An elderly Palestinian walks past closed shops at the old city in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, March 14, 2020. (Photo by Luay Sababa/Xinhua)

 
Ibrahim Melhem, spokesman of the Palestinian government, has praised China's efforts and experience in fighting the novel coronavirus outbreak.

In an interview with Xinhua on Saturday, Melhem said since the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the Chinese leadership has taken its responsibility to protect tens of millions of people, by locking down the epicenter city of Wuhan as well as increasing health measures in the surrounding areas.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in Palestine a month ago, Palestine has been dealing with the pandemic by following the prevention and control measures practiced by the Chinese side such as quarantine, social distancing, and staying-at-home, he said.

The Palestinian government has also declared a state of emergency, shutting down all public places such as schools, universities, popular markets as well as stopping movement between the cities.

Due to the anti-virus measures, most Palestinians have been staying at home instead of going to work, said Melhem, which has a negative effect on the economy.

A Palestinian police officer stands guard at a street during a campaign to seize drivers who violate the emergency law in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, April 6, 2020. (Photo by Luay Sababa/Xinhua)

 
The Palestinian government is currently considering restarting some factories, which also calls for China's experience to revive the economy and avoid more losses, the government official added.

So far, 268 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Palestinian territories, including 13 in the Gaza Strip, while 44 patients have recovered and two died.

Palestine is drawing on China's experience in combating the virus, Melhem said, as the Chinese people have proven that they can overcome the tribulations and crises.

A Palestinian vendor wearing a face mask holds a traditional Ramadan lantern at a market in Gaza City, on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)