Coronavirus Outbreak

“This is not an easy decision, but public health must come first," PM Netanyahu says, adding that "public compliance is impressive. It saves lives."

In Iran, meanwhile, the tally of confirmed infections increases by more than 1,000 during the last 24 hours, totaling 5,823 by Saturday. In Italy, nearly one-quarter of the population is quarantined.

"It is doubtful whether there has been a similar pandemic in the last 100 years. It seems that the rate of infection is greater than we figured," PM Benjamin Netanyahu says after eight more Israelis contract the virus over the weekend. El Al airline expects an even bigger decline in revenue for the start of the year than previously thought.

The announcement by the Palestinian Authority's tourism ministry threatens to devastate the vital tourism industry in Bethlehem, the town where Jesus is believed to have been born. Israeli officials say they were working closely with their Palestinian counterparts to contain the virus.

Meanwhile, the country's top financial regulators discuss the economic implications of the global outbreak without announcing any immediate decisions. Any further health restrictions will take the "strong and stable" economy into account, they say.

This is the first time in 12 years that the organization cancels its annual Mega Aliyah event. Some 1,250 participants from 15 states and 60 Jewish communities from across North America were slated to attend March 15 event.

The World Health Organization asks companies and governments to increase production by 40%. World Bank announced $12 billion to help countries fight the coronavirus.

Websites affiliated with Iran's exiled opposition celebrate the death of Mohammad Haj Abolghasemi, 71, calling him a "butcher" and a "hangman" due to his role in brutally suppressing civilian protests. Meanwhile, experts worry Iran’s percentage of deaths to infections, now around 3.3%, is much higher than other countries.

Health Ministry mandates Israelis returning from France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Austria to go into 14 days of home quarantine. Medical personnel barred from traveling abroad, IDF cancels joint drill with US troops.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns public to avoid shaking hands. Number of confirmed coronavirus cases stands at 15, including one teen.