Coronavirus cases in Israel climb to 298

By Esat Firat

JERUSALEM (AA) - The total number of coronavirus cases in Israel climbed to 298, as 48 news cases were reported Monday, according to health officials.

The new cases were a "big leap" in the country, officials said in a statement that indicated 8,571 people have been tested.

There were 19 health workers and five soldiers among those infected with the virus known as COVID-19.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced late Monday an emergency framework as a preventive measure against the new coronavirus.

On Wednesday, the Health Ministry will ban events of more than 100 people, according to guidelines on its website.

Netanyahu also announced a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days for those coming to Israel.

As of Sunday, it was announced closures of commercial businesses other than markets, pharmacies, gas stations and banks.

The novel virus emerged in Wuhan, China last December, and has spread to at least 146 countries and territories. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Out of roughly 173,000 confirmed cases, the death toll now exceeds 6,600, while more than 77,500 of them have recovered, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles new case numbers,

The current number of active cases is over 88,500, with 93% mild, and 7% in critical condition.