update desk

Israeli ministers, MKs quarantined for possible COVID-19 exposure

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, Agriculture Minister Tzachi Hanegbi and two other Knesset members are quarantined for 14 days after meeting with Merhavim Regional Council leader Shai Hajaj, who tested positive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Shas Party chairman Aryeh Deri during a meeting with the heads of the right-wing parties on March 4, 2020. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Shas Party chairman Aryeh Deri during a meeting with the heads of the right-wing parties on March 4, 2020. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Israel’s Health Ministry on Tuesday night ordered Interior Minister Aryeh Deri and Agriculture Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, as well as Knesset members Alon Schuster and Ram Ben-Barak, to quarantine themselves for 14 days due to possible exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The four elected officials took part in a meeting on Sunday also attended by Merhavim Regional Council leader Shai Hajaj, who has tested positive for the virus. The meeting, held in a conference room at the Interior Ministry in Jerusalem, was conducted in accordance with Health Ministry social-distancing directives.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise, with the ministry reporting on Wednesday that 427  have tested positive for the virus.

The government announced a series of new restrictions on Tuesday to check the spread of the virus and is preparing for the possibility of a full lockdown.

A version of this article first appeared in Israel Hayom.

You have read 3 articles this month.
Register to receive full access to JNS.

Just before you scroll on...

Israel is at war. JNS is combating the stream of misinformation on Israel with real, honest and factual reporting. In order to deliver this in-depth, unbiased coverage of Israel and the Jewish world, we rely on readers like you. The support you provide allows our journalists to deliver the truth, free from bias and hidden agendas. Can we count on your support? Every contribution, big or small, helps JNS.org remain a trusted source of news you can rely on.

Become a part of our mission by donating today
Topics
Comments
Thank you. You are a loyal JNS Reader.
You have read more than 10 articles this month.
Please register for full access to continue reading and post comments.
Never miss a thing
Get the best stories faster with JNS breaking news updates