Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu undergoes quarantine after his adviser tests positive for COVID-19

Jerusalem, March 30: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his adviser's on Monday have been gone under quarantine after an adviser tested positive here for the deadly novel coronavirus.

 

 

“Even before the epidemiological investigation is over and to remove all doubt, the prime minister has decided that he and his close staff will remain in isolation until the epidemiological investigation is completed,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

 

According to the source, Rivka Paluch, who aides the prime minister on issues concerning ultra-Orthodox affairs, tested positive after her husband was admitted to the hospital with the virus. Paluch's husband contracted the virus during a hospital visit.

 

Earlier, Netanyahu had tested negative for coronavirus after he and his immediate circle underwent tests for the virus on March 15.

 

While Israel is under total lockdown, people not allowed to even walk beyond 100 meters from their homes and have been generally advised to go out only to stock up food.

 

So far, 4,347 Israelis have tested positive for the coronavirus, with the vast majority of cases mild and 134 recoveries. Sixteen patients have died and 95 are in serious condition.