BETHLEHEM, Saturday, March 7, 2020 (WAFA) – Governor of the southern West Bank district of Bethlehem, Kamil Hmeid, ordered today a total shutdown of the district until Monday night.

The governor, who said that this measure was necessary to combat coronavirus after discovering 16 cases in the biblical city over the last two days, said however, that the health services will be excluded from the shutdown.

He said that the security forces have intensified their activities in the district in an effort to reduce movement of people, except in necessary situations.

Hmeid said that all official institutions in the district will remain closed until Monday night.

He did not, however, say anything about the private sector, such as banks and other businesses.

The Palestinian prime minister had ordered a total isolation of Bethlehem, banning entry and exit from the district in an effort to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

Meanwhile, 16 Palestinians identified as having contracted the disease remain isolated in Angel Hotel in Beit Jala, a town adjacent to Bethlehem, where they work. Many other workers and foreign tourists remain stuck in the hotel for the time being.

M.K.