RAMALLAH, Friday, October 2, 2020 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Friday evening extended the state of emergency for 30 days to battle the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Abbas issued a presidential decree extending the state of emergency for another month throughout the occupied Palestinian territories starting October 3.

This is the sixth time for Abbas to issue such a decree since March 5, when the first coronavirus cases were confirmed in Bethlehem.

The move came as Health Minister Mai al-Kaileh confirmed 545 new coronavirus infections, three deaths and 435 recovery cases.

According to the latest coronavirus data, the confirmed cases in the occupied territories (West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza) reached 51,607.

Out of the 51,607 cases, 37,582 are recorded in the West Bank, 3,184 in the Gaza Strip and 10,841 in East Jerusalem.

Recoveries have totaled 42,544, including 9,600 in Jerusalem, and the death toll reached 379, leaving a total of 8,684 active cases.

K.F.