jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Siman Tov: We want the public to listen without officers of the law

“ We started today using the digital technology that detects those who come in contact with coronavirus patients , ” Netanyahu said in a press briefing .
“ We will send these people into isolation .
These will be large numbers .
Isolation is not a recommendation - it is mandatory , and we will enforce it without compromise . ''
He likewise committed to “ dramatically ” increasing the number of people tested for coronavirus to the largest number per capita in the world .
Netanyahu said that he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 tests to be taken per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That country tests around 15,000 people per day and has a population around five times larger than Israel ’ s .
The prime minister also noted that hospitals are upgrading to be able to handle more sick patients , including that the country has purchased 1,000 additional ventilators to treat those who fall victim to the virus , which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia .
“ I am happy to report that , as of now , not a single Israeli has died , ” Netanyahu said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation going forward .
`` I ask for discipline and responsibility , ” he continued .
“ All of these steps will not help if there is no discipline and responsibility on your part .
I can sadly say that there are many of you that still don ’ t understand the level of danger we are facing .
This is not children ’ s play .
This is a matter of life or death .
“ Love is keeping your distance , ” he concluded .
The bottom line of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave their homes unless `` absolutely necessary . ''
`` Do not leave your home , '' said Health Ministry director general Moshe Bar Siman Tov in a video message to the public .
`` Only go to work ... or to purchase essential items , such as groceries , medicine or the like . ''
Visiting parks , beaches , pools , libraries and museums is now prohibited as are all social interactions , which the ministry said should be conducted on the phone or by other digital means .
Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled effective immediately .
Elderly people and those with respiratory conditions or weak immune systems should not leave their homes nor should they invite guests over .
One day after Netanyahu told citizens that the public sector would work in emergency mode but that the private sector could operate at 70 % , the new restrictions require that all work that can be done should be done from home .
If one does have to go into work , all businesses should ensure that employees keep two meters from each other , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dental procedures should be rescheduled unless it is an emergency .
Delivery services may only bring deliveries to the front door .
`` Safeguard yourself , '' said Bar Siman Tov .
`` Anywhere you go there could be a person with coronavirus .
You could be infected and put others at risk… Our ability to beat coronavirus is largely dependent on you . ''
Bar Siman Tov predicted that the number of sick people in Israel will grow exponentially even in the coming days .
He said that we could see “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 sick people per day ” and that the country could end up in a situation where “ hundreds of people are diagnosed daily , and some people will die.
” Like Netanyahu , the Health Ministry stressed that the new restrictions were necessary because Israelis failed to stay home and follow its instructions .
The day after it encouraged people not to gather in groups of 10 or more , the streets were full of passerby and beaches crowded with sunbathers and other visitors .
“ Stay at home , ” Bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t visit grandma and grandpa .
I say this with a heavy heart : the way to protect our parents and grandparents is not to go visit them.
” HOWEVER , as part of the new system , some Israelis will actually be encouraged to leave their homes - even those already in isolation - as Israel rolls out its first 24-hour drive-through coronavirus testing station in Tel Aviv on Wednesday , with five more expected to open soon after in Haifa , Jerusalem , Petah Tikva , Rishon Lezion and Beersheba .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test thousands of Israelis per day , according to Magen David Adom .
Citizens will arrive at these new drive-through complexes in their private vehicles and the sample will be taken while they 're sitting in the car .
The complexes will be in open areas , which will allow for continuous entry and exit of vehicles , such as parking for football fields and parking lots .
They will be staffed by teams of MDA EMTs and paramedics , members of the Israeli police and security guards .
All staff will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A release by the organization explained that anyone approved by a physician to be sampled will receive an SMS message with the details and will be asked to arrive at the testing center at a specific time .
He or she will undergo an identification process , be tested and then drive directly home .
Patients who are unable to access the complex without the use of public transport will be able to do the sampling in their home , as it has been done so far .
On Monday , MDA paramedics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase from the daily average of 750 tests .
Until now , MDA has taken around 7,000 tests .
OF THE 337 Israelis who had coronavirus at press time , five of them are in critical condition , according to the Health Ministry .
In addition , 10 people are in moderate condition and 311 have mild cases of the virus , according to the ministry report .
The rate of people in critical condition ( 1.5 % ) in Israel is lower than the world average , where around 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , as Channel 12 explained , Israel is at a tipping point .
In Spain , for example , on March 6 there were 401 sick people and 10 days later , on March 16 , there were 9,942 infected , including more than 500 dead .
Some 234 people are hospitalized , 20 are expected to be hospitalized and 64 patients are being treated in home isolation .
For the other patients , a treatment plan has not been decided .
Eight patients were transferred on Tuesday to Tel Aviv 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same day by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett .
Tomorrow , a similar coronavirus hotel will open in Jerusalem , and Sheba Medical Center will open a new 40-bed coronavirus isolation unit in a space that was formerly used as a parking lot .
Some 50,337 people are in isolation .
Eleven Israelis have recovered from COVID-19 .
Among the sick are three people who work in the Central Laboratory for Detecting Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer .
On Monday , the lab was shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new diagnoses include two additional staff members , Kan news reported .
On Sunday night , a senior doctor at Ichilov Hospital was reported by Ynet to have contracted the virus .
All the patients in her unit – many of them senior citizens – had to be tested and transferred to another unit , and her staff was sent home to self-isolate .
The next morning , an intern in the hospital ’ s urology department also tested positive for coronavirus .
In addition , the IDF confirmed that patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the north of the country .
She is in mild condition .
The IDF Medical Corps and the Health Ministry are together conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and will share that information soon .
Furthermore , a report disseminated by Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem 's Ein Kerem shared that the condition of an 89-year-old woman who was infected with coronavirus deteriorated overnight and she is considered in critical condition .
So far , as Netanyahu stressed , no one in Israel has died from the coronavirus .
On Thursday at 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams for two minutes by stepping out on their balconies or into their private gardens , front yards or open windows and cheering their efforts .
But not everyone is likely to be celebrating .
According to the IAA , there are currently only two daily flights operating between Ramon and Ben-Gurion Airport .
On Monday , Israeli airline Arkia said it would be halting operations on the route until after the Passover holiday .
Some 5,891 flights to and from Israel have been cancelled in March alone , leading to a decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January and February combined , a total of 530 flights were cancelled .
Of the remaining 2,065 flights scheduled to fly before the end of the month , the IAA `` expects many additional cancellations . ''
Flights still operating are only 47 % full on average , down from 76 % earlier this year .
Confirming announcements made in recent weeks , Israeli airline El Al and its subsidiaries placed 5,500 employees on unpaid leave on Tuesday until May 31 .
The Jerusalem Light Rail will also be reducing ride time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 p.m. and cease working on the weekend entirely .
Shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange climbed slightly on Tuesday , recovering some of the heavy losses endured the day before as the novel coronavirus outbreak continued to instill fear in investors .
At the closing bell , the benchmark TA-35 index climbed 2.12 % , and the TA-125 was up by 1.73 % , with energy companies among those recording the most significant gains .

The government rolled out a new set of restrictions on the Israeli population Tuesday, after which the number of coronavirus patients increased to 427 on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised there would be a dramatic increase in the number of sick people detected, tests taken and hospital equipment available to serve the infected.
“We started today using the digital technology that detects those who come in contact with coronavirus patients,” Netanyahu said in a press briefing. “We will send these people into isolation. These will be large numbers. Isolation is not a recommendation - it is mandatory, and we will enforce it without compromise."
He likewise committed to “dramatically” increasing the number of people tested for coronavirus to the largest number per capita in the world. Netanyahu said that he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 tests to be taken per day, comparing Israel to South Korea. That country tests around 15,000 people per day and has a population around five times larger than Israel’s.
The prime minister also noted that hospitals are upgrading to be able to handle more sick patients, including that the country has purchased 1,000 additional ventilators to treat those who fall victim to the virus, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia.
“I am happy to report that, as of now, not a single Israeli has died,” Netanyahu said, “but sadly this will not be the situation going forward.
"I ask for discipline and responsibility,” he continued. “All of these steps will not help if there is no discipline and responsibility on your part. I can sadly say that there are many of you that still don’t understand the level of danger we are facing. This is not children’s play. This is a matter of life or death.
“Love is keeping your distance,” he concluded.
The bottom line of these new restrictions: Israelis are not allowed to leave their homes unless "absolutely necessary."
"Do not leave your home," said Health Ministry director general Moshe Bar Siman Tov in a video message to the public. "Only go to work... or to purchase essential items, such as groceries, medicine or the like."
Visiting parks, beaches, pools, libraries and museums is now prohibited as are all social interactions, which the ministry said should be conducted on the phone or by other digital means. Group sports and workout classes are also all cancelled effective immediately.
Elderly people and those with respiratory conditions or weak immune systems should not leave their homes nor should they invite guests over.
One day after Netanyahu told citizens that the public sector would work in emergency mode but that the private sector could operate at 70%, the new restrictions require that all work that can be done should be done from home. If one does have to go into work, all businesses should ensure that employees keep two meters from each other, and that good hygiene is maintained.
All dental procedures should be rescheduled unless it is an emergency.
Delivery services may only bring deliveries to the front door.
"Safeguard yourself," said Bar Siman Tov. "Anywhere you go there could be a person with coronavirus. You could be infected and put others at risk… Our ability to beat coronavirus is largely dependent on you."
Bar Siman Tov predicted that the number of sick people in Israel will grow exponentially even in the coming days. He said that we could see “as early as tomorrow, at least 100 sick people per day” and that the country could end up in a situation where “hundreds of people are diagnosed daily, and some people will die.”
Like Netanyahu, the Health Ministry stressed that the new restrictions were necessary because Israelis failed to stay home and follow its instructions. The day after it encouraged people not to gather in groups of 10 or more, the streets were full of passerby and beaches crowded with sunbathers and other visitors.
“Stay at home,” Bar Siman Tov reiterated. “Don’t visit grandma and grandpa. I say this with a heavy heart: the way to protect our parents and grandparents is not to go visit them.”
HOWEVER, as part of the new system, some Israelis will actually be encouraged to leave their homes - even those already in isolation - as Israel rolls out its first 24-hour drive-through coronavirus testing station in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, with five more expected to open soon after in Haifa, Jerusalem, Petah Tikva, Rishon Lezion and Beersheba.
The new system will allow the country to test thousands of Israelis per day, according to Magen David Adom.
Citizens will arrive at these new drive-through complexes in their private vehicles and the sample will be taken while they're sitting in the car.
The complexes will be in open areas, which will allow for continuous entry and exit of vehicles, such as parking for football fields and parking lots. They will be staffed by teams of MDA EMTs and paramedics, members of the Israeli police and security guards. All staff will be dressed in full anti-infection gear.
A release by the organization explained that anyone approved by a physician to be sampled will receive an SMS message with the details and will be asked to arrive at the testing center at a specific time. He or she will undergo an identification process, be tested and then drive directly home.
Patients who are unable to access the complex without the use of public transport will be able to do the sampling in their home, as it has been done so far.
On Monday, MDA paramedics took samples from 1,085 people nationwide, an increase from the daily average of 750 tests. Until now, MDA has taken around 7,000 tests.
OF THE 337 Israeli at press time on Tuesday who had coronavirus at press time, five of them are in critical condition, according to the Health Ministry.
In addition, 10 people are in moderate condition and 311 have mild cases of the virus, according to the ministry report.
The rate of people in critical condition (1.5%) in Israel is lower than the world average, where around 5% of patients are in critical condition. However, as Channel 12 explained, Israel is at a tipping point. In Spain, for example, on March 6 there were 401 sick people and 10 days later, on March 16, there were 9,942 infected, including more than 500 dead.
Some 234 people are hospitalized, 20 are expected to be hospitalized and 64 patients are being treated in home isolation. For the other patients, a treatment plan has not been decided.
Eight patients were transferred on Tuesday to Tel Aviv's first recovery hotel, which was inaugurated the same day by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett. Tomorrow, a similar coronavirus hotel will open in Jerusalem, and Sheba Medical Center will open a new 40-bed coronavirus isolation unit in a space that was formerly used as a parking lot.
Some 50,337 people are in isolation. Eleven Israelis have recovered from COVID-19.
Among the sick are three people who work in the Central Laboratory for Detecting Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. On Monday, the lab was shut down because its deputy director-general became infected. The new diagnoses include two additional staff members, Kan news reported. Among the sick are three people who work in the Central Laboratory for Detecting Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. On Monday, the lab was shut down because its deputy director-general became infected. The new diagnoses include two additional staff members, Kan news reported.
On Sunday night, a senior doctor at Ichilov Hospital was reported by Ynet to have contracted the virus. All the patients in her unit – many of them senior citizens – had to be tested and transferred to another unit, and her staff was sent home to self-isolate. The next morning, an intern in the hospital’s urology department also tested positive for coronavirus.
In addition, the IDF confirmed that patients No. 273, 335 and 336 are soldiers, one from the north of the country and the other two a couple from the center of the country. The IDF Medical Corps and the Health Ministry are together conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and will share that information soon.
Two other MKs are in isolation: Ram Ben Barak and Alon Schuster, both members of Blue and White. MK Tzachi Hanegbi refrained from attending the Knesset swearing in ceremony on Monday because he feared he had been in contact with someone who might have coronavirus. Hanegbi went into isolation but was released on Tuesday when his test came back negative.Two other MKs are in isolation: Ram Ben Barak and Alon Schuster, both members of Blue and White.
Furthermore, a report disseminated by Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem shared that the condition of an 89-year-old woman who was infected with coronavirus deteriorated overnight and she is considered in critical condition.
So far, as Netanyahu stressed, no one in Israel has died from the coronavirus.
On Thursday at 6 p.m., Israelis will applaud Israeli medical teams for two minutes by stepping out on their balconies or into their private gardens, front yards or open windows and cheering their efforts.
But not everyone is likely to be celebrating.
The news of increased restrictions was announced as the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said that Terminal 1 at Ben-Gurion Airport will close Wednesday until at least the end of April. Local flights from Ramon International Airport near Eilat, which usually arrive at Terminal 1, will now land at Terminal 3.
According to the IAA, there are currently only two daily flights operating between Ramon and Ben-Gurion Airport. On Monday, Israeli airline Arkia said it would be halting operations on the route until after the Passover holiday.
Some 5,891 flights to and from Israel have been cancelled in March alone, leading to a decline of approximately 1.2 million passengers. In January and February combined, a total of 530 flights were cancelled. Of the remaining 2,065 flights scheduled to fly before the end of the month, the IAA "expects many additional cancellations." Flights still operating are only 47% full on average, down from 76% earlier this year.
Confirming announcements made in recent weeks, Israeli airline El Al and its subsidiaries placed 5,500 employees on unpaid leave on Tuesday until May 31.
The Jerusalem Light Rail will also be reducing ride time. On Thursday it will operate only until 8 p.m. and cease working on the weekend entirely.
Shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange climbed slightly on Tuesday, recovering some of the heavy losses endured the day before as the novel coronavirus outbreak continued to instill fear in investors.
At the closing bell, the benchmark TA-35 index climbed 2.12%, and the TA-125 was up by 1.73%, with energy companies among those recording the most significant gains.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Netanyahu: This is a life or death situation


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--US preparing to call on military to boost coronavirus medical response

WASHINGTON - The White House is in talks with the Pentagon about how the military can be deployed to deal with the fast-moving coronavirus , US officials said on Tuesday , including setting up field hospitals in states with a surge in cases .
US Vice President Mike Pence told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday at the White House that the Army Corp could deploy field hospitals , known as `` MASH '' units ( mobile army surgical hospital ) or help renovate or expand existing hospitals .
Such units can be deployed very quickly at governors ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has been in talks with Washington state Governor Jay Inslee .
`` The Army Corp of Engineers is ready , willing and able .
We have to give them the go-ahead if we find that it 's going to be necessary , '' President Donald Trump said during the same briefing .
`` We think we can have quite a few units up very rapidly , '' he said , adding that he would work with the governors of New York and California .
In a New York times op-ed on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Trump to use the Army Corps of Engineers to build more medical facilities .
Cases topped 5,000 on Tuesday and the U.S. death toll was approaching 100 .
While the military has said it is willing to help , the Pentagon earlier appeared to play down the impact its resources could have in helping deal with coronavirus .
`` What we 're trying to be very careful about is not over-promising .
You know , we want be factual about what we have , '' Brigadier General Paul Friedrichs , Joint Staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Pentagon on Monday .
Friedrichs said that while the military had deployable hospitals , they were designed to take care of trauma patients and combat casualties .
`` We do n't have any 500 bed hospitals designed for infectious disease outbreaks .
That does not exist , '' he added .

WASHINGTON - The White House is in talks with the Pentagon about how the military can be deployed to deal with the fast-moving coronavirus, US officials said on Tuesday, including setting up field hospitals in states with a surge in cases.
US Vice President Mike Pence told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday at the White House that the Army Corp could deploy field hospitals, known as "MASH" units (mobile army surgical hospital) or help renovate or expand existing hospitals.
Such units can be deployed very quickly at governors' requests, Pence said, adding that he has been in talks with Washington state Governor Jay Inslee.
"The Army Corp of Engineers is ready, willing and able. We have to give them the go-ahead if we find that it's going to be necessary," President Donald Trump said during the same briefing.
"We think we can have quite a few units up very rapidly," he said, adding that he would work with the governors of New York and California.
In a New York times op-ed on Sunday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called on Trump to use the Army Corps of Engineers to build more medical facilities.
Cases topped 5,000 on Tuesday and the U.S. death toll was approaching 100.
While the military has said it is willing to help, the Pentagon earlier appeared to play down the impact its resources could have in helping deal with coronavirus.
"What we're trying to be very careful about is not over-promising. You know, we want be factual about what we have," Brigadier General Paul Friedrichs, Joint Staff surgeon, said during a press briefing at the Pentagon on Monday.
Friedrichs said that while the military had deployable hospitals, they were designed to take care of trauma patients and combat casualties.
"We don't have any 500 bed hospitals designed for infectious disease outbreaks. That does not exist," he added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Some US State Department employees have tested positive for coronavirus

WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that a handful of State Department employees across the @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus .

WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that a handful of State Department employees across the globe have tested positive for the new coronavirus.
"We've had a couple of employees, you can count them on one hand, who have positive tests," Pompeo told a State Department news briefing. "We've handled those exactly the way we're asking every American to respond to those wherever they find themselves in the world."


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Smotrich: Allowing Shin Bet to monitor Israelis 'slippery slope'

Transportaion Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed the nation on social media on Tuesday and said that he objected at first to @ @ @ @ @ monitor Israelis ' location using their phones as “ it really is a slippery slope @ @ @ @ @ his mind , seeing that the procedure has “ many oversights including criminal charges should @ @ @ @ @ other things.
” “ For me human rights and privacy are very important , ” @ @ @ @ @ this is a must.
” Smotrich also addressed the ongoing impact of the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ said that while nobody is interested in “ throwing away your money on ineffective companies @ @ @ @ @ to keep air traffic to Israel going despite the hardships due to the coronavirus regulations @ @ @ @ @ Israeli driving licenses will be renewed automatically with no need to pay fees or to @ @ @ @ @ ensure the car is in good working order .

Transportaion Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed the nation on social media on Tuesday and said that he objected at first to allowing the Shin Bet to monitor Israelis' location using their phones as “it really is a slippery slope” but he eventually changed his mind, seeing that the procedure has “many oversights including criminal charges should anyone use this information for other things.”
“For me human rights and privacy are very important,” he said, “but this is a must.”
Smotrich also addressed the ongoing impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Israeli economy and said that while nobody is interested in “throwing away your money on ineffective companies” there is a need to keep air traffic to Israel going despite the hardships due to the coronavirus regulations.
He added that all Israeli driving licenses will be renewed automatically with no need to pay fees or to head to a mechanic to ensure the car is in good working order.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Italy reports 345 new coronavirus deaths

ROME - The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has risen in the last 24 hours by @ @ @ @ @ increase of 16 % , the Civil Protection Agency said on Tuesday .
The total @ @ @ @ @ , the European country hardest hit by the virus , rose to 31,506 from a @ @ @ @ @ % , the slowest rate of increase since the contagion came to light on Feb. @ @ @ @ @ infected , 2,941 had fully recovered compared to 2,749 the day before .
Some 2,060 @ @ @ @ @ against a previous 1,851 .

ROME - The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has risen in the last 24 hours by 345 to 2,503, an increase of 16%, the Civil Protection Agency said on Tuesday.
The total number of cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, rose to 31,506 from a previous 27,980, up 12.6%, the slowest rate of increase since the contagion came to light on Feb. 21.
Of those originally infected, 2,941 had fully recovered compared to 2,749 the day before. Some 2,060 people were in intensive care against a previous 1,851.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Smotrich: People to use public transport only for what the gov’t wants

This means that some stops and routs will be changed or even cancelled .
Transportation Minister Betzalel Smotrich said on @ @ @ @ @ only be used as of now to allow people to leave the house to do @ @ @ @ @ are needed.This means that some stops and routs will be changed or even cancelled .
@ @ @ @ @ to be able to visit your parents during Shabat , ” he said , “ @ @ @ @ @ the virus.
” He added that those who study in religious schools should also be @ @ @ @ @ had been shut down .

This means that some stops and routs will be changed or even cancelled. Transportation Minister Betzalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that public transportation should only be used as of now to allow people to leave the house to do those things the government ruled are needed.This means that some stops and routs will be changed or even cancelled.
“You are not going to be able to visit your parents during Shabat,” he said, “you could infect them with the virus.”
He added that those who study in religious schools should also be at home because the schools had been shut down.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--England coronavirus deaths rise to 67, up 14 from Monday

LONDON - Another 14 people in England who tested positive for coronavirus have died , bringing total deaths in England @ @ @ @ @ said on Tuesday .
The patients were aged between 93 and 45 and had underlying @ @ @ @ @ .

LONDON - Another 14 people in England who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing total deaths in England to 67, NHS England said on Tuesday.
The patients were aged between 93 and 45 and had underlying health conditions, it added.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Soccer-Fifa should move 2021 World Cup dates - Infantino

MANCHESTER , England - Fifa President Gianni Infantino said world soccer 's top body should move the planned 2021 Club @ @ @ @ @ way for the postponed Euro 2020 Championship and the Copa America , which have both @ @ @ @ @ .
Infantino said in a statement on Tuesday that Fifa would hold a conference call @ @ @ @ @ should accept those changes from UEFA and CONMEBOL and decide whether the planned 24-team Club @ @ @ @ @ `` later in 2021 , in 2022 or in 2023 . ''

MANCHESTER, England - Fifa President Gianni Infantino said world soccer's top body should move the planned 2021 Club World Cup dates to make way for the postponed Euro 2020 Championship and the Copa America, which have both been pushed back a year.
Infantino said in a statement on Tuesday that Fifa would hold a conference call on Wednesday in which it should accept those changes from UEFA and CONMEBOL and decide whether the planned 24-team Club World Cup should be held "later in 2021, in 2022 or in 2023."


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Gantz to fight ‘with all our might’ against Likud’s coronavirus moves

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz vowed on Tuesday to fight “ with all our might ” the recent decisions @ @ @ @ @ the activities of the Knesset .
Calling these moves “ a dangerous precedence for democracy @ @ @ @ @ Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein are preventing the formation of a Finance @ @ @ @ @ would help offer support to business owners hurt because of coronavirus .
He added that @ @ @ @ @ halting the formation of a special COVID-19 committee to handle the national emergency and a @ @ @ @ @ Bet ’ s surveillance actions over Israelis suspected of contacting the virus or being near @ @ @ @ @ Likud argued that Blue and White demanded to enjoy a majority in Knesset committees as @ @ @ @ @ 61 MKs backing him to form a government .
Likud offered equal representation .

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz vowed on Tuesday to fight “with all our might” the recent decisions of the Likud party concerning the activities of the Knesset.
Calling these moves “a dangerous precedence for democracy” Gantz argued that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein are preventing the formation of a Finance Committee, which he claimed would help offer support to business owners hurt because of coronavirus. He added that Netanyahu and Edelstein are also halting the formation of a special COVID-19 committee to handle the national emergency and a Defense Committee to oversee Shin Bet’s surveillance actions over Israelis suspected of contacting the virus or being near people who might have.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Palestinian Authority gearing up for complete coronavirus quarantine

The Palestinian Authority reported on Tuesday it is gearing up to impose a complete quarantine to promote public health and @ @ @ @ @ , Walla reported .
Those who work in Israel will be given three days to @ @ @ @ @ changes and after that they will be expected to remain at home .
The report @ @ @ @ @ Palestinians avoid working at West Bank Jewish communities fearing coronavirus.Border crossing between the PA and @ @ @ @ @ limited to urgent cases only .

The Palestinian Authority reported on Tuesday it is gearing up to impose a complete quarantine to promote public health and fight the spread of COVID-19, Walla reported.
Those who work in Israel will be given three days to inform their employers about the changes and after that they will be expected to remain at home. The report includes a special request that Palestinians avoid working at West Bank Jewish communities fearing coronavirus.Border crossing between the PA and Jordan or Egypt will be limited to urgent cases only.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--IDF March draft asked not to bring families to base

Due to the new health regulations imposed on the nation because of coronavirus new recruits in the March drafts to @ @ @ @ @ to come to base without their families and to enlist in small groups , the @ @ @ @ @ .

Due to the new health regulations imposed on the nation because of coronavirus new recruits in the March drafts to the IDF will be asked to come to base without their families and to enlist in small groups, the IDF Spokesperson reported on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--High Court rejects freeze of Shin Bet surveillance, agrees to later hearing

Justice Noam Sohlberg ordered the state to respond to the petition to compel binding oversight of the Shin Bet involvement @ @ @ @ @ Shahar Ben Meir , in conjunction with the Movement for Digital Rights , filed the @ @ @ @ @ the court freeze Shin Bet surveillance until the Knesset signs off .
Further the petitioners @ @ @ @ @ any Shin Bet involvement should be the Shin Bet Law , which includes significant civil @ @ @ @ @ an emergency order , which contains fewer protections .
There has been significant controversy about @ @ @ @ @ Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have the authority to activate the Shin Bet to perform surveillance @ @ @ @ @ the Knesset giving its approval .

Justice Noam Sohlberg ordered the state to respond to the petition to compel binding oversight of the Shin Bet involvement by the Knesset.
Lawyer Shahar Ben Meir, in conjunction with the Movement for Digital Rights, filed the petition earlier Tuesday demanding that the court freeze Shin Bet surveillance until the Knesset signs off.
Further the petitioners said that the basis for any Shin Bet involvement should be the Shin Bet Law, which includes significant civil liberties protections, and not an emergency order, which contains fewer protections.
There has been significant controversy about whether the government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have the authority to activate the Shin Bet to perform surveillance of infected citizens prior to the Knesset giving its approval.
The High Court of Justice on Tuesday rejected a request to freeze the Shin Bet's surveillance of citizens infected with the coronavirus, but agreed to hold a hearing on the issue on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Saudi Arabia suspends prayers at mosques over coronavirus fears -SPA

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia will no longer allow Muslims to conduct their five daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayer @ @ @ @ @ efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus , state news agency SPA said on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ only at the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina , the holiest places in @ @ @ @ @ citing a decision from the Council of Senior Scholars , the kingdom 's highest religious @ @

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia will no longer allow Muslims to conduct their five daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayer inside mosques as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus, state news agency SPA said on Tuesday.
The prayers will continue only at the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina, the holiest places in Islam, SPA said, citing a decision from the Council of Senior Scholars, the kingdom's highest religious body.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Lapid: Netanyahu and Edelstein shut down democracy using coronavirus

Blue and White number two Yair Lapid slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on Tuesday alleging @ @ @ @ @ democracy in this country using the novel coronavirus as a reason .
“ As he @ @ @ @ @ have a majority in Knesset , he closed it , ” Lapid wrote on social @ @ @ @ @ is about to face trial , he closed down the courts.
” Courts closed due @ @ @ @ @ regulations and Netanyahu ’ s trial for alleged corruption was re-scheduled for May .
Lapid @ @ @ @ @ the means available in 2020 , there is no reason for Knesset members not to @ @ @ @ @ remotely to lower the risk of contracting COVID-19 .

Blue and White number two Yair Lapid slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on Tuesday alleging they decided to shut down democracy in this country using the novel coronavirus as a reason.
“As he (Netanyahu) did not have a majority in Knesset, he closed it,” Lapid wrote on social media. “As he is about to face trial, he closed down the courts.”
Courts closed due to the new Health Ministry regulations and Netanyahu’s trial for alleged corruption was re-scheduled for May.
Lapid also said that, with the means available in 2020, there is no reason for Knesset members not to vote remotely or hold sessions remotely to lower the risk of contracting COVID-19.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Edelstein vows to bring committee vote to Knesset if needed

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein vowed to bring the matter of an organizing committee to the Knesset for approval unless an @ @ @ @ @ and White is reached , he spoke on Tuesday as without such a committee there @ @ @ @ @ with forming Defense and Foreign Relations committees .
Edelstein also spoke about the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ not let anyone endanger the health of those who work at the Knesset .
Due @ @ @ @ @ the Knesset is nearly empty with MKs forced to work at a long distance from @ @ @ @ @ Allegedly , Interior Minister Arye Deri suggested to close the building down completely and MK @ @ @ @ @ should be conducted in the open air .

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein vowed to bring the matter of an organizing committee to the Knesset for approval unless an agreement between Likud and Blue and White is reached, he spoke on Tuesday as without such a committee there is no way to proceed with forming Defense and Foreign Relations committees.
Edelstein also spoke about the novel coronavirus and said that he will not let anyone endanger the health of those who work at the Knesset.
Due to the new restrictions, the Knesset is nearly empty with MKs forced to work at a long distance from one another or remotely.
Allegedly, Interior Minister Arye Deri suggested to close the building down completely and MK Miki Zohar offered that sessions should be conducted in the open air.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Brother of 2017 UK Manchester suicide bomber found guilty of murder - BBC

LONDON - The brother of the bomber who blew himself up at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in @ @ @ @ @ three years ago has been found guilty of murdering the 22 victims , the BBC @ @ @ @ @ Abedi , a 22-year-old Briton born to Libyan parents , detonated his bomb at Manchester @ @ @ @ @ a show by the US pop singer in May 2017 .
Among the dead were @ @ @ @ @ aged just eight .
Prosecutors had said his younger brother Hashem Abedi , was just @ @ @ @ @ by helping his sibling to carry out the attack .

LONDON - The brother of the bomber who blew himself up at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in the English city of Manchester three years ago has been found guilty of murdering the 22 victims, the BBC reported on Tuesday.
Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old Briton born to Libyan parents, detonated his bomb at Manchester Arena at the close of a show by the US pop singer in May 2017. Among the dead were seven children, the youngest aged just eight.
Prosecutors had said his younger brother Hashem Abedi, was just as guilty of the murders by helping his sibling to carry out the attack.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Bennett: Our enemy in the fight against coronavirus is bureaucracy

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett called the first meeting of the Emergency Time Economy team on Tuesday to discuss various scenarios @ @ @ @ @ measures to combat the novel coronavirus .
The minister remarked that the economy is not @ @ @ @ @ of emergency and the meeting is designed to discuss what would happen should it become @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We must be ahead of the novel coronavirus , ” he said , @ @ @ @ @ , bureaucracy and sluggishness.
” Bennett was careful to note that import to the country @ @ @ @ @ normal and the nation ’ s food reserves are fully stocked .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ ” he said , “ and we do not know how long it is going @ @ @ @

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett called the first meeting of the Emergency Time Economy team on Tuesday to discuss various scenarios as the nation announced tougher measures to combat the novel coronavirus.
The minister remarked that the economy is not yet officially in a state of emergency and the meeting is designed to discuss what would happen should it become needed to declare it so.
“We must be ahead of the novel coronavirus,” he said, “our enemies are slowness, bureaucracy and sluggishness.”
Bennett was careful to note that import to the country is still taking place as normal and the nation’s food reserves are fully stocked.
“We are entering into a tunnel,” he said, “and we do not know how long it is going to be.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--UK confirmed coronavirus cases rise 26% to 1,950 in past 24 hours

LONDON - British cases of coronavirus rose 26 % to 1,950 from 1,543 the day before , the health ministry @ @ @ @ @ first confirmed coronavirus case on Jan. 31 .
There have so far been 56 reported @ @ @ @ @ 9am on 17 March 2020 , 50,442 people have been tested in the UK , @ @ @ @ @ negative and 1,950 were confirmed as positive , '' the government said .

LONDON - British cases of coronavirus rose 26% to 1,950 from 1,543 the day before, the health ministry said.
Britain reported its first confirmed coronavirus case on Jan. 31. There have so far been 56 reported deaths.
"As of 9am on 17 March 2020, 50,442 people have been tested in the UK, of which 48,492 were confirmed negative and 1,950 were confirmed as positive," the government said.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Police open 72 cases against coronavirus quarantine violators

Police reported on Tuesday 72 criminal investigations were opened against Israelis who violated quarantine orders due to coronavirus and that @ @ @ @ @ to promote public health .
Nine criminal investigations are currently conducted against those who allegedly @ @ @ @ @ to public fears about the pandemic .
These are in addition to the 72 cases @ @ @ @ @ the police said that the overwhelming majority of citizens , 95 % was the figure @ @ @ @ @ .
Police is using house calls as well as phoning in and , when needed @ @ @ @ @ powers to monitor people ’ s phones to ensure those meant to stay indoors do @ @

Police reported on Tuesday 72 criminal investigations were opened against Israelis who violated quarantine orders due to coronavirus and that tougher measures will be used to promote public health.
Nine criminal investigations are currently conducted against those who allegedly spread fake news and contributed to public fears about the pandemic. These are in addition to the 72 cases mentioned.
A source within the police said that the overwhelming majority of citizens, 95% was the figure cited, obey the instructions.
Police is using house calls as well as phoning in and, when needed, using the new security powers to monitor people’s phones to ensure those meant to stay indoors do so.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--MK Touma-Suleiman calls for Arabs to be included in coronavirus fight

In an open letter sent on Tuesday to the Health Ministry , MK Touma-Suleiman requested more Arab-Israeli medical experts be @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus.She noted that while the Arabic translation of the ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Arabic-language service should be created to educate Arabs in the country on how to tackle @ @ @

In an open letter sent on Tuesday to the Health Ministry, MK Touma-Suleiman requested more Arab-Israeli medical experts be included in the media treatment of the novel coronavirus.She noted that while the Arabic translation of the ministry’s site improved, a specific Arabic-language service should be created to educate Arabs in the country on how to tackle the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--German CDU leadership contender Merz has coronavirus - spokesman

BERLIN - Germany 's Friedrich Merz , one of the most likely candidates to take over the leadership of Chancellor @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ( CDU ) , has tested positive for coronavirus .
A spokesman for Merz @ @ @ @ @ first published by the dpa news agency which quoted him as saying : `` A @ @ @ @ @ is positive .
I will stay at home in quarantine until the end of next @ @ @ @ @ has postponed a conference planned for late April to pick a new leader after Merkel @ @ @ @ @ month she would stand down .

BERLIN - Germany's Friedrich Merz, one of the most likely candidates to take over the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), has tested positive for coronavirus.
A spokesman for Merz on Tuesday confirmed a report first published by the dpa news agency which quoted him as saying: "A test carried out on Sunday is positive. I will stay at home in quarantine until the end of next week."
The party has postponed a conference planned for late April to pick a new leader after Merkel protege Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said last month she would stand down.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Islamic Sharia courts reduce their workload due to coronavirus

Justice Minister Amir Ohana signed emergency regulations on Tuesday that re-structure the proceedings of the Islamic Sharia legal courts operating @ @ @ @ @ the covornavirus , this is the first time in the nation ’ s history this @ @ @ @ @ protocols will begin on Tuesday and last until March 22 , during which time only @ @ @ @ @ by the courts as well as acts meant to maintain the status quo , for @ @ @ @ @ Urgent requests to get married or get divorced will be handled by the courts .

Justice Minister Amir Ohana signed emergency regulations on Tuesday that re-structure the proceedings of the Islamic Sharia legal courts operating in the country due to the covornavirus, this is the first time in the nation’s history this has happened.
The emergency protocols will begin on Tuesday and last until March 22, during which time only urgent requests will be handled by the courts as well as acts meant to maintain the status quo, for example, child custody.
Urgent requests to get married or get divorced will be handled by the courts.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Joint List: Netanyahu is using coronavirus to shut down Knesset

Joint List MK Ahmed Tibi said on Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using coronavirus as a reason to @ @ @ @ @ The pro-Netanyahu bloc wishes to shut down the Knesset saying that we have a COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Tibi further argued that Interior Minister Arye Deri wanted to close down @ @ @ @ @ White meeting with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on Knesset committees ended in a clash because @ @ @ @ @ Blue and White wants its 61-58 block advantage in the various committees , plus Blue @ @ @ @ @ trying to use COVID-19 for political gain , channel 12 reported .

“The pro-Netanyahu bloc wishes to shut down the Knesset saying that we have a COVID-19 [situation],” he said. Tibi further argued that Interior Minister Arye Deri wanted to close down the entire Knesset building.Likud-Blue and White meeting with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on Knesset committees ended in a clash because Likud wants equal representation and Blue and White wants its 61-58 block advantage in the various committees, plus Blue and White accuses Likud of trying to use COVID-19 for political gain, channel 12 reported.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Health Ministry puts country on almost total shut down - new restrictions

“ We started today using the digital technology that detects those who come in contact with coronavirus patients , ” Netanyahu said in a press briefing .
“ We will send these people into isolation .
These will be large numbers .
Isolation is not a recommendation - it is mandatory , and we will enforce it without compromise . ''
He likewise committed to “ dramatically ” increasing the number of people tested for coronavirus to the largest number per capita in the world .
Netanyahu said that he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 tests to be taken per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That country tests around 15,000 people per day and has a population around five times larger than Israel ’ s .
The prime minister also noted that hospitals are upgrading to be able to handle more sick patients , including that the country has purchased 1,000 additional ventilators to treat those who fall victim to the virus , which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia .
“ I am happy to report that , as of now , not a single Israeli has died , ” Netanyahu said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation going forward .
`` I ask for discipline and responsibility , ” he continued .
“ All of these steps will not help if there is no discipline and responsibility on your part .
I can sadly say that there are many of you that still don ’ t understand the level of danger we are facing .
This is not children ’ s play .
This is a matter of life or death .
“ Love is keeping your distance , ” he concluded .
The bottom line of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave their homes unless `` absolutely necessary . ''
`` Do not leave your home , '' said Health Ministry director general Moshe Bar Siman Tov in a video message to the public .
`` Only go to work ... or to purchase essential items , such as groceries , medicine or the like . ''
Visiting parks , beaches , pools , libraries and museums is now prohibited as are all social interactions , which the ministry said should be conducted on the phone or by other digital means .
Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled effective immediately .
Elderly people and those with respiratory conditions or weak immune systems should not leave their homes nor should they invite guests over .
One day after Netanyahu told citizens that the public sector would work in emergency mode but that the private sector could operate at 70 % , the new restrictions require that all work that can be done should be done from home .
If one does have to go into work , all businesses should ensure that employees keep two meters from each other , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dental procedures should be rescheduled unless it is an emergency .
Delivery services may only bring deliveries to the front door .
`` Safeguard yourself , '' said Bar Siman Tov .
`` Anywhere you go there could be a person with coronavirus .
You could be infected and put others at risk… Our ability to beat coronavirus is largely dependent on you . ''
Bar Siman Tov predicted that the number of sick people in Israel will grow exponentially even in the coming days .
He said that we could see “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 sick people per day ” and that the country could end up in a situation where “ hundreds of people are diagnosed daily , and some people will die.
” Like Netanyahu , the Health Ministry stressed that the new restrictions were necessary because Israelis failed to stay home and follow its instructions .
The day after it encouraged people not to gather in groups of 10 or more , the streets were full of passerby and beaches crowded with sunbathers and other visitors .
“ Stay at home , ” Bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t visit grandma and grandpa .
I say this with a heavy heart : the way to protect our parents and grandparents is not to go visit them.
” HOWEVER , as part of the new system , some Israelis will actually be encouraged to leave their homes - even those already in isolation - as Israel rolls out its first 24-hour drive-through coronavirus testing station in Tel Aviv on Wednesday , with five more expected to open soon after in Haifa , Jerusalem , Petah Tikva , Rishon Lezion and Beersheba .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test thousands of Israelis per day , according to Magen David Adom .
Citizens will arrive at these new drive-through complexes in their private vehicles and the sample will be taken while they 're sitting in the car .
The complexes will be in open areas , which will allow for continuous entry and exit of vehicles , such as parking for football fields and parking lots .
They will be staffed by teams of MDA EMTs and paramedics , members of the Israeli police and security guards .
All staff will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A release by the organization explained that anyone approved by a physician to be sampled will receive an SMS message with the details and will be asked to arrive at the testing center at a specific time .
He or she will undergo an identification process , be tested and then drive directly home .
Patients who are unable to access the complex without the use of public transport will be able to do the sampling in their home , as it has been done so far .
On Monday , MDA paramedics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase from the daily average of 750 tests .
Until now , MDA has taken around 7,000 tests .
OF THE 337 Israelis who had coronavirus at press time , five of them are in critical condition , according to the Health Ministry .
In addition , 10 people are in moderate condition and 311 have mild cases of the virus , according to the ministry report .
The rate of people in critical condition ( 1.5 % ) in Israel is lower than the world average , where around 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , as Channel 12 explained , Israel is at a tipping point .
In Spain , for example , on March 6 there were 401 sick people and 10 days later , on March 16 , there were 9,942 infected , including more than 500 dead .
Some 234 people are hospitalized , 20 are expected to be hospitalized and 64 patients are being treated in home isolation .
For the other patients , a treatment plan has not been decided .
Eight patients were transferred on Tuesday to Tel Aviv 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same day by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett .
Tomorrow , a similar coronavirus hotel will open in Jerusalem , and Sheba Medical Center will open a new 40-bed coronavirus isolation unit in a space that was formerly used as a parking lot .
Some 50,337 people are in isolation .
Eleven Israelis have recovered from COVID-19 .
Among the sick are three people who work in the Central Laboratory for Detecting Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer .
On Monday , the lab was shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new diagnoses include two additional staff members , Kan news reported .
On Sunday night , a senior doctor at Ichilov Hospital was reported by Ynet to have contracted the virus .
All the patients in her unit – many of them senior citizens – had to be tested and transferred to another unit , and her staff was sent home to self-isolate .
The next morning , an intern in the hospital ’ s urology department also tested positive for coronavirus .
In addition , the IDF confirmed that patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the north of the country .
She is in mild condition .
The IDF Medical Corps and the Health Ministry are together conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and will share that information soon .
Furthermore , a report disseminated by Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem 's Ein Kerem shared that the condition of an 89-year-old woman who was infected with coronavirus deteriorated overnight and she is considered in critical condition .
So far , as Netanyahu stressed , no one in Israel has died from the coronavirus .
On Thursday at 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams for two minutes by stepping out on their balconies or into their private gardens , front yards or open windows and cheering their efforts .
But not everyone is likely to be celebrating .
According to the IAA , there are currently only two daily flights operating between Ramon and Ben-Gurion Airport .
On Monday , Israeli airline Arkia said it would be halting operations on the route until after the Passover holiday .
Some 5,891 flights to and from Israel have been cancelled in March alone , leading to a decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January and February combined , a total of 530 flights were cancelled .
Of the remaining 2,065 flights scheduled to fly before the end of the month , the IAA `` expects many additional cancellations . ''
Flights still operating are only 47 % full on average , down from 76 % earlier this year .
Confirming announcements made in recent weeks , Israeli airline El Al and its subsidiaries placed 5,500 employees on unpaid leave on Tuesday until May 31 .
The Jerusalem Light Rail will also be reducing ride time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 p.m. and cease working on the weekend entirely .
Shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange climbed slightly on Tuesday , recovering some of the heavy losses endured the day before as the novel coronavirus outbreak continued to instill fear in investors .
At the closing bell , the benchmark TA-35 index climbed 2.12 % , and the TA-125 was up by 1.73 % , with energy companies among those recording the most significant gains .

The government rolled out a new set of restrictions on the Israeli population Tuesday, after which the number of coronavirus patients increased to 427 on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised there would be a dramatic increase in the number of sick people detected, tests taken and hospital equipment available to serve the infected.
“We started today using the digital technology that detects those who come in contact with coronavirus patients,” Netanyahu said in a press briefing. “We will send these people into isolation. These will be large numbers. Isolation is not a recommendation - it is mandatory, and we will enforce it without compromise."
He likewise committed to “dramatically” increasing the number of people tested for coronavirus to the largest number per capita in the world. Netanyahu said that he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 tests to be taken per day, comparing Israel to South Korea. That country tests around 15,000 people per day and has a population around five times larger than Israel’s.
The prime minister also noted that hospitals are upgrading to be able to handle more sick patients, including that the country has purchased 1,000 additional ventilators to treat those who fall victim to the virus, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia.
“I am happy to report that, as of now, not a single Israeli has died,” Netanyahu said, “but sadly this will not be the situation going forward.
"I ask for discipline and responsibility,” he continued. “All of these steps will not help if there is no discipline and responsibility on your part. I can sadly say that there are many of you that still don’t understand the level of danger we are facing. This is not children’s play. This is a matter of life or death.
“Love is keeping your distance,” he concluded.
The bottom line of these new restrictions: Israelis are not allowed to leave their homes unless "absolutely necessary."
"Do not leave your home," said Health Ministry director general Moshe Bar Siman Tov in a video message to the public. "Only go to work... or to purchase essential items, such as groceries, medicine or the like."
Visiting parks, beaches, pools, libraries and museums is now prohibited as are all social interactions, which the ministry said should be conducted on the phone or by other digital means. Group sports and workout classes are also all cancelled effective immediately.
Elderly people and those with respiratory conditions or weak immune systems should not leave their homes nor should they invite guests over.
One day after Netanyahu told citizens that the public sector would work in emergency mode but that the private sector could operate at 70%, the new restrictions require that all work that can be done should be done from home. If one does have to go into work, all businesses should ensure that employees keep two meters from each other, and that good hygiene is maintained.
All dental procedures should be rescheduled unless it is an emergency.
Delivery services may only bring deliveries to the front door.
"Safeguard yourself," said Bar Siman Tov. "Anywhere you go there could be a person with coronavirus. You could be infected and put others at risk… Our ability to beat coronavirus is largely dependent on you."
Bar Siman Tov predicted that the number of sick people in Israel will grow exponentially even in the coming days. He said that we could see “as early as tomorrow, at least 100 sick people per day” and that the country could end up in a situation where “hundreds of people are diagnosed daily, and some people will die.”
Like Netanyahu, the Health Ministry stressed that the new restrictions were necessary because Israelis failed to stay home and follow its instructions. The day after it encouraged people not to gather in groups of 10 or more, the streets were full of passerby and beaches crowded with sunbathers and other visitors.
“Stay at home,” Bar Siman Tov reiterated. “Don’t visit grandma and grandpa. I say this with a heavy heart: the way to protect our parents and grandparents is not to go visit them.”
HOWEVER, as part of the new system, some Israelis will actually be encouraged to leave their homes - even those already in isolation - as Israel rolls out its first 24-hour drive-through coronavirus testing station in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, with five more expected to open soon after in Haifa, Jerusalem, Petah Tikva, Rishon Lezion and Beersheba.
The new system will allow the country to test thousands of Israelis per day, according to Magen David Adom.
Citizens will arrive at these new drive-through complexes in their private vehicles and the sample will be taken while they're sitting in the car.
The complexes will be in open areas, which will allow for continuous entry and exit of vehicles, such as parking for football fields and parking lots. They will be staffed by teams of MDA EMTs and paramedics, members of the Israeli police and security guards. All staff will be dressed in full anti-infection gear.
A release by the organization explained that anyone approved by a physician to be sampled will receive an SMS message with the details and will be asked to arrive at the testing center at a specific time. He or she will undergo an identification process, be tested and then drive directly home.
Patients who are unable to access the complex without the use of public transport will be able to do the sampling in their home, as it has been done so far.
On Monday, MDA paramedics took samples from 1,085 people nationwide, an increase from the daily average of 750 tests. Until now, MDA has taken around 7,000 tests.
OF THE 337 Israeli at press time on Tuesday who had coronavirus at press time, five of them are in critical condition, according to the Health Ministry.
In addition, 10 people are in moderate condition and 311 have mild cases of the virus, according to the ministry report.
The rate of people in critical condition (1.5%) in Israel is lower than the world average, where around 5% of patients are in critical condition. However, as Channel 12 explained, Israel is at a tipping point. In Spain, for example, on March 6 there were 401 sick people and 10 days later, on March 16, there were 9,942 infected, including more than 500 dead.
Some 234 people are hospitalized, 20 are expected to be hospitalized and 64 patients are being treated in home isolation. For the other patients, a treatment plan has not been decided.
Eight patients were transferred on Tuesday to Tel Aviv's first recovery hotel, which was inaugurated the same day by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett. Tomorrow, a similar coronavirus hotel will open in Jerusalem, and Sheba Medical Center will open a new 40-bed coronavirus isolation unit in a space that was formerly used as a parking lot.
Some 50,337 people are in isolation. Eleven Israelis have recovered from COVID-19.
Among the sick are three people who work in the Central Laboratory for Detecting Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. On Monday, the lab was shut down because its deputy director-general became infected. The new diagnoses include two additional staff members, Kan news reported. Among the sick are three people who work in the Central Laboratory for Detecting Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. On Monday, the lab was shut down because its deputy director-general became infected. The new diagnoses include two additional staff members, Kan news reported.
On Sunday night, a senior doctor at Ichilov Hospital was reported by Ynet to have contracted the virus. All the patients in her unit – many of them senior citizens – had to be tested and transferred to another unit, and her staff was sent home to self-isolate. The next morning, an intern in the hospital’s urology department also tested positive for coronavirus.
In addition, the IDF confirmed that patients No. 273, 335 and 336 are soldiers, one from the north of the country and the other two a couple from the center of the country. The IDF Medical Corps and the Health Ministry are together conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and will share that information soon.
Two other MKs are in isolation: Ram Ben Barak and Alon Schuster, both members of Blue and White. MK Tzachi Hanegbi refrained from attending the Knesset swearing in ceremony on Monday because he feared he had been in contact with someone who might have coronavirus. Hanegbi went into isolation but was released on Tuesday when his test came back negative.Two other MKs are in isolation: Ram Ben Barak and Alon Schuster, both members of Blue and White.
Furthermore, a report disseminated by Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem shared that the condition of an 89-year-old woman who was infected with coronavirus deteriorated overnight and she is considered in critical condition.
So far, as Netanyahu stressed, no one in Israel has died from the coronavirus.
On Thursday at 6 p.m., Israelis will applaud Israeli medical teams for two minutes by stepping out on their balconies or into their private gardens, front yards or open windows and cheering their efforts.
But not everyone is likely to be celebrating.
The news of increased restrictions was announced as the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said that Terminal 1 at Ben-Gurion Airport will close Wednesday until at least the end of April. Local flights from Ramon International Airport near Eilat, which usually arrive at Terminal 1, will now land at Terminal 3.
According to the IAA, there are currently only two daily flights operating between Ramon and Ben-Gurion Airport. On Monday, Israeli airline Arkia said it would be halting operations on the route until after the Passover holiday.
Some 5,891 flights to and from Israel have been cancelled in March alone, leading to a decline of approximately 1.2 million passengers. In January and February combined, a total of 530 flights were cancelled. Of the remaining 2,065 flights scheduled to fly before the end of the month, the IAA "expects many additional cancellations." Flights still operating are only 47% full on average, down from 76% earlier this year.
Confirming announcements made in recent weeks, Israeli airline El Al and its subsidiaries placed 5,500 employees on unpaid leave on Tuesday until May 31.
The Jerusalem Light Rail will also be reducing ride time. On Thursday it will operate only until 8 p.m. and cease working on the weekend entirely.
Shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange climbed slightly on Tuesday, recovering some of the heavy losses endured the day before as the novel coronavirus outbreak continued to instill fear in investors.
At the closing bell, the benchmark TA-35 index climbed 2.12%, and the TA-125 was up by 1.73%, with energy companies among those recording the most significant gains.


jerusalempost--2020-03-17--Orly Levy-Abecassis asks to split from Labor-Gesher-Meretz

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MK Orly Levy-Abecassis filed a request with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on Tuesday, asking to break off from the seven-MK Labor-Gesher-Meretz faction and serve as a faction by herself.This would be permitted by law, because Gesher is an individual party. Normally, a third of a faction is required for a split.The request will only come to a vote when a Knesset House Committee is formed.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--First Israeli judge diagnosed with coronavirus

A judge in the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court has been diagnosed with coronavirus, the Health Ministry said Wednesday.This is the first judge in Israel to be infected with the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--State of emergency declared in Ukraine's Kiev region over coronavirus

KIEV - Ukraine's government on Wednesday imposed a state of emergency in the capital Kiev region to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said at a televised cabinet meeting.Ukraine has fourteen confirmed coronavirus cases, including two deaths, as of March 18. It was not immediately clear what extra measures might be imposed as a result of the emergency being declared. Ukraine has already imposed nationwide restrictions on shops, restaurants and transport.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus deaths in Spain rise to 558, 13,716 confirmed cases

MADRID - Spain's tally of coronavirus cases rose to 13,716 on Wednesday and the number of fatalities rose to 558, said Fernando Simon, the head of the country’s health emergency center.He said the number of cases rose from a previous tally of 11,178 cases and 491 fatalities on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus deaths in Iran reach 1,135 - Iranian state TV

DUBAI - Iran's death toll from the coronavirus climbed to 1,135 with 147 new deaths in the past 24 hours, a health ministry official told state TV on Wednesday, adding that the total number of infected people across the country had reached 17,361."Unfortunately there were 1,192 cases of infected people in the past 24 hours ... please follow the guidelines and stay at home," Iran's Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi told TV.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus cases in Indonesia up by 55 to 227 total, biggest daily rise

JAKARTA - Indonesia announced on Wednesday 55 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 227 in the Southeast Asian nation and marking the biggest daily rise in positive cases.Achmad Yurianto, a health ministry official, also told a news conference that the number of deaths from the disease rose to 19, with deaths recorded in seven different provinces, while 11 patients had recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Rouhani: Iran responded, will respond to assassination of Soleimani

DUBAI - President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday Iran has responded, and will respond, to America's assassination of Major-General Qassem Soleimani, the Revolutionary Guards commander killed in a US drone strike in Iraq in January.Rouhani was speaking following a Cabinet meeting that was broadcast on state television.Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, was instrumental in expanding Iran's military influence in the Middle East as the operative who handles clandestine operations outside Iran. The 62-year-old general was regarded as the second-most powerful figure in Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei."The Americans assassinated our great commander. We have responded to that terrorist act and will respond to it," Rouhani said in a televised speech.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--IDF: Two of the new coronavirus cases are soldiers

The IDF announced on Wednesday morning that cases 335 and 336 of coronavirus in Israel are a couple, both of which serve in the army past their required service.The man is in his 30's and the woman is in her 20's. Along with these two additions, the IDF has reported a total of nine soldiers who tested positive for coronavirus as of yet.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--427 people sick with coronavirus in Israel

“ We started today using the digital technology that detects those who come in contact with coronavirus patients , ” Netanyahu said in a press briefing .
“ We will send these people into isolation .
These will be large numbers .
Isolation is not a recommendation - it is mandatory , and we will enforce it without compromise . ''
He likewise committed to “ dramatically ” increasing the number of people tested for coronavirus to the largest number per capita in the world .
Netanyahu said that he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 tests to be taken per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That country tests around 15,000 people per day and has a population around five times larger than Israel ’ s .
The prime minister also noted that hospitals are upgrading to be able to handle more sick patients , including that the country has purchased 1,000 additional ventilators to treat those who fall victim to the virus , which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia .
“ I am happy to report that , as of now , not a single Israeli has died , ” Netanyahu said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation going forward .
`` I ask for discipline and responsibility , ” he continued .
“ All of these steps will not help if there is no discipline and responsibility on your part .
I can sadly say that there are many of you that still don ’ t understand the level of danger we are facing .
This is not children ’ s play .
This is a matter of life or death .
“ Love is keeping your distance , ” he concluded .
The bottom line of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave their homes unless `` absolutely necessary . ''
`` Do not leave your home , '' said Health Ministry director general Moshe Bar Siman Tov in a video message to the public .
`` Only go to work ... or to purchase essential items , such as groceries , medicine or the like . ''
Visiting parks , beaches , pools , libraries and museums is now prohibited as are all social interactions , which the ministry said should be conducted on the phone or by other digital means .
Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled effective immediately .
Elderly people and those with respiratory conditions or weak immune systems should not leave their homes nor should they invite guests over .
One day after Netanyahu told citizens that the public sector would work in emergency mode but that the private sector could operate at 70 % , the new restrictions require that all work that can be done should be done from home .
If one does have to go into work , all businesses should ensure that employees keep two meters from each other , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dental procedures should be rescheduled unless it is an emergency .
Delivery services may only bring deliveries to the front door .
`` Safeguard yourself , '' said Bar Siman Tov .
`` Anywhere you go there could be a person with coronavirus .
You could be infected and put others at risk… Our ability to beat coronavirus is largely dependent on you . ''
Bar Siman Tov predicted that the number of sick people in Israel will grow exponentially even in the coming days .
He said that we could see “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 sick people per day ” and that the country could end up in a situation where “ hundreds of people are diagnosed daily , and some people will die.
” Like Netanyahu , the Health Ministry stressed that the new restrictions were necessary because Israelis failed to stay home and follow its instructions .
The day after it encouraged people not to gather in groups of 10 or more , the streets were full of passerby and beaches crowded with sunbathers and other visitors .
“ Stay at home , ” Bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t visit grandma and grandpa .
I say this with a heavy heart : the way to protect our parents and grandparents is not to go visit them.
” HOWEVER , as part of the new system , some Israelis will actually be encouraged to leave their homes - even those already in isolation - as Israel rolls out its first 24-hour drive-through coronavirus testing station in Tel Aviv on Wednesday , with five more expected to open soon after in Haifa , Jerusalem , Petah Tikva , Rishon Lezion and Beersheba .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test thousands of Israelis per day , according to Magen David Adom .
Citizens will arrive at these new drive-through complexes in their private vehicles and the sample will be taken while they 're sitting in the car .
The complexes will be in open areas , which will allow for continuous entry and exit of vehicles , such as parking for football fields and parking lots .
They will be staffed by teams of MDA EMTs and paramedics , members of the Israeli police and security guards .
All staff will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A release by the organization explained that anyone approved by a physician to be sampled will receive an SMS message with the details and will be asked to arrive at the testing center at a specific time .
He or she will undergo an identification process , be tested and then drive directly home .
Patients who are unable to access the complex without the use of public transport will be able to do the sampling in their home , as it has been done so far .
On Monday , MDA paramedics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase from the daily average of 750 tests .
Until now , MDA has taken around 7,000 tests .
OF THE 337 Israeli at press time on Tuesday who had coronavirus at press time , five of them are in critical condition , according to the Health Ministry .
In addition , 10 people are in moderate condition and 311 have mild cases of the virus , according to the ministry report .
The rate of people in critical condition ( 1.5 % ) in Israel is lower than the world average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in critical condition .
However , as Channel 12 explained , Israel is at a tipping point .
In Spain , for example , on March 6 there were 401 sick people and 10 days later , on March 16 , there were 9,942 infected , including more than 500 dead .
Some 234 people are hospitalized , 20 are expected to be hospitalized and 64 patients are being treated in home isolation .
For the other patients , a treatment plan has not been decided .
Eight patients were transferred on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel , which was inaugurated the same day by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett .
Tomorrow , a similar coronavirus hotel will open in Jerusalem , and Sheba Medical Center will open a new 40-bed coronavirus isolation unit in a space that was formerly used as a parking lot .
Some 50,337 people are in isolation .
Eleven Israelis have recovered from COVID-19 .
Among the sick are three people who work in the Central Laboratory for Detecting Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer .
On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its deputy director-general became infected .
The new diagnoses include two additional staff members , Kan news reported .
On Sunday night , a senior doctor at Ichilov Hospital was reported by Ynet to have contracted the virus .
All the patients in her unit – many of them senior citizens – had to be tested and transferred to another unit , and her staff was sent home to self-isolate .
The next morning , an intern in the hospital ’ s urology department also tested positive for coronavirus .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 273 , 335 and 336 are soldiers , one from the north of the country and the other two a couple from the center of the country .
The IDF Medical Corps and the Health Ministry are together conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and will share that information soon .
Furthermore , a report disseminated by Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem 's Ein Kerem shared that the condition of an 89-year-old woman who was infected with coronavirus deteriorated overnight and she is considered in critical condition .
So far , as Netanyahu stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus .
On Thursday at 6 p.m. , Israelis will applaud Israeli medical teams for two minutes by stepping out on their balconies or into their private gardens , front yards or open windows and cheering their efforts .
But not everyone is likely to be celebrating .
According to the IAA , there are currently only two daily flights operating between Ramon and Ben-Gurion Airport .
On Monday , Israeli airline Arkia said it would be halting operations on the route until after the Passover holiday .
Some 5,891 flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March alone , leading to a decline of approximately 1.2 million passengers .
In January and February combined , a total of 530 flights were cancelled .
Of the remaining 2,065 flights scheduled to fly before the end of the month , the IAA `` expects many additional cancellations . ''
Flights still operating are only 47 % full on average , down from 76 % earlier this year .
Confirming announcements made in recent weeks , Israeli airline El Al and its subsidiaries placed 5,500 employees on unpaid leave on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rail will also be reducing ride time .
On Thursday it will operate only until 8 p.m. and cease working on the weekend entirely .
Shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange climbed slightly on Tuesday , recovering some of the heavy losses endured the day before as the novel coronavirus outbreak continued to instill fear in investors .
At the closing bell , the benchmark TA-35 index climbed 2.12 % , and the TA-125 was up by 1.73 % , with energy companies among those recording the most significant gains .


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Mexico yet to see formal US  plan to deport migrants due to coronavirus

The Mexican government has not yet received a formal proposal from the United States about migrants in that country being @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , Mexico 's foreign ministry said a brief statement late on Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ analyze the reach of such a proposal and act in defense of its interests as @ @ @ @ @ health and human rights .
`` Mexico is strictly following WHO protocols to limit negative @ @ @ @ @ is collaborating with international authorities to mitigate impact , '' their government announced Tuesday night @

The Mexican government has not yet received a formal proposal from the United States about migrants in that country being returned to Mexico due to coronavirus, Mexico's foreign ministry said a brief statement late on Tuesday.
The statement added that Mexico would analyze the reach of such a proposal and act in defense of its interests as well as considerations including public health and human rights.
"Mexico is strictly following WHO protocols to limit negative impact of the coronavirus and is collaborating with international authorities to mitigate impact," their government announced Tuesday night.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--South Korea coronavirus cases on downward trend

SEOUL - South Korea reported 93 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday , maintaining a downward trend in daily infections , @ @ @ @ @ around small clusters persisted .
The daily tally marked the fourth day in a row @ @ @ @ @ fewer than 100 new infections , although slightly up from 84 recorded the day before @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) .
It brought South Korea 's @ @ @ @ @ the KCDC said .
The death toll rose by three to 84 .
The downward @ @ @ @ @ raised hopes that Asia 's largest epidemic outside China may be abating , but authorities @ @ @ @ @ of infections reported over the past few weeks .

SEOUL - South Korea reported 93 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, maintaining a downward trend in daily infections, but concerns about new outbreaks around small clusters persisted.
The daily tally marked the fourth day in a row that the country has posted fewer than 100 new infections, although slightly up from 84 recorded the day before, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It brought South Korea's total infections to 8,413, the KCDC said. The death toll rose by three to 84.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Colombia orders senior citizens to self-isolate from March 20

BOGOTA - Colombia 's government will enforce mass home isolation for the elderly from Friday , President Ivan Duque said @ @ @ @ @ country takes ever stricter measures to stop the spread of the Governments on every continent @ @ @ @ @ halting travel to stopping sport and are scrambling to contain the economic impact as the @ @ @ @ @ , has spread across the world .
More than 187,000 people have been infected and @ @ @ @ @

BOGOTA - Colombia's government will enforce mass home isolation for the elderly from Friday, President Ivan Duque said on Tuesday, as the country takes ever stricter measures to stop the spread of the
coronavirus
Governments on every continent have implemented containment measures from halting travel to stopping sport and are scrambling to contain the economic impact as the disease, which originated in China, has spread across the world.
More than 187,000 people have been infected and nearly 7,500 have died.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Mainland China reports 13 new confirmed cases of coronavirus

BEIJING - Mainland China had 13 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the country's National Health Commission said, down from 21 cases a day earlier.That brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,894, the health authority said in a statement on Wednesday.The death toll from the outbreak in mainland China had reached 3,237 as of the end of Tuesday, up by 11 from the previous day.In the central province of Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak in China, there were 11 new deaths, with the provincial capital of Wuhan accounting for 10 of the fatalities.The number of imported cases of the virus in mainland China reached 155 as of Tuesday, up 12 from a day earlier.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--US congressman Diaz-Balart tests positive for coronavirus

Diaz-Balart , a Florida Democrat , said in a statement he has been self-quarantining in Washington since Friday and has @ @ @ @ @ because his wife 's pre-existing conditions put her at exceptionally high risk .
The congressman @ @ @ @ @ and headache on Saturday evening and was notified `` a short while ago '' that @ @ @ @

Diaz-Balart, a Florida Democrat, said in a statement he has been self-quarantining in Washington since Friday and has not returned home to Florida because his wife's pre-existing conditions put her at exceptionally high risk. The congressman said he developed a fever and headache on Saturday evening and was notified "a short while ago" that he tested positive.
US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart said on Wednesday he has tested positive for the coronavirus after developing symptoms of the disease.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Costa Rica reports first death due to coronavirus

`` At 4:15 p.m. the first person in Costa Rica died as a result of COVID-19 , a senior citizen @ @ @ @ @ Carlos Alvarado wrote in a post on Twitter .
`` We stand in solidarity with @ @ @ @ @ and with solidarity will we pass through this national emergency . ''

"At 4:15 p.m. the first person in Costa Rica died as a result of COVID-19, a senior citizen," Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado wrote in a post on Twitter. "We stand in solidarity with his family... Only together and with solidarity will we pass through this national emergency."
The Costa Rican health ministry said on Wednesday that it had reported its first death due to coronavirus, an 87-year-old man who had been hospitalized west of the capital.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Turkey reports second death, cases increase to 191

Turkey announced late on Wednesday a second death related to the coronavirus, a 61-year-old man, and said that the number of confirmed cases had nearly doubled to 191 from 98 a day earlier."The test results today show that measures are very necessary. There are 93 new diagnosed case for which treatment has begun," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca wrote on Twitter. The number of cases had similarly doubled the previous day.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--J.P. Morgan to close 1,000 Chase branches on coronavirus concerns

Beginning Thursday , only the drive-up window will be open at many of the largest U.S. bank 's branches , as JPMorgan Chase became the first national lender to temporarily close operations as a precaution against the escalating health crisis .
The bank said it will pay its branch employees for their regularly-scheduled hours , even if the hours they work are reduced or the branch where they work is closed .
Business bankers and home lending advisors who work at branches have the ability to work from home , according to the memo .
The bank is also offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and consumer banking division who still have to work from the office , and is relaxing the dress code , allowing staff to work in T-shirts and sneakers .
Employees will also receive two additional paid days off , and will allow employees who had left-over vacation from 2019 to use that paid leave before June .
Thasunda Duckett , chief executive officer of Chase Consumer Banking , said that the bank is balancing `` the fact that we are essential to the communities we serve '' with the need to protect employees @

JPMorgan Chase and Co will temporarily shut about 1,000 bank branches, roughly 20%, to protect employees and reduce the spread of the coronavirus, according to a memo the bank sent to employees Wednesday.
Beginning Thursday, only the drive-up window will be open at many of the largest U.S. bank's branches, as JPMorgan Chase became the first national lender to temporarily close operations as a precaution against the escalating health crisis.
The bank said it will pay its branch employees for their regularly-scheduled hours, even if the hours they work are reduced or the branch where they work is closed. Business bankers and home lending advisors who work at branches have the ability to work from home, according to the memo.
The bank is also offering free meals to employees of the community and consumer banking division who still have to work from the office, and is relaxing the dress code, allowing staff to work in T-shirts and sneakers.
Employees will also receive two additional paid days off, and will allow employees who had left-over vacation from 2019 to use that paid leave before June.
Thasunda Duckett, chief executive officer of Chase Consumer Banking, said that the bank is balancing "the fact that we are essential to the communities we serve" with the need to protect employees.
"We are doing everything we can to step up for our country, our customers and for all of you," Duckett wrote in the memo.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Iran to pardon 10,000 prisoners, including political ones, for New Year

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pardon 10,000 prisoners including political ones in honor of the Iranian new year, state TV reported on Wednesday."Those who will be pardoned will not return to jail ... almost half of those security-related prisoners will be pardoned as well," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told state TV.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--MKs Cassif, Horowitz claim no other parliament has shut down

Hadash MKs Ofer Cassif and Meretz MK Nitzan Horowitz each filed requests to the Knesset information center to find out @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
They were informed on Wednesday that the center did not find any other @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary system due to coronavirus.Cassif slammed Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein saying that an “ emergency @ @ @ @ @ ensure absolute power for a tyrannical government .
”

Hadash MKs Ofer Cassif and Meretz MK Nitzan Horowitz each filed requests to the Knesset information center to find out how other parliaments are facing COVID-19. They were informed on Wednesday that the center did not find any other democracy that shut down its parliamentary system due to coronavirus.Cassif slammed Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein saying that an “emergency situation is being used to ensure absolute power for a tyrannical government.”


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Bat Yam Synagogues to shut down for 30 days as of Friday

Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Barot announce that , as of Friday , all the city 's 140 synagogues will be @ @ @ @ @ avoid possible spread of the novel coronavirus .
The shutdown period also includes Passover .

Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Barot announce that, as of Friday, all the city's 140 synagogues will be closed for 30 days to avoid possible spread of the novel coronavirus. The shutdown period also includes Passover.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--19-year old woman assaulted in Umm el Fahem, succumbs to injuries

A 19-year-old woman was injured during a shooting incident in the city of Umm el Fahem on Wednesday , she @ @ @ @ @ later succumbed to her injuries , police reported .
Police are investigating the event and @ @ @ @ @

A 19-year-old woman was injured during a shooting incident in the city of Umm el Fahem on Wednesday, she was taken to hospital and later succumbed to her injuries, police reported.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Finance Ministry, Teachers Union reach a deal over coronavirus

The Finance Ministry and the Teachers Union said that they reached an agreement on Wednesday regarding the terms and conditions @ @ @ @ @ will handle coronavirus .
Teachers will not be obligated to teach using remote education tools @ @ @ @ @ be obligated to teach nine days during summer break when classes are resumed .
Should @ @ @ @ @ May 11 , which is the holiday of Lag BaOmer , the teachers will teach @ @ @ @ @ following school year .
Teachers will receive full pay for long-distance teaching days and their @ @ @ @ @ full during the time schools are closed to stop the spread of coronavirus .

The Finance Ministry and the Teachers Union said that they reached an agreement on Wednesday regarding the terms and conditions of how the educational system will handle coronavirus.
Teachers will not be obligated to teach using remote education tools, instead, they will be obligated to teach nine days during summer break when classes are resumed. Should classes not resume by on May 11, which is the holiday of Lag BaOmer, the teachers will teach two extra days during the following school year.
Teachers will receive full pay for long-distance teaching days and their salaries will be paid in full during the time schools are closed to stop the spread of coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Netanyahu: As we fight coronavirus, Blue and White supports terrorists

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Blue and White on Wednesday during a Channel 12 interview saying that “ even in @ @ @ @ @ emergency they continue to support terrorists.
” The prime minister referred to an alleged demand @ @ @ @ @ some Knesset committees will be headed by Joint List members , who Netanyahu refers to @ @ @ @ @ called on Blue and White to put politics aside and join an emergency unity government @ @ @ @

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Blue and White on Wednesday during a Channel 12 interview saying that “even in this time of a national emergency they continue to support terrorists.”
The prime minister referred to an alleged demand by Blue and White that some Knesset committees will be headed by Joint List members, who Netanyahu refers to as “terrorists.”
He called on Blue and White to put politics aside and join an emergency unity government to fight coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Pakistan confirms country's first death from COVID-19

The death was reported in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , where so far 19 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed .

Pakistan on Wednesday confirmed its first death from coronavirus as the total number of infected patients in the country climbed to 260, the health minister said on Twitter.
The death was reported in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where so far 19 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed.
"With deep regret I confirm the death of first Pakistani due to coronavirus. A 50-year-old male from Mardan city recently returned from Saudi Arabia. He developed fever, cough and breathing difficulty and tested positive for the COVID-19,” Zafar Mirza, the health minister, said in a tweet on Wednesday night.


jerusalempost--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson keeping London lockdown measures 'in review'

The government has advised people not to go to pubs , restaurants , cinemas or restaurants to help stop the @ @ @ @ @ whether tougher measures were needed to shut down London where bars , public transport and @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We 've always said we 're going to do the right measures @ @ @ @ @

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government was keeping everything under review when asked whether he would bring in measures to lock down London because people were flouting warnings to avoid social gatherings.
The government has advised people not to go to pubs, restaurants, cinemas or restaurants to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Asked whether tougher measures were needed to shut down London where bars, public transport and businesses remained busy, Johnson said: "We've always said we're going to do the right measures at the right time.
"A lot of people are making a real heroic effort to comply with the advice we've given, but as I've said ... we keep everything under continuous review and we will not hesitate to bring forward further and faster measures where that is necessary."