Coronavirus: Benyamin Netanyahu announces a series of measures

Text by: RFI Follow

Israeli authorities announced Sunday, February 23, a second case of new coronavirus on a person who had been quarantined on the liner Diamond Princess before being repatriated to Israel. At the same time, nearly 200 Israeli schoolchildren were called to stay cloistered at home for 14 days after being in contact with South Korean tourists who contracted the new coronavirus.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem , Michel Paul

Israel is implementing a series of draconian measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on its territory. The Hebrew state closes its borders to tourists from several Asian countries. Eight days before the legislative elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears foreign interference linked to the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli authorities decide to open an isolation camp at Har Gilo, a settlement south of Jerusalem. In particular, it will be used to quarantine 200 South Korean tourists. Several South Korean pilgrims have apparently contracted the virus upon their return to their country after their stay in the Holy Land.

Israel has already announced a ban on visitors from South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Thailand and Singapore entering its territory.

After a government meeting on Sunday February 23, it was also decided that any Israeli returning from Italy, Australia and Taiwan with symptoms of the virus should be examined according to a very specific procedure.

The Israeli Prime Minister explains this draconian approach: “ Hyper-preparation is better than lack of preparation. Israel has so far adopted a more drastic attitude than the other countries. And we will continue to do what is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus in Israel . ”

Benjamin Netanyahu also said he feared interference from " foreign elements " around the coronavirus during the elections next week.

There are also plans to cancel the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem marathons due to this epidemic.

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