16 mar 2020
Health Ministry accidentally reported dozens more cases, before issuing updated numbers hours later showing rise of 27 new patients; ministry official says more far-reaching restrictions under consideration
The Health Ministry on Monday reported 48 new confirmed Israeli coronavirus cases, bringing the total number to 298 people.
Of that number, at least four patients remain in a serious condition.
Earlier, the ministry accidentally reported an inflated number of coronavirus cases in Israel, briefly claiming a rise of almost 90 patients in less than a day before almost immediately pulling the numbers and revising back to 250.
Also Monday, the Health Ministry's deputy director-general Itamar Grotto said the government is considering imposing more strict restrictions on movement as part of the measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“We may ask people to leave the house less, and only for necessary errands," Grotto said. "The government is considering a general closure on all citizens, and if that happens it would mean all age groups will be asked to stay home until further notice."
Grotto also said the ministry was “planning greater oversight for the 70+ population," which is more at risk.
"We’re preparing now for hospitals to be able to contain the coronavirus patients who will need treatment, and most of the less urgent patients will be hospitalized at home unless it is impossible due to socioeconomic or familial reasons.”
Grotto's announcement came after the ministry's top brass held further discussions over the implementation of increasingly drastic measures to limit contact with the virus and slow its spread.
“For the time being, a general shutdown of the economy isn’t planned,” a senior official told reporters on Monday, but added that “the government is preparing to cut back on public transportation.”
The government approved on Sunday a series of emergency regulations to deal with the outbreak of the coronavirus, among them a NIS 5,000 (roughly $1,360) fine for individuals who are found to be violating their quarantine.
According to the regulations, police and local authorities can impose fines on individuals who breach quarantine or the Health Ministry's ban on mass gatherings.
A NIS 5,000 fine will also be imposed for violating isolation obligations and leaving quarantine prematurely.
A NIS 3,000 fine will be imposed for failing to report to the Health Ministry about entering quarantine or failing to report arrival from abroad.
A NIS 5,000 fine will be imposed for violating a police officer's order to disperse a mass gathering.
Additional steps were approved to prevent the spread of the pathogen in prisons. Among them, the reassignment of incarceration facilities as quarantine compounds for prisoners.
250 in Israel infected with coronavirus, 4 in serious condition
The Health Ministry says not only the number of diagnoses is up by 37 since Sunday, but more worryingly, the number of those with complications from COVID-19 continues to rise as well; senior member of Israel's central lab for coronavirus tests has been infected
The number of coronavirus cases in Israel has reached 250, while the number of infected in serious condition is now up to four, health authorities said Monday.
The Health Ministry said at least 190 patients are hospitalized, 12 are in the process of hospitalization, while 44 others are being treated at home. Four patients have recovered.
One of the patients considered in serious condition is an 88-year-old man with an underlying health condition. He was admitted to The Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem overnight Sunday with breathing problems.
Two other patients in serious condition are a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport. Eleven others are in moderate condition and the rest in mild condition.
On Sunday it was revealed that a senior employee at the Health Ministry’s central laboratory in Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer has tested positive for coronavirus. She has been quarantined and her condition is described as light.
The Health Ministry said they are working to find an alternative laboratory to conduct COVID-19 tests since the entire team working the infected employee must enter a 14-day home-quarantine.
Earlier, a chief physician at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv has tested positive for the novel coronavirus after working in a ward that treated patients suspected to have contracted the pathogen.
On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will shut all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities for at least five weeks as part of a series of new strict measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
He told the news conference that exceptions on the ban would include supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.
The new directive also limits all public gatherings to only 10 people.
The Health Ministry on Monday reported 48 new confirmed Israeli coronavirus cases, bringing the total number to 298 people.
Of that number, at least four patients remain in a serious condition.
Earlier, the ministry accidentally reported an inflated number of coronavirus cases in Israel, briefly claiming a rise of almost 90 patients in less than a day before almost immediately pulling the numbers and revising back to 250.
Also Monday, the Health Ministry's deputy director-general Itamar Grotto said the government is considering imposing more strict restrictions on movement as part of the measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“We may ask people to leave the house less, and only for necessary errands," Grotto said. "The government is considering a general closure on all citizens, and if that happens it would mean all age groups will be asked to stay home until further notice."
Grotto also said the ministry was “planning greater oversight for the 70+ population," which is more at risk.
"We’re preparing now for hospitals to be able to contain the coronavirus patients who will need treatment, and most of the less urgent patients will be hospitalized at home unless it is impossible due to socioeconomic or familial reasons.”
Grotto's announcement came after the ministry's top brass held further discussions over the implementation of increasingly drastic measures to limit contact with the virus and slow its spread.
“For the time being, a general shutdown of the economy isn’t planned,” a senior official told reporters on Monday, but added that “the government is preparing to cut back on public transportation.”
The government approved on Sunday a series of emergency regulations to deal with the outbreak of the coronavirus, among them a NIS 5,000 (roughly $1,360) fine for individuals who are found to be violating their quarantine.
According to the regulations, police and local authorities can impose fines on individuals who breach quarantine or the Health Ministry's ban on mass gatherings.
A NIS 5,000 fine will also be imposed for violating isolation obligations and leaving quarantine prematurely.
A NIS 3,000 fine will be imposed for failing to report to the Health Ministry about entering quarantine or failing to report arrival from abroad.
A NIS 5,000 fine will be imposed for violating a police officer's order to disperse a mass gathering.
Additional steps were approved to prevent the spread of the pathogen in prisons. Among them, the reassignment of incarceration facilities as quarantine compounds for prisoners.
250 in Israel infected with coronavirus, 4 in serious condition
The Health Ministry says not only the number of diagnoses is up by 37 since Sunday, but more worryingly, the number of those with complications from COVID-19 continues to rise as well; senior member of Israel's central lab for coronavirus tests has been infected
The number of coronavirus cases in Israel has reached 250, while the number of infected in serious condition is now up to four, health authorities said Monday.
The Health Ministry said at least 190 patients are hospitalized, 12 are in the process of hospitalization, while 44 others are being treated at home. Four patients have recovered.
One of the patients considered in serious condition is an 88-year-old man with an underlying health condition. He was admitted to The Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem overnight Sunday with breathing problems.
Two other patients in serious condition are a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport. Eleven others are in moderate condition and the rest in mild condition.
On Sunday it was revealed that a senior employee at the Health Ministry’s central laboratory in Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer has tested positive for coronavirus. She has been quarantined and her condition is described as light.
The Health Ministry said they are working to find an alternative laboratory to conduct COVID-19 tests since the entire team working the infected employee must enter a 14-day home-quarantine.
Earlier, a chief physician at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv has tested positive for the novel coronavirus after working in a ward that treated patients suspected to have contracted the pathogen.
On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will shut all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities for at least five weeks as part of a series of new strict measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
He told the news conference that exceptions on the ban would include supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.
The new directive also limits all public gatherings to only 10 people.
15 mar 2020
Eighteen patients are medical workers who contracted the virus while caring for others; at least 167 patients are hospitalized with the rest being treated at home
Thirteen more Israelis have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 213, the Health Ministry announced on Sunday.
Eighteen patients are medical workers who contracted the virus while caring for others.
At least 167 patients are hospitalized, nine are in the process of hospitalization, while 33 others are being treated at home.
Two patients are hospitalized in severe condition, 12 in moderate condition, 195 in light condition, and four patients have recovered.
Two of the patients – a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport – are still in serious condition.
On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will shut all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities for at least five weeks as part of a series of new strict measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
He told the news conference that exceptions on the ban would include supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.
The new directive also limits all public gatherings to only 10 people.
Netanyahu himself has also tested for the virus on Sunday as a precautionary measure.
According to the Prime Minister Office's emergency guidelines, Netanyahu and his close surroundings are subjected to routine check-ups.
So far, no one has tested positive for the virus or displayed any related symptoms.
Meanwhile, the government approved on Sunday a series of emergency regulations to deal with the outbreak of the coronavirus, among them a NIS 5000 (roughly $1,360) fine for individuals who are found violating quarantine.
According to the regulations, police and local authorities can impose administrative fines on individuals who violate quarantine or the Health Ministry's guideline that forbid mass gatherings.
Israel's coronavirus count reaches 200, say health officials
Health Ministry says more patients are contracting COVID-19 inside the country and unknowingly spreading the infection for days until symptoms begin to appear; at least 157 patients are hospitalized with the rest being treated at home
Another seven people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of infects in Israel to 200, the Health Ministry said Sunday.
At least 157 patients are hospitalized, five are in the process of hospitalization, while 34 others are being treated at home. Four patients have recovered.
Two of the patients – a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport – are still in serious condition. Eleven others are in moderate condition and the rest in mild condition.
The Health Ministry said one of the patients (No. 187 in order of diagnoses) contracted the virus from a person infected with COVID-19 in late February and continued her daily routine for nearly two weeks before being admitted to a hospital.
The woman, in her 60s, attended an international conference in the Palestinian Christian town of Beit Jala, a school and a supermarket in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba, the Jerusalem Central Bus Station as well as Malha Mall, also known as Jerusalem Mall.
Another patient (No. 174 in order of diagnoses) has also contracted the virus from someone already infected.
The man, in his 20s, attended of a screening of a film “Deadshot” in a movie theater in the city of Modi’in on March 10 and a dinner at the Susu & Sons restaurant in Rishon Letzion on the same day.
On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will shut all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities for at least five weeks as part of a series of new strict measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
He told the news conference that exceptions on the ban would include supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.
The new directive also limits all public gatherings to only 10 people.
Thirteen more Israelis have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 213, the Health Ministry announced on Sunday.
Eighteen patients are medical workers who contracted the virus while caring for others.
At least 167 patients are hospitalized, nine are in the process of hospitalization, while 33 others are being treated at home.
Two patients are hospitalized in severe condition, 12 in moderate condition, 195 in light condition, and four patients have recovered.
Two of the patients – a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport – are still in serious condition.
On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will shut all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities for at least five weeks as part of a series of new strict measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
He told the news conference that exceptions on the ban would include supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.
The new directive also limits all public gatherings to only 10 people.
Netanyahu himself has also tested for the virus on Sunday as a precautionary measure.
According to the Prime Minister Office's emergency guidelines, Netanyahu and his close surroundings are subjected to routine check-ups.
So far, no one has tested positive for the virus or displayed any related symptoms.
Meanwhile, the government approved on Sunday a series of emergency regulations to deal with the outbreak of the coronavirus, among them a NIS 5000 (roughly $1,360) fine for individuals who are found violating quarantine.
According to the regulations, police and local authorities can impose administrative fines on individuals who violate quarantine or the Health Ministry's guideline that forbid mass gatherings.
Israel's coronavirus count reaches 200, say health officials
Health Ministry says more patients are contracting COVID-19 inside the country and unknowingly spreading the infection for days until symptoms begin to appear; at least 157 patients are hospitalized with the rest being treated at home
Another seven people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of infects in Israel to 200, the Health Ministry said Sunday.
At least 157 patients are hospitalized, five are in the process of hospitalization, while 34 others are being treated at home. Four patients have recovered.
Two of the patients – a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport – are still in serious condition. Eleven others are in moderate condition and the rest in mild condition.
The Health Ministry said one of the patients (No. 187 in order of diagnoses) contracted the virus from a person infected with COVID-19 in late February and continued her daily routine for nearly two weeks before being admitted to a hospital.
The woman, in her 60s, attended an international conference in the Palestinian Christian town of Beit Jala, a school and a supermarket in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba, the Jerusalem Central Bus Station as well as Malha Mall, also known as Jerusalem Mall.
Another patient (No. 174 in order of diagnoses) has also contracted the virus from someone already infected.
The man, in his 20s, attended of a screening of a film “Deadshot” in a movie theater in the city of Modi’in on March 10 and a dinner at the Susu & Sons restaurant in Rishon Letzion on the same day.
On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will shut all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities for at least five weeks as part of a series of new strict measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
He told the news conference that exceptions on the ban would include supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.
The new directive also limits all public gatherings to only 10 people.
14 mar 2020
Health Ministry says most of the patients are hospitalized, with a handful of the infected being treated at home; the number represents an increase of 35 diagnoses since Friday
The number of coronavirus patients in Israel has risen to 178, the Ministry of Health announced on Saturday, marking an increase of 35 diagnoses since Friday night.
At least 131 patients are hospitalized, 12 are in the process of hospitalization, while 31 others are being treated at home. Four patients have recovered.
Two of the patients – a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport – are still in serious condition. Eleven others are in moderate condition and the rest in mild condition.
Tens of thousands are also in home quarantine and anyone entering the country must spend 14 days in isolation. Non-nationals who cannot prove they have somewhere to spend this isolation period are denied entry.
The Health Ministry said since the start of the outbreak over 55,000 people had to self-quarantine, with at least 38,560 Israelis who are in isolation presently.
In addition, health officials said since the start of the epidemic they've conducted at least 6,839 coronavirus tests.
Israel has taken stringent measures to curb the spread of the virus, canceling public gatherings of more than 100 people, suspending sports and cultural events, calling on employers to let staff work from home and closing schools and universities.
Rabbis are also calling on religious Jews to stay away from the Western Wall and avoid mass gatherings, including in synagogues.
On Thursday, the ministry reported that a six-month-old baby had contracted the virus - the youngest patient so far in Israel. On Tuesday, it was also announced that two children in grades 4 and 6 from two elementary schools in Kfar Yona had tested positive for the virus.
The number of coronavirus patients in Israel has risen to 178, the Ministry of Health announced on Saturday, marking an increase of 35 diagnoses since Friday night.
At least 131 patients are hospitalized, 12 are in the process of hospitalization, while 31 others are being treated at home. Four patients have recovered.
Two of the patients – a tour driver who transported Greek pilgrims found to be infected upon their return home and a worker at Ben-Gurion Airport – are still in serious condition. Eleven others are in moderate condition and the rest in mild condition.
Tens of thousands are also in home quarantine and anyone entering the country must spend 14 days in isolation. Non-nationals who cannot prove they have somewhere to spend this isolation period are denied entry.
The Health Ministry said since the start of the outbreak over 55,000 people had to self-quarantine, with at least 38,560 Israelis who are in isolation presently.
In addition, health officials said since the start of the epidemic they've conducted at least 6,839 coronavirus tests.
Israel has taken stringent measures to curb the spread of the virus, canceling public gatherings of more than 100 people, suspending sports and cultural events, calling on employers to let staff work from home and closing schools and universities.
Rabbis are also calling on religious Jews to stay away from the Western Wall and avoid mass gatherings, including in synagogues.
On Thursday, the ministry reported that a six-month-old baby had contracted the virus - the youngest patient so far in Israel. On Tuesday, it was also announced that two children in grades 4 and 6 from two elementary schools in Kfar Yona had tested positive for the virus.
