The number of confirmed Palestinian coronavirus cases has risen to 19, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health announced on Saturday.The ministry said 18 Palestinians have been placed in quarantine for 14 days – 16 in Jericho and two at the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.Another 350 Palestinians who were in the company of infected or suspected cases were ordered to isolate themselves at home, the ministry added.On Thursday, PA Minister of Health Mai al-Kaila announced that seven Palestinians from Bethlehem have tested positive for the coronavirus.Thirty-two people are being kept in a quarantine at the Angel Hotel in Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, where Greek tourists stayed last week. One of the tourists was diagnosed with the virus after returning to his country.Another 15 people are in a quarantine at a hotel in Bethlehem visited by infected touristsThe ministry said tests have been conducted on 500 Palestinians suspected of contracting the disease, but all turned out negative.On Thursday PA President Mahmoud Abbas declared a 30-day “state of emergency” to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.The decision came shortly after Defense Minister Naftali Bennet ordered the IDF to lockdown Bethlehem due to concerns regarding the spread of the virus.The PA has ordered all churches, mosques and educational institutions closed until further notice after the discovery of the coronavirus cases in Bethlehem. In addition, the PA has decided to impose a ban on the entry of tourists from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Iran and Italy into Palestinian communities.The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bethlehem announced the formation of an emergency committee to follow on the situation in the city as most residents remained indoors and businesses were shut over the weekend.
Palestinians confirm 19 coronavirus cases
Israel helping Palestinians prevent spread of coronavirus
