A health ministry spokesman in Athens, epidemiologist Sotiris Tsiodras, advised people in at-risk health groups to avoid venues or events where mass gatherings will take place, a precaution against the spread of the corona virus.
In a related development, the Palestinian Authority declared an unprecedented state of emergency in the West Bank on Thursday, after seven Bethlehem residents were confirmed to be carrying the coronavirus — shutting schools, banning tourists and placing restrictions on gatherings and movement between cities.
Israel, which controls the West Bank, placed Bethlehem on lockdown, banning Israelis and Palestinians from entering or leaving the storied city.
On his part, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree declaring a state of emergency in all Palestinian-controlled territories for 30 days.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem will be closed for 14 days to allow for disinfection.
