Netanyahu: policy on virus is over-preparedness

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting Tuesday to discuss the economic impact of the new coronavirus on Israel.

Netanyahu reiterated the importance of "over preparedness," in reference to measures taken to deal with the spread of the new virus.

On Sunday, Italy and Australia had been added to Israel's restricted travel list.

Israel already cancelled all flights to and from China, and is requiring Israelis returning from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore or Thailand to be quarantined at home for two weeks.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat said Israel was feeling the economic impact of the virus because of its effect on tourism and trade.

Haiat added health concerns came first, stating "we will deal with any effect on the Israeli economy after we deal with the coronavirus."