Israel’s Cabinet to Debate Coronavirus Exit Strategy on Thursday as Deaths Reach 140

As the highly contagious coronavirus spreads around the world, Israel and the Palestinians struggle to contain a local outbreak that has virtually halted daily life and led to tens of thousands of people entering quarantine.

■ 12,591 Israelis have so far tested positive for the coronavirus; 140 people have died. In the West Bank, 316 cases have been diagnosed so far. Two have died. In Gaza, 13 cases have been diagnosed. Coronavirus world tracker: Live statistics of cases and deaths

■ Laboratory material shortages are forcing Israel to reduce testing, but Israel says it's planning on producing materials locally. The government has called upon citizens to wear face masks in public to better protect themselves and others from the virus. Guidelines explained

■ The government has allowed the lockdown on the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, a coronavirus hotspot. On Thursday, it is debating whether to reimpose it, as well as extend a curfew on Jerusalem neighborhoods with a high infection rate. 

■ For the Health Ministry's official website on the corovavirus outbreak, click here.

LIVE UPDATES

1:45 P.M Asylum seeker to be required to pay back coronavirus payment after right-wing pressure