Coronavirus Cases in Israel Spike to 178 as 38 Test Positive in West Bank

As the highly contagious novel coronavirus spreads around the world, Israel and the Palestinian Authority struggle to contain a local outbreak that has virtually halted air traffic in and out of Israel, led to school closures and tens of thousands of people entering quarantine.

■ 178 Israelis have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, with 165 of cases being mild; thousands have been placed in isolation; four have recovered. In the West Bank, 38 cases have been diagnosed so far

■ Israeli government shutters schools, universities, bans indoor gatherings of over 100 people, urges people to avoid unnecessary gatherings, considering ordering non-essential business to shut

■ Netanyahu calls on Gantz to form "emergency unity government" to tackle spread of virus

■ All foreigners are not be allowed into Israel, unless they can prove they are able to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. Read the full guide for tourists and Israelis