airborne aerosol, like SARS, “recommendations for the public have been formulated,” and instructions should soon be disseminated, Bar Siman Tov said. Surgical masks will not be required, he said, but any kind of covering that can be designed at home likely would. However, even with a mask, guidelines on travel will not be altered, he added.The latest state-of-emergency orders that the prime minister shared Monday night were approved by the government overnight, while the Education Ministry said it had still not made a decision about whether children would return to school after Passover.“The Education Ministry is preparing for a continued scenario of distance learning,” Education Minister Rafi Peretz said in a virtual press conference Tuesday.“Distance learning has proven itself,” he said. “We have received excellent responses from teachers and students. If the situation persists, we will put more of it on the agenda.”When asked how distance learning would be paid for, Peretz said it “needs to be paid for – period.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Putin offered Trump Russian coronavirus help

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered U.S. President Donald Trump help with medical equipment amid the spread of @ @ @ @ @ news agency reported on Tuesday , citing the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov .
Trump accepted @ @ @ @ @ Peskov as quoted by Interfax .
Putin made the proposal in a phone conversation with @ @ @ @ @ Russian plane with medical equipment may leave for the United States on Tuesday , Interfax @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered U.S. President Donald Trump help with medical equipment amid the spread of the coronavirus, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday, citing the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Trump accepted the proposal, according to Peskov as quoted by Interfax. Putin made the proposal in a phone conversation with Trump on Monday. A Russian plane with medical equipment may leave for the United States on Tuesday, Interfax quoted Peskov as saying.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--20th Israeli succumbs to coronavirus: 90-year-old male

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jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Gov't rules Israelis cannot switch health insurance companies

The government approved an additional restriction on Tuesday: Israelis will not be able to switch between health insurance companies during the coronavirus crisis, the Prime Minister's Office said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--New York governor says brother, CNN anchor, has coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic took a personal turn for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday as he disclosed that his brother , CNN television anchor Chris Cuomo , had tested positive for the disease caused by the virus .
The disclosure came on the same day New York reported that cases in the state had increased by more than 9,000 from a day earlier , to 75,795 , with deaths rising by 27 percent to 1,550 , the most of any state .
`` My brother Chris is positive for coronavirus , we found that this morning .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young , strong - not as strong as he thinks , '' Cuomo told a daily briefing on the coronavirus .
`` I spoke to him this morning and he is going to be quarantined in his basement . ''
Chris Cuomo , 49 , confirmed the diagnosis on Twitter , saying he was worried about infecting his wife and children , but that he would continue to host his nightly show from his basement .
The governor was interviewed by his brother on CNN on Monday night and grilled about a potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garnered for his response to the virus .
The elder Cuomo , 62 , reiterated that he would not run for president .
States across the country , like New York , have been scrambling to purchases ventilators , one of the most pressing needs for hospitals treating patients .
The governor said he had ordered 17,000 ventilators from China at an average price of $ 25,000 each .
But of that order , he said , he had firm commitment on only 2,500 units and complained about competing with the Federal Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equipment .
`` It 's like being on eBay with 50 other states bidding on a ventilator , '' Cuomo said .
`` The federal government , FEMA , should have been the purchasing agent , buy everything , and then allocate by need to the states . ''
Cuomo said various predictive models being used by New York indicate the apex of the surge for hospitals will come anywhere from 7 to 21 days from now .
`` The virus is more powerful , more dangerous than we expected , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going up the mountain .
The main battle is on top of the mountain . ''

The coronavirus pandemic took a personal turn for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday as he disclosed that his brother, CNN television anchor Chris Cuomo, had tested positive for the disease caused by the virus.
The disclosure came on the same day New York reported that cases in the state had increased by more than 9,000 from a day earlier, to 75,795, with deaths rising by 27 percent to 1,550, the most of any state.
"My brother Chris is positive for coronavirus, we found that this morning. He is going to be fine, he's young, strong - not as strong as he thinks," Cuomo told a daily briefing on the coronavirus. "I spoke to him this morning and he is going to be quarantined in his basement."
Chris Cuomo, 49, confirmed the diagnosis on Twitter, saying he was worried about infecting his wife and children, but that he would continue to host his nightly show from his basement.
The governor was interviewed by his brother on CNN on Monday night and grilled about a potential presidential run given the praise he has garnered for his response to the virus. The elder Cuomo, 62, reiterated that he would not run for president.
States across the country, like New York, have been scrambling to purchases ventilators, one of the most pressing needs for hospitals treating patients.
The governor said he had ordered 17,000 ventilators from China at an average price of $25,000 each. But of that order, he said, he had firm commitment on only 2,500 units and complained about competing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other states in purchasing the equipment.
"It's like being on eBay with 50 other states bidding on a ventilator," Cuomo said. "The federal government, FEMA, should have been the purchasing agent, buy everything, and then allocate by need to the states."
Cuomo said various predictive models being used by New York indicate the apex of the surge for hospitals will come anywhere from 7 to 21 days from now.
"The virus is more powerful, more dangerous than we expected," Cuomo said. "We're still going up the mountain. The main battle is on top of the mountain."


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Canada coronavirus deaths jump by 35% in less than a day

OTTAWA - The Canadian death toll from a worsening coronavirus outbreak has jumped by 35 % to 89 in less @ @ @ @ @ public health officer Theresa Tam told reporters on Tuesday .
By 9 a.m. eastern time @ @ @ @ @ total number of those diagnosed with the coronavirus had risen by 15 % to 7,708 @ @ @ @ @ 1200 ET on Monday were 66 deaths and 6,671 positive diagnoses .

OTTAWA - The Canadian death toll from a worsening coronavirus outbreak has jumped by 35% to 89 in less than a day, chief public health officer Theresa Tam told reporters on Tuesday.
By 9 a.m. eastern time (1300 GMT) the total number of those diagnosed with the coronavirus had risen by 15% to 7,708. The respective figures at 1200 ET on Monday were 66 deaths and 6,671 positive diagnoses.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--US coronavirus deaths reach 3,393, exceeding death toll in China

US coronavirus-related deaths reached 3,393 on Tuesday , exceeding the total number of deaths reported in China and reaching the @ @ @ @ @ behind Italy and Spain , according to a Reuters tally .
Health officials urged Americans @ @ @ @ @ other measures to contain the spread of the virus , which originated in China in @ @ @ @ @ are now over 800,000 cases of the highly contagious illness caused by the virus and @ @ @ @ @ .
Italy has 11,591 reported deaths followed by Spain at 8,189 .

US coronavirus-related deaths reached 3,393 on Tuesday, exceeding the total number of deaths reported in China and reaching the third highest in the world behind Italy and Spain, according to a Reuters tally.
Health officials urged Americans to follow stay-at-home orders and other measures to contain the spread of the virus, which originated in China in December. Globally, there are now over 800,000 cases of the highly contagious illness caused by the virus and more than 39,000 deaths reported.
Italy has 11,591 reported deaths followed by Spain at 8,189.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Israel expected to reach 1.1 million unemployed due to coronavirus

The National Insurance Institute of Israel announced on Tuesday that according to their studies , the number of Israelis out @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of coronavirus stands to reach 1.1 million people .
The numbers are meant to @ @ @ @ @ and May .
By May and June the institute predicts it will be in a @ @ @ @ @ .

The National Insurance Institute of Israel announced on Tuesday that according to their studies, the number of Israelis out of work due to the outbreak of coronavirus stands to reach 1.1 million people.
The numbers are meant to predict unemployment rates in April and May. By May and June the institute predicts it will be in a deficit of NIS 8.1 billion.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Unemployment in Israel: 989,000 apply for benefits, 23.8% of workforce

More than 831,000 newly unemployed workers applied for benefits during March, the Employment Service said on Tuesday, bringing the total number to almost 989,000 or 23.8% of the workforce. Prior to the crisis, unemployment stood at just 4%.Among those applying for assistance in March, 89.7% are employees placed on unpaid leave, and a further 6.4% have been made redundant. While the share of male and female applicants was almost equal prior to the crisis, 57.7% of new applicants are women.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--IDF company commander course halted due to coronavirus

Roughly one hundred IDF soldiers currently undertaking a company commander course , including their commanding officer while in training , @ @ @ @ @ when one soldier was discovered to be infected with the novel coronavirus , Maariv reported @ @ @ @ @ group was housed in Givat Olga or in their homes and the IDF will look @ @ @ @ @ the training online so as not to disrupt the training process .

Roughly one hundred IDF soldiers currently undertaking a company commander course, including their commanding officer while in training, were placed under home quarantine when one soldier was discovered to be infected with the novel coronavirus, Maariv reported on Tuesday.
The entire group was housed in Givat Olga or in their homes and the IDF will look into the possibility of continuing the training online so as not to disrupt the training process.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Knesset Director-General: 18 MKs are allowed in sessions

Knesset Director-General Albert Sakharovich said on Tuesday that the number of MKs allowed into each session is now 18 .
@ @ @ @ @ after the functioning of the Knesset became disturbed after the new Health Ministry regulations forbade @ @ @ @ @ meet in one close space .
While the Knesset is not subjected to the Health @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Yuli Edelstein argued that their health is of great importance and closed the Knesset @ @ @ @ @ taken .
The Knesset is now functioning .

Knesset Director-General Albert Sakharovich said on Tuesday that the number of MKs allowed into each session is now 18.
The change was decided upon after the functioning of the Knesset became disturbed after the new Health Ministry regulations forbade more than 10 people to meet in one close space.
While the Knesset is not subjected to the Health Ministry regulations, former Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein argued that their health is of great importance and closed the Knesset until new steps can be taken. The Knesset is now functioning.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--England's coronavirus death toll rises 29% to 1,651

LONDON - The death toll in England from the coronavirus outbreak rose 29 % to 1,651 , the National Health @ @ @ @ @ were aged between 19 and 98 years old and all but 28 patients ( aged @ @ @ @ @ old ) had underlying health conditions , '' it added .
Scotland said 60 people @ @ @ @ @ .
Wales said 69 people had died .

LONDON - The death toll in England from the coronavirus outbreak rose 29% to 1,651, the National Health Service said.
"Patients were aged between 19 and 98 years old and all but 28 patients (aged between 19 and 91 years old) had underlying health conditions," it added.
Scotland said 60 people had died as of Tuesday. Wales said 69 people had died.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi enters self-quarantine

Kochavi held a meeting with commanders in Home Front Command on March 22 , and one of them was diagnosed on Tuesday as being infected , the IDF said .
“ In light of this , according to the Health Ministry ’ s instructions , the chief of staff will be self-quarantining in his office until the end of the week , ” the IDF said , adding that he was feeling well , did not have symptoms and would keep his regular schedule .
OC Home Front Command Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai and OC Operations Division Maj.-Gen. Aaron Haliva are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Earlier Tuesday , Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel was in a “ good place ” in combating the novel coronavirus despite 20 fatalities caused by it .
“ There is a light at the end of the corona tunnel , ” he said in a daily press conference , adding that there has “ not been an exponential growth in the rate of infection and deaths in Israel… We are the country with the lowest mortality rate in relation to the number of infected patients , less than Germany even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 0.3 % so far.
” If the lockdown is kept in place for too long , there could be more suicides than deaths from the coronavirus , Bennett said .
“ We have to understand the massive distress of those who won ’ t have enough money to pay their rent , ” he said .
“ We may have more suicides than deaths from coronavirus.
” Bennett called on the government to reopen businesses soon after Passover .
Eighty-four soldiers have tested positive for the virus , and another 2,870 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health Ministry to carry out 30,000 tests daily within two weeks .
On Tuesday , Bennett said it has been carrying out some 6,000 tests daily .
Israel has spent some NIS 2.4 billion on equipment for healthcare professionals , including ventilators , masks , protective gear and testing kits , he said .
About 1,000 soldiers from Home Front Command started distributing food and other necessities to the elderly and other at-risk populations on Tuesday .
Home Front Command is providing assistance in various areas to government ministries , MDA and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curtail the spread of the contagion .
Beginning Tuesday at noon , some 700 unarmed soldiers joined police officers in districts across the country to help enforce the partial lockdown .

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi tested negative for the novel coronavirus after coming into contact with someone who had been infected. While Kochavi tested negative he will remain - alongside two other generals - in quarantine until the end of the week.
Kochavi entered self-isolation after he held a meeting with commanders in Home Front Command on March 22, and one of them was diagnosed on Tuesday as being infected, the IDF said.
“In light of this, according to the Health Ministry’s instructions, the chief of staff will be self-quarantining in his office until the end of the week,” the IDF said, adding that he was feeling well, did not have symptoms and would keep his regular schedule. Kochavi's coronavirus test returned negative on Wednesday morning.
OC Home Front Command Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai and OC Operations Division Maj.-Gen. Aaron Haliva have also self-quarantined until the end of the week.
Earlier Tuesday, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel was in a “good place” in combating the novel coronavirus despite 20 fatalities caused by it.
“There is a light at the end of the corona tunnel,” he said in a daily press conference, adding that there has “not been an exponential growth in the rate of infection and deaths in Israel… We are the country with the lowest mortality rate in relation to the number of infected patients, less than Germany even. We are at a death rate of 0.3% so far.”
If the lockdown is kept in place for too long, there could be more suicides than deaths from the coronavirus, Bennett said.
“We have to understand the massive distress of those who won’t have enough money to pay their rent,” he said. “We may have more suicides than deaths from coronavirus.”
Bennett called on the government to reopen businesses soon after Passover.
Eighty-four soldiers have tested positive for the virus, and another 2,870 are in quarantine.
The government has ordered the Health Ministry to carry out 30,000 tests daily within two weeks. On Tuesday, Bennett said it has been carrying out some 6,000 tests daily. Israel has spent some NIS 2.4 billion on equipment for healthcare professionals, including ventilators, masks, protective gear and testing kits, he said.
About 1,000 soldiers from Home Front Command started distributing food and other necessities to the elderly and other at-risk populations on Tuesday.
The IDF is working with local municipalities and regional councils to identify those who need assistance.
Home Front Command is providing assistance in various areas to government ministries, MDA and the civilian population in an effort to curtail the spread of the contagion.
Beginning Tuesday at noon, some 700 unarmed soldiers joined police officers in districts across the country to help enforce the partial lockdown.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Russian doctor who met Putin last week diagnosed with coronavirus

MOSCOW - A doctor who gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a tour of Moscow 's main coronavirus hospital last week @ @ @ @ @ the virus , the Rossiya 24 state TV channel reported on Tuesday .
Putin visited @ @ @ @ @ where he chatted to the doctor , Denis Protsenko .
Neither of them were wearing @ @ @ @ @ , TV footage from the visit showed .
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Putin @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and that `` everything is okay , '' the RIA news agency reported .

MOSCOW - A doctor who gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a tour of Moscow's main coronavirus hospital last week has himself been diagnosed with the virus, the Rossiya 24 state TV channel reported on Tuesday.
Putin visited the Kommunarka hospital last Tuesday where he chatted to the doctor, Denis Protsenko. Neither of them were wearing protective equipment during their conversation, TV footage from the visit showed.
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Putin was being regularly tested for coronavirus and that "everything is okay," the RIA news agency reported.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Belgian girl becomes Europe's youngest coronavirus victim - media

BRUSSELS - A 12-year-old girl died in Belgium of the coronavirus , a spokesman for the health ministry said on Tuesday , and local media reported she was Europe 's youngest victim of the disease .
`` It is a rare event but one that devastates us , '' virologist Emmanuel Andre told Belgium 's official daily news conference on the spread of disease .
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ( ECDC ) , an EU agency , has also recorded deaths in the age range of 10-19 years old in Spain but did not provide details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus has affected the elderly more , the girl 's condition deteriorated after three days of fever , Belgian officials said .
The officials did not provide details on whether or not she had any previous medical conditions at the time .
Overall , Belgium 's death toll rose by 98 to a total of 705 people on Tuesday .
The country reported 876 new cases of COVID-19 , bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 12,775 .
Some 4,920 people were hospitalized , meaning around a half of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus .
Belgium expects the spread of the virus to peak in the coming days and weeks .

BRUSSELS - A 12-year-old girl died in Belgium of the coronavirus, a spokesman for the health ministry said on Tuesday, and local media reported she was Europe's youngest victim of the disease.
"It is a rare event but one that devastates us," virologist Emmanuel Andre told Belgium's official daily news conference on the spread of disease.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), an EU agency, has also recorded deaths in the age range of 10-19 years old in Spain but did not provide details.
While the COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the virus has affected the elderly more, the girl's condition deteriorated after three days of fever, Belgian officials said.
The officials did not provide details on whether or not she had any previous medical conditions at the time.
Overall, Belgium's death toll rose by 98 to a total of 705 people on Tuesday. The country reported 876 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 12,775.
Some 4,920 people were hospitalized, meaning around a half of the medical services' capacity was taken up by the coronavirus. Belgium expects the spread of the virus to peak in the coming days and weeks.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--Coronavirus deaths in Netherlands rise by 175 to 1,039 -authorities

AMSTERDAM - The number of deaths in the Netherlands resulting from the coronavirus epidemic has risen by 175 to 1,039 @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .

AMSTERDAM - The number of deaths in the Netherlands resulting from the coronavirus epidemic has risen by 175 to 1,039, health authorities said on Tuesday.
The number of confirmed infections increased by 845 to 12,595, the Netherlands' National Institute for Health (RIVM) said.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Anyone coming to Israel must be self-isolated in designated hotel

All Israelis who arrive in the country from overseas must enter self-isolation in a designated hotel for a similar facility @ @ @ @ @ s Office stated on Wednesday .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Defense Ministry to @ @ @ @ @ enforced , effective-immediately .

All Israelis who arrive in the country from overseas must enter self-isolation in a designated hotel for a similar facility, the Prime Minister’s Office stated on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Defense Ministry to ensure that the directive is enforced, effective-immediately.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Employee at Tourism Ministry tests positive for coronavirus

Levin has been conducting most of his business and political discussions and negotiations from his home , according to his @ @

Levin has been conducting most of his business and political discussions and negotiations from his home, according to his spokesperson.
An employee at the Tourism Ministry tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, but Tourism Minister Yariv Levin will not enter quarantine as he was not in contact with her. The employees who were in contact with her will enter quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Over 100 countries ask South Korea for coronavirus testing help

South Korea has received requests from 121 countries for help with coronavirus testing, a foreign ministry official said on Wednesday, as authorities around the world come under intense pressure to curb the spread of the disease.South Korea's massive testing campaign, backed by intensive contact tracing, has been credited with helping slow the spread of coronavirus in the country, which once had the second largest outbreak after China."We're getting so many requests from various countries as we have built experience from the early outbreak. The number, which is now 121 countries, is rising by the day," the official said asking not be named citing diplomatic sensitivity.South Korea has set up a task force to determine how it can offer assistance, either with exports of kits or other humanitarian aid, the ministry official said.The official did not name the countries but South Korean test kit makers have contracts to supply U.S. states and countries including Italy.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--PA reports 15 new coronavirus cases, 2 additional cases in Gaza

The Palestinian Health Ministry announced that 15 new cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed in the West Bank and @ @ @ @ @ in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday , bringing the total number of cases to 134 @ @ @ @ @ 9 of the 15 new cases had been working in a chicken factory in Atarot @ @ @

The Palestinian Health Ministry announced that 15 new cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed in the West Bank and another 12 had been detected in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases to 134.
According to reports, 9 of the 15 new cases had been working in a chicken factory in Atarot in Jerusalem.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--MDA to test residents of Beersheba elderly home after 14 infected

Twenty of the residents are in quarantine .
The administration of the elderly home refused to release information on the @ @ @ @ @ according to KAN .

Twenty of the residents are in quarantine. The administration of the elderly home refused to release information on the number of staff infected, according to KAN.
Magen David Adom arrived at an elderly home in Beersheba on Wednesday to test the residents of the home for coronavirus after 14 residents were infected by the virus, with four hospitalized in serious condition, according to KAN news.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Israel Police arrest Haredim at synagogue in Modiin Illit

The suspects refused to listen to police instructions to leave and refused to identify themselves and began clashing with police @ @ @ @ @ the public to listen to directives and instructions by the Health Ministry and to follow @ @ @ @ @ Israel Police in a statement .
Most of the public in the city is listening @ @ @ @ @ is acting and will continue to act with increased forces to enforce [ the rules @ @ @ @ @ them and endanger public health . ''

The suspects refused to listen to police instructions to leave and refused to identify themselves and began clashing with police.
"We call on the public to listen to directives and instructions by the Health Ministry and to follow them completely," said Israel Police in a statement. Most of the public in the city is listening to directives and Israel Police is acting and will continue to act with increased forces to enforce [the rules] on those who break them and endanger public health."
Israel Police arrested six suspects belonging to the Peleg HaYerushalmi after they were found gathering in a synagogue in the Haredi city of Modi'in Illit, violating Health Ministry instructions issued to fight the coronavirus outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Defense Ministry to buy 35 million masks from Sderot factory

About 11 million of the masks will be produced by the end of April and about 5.5 million N95 masks @ @ @ @ @ of the deal as well .
The production of the advanced masks was made possible @ @ @ @ @ import a special machine for production , the only one of its kind in the @ @ @ @ @ medical equipment in Israel have advanced capabilities and excellent production skills , that we have @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the coronavirus crisis .
These are essential lines , '' said Avi Dadon @ @ @ @ @ Procurement and Production Directorate .
`` The Procurement and Production Directorate works all year round @ @ @ @ @ procurement , with an emphasis on the periphery .
This is a mission for us @ @ @ @ @ the good of the industry even in hard times such as these . ''

About 11 million of the masks will be produced by the end of April and about 5.5 million N95 masks will be produced as part of the deal as well.
The production of the advanced masks was made possible after the Defense Ministry helped import a special machine for production, the only one of its kind in the country.
"Manufacturers of medical equipment in Israel have advanced capabilities and excellent production skills, that we have worked to strengthen since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. These are essential lines," said Avi Dadon, the head of the Procurement and Production Directorate. "The Procurement and Production Directorate works all year round to place preference on Israeli procurement, with an emphasis on the periphery. This is a mission for us to continue to act for the good of the industry even in hard times such as these."
The Sion company in Sderot will produce about 35 million face masks for the Defense Ministry after Defense Minister Naftali Bennett ordered the ministry to increase local production of medical supplies amid the coronavirus outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Rouhani: US had opportunity to apologize, lift sanctions amid coronavirus

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Iran's president said on Wednesday the United States had missed a historic opportunity to lift sanctions on his country during the coronavirus outbreak, though he said the penalties had not hampered Tehran's fight against the infection."It was a great opportunity for Americans to apologize ... and to lift the unjust and unfair sanctions on Iran," Hassan Rouhani said in a televised cabinet meeting."The sanctions have failed to hamper our efforts to fight against the coronavirus outbreak."Friction between Tehran and Washington has increased since 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions, crippling its economy.On Tuesday, U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo raised the possibility that the United States might consider easing sanctions on Iran and other nations to help fight the coronavirus, but gave no concrete sign it plans to do so.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Europe to launch coronavirus contact tracing app initiative

European scientists and technologists said on Wednesday they will launch a joint initiative to support the deployment of digital applications in the fight against coronavirus while complying with the region's tough privacy laws.The Pan-European Privacy Preserving Proximity Tracing (PEPP-PT) brings together 130 researchers from eight countries to develop applications that can support contact tracing efforts.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--350 IDF teachers caring for children of Israeli doctors

The goal of the project is to allow doctors to not have to worry about their children as much while they take part in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak .
The project is taking place at the following hospitals : The Poriya , Ziv , Rambam , Bnei Zion , Haemek , Carmel , Ma'aleh HaCarmel , Fliman , Klallit Yokneam , Klallit Haifa , Hillel Yafeh and Kiryat Bialik hospitals and clinics in northern Israel .
The Shiba , Beit Levinstein , Wolfson , Meir , Reut , Abarbanel , Leumit Tel Aviv , Lev HaSharon , Klallit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saba , Klallit Holon , Neot Hatihon and Ganei Tikva hospitals and clinics in the Tel Aviv area .
The Sha'arei Tzedek , Hadassah Ein Kerem , Belinson , Beer Yaakov , Beit Rivka , Har Hatzofim , Asaf HaRofeh and Shneider hospitals and clinics in the Jerusalem area and central Israel .
Soroka Hospital and the Mitzpe Rimon clinic in the south .
The project is expected to begin soon in Nahariya , the Or Yehuda clinic , Gush Etzion , the Netivot clinic , the Yeroham clinic , Mishmar HaNegev , @ @ @ @

The goal of the project is to allow doctors to not have to worry about their children as much while they take part in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak.
The project is taking place at the following hospitals:
The Poriya, Ziv, Rambam, Bnei Zion, Haemek, Carmel, Ma'aleh HaCarmel, Fliman, Klallit Yokneam, Klallit Haifa, Hillel Yafeh and Kiryat Bialik hospitals and clinics in northern Israel.
The Shiba, Beit Levinstein, Wolfson, Meir, Reut, Abarbanel, Leumit Tel Aviv, Lev HaSharon, Klallit Netanya, Klallit Raanana, Klallit Kfar Saba, Klallit Holon, Neot Hatihon and Ganei Tikva hospitals and clinics in the Tel Aviv area.
The Sha'arei Tzedek, Hadassah Ein Kerem, Belinson, Beer Yaakov, Beit Rivka, Har Hatzofim, Asaf HaRofeh and Shneider hospitals and clinics in the Jerusalem area and central Israel.
Soroka Hospital and the Mitzpe Rimon clinic in the south.
The project is expected to begin soon in Nahariya, the Or Yehuda clinic, Gush Etzion, the Netivot clinic, the Yeroham clinic, Mishmar HaNegev, Sderot and Eshkol.
About 350 IDF teachers are taking care of the children of doctors from all over Israel as part of a project called "Educational Framework," announced Defense Minister Naftali Bennett on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--US, South Korea scramble to seal defense cost-sharing deal

The commander of U.S. troops in South Korea on Wednesday called for negotiators to quickly resolve a cost-sharing dispute that has put more than 4,000 local workers on unpaid leave, with South Korean officials suggesting an agreement could come soon.About half of the nearly 9,000 South Koreans employed by the U.S. military command were placed on unpaid leave starting on Wednesday, after the two countries failed to agree on a new pact months after the last agreement expired at the end of 2019.The dispute follows a U.S. demand for Seoul to pay up to $5 billion a year to support the troop presence, up from $870 million under last year's agreement."This is an unfortunate day for us, it's unthinkable, it's heartbreaking," General Robert Abrams, commander of United States Forces Korea (USFK), said in a video statement. "The partial furlough of (Korean national) employees is not what we envisioned or hoped would happen."On Tuesday, South Korean negotiator Jeong Eun-bo said South Korea regretted the U.S. military's decision to go ahead with the furloughs with negotiations in their "final phase.""We expect an agreement to be finalized soon," he said.Citing an unnamed source, Yonhap news agency reported that a new deal could be announced as soon as Wednesday, "though various possibilities remain still open." Representatives for South Korea's Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul declined to comment on the status of the negotiations."We're closely watching developments," one South Korean foreign ministry official told Reuters.The United States stations roughly 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended in an armistice, rather than a peace treaty. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that South Korea pay more, although U.S officials said they have since "compromised" on the initial numbers. Abrams said USFK was working to prevent the furloughs from undermining military readiness, and said it would offer unspecified support to the workers on unpaid leave.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Coronavirus patients in Israel spike to 5,591 - 97 in serious condition

The government is considering imposing a full lockdown on haredi (ultra-Orthodox) cities and towns in which the number of people infected with coronavirus continues to rise.A team of top scientists said it expects Israel will have 500 critically ill patients by next week.“[On Monday], there were talks between the prime minister, health minister and defense minister, and we are preparing for such a scenario with Home Front Command,” Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov said Tuesday in a live-streamed interview.Specifically, the number of people infected with the virus continues to spike in the haredi city of Bnei Brak, where there has been an increase of 66 sick people in one day and there are 571 people infected out of a population less than 200,000, or some 285 out of every 100,000. In Israel, an average of 53 people is infected out of every 100,000.Health officials predict that if the trend in Bnei Brak continues, as many as 1,500 residents will be sick with coronavirus by next week , among them as many 60 to 80 people in serious condition within the next two months.A team of scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Racah Institute have analyzed current data and forecast new figures related to the expected number of Israelis who will become critically ill with the coronavirus: likely 500 by April 9 and 1,000 by April 14.“It takes 12 days for a person to go from being diagnosed to being hospitalized and then critically ill,” HU’s Prof. Nadav Katz said. Even if the country enforced a more serious quarantine today and stopped any further infection, “The people who are already ill are going to get worse and become critically ill no matter what we do. It is a known fraction,” he said.Katz examined data in Israel and several other countries to determine how long it takes from infection to critical illness to make his prediction. While 500 is guaranteed, in his estimation, the larger number can be halted through protective measures, specifically isolation and proper care of at-risk populations and citizens 65 years and older, he said.The country must crack down on the less obedient parts of the population to end the coronavirus crisis faster, Katz said. “If we take half measures it is almost as bad as doing nothing at all,” he said.Government officials have considered imposing a closure on Bnei Brak and Jerusalem’s Mea She’arim haredi neighborhood to curb the spread of the disease.The Israel Police said it is prepared to do so. However, some Health Ministry officials said they feared imposing a full closure in these areas may lead to an even more significant rate of infection there.The Health Ministry is working with the haredi population to enable the implementation of regulations and provide clearer information, Bar Siman Tov said Tuesday.The police said they have issued fines over the past two days totaling NIS 650,000 for violating Health Ministry regulations in three major haredi centers: Mea She’arim, Beit Shemesh and Bnei Brak.“There should be zero tolerance for those violating the regulations,” Bar Siman Tov said, adding that the country was increasing the number of people being screened for COVID-19 in haredi and Arab areas with a goal of isolating anyone who tests positive and those who have come in contact with the sick.The health funds will open four testing branches in Bnei Brak, and anyone with a fever over 38°C or who is coughing or having difficulty breathing would be able to make an appointment to be tested, Health Minister Ya’acov Litzman said Tuesday. In addition, Magen David Adom launched a drive-through testing complex in the city.In the rest of Israel, the number of sick people per day seems to be declining, Bar Siman Tov said, adding that he does not want to be too optimistic.“We look at the whole world, and we see a sharp rise in cases – almost 80,000 new sick people per day, and it influences our decisions,” he said. “We are worried about what is happening with our neighbors, and it is too early to be optimistic.”“We hope that this trend line will continue through Passover, and that after the holiday we will be able to return to life,” Bar Siman Tov said. “We are watching the numbers and fear there will be an increase of infections around the holidays.”Israel was ranked the No. 1 safest country to stay free of coronavirus by the Deep Knowledge Group, a consortium of commercial and nonprofit organizations active on many fronts in the realm of DeepTech and Frontier Technologies. A release about this success was disseminated by the Prime Minister’s Office.Overnight Monday and on Tuesday, five more Israelis succumbed to the virus, bringing the total number of victims to 20: a 90-year-old who was intubated at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon; a 70-year-old man who was hospitalized at Assuta Ashdod Medical Center; a 90-year-old woman who was hospitalized at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot; a 49-year-old woman who was treated at Shamir Medical Center in Tzrifin; and a woman in her 50s who died at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. All five patients had multiple preexisting conditions.On Wednesday morning, the Health Ministry was reporting a 21st person, though no details had yet to be released.On Monday, the Health Ministry reported that 16 people had died. On Tuesday, it was reported that the 58-year-old man who passed away on Monday at Shamir Medical Center and who at first was believed to have died from COVID-19 was found to be negative to the virus.As of Wednesday morning, the number of patients who had been diagnosed with coronavirus was 5,591, of which 97 are in serious condition and 76 of them intubated. So far, 226 people have recovered from the virus.Tamar Peretz Levy of Lod, the 49-year-old woman who is the country’s youngest patient to die of the virus to date, was the mother of two four-year-old twins who are now orphans. The children lost their father, Shimon, shortly after they were born.In a statement disseminated by the city, Levy was described as a heroine who spent many years fighting to start a family and bring the twins into the world. She died after a few days in the hospital.Currently there are 39,670 Israelis in quarantine, including 3,489 medical professionals – 758 doctors and 1,299 nurses. To date, 160,961 Israelis have been isolated.Hundreds of tourists have not been put into quarantine, despite an announcement by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett last week that every passenger who arrives at Ben-Gurion Airport from a country with a high chance of contracting the virus will be screened for the virus and be isolated in a coronavirus hotel.But the plan seems to have been canceled, and hundreds of passengers, including from New York, Spain and France, have been entering the country without interruption, Channel 12 reported.“Originally, it was the decision of the National Security Council and the prime minister to test travelers upon landing,” Bennett said Tuesday. “But for a plethora of reasons, the decision changed to house quarantine… I can’t get everything I want approved.”The Health Ministry is ramping up regulations aimed at curbing the virus’s transmission. It is considering requiring all citizens to wear masks when outside their home.Since the World Health Organization declared that the novel coronavirus may not be spread as an airborne aerosol, like SARS, “recommendations for the public have been formulated,” and instructions should soon be disseminated, Bar Siman Tov said. Surgical masks will not be required, he said, but any kind of covering that can be designed at home likely would. However, even with a mask, guidelines on travel will not be altered, he added.The latest state-of-emergency orders that the prime minister shared Monday night were approved by the government overnight, while the Education Ministry said it had still not made a decision about whether children would return to school after Passover.“The Education Ministry is preparing for a continued scenario of distance learning,” Education Minister Rafi Peretz said in a virtual press conference Tuesday.“Distance learning has proven itself,” he said. “We have received excellent responses from teachers and students. If the situation persists, we will put more of it on the agenda.”When asked how distance learning would be paid for, Peretz said it “needs to be paid for – period.”


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Kinneret water level rises by 1.5 cm in 24 hours, 36 cm to upper red line

The Kinneret is now 36 cm meters the upper red line threshold which marks 208.8 meters below sea level .
@ @ @ @ @ the highest level it 's been since 2004.The additional rise in the water level comes @ @ @ @ @ rose by a centimeter .
More rain is expected on Wednesday in the north and @ @ @ @ @

The Kinneret is now 36 cm meters the upper red line threshold which marks 208.8 meters below sea level. The sea is currently at the highest level it's been since 2004.The additional rise in the water level comes just days after the Kinneret rose by a centimeter. More rain is expected on Wednesday in the north and parts of central Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Germany reports 5,453 additional coronavirus cases, 149 more deaths

Cases rose by 5,453 compared with the previous day while the death toll climbed by 149 , the tally showed @

Cases rose by 5,453 compared with the previous day while the death toll climbed by 149, the tally showed.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has risen to 67,366 and 732 people have died of the disease, statistics from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--MDA's drive-through coronavirus testing to open in Ashdod, Rahat

Those who need to get tested drive to the centers in their private vehicles and are tested while sitting in @ @ @ @ @ exist in Tel Aviv , Haifa , Beersheba , Jerusalem , Arara and Bnei Brak @

Those who need to get tested drive to the centers in their private vehicles and are tested while sitting in their car. Centers already exist in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheba, Jerusalem, Arara and Bnei Brak.
Magen David Adom plans to open two new drive-through coronavirus testing centers on Wednesday in Ashdod and Rahat, according to Channel 12 news.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--China begins reporting asymptomatic coronavirus cases

Chinese health authorities began on Wednesday reporting on asymptomatic cases of the coronavirus as part of an effort to allay public fears that people could be spreading the virus without knowing they are infected with it .
China , where the coronavirus emerged late last year , has managed to bring its outbreak under control and is easing travel restrictions in virus hot spots .
But there are concerns that the end of lockdowns will see thousands of infectious people move back into daily life without knowing they carry the virus , because they have no symptoms and so have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the number of known asymptomatic cases has been classified , and it is not included in the official data , though the South China Morning Post newspaper , citing unpublished official documents , recently said it was more than 40,000 .
In an effort to dispel public fears about hidden cases of the virus , the government has this week ordered health authorities to turn their attention to finding asymptomatic cases and releasing their data on them .
Health authorities in Liaoning province were the fist to do so on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with the coronavirus who showed no symptoms as of March 31 , they said in a statement on a provincial government website .
Hunan province said it had four such cases , all of them imported from abroad , it said in a statement on its website .
The National Health Commission is due to start reporting aggregate , national data on asymptomatic cases later on Wednesday .
There is debate among experts about how infectious asymptomatic cases are but the commission has said all cases would be centrally quarantined for 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asymptomatic coronavirus infections were under observation as of the end of Monday .
China has had more than 81,000 cases of the coronavirus and 3,305 deaths .

Chinese health authorities began on Wednesday reporting on asymptomatic cases of the coronavirus as part of an effort to allay public fears that people could be spreading the virus without knowing they are infected with it.
China, where the coronavirus emerged late last year, has managed to bring its outbreak under control and is easing travel restrictions in virus hot spots.
But there are concerns that the end of lockdowns will see thousands of infectious people move back into daily life without knowing they carry the virus, because they have no symptoms and so have not been tested.
Up to now, the number of known asymptomatic cases has been classified, and it is not included in the official data, though the South China Morning Post newspaper, citing unpublished official documents, recently said it was more than 40,000.
In an effort to dispel public fears about hidden cases of the virus, the government has this week ordered health authorities to turn their attention to finding asymptomatic cases and releasing their data on them.
Health authorities in Liaoning province were the fist to do so on Wednesday, saying the province had 52 cases of people with the coronavirus who showed no symptoms as of March 31, they said in a statement on a provincial government website.
Hunan province said it had four such cases, all of them imported from abroad, it said in a statement on its website.
The National Health Commission is due to start reporting aggregate, national data on asymptomatic cases later on Wednesday.
There is debate among experts about how infectious asymptomatic cases are but the commission has said all cases would be centrally quarantined for 14 days.
It said 1,541 people with asymptomatic coronavirus infections were under observation as of the end of Monday.
China has had more than 81,000 cases of the coronavirus and 3,305 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--US: Two locally employed staff at foreign missions died of the coronavirus

WASHINGTON - Two locally employed staff at U.S. foreign missions, one in Indonesia and one in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have died of the coronavirus, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday, its first pandemic-related losses among staff.The employees were based in U.S. embassies in Jakarta and Kinshasa, a representative for the State Department said."We do not at this time have any reports of COVID-19-related deaths of American staff within the Department of State's domestic and global workforce," the representative added.The coronavirus outbreak has now killed more than 38,800 people across the world and infected nearly 800,000, according to a Reuters tally. It has upended normal life, closed schools, forced industries to a standstill and has already triggered layoffs worldwide.Last week, Congo's president closed the country's borders and imposed a state of emergency to contain the outbreak. Over 40 people have contracted the virus in Congo and three have died as of March 24.In Indonesia, the world's fourth-most-populous country, known cases of the disease have gone from none in early March to 1,528, with 136 deaths.On Monday, William Walters, deputy chief medical officer for operations at the State Department's Bureau of Medical Services told reporters in a briefing that the department had 75 cases overseas, and five locally employed staff hospitalized. Domestically, there were 30 cases across nine U.S. cities.In the United States, the disease has killed more than 3,700 people and infected 184,000, up 21,000 from Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Magnitude 6.3 earthquake hits southern Idaho – EMSC

An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 has struck the Southern Idaho region in the United States, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.The quake was at a depth of 10km, EMSC said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-31--El Salvador confirms country's first coronavirus death

El Salvador has registered its first death from coronavirus, President Nayib Bukele said on Twitter on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Donald Trump says US will soon have more ventilators than it needs

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States will soon have more ventilators than it needs @ @ @ @ @ eventually to send some to other countries .
Many state governors complain they do not @ @ @ @ @ present to meet the urgent need .

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States will soon have more ventilators than it needs and there will be enough eventually to send some to other countries.
Many state governors complain they do not have enough of ventilators at present to meet the urgent need.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp malfunctioning, users report

Several users have reported that there's a problem with downloading photos and audio recording in Whatsapp. Additionally, others have reported similar issues on the Facebook app itself as well as Instagram, Ynet reports.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--200 Likud branch heads to Netanyahu: No to unity

Some 200 Likud branch heads, center members and crucial activists of the Likud Party wrote a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding not to form a unity government with Blue and White."Don't give up on the values of the right to form a unity government with Blue and White," they said. "If there's no choice, go for a fourth election."The party members added that they "oppose [appointing former General Workers' Union head Avi] Nisenkorn as justice minister and Amir Pertez as economy minister." The also demanded that former Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein return to his position.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Briton jailed for coughing at policeman while claiming to have coronavirus

Adam Lewis , 55 , was convicted of assault over the incident , during which he claimed to have the @ @ @ @ @ `` I am going to cough in your face and you will get it '' @ @ @ @ @ officer .
The police constable , who was on cycle patrol in the central London @ @ @ @ @ approached Lewis and asked to search him after being told by a member of the @ @ @ @ @ to open the doors of cars parked along the street .
As well as threatening @ @ @ @ @ , Lewis also smashed a bottle of wine on the floor during the incident , @ @ @ @ @ order to transmit an infectious disease .

A man who coughed at a police constable and threatened to infect him with the coronavirus has been jailed for six months, London's Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday.
Adam Lewis, 55, was convicted of assault over the incident, during which he claimed to have the virus and told the policeman "I am going to cough in your face and you will get it" then coughed directly at the officer.
The police constable, who was on cycle patrol in the central London borough of Westminster, had approached Lewis and asked to search him after being told by a member of the public that he was trying to open the doors of cars parked along the street.
As well as threatening and coughing at the officer, Lewis also smashed a bottle of wine on the floor during the incident, and threatened to bite in order to transmit an infectious disease.
"While these type of assaults are thankfully a rare occurrence, this incident was horrendous and if we do encounter this type of unacceptable behavior we will be robust in our response," said Chief Superintendent Helen Harper of the Metropolitan Police's Area West Command Unit.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Navy does not rule out punishing captain asking for further precaution

`` I do n't know who leaked the letter to the media .
That would be something that would violate @ @ @ @ @ and discipline , if he were responsible for that .
But I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said when asked multiple times if the captain would be punished @ @ @ @ @ he wrote the letter up to his chain of command to express his concerns would @ @ @ @ @ type of retaliation , '' Modly said .

The U.S. Navy on Wednesday did not rule out punishing the captain of the Theodore Roosevelt carrier who wrote a scathing letter to Navy leadership asking for stronger measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
"I don't know who leaked the letter to the media. That would be something that would violate the principles of good order and discipline, if he were responsible for that. But I don't know that," Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said when asked multiple times if the captain would be punished.
"The fact that he wrote the letter up to his chain of command to express his concerns would absolutely not result in any type of retaliation," Modly said.
Modly added that he did not agree with the captain that all but 10 percent of the ship's crew could be removed.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--UK mobilizes 3,000 reservists as part of coronavirus response

`` It is expected that 3,000 reservists will be required as part of this tranche and will initially be mobilized @ @ @ @ @ be kept under review , '' the ministry said .
`` The Reserve Forces will @ @ @ @ @ a range of activities , such as providing additional medical and logistical support for the @ @ @ @ @ ) , acting as liaison officers and deploying specialist skills such as engineering and accounting @ @

Britain will mobilize 3,000 reservists with specialist skills as part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.
"It is expected that 3,000 reservists will be required as part of this tranche and will initially be mobilized for six months, to be kept under review," the ministry said.
"The Reserve Forces will be used to help deliver a range of activities, such as providing additional medical and logistical support for the NHS (National Health Service), acting as liaison officers and deploying specialist skills such as engineering and accounting."


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Minister Deri: Within Bnei Brak there are no additional instructions

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said on Wednesday that while the Haredi city of Bnei Brak will be placed under near @ @ @ @ @ numbers of coronavirus patients it has , within that city there are no special restrictions @ @ @ @ @ .
It is estimated that roughly one third of the known patients now in Israel @ @ @ @ @ such as Bnei Brak .

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said on Wednesday that while the Haredi city of Bnei Brak will be placed under near lock-down due to the large numbers of coronavirus patients it has, within that city there are no special restrictions beyond those everyone must follow.
It is estimated that roughly one third of the known patients now in Israel are living in Haredi communities such as Bnei Brak.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--France passes 4,000 coronavirus deaths

France passes 4,000 coronavirus deaths

The daily government tally still only accounts for those dying in hospital but authorities say they will very soon be @ @ @ @ @ deaths in retirement homes , which is likely to result in a big increase in @ @ @

French health authorities reported 509 new deaths from the coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the total to 4,032, making the country the fourth to pass the 4,000-fatalities threshold after Italy, Spain and the United States.
The daily government tally still only accounts for those dying in hospital but authorities say they will very soon be able to compile data on deaths in retirement homes, which is likely to result in a big increase in registered fatalities.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--COVID-19 infections growing exponentially, deaths near 50,000 - WHO

`` In the past 5 weeks there has been a near exponential growth in the number of new cases and @ @ @ @ @ more than doubled in past week , '' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , WHO director-general , @ @ @ @ @ in Geneva .

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) voiced deep concern on Wednesday about "the rapid escalation and global spread" of COVID-19 infections with the new coronavirus, which has now reached 205 countries and territories.
"In the past 5 weeks there has been a near exponential growth in the number of new cases and the number of deaths has more than doubled in past week," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, told a virtual news conference in Geneva.
"In the next few days we will reach 1 million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths worldwide," Tedros said.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Netanyahu to give Israelis special grant for Passover due to coronavirus

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the people of Israel on Wednesday he knows the ongoing coronavirus outbreak left many people @ @ @ @ @ and to help , his administration will offer each family a special grant for Passover @ @ @ @ @ `` the money will go straight into the bank account . ''
The grant will @ @ @ @ @ any paperwork '' per child below the age of 18 , and will be limited @ @ @ @ @ to Netanyahu , `` the money will go straight into the bank account . ''

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the people of Israel on Wednesday he knows the ongoing coronavirus outbreak left many people in a poor financial state and to help, his administration will offer each family a special grant for Passover.
The grant will be NIS 500 "without any paperwork" per child below the age of 18, and will be limited to four children per family.According to Netanyahu, "the money will go straight into the bank account."


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--UK looks at 'virtual parliament' to overcome coronavirus shutdown

Parliament closed early for its Easter break last month as the government introduced sweeping restrictions on daily life , ordering citizens to stay at home to limit the spread of coronavirus and only travel to work if strictly necessary .
That has effectively shutdown scrutiny of the government , with no existing protocols for teleconference political debates in place to replace the archaic debating system inside parliament 's Westminster Palace .
Parliament is scheduled to return on April 21 , but restrictions are expected to remain in place beyond that date .
Some lawmakers self-isolating with symptoms of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the Commons return on schedule .
`` Once the House returns , if we are still in the grip of the crisis where the physical presence of Members , or too many Members , in the Palace is not appropriate , I am keen that they should be able to participate in key parliamentary proceedings virtually , '' Hoyle said in a letter to Jacob Rees-Mogg , the government 's leader in the Commons .
Hoyle said trials of committee meetings held via teleconferencing had been successful and that he had asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be used in parliament 's main debating chamber .

Britain's parliament is investigating how it can operate virtually, to scrutinize the government even if lawmakers cannot physically attend debates, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle said on Wednesday.
Parliament closed early for its Easter break last month as the government introduced sweeping restrictions on daily life, ordering citizens to stay at home to limit the spread of coronavirus and only travel to work if strictly necessary.
That has effectively shutdown scrutiny of the government, with no existing protocols for teleconference political debates in place to replace the archaic debating system inside parliament's Westminster Palace.
Parliament is scheduled to return on April 21, but restrictions are expected to remain in place beyond that date. Some lawmakers self-isolating with symptoms of the virus would be frozen out of debates even if the Commons return on schedule.
"Once the House returns, if we are still in the grip of the crisis where the physical presence of Members, or too many Members, in the Palace is not appropriate, I am keen that they should be able to participate in key parliamentary proceedings virtually," Hoyle said in a letter to Jacob Rees-Mogg, the government's leader in the Commons.
Hoyle said trials of committee meetings held via teleconferencing had been successful and that he had asked officials to look into how similar technology could be used in parliament's main debating chamber.
The Speaker said he did not have the authority to unilaterally implement such changes, and asked Rees-Mogg to consider putting them to parliament for approval.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Netanyahu: A small seder is a safe seder

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel is able to offer help to those harmed by the coronavirus crisis because it is doing so well in term of its economy.“We hear the cry of those harmed by the coronavirus,” he said.“You are required to have the Passover seder meal only with those who already live with you in your home,” he said. “A small seder is a safe seder.”


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Netanyahu: Special help will be given to Bnei Brak to combat coronavirus

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that “special help” will be given to the haredi city of Bnii Brak starting from Wednesday evening.These will include strict limitations on all those who enter and leave the city, and providing hotels to those found to be infected with the COVID-19 virus, in order to limit the spread of the disease.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Netanyahu: We are still in 'a flood of coronavirus'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday and said that “ the flood of coronavirus is still going @ @ @ @ @ He spoke about his conversation with Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte and that his @ @ @ @ @ the lesson he can give him is “ do the hard things first.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ the trap of being commonplace , ” he said about Israel ’ s relative success @ @ @ @ @ , “ we might plunge , ” he warned , mentioning that in New York @ @ @ @ @ minutes .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday and said that “the flood of coronavirus is still going strong around the world.”
He spoke about his conversation with Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte and that his Italian counterpart told him that the lesson he can give him is “do the hard things first.”
“We do not fall into the trap of being commonplace,” he said about Israel’s relative success in curbing the COVID-19 virus, “we might plunge,” he warned, mentioning that in New York a man dies every four minutes.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Coronavirus can spread one to three days before symptoms appear - CDC

The study looked at 243 cases of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus , reported in Singapore between @ @ @ @ @ and identified seven `` clusters '' where pre-symptomatic transmission was likely .
In four such @ @ @ @ @ of exposure could be determined , pre-symptomatic transmission occurred one-to-three days before symptoms started showing @ @ @ @ @ researchers said .
The findings from the study suggest that it might not be enough @ @ @ @ @ limit their contact with others to control the pandemic , the researchers wrote in the @ @ @ @ @ Weekly Report , which was published online on Wednesday .

People infected with the novel coronavirus can transmit the infection one-to-three days before symptoms start to appear, according to a study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The study looked at 243 cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, reported in Singapore between January 23 to March 16 and identified seven "clusters" where pre-symptomatic transmission was likely.
In four such groups, where the date of exposure could be determined, pre-symptomatic transmission occurred one-to-three days before symptoms started showing in the source patient, researchers said.
The findings from the study suggest that it might not be enough for people showing symptoms to limit their contact with others to control the pandemic, the researchers wrote in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which was published online on Wednesday.
The CDC data adds to previous reports of individual cases in China that indicated the virus could spread before symptoms start to appear, while highlighting the importance of social distancing to fight the coronavirus outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Second Prime Minister residency reported issue between Gantz, Netanyahu

A second Prime Minister ’ s residency will be built during the duration of the joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ Benny Gantz government when one is formed , Channel 13 reported on Wednesday evening as @ @ @ @ @ are debating .
The concept is that during the first 18 months of this government @ @ @ @ @ it , and Netanyahu will replace him when he steps down and Gantz will live @ @ @ @ @ Balfour Street in Jerusalem .
The report was called Fake News by Likud .
Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ knows what it is like to lose a home by comparing him moving out of @ @ @ @ @ elections to former IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak to them losing their homes and @ @ @ @ @

A second Prime Minister’s residency will be built during the duration of the joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz government when one is formed, Channel 13 reported on Wednesday evening as a point the two men are debating.
The concept is that during the first 18 months of this government, Gantz could reside in it, and Netanyahu will replace him when he steps down and Gantz will live in the current address on Balfour Street in Jerusalem.
The report was called Fake News by Likud.
Netanyahu famously told Jewish settlers he knows what it is like to lose a home by comparing him moving out of Balfour Street after losing the elections to former IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak to them losing their homes and lands in Gush Katif.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Public Enemy split with Flavor Flav was a hoax, group now says

Founder Chuck D and four other members of the influential rap group had issued a statement in March saying they had split with Flav after he missed several live performances .
Flav , writing on Twitter at the time , suggested he was fired because he refused to appear with the group at a rally for U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders .
In a statement issued on Wednesday , April Fool 's Day , Chuck D said he and Flav concocted a fake split to grab attention and highlight media bias toward reporting bad news about hip hop .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio broadcast of `` War of the Worlds , '' which had confused listeners into believing the fictional story about an alien invasion was a news bulletin , Chuck D said .
`` Thus came the HOAX , our 'War Of The Worlds . '
Believe half of what you hear and NONE of what you see , '' Chuck D said in the statement , which was released by the band 's publicity team .
Chuck D posted a similar statement on the website for Enemy Radio , an offshoot of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a podcast interview that was released late on Tuesday .
Flav , known for wearing a giant clock around his neck , and Chuck D were founding members in 1985 of New York-based rappers Public Enemy , known for making music with a strong political message .
Their 1988 album `` It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back '' is considered one of the genre ’ s most influential .
The group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy lifetime achievement award @

Public Enemy's ouster last month of founding member Flavor Flav was a hoax to generate publicity and provide a commentary on disinformation, members of the rap group said on Wednesday as they released a new album.
Founder Chuck D and four other members of the influential rap group had issued a statement in March saying they had split with Flav after he missed several live performances. Flav, writing on Twitter at the time, suggested he was fired because he refused to appear with the group at a rally for U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April Fool's Day, Chuck D said he and Flav concocted a fake split to grab attention and highlight media bias toward reporting bad news about hip hop.
The pair were inspired by the 1938 radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds," which had confused listeners into believing the fictional story about an alien invasion was a news bulletin, Chuck D said.
"Thus came the HOAX, our 'War Of The Worlds.' Believe half of what you hear and NONE of what you see," Chuck D said in the statement, which was released by the band's publicity team.
Chuck D posted a similar statement on the website for Enemy Radio, an offshoot of Public Enemy, and discussed the plot on a podcast interview that was released late on Tuesday.
Flav, known for wearing a giant clock around his neck, and Chuck D were founding members in 1985 of New York-based rappers Public Enemy, known for making music with a strong political message. Their 1988 album "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back" is considered one of the genre’s most influential.
The group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy lifetime achievement award.
On Wednesday, Flav and Chuck D united on a single released by Enemy Radio called "Food as a Machine Gun," described as "an attack on the food industrial machine." The song is featured on Enemy Radio's new album, "Loud is Not Enough."


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Turkey's coronavirus death toll rises to 277, with 15,679 total cases

Speaking to reporters in Ankara , Koca said 14,396 tests had been conducted in the last 24 hours , bringing @ @ @ @ @ carried out in Turkey to 106,799 since the outbreak began .
He said Turkey would @ @ @ @ @ next week and then reach 30,000 tests shortly after .
Koca also said the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ in Turkey and added that 60 % of cases were seen in Istanbul .
Koca @ @ @ @ @ province of Izmir and Ankara were the provinces with most cases after Istanbul .

Turkey's death toll from the coronavirus outbreak increased by 63 to 277 on Tuesday, its highest rise yet, while the number of confirmed cases from the disease rose by 2,148 to 15,679, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said.
Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Koca said 14,396 tests had been conducted in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of tests carried out in Turkey to 106,799 since the outbreak began. He said Turkey would conduct 20,000-25,000 tests per day next week and then reach 30,000 tests shortly after.
Koca also said the outbreak had reached all 81 provinces in Turkey and added that 60% of cases were seen in Istanbul. Koca said that the western coastal province of Izmir and Ankara were the provinces with most cases after Istanbul.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Trump warns Iran, proxies against attacking US in Iraq

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Iran and its proxies against attacking U.S. troops or assets in Iraq, citing a possible "sneak attack" but giving no other details."Upon information and belief, Iran or its proxies are planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq. If this happens, Iran will pay a very heavy price, indeed!" Trump said in a post on Twitter.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--CDC reports 186,101 coronavirus cases, 3,603 deaths

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19 , caused by a new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
ET on March 31 compared to its count a day ago .
( https @ @ @ @

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday reported 186,101 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 22,562 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 743 to 3,603.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on March 31 compared to its count a day ago. (https://bit.ly/2IVY1JT).
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--25th Israeli dies of coronavirus- 66-year-old man

A 66-year-old man died of coronavirus on Wednesday evening, Wolfson Medical Center announced.He had previously suffered from severe background illness, the hospital added.The man becomes Israel's twenty-fifth death from the diease since the pandemic began.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Egypt's health sector races to scale up coronavirus readiness

But the capacity of the public health system to cope with an acceleration of cases in the country of 100 million , where population density could increase the chances of quick contagion , remains a concern , some of its doctors say .
Decades of underinvestment left many of Egypt 's public hospitals dependent on donations for some services and supplies .
Poor quality in primary healthcare facilities and public hospitals means that in recent years more than half of patients have sought private medical care , according to the World Bank .
At Boulaq public hospital in Cairo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few months ago after a social media campaign , two medics there said .
As other public hospitals are cordoned off to create isolation wards , those like Boulaq that remain open for normal services are feeling the strain .
`` Things are not good .
We feel the pressure increasing every day , '' said one male doctor , who asked not to be named .
`` We are suffering from years of accumulating ( problems ) .
We have shortages of medical equipment , devices and supply . ''
Egypt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.6 trillion pound 2019/20 budget to the health sector .
The health minister told parliament in January that 150 million Egyptian pounds had been assigned for renovations at Boulaq , but more was needed , according to state newspaper Al-Ahram .
There was no immediate response from the health ministry to calls seeking comment on Egypt 's coronavirus preparedness .

Egypt has ramped up efforts to fight the coronavirus, ordering manufacturers to channel medical protective equipment to public hospitals and announcing 1 billion Egyptian pounds ($64 million) in extra funding for its health services.
But the capacity of the public health system to cope with an acceleration of cases in the country of 100 million, where population density could increase the chances of quick contagion, remains a concern, some of its doctors say.
Decades of underinvestment left many of Egypt's public hospitals dependent on donations for some services and supplies. Poor quality in primary healthcare facilities and public hospitals means that in recent years more than half of patients have sought private medical care, according to the World Bank.
At Boulaq public hospital in Cairo, the first major renovation for decades began a few months ago after a social media campaign, two medics there said. As other public hospitals are cordoned off to create isolation wards, those like Boulaq that remain open for normal services are feeling the strain.
"Things are not good. We feel the pressure increasing every day," said one male doctor, who asked not to be named. "We are suffering from years of accumulating (problems). We have shortages of medical equipment, devices and supply."
Egypt had allocated 125 billion pounds from its 1.6 trillion pound 2019/20 budget to the health sector. The health minister told parliament in January that 150 million Egyptian pounds had been assigned for renovations at Boulaq, but more was needed, according to state newspaper Al-Ahram.
There was no immediate response from the health ministry to calls seeking comment on Egypt's coronavirus preparedness.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Worldwide coronavirus deaths cross 43,000

More than 878,000 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus across the world and 43,412 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 200 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Putin grants government emergency powers to fight coronavirus

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation on Wednesday to allow the government to declare a state of national emergency in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus. Only the president can declare a state of emergency after he has formally received the support of the upper house of parliament, but lawmakers on Tuesday passed legislation granting the cabinet of ministers the same emergency powers.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--'Rise in new coronavirus cases in UK is concerning'

`` ( The number of new cases ) is slightly concerning , it 's still too early to say whether @ @ @ @ @ have ended , '' Doyle said , noting that the number of new cases had @ @ @ @ @ past three days .

The rise in new coronavirus cases in Britain is concerning, as are the rates of hospital admissions in London and the Midlands, Public Health England's medical director Yvonne Doyle said on Wednesday.
"(The number of new cases) is slightly concerning, it's still too early to say whether the plateau of hospital admissions have ended," Doyle said, noting that the number of new cases had risen every day for the past three days.
"The threat is everywhere. We need to protect the NHS (National Health Service) everywhere, and the Midlands now is obviously a concern as well," she said.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Brazil confirms first indigenous coronavirus case in the Amazon

The 19-year-old woman from the Kokama tribe tested positive for the virus in the district of Santo Antonio do Içá , located near the border with Colombia some 880 km ( 550 miles ) up the Amazon river from the state capital Manaus .
`` Unfortunately , we have an indigenous person with the virus , '' said a Sesait spokeswoman by telephone .
The patient , whose name was not made public , is a medical worker who had traveled upriver to several villages , including the town of Tabatinga , and returned home with fever , a sore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Globo newspaper reported .
Four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the same district , including a Brazilian doctor who tested positive last week , raising fears that the epidemic could spread to remote and vulnerable indigenous communities with devastating effect .
The doctor , whose name was not made public , had returned from vacation in southern Brazil to work with the Tikunas , one of the largest tribe in the Amazon with more than 30,000 people who live in the upper Amazon near the borders with Colombia and Peru .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be lethal for Brazil 's 850,000 indigenous people , who have been decimated for centuries by diseases brought by Europeans , from smallpox and malaria to the flu .

An indigenous woman in a village deep in the Amazon rainforest has contracted the novel coronavirus, the first case reported among Brazil's more than 300 tribes, the Health Ministry's indigenous health service Sesai said on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old woman from the Kokama tribe tested positive for the virus in the district of Santo Antonio do Içá, located near the border with Colombia some 880 km (550 miles) up the Amazon river from the state capital Manaus.
"Unfortunately, we have an indigenous person with the virus," said a Sesait spokeswoman by telephone.
The patient, whose name was not made public, is a medical worker who had traveled upriver to several villages, including the town of Tabatinga, and returned home with fever, a sore throat and chest pains, the O Globo newspaper reported.
Four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the same district, including a Brazilian doctor who tested positive last week, raising fears that the epidemic could spread to remote and vulnerable indigenous communities with devastating effect.
The doctor, whose name was not made public, had returned from vacation in southern Brazil to work with the Tikunas, one of the largest tribe in the Amazon with more than 30,000 people who live in the upper Amazon near the borders with Colombia and Peru.
Health experts warn that the spreading virus could be lethal for Brazil's 850,000 indigenous people, who have been decimated for centuries by diseases brought by Europeans, from smallpox and malaria to the flu.
Health experts say the indigenous peoples' way of life in communal hamlets under large thatched structures increases the risk of contagion if any single member contracts the virus, which causes the sometimes fatal respiratory disease COVID-19.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--24th Israeli dies of coronavirus - 66-year-old woman

After days of debate about how to handle the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, where the coronavirus has rapidly spread, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov announced Wednesday that access to and from the city will be restricted beginning immediately.“There has been a very positive shift in the ultra-Orthodox public,” the prime minister said, noting that in recent days the haredi community has recognized the danger that it is in and is working to follow the guidelines set forth by the Health Ministry. “But unfortunately, in some places, the disease has already spread at double the rate of the rest of the country and continues to double.”On Wednesday, 723 residents of the town of 195,298 people were infected with coronavirus, and health officials have predicted that if the trend in Bnei Brak continues, as many as 1,500 residents will be sick with coronavirus by next week, among them as many 60 to 80 people in serious condition within the next two months.The Mayor of Bnei Brak, Abraham Rubinstein, commended the decision to not put the city under full lock down: "I commend the decision not to put the city of Bnei Brak under full lockdown and balance the lives of its people and the need to maintain their health in this already crowded city" he said, according to walla.Netanyahu added that those residents of the city who need to go into quarantine will be accommodated in coronavirus hotels so that they do not infect others.“It's tough, but it's for the health of the residents,” Netanyahu said.At the same time, two new restrictions were rolled out to the general population by the prime minister. First, citizens are being asked to wear masks when walking around in public spaces.Bar Siman Tov explained that since the World Health Organization declared that the novel coronavirus may be spread as an airborne aerosol, like SARS, he believes that wearing a nose and mouth covering could help stop the disease from spreading. Surgical masks will not be required, he said, but any kind of covering that can be designed at home will work.Second, any Israeli returning to the country will now be required to go directly into isolation at a coronavirus hotel for 14 days “In difficult times, people come home, and Israel is home,” Netanyahu said.He did announce that there would be some new benefits for the public, however, to help them get through these difficult times. These include gifting NIS 500 per child up to four children to families before Passover, as well as providing the same amount to senior citizens. The money will be deposited directly into people’s bank accounts.The prime minister also said that the country was lowering the age for self-employed workers to access grants from 28 to 20.Finally, Netanyahu reminded the public that they should celebrate their Passover Seders at home this year with only their nuclear families: “A small Seder is a safe Seder,” he said.The briefing came against the backdrop of a sharp spike in sick people. Israel surpassed the 6,000 mark on Wednesday: 6,092 Israelis have been diagnosed with coronavirus, and 26 people have succumbed to the disease, according to the Health Ministry.All six of Wednesday’s victims had preexisting medical conditions: a 66-year-old and a 74-year-old man who were hospitalized at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon; a 66-year-old woman who was treated at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer; a 69-year-old woman and a 72-year-old who both died at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem; and a 98-year-old woman at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. The latter was the second victim from the Mishan Geriatric Center in Beersheba, where several residents and members of staff were found to test positive to the virus in the past few days.Of those infected, 95 are in serious conditions, with 81 of them intubated and 663 people are hospitalized.The number of medical staff currently in quarantine went down from 3,498 to 3,201, including 701 doctors and 1,138 nurses. The ministry announced that it gave licenses to practice to 900 new nurses through an accelerated procedure to help fill a much-needed void.THE POLICE continue to crack down on those who do not follow the government’s orders. So far, the police have performed over 62,000 checks on people in quarantine to ensure that they respect the regulation, including more than 5,000 on Wednesday. Moreover, 135 investigations have been opened against people who broke the quarantine, while over 5,800 fines have been given for breaking coronavirus-related regulations.A protest erupted on Yefet Street in Tel Aviv-Jaffa on Wednesday after police arrested a man who allegedly violated the quarantine orders, police reported, adding that the man was aided by family members and other men who arrived with stones and sticks with the intention of confronting the security forces. Four men were arrested, and the violator was fined for breaking the Health Ministry regulations. The street is in the Ajami neighborhood of Jaffa, where many Arab-Israelis reside.Israel is currently performing around 7,000 tests a day. In the morning, the Health Ministry declared that several testing centers managed by health funds would open in Arab towns around the country as well as in the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem, something that was rolled out the day before in some haredi neighborhoods. Moreover, according to the Jerusalem Municipality, MDA is going to open a drive-through testing station in east Jerusalem. New drive-through testing stations were opened today also in Ashdod and Rahat.While "rescue flights" to repatriate Israeli nationals abroad continue in accordance with requests made by the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry, El Al said that it would continue to ground all scheduled flights to and from Israel until May 2, extending a decision made last week.The across-the-board cancellations, originally announced until April 4, followed a sharp decline in demand, concern for passenger and staff health, and the need to reduce expenditures until the outbreak subsides.As of Wednesday afternoon, over 878,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus across the world and over 43,000 have died.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Wimbledon canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

The 2020 Wimbledon Championships have been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , the All England Club announced Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ time Wimbledon has been canceled since World War II in 1945 .
The Grand Slam @ @ @ @ @ for June 29-July 12 .
`` It is with great regret that the Main Board @ @ @ @ @ ( AELTC ) and the Committee of Management of The Championships have today decided that @ @ @ @ @ canceled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic , '' read a @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Uppermost in our mind has been the health and safety of all of @ @ @ @ @ make Wimbledon happen -- the public in the UK and visitors from around the world @ @ @ @ @ , members , staff , volunteers , partners , contractors , and local residents -- @ @ @ @ @ responsibility to society 's efforts to tackle this global challenge to our way of life @ @ @ @ @ event will be held from June 28-July 11 , 2021 .

The 2020 Wimbledon Championships have been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the All England Club announced Wednesday.
This marks the first time Wimbledon has been canceled since World War II in 1945.
The Grand Slam grass-court tournament had been scheduled for June 29-July 12.
"It is with great regret that the Main Board of the All England Club (AELTC) and the Committee of Management of The Championships have today decided that The Championships 2020 will be canceled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic," read a statement on the Wimbledon website.
"Uppermost in our mind has been the health and safety of all of those who come together to make Wimbledon happen -- the public in the UK and visitors from around the world, our players, guests, members, staff, volunteers, partners, contractors, and local residents -- as well as our broader responsibility to society's efforts to tackle this global challenge to our way of life."
Next year's event will be held from June 28-July 11, 2021.


jerusalempost--2020-04-01--Canada coronavirus cases rise to 9,017 on April 1, from 7,708 on March 31

Canada's coronavirus cases rise to 9,017 on April 1, from 7,708 on March 31; including 105 deaths, up from 89, according to health officials.