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THURSDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11555 May 21, 2020 Ramadan 28, 1441 AH

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Amir, Sultan of Oman Qatar medical aid reaches Serbia exchange Eid greetings His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday evening a telephone conversation Celebrate Eid with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. At the beginning of the phone call, the Amir and Sultan Haitham exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the approaching diff erently by blessed Eid al-Fitr. The strong brotherly ties between the two countries were also reviewed during the call, as well as prospects for strengthening and developing them staying home: to serve the common interests of the two brotherly peoples, in addition to discussing the most prominent regional and international developments. HMC expert Amir holds phone talk zBe extra careful during the Eid al-Fitr holidays with UK Crown Prince not to visit each other, says Dr Abdullatif al-Khal His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al -Thani held yesterday atar residents should celebrate “All the staff and health workers in evening a telephone conversation Eid al-Fitr diff erently this the public health sector have been ex- with Prince Charles, Crown Prince Qyear by staying home in order erting great eff orts to contain the dis- of the United Kingdom and Prince to avoid further spread of the novel ease. of Wales. During the phone call, coronavirus disease (Covid-19), a sen- “We are still in the peak of the Cov- In implementation of the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, a shipment of urgent they reviewed friendship and co- ior offi cial and healthcare expert has id-19 outbreak in Qatar and the cases medical assistance - provided by Qatar through the Qatar Fund For Development - has arrived in Serbia to contribute operation relations between the two stressed. will continue to increase before they to the fight against the Covid-19 outbreak, QNA reported. The plane carrying 8.5 tonnes of medical aid was received countries and means of developing “Be extra careful during the Eid al- eventually drop,” Dr al-Khal cau- by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Serbia, Ivica Dacic, the Minister of Health of them, in addition to the eff orts made Fitr holidays not to visit each other,” tioned. Serbia, Zlatibor Loncar and Qatar’s ambassador to Serbia, Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad al-Thani. to face the coronavirus (Covid 19) urged Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, chair of the “The number of cases among Qataris pandemic . In this regard, the crown National Strategic Group on Covid-19 and expatriates outside the workers’ prince expressed his thanks and and head of the Infectious Diseases Di- categories has also increased as some appreciation to the Amir for the role vision at Hamad Medical Corporation, still do not abide by the precautionary of Qatar Airways in returning British on a press conference on Qatar TV. and preventive measures and continue nationals from various parts of the “We are seeing many examples to have family gatherings such as group More beds to treat Covid-19 will world. Discussions also dealt with a where the virus is spreading rapidly iftar and not limit their movement number of topics of mutual interest. among members of the same family, outside home,” he observed. even when they do not share a house- The average number of cases ad- be added in two weeks: HMC Amir sends greetings hold, due to families visiting each oth- mitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) er and socialising during Ramadan,” he jumped to 20 per day for the past week, to Cameroon president pointed out. from 14 per day during the previous His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim “It is really important that you stay week. z The addition will take number of new beds to nearly 3,500 bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness home and only go out when it is abso- Women account for around 16% of the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah lutely necessary and that you follow so- the cases admitted to the ICU. There z No shortage of beds for patients who require hospitalisation bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the cial and physical distancing measures. are currently 172 cases in the ICU, in- Prime Minister and Minister of “While the majority of Covid-19 cluding 74 on ventilators. r Saad al-Kaabi, chairman of the their observance of social distancing Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin patients experience only mild symp- It is encouraging that the number of System Wide Incident Com- guidelines to gather to celebrate Eid Abdulaziz al-Thani sent yesterday toms, we are seeing an increase in the patients making a full recovery from Dmand Committee at Hamad al-Fitr,” stressed Dr al-Kaabi. cables of congratulations to number of patients with more severe the virus is also increasing each day, Medical Corporation (HMC), has said “We have developed and imple- Cameroon President Paul Biya on his symptoms. in part due to the new international additional hospital beds will be made mented a strategy that is allowing us country’s National Day. “We all have a role to play in suc- guidelines on the timeframe when pa- available in the coming two weeks. to ensure the right care is available cessfully overcoming this pandemic. tients are no longer contagious, mean- This will bring the total number of at the right time and place. By as- Ehteraz app key tool We ask the public to work with the ing they can be safely discharged soon- new beds opened as part of Qatar’s signing seven hospitals as dedicated healthcare sector and play their part. er. To Page 7 response to the Covid-19 pandemic Covid-19 treatment facilities, we can to fight Covid-19 to nearly 3,500. He has also stressed keep the majority of Covid-19 pa- Qatar residents need not have any that while there is no shortage of beds Dr Saad al-Kaabi, Dr Khalid al-Jalham tients in a small number of locations privacy concerns about the Ehteraz for patients who require hospitalisa- and Dr Ahmed al-Mohamed. - which ensures that there are dedi- app, a very important tool to combat tion, the public must continue to act cated, specially trained staff , along the Covid-19 outbreak and safeguard proactively to prevent contracting expand acute and critical care ca- with the necessary equipment, avail- public health, a senior off icial assured and spreading the virus, according to pacity. We have built capacity in our able to these patients. Having dedi- yesterday. “Ehteraz will never a statement issued by HMC. existing hospitals and opened new cated Covid-19 treatment facilities undermine the privacy of the users “There is no shortage of beds to treat hospitals. We are prepared to respond also help us ensure that patients who and the stored information will not be Covid-19 patients, whether in critical to any outbreak scenario, which in- require non-Covid-19 care can access kept beyond two months before being care units or on regular wards. Seven cludes having plans in place for the treatment more safely,” he added. deleted forever,” Sheikh Dr Mohamed facilities — the Communicable Disease worst-case scenario. While these are Dr Khalid al-Jalham, clinical leader bin Hamad al-Thani, director of Public Center, Hazm Mebaireek General Hos- positive steps forward, it remains as of HMC’s Ras Laff an Hospital, con- Health Department at the Ministry pital, The Cuban Hospital, Mesaieed important as ever that everyone con- fi rmed that the hospital, which was of Public Health, told Qatar TV. Hospital, Ras Laff an Hospital, as well as tinues to help contain the spread of offi cially opened late last month, Regarding the need of the Ehteraz Libsear Military Field Hospital located this virus by staying home and fol- has been constructed over an area of app to get access to the photos of the near Al Sheehaniya and a fi eld hospital lowing infection control measures. 200,000sqm and comprises an un- users, he explained it is just a system in the Industrial Area — have been des- This is particularly important right derground level, a ground level and requirement in various apps aimed at ignated to care for Covid-19 patients,” now, as we move through the peak two upper levels. He noted that the accurately specifying the location of said Dr al-Kaabi. phase of infection, and as many peo- hospital is a key component of HMC’s the person in case of any disruption to Dr Abdullatif al-Khal addressing the press conference on Qatar TV yesterday. “We have been able to signifi cantly ple might feel the temptation to relax Covid-19 response strategy.To Page 7 the transmission. Page 24 SMS campaign aims to help domestic workers An SMS message campaign launched Swiss AG faces sack over Qatar 2022 will be an aff ordable in Qatar is helping strengthen awareness amongst domestic tournament, says al-Thawadi workers and their employers on how misconduct in FIFA case to cope with the Covid-19 crisis. The series of messages in 12 languages was developed by the Ministry of By Mikhil Bhat an aff ordable World Cup for Administrative Development, Labour Reuters Staff Reporter the fans, and at the same time and Social Aff airs (MADLSA) with the Zurich strike a balance to ensure that support of the ILO Project Off ice for it is functional with the suppli- the State of Qatar, Migrant-Rights. atar is committed to or- ers, and other stakeholders.” org and the International Domestic witzerland has moved closer to removing ganising an aff ordable Al-Thawadi also said that Workers Federation (IDWF). Page 6 Attorney-General Michael Lauber from QFIFA World Cup in 2022 the 2022 football extravaganza Soffi ce after a parliamentary panel launched for the fans keeping in mind the will be a unifying force that will impeachment proceedings against the top Swiss impact of the Covid-19 pan- bring people together. “Let’s prosecutor relating to his probe of corruption in demic on the world, Supreme celebrate collectively as hu- RAMADAN THOUGHT world soccer. Committee for Delivery & Supreme Committee for manity,” he said. The judicial committee voted yesterday 13 to 4 Legacy (SC) Secretary-General Delivery & Legacy (SC) He elaborated: “I know it And We send not the Messengers to move against Lauber “on suspicion of serious Hassan al-Thawadi has said. Secretary-General Hassan sounds very idealistic but Cov- but as givers of glad tidings breach of duty”. That is after he answered the Lauber arrives for his hearing yesterday before “It is, perhaps for the fi rst al-Thawadi. id-19 has made us realize that and as warners. So whosoever panel’s questions about his handling of the in- a parliamentary committee at the Swiss House time in recent modern history, humans are social creatures believes and does righteous vestigation of corruption involving soccer body of Parliament in Bern. where all economic activities sion with experts, hosts of oth- and the mental health impact good deeds, upon such shall FIFA. have come to a stop,” al-Tha- er big sports events, and plan- of not being able to engage is come no fear, nor shall they Lauber has been accused by anti-corruption Caroni, the committee chairman, told reporters. wadi said in an Leaders Week ning out for diff erent scenarios. huge. Yes, we can communi- grieve. (Qur’an 6: 48) campaigners of bungling a fraud trial over pay- If Lauber is found to have committed a breach, Direct webinar yesterday. “It This (World Cup 2022) will be cate via technology but every- ments linked to Germany’s 2006 World Cup, and the judicial committee will submit a motion to has had a huge impact on lives an aff ordable tournament, we one misses the human interac- Prayer times in March saw his pay cut 8% by an independent Swiss parliament to vote on his removal, Caroni and livelihoods. All talks of want everyone to come and en- tion. We have been saying since watchdog after it found he told falsehoods and said, potentially later this year. recovery are very unclear. It joy. During the 2019 FIFA Club the beginning that this World Fajr....3.21 Zuhr....11.30 Asr....2.56 violated prosecutors codes of conduct. Lauber, Switzerland’s attorney general since might even aff ect the ability of World Cup, we engaged with Cup will bring people together, Maghrib.....6.18 Isha.....7.48 “The judicial committee opens an impeach- 2012, was questioned yesterday about alleged fans from around the world to the clubs and the fans, ensured and we know after Covid-19 we Fasting times ment hearing when there is reasonable suspicion inappropriate contacts between his offi ce and aff ord travelling and celebrate everything was as aff ordable as need that. Hopefully we would Iftar today ...... 6.18 pm the accused wilfully or with gross negligence FIFA, as well as e-mail correspondence con- the World Cup and the other possible in terms of fl ights and have beaten the pandemic and Suhoor tomorrow ...... 3.20 am seriously violated his offi cial duties, or other- cerning FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Caroni sports events.” accommodation. I hope we can celebrate collec- wise has lost the ability to fulfi l them,” Andrea said. Infantino is not accused of wrongdoing. He added: “We are in discus- “We are committed to ensure tively in 2022.” To Page 7

Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 21, 2020 QATAR

Qatari Diar launches waste PHCC taking steps to prevent risk collection system using of viral infection at health centres compressed air in Lusail

zPHCC allays concerns; urges people not to delay seeking medical advice QNA destrian walkways in the Marina Doha area. zSafety measures include new model for scheduling appointments A central control room con- trols all parts of the system zLimiting the number of visitors at health centres at any given time atari Diar launched the remotely via the SCADA sys- waste collection system tem. zRegular cleaning and sterilisation of all areas of health centres Qby compressed air in Lu- The system automatically sail City, one of the most eff ective withdraws waste from the tow- zSignage on floors at health centres to ensure social distancing norms and sustainable modern solutions ers and pedestrian walkway for waste collection around cities waste containers in the marina QNA and within the shared spaces, and their disposal in a way that is area of the collection station, Doha including waiting rooms, lob- sound, environmentally and eco- and upon its arrival at the waste bies, and toilets. These places are nomically feasible. collection station, the waste is regularly cleaned and sterilised The system consists of a waste separated into recyclable waste he Primary Health Care using sterile spray. Examination collection plant with a capacity and non-recyclable waste. Corporation (PHCC) has rooms are also cleaned and steri- of 60 tonnes a day and a pipeline After that the waste is com- Tconfi rmed that it is taking lised after patient visits for con- network inside the 12km-long pressed and packed in contain- all preventive measures to guar- sultation or medical treatment. services (underground) tunnel ers, in preparation for transport- antee the safety of its health cen- Patients suspected of Cov- connecting each of the buildings ing it to the designated places by tres and avoid the risks of trans- id-19 disease are isolated inside of the marina area and the pe- the authorities. mission of the virus (Covid-19). the facilities in designated areas, destrian waste containers to the Assistant undersecretary for The PHCC said that it had while remaining under constant waste collection station. public services aff airs at the Min- recently noticed a decrease in medical supervision during In addition to 110 sub-con- istry of Municipality and Envi- the number of visitors who, the their stay that lasts for the mini- nections (underground) to pull ronment congratulated Qatari corporation believes, are late in mum period permitted by safety waste from the Marina Towers Diar for establishing the new sys- seeking advice and healthcare as measures. (110 Towers) and 135 waste con- tem, adding that the latter was a a result of their concerns related The PHCC stressed the need tainers distributed on the pe- leading technology in the fi eld. to the spread of Covid-19. for community members to en- The PHCC has reassured all sure access to healthcare when visitors that it has worked to they need it without any delay tighten its strict measures to The PHCC has reassured all visitors that it has tightened its strict measures to prevent the spread of the associated with the spread of prevent the spread of the dis- Covid-19 disease in all of its 27 health centres across Qatar. the pandemic, as delays in ac- ease in all of its 27 health centres cessing healthcare services can across the country. pointments, and procedures staff at the centres. that is provided at the entrances, endanger their health in the These integrated measures aimed at ensuring an optimum Prior to entering the PHCC fa- and in various locations around long run. aim to ensure the maintenance number of patients visiting cilities, patients and visitors are the buildings. The PHCC stressed that it is of the safety of health facili- the health centres at the same examined to check for symptoms At all health centres the fl oors making unremitting eff orts to ties so that people have access time, as visits to the centres are of fever, cough and breathing are marked with lines and signs ensure that the risks of trans- to healthcare services with high prohibited in order to reduce diffi culties, and their tempera- that have been redesigned to mission are avoided, and at the reliability. the number of people in clinics ture is measured remotely us- enhance the measures of social same time, reassuring visitors to The measures taken by the at any given time, thus reduc- ing infrared thermometers, and distancing, strict sterilisation allay their concerns and focus on PHCC include a new model ing the risk of infection spread all visitors are required to wear procedures have been adopted their long-term health safety in A central control room controls all parts of the system remotely. for scheduling personal ap- among patients, visitors and masks and use hand sanitiser throughout the PHCC facilities the fi rst place. Picture courtesy of Qatari Diar Twitter page. MoPH reports 6,600 total Covid-19 recovery cases

QNA research and investigation teams pliance by some with precaution- search for infected people. the last 24 hours, as many as Doha of the MoPH that contributed to ary measures, the most important The MoPH noted that the 170,437 have been tested so far early detection of cases. of which is social and physical number of daily examinations in Qatar. The total number of The cases of infection have also distancing, staying at home and it conducts on people depends infected people in Qatar since he Ministry of Pub- increased among citizens and res- refraining from social visits. primarily on the number of con- the start of the Covid-19 out- lic Health (MoPH) an- idents as a result of contact with The MoPH stated that Qatar tacts with individuals confi rmed break is 37,097. Tnounced 1,491 confi rmed family members who got infected has now entered the peak phase to be infected with the virus, as The total number of current new cases of Covid-19, one new in the workplace or through visits of the virus outbreak, which is it performs random checks in active cases is 30,481. The total death and 966 new recoveries in and family gatherings. The new seeing a rise in the number of diff erent places of the country number of people currently un- the last 24 hours, bringing the confi rmed cases of infection have infections recorded daily, and as a proactive measure. This is der acute hospital care is 1,578, total number of recovered cases been introduced to complete iso- therefore it is necessary to ad- in addition to the tests that are including 270 acute hospital in Qatar to 6,600. lation in the various medical fa- here to, more than ever before, performed on patients in health admissions in the last 24 hours. During the last 24 hours, 17 cilities in the country, where they the preventive measures and so- centres and emergency depart- The total number of Covid-19 new cases have been admitted to receive the necessary healthcare cial measures recommended. ments. The number of exami- deaths so far in Qatar is 16. intensive care due to complica- according to the health status of The ministry also stressed nations performed daily is not The MoPH urged that any tions resulting from the infec- each case. the importance for the elderly related to the number of cases person showing symptoms of tion, bringing the total number The MoPH reported that the or those suffering from chronic discovered in terms of increase Covid-19 must quickly contact of people currently in intensive new death was a 62-year-old diseases and their family mem- or decrease. the 16000 helpline or go directly care units to 172. resident who had received the bers to follow strict measures The MoPH said that that be- to one of the designated health The MoPH said in a statement necessary medical care in inten- to reduce the chances of infec- cause the Covid-19 outbreak is centres to test for the virus. This that the new cases are expatri- sive care and was suff ering from tion, including refraining from at the peak stage in Qatar, it is is important as the earlier the ate workers infected as a result chronic diseases. The ministry social visits during the rest of important not to leave the house disease is detected the easier it of contact with individuals who off ered sincere condolences and Ramadan as well during Eid al- except for absolute necessities. will be to receive the right treat- were previously infected, in ad- great sympathy to the family of Fitr. It also stressed the importance ment and recover from it. dition to recording new cases of the deceased. The reasons for the high of adhering to all measures to The four main testing centres infection among groups of work- In this context, the MoPH af- number of cases are the minis- protect against virus infection. are: Muaither Health Centre, ers in diff erent regions. The new fi rmed that the high number of try’s redoubling of its eff orts in According to a tweet from Rawdat Al Khalil Health Centre, cases have been identifi ed after infections among citizens and tracking the transitional chains the MoPH, with a total of 4,225 Um Slal Health Centre; and Al conducting investigations by the residents is due to the lack of com- of the virus and expanding the people tested for Covid-19 in Gharafa Health Centre. QF volunteers join hands with QRCS in Covid fi ght

olunteers from Qa- ed and we are able to offer protective gear, according to tar Foundation (QF) it. By working together, we Murad. Vhave come together will be able to overcome “The shoppers are very to support the Qatar Red any challenges we face and responsive to our advice and Crescent Society (QRCS) in come out stronger,” Murad, the information we share a national initiative to raise who is also a volunteer, with them, and they are awareness about hygiene said. cooperative in getting their practices and prevention The impact of the aware- temperatures checked be- measures to combat the ness campaign has already fore they begin their shop- spread of Covid-19. shown positive impact, ping. They also ask a lot of QF volunteers can be with a noticeable increase good questions about things found every day in the Lulu in the number of shoppers they’re not sure of that are Express inside Education following physical distanc- related to prevention meas- City, providing support and ing guidelines and wearing ures,” added, Murad. sharing the most updated and accurate information with customers inside the shopping centre. When the team at QF’s A LEADING COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR Health, Safety, Security, and A QF volunteer checks the Environmental (HSSE) Of- temperature of a shopper. One of the QF volunteers. fi ce, learned about QRCS’s ‹ /:,,5.05,,9: /:,6--0*,9: initiative, which aims to “We got volunteers from awareness, the volunteers position volunteers at major the partner universities also help the elderly, who grocery stores around the and the entities, and now, are at higher risks if they ‹ 30./; /,(=@+90=,9: country, including Al Meera, around 90% of the volun- contract the virus, to expe- Carrefour, and Lulu Hy- teers are from the QF com- dite their shopping proc- permarkets, they suggested munity, and the remaining ess and minimise the time ‹ /,37,9: that the volunteers at Lulu 10% are those who live near spent inside the shopping Express inside Education the area.” centre. City be from the QF com- Since the beginning of These volunteers also ‹ 4,*/(50*(3;,*/50*0(5: munity. April, the volunteers have support the shopping cen- “We suggested that the been working in shifts tre by ensuring that its Lulu Express be covered that run from 11am-11pm. staff and delivery person- ‹ ,3,*;90*(3;,*/50*0(5: by QF volunteers,” said They raise awareness on nel wear the appropri- Abdulaziz Murad, acting the importance of follow- ate protective gear when manager, Fire Prevention ing government guidelines unloading shipments and ‹ 67,9(;69: and Emergency Manage- on physical distancing and stocking shelves. ment at QF’s HSSE Office, practising proper hygiene. “For us volunteers, it’s ‹ ,?*(=(;6967,9(;69: “because the building is They provide masks and dis- about giving back to the inside QF and easily ac- courage parents from bring- community. We believe cessible to them, and also ing their children to shop, that it is our duty to work kindlykindly note thatthat thisthis emailemail because there are many in and also check temperatures hand in hand, and support [email protected]@gmail.com the QF community who are of customers coming into each other, not only during interested in volunteering the shopping centre. these difficult times, but for receiving CVs. and helping out. In addition to raising whenever support is need- Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 5 QATAR Qatar Charity launches campaign in support of ‘Rofaqa’ orphan care initiative atar Charity (QC) has launched a social media Qcampaign in support of its ‘Rofaqa’ orphan care and sponsorship initiative, aiming to sponsor orphans in the last days of the holy month of Ramadan, with the participation of media figures and social media influencers. The campaign aims to invite the benevolent to sponsor orphans, people with special needs and students for one year under the ‘Rofaqa’ initiative, which so far sponsors more than 171,000 orphans around the world. The idea of the campaign is that the participants post videos on their social media accounts, which explain how to sponsor orphans through Qatar charity. Benefactors can sponsor the vulnerable by visiting its websites.

Qatar Charity provides food baskets to workers in quarantine in Al-Shahaniya

atar Charity (QC), in cooperation with the of the continued efforts of Qatar Charity to curb the 58,000 food baskets across the country, and 483,000 are more than 541,093 persons, while the total Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and reduce ready-to- eat meals to workers. Some 60,000 health beneficiaries of all aid reached 6 02,802 people. QAdministrative Development Labour and infections. bags were distributed to workers for personal hygiene, Qatar Charity is also investing the efforts of more Social Affairs, distributed 300 food baskets to workers Until May 16, 2020, Qatar Charity, as part of its in addition to 30 videos and 90,000 multi-lingual than 8000 male and female volunteers to provide in quarantine in Al-Shahaniya. awareness and preventive campaign to combat the leaflets to educate people on the coronavirus. health, social and educational services for the benefit The distribution of the food baskets came as part coronavirus pandemic, has managed to distribute The total beneficiaries of meals and food baskets of society in coordination with the various bodies.

Qatar Charity receives Zakat Al-Fitr Handy digital initiatives to do good Widget Charity and donations Qatar Charity has developed the widget as a donation tool to atar Charity (QC) continues to receive donations, including (Midnight). The headquarters in Al Hilal is open from 8:30 AM – support the spread of its charitable Zakat Al-Fitr, from benefactors through its headquarters, until the morning of Eid Al-Fitr. programs and projects. This tool branches, and collections points across the country. The Ways to Donate Q allows you to add a special widget receiving of donations will continue until the morning of Eid Al-Fitr. Qatar Charity’s 27 branches, 96 collection points, 1615 donation component to your website, and Working Hours boxes, and 39 donation kiosks are located across the country. make it possible for your website The branches and collection points are open during 9:30 AM – Benefactors can also donate through Qatar Charity’s website (// visitors to contribute to charitable 5:30 PM, and 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Midnight). However, on Fridays, www.qcharity.org), and app (qch.qa/q/app), in addition to dialing causes without leaving your page. they are open during 12:30 – 5:30 PM, and 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM hotline 44667711. This service can be requested by visiting (www.qch.qa/widget).

Your Project Installment Through its website (www. qcharity.org) and official mobile app, Qatar Charity gives the opportunity to donors to pay the value of their charitable projects in installments according to their situations, and encourage them to launch projects for themselves or in the memory of the beloved ones. A donor can choose the value of an installment to pay monthly, provided that the required value for the completion of the project is to be paid. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 21, 2020 QATAR Malaysian embassy praises Qatar’s SMS campaign eff orts in combating Covid-19

By Joey Aguilar Malaysian nationals who were Staff Reporter stranded in various countries in aims at domestic Central Asia, Europe, West Asia and Africa to reach their homes he Malaysian embassy in since March 2020. Doha lauded the eff orts “At this time, Malaysians Tof the Qatar government may still depart and tran- in combating the novel coro- sit in Qatar. However, they navirus (Covid-19) and con- should be prepared for travel workers’ welfare tributing to humanitarian and restrictions to be put into ef- medical aids globally. fect with little or no notice,” n SMS message campaign “Domestic workers play an 2017 on domestic work. In a press statement, charge Sabarudin said. launched in Qatar is help- essential role in ensuring Messages for employers high- d’aff aires Mohamed Shahir “Passengers are advised to Aing strengthen awareness the health and safety of light the need to support the Sabarudin said Qatar imple- check our real-time fl ight sta- amongst domestic workers and the families for which they mental and emotional health as mented physical distancing tus page for the latest informa- their employers on how to cope work, from cleaning and well as physical well-being of measures aimed at interrupt- tion. Malaysians in Qatar are with the Covid-19 crisis. The se- cooking, to supporting domestic workers. There are re- ing transmission, closed non- advised to stay put. However, ries of messages in 12 languages teleworking parents, caring minders about domestic workers essential businesses, reduced for those who are returning to was developed by the Ministry for children, the ill and the rights relating to working hours, the number of employees at the Malaysia, they are encouraged of Administrative Develop- elderly” rest periods, days off , and the im- government institutions and to make travel arrangements ment, Labour and Social Aff airs portance of being paid on time. permitted only Qatari citizens while Qatar Airways is still (MADLSA) with the support of tion on Covid-19 precaution- Employers are also encouraged to enter the country to mitigate available,” he noted. the ILO Project Offi ce for Qatar, ary measures in languages they to help domestic workers open the spread of Covid-19. The envoy urged all Malay- Migrant-Rights.org and the In- understand. At the same time bank accounts and transfer their “Qatar has facilities and sians in Qatar to adhere to the ternational Domestic Workers this campaign reaches out to salary online, as well as provide medical capabilities to control rules set by the Qatar govern- Federation (IDWF). employers so they support the access to the internet and other and combat the Covid-19 pan- ment and to follow the embas- The messages provide help- health and welfare of domestic forms of communication. demic. The proactive approach sy’s social media (Facebook and Mohamed Shahir Sabarudin ful tips not only on how to pre- workers in their homes during Fawaz al-Rayis, director of by the Qatar government to Twitter) for latest updates on vent Covid-19 transmission but the Covid-19 lockdown, when MADLSA Recruitment Depart- convert Hazm Mebarek General the current situation. The envoy also thanked the together,” Sabarudin said. also how to protect the health their services are being so heav- ment, stressed the importance of Hospital into a Covid-19 facil- According to Sabarudin, Qatar government for helping “We will now need to prepare and rights of domestic workers ily relied upon.” reaching out to domestic work- ity and the opening of new fi eld Malaysian Prime Minister Tan the needy and underprivileged celebrating Eid largely at home at home during this challenging Messages for domestic work- ers and their employers. “Raising hospitals should be praised,” he Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had a children in diff erent countries with limited outdoor interac- period. ers include basic information awareness about precautionary said. phone conversation early this around the world aff ected by tion. This year in view of the “Domestic workers play an on the symptoms of Covid-19 measures, providing useful ad- The envoy also congratulated month with His Highness the Covid-19. Covid-19 pandemic, Muslims essential role in ensuring the and what to do if they have vice, and recalling rights and ob- Qatar Airways for continuing Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- “Muslims in Qatar and will have to be doing their part health and safety of the families symptoms, advice on hygiene ligations, is key to ensuring both to fl y travellers to their des- mad al-Thani, where both around the world are expected to stop the spread of Covid-19,” for which they work, from clean- and sanitation, sending money domestic workers and employers tinations amid the Covid-19 leaders shared information on to observe Eid al-Fitr in few he said. ing and cooking, to supporting home via online services as well are protected during this pan- pandemic. Covid-19. more days, marking the end of The envoy said the embassy teleworking parents, caring for as keeping in touch with fam- demic. This campaign is an ef- He said the connection be- The Malaysian prime minis- Ramadan. This year, Eid Mu- also expresses its appreciation children, the ill and the elderly,” ily back home. There is also in- fective way to quickly and widely tween Hamad International ter expressed his appreciation barak feels diff erent. In the to all the front liners in Qa- says ILO technical specialist Alix formation reminding domestic share important information Airport and Kuala Lumpur In- to Qatar for the medical treat- past, Eid Mubarak celebration tar and all over the world for Nasri. workers of their rights and re- with domestic workers and their ternational Airport provided ment and assistance it provided is marked by social and reli- the dedication and tireless ef- “It is vital that they have ac- sponsibilities – at all times – ac- employers, similarly to what has by the award-winning airline to help Malaysians aff ected by gious gatherings where Mus- forts in handling the Covid-19 cess to up-to-date informa- cording to Qatar’s Law No 15 of been done in other sectors.” played a key role to help many Covid-19 in the country. lim families and friends unite pandemic. QC congratulates leadership, people in Qatar on Eid al-Fitr

atar Charity (QC) has congratulations to His High- the world”, the statement noted. positive impact on millions at extended its congratu- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim He also prayed to Allah the home and abroad, especially Qlations and wishes to the bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatar Almighty for ending the Cov- orphans, persons with special LuLu initiates Qatari leadership, government, government, people, residents id-19 pandemic and giving last- needs, poor families and those people, the Arab and Islamic and Arab and Muslim nations ing peace and prosperity in the aff ected by the novel coronavi- nations, and all philanthropists across the globe on the occasion Arab and Muslim world. rus outbreak, crises and diffi cult Yousif bin Ahmed al-Kuwari who have supported its Ram- of Eid al-Fitr. Al-Kuwari extended special humanitarian conditions. adan campaign, on Eid al-Fitr. Al-Kuwari also called upon thanks to all those who support- The Qatar Charity CEO also “our good deeds and multiply faster delivery In a statement yesterday, QC Allah the Almighty to “grant ed QC’s Ramadan campaign, urged benefactors in the coun- our rewards”. said it is “praying to Allah the Qatar further safety, security, including benefactors in Qatar, try to continue to support the The Ramadan campaign, Almighty that peace, harmony stability, prosperity, peace and public and private sector insti- needy and the poor with their whose projects were imple- and happiness would prevail progress, and keep all harm tutions, sponsors, social me- generosity, as doing good is not mented within and outside everywhere in the world”. away from it, so that it can re- dia infl uencers, media fi gures, limited to the holy month of Ra- Qatar with the support of in Qatar Yousif bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, main, as it has always been volunteers and youth initiatives. madan, but should also contin- the people in Qatar, targeted chief executive offi cer, Qatar known, as a beacon of good and He also noted that the Ra- ue throughout the year, praying 2.4mn people in Qatar and 30 Charity, expressed his sincerest aid to those in need throughout madan seasonal projects had a to Allah the Almighty to accept countries across the world. n an eff ort to speed up its on- Mesaimeer, and Al Khor. line grocery delivery amidst An offi cial spokesman of LuLu Ithe current pandemic cri- Hypermarkets Qatar said: “In sis, LuLu introduced two serv- light of current pandemic, we ices which off er faster and more are introducing alternative op- convenient ways for shoppers. tions to make sure that shop- Vodafone ends Ramadan campaign Express Delivery is for a pers can easily get their gro- same-day delivery while Click cery needs wherever they are as and Collect is for a store pick- fast as possible, based on their up service through its on- own convenience and preferred line shopping platform on delivery mode.” with donation to Education Above All www.luluhypermarket.com. “Click and Collect allows cus- As part of the initiative, LuLu tomers to shop online and simply has partnered with well-known drive through their nearest LuLu odafone Qatar has con- appreciation for the tremen- All, said, “We welcome this do- taxi groups to deliver the or- store to pick up their orders. This cluded its Ramadan dous programmes of Education nation from Vodafone Qatar. ders right at the doorstep of the service is available at the follow- Vcharitable giving cam- Above All that open a world of The support will contribute to shoppers. All orders placed be- ing branches — D-Ring Road, Al paign by donating QR130,000 education to the youth. our mission to provide access tween 10am to 5pm will be deliv- Hilal, Barwa, Gharafa, Al Khor, to Education Above All (EAA). “As our Ramadan giving to high quality education to the ered the same day, while orders Ezdan Oasis, B-Ring Road, Qatar The donation will go to EAA’s campaign comes to a close, most marginalised of children, placed after the cut-off time will Foundation, and Al Sadd”. ‘Together’ project – a Qatar- we sincerely thank everyone who would otherwise not be be delivered the next day. “We are ready to cater to the based initiative that aims to en- who responded to our call and able to receive an education.” Express Delivery is available at high demand of grocery shop- rol children from low-income helped us meet our goal of sup- Vodafone Qatar used the the following locations—Al Hi- ping at these critical times and families into Assalam schools. porting the three charity initia- platform from the start of their lal, As Salath Al Jadidah, Fareej have ensured well-stocked This brings Vodafone Qatar’s tives. The Sawa platform helped campaign to drive participation Al Ali, Al Thumama, Old Air- stores and warehouses, while total donations this Ramadan remind us that we are in this and ran weekly competitions port, Wakra, Abu Hamour, Nui- implementing all measures for to QR370,000, which also ben- together and it’s been incredible with cash prizes to incentivise ja, Al Sadd, Fareej Bin Mahmoud, the safety of both our customers efi ted Qatar Charity and Qatar to see people making this eff ort people to be part of its giving. Al Hitmi, Barwa Village, Al and employees. We encourage Red Crescent Society. campaign by playing and com- Khames Mohamed al-Nai- during Ramadan.” The initiative was organised Gharafa, Al Duhail, Qatar Foun- the residents to plan their shop- The public showed tremen- peting for prizes on the Voda- mi, chief human resources of- Mohamed Saad al-Kubaisi, as part of Vodafone Qatar’s dation, Al Doha Al Jadeeda, Fer- ping accordingly and maintain dous support for Vodafone’s fone Sawa online entertainment fi cer at Vodafone Qatar, said, director of Procurement and broad-ranging corporate social eej Abdul Azeez, Al Mansoura, social distancing,” he added. donation goals throughout the platform. “We are delighted to show Operations at Education Above responsibility programme. QRCS, Qatar Airways distribute food baskets in Jordan and Gaza

atar Red Crescent several open-heart surger- food staples, including milk, in order to meet their needs Society (QRCS), with ies, Haytham, who is unfi t cheese, rice, sugar, and veg- during the holy month of Qfunding from Qatar for work due to fragile health, etable oil. Distributions were Ramadan. Airways, has distributed Ra- was describing his suff ering made in a manner that en- These distributions fall madan Iftar food baskets in as the humanitarian situation sured maximum safety and under QRCS’s Ramadan Jordan and Gaza. in Gaza is getting worse. protection against the novel Campaign 1441 AH, which Hajj Maher Haytham (67), Hossam Abo El-Kheir, coronavirus infection. involves many humanitar- one of the benefi ciaries in deputy general manager of “The benefi ciaries were ian operations in Qatar and Gaza, commended this be- Districts, the Ministry of selected according to a set of 22 other countries, for the nevolent donation in Ram- Social Development of Gaza, criteria, based on a socioeco- benefi t of one million refu- adan, calling for more and said they had already distrib- nomic status assessment for gees and displaced and needy more support for Gaza’s poor uted hundreds of food bas- each benefi ciary, done earlier persons. population. kets to the poorest families of in the project,” Abo El-Kheir Qatar Airways has recently “I am the head of a 5-mem- the blockade. explained. allocated 100,000 free fl ight ber family. Being an old per- This contribution from At the same time, Qatar tickets for health care pro- son who faces diffi culty fi nd- QRCS and Qatar Airways Airways supported QRCS’s viders, in recognition of their ing a job, I am struggling to would be of great help for Ramadan Iftar project in Jor- heroic eff orts being at the secure food and housing for many disabled, older, and dan, delivering food baskets forefront of the coronavirus my children,” he explained. jobless persons. to hundreds of poor Syr- pandemic fi ghting around Having been subject to Each basket contained 20 ian and Jordanian families, the world. Volunteers during the Ramadan food parcels distribution in Gaza. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 7 QATAR Green Tent calls Two more repatriation flights leave for India for environmental reform, expanding sustainable cities

QNA - the sustainable development are based, including that plan- Doha goals concerned with making ning be designed to avoid epi- cities and human settlements demics and diseases. This can inclusive, safe, resilient and be achieved by establishing an peakers at a symposium sustainable - and the indicators early warning system to predict held by the Green Tent that lead to achieving this goal in diseases. This new system de- Sof the “A Flower Each 2030, explaining that the popu- pends on monitoring the sew- Spring” programme called on lation of the Gulf has reached age network is being worked on all those interested in the envi- 40mn, including residents, and in many research centres around ronment in various parts of the that most of them inhabit cities, the world. Two repatriation flights for India took off from Doha yesterday — AI 1924 for Visakhapatnam and IX 0244 for Hyderabad.”We thank world to participate in the proc- which has caused a boom in the The participants highlighted the government of Qatar and the Indian community for their assistance in making this possible,” the Indian embassy tweeted. Today, ess of environmental reform and number of cities and its expan- Qatar’s projects for future cities, flight IX 0476 is scheduled to leave the Hamad International Airport for Kochi at 2.05pm, according to the schedule. (Picture courtesy expand smart cities, sustainable including working to turn Doha of Indian embassy Twitter page) installations and green build- The participants into a smart city by relying on ings in order to protect humans highlighted Qatar’s modern means of communica- and maintain the planet and its projects for future cities, tion and sustainable energy. wealth. including working to turn They also spoke about re- The experts, academics, spe- Doha into a smart city by search that the country is in- cialists and leaders of social relying on modern means terested in, about the ratio of work, participating in the sym- of communication and energy generated by homes and Qatar 2022 will be an aff ordable tournament: al-Thawadi posium, reviewed the positive sustainable energy industrial facilities and the re- environmental changes taking lationship of energy to food and place during the coronavirus sion at the expense of villages. housing, in addition to develop- From Page 1 tion, we disinfected work sites. tion participated. At the fi nal, we had 2000 pandemic, including a reduction The speakers pointed out that ing a database that serves de- “The workers continue to get paid even if Bahraini fans in Doha to see their team win in carbon emissions and nitrogen this expansion and overpopula- cision-makers in Qatar and the Worldwide, the Covid-19 pandemic has they have been isolated from work sites, or the tournament for the fi rst time in their oxides in the atmosphere and an tion presented a major challenge Gulf region as a whole. seen almost fi ve million confi rmed cases are undergoing treatment. history. We bring people from the region to opportunity for endangered ani- for urban growth planners and The speakers dwelt on the with a little over 323,000 deaths. “We also focused on the long-term im- come and volunteer with us. There is pas- mals to increase their numbers. reduces opportunities for proper time and eff ort provided to For some countries, who are due to host pact, like the mental health and emotional sion and interest in the region for the World The experts attributed the planning and the expansion of smart cities and their role in re- some of the biggest sports events in the impact. We held mental health awareness Cup in Qatar. changes to the halting of air green cities. ducing crime and epidemics, world, the pandemic would have been a sessions, developed an app with a partner, “I hope the blockading nations can re- traffi c, cars and factories, and They advised the setting up rationalising water and energy setback. But Qatar, despite almost a three- which has videos and other material on how move the restrictions on their own people; other precautionary measures of gardens and planting of trees consumption and the rapid re- year long illegal blockade, has forged its way to deal with anxiety and stress, besides hav- there are no restrictions from Qatar, but taken by the countries across the in cities and the use of green sponse to emergency situations. ahead steadily. ing a hotline in diff erent languages.” they have to allow their people to come.” world. materials owing to their envi- They also reviewed the role of “We (have) continued work at a much Al-Thawadi added, “Ironically, the illegal Talking about how the Covid-19 has They underlined that the ronmental, economic and social future cities in improving peo- slower pace, obviously, but we are ahead of blockade that was imposed on Qatar three made SC adapt its programmes and its lega- Sustainable Development Goals benefi ts. They stressed the need ple’s lives, the specifi cations time. By the end of this year, six of our sta- years ago was a blessing in disguise. We be- cy initiatives, he said, “Generation Amazing 2030 are the responsibility of for Gulf countries to rely on wild of environmentally-friendly diums are expected to be ready,” al-Thawadi came self-reliant, resilient, eff ective, which is our legacy programme, which is football all and these are integrated and plants because, despite the need and sustainable buildings and said. made us much better in dealing with Covid for development. Since Covid, the team has must be achieved as one pack- for special care, these have prov- the materials used in them, the He elaborated on the measures taken by as a nation. Now, we are, I think, number launched online programmes with our am- age, which requires the eradica- en their eff ectiveness and benefi t proportion of lighting and their Qatar and the SC in the light of the pan- 13 on food security suffi ciency globally; re- bassadors, talking about experiences. There tion of poverty and hunger and for the people. quality, the quality of insula- demic. “Our first concern was obviously gionally, we are number one. We are making is Josoor Institute with a purpose of devel- the preservation of resources. The speakers also called for tion and methods of rationalis- the health and safety of our workers at the millions of masks locally, and even ventila- oping skills and expertise in sports and hos- This will only be possible with the expansion in the establish- ing energy and water, stressing stadium projects. In co-ordination with tors. It (the blockade) is not something we pitality sectors in the region. But now, after science and technology, co-op- ment of smart cities and the set- the role of city planning, street the Ministry of Public Health, we isolated are happy about but it has turned out to be a going online, it is reaching more people. eration, and the exchange of ex- ting up of a model for an Arab landscaping and home gardens our at-risk workers, anyone over the age blessing in disguise.” Also, workers’ welfare, Qatar is one of the periences, knowledge and skills, smart city which takes into ac- and the importance of investing of 55, those with other health conditions, Talking about the eff ect of the blockade leading countries in the region on worker they stressed. count the criteria and founda- in them in order to obtain sus- conducted awareness courses about social on sport, al-Thawadi said, “We hosted the reforms. There is work still to be done, but The experts spoke on Goal 11 tions upon which these cities tainable environment. distancing and immunity-boosting nutri- Arabian Gulf Cup, and every member na- we have moved ahead leaps and bounds.” Dementia suff erers at risk of More beds to treat Celebrate Eid discrimination due to Covid-19 Covid-19 will be added diff erently by staying in two weeks: HMC home: HMC expert eople with dementia and spectrum, we have heard of re- those who care for them ports of extreme end-of-life de- Pare being pushed to the ex- cisions being made solely on the From Page 1 prevent further spread of the From Page 1 the Covid-19 outbreak. treme by the Covid-19 pandemic, fact that an elderly patient af- virus. “Wearing facemask and the CEO of Alzheimer’s Disease fl icted by the virus had dementia Dr Ahmed al-Mohamed, act- “Covid-19 can be fatal, par- Dr al-Khal stated that the limiting the practice of sports International has warned while – even when they had no other ing chairman of HMC’s Intensive ticularly for those with existing Ehteraz app will play a posi- to the area around the ac- participating in a global discus- underlying health conditions. Care Units (ICU), noted there are health conditions such as res- tive role in the upcoming commodation will also help sion on mental health hosted by “There have also been situa- also suffi cient facilities and staff piratory illnesses, heart disease period to further contain the in further limiting the spread Qatar Foundation and the World tions where patients who were to care for Covid-19 patients and high blood pressure. One disease and curb its spread, of infection Innovation Summit for Health. previously living alone opted who require intensive treatment need only to look at the number and it is very important for “It is hard to predict the A stark picture painted by the to stay with immediate fam- and advanced respiratory sup- of patients being admitted into the protection of all members peak of the infection as it novel coronavirus crisis has this ily members, as their regular port. HMC’s Covid-19 hospitals the hospital, and into the ICU, of the society is governed by the people’s month been revealed in a report Paola Barbarino: warning caregivers were forced to self- have a combined ICU capacity as evidence of how serious ill- “The Ehteraz app is a newly commitment to follow the by the UK’s National Health isolate. This puts enormous of nearly 400 beds, which can be ness from this virus can be. We devised technology that will precautionary and preventive Service, which showed that 18% tions such as dementia are prone pressure on their children, who increased to 700 beds. There are must all be very considerate help greatly in the protection measures,” he pointed out. of those who have died in hos- to,” she said. “It also gives us a often have to juggle caring for a 1,578 people in acute care and 172 of our actions; the choices we of people against infection,” he “Only when we see a con- pital with Covid-19, and 42% of glimpse of the many victims who parent with dementia, working in ICU as of yesterday. make can mean the difference said. The senior offi cial pointed siderable drop in the number those who died in care homes for had dementia. And there may be from home, and schooling their Dr al-Kaabi stressed the im- between life and death for vul- out that limiting the number of of cases can be gradually re- the elderly after testing positive more - victims who had demen- own children. The mental agil- portance of the community con- nerable members of our com- passengers in each vehicle will turn to normal life,” Dr al- for the disease, had dementia. tia, but were not registered at the ity of such caregivers is often tinuing to work together to help munity,” he said. elp considerably in controlling Khal added. Paola Barbarino, who heads hospital they were admitted to as stretched to breaking point.” the UK-based organisation dedi- having the diseases. Patients with Alzheimer’s cated to fi ghting Alzheimer’s dis- “Often patients with de- benefi t from routine, but amid ease, says these statistics refl ect mentia cannot verbally express Covid-19, that routine can be General Directorate of Passports Eid timings exactly how vulnerable those physical discomfort, and this snatched from them, leaving with the dementia are to disease, applies to the symptoms of the them confused and scared. This The General Directorate of Passports at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced working hours during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, from May 19- death – and discrimination. pandemic as well. The result is leads to decreased cognitive ca- 28. The working hours at the directorate and its service centres will be from 8am to 12noon during the holiday period, according to information “The report reveals the depths that by the time help is sought pacity, and, in the case of ad- posted on social media. of vulnerability that those with for, and arrives, it is often too vanced dementia, rapid physical The directorate has called on the public to carry out their transactions electronically through the MoI website or the Metrash2 mobile degenerative neurological condi- late. On the other side of the and mental deterioration. application. This comes in implementation of the precautionary and preventive measures announced by the State to curb the spread of Covid-19. Doha Festival City to mark Eid with exclusive off ers

oha Festival City is set to 50% discount on selected items of casual clothing may be or- crystal jewellery, giftware, decor celebrate Eid with an ar- from Little Milano; crazy deals dered through WhatsApp (+974 and accessories is available with Dray of exclusive off ers, from The Rice Room and ‘amaz- 77990621). up to 50% discount on selected together with around 20 retail ing off ers’ from Nando’s and The Machka’s new Eid Collection items until June 13. Contact partners. Cheesecake Factory. of day and nightwear for ladies +974 4451 0477. Shoppers can avail a number Riva Fashion presents collec- can be ordered through What- Optifashion is giving 20% of off ers and Eid inspired col- tions for ladies and girls. Riva sApp (+974 33351889). discount on all types of trans- lections from the comfort can be contacted via WhatsApp Speroni, the Italian brand parent and coloured contact of their homes from leading on +974 33082162 and +974 known for handmade 100% lenses. WhatsApp at +974 5578 brands across women’s fash- 33311480. leather footwear for men has 0743. ion, children fashion, eyewear Choice is off ering an infusion launched its new Eid collection. Petit Bateau, the French kids shops, watches and jewellery, of luxurious designs, ranging Instagram @speronishoesqa brand, has launched its new Eid leather goods, men’s fashion, from bags and accessories, foot- or WhatsApp (+974 77358102, collection with special off ers. homeware, dining and much wear and clothing (WhatsApp +974 33707031). Contact +974 33258265. more. on +974 66529569 and +974 Aljaber Watches is also of- Little Milano, the boutique Riva Kids H&M Highlights include a 50% dis- 33311480). fering an extensive collection of that gathers Italian luxurious count on all items from Tally Fast fashion clothing col- stamps and pens. There is a spe- brands for kids under one roof, collection that can be ordered Orders can be placed through peri-peri drizzle and Coke. Weijl; up to 50% discount and lections showcasing the most cial Eid off er with 50% discount can be reached on +974 7049 through their website: www. Carriage, Talabat, Snoonu, Order online at https://or- gifts with every purchase from recent fashion trends are up on selected items and free gift 2276. giftshed.com, or Instagram plat- Trackoo, Wishbox, Mr Delivery, der.nandos.qa/menu or via Aljaber watches; up to 50% for grabs from Tally Weijl with with every purchase. W&B Home’s specially cu- form @giftshedqa. Fingertips and Rafeeq. WhatsApp at +974 5517 0009. discount on Swarovski’s new a 50% discount on all items. Instagram page @aljaber- rated Eid Holiday gift packs are Delivery is available with Nando’s offers a sharing There is a free slice of cheese- Spring/Summer 2020 collec- Shoppers can contact +974 7049 watches or WhatsApp (+974 displayed on their Instagram QR10 charges. platter for two persons for cake with every order from The tion; new exclusive Eid items 2276. 50977259). platform @wandbqatar. What- Vietnamese cuisine from The QR109 including Espetada, Cheesecake Factory, available on from NU; a 20% discount from Exclusive Eid items from NU, Swarovski’s new Spring/ sApp +974 55410550. Rice Room is available with a va- chicken, two regular sides Talabat and Carriage until May Optifashion on selected items; a a brand that off ers a new trend Summer 2020 collection of Gift Shed has a special Eid riety of discounts. with hummus, pita bread with 31. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, May 21, 2020 QATAR

QDB’s National Response Guarantee programme coverage period extended

QNA or Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin the private sector and aff ected will fully cover the percentage of pany to the commercial and Is- or their offi cial representatives banks to grant loans to aff ected Doha Abdulaziz al-Thani, the Qatar by the repercussions of the novel fi nancing profi ts during the fi rst lamic banking grantors within a must communicate with the private companies in cooperation Development Bank (QDB) has coronavirus pandemic are enti- year on behalf of the benefi ciary maximum period of three years, commercial and Islamic banks in with the Ministry of Finance and included companies operating tled to benefi t from the National companies, as the programme’s including a grace period of one which they hold accounts for the the QCB and all banks operating n implementation of the in the contracting and construc- Guarantee Programme launched mechanism of action includes year. wage protection system and re- in the country, in response to the directives of His Highness tion sector to take advantage of by QDB in co-operation with the the provision of a 100% cover- QDB stated that companies quests for benefi t are submitted implications of the coronavirus. Ithe Amir Sheikh Tamim bin the Covid-19 National Response Ministry of Finance and the Qa- age guarantee by QDB to com- wishing to benefit from the through them exclusively. The programme aims to sup- Hamad al-Thani to support Guarantee Programme, and tar Central Bank (QCB) and all mercial and Islamic banks that programme are required to be Requests can also be submitted port salaries and rents of compa- and provide fi nancial and eco- extended the period of QDB’s banks operating in the country, provide funding without taking fully owned by the private sec- on behalf of more than one com- nies in the private sector. nomic incentives to private sec- coverage of the percentage of fi - and to obtain fi nancing with the any fees or commissions on the tor, and to be registered in the pany by Qatari citizen partners or QDB will manage and issue the tor companies aff ected by the nancing profi ts granted through aim of helping them to pay the guarantee granted, whether by wage protection system in force owners of aff ected private sector guidelines for this programme, implications of the coronavirus the programme to 12 months in- salaries of their employees and the commercial or Islamic banks in Qatar. companies. while banks operating in the (Covid-19) pandemic, and based stead of six months announced special rental benefi ts. or the benefi ciary companies, Regarding the mechanism ap- QDB had announced National country will grant the fi nancing on the directives of HE the Prime earlier. According to this decision, provided that the fi nancing is plied to benefi t from the program, Response Guarantee Programme on the basis of a guarantee from Minister and Minister of Interi- Companies wholly owned by the government, through QDB, paid by the benefi ciary com- companies wishing to benefi t that provides guarantees to local the QDB. Plasma therapy on infected patients ‘showing results’ ore than 100 patients are mild or asymptomatic, 5% re- have received plasma so quire hospitalisation and 1% are Mfar from some 96 recov- admitted to intensive care units. ered donors and the number of “We have been using plasma donations from recovered patients treatment for patients admit- is rising each week. ted to the Communicable Disease This was highlighted by Dr Center, using plasma from pa- Muna al-Maslamani, medical tients who have recovered from More than 1.5mn register in director of the Communicable Covid-19,” she reiterated. Disease Center (CDC) at Hamad “To date, more than 100 pa- Medical Corporation, at a press tients have received plasma from National Address campaign conference yesterday. around 96 recovered donors and She said data from the intensive the team is seeing the number of he calls by the Ministry of Interior easily reach out to them and deliver various care units (ICUs) at HMC show donations from recovered patients (MoI) to complete the National Ad- services including ambulance service. that 49% of patients admitted to rise each week.” Tdress registration are evoking good re- A citizen or an expatriate or his legal rep- ICU with Covid-19 have one or The most critically ill Cov- sponse among the residents in Qatar. resentative has to register his data in a simple more chronic health conditions. id-19 patients are currently being As per the latest fi gures, released by MoI, form that includes the address of residence, “This is because chronic diseas- treated at the intensive care unit as many 1.5mn, including citizens and ex- fi xed telephone number, mobile number, es can impair the immune system’s of Hazm Mebaireek General Hos- patriates, have completed their registration email, employer address for government and ability to fi ght off infection and pital, and severely ill Covid-19 process. private sector employees, and permanent ad- leave the body more susceptible to patients often require mechanical Lieutenant Colonel Dr Abdullah Zayed al- dress abroad if available. severe symptoms,” she explained. ventilation, Dr al-Maslamani said. Sahli, head of the National Address Section The guardian of minor children has to reg- “Evidence from around the A small percentage — the most at the Public Security, told local Arabic daily ister their data and bears the legal responsi- world shows that while anyone can severely ill — will require extra- Arrayah that more than 70% of the citizens bility for the validity of this data. be infected with Covid-19, peo- corporeal membrane oxygenation have completed their registration. The registration will increase the perform- ple with chronic disease are more (ECMO) therapy. The MoI offi cial urged all to complete the ance rates of some security services for rapid likely to develop severe symptoms “It is clear that Covid-19 af- process while highlighting that the applica- response in the case of emergencies. if they get the virus,” she added. fects people with chronic dis- tion process is easy. The services include those by Al Fazaa, Dr al-Maslamani said the ease in a much more serious way The MoI has urged citizens, expatriates Traffi c, Civil Defence and Ambulance. symptoms and their severity dif- than other people — and so it is and the legal persons to register their na- The registration will also help residents fer from case to case for Covid-19 extremely important for people tional address before July 26, 2020 in order to take advantage for online delivery and online patients. with chronic disease to stay at avoid the legal consequences. purchase. “Indeed, many patients are home as much as possible and Described as fi rst of its kind in the GCC The law came into eff ect on January 27, asymptomatic — meaning they follow preventive measures to countries, the National Address Law is a 2020. display no symptoms at all.” protect themselves from catch- qualitative leap in the conduct of judicial Anyone who fails to register their ad- Dr Muna al-Maslamani She said 94% of cases in Qatar ing the virus,” she added. procedures and enabling a proper communi- dress within six months of the enactment cation system. of the law will be fi ned an amount less than Individuals, institutions and companies QR10,000. should register their address and data with The law mandates the individual to notify the ministry. This will ensure that all re- the authority about change in the address. ceives essential offi cial notifi cations and an- If not updated, the existing address will Cancer patients urged to take Covid-19 precautions nouncements on time. be considered valid and communication and The registration will help the government notifi cation sent to the same.

QNA Oncology at NCCCR understands treatment outcome,” added Dr al- of Radiation Oncology at NCCCR Doha and appreciates that patients who Hammadi. is constantly striving to provide ra- Puppet making at home takes centrestage are facing cancer treatment, or a Each day cancer specialists at NC- diation therapy in line with HMC’s cancer diagnosis, during the Cov- CCR provide radiotherapy to more vision of delivering the safest, most as Theater Aff airs Centre raises a curtain amad Medical Corpora- id-19 pandemic may experience than 60 patients, totalling more than eff ective, and most compassionate tion’s (HMC) National signifi cant worry and anxiety, re- 300 patient visits each week. care to each and every one of our The Theater Aff airs Centre at the Ministry In return, they will get a friend ticket, HCenter for Cancer Care and garding their treatment and their Dr al-Hammadi said the De- patients,” concluded Dr al-Ham- of Culture and Sports is producing video which is a lifetime pass to puppet shows, in Research (NCCCR) has urged pa- timely and safe accessibility to hos- partment of Radiation Oncology madi. episodes of its new programme ‘Make your addition to other gifts. tients with cancer to take extra pre- pitals,” said Dr al-Hammadi. is committed to treating all radio- Patients with cancer are urged to puppet at your home’. Artist Salah al-Mulla, director of the cautions to limit their exposure to “As a department, we would like therapy patients eff ectively and in a take additional prevention meas- Children can learn how to make puppets Theater Aff airs Centre, pointed out that Covid-19, stressing that it is com- to reassure our patients that all our safe manner. ures to avoid contracting Covid-19 and dolls from simple materials mostly the programme was launched due to the mitted to treating all radiotherapy radiotherapy-specifi c cancer serv- She said teams at the NCCCR are as even a mild illness associated available at home. current circumstances and to maintain the patients eff ectively and in a safe ices are open as usual. Our doctors constantly monitoring the current with the virus could cause serious The first episode was telecast on Tuesday health and safety of all while entertaining manner. are attending their weekly multi- situation and have implemented complications, due to cancer pa- on Doha 360 platform, the website of the children and encouraging them to use their Dr Noora al-Hammadi, chair of disciplinary tumour board meet- risk mitigation strategies to protect tients already having a weakened Centre, and YouTube. time productively. the Department of Radiation On- ings to discuss all cases as part of patients and staff . immune system. A total of 12 weekly episodes are planned The centre is also keen to maintain cology at NCCCR, is urging patients our ongoing eff orts to ensure that “Our aim is to complete sched- They are advised to avoid contact every Tuesday at 12noon. constant interaction with children through with cancer to take extra precautions everyone will be seen and treated uled treatments without any delay with individuals who are sick and to Children can also send short videos of the the social media to know their ideas and to limit their exposure to Covid-19. without unwanted delays, which or complications. Despite these strictly adhere to hand hygiene and puppets they have made. opinions and eventually improve its shows. “The Department of Radiation could compromise a patient’s troubling times, the Department social distancing measures. QNRF programme boosts coronavirus fi ghtback

esearch projects designed support Qatar’s eff orts to miti- challenges posed by Covid-19 to Another award recipient, Dr for ensuring quarantine meas- to help children with au- gate Covid-19 and its eff ects. various sectors,” he added. Amber Haque, professor of Clin- ures are adhered to is also one of Rtism learn from home, en- Under the inaugural cycle of Dr Dena A al-Thani, assist- ical Psychology at Doha Institute the awarded proposals. force quarantine measures, and RRC, QNRF received 230 propos- ant professor at the College of of Graduate Studies, is conduct- Dr Hamid Menouar, product safeguard the mental health of als from researchers across Qatar, Science and Engineering in Ha- ing a research project that probes manager at Qatar Mobility In- healthcare workers are among and, after a thorough competitive mad Bin Khalifa University, and the impact of Covid-19 on the novations Centre and a member those to be supported through scientifi c and technical review an awardee under the RRC said: mental health of healthcare of the research team, said: “Our a new, streamlined funding call process, 21 research proposals “Children with autism exhibit workers. project tackles the quarantine launched by Qatar National Re- were selected to receive funding. attention defi cit disorder and “We feel the Rapid Response enforcement issue, which will search Fund (QNRF) to help Qa- Researchers will be awarded other communicational and be- Call by QNRF is a perfect op- be relevant even after the crisis, tar combat Covid-19. grants worth up to QR100,000 havioural challenges that hinder portunity to emphasise mental and in case of future waves of QNRF, a Qatar Foundation each and three months to com- them from communicating on- health needs during and post this Covid-19. (QF) member and the region’s plete their projects. line using the traditional setting pandemic,” he said. “We have developed a smart leading research funding agency, Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, ex- of online teaching. This means “Our research team has bracelet that acts as a virtual has developed the Rapid Re- ecutive director of QNRF, said: parents are left in misery, with- identified reliable and valid in- link between the user and their sponse Call (RRC) from scratch in “At a time when we are in the out tools to help their children struments for measuring anxi- smartphone. The bracelet is not record time, and accelerated the grip of a global pandemic, QNRF continue learning from home. eties and coping responses of designed to sense any health evaluation and funding phases has decided to ramp up its eff orts “Our project proposes an aug- potential frontline healthcare characteristics, but is only used to ensure that the proposed out- to assume research leadership Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie mented reality application that worker participants, including for making sure that the user is comes of awarded projects are not only in the region, but in the provides a holistic remote learn- doctors, nurses, and paramed- physically close to their smart- met as soon as possible. world, by rolling out a special “A programme like the RRC the building of eff ective solu- ing platform which children with ics that explore any differences phone. The call aims to encourage re- research programme covering a meets the needs of the hour, as an tions and policies going forward. Autism can benefi t from, espe- related to factors such as age, “By monitoring the location of searchers to participate in pro- wide spectrum of sectors cur- eff ective response requires evi- Through RRC, we aim to instil cially at the present time when gender, education, and work the smartphone, we can ensure if viding impactful and innovative rently faced with unprecedented denced research for study prior agility in, and build the robust- the whole world is in lockdown experience.” the user is abiding by quarantine solutions on a fast-track basis, challenges posed by the spread of to shaping an informed response ness and resilience of, Qatari in- and children are being taught re- A research project that aims to measures through a cost-eff ec- through research projects that Covid-19.” to the impact of such crises and stitutions in order to address the motely.” develop an eff ective mechanism tive mechanism.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 9 HOL STIC

Zinc + Your Plant Wellbeing Based Diet What are your Eid plans? new habit of drinking warm water to date there are still conflicting with lemon in the morning and results — but overall, zinc appears couple it with a morning stretch to be beneficial in certain forms or session right after. Combine like- circumstances. minded routines to increase your A review of 18 studies found zinc commitment as you will see and supplements administered within feel you are accomplishing more at 24 hours of the onset of symp- the same time. toms reduced the duration of cold 3- Keep reminders everywhere. symptoms in healthy people. Zinc It’s always a good idea to keep gluconate reduced the symptoms notes, reminders or alarms to keep of a common cold by more than you on track, to engage your mind three days in 100 employees who and to keep you focused. Maybe By Ghanim al-Sulaiti took part in the study in Cleveland, By Reem Abdulrahman Jassim try a checklist where you can cross USA. Zinc was shown to reduce al-Muftah things off . As the world continues to adapt the activity and replication of 4- Don’t fall behind, try your to life in a pandemic, there are another coronavirus (Sars — which hardest to not let yourself go, re- positive signs emerging from caused an outbreak in 2002) id is just around the corner. member your answers to why you various studies around the world when tested in the laboratory. This year’s Eid will be diff er- changed. regarding the potential benefits While there are obvious ben- Eent than usual because of the to normal. First of all, we all have we won’t be having the usual cel- a routine and suddenly change, 5- Track and monitor your rou- from vitamins, minerals and sup- efits of Zinc with, or without a restrictions we have to follow due to be more focused on our health ebrations, we have to remain dis- there could be adverse eff ects, tine on your phone or somewhere plements. Today I want to discuss pandemic — for those eating a to the global pandemic, so what during these times as immunity ciplined and enjoy no matter what. specifi cally when you are follow- more visible like on a paper on the Zinc. plant-based diet it’s important to will you do? I really hope everyone is the number one line of defence I hope you have been reading ing a healthy routine, your body fridge, so you can feel good about Zinc is an essential mineral that highlight that there are ways to will follow the social distancing before anything else. We need to between the lines in my recent and immunity might be sensitive successfully completing what you our body cannot make by itself. increase the bioavailability of zinc and keep it small when it comes to make sure we are improving our articles and hopefully felt moti- to negative changes as you go back need and simultaneously motivate This means we have to get it from from plant-based foods: Soaking seeing others during this blessed health or at least maintaining it. I vated enough to take control of to your old ways. Therefore, keep you to fi nish what’s next and to our diet or supplements. Zinc has beans, seeds, and grains in water occasion. I am sure it will be hard hope you all agree and promise to your health as it is very, very clear in mind that your routine is critical stay on track. many important roles in our body: for several hours before cooking; for all of us to not be able to cele- work on yourself for yourself. Take now that health is the initial form and your health is the priority, not 6- Keep your family and friends it’s responsible for the activity of eating sprouted grains; and eating brate the usual way but remember, it as a sign or wake up call that of protection from sickness or oversleeping, overeating or taking in the loop, have them support and more than 300 diff erent enzymes, fermented grain products, such as everything happens for a reason. you need to stop and re-evaluate disease and it took a pandemic for a break from physical activity. Here motivate you or if you are willing, it’s vital for our immune system sourdough bread. Maybe we need a break from these your lifestyle because your health some people to wake up to that are a few tips to keep you on track have someone get or stay on track function including maintaining The studies surrounding zinc are big gatherings and to look inwards is crucial, especially during these realisation and possibly regret for after Ramadan: with you. the strength of our skin and for certainly interesting, but the best into our own homes and families times. So when it comes to Eid, not taking their or their family’s 1- Ask yourself why you changed All in all, 2020 is about change cells, it’s required for protein and way to support your immune sys- and celebrate the basics, the way please do not go straight back to health seriously. So if you have your old habits and started new and you need to get moving. Your DNA — it’s even important for tem is to eat a healthy, plant-based it used to be. But what else can you those bad eating habits, please do woken up and been taking good ones? Always remind yourself of health…your future is in your wound healing, for example when diet. While there are all kinds of do the night before Eid? I suggest not overeat the night before Eid or care of yourself, I need to reem- the reasons for the changes that hands. child grazes their knee, and it also claims online, the fact is that the reviewing your current health sta- the morning of and please do not phasise that if you suddenly go off you wanted. ensures the proper functioning of only diet that is genuinely full of tus, routine and lifestyle in order stay up late, the night before either. track with Eid celebrations then 2- Incorporate things into your „ The author is a wellness advocate our senses, specifically taste and vitamins and minerals essential to either keep or change things Let’s all get back on track the right you might put yourself at risk of routine that reinforce other new and infl uencer @keys2balance. smell. for boosting your immune system up for Eid and before going back way and start our Eid early, even if sickness. When people follow habits. For example, maybe start a Studies are now underway to ex- is a plant based diet. amine just how Zinc supplements In fact, a whole foods, plant-based may help protect individuals from diet contains 64-times the amount the coronavirus. There have been of immunity-boosting antioxi- hundreds of studies investigating dants compared to a diet that Depressed? Honestly Artistic zinc for the common cold. The includes meat and dairy. If you’re theory being examined now is not already, then cut out the that whether zinc could stop the antioxidant-depleted animal foods like your mental well-being and and they take everything personally. Art school teachers often binding together of the cold virus and start rewarding your body relationships. Therefore, dealing with moodiness asked me why I painted what to cells within the nose, and sup- with actual sources of goodness. and irrational attitude is never easy. I did. Sometimes I’d be able to press inflammation. Here are some factors that you need But you can help them through answer fast, other times I’d ask It is important to highlight that „ The author is an expert in vegan to consider and start considering these simple actions: myself – What is the meaning Covid-19 is a new disease, and wellbeing and health. Instagram addressing your depression: 1. Let them keep in touch with your behind this? Why did I paint it? we are still learning about it, so handle: @Ghanim92  1. Depression can aff ect your pro- loved ones through e-mail, phone What do these elements mean? ductivity. calls, or video calling. There were two options; I could 2. Moodiness due to depression can 2. Make sure that you remind them make up a story that would have aff ect your children, where they can that you are always there for them. my teachers and the audience internalise and act negatively. 3. Ask them to consult a doctor. stand back in awe of what I 3. It can aff ect your appetite, there- 4. Reach out for online therapists have to say, or I could tell the By Hala Bader al-Humaidhi fore, aff ecting your immune system. and psychiatrists. truth – I painted it because it Wellness Meal Plan 4. You can gain weight due to the 5. Involve them in any activity. By Gul Thakur looked good, I liked the colours high level of cortisol in your body, 6. Make them feel good about I used. But that’s not interesting, Mental health is as important as which is a chemical produced due themselves. is it? That’s not what’s going physical health. Especially when to stress. High levels of cortisol can 7. Motivate them and remind them There will never be a true defini- to impress my teachers, make there is a global pandemic resulting make your body go into a fat-storing of their achievements. tion of art that everyone agrees people buy my work or critique in a recession, there are many other stage. 8. Give yourself or your loved ones on. There will also not be a piece it. This leads me to question; determinants that cause depres- 5. You can have trouble with some space. of art that everyone calls ‘aes- does everything have to have a sion. And if you have a family who memory and making decisions. 9. Let them get involved in physical thetically’ pleasing to the eye. story behind it? Does it sound depends on you, the probability of 6. You can deal with insomnia, which activities. We often take advantage of the more artsy if I do? Ultimately, it’s being more prone to depression can further aff ect your body. These are essential steps and word ‘artistic’ because of how a battle between appreciating increases, compared to those who 7. Moreover, depression can degrade very crucial to a person who is it’s been used in the world today. art for the way it looks versus have no one to rely on. However, the quality of your and your loved depressed. Therefore, you need From something as small as a appreciating art after you know there are ways on how you can deal one’s life. to understand that being patient heart shaped cream design in a the message or the story behind with depression in this pandemic However, depression has its stages and compassionate are two critical coffee, to the Mona Lisa are all it. Not every art piece has a story and be productive instead. like many others disorders. If you factors. These factors are required categorised as artistic, so where to tell. Sometimes it just is what Here is an in-depth discussion as have these symptoms, then you when you are dealing with your do we draw the line between be- it is and there can be beauty in to how to deal with depression in need to act soon. loved one who is depressed. You ing honest in our expression and that as well. quarantine. Psychological symptoms, include also need to talk to your children being artistic in our expression? Society has made us believe continuous low mood or sadness, about it if your partner is dealing I could say art is an escape in that art could answer a lot of our First you need to understand what feeling hopeless and helpless, hav- with depression and ask them to my life but the truth is it’s the problems, but we never really are some of the factors that can ing low self-esteem, feeling tearful, be kind and look out for them. only thing I’ve ever been good ask ourselves as artists why contribute to depression or stress in feeling guilt-ridden, feeling irritable Since everyone is in a lockdown, at. If I ever failed at something, we really do it? I can’t conclude a lockdown: and intolerant to others, lack of the probability that a person it always had my back. It could on a definition of art, but at its 1. Fear and worry about your health interest and social involvement, not requires space, increases. Con- be used as an excuse to escape core, art is expression. However and your loved ones. indulging in any activity, finding it sequently, it is best to dedicate a your not so interesting life. expression isn’t one dimensional, 2. Changes in sleep or eating pat- diff icult to make decisions, not get- space exclusively for them and An excuse to say that you’re a it isn’t always structured or terns. ting any enjoyment out of life, and their activities, so they may retreat spiritual person who’s trying pre-meditated. It’s not always 3. Diff iculty sleeping or concentrat- feeling anxious or worried. and contemplate on life alone. something new, they aren’t beautiful or aesthetically pleas- ing. Physical symptoms, include moving Moreover, seeking professional already used to. It’s used as an ing. Yet it’s hard to separate the 4. Worsening of chronic health or speaking more slowly than usual, help is always recommended. In a excuse to be spectacular and act of painting and expressing problems. changes in appetite or weight (usu- lockdown there are health profes- call yourself an ‘artist.’ We label from the profession of being an 5. Worsening of mental health ally decreased, but sometimes in- sionals who are willing to off er ourselves with that word to give artist. Sometimes expression is conditions. creased), constipation, unexplained their services online. Therefore, ourselves an identity. I see peo- meaningless, but you have to 6. Fear of catching the pandemic. aches and pains, lack of energy, and consider seeking professional help ple in their mid 40s inviting me give it a meaning for it to fit into 7 Fear of being unemployed. disturbed sleep – for example, find- from the best doctors or therapists. to their exhibitions, and when the system of art. At the same 8 Fear of losing all your savings. ing it diff icult to fall asleep at night or Depression should not be taken for I do ask them why they paint I time, we aren’t always honest Statistics state that 1 out of 5 children waking up very early in the morning. granted or overlooked. The collat- get the same response “it makes with ourselves and it’s like we live with a parent who is depressed. If you and your loved ones have eral damage of depression can act me feel at peace”, “I discovered hide behind our art. It really Dealing with depression can hurt these symptoms, then you need to in layers and destroy a lot before it who I am through painting”. Is comes back to what we choose your children. Therefore, you must take these steps to address their is noticed! that how we feel, or do we tell and if we’re making this choice address your depression, especially depression before it gets worse. One ourselves that to live up to the for someone else, our expression if your children are not happy. It can important thing that you should „ The author is a consultant in word ‘artistic’? Today we believe will always be for an audience. Baked Pakoras: not only aff ect your children, but it acknowledge is that people who Public Relations and Personality that everything we do in life has Next time you think about your can also aff ect many other aspects, are depressed cannot act rationally, Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill a reason behind it. The same way passions, ask yourselves, who every design, and every painting you are really doing it for? Ingredients: • Juice of 1 lemon has a deeper meaning behind it, • Olive oil to grease or an intriguing story that makes • 1 medium potato, peeled and • Salt to taste a piece of art all the more inter- „ The author can be contacted on sliced in thin, small slices • 2 tbs chopped coriander bleaves The perfect time to forgive esting. It’s what draws people in. Instagram @gul24 • 1 sliced onion • 1 tsp chilli powder • 1 tsp carom seeds • 1 tsp cumin powder • 2 tbs chopped mint leaves • 1/2 tsp baking soda seal of forgiveness, acceptance and to ask for God’s forgiveness, we do • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder • 1/2 cup of water forwardness. need to start by forgiving ourselves. • 6 tbs chickpea powder How can we move up the ladder Ask yourself, what have I done of spiritual development when we wrong? Do I really want to change? For the yogurt dip: • A handful of finely chopped mint hold bitterness and anger towards What are the bad habits or the • Juice of 1/2 lemon another person? While we may mistakes that I made routinely? • 1 cup of yogurt • 1 grated cucumber have been in the right, is it worth Have I given much thought into sacrificing our energy on a grudge changing them? Am I all right in instead of on spiritual growth? seeing those changes? If I want to Method: tins, if that is more convenient Is there not something strange change and be forgiven, I need to Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. for you. Bake for 20 minutes in a about asking for God’s forgiveness do it for God’s sake. Ramadan is the Add one spoon of water at a time preheated oven on 250 Celsius. By Shefa Ali of our sins while withholding our perfect time to do that as during the while you are mixing. You want forgiveness from someone who has days of forgiveness, saying sorry thick consistency. Make medium For the yogurt dip all you need to hurt us? seems to become more light weight sized-pancake-shaped pakoras on do is mix all the ingredients The last most important days of Let us use these remaining days of than usual. a baking tray covered with bak- together and Enjoy The Taste of Ramadan are here, in addition to Ramadan to focus of forgiveness to Forgiveness is a liberating feeling, ing paper, or you can use muff in Eating Right! praying, it’s a time I like to think of open our hearts to those who have especially if it comes from God. So my dear ones, close and loved ones. wronged us and forgive them as we as Ramadan rolls on, find time to Even the ones who I have distanced ask God to forgive us. forgive yourself, to forgive others, to myself from, the ones I haven’t Forgiveness is letting go of the need apologise to those whom you may spoken to in a while. for revenge, any sense of bitterness have wronged, and to always sleep It’s a perfect time to contemplate or resentment and to let go of the with a clean heart. forgiveness, we all have people in past. While God does this with per- our lives who hurt us and maybe fection, it is in fact harder for us to „ The author is a consultant and who we have hurt unknowingly, this forgive ourselves first as well as ask coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ is the perfect time to let there be that for forgiveness, but in order for us shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times 10 Thursday, May 21, 2020 RAMADAN/AFRICA

Pursue good deeds Rwanda’s genocide suspect amadan is like age; it is short the successful. You should stand up, and passes by quickly. A wise for you will never succeed unless person spends Ramadan en- Allah The Almighty helps you and you Rgaged in doing what benefi ts will never be saved unless Allah The appears before French court him in the Hereafter – not in being Almighty grants you succor. Stand preoccupied with something else until up on the threshold of His door and Reuters Trial in Tanzania? Possible, says prosecutor it ends, and then regretting his inac- say, “O Allah, You are the Benefi cent, Paris tion when regret will not bring about the Aff ectionate, the Merciful.” Stand A Rwandan tycoon arrested in connection which also has an off ice in The Hague any benefi t. Sometimes, a person may up and repent for your misdeeds and with his country’s 1994 genocide after — is housed in a United Nations complex reach middle age before he wakes up your past sins. elicien Kabuga, indicted on more than two decades on the run, is where it has an ultramodern courtroom from his heedlessness and discov- Address Allah The Almighty, charges of genocide related to the expected to be tried at a tribunal in Tanza- and conserves the archives of the ers that he has wasted long hours in “Your servants other than me are F1994 Rwandan massacre of some nia, a prosecutor told AFP yesterday. Rwanda genocide trials. useless things that will not benefi t repeatedly; instead, be bashful before many, but I have no other lord but 800,000 people, appeared yesterday Felicien Kabuga, 84, one of the last The first to appear in the courtroom him before his Lord. In this case, what your Lord, and regard this feeling of You. Help me and reform me. My before a French court, four days after key fugitives wanted over the genocide, was Augustin Ngirabatware, planning should he do? remorse as a fuel that pushes you to Lord, God and Sustainer, I combat my his arrest following a quarter of a cen- was arrested at his home outside Paris minister at the time of the genocide who Should he be affl icted with do acts of obedience and prevent you soul, but it defeats me, I struggle with tury on the run. on Saturday after living for years under a was found guilty of inciting, aiding and frustration and despair, lose all hope from committing violations. it but it overcomes me. So, help me In his fi rst appearance in public in false identity. encouraging Hutu militiamen to kill their and kill the 100th man? (This refers to Do not look back; look ahead. Our overcome it. My heart is completely more than two decades, the octogenar- Serge Brammertz, the chief prosecu- Tutsi neighbours. the Hadith (narration) of a man who great Lord wipes out misdeeds with controlled by You, make obedience ian was brought into the courtroom in a tor for the Mechanism for International He lost an appeal against his 30-year killed 99 people and lost all hope of the repentance of His slaves. beloved to it and disobedience hateful wheelchair, dressed in jeans and a blue Criminal Tribunals (MICT), said Kabuga is sentence in 2019. repentance due to a monk’s words, so If you vowed to your Lord to give to it. My soul is owned by You, turn jumper and wearing a face mask. expected to be tried in Arusha, Tanzania, Following Kabuga’s arrest, seven other he killed him too and completed a set up smoking but you still smoke, never it to Your worship and help me to be Kabuga is accused of bankrolling and where he was in 1997 indicted on seven key fugitives remain. of 100 victims) Or should he persist mind. Make a new pledge and give up like the ones You love and are pleased arming the ethnic Hutu militias that charges, including genocide. They include former defence minister in seeking repentance, so that when smoking. If you pledged to your Lord with during the remaining part of waged the 100-day killing spree against “It is fully expected that the trial will Augustin Bizimana and top-ranking he shows truthfulness and sincerity to give up watching TV serials but you Ramadan. Rwanda’s Tutsis and moderate Hutus. take place in Arusha,” said Brammertz. military figure Protais Mpiranya. to Allah The Almighty, He directs him continue to do so, never mind. You O Allah, allow me to witness Laylat Rwanda’s most wanted fugitive, “Of course, in light of the global pan- Brammertz said international trackers to the most knowledgeable person on can give up now. Despite whatever you Al-Qadr, save me from the Fire, grant Kabuga was arrested on Saturday in a demic, where there are obvious health were “motivated more than ever to find earth in order to give him hope and did in the past, it is what is possible me the sweetness of fasting, praying Paris suburb. concerns as well as diff iculties in interna- the remaining fugitives”. guides him to the right path? now that is more important. at night and reciting the Qur’an. His lawyers said in a statement ahead tional travel, it cannot be excluded that As the most significant suspects still Regardless of one’s eagerness to do You should wake up now and strive If You will not help me, You will of the hearing that Kabuga had the right Kabuga may first be transferred to The sought over the attack the two would good deeds, each one of us is guilty sincerely like the one who realises the destroy me; and if You will entrust to be presumed innocent and opposed Hague while preparations are made for also, if caught, be tried by the MICT. of negligence to a certain extent, and merits of the remaining part of the me to myself, You will entrust me to being transferred from France to a UN his transfer to Arusha.” However the others would be handed thus, one should be determined to month of Ramadan. You should strive something weak, defi cient and prone tribunal that handles crimes against The Arusha branch of the MICT — to Rwandan authorities. make up for the time he has wasted like the one who realises that he would to evildoing. There is no power nor humanity based in Tanzania. and strive harder. be ruined if the month passes and he strength save in You. I entreat You in Defence lawyer Laurent Bayon told Once, Al-Fudhayl ibn ‘Iyaadh, does not receive the forgiveness of prayer, while I disobey You when I am the court Kabuga wished to be tried in Kabuga’s voice was weak, but audi- chetes, according to the UN tribunal’s may Allah have mercy upon him, Allah The Almighty. alone. How grave is my sin but how France. ble, as he confi rmed through an inter- indictment. He also co-owned Radio admonished a man with such You should renew your intention and great is Your tolerance! I supplicate The court will decide whether to preter his identity and parents names. Television Milles Collines, whose radio eloquence that the man’s heart sank, recharge the battery of your morale. You when I am in need of something, hand Kabuga to the UN International He gave his date of birth as March 1, station broadcast anti-Tutsi messages and he asked Al-Fudhayl ‘What You should stand up, bow, prostrate but I forget You when I am overcome Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tri- 1933. that fanned the ethnic hatred. should I do, O Abu ‘Ali?’ ‘Pursue good and supplicate Allah The Almighty by desires. How mean I am but how bunals. Kabuga’s arrest marked the end of a The United States had placed a $5mn deeds in what remains and your past as you have never done before. This broad and comprehensive is Your The international court is based in more than two-decade long hunt that bounty on his head. negligence will be forgiven,’” replied is the key to salvation, the secret of mercy!” the Hague, Netherlands and Arusha, spanned Africa and Europe. The French court granted a request Al-Fudhayl. happiness, the ultimate success and Remember: what is possible now Tanzania. A one-time tea and coff ee tycoon, by the defence to defer the hearing and Yes, pursue good deeds to make the only goal worth seeking. is better than what is past, by the The IRMCT’s chief prosecutor told he is accused of being a main fi nancier set the next date for May 27. up for your past negligence. Do not Stand up and persistently entreat permission of the Most Merciful. Reuters the court had already requested of the genocide, paying for the militias Exiting the courtroom, Kabuga raised despair because of breaching your your Lord. If He helps you and grants Article source: http://www. Kabuga be transferred to United Na- that carried out the massacres, as well his fi st as several relatives including one covenants with Allah The Almighty you success, you will indeed be among islamweb.net/emainpage/ tions custody. as importing huge numbers of ma- son voiced encouragement. Shariah Committee allows Zakat al-Fitr to be paid early

QNA Awqaf Ministry distributes in-kind Kenya fl oods uproot families, disrupt fi shing Doha Zakat al-Fitr, Eid clothes to needy

Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf (Endowment) The Ministry of Awqaf (Endowment) distributing 4,000 Zakat al-Fitr in kind Reuters and Islamic Aff airs’ Shariah Committee and Islamic Affairs started, through to those who are registered with the Za- Lake Victoria, Kenya issued yesterday a decision allowing the Zakat Fund, to distribute in-kind kat Fund and the Hifz Al Naema Center, Zakat al-Fitr to be paid early. Zakat al-Fitr to those in need in Qa- in addition to Eid clothes distributed to The committee, chaired by Sheikh Dr tar, and Eid clothes to needy people the eligible. randmother Millicent Agata’s Thaqil bin Sayer al-Shammari, said that in co-operation with Hifz Al Naema In-kind Zakat al-Fitr will be distributed small farm has disappeared en- the designated authorities can receive Center. to 1,500 families, 2,500 workers and Eid Gtirely under the fl oodwaters of a Zakat al-Fitr during Ramadan and are The ministry launched the initiative by clothes to 1,500 families. swollen Lake Victoria, forcing her fam- considered a representative of the state ily to join tens of thousands of other and the poor. Kenyans seeking shelter from the worst The committee’s statement said that needy people would probably spend It added that the money paid would still fl oods in three generations. the purpose of Zakat al-Fitr was to help it before Eid arrives. It cannot also be count as Zakat even if it reaches the poor Agata, from Khadundu village in the poor during Eid. delayed after Eid, as people should give after Eid, given the designated authorities western Kenya’s Busia county, has been It added that it was possible to give the Zakat as soon as it is ready. act as a representative of the poor. living in a temporary camp for dis- Zakat a day or two before Eid, so that a The committee concluded that The committee added that the placed families for at least three weeks. poor person can use it for Eid. based on these aspects they found it spending of Zakat before Eid or after “The water came and swept away our They noted however that Zakat al-Fitr appropriate to give Zakat al-Fitr during was also possible if there is a reason to houses and everything we owned; we cannot be given long before Eid, as Ramadan to the designated authorities. do so. came here with nothing. We are in great need of assistance, especially food,” Agata said, as she prepared a meal for her grandchildren. A woman wades through waters after homes were flooded, as River Nzoia burst Floods and landslides have killed its banks due to heavy rainfall and the backflow from Lake Victoria, in Budalangi        at least 194 people in the East African within Busia County, Kenya. country and displaced 100,000, the      government said earlier this month. “Now we don’t have anywhere to mate change is exacerbating problems The region is also being ravaged by farm, we don’t have anywhere to build caused by deforestation and poor land  an invasion of locusts. Lake Victoria, on our houses,” he said. management. East Africa had a record Kenya’s southern border, has washed Some of those forced to move are number of cyclones last year. over farmland and houses. fi shermen like Michael Arakwa. “The fl oods, the drought, the wild-  . .  Scientists say it hasn’t been this high “This is one of the biggest disasters fi res that we see are a result of the cli- since 1964. The shoreline has crept for- we have ever witnessed here in Bun- mate crisis,” said Amos Wemanya, a    ward 10km, local offi cial Casper Ajuma yala,” he said. campaigner for Greenpeace Africa. told Reuters. Environmental campaigners say cli- “We don’t have time to waste.” 

        Burundians shrug off pandemic to vote   AFP After a campaign marked by violence Since the 2015 election, state forces . Bujumbura and arbitrary arrests Rwasa’s party have been accused by the UN and rights slammed pressure on its electoral ob- groups of grave rights violations such servers and alleged fraud. as torture, disappearances, sexual vio- . urundians voted yesterday in Obed Ntakiyiruta, a lawmaker and lence and executions. tense elections to replace their representative of Rwasa’s National The turmoil has only worsened the  Blong-ruling president, with the Freedom Council (CNL) in south- situation for many, prompting tradi- opposition crying foul over arrests and western Rumonge province, told AFP tional donors to cut ties with the coun-  intimidation, and little attention paid his party’s electoral agents had been try and leading to two years of recession to the coronavirus pandemic. chased out of polling stations. followed by paltry growth.  The election comes after fi ve years “In some places we saw ballot boxes The hardship is now likely to be ag- of turmoil sparked by President Pierre being stuff ed. Elsewhere people aren’t gravated by fallout of the coronavirus            Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term, which allowed to vote privately and are under pandemic.              unleashed unrest that left at least 1,200 pressure to vote for the ruling party.” Burundi has not imposed any move- dead and saw 400,000 fl ee the country. An independent journalist and wit- ment restrictions on its 11mn people, as     Burundians waited in long lines, with nesses confi rmed these allegations. other East African countries have done, no social distancing observed, to cast Security ministry spokesman Pierre and large crowds gathered at campaign       their vote in an election taking place Nkurikiye laid the blame on the opposi- rallies. without international observers, while tion and said around 10 members of the Only 42 cases and one death have   social media such as WhatsApp, Face- CNL had been arrested over “minor” been offi cially recorded. book and Twitter were cut off . incidents such as “attempted fraud”. Observers note that while Nday-     More than 5mn registered voters are However as voting stations began ishimiye is considered the frontrunner, being asked to choose between Nku- closing at 1600 GMT, he said security Rwasa drew impressive crowds during      runziza’s hand-picked heir and front- had been “very good.” his campaign. runner, 52-year-old general Evariste “No security incident was men- “There is a phenomenon of despair,           Ndayishimiye, the main opposition tioned in the reports we received and a feeling of ‘anything but the CNDD-           competitor Agathon Rwasa and fi ve you saw the population voting mas- FDD’, and Rwasa is riding this wave,” other candidates. sively...they voted in calm and seren- said International Crisis Group (ICG)  Elections are also being held for par- ity,” he told AFP. expert Onesphore Sematumba. liament MPs and local councillors who Electoral commission chief Pierre Ndayishimiye is a party veteran who,     appoint the members of the Senate. Claver Kazihise said there had been “a like Nkurunziza, fought for the ethnic Primary school teacher Patrice, 30, strong turnout”. Hutu rebellion during the country’s     who voted in northern Ngozi, said it Counting has already begun in some 1993-2006 civil war with the minor- was “time for change”. “(Nkurunzi- stations, and results are expected early ity Tutsi-dominated army. The war left    za) did good and bad things....today I next week. some 300,000 dead. want (Rwasa’s) CNL to win because the Burundi, which has a long history Rwasa, 56, was a leader of one of the country needs new blood.” of violent ethnic tensions between its two biggest Hutu rebel groups in the     However ruling party supporter Ger- Hutu and Tutsi communities and saw war. In the eyes of the majority Hutu — trude, in central Mwaro province, said several presidents assassinated or oust- 85% of the population — Rwasa has as   she would vote for Ndayishimiye “so ed in military coups after independence much legitimacy as a presidential can- that he can continue the legacy of our from Belgium in 1962, is listed by the didate as his rival.   president Pierre Nkurunziza...and beat World Bank as one of the world’s three “The people won’t let their victory poverty”. poorest countries. be stolen,” Rwasa warned. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 11 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Meeting discusses Abbas warns of total pandemic impact break in co-ordination on Arab population in case of Israeli move

AFP came out against Netanyahu’s QNA Ramallah plan to apply Israeli sovereignty Cairo to Jewish settlements and the strategic Jordan Valley, which alestinian president makes up around 30% of the he Arab Population and Mahmoud Abbas has West Bank. Development Council of Pwarned that Israeli an- Under the coalition agree- A member of the medical team wears a protective suit as she Tthe General Secretariat of nexations in the occupied West ment Netanyahu signed with collects saliva of a man to be checked at a testing centre for the Arab League held a meeting Bank would spell the end of all rival-turned-partner Benny coronavirus disease (Covid-19), in Tehran, yesterday. yesterday via video conference security co-ordination, as in- Gantz, the two can bring an- to discuss the possible repercus- ternational opposition to the nexation to cabinet for discus- sions of the coronavirus (Cov- plans grows. sion from July 1. id-19) pandemic on the future Palestinians say any annexa- King Abdullah II of Jordan, of the population in the Arab tion would put an end to their warned last week annexation Iran says ‘curbing world. hopes of an independent state would put Israel on course for The meeting also discussed alongside Israel, the so-called a “massive confl ict” with his population measures and poli- two-state solution. country. virus’ despite over cies that Arab countries can take In a speech late Tuesday, Ab- The UN’s special Middle East to address the impact of this bas said the annexation plans envoy yesterday called on Israel pandemic, especially on aff ected showed Israel was no longer to “abandon threats of annexa- 2,000 new cases groups and the most vulnerable abiding by peace accords be- tion”. groups, as well as means of ben- tween the two. “The continuing threat of efi ting from Arab experiences As such, he said, the Pales- annexation by Israel of parts of AFP He added that most of the and best practices in facing and tinian government was “ab- the West Bank would consti- Tehran fatalities since Iran reported limiting the spread of the virus solved, as of today, of all the tute a most serious violation of its first two deaths in Febru- and assessing precautionary agreements and understand- international law,” envoy Nick- ary were above 70 years old, measures and their impact on ings with the American and Is- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during the leadership olay Mladenov warned a meet- ran yesterday said it was and that younger Iranians achieving sustainable develop- raeli governments and of all the meeting at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. ing of the Security Council. close to “curbing” the new were in less danger. ment and population policies. obligations based on these un- Mladenov said he would Icoronavirus outbreak even Health ministry spokes- It also discussed the role of derstandings and agreements, Abbas even needs co-ordi- last desperate shot across the speak today with Palestinian as it reported more than 2,000 man Kianoush Jahanpour the national population councils including the security ones.” nation to travel from Ramallah, bow.” Netanyahu has been leaders about the practical con- fresh infections for the third said 2,346 new infections and committees in strengthen- Abbas did not go into detail where the government is based, emboldened by the staunch sequences of their announce- day in a row. were confirmed across the ing national responses to limit about the implications of such a to any other Palestinian city. support of President Donald ment, which were not spelled “We have been progressing country in the past 24 hours, the spread of this pandemic and step, but it is his strongest card Tareq Baconi of the Interna- Trump, whose controversial out by Abbas. at every step in the past three raising the total to 126,949. its eff ects on the population. as he seeks to pressure Israel to tional Crisis Group think-tank peace plan released in January The European Union, Arab months...in fi ghting this dan- More than 98,800 of those Ambassador Dr Haifa Abu hold back. said the Palestinian leadership gave Israel US blessing to annex League and individual Euro- gerous virus and are nearly on hospitalised had recovered Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary- Mahmoud Aloul, vice-pres- had provided little clarity about swathes of the West Bank. pean governments have also the verge of curbing this dis- and were discharged, while General, Head of the Social Af- ident of Abbas’ Fatah party, what ending security co-ordi- US Democratic presidential come out in fi rm opposition to ease,” said President Hassan 2,673 were in critical condi- fairs Sector at Arab League, said said that implementation of nation would mean. nominee Joe Biden on Tuesday the annexation plans. Rouhani. tion. He also raised the death that the meeting is taking place the decisions would be fi nalised “The impact isn’t just free- Iran would “even not have toll to 7,183 with 64 fatalities at the precise time in light of the in the coming days but “as of dom of movement, it is every- these problems” if health in the past day. repercussions of the coronavirus last night all communications thing, even where food supply Palestinians ‘should keep security co-operation’ protocols “were more closely According to Jahanpour, epidemic, which has directly af- with the Israeli side, including lines come from,” he said. “It observed in some of the prov- there were no deaths over the fected the health, economic and security co-operation, were can’t be dismantled overnight.” US Secretary of State Mike continue to be in place, that the inces that are currently in an same period in nearly a third social conditions of Arab citi- stopped”. Abbas, 85, has been in In reality, he said, Abbas was Pompeo yesterday voiced work that’s done on the ground unfavourable situation”, he of Iran’s provinces, while zens. power since 2005 and has made seeking to build pressure on Is- regret at Palestinian threats to there to keep people in Israel told a televised cabinet meet- eight others only had one. He also referred to the re- multiple previous threats to end rael to tone down annexation end security co-ordination if Is- and Palestinians safe will con- ing. Khuzestan province was still sulting impact and pressure on security co-operation with Is- plans. rael annexes occupied territory tinue,” Pompeo told reporters. At least 24 of Iran’s 434 the worst-hit, and the rest of the health potential and social rael without following through. Hugh Lovatt, Israel-Pales- in line with President Donald “I regret that he’s decided to counties were “red” — the the country was in “relative protection systems in the Arab A genuine end to such co- tine analyst at the European Trump’s Middle East plan. abrogate these agreements,” highest level on the coun- stability”, he added. countries, its repercussions on ordination could jeopardise the Council on Foreign Relations, Palestinian president Mahmoud Pompeo said. try’s colour-coded risk scale, Iran’s virus cases have been the economic situation and its relative calm in the West Bank, agreed. Abbas, playing one of his only Pompeo, who met Netanyahu according to deputy health on a rising trajectory since impact on increasing poverty where 2.7mn Palestinians live “We have been here before, cards, said on Tuesday evening in Jerusalem last week, said the minister Alireza Raisi. May 2, when it reported its rates in all its dimensions and alongside more than 400,000 many times. Abbas has yet to that his government was Palestinians would benefit from He said at a virus taskforce lowest new infections since unemployment, which requires Israeli settlers. follow through, emptying such absolved of all agreements with the Trump plan, which prom- meeting broadcast on Tues- March 10. rapid action by governments Israel controls all access to threats of any potential deter- Israel and the United States — ises them an independent but day that 218 counties were A taskforce official said and co-operation between Arab the territory where Abbas’ gov- rence,” he said. including three-way security condensed and demilitarised still deemed low-risk, which Sunday that the rise was due countries as part of collective ernment is based and even basic “Yet, as annexation looms, co-operation. “We hope that state as well as international could drop to 183 since the to a surge in testing as Iran response measures to confront tasks require co-ordination be- his declaration should none- the security arrangements will investment. virus had “started peaking” started “looking at those in- the pandemic. tween the two sides. theless be interpreted as one in some regions. fected and not hospitalised”. In Syria’s war-torn Idlib, travelling After warning, Iran Guards barbers bring relief to children says its navy will kill two still operate in Gulf ‘terrorists’ Reuters Idlib, Syria Reuters was “designed to enhance AFP Dubai safety, minimise ambiguity Tehran t a soccer stadium in and reduce the risk of miscal- Syria’s Idlib re-pur- culation”. Aposed to shelter people he Iranian navy will It follows an incident last ran’s Revolutionary Guards displaced by war, children are maintain regular mis- month in which 11 Iranian ves- killed two “counter-rev- being off ered a service highly Tsions in the Gulf, the sels came close to US Navy and Iolutionary terrorists” in a sought after since the corona- ISNA news agency reported Coast Guard ships in the Gulf clash in the western province virus pandemic set in: a hair- yesterday, a day after the in what the US military called of Kurdistan, state television’s cut. United States warned mariners “dangerous and provocative” website reported yesterday. The camp is one of several in there to stay away from US behaviour. At midday on Tuesday, the Syria’s war-torn northwest re- warships. Tehran blamed its longtime Guards “in a joint operation gion where makeshift barbers “The naval units of the Is- adversary for the incident. with Kurdistan province’s in- are being set up by the Inter- lamic Republic of Iran in the Friction between Tehran and telligence organisation fought national Association for Relief Gulf and the Gulf of Oman Washington has risen since an eight-man counter-revolu- and Development (ONSUR), will continue their regular 2018, when Trump quit Iran’s tionary group and killed two of part of a project to bring relief missions in accordance with 2015 nuclear deal with six them,” state television quoted a to children during the Eid holi- professional principles as in powers and reimposed sanc- Guards’ statement as saying. day that marks the end of Ram- A volunteer hairdresser from the International Association for Relief and Development (ONSUR) wearing the past,” ISNA quoted an un- tions on the country that crip- Four other members of the adan. a face mask and gloves cuts the hair of an internally displaced boy, ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, amid named military offi cial as say- pled its economy. group were wounded and the rest “Today we came to the camp concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at an IDP camp in Idlib, Syria. ing. The head of Iran’s elite Rev- fl ed into the mountains, it added. to give children haircuts ahead The US warning to mariners olutionary Guards last month They were still being pursued. of the Eid holiday in order to home to more than 3mn people, disaster. To minimise the risk try to separate people in the followed US President Donald said Tehran would destroy The clash occurred near the town bring their hearts joy and to has not had a confi rmed case of of contagion, ONSUR’s barbers camps, it’s almost impossi- Trump’s threat last month to US warships if its security is of Marivan, the statement said, prevent crowds from gather- the novel coronavirus, but doc- are operating in individual tents ble, but we’re doing our best fi re on any Iranian ships that threatened in the Gulf. Iran’s without naming the group. For ing at barber shops,” said Abdul tors fear its shattered medical or setting up designated haircut to serve people and protect harass US Navy vessels. rulers consider the US military much of the past 40 years, Iran has Wahab al-Daif, a 33-year-old infrastructure and overfl owing areas to help maintain social them from disease,” said Mo- The Bahrain-based US Na- presence in the Middle East a been battling Kurdish militants barber. camps could quickly turn any distancing. hamed Najjar, ONSUR’s Idlib val Forces Central Command threat to the Islamic Republic’s who use bases in Iraqi Kurdistan The rebel-held northwest, outbreak into a humanitarian “No matter how much you director. said in a statement its notice security. to mount attacks.

Kuwait reports 804 Algeria cracks down on social media activists new virus cases and three deaths Three aid workers killed in South Sudan clashes Algeria has sentenced three rial, the National Committee opposition activists to jail for the Release of Detainees The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health yes- over Facebook posts, in (CNLD) announced on its terday announced 804 additional what rights groups said Facebook page. AFP munities broke out over the given confl icting reports and decades-old pendulum swing infections with the novel corona- Juba weekend in the northeastern claims,” it said. of violence and revenge by the yesterday was the latest sign Human rights group Am- virus (Covid-19), taking the total town of Pieri, where peace- Moses Majok Gatluak, a two cattle-rustling commu- of increased repression after nesty said two other activ- count to 17,568, QNA reported. The keepers have been interviewing member of the Lou Nuer group nities. the coronavirus lockdown ists, Larbi Tahar and Boussif ministry also reported three more outh Sudan’s UN peace- survivors, the UN mission said and former local offi cial in the The fighting often leaves stifled a popular protest Mohamed Boudiaf, were deaths due to the virus, bringing keeping mission said yes- in a statement. area, said that 211 people were hundreds dead, with one at- movement. handed 18-month prison the country’s death toll to 124 so Sterday it was investigat- “The team is investigating killed and 300 injured, but that tack in 2009 killing up to 750, Soheib Debaghi was sentences by a court in the far, according to Kuwait News ing reports that “many people” reports that many people were toll could not be independently according to the UN. sentenced in Algiers to one western town of El Bayadh, Agency. The latest cases were due had died in a surge of intercom- killed, injured and lost their verifi ed. “These violent assaults on year in prison on charges also for posts on Facebook. to close contacts with confirmed munal violence that killed three homes,” the statement said, He said the Murle had at- civilian communities as part of encouraging an illegal The prosecution had called patients or with cases under surveil- aid workers and left several adding that “many” huts were tacked Lou Nuer villages. The of an ongoing cycle of revenge gathering, insulting an of- for three-year jail terms, at lance, the ministry’s spokesman Dr missing. burnt to the ground. attack comes after a strike by must stop,” said David Shear- ficial body and publishing the hearing held by vide- Abdullah al-Sanad said. Clashes between members of “However, it is diffi cult to the Lou Nuer against the Mur- er, the UN’s special represent- potentially damaging mate- oconference, the CNLD said. the Murle and Lou Nuer com- verify the number of casualties le earlier this year — part of a ative for South Sudan. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, May 21, 2020 AMERICAS

POLITICS TECH TALK CRIME JUSTICE SEASIDE STORY Trump fumes over Nevada, Google Cloud secures US Canada charges teen with Missouri carries out first Michigan mail-in voting defence dept contract terrorism over murder US pandemic execution

President Donald Trump yesterday called Alphabet Inc’s Google Cloud said yesterday it has Canadian police have upgraded charges against A Missouri man convicted of murdering an plans for expanded mail-in voting in Michigan secured a deal with the United States Department a teenager accused of murder to include terrorist elderly woman three decades ago was put to and Nevada illegal, without citing a specific of Defense to help detect and respond to cyber activity, after finding evidence it was an incel- death in Missouri on Tuesday, marking the first law, and threatened to withhold funding to the threats. The deal allows the Defense Innovation inspired attack, police announced on Tuesday. execution in the United States since the outbreak states. “This was done illegally and without Unit to run applications across platforms Incel, a contraction of “involuntary celibate,” is of the coronavirus pandemic. Walter Barton, 64, authorisation by a rogue Secretary of State. I including Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services a term used by an online community of men was pronounced dead at 6.10pm at the Eastern will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they and Microsoft Azure while being managed who see themselves as unable to attract women. Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in want to go down this Voter Fraud path!” Trump through the Google Cloud Console, the company The 17-year-old male was initially charged with Bonne Terre, Missouri, state corrections off icials wrote on Twitter. “State of Nevada ‘thinks’ that said. The contract may be in seven figures, online first-degree murder over an attack in Toronto said. He was executed for the 1991 murder of they can send out illegal vote by mail ballots, news site Axios reported citing a reply from the which left one woman dead, the Royal Canadian Gladys Kuehler, 81. Barton was convicted of creating a great Voter Fraud scenario for company. Google had earlier made a bid for a Mounted Police said in a statement. Police and stabbing Kuehler more than 50 times in her the State and the US They can’t! If they do, ‘I $10bn cloud computing contract with the defence prosecutors later determined the crime was Ozark, Missouri home in the trailer park she A man walks with a child on the beach, during think’ I can hold up funds to the State,” Trump department, which was ultimately awarded to inspired by the incel movement, which they deem managed. Barton was found guilty of murder the coronavirus outbreak in the Rockaway tweeted. Microsoft Corporation. an ideologically motivated extremist movement. and sentenced to death in March 2006. section of Queens in New York City. Thousands evacuated as Michigan dams fail

Thousands of residents were being evacuated in Michigan yesterday after two dams failed following heavy rains and triggered what off icials Trump blames China for warned will be “historic” flooding. Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Midland County, site of the breached dams in Edenville and Sanford in the central part of the state. “Residents in the area have been instructed to evacuate immediately,” Whitmer said late ‘mass Worldwide killing’ on Tuesday in an address from the state’s emergency response centre. By Sebastian Smith, AFP Pompeo says IG should The National Weather Service warned of life- Washington have been fi red earlier threatening flash flooding and urged people in the area to seek higher ground at once. US Secretary of State Mike The downtown area of Midland, a city of resident Donald Trump yes- Pompeo yesterday defended about 42,000 people, could soon be under terday again lashed out at Chi- his recommendation the State approximately 9ft (2.7m) of water, according to Pna over the coronavirus pan- Department’s inspector general Whitmer. “We are anticipating an historic high demic, blaming Beijing for “mass be fired, saying he should have water level,” the governor said. Worldwide killing.” done it earlier, and rejected It was unclear whether there were any fatalities His early morning tweet, which claims his decision was motivated caused by the flooding, according to the Detroit also referred to an unidentifi ed by political retaliation. However, Free Press. “wacko in China,” was the lat- Pompeo in a news conference The flooding disaster and the evacuation est heated rhetoric from the White declined to explain the rationale are being compounded by the coronavirus House, where Trump is making at- for the firing of Steve Linick. pandemic, which has forced Michiganders and all tacks on Beijing a centrepiece of his “In this case, I recommended to Americans to observe social distancing in order November reelection bid. the president that Steve Linick to avoid spreading the virus. “It was the ‘incompetence of Chi- be terminated. Frankly should Whitmer urged those evacuating to shelters to na’, and nothing else, that did this have done it some time ago,” wear face masks and maintain social distancing mass Worldwide killing,” the presi- he said, adding that he did not when possible. dent tweeted. have information about any Multiple rivers in Michigan — a northern state The virus fi rst appeared in the investigations Linick’s off ice had surrounded by the Great Lakes — had reached Chinese city of Wuhan last Decem- been carrying out. “There are flood stage by Tuesday after up to four inches of ber and spread rapidly around the claims that this was for retaliation, rain fell in recent days, the Free Press reported. world, killing more than 323,000 for some investigation that the people at the latest count, and trig- inspector general’s off ice here was gering huge economic damage. engaged in. Patently false. I have Prosecutors flay bid to Trump initially played down the no sense of what investigations seriousness of the threat and said were taking place inside the drop Flynn charges repeatedly he believed China was inspector general’s off ice,” he said. addressing the outbreak. He later NYPD Mounted Unit off icers visit Lenox Hill Hospital to show gratitude to the medical staff in New York City. More than 1,100 former US federal prosecutors pivoted to blaming China for allow- yesterday blasted the attempt by Republican ing the international spread. with China and comes after months ten that in the past, US leaders have eff orts to fi ght the pandemic,” state is ideologically and politically hos- President Donald Trump’s Justice Department to The White House has also suggest- of eff usive praise for his Chinese repeatedly and publicly praised news agency Xinhua reported. tile to free nations.” dismiss a charge against former national security ed, without off ering evidence so far, counterpart Xi Jinping. China’s anti-epidemic work,” Zhao “China is willing to continue to Pompeo, a close Trump ally, said adviser Michael Flynn, saying the move puts Trump’s that the virus originated in a labora- Tempers are also fraying in China, said. work with the international com- China was led by a “brutal, authori- personal interests ahead of the public good. tory and was accidentally released. where foreign ministry spokesman Zhao blamed US politicians “who munity, including Bangladesh, to tarian regime.” The criticism came in a legal brief the nonprofit Trump has made repeated but Zhao Lijian previously provoked want to shift the blame but can’t support the WHO’s leadership role, “The Chinese Communist Party’s The Protect Democracy Project plans to file in vague threats of retaliation against Washington’s ire by promoting a shift it away.” promote international joint preven- response to the Covid-19 outbreak federal court in Washington. the chief US economic rival. conspiracy theory that the virus During a phone call with Bangla- tion and control co-operation, and in Wuhan has accelerated our more They accused Attorney General William Barr of He has also threatened to break off was fi rst brought to China by the US deshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- safeguard global public health secu- realistic understanding of Com- abusing his oath of off ice by asking to dismiss the US funding to the World Health Or- military. na, Xi also appeared to swipe at the rity,” Xi said. munist China,” he said. “Today, as criminal charge against Flynn, who has pleaded ganization over what he says was its Pushing back at Trump’s WHO United States. But US secretary of State Mike we all sit here this morning, Beijing guilty to one count of lying to the FBI. assistance to China in covering up criticism, Zhao yesterday highlight- “Xi emphasised that China op- Pompeo told a news conference yes- continues to deny investigators ac- The group included former acting attorney the extent of the outbreak. ed what he called the “many mis- poses actions that interfere with terday that the Covid-19 crisis had cess to relevant facilities, to with- general Stuart Gerson — who served in that role The diplomatic rift is rapidly takes and loopholes on the US side, international anti-epidemic co-op- ended US illusions of close ties with hold live virus samples, to censor under Bill Clinton, and former deputy attorney opening just after Trump had been their lies and rumours.” eration and harm the world’s — and China, saying “we greatly underes- discussion on the pandemic within general Donald Ayer, who served under George celebrating a truce in his trade war “The US has seemingly forgot- especially developing countries’ — timated the degree to which Beijing China and much, much more.” H W Bush — marks the latest development in an escalating drama over whether US District Judge Emmet Sullivan will grant the department’s bombshell request to drop the case. “The government’s request in this case does not appear to advance the interests of justice or the Roe vs Wade case plaintiff says she was paid to switch sides public, nor does it appear to be free of impermissible and unlawful taint,” they wrote in a prepared filing seen by Reuters, adding that the request “appears to By Jill Serjeant, Reuters makes what she calls a “deathbed journalists in advance. The Rev Robert Schenck, one of the documentary. “The jig is up.” serve President Trump’s personal political interests, Los Angeles confession.” It traces McCorvey’s troubled the evangelical pastors who worked In a separate blog post on Tues- rather than the interests of the public.” “I took their money and they took youth, how she became the poster with McCorvey after her conversion day, Schenck said he hoped people Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general who me out in front of the cameras and child of abortion rights and her to Christianity in the mid-1990s, would watch “AKA Jane Roe.” was briefly Trump’s national security adviser, orma McCorvey, the woman told me what to say,” she says on about-face in the 1990s when she looked stunned as he was shown her “You’ll see me express profound pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about known as “Jane Roe” in the camera. announced she was baptized as a interview as part of the documen- regret for how movement lead- interactions with Russia’s US Ambassador Sergey Nlandmark 1973 US Supreme “I did it well too. I am a good ac- born-again Christian who cam- tary. ers (like me) mistreated Norma,” he Kislyak in the weeks before Trump took off ice. Court Roe vs Wade ruling legalising tress. Of course, I’m not acting now.” paigned against abortion. Schenck said the anti-abortion wrote in the blog. After agreeing to co-operate, Flynn switched abortion, said she was lying when “If a young woman wants to have The documentary was fi lmed in movement had exploited her weak- “Her name and photo would com- lawyers and tactics, arguing the FBI tricked him she switched to support the anti- an abortion, that’s no skin off my the last months of her life before her nesses for its own ends and ac- mand some of the largest windfalls and asked that his plea agreement be dismissed. abortion movement, saying she had (expletive). That’s why they call it death at age 69 in 2017 in Texas. knowledged she had been paid for of dollars for my group and many Sullivan has made it clear he is not willing to been paid to do so. choice,” she added. The 1973 Supreme Court ruling her appearances on the movement’s others, but the money we gave her simply rubber-stamp the request. He appointed In a new documentary, made be- “AKA Jane Roe,” will be broadcast has for decades been the focus of behalf. was modest. More than once, I tried retired Judge John Gleeson to present arguments fore her death in 2017 and due to on the FX cable channel tomorrow a divisive political, legal and moral “What we did with Norma was to make up for it with an added on whether Flynn should face an additional be broadcast tomorrow, McCorvey but was made available to television debate. highly unethical,” Schenck said in check, but it was never fair.” criminal contempt charge for perjury. Canada stores start reopening after coronavirus pandemic lockdown

By Michel Comte, AFP a fi nancial hit over the temporary the greenlight to shopping malls, Customers wishing to try on Ottawa closure of her store. barbers and farmers’ markets. clothes will prove troublesome, But, she added, “I just really Hardest-hit by the pandemic, as handled items must be put missed the people.” Quebec’s largest city Montreal away for 72 hours before being n Ottawa’s ByWard Market “It’s like the fi rst day back at won’t allow retailers to open un- put back on racks, to reduce risk neighbourhood, shopkeep- school.” til next week. The province has of virus transfer. Iers were busy readying for an Schools won’t actually reopen recorded nearly half of all 80,000 “For a small shop like mine, infl ux of shoppers, dusting off in Ontario until September, Pre- Covid-19 cases and 6,000 deaths that’s a challenge. I only have one wares and adjusting to new rules. mier Doug Ford announced on in Canada. size in each item, it’s not like a big “I’m smiling behind the mask,” Tuesday. At the entrance to Frou Frou, store with 20 size 6s or size 8s,” declares the owner of a cloth- “I’m so happy you’re back. We there are complimentary wipes Phythian says. ing store in the popular outdoor missed you,” says a passerby. and hand sanitisers on a table. Helping with fi ttings may also market, which was permitted to Standing at the door of her A plexiglass shield for the be problematic: “Doing up a but- reopen on Tuesday along with shop, Phythian asks Paul Clar- checkout counter hasn’t arrived ton, or adjusting a garment so many shops across Canada as mont — who sells vintage clothes yet; the latest FedEx delivery es- that it fi ts better, this normally authorities began easing a two- next door — for help fi guring timate is 5pm. involves a lot of touching.” month lockdown. out regulations in this new retail Phythian says she’s torn about Next door, Clarmont is over- Ontario — Canada’s most landscape: can she set up a table asking customers to wear masks, heard telling his fi rst potential populous province — is allow- and two chairs out front for cus- which is recommended but not a post-pandemic customer that he ing stores with street access to tomers, or only one chair? rule. has “some new Hawaiian shirts reopen, along with hospital sur- “I don’t want to get fi ned,” she She has a few available to sell in stock, if you’re interested.” gery rooms, dog parks and golf comments. if they don’t bring their own, but At the other end of the row of courses. Each of Canada’s 13 provinces says: “It’s like selling water dur- shops, Adorit owner Emma Inns Pat Phythian, owner of Ottawa and territories is lifting restric- ing a drought.” is working up a sweat setting up clothing store Frou Frou, said she tions at diff erent paces and to Only three shoppers will be al- for her reopening. was “eager to get back to work” varying degrees. lowed in her store at a time. “My life is complete chaos,” after two months off . British Columbia allowed res- Taped Xs on the fl oor indicate she says, explaining that her The lockdown was “so boring,” taurants and pubs to reopen on to customers where they should husband has been absent a lot re- she told AFP. Tuesday, for example, while Sas- stand to stay six feet apart, per cently as he is a policeman — an Like others, Phythian also took katchewan went further, giving social distancing guidelines. essential worker. A sporting goods store clerk explains shopping rule to a customer in Ottawa. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 13 ASIA

Cambodia lifts entry 2.4mn evacuated as Cyclone ban from 6 countries

Amphan slams Bangladesh Reuters Phnom Penh AFP Bangladesh people and caused billions of Khulna dollars in damage in 2007. authorities fear Enamur Rahman, Bangla- ambodia has lifted a ban on Cyclone Amphan desh’s junior minister for dis- entry of visitors from Iran, illions of people bat- aster management, said that CItaly, Germany, Spain, tened down yesterday will be the most 2.4mn people and over half France and the United States that Mas the strongest cy- powerful storm a million livestock had been had been put in place to curb the clone in decades slammed into brought to shelter. spread of coronavirus, the health Bangladesh, killing at least three front since Cyclone Because of coronavirus, au- ministry said yesterday. and leaving a trail of devastation. Sidr killed about thorities were using extra shelter Despite the easing, foreign Authorities scrambled to space to reduce crowding, while visitors would still need to have a evacuate more than 2mn peo- 3,500 people and also making face masks compul- certifi cate no more than 72 hours ple from low-lying areas, but caused billions of sory and setting aside isolation old confi rming that they are not the task was complicated by the rooms. infected with the novel coro- need to prevent the spread of dollars in damage Infection numbers are still navirus and proof of $50,000 coronavirus. in 2007 soaring. worth of health insurance while As it made landfall, Cyclone Sulata Munda, a tribal villager, in Cambodia, the ministry said. Amphan tore through coastal cade several kilometres inland said she and fellow villagers had They also would be quaran- villages, fl attening mud houses, and are often the main killers in decided not to go to a shelter. tined for 14 days after arrival blowing off roofs, uprooting major weather systems. “We fear the cyclone, but we at government designate place trees and laying waste to crop Bangladesh’s low-lying coast, also fear the coronavirus,” the and tested for the coronavirus, a fi elds. home to 30mn people, is regu- mother of four said. ministry statement said, but did Bangladeshi offi cials con- larly battered by cyclones that At a school in the coastal town not specify where. fi rmed three deaths including a have claimed the lives of hun- of Dacope where more than 200 “All passengers, both Cambodian fi ve-year-old boy and a 75-year- dreds of thousands of people in locals were sheltered, masks and foreign, who are travelling to old man, both hit by falling recent decades. were in short supply. Cambodia, are admitted to waiting trees, and a cyclone emergency While the frequency and in- “The room is already packed centres for the Covid-19 tests and volunteer who drowned. tensity of storms have increased and maintaining social distanc- Workers unload goods from a truck ahead of the expected landfall of Cyclone Amphan, in Khulna, 271km that they are waiting for results from Amphan is the fi rst “super – blamed partly on climate ing is impossible,” said Rumki from Dhaka, yesterday. the Pasteur laboratory,” Health Min- cyclone” to form over the Bay of change – casualties have fallen Khatun, 25, clutching her baby. ister Mam Bunheng said in a state- Bengal since 1999, and packed thanks to faster evacuations, Nearby, hundreds of people Although outside Amphan’s were reported in the teeming ties said the refugees would be ment, referring to respiratory dis- winds gusting up to 185km (115) better technology and more were trying to reinforce a creaky predicted path, there are fears for camps last week, and by Tues- moved to sturdier buildings if ease caused by the coronavirus. per hour. shelters. river dam. Local offi cial Sheikh the almost 1mn Rohingya refu- day there were six confi rmed needed. The Health Ministry said on Forecasters also warned there But Bangladesh authorities Abdul Kader said that if it broke, gees in southeastern Bangladesh infections. “We are fully prepared,” Saturday that the last patient with could be storm surges of several still fear Amphan will be the up to 50,000 people would be – most living in fl imsy, makeshift The UN said food, tarpaulins said Mahbub Alam Taluk- the coronavirus has recovered and metres. most powerful storm front since marooned. “The dam must be shacks. and water purifi cation tablets der, Bangladesh’s refugee left hospital, leaving the Southeast Such walls of water can cas- Cyclone Sidr killed about 3,500 protected,” he said. The fi rst coronavirus cases were stockpiled, while authori- commissioner. Asian country with zero cases.

Canadian arrested in Myanmar for Lanka president Indonesia reports highest breaking virus ban Myanmar police arrested a Canadian pastor yesterday for warns UN over allegedly holding a service in daily jump in Covid-19 cases defiance of a coronavirus ban on mass gatherings – after which he and dozens of his followers and war crimes claims their families became infected. DPA The South East Asian nation Jakarta has so far only confirmed 193 cases and six deaths from the AFP Rajapaksa, a retired army disease, although experts fear low Colombo lieutenant colonel, did not ndonesia recorded 693 new numbers tested mean the true single out the United Nations, coronavirus cases yester- figures could be far higher. but his remarks were widely Iday, the country’s highest Myanmar-born preacher David ri Lanka has threatened viewed as aimed at the Human daily jump, bringing the national Lah, 43, is based out of Toronto, to pull out of the UN Rights Council. tally to 19,189, according to the Canada but often visits his SHuman Rights Coun- “Even leaders of powerful country’s Covid-19 task force. motherland to give sermon tours. cil if it pursued war crimes countries have emphatically Twenty-one additional deaths Myanmar introduced a ban on claims allegedly committed stated that they will not allow were reported overnight, tak- mass gatherings in mid-March. by government forces during any action against their war ing the total number of fatalities Footage emerged early April a bloody war with Tamil Tiger heroes,” he added. to 1,242, task force spokesman showing Lah leading services in separatists. “I will not allow anyone or Achmad Yurianto said. which he claimed Christians would Sri Lanka President Gota- organisation to exert undue The capital, Jakarta, remains be spared from the pandemic. baya Rajapaksa – the top de- pressure on them and harass the epicentre of the outbreak, “If people hold the Bible and fence offi cial when the rebels them.” with more than 6,000 cases. Jesus in their hearts, the disease were defeated in May 2009 The top rights body has Jakarta Governor Anies Bas- will not come in,” he proclaimed under his brother, former called for accountability in Sri wedan announced overnight in one video to a roomful of president Mahinda Rajapaksa Lanka where some 100,000 that a partial lockdown in the faithful followers. – issued the warning at the people died during the war, a city, which came into force on “The only person who can cure 11th anniversary of the end of demand resisted by successive April 10, would be extended and give peace in this pandemic the 37-year confl ict. Rajapaksa administrations. June 4. is Jesus.” In a brief but emotional Before he won the November Baswedan said Jakarta expe- Shortly afterwards Lah tested speech during the commemo- presidential election, Rajapaksa rienced growth in daily reported positive with coronavirus ration at a war memorial in said he would not abide by the cases, apparently linked to in- and figures released by the the capital Colombo that was commitments of the adminis- creased activities during the holy government show dozens of slimmed-down due to the tration in power at the time to month of Ramadan after a period confirmed cases could be traced coronavirus pandemic, Ra- probe war crimes claims. of lull. back to his followers. japaksa said it was his “national After coming to power, he “We fear we are headed for Myo Gyi, lead singer of Myanmar’s duty” to protect troops. withdrew the island nation a second wave of transmis- Police look on in a market area as they conduct an operation against clothes vendors defying a partial most famous rock band Iron “If any international body from a United Nations resolu- sion,” he said at an online news lockdown against the coronavirus pandemic, in Jakarta yesterday. Cross, was among those infected. or organisation continuously tion calling for action over the conference. After emerging from quarantine, targets our country and our alleged rights abuses. Indonesian President Joko keep the economy running. der could be allowed to return end of Ramadan, while airports, Lah was arrested Wednesday war heroes using baseless alle- The UN as well as rights Widodo on Monday said that Speculation that the govern- to work. sea ports and markets have also morning and taken to a Yangon gations, I will also not hesitate bodies have accused Sri the government would not ment is taking steps towards Traffi c in the greater Jakarta started to reopen. court where he was charged with to withdraw Sri Lanka from Lankan troops of killing up ease restrictions, amid criti- reopening the economy emerged region, a metropolis of 30mn Large parts of the country have violating the Natural Disaster and such bodies or organisations,” to 40,000 Tamil civilians in cism that the government is last week after the head of the people, has also been busier in been under partial lockdown Management Law. Rajapaksa said, switching to the fi nal months of the war, a silently relaxing measures to country’s Covid-19 task force recent days ahead of Eid al-Fitr, since the fi rst Covid-19 cases He could face three years behind English during his speech in charge denied by successive curb the spread of Covid-19 to said residents aged 45 and un- the Muslim festival marking the were reported in early March. bars if convicted. (AFP) Sinhala. governments. 15 Rohingya migrants arrested Thailand sees unexpected gains in virus lockdown

AFP less reckless on the roads,” Ban- for illegal entry into Thailand Pathum Thani jerd said as his fellow medics played mobile games while wait- ing for the next emergency call. mergency workers usually Thailand has one of the highest Reuters “They have been The group had planned to go busy attending accidents rates of road fatalities per capita in Bangkok to Malaysia via Thailand, said to Eon Thailand’s roads mill the world, coming second only to preliminarily Chaiyapheuk Chiantranluk, the around ambulances parked at a war-torn Libya in 2015. charged with illegal Mae Sot district chief. service station – fewer crashes The country brought in its olice in Thailand have ar- Vast numbers of Rohingya fl ed and crimes a welcome out- anti-coronavirus measures be- rested 15 Rohingya on entry, pending further a 2017 military crackdown in the come for Asian country during fore the “Songkran” New Year Pcharges of illegal entry and interrogation to largely Buddhist Rakhine state coronavirus lockdowns. in April, hoping to discourage are investigating the possibil- that the UN said was executed As Thailand starts to assess the booze-soaked gatherings. ity that they could be victims of determine whether with genocidal intent. damage caused by the pandemic, The week-long holiday is human traffi cking. they are victims of Many Rohingya risked death the country is realising there have marked annually by a jump in traf- Twelve of the detainees were and starvation on perilous boat been unforeseen benefi ts. fi c accidents as drink-drivers on Volunteer rescue workers from the Por Tek Tung Foundation waiting arrested late on Tuesday and human traff icking” journeys in the hope of reaching “Accidents have gone down scooters add to the road carnage. with their ambulances at a gas station at the beginning of their shift three more yesterday morning predominantly Muslim Malaysia. quite a lot,” said Banjerd Premjit, But this year saw a 60% de- in Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok yesterday. in Thailand’s Mae Sot, close to victims of human traffi cking,” Myanmar denies allegations chief of the Por Tek Tung emer- crease nationwide, with the a bridge that separates the two Phubed Sang-aram, superin- that its security forces have gency medical team operating death toll dropping to 167 from fed plywood to mechanical saws. customers who cannot aff ord to countries, police said. tendent of the Mae Sot district committed atrocities against just outside Bangkok. 386 people the year before. The environmental gains seen put their loved ones to rest, said All were from Buthidaung, police, told Reuters by phone. them and says it was conducting In Pathum Thani province, Even Thailand’s coffi n makers during a global lockdown have manager Thanatat. home to one of the largest con- Phubed said three Thais had a legitimate security operation where his team of three ambu- have seen a dip in demand, with scientists and celebrities calling A sustained mortality slow- centrations of Rohingya Mus- also been arrested for provid- against militants who attacked lances normally rushes to about one factory reporting orders are for a “radical transformation” down would almost certainly lims in Myanmar’s northwestern ing accommodation to illegal police posts. 15 grisly crashes a night, acci- down by a third. to save the planet instead of a sound the death knell for their Rakhine State. migrants. It says Rohingya are illegal im- dents have dropped by half. “The outbreak has led to a sig- return to normal. business, he added. “They have been preliminar- Local television showed video migrants from South Asia. More He credited Thailand’s virus- nifi cant decrease in the number But many businesses want the re- “If the outbreak is protracted, ily charged with illegal entry, of the group of mostly Rohingya than a million of them now live fuelled measures, including a ban on of casualties,” lamented Thanatat strictions lifted as soon as possible. we might have to downsize our pending further interrogation women sitting on the fl oor being in camps in neighbouring Bang- alcohol sales and a nighttime curfew. Poonau, manager of Suriya Cof- Suriya Coffi n Factory has had production even more... we need to determine whether they are questioned by police. ladesh, too frightened to return. “People drink less and they’re fi n Factory, as workers around him to donate coffi ns to walk-in to cut costs on almost everything.” Gulf Times 14 Thursday, May 21, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

China slams US for ‘dangerous’ message to Taiwan’s newly elected leader

AFP day in which she called on China sovereign state and not part of Beijing envisages a “one country, differences,” she added. That has caused growing con- of Nottingham’s Taiwan Studies Taipei to live peacefully alongside a “one China”. two systems” model that – like Taiwan has been ruled sepa- cern in Beijing, which says any Programme, told AFP. self-ruled Taiwan and for a low- Since she fi rst came to offi ce in nearby Hong Kong – would allow rately from the mainland since formal declaration of independ- “She is also assuring the US ering of tensions. But a congrat- 2016, China has rebuff ed off ers of Taiwan to keep some freedoms 1949 after the Nationalists lost a ence by Taipei would cross a red that she won’t be rash and won’t hina slammed the United ulatory note from US Secretary of talks and ramped up economic, while submitting to Chinese civil war to the Communists and line. become a troublemaker,” added States for its “dangerous” State Mike Pompeo hailing Tsai’s military and diplomatic pressure mainland rule. fl ed to the island to set up a rival After Tsai’s speech, China’s Fan Shih-ping, a political scien- Cdecision to congratulate “courage and wisdom” sparked a on the island. Beijing views Tai- But Tsai made clear during government. For decades, Tai- Taiwan Aff airs Offi ce warned it tist at National Taiwan Normal Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen rebuke from Beijing, which bris- wan as part of its territory and her inauguration speech that wan’s leaders – and many vot- would “never tolerate” the is- University. on her inauguration yesterday, tles at any formal recognition of has vowed to seize it by force if the concept was a non-starter. ers – saw themselves as the true land’s separation. Tsai’s inauguration was also a as the self-ruled island became Taipei. “It is extremely wrong, necessary. “We will not accept the Beijing representatives for all of China, Analysts said Tsai’s speech chance for her to celebrate Tai- the latest fl ashpoint between the and it’s also very dangerous,” Washington diplomatically authorities’ use of ‘one country, even as the vast majority of na- was in fact conciliatory. “Presi- wan’s successful fi ght against the world’s two largest economies. China’s defence ministry said. recognises Beijing but remains two systems’ to downgrade Tai- tions switched diplomatic rec- dent Tsai has drawn clear lines coronavirus. Taiwanese voters handed Tsai a Beijing’s foreign ministry said a major ally for Taiwan and is wan and undermine the cross- ognition to Beijing. But as the and established a few non-ne- Despite its close proximity second term with a landslide win it was “extremely indignant” at bound by Congress to provide strait status quo,” she said. Tsai island moved from an autocracy gotiables, while making suffi - and economic links with China, in January, a vocal rebuke of Chi- the message and accused Wash- arms sales to ensure its defence. renewed her offer of talks with to a democracy from the 1990s, cient rhetorical concessions that, Taiwan has managed to contain na’s ongoing campaign to isolate ington of breaching its diplo- Under President Donald Trump, Beijing. “Both sides have a duty a distinct Taiwanese identity has should it want to, the leadership its own outbreak to just seven the island. matic commitments. Tsai, 63, is ties between Taipei and Wash- to find a way to coexist over the emerged with many no longer in Beijing could meet her half- deaths and has sent protection She was sworn in for another loathed by Beijing because her ington have further warmed as long term and prevent the in- seeking any kind of reunifi cation way,” J Michael Cole, a Taipei- equipment aid packages around four years at a ceremony yester- party views Taiwan as a de facto China-US relations plummet. tensification of antagonism and with China. based fellow with the University the world. Taiwan, China need to coexist, says Tsai

Reuters Taiwan president rejects Beijing rule; China says Taipei “reunification” with Taiwan cannot be stopped

aiwan cannot accept be- coming part of China un- Tder its “one country, two systems” off er of autonomy, President Tsai Ing-wen said yes- terday, strongly rejecting China’s sovereignty claims and likely set- ting the stage for an ever worsen- ing of ties. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen (left) and Vice President William Lai waving during an inauguration event China responded that “reuni- for their respective terms in off ice, at the Taipei Guest House in Taipei. fi cation” was inevitable and that it would never tolerate Taiwan’s jets into the island’s air space independence. and sailing warships around Tai- In a speech after being sworn wan. Tsai said Taiwan has made in for her second and fi nal term in the greatest eff ort to maintain offi ce, Tsai said relations between peace and stability in the narrow Taiwan and China had reached an Taiwan Strait that separates the historical turning point. democratic island from its auto- “Both sides have a duty to fi nd cratic neighbour China. a way to coexist over the long “We will continue these ef- term and prevent the intensifi - forts, and we are willing to en- cation of antagonism and diff er- gage in dialogue with China and ences,” she said. make more concrete contribu- Tsai and her Democratic Pro- tions to regional security,” she gressive Party won January’s added, speaking in the garden presidential and parliamentary of the old Japanese governor’s elections by a landslide, vow- house in Taipei, in front of a so- ing to stand up to China, which cially-distanced audience of of- claims Taiwan as its own and says Police off icers stand guard in front of the Presidential off ice building during the inauguration ceremony of fi cials and diplomats. Taiwan has it would be brought under Bei- Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei. become a rising source of friction jing’s control by force if needed. between China and the United Protesters calling for Taiwan independence protest hold banners in “Here, I want to reiterate the is supposed to guarantee a high nese President Xi Jinping’s Tai- China views Tsai as a separa- States, with the Trump adminis- front of Democratic Progressive Party in Taipei. words ‘peace, parity, democracy, degree of autonomy, to run the wan policy – and “not leave any tist bent on formal independence tration strongly backing Taiwan and dialogue’. We will not ac- former British colony of Hong space for Taiwan independence for Taiwan. Tsai says Taiwan is an even in the absence of formal Foreign Ministry condemned Tsai, told Reuters the chance of cept the Beijing authorities’ use Kong, which returned to Chi- separatist activities”. independent state called the Re- diplomatic ties. Pompeo’s remarks, and said the talks with China were small given of ‘one country, two systems’ to nese rule in 1997. It has off ered it “Reunifi cation is a historical public of China, its offi cial name, US Secretary of State Mike government would take “neces- ongoing tensions. “We are ready downgrade Taiwan and under- to Taiwan, though all major Tai- inevitability of the great rejuve- and does not want to be part of Pompeo sent his congratulations sary countermeasures”, though to engage with them any time, mine the cross-strait status quo. wanese parties have rejected it. nation of the Chinese nation,” it the People’s Republic of China to Tsai, praising her “courage and did not elaborate. but China is unlikely to make We stand fast by this principle,” China’s Taiwan Aff airs Offi ce, said. “We have the fi rm will, full governed by Beijing. vision in leading Taiwan’s vibrant China cut off a formal talks concessions to Taiwan,” he said. Tsai said. responding to Tsai, said Beijing confi dence, and suffi cient ability China has stepped up its mili- democracy”, in a rare high-level mechanism with Taiwan in 2016 “In the next four years there’s China uses the “one coun- would stick to “one country, two to defend national sovereignty tary drills near Taiwan since message from Washington direct after Tsai fi rst won election. Yao little chance for the cross-strait try, two systems” policy, which systems” – a central tenet of Chi- and territorial integrity.” Tsai’s re-election, fl ying fi ghter to Taiwan’s government. China’s Chia-wen, a senior adviser to relationship to improve.”

Singapore slammed for Zoom death sentence Australia opens up domestic life Kiwis eye Singapore was criticised for drugs laws. The Supreme Court Asia director Phil Robertson. “It’s being “cruel and inhumane” said that it was the first criminal pretty astounding the prosecutors shorter yesterday after a death sentence case where a death sentence and the court are so callous that further as China dispute lingers was handed down via video- was handed down in a remote they fail to see that a man facing conferencing platform Zoom. hearing. Zoom has become capital punishment should have Malaysian drug traff icker popular during virus lockdowns the right to be present in court to working Punithan Genasan was yesterday worldwide for everything from see his accusers,” he told AFP. Reuters Canberra has said demic so the world could prevent sentenced to hang in a hearing virtual school classes to business The Supreme Court said that the Melbourne a repeat. After Beijing last week conducted remotely due to meetings – but Human Rights hearing was conducted remotely it wanted to learn banned some major Australian week restrictions in place to combat the Watch criticised its use to mete “for the safety of all involved in the lessons of meat exporters, citing labelling spread of the coronavirus, court out capital punishment. the proceedings”. ustralian offi cials an- breaches, and this week placed off icials said. “The death penalty is inherently Singapore maintains that the nounced a raft of plans the pandemic so hefty anti-dumping and anti- AFP The 37-year-old had been found cruel and inhumane, and death penalty – a legacy of British Ayesterday to speed up the the world could subsidy tariff s on Australian bar- Wellington guilty over the traff icking of at Singapore’s use of remote colonial rule – is necessary as a resumption of public life to boost ley, concerns were raised in local least 28.5g (1.0 ounce) of heroin, technology like Zoom to sentence deterrent against crime although the ailing economy amid a dip- prevent a repeat media that it was retaliation for a crime punishable by death a man to death makes it even rights groups have long called for lomatic spat with major trading seeking the inquiry. rime Minister Jacinda Ar- under the city-state’s tough anti- more so,” said the group’s deputy it to be abolished. partner China. two months, but the staggered “We would be disappointed if dern yesterday raised the The government is also talk- pace means diff erent restrictions there was any process of confl at- Pprospect of Kiwis enjoying ing with Australian universi- around the country at any point ing these issues,” Foreign Aff airs extra public holidays and a shorter ties about allowing the return of in time. Minister Marise Payne told Aus- working week to help kickstart Freedom at last some international students, a South Australia said it planned tralian Broadcasting Corp radio. New Zealand’s post-lockdown sector that contributes more than to move more quickly to phase The Chinese embassy in Can- economy. A$30bn ($19.6bn) to domestic two, allowing more people to eat berra on Tuesday derided as “a Ardern said she wanted to en- coff ers. and drink in restaurants and bars. joke” the Australian assertion courage “nimble” and creative New South Wales, the coun- Western Australia, South that the WHO resolution, fi rst ideas for recovery after a strict try’s most populous state, will Australia and Tasmania, which proposed by the European Union, seven-week lockdown that helped allow people to resume recrea- have all reported low numbers was a vindication of its push for a New Zealand contain Covid-19 tional travel from next month, of cases, are keeping state bor- global review. but stalled the economy. eff ectively reopening tourist re- ders closed. Deputy Chief Medi- The disagreement could aff ect Suggestions included moving gions on its southern coast that cal Offi cer Paul Kelly said from a plans by universities to lure back to a four-day week and creating were badly damaged by huge medical point of view there was pupils. Chinese students account extra public holidays to help boost bushfi res before the epidemic. no need to keep borders closed. for almost 40% of Australia’s spending in the tourism and hos- “We want people to enjoy The resumption of business and international higher educa- pitality sectors that have been hit themselves, to feel free, but at social life across the country tion population. In Victoria, the particularly hard by the lockdown. the same time please know that comes amid a dispute with China country’s second most-populous “This is an extraordinary time and nothing we do is the same during over Australia’s leading role in the state, health authorities revealed we should be willing to consider a pandemic,” NSW Premier Gla- push for a global inquiry into the they were using a controver- extraordinary ideas,” she told re- dys Berejiklian said. origins and spread of the corona- sial smartphone contact tracing porters, adding: “I haven’t ruled Australia has reported just virus pandemic. app for the fi rst time to track the anything in or out.” over 7,000 infections, includ- World Health Organization movements of an infected person. Ardern said there is “a range ing 100 deaths, and has com- members overwhelmingly voted Almost 6mn Australians have of options and we should be open pleted around 1.1mn tests among yesterday for an independent downloaded the Covid-safe app, (minded)”. After talking to tour- its population of 25mn. Health review on the pandemic, with short of the 40% of 18mn smart- ism industry representatives on Minister Greg Hunt said just 11 China eventually joining over 130 phone users the government Tuesday, the prime minister said new cases were logged over the other countries as a co-sponsor. has said would make it an eff ec- working from home during lock- past 24 hours. Australia’s states China has attacked Australia’s tive tool, amid privacy concerns. down had shown how productive and territories are implementing lobbying for an inquiry as “politi- Authorities have said use of the employees could be if given extra People wearing face masks ride a scooter on Wuhan Bridge spanning the Yangtze River in Wuhan, a three-step federal government cal manoeuvring”. data is restricted to state health fl exibility. She said a four-day China’s central Hubei yesterday. China has largely brought the coronavirus under control within its plan to unwind lockdown meas- Canberra has said it wanted offi cials but have so far provided week could work the same way if borders since the outbreak first emerged in the city of Wuhan late last year. ures that have been in place for to learn the lessons of the pan- limited detail on its use. employers were willing to try it. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 15 BRITAIN/IRELAND Gove confi rms plans for checks on goods crossing Irish Sea

Guardian News and Media port and Warrenpoint Port. to spark a fresh row over the Irish agreed for all goods entering and from Great Britain. to the Republic of Ireland. Gove admitted there would be London There would also be “expanded border with the EU. exiting the EU territory that were O Trade to and from Northern Sources say the government “some limited additional process infrastructure” at some of these According to the statement, agreed after 9/11, and questions from third countries outside the has come under pressure from big on goods arriving in Northern Ire- sites with Larne Port, where there will be no customs fees pay- will be raised as to whether the UK EU would be handled under the supermarket chains among other land” but promised it would “con- he government has con- checks on live animals area already able on goods remaining in the re- can unilaterally decide not to com- agreements the UK secures for the businesses who have argued if ducted taking account of all fl ex- fi rmed for the fi rst time carried out, designated the princi- gion, something that will come as ply with them. country as a whole. they are delivering consignments ibilities and discretion”. He said: Tthere will be Brexit checks pal port for livestock after Brexit. a surprise to the EU. Under a four-point plan, Gove Gove’s pledge not to apply tariff s to shoppers in Northern Ireland a “Our proposals will deliver unfet- on animals and food goods enter- Details of the checks were dis- Neither will there be security pledged: to goods transported to Northern tariff -charge and charge back ar- tered access for Northern Ireland ing Northern Ireland from the rest closed in a 23-page document certifi cates for goods going in ei- O Trade going from Northern Ireland from Great Britain com- rangement would lead to costly businesses to the whole of the UK of the UK from next January. released by the government yes- ther direction. Ireland to the rest of the UK would plies with the spirit of the deal and unnecessary paperwork. market.” Michael Gove said such a step terday. These are the so-called exit “take place as it does now”. struck between Boris Johnson and On security certifi cates on In the statement, Gove pledged: would be necessary to ensure the The minimal nature of the proc- and entry declaration forms that O Tariff s would not be levied on the EU in January. goods, Gove confi rmed: “There “What the protocol does not do entire island of Ireland maintained ess set out by Gove will provide former Brexit secretary Stephen goods going from Great Britain to But Brussels had envisaged that will … be no export declaration, is create – nor does it include any “disease-free status”, with border reassurance to some business Barclay revealed would be needed Northern Ireland. customs controls would apply to exit declaration, or customs and provision for creating – any kind inspection posts for agri-food ar- and political leaders opposed to for goods traded in both directions. O There would be “some lim- all goods entering Northern Ireland regulatory clearance for any goods of international border in the Irish rivals at Belfast port, Belfast inter- the checks, primarily the Demo- The certifi cates are part of a ited additional process on goods from Great Britain, with rebates on as they leave the rest of the UK for Sea between Great Britain and national airport, Belfast City air- cratic Unionist Party, but is likely security-certifi cation process arriving in Northern Ireland” tariff s for goods that did not go on Northern Ireland.” Northern Ireland.” Government vows UK-wide coronavirus tracing by June 1

Guardian News and Media 10,000 new cases a day. That’s London very, very important because currently new cases are running at 2,500 a day. They will be able oris Johnson has pledged to trace the contacts for those to have a UK-wide tracing new cases and to stop the disease Boperation to tackle coro- spreading,” Johnson said. navirus in place by June 1 run by Despite the social distancing in 25,000 contact tracers. the chamber, it was a more rowdy His commitment at prime PMQs than in recent weeks. minister’s questions in the Com- The Health Secretary, Matt mons came as the Labour leader, Hancock, frustrated the Speaker, Keir Starmer, said there had been who warned him to “stop advis- no eff ective tracing in the coun- ing the opposition” or leave the try for 10 weeks. chamber. Johnson said: “I have great He had been heckling Starmer confi dence that by June 1 we will from behind the prime minister. have a system that will enable Labour is calling for the gov- us, help us, very greatly to defeat ernment to drop the NHS sur- this disease and move the coun- charge for all health and care try forward.” workers indefi nitely and is due to Johnson also said the contro- table an amendment to the im- A woman wearing a protective face mask enjoys the sunshine at Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens in Regent’s Park in London yesterday as temperatures in the capital touched 28C. versial NHS surcharge for staff migration bill to exempt them from outside the European Eco- from the charge. nomic Area who work in health- Starmer asked the prime min- care would remain in place, ex- ister if he thought it was right plaining that despite giving it that care workers coming from some thought he believed it was abroad working on the frontline important because of the money should pay a surcharge to use the it made for the NHS. NHS themselves. The fee is due to rise from Johnson said: “I’ve thought a Minister ‘rows back’ on £400 to £624 in October, al- great deal about this. I do accept though doctors, nurses and para- and I do understand the diffi cul- medics are exempt from the pay- ties faced by our amazing NHS ment for a year. staff . I’ve been the personal ben- Care workers are not included efi ciary of carers who come from in the exemption. abroad and, frankly, saved my life Starmer said there had been … so I know exactly the impor- schools’ reopening date no eff ective tracing system in tance. place since March 12, when the “On the other hand we must Guardian News and Media schools in less than a fortnight. ment reassurances about safety. the question of being safe is clearly to continue and we need to listen government decided to drop the look at the realities. This is a London The government has said it In an interview with BBC Radio paramount. So we’re all working very carefully to the concerns of strategy, unlike in Germany and great national service, it’s a na- wants children in nursery, recep- 4’s Today programme, the minis- towards June 1 and planning for that employers and staff .” South Korea, which have had tional institution. It needs fund- tion, year 1 and year 6 to begin ter stressed the government was return, but I accept the point that As the number of deaths in care much lower death rates. ing and those contributions he government has ap- a phased return to schools from in listening mode: “We’ve got to there may well be issues from em- homes reaches 11,600, the justice “That’s nearly 10 weeks in a actually help us to raise about peared to row back from its June 1 with other years following listen to what we are being told ployers that need to be addressed secretary also addressed questions critical period without eff ective £900mn and it’s very diffi cult in Tposition on reopening pri- soon after, so primary children are and also to engage and to persuade which might not mean we’ll see a about coronavirus testing, saying tracing. That’s a huge hole in our the current circumstances to fi nd mary schools in England, insisting in school for a month before the and to make sure the necessary uniform approach on June 1.” the NHS had been chosen as the defences, isn’t it prime minis- alternative sources. June 1 is not a fi xed date and that summer holidays, as long as the arrangements are in place. The He added: “It really depends focus instead of care homes and ter?” Starmer asked. “With great respect to the ministers need to listen to the con- government’s fi ve tests for easing government always said that we on the views of employers. A lot that was “right and essential” so as Johnson said during the ex- point he makes, I do think that cerns of councils and teachers. lockdown have been met. hoped that June 1 would be the of councils are direct employers not to overwhelm hospitals. change that he had growing con- that is the right way.” The Justice Secretary, Robert In recent days, however, a date. It was conditional.” of teaching staff , their views are He told Sky News: “I think we fi dence that England would have Johnson was recently treated Buckland, struck a concilia- growing number of councils In another interview with BBC clearly very important. I’m not rightly emphasised the impor- a test, track and trace operation in intensive care for coronavirus tory note during a series of me- across the country have said they Breakfast, Buckland acknowledged going to sit here and pretend that tance of making sure our NHS that would be “world-beating” by a nurse from New Zealand, dia interviews in response to a will not meet the government’s teachers’ safety concerns.“I don’t suddenly on June 1 everything will services, our hospitals, were places by June 1. whose citizens have to pay the growing backlash against the deadline and teachers’ unions re- think any of us want to put either be uniform, I don’t know, it’s my that would continue to admit pa- “There will be 25,000 trackers. surcharge if they come to work in government’s policy of lifting main defi ant, expressing continu- children or our dedicated teach- hope. tients and wouldn’t be incubators They will be able to cope with the UK. the coronavirus lockdown on ing dissatisfaction with govern- ing staff in any danger at all, and “But these conversations need of the disease.”

WWII veteran and hero Actor settles claim fundraiser to be knighted

Reuters Queen, Moore said: “Any discus- over phone hacking London sion between me and the Queen will have to be kept secret.” Last month he quipped that he aptain Tom Moore, who would fi nd it funny to be known Guardian News and Media Marshall. “It is absolutely right through me, to off er its sincere became a national hero as “Sir Thomas Moore” — a refer- London that they have now apologised, apologies to the claimant (Mar- Cin Britain after raising ence to the Tudor statesman Sir acknowledged the harm they shall) for the distress caused to more than £33mn for the Na- Thomas More. caused in open court and paid him by the invasion of privacy tional Health Service in the run- “I am overawed by the fact that he actor Kris Marshall, him compensation. by individuals working for or on up to his 100th birthday, is to be this has happened to me,” he said. known for his role in the “Kris is very pleased with the behalf of News of the World,” knighted. The honour is the latest be- Tfi lm Love Actually and TV apology and the successful out- lawyers acting for News Group Moore becomes “Sir Tom” af- stowed on Moore. series, has settled his phone- come in this matter.” Newspapers said. “The defend- ter a special nomination from For his 100th birthday last hacking claim against the parent The legal action was against ant accepts that such activity Prime Minister Boris Johnson. month, he was made an honorary company of the Sun and now- the News of the World relating to should never have taken place, The World War Two veteran colonel and an honorary member defunct News of the World. articles published between 2002 and it had no right to intrude in raised the record sum by pains- of the England cricket team. Marshall, who fronted BT’s and 2010, a time when it was the private life of the claimant in takingly completing 100 laps of Johnson said Moore had in- advertising campaigns from the UK’s biggest-selling Sunday this way.” his garden with the aid of a walk- spired the country and provided 2005 to 2011, is understood to newspaper. Lawyers representing victims ing frame, becoming a symbol of “a beacon of light through the fog have received a six-fi gure sum in As part of the settlement, of phone hacking have about 50 British endurance in the face of of coronavirus”. damages. News Group Newspapers made claims still outstanding and are the adversity of the coronavirus “On behalf of everyone who News Group Newspapers, the no admission of liability in re- seeking a legal ruling to extend crisis. has been moved by his incredible parent company of the Sun and lation to Marshall’s allegations the time period of admissible Moore said it was an outstand- story, I want to say a huge ‘thank Sun on Sunday, off ered an apol- that journalists at the Sun were claims, which currently stands at ing honour and that he was look- you’. He’s a true national treas- ogy as part of the settlement also involved in voicemail inter- 1998 to 2010, to 1994 to 2011. ing forward to meeting Queen ure,” Johnson said. handed down at a session of the ception and other forms of un- If justice Mann agrees, News Elizabeth, 94. Raised in Yorkshire, northern high court conducted remotely lawful information gathering. Group Newspapers will be open “I hope she’s not very heavy England, Moore served in India, yesterday. The Sun has always strongly to numerous further potential handed with the sword,” Moore Burma and Sumatra during World “Our client had his privacy insisted that phone hacking only legal actions from phone hacking said. “By then I might be rather a War II. grossly invaded by News Group took place at its sister newspaper claimants. poor old weak soul.” His walking achievement, Newspapers in a manner which the News of the World, which The court date for trial for A knighthood is bestowed by which came amid a soaring Cov- caused him considerable dis- closed in 2011 at the height of the any outstanding phone-hacking the monarch tapping a sword on id-19 UK death toll that now is tress,” said Alex Cochrane, a phone-hacking scandal. claimants that have not settled is the recipient’s shoulders. above 43,000, won the hearts of lawyer at Hamlins representing “The defendant is here today, October. Captain Tom Moore: raised more than £33mn for NHS. Asked what he will tell the many in Britain and beyond. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, May 21, 2020 EUROPE Spaniards aged six and WHO reports above must wear masks

AFP not possible to maintain a safe distance sand can now do so between 6am and Madrid of at least 1m,” the decree said. 8pm. As well as being compulsory for any- “Let’s enjoy the beach responsibly. one aged six and over, mask wearing was Remember that no swimming, sun- most Covid-19 veryone in Spain aged six and “recommended” for children between bathing, or group sports are allowed,” above must wear a mask in pub- the ages of three and fi ve, it said. tweeted the city’s police. Elic where social distancing is not People with breathing diffi culties or However, many people could be seen possible, offi cials said yesterday as Bar- with an acceptable justifi cation are ex- lying in the sun or having a coff ee on the celona reopened beaches and parks for empt. sand, an AFP correspondent said, with people to take a stroll. Although 70% of the country is now police largely turning a blind eye. The new rule would take eff ect to- enjoying some limited freedoms, the “I haven’t seen the sea for two day, a government decree said, without easing measures are yet to begin in the months,” said Helena Prades, a 43-year- cases in a day specifying the penalties. worst-hit areas of Madrid and Barce- old psychologist sitting on the sand Mask-wearing is already compulsory lona. with a colleague, both wearing masks. Reuters the virus is believed to have emerged of improving our surveillance, of sav- on public transport in Spain, where the Yesterday however, Barcelona reo- “We just really wanted to hear the sound Geneva late last year. ing lives and distributing essential PPE epidemic has claimed nearly 28,000 pened its beaches and parks for people of the waves and walk for a bit along the This week Trump threatened to (personal protection equipment) to lives although the death rate has slowed to take a stroll in a slight easing of the sand.” withdraw from the WHO and perma- workers and fi nding medical oxygen for and the lockdown is being gradually restrictions. The city also opened its parks that he World Health Organisation nently withhold funding. people in fragile settings, reducing the eased. Although the beaches in Spain’s sec- have been closed since the start of the (WHO) expressed concern yes- Ghebreyesus acknowledged receiv- impact of this disease on refugees and “Using masks will be compulsory ond city had been accessible for exercise March 14 lockdown, such as Park Guell Tterday about the rising number ing a letter from Trump, but declined migrants,” he said. on the street, in open spaces and any in the mornings, the change means any- which was designed by the famous Cat- of new coronavirus cases in poor coun- to comment further. Ghebreyesus said that he had long closed place of public use ... when it is one wanting to go for a walk along the alan architect Antoni Gaudí. tries, even as many rich nations have He said that he is committed to ac- been looking for other sources of fund- begun emerging from lockdown. countability and would carry out a ing for the WHO, saying that its $2.3bn Slovenians to get vouchers to The coronavirus causes the Cov- review into the response to the pan- budget was “very, very small” for a glo- id-19 respiratory disease. demic. bal agency, around that of a medium- encourage domestic tourism The global health body said that Such a review was demanded by sized hospital in the developed world. Germany to ‘clean up’ 106,000 new cases of infections of the member states in a resolution this In comments that could further Slovenia plans to give €200 ($220) vouchers to all novel coronavirus had been recorded in week that was passed by consensus, annoy Trump, Ryan said that people citizens to encourage them to vacation in the small the past 24 hours, the most in a single although the United States expressed should avoid using the malaria medi- Alpine state instead of going abroad during the meat industry after day since the outbreak began. reservations about some elements of it. cine hydroxychloroquine to treat or coronavirus crisis. “We still have a long way to go in “I said it time and time again that prevent coronavirus infection, except The vouchers will be exchangeable for this pandemic,” WHO director-general WHO calls for accountability more as part of a clinical trial to study it. accommodation and other tourist services in the numerous outbreaks Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a than anyone. It has to be done and Trump has said that he is taking hy- EU member of 2mn people, the government said news conference. “We are very con- when it’s done it has to be a compre- droxychloroquine to prevent coronavi- yesterday. cerned about rising cases in low and hensive one,” Ghebreyesus said of the rus infection. Every Slovenian adult will get €200, while those under AFP “It’s unacceptable ... that middle income countries.” review, while declining to say when it “At this stage, (neither) hydroxy- 18 will receive a €50 voucher. Berlin whole districts have to pay the Dr Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s emer- would start. chloroquine nor chloroquine have been “We want to inspire Slovenian citizens to spend at price and suff er economic harm,” gencies programme, said: “We will Ryan said such assessments are nor- as yet found to be eff ective in the treat- least two days at a destination in the country. We want Heil said in Berlin. soon reach the tragic milestone of 5mn mally conducted after an emergency is ment of Covid-19 nor in the prophy- to motivate them to spend some more money there he German government Germany’s meat industry cases.” over. laxis against coming down with the and, at the same time, help our tourism,” government has banned the use of sub- employs some 200,000 people, The WHO has come under fi re from “I for one would prefer, right now, to disease,” Ryan said. “In fact, the oppo- adviser Matej Lahovnik told private POP TV. Tcontractors in the meat and Heil estimated that in some US President Donald Trump, who ac- get on with doing the job of an emer- site, in that warnings have been issued The voucher scheme is part of the government’s latest industry after a string of coro- plants 50-80% of workers were cuses it of having mishandled the out- gency response, of epidemic control, of by many authorities regarding the po- package of measures aimed at helping tourism and navirus infections among mainly hired through subcontracting break and of favouring China, where developing and distributing vaccines, tential side eff ects of the drug.” other sectors hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. foreign slaughterhouse workers agencies. sparked alarm. As part of its package of meas- Italy minister wins no-confidence vote “It’s time to clean up the sec- ures, the government agreed to Show of support tor,” Labour Minister Hubertus “massively” ramp up health and Italy’s justice minister survived a no-confidence vote in the Senate Heil told reporters after Chan- safety inspections at slaughter yesterday, brought by critics who accused him of needlessly releasing cellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet and processing sites. dangerous mobsters from jail during the coronavirus lockdown. agreed on stricter regulations. Employers will also have to Alfonso Bonafede’s decision to allow old and ill mafia gangsters to From January 1 next year, abat- share information with local move to house arrest at the start of May sparked an outcry and forced toirs and meat processing plants authorities about where foreign him to backtrack. will have to directly employ their workers are staying, to make it Some of the highest-profile criminals have already returned to jail. workers, putting an end to the easier to trace people who have Bonafede freed the most vulnerable inmates to ease overcrowding controversial practice of relying come into contact with an in- and lower the virus risk after riots broke out in March among prisoners on chains of subcontractors to fected person. fearful of catching the disease. supply labourers from abroad, Authorities will also make a A motion against Bonafede brought by three opposition parties on the often from Bulgaria and Roma- greater eff ort to educate foreign right was rejected by 160 to 131, while another brought by a small pro- nia. workers about their rights under European party was rejected by 158 to 124. Critics have long argued German law, Heil said. that imported workers are paid Employers falling foul of the Russia says outbreak is stabilising less and are more vulnerable to tougher rules are to face fi nes of abuses, and Heil himself has de- up to €30,000 ($33,000), double Russia recorded its lowest total of new coronavirus cases since May 1 scribed the system as “dodgy”. the previous amount. yesterday, with more patients discharged from hospital than new cases Concern mounted after several There was immediate blow- for the first time, which off icials said showed that the outbreak was German slaughterhouses were back from the industry lobby, stabilising at last. hit with coronavirus outbreaks, with the German Meat Industry Russia now has the second most cases of the novel coronavirus in the prompting fresh scrutiny over Association (VDF) warning that world, behind only the United States. hygiene and working conditions. subcontractors were needed in Yesterday’s tally of 8,764 new cases brought the off icial count above At one slaughterhouse in the order to fi nd foreign workers for 300,000. northwestern district of Co- jobs that were hard to fi ll in Ger- With 135 new deaths recorded, the nationwide toll is still below 3,000, esfeld, more than 260 workers many. much lower than in many European countries. tested positive for the virus. “A lot of meat processing ac- But the surge in infections and blow to the economy are among the Many come from eastern Eu- tivities might now move abroad,” biggest challenges of President Vladimir Putin’s two decades in power. rope and live in shared housing, VDF head Heike Harstick told Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who returned to work this week after A dancer and a musician from the ‘Opera Ballet Vlaanderen’ perform Exit/Awakening yesterday in a common practice among sub- newspaper group Funke Medien- himself recovering from the virus, said the news that more patients support of health workers and patients, outside the ‘ZNA Koningin Paola Kinderziekenhuis’ children’s contracted workers. gruppe. had left hospital than tested positive showed “the situation is gradually hospital in Antwerp, as the country eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the Two other abattoirs, one in the But unions welcomed the stabilising”. coronavirus pandemic. state of Schleswig-Holstein and crackdown, with the DGB trade another in Lower Saxony, have union describing the subcon- reported around 100 cases each. tracting system as “organised ir- “The meat industry is impor- responsibility”. Mobsters pocket income support in Italy: police tant in our country,” Heil said. The NGG food union said it “But there can be no tolerance was time to fi nally end the “in- for a business model that will- humane and criminal” condi- ingly accepts exploitation and tions in the industry. AFP included wealthy gangsters with money, but weighed it”, police er those tasked with inspecting Its stronghold is Calabria in the spread of pandemics.” Germany is not the only Rome close ties to bosses or with key said. them may have had ties to the Italy’s south, but it has become Although Germany has country where meat factories roles within the organised crime Alessandro’s wife is the criminal underworld. increasingly powerful in north- weathered the coronavirus storm have emerged as coronavirus group, a statement said. daughter of “one of the main Co- The poverty relief scheme ern Italy and abroad too. better than many of its European hotspots. ore than 100 Italian Alessandro Pannunzi, the son lombian cocaine producers”, it known as the “citizens’ income” Mafi a experts say it is the only neighbours, the slaughterhouse Slaughterhouses across the mobsters have embez- of a man dubbed Italy’s version added. is aimed at the 5mn Italians living organised crime group present on outbreaks have dealt a blow to its United States have been shut Mzled income support of Colombian drug lord Escobar, Each of those nabbed will have below the poverty line. every continent. eff orts to gradually restart Eu- down after at least 5,000 meat that was destined for the nation’s was among those cashing in. to pay back their share of the The ‘Ndrangheta, which takes The income support sting rope’s top economy. and poultry workers contracted poorest, including the son of a His father Roberto was “unan- €516,000 ($566,000) stolen from its name from the ancient Greek came as warnings abounded in In some districts, the virus the virus. mafi oso nicknamed “the Italian imously considered by Italian the state. word for “courage”, is generally Italy over risks the mafi a could clusters have pushed infec- France, Australia, Spain and Pablo Escobar”, police said yes- and American investigators to be The mobsters had submit- believed to have outgrown its Si- fl ourish during the deep eco- tion rates back above an agreed Brazil have also reported out- terday. one of the world’s most impor- ted claims under false identities, cilian and Neapolitan competi- nomic recession caused by over threshold, forcing regional gov- breaks at meat plants, where All 101 belonged to the power- tant cocaine brokers, and who Italian media reports said, and tors thanks to cocaine traffi cking two months of an economically- ernments to rethink loosening people tend to work in close ful ‘Ndrangheta in Calabria and boasted that he did not count his police were investigating wheth- from Latin America. devastating national lockdown. lockdown restrictions. proximity.

‘Driving licence Malta turned away migrant boat king’ sent to jail Two Dutch companies liable for A man who referred to himself as the “driving licence king” and sent it to Italy: joint report was handed a prison sentence tainted egg scandal, court rules of four years and three months yesterday after being found DPA called corona if you’ve heard ing that the incident took place guilty of running a major scheme AFP damages in the aftermath of the disinfectant that it claimed was Rome about it. We can’t take you there near Malta’s shores. providing documents to banned The Hague food fright that saw millions of natural, duping the farmers into because everyone is sick in Mal- The migrants, who are be- drivers. eggs being pulled from super- believing that the product was ta. And Malta is small and can’t lieved to have set off from The 52-year-old fraudster was market shelves and more than based on eucalyptus and men- alta’s navy refused take all of you.’” Zliten, some 150km east of convicted of fraud on 37 counts wo Dutch disinfection three million chickens slaugh- thol. to rescue migrants “They gave us red life vests, Tripoli, on April 8, arrived in and attempted fraud on nine companies were found tered. The damage to poultry farm- Mstranded at sea and a new engine and fuel and told Pozzallo, Sicily, on April 12. counts by a court in the German Tliable yesterday for a “Chickfriend and Chickclean ers “is as a result of Chickfriend gave them fuel and directions us they would show us the route Malta’s government did not city of Detmold. 2017 tainted egg scandal that have not fulfi lled their agree- and Chickclean’s use of fi pron- to proceed to Italy, a British and to Italy. Then they pointed guns respond directly to the report, A charge of tax evasion was swept Europe and caused tens ments with poultry farmers to il”, the court said. an Italian daily said in a joint re- at us and said: ‘We give you 30 but instead said in a statement dropped. of millions of euros in damages, fi ght blood lice and are liable,” The court said individual port yesterday. minutes’,” the survivor added. that while it was respecting its The man’s wife, 44, was a local court said. the Arnhem court said. damages to be paid to poultry A rubber dinghy with 101 The Guardian and Avvenire obligations, European solidar- sentenced to a year and six The court’s judgment comes “The owners of the lice con- farmers would be determined in asylum-seekers entered Mal- published footage supplied by ity “is not being adhered to”. months on probation. more than two-and-a-half trol (company) knew that the court at a later stage. tese territorial waters on April Alarm Phone, a helpline for Of the 1,382 migrants rescued State prosecutors say the man years after the scare over eggs pesticide Dega-16 contained Two Chickfriend and Chick- 11, where it was intercepted migrants at sea, showing some this year so far, EU member helped thousands of drivers who contaminated with fi pronil, a fi pronil and that the use of this clean executives were also ar- by the Armed Forces of Malta migrants crammed on a rubber states had off ered to relocate had lost their licence in Germany banned insecticide potentially biocide to control lice is prohib- rested in August 2017 and later (AFM), the Guardian and Avve- dinghy and some at sea. just 36 people, it said. acquire a new one in another EU harmful to humans in high ited,” the court said in a state- released pending trial. nire newspapers said. A vessel marked AFM can The Maltese government also country. doses. ment. The fi pronil scare made its They quoted one of the mi- be seen manoeuvring around noted that irregular migrants However, some of his customers Some 120 poultry farmers Chickfriend and Chickclean way as far as Hong Kong and grants as saying: “They came to them, and a coastline is visible now accounted for almost 1% of came away empty-handed dragged companies Chickfriend supplied farmers in the Neth- aff ected some 25 countries in us and said, ‘Malta has a virus in the background, suggest- the country’s population. despite making payments. and Chickclean to court for erlands and Belgium with a Europe. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 17 INDIA Workers rescued from borewell digging get rare payout

Reuters workers and labour exploitation, tion, Action and Studies. rice mills where they have con- here. It is the fi rst time I left my vil- pensation under a government payment of Rs20,000 they are Chennai according to T G Vinay, the admin- “We were contacted and man- tinued to work, according to an- lage in the hope of earning better,” scheme set up in 2016 to provide eligible for on their release and no istrative head of Madurai district. aged to trace them with the help ti-slavery campaigners. Sandeep Sadhu Atla told the Thom- Rs100,000 or more to people res- one the full amount, government The workers were abandoned of the video clues and got some- India outlawed bonded la- son Reuters Foundation in a phone cued from slavery to stop them data shows. group of 14 workers res- near petrol pumps on the out- one to translate their story. We bour four decades ago, but some interview from Madurai where he is falling back into debt bondage. The lack of compensation cued from borewell dig- skirts of Madurai town when realised that they had been sold employers still trap people from waiting to be sent home. India has 8mn modern slaves, leaves slavery survivors vulner- Aging companies during the lockdown began in March to the borewell rig owners.” marginalised communities into “But we worked endlessly and according to Australia-based Walk able when they return to their the coronavirus lockdown in and only rescued after sending Millions of migrant workers working without pay in fi elds, were only given some money Free’s Global Slavery Index, and villages because they struggle to Tamil Nadu have received a rare a video to their families about have faced the brunt of India’s brick kilns, rice mills, brothels off -and-on to buy essentials like bonded labour is the most preva- fi nd work, forcing them to take payout after being held in slavery 2,000km away with landmarks stringent lockdown, with most or as domestic workers to pay off soap or oil.” lent form of slavery in the country. out new loans, campaigners said. as investigations continue, offi - to show their location. losing jobs, wages and struggling family debts. After the rescue and police The Indian government says Kandasamy Krishnan, head of cials said y. “They sent video messages to to get back to their homes, some In their complaint to the po- complaints, owners of the com- 300,000 people have been pulled the National Adivasi Solidarity Four complaints against indi- their homes in Jharkhand (state),” dying on the way. lice, the workers said when the panies agreed to pay overdue out of slavery since 1976 and is Council – an organisation that vidual owners of small borewell said Sahaya Philomin Raj, ad- Some workers trapped in lockdown began the employers salaries to the workers. aiming to free millions more. works on labour rights issues – digging companies are being in- vocate of human rights charity forced labour have remained abandoned them with no money. Atla received Rs62,000 ($820) But to date only 500 slavery said it was “very, very rare that vestigated for late payment to Institute of Development Educa- trapped in brick kilns, farms and “An agent brought me to work and is expecting more com- survivors have received an initial back wages” were given. Domestic fl ights to resume on May 25 as govt relaxes curbs

Agencies made cargo operations their main are higher – and Mumbai accounts New Delhi revenue stream. for almost a quarter of fatalities. Still, fi xed cost, especially the Other major cities such as New Police push back stranded migrant workers as they gather for a medical screening before taking a train to Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, in Amritsar yesterday. employee compensation compo- Delhi and Ahmedabad are also omestic air travel will nent alone, has dented their fi nan- badly aff ected. resume in India on May 25 cial positions and stock prices. Mumbai authorities are looking Dafter a two-month shut- Nevertheless, the latest an- to requisition thousands of private down imposed to stop the spread nouncement should bring some hospital beds, with state-run care of coronavirus, the aviation min- stability to the companies’ busi- facilities overwhelmed in the city Railways to start bookings for ister said yesterday, in a further ness continuity plans. of 20mn people. easing of national lockdown re- An airline executive said not all “A plan is under consideration strictions. sectors are likely to be off ered un- to take over 80% of beds in private The government halted all do- der the new bookings itinerary. hospitals for non-Covid cases,” 200 special trains from today mestic fl ights – which ferried Ajay Singh, chairman and man- Mumbai city spokesperson Vijay 144mn passengers as well as cargo aging director of SpiceJet said: “This Khabale-Patil said. across the country last year – on resumption will go a long way in lift- With some virus patients re- March 25, days after suspending ing the overall economic sentiment portedly sleeping on the streets IANS 200 special trains would start board to any passenger during “Provision for prepaid meal international fl ights. in the country. While the SoP for re- outside hospitals waiting for beds New Delhi running from June 1. the journey and no Tatkal and booking, e-catering shall be “All airports and air carriers sumption of operations and details to become free, authorities say The railways has been op- premium Tatkal booking would disabled. However, IRCTC shall are being informed to be ready for of fl ights to be operated are awaited, they need to boost the 5,000 avail- erating Shramik special trains be permitted on these trains, he make provision for limited eata- operations from 25th May,” Civil we are sure that this much-awaited able for critically ill patients. n a major relief to passengers, to transport stranded migrant added. bles and packaged drinking water Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh move will help a large number of Mumbai has already had to the Indian Railways yesterday workers, tourists, pilgrims and According to the spokesman, on payment basis only in lim- Puri said on Twitter. passengers by providing them ac- build makeshift fi eld hospitals Ireleased a list of 200 special students from May 1, and from the fi rst passenger chart will ited trains, having pantry car at- No indication was given when cess to the safest and quickest and turned several landmarks into trains that will run from June 1. May 12 began 15 pairs of special be prepared at least four hours tached,” he said, urging the pas- international travel would resume. means of transport.” quarantine facilities, including a These will be fully reserved air-conditioned trains. before departure and second sengers to carry their own food The minister said the standard On his part, Aloke Bajpai, CEO 19th-century horse-racing venue, trains having both air-condi- The spokesman said these 200 at least two hours, unlike the and drinking water. operating procedures (SOPs) for and Co-founder of ixigo, an AI- a sports stadium that was used to tioned and non air-conditioned special trains will be fully re- present practice of 30 minutes. The spokesman said that no lin- passenger movement would be is- based travel app, said: “It’s a posi- host NBA games last year and a classes, it said, adding bookings served. He said all passengers would be en, blankets and curtains would be sued soon. tive step much awaited by airlines planetarium. will start today. “General coaches shall also compulsorily screened and only provided inside the train. A day earlier, Puri had said it was – we look forward to the detailed There are fears the start of the A Railway Ministry spokesman have reserved seat for sitting. asymptomatic passengers would “Passengers are advised to not only up to the central govern- SoPs and guidelines.” monsoon next month and the said the railways, in consultation There will be no unreserved be allowed to enter the train. carry their own linen for the ment to decide on the resumption He said the industry “now needs spread of diseases like dengue fe- with the Ministries of Health & coach in the train,” he said in a The railways also said all quo- travel. The temperature inside of domestic fl ights, as states would to collaborate and focus on adver- ver will add to the burden. Family Welfare and Home Af- statement. tas would be permitted as in reg- AC coaches shall be suitably reg- also have to be ready to allow civil tising all the confi dence building New Delhi, also home to 20mn fairs, has decided that train serv- He said only online e-ticket- ular trains. ulated for this purpose,” he said. aviation operations. measures that will reassure trav- people, has likewise been badly hit. ices will be further partially re- ing will be done through IRCTC “Limited number of reserva- Meanwhile, the Railway Min- The battered airline industry ellers to get back on a plane. Reo- It now has more than 10,000 cas- stored from June 1. website or through mobile app. tion counters shall be operated istry has ordered reopening of has started accepting ticket book- pening domestic fl ights will give es and while authorities have con- However, other regular pas- “No tickets will be booked across for this purpose. However, nor- all vendors and shops on railway ings for travel starting on June 1. a big boost to our economy and fi rmed only 160 coronavirus deaths, senger services including all the reservation counter of any mal ticket booking cannot be platforms with immediate eff ect. When contacted yesterday, kickstart the recovery of the travel media reports – citing cemetery mail/express, passenger and railway station. Booking through done through these counters,” In an order issued by the Rail- many airline executives said they industry which was the most af- records – say there have been almost suburban services would remain ‘agents’ – both IRCTC and railway the spokesman said. way Board and addressed to all will now swiftly load new ticket fected during the lockdown.” triple that number at least. suspended until further notice, – shall not be permitted,” he said, Passengers were advised to zonal railways, it said, “Zonal bookings itineraries representing The announcement comes the Gujarat state’s largest city, he said. adding that the advance reservation arrive at the station 90 minutes Railways and IRCTC are advised the new schedule from May 25 on same day as the country reported Ahmedabad, has meanwhile re- Bookings for the special trains period will be 30 days. before departure, and wear face- to take necessary actions for online platforms. its biggest daily jump in corona- corded 8,945 cases with nearly will start at 10am today through The spokesman said wait- masks. opening of all static catering and However, this can only happen virus infections, with 5,611 new 600 deaths. the Indian Railway Catering and listed and reservation against The spokesman also said that vending units at railway stations after new route allocation and SoP cases recorded in 24 hours. Experts predict the epidemic will Tourism Corporation, a subsidi- cancellation tickets will also be on arrival at their destination, with immediate eff ect”. norms are issued. It took the total to 106,750, worsen in the major cities over the ary of the railways that handles generated. the passengers will have to ad- However, it said that in the Besides immediate fi nancial re- with fi nancial capital Mumbai the next month and infections are only the catering, tourism and online “However, passengers with here to the health protocols pre- case of food plazas and refresh- lief, the move allows the airlines to worst-hit city, according to gov- expected to peak in June or July. ticketing operations. wait-listed ticket will not be al- scribed by the destination city. ment rooms, only takeaways will keep their staff and aircraft ready ernment fi gures. Despite the crisis in cities, the Railway Minister Piyush Goyal lowed to board the train,” he said. He said the fare would not in- be permitted and not sit-down for the restart of operations. More than 3,300 people have government has insisted it is keep- had announced a day earlier that No tickets will be issued on- clude catering charges. eating arrangements. At present, some airlines have died – though unoffi cial estimates ing the spread under control. Maharashtra records 65 more Haryana decides against deaths and 2,250 new cases running inter-state buses

IANS In a major relief to those IANS Mumbai’s Dharavi slum alone Covid-19 cases need hospitali- Chandigarh stranded due to the nationwide Mumbai continued to be a major hotspot sation, which includes oxygen, lockdown, Haryana on Monday and concern for the health au- ventilator or ICU support. started special buses between thorities, recording 25 new cases, The ministry’s Joint Secretary he Haryana government district headquarters and the na- aharashtra yesterday taking the total number of patients Lav Agarwal said of the 61,149 yesterday decided not to tional capital. recorded 65 Covid-19 to 1,378, and 56 deaths so far. active cases, around 2.94% Tallow inter-state buses in The Haryana government has Mdeaths and 2,250 new Pune recorded 15 deaths, needed oxygen support, 3% ICU a bid to prevent a spike in coro- also allowed partial movement cases, offi cials said, as the state Thane 5 and Solapur and Au- and 0.45% ventilator support. navirus cases. But intra-state between Delhi and Gurugram af- continued to see fatalities above rangabad two each. Stressing the Covid-19 recov- bus service that started last week ter fresh guidelines were issued 50 and new patients over 2,000 They comprised 46 men and ery rate, Agarwal said, it “has would continue in all 22 districts. by the Home Ministry yesterday. consecutively for the past four 19 women, and 74% of them suf- been on continuous upwards The decision not to operate With this, bus services be- days. fered from other serious ailments climb and is more than 39.62%. inter-state buses was taken at a tween Delhi and Gurugram will This comes to a staggering such as diabetes, hypertension, When the fi rst phase of lock- meeting between Chief Minister resume after nearly two months. one death every 22 minutes, and heart problems and asthma. down started, the recovery rate Manohar Lal Khattar and Home The relaxation will give huge around 93 new cases every hour On the positive side, 679 fully was around 7.1%. During the Minister Anil Vij. relief to labourers employed in in the state. cured patients returned home second phase of lockdown, it was Vij, who also holds the health Gurugram and living in border With 65 fatalities – down by 11 yesterday, taking the number of 11.42% and rose to 26.59%. To- portfolio, expressed apprehen- areas adjoining Delhi. from highest-ever 76 of May 19 – those discharged to 10,318. day, the recovery rate is 39.62%.” sions over the rise in Covid-19 Gurugram’s Udyog Vihar is the state’s death toll now stands Maharashtra Governor Bhagat The eff orts for early identi- cases due to large movement of one of the industrial areas in the at 1,390. Singh Koshyari took a review of fi cation of Covid-19 cases had people from neighbouring states. district where a large number of The total number of corona- the Covid-19 situation in the helped in having a better recov- Punjab and Himachal Pradesh labourers living in adjoining Ka- virus patients has now increased state with Chief Minister Uddhav ery rate, he said. have also decided not to operate pashera in Delhi daily move to from 37,136 to 39,397. Thackeray and top offi cials. Comparing global statistics on inter-state buses till May 31. Gurugram for work. The Health Department, the Earlier in the day, Nationalist Covid-19 with India, Agarwal said, Two days earlier, Haryana had Gurugram district magistrate state had 27,581 active cases now. Congress Party president Sharad “The mortality rate in India is 0.2 sought the consent of neigh- Amit Khatri said: “We have also Of the 65 deaths yesterday, 41 Pawar urged people to “accept” cases per lakh population against bouring states to restart the in- allowed interstate bus services be- were recorded in Mumbai alone coronavirus as a way of life and the global 4.2 cases. India has re- ter-state bus service. tween Gurugram and Delhi and – the second highest on a single- asked the government to restore corded 7.9 cases per lakh popula- The state had written to Ut- other states. For any private or state day after May 19 – taking the city’s normalcy in transport, trade, tion against 62 for the world.” tar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, own bus, they can accommodate toll to 841, while the number of commerce and business activi- The number of confi rmed cas- Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, only 50% of bus capacity during Covid-19 positive patients in the ties. es in India is 106,750 and 3,303 Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and every ride. The passengers should country’s fi nancial capital shot up In New Delhi, the federal people have succumbed to the A municipal worker drives a coronavirus-themed auto-rickshaw in a Chandigarh to start movement undergo thermal scanning before by 1,372 to touch 24,118. Health Ministry said only 6.39% infection. street of a residential area in Chennai yesterday. of commuters. entering the bus,” Khatri said. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, May 21, 2020 INDIA

MYSTERY POLITICS JUDICIARY INVESTIGATION HONOUR Supersonic sound rattles UP opposition seeks Court asks Tihar jail to NIA arrests militant in India to head WHO Bengaluru residents Azam Khan’s release take convict to hospital BJP leader’s murder case Executive Board

A supersonic sound rattled the people of Uttar Pradesh opposition leader Ram Govind The Delhi High Court has asked the Tihar Jail In a major success in the murder investigation India’s Health Minister Bengaluru, sparking wild rumours of an Chaudhary has urged Speaker Hriday Narain authorities to take one of the convicts in a 1984 of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Anil Parihar and Harsh Vardhan will earthquake, an explosion or a fighter jet cruising Dixit to ensure the release of Samajwadi anti-Sikh riots case to hospital within three days his brother Ajeet Parihar in November 2018, the take over as chairman at high speed. “An inquiry has been ordered Party MP Mohamed Azam Khan, his wife for a check up. Naresh Sehrawat, who is serving National Investigation Agency (NIA) yesterday of the World Health to find the cause of the sound around 1.30pm Tazeen Fatima and son Abdullah Azam on life sentence, is slated to undergo kidney and said it arrested a terrorist of the banned Hizabul Organisation’s after it set off panic and rumours of a quake or compassionate grounds on the occasion of Eid. liver transplants. The court was hearing an Mujahideen from Jammu and Kashmir. An NIA Executive Board. He explosion due to mining blast,” an off icial of the All three are in Sitapur jail since February. In a application filed by Sherawat seeking interim spokesman said Rustam Ali was arrested from succeeds Japan’s Dr state Natural Disaster Management Authority letter, Chaudhary said Khan was unwell while suspension of sentence for three months since the outer area of Kishtwar town on Tuesday. The Hiroki Nakatani. The (NDMA) said. Ruling out an earthquake, off icial his wife had recently suff ered a fracture in the he needs to undergo liver and kidney transplants Parihar brothers were shot dead outside their Executive Board has said seismic meters did not capture any ground jail. Last week, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh simultaneously. He said though his appointment home on November 1, 2018 when they were 34 members who are technically qualified and vibration, which occurs during a mild tremor. Yadav had urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with doctors at ILBS hospital was fixed for March returning after closing their shop. The Kashmir represent their nations. All 34 are designated “The activity was a loud unknown noise,” said to release the family, but the government did 11, he was not taken there as it was considered government had earlier set up an SIT to probe the by their respective states in the World Health the off icial. “The explosive sound is not because not respond. Yadav had said that the Khan highly risky due to the Covid-19 pandemic. killings, and based on its findings agreed to transfer Assembly, which concluded recently where of a quake in the city and no need to panic,” family should be allowed to observe fast during The court will now hear the matter on May 26. the case to the NIA three weeks later. On May 15 Vardhan made a long speech about India’s he said. A fire brigade off icial said it could be the holy month of Ramadan. He alleged that He along with Yashpal Singh was convicted this year, the NIA filed a charge-sheet against six response to Covid-19 and how Prime Minister due to mining blast of rocks for underground a number of false cases had been registered for murder, attempt to murder, banditry and people, including three slain Hizbul militants for Narendra Modi has shown “leadership” construction. against the Khan family. voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons. giving support to terrorists to kill the two men. benefiting not just India but the world. Social distancing ditched as villagers hunker down in storm shelters

Agencies than 3,000 lives in India, ac- Midnapore cording to offi cial fi gures. According to offi cial date, as many as 26 of the 35 deadliest ocial distancing was futile tropical cyclones in recorded for one frightened group history have occurred over the Sof people fl eeing Cyclone Bay of Bengal. Amphan, who herded cows and Meteorologists say a range of chickens to a packed evacuation factors makes cyclones in the re- bunker yesterday despite fears of gion potentially very destructive. coronavirus infection. “The Bay of Bengal has warm The shelter, west of Kolkata in sea surface temperatures in ex- Midnapore district, opened just cess of 31C, which helps in in- before the strongest storm in tensifi cation of the cyclones. decades collided into the near- Also these systems develop over by coast packing winds of up to sea for as long as six to seven 190kph. days. Both factors churn deadly Twenty people were cramped cyclones,” Mahesh Palawat, in one small room and only two chief meteorologist of Skymet, were wearing facemasks, even an Indian forecasting company, though authorities had pledged said. to reduce crowding in shelters “The movement of these cy- and make the wearing of protec- clonic systems is in the north, A car drives past fallen tree branches along a road in Digha, West Bengal, yesterday. tive gear compulsory. north-westerly direction toward Odisha or the Bengal delta region “The Bay of Bengal that have shallow bays which has warm sea surface create intense storm surges,” he temperatures in excess added. of 31C, which helps in “The Bay of Bengal has warm intensifi cation of the sea surface temperatures in ex- cyclones” cess of 31C, which helps in in- tensifi cation of the cyclones” A 10 killed as super cyclone “I don’t think I have a mask,” woman gave birth to a girl inside said Kavita Lahiri, who brought a fi re service vehicle in Odisha’s her three children to the con- Kendrapara district amid gusty crete building but had to leave winds and heavy rainfall during her two cows tethered outside. the cyclone yesterday, said an Amphan cut a devastating offi cial. path through eastern India and The woman delivered the baby Amphan batters W Bengal neighbouring Bangladesh at a in the vehicle while being res- time when both countries are cued by the fi re service person- Agencies tricts completely battered by one novel coronavirus, which has so straddling the Indian-Bangla- with the new moon high tides. struggling to contain coronavi- nel in the morning. Kolkat of the strongest storms to hit the far killed 250 people in the state. desh border is best known for It is devastation in the coastal rus outbreaks. Special Relief Commissioner region in several years. “We don’t know how to han- thick mangrove forests that are a belt,” he said. At least 650,000 people fl ed (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena said “Area after area has been dev- dle it,” she said. critical tiger habitat, and is home Two other fatalities were re- to evacuation shelters in West the mother and the newborn powerful cyclone pound- astated. Communications are In West Bengal’s capital city, to around 4mn people in India. ported by media, including an Bengal and Odisha states and an have been shifted to a govern- ed eastern India yester- disrupted,” Banerjee said, adding Kolkata, strong winds upturned On the Sundarbans’ Ghoram- infant crushed when the mud estimated 2.4mn were relocated ment hospital in Mahakalapada Aday, killing at least 10 that although 500,000 people cars and felled trees and elec- ara island, resident Sanjib Sagar wall of the family’s hut collapsed on other side of the border ahead and both were fi ne. people and destroying thou- had been evacuated, state au- tricity poles. said several embankments sur- in heavy rain in Odisha. of the cyclone’s landfall. Janaki Sethi, 20, of Janhara sands of homes, offi cials said, thorities had not entirely antici- Parts of the city were plunged rounding settlements had been Amphan is the fi rst “super Authorities fear that migrant village started having labour leaving authorities struggling to pated the ferocity of the storm. into darkness. damaged, and some fl ooding had cyclone” to form over the Bay of workers who recently returned pains when the cyclone was ap- mount relief eff orts amid a surg- With rains continuing, she An offi cial in the adjoining started. Bengal since 1999. from major cities could be carry- proaching in the morning. ing coronavirus outbreak. said the hardest hits areas were Hooghly district said thousands “A lot of houses have been That cyclone left nearly ing the virus to impoverished rural Kendrapara District Fire Of- West Bengal took the brunt of not immediately accessible. of mud homes were damaged by damaged,” he said. 10,000 dead in Odisha, eight districts around the Bay of Bengal fi cer P K Dash said they went to Cyclone Amphan, which barrel- Federal authorities said they raging winds. Anamitra Anurag Danda, a years after a typhoon. that now lie in the storm’s path. the village after they received an led out of the Bay of Bengal with could only make a proper assess- Embankments were also senior fellow at the Observer While the frequency and in- The West Bengal government SOS from the distressed family gusting winds of up to 185kmh ment of the destruction today breached in Sundarbans delta, Research Foundation think-tank tensity of storms have increased said it had sent masks and sani- in the morning. per and a storm surge of around morning. where weather authorities had who has extensively studied the – blamed partly on climate tisers to evacuation centres, but They cleared the road of 22 up- 5m. “We are facing greater dam- said the surge whipped up by Sundarbans, said that embank- change – casualties have fallen at most shelters there was little rooted trees despite strong winds Chief Minister Mamata Ban- age and devastation than the the cyclone could inundate up to ments across the area may have thanks to faster evacuations, sign of protective equipment. and torrential rain and took the erjee said at least 10 people had Covid-19,” Banerjee said, refer- 15km inland. been breached. better technology and more The virus has claimed more woman in the service vehicle. died in the state, and two dis- ring to the disease caused by the The ecologically-fragile region “The cyclone surge coincided shelters. Ministry sets conditions Security tightened Postpone entrance for holding CBSE exams tests: JNU students IANS institutions have informed New Delhi selected students of holding IANS from state governments and the ed before the lockdown was an- viva-voce through video con- New Delhi CBSE seeking permission to hold nounced. ference in the fi rst half of next the examinations. The pending exams will be he Jawaharlal Nehru month. “Taking into consideration held from July 1-15. University Students The JNUSU argues that not he Ministry of Home Af- the academic interest of a large Also yesterday, the Bombay TUnion (JNUSU) has de- only is it against the recom- fairs (MHA) yesterday al- number of students, it has been High Court permitted the Goa manded the postponement of mendations of the University Tlowed the Central Board decided to grant exemption from government to conduct SSC and entrance exams, calling the Grants Commission which of Secondary Education to con- the lockdown measures to con- HSSC examinations, after the ongoing admission process in had proposed that process duct pending examinations for duct the examinations for Class federal Home Ministry also gave certain institutes as “exclu- must start in August, but they Class X and XII by exempting 10th and 12th,” he wrote. the go-ahead. sionary”. also claim the process itself them from the lockdown meas- The annual board exams were “The stand of the government, “We are extremely con- is “highly exclusionary and ures, subject to fi ve conditions. suspended after Prime Minis- that it is right and proper for the cerned with the fact that discriminatory towards stu- The ministry said no examina- ter Narendra Modi announced a benefi t for the student commu- certain institutions are still dents from marginalised back- tion centre will be permitted in nationwide lockdown on March nity to hold these examinations at continuing with the entrance grounds”. containment zones – the specifi c 24 to combat the coronavirus this stage, has been vindicated by schedule without consider- The JNU students body ar- geographical areas defi ned by the outbreak. today’s order of the high court,” ing the conditions presented gues that the majority of stu- Ministry of Health and Family The lockdown has been ex- Pangam told reporters. by the Covid-19 pandemic,” dents across India have been Welfare (MoHF) where positive tended till May 31. “The MHA has permitted the the JNUSU said in a letter to forced to return to their homes Covid-19 cases are found. Meanwhile, the Ministry of holding of HSSC and SSC exam- the Human Resource Develop- and many of them don’t have It said all teachers, students Human Resource Development inations in the state. There was ment ministry. Internet access, including stu- and staff involved in the exami- (HRD) has declared that stu- no reservation on the part of the “We would like to present dents from Kashmir, where nation process must wear masks. dents will appear for the pend- MHA,” the advocate general said. the case (to) three institutions Internet has been restricted by There will be provisions of ing board exams at the schools Nearly 11,000 students are – the Tata Institute of Funda- government orders. thermal scanning and sanitisers where they are enrolled, instead expected to appear for the SSC Security personnel arrive near the scene of a recent mental Research (Hyderabad), They also cite the present at all the centres where social of an external exam centre. exams and several thousand are militant attack at Pandach Chowk area of central Kashmir’s National Centre for Biological lockdown as a roadblock for distancing must be maintained. The ministry is also planning eligible to appear for the remain- Ganderbal district on the outskirts of Srinagar yesterday. At Sciences, and the Jawaharlal many students to access In- Federal Home Secretary Ajay to declare the board exam results ing three papers of the HSSC least one Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was killed and Nehru Centre for Advanced ternet cafes for online services Bhalla in a letter to the chief by July-end and the evaluation exam, whose schedule was dis- another one injured when militants allegedly fired at the Scientifi c Research,” it said. which are necessary for video secretaries of all states said the process has already begun for rupted after the lockdown was security personnel. The students claimed that conferencing or sending e- ministry has received requests the papers which were conduct- enforced. in the last seven days, all these mails. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 19 LATIN AMERICA

Femicides in Argentina reach 10-year high under virus lockdown

Virus puts stop The number of women killed highest number in 10 years,” of femicide in the world. Along with the three most recent called on governments to take in Argentina has reached a said Ada Rico, the group’s The vast majority of killings deaths, at least 49 women were urgent measures to tackle a 10-year high under coronavirus president and director of go unprosecuted. The data in killed between March 20 and “horrifying global surge” in lockdown, a leading rights the organisation’s Femicide Argentina follows a worldwide May 14, the group said. domestic violence, adding that to search for group said, with more than Observatory watchdog project. trend of rising gender-based That is up from 40 in the same for many women, being in their 50 femicides in less than two “(Women) are being beaten to violence under lockdown that period last year and an increase own homes was often the most months. Three of those women death or strangled,” she told the has left women trapped at home of nearly a third compared dangerous. were murdered in just the last Thomson Reuters Foundation. with their abusers and unable to with 2018. Calls to Argentina’s Argentina has recorded four days, according to La Twelve women are killed every seek help while tensions due to emergency 137 line for domestic more than 7,800 confirmed people missing Casa del Encuentro, a Buenos day in Latin America because Covid-19 escalate, experts say. abuse victims increased by coronavirus cases and about Aires-based feminist group that of their gender in a crime “She’s isolated with the person two-thirds in April versus a 360 deaths, according to a said not only the numbers but known as femicide, according who’s attacking her,” said Rico. year earlier after shelter-in- Reuters tally. the severity of the violence was to the United Nations, and the “Sometimes when a woman’s place measures were ordered The number of femicides was in Mexico hugely concerning. region is home to 14 of the 25 locked up, she can’t make a in mid-March. UN secretary- calculated using local media “We’re very worried. It’s the countries with the highest rates phone call.” general Antonio Guterres has reports, Rico said.

Guardian News and Media for human remains on riverbanks Mexico City and abandoned oilfi elds, Pena Zamudio visited penitentiaries, rehab centres and local medical or nearly fi ve full years, forensic departments in search Virginia Pena Zamudio has of her son, who would now be 27. Fbeen searching: trawling Wherever she went she carried prisons, markets and forensic his laminated photo and asked records for the slightest trace of strangers if they’d seen someone her missing son. with Rosendo’s characteristics, Rosendo Vazquez Pena was including a tattoo on his chest kidnapped from a car repair shop reading: “La vida no es fácil” in Mexico’s Veracruz state in (“Life isn’t easy”). September 2015 and has not been The Poza Rica searches would seen here since. be Pena Zamudio’s last for a Since then Pena Zamudio has, while. Her “collective” had been like thousands of Mexican par- planning to visit Tijuana and ents and spouses, thrown her- Oaxaca to search for their loved- self into a life of hunting, joining ones, many of whom disappeared a search “brigade” of grieving during the same several-day pe- relatives determined to fi nd their riod in 2015. loved ones, dead or alive. The last time she travelled to But the coronavirus, which Oaxaca, last September, 18 peo- has killed at least 5,000 people in ple in the city’s central market Mexico, has brought the hunt for told her they’d seen her son, who its desaparecidos to a sudden and she suspects was abducted by traumatic halt. police and may still be alive. “We’re shut inside, we can’t Pena Zamudio had hoped the even move,” said Pena Zamudio. latest trip would shed further “As a mother, I want to be able to light on his whereabouts – but break all of these barriers, but I then came the coronavirus. can’t.” “As long as we can’t go out and Up and down Mexico – where search, the authorities should nearly 62,000 people have van- still be doing it,” Pena Zamudio ished since its “war on drugs” said. began in 2006 – families have In an open letter the Mov- found themselves in a similar imiento por Nuestros Desapa- position, seeing their quests to recidos en Mexico, a nationwide locate loved-ones frustrated by coalition of the families of disap- the pandemic. pearance victims, announced its “The searches are stopped members were temporarily sus- A Colombian police off icer operates a drone that measures body temperature, in an area of high contagion amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Bogota, Colombia, yesterday. right now. I’m not sure when pending their expeditions. they’re going to start again be- “Just as we don’t want any cause of the virus,” said Jose more people to disappear, we Barajas, a US citizen who has also value everyone’s wellbeing,” been looking for his father since they wrote. he was seized from his ranch in “For the families of the disap- the northern state of Baja Cali- peared, compulsory social isola- fornia by gunmen in April 2019. tion means lost days in trying to Last year a series of edgy and ensure our loved ones can come Brazil touts chloroquine gruesome desert hunts – one home,” the group admitted. witnessed by the Guardian – “But it’s clear to us that now failed to fi nd any sign of Barajas’ is the time to put lives fi rst. If we father, who is also called Jose. aren’t healthy, we won’t be of any Relatives suspect he was use searching for the more than snatched by cartel members op- 61,000 people we have lost.” erating near the US border and is “Sadly the disappearances for all as virus toll surges likely to have been murdered. have not stopped (because of the This year, Barajas said he pandemic),” the group added, AFP have been informed of potential But some studies have cast to treat malaria for centuries. the “hysteria” around the coro- felt the searchers were making urging Mexico’s government to Brasília side eff ects, including heart and doubt on the drugs’ safety and Preliminary studies of the navirus, arguing lockdown progress: during one recent mis- develop a plan to continue con- liver dysfunction, retina damage eff ectiveness against coronavi- drugs in China and France measures would trigger an eco- sion activists found eight or nine ducting some searches despite “and even death.” rus. showed promising results against nomic crisis that could cause bodies buried in shallow graves the health emergency. razil’s health ministry The guidelines, which apply to The health ministry acknowl- Covid-19, though other studies more death and suffering than and a bag full of human bones. As Pena Zamudio waits out the yesterday recommended the public health system, leave edged that “there are still no me- have raised doubts. the virus itself. “And then, right after that, crisis at home, she said she had Busing chloroquine and hy- the fi nal decision on using the ta-analyses of randomised, con- Most countries have not au- Brazil has emerged as the lat- everything stopped,” added been dreaming about her son and droxychloroquine to treat even drugs up to doctors and their pa- trolled, blind, large-scale clinical thorised their use against coro- est fl ashpoint in the coronavirus Barajas, who said he was anxious worrying about his safety dur- mild cases of Covid-19, treat- tients. trials of these medications in the navirus, except in clinical trials pandemic, and infections are to resume his hunt. ing the pandemic. “I think about ments President Jair Bolsonaro The two medications have treatment of Covid-19.” or severe cases. only expected to peak in June. Pena Zamudio’s plans have whether he’s living in the street, has pushed for despite a lack of been swept up in a politically However, it said the govern- Brazil’s former health min- The country registered more also been derailed by the shut- if he’s in a really crowded place, conclusive evidence of their ef- charged debate amid the pan- ment had a responsibility to issue ister Nelson Teich resigned last than 1,000 Covid-19 deaths on down, which has seen the gov- what will happen to him,” she fectiveness. demic. guidelines using the information week after less than a month on Tuesday, its highest yet, bringing ernment institutions tasked with said. New federal guidelines re- Bolsonaro and his US counter- currently available. the job, reportedly after clashing its total death toll to 17,971. off ering logistical support or Whatever the future held, the leased by the ministry recom- part Donald Trump, to whom he Chloroquine and hydroxy- with Bolsonaro over the far-right The country now has the protection to the search teams hunt would have to go on. mend doctors prescribe the anti- is often compared, tout them as chloroquine, a less toxic deriva- president’s insistence on recom- third-highest number of infec- suspend or reduce their activi- “However long this will last – malarial drugs from the onset of potential wonder drugs against tive, are typically used as anti- mending chloroquine against tions in the world, with more ties. a year, two years, three, I don’t symptoms of coronavirus infec- Covid-19. malaria drugs and to treat certain Covid-19. than 270,000, behind only the In February, she spent two know – we need to search,” tion, together with the antibiotic Trump even revealed on Mon- auto-immune diseases. The interim minister is an ac- US and Russia. weeks with a 200-strong search Pena Zamudio said. “For us, azithromycin. day he has been taking hydroxy- They are both synthetic forms tive duty army general, Eduardo Experts say under-testing brigade in the city of Poza Rica. this is our life, searching for our Patients will be required to chloroquine daily as a preventive of quinine, which comes from the Pazuello. means the real fi gures are prob- While some members searched children.” sign a waiver acknowledging they measure. cinchona tree and has been used Bolsonaro has condemned ably much higher. UK retailers threaten Brazil Anger at government Venezuela seeks access boycott over Amazon law to gold held by BoE Reuters The claim, submitted in a com- Caracas mercial court and dated May 14, In an open letter to Brazilian think tank. “We urge the Brazilian govern- says the Venezuelan central bank senators and deputies, the Deforestation in the Brazilian ment to reconsider its stance and “seeks an order requiring BoE to companies said they were Amazon has surged. hope to continue working with enezuela’s central bank has comply with the proposed in- “deeply concerned” about “Should the measure pass, it partners in Brazil to demonstrate made a legal claim to try struction.” Provisional Measure 910, that economic development and Vto force the Bank of Eng- The funds, once transferred to which is backed by President “Should the measure environmental protection are not land (BoE) to hand over €930mn the United Nations Development Jair Bolsonaro pass, it would encourage mutually exclusive,” they said. ($1.02bn) of gold so President Programme, would be used to buy further land grabbing and Deforestation in the Brazilian Nicolas Maduro’s government can healthcare equipment, medicine, AFP widespread deforestation, Amazon hit a new high in the fi rst fund its coronavirus response, ac- and food to address Venezuela’s London which would jeopardise the four months of the year, accord- cording to the document submit- “Covid-19 emergency,” the docu- survival of the Amazon” ing to data released earlier this ted in a London court. ment seen by Reuters said. month by Brazil’s National Space The claim follows a request Selling off the country’s gold re- eading British supermarket would encourage further land Research Institute. Venezuela made to the Bank of serves has become one of the Ma- chains have warned Brazil grabbing and widespread defor- A total of 1,202 square kilome- England in April to sell part of its duro administration’s few options Lthey may be forced to boy- estation, which would jeopard- tres of forest — an area more than gold reserves there and send the to raise funds due to US sanctions. cott its goods if lawmakers in the ise the survival of the Amazon” 20 times the size of Manhattan proceeds to the United Nations to The collapse in global oil prices South American country pass a and meeting the Paris Climate — was wiped out in the Brazilian help with the country’s coronavi- and a paralysing coronavirus quar- bill that would “encourage further Agreement targets, the compa- Amazon from January to April, it rus-fi ghting eff orts. antine has further crippled Ven- land grabbing” in the Amazon. nies said in the letter. found. That was a 55% increase The Bank of England declined to ezuela’s moribund economy. In an open letter to Brazilian “We believe that it would also from the same period last year, and comment on the claim. “The foot-dragging by the Bank senators and deputies, the com- put at risk the ability of organi- the highest fi gure for the fi rst four The Venezuelan central bank of England is critically hampering panies said they were “deeply sations such as ours to continue months of the year since monthly did not respond to a request to Venezuela and the UN’s eff orts to concerned” about Provisional sourcing from Brazil in the fu- records began in August 2015. comment. combat Covid-19 in the country,” Measure 910, which is backed by ture,” they said. The destruction is largely Since 2018, the Bank of Eng- Sarosh Zaiwalla, a London-based President Jair Bolsonaro. The 41 signatories include the caused by illegal logging, mining land has delayed the transfer of 31 lawyer representing the central The measure, which has to be British Retail Consortium, retail and farming on protected lands. Supporters of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, of tonnes of Venezuelan gold stored bank, said in a statement. approved by the National Con- giants Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, J Bolsonaro wants to open up Bolvian ex-president Evo Morales, block access to a landfill there to Maduro, who Britain does Venezuela so far has registered gress, legalises informal settle- Sainsbury and Marks & Spen- more such lands to economic ac- in the K’ara K’ara area, in southern Cochabamba, Bolivia, to not recognise as the country’s le- 618 coronavirus cases and 10 ments on federal public lands and cer along with food producers, tivity, arguing Brazil’s indigenous prevent garbage collectors from entering the site as a protest gitimate leader. deaths, but health workers warn grants property titles to those Burger King UK, Sweden’s AP7 peoples should reap the benefi ts to demand the resignation of the country’s interim president The bank off ers gold custodian the country’s decrepit medical occupying the land, according national pension fund and other of the natural resources on their Jeanine Anez and her cabinet. services to many developing na- system could be overrun if the to the Climate Policy Initiative investment management fi rms. territory. tions. outbreak expands there. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, May 21, 2020 PAKISTAN Punjab legislator dies of coronavirus disease

„ Prime minister expresses a time the country has lifted its pital on May 17, and brought to of infections and deaths, Paki- ited to 60% of capacity to ensure In a statement, he expressed “I am grateful to Allah as my deep grief over Raza’s death countrywide lockdown. Mayo Hospital on Monday, where stan continued to open up the social distancing. condolences to the bereaved coronavirus test came negative,” „ Punjab Assembly deputy Pakistan has recorded 45,898 she tested positive for the virus,” country yesterday, with cross- Tickets sold out shortly after family and prayed for their pa- said Mazari. speaker recovers from infections and 985 deaths to Aslam said. country train operations restart- becoming available. tience. The deputy speaker had tested coronavirus, tests negative date from the respiratory disease Raza belonged to the ruling ing after almost two months. “Walkthrough sanitising gates, Information Minister Shibli positive for the virus on May 10. caused by the novel coronavirus. Pakistan Tekreek-e-Insaf (PTI) The timing of the restart thermometers and sanitisers Faraz has also expressed deep In a video message, Mazari Reuters/Internews Tuesday saw the most deaths party of Prime Minister Imran presents a challenge for authori- have been supplied to all railway sorrow and grief over Raza’s said that he was keeping him- Lahore/Islamabad in a single day reported, at 46. Khan and was elected on a re- ties with the Eid al-Fitr holiday stations,” Pakistan Railways pub- death. self isolated and taking all safety Shaheen Raza, a 65-year-old served seat for women. due to fall on Sunday or Monday, lic relations director Quratul Ain Meanwhile, Punjab Assembly measures. female member of the provincial Punjab’s Health Minister Yas- subject to the sighting of the new told Reuters, adding that no pas- Deputy Speaker Dost Mohamed He asked everyone to pray for local legislator died yes- assembly of Punjab, the coun- meen Rashid, who is from the moon – meaning tens of thou- senger with a temperature or not Mazari has tested negative for the him and said that he was not ex- terday after contracting try’s largest province, died in the same party, said that Raza had sands of people will be looking wearing a mask would be allowed coronavirus, making a recovery periencing any symptoms. ACovid-19, hospital offi - eastern city of Lahore, the chief been visiting quarantine centres to board trains for their home to travel. from the disease. The deputy speaker said he had cials said, marking the fi rst death executive of Mayo Hospital, Dr in the province for inspections towns. Prime Minister Khan has ex- The deputy speaker said he has fi rst tested negative on April 28. of a political fi gure in the South Asad Aslam, told Reuters. and was a cancer survivor. Railways authorities told Reu- pressed deep grief and sorrow completed the time period for A week later, he tested positive Asian nation from the disease at “She was admitted to a hos- Meanwhile, despite rising rates ters that bookings had been lim- over the death of Shaheen Raza. self-isolation and is now home. for the virus. PPP backs PML-N Days before Eid, people call for new polls

Internews rush to malls in Karachi Lahore Internews Islamabad he Pakistan Peoples Par- ty (PPP) led by former Tpresident Asif Zardari has fter nearly a two-month- supported the Pakistan Muslim long lockdown, the League – Nawaz (PML-N)’s call Asemblance of normality for new elections in the country. resumed in Karachi as the pro- “There is nothing wrong in it vincial government eased re- if someone is demanding that strictions in the metropolis. this government should go. The Buyers thronged the malls demand for new polls in not un- in Karachi which were allowed democratic. What [else] can be to reopen after the Supreme done in case of failure of a gov- Court’s order. ernment?” Punjab PPP presi- On Monday the apex court or- dent Qamar Zaman Kaira told a dered the reopening of shopping press conference. malls and markets for the entire “Re-election or in-house week all over the country, which change are the two options to had been shut down during the get rid of an incapable govern- lockdown imposed to arrest the ment,” he said while responding spread of the coronavirus. to a query. A fi ve-member bench of the He, however, sarcastically said apex court, headed by Chief Jus- that demanding a fresh general tice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, election from the incumbent and comprising Justices Mushir setup is a useless eff ort as it’s Alam, Mazhar Alam Khan Mi- unable to even conduct local ankhel, Sardar Tariq Masood, body polls. and Qazi Mohamed Amin Flanked by Chaudhry Man- Ahmed, heard the suo moto case zoor, Aslam Gill and Malik Us- regarding combating the coro- Days to Eid man, Kaira said that the judici- navirus pandemic. ary must not intervene in the The shopping malls in Karachi People shop for jewellery at a aff airs of the executive because opened around 8am in the city, market in Karachi ahead of the Eid the former did not have experi- with thousands reaching early in al-Fitr. ence of running the country. the morning as malls have been The PPP leader argued that ordered to close by 5pm. Right: Motorists are seen in a the National Finance Com- According to rough estimates, traff ic jam as people arrive at mission and 18th amendment there are 40 small and huge Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazar for strengthened the federation and malls in Karachi, and in each shopping ahead of the Eid. weakened nationalists and sepa- mall, there are 400 shops on av- ratist movements, and vowed to erage. resist any move to reverse the Around 3pm, a huge line was steps. seen outside the Dolmen Mall at He said the amendment was Tariq Road. in line with the promise made Dolmen Mall’s public rela- by Quaid-e-Azam Mohamed Ali tions and external communica- Jinnah with the provinces as en- tion offi cer Palwasha Sikender shrined in the 1940 Resolution said that they had limited the and that the country was bifur- headcount of people entering cated in 1971 because of violating the mall and even entering dif- this promise. ferent outlets. “There’s a kiosk outside the mall for gloves and masks,” she Sindh governor to said, adding that children under the age of 12 and old age people lead 154,000 Tiger are strictly not allowed. Force members “We strictly follow social dis- tancing in the mall. All the re- A passenger puts on a mask on her child while waiting for their train A railway worker at the Peshawar station measures the temperature of a passenger before he is Special Assistant to Prime tail staff have also been briefed to depart the Karachi station. allowed to board his train. Minister on Youth Aff airs Usman about it,” Sikender explained, Dar called on Prime Minister adding that their trial rooms for the entire market crammed full Atrium Mall’s operational According to a rough esti- established outside the mall,” he for 1,500 cars, he said, adding Imran Khan in Islamabad clothes’ buyers were also closed of buyers and vehicles honking manager said that they had been mate, as many as 5,000 people said. that they were making sure that yesterday and presented him and that they are encouraging horns at signals. sanitising all buyers and even were in the mall at any given Meanwhile, the Lucky One once 400 cars were parked in the weekly report on the Corona cashless payments from cus- Rickshaws were packed with shopkeepers. time. Mall’s assistant manager activa- mall, they did not let more cars Relief Tiger Force. tomers, “not that cash payments passengers without masks. He said they were making The operational manager said tion, Tanzeel-ur-Rehman Khan, inside and asked buyers to wait. The prime minister approved are completely not allowed”. A lady with shopping bags in sure that social distancing was that it was diffi cult to control said that they had marked foot “If we feel that the visitors assigning the responsibility of The mall management, she her hands who was anxiously observed. the crowd as “they don’t care stickers outside and inside the are 30% to our total capacity, handling aff airs of 154,000 Tiger said, did not allow anyone to en- looking for a rickshaw with her “No one is allowed to enter about the lives of the children as mall on each fl oor. we close our gates for a while,” Force in Sindh to the governor. ter the mall without a mask. daughter and a son, said: “Few the mall without a mask,” he well as the elderly”. Sanitisers had been installed he said, adding that around Dar said that government has However, in small malls on days are left in Eid, there are said, adding that children and Around 10% of the families, on each fl oor and their security 1.30pm, around 5,000 people decided in principle to activate Tariq Road, no thermal guns or certain needs which have to be people above the age of 60 were he said, were stopped as they ei- properly checks temperature had visited their mall. Tiger Force in Sindh. sanitisers were seen as buyers fulfi lled before that.” not allowed inside the mall. ther had kids or brought some- through the thermal scanners. He predicted that the rush He said 154,000 volunteers of the were allowed to enter unchecked Buyers also thronged the The Atrium Mall, he said, had one above the age of 60 with Those younger than 12 and would increase manifolds in Tiger Force would be led by Sindh and unmasked. Atrium Mall with long queues the capacity for 15,000 buyers them or had no mask with them. older than 55, he said, were not days to come, but assured that Governor Imran Ismail, as the The situation in the Saddar formed without any social dis- at a time and they allowed only “A few made their kids sit in allowed to enter the mall. their three-layers of security Sindh government has excused market was no diff erent, with tancing. 1,500 buyers inside the mall. the waiting area that we have The mall has a parking space would manage the crowd. itself from engaging them. Provincial PTI politicians demand governor’s takeover of Sindh

Internews The fresh blow in the already- ing a press conference. called extra-constitutional. that the PPP government had lost elect their representatives. in Sindh, and if this is done with Karachi strained relations between the “Agha Siraj Durrani is not the “That’s a sheer propaganda all rights to stay in power. A key member of the provin- force, then consequences would two parties emerged when Sindh speaker of Sindh Assembly but to misguide the people,” he said. “The Sindh government makes cial administration and senior be far reaching. Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj the speaker of the PPP. We have “Our Constitution covers all tall claims on media,” he said. “If leader of the party, Syed Nasir “The people of Sindh are with ays after the Pakistan Durrani adjourned the provincial called the meeting of opposition such moves and steps that are in the provincial government has Shah, issued a statement asking their constitutionally-elected Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) assembly’s session after sum- parties on Wednesday [today] to larger interest of the people.” really done a good job in fi ght the opposition parties in Sindh government and they would not Dgovernment in the Centre moning it for May 20 on the req- devise our strategy. “Article 235 of the Constitu- against Covid-19, then tell this to to give up the “illegal” demand tolerate any unconstitutional denied rumours circulating on uisition of the opposition. “The Sindh government has tion has given the right to the the nation in assembly sessions. and strengthen their connections step.” social media regarding the im- The move sparked anger failed to perform duties in Sindh. president to impose a fi nancial “Why they are so afraid of fac- with the masses. Only on Sunday, Federal Min- position of governor’s rule in the among the opposition parties That’s why we demand impo- emergency. The Sindh govern- ing the people’s representatives “They don’t want develop- ister for Information and Broad- provinces, provincial leaders of and pushed the PTI to go the ex- sition of governor’s rule in the ment has not spent a penny on in the assembly?” ment in Sindh, and that is why casting Senator Shibli Faraz had the party along with representa- tra mile while criticising the rul- province.” the welfare of the people, which The Covid-19 respiratory dis- they are talking about remov- vehemently denied the rumours tives of a few opposition parties ing party in Sindh. When asked about a move in paves ways for governor’s rule,” ease is caused by the coronavirus. ing an elected government and circulating on social media re- have demanded exactly that in “Only a day after the Sindh which an elected government he said. The PPP government in Sindh imposing governor’s rule in the garding the imposition of gover- Sindh, calling the Pakistan Peo- Assembly session was called, it was removed and functions of Naqvi made it clear that he was reacted quickly to the PTI and province,” said Sindh Informa- nor’s rule in the provinces. ples Party (PPP)-led administra- has been adjourned again,” said the assembly were suspended, not alone, saying that he is repre- opposition parties’ demand and tion Minister Shah. Answering a question in Is- tion a “failed and corrupt” one Leader of the Opposition in the Naqvi said that the Constitution senting all parties on the oppo- warned that it would resist any “The opposition should not lamabad, he had said it was the which no more deserved to stay Sindh Assembly Firdous Shamim has a provision for governor’s sition benches in the Sindh As- “unconstitutional move” which talk like this because it’s not propaganda of anti-state ele- in power. Naqvi of the PTI, while address- rule, and as such could not be sembly, and that they all believed attacked the people’s right to easy to impose governor’s rule ments. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 21 PHILIPPINES

Stormy sky US soldiers donate protective equipment, supplies worth over 10mn peso

By Bernadette Tamayo low workers and citizens,” said Manila Times Capt Tim Johnson, Civil Mili- tary Support Element – Phil- ippine team leader. merican soldiers in the “Times like these show the Philippines donated strength of our friendship, Aover P10mn or about partnership, and alliance as we $203,000 worth of personal work together to combat this protective equipment (PPE) virus,” said Johnson. and medical supplies to hos- Lt General Ramiro pitals in 10 provinces nation- Manuel Rey, AFP North- wide. ern Luzon Commander, The United States embassy thanked US soldiers for their in Manila said servicemen donation.“Indeed, there is from the US Army, Marines, strength in unity. We would and Air Force delivered the like to express our gratitude A lightning storm fills the sky near Manila, yesterday. PPE sets and medical supplies for the aid given by the US Em- to the hospitals in partner- bassy.” ship with the Philippine Coast “These items will greatly Guard, Philippine Army, Phil- benefi t the Bataan General ippine Marines, and Philippine Hospital and Medical Center Air Force. in Bataan and Talon General This new donation brings Hospital in Tarlac City for a to over P780mn or nearly better Covid-19 response. $15.5mn the US government’s With the world in unison, we assistance to the Philippines’ truly will heal as one,” Rey said. Govt to conduct ‘targeted response to the coronavirus The medical equipment will disease 2019 (Covid-19) pan- be distributed in June to 14 demic, the US Embassy said in medical clinics, hospitals, and a statement. local Department of Health Medical clinics from Luzon (DoH) offi ces in Palawan, Isa- to Mindanao will be provided bela, Tarlac, Laguna, Bataan, testing’ on 2% of population with the much-needed PPE Bulacan, Sulu, Zamboanga del and other essential equipment Sur, Maguindanao, and Basi- By Catherine S Valente testing,” he added. As of May 15, to support frontline workers lan. Manila Times Roque said the government had battling Covid-19. The US has provided more conducted 11,127 coronavirus The supplies include dis- than P228bn ($4.5bn) in de- tests daily from the usual 5,000 posable gloves, masks, medical velopment assistance to the he Philippines aims to tests in earlier May. clothing, various types of face Philippines over the past 20 test 1.5-2% of its almost He said those who needed to protection, and tools such as years, including over P29bn T110mn population un- undergo testing were citizens infrared thermometers. ($582mn) in health assistance der its expanded testing for the with symptoms of the disease, “With this eff ort, we are This joint US-Philippine op- coronavirus disease 2019 (Cov- those coming from abroad, all trying to do our part to pro- eration builds on decades of id-19), Malacanang said. close contacts of said persons, vide the heroes of this fi ght, bilateral military co-operation Palace spokesman Harry and those who tested positive in the medical professionals, in counter-terrorism, human- Roque Jr said the Philippines rapid antibody tests. with the necessary tools that itarian relief, maritime secu- was working on a “global bench- The government has so far they need to protect their fel- rity, and many other fi elds. mark,” which is set to test 1-2% distributed 275,000 test kits to of the entire population, or areas that do not yet have PCR higher than that in the epicentre. Tricycle drivers observe physical distancing during the local government of Mandaluyong City Covid-19 — polymerase chain reaction — “Perhaps we used the term ‘rapid’ testing for 7,000 drivers. laboratories. ‘mass testing’ incorrectly. “We plan to be able to reach We should call it ‘expanded country or in the case of an epi- for mass testing yet because re- has really been a public-private the capacity of doing 30,000 President defends targeted testing.’ There’s no centre, even higher, up to 10%. sources were limited. partnership as far as testing is tests a day (by the end of the country that tests all of its citi- That’s what we’re aiming for in But he clarifi ed that the gov- concerned,” Roque said. month),” he said. zens,” Roque said. Metro Manila,” he added. ernment’s expanded testing “Businesses know that the So far, the Philippines has police offi cial over “The key in testing is to work The government drew fl ak initiative would be aided by the economy cannot reopen with- tested 207,823 individuals — a on benchmarks or target 1-2% online after Roque admitted private sector. out a signifi cant number of our measly 0.19% of the country’s of the population of the entire that there was no programme “From the very beginning, it population being subjected to total population. party during lockdown

DPA “I do not believe in fi ring him Manila just because they sang him the birthday song,” he said, adding Metro Manila residents seek shuttle service to workplace that it was only natural for Sinas hilippine President Rod- and his guests to take off their rigo Duterte has rejected face masks when they ate food By Jaime Pilapil private sector to provide shuttles for em- also makes sense from a policy perspec- vey data was processed and analysed by Pcalls to fi re the chief of at the party. Duterte’s statement Manila Times ployees who will return to work under the tive. Government-operated buses and Vox, the in-house strategic research arm the capital’s police force, who on Sinas contradicted a warning MECQ. “The lack of public transportation shuttles would give workers critical access of PUBLiCUS. The survey aims to gauge has been charged for violating in the same address to the pub- options during the MECQ will make it dif- to transportation and allow authorities to public opinion and perceptions on the coronavirus lockdown rules lic against violating restrictions etro Manila residents urged fi cult for workers to report to their physi- strictly enforce physical distancing and following Covid-19-related key indica- after he attended a birthday imposed to contain the spread of President Rodrigo Duterte to cal places of employment unless they own other health measures on board,” he said. tors: Living Standards and Needs during party thrown for him. the virus. Mmobilise government-owned a car or motorcycle. This would defeat the “It is doubtful that the private sector the Enhanced Community Quarantine; Duterte said Debold Sinas, “The law is the law is the law,” transportation for some workers allowed purpose of reopening certain sectors of will be able to serve 100% of the demand National Government Performance; Lo- chief of the Metro Manila po- he said.”A rule is a rule is a rule, to return during the modifi ed enhanced the economy in the fi rst place,” said Au- of their employees for home-to-work cal Government Performance; Media and lice force, is a competent police and when you begin to mess up community quarantine (MECQ). reli Sinsuat, PUBLiCUS executive director shuttles. This is why the government Foreign Institutions; and Existing/Pro- offi cial who is needed in his po- with the law, I guarantee that A recent online survey of some 1,000 and spokesman. should seriously consider stepping in, posed Covid-19 Policies. sition, so he will stay in his role you will go to jail. I will see to it Metro Manila residents done by PUB- Sinsuat said the national government if it wants the shift to MECQ and partial The online fi eldwork for all three runs “until further orders.” that you go to prison for viola- LiCUS Asia Inc. showed that 89% of and Metro Manila local government units reopening of the NCR (National Capital of the survey (April 2-6; April 13-18; May “He is a good offi cer. He’s an tions.” A criminal complaint respondents agreed that government- should consider providing government- Region or Metro Manila) economy to suc- 5-8) was conducted in partnership with honest one, and it is not his fault has been fi led against Sinas and controlled buses and other shuttle serv- controlled buses or shuttles for workers ceed,” he added. Kantar (formerly Lightspeed Research that people surprised him on his 18 other police offi cials and of- ices should be provided in the absence of under the MECQ. “The idea of providing The NCR Covid-19 Online Panel Sur- Singapore), which provided an online birthday,” the president told a fi cers who attended the May 8 public transportation. Only 11% of the re- government-controlled transportation vey is an independent non-commissioned panel of 1,000 Metro Manila residents late-night televised address that party for violating a ban on mass spondents disapproved. during the quarantine is a popular one tracking survey designed by PUBLiCUS aged 18-70 from its pool of 100,000 Phil- went on until the early hours of gatherings and the mandatory The government is encouraging the among our Metro Manila panellists. It and Vox Opinion Research (Vox). The sur- ippine panellists. yesterday. use of face masks.

Mother hacks to death three Campaign to promote cycling amid pandemic daughters

A 28-year-old mother in the By Josef T Ramos Le Tour de Filipinas and the the government in helping to eastern Philippines yesterday Manila Times daughter of Bert Lina, said dur- prevent the spread of the coro- allegedly hacked to death her ing the meeting. “The group navirus disease and making three young daughters before could come up with a proposal cycling safe as a form of public stabbing herself, police said. n a groundbreaking meet- to fi x the existing bike lanes.” transportation. The suspect was rushed to a ing, some of the biggest race “Ronda Pilipinas launched The organisers intend to ex- hospital in the town of Daet in Iorganisers and cycling en- two cycling lanes in Iloilo and pand the bike-lane advocacy’s Camarines Norte province, 212 thusiasts in the country paved Antipolo two years ago. reach with the help of the POC kilometres south-east of Manila, the way to promote the bicycle The bike lanes are maintained and the Philippine Sports Com- where she was being treated for as the country’s major mode of by private groups,” said Chulani, mission. her wounds, a police report said. transportation while the nation noting that biking lanes have They vowed to lobby for the “The suspect was allegedly undergoes various modes of been built also in Pasig City, 2016 House Bill No 174 of Rep. suff ering from post-partum de- community quarantine. Marikina City and Quezon City. Karlo Nograles and Rep. Jericho pression,” the police report said, In the morning Zoom meet- Go, for his part, stated that Jonas Nograles for the creation adding that the mother used a ing, Bert Lina of the Lina Group cyclists must also follow traffi c of a local bikeways offi ce. bolo knife in the attack. of Companies’ Air21, Moe Chu- regulations for their own safety The organisers also hope that Police said neighbours were lani of LBC Ronda Pilipinas and while in a separate lane along Senate Bill 1518 fi led by Sen. Pia alerted of the incident when they Jeremy Go of Go For Gold dis- national or city or municipal Cayetano for the network of heard a commotion in the house cussed that it was time to estab- roads.“A separate bike lane pop-up bicycle lanes during the in the nearby town of Basud. lish bike lanes on major roads must be created, and cyclists pandemic would materialise The victims — aged five years, and highways, especially during must also learn to follow the soon. one year and eight months, and this period of pandemic restric- traffi c regulations,” he said. Under the general commu- four months — were declared tions. Le Tour de Filipinas race Workers ride their bicycles home in Manila, yesterday. nity quarantine guidelines, dead on arrival at the hospital. “There is a need to develop project manager Sunshine Joy cycling is one of the activities The father of the children was a proof-of-concept design, Mendoza, 7-Eleven Cliqq Road- coaches Ednalyn Hualda and PhilCycling, headed by Phil- the meeting by POC chairman highly encouraged by the Inter- not at home when the incident adopting the bike lanes that bike Philippines AIR21’s Ric Reinhard Gorantes also joined ippine Olympic Committee Bert Lina and POC board mem- Agency Task Force for the Man- happened, police said. have already been launched,” Rodriguez, Lina chief of staff the conversation to create rules (POC) president Abraham To- ber Jun Lomibao. agement of Emerging Infectious Donna Lina, the president of Titus Reyes and national team and regulations on bike lanes. lentino, was represented during Race organisers are one with Diseases. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, May 21, 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 Speed over safety in the quest for vaccine is a recipe for disaster

As health experts keep reminding us, life will not return to anything resembling pre-pandemic normal until there is an eff ective and widely available coronavirus vaccine. And, as they also keep reminding us, it will take at least a year to do the testing and clinical trials necessary to ensure that a vaccine candidate is safe for mass production. So it’s more than a little unsettling that President Donald Trump’s eff ort to expedite a vaccine for Covid-19 has a signifi cantly shortened timeline, one that seems suspiciously connected to the political calendar rather than sound science. Envoy: Strengthen China-Qatar Operation Warp Speed, as its name implies, aims not just to have a viable vaccine candidate by the end of the year, but to have 300mn doses ready for the American public by January through a joint eff ort of government and the pharmaceutical industry. It’s an aspirational deadline, to be co-operation to fi ght Covid-19 sure, but one that suggests shortcuts to the usual scientifi c standards. By Zhou Jian stressed that we must strengthen global History is fi lled with tales of slapdash eff orts that had Ambassador of China to Qatar governance in the area of public health. We human beings will eventually prevail disastrous results. The one relevant to this moment is the over the coronavirus. Yet this may not terrible mishap that occurred in the rush to stop a polio n May 18, the 73rd World be the last time a major health emergen- outbreak in the 1940s and ’50s that was killing thousands Health Assembly convened cy comes knocking at our door. In view of Americans, many of them children, and paralysing many online. At a time when of the weaknesses and defi ciencies ex- others. After a year of clinical trials, a vaccine was licensed OCovid-19 poses a serious posed by Covid-19, we need to improve threat to the globe, the Assembly played the governance system for public health to six companies to manufacture quickly to meet the demand an important role in consolidating security. We need to respond more of a desperately worried public. global consensus to fi ght the pandemic, quickly to public health emergencies But some of the batches reaffi rming confi dence and promoting and establish global and regional reserve made by California-based international co-operation. I have three centres of anti-epidemic supplies. Even Trump’s Cutter Laboratories failed major points of views regarding this China supports the idea of a compre- hensive review of the global response to to deactivate the live virus year’s Assembly: own experts 1. It sends out the strong voice of Covid-19 after it is brought under con- and ended up causing international community that supports trol to sum up experience and address suggest the 40,000 polio infections, multilateralism. defi ciencies. This work should be based killing 10 children and This is the most prominent signal of on science and professionalism, led by timeline is leaving dozens more the Assembly. UN Secretary-General WHO and conducted in an objective and paralysed. The incident Antonio Guterres pointed out in his impartial manner. unrealistic statement that it’s time for the inter- President Xi’s proposals have pointed led to better government national community to unite and work out a way for the international com- oversight of vaccine production, but it’s also a cautionary together, in order to prevent the spread munity to strengthen public health tale about cutting regulatory corners. of the virus and overcome its infl u- co-operation and improve the global And it seems they have to be cut to meet such an ambitious ence. WHO Secretary-General Tedros governance system for public health deadline. “I don’t see a path by which you can collect enough Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “When security. unity defeats ideology, everything is Ren Minghui, Assistant Director- effi cacy and safety data by the end of the year,” one member possible”. The majority of the interna- General of the WHO said that the of a National Institutes of Health private-public partnership tional community, including Russia, speech of President Xi is pragmatic, working on a Covid-19 vaccine told Science magazine. Even UK, France, Germany and South Africa, concrete and farsighted, which not only Trump’s own experts suggest the timeline is unrealistic. unanimously called for co-operation to involves how to continue our prevention Typically it takes years, not months, to complete the three fi ght the pandemic. and control works, but also how to sup- At the current critical stage, support- port the aff ected countries, especially phases of clinical trials that take place before a vaccine ing the WHO is to support international Ambassador Zhou Jian developing countries’ economic and so- can be marketed. In the fi rst phase, a small number of anti-epidemic co-operation, to support cial development, and support WHO’s volunteers receive the vaccine candidate and are monitored saving lives, and to support multi- Jinping elaborated China’s position in powerful weapon. The priority is to help work. This once again shows that China by researchers who collect data about how it aff ects the lateralism. All member-states highly fi ghting the pandemic, and put forward developing countries, especially African is committed to the vision of building participants. appreciate the contribution of the WHO a series of important initiatives and countries, to build a strong defence line a community with a shared future for as well as its crucial role in information measures, which embodied a high spirit against the virus. So far, China has sent mankind. In the second and third phase, an increasingly large and experience sharing, and in advanc- of internationalism and humanity. This 21 medical expert teams to 19 countries, In the next stage, we will put into group of participants representing diff erent subsets of the ing co-operation and co-ordination. plays a crucial role with realistic and contributed altogether US$50mn to practice the measures proposed by population are inoculated with the proposed vaccine. These This also calls on the international com- far-reaching signifi cance on boosting the WHO in two batch of donations, President Xi Jinping, and actively phases ensure that a successful vaccine candidate is safe for munity to continue to support the WHO global confi dence, promoting interna- and provided tremendous amount of implement the vision of building a a broad cross-section of people and that it off ers protection with full political and fi nancial input. tional co-operation, and outlining the medical supplies and assistance to community with a shared future, and In order to promote global co-opera- future of global governance in public over 130 countries and international work with Qatar as well as the rest of from the virus. tion, China has made a series of propos- health security. organisations around the globe. In his international community, to make Even if the sped-up process produces a perfectly als, including supporting the WHO to First, President Xi summed up speech, President Xi announced that concerted eff orts to protect the life effective Covid-19 vaccine, it is going to require an play a leading role, and increase support China’s experience and new thoughts China will provide $2bn over a two-year and health of people around the world, extensive and aggressive public education campaign to for African countries. on global prevention and control works. period, to assist developing countries and to work together to safeguard our counter the growing distrust of vaccinations in general. South Korea and many other coun- He stressed that we must do everything in fi ghting Covid-19 as well as restoring planet, and build a global community of tries also announced to increase their we can for control and treatment. This their economic and social development, health for all. The scepticism has been whipped up by a few determined donations to the WHO. These measures is a most urgent task. We must always especially in worst-aff ected areas. 3. To open up a broader space for purveyors of disinformation, who overstate the incidence will further integrate the joint eff orts of put people as the top priority, for noth- China will work with the United health co-operation between China and of vaccination injuries (which are real but rare) and hint the international community, and pull ing in the world is more precious than Nations to set up a global humanitar- Qatar that the “medical industrial complex” covers up adverse the strength worldwide in the combat people’s lives. We need to move as fast ian response depot and hub in China, Faced with the sudden public health reactions so they can continue to profit from the drugs. As against Covid-19. as we can to curb the global spread to guarantee the operation of supply disaster caused by Covid-19, China and We are pleased to see that Qatar has of the virus and do our best to stem chains and build up “green chan- Qatar have been helping each other and a result, vaccination rates have dropped in recent years, been actively supporting the work of the cross-border transmission. We need to nels” for fast-track transportation and fi ghting side by side in front of diffi cul- leading to the resurgence of fully preventable diseases WHO, and has participated in interna- step up information sharing, exchange customs clearance. China will estab- ties, which have become a microcosm such as measles. tional co-operation mechanisms under our experience and best practice, and lish a co-operation mechanism for its of international co-operation against It’s not bad idea to marshal the full force of government the framework of WHO, which have pursue international co-operation on hospitals to pair up with 30 African the pandemic. Both China and Qatar and military to fast-track development of a vaccine and give made important contributions to global testing methods, clinical treatment, hospitals and accelerate process to build put people’s life as the top priority, and public health. and vaccine research. We also need to the Africa CDC headquarters, in order support the WHO to play a leading and it regulatory priority. But though this is a race of sorts, it’s Currently, the spread of Covid-19 is continue supporting global research for to help the African continent to ramp co-ordinating role in the international not one that will be won with speed alone. still ongoing around the world. Coun- the source of the coronavirus and its up its disease preparedness and control co-operation. Both sides emphasised tries around the world need to reinforce way of transmission. We also need to re- capacity. The Covid-19 vaccine devel- early detection, early diagnosis, early the consensus, that we need solidarity store economic and social development. opment and deployment in China, when isolation, and early treatment, and To Advertise rather than suspicions, we need co-op- While working on an ongoing basis to available, will be made a global public stepped up prevention and control work eration rather than confrontation, and contain the virus, countries where con- good. This will be China’s contribution in a scientifi c and orderly manner. [email protected] we need to respect science rather than ditions permit may reopen businesses to ensuring vaccine accessibility and The two countries have also actively Display political manipulation. We will continue and production in an orderly manner, aff ordability in developing countries. carried out international co-operation. In to work with the international com- in line with professional recommenda- China will also work with other G20 the worst-stricken area, China and Qatar 44466621 44418811 munity to strengthen our support for tions of the WHO. In the meantime, we members to implement the Debt Service have never been absent. I believe after the the WHO, and strengthen international need to advance international macr- Suspension Initiative for the poorest pandemic, the friendship between our Classified co-operation until the fi nal victory. oeconomic policy co-ordination, and countries, and is also ready to work with two peoples will be further deepened, the 44466609 44418811 2. It show China’s responsible and stabilise global industrial and supply the international community to bolster foundation of China-Qatar relations will dedicated role as a major power in inter- chains, so as to restore growth of the support for the hardest-hit countries be stronger, and the prospects of mutual Subscription national health co-operation. world economy. under the greatest strain of debt service, co-operation will be even brighter. In the President Xi Jinping’s remarks at Secondly, President Xi proposed that so that they could tide over the current next stage, China will further strengthen [email protected] the World Health Assembly are the we will do our utmost to resolve the diffi culties. health co-operation between the two highlight of this meeting. From the diffi culties in the global ght fi against Thirdly, President Xi drew a blueprint countries, and jointly contribute to the perspective of building a global com- the pandemic. He pointed out that for the future of the global governance fi nal victory of the international fi ght © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved munity of health for all, President Xi solidarity and co-operation is our most system for public health security. He against Covid-19.To Page 23 Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 23 COMMENT Kashmir Internet blackouts hinder health services, contact tracing

By Athar Parvaiz to curb the new coronavirus, health tracing, which involves tracking down Kashmir is claimed in full by both Srinagar, India experts said. infected people and fi nding everyone India and Pakistan, which have gone to “The shutting down of the Internet who has been near them, so they can war twice over it. is not new to Kashmir,” said one get tested too. Each rules parts of the scenic or three days without Internet Srinagar-based hospital doctor, who “It was impossible to trace the Himalayan region. or phone service this month, asked not to be named. contacts of Covid-positive cases in The internet blackout in Kashmir Rouf Ahmad found himself cut “But, this time around, we were those three days as there was no way which started in August and lasted 175 Foff from his family in Indian- shocked that we had to work without of reaching out to people,” said the days, was among the world’s longest administered Kashmir while his the internet even during the pandemic offi cial. Internet shutdowns implemented last mother was receiving treatment for the for a week,” he said, noting that It was also impossible for Kashmiris to year, according to digital rights group deadly coronavirus. the government had told health install the government’s contact-tracing Access Now. The 23-year-old sociology student professionals not to talk to the press. app that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Last year, India experienced 121 is under quarantine in a hospital in “We are pushed into the primitive Modi said everyone in the country shutdowns, out of a global total of 196, Srinagar, Kashmir’s main city, and world when the Internet is shut down should download onto their phones in a the group said in a recent report. could not contact the rest of his abruptly.” televised address last month. International rights groups family to tell them about his mother’s When contacted for comment, Health experts say contact tracing is have decried the rise in the use of condition as she was treated in the police offi cials directed the Thomson key to keeping the virus in check. communications shutdowns in same hospital. Reuters Foundation to an offi cial order Even a single day’s delay in contact recent years as governments from “I used to update my sisters and posted on the police website. tracing could be the diff erence between the Philippines to Yemen said they father many times a day about my It said the shutdown on May 6, getting the virus under control and were necessary for public safety and mother’s status,” he told the Thomson implemented the day after security suff ering a resurgence, according to national security. Reuters Foundation over the phone. forces killed militant commander Riyaz researchers from the University of The United Nations has said such “My frustration knew no bounds when Niakoo in south Kashmir’s Pulwama Oxford in Britain. measures cannot be justifi ed as the I couldn’t do so for three days.” district, was necessary due to the Owais Ahmad, the Offi cer on Special world is trying to tackle a pandemic. Communications blackouts imposed “likelihood of misuse of data services Duty at Kashmir’s Covid Control “Internet access is critical at a by India’s government as part of by anti-national elements”. Room, where he helps monitor the time of crisis,” David Kaye, United an eff ort to quell political turmoil Knowing Kashmir’s history of spread of the virus in the region, Nations special rapporteur on the right and armed confl ict in Kashmir are communication restrictions, Ahmad confi rmed that the three-day blackout to freedom of expression, said in a hampering the fi ght against the novel anticipates further shutdowns — Workers pack food to be distributed in quarantine centres during a government- had impacted the rate of installation of statement in March. coronavirus, warn health experts and mobile internet was again halted imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of the the app. “Human health depends not only residents. on Tuesday — but hopes he and his Covid-19 coronavirus in Srinagar in this May 18 photograph. About 100,000 people in the region on readily accessible healthcare. It Weeks of slow or no Internet are mother can get out of the hospital have so far downloaded the app, he also depends on access to accurate a regular occurrence in the disputed before then. hospitals in Srinagar told the Thomson The blackout aff ected all but phones estimated. information about the nature of the region. “I can’t bring myself to deal with Reuters Foundation that during the on pay monthly contracts, which are But he added that he thinks it will threats and the means to protect The latest restriction on high-speed another blackout. Our family is already recent communications blackout they mainly used by government offi cials. pick up now that internet and mobile oneself, one’s family, and one’s Internet access has been in place since facing an awful situation as my mother were unable to consult with colleagues Doctors normally use messaging phone services have been restored. community.” August last year, when India revoked is battling Covid-19,” he said. about coronavirus cases. services like WhatsApp to send each “This is an extremely important app Ahmad at the Covid Control Room the special status of its only Muslim- Kashmir is among the Indian regions A health department offi cial, who other information about cases and in the fi ght against Covid,” Ahmad said rejected the claim that shutting down majority state. worst hit by Covid-19, with confi rmed requested anonymity as he is not communicate with patients, the offi cial during an interview in his offi ce. internet and mobile services had The Indian government reinstated cases increasing sharply from four authorised to speak to the press, explained, adding that relying on India has said it cuts impacted healthcare in the region. low-speed 2G Internet services in in mid-March to more than 1,200 said the three days without mobile phone calls in the shutdown was often communications to prevent unrest in He said the communication blackout January, but a blackout earlier this by mid-May and about 16 deaths, phone service put added strain on inconvenient and time-consuming. Kashmir, where a separatist insurgency had been “managed by health workers”, month massively set back health according to offi cial fi gures. the country’s already stressed health He noted that there was no way for has killed more than 40,000 people without specifying further. – Thomson services and contact tracing eff orts Health professionals at two major system. health workers to carry out contact since 1989. Reuters Foundation

Three-day forecast Envoy: Strengthen China-Qatar TODAY Maximum Temperature : 400c Minimum Temperature : 270c

FRIDAY Maximum Temperature : 370c co-operation to fi ght Covid-19 Minimum Temperature : 270c

SATURDAY From Page 22 wisdom will be of help to our Qatari to provide support to countries and global fight against Covid-19, and Maximum Temperature : 390c partners. people in serious stricken areas, and provide political and financial Minimum Temperature : 270c China will continue to step up infor- China will to continue to provide has helped more than 20 countries to support to pull full strength of the Fisherman's forecast mation sharing with our Qatari friends fast channels for Qatar to purchase evacuate their citizens. This shows international community to win this without any reservation, and provide and import of medical supplies from Qatar’s highly responsible role to unprecedented battle. our latest experience in prevention and China, especially the raw materials the international community and its The pandemic will eventually WARNING control, as well as diagnosis and treat- that could help Qatar to improve humanitarian spirit. China highly end, but friendship will last forever. Inshore : Nil ment. Recently, Dr Zhong Nanshan, production capacity of medical appreciates the contribution made by We believe that under the guidance Offshore : Nil member of the Chinese Academy of supplies such as masks and other Qatar. China is willing to strengthen of President Xi Jinping and His Engineering and the top expert of medical supplies. co-operation with Qatar and jointly Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim WEATHER Chinese medical team in combating China joins hands together with help African and Arab countries to bin Hamad al-Thani, China and Inshore : Hot daytime with scattered clouds and Covid-19, will be invited to hold a Qatar to carry out medical assistance strengthen public health system and Qatar defeat the virus together, chance of light rain at video conference with the Ministry of to other developing countries. HE the improve their prevention and control co-operation between our two sides places, mild by night. Public Health, and conduct in-depth Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan capabilities. will soon return to fast track, and our WIND Inshore : Mainly Southeasterly exchanges on epidemic diagnosis Mohamed al-Kuwari pointed out China will work alongside with joint work will build a community 05-15 KT and treatment with Qatari experts. at the World Health Assembly, that Qatar to continue to support the of shared future for health security We hope our Chinese solutions and His Highness the Amir has directed WHO in playing a core role in the between China and Qatar. Offshore : Northeasterly-South- easterly 03-12 KT Visibility : 4-8 KM Offshore : 1-3 FT

Around the region Live issues Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Baghdad Sunny 44/24 Sunny 45/26 Kuwait City Sunny 38/28 Sunny 39/28 Manama Sunny 37/28 Sunny 37/28 Here’s how to wash a reusable face mask the right way M Sunny 37/30 M Sunny 36/30 Muscat Tehran M Sunny 27/18 Sunny 32/21

By Kiersten Willis using it and going out to run errands, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution you run the risk of having droplets collect on the surface of the mask.” If you feel you may have been ince the Centers for Disease exposed to the coronavirus, however, Control and Prevention has extra precautions should be taken. recommended cloth face “If you’ve been out on the subway, Scoverings for the general for example, and someone sneezes public, many have relied on those on you, you might want to peel off while reserving medical masks, that mask into a plastic bag when such as N95 respirators, for medical you arrive at your destination,” workers. Pierre said. “It’s a higher likelihood While there are ways to properly that it could be contaminated and wear and remove face masks in you don’t want to wait until the end general (washing your hands is one of the day to wash it.” Around the world step), cloth masks must be washed in Be aware, though, that if your Weather Weather order to be properly reused. mask becomes worn or frayed, you’ll today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Here’s what the CDC and experts need to replace it. Athens M Sunny 27/16 P Cloudy 24/13 say about how to properly clean What about filters? Beirut Sunny 32/24 M Sunny 27/21 reusable face masks. Some reusable masks have filters Bangkok S T Storms 34/28 M Cloudy 36/28 What should I use to wash my that need to be washed, too. Berlin M Sunny 21/10 M Cloudy 23/14 cloth mask? The Chicago Tribune reports some Cairo M Sunny 43/23 Sunny 37/22 Soap and water will get masks filters, particularly HVAC ones, can Cape Town S Showers 19/12 Sunny 18/12 clean, according to Reviewed. A picture taken on May 19 in Toulouse southern France shows a protective and be worn two to three times before Colombo T Storms 29/27 T Storms 29/27 “Warm water and any detergent washable face mask made with AFNOR (Association Francaise de Normalisation) requiring washing, but some people Dhaka Showers 28/26 T Storms 32/26 you’re used to using at home should standards as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the choose to wash filters as frequently Hong Kong T Storms 29/24 T Storms 27/24 work great,” Dr Gabriela Andujar Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. as they cleanse their masks. Still, Istanbul P Cloudy 22/12 Rain 18/10 Vazquez, an infectious disease filters are, for the most part, meant Jakarta P Cloudy 34/26 I T Storms 33/26 physician and associate hospital masks be washed with hot water The CDC says masks “should be for one-time use. Because of that, Karachi Sunny 35/28 Sunny 36/28 epidemiologist at Tufts Medical in the washing machine and dried routinely washed depending on the they’ll be replaced more often than London S T Storms 27/16 M Cloudy 22/12 Center, told the website. on high heat, according to Good frequency of use.” But that leaves you’d replace your reusable mask. Manila S T Storms 33/28 T Storms 33/28 You can hand wash or put the Housekeeping. the door open for interpretation. It’s also important to note that every Moscow Showers 08/03 Showers 09/05 mask in the washer, the latter of More delicate items, the magazine Experts say masks should be wash reduces filters’ effectiveness. New Delhi Sunny 43/27 Sunny 44/28 which the CDC says should suffice said, needed to be hand-washed for washed daily, which means hand Filters are also more delicate New York Sunny 18/12 S Showers 21/16 to properly clean it. Then, you can at least 20 seconds with warm or hot washing will likely be your go-to than masks, so they should be hand Paris P Cloudy 29/18 Cloudy 28/13 let it air dry or put it in the dryer water before going into the dryer. It method. washed rather than placed in the Sao Paulo M Sunny 27/15 P Cloudy 28/19 on the hot setting to help kill any also notes that masks can be ironed “My recommendation would be washing machine. To dry, place Seoul M Sunny 23/11 Cloudy 26/14 potentially remaining particles. on the cotton or linen setting for to wash your mask every day,” Dr in the dryer, or better yet, use a Singapore S T Storms 33/27 T Storms 32/26 Still, Carolyn Forte, director of peace of mind. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious hairdryer and keep it at least 6-8 Sydney T Storms 18/09 Showers 16/09 the Good Housekeeping Institute How often should I wash my cloth disease physician at Boston Medical inches away from the filter during Tokyo Rain 17/11 Cloudy 20/14 Cleaning Lab, suggests all face mask? Center, told Reviewed. “If you’re the process. – Tribune News Service Gulf Times 24 Thursday, May 21, 2020 QATAR ‘Ehteraz app does not undermine

Artist’s impression of the proposed Ras Bu Abboud Corniche. user privacy’

By Ayman Adly In particular, Bluetooth specifi es Staff Reporter the distance between people ac- curately as 2m to avoid any mis- leading information about the atar residents need not health status when a person gets have any privacy con- into contact with infected cases. Qcerns about the Ehteraz “The health sector in Qatar app, a very important tool to and everywhere else in the world combat the Covid-19 outbreak need specifi c information about and safeguard public health, a Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad the people for their well-being senior offi cial assured yesterday. al-Thani and the privacy of such informa- “Ehteraz will never undermine tion is strictly maintained and the privacy of the users and the and that too for the designated protected as nobody would ever stored information will not be health protection purposes only.” dare to use such information for kept beyond two months before “The Ehteraz app helps the other than the designated health being deleted forever,” Sheikh Dr health authorities to maintain purposes,” Sheikh Dr Mohamed Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, quick response and reach out to asserted. director of Public Health Depart- potential cases in a timely man- The senior offi cial further ment at the Ministry of Public ner. The app will help people to stressed that people need to use Health, told Qatar TV. return to normal life with the the Ehteraz app only during the Regarding the need of the assurance that they are well- Covid-19 pandemic situation so Artist’s impression of a proposed facility as part of Ras Bu Abboud Ehteraz app to get access to the protected and give them instant that the health authorities can Beach Development Project. photos of the users, he explained feedback on their health status. protect them from the infection. it is just a system requirement in “Ehteraz will save the country “When the situation goes back to various apps aimed at accurately and its people from the trouble normal, people can delete the app specifying the location of the of having another wave of the and go about their lives,” Sheikh person in case of any disruption Covid-19 infection. The app de- Dr Mohamed said. “There will be Work progressing on fi rst phase to the transmission. “In any case pends on location and Bluetooth an update for the Ehteraz app to the stored information cannot be to accurately specify a user’s address the issues of concern and accessed by anyone other than surrounding and any potential further improve its effi ciency,” he of Ras Abboud Beach Project the authorised health authorities contact with infected persons. added. Qatar Scientific Club produces 1,000 medical masks for QRCS

ork is progressing on he road leading to the beach and site will be a recreational desti- lighting network, surveillance In continuation of the Qatar initiative is the culmination of Hamad Medical Corporation the fi rst phase of the Ras Bu Abboud Stadium is also nation for beach activities, in- cameras and Wi-Fi devices will Scientific Club’s initiatives the agreement signed between (HMC). The manufacturing Wfi rst package of Ras being developed as part of the cluding swimming. There is an be installed. The parking space to support the state’s eff orts the two parties in February 2019, stages went through several Bu Abboud Beach Development project. area designated for sport activi- will have dedicated lots for peo- to combat the spread of the emphasising the exchange of steps, where several forms of Project being implemented by The beach located in a promi- ties. ple with special needs. Covid-19, the club manufactured experiences in the humanitarian, the medical masks were initially the Public Works Authority nent area, was selected for the Construction of a 2.2km The Supervisory Commit- 1,000 medical masks to be scientific and technical fields designed and presented to the (Ashghal). development as has the potential pedestrian and cycling path, tee implements fi ve main tasks; used by the Qatar Red Crescent and co-operation in the fields HMC and the Medical Services It was in February this year to be one of the main tourist at- 11,500sq m of landscaping and building central public parks, Society (QRCS) cadres working in of various activities and events. Department at the Qatar Red that work started on the poten- tractions in Qatar. planting of about 500 trees are providing paths for pedestrians the field of fighting the virus. The Executive Director of the Qatar Crescent to provide observations tial leisure and tourism project, The project plan features envisaged. and cycles, developing of Doha facemasks can be used several Scientific Club Engineer Rashid and recommendations before an initiative of the Supervisory the development of an area of Amenities include restaurants, Corniche and the central Doha times and can be sterilised after al-Rahimi stated that the Club starting to manufacture them Committee of Beautifi cation of 260,000sq m along a 2.2km cafes and toilets. In order to en- region in addition to planting each use, and it fits all face sizes had previously manufactured according to the required Roads and Public Places in Qatar. stretch. Once accomplished, the hance safety at night, a high-tech trees and increasing green areas. and can be put on easily. The 1,000 medical masks for the quantities. — QNA Doha Institute for Graduate Studies announces graduation Qatar-France Year

oha Institute for Gradu- of Culture calling all ate Studies (DI) yesterday Dannounced the graduation of its latest cohort from School of photography talent Social Sciences and Humanities, and School Public Administration and Development Economics. o pursue its initiatives building creative bridges between na- DI president Dr Yasir Suleiman tions that connect people through cultural programmes, Year of Malley expressed his pride and TCulture launches a photography online Open Call inviting crea- respect for the graduates of the tors to share their photographs that refl ect French and Qatari features. 4th cohort. “It is an achievement This Open Call is opened to all, professionals and amateurs. that will never be forgotten during This online programme, whose ambassador is Aref al-Ammari, will this unprecedented times due to give to the public creative ways to consider France and Qatar. As for the the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) selected talents, this Open Call will off er them a platform to gain expo- pandemic and the precautionary sure and new audiences. measures to prevent the spread of Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Dr Yasir Suleiman Malley This Open Call is for talents that work with photography and the virus.” present new ways of looking at France and Qatar. Anyone who has Dr Malley wished all gradu- ry cohort plays a vital role in this the pandemic by continuing the hoping that they will be the best tion and External Relations, DI photographs that give a creative perspective to French and/or Qatari ates a future full of success and sustainability, which would not studies through virtual platforms ambassadors of the Institute, stated. “The Institute is a land- features are welcome to submit their work. accomplishments in their com- have been achieved without the and have succeeded. Unfortu- well-equipped with knowledge mark in the fi eld of higher educa- Thus, the Year of Culture team will publish and tag the selected munities and to attain the as- generous support received from nately, the graduation ceremony and good ethics.” tion in Qatar and the Arab region, creators on the Years of Culture Instagram. All the submitted pictures pirations of their homeland, Qatar, the leadership and the peo- was cancelled this year for the “The Doha Institute is cel- which focuses on the required should be sent alongside a short description explaining how they relate continue their professional and ple,” he noted. precautionary measures to curb ebrating the graduation of its 4th disciplines to promote intellec- to France and/or Qatar. scientifi c career and shine during Dr Hend al-Muftah, vice presi- Covid-19.” cohort of students empowered by tual awareness and advance sus- Any photographer can submit his work on the webpage of Year of the next stage. dent, Administration and Finance “Sincere wishes to graduates in the knowledge to support the de- tainable development, seeking to Culture and upload their photographs. In two weeks, about 20 fi les “Students are the sustainable said, “The Institute is proud of their future career, whether aca- velopment process,” Ali Menadi achieve the Qatar National Vision were already submitted, whose the participation of noted Qatari pho- capital of Doha Institute and eve- its students who have challenged demic, professional or research, al-Kaabi director, Communica- 2030 goals,” he added. tographers like Jassim and Ali Saifaldeen. HBKU concludes academic year with congratulatory note to graduating class

amad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), students. Addressing the students, Dr Emad a member of Qatar Foundation, has El-Din Shahin, interim provost and dean of the Hsuccessfully concluded classes for College of Islamic Studies, said: “Congratula- the 2019-2020 academic year, with nearly tions. This is a great milestone in your life. You 200 students in the Class of 2020 completing have persisted through hours of hard work, their fi nal weeks through virtual education studying, and endless assignments. We are all platforms. very proud of you and wish you a very bright To comply with social distancing to help career ahead. You have accomplished a lot de- contain the spread of Covid-19, and in align- spite what you have gone through lately.” ment with Qatar Foundation’s directives, Maryam al-Mannai, vice president for HBKU has postponed the graduation cer- student aff airs at HBKU, said, “It’s been a emony, originally scheduled to take place on long journey, and even though the last few May 3. The university will announce a new months have been challenging, you have per- date for the graduation ceremony as soon as severed and accomplished your goals. I would containment measures are lifted. like to take this opportunity to share this ad- Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president of HBKU, vice with you: remember the past, live in the said, “HBKU is committed to nurturing inno- present and look forward to the future. vative and creative thinkers to become a driv- HBKU president Dr Ahmad M Hasnah. “HBKU is proud to have been your home of ing force for meaningful change in their re- knowledge for the past few years.” spective fi elds and advance the development of the Covid-19 containment measures. HBKU’s vice president of student aff airs, HBKU nurtures high-calibre graduates of a diverse and sustainable economy. I con- While we look forward to your graduation the deans of the six colleges, and members who are equipped with theoretical knowl- gratulate the Class of 2020 for their tremen- ceremony in due course, the current circum- of HBKU senior management delivered con- edge and practical experience aff orded by the dous achievements and tenacity to complete stances do not diminish the hard work you’ve gratulatory video messages to recognise the university’s multidisciplinary approach to their education despite the unique challenges put in to achieve this success.” outstanding achievements of the graduating education and learning. HBKU deans congratulating the graduates virtually.