Palestinian Health Minister: Coronavirus Brought under Full Control

Arab World

April 30th, 11:35am

Ramallah - Asharq Al-Awsat

A man walks past closed shops as preventive measures are taken against the coronavirus, in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank March 6, 2020. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma

The coronavirus pandemic in Palestine has been brought under control, Health Minister Mai al-Kaileh said on Wednesday. She affirmed that only 501 cases of infections have been recorded. In her statement to the official “Voice of Palestine” radio station, Kaileh said all epidemiological monitoring procedures related to screening, quarantine and treatment are being followed up in all areas under Palestinian control, especially in occupied Jerusalem. The Health Ministry and competent authorities will conduct an epidemiological survey of areas adjacent to the apartheid wall, as well as official and unofficial crossing points, she noted. The Minister explained that 3,000 tests were made out of 5,000 from Jenin in northern Palestine to Dhahiriya in the south. While the situation seems stable and under control throughout the West Bank, doctors have raised concerns about health conditions in Jerusalem, where the Palestinian Authority (PA) is banned from operating. Based on health assessments, the PA is heading towards further gradual easing of the measures. “A meeting will be held with the epidemiological and crisis control committees to raise their recommendations to Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who is set to have a final say,” Kaileh explained. Member of the Silwan Doctors Committee Hazem al-Ruwaidi said the total number of people infected with the new coronavirus in occupied Jerusalem is 165. “There’s a discrepancy in the data of the Israeli Ministry of Health and the occupation municipality on the number of infections in occupied Jerusalem,” he stressed. Ruwaidi pointed out that the municipality relies in its survey on the patients registered with clear addresses and residing within its parameters, while the Health Ministry counts those with insurance and who conduct tests at a center affiliated with it. He warned citizens against returning to normal life, saying the virus is still spreading, and urged them to avoid gatherings, especially in Ramadan.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2260791/palestinian-health-minister-coronavirus-brought-under-full-control