Coronavirus in Israel: Health Ministry Director Announces Resignation Amid Crisis

As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, Israel and the Palestinians are working to curb the spread of COVID-19 among their populations.

■ 16,526 people in Israel have so far tested positive for the coronavirus; 258 people have died. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 547 people tested positive; two people have died. In the Gaza Strip, 20 people were diagnosed, 14 of which recovered. 

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■ The Israeli government approved a series of steps to ease the lockdown restrictions, including allowing group prayer, partial reopening of the economy and stores, and fines for not wearing masks in public. Some coronavirus wards started closing as cases decline.

■ Coronavirus tracker: Live stats of cases and deaths

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1:37 P.M. Health Ministry director general resigns

Health Ministry Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov gave his resignation to the prime minister and health minister, he announced Tuesday afternoon. "I am proud of my year as the director, and specifically dealing with the coronavirus crisis," he said in the announcement. "I will remain for the necessary transition period to pass the torch in an organized manner, and wish the next health minister and minstry director luck."