UPDATE - Coronavirus cases in Israel climb to 127

UPDATES CASE TOLL

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - Thirty fresh cases of new coronavirus in Israel have pushed the number of cases up to 127, the Health Ministry said Thursday.

On Wednesday, the ministry banned events of more than 100 people amid fears of widespread local transmission, according to guidelines on its website.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared coronavirus a global pandemic.

The global death toll from the virus known has surpassed 4,600, with over 124,500 confirmed cases.

The virus originated in China but has reached more than 100 countries.

As part of efforts to contain the outbreak, many governments have closed borders and suspended land and air travel with the worst-hit countries.