The Israel government approved a nationwide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">lockdown </a>beginning Friday after the nation's parliament approved an initial lockdown for two weeks which is likely to be extended.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-break-out-in-israel-against-nethanyahus-poor-handling-of-coronavirus-327123">Also Read:&nbsp;Fresh protests break out in Israel against Nethanyahu's poor handling of coronavirus</a>

The country entered its second lockdown amid a spurt in coronavirus cases coinciding with the start of the Jewish New Year. Israel had earlier imposed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/90-minute-british-dnanudge-covid-19-test-is-944-accurate-lancet-study-finds-328376">lockdown</a> in March and began easing restrictions in May.

“We find ourselves before the second closure since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic,” PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address to the nation, adding, "We have determined that one of the criteria for new restrictions would be a red flag from the health system and it was waved last week.” &nbsp;

Israel has witnessed 5,000 cases per day as authorities impose social distancing norms and limit worshippers going to synagogues amid the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana which begins on September 27.

The government has announced stringent guidelines including restrictions on educational activity, visiting each others residence and visits to the beach. The authorities have allowed not more than 20 people to gather in open spaces with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinese-scientist-says-covid-19-was-created-by-chinas-military-327862">social distancing</a> norms of at least 2 meters with residents allowed to go out up to a distance of 1 kilometre only.

The government has also designated cities as "red" which have recorded a large number of cases including Netanya and Rishon Letzion, near Tel Aviv and areas in Jerusalem, including the Old City. Amid the growing number of cases, the country has also ramped up testing with 5,238 positive cases detected on Thursday out of 56,986 tests processed.

The Israel government approved a nationwide lockdown beginning Friday after the nation's parliament approved an initial lockdown for two weeks which is likely to be extended.

The Israel government approved a nationwide lockdown beginning Friday after the nation's parliament approved an initial lockdown for two weeks which is likely to be extended. Also Read: Fresh protests break out in Israel against Nethanyahu's poor handling of coronavirus The country entered its second lockdown amid a spurt in coronavirus cases coinciding with the start of the Jewish New Year. Israel had earlier imposed a lockdown in March and began easing restrictions in May. “We find ourselves before the second closure since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic,” PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address to the nation, adding, "We have determined that one of the criteria for new restrictions would be a red flag from the health system and it was waved last week.” Israel has witnessed 5,000 cases per day as authorities impose social distancing norms and limit worshippers going to synagogues amid the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana which begins on September 27. The government has announced stringent guidelines including restrictions on educational activity, visiting each others residence and visits to the beach. The authorities have allowed not more than 20 people to gather in open spaces with social distancing norms of at least 2 meters with residents allowed to go out up to a distance of 1 kilometre only. The government has also designated cities as "red" which have recorded a large number of cases including Netanya and Rishon Letzion, near Tel Aviv and areas in Jerusalem, including the Old City. Amid the growing number of cases, the country has also ramped up testing with 5,238 positive cases detected on Thursday out of 56,986 tests processed.

Israel enters second lockdown amid spurt in coronavirus cases

Iran's health ministry said today that nearly 3,000 new coronavirus infections were detected in the country which is the highest daily rise in two months.

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"People seem to think the coronavirus is over... some officials also believe everything is back to normal," said Iran's health minister Saeed Namaki said, adding,"the coronavirus is not only far from over, but we could at any moment see (another) dangerous peak."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jerusalem-700-worshippers-at-al-aqsa-mosque-for-dawn-prayers-302302/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government had said on Sunday that the number of cases in the country had crossed 150,000 as the country continued to battle against the virus.

On Sunday, Iran ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour had said that &nbsp;2,516 new cases were confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours.

The government had reimposed a lockdown in Khuzestan province on Iran's southwestern border with Iraq declaring the area a Red Zone.

The country had recorded over 7,700 deaths till Sunday. Health minister Saeed Namaki had said earlier that the situation was "completely stable" in all but four provinces. 
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Iran's health ministry said today that nearly 3,000 new coronavirus infections were detected in the country which is the highest daily rise in two months. Also Read: Russia to start administering 'game changer' drug to treat coronavirus patients "People seem to think the coronavirus is over.

Iran's health ministry said today that nearly 3,000 new coronavirus infections were detected in the country which is the highest daily rise in two months. Also Read: Russia to start administering 'game changer' drug to treat coronavirus patients "People seem to think the coronavirus is over... some officials also believe everything is back to normal," said Iran's health minister Saeed Namaki said, adding,"the coronavirus is not only far from over, but we could at any moment see (another) dangerous peak." Watch Video: The government had said on Sunday that the number of cases in the country had crossed 150,000 as the country continued to battle against the virus. On Sunday, Iran ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour had said that 2,516 new cases were confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours. The government had reimposed a lockdown in Khuzestan province on Iran's southwestern border with Iraq declaring the area a Red Zone. The country had recorded over 7,700 deaths till Sunday. Health minister Saeed Namaki had said earlier that the situation was "completely stable" in all but four provinces.

'Could see dangerous peak any moment': Iran records sudden rise in coronavirus cases

Iran authorities said today that there were over 2,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-nears-300000-coronavirus-cases-reports-115-deaths-in-24-hours-299643">coronavirus</a> cases in the last 24 hours with no deaths in ten provinces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infection-may-lead-to-mental-health-issues-says-study-299680">Also Read: Coronavirus infection may lead to mental health issues, says study</a>

"Ten provinces have reported zero deaths in the past 24 hours and six others only one," health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said.

Iran has 7,199 fatalities due to COVID-19 with 124,603 virus cases.

The health ministry said that over 97,170 patients hospitalized have recovered, however, several provinces including Kermanshah, north Khorasan, Baluchistan, Kerman are still under the close watch of authorities even as health officials said that the situation was largely stable in the country.

Health ministry official Kianoush Jahanpour had said last week that the "Khuzestan province is still in a critical situation" which is labeled "red" in coronavirus risk index in the country.

Authorities in Khuzestan province reimposed the shutdown after relaxation last month as the cases spiraled.

Iran had reported its first COVID-19 casualty in February in the pilgrimage city of Qom. In a report last month, Iranian officials had said that there is a "rising trend or the beginning of a peak" in eight provinces, including Khuzestan.&nbsp;

Amid relaxation measures, President Rouhani announced that from May 24 restaurants will be allowed to reopen and pilgrims allowed to visit the outdoor areas of shrines but only for six hours during the day. Universities will also be allowed to hold final exams on June 6.

Iran authorities said today that there were over 2,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with no deaths in ten provinces. Also Read: Coronavirus infection may lead to mental health issues, says study "Ten provinces have reported zero deaths in the past 24 hours and six others only one," health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said.

Iran authorities said today that there were over 2,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with no deaths in ten provinces. Also Read: Coronavirus infection may lead to mental health issues, says study "Ten provinces have reported zero deaths in the past 24 hours and six others only one," health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said. Iran has 7,199 fatalities due to COVID-19 with 124,603 virus cases. The health ministry said that over 97,170 patients hospitalized have recovered, however, several provinces including Kermanshah, north Khorasan, Baluchistan, Kerman are still under the close watch of authorities even as health officials said that the situation was largely stable in the country. Health ministry official Kianoush Jahanpour had said last week that the "Khuzestan province is still in a critical situation" which is labeled "red" in coronavirus risk index in the country. Authorities in Khuzestan province reimposed the shutdown after relaxation last month as the cases spiraled. Iran had reported its first COVID-19 casualty in February in the pilgrimage city of Qom. In a report last month, Iranian officials had said that there is a "rising trend or the beginning of a peak" in eight provinces, including Khuzestan. Amid relaxation measures, President Rouhani announced that from May 24 restaurants will be allowed to reopen and pilgrims allowed to visit the outdoor areas of shrines but only for six hours during the day. Universities will also be allowed to hold final exams on June 6.

Iran reports over 2,000 coronavirus cases in 24 hours as fatalities cross 7,000

The Iran government said on Wednesday that new deaths from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/country-remains-at-mercy-of-covid-19-finland-opens-helsinki-region-292666">coronavirus</a> remained in double figures for the second consecutive day.

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Iran's health ministry said 94 people died due to COVID-19 in the country in the last 24 hours with the death toll due to the virus climbing to 4,777.

The total infections in the country has now risen to 76,389. The government said 49,933 people who were hospitalised have recovered.

Although Iran hasn't lockdown the country, but it has shut schools and asked people to stay off the streets in a bid to combat the virus.

With the economy in doldrums due to the US sanction, President Rouhani said the country was fighting both the "disease and unemployment at the same time".

Iran had forecast that its economy would contract by 7.2 per cent in the year to March 21, however, its stock exchange has been rising even though the country's growth path has been largely hampered due to the virus and the US sanctions.

Iran has requested a $5 billion emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund to battle the coronavirus outbreak

The Iran government said on Wednesday that new deaths from the coronavirus remained in double figures for the second consecutive day. Also Read: Google and Apple collaborate to track coronavirus pandemic Iran's health ministry said 94 people died due to COVID-19 in the country in the last 24 hours with the death toll due to the virus climbing to 4,777.

The Iran government said on Wednesday that new deaths from the coronavirus remained in double figures for the second consecutive day. Also Read: Google and Apple collaborate to track coronavirus pandemic Iran's health ministry said 94 people died due to COVID-19 in the country in the last 24 hours with the death toll due to the virus climbing to 4,777. The total infections in the country has now risen to 76,389. The government said 49,933 people who were hospitalised have recovered. Although Iran hasn't lockdown the country, but it has shut schools and asked people to stay off the streets in a bid to combat the virus. With the economy in doldrums due to the US sanction, President Rouhani said the country was fighting both the "disease and unemployment at the same time". Iran had forecast that its economy would contract by 7.2 per cent in the year to March 21, however, its stock exchange has been rising even though the country's growth path has been largely hampered due to the virus and the US sanctions. Iran has requested a $5 billion emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund to battle the coronavirus outbreak

Iran reports coronavirus deaths below 100 for second consecutive day

The Iran government said on Tuesday that the death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-spain-records-567-new-deaths-as-death-toll-crosses-18000-292450">coronavirus</a> fell to double figures for the first time in a month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-approves-debt-relief-for-25-poor-countries-to-help-them-address-coronavirus-pandemic-292341">Also Read:&nbsp;IMF approves debt relief for 25 poor countries to help them address coronavirus</a>

"Unfortunately, we lost 98 of our compatriots infected with the disease... but after a month of waiting, this is the first day that the death toll has been double figures," health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said.

In Iran, 4,683 people have died due to COVID-19.

"We hope that this path will continue with your ongoing cooperation" in observing health guidelines aimed at stopping the spread of the virus," the health ministry spokesman said as the number of deaths per day showed improvement for the first time in weeks.

The total number of infected cases in the country has now risen to 74,877 with 48,129 of those hospitalized recovered and been discharged, the health ministry spokesman informed.

Iran had announced its first COVID-19 case on February 19 since then the country has announced the closure of schools but hasn't gone in for a complete lockdown like several other countries. 
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The Iran government said on Tuesday that the death toll due to coronavirus fell to double figures for the first time in a month. Also Read: IMF approves debt relief for 25 poor countries to help them address coronavirus "Unfortunately, we lost 98 of our compatriots infected with the disease.

The Iran government said on Tuesday that the death toll due to coronavirus fell to double figures for the first time in a month. Also Read: IMF approves debt relief for 25 poor countries to help them address coronavirus "Unfortunately, we lost 98 of our compatriots infected with the disease... but after a month of waiting, this is the first day that the death toll has been double figures," health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said. In Iran, 4,683 people have died due to COVID-19. "We hope that this path will continue with your ongoing cooperation" in observing health guidelines aimed at stopping the spread of the virus," the health ministry spokesman said as the number of deaths per day showed improvement for the first time in weeks. The total number of infected cases in the country has now risen to 74,877 with 48,129 of those hospitalized recovered and been discharged, the health ministry spokesman informed. Iran had announced its first COVID-19 case on February 19 since then the country has announced the closure of schools but hasn't gone in for a complete lockdown like several other countries.

Coronavirus death toll below 100 for first time in month: Iran

According to a report, several Saudi royal family members have been infected with the coronavirus.

The New York Times citing Saudi hospital sources and the family reported that at least 150 members of the ruling Saudi royal family were infected with COVID-19.

The New York-based newspaper said that &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who is in his 70s and the brother of King Salman was in intensive care after falling ill due to the virus.

The report added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has gone into isolation along&nbsp;the Red Sea with his ministers in order to avoid contracting the virus while King Salman, 84, has isolated himself in Jeddah.

The Saudi royal family members brought the virus after travelling to Europe, the NYT reported. The first case of coronavirus was reported in Saudi Arabia on March 2, since then the royal family which runs the country has taken a number of steps to stop the spread of the virus which includes banning pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina.

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia reported 2,795 coronavirus cases with 41 deaths.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's health minister warned of a huge spike in coronavirus cases of up to 200,000 within weeks, state media said.

"Within the next few weeks, studies predict the number of infections will range from a minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 200,000," the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah.

As the virus spread, the government on Monday announced lockdowns in several cities including Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Hofuf, Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar along with the intensification of curfew in various cities to combat the virus.

According to a report, several Saudi royal family members have been infected with the coronavirus. The New York Times citing Saudi hospital sources and the family reported that at least 150 members of the ruling Saudi royal family were infected with COVID-19.

According to a report, several Saudi royal family members have been infected with the coronavirus. The New York Times citing Saudi hospital sources and the family reported that at least 150 members of the ruling Saudi royal family were infected with COVID-19. The New York-based newspaper said that Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who is in his 70s and the brother of King Salman was in intensive care after falling ill due to the virus. The report added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has gone into isolation along the Red Sea with his ministers in order to avoid contracting the virus while King Salman, 84, has isolated himself in Jeddah. The Saudi royal family members brought the virus after travelling to Europe, the NYT reported. The first case of coronavirus was reported in Saudi Arabia on March 2, since then the royal family which runs the country has taken a number of steps to stop the spread of the virus which includes banning pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia reported 2,795 coronavirus cases with 41 deaths. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's health minister warned of a huge spike in coronavirus cases of up to 200,000 within weeks, state media said. "Within the next few weeks, studies predict the number of infections will range from a minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 200,000," the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah. As the virus spread, the government on Monday announced lockdowns in several cities including Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Hofuf, Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar along with the intensification of curfew in various cities to combat the virus.

At least 150 Saudi royal family members infected with coronavirus: Report

Iran on Monday said 136 deaths <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-fewer-than-50-coronavirus-cases-who-lauds-nations-response-290895">coronavirus</a> related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours even as authorities said that the number of cases was showing a "gradual" downward trend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-declare-coronavirus-emergency-launch-990-billion-stimulus-pm-abe-290903">Also Read: Japan to declare coronavirus emergency, launch $990 billion stimulus</a>

Iran registered 2,274 new cases of infection with over 60,500 people infected with COVID-19. The virus has killed over 3,600 in the country since February.

The ministry said the number of new cases had shown a drop for the sixth consecutive day after a peak of 3,111 reached on March 31.

"Due to the intensification of the social distancing policy, we have seen a gradual and slow decline in the number of new cases in recent days," health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said, adding, "I hope that the strongest possible adherence to these instructions, will allow us to enter a phase of disease control and containment."

With a semblance of control, President Rouhani announced on Sunday that the authorities had allowed resumption of certain economic activities "step-by-step" from April 11.

Meanwhile, Britain, France and Germany said that they had carried out the first transaction through the Instex mechanism to deliver medical supplies to Iran which has been hit hard due to US sanctions. The move was described by Iran's foreign ministry as "good omen" but it added that what th&nbsp;country expects Europeans to fulfil the rest of their commitments in various fields including banking, energy, insurance."

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Iran on Monday said 136 deaths coronavirus related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours even as authorities said that the number of cases was showing a "gradual" downward trend.

Iran on Monday said 136 deaths coronavirus related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours even as authorities said that the number of cases was showing a "gradual" downward trend. Also Read: Japan to declare coronavirus emergency, launch $990 billion stimulus Iran registered 2,274 new cases of infection with over 60,500 people infected with COVID-19. The virus has killed over 3,600 in the country since February. The ministry said the number of new cases had shown a drop for the sixth consecutive day after a peak of 3,111 reached on March 31. "Due to the intensification of the social distancing policy, we have seen a gradual and slow decline in the number of new cases in recent days," health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said, adding, "I hope that the strongest possible adherence to these instructions, will allow us to enter a phase of disease control and containment." With a semblance of control, President Rouhani announced on Sunday that the authorities had allowed resumption of certain economic activities "step-by-step" from April 11. Meanwhile, Britain, France and Germany said that they had carried out the first transaction through the Instex mechanism to deliver medical supplies to Iran which has been hit hard due to US sanctions. The move was described by Iran's foreign ministry as "good omen" but it added that what th country expects Europeans to fulfil the rest of their commitments in various fields including banking, energy, insurance."

Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases