Palestinian police officers in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank stand guard outside the Church of the Nativity that was closed as a preventive measure against the coronavirus. Photo: Mussa Qawasma/Reuters

Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said on Friday a total of 16 cases of the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus had been detected in the West Bank, including nine new cases in Bethlehem, according to the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa.

The Israeli defence ministry said it had imposed emergency measures on Bethlehem, with everybody "forbidden from entering or leaving the city". It added that the lockdown had been imposed "in coordination with the Palestinian Authority" (PA).

Israel controls all entrances to the West Bank but the Ramallah-based PA has limited autonomy in cities.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh made a special broadcast late on Thursday to announce the 30-day lockdown, saying the measures were essential to contain the disease.

All but essential travel between Palestinian governorates was now prohibited, while all schools and educational facilities would close, he said.

Public parks and tourist sites would close while large sporting events, conferences and other major gatherings were cancelled, Shtayyeh added.

Muhannad Qaisy, a Bethlehem resident, told Al Jazeera it was nothing the Palestinians had not experienced before.

"To be honest, we're used to such measures, to be under closure, people staying at home for many nights, but for a different reason, because we live under occupation," he said.

The streets of Bethlehem and Ramallah were near-empty on Friday morning, with most shops closed.

Al Jazeera's Nida Ibrahim, reporting from Ramallah, said some people panicked.

"Despite officials telling them to stay calm, some people stocked up on food, water and cleaning supplies out of fear that the shutdown will go on for some time," she said.