Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) WHO Update 4 oPt, March 5, 2020

Situation in oPt and Eastern Mediterranean Region:

• On 5 March 2020, the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed 7 cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) to WHO
• As reported by the MoH, all confirmed COVID-19 cases are in the Bethlehem area, and are thought to be related to contact with a group of Greek tourists who visited the area in late February and tested positive for COVID-19 upon their return to Greece
• The MoH have confirmed that all COVID-19 cases have no symptoms so far and are currently isolated in a hotel in Bethlehem. Infection prevention and control protocols were implemented as per WHO guidelines. Investigations and contact tracing were initiated
• Countries neighboring oPt reported: 16 cases in Israel, 3 in Egypt and 1 in Jordan
• Further spread can be contained through consolidated action, but collective efforts are required and further resources and support will be required to enhance response efforts
• WHO will continue to work with partners to support MoH’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 situation in oPt.
• WHO urges the public to obtain the latest information on COVID-19 from key sources such as MoH and WHO (see Twitter, Facebook and oPt website), and follow and promote the recommended basic preventive and protective measures (see links to official information below). 

Latest Preparedness Activities:

Risk to individuals:

• Recent research shows that most people infected with COVID-19 show mild illness, however, some people, in  particular older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease

Inform yourself:

• Please check the latest information on COVID-19 from key sources such as MoH, national authorities and WHO (see Twitter, Facebook and oPt website), and follow and promote the recommended basic preventive and protective measures.
• It is important to keep informed and updates of the situation and to take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family.

Advice for the public about what to do to manage risk:

• If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or have not travelled from an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of infection is low.
• It is understandable that you may feel anxious about the outbreak.
• It’s a good idea to get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions
• It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family
•  If you are in an area where there are cases of COVID-19 you need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice of WHO and guidance issued by national and local health authorities.