Passover Lockdown Begins as Israel Coronavirus Cases Top 9,400

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.

■ 9,404 Israelis have so far tested positive for the coronavirus; 71 people have died. In the West Bank, 248 cases have been diagnosed so far. One woman in her 60s has died. In Gaza, 13 cases have been diagnosed.

■ 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 ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, which has become a hotspot for the spread of the virus, has been put on lockdown. A general closure is in effect as of Tuesday, and a curfew as of Wednesday.

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

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