Over 1,200 Israeli soldiers quarantined amid coronavirus outbreak
It is noted that some 189 additional soldiers had completed their mandatory 14-day quarantine and returned to their original units
The Israeli military said at least 1,262 soldiers have been quarantined at home on suspicions of the new coronavirus infection as the flu-like virus is spreading across the globe.
The military spokesperson's unit reported on Friday that most of the quarantined Israeli forces had returned from vacation outside the occupied territories, while the remaining came in contact with confirmed carriers of the coronavirus in Israel, reported Press TV.
It is noted that some 189 additional soldiers had completed their mandatory 14-day quarantine and returned to their original units.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
So far, a total of 21 Israelis have tested positive for the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan in China's Hubei province.
Israel has banned entry to foreigners from China, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland in the 14 days prior to arriving.
In addition, all Israelis returning from those states have been instructed to enter self-quarantine for two weeks.
Israel's health ministry has also banned social gatherings of over 5,000 people.
According to the ministry, 3,694 high school students, pre-school children and individuals in the education system have been placed in isolation due to fears that they have contracted the novel coronavirus.
Israel's Channel 12 TV reported that the total number of Israelis in quarantine has reached at least 80,000.
On Wednesday, Israel canceled a major joint military drill with the United States, dubbed Juniper Cobra, over coronavirus fears.
