There is an abundance of goods and food supply that meet the needs of citizens for a period of three to six months, announced Minister of National Economy Khaled Osseili with the advent of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
“We have imported 21,000 tons of flour in March,” he told a press conference, pointing out that its consumption rate has decreased to 30 percent due to the closure of restaurants and the curfew imposed over the coronavirus outbreak. Rice consumption, meanwhile, has risen sharply during this period, revealed the minister.
He said 1,884 tons of customs-free commodities were allowed to be imported within the quota, including various food commodities that meet the market needs, as well as 2,500 tons of customs-free frozen meat.
Osseili stressed that the flow of commercial goods has been maintain between provinces to secure supplies, especially in regions that have been locked down completely. The instant electronic processing service has also been introduced to avoid any problem in import and export operations.
He made his remarks as authorities continued to report more coronavirus cases, meaning the preventive measures will remain in place throughout Ramadan, which begins next week.
The PA has announced, however, that it would ease restrictions in Bethlehem, which had reported the first virus case 44 days ago. But the detection of more cases on Thursday forced it to reverse its decision.
Security forces closed all entrances to the Dheisha camp in Bethlehem after cases were reported there.
Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said six cases were reported as of Thursday noon. The patients were in stable condition. The latest cases take to 294 the number of people infected with the virus, including 81 in Jerusalem alone. Kaila said 61 patients have recovered.
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