Coronavirus hits jesus church in bethlehem shut to tourists
I think there may be some confusion here. Jesus Christ was a historical figure who lived in ancient Palestine, and his church is not a physical building that can be shut down. Additionally, Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, not a country that can be closed to tourists.
However, I assume you are referring to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. The church is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ and is a major tourist attraction.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palestinian Authority, which is responsible for the city of Bethlehem, has taken measures to limit the spread of the virus. These measures include restricting the number of visitors to the Church of the Nativity and other tourist sites in the city.
In March 2020, the Palestinian Authority announced that it would be closing all tourist sites in Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, to help prevent the spread of the virus. The closure was intended to be temporary, but it has been extended several times due to the ongoing pandemic.
In recent months, the Palestinian Authority has gradually reopened some tourist sites in Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, but with strict health and safety protocols in place. These protocols include social distancing measures, mask-wearing requirements, and temperature checks for visitors.
It's worth noting that the Church of the Nativity is a sacred site for Christians around the world, and its closure has had a significant impact on the local economy and the livelihoods of many people who depend on tourism. However, the measures taken by the Palestinian Authority are intended to protect the health and safety of visitors and locals alike.