Israel Experiences First Coronavirus Death
"The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Ps: 34:7-8
The Health Ministry announced on Friday evening 20 March 2020 that an 88-year-old man died at the Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem after being diagnosed with coronavirus. The patient, who had suffered from multiple and significant preexisting conditions, arrived at the hospital in very serious condition a week ago and was hospitalized in the isolated ward dedicated to coronavirus patients. "The patient was treated extensively, comprehensively and closely by the staff and underwent CPR during the week as a result of heart failure," the hospital said on Friday night. "In the last few hours, his condition had deteriorated and he passed away later that evening. The death is the first fatality in Israel from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The 88-year-old was the 45th confirmed case of coronavirus in Israel. He came from a nursing home in Jerusalem and was likely infected after being in the vicinity of a social worker in the nursing home who contracted the virus from a French tourist. The manager of the nursing home has gone into isolation, and other occupants and workers in the home have contracted the virus as well. On Friday afternoon, the Health Ministry confirmed the number of coronavirus cases in Israel had reached 705, ten of whom are in serious condition. Another 18 patients are in moderate condition, and 662 are in light condition. Israel is tightening its guidelines to slow the spread of the coronavirus - and PM Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that law enforcement will make sure the new Health Ministry rules are taken seriously. The emergency lockdown regulations will be in effect for the next seven days, Netanyahu said in a televised address Thur. night 19 March 2020, announcing the guidelines. He said not enough Israelis were adhering to the original regulations. “You are ordered to stay at home,” he said. “This isn’t a request, this isn’t a recommendation, but a binding requirement that will be enforced.” Israelis will be able to leave home for groceries, medical treatment and other essential services. They may drive to work if their place of work is still open. (Arutz-7/JTA)
Lord Yeshua, we continue to turn to you in faith, beseeching You to grace government leaders and medical experts with wisdom and knowledge to combat the spread of COVID-19 and to find a cure for it.