18 may 2020

After reporting no new cases in 12-hour period, the Health Ministry says the number of confirmed diagnoses now stands at 16,643 with the death toll climbing to 276; among the newly-diagnosed is a 2-year-old toddler
Another 22 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Israel, bringing the total number of confirmed diagnoses to 16,643, the Health Ministry said Monday evening. The death toll from coronavirus-related complications has also increased and now stands at 276.
Earlier in the day, health officials reported that for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic in Israel, there were no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in a 12-hour period.
There are currently 3,114 people with COVID-19, with 152 of them receiving treatment in hospitals. At least 13,253 patients have recovered from the illness.
Of the latest number 52 people are seriously ill and 42 in need of respiratory assistance, a decline of 4.5% in the past 24 hours.
At least 39 patients are in moderate condition and the rest have mild symptoms.
The number of tests for coronavirus conducted daily continues to be much lower than the 10,000 tests per day promised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Sunday, just 4,347 people were tested.
Among the newly-diagnosed is a two-year-old toddler from Tel Aviv, who contracted the pathogen from a family member.
Sixteen other toddlers with whom the child attended a kindergarten will be put in quarantine.
Tel Aviv neighborhood on lockdown after family diagnosed with coronavirus
Municipality officials on Monday urged residents of an entire neighborhood in south Tel Aviv not to go outside after five members of a local family tested positive for coronavirus.
As a result, Ichilov Hospital said they will establish a coronavirus testing center in the neighborhood in cooperation with the Tel Aviv Municipality, which will begin operating on Tuesday from 9am to 2pm.
The parents and their three children, from the Neve Ofer neighborhood, had recently complained about a loss of taste to medical specialists but were not tested for COVID-19 since they did not show any other symptoms of the virus, such as fever and cough.
On Wednesday, the Tel Aviv Municipality notified the residents about the results of the family’s epidemiological investigations, telling them to avoid going outside if possible.
"The residents of the neighborhood are required to follow the Health Ministry's instructions. To wear masks, avoid overcrowding, large gatherings and adhere to hygiene rules," the municipality said in a statement.
A friend of the affected family said the parents’ test results arrived last Thursday and since then all the family members have been in self-isolation, including the three children.
"The children have been very active for the past week," the family friend said. "One of them started going to school, in the ultra-Orthodox sector, and for a few days there was complete uncertainty. The family has been asking to get tested for a whole week and only on Sunday did they [medical officials] test the children."
He also said that three of the family's six children had been infected. "It widens the circle of people who require isolation. These are kids who don't have cell phones, you can't tell where they were and who they went with or who they played with on the football field."
Municipality official Elhanan Zvulun, who lives in the neighborhood, said Thursday he realized there might be a COVID-19 outbreak in the neighborhood.
Zvulun added the residents of the neighborhood were instructed not to pray in synagogue courtyards and to avoid unnecessary crowds.
"In retrospect, this may have saved the neighborhood," he said. "Both the Rashi school and the school of the Maayan Torah network, where the children go, were closed on Thursday. We hope this is what will save the situation," Zvulon said.
"The municipality has approached the Health Ministry in an effort to increase the scope of testing in the neighborhood," said the earlier statement issued by the municipality. "In addition, at the residents' request, the municipality this morning disinfected several locations in the neighborhood, including the commercial center and public gardens."
“Residents who have been exposed to a verified carrier and who have been placed in solitary confinement should report this to the Health Ministry."
Another 22 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Israel, bringing the total number of confirmed diagnoses to 16,643, the Health Ministry said Monday evening. The death toll from coronavirus-related complications has also increased and now stands at 276.
Earlier in the day, health officials reported that for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic in Israel, there were no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in a 12-hour period.
There are currently 3,114 people with COVID-19, with 152 of them receiving treatment in hospitals. At least 13,253 patients have recovered from the illness.
Of the latest number 52 people are seriously ill and 42 in need of respiratory assistance, a decline of 4.5% in the past 24 hours.
At least 39 patients are in moderate condition and the rest have mild symptoms.
The number of tests for coronavirus conducted daily continues to be much lower than the 10,000 tests per day promised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Sunday, just 4,347 people were tested.
Among the newly-diagnosed is a two-year-old toddler from Tel Aviv, who contracted the pathogen from a family member.
Sixteen other toddlers with whom the child attended a kindergarten will be put in quarantine.
Tel Aviv neighborhood on lockdown after family diagnosed with coronavirus
Municipality officials on Monday urged residents of an entire neighborhood in south Tel Aviv not to go outside after five members of a local family tested positive for coronavirus.
As a result, Ichilov Hospital said they will establish a coronavirus testing center in the neighborhood in cooperation with the Tel Aviv Municipality, which will begin operating on Tuesday from 9am to 2pm.
The parents and their three children, from the Neve Ofer neighborhood, had recently complained about a loss of taste to medical specialists but were not tested for COVID-19 since they did not show any other symptoms of the virus, such as fever and cough.
On Wednesday, the Tel Aviv Municipality notified the residents about the results of the family’s epidemiological investigations, telling them to avoid going outside if possible.
"The residents of the neighborhood are required to follow the Health Ministry's instructions. To wear masks, avoid overcrowding, large gatherings and adhere to hygiene rules," the municipality said in a statement.
A friend of the affected family said the parents’ test results arrived last Thursday and since then all the family members have been in self-isolation, including the three children.
"The children have been very active for the past week," the family friend said. "One of them started going to school, in the ultra-Orthodox sector, and for a few days there was complete uncertainty. The family has been asking to get tested for a whole week and only on Sunday did they [medical officials] test the children."
He also said that three of the family's six children had been infected. "It widens the circle of people who require isolation. These are kids who don't have cell phones, you can't tell where they were and who they went with or who they played with on the football field."
Municipality official Elhanan Zvulun, who lives in the neighborhood, said Thursday he realized there might be a COVID-19 outbreak in the neighborhood.
Zvulun added the residents of the neighborhood were instructed not to pray in synagogue courtyards and to avoid unnecessary crowds.
"In retrospect, this may have saved the neighborhood," he said. "Both the Rashi school and the school of the Maayan Torah network, where the children go, were closed on Thursday. We hope this is what will save the situation," Zvulon said.
"The municipality has approached the Health Ministry in an effort to increase the scope of testing in the neighborhood," said the earlier statement issued by the municipality. "In addition, at the residents' request, the municipality this morning disinfected several locations in the neighborhood, including the commercial center and public gardens."
“Residents who have been exposed to a verified carrier and who have been placed in solitary confinement should report this to the Health Ministry."
14 may 2020

During a press briefing on Pompeo's visit, the official says COVID-19 highlights the threats in dealing with Chinese government and its technology; believes U.S.' message to Israel on the issue is 'getting through'
A United States official on Thursday hinted that Israel's continued cooperation with China might be "dangerous" in light of the current coronavirus outbreak and could undermine the relations with its "strategic partners".
During a State Department press briefing on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit in Israel, which began on Wednesday, the official said the COVID-19 pandemic "highlights the dangers of dealing with states that are not transparent."
State Department and Pompeo have in recent days launched a number of verbal attacks on the Chinese government, accusing it of covering up the severity of the disease, when it initially broke out in the city of Wuhan in December of 2019.
"In particular there’s the issue of strategic investment, that there is no such thing as a privately owned, independent company in China, right." the official said. "If you use Huawei, if you use any type of company that has access to your DNA, that DNA becomes property and that information becomes property of the Chinese Communist Party."
Chinese Huawei smartphones have been banned in the U.S. at least through May of 2021 out of fear the phones violate privacy of the users. In Israel, however, the phones are sold freely with the Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot even appearing in the commercial for the company.
"And so that’s a security issue. And so, whether it’s the large infrastructure projects, things they can do to those infrastructure projects, there are all kinds of dangers, and we – I think it’s important for us as allies, strategic partners to be able to discuss the type of threats and the types of ways to mitigate those kind of threats."
When asked if the State Department has been pervasive in getting their global partners, including Israel, and doing less business with China, he said "the message is getting through."
"I think we’ve been allies with Israel for a long time," said the official. "Our strategic relationship is getting closer every day, whether this is economically, whether this is in terms of military, intelligence sharing, across the board. We have a relationship that’s mature enough to talk about difficult subjects."
A United States official on Thursday hinted that Israel's continued cooperation with China might be "dangerous" in light of the current coronavirus outbreak and could undermine the relations with its "strategic partners".
During a State Department press briefing on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit in Israel, which began on Wednesday, the official said the COVID-19 pandemic "highlights the dangers of dealing with states that are not transparent."
State Department and Pompeo have in recent days launched a number of verbal attacks on the Chinese government, accusing it of covering up the severity of the disease, when it initially broke out in the city of Wuhan in December of 2019.
"In particular there’s the issue of strategic investment, that there is no such thing as a privately owned, independent company in China, right." the official said. "If you use Huawei, if you use any type of company that has access to your DNA, that DNA becomes property and that information becomes property of the Chinese Communist Party."
Chinese Huawei smartphones have been banned in the U.S. at least through May of 2021 out of fear the phones violate privacy of the users. In Israel, however, the phones are sold freely with the Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot even appearing in the commercial for the company.
"And so that’s a security issue. And so, whether it’s the large infrastructure projects, things they can do to those infrastructure projects, there are all kinds of dangers, and we – I think it’s important for us as allies, strategic partners to be able to discuss the type of threats and the types of ways to mitigate those kind of threats."
When asked if the State Department has been pervasive in getting their global partners, including Israel, and doing less business with China, he said "the message is getting through."
"I think we’ve been allies with Israel for a long time," said the official. "Our strategic relationship is getting closer every day, whether this is economically, whether this is in terms of military, intelligence sharing, across the board. We have a relationship that’s mature enough to talk about difficult subjects."
13 may 2020

The leader of the prosecution process against Prime Minister Netanyahu receives dozens of messages that include warnings of violence and abusive slurs and images
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has filed a complaint with police on Wednesday after receiving threats and abusive messages on his phone throughout the night and morning.
According to the attorney general's testimony, he received dozens of messages from different numbers calling him a "crook" and "corrupt."
Other messages took a more threatening tone, even wishing him death and reminding him he is "vulnerable."
Mandelblit said he also received doctored photos of himself in prison garments.
A Justice Ministry statement said that Mandelblit received threats mainly through text messages in the last day.
"These harassments and threats, apparently organized, continued throughout the night and morning. The harassment included threats, and hateful and incitement speech," read the statement.
Senior judiciary officials estimated last weekend that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's supporters will escalate the attacks on the attorney general as the prime minister's trial approaches, mainly through social media.
"Netanyahu's associates will try to turn the attorney general from the accuser to the defendant," a senior prosecutor said.
"The prime minister's goal is to come to trial with Mandelblit disgraced as if he were the felon... According to this narrative, Mandelblit will be presented as someone who is not fit to lead the prosecution against Netanyahu."
Earlier this week, a video containing inciteful messages circulated on social media and was shared mainly by right-wing activists opposing the legal process against Netanyahu.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has filed a complaint with police on Wednesday after receiving threats and abusive messages on his phone throughout the night and morning.
According to the attorney general's testimony, he received dozens of messages from different numbers calling him a "crook" and "corrupt."
Other messages took a more threatening tone, even wishing him death and reminding him he is "vulnerable."
Mandelblit said he also received doctored photos of himself in prison garments.
A Justice Ministry statement said that Mandelblit received threats mainly through text messages in the last day.
"These harassments and threats, apparently organized, continued throughout the night and morning. The harassment included threats, and hateful and incitement speech," read the statement.
Senior judiciary officials estimated last weekend that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's supporters will escalate the attacks on the attorney general as the prime minister's trial approaches, mainly through social media.
"Netanyahu's associates will try to turn the attorney general from the accuser to the defendant," a senior prosecutor said.
"The prime minister's goal is to come to trial with Mandelblit disgraced as if he were the felon... According to this narrative, Mandelblit will be presented as someone who is not fit to lead the prosecution against Netanyahu."
Earlier this week, a video containing inciteful messages circulated on social media and was shared mainly by right-wing activists opposing the legal process against Netanyahu.

Israel recorded four new coronavirus-related death over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 262, the Health Ministry said Wednesday morning. The number of confirmed cases, however, has risen by only four, with the total of 16,539.
Of the latest figures, 61 people are in serious condition, with 51 patients needing ventilator support, a drop of 7% over the past 24 hours.
At least 46 COVID-19 patients are in moderate condition and the rest have mild symptoms.
Of the latest figures, 61 people are in serious condition, with 51 patients needing ventilator support, a drop of 7% over the past 24 hours.
At least 46 COVID-19 patients are in moderate condition and the rest have mild symptoms.
12 may 2020

16,526 Israelis has been infected by the virus with 4,312 people currently ill, 67 in serious condition of which 57 patients are on ventilators for respiratory assistance
The Health Ministry reported Tuesday morning that the death toll of Israelis who succumbed to COVID -19 has remained on 258 since Monday evening.
The Health Ministry reported Tuesday morning that the death toll of Israelis who succumbed to COVID -19 has remained on 258 since Monday evening.
11 may 2020

As of Monday morning, there are 16,492 confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel, with the death toll currently standing at 254, health officials confirmed.
Sunday saw five new coronavirus-related fatalities, the highest daily jump over the past few weeks.
Of the latest figures, 73 people are in serious condition, with 64 patients needing ventilator support, an increase of 2% over the past 24 hours.
Sunday saw five new coronavirus-related fatalities, the highest daily jump over the past few weeks.
Of the latest figures, 73 people are in serious condition, with 64 patients needing ventilator support, an increase of 2% over the past 24 hours.
10 may 2020

The Health Ministry released the latest figures of COVID-19 deaths showing a rise of five new fatalities in as of Sunday evening, with 16,477 Israelis now having been infected by the virus.
There are 23 new patients confirmed with coronavirus and a total of 4,795 people now ill, 74 in serious condition, 65 of them on ventilators.
At least 47 COVID-19 patients are in moderate condition and the rest have mild symptoms.
Related: Overcrowding at Israel's bus stations amid limited seating virus rule
Israelis ignore virus orders, swarm beaches and nature reserves
There are 23 new patients confirmed with coronavirus and a total of 4,795 people now ill, 74 in serious condition, 65 of them on ventilators.
At least 47 COVID-19 patients are in moderate condition and the rest have mild symptoms.
Related: Overcrowding at Israel's bus stations amid limited seating virus rule
Israelis ignore virus orders, swarm beaches and nature reserves
9 may 2020

Two additional coronavirus patients passed away as of Saturday evening, bringing the national death toll from the virus to 247, the Health Ministry reported Saturday.
Confirmed cases also rose by 13, bringing it up to 16,454.
Israel's confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 16,444
Israel's confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 16,444, the Health Ministry reported.
Deaths remain at 245, with no new virus related fatalities reported Friday overnight.
At least 4,886 are currently battling the virus, with 239 hospitalized and 4,647 being treated either at home or at designated hotel facilities.
As of Saturday morning, 81 patients are in serious condition, with 65 requiring respiratory assistance, and 51 in mild condition.
The number of Israelis who have recovered from the virulent strain stands at 11,313.
Over the past 24 hours, medical officials have conducted 7,504 coronavirus tests.
Confirmed cases also rose by 13, bringing it up to 16,454.
Israel's confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 16,444
Israel's confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 16,444, the Health Ministry reported.
Deaths remain at 245, with no new virus related fatalities reported Friday overnight.
At least 4,886 are currently battling the virus, with 239 hospitalized and 4,647 being treated either at home or at designated hotel facilities.
As of Saturday morning, 81 patients are in serious condition, with 65 requiring respiratory assistance, and 51 in mild condition.
The number of Israelis who have recovered from the virulent strain stands at 11,313.
Over the past 24 hours, medical officials have conducted 7,504 coronavirus tests.
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