Israel confirms two more deaths from coronavirus

By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel confirmed two more deaths from the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the total fatalities to five, according to the health ministry.

A ministry statement cited by the Israel Broadcasting Authority said the total infections rose to 2030 after 100 new cases were detected.

The ministry said 37 patients are in critical condition, while 49 have recovered from the virus.

Israel has taken several measures to stem the spread of the disease, including closing down cafes, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment venues.

Last week, the Israeli government decided to track confirmed and suspected coronavirus patients by monitoring their cell phones as part of its fight against the virus.

After first appearing in Wuhan, China last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 170 countries and territories. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic.

The number of confirmed cases worldwide has now surpassed 423,000 while the death toll is nearly 19,000 and nearly 109,000 have recovered, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University in the U.S.
Despite the rising number of cases, most who contract the virus suffer only mild symptoms before making a recovery.

* Writing by Ali Abo Rezeg