Israel confirms 4th coronavirus case

By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel has risen to four, the country’s Health Ministry said on Friday.

An Israeli citizen who returned from Italy a few days ago tested positive for COVID-19, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority quoted the ministry as saying.

Israel has barred the entry of people coming from Italy, the worst-affected country in Europe, the Israeli broadcaster reported citing Interior Minister Aryeh Deri.

Local media reports said 56 passengers from Italy were denied entry to Israel.

Israeli citizens coming from Italy have also been directed to stay at home for 14 days.

Italy and Israel are among over 45 countries which account for the nearly 83,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed around the world.

Italy is the worst-hit country in Europe, with 400 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.

The global death toll is over 2,800, and China, where the outbreak originated, is the worst-affected, with more than 78,000 cases and over 2,700 fatalities.

The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international health emergency and said the global risk level remains high.