COVID-19: Israel to restrict testing only to those with travel history

Israeli Health Ministry on Friday anunced that only those with travel histories will be tested for vel Coronavirus, despite symptoms. Citing a short of medical equipments to test, country in Middle East narrowed scope of testing. 

As per new guidelines laid out by Israeli government, a person can only get tested if one has a travel history to foreign nations or in Palestinian territory 14-days prior to onset of symptoms, irrespective of common Coronavirus symptoms--cough, difficulty in breathing, temperature and so on, Jerusalem Post reported.  Orwise, one is eligible for a test in Israel only if y have stayed in vicinity of COVID-19 patient for over 15 minutes. Israel on Saturday morning (IST) reported 7,589 cases and 42 deaths.

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Israeli Health Minister tested

Israel's Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing all top leers, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Moss chief Yossi Cohen, and National Security viser Meir Ben Shabbat, to go into quarantine, officials said on Thursday. Prime Minister Netanyahu h earlier gone into seven-day self-isolation after a close aide was found to have contracted dely virus, but he has so far tested negative. His quarantine h ended Wednesday night.

Litzman and his wife, who also has contracted virus, are in isolation, feeling well and are being treated, health ministry said in a statement, ding that it will request all those who came in contact with minister in past two weeks to also do same.

“ team of visers, assistants and secretarial staff in minister’s office will continue to work from home and will maintain constant telephone communication as needed with minister, who is continuing to fully man this event from his home,” ministry said.

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(With PTI inputs)