Palestinian gov't confirms seven virus cases, declares two-week tourist ban

The Palestinian government confirmed the number of coronavirus cases in the occupied West Bank had risen to seven and declared a two-week ban on tourists visiting cities and sites including Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.

The health ministry said the cases had been confirmed in the Bethlehem area south of Jerusalem.

"They are now being treated in quarantine," a statement from minister Mai al-Kaila said.