INDEX BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR 2-7, 16 COMMENT 14, 15 QATAR | Page 16 ARAB WORLD 7, 8 BUSINESS 1-12 QSE is region’s INTERNATIONAL 8-13 SPORTS 1-8 Qatar Airways 2nd-largest resumes fl ights equity market DOW JONES QE NYMEX to Istanbul with $160bn 26,469.89 9,368.29 41.34 Sabiha Gokcen capitalisation in -182.44 -17.87 +0.27 -0.68% -0.19% +0.66% end-2019: QFC Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11621 July 26, 2020 Dhul-Hijjah 5, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Address registration Eid gifts – saying it with flowers and chocolates deadline ends today The deadline for the National Address registration ends today, six HIA new tech lets months after its launch. The Ministry of Interior has issued several reminders during this period, urging people to register their National Address via the electronic services electronic items of the MoI, such as its website and the Metrash2 app, or through direct registration at its service centres. Some of the MoI service centres stay in baggage worked during this weekend to make it easy for individuals and companies to complete their National Address registration. during screening MoPH reports 105,750 amad International Airport total Covid-19 recoveries (HIA) has installed the latest The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Hsecurity screening technol- reported yesterday 398 new confirmed ogy, which is an advanced algorithm cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) and that enables security personnel to eas- 330 recoveries in the last 24 hours, ily detect explosive materials held in bringing the total number of people complex items and structures. who recovered from the disease in The technology also allows trans- Qatar to 105,750. All new cases have With Eid al-Adha just a few days away, there is hectic activity at shops selling sweets, gift outlets and florists. Pictured are fer passengers the freedom to keep been kept in isolation and are receiving some Eid gifts at a shop in Al Wakra. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam Page 7 electronic devices such as laptops, necessary healthcare, a statement tablets, digital cameras, etc in their issued by the MoPH said. Page 2 hand luggage while going through se- curity checkpoints, “improving lev- Second wave of Covid els of customer service and the need Qatar’s international airport has hits Germany for further divestment that also has a enhanced the security screening Qatar to host Sport Management hygiene benefi t”, HIA said in a state- process while elevating Covid-19 Warnings have sounded that a ment. measures by minimising contact at second wave of the coronavirus The new C2 technology will be ini- security checkpoints. pandemic is already hitting Germany tially implemented across all trans- as daily infection rates rise, with the world congress in 2022 fer screening checkpoints upon the the implementation of C2 technology, government’s infectious diseases gradual reopening of transfer gates. It we can accomplish a more effi cient institute also saying it was very will significantly enhance airport se- protocol that addresses all passen- concerned. “The second coronavirus atar will become the fi rst curity while speeding up the inspec- ger concerns. Our passenger-centric wave is already here. It is already country in the Middle East tion process and boosting through- strategy helps us continue our invest- taking place every day. We have new Qand North Africa to host the put. The application of this system ments towards that front while de- clusters of infection every day which Congress of World Association of will allow HIA to reach a higher and veloping solutions that are in the best could become very high numbers,” Sport Management (WASM) after internationally recognised explosives interest of our people.” Michael Kretschmer, premier of the successfully winning the right to host detection system standard, the state- eastern state of Saxony, said. the event in March 2022, the offi cial ment notes. zQatar’s international Qatar News Agency has reported. The ECAC C2 Detection standard airport is also exploring the US consulate in China The successful bid to host the can identify threat materials in con- introduction of a combination 2022 WASM Congress in Qatar was a gested bags, including electronic de- of anti-bacterial trays at readies for closure joint eff ort between Qatar University vices that had to be segregated from checkpoints and automated Workers removed the US insignia and Hamad Bin Khalifa University bags earlier. Once the bag is placed on UV emitting modules that from the consulate in the Chinese (HBKU), a member of Qatar Founda- the X-ray for screening, it can be col- will automatically disinfect city of Chengdu yesterday, a day tion. Dr Ahmad M Hasnah Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham lected without any further stops for the trays passengers touch after Beijing ordered its closure as Hosting the event would be another re-screening or physical inspections. to further safeguard the relations deteriorated in a Cold War- milestone for Qatar in preparation for government bodies and sport indus- Qatar National Tourism Council The system is also a signifi cant coun- health and safety of all HIA style standoff . The Chengdu mission hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, try, and to make an impact in terms (QNTC), the Supreme Committee for ter Covid-19 measure, which reduces passengers was told to shut in retaliation for the QU said in a statement yesterday. of knowledge sharing as part of the Delivery & Legacy (SC) represented possible cross-contamination among forced closure of Beijing’s consulate The successful joint eff ort was 2022 FIFA World Cup legacy project by Josoor Institute, and Qatar Olym- passenger carry-on bags. Applying this latest technology in Houston, Texas, with both sides supported by a memorandum of un- in the region and beyond, the state- pic Committee (QOC) represented by The implementation of the technol- will boost HIA’s passenger process- alleging the other had endangered derstanding between QU and QF, ment notes. Qatar Olympic Academy, supported ogy will elevate the airport’s hygiene ing capacity while reducing queuing national security. The deadline for the which focuses on strengthening The joint bidding team members the bid. standards by limiting human contact times at security points. This allows Americans to exit Chengdu remains cross-institutional collaborations in are Dr Kamilla Swart-Arries, associate The last World Association for at the security checkpoints, making HIA to provide a smooth and hassle- unclear. Three moving company student learning activities, teaching professor in Sport Management at the Sport Management Conference the process safer and faster for both free journey to all passengers and trucks entered the US consulate and in the fi eld of research. College of Science and Engineering, was held at the Universidad Santo staff and passengers. maintain its recognition as an airport building yesterday afternoon. Page 10 The WASM 2022 Congress in Qa- from HBKU, and Dr Ahmed al-Emadi, Tomas in Santiago de Chile in 2019 Saeed Yousef al-Sulaiti, vice-pres- that consistently meets the highest tar will be an opportunity to promote professor in Sport Management and and attracted 150 delegates from ident - Security at Hamad Interna- standards of safety and world-class Bolsonaro says he tested education, research and publications dean of the College of Education; Dr over 40 countries. Hosting the con- tional Airport, said: “The security security. negative for Covid-19 in the multi-disciplinary area of sport Othman Mohamed al-Thawadi, as- gress in Qatar in 2022 “will for sure process at HIA is continuously im- HIA is looking into the prospect of management in Qatar and in the re- sistant professor in marketing at the attract more international delegates proving through the introduction of implementing body scanners, to pro- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro gion, including sport governance, College of Business and Economics; of academics and professionals in cutting-edge technologies. Our goal vide better security outcomes while announced yesterday he has tested sport policy and strategy, sport mar- and Dr Mahfoud Amara, associate sport management to participate is to make the journey safer, given the slowly easing all body search proce- negative for the new coronavirus keting, sport and event management, professor in Sport Policy and Manage- in the congress, and to have a close current Covid-19 pandemic. Dur- dures. This potential technology will more than two weeks after being to name but a few. ment and director of the Sport Science look at Qatar’s preparation for the ing these challenging times, our pri- prove to be helpful in the Covid-19 cli- diagnosed on July 7, attributing his Moreover, it will contribute to Programme, College of Arts and Sci- mega event”, the QU statement ority remains to protect passengers mate as it helps reduce contact during recovery to an unproven malaria bridging between academia, sport ences, from Qatar University. adds. To Page 2 while preserving security. Through body searches. To Page 6 drug. “RT-PCR for Sars-Cov 2: negative. Good morning everyone,” the 65-year-old tweeted, along with a photo of himself smiling and holding All-black militia march in US a packet of hydroxychloroquine, whose eff ectiveness against Covid-19 has not been demonstrated in MoPH issues guidelines clinical trials. He did not say when he took the latest test. Page 9 for slaughterhouse visits Keep beaches clean drive he Ministry of Public necessary; Follow the slaughter- lines for those who suff er from Health (MoPH) has issued house instructions and guide- chronic diseases or are above Tsafety guidelines for citi- lines; Maintain a social distance 60 years of age, while choosing zens and residents to follow dur- of 1.5m between you and others; a sacrifi ce or receiving the off er- ing the upcoming Eid al-Adha. Avoid shaking hands and touch- ing meat. These include advices for ing surfaces and equipment; Pay Such people should avoid go- people visiting slaughterhouses by card instead of cash when ing to the slaughterhouse as well as well as for those who suf- possible; Discard masks appro- as avoid hiring non-licensed fer from chronic diseases or are priately. butchers, the advisory states, above 60 years of age. In another post on social me- adding that they should use “For your safety and that of dia, the MoPH issued guide- home-delivery services. others during this Eid, when visiting a slaughterhouse to choose your sacrifi ce or pick up The Ministry of Municipality and the sacrifi ce meat, ensure ad- Environment’s General Cleanliness hering to the health guidelines,” Department and Natural Reserves the ministry said in a post on Department, in co-operation with social media yesterday. These Seashore Group, has launched an guidelines are: awareness campaign targeting Avoid going to the slaughter- the public about the importance house during rush hours; Avoid of keeping the beaches clean, taking children under 12 years; and disposing of trash in Stick to the appointment time designated containers. The given to you by the slaughter- innovative campaign involves house; Ensure that the Ehteraz the use of garbage containers in app is activated and the ‘Green’ the form of fish. Page 16 Members of an all-black militia group called NFAC prepare for a march during a rally, in code is shown; Wear a mask; A livestock market in Al Mazrouah ahead of Eid al-Adha. Louisville, Kentucky, USA, yesterday. Avoid getting off the car unless PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 26, 2020 QATAR

‘Important to avoid Workshop highlights role of diabetes Official care professionals during Covid-19 Health minister holds meeting with Iraqi counterpart fear, anxiety while QNA (PHCC), aims to ensure those general diabetes self-care which Doha living with diabetes are receiving includes topics such as the im- optimal care during this period. portance of daily foot exami- HE the Minister of Public Health The programme aims to help nations, maintaining a healthy Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari iabetes care professionals diabetic patients reach and diet, and physical fi tness. has held a meeting with Iraqi resuming normal life’ from across Hamad Med- maintain their diabetic thera- As part of ensuring patients Health Minister Hassan Mohamed Dical Corporation (HMC) peutic targets, which also in- have access to treatment, the al-Tamimi through video held a workshop highlighting the cludes control of blood pressure diabetes education team is also conference technology. zLearning to live with Covid-19 for a while is new reality important role played by diabe- and cholesterol.” providing phone-based emer- The meeting dealt with ways tes educators in supporting the The programme delivers es- gency care through the diabetes and mechanisms for enhancing delivery of safe care during the sential diabetes care to high-risk hotline. The hotline, which has co-operation between the two s the wait for an eff ective ures as normal everyday prac- tact like shaking hands, hugging Covid-19 pandemic. patients and proactively pri- received over 5,500 calls since countries in the health sector. cure as well as a vaccine tices. He noted that the eff ective and kissing, and adapting to the The workshop emphasised the oritises the care of those with being launched in mid-March, This comes within the framework Acontinues, it’s becom- implementations of these meas- new way of life in general. role of diabetes self-manage- poorly controlled diabetes and can be accessed by calling 16099 of implementing the directives ing clearer that people will have ures have contributed greatly So, people should gradually ment education as a key compo- diabetic patients over the age (select option 4), seven days a of His Highness the Amir Sheikh to live with the new reality of to containing the spread of the go back to their normal life but nent of patients diabetes care. of 50 years. The programme week between 7am and 10pm. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of Covid-19 for a while - a number disease. it would still be diff erent from Director of Diabetes Educa- includes virtual consultations As part of this service, medical sending field hospitals with of physicians have reiterated. Further, he said people have what they were used to ear- tion Dr Manal Othman said that with physicians with follow-up advice related to diabetes and various medical equipment to the This means gradually resuming to monitor their health status lier. They should be very careful in response to the coronavirus care from diabetes educators to Covid-19 is provided to patients Republic of Iraq in support of the normal activities as far as pos- and contact the health authori- about abiding by the precaution- pandemic, routine care of dia- ensure the therapeutic targets and their relatives or caregivers. eff orts to confront coronavirus sible while continuing to strictly ties concerned for help as soon ary measures until the pandemic betes has been complemented are obtained. During the fol- The diabetes care team is also (Covid-19) pandemic. abide by the precautionary and as they observe any of the known is over, or some eff ective vaccine by a national outreach program low-up calls, diabetes educators supporting diabetic patients in The Iraqi minister expressed his preventive measures specifi ed symptoms of Covid-19 to avoid and treatment are discovered - ‘Covid-19 and Diabetes’. highlight the importance of self- the country through visits to thanks and appreciation to the by the Ministry of Public Health any possible complications. and become available for all. The programme, launched monitoring and guide patients quarantine facilities, by sending Amir for his support to the Iraqi (MoPH). Dr Abdul Salam al-Qahtani, in April 2020 by the National on how to perform better self- educational videos in six lan- eff orts in facing the pandemic, The physicians told local Ara- People should gradually go ear, nose and throat (ENT) con- Diabetes Strategy team, in col- care. Specifi c guidance related to guages through smartphones, praising the distinguished bic daily Arrayah recently that back to their normal life but sultant and head of the ENT laboration with QMI, HMC, and living with diabetes during the and by circulating SMS educa- relations between the two people should consider Cov- it would still be diff erent Department at Hamad Medi- the Primary Health Corporation pandemic is provided, as well as tional text messages. countries in various fields. - QNA id-19 as a seasonal viral disease, from what they were used cal Corporation, stressed that it such as infl uenza and others, to earlier has become necessary to coexist while keeping in mind it has no with the new reality of Covid-19 specifi c eff ective treatment yet. Prof Ibrahim Janahi, chair of and resume life as usual while They stressed that it is inevita- Medical Education, designated abiding by all regulations and ble that people have to get used institutional offi cer and the di- recommendations of the MoPH to the new situation and coexist vision chief of Pulmonology at and not abandoning them until Health ministry reports 105,750 with the disease while following Sidra Medicine, said life has to go the pandemic is completely over. all the necessary precautions to on but in a way that guarantees He said it is important to go protect themselves and others. the protection, health and safety back to one’s normal life gradu- Dr Ismail Mubarak, consult- of all. This means abiding by the ally amid the continued eff orts total Covid recoveries in Qatar ant pulmonologist at Al Emadi MoPH’s recommendations in to spread public awareness on Hospital, said it is important to this regard, such as wearing face related issues. He also pointed avoid fear and anxiety while re- masks, keeping adequate distance out it is easy to avoid contracting QNA rience a second wave of the vi- suming normal life as well as to from others, frequently washing Covid-19 when people abide by Doha rus and see numbers increasing. view the precautionary meas- hands and avoiding physical con- the prescribed measures. There are already signs of this happening in other countries he Ministry of Public around the world.” Health (MoPH) reported The health ministry has urged Tyesterday 398 new con- people to avoid close contact fi rmed cases of coronavirus with others, crowded places and Katara celebrates Eid al-Adha (Covid-19) and 330 recoveries confi ned closed spaces where in the last 24 hours, bringing the other people gather. “Now more total number of people who re- than ever, we must be careful and covered from the disease in Qa- protect the most vulnerable.” with ‘exceptional events’ tar to 105,750. While the restrictions of Cov- All new cases have been kept id-19 are gradually being lifted in in isolation and are receiving Qatar, it is important for every- zDrive-thru Eid gifts distribution necessary healthcare, a state- one to play their role in control- ment issued by the MoPH said. ling the virus by following pre- zVirtual fireworks show on Katara website Measures to tackle Covid-19 cautionary measures: in Qatar have succeeded in fl at- zAdherence to physical dis- tening the curve and limiting tancing. atara - the Cultural Vil- to express gratitude to the medi- ticipating child has to be sent to the spread of the virus and the zWearing a face mask. lage Foundation has said cal staff who have worked on the Katar for this. number of new daily cases and zWashing hands regularly. Kit is gearing up to cel- frontlines during the Covid-19 Katara has allocated prizes for hospital admissions is continu- zMost importantly, it is vital ebrate Eid al-Adha with special pandemic. The mural has been fi ve winners of each competition ing to decline each week. that we continue to protect the and new activities. created by 12 artists and will be - photo or video. The entries Qatar’s proactive and exten- elderly and those with chronic The Katara festivities pro- located at the main entrance of must be in high resolution and of sive testing of suspected cases medical conditions. gramme will include a variety Katara from the southern side, good quality. The winning pho- has enabled the health minis- Anyone suff ering from Cov- of activities and run throughout measuring 30m x 5m. tos or videos will be the property try to identify a high number of id-19 symptoms should either the four days of Eid. As the fi reworks display is of Katara, which will hold the positive cases in the community. contact 16000 helpline or go The programme includes the among the most popular events right to use them for any pur- Qatar has one of the low- directly to one of the designated drive-thru distribution of gifts during Eid, Katara has decided pose, the statement notes. est Covid-19 death rates in the health centres to undergo the at certain points inside Katara, to hold a virtual fi reworks show Katara has been keen to con- world. This is a result of: zExpanding hospital capac- ing, this does not mean that the necessary checks at Muaither, from 5pm until 9pm on the Eid on its website. tinue with its cultural role since zVery high quality of care ity, especially intensive care, to Covid-19 pandemic is over in Qa- Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Salal, or days. This is in line with the pre- The Cultural Village Founda- the beginning of the Covid-19 provided thorough the public ensure all patients receive the tar - every day between 50 and 100 Al Gharrafa. cautionary measures taken by tion has also come up with in- pandemic by holding all activi- healthcare sector for Covid-19 medical care they need. people are admitted to hospital “This is important as the ear- the State to prevent the spread novative competitions, which ties and events remotely in line patients. zProtecting the elderly and with moderate to severe Covid-19 lier the disease is detected the of Covid-19, Katara has said in a include one for the most beauti- with the precautionary meas- zQatar’s young population. those with chronic diseases. symptoms,” the ministry said. easier it will be to receive the statement. ful children’s dress during Eid. ures taken by Qatar to limit the zProactive testing to identify “Even though restrictions are “Unless we follow all precau- right treatment and recover from Katara will also launch a mural A picture or video of the par- spread of the virus. cases early. being lifted, and cases are declin- tionary measures, we may expe- it,” the ministry said.

Qatar reaffi rms commitment to global Qatar to host Sport Management partnership in addressing climate change world congress in 2022

QNA She said that the initiative Parties to the United Nations New York will help enhance internation- Framework Convention on Cli- From Page 1 al peace and security, noting mate change in Doha in 2012. that the alliance’s agreement She stressed that Qatar will WASM president Dr Karen atar renewed yesterday was signed in 2017 and is cur- spare no eff ort to continue work- Danylchuk said: “This is the fi rst its commitment to part- rently being implemented after ing to fulfi ll the obligations that time that the WASM Congress, Qnership and co-opera- a number of countries ratifi ed it. are dictated to ratify the Paris held every two to three years tion with the international com- She said that environmental Climate Change Agreement. since its inception in 2012, will munity in dealing with climate development is one of the main HE Sheikha Alya praised the be held in the Middle East. Our change, stressing that the coun- pillars of Qatar National Vi- Security Council meeting, saying previous three conferences in try’s eff orts were both on the na- sion 2030, noting that Qatar has that its taking place in unprece- Madrid, Spain (2014), Kaunas, tional and international fronts. many plans and programmes dented circumstances represent- Lithuania (2017), and Santiago, This came in a statement by HE Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin aimed at addressing climate ed by the exceptional challenges Chile (2019) attracted lead- Dr Othman Mohamed al-Thawadi Dr Ahmed al-Emadi HE the Permanent Representa- Saif al-Thani change and environmental sus- resulting from the Covid-19 pan- ing sport management acad- tive of Qatar to the United Na- tainability. She added that the demic and its major implications emicians, students and industry tions ambassador Sheikha Alya important role everyone can play country is pursuing eff orts and for livelihoods, the exacerbation leaders from over 40 countries, bint Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani to in addressing the phenomenon. projects in the fi eld of clean en- of risks associated with climate and we are confi dent that the the UN Security Council, which She said that the Qatar Fund for ergy and achieving energy effi - change, and its eff ects on food se- conference in Doha will prove to held a high-level teleconference Development is currently fi nalis- ciency, through the use of solar curity and large-scale human dis- be another outstanding success. meeting on climate and security. ing the disbursement mechanism, energy and will increase use of placement, as a result of drought “We look forward to working HE Sheikha Alya said Qatar will with three levels of determining solar energy to more than 20% and frequent natural disasters and with the local organisers over not hesitate to play its role as an the mechanism represented in fi - of its energy mix by 2030. scarce resources. the next two years in serving our active partner in the international nancing, supporting policies, and She noted that Qatar Invest- She stressed that no country mission to facilitate sport man- community, in light of the urgent building capabilities. She added ment Authority, which invests was immune from the negative agement research and teaching need to address the negative im- that the fund will work on multi- in climate-related fi nancing impact of climate change, which and learning excellence world- pacts of climate change and the ple sectors with a focus particu- projects, is a founding and active has become a common concern wide.” co-operation on an international larly on education as a main pillar member of the One Planet Sov- of the entire international com- QU president Dr Hassan Rash- Dr Kamilla Swart-Arries Dr Mahfoud Amara level that such eff orts require. in responding to climate change, ereign Wealth Fund that ema- munity, noting that these impacts id al-Derham said: “The WASM She highlighted Qatar’s lead- economic development, and nated from the One Planet Sum- are more severe for groups living Congress represents an impor- HBKU president Dr Ahmad M promoting health and well-being ing role in the Climate Change health. HE Sheikha Alya added mit held in 2017 in Paris. The in fragile situations, whether due tant opportunity to bring to- Hasnah emphasised the impor- through sports in key sectors.” Summit held in September that, in the framework of co- fund aims to increase effi ciency to geographical factors, poverty, gether scholars and specialists of tance of the WASM 2022 Congress The strategic partners of the 2019, through the leadership of operation, the strategy will help in allocating global capital in or- or otherwise, among them small sport management and the busi- in Qatar. “As a member of Qatar 2022 WASM Congress are: Qatar His Highness the Amir Sheikh small developing island states and der to contribute to the smooth island developing states and least ness of sport to Doha, the capital Foundation, HBKU is steadfastly Olympic Academy/QOC, Josoor Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani the least developed states achieve transition towards a more sus- developed countries. of sport, a few months before the committed to supporting Qatar as Institute/SC and QNTC. along with Jamaica and France, the Paris climate agreement goal, tainable economy characterised In conclusion, HE Sheikha 2022 FIFA World Cup. For Qatar the country makes its mark in the WASM is an alliance of re- in an alliance focused on climate and long-term goals related to by low carbon emissions. Alya said that Qatar will con- University, it is an occasion to global sporting arena. The sport- gional associations of sport fi nance and carbon pricing. sustainable development in order The ambassador stated that tinue its commitment to work contribute to the dissemination ing industry is pivotal in fostering management. Its mission is to HE Sheikha Alya noted that to enhance peace and security. the commitment of Qatar and its based on the principle of part- of knowledge with the partici- health and overall well-being in facilitate sport management the contribution of $100mn an- She highlighted that, in response involvement in the eff orts made nership, co-operation, and pation of local and international society, and our recently intro- research, teaching and learn- nounced by the Amir to support to the threat of desertifi cation, the at the global level to combat cli- strengthening multilateral experts and to showcase Qatar duced multidisciplinary academic ing excellence and professional small developing island states Amir launched the Global Dryland mate change is not new, it was action with the international University’s contribution in re- programmes are designed to pro- practice, as well as to provide and the least developed states to Alliance, as one of the mechanisms several years old, noting in this group in the context of ad- search and development around mote scholarship and educa- a forum for the international deal with the climate change, re- aiming to achieve food security for context to the hosting of the 18 dressing the risks posed by cli- the planning and management of tion, build in-demand skills and perspective on sport manage- fl ects Qatar’s strong belief in the dryland countries. session of the Conference of the mate change. the mega sport event.” leverage national aspirations for ment.

Gulf Times 4 Sunday, July 26, 2020 QATAR QRCS opens coronavirus isolation facility at Bangladesh refugee camps atar Red Crescent capabilities of QRCS’s Society (QRCS) healthcare centres at refu- Q has completed the gee camps (health centre at construction and furnish- Camp No 19, health centre ing of an isolation facility at Camp E8 and fi eld hospi- inside the International tal at Camp No 7) were sum- Federation of the Red moned, ready for action in Cross and Red Crescent case of any emergency. The Societies’ (IFRC) largest medical and other person- field hospital, operated by nel at health centres were QRCS and Bangladesh Red trained in how to deal with Crescent Society (BDRCS) the patients and protect at Refugee Camp No 7 against infection. in Cox’s Bazar, southern QRCS works closely with Bangladesh. BDRCS to secure the medi- The purpose of the new cal and protective supplies facility is to isolate suspect- for the staff of camp-bound ed cases and treat Covid-19 health centres, such as patients in the district that masks, gloves, ventilators, hosts Myanmar refugee sanitisers, oxygen tanks, etc. camps. Co-operated by A series of precautions IFRC and BDRCS, it has a were taken to protect the capacity of 54 beds as well staff , volunteers and ben- as isolation, healthcare and efi ciaries. Clinic attendance services rooms. was minimised to avoid Construction works of crowds. Staff of the health the facility were completed centres at Camps 19 and E8 in a short period in order to was divided into two groups, support the national corona- to cut staff attendance by virus control eff orts and pro- half in line with government tect the local community and orders. refugees against its impact Strict instructions were in this most vulnerable area, given to all the personnel QRCS said in a statement. under QRCS’s interventions Cox’s Bazar is the world’s to follow the guidelines is- largest settlement of refu- sued by the competent au- gee camps, facing protract- thorities to deal with the ed health and living diffi - virus. The medical workers culties, with the Covid-19 and volunteers were given outbreak aggravating their masks, sanitisers, gloves suff ering. and other protective sup- Through its represen- plies. tation mission in Bangla- Representatives of the desh, QRCS is working on QRCS mission take part in all other activities to reduce the co-ordination and emer- the spread of the virus in gency meetings convened by refugee camps. Until the the Movement, both at the end of June, these op- national and Myanmar refu- erations benefited 53,511 Construction works of the facility were completed in a short period in order to support the gee levels, to ensure an ef- people, with a total budg- national coronavirus control eff orts and protect the local community and refugees against fective Covid-19 response in et of $157,000. its impact. line with the government’s Refugee families received preparedness and response health education about pre- tices. In collaboration with were distributed to the fam- down in many Upazila. plans and developments of ventive and healthy prac- BDRCS, 5,000 food baskets ilies aff ected by the lock- All the resources and the situation.

Financial assistance being distributed to needy Gaza families.

Qatar committee begins disbursing cash aid to needy Gaza families

QNA ed through the post offi ces Gaza in the governorates of the Gaza Strip, with each family receiving US$100. E the Chairman of The distribution is being the Qatar Commit- carried out in co-operation Htee for the Recon- with competent govern- struction of Gaza, ambas- ment bodies and adhering sador Mohamed al-Emadi, to all the precautionary said that the committee, in measures aimed at pre- co-operation and co-ordi- venting the spread of Cov- nation with Qatar Fund for id-19. Development (QFFD) began Al-Emadi said that the yesterday the process of distribution process will disbursing cash assistance continue through Wednes- to 100,000 families in need day, and it is being carried in the Gaza Strip. out under full supervision Ambassador al-Emadi of the Qatari committee said that the disbursement and its teams deployed in process is being implement- the distribution centres. Rain expected in western parts of Qatar today: Met department

Thundery rain is which may become thundery expected in the western at times. parts of the country The wind speed will be 6-16 along with sudden knots today and may go up strong winds by this to 26 knots during thundery afternoon, the Qatar Met rain. department has said. Hazy conditions are There is no warning for expected at times in off shore off shore areas today. areas along with some The detailed forecast says clouds. it will be hazy in some The maximum temperature places at first, followed by is expected to be 45C in Abu hot daytime conditions and Samra today, followed by some clouds. There is a 41C in Doha, 40C in Wakra, Al chance of rain in the western Khor, Mesaieed and Dukhan, areas by the afternoon, and 38C in Ruwais. Gulf Times Sunday, July 26, 2020 5 QATAR VCUarts Qatar and British Council off er Creative Industries online workshops rt and design practitioners and spe- and Camberwell College of Arts, will discuss cialists seeking to advance their ca- the need to diversify the design industry; Ma- Up to six self-checkout counters are now available at each of the three locations. Areers can now do so through the nar Moursi, an architect, designer and founder Creative Industries online workshops, a col- of the Cairo-based interdisciplinary studio laboration between Virginia Commonwealth Studio Meem, will highlight the use of design University School of the Arts in Qatar’s in developing storytelling narratives, especial- (VCUarts Qatar’s) Community & Continuing ly in museum settings; and Annette Welkamp, Education Programme and its Alumni Rela- the founding director of Culture Counsel, an tions Offi ce, and the British Council in Qatar. organisation that provides services, and sup- The workshops will off er practitioners ex- port and advice for museums, businesses, pert insight into current global trends and in- governments, art galleries, private clients, art- dustry diversifi cation, while providing tips to ists and academia internationally, including in sharpen individual personal statements and the Middle East, Asia-Pacifi c and Europe, will applications. teach the third module. The programme consists of two courses Rose Lejeune Aisha AlKooheji, programme manager that are spread over three days each, with a for Community & Continuing Education two-hour masterclass scheduled for each art platform on London’s underground pub- at VCUarts Qatar, noted how such collabo- day. lic transport system, and at the Serpentine rations further VCUarts Qatar’s eff orts to The fi rst course, titled ‘Cultural Career Gallery in London. promote artists in the region through pro- Paths’, will take place on August 9, 11 and 12. In addition to Lejeune, each two-hour grammes that off er relevant, up-to-date in- It will off er participants guidance on how to masterclass (on both the courses) will be led formation, and mentoring by experts, in art write their personal statements to apply for by renowned experts from the global art, and design. grants (during normal times and during cri- design and culture scene. The line-up of “Given the circumstances in which artists ses), and help them develop an understand- instructors for the fi rst course will include and designers have had to adapt to the pan- ing of the dynamics in the global art market. Oliver Basciano, a London-based journalist demic-induced scenario, we have carefully The second course, ‘Turning your Design who will help participants hone their per- curated these masterclasses to give partici- Practice into a Career’, will be held on August sonal statements in light of their individual pants a realistic view of developing tendencies 16, 18 and 19, and will provide expert insight specialisations. in art and design. Further, instructors will pro- into the ways that artists can defi ne who they Dani Burrows, a freelance arts manager in vide specifi c guidance on how to adapt indi- are, and learn how to address their art across Madrid who has worked with various organi- vidual applications and proposals, in the face Available to those with small baskets of up to 10 items, customers can now personally scan their products various platforms and formats. sations such as the Delfi na Foundation, Active of such shifting trends,” AlKooheji said. and complete their cashless transaction with a credit or debit card. Fifteen of the 20 seats in the workshops are Cultures and May Calil Consultancy, will of- “There will be opportunities throughout reserved for VCUarts Qatar alumni, while the fer tips on applying for international residen- the course to practise specifi c skills around remaining fi ve seats are open to other crea- cies in art and design; while Mary Cork, an both creating your own, and making the most tives such as regional artists, creative prac- art market specialist in London, will explain of existing trends and openings, as well as to titioners, curators and art managers who are the nuances of the global art market, and how hear the experiences and engage in conversa- keen to enhance their art and design skills. awareness of such trends are key to network- tion with the speakers who are specialists in Carrefour Qatar launches The programme will be led by Rose Leje- ing and establishing one’s own art business. their own fi elds,” Lejeune added. une, a London-based curator and researcher, The master-classes in the second course The programme is free of charge for in collaboration with VCUarts Qatar and the will be off ered by more specialists: Anoushka VCUarts Qatar alumni, while other applicants British Council. Lejeune, who has worked as Khandwala, a London-based freelance graph- can apply for a fee of QR1,500 each. For further self-checkout counters a curator at Art on the Underground, a public ic designer, and faculty at Central St Martins details, one can visit https://qatar.vcu.edu/.

arrefour Qatar has experience by bringing extra ef- “We hope to provide person- launched self-checkout fi ciency to the retail journey. The alised but equally satisfying Ccounters at its hypermar- service also demonstrates Car- experiences for all our custom- kets in City Center Doha, Vil- refour’s dedication to providing ers, and are confident our new Police College to welcome new batch in September laggio and Landmark to speed customers with more freedom of self-checkout counters will in- up the shopping experience for choice when shopping, by off er- crease the speed and improve customers. ing alternative payment options the quality of both the retail ex- he Police College is set include students from various ed immediately after the gradu- Available to those with small and check-out processes,” Car- perience and customer journey to welcome the seventh friendly countries. ation of the second batch that baskets of up to 10 items, cus- refour Qatar said in a statement. we offer.” Tbatch of students in the “The training and teach- was held in January this year. He tomers can now personally scan Laurent Hausknecht, coun- The self-checkout counter is last week of September, local ing teams are fully prepared added that a special committee their products and complete try manager of Carrefour Qatar, the latest addition to Carrefour’s Arabic newspaper Arrayah has and ready to start the new aca- is working to ensure the suc- their cashless transaction with a said: “The new self-checkout services and is part of a series of reported citing a senior offi- demic year. And there will be cessful hosting of the gradua- credit or debit card. counters are part of our ongoing innovations due to be gradually cial. no changes in the curricula this tion ceremony. Up to six self-checkout commitment to creating a seam- rolled out throughout the year. Lt Col Dr Jabr Hammoud al- year,” the offi cial said, add- The ceremony in January this counters are now available at each less shopping experience for our It follows the introduction of Nuaimi, director of the Admin- ing that the college is currently year marked the graduation of of the three locations, consider- customers. As a brand that con- off erings such as the Valet Trol- istrative and Financial Aff airs holding training and teaching 110 offi cers, including 89 Qa- ably reducing queue lengths and stantly seeks to deliver unbeat- ley home delivery service, which Department at the Police Col- programmes. taris representing various mili- customer waiting times, “The able value, we take great pride enables customers to purchase lege, told the daily recently that He said the graduation of the tary entities, 10 from Jordan, launch of the new service under- in respecting and meeting the groceries from the store and have all preparations are in place to third batch will be held in Janu- seven from Palestine and four lines Carrefour’s commitment to aspirations of each one of our them delivered straight to their Lt Col Dr Jabr Hammoud al-Nuaimi receive the new batch that will ary 2021 and preparations start- from Yemen. off ering a convenient shopping customers. doorsteps on the same day.

Drug-smuggling bid foiled

The General Authority of Customs (GAC) recently foiled an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into Qatar. According to a video tweeted by the GAC, four packs of crystal meth weighing some 734gm were seized. Airport Customs off icials found the contraband wrapped in cloth and hidden inside women’s bags.

Encroachments removed

Al Wakra Municipality has carried out campaigns to remove encroachments from state properties. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, July 26, 2020 QATAR

HBKU college Upgrade works on Sailiya concludes its Road roundabouts begin ‘Stay at Home’ he Public Works Author- Further to upgrading the two ity (Ashghal) has started roundabouts and converting T upgrade works at the them to signalised intersec- webinar series Muaither Sports Club and Plas- tions, the project will include tic roundabouts on Al Sailiya other road developments at Road, which will eventually both new intersections with he College of Humani- convert both roundabouts into a total length of 6km, and the ties and Social Sciences signalised intersections. construction of new service T(CHSS) at Hamad Bin The scope of works also in- roads. The scope of works will Khalifa University (HBKU) has volves the development of local also include providing pedes- concluded its ‘Stay at Home’ we- roads (6km) and the construc- trian footpaths of around 12km binar series. tion of service roads as part of in length, cycle paths at ap- Taking place between July 5 the Road Improvement Works proximately the same length and 19, the webinars provided for Junctions and Roundabouts (12km), landscaping works and online audiences with an oppor- in Various Areas of Greater Doha upgrading street lighting sys- tunity to learn more about the (Phase 9). tems. work of the CHSS and its Trans- The main purpose of these Further, the project will im- lation and Interpreting Institute. upgrades is to enhance road ca- prove infrastructure utilities, The series began with ‘In- pacity in the area and ease traffi c such as the treated sewage effl u- tercultural Communication in congestion, Ashghal has said in a ent network and surface water the Virtual Classroom’, which statement. drainage network, and will pro- looked at tools educators can use Mooza al-Sowaidi, head of vide protection for the existing to support their students during the Doha City Section in the electricity and telecommunica- stressful times without losing Dr Amal al-Malki Roads Projects Department will regulate local traffic and velopment and social growth two roundabouts also serve tions cables. sight of diverse cultural needs. at Ashghal, said: “The devel- improve traffic flow in the area. requirements in Qatar.” many sports facilities and health The project will be imple- This was followed by ‘The Good discussion on the diffi cult sub- opment of the roundabouts These works are part of Ash- Al-Sowaidi emphasised the institutions such as Muaith- mented by JH Construction and the Bad of English Arabic ject of portraying the outbreak of known as Muaither Sports ghal’s efforts to improve the importance of the project as er Sports Club and Muaither Company under the supervision MT’, which considered the pros epidemics in fi lm. Club Roundabout and Plastic existing service utilities and both roundabouts are located on Health Centre. Besides, they of Gulf Engineering and Indus- and cons of English-Arabic ma- Speaking after the conclusion Roundabout on Al Sailiya Road, upgrade the road network in Al Sailiya Road, which is directly facilitate access to many com- trial Consultancy, and is sched- chine translation engines. No- of the fi nal webinar, Dr Amal al- and converting them into sig- Doha city in order to respond connected to Al Waab Street and mercial centres and educational uled to be completed in the fi rst table diff erences between ma- Malki, founding dean of CHSS, nal-controlled intersections, to the national economic de- West Industrial Street. These institutions. quarter of 2022. chine, computer assisted and said: “Covid-19 has generated human translation were also its fair share of hashtags, most highlighted. notably calls to ‘stay at home.’ In The third webinar, ‘Interpret- keeping with the rest of HBKU, Traffi c diversion until Feb 2022 ing: Mode, Pleasures and Pains’, we’ve strived to counter this provided a general overview message by emphasising that he Public Works Author- provement Works for Junctions and of the practice of interpreting, ‘learning never stops.’ To this ity (Ashghal) has announced Roundabouts in Various Areas of as well as tips on note-taking, end, our webinar series was a Tthat the number of lanes Greater Doha (Phase 9). translation booth manners and chance to present a snapshot of available on Al Sailiya Road will This diversion will be imple- more. our research activities and inter- be reduced to two lanes in each di- mented, in co-ordination with The dos and don’ts of a good ests to a diverse online audience. rection instead of three, from 50m the General Directorate of Traffic, CV was the overarching theme Engagement levels were consist- before the Muaither Sports Club until February 2022, Ashghal has of Resume and CV Writing: ently high across all webinars, as Roundabout to 50m after the Plas- said. Tips and Tricks. Developed with were the numbers tuning in to tic Roundabout. The authority will install road HBKU students in mind, the we- each session.” This will be done to facilitate the signs advising motorists of the clo- binar also off ered practical ad- The College of Humanities implementation of roadworks for sure. It has requested all road users vice on layout, design, structure and Social Sciences regularly the upgrade of Muaither Sports to abide by the speed limit and fol- and content. holds events to highlight its re- Club and Plastic roundabouts on Al low the road signs to ensure their The series concluded with search activities and projects. Sailiya Road as part of the Road Im- safety. ‘How Did Egyptian Filmmakers For more information, one can Represent Epidemics?’ with a visit chss.hbku.edu.qa. Partial closure on Al Asmakh Street

he Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a partial closure on Al TAsmakh Street in one direction, from Al Koot Fort Intersection to Al Asmakh In- tersection, from July 28 for fi ve months. The closure has been announced to en- able expansion and upgrade works on Al Asmakh Street within the Doha Central Development and Beautifi cation Project – Package Three, Ashghal has said in a state- ment. It will be implemented in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffi c. During the closure period, road users wishing to travel in this direction on Al As- makh Street can continue straight and use the alternative routes, as shown on the map, to reach their destinations. Ashghal will install road signs advising mo- torists of the closure. It has requested all road users to abide by the speed limit and follow the road signs to ensure their safety.

HIA allows electronic items in hand baggage during screening

From Page 1

Qatar’s international airport is also exploring the introduction of a com- bination of anti-bacterial trays at checkpoints and automated UV emit- ting modules that will automatically disinfect the trays passengers touch to further safeguard the health and safety of all HIA passengers. HIA has recorded previous mile- stones in its industry-leading transfer security screening in 2019, witness- ing shorter queuing times at security points which can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers during peak hours. The airport also introduced additional transfer halls that allow 95% of trans- fer passengers to queue for under fi ve minutes. The airport recently announced the successful completion of the sec- ond phase of its Smart Airport Pro- technology proved to be an extremely infectious microorganisms. gramme, offering a fast, secure and effi cient tool in HIA’s battle against The robots are being deployed in contactless airport experience by im- Covid-19, allowing passengers to move vulnerable high passenger fl ow ar- plementing biometric identification through key touchpoints with minimal eas across the terminal to reduce the technology. The technology allows physical contact,” the statement adds. spread of pathogens. The airport has passengers to combine their flight, In its eff ort to safeguard its staff also implemented ultraviolet disinfec- passport and facial biometric infor- and passengers against Covid-19, the tion tunnels that will be used to disin- mation in a ‘single travel token’ at the world’s third-best airport has in- fect all checked-in passenger luggage self-check-in kiosk. troduced a series of “unprecedented (departing, arriving and transferring). This digital identity record ultimate- measures”, including its investment Leading the industry at the forefront ly makes the passenger’s face their pass in robotics and advanced thermal of technological transformation, HIA at key airport touchpoints, such as self- screening helmets. HIA also acquired stressed that it will continue to adopt service bag-drop, pre-immigration, e- disinfectant robots, which are fully new and smart screening technologies Gate and the self-boarding gate. “HIA’s autonomous mobile devices emitting to strengthen its security measures, visionary approach and early invest- concentrated UV-C light, known to be while providing a safe and seamless ment in the biometric identifi cation eff ective in eliminating the majority of passenger journey. Gulf Times Sunday, July 26, 2020 7 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

Shops woo customers with attractive Eid gift options

With Eid al-Adha just a few days away, there is hectic activity at shops selling sweets, gift outlets and florists. Pictured are some Eid gifts at a shop in Al Wakra. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam

CRACKDOWN Protest against dam project Two-year closure ordered for teachers’ union Massive power outage Jordan’s judiciary yesterday ordered a two-year closure of the teachers’ union as part of an investigation into alleged graft, state media reported. The move came three days after the Teachers’ Association organised a hits war-torn Libya demonstration attended by hundreds of protesters demanding the gov- ernment honour a 2019 agreement for a rise in wages. The government and the union, which represents 100,000 teachers, had reached the deal after a month-long strike over salaries. The teachers had been demand- DPA the power grid,” the Gecol of- Tripoli fi cial said on condition of ano- ing a 50% salary hike and had obtained raises ranging from 35-75%. But nymity. in April, the cash-strapped government said it would freeze public sector Libya has seen frequent power raises this year, citing economic woes caused by the coronavirus pan- arge parts of war-torn cuts since 2011 when an armed demic. The teachers’ union responded by calling for a demonstration on Libya including the capi- revolt toppled long-time leader Wednesday, during which union leader Nasir al-Nawasra urged authori- Ltal Tripoli yesterday ex- Muammar Gaddafi , followed ties to respect their promises. Yesterday, Amman prosecutor-general perienced a power outage as the by chaos and infi ghting in the Hassan Abdallat ordered a two-year closure of the headquarters of the oil-wealthy country is grappling North African country. Teachers Association, its branches and off ices nation-wide, off icial Petra with an acute electricity crunch. The country’s infrastructure news agency said. He also summoned members of the union’s council The blackouts in Libya’s west- has since suff ered from a lack of for questioning on “criminal and corruption charges”, Petra said. ern and southern areas were due maintenance. to people’s refusal to comply The blackouts get worse in the with a power supply-sharing hot summer when electricity HEALTH system applied by the state demand surges. Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a rally in front of the World Bank off ices Lockdown in Farwaniya to end today General Electricity Company of Libya is being divided be- in the downtown district of the Lebanese capital Beirut, yesterday, to protest against the Libya (Gecol) to cope with the tween two rival administrations: Bisri dam project, partly financed by the World Bank. The government says the dam is vital Kuwait will end the strict lockdown imposed in Farwaniya governorate shortage, an offi cial said. one based in Tripoli and the oth- to tackling chronic water shortages. But activists say it will ravage most of the region’s from 5am (0200 GMT) today, the centre for government communica- “Some people restored elec- er in the eastern city of Tobruk. farmland and historic sites, and they also fear the consequences of building it on a seismic tion announced on Twitter yesterday. Farwaniya was the last area to be tricity by force to their areas, a Each is supported by foreign fault line. eff ectively isolated in a country which has reported 63,309 coronavirus matter that increases loads on powers. cases and 429 deaths. Bombed and looted: Yemen battles to save its heritage

AFP Taiz, Yemen

he two facades of the National Museum in the TYemeni city of Taiz bear testament to the ravages of a war that has consumed the Arabian Peninsula country. One side has been beautifully restored to its former grandeur, recalling a traditional palace from earlier eras. The other is pocked with damage, crumbling away to re- veal collapsed fl oors and shat- tered walls. A picture shows the extensive damages at the National Museum in A picture shows a facade, that has been restored, at the National A vendor arranges traditional daggers known as Janbiya and other The refurbished side is re- Yemen’s third city of Taiz. Museum in Yemen. items for sale in Taiz. splendent with curved orna- mental mouldings juxtaposed confl ict pits pro-government uscripts and stone sculptures, country in a state of war — and blends into the mountainside. tions in Gulf countries, said most advanced society on the with intricate ochre brickwork, forces, including a coalition, swords and shields,” Damini the traffi cking of antiquities ex- “Palaces which date back to Jeremie Schiettecatte, an ex- Arabian Peninsula.” reminiscent of the style of old against the Houthi rebels who said. isted long before the confl ict.” the Ayyubid dynasty (12th and pert in the archaeology of the At the end of June, a renowned Sanaa, one of Yemen’s four have conquered much of the “We’ve recovered some of it, Though there are no fi gures for 13th centuries) and the Rasulid Arabian Peninsula at France’s French archaeologist and his Unesco World Heritage sites. country’s north, including the but signifi cant pieces are still the number of antiquities stolen, dynasty (13th to 15th centuries) National Centre for Scientific husband were charged as part of Established as an Ottoman capital Sanaa. missing,” said the director as he the authorities and Unesco have were, unfortunately, destroyed Research. a sprawling investigation into the palace, then a residence for one Thousands have died, millions stood in a courtyard piled with undertaken inventories at sev- inside the citadel,” he said. He said he believed the de- traffi cking of antiquities from the of Yemen’s last kings, it became have been displaced, and disease bricks and steel girders. eral of Yemen’s museums. “We fi nd stolen Yemeni antiq- struction of Yemeni heritage Middle East, including Yemen. a museum in 1967. and famine stalk the cities and He said he was in contact with Restoration work is also un- uities for sale online or at public elicited less international outcry A world away from the Paris It has since been “bombed” villages, in what the UN calls the authorities and Unesco to derway at historical sites in auctions,” Talal added, giving than the desecration of artefacts probe, Taiz’s museum plans and “pillaged” according to its the world’s worst humanitarian update them about the restora- Sanaa, Zabid, Shibam and Aden, the example of a grand stone- in Syria and Iraq because of the to reopen its doors in 2023, by director, Ramzi al-Damini. crisis. tion works, but also to “recover Sayani said. hewn throne from the Saba king- involvement of Saudi Arabia, a which time it is hoped the con- Taiz, in Yemen’s southwest, Yemen’s rich cultural heritage articles smuggled out of the The war has “massively af- dom, best known for the Queen major market for Western arms, fl ict will have abated. is under government control has not been spared. Inside the country”. fected” archaeological sites, said of Sheba. in Yemen’s confl ict. “Archaeological sites are be- but surrounded by Houthi rebel museum in Taiz, a city ringed “It’s a diffi cult process,” said Yemeni archaeologist Mounir “How did it get out? We don’t “There’s a very strong link ing neglected and they are a ma- forces. by mountains, ancient cooking Mohanad al-Sayani, head of Talal. know, but it was up for auction between the Yemenis and their jor part of our appeal to tourists,” The renovated wings of the utensils and priceless manu- Yemen’s General Organisation He recounted the bomb- in Europe where it might have heritage — including pre-Islam- said Taiz resident Hisham Ali museum were restored in 2019 scripts lie exposed on wooden of Antiquities and Museums ings of old Sanaa, of a museum already been sold,” said the ar- ic heritage,” he said. Ahmed. with assistance from the World tables draped with old cloth. (GOAM), which works with in Dhamar that used to house chaeologist. “(There is) great pride in the “I’m hoping for a return to a Monuments Fund. “The museum is packed with Unesco. thousands of artefacts, and of Some Yemeni treasures have period when southern Arabia normal life and a state that takes Yemen’s bloody fi ve-year rare antiquities, including man- “We have two governments, a Taiz’s Al-Qahira citadel, which resurfaced in private collec- (modern-day Yemen) was the care of antiquities.” Gulf Times 8 Sunday, July 26, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA Gunmen kill at Getting prepared for Eid al-Adha least 20 farmers in Sudan’s Darfur

AFP people, including two women Bashir is wanted by the In- plained of racial discrimination, Khartoum and children,” he said, adding ternational Criminal Court over marginalisation and exclusion. that the toll could rise because charges of genocide and crimes In Darfur, the Janjaweed was some of the wounded were in se- against humanity in the confl ict. accused of applying a scorched unmen killed at least 20 rious condition. The violence has abated in earth policy against ethnic civilians including chil- A survivor, speaking anony- recent years although armed groups suspected of supporting Gdren in Sudan’s war-torn mously for fear of reprisals, said groups have continued to carry the rebels, raping, killing, loot- Darfur as they returned to their the farmers had returned to their out attacks. ing and burning villages. fi elds for the fi rst time in years, fi elds to take advantage of the “The Bedouins want to throw The ICC said in June that it a witness and a tribal chief said rainy season and plant crops. us off the land our grandparents had taken custody of fugitive yesterday. “Because of the violence we farmed,” the survivor said. militiaman Ali Kushayb, a senior Twenty people were also hadn’t been back for 16 years, Adam Mohamed, an expert on Janjaweed commander wanted wounded in the attack in Abou- and we thought it was over,” he Darfur, said land ownership was on 50 counts of war crimes and dos, some 90 kilometres south said. a main driver of the confl ict be- crimes against humanity com- of Nyala, the capital of South “The gunmen arrived on pick- tween farmers of African tribal mitted in Darfur between 2003- Darfur province, tribal chief Ib- up trucks, some of which had origins and the others. 2004. rahim Ahmad said by telephone. machine guns on them. They “During the years of fi ght- That came months after a co- Darfur has been devastated surrounded us from all four sides ing, farmers fl ed their lands alition of nine rebel groups — in- Palestinians look at goats for sale at a livestock market in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, since 2003 by a confl ict that has and opened fi re.” and Bedouin herders took their cluding factions from Darfur — yesterday, as they prepare for the sacrificial Eid al-Adha feast. killed 300,000 people and dis- The survivor said 14 lost their place,” he said. signed a preliminary agreement placed 2.5mn others, according lives immediately, while a fur- Bashir was deposed by the in January with the government to the United Nations. ther six died in hospital. army in April 2019 following after weeks of talks. Those killed in Friday’s attack The confl ict in Darfur broke months of mass protests against But violence has persisted in were mostly displaced farmers out after ethnic African minority his rule, mainly over economic the desperately poor region. In who had returned to their fi elds rebels, complaining of margin- woes, and a transitional govern- late June and early July, hundreds under a government-sponsored alisation took up arms against ment was sworn in late last year. of protesters camped for days deal struck two months between the government of now ousted The 76-year-old is currently outside a government building in Iran says passengers “the original landowners and president Omar al-Bashir. on trial over the military coup the Central Darfur town of Ner- those who took their fi elds”, Ah- The state hit back with vio- that brought him to power more titi to demand that the govern mad said. lence led by the Janjaweed, a than three decades ago. beef up security, after multiple “But armed men came on Fri- feared militia that was recruited Under his rule, several con- killings and looting incidents on day and opened fi re, killing 20 mainly from pastoralist tribes. fl icts broke out as rebels com- farmland and properties. can sue US for

Oman reports 1,067 Rouhani urges virus endangering fl ight

AFP a multilateral nuclear accord the International Civil Avia- new Covid-19 cases caution during festivities Tehran with Iran and imposed punish- tion Organisation and the ing sanctions. International Court of Jus- “Air routes are considered tice, he said.Iran announced QNA KUWAIT SEES 684 Reuters protocols and social distanc- ran’s judiciary yesterday corridors for civilian aircraft, on Friday that it had lodged a Muscat NEW INFECTIONS Tehran ing,” Rouhani said in a televised told passengers aboard an therefore the very act of complaint with the ICAO and Meanwhile, the Kuwait Minis- speech. “Let masks this year be IIranian commercial airliner Centocom’s fi ghters entering plans to submit a protest let- try of Health announced yester- part of the glorious mourning that the US said was intercept- this corridor means endanger- ter to the UN Security Council he Oman Ministry of day the registration of 684 new ranian President Hassan of Muharram,” Rouhani said, ed by its warplanes that they ing international air transit,” and secretary general. Health reported yesterday cases of Covid-19, and four deaths Rouhani urged people yes- referring to Ashura, the 10th can sue Washington for endan- Iran’s deputy judiciary head The incident comes nearly T1,067 new cases of coro- during the last 24 hours, bring- Iterday to observe health day of the lunar month of Mu- gering their lives. Ali Bagheri-Kani was quoted a month after Iran called on navirus (Covid-19), in addition ing the total number of confi rmed protocols and practise social harram. Two US fi ghter jets fl ew dan- as saying by the body’s Mizan Interpol to help arrest Presi- to 12 new Covid-19 related death cases in the country to 63,309, in distancing during upcoming One of the Eid al-Adha ritu- gerously close to the Mahan Air Online website. dent Donald Trump and 35 cases. addition to 429 deaths. festivities, as a health offi cial als is the sacrifi cial slaughter of plane over war-torn Syria on “This was a clear violation other US officials for the Jan- The new cases included 959 The ministry offi cial spokes- said there had been a surge sheep and giving to the poor. Thursday, according to Iranian of international laws and a uary killing of its top general Omanis and 108 foreigners, man, Dr Abdullah al-Sanad, said in coronavirus infections in a Iranian health offi cials have authorities, forcing the pilot clear threat to the right of life Qasem Soleimani in a drone bringing the total number of posi- that among the newly registered major holy city. urged the faithful to package to take emergency action and of citizens so it can be fol- strike in Iraq. tive Covid-19 cases to 74,858 in cases, there were cases caused by Muslims around the world the meat before distribution. causing injuries to some pas- lowed up on in international The Islamic republic retali- the Sultanate, in addition to 371 exposure to those infected, while mark the Eid al-Adha feast, Deputy Health Minister Iraj sengers.US Central Command bodies,” he added. ated days after the killing by deaths, the Ministry of Health a number of other cases were un- due to start at the end of the Harirchi, speaking on state (Centcom) insisted in a Bagheri-Kani said all the firing a barrage of missiles at said. der examination to determine the month. This year, Saudi Arabia television, urged people not statement that it was a “profes- passengers who were on board US troops stationed in Iraq, The ministry also pointed out source of the infection, adding is to limit the number of do- to visit the northeastern holy sional intercept...conducted in the flight from Tehran to Bei- but Trump opted against re- that 1,054 new cases have recov- that the updated total fi gure in- mestic pilgrims attending Haj city of Mashad, which he said accordance with international rut could file for legal action sponding militarily to that ered, bringing the total number cluded 422 cases of Kuwaiti citi- to prevent the spread of the has seen an increase of 300% standards.” against “the US army com- move. to 54,061 cases. As many as 3,076 zens and 262 non-Kuwaitis. He coronavirus. in coronavirus cases over a one The incident was the latest mand and others involved” in While the attack on the new Covid-19 tests have been noted that the number of patients “Let glorious festivities be month period. between Tehran and Washing- Iranian courts “for moral and western Iraqi base of Ain Al- carried out, the ministry said, receiving treatment at intensive held in mosques and religious Millions typically visit ton since US President Donald physical damage”. Legal action Asad left no US soldiers dead, taking the total to 293,802. care units had reached 123. centres by observing health Mashad’s Imam Reza shrine. Trump in 2018 walked out of could also be pursued through dozens suffered brain trauma.

INVESTIGATION In touch with nature France opens probe into Rwandan Somalia’s parliament ousts genocide suspect France has opened a probe into PM in no-confi dence vote alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military off icial, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the country’s 1994 genocide Reuters move Khaire from offi ce. terming the move unconstitu- Mogadishu “The government failed in its tional due to the requirement which claimed 800,000 lives. promise on the preparation of a that an election be held every Anti-terrorism prosecutors said clear plan for the one man, one four years. yesterday that a preliminary omalia’s parliament ousted vote election,” said Mohamed Khaire, a former oil company investigation was opened after Prime Minister Hassan Ali Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, the executive, was not immediately Ntiwiragabo was found hiding in SKhaire in a no-confi dence speaker of parliament, referring available for a comment. the suburbs of the city of Orleans, vote yesterday, as a simmering to the fi rst direct election since President Mohamed said in a about 100 kilometres south-west power struggle between him and civil war erupted in 1991. statement carried on the state of Paris. French investigative news the president came to the fore. The Horn-of-Africa coun- radio website that he had ac- site Mediapart tracked down the Khaire, and President Mo- try has been holding elections cepted the decision of lawmak- former Rwandan spy chief, who hamed Abdullahi Mohamed, through representatives like ers to remove Khaire, citing was identified by the International have been tussling over whether elders in the past decade, due to the need to preserve the unity Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to delay a national election due insecurity caused by Al Shebaab of the various arms of govern- (ICTR) as one of the architects of in February next year, with the militants in most areas. ment. the genocide. Neither the ICTR, prime minister insisting it go Mohamed Abukar Islow, the Rashid Abdi, an independ- Interpol, France nor Rwanda were ahead and the president favour- internal security minister and ent Horn of Africa analyst, said actively seeking him now and had ing postponement. a key ally of Khaire, accused Khaire’s removal was inevitable dropped arrest warrants years The president’s allies have the speaker and the president because of differences with the ago. The revelation of his wherea- also accused Khaire of failing to of plotting to remove the prime president and the prime minis- Workers walk through a tea plantation on the way to pick tea-leaves in the morning in Kericho, bouts comes barely two months stabilise the security situation. minister to extend their terms. ter’s ambition to be president Kenya, yesterday. after another suspected genocide Lawmakers voted 170-8 to re- “It is a dark day,” Islow said, one day. architect, Felicien Kabuga, was ar- rested on the fringes of Paris. Kabuga, who evaded police in several countries for 25 years, is accused of financing the geno- cide. Kabuga had asked for a trial Zimbabwe says jailed journalist, politician plotted to topple government in France, citing frail health and claiming the United Nations court in Africa would be biased against him, and possibly hand him over AFP Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob ernment critic, invited the pub- for exposing corruption,” said in “this plot”, noting that the US on the accusations. Chin’ono Harare Ngarivhume were arrested on lic to join the demonstrations Information Minister Monica embassy had tweeted in defence and Ngarivhume have been de- to Rwandan authorities. Monday and charged with incit- via Facebook and Twitter. Mutsvangwa. of Chin’ono “within minutes” nied bail and remanded in cus- France has long been known as a ing public violence for their role The journalist had also helped “He was arrested for using his of his arrest. “Other Western tody by the Harare Magistrates hiding place for wanted genocide imbabwe’s government in organising anti-government expose a multimillion-dollar social media accounts to incite Embassies who usually take Court. Both their lawyers said suspects and French investigators yesterday defended the protests slated for July 31. corruption scandal involving Zimbabweans to violently over- the USA’s lead joined in this ir- they would appeal the ruling. currently have dozens of cases Zarrests of an investigative Ngarivhume — head of a small the procurement of coronavirus throw the government.” regular interference by tweeting Meanwhile, the July 31 pro- underway. A plane carrying Presi- journalist and an opposition party named Transform Zimba- supplies known as “Covidgate”. Mutsvangwa said the detain- and releasing statements which tests were de-facto banned this dent Juvenal Habyarimana, from leader this week, claiming the bwe — had called for nationwide In a statement yesterday, the ees landed behind bars for “their were calculated to obstruct the week when President Emmer- Rwanda’s Hutu majority, was shot pair had been plotting to “over- protests against alleged state government said it wished to ploy to violently destabilise the course of justice in a hosting son Mnangagwa imposed a cur- down in Kigali on April 6, 1994, throw the government” with the corruption and the country’s “set the record straight” on the country” and “unconstitution- country,” the statement said. few and reinstated confi nement unleashing the killing spree that backing of the United States and ailing economy. arrests. ally seize power”. She accused The US embassy was not im- measures to curb the spread of would leave mainly Tutsis but also other “foreign power” Chin’ono, an outspoken gov- “(Chin’ono) was not arrested “foreign powers” of taking part mediately available for comment coronavirus. moderate Hutus dead. Gulf Times Sunday, July 26, 2020 9 AMERICAS

Virus-hit Texas braces as hurricane Hanna takes aim

Agencies night and was expected to make Texas, at 10am local time (1500 Texas showed gray skies and have soared into the tens of Texas Tribune reported. tic, near the Windward Islands. Houston landfall by evening, the National GMT), and was moving west at lashing waves that had already thousands, and more than 400 “Take several masks with you Douglas – at one point a pow- Hurricane Centre (NHC) said. about 11kmmh, an NHC advi- engulfed a beach ahead of the people in Corpus Christi’s city of because you might be there a erful Category 4 hurricane – has It could bring storm surges of sory said. storm’s landfall. 325,000 were hospitalised with couple days if you’re in a fl ood weakened to a Category 2 storm exas, already struggling up to 5ft and drop up to 18 inches Expected to make a slight turn In Corpus Christi, a city of the novel coronavirus on Friday, area,” McComb said, according with wind speeds of 168kmh. with a surge in corona- of rain on parts of south Texas, later in the day, it “should make 325,000, offi cials closed librar- according to city data. to the Tribune. The NHC said yesterday the Tvirus cases, was bracing the NHC said, warning of dan- landfall along the Texas coast ies and museums as residents On Friday, residents in several “We don’t want to expose storm would continue to weaken yesterday after storm Hanna gerous fl ash fl ooding. within the hurricane warning braced for the storm, local media Texas communities in Kleberg anyone during this storm. Even as it approaches Hawaii, “po- strengthened into the fi rst At- “Additional strengthening is area this afternoon or early this reported. County, south of Corpus Chris- when you’re in the house, I tentially passing dangerously lantic hurricane of 2020, with forecast before Hanna makes evening,” the advisory contin- Hanna will roar ashore as Tex- ti, were urged to evacuate their recommend wearing a mask if close to, or over, the islands late meteorologists warning of heavy landfall later today,” the Miami- ued. as is already facing a huge surge homes ahead of Hanna’s arrival. you’re in crowded conditions.” tonight through Sunday night,” rain, storm surge and potentially based forecaster said, adding Storm warnings were already in coronavirus infections, with Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Two other storm systems were bringing high winds and heavy life-threatening fl ash fl ooding. that the hurricane will rapidly in eff ect along Texas’s Gulf Coast offi cials instituting a state-wide McComb warned residents churning yesterday: Pacifi c Hur- surf. The storm, with wind speeds weaken after it moves inland. early yesterday. mask mandate to try to curb the who live in flood-prone areas to ricane Douglas, bearing down on Hurricane warnings were in of around 130kmh strengthened Hanna was about 135km Video footage on Twitter of spread of the disease. heed coronavirus precautions the Hawaiian islands, and Tropi- eff ect yesterday in Hawaii and to a Category 1 hurricane over- southeast of Corpus Christi, Port Aransas in Nueces County, Cases along the state’s coast when deciding to evacuate, the cal Storm Gonzalo in the Atlan- Maui counties as well as Oahu. Alabama service kicks off days of tribute to US rights icon Lewis

AFP tually rose to join their ranks. Washington Since 1987 he had represented a Georgia district in Congress. After the ceremony yesterday memorial service in Ala- in Troy, commemorations were bama yesterday for John to move to Brown Chapel AME ALewis kicked off days Church in Selma, Alabama for a of tributes to the revered civil private remembrance followed rights leader and congressman, by a public viewing – again with including the high honour of ly- coronavirus precautions – start- ing in state tomorrow in the Ro- ing at 8pm. tunda of the US Capitol. Today at 10am, a processional Lewis, the senior member of will escort Lewis’s casket from the Congressional Black Caucus Brown Chapel to the Edmund and a man known as the “con- Pettus Bridge. science of the Congress,” died of It was there that Lewis, dur- cancer on July 17, aged 80. ing an historic 1965 civil rights At a service yesterday in an are- march that came to be known as na at Troy University in Alabama, “Bloody Sunday,” had his skull the state of his birth, his surviving fractured by police, one of many Protesters wave placards and shout slogans as they take part in a rally against police brutality in Portland, Oregon. siblings and others paid tribute. times he suff ered such beatings. Sister Ethel Mae Tyner re- Today afternoon, events move called the days long ago when to the city of Montgomery, where family members worked together the public has been encouraged to in the cotton fi elds near Troy and line sidewalks as the processional storm clouds would pass over. travels to the State Capitol. Young John Lewis was fearful Lewis will lie in state there of storms but would not budge. beginning at 3pm, according to “He would start singing – local media. Visitors will be re- Police again fi re tear gas and preaching. He always was a quired to wear masks. fi ghter,” she said. Tomorrow, Lewis will lie in In keeping with coronavirus state in the Rotunda of the US precautions, the number of visi- Capitol for viewing, initially, by tors to the arena was limited to a small, invitation-only group. 800, social distancing was en- The casket will then be moved forced and masks required – a to the top of the steps at the on Portland protesters far cry from pre-coronavirus Capitol’s East Front for public practices, when a memorial for viewing tomorrow evening and Agencies the US Justice Department on outside the courthouse with tear more, about anything. We a prime-time performance with an icon like Lewis would have all day Tuesday, according to the Portland Thursday opened an offi cial gas, pushing protesters back. aren’t fi rst in anything and it’s Sean Hannity on Fox News. drawn many thousands from Washington Post. Masks and so- investigation into the federal Earlier, protesters com- a terrible, terrible thing to see at “That was the end of him. So across the country. cial distancing will be required. crackdown. plained of the federal agents’ the end of my life,” she said. that was pretty pathetic.” While attending segregated Out of concern for the pan- olice and federal agents Friday’s demonstration was presence in the city and voiced Trump, who is campaigning In a related development, schools in Alabama, Lewis was demic, the Lewis family has asked fi red tear gas and force- mainly peaceful, with crowds their support for the Black for re-election in November prosecutors unveiled charges inspired by the peaceful pro- that people not travel from across Pfully dispersed protesters playing music and dancing, Lives Matter movement, which on “law and order,” also an- against 18 protesters ranging tests of rights leaders like Mar- the country to pay respects, and in the US city of Portland early blowing soap bubbles and set- helped drive demonstrations nounced on Wednesday that from assaulting police to arson tin Luther King Jr and he even- instead post virtual tributes. yesterday, witnesses said, dur- ting off fi reworks. across the country for weeks af- federal agents in Chicago and and trespassing. ing the latest demonstrations But it ended – like many be- ter Floyd’s killing. other cities will be stepped up The Trump administration against racism and police bru- fore it – in a showdown between “I don’t like what’s happen- after a resurgence of crime and sent a tactical team to Seattle on tality. protesters and police, which es- ing down here, what Trump shootings. Thursday in anticipation of pro- The city, the biggest in the calated in a haze of tear gas and is doing,” Mike Shikany, a Trump meanwhile called tests this weekend despite the state of Oregon, has seen nightly fl ash-bang devices. 55-year-old aerospace engi- Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler objections of the Seattle mayor protests for nearly two months, One group of protesters neer, said, adding he did not “pathetic” after the Oregon and Washington state governor, initially sparked by the death in formed a line with umbrellas and “want to get anywhere near the politician was gassed by the who warned of a Portland-like Minneapolis of unarmed Afri- makeshift shields to try to pro- little green men,” meaning the federal troops while stand- escalation of tensions. can American George Floyd. tect themselves, as at least two federal troops. ing among protesters outside a US Attorney for the Western It is also now the scene of a fi res burned outside the fences Portland retiree Jean Mullen, courthouse. District of Washington Brian highly controversial crackdown by around a federal courthouse. 74, said that without pressure “He made a fool out of him- Moran said in a statement that federal agents ordered by US Pres- Tear gas was fi rst fi red around nothing would change. self. He wanted to be among federal agents are stationed in ident Donald Trump – one that is 11pm. “It’s time to become the the people, so he went into the Seattle to protect federal prop- People listen to speakers during The Boy from Troy service celebrating not supported by local offi cials. By 2.30am police and federal country we always brag about crowd and they knocked the hell erties and the work done in the life of former US Rep John Lewis in Troy, Alabama, yesterday. The inspector general of agents were clearing the scene being. And we can’t brag any- out of him,” Trump said during those buildings. Bolsonaro says he tested Brazil cobra sparks negative for Covid-19 traffi cking probe AFP lizard at another property. Rio de Janeiro So far the probe has led to Agencies Brasilia, the Alvorada Palace. On Thursday he was seen go- the fi ring of two offi cials at the Brasilia During that time he under- ing for a spin on his motorcycle Brazilian environmental regu- went at least three more virus and chatting maskless with a cobra that bit a veteri- lator, IBAMA, over suspicions tests, all positive. team of groundskeepers outside nary student in Brazil, they facilitated fraudulent im- razilian President Jair Bol- Three polls released this week the presidential palace. Aputting him in a coma, port permits for a wildlife traf- sonaro announced yester- showed the leader dubbed a “Trop- The same day he admitted in a has turned into a celebrity by fi cking ring. Bday he has tested negative ical Trump” would win re-election live Facebook video that he was sparking an investigation into The student’s mother and for the new coronavirus more than in 2022, despite his controversial feeling “a bit wretched at being an alleged exotic animal traf- stepfather, a police colonel, two weeks after being diagnosed handling of the virus crisis. imprisoned here.” fi cking ring. were also questioned and fi ned on July 7, attributing his recovery The pandemic has exploded Bolsonaro also continued The monocled cobra, which 8,500 reals (about $1,600) to an unproven malaria drug. in Brazil, the country with the greeting supporters from quar- is native to Asia, bit 22-year- each on a charge of obstructing “RT-PCR for Sars-Cov 2: neg- most infections and deaths from antine, separated by a narrow old Pedro Krambeck Lehmkuhl justice. ative. Good morning everyone,” Covid-19 anywhere in the world refl ecting pond but maskless. on July 7 in Brasilia, sending Lehmkuhl, who spent six the 65-year-old tweeted, along except the United States. And he was spotted in the doctors on a frantic search for days in the hospital, was re- with a photo of himself smiling The Latin American pow- palace gardens feeding – and the right antivenom – so rare leased and fi ned 61,000 reals. and holding a packet of hydroxy- erhouse has registered nearly occasionally getting bitten by in Brazil that the lone doses He is still under investigation. chloroquine, whose eff ectiveness 2.3mn cases of the new coro- – rheas, a South American bird had to be rushed from Sao The cobra has meanwhile against Covid-19 has not been navirus and more than 84,000 related to the emu. Paulo. become an Internet sensation, demonstrated in clinical trials. deaths, and the numbers have Meanwhile, Sao Paulo, the Questions about how the after being found near a shop- He did not say when he took continued to rise rapidly. biggest city in South America, snake ended up at the stu- ping centre where it was alleg- the latest test. But Bolsonaro is a fi erce critic postponed its 2021 Carnival cel- dent’s apartment soon turned edly abandoned by a friend of The president, who has rou- of stay-at-home measures, argu- ebrations on the same day that into a police investigation Lehmkuhl’s trying to get rid of tinely downplayed the virus he ing the economic pain they result Formula One scrapped its next that found 16 other snakes at a evidence. calls a “little fl u” but which is cur- in is worse than the virus itself. planned race there, underlying property belonging to a friend A Twitter account opened in rently ravaging his country, spent The president has appeared to the enduring eff ects policymak- of Lehmkuhl’s, as well as three the snake’s name, @najaorigi- nearly 20 days self-isolating at continue fl outing virus precau- ers expect the coronavirus pan- Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro arrives at the Alvorada Palace on a sharks, seven more snakes, a nal, has nearly 50,000 follow- his offi cial residence in the capital tions even after his diagnosis. demic to have on Brazil. motorcycle in Brasilia yesterday. Moray eel and a Tupinambis ers. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, July 26, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

S Korea US consulate in China readies sees surge in new virus cases for closure as ties deteriorate AFP Seoul AFP the United States”, and has al- Chengdu leged that staff at the diplomatic mission endangered China’s outh Korea reported a surge security and interests. in new coronavirus infec- orkers removed the Washington offi cials, mean- Stions yesterday, recording US insignia from the while, said there had been unac- its highest fi gure in nearly four Wconsulate in the Chi- ceptable eff orts by the Chinese months with dozens of imported nese city of Chengdu yesterday, consulate in Houston to steal cases. a day after Beijing ordered its US corporate secrets and pro- The country added 113 new closure as relations deteriorated prietary medical and scientifi c cases, including 86 among peo- in a Cold War-style standoff . research. ple who arrived from overseas, The Chengdu mission was The last Chinese diplomats bringing the total to 14,092, ac- told to shut in retaliation for the left the Houston consulate on cording to the Korea Centers for forced closure of Beijing’s con- Friday as a 72-hour deadline to Disease Control and Prevention. sulate in Houston, Texas, with close the mission passed. Of- It was the second highest fi g- both sides alleging the other had fi cials there were seen loading ure since March 31, when the endangered national security. large sacks of documents and country reported 125 new cases. The deadline for the Ameri- other items onto trucks, and It was also the fi rst time it has cans to exit Chengdu remains throwing some in bins. seen more than 100 cases since unclear, but AFP reporters saw a Tensions have soared between April 1. worker on a small crane removed the two powers on a range of All overseas arrivals are re- a circular US insignia from the fronts including trade, China’s quired to undergo a two-week front of the consulate, leaving handling of the coronavirus quarantine. just an American fl ag fl ying. and a new security law for Hong South Korea endured one of Three moving company Kong, with the US this week the worst early outbreaks out- trucks entered the US consulate warning of a “new tyranny” side China but brought it broadly building yesterday afternoon. from China. under control with an exten- Cleaners were seen carting China on Friday blasted the sive “trace, test and treat” pro- big black bags of rubbish from Houston move and blamed gramme while never imposing a the consulate in the early hours Washington for the sharp dete- compulsory lockdown that was of the morning. One of them had rioration in relations. put in place in much of Europe split and appeared to contain Closing the Chengdu consu- and around the world. shredded paper. late was a “legitimate and nec- The country has been seen as At least ten bags were re- essary response to the unrea- a model on how to combat the moved from the building. sonable measures by the United pandemic with the public largely Other staff were seen moving States”, the foreign ministry said Police keep watch by a barrier in front of the US consulate as a bus enters the compounds in Chengdu, southwestern China’s Sichuan following safety health measures trolleys around inside, one car- in a statement. province, yesterday. such as wearing face masks. rying a large empty metal bin, “The current situation in The rise in cases comes with while some wheeled suitcases. China-US relations is not what some US staff in the Chengdu China’s security and interests”. leaked by intelligence analyst Wang Lijun fl ed in 2012 from his the country planning to let limit- Beijing says closing the China desires to see, and the US consulate “were engaged in ac- The Chengdu consulate, es- Edward Snowden showing US powerful boss Bo Xilai, who was ed numbers of baseball fans back Chengdu consulate was a “le- is responsible for all this,” it said. tivities outside of their capac- tablished in 1985, has been at the surveillance worldwide. then head of the nearby metrop- into stadiums on Sunday as au- gitimate and necessary response Foreign ministry spokesman ity, interfered in China’s in- centre of past controversy. It was The Chengdu mission was also olis Chongqing, and has since thorities seek to restore normality to the unreasonable measures by Wang Wenbin told reporters that ternal aff airs, and endangered included on a top-secret map where senior Chinese offi cial been jailed for life for corruption. after the coronavirus crisis. Australia rejects Thousands crammed into Manila Beijing’s S China stadium amid coronavirus risks Sea claims Reuters tancing had been diminished,” Manila Assistant Secretary Joseph En- AFP a so-called nine-dash line, a cabo, who is overseeing the Sydney vague delineation from maps government’s transportation dating back to the 1940s. housands of Filipinos assistance programme, said. The latest escalation comes were crammed into a Police were deployed to urge ustralia has rejected ahead of annual talks between Tbaseball stadium in Ma- social distancing, but people, Beijing’s territorial and Australia and the United nila yesterday, breaking so- including the elderly, children Amaritime claims in the States, with ministers trav- cial distancing rules despite and pregnant women, were seen South China Sea in a formal elling to Washington for the coronavirus risks, after people in close contact with each other. declaration to the United Na- fi rst time since Australian wanting to return to their home Some were not wearing masks. tions, aligning itself more borders were closed due to the provinces fl ooded a government Many of those at the stadium closely with Washington in coronavirus pandemic. transportation programme. had got stuck in the capital when the escalating row. The meetings come at a Offi cials had reserved the sta- it imposed one of the strictest In a statement fi led on “critical time” and it is essen- dium as a place to test people and longest lockdowns in mid- Thursday, Australia said there tial they are held face-to-face, before transporting them back to March in response to the coro- was “no legal basis” to several Foreign Minister Marise Payne their home provinces under a pro- navirus pandemic. disputed Chinese claims in the and Defence Minister Linda gramme to help people who had That was eased at the start of sea including those related to Reynolds said in a statement lost their jobs in the capital return June, allowing businesses to reopen the construction of artifi cial is- yesterday. to their families elsewhere. in a limited capacity, but schools re- lands on small shoals and reefs. US relations with China Offi cials had planned for 7,500 main shut and mass gatherings are “Australia rejects China’s have markedly deteriorated people to arrive at the stadium banned. People must wear masks in claim to ‘historic rights’ or in recent months, especially from Friday, but were caught out public and observe 1m social dis- ‘maritime rights and interests’ over trade disputes, the coro- when another 2,000 people who tancing, while children and the eld- as established in the ‘long navirus pandemic and Bei- were not yet scheduled to travel erly are urged to stay at home. course of historical practice’ jing’s crackdown on dissent in headed there anyway. Coronavirus cases have more in the South China Sea,” the Hong Kong. “Because of the overfl ow- than quadrupled since restric- declaration read. On Friday, Beijing ordered ing number of people, we can tions were eased to 78,412, with A man carrying a bag of belongings walks inside the baseball stadium where thousands of stranded Filipinos “There is no legal basis for the US consulate in Chengdu no longer control (the situation) more than half of those in the due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) restrictions are crammed while waiting to be transported back to China to draw straight base- to shut in retaliation for the and the relevance of social dis- capital and surrounding areas. their provinces, in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila, yesterday. lines connecting the out- closure of its Houston mis- ermost points of maritime sion over accusations of be- features or ‘island groups’ in ing a hub for intellectual Maldives detains migrant workers seeking unpaid wages: HRW the South China Sea, includ- property theft. ing around the ‘Four Sha’ or Payne and Reynolds also Human Rights Watch (HRW) traff icking and other abuses...,” sharks,” Mohsin said, referring to ‘continental’ or ‘outlying’ penned an article in The Aus- yesterday urged the Maldives to drop HRW said in a statement. many borrowing money to travel to Singapore PM archipelagos.” tralian newspaper yesterday, charges against 80 migrant workers Workers in the construction sector had the Maldives in search of what they The declaration comes af- labelling national security arrested for demanding their unpaid not been paid even before the country believed would be well-paid jobs. ter US Secretary of State Mike legislation imposed on Hong wages in a country otherwise known went into coronavirus lockdown in Police confirmed they arrested 41 Pompeo declared Beijing’s Kong last month as “sweeping for its upmarket tourism. March, according to off icials. Sporadic migrant workers at Hulhumale, unveils cabinet pursuit of territory and re- and vague”. HRW said authorities detained the clashes erupted since May. just outside the capital on July sources in the South China Sea “We face a public health foreign workers during separate Bangladeshi worker Mohamed 13. There had been several other ingapore Prime Minister ern day founder, Lee Kuan Yew. as illegal, explicitly backing crisis, economic upheaval and protests against inhumane living Mohsin told AFP by phone that arrests elsewhere bringing the total Lee Hsien Loong named In some minor changes, na- the territorial claims of South- resurgent authoritarian re- conditions and work without pay. clashes with police broke out two number detained to just over 80. Sa largely unchanged tional development minister east Asian countries against gimes using coercion in a bid “The authorities should drop weeks ago as they had not been HRW said Male was invoking national cabinet yesterday following an Lawrence Wong – the co-head China’s. to gain power and infl uence at charges and release all those held paid for six months. security and banning protests to election win this month, and of a Covid-19 taskforce – was Beijing claims almost all of the expense of our freedoms for engaging in peaceful protest, “Our families are dying at home deflect from its failure to curb abuses fl agged a possible delay, due moved to education, while ed- the South China Sea based on and sovereignty,” they wrote. and address allegations of human starving and being hunted by loan against migrant workers. (AFP) to the novel coronavirus pan- ucation minister Ong Ye Kung demic, of his plan to step down. was moved to transport. Deputy Prime Minister Newly elected Alvin Tan, Heng Swee Keat, Lee’s expect- head of public policy for social ed successor, was kept in post network LinkedIn and a former helming the fi nance ministry, senior Facebook executive, was Malaysia arrests Bangladeshi worker over migrant remarks as were senior ministers Thar- given a post as minister of state man Shanmugaratnam and in the trade ministry. Teo Chee Hean. In the July 10 general elec- Reuters several offi cials describing the Rayhan was arrested on Fri- respond to a request for com- burden on government resources. “We are in a crisis of a gen- tion, the PAP retained a large Kuala Lumpur report as being inaccurate, day and will be expelled from the ment on Rayhan’s arrest. There are also growing con- eration... therefore I have parliamentary majority but misleading and unfair. country, Immigration Director Malaysia arrested hundreds of cerns that the four-month old kept on many of my older its vote share slipped to near a Rights groups have accused General Khairul Dzaimee Daud undocumented foreigners, in- administration of Prime Minis- colleagues who are all par- record low as opposition parties alaysia arrested a Bang- the government of suppressing said in a statement on Saturday. cluding children and Rohingya ter Muhyiddin Yassin is stifl ing ticipating in this fi ght against made historic inroads. ladeshi national who media freedom after Al Jazeera “This Bangladeshi national refugees, when the country was dissent amid a series of clamp- Covid-19,” Lee, whose Peo- Heng, selected by his peers Mcriticised the govern- journalists were called in for will be deported and blacklisted under lockdown to contain the downs, an accusation it has ple’s Action Party (PAP) has as a future leader of the party ment over its treatment of mi- questioning by the police. from entering Malaysia forever,” spread of the new coronavirus. denied. ruled Singapore since its in 2018, scraped through in his grant workers in a news report An arrest warrant was is- Khairul said. Activists have condemned the Malaysiakini, a local news independence in 1965. constituency in the fi rst real by broadcaster Al Jazeera, the sued for Md Rayhan Kabir, the He did not say why Rayhan arrests as inhumane. Malaysian portal, is facing a contempt case Lee, 68, said he may have to test of his public popularity. government said yesterday. Bangladeshi worker quoted was arrested or whether he offi cials have said they were nec- over readers’ comments. delay his plans to handover to Singapore reported 513 new The July 3 report on Ma- in the news report as saying was suspected of committing essary to prevent the spread of Al Jazeera has said its staff and a successor by the time he is 70 coronavirus cases yester- laysia’s treatment of undocu- the government discrimi- a crime. Reuters could not im- the virus. those interviewed in the docu- because of the pandemic. day, its highest in nearly two mented foreign workers dur- nated against undocumented mediately reach the immigra- Public opposition to migrant mentary had faced abuse, death “A lot will depend on how months, almost all from mi- ing the Covid-19 pandemic foreign workers by arresting tion department for further workers has been growing, with threats and the disclosure of events unfold and all I can say grant worker dormitories at sparked a backlash in the and jailing them during the comment. some accusing them of spread- their personal details on social is I will see this through,” said the centre of the outbreak in South East Asia nation, with pandemic. Al Jazeera did not immediately ing the coronavirus and being a media. the scion of Singapore’s mod- the city-state. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, July 26, 2020 11 BRITAIN/EUROPE Mass anti-Kremlin rallies Britain to quarantine grip Russia’s Far East travellers AFP front of the regional adminis- Khabarovsk trative building on Lenin square shouting “Freedom” and “Putin resign”. from Spain uge anti-government Police wearing masks allowed demonstrations erupted the demonstrations to go ahead Reuters urday, while France advised Hin Russia’s Far East yes- despite a ban on public gather- London people not to travel to the terday over the arrest of a popu- ings as part of measures to con- Spanish region of Catalonia. lar governor who was replaced tain the coronavirus pandemic. The safe country list re- this week by a Kremlin appoint- Yet the protests that initally ritain’s government ferred to by Shipman is a list of ee who never lived in the fraught erupted in response to the shock is set to announce all countries that the UK govern- region. arrest of Furgal over murders Btravellers from Spain ment has said are safe for trav- Residents of Khabarovsk near that happened 15 years ago are arriving after midnight (2300 ellers to visit - meaning people the border with China took to increasingly becoming an out- GMT) yesterday will need to do not have to go into quaran- the streets en masse for the third let to vent frustration with the spend two weeks in quaran- tine on return home. Saturday in a row after gover- Kremlin. tine in case they are infected Such quarantines are likely nor Sergei Furgal was arrested “The centre is sucking re- with coronavirus, the Sunday to put people off taking a holi- by federal law enforcement and sources from the Far East,” said Times newspaper reported. day in “non-safe” countries. fl own to Moscow on murder demonstrator Alexander Gogo- “Second wave of Covid-19 there The rules apply to travellers charges this month. lev, 45, who voiced anger that has prompted decision to kick arriving in England. Scotland, The running demonstrations the region receives “nothing in Spain off the safe country list,” the Wales and Northern Ireland have been some of the larg- return”. newspaper’s political editor, Tim set their own quarantine rules. est anti-government protests Estimates of the turnout var- Shipman, said on Twitter. Britons make a big contribu- in Russia in years, which the ied greatly, with Khabarovsk Britain’s health ministry tion to Spain’s tourism sector. Kremlin said this week were be- offi cials saying that 6,500 had no immediate comment Last year 83.7mn tourists ing fuelled by opposition activ- people attended. Local media on the report. travelled to Spain, of which ists outside Khabarovsk. meanwhile said the number If true, the reported announce- 18.08mn were British, mak- Tens of thousands of residents was closer to between 15,000 People carry a portrait of Sergei Furgal, the governor of the Khabarovsk region, during a rally in his ment would deal a heavy blow to ing them the largest group marched through Khabarovsk and 20,000. support in the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk yesterday. Spain, which is trying to recoup by nationality, according to waving the region’s fl ag, carry- Journalists reporting from the its tourism season after the sector Spanish National Statistics ing banners and chanting slo- town seven time zones east of fi red Furgal, 50, and appointed a Ahead of the demonstrations Navalny has thrown his weight took a battering from coronavirus Offi ce. gans against President Vladimir Moscow said yesterday’s rally lawmaker from the same nation- on Friday he suggested that for- behind the protesters and this lockdowns and travel restrictions On Friday, Spanish Foreign Min- Putin as passing cars honked was the largest since the demon- alist LDPR party, Mikhail Degt- eign citizens had fl own from week said the demonstrations earlier in the year. ister Arancha Gonzalez Laya insisted their horns in support. strations began this month. yarev, as his acting replacement. Moscow to Khabarovsk to help could only win concessions There was no immediate her country was safe to visit. “We want our governor to be Police in Moscow detained at The move was met with by an- organise the protests. “with the support of the entire comment from Spanish gov- “Spain is a safe country,” released because we believe he least 10 people who gathered at ger from Khabarovsk residents Kremlin spokesperson country”. ernment offi cials. she told CNN television. was very likely detained illegal- Pushkin Square in support of the who said the 39-year-old out- Dmitry Peskov dismissed Furgal’s detention ahead of a Cases of coronavirus have been She added that like many ly,” said 24-year-old protester demonstrators in Khabarovsk, sider lacked experience and had claims of foreign interference trial in September sparked an an on the rise again in recent weeks countries around the world Alina Slepova. monitors said, and local media no connection to the region. but said the protests were a outcry from his nationalist LDPR in Spain, prompting concern in that have managed to control Furgal was removed by fed- reported smaller protests in oth- In a video posted to Instagram “nutrient ... for troublemak- party whose fi rebrand leader several European countries. the disease, Spain “has out- eral offi cials “for their own pur- er eastern Russian cities includ- this week, Degtyarev dismissed ers” and “pseudo-opposition” Vladimir Zhirinovsky this week On Friday, Norway said it breaks but the governments poses, not for the good of our ing Vladivostok and Yuzhno- calls for him to step down and said activists. vowed to secure a presidential will re-impose a 10-day quar- – both national and regional – region,” she said. Sakhalinsk. the mass demonstrations did not Opposition leader and one- pardon if he was found guilty of antine requirement for people are working to isolate cases as Demonstrators converged in On Monday, Putin offi cially refl ect broader public opinion. time presidential hopeful Alexei the charges. arriving from Spain from Sat- soon as they appear”. Rapper faces Harry and Meghan book lifts lid on split with family probe over AFP The couple say they did not William and his wife Kate. The book, to be released on against one or more paparazzi by a thousand cuts”, according to London contribute to the new biogra- Kate even refused to make eye August 11, also suggested that whom they accuse of taking pic- the new book. charges of phy Finding Freedom, written contact with her sister-in-law at Harry, 35, was the driving force tures of their son Archie without The authors are sympathetic by journalists Omid Scobie and their fi nal engagement in March, behind the couple’s move away permission. to the couple, and say the book rince Harry and wife Carolyn Durand, but friends of according to the new release. from the family, with Meghan Pressure from tabloids has will “correct the record” on the anti-Semitism Meghan blamed “viper” the couple provided much of its Harry apparently referred to telling her husband that she dogged Harry throughout his acrimonious split. Pcourtiers for widening content. senior courtiers as “vipers” who “gave up my entire life for this life, and he blames them for the However, it does acknowledge Reuters their rift with the royal family, The book, serialised in The felt that the global popularity family”. death of his mother Princess that Harry and Meghan’s deci- London according to extracts from a new Times, will claim that Harry felt of the couple was overshadow- The couple now live in Los An- Diana. sion to keep the family in the book published in The Times “unprotected” by his family, and ing the family and “needed to be geles and were in the headlines Meghan, 38, told a friend that dark about their plans “created a yesterday. lay bare his split from brother reined in”, according to extracts. this week for taking legal action tabloid criticism was like “death lot of ill will”. ritish rap artist Wiley is facing a police investiga- Btion after a string of anti- Semitic comments appeared Four die in on his social media accounts, plane crash in prompting his management to 3 dead after aircraft drop him. The rapper’s Twitter account, Swiss Alps which has half a million follow- Two Swiss and two Austrian ers, published a series of tweets crashes into house nationals were killed yesterday on Friday asserting that Jews sys- when their small plane crashed in tematically exploited Black artists the Swiss Alps, police said. in the music industry, continuing The plane came down in a pattern of exploitation dating in Germany the picturesque area near back to the slave trade. the Gletscherspitze peak, at “Jewish people don’t care an altitude of over 3,000m what black went through they DPA to the deputy head of the Wesel (10,000ft), in the southern Swiss just use us to make money to feed Essen fi re brigade, Robert Meyboom. canton of Wallis, regional police their kids... for generations as The child was rescued only said in a statement. well,” one tweet said. slightly injured. Wallis police said a witness had “Hold some corn Jewish com- hree people died yesterday The police suspect that the first called to report seeing the munity you deserve it...,” anoth- when an ultralight aircraft mother is among the dead. plane falling from the sky at er tweet read. Tcrashed into a residential The other two victims are be- 12:25pm (1025 GMT), and had British charity Campaign building in north-western Ger- lieved to be the two occupants of called back a few minutes later Against Antisemitism referred many, a spokesman for the police the aircraft, Meyboom said. to say smoke was rising from the that tweet to police saying it was said. The chairman of the Friends of crash site. an act of incitement to racial ha- The plane crashed into the Air Sports Wesel-Rheinhausen Firefighters and rescue workers tred as, it said, “hold corn” was roof of the building that contains association, Achim Strobel, as- flown in by helicopter discovered slang for “take bullets”. fi ve fl ats in the town of Wesel, in sumed that the plane had just Rescue forces are seen at the scene where an ultra-light aircraft has crashed into a residential building in that all four people onboard, two Several video clips also ap- the Lower Rhine region. taken off from Wesel Airfi eld. Wesel, Germany yesterday. Swiss citizens aged 50 and 66 and peared on the rapper’s Instagram The top fl oor fl at of the house There were two men on board, two Austrians aged 46 and 50, account on Friday and yesterday. caught fi re and, according to he said. chute near the crash site, which According to the police, there deployment of rescue workers. had perished. “Crawl out from under all your the fi re brigade, was completely The aircraft is the TL 96 police assume is the aircraft’s were indications that it had broken Several helicopters and a res- Police said they were cooperating little rocks and come and defend destroyed. model, which is considered a so- emergency parachute. up before the crash as several air- cue dog team were also involved. with the Swiss Transportation your Jewish privilege now,” he A woman lived in the fl at with called air sports device. Why the plane crashed was craft parts were found in the area. Emergency counsellors were Safety Investigation Board to said in one video. her 2-year-old child, according Rescue workers found a para- still unknown. The crash prompted a large also on site. probe the crash. (AFP) Police confi rmed they had re- ceived complaints about Wiley. “We are aware of reports of al- leged anti-Semitic comments posted on social media and will look into the matter,” a spokeswoman for Turkey calls Greek reaction to Jailed rights defender dies London’s Metropolitan Police said. Twitter has deleted some anti-Semitic statements on Wi- ley’s account, but others remain, Hagia Sophia prayers ‘hostile’ in Kyrgyzstan, says lawyer drawing criticism from other us- ers of the social media platform. AFP Tayyip Erdogan joined thou- rope, who cannot accept re- AFP The 69-year-old was serv- “He cried. (Askarov) knew “Even for Twitter this is Ankara sands for the fi rst Islamic prayer newed prostration in Hagia Bishkek ing a life sentence for inciting that he was dying and no one shocking,” said Stephen Pollard, on Friday since Hagia Sophia was Sophia, are once again delusion- disorder and complicity in the lifted a fi nger.” editor of the Jewish Chronicle. reconverted from a museum into al,” Aksoy added in a statement. murder of a policeman, allega- In 2016, the UN Human Wiley, 41, whose real name is urkey yesterday lam- a mosque this month. The Unesco World Heritage rights defender whose tions which he denied. Rights Committee ruled that Richard Cowie, released a number basted Greek statements The reaction to Hagia Sophia site was originally the Byzantine detention in Kyrgyzstan He was “unable to walk” due to Askarov’s detention was arbi- one single in Britain in 2012 and Tagainst the move to con- opening for Muslim worship Empire’s main cathedral before Abecame a point of con- an illness, his lawyer Valeryan Vahi- trary and that he had been tor- had several other top 10 hits. He re- vert Hagia Sophia back into a “once again revealed Greece’s its conversion into a mosque tention between the Central tov told AFP by telephone, follow- tured in detention. ceived a UK government honour for mosque after the fi rst Muslim hostility towards Islam and Tur- after the Ottoman conquest of Asian country and the United ing a visit to his client this week. Yet multiple courts in Kyr- his contribution to music in 2018. prayers were held in the Istanbul key,” Turkish foreign ministry Constantinople in 1453. States has died in jail, his law- “No one paid him any at- gyzstan upheld Askarov’s convic- John Woolf, of A-List Man- landmark. spokesman Hami Aksoy said. The founder of modern Tur- yer said yesterday. tention. The system killed tion, which dated back to a spate agement, said he would no longer Relations between Nato allies Aksoy “strongly condemned” key ordered Hagia Sophia to be Ex-Soviet Kyrgyzstan – a him,” Vahitov said, confi rming of bloody ethnic violence in 2010. represent the artist. Ankara and Athens have been the burning of the Turkish fl ag turned into a museum in 1934 but loyal ally of Russia – tore up Askarov had died. He was from the ethnic Uzbek “Following Wiley’s anti semitic uneasy in recent months but in Thessaloniki, and accused the Turkey’s highest administrative a long-running co-operation “I brought him melons and minority and had a long history tweets today we at @A_ListM- tensions increased over Hagia Greek government and parlia- court on July 10 said the building agreement with the Unit- watermelons. I told him to eat, of opposing police abuse and GMT have cut all ties with him. Sophia and energy riches in the ment of “provoking the public was registered in property deeds ed States after Washington to hold himself together, that torture in his home region of There is no place in society for an- eastern Mediterranean. with hostile statements”. as a mosque, allowing Ankara to awarded a rights prize to Az- we all loved him,” Vahitov said Jalal-Abdad, which was one of tisemitism,” Woolf said on Twitter. Turkish President Recep “The spoiled children of Eu- change its status once more. imjon Askarov in 2015. of his last visit to Askarov. the fl ashpoints of the violence. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, July 26, 2020 INDIA Rajasthan CM to approach president ‘if required’

IANS Addressing Congress legis- said the chief minister would The governor on Friday said “Neither justifi cation nor any take that into account. of “top leaders” and hence, not Jaipur lators at a luxury hotel, Gehlot meet the governor during the that no one was above constitu- agenda has been proposed to call It also asked the state govern- giving permission to call a spe- said: “if required we would stay day, Raj Bhavan offi cials told tional decorum. the session on short notice. In ment to share details of how the cial assembly session. at the hotel for 21 more days.” IANS: “No such appointment On convening the assem- the normal process, a 21-day no- session would be called amid Later, the chief minister called day after a face-off with The MLAs hailed the chief has been sought”. bly session, the Raj Bhavan tice is required to call a session,” the spread of coronavirus in the a cabinet meeting at 9.30pm, Governor Kalraj Mishra minister by raising their hands. However, the BJP said some of said a letter had been sent to it said. state. which continued till late in the A over convening of a spe- The legislators are staying at its party leaders would meet the the Rajasthan Parliamentary Instructing the state govern- The Congress MLAs on Fri- night. cial assembly session, Rajasthan the hotel to block any attempt of governor to discuss the rising Affairs Department, raising ment to ensure independence day staged a protest at the Raj Yesterday, Congress members Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot poaching. number of coronavirus cases in some points, like the date from and free movement of MLAs, it Bhavan, urging the governor to staged protests at the district yesterday said he would foil the The chief minister called a the state. which the session was to be said as the case of disqualifica- give his approval for convening a headquarters against the BJP, Bharatiya Janata Party’s plan of cabinet meeting at 4pm report- The governor is facing fl ak convened as it was not men- tion of some MLAs was under special assembly session. which according to them was toppling the state government edly to discuss a new proposal from the Gehlot government for tioned in the cabinet note and the consideration of the high After meeting the governor on making attempts to topple the and even “go to the president, if for the assembly session. not acceding to its request to no approval had been given by court and the Supreme Court, Friday evening, Gehlot accused state government and “kill de- required”. While some Congress offi cials convene the assembly session. the cabinet. the state government should him of working under pressure mocracy”. Bihar sees huge surge in cases as people fl out basic protocols

IANS concern over the increasing Patna number of infections. On Friday, a patient jumped off the third fl oor of the All In- he coronavirus infections in dia Institute of Medical Sciences Bihar are increasing rapidly, (AIIMS), Patna. Toffi cials warned yesterday. In another incident, health In the state capital Patna, the workers had to face the ire of number of infected people has villagers when they reached the crossed the 5,000-mark. Ratwara river in Mohania block Despite the government im- where the last rites of a police plementing preventive measures inspector were being performed. to contain the pandemic, many The inspector died of Cov- people seem careless about it. id-19. The Bihar government has According to the Health Min- declared a lockdown across the istry data, there were 18,853 state till July 31. Covid-19 patients in Bihar as of However, people are allowed July 14; the number increased to to move freely for some hours in 33,511 by July 24. the morning and evening. In these 10 days, the number But instead of considering this of infected people in Patna has a serious situation and staying at more than doubled. An unemployed musician sings and dances with his drum to create awareness about the spread of the Covid-19 on the Howrah Bridge during a complete lockdown announced home, people are violating the In Patna, the number of in- by the state government, in Kolkata yesterday. social distancing norms openly, fected people on July 14 was the offi cials said. 2,259; on July 24 it was 5,347. The people are not observing Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Ja- even basic protocols to prevent nata Dal and the Congress are the disease. They are moving in continuously targeting the gov- the streets without wearing a ernment over the increasing face mask. cases. However, awareness cam- Former deputy chief minister Aggressive testing helping paigns are also being run to mo- and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav tivate people to wear a mask and alleged Chief Minister Nitish police are also imposing fi nes on Kumar has been invisible for four those not wearing a mask. months during the pandemic. Additional Director General This government has left stu- of Police Jitendra Kumar said dents, labourers, patients, the that action is being taken against poor and common man to die, Delhi tackle Covid: expert those who do not wear masks. he said. “A penalty of Rs47,26,000 Senior Congress leader and IANS people should not lower their ing 100 people, around 31 were which has not happened in Del- ies will last. It is a matter of has been recovered from 94,520 former state Youth Congress New Delhi guard against the viral infec- found to be corona positive, and hi yet,” he said. debate how protective these people for not wearing a mask president Lalan Kumar said the tion. today, only 13 out of 100 people In Delhi, out of the 11 dis- antibodies are. Therefore, it is from July 5-24,” he said. government has not been able to “It is clear that the policy are found to be corona posi- tricts, eight have sero-preva- essential that people continue On the other hand, there is contain the coronavirus. fter Delhi seemed to be of test, trace, isolate and treat tive. These things show that the lence of more than 20%. to take precautions,” Nischal overwhelmed by the cases is bound to decrease the situation is under control, and In the central, northeast, said. Acoronavirus catastrophe, number of cases. This is exactly is not as terrible as it was one north and Shahdara districts, He said if people do not fol- a respite may be in sight with what is happening in Delhi, as month back.” the sero-prevalence is 27%. low social distancing, then the the number of infections begin- cases have begun to decline,” he Asked about the possibil- Delhi’s southwest area has city could face another surge in ning to decline consistently, and told IANS. ity of herd immunity against 12.95% sero-prevalence, the cases. it appears that the curve may “I would like to add the other the backdrop of the recently least in the city, followed by “The future of vaccines is plateau soon. crucial reason for decline in conducted sero-surveillance south and west Delhi at 18.61% bright. But to see that future, According to an expert, one of cases is due to the participation in Delhi, Nischal said though and 19.13%, respectively. we have to survive the present. the crucial factors which helped of the people. Most people dili- cases have begun to decline, In the period between June 27 Social vaccine is the need of Delhi tide over the health crisis gently followed social distanc- people should avoid making to July 5, it was found that 24% the hour. Maintaining social is aggressive testing. ing norms, which eventually visits to malls or forming large people developed antibodies distance, wearing face mask, But Dr Neeraj Nischal, Asso- helped,” he added. crowds. from virus, which means that maintaining cough etiquette ciate Professor in the Depart- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind “People should not lower 24% people have got infected and hand hygiene will help in Doctors and medical staff stand in a corridor as they get prepared ment of Medicine at the All Kejriwal, in a recent statement, their guard. To develop herd and then recovered. saving people not only from to receive coronavirus patients at a newly-inaugurated Covid-19 India Institute of Medical Sci- said: “We have increased test- immunity, a large section of the “We don’t know for sure Covid-19, but also from other hospital in New Delhi yesterday. ences (AIIMS) emphasised that ing in Delhi. Initially, on test- population has to be infected, for how long these antibod- infections.” Madhya Pradesh CM in Jaya Jaitly convicted hospital with Covid-19 in corruption case IANS three and obtained Rs2 lakh New Delhi as gratifi cation from Mathew IANS “My dear people, I was having fi cer Janardhan told IANS. Samuel, a representative of a Bhopal symptoms of #Covid19, after the Four more family members fi ctitious fi rm Westend Inter- test my report has come positive. were later found infected, in- wo decades after a sting national, London. I appeal to all my colleagues that cluding Hallamma. operation was carried adhya Pradesh Chief whoever has come in contact “Right now, all infected mem- Tout to expose alleged Minister Shivraj Singh with me, get corona test done. bers in Hallamma’s family have corruption in defence deals, a MChouhan is in hospital People close to me must move to recovered and are doing fi ne,” court in New Delhi convicted after he tested positive for the quarantine.” the offi cial said. former Samata Party president coronavirus. In another tweet, Chouhan The elderly woman said doc- Jaya Jaitly and two others for Chouhan is admitted in the said, “I am following all the guide- tors treated her well and that she corruption. Chirayu Hospital in Bhoplal, a lines of #Covid19. I will quaran- ate regular food and also an ap- The genesis of the case lies dedicated facility for the treat- tine myself according to the doc- ple daily during her treatment. in a sting operation “Operation ment of Covid-19. According to tor’s advice. I appeal to the people Meanwhile, octogenarian West End”, conducted by news Bharatiya Janata Party spokes- of my state to be careful, just a lit- Gujarat politician Shankersinh website Tehelka in 2000-2001 Jaya Jaitly man Lokendra Parashar, Chou- tle carelessness invites coronavi- Vaghela, who recently got treat- to show corruption in defence han himself said he wanted to be rus. I made every eff ort to avoid it, ed for Covid-19, posted photo- procurement, and made public Jaitly did it with a motive to treated at Chirayu Hospital. but people used to come and meet graphs on his Twitter account in mid-March 2001. exercise infl uence offi cials to Parashar said the chief minis- me for various reasons.” which show why he could easily On the basis of the sting op- get orders from the Defence ter chose the hospital as ordinary In other developments, a cen- beat the infection within days. eration, a case was registered Ministry for the supply of citizens are treated there. tenarian woman from Karnataka’s On his Twitter post he is seen against Jaitly, Major General S hand-held thermal cameras “I have been admitted to the Ballari district has survived coro- lifting heavy weights and jog- P Murgai, Gopal K Pacherwal for the fi ctitious fi rm. Chirayu Hospital on the advice navirus infection, only to dismiss ging, which has inspired the and Surender Kumar Surekha. Judge Virendra Bhatt, in an of a doctor after testing Covid-19 it as common cold, an offi cial said. young and old alike. The Central Bureau of In- order dated July 20, stated: “All positive. All types of tests have “Hallamma from Huvina Vaghela, 81, fondly known as vestigation fi led the charge- three accused are hereby con- been conducted here. I am per- Hadagali town recovered from ‘Bapu’ by his followers, recently sheet against Jaitly and others victed of the off ence under the fectly healthy,” Chouhan tweeted. Covid-19, though she dismissed posted the pictures showing in 2006. Prevention of Corruption Act, Earlier, the chief minister it as common cold. She con- him lifting weights and jogging, A motorcade transports Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh According to the agency, 1988.” The court will hear the shared information of his condi- tracted the infection from her which went viral within mo- Chouhan to a coronavirus care centre in Chirayu Hospital in Bhopal Jaitly entered into a crimi- arguments on the sentence on tion on Twitter. son,” Ballari District Health Of- ments. yesterday. nal conspiracy with the other July 29. Gulf Times Sunday, July 26, 2020 13 PAKISTAN

Progress Govt to fi le appeal with EU for in Covid-19 recoveries here is a signifi cant im- provement in the number Tof recoveries from Cov- PIA fl ights to Europe: minister id-19 in Pakistan with the tally reaching 219,783. Internews Party (PPP), Javed Abbasi from lighting safety concerns came tions in Europe by EASA was leged fake degree holders in ter of “dubious licences would be According to latest statistics, Islamabad Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz in 2019,” the minister said, not my speech or plane crash in PIA in 2018. brought to the logical end, and 1,209 new cases and fi fty four (PML-N) and Mir Kabeer Shahi adding that EASA raised six Karachi. Had it been the reason, After through verifi cation, 658 action would continue till the deaths were reported during the from National Party (NP) during observations in 2019 out of the PIA operations would not employees in PIA were sacked on last culprit is traced and taken last twenty four hours. akistan’s Federal Minis- Senate session, the minister said which fi ve observations were have been suspended by EASA charges of fake degrees, he said, to task.” The number of confi rmed ter for Aviation Ghulam the Aviation Division was taking addressed while the last obser- in previous years-from 2007 adding the sacked employed fi led The minister denied that the Coronavirus cases in the country PSarwar Khan yesterday steps to address the concerns of vation regarding fl ight safety and so on.” their petitions against their ter- government had any plans to has risen to over 270,000. informed the Senate that the EASA. was being addressed. The EASA deadline to address mination but all petitions were privatise PIA, saying the nation- These include 115,883 in Sindh, government will fi le an appeal, “The suspension of fl ight The minister denied that his its six observations was June 30, dismissed by the apex court. al airliner would be restructured. 91,423 in Punjab, 32,898 in Khy- by August 30, for resumption of operations is not a new phe- speech (which was critical of 2020 but the PIA plane crash in He said after proper inquiry, He also denied that the gov- ber Pakhtunkhwa, 14,766 in Is- fl ights to Europe in the backdrop nomenon,” he said, adding PIA and its pilots) was the reason Karachi in May this year proved licences of 262 pilots were found ernment had any plan to lay off lamabad, 11,523 in Balochistan, of suspension of Pakistan In- that it started in the year 2007 behind the suspension of EASA to be a great setback for Paki- suspected or dubious and 28 li- pilots from PIA and induct pi- 1,989 in Balochistan and 1,918 in ternational Airlines (PIA) fl ight when EASA suspended the operations, but admitted that the stan’s eff orts to address EASA’s cences were cancelled. Five of- lots from Shaheen Airlines or Gilgit Baltistan. operations by European Union fl ight operations of PIA’s B 747 EASA’s last of the six observations last observation regarding fi cials of the licensing authority those retired from Pakistan Air Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Airbus A 320 due to safety referred to the said speech. safety, the minister said. (Civil Aviation Authority) who Force (PAF). citing safety concerns. concerns. “EASA’s last observation On the issue of fake degrees/ were found involved in issuing About the appointment of PIA Responding to a calling atten- “This continued in 2009, made a reference to my speech. licence holders in PIA, the min- dubious licences to pilots were chief executive offi cer, the minis- tion notice jointly moved by Raza 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and EA- But the reason behind the sus- ister said the Supreme Court suspended, he said. ter said that matter was pending Rabbani from Pakistan People’s SA’s last observations high- pension of PIA fl ight opera- took suo moto notice into al- Khan reiterated that the mat- before the Supreme Court. Govt to set up 50,000 First virtual Lining up for free food grocery stores he National Assembly or hospital starts lower house of Pakistan Twas informed that 50, 000 new Utility Stores will be set up across country to provide essen- tial food items to the people at functioning in aff ordable prices. Responding to a question in the National Assembly dur- ing “Question Hour”, Minister for Communication and Postal Karachi Services Murad Saeed said youth can also apply for loan to set up Utility Stores under Kamyab Ja- Internews to see their consultants, wait wan Programme. Karachi for hours and face the hassle He said the government is tak- in availing medical services ing all necessary measures to at clinics and hospitals, say- control unnecessary increase in akistan’s fi rst virtual ing this facility would save the prices of edible and common hospital has started thousands of patients from use items so that the common Pfunctioning in Kara- inconvenience. many may not face undue infl a- chi to treat all those patients So far, around two dozen tionary pressure. who are unwilling to visit any Covid-19 people have availed He said infl ation has de- healthcare facility fearing nurse-assisted teleconsulta- clined from 14.6% in January that they could contract the tion service of Ehad Virtual this year to 8.6% in June this infectious disease. Health, Pakistan’s fi rst vir- People line up for free food at a distribution point in Rawalpindi yesterday. Pakistan has so far confirmed a total of more than 271,887 year due to proactive policy “We have launched Pa- tual health platform where a virus cases and 5787 deaths - though with testing still limited, real rates are thought to be much higher. and administrative measures kistan’s fi rst and the only team of leading consultants of of the government. virtual health facility in the country treat bed-bound Karachi which is off ering patients at their homes with nurse-assisted teleconsul- the help of trained nurses and tation, home lab collection, paramedics, provide them lab radiological procedures at services at their residence and patients’ bedside at their res- all the medicines, supplies 36,000 Pakistanis lost jobs in Gulf amid Covid-19: PM aide idence and medicine delivery including oxygen and equip- to them at their doorsteps”, ment required for therapies Internews special assistant to Prime Min- considering the millions of peo- have got jobs in recent times. as compared to $1.636bn said Dr Anam Daayem, Chief are delivered at their door- Islamabad ister on Overseas Pakistanis and ple living in the UAE,” he said, Pakistani expats play a vital received in June 2019. Operating Offi cer (CCO) of steps. Human Resource Development. quoted Khaleej Times. role in the country’s economy, Country-wise, during the Ehad Virtual Health said “With the help of port- Despite, job losses mount- Bukhari said the UAE authori- providing much-needed dol- June 2020, workers’ remit- while talking to newsmen in able X-ray and ECG machines, ore than 36,000 Pa- ing into thousands the SAPM ties have assured that Pakistan lars in the shape of workers’ tances received from Saudi Karachi. these tests are performed at kistanis had lost their was of the view that the fi gures will be among the favourable remittances. Arabia ($619.4mn), the USA Several health experts the patient’s residence, all Mjobs working in the are minuscule compared to the nations in the post-pandemic As per the latest data released ($452.0mn), the UAE ($431.7mn) termed the establishment of their blood and other secre- Gulf region this year, owing to overall impact of Covid-19 in economy. “The government by the State Bank of Pakistan and the UK ($401mn) record- a virtual hospital a blessing tions’ samples are drawn at economic slowdown brought by economies of the region. wants more skilled labour to be (SBP) remittances rose by an im- ing an increase of 42%, 7.1%, for patients, especially those their homes and results are the coronavirus pandemic, said “The number of Pakistanis sent abroad,” he said, adding that pressive 50.7% during June 2020 33.5% and 40.8% respectively, as who are to travel frequently delivered online.” Sayed Zulfi kar Abbas Bukhari, who lost their jobs are not big about 30% of skilled Pakistanis to reach ‘record high’ $2.466bn compared to May 2020.

Teaching licence to Govt making be made mandatory efforts to in Punjab 10 workers from IT minister raises voice eliminate The Punjab province government has decided to introduce teaching China test positive locusts: licences and a bill to the eff ect will be tabled in the Punjab Assembly minister soon, said Education Minister against YouTube ban for coronavirus Murad Raas. Pakistani Minister for National “Like doctors and engineers, Internews Haque, minister for IT and tel- Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam teachers will also be registered Islamabad ecommunication, has too voiced gave a similar statement saying Internews said that their condition was says the federal and provincial and a law to the eff ect will be against such a move saying that such a move will hamper the Bahawalpur stable. governments are making shortly laid before the Assembly,” that “banning anything means country from achieving its Digital He said prior to the arrival coordinated eff orts to eliminate the minister said while summing akistan tech industry is obstructing its growth.” Pakistan vision. of the Chinese patients, the locusts from the country. up debate on education in the perturbed these days over The minister while talking to “Banning a platform like en Chinese work- hospital staff was at ease Briefing the media at National house. Pthe recent actions of Pa- Arab News admitted that the YouTube is not a solution. The ers were admitted to a as the hospital for the first Locust Control Center in He said the initiative would kistan Telecommunication Au- livelihoods of thousands of in- three years when YouTube was Thospital in Bahawalpur time since the outbreak of Islamabad, he said the presence provide better employment thority (PTA) involving banning dividuals in the country are now banned in Pakistan it held back after they tested positive for Covid-19 had no confirmed of the crop munching pest has opportunities to teachers in other streaming app Bigo, and warning associated with YouTube, and our content creator ecosystem coronavirus. case of coronavirus after shrunk to five or six districts countries. another app TikTok. is a good source of learning and which has just started to fl our- It was learnt that the Chinese the recovery of all the in Balochistan, two in Sindh He informed the lawmakers that The situation was further education.” I think YouTube ish now, creating employment nationals were working on a patients admitted here for and in some areas of Khyber the proposed law would also tense after the Supreme Court is a good channel and its ac- opportunities for thousands,” power project near Khairpur the previous three months. Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. tackle harassment of students and hinted on suggesting ban- tivities could be taken forward tweeted Aidrus. Tamewali on Hasilpur Road He said he was sure that He, therefore, stressed the need teaching staff at private schools. ning video streaming platform positively.” The minister also informed where they contracted the with the due supervision and for remaining alert and prepared He also claimed that after online YouTube, over concerns re- “Ban is not the solution to the that the government had set a virus. treatment by the doctors and to cope with the challenge. registration of 60,000 private garding the presence of vulgar problems, instead it could be im- target of $5bn for IT exports in Dr Hamid, focal person of paramedical staff , the Chinese As regards equipment, he said the schools post-Eid al-Adha, the role content on social media. proved through fi ltration,” said the next three years. “We are the coronavirus treatment at patients would recover in due country has now nine aircraft to of money and recommendation With many criticising the Haque. confi dent that the target will be BVH-2 on Jhangiwali Road, course of time. carry out sprays and these have would be abolished. development, Syed Amin ul Earlier, Tania Aidrus, head of achieved,” said Haque. been deployed at diff erent places. He lamented that technology was never used in governing educational institutions by previous governments. Rass said when he took charge of the portfolio, he thought as if he had been assigned the task of Govt to review decision to reopen schools transfer minister as there was a huge load of transfer applications pending for years. Internews vate educational institutions pandemic is over,” he added. the annual exams this year, or for ensuring health and hygiene at how they could reopen with He said the PML-N ruled the Islamabad could only call their teachers He said strict SOPs, includ- defer tests to next year”, he said. would be defi ned before schools better implementation of SOPs province for 10 consecutive years and administration staff on duty ing spaced-out seating arrange- “The fi nal decision would be reopen. and more comprehensive sup- but didn’t develop any system before September 15 but the gov- ments, division of classes into taken by the National Command “We want to end the uncer- port for children at the school to regularise transfers in the he Pakistan government ernment schools would be never further sections and change in and Operation Centre (NCOC), tainty as soon as possible with including health, water, sanita- education sector. will review its decision to allowed to call their students timings could be some of the which monitors and acts upon the consultation of all stake- tion, and hygiene facilities. He said the PTI government Treopen schools in the fi rst before a fi nal decision, as there measures that schools will have the developments to stem the holders on the basic important He made it clear that all SOPs developed an app without any cost week of September, said Federal could be no compromise on the to adopt whenever they were spread of coronavirus in the issue like education,” he said. would be designed by the federal and thus 22,000 transfer cases Minister for Education Shafqat health of students. reopened. country,” he mentioned. Shafqat also requested the ministry, but the provincial gov- were settled to the satisfaction of Mahmood. “Schools and colleges “We are considering every He further said specifi c tasks private schools to follow the ernments would be allowed to parents of women teachers with Talking to a private news across the country will reo- possible option. We will try to would be created for teachers SOPs devised by the govern- alter them as per the situation in only 23 complaints. (Internews) channel, the minister said pri- pen only after the coronavirus adjust things like whether to hold in schools and responsibilities ment. He said schools must look their respective provinces. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, July 26, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Calibrated approach needed to help speed up economic recovery

Economies around the globe have been brought to their knees by Covid-19 and many countries have closed their borders on fears of further spread of coronavirus. But experts warn that further country-wide border closures could seriously jeopardise global economic recovery, which is essential for maintaining jobs and social and welfare schemes around the world. Undoubtedly, border closures will continue to hamper the travel industry, which is a key driver of global economic growth. Why Covid-19 is killing US It was in this context that the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently urged governments to take a more carefully calibrated approach on border closures and introduce localised measures, and only when necessary. diabetes patients at alarming rates This, it stressed would avoid blanket restrictions, prevent stalling the fragile economic recovery and not cripple the By Chad Terhune, Deborah J Nelson more to emphasise the threat to people blood cells rush to attack the virus and their use of telemedicine to reach at-risk with diabetes and assuage their fears of ma rural patients. already bruised and battered travel and tourism sector. and Robin Respaut y cause lethal clots to form, emerging Reuters hospital visits, he said, while also focusing research suggests. Despite those eff orts, John Buse, a Travel and tourism is critical to powering that economic more on helping patients manage their “It’s all one big puzzle,” said Yale’s Dela physician and director of the university’s recovery, generating one in four of all new jobs last year. condition at home. Cruz. “It’s all interrelated.” diabetes center, said he’s certain some WTTC’s ‘2020 Economic Impact Report’ has shown that during evon Brumfi eld could hear her Policymakers had ample warning that Many of their vulnerabilities can be foot ulcers and dangerously high blood father gasping for breath on the Covid-19 posed a high risk for diabetes traced to high blood sugar, which can sugars are being missed because people 2019 the sector supported one in 10 jobs of all jobs (330mn in total) phone. patients. weaken the immune system or damage avoid health facilities for fear of the virus. and made a massive 10.3% contribution to global GDP. D Darrell Cager Sr, 64, had In 2003, during the coronavirus vital organs. Many diabetes patients with severe or A research by World Travel & Tourism Council showed diabetes. outbreak known as Sars, or Severe Acute Covid-19 appears not only to thrive deadly cases of Covid-19 were in good So his youngest daughter urged him to Respiratory Syndrome, more than 20% of in a high-sugar environment but to health before contracting the virus. that every 2.7% increase in travellers would generate or seek care. people who died had diabetes. exacerbate it. Clark Osojnicki, 56, of Stillwater, recover 1mn jobs in the sector. The next day, he collapsed and died in In 2009, during the H1N1 fl u pandemic, Recent evidence suggests the virus may Minnesota, had heard early warnings about Governments working together with the right co- his New Orleans home. patients with diabetes faced triple the risk trigger new cases of diabetes. the risks of the coronavirus for people with The daughter soon learned the cause: of hospitalisation. David Thrasher, a pulmonologist in diabetes, said his wife, Kris Osojnicki. ordinated measures could stimulate an increase in travel by acute respiratory distress from Covid-19. Most recently in 2012, when the Montgomery, Alabama, said up to half But the couple didn’t think the as much as 27%, recreating a massive 10mn jobs in travel and His death certifi cate noted diabetes as coronavirus Middle East Respiratory of Covid-19 patients in his local hospital admonitions applied to him because his tourism. Restoring business travel, wherever possible, is key an underlying condition. Syndrome, or Mers, emerged, one study ICU have diabetes. “They are often my glucose levels were in a healthy range. Brumfi eld, who lives in Texas and also found 60% of patients who entered most challenging patients,” he said, and “He was incredibly active,” she said. to help kick-start the economic recovery. has type 2 diabetes, is “terrifi ed” she intensive care or died had diabetes. the immune system response may be a big On a Sunday in mid-March, Osojnicki WTTC says that for two could be next. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, reason why. jogged alongside his border collie, Sonic, “Enforcing of the world’s top business “I’m thinking, Lord, this could happen has unearthed previously unknown The pandemic has ripped through on an agility course for dogs inside a centres - New York and to me,” she said of her father’s death in complications because it has lasted several southern states with some of the suburban Minneapolis gym. country-wide late March. longer and infected many more people nation’s highest diabetes rates. Three days later, Osojnicki developed London, business travellers She has good reason to fear. than earlier coronavirus epidemics, said A Reuters examination of state data a fever, then body aches, a cough and restrictions account for one dollar in every As US outbreaks surge, a new Charles S found that nearly 40% of Covid-19 shortness of breath. three spent in New York and government study shows that nearly 40% Dela Cruz, a Yale University physician- deaths were people with diabetes in He was soon in the hospital, on a is a blunt of people who have died with Covid-19 scientist and Director of the Center Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North ventilator. one pound sterling out of had diabetes. of Pulmonary Infection Research and Carolina, South Carolina and West Clark, a fi nancial systems analyst, died instrument, every four spent in London. Among deaths of those under 65, half Treatment. Virginia. April 6 from a blood clot in the lungs. According to Gloria had the chronic condition. Doctors warn that the coronavirus Much of this area lies within what the Osojnicki is among 255 recorded deaths which benefi ts The US Centers for Disease Control and pandemic may indirectly lead to a spike CDC calls the “diabetes belt.” in Minnesota of people with Covid-19 Guevara, WTTC President Prevention analysed more than 10,000 in diabetes-related complications - more Alabama has the highest percentage and diabetes mentioned on their death no one” & CEO “enforcing country- deaths in 15 states and New York City emergency-room visits, amputations, of adults with diabetes at 13.2%, or more certifi cate as of mid-July, according to wide restrictions is a blunt from February to May. vision loss, kidney disease and dialysis. than 550,000 people, CDC data show. state data. instrument, which benefi ts no one; neither travellers, the Jonathan Wortham, a CDC “My fear is we will see a tsunami of Diabetes patients accounted for 38% of The records describe people who died epidemiologist who led the study, called problems once this is over,” said Andrew the state’s Covid-related deaths through as young as 34. local population, the economy or the travel and tourism the fi ndings “extremely striking,” with Boulton, president of the International June, offi cials said. For years, the skyrocketing cost of sector, which has been left reeling from the impact of serious implications for those with Diabetes Federation and a medical Karen Landers, Alabama’s assistant insulin has fueled much of the national worldwide travel restrictions. diabetes and their loved ones. professor at the University of Manchester state health offi cer, said she is particularly outrage over drug prices. A separate Reuters survey of states in England. heartbroken at the deaths of diabetes Early in the pandemic, the American “Such measures could undo the signifi cant eff orts to revive found a similarly high rate of diabetes Researchers have scrambled for months patients in their 30s and 40s. Diabetes Association asked states to travel and tourism, which has recently shown encouraging among people dying from Covid-19 in 12 to unravel the connections between Medical professionals in these states eliminate out-of-pocket costs for insulin signs of emerging from the worst of the pandemic, and states and the District of Columbia. diabetes and the coronavirus, uncovering say they struggle to keep patients’ and other glucose-lowering medications Ten states, including California, an array of vulnerabilities. diabetes under control when regular through state-regulated insurance plans. which in turn has brought hope to millions of people around Arizona and Michigan, said they The virus targets the heart, lung and in-person appointments are cancelled or But no state has fully followed that the world who depend upon the sector for their livelihoods.” weren’t yet reporting diabetes and other kidneys, organs already weakened in limited because of the pandemic. advice, the ADA said. In a recent IATA global survey, fewer passengers said underlying conditions, and the rest did many diabetes patients. Sarah Hunter Frazer, a nurse Vermont suspended deductibles for not respond - rendering an incomplete Covid-19 also kills more people who are practitioner at the Medical Outreach preventive medications, like insulin, they will travel again in the fi rst months after the pandemic picture for policymakers and clinicians elderly, obese or have high blood pressure, Ministries clinic for low-income residents starting in July. subsides. In early April, some 61% said that they would. By struggling to protect those most at-risk. many of whom also have diabetes, studies in Montgomery, Alabama, said diabetes is Other states ordered insurers to make early June that fell to 45%. And about two thirds are seeing America’s mortality rates from diabetes show. common among her Covid-19 patients. prescription refi lls more available but less travel in their future — be it for vacation, visiting friends have been climbing since 2009 and On the microscopic level, high glucose With clinic visits on hold, she stays in didn’t address cost. exceed most other industrialised nations. and lipid counts in diabetes patients can touch by phone or video chat. Robert Washington, 68, knew his and relatives or business. Blacks and Latinos suff er from trigger a “cytokine storm,” when the If a problem persists, she insists on diabetes put him at risk from Covid-19. Understanding the concerns of travellers is important diabetes at higher rates than whites and immune system overreacts, attacking the an outdoors, face-to-face meeting. “We When his employer, Gila River’s Lone because their willingness to travel will drive the sector have disproportionately suff ered from body. meet them under a shade tree behind the Butte Casino in Chandler, Arizona, Covid-19. Damaged endothelial cells, which clinic,” Frazer said. reopened in May, he decided to keep and help speed up global economic recovery. Passenger “Diabetes was already a slow-moving provide a protective lining in blood In similar fashion, doctors at the working as a security guard so he could confi dence cannot be re-built overnight. pandemic. Now Covid-19 has crashed vessels, can lead to infl ammation as white University of North Carolina stepped up aff ord insulin. Experts say it is perfectly possible to fi ght Covid-19 and through like a fast-moving wave,” said Washington’s supervisors had assured Elbert Huang, a professor of medicine him he could patrol alone in a golf cart, support the economic recovery through the travel and tourism and director of the University of Chicago’s said his daughter, Lina. sector at the same time. Probably that can be achieved through Center for Chronic Disease Research and But once back at work, he was stationed a calibrated approach on border closures and introduction of Policy. at the entrance, where long lines of Keeping diabetes under control gamblers waited, most without masks, localised measures on lockdown, globally. - among the best defences against Robert told his daughter. Covid-19 - has become diffi cult as the “He was terrifi ed at what he saw,” Lina pandemic disrupts medical care, exercise said. To Advertise and healthy eating routines. He tested positive for the virus in late The high price of insulin has also forced May and was admitted to the hospital [email protected] some people to keep working - risking days later. Display virus exposure - to aff ord the essential He died from complications of medicine. Covid-19 on June 11, his daughter said. 44466621 44418811 And as the country grapples with an A week after Washington’s death, the economic crisis, millions of Americans casino again closed as Covid-19 cases Classified have lost their jobs and their employer- exploded in the state. 44466609 44418811 sponsored health insurance. The casino did not respond to a request Much of this could have been for comment. Subscription anticipated and addressed with a more “It’s hard to accept he is gone. I have comprehensive, national response, said to stop myself from wanting to call him,” [email protected] A Enrique Caballero, a Harvard Medical said Lina, a sports anchor and reporter School endocrinologist and diabetes at a Sacramento, California, TV station. researcher. Healthcare workers work to treat critically ill patients filling bed after bed in the “A lot of these deaths were in some way © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Top health offi cials should have done Parkland Hospital Covid-19 Tactical Care Unit in Dallas. preventable.” Gulf Times Sunday, July 26, 2020 15 COMMENT A Marshall Plan for planetary health

By Tolullah Oni so that they both strengthen the on explicit consideration of a project’s Cambridge immediate pandemic response and health impacts and health-promotion serve as vehicles for improving long- strategies. term health. And while cities will be Under the plan, lending and he Covid-19 pandemic has the primary testing ground for reforms borrowing institutions would decide heightened awareness of to promote health and wellbeing, it will how to mobilise and allocate fi nancial the signifi cant fl aws in our also be necessary to overhaul existing capital on the basis of where the Turban infrastructure, and health governance systems. costliest health problems are, and who highlighted our lack of attention to Although several global is best placed to prevent disease. They how human health, natural systems, philanthropic initiatives have would also explore creative strategies and the built environment interact sought to improve urban health and to encourage intersectoral policies to determine planetary health. It is resilience, undoubtedly with positive and fi nance collaborative projects now clear that our economic system results, today’s flawed systems that advance human and planetary increases food insecurity, our streets need more fundamental disruption. health. Such an approach could further prioritise motorised traffi c over physi- Simply put, the world needs a new catalyse public policy, for example cal exercise, and our houses increase Marshall Plan for planetary health by making the primary performance the risk of disease transmission. We – akin to a New Deal for a post- indicator of urban infrastructure can, and must, do better, by launching pandemic recovery. development strategies, policies, and a bold new investment programme for Such a scheme would serve as a initiatives their contribution to health. planetary health. global guide, aligning incentives and The devastating impact of Covid-19 The near-universal focus on health shifting default behaviors toward the has highlighted the urgent need for prompted by the pandemic presents shared goal of sustainable healthy ambitious, all-encompassing reforms an opportunity to mobilise all sectors urban development. It will require rather than incremental, piecemeal of society toward embracing proactive the agreement and participation measures. A global Marshall Plan for approaches to inclusive wellbeing. of national and local governments, planetary health would constitute a Building resilient and sustainable private developers, investors, and radical new approach, and would be systems for health, particularly multilateral organisations, which will an important step towards health- in the context of cities and urban take time. Moreover, the initiative proofi ng the future of fast-growing development, will be key in this regard. would take multiple institutional cities. In addition to fi nance and At best, the failure fully to address forms and pathways, some of which investment from public and private the adverse implications of today’s may not exist yet. sectors, it will require a social built environments represents a Governments and private-sector A Covid-19 patient watches nurses speaking inside a field hospital built on a soccer stadium in Machakos, in Kenya, on July movement (led by the young) to drive missed opportunity to enable healthy actors will need to address three issues 23. The near-universal focus on health prompted by the pandemic presents an opportunity to mobilise all sectors of society the unremitting demand for a healthy communities. At worst, it actively in particular. towards embracing proactive approaches to inclusive wellbeing. post-Covid recovery, supported by contributes to disease risk and For starters, policymakers should research across the sciences, arts, and transmission. In the United Kingdom, not regard resilience only as an For example, there is a disconnect particularly in the context of siloed Here, multilateral development humanities. Preventing toxic decisions for example, the higher Covid-19 end result. Many of the shocks between current urban development public-sector budgets, and will fi nance institutions (MDFIs), such as in urban planning and infrastructure mortality in poor people has illustrated and stressors that drive acute and and future hospitalisations due to necessitate a redesign of health the African and Asian Development development is essential to reduce the short-sightedness of housing protracted health emergencies stem asthma and heart disease, which fi nancing. Banks, could help. As non-commercial vulnerability to disease, lessen the policies that fail to place health and from intentional choices by local and may be exacerbated by air pollution, Alternatives to the current organisations that provide capital for need for healthcare, and bring about ecological considerations at their global actors. Beyond adaptation to exposure to damp environments, and GDP-based approach to economic economic development projects across better cities and better health for all. – centre. cope with these shocks and stressors, lack of access to safe areas for physical development already exist. Bhutan has a wide range of member states, such Project Syndicate One positive feature of the current building resilience must therefore activity. One consequence of problem developed a Gross National Happiness institutions are uniquely positioned to crisis has been the rapid adoption involve confronting the decisions that blindness is attenuated accountability index to guide its policymakers, drive a Marshall Plan-type scheme. z Tolullah Oni, a public health of innovative measures (including weaken systems by fostering ecological for long-term health. while the Wellbeing Economy First, MDFIs have the convening physician and urban epidemiologist, versions of universal income) to disruption and disease. Finally, policymakers will need to Alliance advocates for a wellbeing- power to bring together heads of is a clinical senior research associate mitigate the pandemic’s immediate In addition, policymakers must address the “wrong pocket problem,” based economic system and is being member states and private-sector at the University of Cambridge, an economic impact. This shows that we tackle the “problem blindness” that whereby the sector benefi ting from embraced by the governments of leaders to co-develop and ratify such honorary associate professor at the can address systemic failures quickly results from the temporal and spatial an intervention may not be the one New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and a plan, while taking regional nuances University of Cape Town, a 2015 Next when the will exists. distance between exposure to health that bears the cost of implementing it. Wales. But addressing the three issues into account. Second, MDFIs could Einstein Forum Fellow, and a 2019 Likewise, we must radically risks and subsequent outcomes, This poses a challenge to promoting noted above will require fi nance and condition urban infrastructure World Economic Forum Young Global reimagine our built environments especially for diseases with a long arc. health through urban development, investment in systems for health. development loans under the scheme Leader.

How to make President Trump’s Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 410c Minimum Temperature : 330c Covid-19 briefi ngs actually good MONDAY Maximum Temperature : 420c Minimum Temperature : 340c on specific topics – whether that’s the virus to most of the people they some number of deaths we will try to By Faye Flam TUESDAY Bloomberg Opinion vaccines, drug development, hospital were ever going to transmit it to. stay below. The notion of getting the Maximum Temperature : 410c capacity, epidemiology, virology or Too much data now focuses on virus “under control” is too vague and Minimum Temperature : 340c economics. cumulative cases. The Northeastern too slippery. ne of the greatest outrages Trump should also provide data states hit hard early in the pandemic Specifi c, science-based guidelines Fisherman's forecast in the US response to the that’s meant to be useful rather than often still top the charts or appear dark for good citizenship would help all of red on maps even if infection rates Americans make better choices. They WARNING coronavirus pandemic has manipulative. People need a better Inshore : Thundery rain been the way the govern- real-time snapshot of what the virus is there have now plunged. may especially help motivate many expected at west O areas associated with ment has failed to off er the people doing now. Rates of change are also not younger, healthier people who face useful, trustworthy information. At an online press conference on informative on their own. If a state has a relatively low risk of dying. Some sudden strong wind by afternoon That’s still true, even as President Tuesday, epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers two cases and one day it doubles to have decided that any personal risk is Offshore : Nil Donald Trump has restarted his daily of the Johns Hopkins School of Public four, that’s a fast rate of increase; but outweighed by the benefi t of human WEATHER Covid-19 briefi ngs. Health said that no states are doing it’s very diff erent from a place that has contact or a paycheck or both, but Inshore : Haze at places at first becomes hot daytime While some outlets have praised his a good job of telling people anything 5,000 cases and doubles to 10,000 in their behaviour is helping to keep the with some local clouds more somber tone, the problem with about the new positive cases – where the same period of time. pandemic going. and a chance of rain the previous briefi ngs was not a lack of they live, what kinds of jobs they What we really need is some If the president wants to be uplifting at west areas by after- noon maybe thundery pessimism and gloom. have, or how they were likely exposed. information on the likely number of and inspiring – or even just get better at times The problem was that the president There’s rarely information about how active cases in our regions – what ratings – what better way than to WIND off ered almost no usable information long it takes to get test results back percentage of the population of a showcase the country’s scientifi c Inshore : Northeasterly-South- about the risks Americans faced, what in diff erent parts of the country, or city, or county, is likely to be infected talent, share useful information easterly 06-16/26 KT was being done with our tax dollars to whether there was any attempt to or infectious right now? That’s the people are hungering for, and off er Offshore : Southeasterly-North- fi ght back, or an honest evaluation of track down contacts of those who kind of information that should go the kind of concrete guidance that easterly 03-13 KT the various eff orts on the part of the tested positive. into decisions such as reopening has been so sorely lacking? – Tribune Visibility : 4-8/3 KM pharmaceutical industry. At the same event, former CDC schools or restaurants, and the News Service He has another chance now. But director Tom Frieden noted that kind of “Covid weather report” Around the region Weather first, he should stop hogging the Covid-19 is not like Aids, where people need to make their own wise z Faye Flam is a Bloomberg Weather Tomorrow Max/min microphone. The new briefings have people, once infected, remain decisions. Opinion columnist. She has written Today Max/min Sunny 51/31 featured the president standing infectious for life. There’s a window of Of course, there’s more to national for the Economist, the New York Baghdad M Sunny 50/30 Sunny 47/35 alone. What people need is not just time when people are most infectious leadership than data. These new Times, the Washington Post, Kuwait City Sunny 42/33 M Sunny 42/34 more of Anthony Fauci, a bright – from a couple of days before they White House press briefi ngs could Psychology Today, Science and Manama Sunny 41/33 P Cloudy 35/31 spot from the earlier briefings, but get symptoms to fi ve or six days bring people together by sharing other publications. She has a degree Muscat P Cloudy 34/31 M Sunny 39/27 a combination of other doctors and afterwards. If test results take too specifi c goals – such as making sure no in geophysics from the California Tehran M Sunny 39/27 scientists selected for their work long, people have already transmitted hospital gets overwhelmed, or setting Institute of Technology.

Live issues Origin story: America’s crocodiles came out of Africa

AFP University in Rome, told AFP by e- ogists is the rarity and fragmentary “We can therefore assume one or Around the world Paris mail. nature of fossil remains.” more specimens – perhaps a pregnant Weather Weather “It supports the results of molecular Four other fossils dug up in Libya at female – dispersed from Africa to Today Max/min Tomorrow Max/min biologists that proposed the origin of the same time – including a complete America about 7mn years ago, at the Athens Sunny 34/23 Sunny 35/24 he several species of croco- American crocodiles had to be found skull and jaw – were either destroyed very least 5mn.” Beirut Sunny 30/24 Sunny 30/26 diles plying rivers and brack- in Africa.” during World War II or lost. That such a voyage is possible has Bangkok S T Storms 32/26 I T Storms 32/27 ish byways in the Americas The out-of-Africa narrative is based C checchiai rewrites the story of been demonstrated by a present-day Berlin P Cloudy 27/19 Rain 24/14 T— from Florida to Peru — all on the re-examination of the skull and how crocodiles spread across the cousin, Australia’s saltwater crocodile, Cairo Sunny 37/23 Sunny 37/24 came from Africa, according to a study upper jaw of a seven-million-year- planet in at least two ways. which satellite tracking has shown Cape Town Sunny 18/12 P Cloudy 16/08 published Thursday. old fossil that had been tucked away It lays to rest the already fading hy- can travel 500km in about a month Colombo S T Storms 28/26 S T Storms 28/26 They may have descended, re- for decades in a university museum pothesis that the giant, fl esh-ripping while passively transported by ocean Dhaka S T Storms 33/27 S T Storms 34/27 searchers speculate, from a single drawer. reptiles – which fi rst emerged from currents. Hong Kong P Cloudy 31/27 P Cloudy 31/27 pregnant specimen that bobbed along It belonged to an extinct species Asia – arrived in the Americas before More closely related to birds than Istanbul Sunny 29/22 Sunny 29/22 Atlantic Ocean currents to the New called Crocodylus checchiai. moving on to Africa, and not the other dinosaurs, egg-laying crocodiles Jakarta P Cloudy 33/24 P Cloudy 33/23 World at least fi ve million years ago, Using CT-scans and 3D-modelling, way around. have been around for about 55 mil- Karachi P Cloudy 35/29 I T Storms 33/29 probably longer. the scientists identifi ed a tell-tale pro- The long-neglected fossil also sup- lion years. London Showers 21/14 P Cloudy 22/16 Based on the high-tech analysis of trusion in the middle of the animal’s plants another contender from Africa There are 16 species spread across Manila T Storm 33/26 T Storm 33/26 a skull fragment unearthed from the snout not found in any other Afri- – Crocodylus niloticus, aka the Nile the tropics of Africa, Asia, Australia Moscow P Cloudy 22/13 S Showers 22/14 Libyan desert in 1939, the findings can crocodile, living or extinct, but crocodile – as the closest forebear of and, of course, the Americas. New Delhi P Cloudy 32/27 P Cloudy 33/28 are bolstered by genetic evidence present in all four species currently the American species. They vary in size from less than 6 New York M Sunny 32/24 P Cloudy 35/24 pointing in the same direction, they found in the Americas. “According to our results, C chec- feet for the dwarf crocodile, to more Paris M Cloudy 27/17 P Cloudy 27/16 reported in the journal Scientific In the world of paleontology, this is chiai nests between the Nile croco- than seven metres and 1,000 kilos for Sao Paulo Sunny 28/15 M Cloudy 19/14 Reports. pretty close to a smoking gun. dile and the American species,” the the saltwater species. Seoul P Cloudy 28/22 P Cloudy 29/22 “This is a really exciting discovery,” “Our results are solid,” the re- authors told AFP. The carnivores are able to replace Singapore T Storm 29/27 T Storm 29/27 lead authors Massimo Delfi no from searchers said when asked if the “It represents the missing link each of their 80 teeth up to 50 times Sydney S Showers 16/11 Rain 16/13 the University of Turin and Dawid evidence was conclusive. between the African and American during their lifespan, which can top Tokyo Cloudy 30/24 Cloudy 31/25 Iurino, a palaeontologist at Sapienza “The main problem for palaeobiol- lineages.” 60 years. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, July 26, 2020 QATAR

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen

Welcomed back with a water cannon salute, Qatar Airways resumed flights to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen yesterday, operating a three times a week service. “On top of our current service to Istanbul Airport, we now off er 17 weekly flights to this beautiful city,” Qatar Airways tweeted. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums use optimum dust-control strategies

By Joseph Varghese ticulate matter during transpor- crushers are covered with nets, Staff Reporter tation. For long-term stockpiles, while water sprays are used to some stadium sites have utilised suppress the dust. more durable and thicker layers Dust blown away during s a part of its sustainabil- of tarpaulin, which is both low loading and unloading of soil ity strategy, the Supreme maintenance and more eff ective and aggregates can be miti- ACommittee for Delivery at protecting the materials from gated by spraying water over & Legacy (SC) has committed to extremely hot summers. these building materials. At implement an exclusive green Similarly, road sweepers are some stadiums, cannons are certifi cation – titled GSAS Con- commonly used on paved haul- used to spray water. As op- struction Management (GSAS- ing roads on site and adjacent posed to commonly used hoses, CM) – specifi cally to improve public roads to take care of the these cannons create enough projects’ environmental per- dust from vehicles on site. pressure so that not only are formance during construction. These machines help remove the materials made wet but any A fundamental part of GSAS- soil and mud from the road sur- dissipated dust in the air is also CM certifi cation is dust control, faces, thereby preventing dis- drawn down. Due to the closed which has been exercised by all persion of dust from the move- nature of indoor spaces, dust eight venues and permanent of- ment of heavy vehicles. Qatar can also have adverse effects fi ces of the SC. In fact, most of 2022 stadiums have gone one on human health. Therefore, these venues have managed to step further by installing vehi- de-dusting systems have been be awarded with the highest rec- cle washouts at the construction introduced to filter pollutants ognition for dust control under sites’ gates. Similarly, decreasing from indoor air along with am- GSAS-CM. the commute of vehicles car- ple ventilation to mitigate any Dust control is one of the main rying soil and other materials is toll on the health and safety of activities audited by the sus- Bodour al-Meer Dr Yousef Alhorr another dust control technique workers inside a facility. tainability experts at the Gulf adopted by decreasing the dis- Monitoring project sites for Organisation for Research & a range of environmental issues horr, founding chairman, Gord. ries for players, spectators and working together, we have cre- tance between stockpiles and concentrations of particulate Development (Gord). Based on a arising from the construction With dust management being organisers are created. We have ated a genuine learning legacy backfi lling areas. matters of diff erent sizes is an- project’s performance in 25 cri- phase that need to be tackled. an integral part of the stadiums’ built our stadiums for the 2022 of environmental protection and Some construction activi- other method that assists the teria within eight categories that To address these problems, Gord environmental performance, all FIFA World Cup in Qatar with sustainable development in the ties generate more dust than formulation of eff ective strate- cover aspects from environmen- has developed GSAS Construc- eight venues for Qatar 2022 are long-term sustainability and design and construction sector.” others, and barriers are used gies to control dust. In addition tal conservation and pollution tion Management (GSAS-CM) targeting the highest sustain- environmental management as All the projects have taken care around those areas. Install- to standard monitoring practices mitigation to workers’ welfare certifi cation, which looks into ability certifi cations under the core concepts. To ensure tangi- to mitigate dust from stockpiles ing barriers around cutters and performed through diff erent pe- and safety on site, GSAS-CM the onsite construction proc- GSAS framework. ble and credible sustainability through the use of green plastic crushers can significantly re- riods of the construction, some auditors witness on-site con- ess and practices carried out by Bodour al-Meer, Sustain- outcomes, we have implemented nets to cover stockpiles of soil duce the amount of dust in the stadium sites in Qatar went the struction practices to decide the contractors and builders. These ability & Environment senior the GSAS certifi cation system. and excavated materials. Simi- air. As the crushers are utilised extra mile with the use of state- sustainability fulfi lment at the have been implemented in the manager at the SC, said: “Sta- “Everyone involved in sta- larly, trucks and other vehicles at some stadium sites in Qatar, of-the-art equipment that helps stadiums. construction of stadiums and at diums are the heart of any foot- dium construction understands carrying construction materials the material to be crushed is constant monitoring, thereby “As Qatar continues its urban many other construction sites all ball tournament. These are the the value of sustainability and are covered with nets to prevent watered in order to reduce dust creating detailed ‘24/7/365’ data built development, we are seeing over Qatar,” said Dr Yousef Al- places where cherished memo- protecting the environment. By the dispersion of dust and par- dispersion. Similarly, these for improved strategies. Innovative awareness campaign aims to keep beaches clean

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s General Cleanliness Department and Natural Reserves Department, in co-operation with Seashore Group, has launched an awareness campaign targeting the public about the importance of keeping the beaches clean, and disposing of trash in designated containers. The innovative campaign involves the use of signage in the shape of fish, containing awareness messages, as well as garbage containers that resemble huge fish. The use of fish-shaped elements highlights the importance of marine life and the damage caused by plastic on the marine environment.