22 more cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Palestine, total hits 193
Ramallah (QNN) – Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh confirmed today 22 more cases of novel COVID-19 (coronavirus) which brings up the total number in Palestine to 193.
Speaking at a press conference in Ramallah, Shtayyeh said that under President Mahmoud Abbas’s decree on extending the state of emergency in Palestine by 30 more days, all educational facilities, businesses and border crossings will remain shut down for the time being. In addition, movement of individuals between governorates as well as between populated communities will remain banned.
The Palestinian Prime Minister stressed that the next two weeks will be the most difficult in terms of controlling the spread of the pandemic in Palestine, as around 45,000 Palestinian workers in Israel are expected to return from their workplace in Israel and the colonial Israeli settlements to their homes in the West Bank.
He called on the workers to adhere to the instructions of the home quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health, in order to protect themselves and their community.
Shtayyeh added, “We are trying hard to arrange the return of the workers with the Israeli side so that we can take the necessary health measures. We hope that Israel will agree to this, as this virus is the enemy of all mankind and knows no borders, gender or religion,” he said. “We also asked Israel to check the workers prior to their arrival [to the West Bank].”
He said the Palestinian government has maintained contact with all parties of the international community, especially the World Health Organization, donors and international organizations as part of the efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.
The premier said a special fund has been established to organize fundraising for medical and social necessities arising from the ongoing crisis.
