UPDATE - Israel reports 3rd coronavirus case

UPDATES WITH BARRING ENTRY TO PASSENGERS FROM ITALY

By Mustafa Deveci

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israel on Thursday reported its third case of coronavirus, an Israeli who just returned to the country from Italy.

The Health Ministry said an Israeli citizen who returned from Italy four days ago tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.

Israel on Thursday also decided to bar the entry of passengers from Italy – the country in Europe hardest hit by the outbreak – the Israeli Broadcast Authority said, citing Interior Minister Aryeh Deri.

Israeli citizens coming from Italy have also been directed to stay at home for 14 days as a mean of medical quarantine.

According to local media, Israel has barred entry to least 56 passengers from Italy.

Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has spread to more than 45 other countries, including the U.S., U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.