Israel closes Egypt borders amid coronavirus fears

In a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Israel closed its borders with Egypt yesterday.

The Israeli announcement came after Egypt revealed that one person ha died and 33 people had tested positive for the virus. The patients, who include three Egyptians, were on a tourist ship.

Israel has also closed its borders with Lebanon and Syria. The borders between Egypt and the Gaza Strip have also been closed.

Israel’s Ministry of Health reported 39 cases of the coronavirus. According to the ministry, with the exception of one case, all patients are believed to have contracted the virus either from tourists or while travelling abroad.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was considering taking further steps by imposing a mandatory 14-day quarantine on all arrivals to Israel.

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