Thu 02 April 2020:
Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman and his wife have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, his office said late Wednesday.
In a statement, the Health Ministry said the 71-year-old minister and his wife are feeling well, receiving medical care and will remain in isolation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed of the development, the statement added.
Litzman, the most senior Israeli official to be diagnosed with the virus, will continue to carry out his duties from his home.
Coronavirus has killed 29 people in Israel amid 6,211 cases so far, health officials said on Thursday.
The Health Ministry said three more deaths were confirmed early Thursday, the Israeli Broadcast Authority reported.
The ministry added that 119 new infections were recorded.
After first appearing in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December, the virus, officially known as COVID-19, has spread to at least 176 countries and regions.
The global death toll from the virus has hit 46,809 with 932,605 confirmed cases and 193,177 recoveries, according to U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.
The coronavirus attacks the respiratory tract with the potential to cause pneumonia and death.
Despite its severity, most people experience mild symptoms and recover, but the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
