Coronavirus Outbreak

“Have you ever thought about why none of the science fiction books have toilet paper?,” my neighbor asked me.

Even in normal times, in the runup to a flight to Israel, I feel bifurcated between the two countries, not really present in either.

The time difference between NY and Israel is much greater than 7 hours, it is the difference between who I was and who I am today.

Over 24,000 tests identify 1,107 new corona cases nationwide. Tel Aviv-Jaffa is added to a list of virus "hotspots" in need of public outreach, quarantine enforcement, and more testing.

Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta division and Group 42 from Abu Dhabi finalize historic agreement to collaborate in the fields of research and development in an effort to find solutions to the coronavirus.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein reinstate restrictions on public gatherings: Nightclubs, bars, and event venues will be limited to 50 people. Other events will be limited to 20. No changes in rules for workplaces, shops, and malls.

Nearly 1,000 new cases identified in 24 hours. Total number of active cases stands at 8,479. Testing hits nearly 20,000 kits per day.

Corona National Information and Knowledge Center warns that without strict steps, Israel could see 1,000 new cases per day, with corresponding numbers of seriously ill patients and dead.

Some 714 new coronavirus cases diagnosed in one day as ministers rein in weddings, public events.

World Health Organization is sending a team to China next week to investigate origins of novel coronavirus.