QBA launches Al Attiyah Qatari-Spanish grabs lead Business at Qatar Council as International ties grow Rally

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SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 18 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8519 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Build your own plan! Terms & Conditions Apply People reminded to take precautions to avoid second COVID-19 wave

FAZEENA SALEEM to insufficient adherence to To recall, Chair of the THE PENINSULA precautionary measures. Keep National Health Strategic Group your family and community on COVID-19, Dr. Abdullatif Al The government has urged the safe by continuing to observe Khal, cautioned the public on public to follow all COVID-19 measures that help Qatar increasing new cases. precautions to avoid a second combat the virus and avoid a “Worldwide, many countries wave of infections in the country. second wave.” are now experiencing second or Qatar has been recognised Also stressing the message, third waves of the virus which globally for successfully con- the MoPH, through its social are stronger than their first taining the COVID-19 and media platforms, has reiterated waves that happened during maintaining one of the world’s that citizens and residents 2020. Over the past month in lowest fatality rates. On should adhere to the Qatar, we have seen a gradual December 21, citizens and res- precautions. and consistent increase in new idents could breathe easy as the “Recently in Qatar, we have daily infections. Additionally, Ministry of Public Health seen a gradual but worrying and of great concern, is the Deputy Prime Minister meets First Vice-President (MoPH) announced that the increase in the number of new increase since mid-December total number of active cases daily COVID-19 infections. It is in both the number of people was below 2,000 and 1,989 more important than ever that with COVID-19 in hospital and of Sudan Transitional Sovereignty Council were under treatment. Still, the people adhere to preventive the number of people in ICU,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al number of active cases measures,” the MoPH said he said. Thani met yesterday with First Vice-President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic increased to 5,068 yesterday. through its social media “The data over the next few of Sudan, H E Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who is visiting the country. They reviewed The last few days have seen accounts. days and week will tell us more, bilateral cooperation relations and issues of common concern. a steady increase in the number The MoPH has reminded but these increases appear to of active COVID-19 cases in the public to always wear a be the early signs of a potential Qatar. mask when going outside, second wave in Qatar. For this On its Twitter account, the maintain at least 1.5 metres of reason, it is more important Government Communications distance from others, avoid than ever that people adhere to Infected persons need to wait longer for jab Office (GCO) said: “Qatar has crowded places, limit time in preventive measures to cut off experienced a recent increase enclosed areas and wash hands the second wave before it gains SIDI MOHAMED regard to find out how long the after taking the first dose then in positive COVID-19 cases due regularly. momentum." THE PENINSULA immunity period lasts for those they should not take the second infected.” dose. Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Regarding possible side- “Currently we advise even The MoPH has The last few days have seen Medical Director of the effects of vaccine, she said: “We people who have received the Communicable Disease Center have monitored a big number vaccine to continue taking the reminded the publicblic a steady increase in the at Hamad Medical Corporation, of people who received the precautionary measures of to always wear a number of active COCOVID-19VID-19 has said that a person infected vaccine, and they found only wearing a mask and other mask when goingng cases in QatarQatar with COVID-19 cannot be given mild symptoms such as pain at things, because the effec- outside the homeme the vaccine until certain period the site of the needle or a slight tiveness of the vaccine is about of time after recovery. rise in temperature.” 95 percent and therefore there The natural immunity of the She said that the second is a remaining percentage that infected people lasts for a dose (of the vaccine) is slightly the person can be infected.” period that may be three stronger, but the effects do not Replying to a question months, she added. exceed two days and then they about the possibility of admin- Speaking in a virtual session disappear and may include istering vaccines from different organised yesterday by Qatar fatigue, diarrhoea in some companies to a person, she said Maintain at least 1.5 National Library (QNL) titled cases. it is not advisable. metres of distance ‘COVID-19 Vaccines: Between Al Maslamani warned that She advised people to from others Fact and Fake News’, Al it is forbidden to take the neglect rumours about Maslamani further said: “We do vaccine for those who have a COVID-19 as it affected even the not know exactly how long severe sensitivity from taking medical staff. “So it is necessary Avoid immunity lasts, and there are the vaccine. If there are signif- to rely only on the news from crowdedd people who have been infected icant complications such as the Ministry of Public Health or places Limit time in enclosed areas Wash hands regularly more than once until now, and severe pain or swelling in the the World Health Organization studies are still ongoing in this eye or problem in breathing and other credible sources.” Field work of Qatar Census Doha ranked third ‘Trending Destination’ in world IRFAN BUKHARI wanderlust in travellers eager “The shining jewel of the National Museum. Having 2020 concludes THE PENINSULA to get back out there, Tripad- Qatar, Doha is a multicultural hosted the 2006 Asian visor said on its website. city, home to most of the Games, the city is home to THE PENINSULA — DOHA In an achievement which shows In the category of ‘Trending country’s population as well many sports complexes as the efficacy of Qatar’s tourism Destinations’, Doha has been as expatriate communities well,” Tripadvisor writes. The Planning and Statistics strategy implemented in recent ranked at number three globally from a range of origins. Visit Qatar also tweeted Authority (PSA) has concluded years, Doha has been ranked in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Shopping abounds in the about the ranking recently field work in the final phase of the third ‘Trending Destination’ in Choice Awards 2021. The Top city’s plentiful malls, while saying, “Doha was ranked the General Census of Population, the world in Tripadvisor Trav- 10 ‘Trending Destinations’ the Corniche impresses vis- 3rd trendiest destination in Housing and Establishments ellers’ Choice Awards 2021. include Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; itors with picturesque archi- the world in Tripadvisor 2021 2020, which was launched in Even during a topsy-turvy Corsica, France; Doha, Qatar; tecture and dazzling views of Travellers’ Choice Awards. mid-December last year. year, these destinations were Sanya, China; Gatlinburg, Ten- the harbour. Qatar was also ranked as the Field work at that phase con- on the upswing, growing in nessee, United States; Queen- "Doha boasts myriad cul- safest country along with tinued until mid-January 2021, popularity, gaining positive stown, New Zealand; Tulum, Turkey and Guadeloupe, tural facilities, including the providing the best healthc re with the participation of nearly reviews, and fuelling Mexico; Natal, Brazil; Kas, Caribbean. futuristic Education City and in the region.” `P2 2,000 field researchers who worked to collect household and individual data. The conclusion of SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT MSHEIREB SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 the field work coincided with the Holistic programme to achieve sustainability closure of the Census E-regis- SANAULLAH ATAULLAH The Peninsula. tration Platform that allowed THE PENINSULA Doha, told under a holistic programme to households and individuals to self- She said instead of doing indi- support the country in this vision,” following the highest interna- revived historic heritage houses, As businesses grow, the tional standards for their access, commonly known as Bin dining scene is also an movement, and transport in Jelmood House, Company attractive part of MDD. It complete their data through the Unesco Regional Office in Doha and vidual efforts, one holistic pro- said Dr. Paolini. A beacon for Msheireb Downtown Doha. House, Mohamed Bin Jassim boasts some of the best and In keeping its architectural House, and Radwani House — high-end places for Doha’s heritage intact while adding have been restored using dining scene with a blend of modernmodern eelements,lements, the ‘Seven‘Seven sourcedsourced materiamaterialsls tthathat retain history, tradition,tradition, and electronic form on PSA website. Qatar National Commission for gramme will enable everybody to She said Qatar is investing a lot Steps’ idea was implemented thethe spirit and buildinbuildingg techtech-- modernity.modernity. Whether sharinsharingg a ssmartmart ccitiesities anandd toto emphasise social integration niques of the originaloriginal quickquick coffee, a light meal, or throughthrough urban design, focusing structures. dinner with family and friends, on extended families, kikinshipnship MDD’sMDD’s ‘Business‘Business Gateway’ dining is oneone of Msheireb ties,ties, social activity,activity, local provides unparalleled opporoppor-- DowntownDowntown Doha’s kekeyy social PSA had resumed the Education, Culture and Science participate for a better impact. “We in developing infrastructure of green ssustainabilityustainability economy,economy, collective identitidentity,y, tunitiestunities for local, reregional,gional, and aspects.aspects. Several cafes and resres-- and an elevatedelevated awarenesawarenesss of internationainternationall businesses alike. tauranttaurant options are available, th i entt Th b i di t i t hi h i ith hdldt implementation of the final (QNCECS) have started developing a already held a meeting and gearing building and it is in forefront in pre- Special supplements phase of field work of “Qatar holistic programme to enhance the up to build a holistic programme in serving the environment. “But we Census 2020” on December 1, State’s efforts in achieving sustaina- this sense,” said Dr. Paolini. need to look to change the beah- 2 included with today’s edition 2020 after it was suspended in bility and environment protection goal. She said Qatar is investing a lot viour of the people - citizens and mid-March 2020 as part of the “Under the programme, for the to build environmental con- expatriates to ensure the sustaina- precautionary measures taken first time, we put all actors together sciousness and behavioural changes bility,” said Dr. Paolini. Public Health by the State of Qatar to combat from public and private sectors which in the country. “There are many ini- She said that the Ministry of the spread of COVID-19 pan- are doing events and activities of tiatives in the country but they are Municipality and Environment is Medical Technology demic. Field work was resumed some sorts related to environmental scattered like beach cleaning, running campaigns of awareness SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021

n today’s connected have instant access to any type telehealth services and other world, technology is of healthcare analytics infor- emerging technology in after obtaining the approval of protection and sustainability to build schools activities related to greenery and those related to recycling but becoming increasingly mation they need, from patient healthcare will continue to gain relevant in every sector health history, research infor- wider adoption. as well as our personal mation and more. And, since The uses for healthcare lives. Of all the sectors providers can easily carry these technology are seemingly the Ministry of Public Health together one programme to achieve and many more but what we are “we believe that it is needed to instil Ithat technology plays a key role mobile devices around endless. In order to improve in, healthcare technology is cer- throughout the work day, the efficiency throughout the sector tainly one of the most critical. information they need is always and make the patient expe- Care providers and organisa-organisa- just a touch or swipe away. rience as painless as possible,possible, tions are relyingrelying evermore on TechnologyTechnology andand medicine healthcarehealthcare technologytechnology is bbeingeing and adhering to all precau- more impact,” Dr. Anna Paolini, aiming and doing, at this moment, concept of sustainability in young emergingemerging technolotechnologygy in hashas evolved over the decadesdecades implemented in evereverythingything healthcare for improving and from introducing doctors to from administrative processes tionary measures. `P3 Director, Unesco Regional Office in is to bring all these actors together generations.” `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 First Vice-President of Sudan Transitional MoI to raise public awareness 4 arrested for Sovereignty Council arrives in Doha of community policing and violating home quarantine cybercrime prevention QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA officers from the Community Policing and Human Rights departments will The designated authorities The Public Relations Department of be sharing valuable information about arrested yesterday four people the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has their functions and services offered for violating the requirements announced to organise two virtual to the public, while on the second day, of home quarantine, they awareness seminars this week. the Financial and Cyber Crimes Pre- committed to following, which The first seminar on the ‘Services vention Department would detail tips they are legally accountable of Community Policing Department on preventing financial and cyber- for, in accordance with the and Human Rights Department’ will crimes. The virtual seminar will be an procedures of the health be held today at 10am. opportunity for the people concerned authorities in the country. The second virtual seminar will to interact with officers and clear any The arrest of the violators be held tomorrow at 10 am on doubts related to the services ren- came in the implementation ‘Financial and Cyber Crime Pre- dered by Community Policing, Human of the precautionary measures vention’. The seminars will be held Rights and Financial and Cyber Crimes in force in the country, through Zoom video conference Prevention Departments. approved by health authorities application. The Zoom Meeting link Both seminars are open for the represented in the Ministry of for the first today's seminar is: https:// general public with the aim of raising Public Health and other us02web.zoom.us/j/6186754109?pw security and safety awareness. authorities, to ensure public d=Z2M0VmtGc1RjOTZ5OGxtakc4eW Those interested can participate safety and curb the spread of E3UT09 while the link for the second in the seminar using the above men- the coronavirus. First Vice-President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan H seminar is: https://us02web.zoom.us/ tioned link or the Zoom meeting ID. The violators, who are cur- E Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo arrived yesterday in Doha on an official j/6186754109?pwd=Z2M0VmtGc1RjO The seminar will be conducted in rently being referred to the visit to the country. He and his accompanying delegation were greeted upon arrival at TZ5OGxtakc4eWE3UT09. Arabic with English translation. To designated prosecution, are Doha International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al The Zoom meeting ID for both attend the seminar virtually, partici- Hamad Mubarak Ibrahim Muraikhi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Sudan H E Abdul Rahman seminars will be: 618 675 4109 and pants have to install Zoom application Mubarak Al Fudhala, bin Ali Al Kubaisi, and Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan H E the passcode is: 12345. on their personal devices (desktop, Abdulhadi Hamad Ali Hafar Al Salwa Awad Bashir. During the first seminar, the laptop or a mobile phone) with camera. Marri, Salem Mohammed Saeed Al Marri and Abdullah Mohammed Hazza Al Hazza The designated authorities Number of licensed Qatari real estate brokers rises to 100 called on citizens and residents under home quarantine to QNA — DOHA 2030. This step comes within partners in real estate fully commit to the Ministry of the framework of the Ministry investment, and establish Public Health’s condition, to A new batch of licensed Qatari of Justice’s efforts to reorganise The Ministry of Justice is implementing a programme to regional real estate brokerage ensure their safety and the real estate brokers took the the real estate brokerage pro- make real estate brokerage business into an organised legal offices. safety of others. They added legal oath before the Real Estate fession, and to work in activity prepared to keep pace with the economic and urban Within the framework of its that anyone who violates the Brokers Affairs Committee at accordance with the provisions renaissance witnessed by the country and the great plan to train and qualify real quarantine will be subject to the Ministry of Justice. of Law No. 22 of 2017 to reg- expansion in the real estate sector, including re-configuring estate brokers, the Real Estate article no. 253 of law no. 11 of The batch consisted of 13 ulate real estate brokerage Brokerage Department started 2004, provisions of law no. 17 brokers, taking the number of work to serve the national and organising the real estate system to achieve the goals of implementing an integrated of 1990 on communicable dis- licensed brokers since the new economy, develop working Qatar National Vision 2030. plan that includes training and eases, and law no. 17 of 2002 law entered into force to 100. mechanisms in the real estate qualification and activating the on protecting society. The licensing of this batch market, and qualify brokers executive procedures of the law, comes within the framework of including the owners of offices for Legal and Judicial Studies. of Minister of Justice and Min- including organising visits to the implementation procedures and Qatari brokers. On this occasion, the ister of State for the Council of offices operating in the sector MoPH: 363 new of the provisions of the law, and This batch obtained the Assistant Undersecretary for Ministers Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin and nominating applicants to pushing the real estate bro- license after completing the Real Estate Registration and Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, to reor- practice the profession for COVID-19 cases, kerage business towards an regulatory procedures specified Documentation Affairs at the ganise the real estate brokerage training courses that are subject organised legal environment in accordance with the provi- Ministry of Justice and Head of profession in a way that serves to licensing controls. The 112 recoveries prepared to keep pace with the sions of the law, which include the Real Estate Affairs Com- the national economy, develop applicant must be a Qatari economic and urban renais- interviewing applicants for the mittee Saeed Abdullah Al the mechanisms of work in the citizen, fully qualified with a THE PENINSULA — DOHA sance witnessed by the country profession, inspecting their Suwaidi said the intensification real estate market, qualify those good reputation, who hasn’t had and the great expansion in the offices, ensuring their com- of the qualification of Qatari working in the real estate bro- a final ruling cancelling his The Ministry of Public Health real estate sector, including re- pliance with the requirements real estate brokers and the con- kerage profession whether the license and has an appropriate (MoPH) yesterday announced configuring and organising the of practicing the profession, and tinuous organisation of training offices’ owners or Qatari headquarters in the country the registration of 363 new real estate system to achieve the participating in specialised courses for applicants come in brokers, maximise the benefit designated for practicing real confirmed cases of COVID-19. goals of Qatar National Vision training courses at the Center implementation of instructions for Qatari real estate brokers as estate brokerage business. Among them 33 were trav- ellers returning from abroad. Meanwhile, another 112 people have recovered from Holistic programme to the virus, bringing the total number of recovered cases in Qatar to 145,668. All new cases achieve sustainability have been introduced to iso- FROM PAGE 1 lation and are receiving nec- essary healthcare according to “The movement their health status. around the world The total number of pos- which has been created itive COVID-19 cases recorded by young generation is in Qatar is 150,984 and there running to push for a are 5,068 active cases under green planet and envi- treatment. While the first ronment protection. I phase of COVID-19 vaccina- think there is right tions has started in Qatar and moment and oppor- in the coming months it will tunity as well to instil be available for the public for all elements,” said Dr. free, the Ministry has stressed Paolini. She said Qatar it is important for everyone to is one of the largest play their role in controlling Man and the Biosphere Unesco Regional Office in Doha is the virus by following precau- (MAB) reserve under tionary measures including Unesco programme in working with the Ministry of adhering to physical dis- Winners and AZF officials at the awards ceremony. the region which is Al Municipality and Environment in tancing; avoiding close contact Reem Biosphere providing a full management plan with others, crowded places, Reserve run under the for Al Reem Biosphere Reserve. and confined closed spaces Ministry of Munici- Oketch wins 'Qatar’s Strongest Man' 2021 title where other people con- pality and THE PENINSULA — DOHA with an exceptional ambiance contestants also competed in gregate; wearing a face mask Environment. Dr. Anna Paolini and higher standards every Farmer’s Walk while lifting and washing hands The MAB pro- Director, Unesco Regional Office in Doha Christopher Oketch showed year. 90kg on each arm. regularly. gramme is an inter- strength and determination to The eight finalists went The last challenge was The Ministry asked people governmental scien- win the 'Qatar’s Strongest Man' through intense challenges, pulling a 6-tonne truck. to be careful and protect the tific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for 2021 title at the Aspire Zone including Conan’s Wheel, Considering the COVID-19 most vulnerable, while enhancing the relationship between people and their environ- Foundation (AZF). Joseph Iroo where contestants lifted a pandemic, Aspire took all pre- COVID-19 restrictions are being ments. “Unesco Regional Office in Doha is working with the Min- Ekadeli and Mohammed 180kg bar on a rotating ventive measures like setting lifted. “Even though restrictions istry of Municipality and Environment in providing a full man- Dweidar finished second and platform. up checkpoints for Ehteraz are being lifted, and numbers agement plan for Al Reem Biosphere Reserve,” said Dr. Paolini. third, respectively. This was followed by App, measuring the temper- are declining, this does not She said the coordination aims at protecting the area of reserve, AZF strives to make its sandbag lifting that varied from ature of attendees, and mean that the COVID-19 pan- setting guidelines and organising several activates for children Qatar Strongest Man (QSM) 90kg and 110kg, and a 120kg ensuring the adequate use of demic is finished in Qatar,” said to educate them about importance of sustainability. more prominent and better, Giant Tyre Flipping. The face masks. the Ministry. QRCS launches ‘Promote Benevolence’ initiative Doha ranked third ‘Trending

THE PENINSULA — DOHA of partnership for the success In a widely received video Destination’ in the world QRCS believes in the value of charitable work. No single on social media, Al Marri told FROM PAGE 1 Inspired by the spirit of soli- of partnership for the humanitarian organisation can the public, “By contributing to indicators, health care, traffic, darity and compassion, Qatar undertake relief and devel- the Promote Benevolence ini- It is to be noted that Doha crime and pollution. Red Crescent Society (QRCS) success of charitable work. opment responsibilities without tiative, you will have your own has also recently been declared In October last year, Doha has launched an innovative No single humanitarian joining forces with other inter- share of reward from Allah. as the second safest city in the had also been nominated in both campaign titled ‘Promote organisation can undertake national organisations, com- Prophet Muhammad (Peace be world. In 431 cities covered in leading business travel desti- Benevolence’, which is aimed relief and development panies, government bodies, and upon him) said, ‘Whoever the report, Doha has been nation and sports tourism des- at spreading a culture of responsibilities without NGOs, employing the principle leads to good, then for him is placed at number 2 in terms of tination categories at the pres- humanitarian action and of social responsibility to the same reward as the one safety and low crime rate. Doha tigious World Travel Awards engaging individuals in joining forces with other mobilise resources at individual who does it’. Join us by sending secured 87.96 in safety index (WTA) 2020. A number of com- communicating the humani- bodies. and institutional levels,” said Al a WhatsApp message con- while its crime index is just panies in Qatar’s travel, tourism tarian message with its impli- Marri. taining your name to 12.04, according to Numbeo’s and hospitality sectors had also cations. Mohamed Rashid Al Marri He said QRCS seeks part- 30032040. This way, you will Crime Index by City 2021. been nominated in different cat- Mohamed Rashid Al Marri, Director, Communication nership agreements and MoUs be promoting benevolence on Numbeo, the world’s largest egories of the awards which Director of Communication and with the many organisations it your social media accounts. database of user contributed cover a broad spectrum Public Relations at QRCS, said and Public Relations, QRCS works with, it pays attention to Also, post and share the data about cities and countries including aviation, tourist attrac- the initiative aimed at pro- communicating with society hashtag #PromoteBenevo- worldwide, provides current tions, hotels and resorts, moting humanitarian and char- and development causes among members, to speak for charity lence to gain the same divine and timely information on meetings and events, travel itable work, engaging com- many more. in a simple and easy-to-use reward as everyone who takes world living conditions agencies, tour operators and munity to support social, relief, “QRCS believes in the value manner. part in this initiative.” including cost of living, housing travel technology, among others. SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 National Press Center to open membership applications THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Board of Directors of the National Press Center has held its 7th meeting at the head- quarters of the new centre after completion of the building. Holding the meeting in the new head- quarters is a gesture to starting its activities, where the board members discussed a number of issues on its agenda and took appropriate decisions. The meeting is the first to be held at the headquarters of the centre after the completion of the rehabilitation process. The centre is now ready to start activities and organise events Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Press Center, H E Saad bin Muhammad Al Rumaihi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the chairing the 7th board meeting of the Center. National Press Center, H E Saad bin “Distance Education” and the second on “The previously formed and are in the process of Muhammad Al Rumaihi, says the centre and receive fellow journalists and media pro- Role of Women in Shura Council”. launching a number of weekly events and spe- fessionals, said the Chairman of the Board of “Following the approval of the budget, the cialised seminars every month. will organise two seminars — on 'distance Directors, H E Saad bin Muhammad Al Rumaihi. centre will start receiving membership appli- Al Rumaihi pointed out that the new head- education' and 'the role of women in Al Rumaihi said that the meeting discussed cations that will be available to all colleagues quarters includes furnished rooms and con- Shura Council'. the centre’s budget and priority of activities working in the press and media institutions in ference halls connected with modern systems that it will organise, noting that the meeting the country,” he added, indicating that the board and advanced equipment for training and agreed to organise two seminars, the first on has started activating the committees that were seminars. Al Naemi appointed CNA-Q President

THE PENINSULA — DOHA I would like to College of the North Atlantic - thank H E Dr. Qatar (CNA-Q) has announced Mohammed bin Dr. Salem Al Naemi as the 6th Abdulwahed Al Hammadi President of the college, effective January 14, 2021. (Minister of Education and Dr. Al Naemi joined the Higher Education) for his college in November 2018 as trust in me to lead this Vice-President, Finance & important and crucial Administration, and was appointed Acting President in technical higher education in June 2020. Qatar. It is an honour to head He has more than 25 years this institution during its of work experience in both gov- transformation phase. We ernment and private sectors. will soon become an applied University, and I will do my best to He is a successful executive with considerable leadership lead by example, show guidance, and inspire everyone to push experience in education, gov- forward and achieve greatness. ernment, and business organ- izations such as Qatar Uni- Dr. Salem Al Naemi versity, Statistics Department/ President, College of North Atlantic - Qatar Planning Council, Supreme Players of Mexican side Tigres UANL arrive at Hamad International Airport yesterday. Education Council, and Milaha, to name a few. Dr. Al Naemi holds an MBA Services, CFO, and CIO, han- Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Mexico's CONCACAF champions arrive in Doha and Ph.D. in Computer Science. dling finances, information for the trust they put in me. It THE PENINSULA — DOHA American side Los Angeles FC secure a semi-final showdown He began his career as an technology, human capital, and is an honour to head this insti- 2-1 in the CONCACAF Cham- with the CONMEBOL Liberta- Assistant Professor and taught administration functions. tution during its transfor- Mexican side Tigres UANL, pions League final in Orlando dores champions on 7 February at Qatar University. His Commenting on his mation phase. We will soon winners of the 2020 in December, will enter the at Education City Stadium. Bra- expertise lies in organisational appointment, Dr. Al Naemi become an applied University, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup at the zilian clubs SE Palmeiras and strategies, managerial lead- said: “I would like to thank H and I will do my best to lead by touched down in Qatar second-round stage. They will Santos FC will contest the Copa ership, communication, and E Dr. Mohammed Abdul Wahed example, show guidance, and yesterday ahead of their partic- take on AFC Champions League Libertadores final for the operational efficiency to Ali Al Hammadi (Minister of inspire everyone to push ipation in the FIFA Club World winners Ulsan Hyundai FC of chance to join the tournament accomplish goals and achieve Education and Higher Edu- forward and achieve Cup Qatar 2020. the Korea Republic on February in Qatar. success for an organization. cation) for his trust in me to greatness.” Upon arrival, players and 4 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – Last-minute tickets for the He has worked with a lead this important and crucial College of the North officials underwent COVID-19 one of two FIFA World Cup FIFA Club World Cup — diverse workforce and many technical higher education in Atlantic - Qatar’s community, testing at the airport before Qatar 2022 venues being used including Tigres’ opening game multinational organisations in Qatar. I would like to extend wished Dr. Al Naemi success departing for their designated during the tournament. against Ulsan Hyundai FC — are key positions such as Executive my thanks to the Board of in leading the institution hotel. Tigres, who defeated Victory for Tigres would available for purchase. Vice President of Support Trustees and its Chairman, Dr. towards a bright future. Msheireb Downtown Doha PSA completes exhibition sheds light on field work for Census 2020 comprehensive 'wellness' FROM PAGE 1 PSA has extended thanks THE PENINSULA — DOHA Reflection Café. and gratitude to all The exhibition is part of members of the society, Msheireb Downtown Doha, the Msheireb Downtown Doha’s whether citizens and resi- smartest and most sustainable cultural and art programmes dents, for their cooperation city district in the world, is that aim to enrich Qatar’s art with the Census Project hosting the exhibition media landscape and revive the through their response to “Reflection”, which offers district’s vibrant heritage. The researchers who visited visitors an interactive expe- exhibition also promotes the them at their homes to rience to understand the creation and secures an collect their data during the concept of comprehensive essential platform for the cre- period of field work, or by wellness, which is a harmony ative community to interact completing their data among the health of body, soul, with its audience in a safe through the Census E-reg- mind, and heart. environment. istration Platform. Organised by 974 Wellness Commenting on the exhi- It is worth noting that PSA at Al Hosh Gallery at Sikkat Al bition, PR and Communications is currently working on com- Wadi, the exhibition will last for Manager, Msheireb Properties pleting, reviewing, auditing one month, concluding on Feb- Maryam Al Jassem, said, and evaluating census data ruary 28, 2021. Visitors are wel- “Msheireb Downtown Doha in preparation for publishing The exhibition will continue at Al Hosh Gallery at Sikkat Al Wadi until February 28, 2021. comed from Saturday through hosts the 'Reflection' exhibition its preliminary results in the Thursday, from 9am to 9pm, as part of its collaborations with second quarter of 2021. and on Fridays from 4pm to various entities in Qatar. We supporting various activities and hosts important community worldwide that make the com- Further, PSA called on all 10pm. thank and appreciate 974 and initiatives that add great events and exhibitions, munity’s lives better. The households and individuals The comprehensive and Wellness and Al Hosh Gallery value to the cultural scene in enhancing its position as a cre- company also offers consulta- who were unable to fill in integrated experience encom- for organising such an amazing Qatar.” ative hub in Qatar. tions and development sessions their data during the field passes an art exhibition, the exhibition that addresses new Msheireb Downtown Doha 974 Wellness is a start-up to raise awareness of healthy work period or through the journey of wellness and concepts in our daily lives. We is the most sustainable and company launched in 2020 and living for comprehensive electronic form to commu- sickness, panel discussions, and will stay committed to smartest city district globally presents products and solutions wellness. nicate with PSA to coordinate the completion of their data in the Census until mid-Feb- ruary 2021. ‘MSSP of the Year’ honour for Ooredoo at Fortinet Awards PSA has allocated the toll- free number 8000800 from THE PENINSULA — DOHA Security solutions, and more. 8am until 8pm in order to Ooredoo has collaborated Chief Business Officer, receive calls from households Ooredoo Qatar has been recog- with Fortinet on various Ooredoo, Sheikh Nasser Bin and individuals who want to nised as the country’s Managed MSSP solutions over the Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani, fill in their data. Security Service Provider said: “This award reflects well PSA stressed that data (MSSP) of the Year, at the years, including Firewall on our work as a national collected during “Qatar Fortinet North Gulf Partner and Managed Firewall, internet gateway, protecting the Census 2020” are confi- Sync 2020 virtual awards Managed Internet Provider information security of our dential, and also emphasized ceremony held in December. Security, Cloud Email customers. that all individual data Fortinet is a global leader in Security solutions, and "To date, our key contri- obtained will be treated with broad, integrated, and auto- bution has been to defend strict confidentiality in mated cybersecurity solutions. more. against cyber-crime, to reduce accordance with the Official This award encapsulates necessary visibility and with Fortinet on various MSSP risk, and ensure compliance Statistics Law, and such data important accomplishments control they need to operate solutions over the years, with the regulation. We antic- will be used only for the pur- made by Ooredoo recently, Using Fortinet’s cloud security across various cloud including Firewall and Managed ipate this role evolving in line poses of producing general with fully localised operations solutions, Ooredoo now pro- infrastructures. Firewall, Managed Internet Pro- with new threats as they population statistics for the throughout Qatar. vides enterprises with the Ooredoo has collaborated vider Security, Cloud Email arise.” State of Qatar. 04 HOME SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 Engineers Australia Qatar Chapter elects new executive committee THE PENINSULA – DOHA conducted by Astley Pung, The elections were Regional Business Development The Ambassador of Australian Manager who congratulated the to Qatar, H E Jonathan Muir, conducted by Astley new committee and stated the facilitated the newly elected Pung, Regional Business new team is well placed to lead Executive Committee and Team Development Manager the chapter over the coming members of Engineers Australia who congratulated the years to maintain the Qatar Chapter at a function new committee and momentum gained since the held at Australian embassy chapter was launched in 2015 premises in Doha on January 26, stated the new team is and to strengthen its presence 2021, the Australia Day. well placed to lead the in Qatar. The Ambassador in his chapter over the coming The outgoing president of address congratulated the years to maintain the Engineers Australia Qatar newly elected members and momentum gained Chapter Mustafa Cherkawi was committed to provide his full also present during the felici- support to the committee in its since the chapter was tation and congratulated the mission. The Ambassador high- launched in 2015 and to newly elected team and com- lighted the efforts and contri- strengthen its presence mitted his support and bution of Australian Engineers in Qatar. guidance. in some of Qatar’s iconic devel- “We thank Mustafa FROM LEFT: Ben Hopwood, Australian Deputy Ambassador; Abdul Aziz Albardawil, Treasurer; Asif opment projects. Cherkawi Qatar Chapter past Rahmany, Secretary; Mustafa Cherkawi, Past President; Marika Tietavainen; H E Jonathan Muir, The 2020 committee con- President and the 2019-20 Australian Ambassador; Mahmoud Fahmy, President; Tamer Naguib, Deputy President; M Yoosof, ducted a virtual elections in the as Treasurer and eight com- committee for their significant Michelle Dahl; Adnan Khan and Shazad Maharoof, during the event. AGM held on December 8, 2020 mittee ordinary members. The contribution over the past two where the members elected elected members plus the past years to the chapter where they professional bodies in Qatar,” credentials and international than 120 countries. Its Qatar Mahmoud Fahmy as President, Qatar Chapter President, conducted successful technical said new President Mahmoud agreements enable Engineers Chapter was established in 2015 Tamer Naguib as Deputy Pres- Mustafa Cherkawi shall form and social events and built Fahmy. Australia members to live and and has been actively sup- ident, Asif Rahmany as Sec- the chapter 2021 committee. strong ties with Qatar University Engineers Australia’s high work around the world – with porting the engineering com- retary, Abdulaziz Al Bardawil The elections were and other engineering standards, globally-recognised members currently in more munity in Qatar. HEC Paris in Qatar welcomes 50 participants HBKU Press launches a in its specialised Master’s program series of literary webinars THE PENINSULA – DOHA your professional and personal goals and set new ones as well. We know you will Hamad Bin Khalifa University The series of HBKU Press become better persons and better man- Press (HBKU Press) recently agers, capable of dealing with the uncer- launched the first in a series of webinars will run tainty of our troubled times, and capable public online webinars, titled, throughout the year and also of leading people with integrity, with ‘A Picture Worth a Thousand aim to engage the values, and in an ethical and sustainable Words’. literary and academic matter”. The event hosted by HBKU communities in Qatar Apart from instilling leadership qualities, Press senior editor and best- the Specialized Master’s enables individuals selling children’s book author, and provide useful to apply the latest business practices to Jameela Sultan Al Mass Al information and designing a strategy, decision-making and Jassem. A set of distinguished practical skills for managing human capital, which are essential panellists including award- aspiring writers. for career development. Either entrepre- winning Arab children’s book THE PENINSULA – DOHA positions in some of the most esteemed neurs or heads of top companies, who have authors and illustrators took companies in Qatar across a wide range of graduated from the Specialized Master’s, part. HEC Paris in Qatar has welcomed 50 partic- sectors such as energy, education, tech- have succeeded and excelled following their The series of HBKU Press ipants embarking on the Specialized nology, aviation, health, finance, con- studies at HEC Paris in Qatar. webinars will run throughout curricula for schools, led the Master’s Degree in Strategic Business Unit struction and banking. He further added: “We are committed the year and aim to engage the discussion along with several Management (SBUM) class of 2022 at the The Specialized Master’s has been spe- to delivering our programs with impact and literary and academic commu- panelists including award- Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel cially designed for professionals and entre- excellence, and we have been doing so in nities in Qatar and provide winning author Basma recently. preneurs who are looking to enhance their Qatar for the past 10 years, and in France useful information and prac- Elkhatib, award-winning illus- The incoming cohort includes partici- leadership and management skills or for the past 140 years. The last 10 years in tical skills for aspiring writers, trator Bilal Bassal, renowned pants from diverse professional back- aiming to manage their own business unit Qatar demonstrate our commitment to sup- illustrators and creatives. illustrator Fadi Salameh and grounds across a wide range of sectors, who or company. Featuring a world-class faculty porting national development, in line with “HBKU Press’ outreach HBKU Press senior editor and have opted for the Specialized Master’s that promotes international best and next Qatar National Vision 2030, and creating activities are dedicated to cul- children’s author, Soha Abou because of the personal development and practices, the program prepares its partic- the leaders of tomorrow.” tivating and supporting local Chacra. career acceleration it offers. The new par- ipants to implement high-performance A number of alumni members who had talent,” explained Muneera Al- “This webinar targeted both ticipants are currently occupying top processes, for profit, non-profit, and the graduated from HEC Paris in Qatar’s Spe- Romaihi, HBKU Press’s Com- established and aspiring chil- governmental sector. The program also cialized Master’s program were also present munity Outreach Officer. “By dren’s book authors,” Al Jassem reflects HEC Paris’ commitment to con- at the event. Mohammed Abdelaziz Al providing these workshops, our explains. “The panelists come tribute to the development of a Delaimi, Co-Founder and Managing team of experts are able to give from different backgrounds knowledge-based economy in Qatar Director of SkipCash, and a graduate of the aspiring local Qatari and Arab and were able to share their and to strengthen corporate compet- 2015 Specialized Master’s program shares: authors insight into exactly very diverse experiences in itiveness in the region. “The degree gave me deep insights into the what makes a successful piece the field of writing and illus- The orientation session was con- world of business and entrepreneurship. of literature or academic tration for children. It is our ducted by Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Starting a business requires the devel- work.” hope that through their expe- Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar. Welcoming opment and sharpening of a wide range of In this first webinar, Al riences of success, partici- the new cohort of the Specialized Mas- skills, and I acquired that expertise during Jassem, an expert in the field of pants will be able to enjoy ter’s class of 2022, Dr. Martin de Holan this program at HEC Paris in Qatar. Lead- children’s and young adult lit- their own success by adopting said: “Your transformation starts today ership and business modelling are key erature and a former Supreme the insights shared by experi- and we strongly believe that the time topics that helped me address different Education Council employee enced professionals.” you spend here will help you reach challenges in business.” once involved in drafting Elkhatib, the award-winning author of The Light of Hope (HBKU Press, 2018), said of the collaboration: “It’s always an honor to collaborate with HBKU Press. I’ve published several works with them and their support, guidance, and expertise in the pub- lishing process ensures that quality literature is pro- duced in a way that engages the target audience and merits international award recognition, both results which are ideal for any author/illustrator looking to make their mark.” Abou Chacra, also an HBKU Press author and Arabic editor, said: “I hope the dialogue will inspire other authors to develop their ideas creatively and will result in the creation of unique new books and stories that engage readers through their content and through illustrations that are of the highest quality.” Illustrator Bassal echoed Abou Chacra’s sentiment, stating: “I hope that through this webinar, the partici- pants learned about the importance of illustrations in creating a link between reality and fiction. It is a tool that facilitates the delivery of textual mes- sages. The illustrations in children’s books, for example, should confirm that a child’s imagination has no limits. As artists, we must keep this concept at the core of our work to bring a book to life visually.” SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 Qatar National Library’s February lineup highlights sports

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Satish Kumar, a veteran envi- Sports will have their ronmentalist, will talk about his With National Sports Day falling journey of living a frugal life- on the second Tuesday of the fair share of the style and explore how consum- month, Qatar National Library spotlight in February, erism drives the pursuit of hap- is celebrating the occasion with starting with the piness in much of the world. a lineup of sports-focused Library’s first Sports Day He’ll also address responsible events in February. Chess Tournament on consumption and sustainable These special sessions are development, two topics in his part of a broader catalog of February 9. Contestants latest book, Elegant Simplicity. virtual and in-person programs will have a chance to This event is co-organized with scheduled throughout the challenge their friends Arab Youth Climate Movement month for parents, educators, and family online and Qatar as a part of the popular researchers, budding public stretch those mind Earth Talks series. speakers, inquisitive young Finally, the month will con- minds, and those with an muscles. clude with a special lecture for interest in business, economics, manuscript heritage enthusiasts and politics, among other around the world on February disciplines. 28. In “Marginal Texts and New Among the first events of the Director at the Economist Intel- Prospects in Studying Manu- month is the “Children’s Lin- ligence Unit. scripts,” Dr. Mostafa El Toubi, guistic Development” lecture on The pandemic will also be Head of the Research Team on February 2, which will focus on the focus of the February 4 Moroccan Manuscript Heritage childcare and early learning. lecture “Human Development at the Faculty of Arts and Parents, educators, and in Post-COVID Era,” which will The Library has scheduled special programs throughout February . Human Sciences at Ibn Zahr researchers will join speech be delivered by a lead author of University in Morocco, will pathologist Eman Darwish in an the UNDP’s “Human Devel- Tournament on February 9. The month’s focus on sports coach parents on how to examine marginalia or apostils online lecture to learn about opment Report 2020”. Held in Contestants will have a chance is made complete with the Feb- prevent weight gain if their in manuscripts to help open up when children can be expected partnership with the Arab Youth to challenge their friends and ruary 24 exploratory lecture children are suffering from the new prospects for many to utter their first words, the Climate Movement Qatar, the family online and stretch those “Sports from the World to chromosomal condition, and research fields and learn more causes of speech delay in UNDP and the Embassy of mind muscles. Qatar.” During the event, three-part Public Speaking and about people’s habits, children and other topics Sweden in Qatar, the virtual On February 17, the Library audience members will not only Argumentation online behaviors, transactions, beliefs, related to early development. event will share expert views will be taking the National discover the origins and history workshop starting February 8, mindsets, ideas, and money On the same day, the online on the said report and how the Sports Day celebration to the of sports around the world, but where students will learn what exchanges. “2021 Global Economic pandemic has exposed the country level, with experts also learn how they influenced constitutes good public To keep the public Outlook” will provide insights structural inequalities and chal- shedding light on the develop- the evolution of sports in Qatar. speaking and argumentative informed, Qatar National on business, economic and lenges communities face across ments made to cement Qatar’s February’s lineup of events skills. Library will be posting and reg- political developments the world. position as the Asian sports also covers a rich variety of The “Elegant Simplicity in ularly updating its website and worldwide amidst the Sports will have their fair capital for 2030 as part of the topics and areas of interest. the Age of Excess” is another social media channels with the COVID-19 pandemic. The share of the spotlight in Feb- “Past and Future Asian Games These include the February 7 event expected to draw a latest information on all of the lecture will be led by Agathe ruary, starting with the Library’s in Qatar: Creativity Without online session Down Syndrome diverse group of attendees on events taking place in February Demarais, Global Forecasting first Sports Day Chess Limitation” online session. and Healthy Diet, which will February 18. In this online talk, 2021. CMU-Q student’s art brings hope, British Council announces finalists inspiration to people of Doha of Study UK Alumni Awards in Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA from the national anthem of Qatar. “I The British Council has The British Ambassador to Qatar H E Jon Wilks, said: “I A student at Carnegie Mellon wanted to showcase announced the finalists for the was impressed by the quality of this year’s applications University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a that our modern, Study UK Alumni Awards and delighted to see the benefits of a UK education QF partner university, Alanoud cultural heritage is 2020-21 in Qatar. For the third Al Ghamdi (pictured) was the inspiration for a time in Qatar, the awards are directly helping Qatar’s development in various sectors. selected in November 2020 to bright future,” she hosted at a national level to I was honoured to be part of the judging process and participate in JEDARIART, Qatar said. celebrate the achievements of wish the best of luck to all the finalists to be the best Museum’s initiative to infuse Studying alumni in Qatar. they can be. They all represent a valued and respected Doha with murals and mean- business adminis- The finalists were selected ingful street art. Al Ghamdi has tration at CMU-Q, Al for their outstanding achieve- part of the strong human bridge between our two transformed a passion for Ghamdi has also ments as business profes- countries.” calligraphy into public art found ways to sionals, entrepreneurs, and pieces that express messages develop her artistic community leaders and their of hope and inspiration. expression. She important contribution to For JEDARIART, Al Ghamdi designed the cover strengthening collaborative was hosted virtually. judging process and wish the used kufic script, a geometric of the CMU-Q ties between the UK and Qatar. Award winners will be best of luck to all the finalists style used for Quran translation student art The shortlisting of appli- announced on February 2, to be the best they can be. and architectural design, to anthology, and cations went through the 2021. All Qatar national awards They all represent a valued create a striking mural at Qatar started a club that internal and external judging applicants are independent of and respected part of the National Library’s metro station offers Arabic callig- process. The judging panel the global awards, which are strong human bridge in Education City. raphy tutorial ses- consisted of the British run separately by the British between our two “I chose the prayer, ‘and sions to students and Ambassador to the State of Council centrally. countries.” say, My Lord, increase me in Abdulrahman Al Ishaq said: staff. “I always wanted to share Qatar H E Jon Wilks, British The finalists are Dr. (Ph.D.) Also commenting, Country knowledge,’ because Education “The Umm Slal quarantine my love for Arabic calligraphy Council Country Director Marc Jones – graduate of Director of the British Council City is a place where people compound initiative enabled with others who haven’t been Sam Ayton, Founder of Durham University, Prof. in Qatar Sam Ayton, said: “The from all over the world gather us to infuse positivity into the introduced to it yet,” she said. ILOVEQATAR.NET Khalifa Al Samer Ahmed – graduate of remarkable individuals to seek knowledge,” she said. living space of COVID-19 Al Ghamdi sees her art as a Haroon, Founding Dean of University of Cambridge, selected as finalists for the Al Ghamdi’s art is also fea- patients and healthcare natural extension of her studies the College of Humanities Ekram Ali Syed – graduate of Study UK Alumni Awards in tured elsewhere in Doha. workers. Qatar Museums is at CMU-Q: “Being a CMU-Q and Social Sciences at London South Bank University, Qatar have all taken their UK Earlier in the pandemic, she grateful to all the artists who student taught me that it’s Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- and Hamad Alyafei – graduate education as a starting point created a mural at the quar- volunteered their time to important to increase our versity Dr. Amal Al Malki, of the University of Derby. to excel in their chosen antine compound, again in col- create murals that deliver a knowledge, since it’s as infinite Assistant Professor at the The British Ambassador careers and shape the world laboration with Qatar Museums. message of hope in extremely as the universe.” College of Engineering, Qatar to Qatar H E Jon Wilks, said: around them. This year’s “The mural presents the word challenging times.” Al Ghamdi also expressed University and Qatar-UK “I was impressed by the finalists are testimony to the “HOPE” in geometric art and a In 2019, Al-Ghamdi worked her dearest thanks to her Alumni Network Board quality of this year’s appli- diversity of UK alumni and fusion of positive colors. In the in collaboration with the parents: “They are my number Member Dr. Noora Al Fetais, cations and delighted to see their endeavours and the midst of a pandemic, it’s some- Supreme Committee for one supporters of my small and Group CEO of Rumaillah the benefits of a UK edu- transformative impact of a UK times hard to see the light at the Delivery and Legacy on four big achievements, academic Group and Chairman of cation directly helping education. With more than end of the tunnel.” murals at the Education City and non-academic. Without Qatar British Business Forum Qatar’s development in 5000 alumni of a UK edu- Director of Public Art, stadium. Titled ‘Authenticity,’ them, I would not have been Emad Turkman. This year the various sectors. I was hon- cation in Qatar, there is much Qatar Museums, the paintings present verses able to achieve anything.” external moderation meeting oured to be part of the to celebrate.” Mall of Qatar welcomes customers to entertainment facilities

THE PENINSULA- DOHA instruction signs and digital a wide variety of options in our screens advise visitors on recreation facilities with the Mall of Qatar is re-welcoming spending time safely and highest sanitization and safety youth and adults to its recre- encouraging them to maintain measures. In this regard, we ation facilities, offering families social distancing while thank all ministries and entities a comfortable place to spend playing. working hard to bring our life joyous times in a safe envi- Visitors getting into the rec- to be normal again and care ronment. reation venues should pass about our health. We will do all With the re-opening of through the sanitisation gate, our effort to secure the best entertainment facilities, Mall of after which kids are handed experience for shoppers and Qatar continues its mission of small sanitisers for regular use. visitors who are keen to spend offering destinations that har- Some facilities use UV saniti- good times in their favourite monize shopping and enter- zation at night, with dedicated destination.” tainment in a safe, family- staff around the clock to clean The entertainment facilities friendly environment. the machines and tools after include Novo Cinemas, which Following the Ministry of each use. welcomes film lovers in its Public Health’s instructions Besides, facility staff is 19-screen megaplex and the and maintaining the highest present to organise visitor entry largest IMAX with laser screens standards of safety measures, at the venue, preventing crowds in the MENA region and mind- all entertainment facilities at and ensuring a limited number blowing MX4D. The 8-lane the Mall were sanitised, of people at 30% to 50% bowling alley welcomes visitors including equipment, common capacity. with limited capacity where All entertainment facilities at Mall of Qatar are sanitised, including equipment and common surfaces. surfaces, with hand sanitizing General Manager of the Mall each ball and equipment are devices installed around the of Qatar Emile Sarkis, stated: sanitised after each use. Players property. All visitors should “Mall of Qatar is the favourite should always wear gloves. latest cutting-edge video including a central plaza, fire back to their favourite fun wear masks and gloves in the destination for adults and kids XTREMELAND grants vis- gaming machines. KIDZ- station, clock tower, police place under dedicated staff entertainment venues, with alike. With the re-opening of itors of all ages the chance to MONDO takes the kids on an station, and hospital theater. supervision, while Zoo Rider sanitisation conducted after the entertainment facilities, all enjoy exclusive rides and real- adventure with more than 70 In Caboodle, the younger resumes to take them around each use. Furthermore, family members can now enjoy life battlefield action on the scaled-down businesses, children and babies can go the Mall. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 Lebanon: Leaders condemn violence after Tripoli unrest

REUTERS — TRIPOLI “The criminals who ernment protests. The financial meltdown Lebanon’s caretaker prime set the municipality gripping Lebanon could render minister and its president on fire and attempted people more dependent on condemned overnight violence political factions for aid and in the city of Tripoli, where to burn the court... security, in a throwback to the protesters angry over a strict represent a black 1975-90 civil war era of dom- lockdown clashed with security hatred for Tripoli,” inant militias. forces and set the municipality Some analysts have warned building on fire. Prime Minister that security forces, their wages Thursday was the fourth Hassan Diab said in fast losing value, would not be straight night of unrest in one able to contain rising unrest. of Lebanon’s poorest cities, a statement. “The Najib Mikati, a billionaire after the Beirut government challenge now is businessmen and former imposed a 24-hour curfew to premier who is from Tripoli, curb a surge in the COVID-19 in defeating these warned on Friday that should pandemic that has killed more the army prove unable to criminals by arresting Iran President Hassan Rouhani makes a statement as he attends the National Coronavirus Combat than 2,500 people and com- control the situation in his city Board meeting, in Tehran yesterday. pounded an economic crisis. them one by one and quickly enough, dangerous dis- “The criminals who set the referring them to the order could set in. municipality on fire and judicial system.” “I may have to carry arms attempted to burn the court... to protect myself and my insti- Iran says local COVID-19 vaccine represent a black hatred for tutions,” Mikati told local Tripoli,” Prime Minister Hassan media. Diab said in a statement. “The Rights Watch has called for it Lebanon has been in the effective against British variant challenge now is in defeating to be investigated. throes of its worst financial these criminals by arresting “We promise to work crisis since 2019 and anger has AL JAZEERA — TEHRAN in human trials is capable of identified in Iran in a passenger them one by one and referring quickly to restore the munici- escalated into street unrest over completely defusing the from the Netherlands. them to the judicial system.” pality building of Tripoli so that the economy, endemic state Iranian health officials said the mutated virus of the English Iran injected its first three President Michel Aoun also it remains an expression of its corruption and political country’s top COVID-19 vaccine corona(virus),” he said. recipients of the local vaccine condemned the violence. dignity and pure heritage,” Diab mismanagement. candidate has been shown to Minoo Mohraz, a senior on December 29, the first of Flames engulfed the Tripoli said. A currency crash has raised work on the variant of the coro- member of the national coro- whom was the daughter of municipal government building The lockdown against the the spectre of widespread navirus first discovered in the navirus task force, also con- Setad’s chief and the other two after it caught fire just before coronavirus, in effect since hunger but Lebanese leaders United Kingdom. firmed the news. top Setad executives, in an midnight on Thursday. Police January 11, is piling extra have yet to launch a rescue plan Hassan Jalili, who oversees “The health ministry gave a effort to boost trust. had been firing tear gas at pro- hardship on the poor, now or enact reforms to unlock aid, local vaccine production at Setad, sample of the English mutated Since then, 32 others have testers hurling petrol bombs. more than half the Lebanese prompting rebukes from a powerful state organisation virus that has a 70 percent received at least one shot of the A funeral for a man who population who get little gov- foreign donors. under Supreme Leader Ayatollah higher infection rate to Setad two-dose vaccine and all 56 of died from a gunshot wound on ernment aid. Diab is steering the gov- Khamenei, said yesterday that researchers and tests on the the initial candidates are on Wednesday night had given fuel “We are demanding a state, ernment in a caretaker role as tests on the blood samples of vol- blood plasma of the first three track to receive their first dose to protesters. Security forces we are demanding a country fractious politicians remain unteers who received two doses recipients of COVIran Barekat by late February. Setad officials said they had fired live rounds and we are demanding an unable to agree on a new gov- of COVIran Barekat have yielded showed the virus was com- have said they aim to produce to disperse rioters trying to improvement to the social and ernment since his quit in the promising results. pletely defused,” she said. one to two million doses of storm the government building. political conditions in Tripoli,” aftermath of the Aug. 4 Beirut “Tests have shown that the Earlier this week, Iran’s Health COVIran Barekat before the end Diab’s statement did not said Rabih Mina, a Tripoli res- port explosion, leaving Lebanon blood plasma of the people who Minister Saeed Namaki said the of the current Iranian calendar mention the killing; Human ident who joined the anti-gov- rudderless as poverty spreads. were injected with the vaccine seventh case of the UK variant was year in late March. Palestinians call UN urges countries to repatriate 27,000 children from Syria for international AP — UNITED NATIONS Al Hol, the largest camp for Kazakhstan that convened the kept in institutions but allowed in camps in northeast Syria and protection for refugees and displaced Syrians virtual meeting — “have collec- to reintegrate with family Iraq “are at stake,” Gamba said. The UN counterterrorism chief in the country, is currently tively repatriated nearly 1,000 members within their commu- “They’re exposed to further legitimate rights is urging countries to repatriate home to almost 62,000 resi- children and their family nities,” he said. trauma and stigmatisation and the 27,000 children stranded dents, according to UN human- members.” Virginia Gamba, the UN are at risk because of their prox- QNA — RAMALLAH in a massive camp in north- itarian officials. More than 80 Voronkov said the experi- special representative for imity to members of designated eastern Syria, many of them percent are women and ences of the returnees are being children and armed conflict, terrorist groups,” she said. The Palestinian Ministry of sons and daughters of Islamic children, many who fled there compiled “and what we see thus told the Security Council that Children have a right to a Foreign Affairs called on the State extremists who once after Islamic State militants lost far is that fears of security risks children catalogued as being nationality and identity and Secretary-General of the United controlled large swathes of Iraq their last Syrian stronghold in have been unfounded.” associated with armed groups must not remain stateless, Nations and the UN Security and Syria. 2019. There are a number of The executive director of including the Islamic State and Gamba stressed. Council to assume the respon- Vladimir Voronkov told an other camps in the northeast as the UN Counterterrorism Centre al-Qaida “are the children who Gamba said the repatriation sibilities imposed by interna- informal meeting of the UN well. stressed that children “must be have been left adrift by conflict, of foreign children should be tional law and provide interna- Security Council on Friday that Voronkov said there are treated primarily as victims” like flotsam in the sea.” prioritised “with the best tional protection for the Pales- “the horrific situation of the children from 60 countries in and youngsters under the age She echoed Voronkov’s call interest of the child,” and they tinian people and their just and children in Al Hol (camp) is one the camps who are the respon- of 14 should not be detained or that they be treated “primarily must be assisted in reintegrating legitimate national rights. of the most pressing issues in sibility of their member states, prosecuted. as victims, not as security and getting an education, health “The Secretary-General of the world today.” not of Syria or the groups that History has shown that threats, and that detention be care and jobs. the United Nations and the The 27,000 children control the camps. Kurdish children are resilient and can used as a measure of last resort “They must be given their Security Council must assume “remain stranded, abandoned fighters are guarding Al Hol and recover from violent experi- and for the shortest possible childhood back in a safe envi- their responsibilities designated to their fate,” vulnerable to be other camps as well as thou- ences if they are supported in period.” ronment where they can build by international law and preyed on by Islamic State sands of Islamic State fighters reintegrating into communities, The mental health, safety a future away from violence,” provide international protection enforcers, “and at risk of radi- and boys in prisons. Voronkov said. and overall development of Gamba said. “They deserve a to our people and their just and calisation within the camp,” he He said a number of coun- “Every effort should be foreign children held for a long chance at life, like any other legitimate national rights,” it said. tries — including Russia and made to ensure children are not time “in dramatic conditions” child.” said in a statement yesterday. The ministry condemned the ongoing attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers against Solar technology assists the Palestinian people and their rights. “The escalation in settler Gaza's water emergency attacks is now dominating the scene on the ground in the AL JAZEERA — GAZA CITY best-quality drinking water,” occupied Palestinian territory, he said. and is manifested in various Water in the Gaza Strip is The project is nowhere near forms of killing, damaging mostly undrinkable and loaded able to cover the water demand property, seizing land, going with health hazards. for Gaza’s two million resi- after farmers, uprooting trees, Large-scale desalination dents, but “it can help in the and killing of livestock, among plants, funded by international long term to solve the water other forms of criminal esca- donors and private businesses problem”, said Fathi Sheikh- lation with the support of the struggling to mitigate the crisis, Khalil, Gaza branch manager occupying army,” it added. are in full swing in the besieged of Palestinian NGO Damor for “The last of these attacks, it Palestinian enclave. But a new Community Development, said, was against Khan Al high-tech effort is coming from which helped bring two of the Lubban Al Sharqiya archeo- an unlikely source: a company water generators to the logical site, south of the based in Israel. territory. northern West Bank city of Israel’s crippling 14-year Gaza’s main source of Nablus, which indicates an blockade has worsened the water is an aquifer, but the intention to take it over to serve water disaster facing Gaza res- World Bank warned last year Israel’s settlement expansion idents, with key materials and that 97 percent of the ground- plans, while settlers also target equipment needed to produce water is non-potable. Overuse the various Palestinian his- Heavy rain floods roads in Turkey's Izmir potable water withheld from of the aquifer has allowed sea- torical and archeological sites the coastal enclave. water, which was largely pol- in an attempt to seize them,” A view of flooded road and vehicles after heavy rain and hail hit Karabaglar, Karsiyaka and Bornova A Russian-Israeli billionaire luted by sewage treated partly the ministry pointed out. districts of Izmir, Turkey, yesterday. — shocked by images of or not at all over the years, to children filling water in plastic seep into the underground containers from a street vendor water, increasing the levels of — decided to act. both salinity and Follow measures to avoid third wave in Turkey: Expert Michael Mirilashvili, the contamination. billionaire businessman, owns The few well-off residents ANATOLIA — ANKARA noted there has been an country to continue to follow the opportunity to spread itself.” a company called Watergen, rely on imported bottled water increase in coronavirus infec- measures for a while until the He said some European coun- which produces clean and the dwindling middle-class We should not let our guards tions in Turkey in the past four immunity rate would rise. tries are currently experiencing drinking water from the air has water purifiers at their down during winter and engage days. Kayipmaz stressed that a third wave and some coun- through solar-powered kitchens. But with half of the in imprudent behaviour to Kayipmaz said that January, February and March tries have already seen their technology. population, one million people, avoid the third peak of corona- lockdown measures in the last were risky for different upper first and second wave before Mirilashvili’s Israel-based living below the poverty line, virus, according to a Turkish couple of months are a major respiratory tract diseases, as Turkey, which was coming company donated three the only solution left is to buy medical doctor. factor in reducing cases and well. from behind in this case. machines to Gaza after seeing water from trucks touring the Dr. Afsin Emre Kayipmaz, a deaths. “During the winter months, He stated that the UK had a the plight of his Palestinian Gaza Strip all day long. member of Turkey’s Corona- He said the vaccination people spend more time more comfortable process in neighbours. However, two-thirds of this virus Scientific Advisory Board, process for social immunisation indoors, these environments November, and then faced a He said the drinking water water is already contaminated said people should continue to in Turkey had already started can be badly ventilated, and third peak with the effect of a crisis in Gaza had affected him when it is delivered, according follow measures especially but it was only performed on a when crowds gather in these mutated virus and imprudent personally. “We want every to the United Nations’ children during the winter months and part of the society and urged the environments, the disease finds behaviour. child there to have access to the agency Unicef. SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Somalia faces troubled election as time runs out AP — MOGADISHU A successful election means Somalia’s leaders, along with civil society he seeks a second term - an dragged through the streets. groups, have objected, arguing elusive goal for Somali leaders The objecting states have As Somalia marks three decades government can move on to address urgent it leaves them no say in the pol- over the past two decades. been given plenty of time to since a dictator fell and chaos issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, a locust itics of their own country. The opposition alliance, take part in the election, said engulfed the country, the Now the regional states of which includes two former Ibrahim Hassan Haji, an elec- government is set to hold a outbreak and hundreds of thousands of people Jubbaland and Puntland have presidents and former Prime toral commission member from troubled national election. Or displaced by climate crises like drought. refused to take part, objecting Minister Hassan Ali Khayre, has Southwest state. “Otherwise, we is it? to issues including how elec- urged the president to return to will be forced to go ahead Two regional states refuse toral management bodies his senses and let all stake- without them and select their to take part, and time is running small teashop. crises like drought. should be appointed and dele- holders play their rightful role quotas of (delegates) from here out before the February 8 date “Every president wants to Despite its insecurity, the gates selected. That includes in the election. in Mogadishu.” when mandates expire. A par- extend his tenure and at least Horn of Africa nation has had delegates from the breakaway “You promised that once But the head of the local liament resolution allows Pres- add one more year, so why can’t peaceful changes of leadership region of Somaliland, which president you will be a good Hiraal Institute think tank, ident Mohamed Abdullahi they make it official and hold every four years since 2000, considers itself an independent Somali elder. You were given to Hussein Sheikh Ali, said Mohamed and lawmakers to elections every five years and it has the distinction of country though not interna- lead a united people in a holding a partial election will remain in office, but going instead of four?” wondered having Africa’s first democrat- tionally recognized. peaceful way,” said one of the not be tolerated in a country beyond February 8 brings “an Abdirisaq Ali Mohamed as he ically elected president to Jubbaland and Puntland former presidents, Hassan where clans are still “armed to unpredictable political situation watched TV at a hotel. peacefully step down, Aden finally appointed electoral com- Sheikh Mohamud. He himself the teeth.” in a country where we certainly The uncertainty is ripe for Abdulle Osman in 1967. missioners this week, a sign of benefited from an extra year in Instead, “it is always the don’t need any more of that,” exploitation by the Somalia- But the goal of a direct, one- progress. “No partial elections office when elections were not ‘sixth clan’ (the international United Nations special repre- based L Shabab extremist person-one-vote election in or parallel processes,” the US yet ready. community) that intervenes” in sentative James Swan told group, which has threatened to Somalia remains elusive. It was Embassy said as it encouraged The former president such crises and a road map is reporters this week. attack the polls. Meanwhile, the meant to take place this time. political leaders to meet on warned that Jubbaland and usually agreed upon, added Amid the campaign bill- country is adjusting to the with- Instead, the federal government remaining issues. Puntland could go the way of political analyst Liban boards and speeches in the drawal of some 700 US military and states agreed on another An outburst of deadly Somaliland, with the unity of Abdullahi. capital, Mogadishu, is a sense personnel, a process completed “indirect election,” with sen- fighting in Jubbaland this week the country at stake. The UN special represent- of frustration as people are in mid-January. ators and members of par- has highlighted the tensions. “There’s no way that ative, however, has stressed that urged to support candidates but A successful election means liament elected by community Somalia blamed it on rebels Somalia will go back to the any resolution must come from once again cannot directly take Somalia’s government can leaders — delegates of powerful backed by neighbouring 1990s,” Mohamud said of an era Somali leaders, whom he urged part. move on to address urgent clans — in each member state. Kenya, with which Somalia in which local warlords ran to “be imaginative.” He would “Nobody has ever asked us issues like the COVID-19 pan- Members of parliament and severed diplomatic ties in rampant in Mogadishu and an not say how the international what we want or whom we demic, a locust outbreak and senators then elect Somalia’s December. attempt by the US military to community might respond to a would choose as president,” hundreds of thousands of president. Critics of the president say intervene collapsed when the vote that goes ahead without all said Asha Abdulle, who runs a people displaced by climate An alliance of opposition he is trying to rally support as bodies of US soldiers were states involved. Novavax COVID-19 vaccine news hailed in South Africa

AP — JOHANNESBURG On volunteers who are HIV- data on how they react to HIV- positive, preliminary studies in positive patients, but we need News that the Novavax South Africa show the Novavax to get more scientific infor- COVID-19 vaccine has shown vaccine appears to be 60 mation,” she said. about 60 percent efficacy on percent effective. That has been She said there needs to be HIV-positive patients and that welcomed in a country where urgency in establishing other vac- it seems to work against the nearly 7.7 million people live cines’ efficacy against the new variant of the virus now with the disease. variant in South Africa as it is dominant in South Africa is The South African Medical already having a negative effect being welcomed with relief in Association, which represents on the country. “We are seeing the country, but further studies health practitioners, welcomed travel bans on South African are urged. the finding but called for more flights because there are still so Results from a small research on other vaccines. The many unanswered questions on Novavax Inc study in South country is set to receive its first the new variant,” she said. Africa suggest the vaccine does batch of AstraZeneca vaccines The Commission for Gender work but not nearly as well as it from the Serum Institute of Equality has greeted the news does against the variant from India tomorrow. of the efficacy on HIV-positive Britain. Early findings from a “It is necessary to get clinical patients. British study suggest the vaccine data on chronic illnesses including “It is a welcome relief to us is nearly 96 percent effective HIV because many of these vac- in sub-Saharan Africa and against the older coronavirus cines are tested on people who South Africa in particular where and nearly 86 percent effective are generally healthy, which the majority of HIV-positive against the new variant there. means we take about three to five people are women. We hope In South Africa, the new years to learn of side effects on that through further tests and variant now causes more than people with chronic illnesses,” studies the efficiency for HIV- Connecting people 90 percent of new cases and is said the association’s chair, positive people can be more more infectious than the Angelique Coetzee. than 80 percent,” said Customers talk to employees inside a mobile phone service centre operated by Kenyan telecom original virus. “At least we now have some spokesman Javu Baloyi. operator Airtel Kenya at the Sarit Centre within the Westlands district of Nairobi, Kenya. Tunisian protesters vent anger at police Morocco starts REUTERS — TUNIS strators with batons. marginalisation of poor areas and Some protesters threw There have been near daily what protesters say have been bottles at police, while about 10 Hundreds of Tunisians marched protests since the mid-January, heavy handed police tactics. officers used batons to beat vaccinating in the capital yesterday to the anniversary of Tunisia’s rev- A young man died in the them back and stop them protest against police abuses olution that sparked uprisings central city of Sbeitla last week, accessing the avenue, a Reuters they say are endangering across the region in 2011, known which his family blamed on him witness said. medics en masse freedoms won in the 2011 revo- as the Arab Spring. Tunisia was being hit by a teargas canister. “They want to steal the lution that swept away author- the only Arab state to emerge with In Tunis, hundreds joined a principles won since the revo- AP — RABAT then proceeded to inject him itarian rule. a democratic system in place. protest in the centre of the lution,” said Mohammed Smida, with the Covishield vaccine, Hundreds of riot police con- Amid sporadic clashes, police capital with scuffles erupting as a protester who compared Scores of Moroccan health developed by the University of fronted the demonstrators, have arrested more than a police blocked the way to the Prime Minister Hichem workers streamed to a spacious Oxford and AstraZeneca. leading to scuffles. Some pro- thousand people during demon- main Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Mechichi to former autocrat white tent erected outside the ’It’s an exciting atmosphere,” testers threw bottles, while strations over the past two weeks where the Interior Ministry Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali, whose Avicenne University Hospital he said, checking a document police struck some demon- against financial inequality, the building is located. was ousted in 2011. in the capital Rabat to get their indicating when he will receive first dose of COVID-19 his second jab. “I feel nothing, it’s vaccines, as a mass vaccination like the seasonal flu shot.” effort began on Friday in the In cubicles scattered across Algeria launches COVID-19 vaccination campaign North African country. the tent, other nurses, doctors The bustling vaccination and Health Ministry personnel AP — ALGIERS centre — one of 600 set up in were getting the shots Rabat alone — aims to inject simultaneously. Algeria symbolically launched more than 4,000 health pro- Similar scenes unfolded at its COVID-19 vaccination fessionals with vaccine doses vaccination locations across the campaign yesterday in the within three weeks. That’s an North African kingdom. A gov- town where the country’s first example of the ambitious ernment vaccine deployment case of infection with the coro- targets set by Morocco, which plan said around 3,000 sites navirus was confirmed in has one of Africa’s most will be set up in total, including March. advanced coronavirus vacci- mobile units that will deliver A 65-year-old retiree got nation plans in place so far. shots in remote and rural areas. the first shot of Russia’s While European countries The country’s vaccine rollout Sputnik-V vaccine at a hospital and North America started vac- initially targets those most vul- in the town of Blida, about cinating several weeks ago, nerable to the virus, including 40km southwest of the capital, Africa is only just beginning to health care workers, security Algiers, in the presence of receive its first doses, notably forces and other public author- health authorities. from China and Russia. ities, and people over age 75. “All measures have been Moroccan King Mohammed VI The AstraZeneca vaccine, taken to ensure a good rollout received the country’s first produced by the Serum of the vaccination campaign on injection on Thursday, and Institute of India, is one of two the national territory,” Health nationwide vaccinations began vaccines used by Morocco in Minister Abderrahmane Ben- Friday — just as the country con- its free immunisation drive. The bouzid said. firmed its first case of the virus other is developed by China’s Vaccines will start being variant identified in Britain. Sinopharm. Both vaccines administered in all regions of Among the first patients to require two doses and do not the country on Sunday. The walk in to the university hospital need ultra-cold storage. campaign is set to start with A man receives an injection with Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus disease, as Algeria tent was Abdelatif Asmamaa, a Morocco aims to get 66 health care workers, the elderly launches coronavirus vaccination campaign, in Blida, Algeria, yesterday. 58-year-old nurse who has been million doses of the two vac- and other vulnerable working on the front lines of the cines, covering about 80% of populations. government had said it had 2,884 lives to the coronavirus Concerns are also growing pandemic since March. its 35 million population. Algeria received its first ordered a first batch of 500,000 pandemic and confirmed more about Algerian President Abdel- Before the first of his two Asked what criteria shipment of vaccines Friday at doses. than 106,000 cases. madjid Tebboune, convalescing doses was administered, determine the shot to use, Dr. the Boufarik military airport, The government said it is Algerians have been frus- for more than a month in an Asmamaa, who suffers from Mina Ait El Qadi, the hospital’s west of Algiers. also negotiating acquisition of trated by repeated broken undisclosed location in high blood pressure, was pharmacy director, said that it’s Authorities did not indicate the AstraZeneca vaccine. promises of an imminent Germany after suffering COVID greeted by medical staff who a decision made by the govern- how many arrived, though the Algeria has lost at least COVID vaccine rollout. side effects. inquired about his health status ment’s scientific committee. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 As companies chase net-zero, backers say Established in 1996 carbon offsets are ‘part of the answer’ CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

LAURIE GOERING ACTING MANAGING EDITOR REUTERS MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] As more companies commit to cutting their emissions to net DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR zero, the offsets they purchase, MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI to make up for carbon [email protected] pollution they do not reduce themselves, could spur devel- opment of clean technologies like hydrogen fuel, market EDITORIAL backers said this week. Carbon market invest- ments in hydrogen, greener aviation fuel and technologies that absorbs planet-heating Never drop the guard gases from the air “maximise THE past few days witnessed an increase in COVID-19 our probability... we get those A new hydrogen fuel cell truck made by Hyundai during a media presentation for the zero-emission infections, number of hospital admissions and cases technologies when we really transport of goods at the Verkehrshaus Luzern (Swiss Museum of Transport) in Luzern, Switzerland. requiring admission to intensive care. Only yesterday, need them”, said Mark the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) reported 363 new Carney, a UN climate envoy. technologies. offered many side benefits. - will need to fall by half or confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 330 were from But critics of efforts to Just as Germany and Japan Those range from more more by 2030, scientists say. community while 33 from travellers returning from abroad. scale up problem-plagued invested in solar panels at a support and income for indig- Because such rapid emis- The main reason behind this sudden rise is people’s markets for carbon offsets say time when they were new and enous people and others who sions cuts will be hugely chal- lax behaviour in adhering to precautionary measures they threaten to undermine expensive, helping drive help keep forests standing, to lenging to achieve, removals of like wearing masks, gatherings, weddings, and other lagging emissions-cutting down prices as sales volumes stemming rampant biodi- carbon already in the atmos- social events, which have lead to occurrence of many efforts further and will be grew, companies should now versity loss. phere will almost certainly be hot spots according to the Chair of the National Health hard to operate in a trans- pour cash into technologies “There are more dimen- necessary as well, they say. Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious parent and effective way, such as hydrogen fuel, he said sions than CO2 (reduction) Having a transparent Diseases at HMC, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, as he expressed despite planned reforms. at the WEF event. from many of these projects,” market for good-quality, ver- in a press conference held on Thursday. Since the late 1990s, “the Hydrogen can be used to he said in a phone interview. ified offsets is the simplest way The number of daily infections, in the past few days, world has tried to make offsets replace natural gas in home He compared the surge in to get money from polluters to have doubled which is definitely a source for concern work - and frankly, it hasn’t,” heating or fossil fuels in companies setting net-zero projects that could remove and indicates signs of a possible new wave of the pan- Jennifer Morgan, executive transport, scientists say, goals to a similar earlier rush emissions “in the most efficient demic in Qatar, said Al Khal, expressing concern over director of Greenpeace Inter- without producing climate- to make zero-deforestation way”, Winters said. possible arrival of new strains of the rapidly-spreading national, told a virtual meeting changing emissions - though commitments, saying better His group this month pro- virus to Qatar. All this happening after a significant drop of the World Economic Forum making it cleanly would systems and guidance to turn duced a report that proposed in virus cases throughout the few past months, what (WEF) this week. Bill Gates, require large amounts of declarations into real action market reforms to ensure encouraged the competent authorities to ease restric- the co-founder of Microsoft, renewable energy. now needed to be put in place. offsets are high-quality and tions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. The which has pledged to become Carbon-offsetting projects As companies aim for net- lasting, and to effectively measures taken by the government had succeeded in “carbon negative” by 2030 - have often focused on pro- zero, “it’s too early to be verify their claimed emissions flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus removing more emissions tecting forests - which absorb critical,” he said. “We have to cuts, as well as to ensure pur- and the number of new daily cases and hospital admis- than it has produced in its carbon dioxide (CO2) from the be open-minded about how chasing companies use them sions were continually declining for months. operating history - said cash air - or planting new trees, as we get there.” Bill Winters, appropriately. Qatar is one of the countries which has the lowest spent on offsets could help companies flock to “nature- chief executive of Standard The aim of the reforms is COVID-19 death rates in the world, thanks to healthcare lower the cost of new based solutions” to help Chartered Bank and chair of a to build confidence in carbon system, proactive approach, extensive testing, young pop- tackle climate change. task-force on scaling up markets and make sure off- ulation, measures taken to controls the spread of the virus Carbon market But Gates, a technology carbon markets, said efforts setting is more than simply with special care for the most vulnerable segments of the investments in billionaire, warned that trees to reform markets had to environmental window- society. Although restrictions are being gradually lifted have a limited lifespan and make clear that companies dressing for companies, in light of the declining number of cases but it does not hydrogen, greener are at risk from threats such needed to reduce their own Winters said. mean that the COVID-19 pandemic threat is over in aviation fuel and as forest fires, while the emissions “first and “If you’re going to be par- Qatar or anywhere in the world and this is what new planet lacks sufficient suitable foremost”. ticipating in this market as a daily reports tell us. Unless all of us follow all precau- technologies that land to plant enough trees to But many could not get all buyer, you can’t just show up tionary measures strictly, the country may experience absorbs planet- soak up carbon emissions the way to net-zero goals and buy a few offsets and put a second wave of the virus. heating gases from from human activities. without using some level of them in your window and feel No doubt, like many past months, there is still high Effectively monitoring and offsets, he said at the WEF good about yourself. You have importance of individuals’ role under gradual lifting of the air “maximise our verifying carbon reductions event. The task-force, to have a comprehensive net- the restrictions of COVID-19 to follow precaution while probability... we get from planting and protecting launched by former central zero plan,” he said. Morgan, of the government is committed to provide vaccine to all forests, changes in agricul- banker Carney, estimates that Greenpeace, said far too citizens and residents before the end of 2021 as per those technologies tural practices and other carbon offsetting markets will much of that window- approved priority plan. when we really need means of offsetting emissions need to be 15 times bigger by dressing was a serious Therefore people must continue to adhere to also has proved challenging. 2030 and 100 times bigger by problem at the moment. physical distancing, avoid crowded places, wear face them”, said Mark But Stephen Donofrio, 2050 to meet global emis- “Companies such as fossil masks, wash/sanitise hands regularly and protect elderly Carney, a UN climate director of ecosystem market- sions reduction goals. fuel majors or airlines pretend and people with chronic diseases. Individual role from place initiatives for Wash- To keep average temper- they can continue their society is essential to avoid the possibility of re-imposing envoy. ington-based nonprofit Forest ature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius destructive business models COVID-19 restrictions that were previously applied Trends, which works on eco- above preindustrial times, the because they are also including temporary closure of some activities. nomic tools to protect eco- lower limit in the Paris investing in nature protection systems, said offsetting invest- Agreement, emissions - which - but, sorry to say, it’s just not ments in protecting nature are still on an upward trajectory true. It’s a lie,” she said. Extension of US-Russia arms treaty is first step toward new framework D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI EMAIL: [email protected] such as intercontinental bal- environment. China has to be nuclear weapons. listic missiles based on the included. With the sophistication It could be the first step number of warheads and China’s buildup of its con- and diversification of military EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 toward creating an envi- their means of delivery. ventional forces and technologies, the power of FAX: +974 4455 7758 ronment for nuclear disar- If it had expired, the two advanced technology, nonnuclear attacks has mament and easing tensions countries would have lost including missile capabilities, strengthened, and it has MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 between the US and Russia, opportunities for reciprocal has become a threat to neigh- become possible to neutralize which possess 90% of the inspections and regular boring countries. China a command and communica- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 world’s nuclear warheads. It meetings, possibly leaving should not be allowed to turn tions system with a cyber- is hoped this will serve as a room for the nuclear arms its back on disarmament with attack. The “no first strike” LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 springboard to build a new race to intensify. It is of value the excuse of having a drasti- policy may lead to allowing framework for disarmament that they averted the worst- cally smaller number of North Korea, China and BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 that includes China. case scenario. nuclear warheads. Russia to undertake invasive The leaders of the United However, this is not US President Joe Biden action, and it must be said SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 States and Russia held tele- enough. A new arms control has expressed support for the that this is a dangerous policy. phone talks and agreed in system that includes short- idea of a “no first strike” Japan has to urge the ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 principle to extend the New range tactical nuclear policy in which the United Biden administration to email: [email protected] START arms control treaty for weapons and intermediate- States will not use nuclear maintain the reliability of the five years. It was decided range nuclear weapons needs weapons unless it faces a “nuclear umbrella,” through PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 before the expiration date of to be created. The INF (Inter- nuclear attack. This is con- which the United States pro- email: [email protected] Feb. 5 that the only remaining mediate-Range Nuclear cerning for Japan. tects its allies with its military nuclear disarmament treaty Forces) Treaty between the If a “no first strike” policy power, including nuclear ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 between the two nuclear United States and Russia is declared, when the United capabilities. FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] superpowers would be kept in expired in 2019. States or an ally such as Japan The content of the Treaty place. The US-Russia framework faces a large-scale attack by on the Prohibition of Nuclear CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 New START (Strategic of nuclear disarmament conventional weapons, bio- Weapons, which entered into email: [email protected] Arms Reduction Treaty) limits inherited from the Cold War logical and chemical weapons force on Jan. 22, rejects the the number of deployments of era has not been able to cope or cyber-attack, the United doctrine of nuclear SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 long-range nuclear weapons with the current security States will not retaliate with deterrence. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar European Union have recognised they have made a mistake and I believe we can now /Peninsula_Qatar concentrate on making sure that our vaccine /ThePeninsulaNewspaper programme is successful. Michael Gove, Britain's Cabinet Office Minister +974 6698 6188 SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 OPINION 09 Biden to Israel and Palestine: The show must go on

delegitimising their struggle despite its continued assault For it is now Biden’s turn worst demons. for freedom. on the Palestinians and to revive the peace The use of such leverage In 2017, the Trump admin- against the will of their procession. does not undermine an istration recognised Jeru- peoples. His administration has alliance; it helps save it before salem as Israel’s capital. It The reversal of the long- promised to redress some of it is too late. And it does not moved the US embassy from held conventional wisdom the defects of the Trump only apply to US-Israel rela- Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and also that a Palestinian state is a approach by improving rela- tions. Biden must use Wash- MARWAN BISHARA closed the representative prerequisite for Arab normal- tions with the PLO, reopening ington’s leverage with Saudi AL JAZEERA office of the Palestinian Liber- isation exposed the utter the US consulate in East Jeru- Arabia to end its war in ation Organization (PLO) in weakness of the Arab regimes salem, and restoring financial Yemen, and use its leverage Washington, DC the following and rendered any peace assistance to the Palestinian with Egypt to end the wide It has been a year since Pres- year. process superfluous. Authority (PA) so that it could human rights abuses there, ident Donald Trump and It also froze all assistance Why would Israel nego- put the show back on the etc. Israeli Prime Minister to UNRWA, the UN agency tiate with the Palestinians if it road. Likewise, if Biden refuses Benjamin Netanyahu, tasked with supporting mil- could dictate its terms to The move is com- to use Washington’s leverage, unveiled their “Deal of the lions of Palestinians living as them; why compromise when mendable and is sure to be Israel will continue to deepen Century” to a crowd of refugees and quit the UN belligerence is rewarded with welcomed everywhere, its occupation and move supporters and financial Human Rights Council more concessions? except perhaps in Israel, further to the right, making backers. (UNHRC) and the United So the peace process was where the Netanyahu-led any solution of any kind Their plan envisioned Nations Educational, Scien- pronounced dead. Yet again! government continues to impossible without greater Israel, with an undivided tific and Cultural Organization After all, it had also been pro- embrace all that is Trump and violence. Jerusalem as its capital, being (UNESCO) under the pretext nounced dead after Clinton’s oppose all that Biden stands The Biden administration sovereign over historical Pal- of bias against Israel on 2000 Camp David summit for. needs to drop the pretence estine and commanding total account of its policies in failed to save it; after George That is why it is high time that $40bn of US military control over the wide occupied Palestine. W Bush’s Roadmap failed to for the US president to shun support for Israel safeguards network of Jewish settle- Alas, Congress kept mostly revive it, and after the Obama this corrupt Israeli prime its security and moderates its ments in the Palestinian silent. And so did much of the Administration all but gave up minister, who has been position when the record territories. world, including the Arab on it. indicted on charges of shows it only safeguards its If he is truly serious The proposed Peace Plan world. Even though many Alas, with each obituary, bribery, fraud and breach of occupation and hardens its about the peace was a sham, devised by vehemently rejected Trump’s violence broke out in frus- trust. And who, like Trump, posture. Trump’s lieutenants to dealing and wheeling over tration as Israel unleashed has undermined the electoral Pursuing the same damn rather than process, appease Israel and please his Palestine, they could or would military campaigns including process purely for personal policies again and again for Biden should make it conservative evangelical base. do little or nothing to stop two major offensives against gain and glory. more than half a century and The “deal” was not a deal him, for fear of retaliation. Gaza. Whether it acted in Netanyahu had basically expecting different results is clear to Israelis and at all, since it was not nego- Long before a vengeful vengeance, or to “mow the taken Trump’s side during the indeed madness. Palestinians ahead tiated with the concerned Trump administration began lawn”, ie cut the Palestinians elections, and kept his joint Truth be told, the Middle party, the Palestinians. to take down names of those to size, Israeli aggression led photo with Trump on his East region is in such turmoil, of their upcoming Utterly shortsighted, it who would not back its pol- to mayhem and the death of official Twitter account, well there may not be a geopo- elections, that the also violated international icies in Congress, like a bully, thousands. after his mob attacked the litical justification or strategic US will stand with law, broke with long-standing it “took down names” of And yet, there is no giving Capitol. interest why Biden should US policy and principles, and countries which did not back up on the spectacle; no letting Biden surely remembers invest big political capital on those who stand for torpedoed whatever was left its Israel policies at the UN. go of the diplomatic charade how Netanyahu, rudely and Palestine. freedom and justice of Washington’s suitability as The Trump administration which, in fact, killed the two- against all protocol, incited But there is a moral a mediator. went on to cynically exploit state solution, by allowing Congress against the Obama imperative that could no for all, not the few. But it was all in line with the ambition or vulnerability Israel to deepen its military administration on the Iran longer be muddled or ignored. Trump’s record of supporting of the governments of the and civilian entrenchment in nuclear question One that is widely embraced Israel’s military occupation United Arab Emirates, the prospective Palestinian The president must also by the Democratic Party and and legitimising its illegal set- Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco state. respond to Netanyahu’s most greater segments of the tlements while offending the to nudge them to normalise The peace process is dead; recent provocation of American Jewish Palestinians and relations with colonial Israel long live the peace process. announcing new settlement communities. expansion on the eve of his Washington’s uncondi- inauguration, by speaking out tional support for Israel has against the illegal Israeli set- come with a heavy price for tlements, as he did in the past. Palestine in terms of Lest he forgot how countless human rights viola- Netanyahu humiliated him tions, war crimes and crimes personally as he visited Jeru- against humanity, in the form salem in 2010 to restart the of an apartheid system, peace process, by announcing which expanded under dramatic new plans for illegal Republicans and Democrats settlement expansion in East alike. Jerusalem. If the show must go on, it If, as to be expected, needs to take a different, words do not work, the US more confident approach must act to censor Netanyahu based on fairness and or his potential replacement common sense; one that, for a after the March elections. starter, recognises the need If he truly wants to restore for equal rights among the US diplomatic credibility, equal number of Jews and Biden must be ready to lev- Palestinians now living erage US financial and mil- between the Jordan River and itary assistance to Israel, the Mediterranean Sea. which amounts to more than If he is truly serious about half of the US’s entire foreign the peace rather than process, military financing. Biden should make it clear to It is outrageous that Biden Israelis and Palestinians appears to think such a step ahead of their upcoming elec- would be “outrageous” when tions, that the US will stand it is the only practical way to with those who stand for induce Israel to end its occu- freedom and justice for all, A file photo of Joe Biden greeting Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on March 10, 2010. pation and save it from its not the few. AstraZeneca-EU fight opens new rift in global bid to end pandemic JAMES PATON & JOHN that it was seeking to limit escalating.” If governments do has become a matter of potentially easing supply LAUERMAN — BLOOMBERG exports to Northern Ireland, take aggressive steps, others national security, said J. concerns. Still, frustrations before retreating from the could hold back shipments of Stephen Morrison, director of are running especially high A European dispute over plan hours later. Introducing key ingredients required to the Center for Strategic and across Europe as more con- supply of COVID-19 vaccines restrictions between the make vaccines, or invoke International Studies’ Global tagious versions of the virus is threatening to unleash a Republic of Ireland, which is rights to try to produce shots Health Policy Center. That emerge, and every step of wider political and economic part of the EU, and Northern themselves, though that accounts for the US COVID vaccine production conflict that could stymie Ireland would contravene one would be very difficult to Department of Defense’s and distribution is under global collaboration needed of the key principles of the achieve without support from important role in developing scrutiny. to end the pandemic. Brexit deal, which sought to the manufacturers, according and distributing shots. For months, the EU has After accusing UK After accusing UK vaccine avoid border controls after to Evenett. “Vaccines are an indispen- faced concerns that it might vaccine maker maker AstraZeneca of decades of violence. The situation could set off sable element of getting out lag the US and Britain, raising favouring deliveries to its The EU move prompted a “chain reactions that go to from under this scourge that’s its vulnerability as the virus AstraZeneca home country, the European rare show of unity from tradi- unexpected places,” said destroying economies,” he advanced. Britain in early of favouring Union announced a drastic tional political enemies in Richard Hatchett, chief exec- said. “If you can’t get to herd December became the first plan to control exports of Northern Ireland, who uni- utive officer of the Coalition immunity fast, that inevitably Western country to clear a deliveries to its COVID shots. The retaliatory formly decried the initial for Epidemic Preparedness provokes a security crisis.” shot, while the US plowed as home country, move may encourage more decision. Even with the Innovations, the organization Biden has said he’d use the much as $18bn into Oper- governments to use economic Northern Ireland issue that’s worked to accelerate Defense Production Act, a ation Warp Speed, adding to the European might -- or other means -- to resolved, the bloc’s actions development of COVID vac- Cold War-era law, to boost the pressure on the bloc. Union announced protect their interests. remain hugely controversial cines. “It’s really important for the manufacturing of vaccines The EU may secure a drastic plan to The European Commis- and have been criticized by the countries not to overreact.” In and the supplies required to enough supplies to vaccinate sion’s restrictions “open Pan- World Health Organization, a show of unity, most administer them, such as vials three-quarters of its popu- control exports dora’s box,” said Simon businesses and governments. European countries started and needles. Parts of the act lation by late October, hitting of COVID shots. Evenett, a professor of inter- The likelihood of such vaccinations around the same could help increase supply, that level more than two national trade at the Uni- vaccine disputes multiplying time in late December. US re- though other pieces could months after the US and The retaliatory versity of St. Gallen in Swit- looms large after dozens of engagement with the World have a ripple effect for global three months behind the UK, move may zerland. If others respond in countries imposed export Health Organization under supply chains, Hatchett said. according to the latest similar fashion, “it really restrictions on masks, personal President Joe Biden also If the US were to combine analysis by London-based encourage more would be every man for protective equipment and spurred hopes of global coop- that expanded production with research firm Airfinity Ltd. governments to himself.” The squabble is medical supplies earlier in the eration. But maintaining that export restrictions, other gov- The estimates are based on use economic opening a new rift in the pandemic. Governments and isn’t easy in an environment ernments would be tempted to the supplies governments global effort to slow a companies have tussled in the of increasing infections and follow, Evenett said. have secured per capita, pro- might -- or other pathogen that’s killed 2.2 past over access to drugs like vaccine supply constraints. AstraZeneca now has duction capacity in each means -- to million people and inflamed new, life-saving HIV medica- As political pressure rises, found itself in the middle of region and the expected Brexit tensions between the tions that were too costly for “that feeling of solidarity a public row over contract efficacy of the shots. protect their UK and the EU. The bloc is some hard-hit countries to fades,” said Klaus Stohr, a terms, accusations of blame While there are few interests. already under pressure to purchase, said Thomas former WHO official who and threats to impose limits restrictions on using export speed up an immunization Bollyky, director of the global helped mobilize governments on vaccine exports. The EU’s bans in trade law, nations campaign that’s trailing those health program at the Council and drugmakers to prepare drug regulator cleared the could try to tamp down on in Britain and the US on Foreign Relations. for pandemics. company’s COVID shot vaccine-related retaliation In a sign of how fraught “This is not just a fanciful The stakes of getting Friday, paving the way for a via the G-7 or the G-20, as tensions have become, the parade of horribles,” he said. economies back on track have conditional marketing has been suggested by the bloc also announced Friday “You could see this also grown. Access to vaccines authorization, and Ottawa Group, Bollyky said. 10 ASIA SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 India: Defiant farmers begin hunger strike; tensions rise

AP — NEW DELHI The clashes left one pro- tester dead and nearly 400 Indian farmers taking part in Tens of thousands of police officers injured. Officials more than two months of farmers have been did not say how many farmers protest against new agriculture camped on the edge of were injured, but many were laws began a daylong hunger New Delhi since seen bloodied after police in riot strike yesterday, as they sought November, seeking the gear hit them with batons and to reaffirm the peaceful nature fired tear gas. of their movement following repeal of laws passed in Tensions have remained recent violent clashes with September that they say high since, with sporadic clashes police. will favor large between protesters, police and Farmer leaders said the agribusiness and unidentified groups shouting hunger strike was timed to corporations, devastate anti-farmer slogans. On Friday, coincide with the death anni- a group of around 200 people versary of Indian independence the earnings of many barged into one protest site leader Mahatma Gandhi, who farmers and leave those despite heavy security, threw was famed for his nonviolent with small plots behind. stones at farmers and damaged resistance to colonial rule. Nev- their tents. ertheless, the protesters said The group demanded that Farmers raise their hands as they arrive in a tractor trolley at a site of a protest against the farm laws they remained furious at Prime farmers and leave those with farmers vacate the area and at Singhu border near New Delhi, yesterday. Minister Narendra Modi and his small plots behind. said they had “insulted” the government. Modi and his allies say the national flag during their tractor “The way the government laws are necessary to mod- parade on Republic Day. The Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait economy. In a rare show of The farmers, meanwhile, is spreading planned lies and ernize Indian agriculture. Mul- farmers alleged that the vandals said the government was “in unity, 16 opposition parties boy- have seen their ranks swell by violence is condemnable,” said tiple rounds of talks between were largely made up of delusion if it feels our cotted a parliamentary address thousands more new protesters a statement from the Samyukta the two sides have been members of a Hindu nationalist movement will be weakened” by the ceremonial president since a video of Tikait breaking Kisan Morcha, or United unsuccessful. group that has close ties with by suspending the internet. Ram Nath Kovind, who is from down in tears while talking to Farmers’ Front, a coalition of The protests had largely Modi’s party. “The more they try to crush Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. reporters was shared widely on farmers’ unions. been peaceful but violence Yesterday authorities the voice of the farmers, the Both sides appeared to be social media on Thursday. Tens of thousands of erupted on Tuesday, India’s blocked mobile internet greater this movement will growing more entrenched. “Our movement has gained farmers have been camped on Republic Day, when tens of services at three protest sites, a become,” Tikait tweeted. Rather than try to lower the strength after the Republic Day the edge of New Delhi since thousands of farmers riding favored tactic of the Modi gov- The protests pose the temperature after Tuesday’s rally. We have decided that we November, seeking the repeal tractors and marching on foot ernment to thwart protests. biggest challenge to Modi since clashes, the government has won’t go back,” said Sukhdev of laws passed in September knocked out police barricades India’s Home Ministry said he took office in 2014 in part filed cases against journalists, Singh, another farmer leader that they say will favour large and stormed New Delhi’s 17th internet services would remain because farmers are the most activists and opposition politi- who was taking part in yester- agribusiness and corporations, century Red Fort in a brief but suspended until Sunday to influential voting bloc in the cians, accusing them of sedition day’s hunger strike. “If we are devastate the earnings of many shocking takeover. “maintain public safety.” country and a key part of the and inciting violence. to die, we will die here.” India reports lowest active cases of COVID-19 in seven months ‘UK has no rights post-handover REUTERS — MUMBAI virus, Prime Minister Narendra the lockdown in June. health data showed. higher, one study suggests Modi’s government imposed a India was reporting fewer India has around 170,000 pockets of India have attained of Hong Kong’ India reported its lowest active nationwide lockdown on the 1.3 cases until April 2020, but from active COVID-19 patients, the herd immunity through natural number of novel coronavirus billion population in late March. May onwards cases started rising lowest since June 2020. It has infection. REUTERS — HONG KONG cases in seven months yesterday, The lockdown, in which and peaked by mid-September reported 10.7 million infections India started its immuni- a year after the virus was first domestic and international to close to 100,000 daily cases. and 154,147 deaths - one of the sation programme on Jan. 16, Hong Kong Secretary of Justice confirmed in the country. travel was banned and factories, The infection rate has world’s lowest fatality rates, with healthcare workers and a Teresa Cheng reiterated A year ago, a student from schools, offices and all shops slowed significantly since Sep- attributed partly to its relatively target of reaching 300 million yesterday that Britain had no the southern state of Kerala other than those supplying tember and yesterday 13,083 young population. people by July-August. rights over the city under the tested positive for COVID-19 essential services were shut, new cases were reported, one The country has recorded The world’s most populous joint declaration that laid the after returning to India from crippled India’s economy, which of the lowest figures on record the highest number of corona- country after China has vacci- blueprint for how the city would Wuhan in China, the global epi- is set to contract 7.7% in the and down from more than virus cases in the world after the nated around 3.5 million be ruled after its 1997 reunifi- centre of the virus. current fiscal year to March 31. 20,000 each day at the United States and, with the healthcare workers in the first cation with China. To arrest the spread of the The government started easing beginning of the month, federal likely true rate of infection even two weeks of the campaign. Cheng made the comments in a blog post on the eve of changes to the UK’s visa appli- cation program that will allow Philippine President tightens Hong Kong residents who hold a British National Overseas anti-money laundering rules (BNO) passport to live, study and work in Britain for five years REUTERS — MANILA monitoring. and eventually apply for The new law expands the citizenship. Philippine President Rodrigo powers of the Anti-Money Laun- BNO status was created by Duterte signed a law on Friday dering Council (AMLC), allowing Britain in 1987 specifically for to strengthen anti-money laun- it to impose targeted financial Hong Kong residents. dering and terrorist financing sanctions against the prolifer- Cheng cited former Com- regulations ahead of a February ation of weapons of mass missioner of the Ministry of 1 deadline set by a global destruction and its financing. It Foreign Affairs of China in Hong financial watchdog. also allows the council to apply Kong, Xie Feng, as saying “the The Southeast Asian nation for court summons, and search UK has no sovereignty, juris- was at risk of returning to a and seizure warrants. diction or right of ‘supervision’ Financial Action Task Force “Consistent with its foreign over Hong Kong whatsoever “grey list” which could delay policy, the state shall extend after the latter returned to foreign investment and make cooperation in transnational China” under the Joint remittances from millions of Fil- investigations and prosecutions Declaration. ipinos overseas, which powers of persons involved in money Beijing’s imposition of a domestic consumer spending, laundering activities wherever national security law in Hong subject to stricter scrutiny and committed,” the legislation says. Kong in June last year prompted Britain to offer refuge to almost 3 million Hong Kong residents Malaysia reports record new eligible for the BNO passport Myanmar Parliament members vaccinated from January 31. Members of Parliament from army receive AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine ahead of opening of the virus cases for second day new session in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, yesterday. Bangladesh shifts BLOOMBERG — KUALA LUMPUR pandemic, including 13 yesterday. fourth group of Malaysia added a record number Malaysia imposed a state of of coronavirus cases for a second emergency and renewed Rohingya to island Myanmar military allays coup fears, day yesterday, just days before movement restrictions earlier the government decides on this month as it grapples with a AP — DHAKA whether to prolong or tighten wave of new infections that has says it will protect constitution curbs on movement that are set stretched its health care system Bangladesh’s government sent to end next week. to the breaking point. The a fourth group of Rohingya REUTERS — YANGON they want and wrote as Tat- parliament convening next The Southeast Asian country current movement curbs are due Muslim refugees to an island madaw will abolish the consti- week, and warned the armed registered 5,728 infections yes- to end on February 4, but could in the Bay of Bengal yesterday, Myanmar’s military said tution.” Aung San Suu Kyi’s forces could “take action” if its terday, after breaching the 5,000 be extended if new cases show ignoring calls from human yesterday it would protect and ruling National League for complaints about vote fraud mark for the first time on Friday, no signs of easing. Selangor, rights groups for a halt to the abide by the constitution and Democracy Party (NLD), which were not addressed. according to a tweet by Director Malaysia’s richest state, con- move. act according to law, a move won November’s election in a The crowd, walking in the General of Health Malaysia Noor tributed the most number of new The 1,466 Rohingya who that could allay concerns that landslide, called the statement shadow of Shwedagon Pagoda, Hisham Abdullah. That brings infections yesterday, with 3,285 had been living in the the armed forces might attempt a “suitable explanation”. Myanmar’s most important Bud- the total tally to 209,661 cases. cases, followed by the southern sprawling refugee camps of to seize power. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt dhist site, called on government Malaysia has reported 746 total state of Johor with 792, and Cox’s Bazar were sent yes- The statement comes a day told Reuters the party wanted and the election commission to deaths from the coronavirus Kuala Lumpur at 480. terday to Bhasan Char, an after United Nations Secretary- the military to be an organi- resolve complaints of fraud. island specifically developed General Antonio Guterres and sation “that accepts the people’s Myanmar’s election com- to accommodate 100,000 of Western embassies in Myanmar desire regarding the election”. mission on Thursday rejected the 1 million Rohingya who expressed serious concerns Myanmar-based analyst the military’s allegations of vote have fled from neighboring about the possibility of army Richard Horsey said an fraud, saying there were no Myanmar. That follows 1,776 intervention in Myanmar, a imminent coup now seemed errors big enough to affect the refugees who made the trip on country ruled by the military for unlikely. credibility of the vote. The Friday. 49 years after a 1962 coup. “It appears that Myanmar army’s repeated allegations of The relocations began in The military, known as the military has stepped back from irregularities in the election, in December and have been crit- Tatmadaw, said recent remarks its coup threat,” he said on which the NLD won 83% of icized by human rights groups, by its commander-in-chief, Twitter. seats, have led to the most direct who say many of the refugees Senior General Min Aung “How to interpret that, and confrontation yet between the are being forced to move Hlaing, about abolishing the what it means for stability going civilian government and the mil- against their will. constitution had been forward, depends on the behind itary, which has an awkward More than 1 million misinterpreted. the scenes details that aren’t power-sharing agreement. Rohingya have fled waves of “The Tatmadaw is pro- clear yet.” The constitution reserves violent persecution in their tecting the 2008 constitution Political tensions escalated 25% of seats in parliament for native Myanmar and are cur- and will act according to the this week when a military the military and control of three rently living in overcrowded, law,” it said. “Some organisa- spokesman declined to rule out key ministries in Suu Kyi’s People wearing protective masks wait to cross a street amid the squalid refugee camps in Cox’s tions and media assumed what a coup ahead of a new administration. outbreak of coronavirus disease, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Bazar district. SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 WHO team visits second hospital in Wuhan

AP — WUHAN Wuhan Center for Disease Control. Members of a World Health Wuhan Jinyintan “All hypotheses are on the Organization team investigating Hospital was one of the table as the team follows the the origins of the coronavirus first in the Chinese city science in their work to under- pandemic visited another Wuhan to deal with patients in stand the origins of the COVID19 hospital that had treated early early 2020 suffering virus,” WHO tweeted. COVID-19 patients on their It said the team had already second full day of work from a then-unknown requested “detailed underlying yesterday. virus and is a key part of data” and planned to speak with Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital the epidemiological early responders and some of the was one of the first in the Chinese history of the disease. first patients. city to deal with patients in early The mission has become 2020 suffering from a then- politically charged, as China unknown virus and is a key part seeks to avoid blame for alleged of the epidemiological history of critical time. missteps in its early response to the disease. The team’s first face-to-face the outbreak. “Just back from visit at Jiny- meetings with Chinese scientists A single visit by scientists is intan hospital, that specialised in took place on Friday, before the unlikely to confirm the virus’s infectious diseases and was des- experts who specialize in animal origins. Pinning down an out- ignated for treatment of the first health, virology, food safety and break’s animal reservoir is typi- cases in Wuhan,” Dutch virologist epidemiology visited another cally an exhaustive endeavor that Marion Koopmans said in a post early site of the outbreak, the takes years of research including on Twitter. Hubei Integrated Chinese and taking animal samples, genetic “Stories quite similar to what Western Medicine Hospital. analysis and epidemiological I have heard from our ICU The Geneva-based WHO said studies. Members of the WHO tasked with investigating the origins of the coronavirus disease pandemic leave doctors.” Zoologist Peter Daszak late Thursday on Twitter that its One possibility is that a an exhibition on how China fought the coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei province, yesterday. of the US group EcoHealth team plans to visit hospitals, wildlife poacher might have Alliance, who is a member of the markets like the Huanan Seafood passed the virus to traders who team, said in a tweet that the visit Market that was linked to many carried it to Wuhan. The Chinese imports of frozen seafood tainted A possible focus for investi- of genetic information about bat was an “important opportunity of the first cases, the Wuhan government has promoted the- with the virus, a notion roundly gators is the Wuhan Institute of coronaviruses after the 2003 out- to talk directly” with medics who Institute of Virology, and labora- ories, with little evidence, that the rejected by international scien- Virology. One of China’s top virus break of SARS, or severe acute were fighting the virus at the tories at facilities including the outbreak might have started with tists and agencies. research labs, it built an archive respiratory syndrome. Ghani: Nato countries want to keep forces in Afghanistan China launches new REUTERS — WASHINGTON Stoltenberg, and that Nato was insurgents’ fulfilment of com- Jake Sullivan, Biden’s “very much interested in con- mitments, including ending national security adviser, said warship for Pakistan Nato alliance members are “very tinuing” the alliance mission in cooperation with Al Qaeda. on Friday that they were focused much interested” in keeping Afghanistan. Former president Donald on how far the Taliban have cut ANATOLIA — KARACHI “All the ships are being troops in Afghanistan but they “But...Nato, without US ena- Trump authorized the reduction ties with “terrorist groups”, were delivered as per planned cannot remain without critical blers, cannot continue its of US forces to their lowest level “meaningfully reducing vio- China launched a second schedule,” the statement said. types of US support, President mission,” he said, using a mil- since the US-led invasion in lence” and participating “in a advanced warship built for The ceremony coincided Ashraf Ghani said on Friday. itary term for intelligence, air 2001, against the advice of some real way, not a fake way” in Pakistan yesterday. with the completion of 70 years The Afghan leader spoke as power and other kinds of of his military commanders as stalled peace talks in Doha with A launch ceremony for the of Pak-China diplomatic rela- the new administration of US support the United States pro- violence surged and US officials a delegation that includes Ghani Type-054 Class Frigate was tions built upon “historic bonds President Joe Biden conducts a vides. Ghani also said that the said the Taliban were still coop- government officials. held at Hudong Zhonghua (HZ) of friendship and mutual trust,” review of the US-backed peace United States — now with only erating with Al Qaeda. The “In that context, we make Shipyard in Shanghai with it added. process and a February 2020 2,500 troops in Afghanistan — Taliban deny that there are Al decisions about our force senior Chinese and Pakistani Cdre. Azfar Humayun, deal with the Taliban that set a and Nato “must take a very Qaeda militants in structure and our diplomatic naval officials in attendance, Pakistan’s chief naval overseer May deadline for a full with- strong stand on the conditions- Afghanistan. strategy going forward,” he told said a statement from Pakistan for China, said the induction of drawal of American forces. based approach” to withdrawing Senior Biden administration a US Institute of Peace event, in Navy. the warships “will significantly Addressing an Aspen their troops. officials have said that they are apparent reference to the May 1 Fitted with latest “surface, enhance Pakistan’s maritime Institute-sponsored online The 2020 US-Taliban deal reviewing the US-Taliban deal US troop withdrawal deadline. subsurface, and anti-air defense and deterrence program, Ghani said he had stipulates that the US with- to gain a full understanding of Ghani said the Biden admin- weapons,” the Type-054 capabilities.” spoken to the leaders of Canada, drawal from America’s longest the commitments made by the istration planned to send a del- frigates will be one of the most He also “acknowledged the Norway and Germany, as well war be based on conditions on Trump administration and the egation to Kabul for technologically advanced commitment, hard work and as Nato Secretary General Jens the ground and the Islamist insurgents. consultations. surface platforms in Pakistan’s timely completion of this naval fleet, it said. important milestone project by The ships have a “range of M/s CSTC and HZ Shipyard, electronic warfare, air and Shanghai despite the ongoing Vietnam okays first surface surveillance, and global pandemic.” The project acoustic sensors integrated is part of Islamabad’s efforts to COVID-19 vaccine through a state-of-the-art boost its naval capabilities amid Combat Management System.” persistent tensions with REUTERS — HANOI Pakistan awarded a contract longtime rival India. for four Type-054 frigates to Pakistan also signed a con- Vietnam approved its first COVID-19 vaccine China’s state-run China Ship- tract with Turkey in July 2018 and cut short an important ruling Communist building Trading Company to acquire four warships, with Party meeting, state media reported (CSTC) and HZ Shipyard in the first of the MILGEM cor- yesterday, as the country battled its biggest 2017. vettes to be delivered in 2023. coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic began. Vietnam, a country of some 98 million people that has so far been highly successful Pakistan secures 17 million in combatting the virus, has recorded 208 new cases since reporting two locally trans- doses of AstraZeneca vaccine mitted cases in the northern province of Hai Duong on Thursday, including 62 cases REUTERS — ISLAMABAD coming months this year,” reported yesterday. Sultan said. That is a rapid spread given Vietnam has Pakistan has secured 17 million Pakistan expects to receive recorded just 1,767 cases and 35 deaths since doses of AstraZeneca’s 500,000 doses of a vaccine the disease was first detected a year ago, COVID-19 vaccine under a made by China National Phar- including 901 locally transmitted infections, A health worker wearing a protective suit takes a swab sample from a security officer at global scheme to deliver coro- maceutical Group (SinoPharm) thanks to mass testing and a centralised quar- the National Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam, yesterday. navirus treatments to devel- in coming days. It will launch a antine programme. oping nations, a government vaccination drive, which will “We have experience handling recent out- the government said. inoculation hours after Prime Minister health official said yesterday. initially target healthworkers, breaks,” deputy health minister Nguyen “The disease has spread to the com- Nguyen Xuan Phuc said late on Friday that About 6 million of the doses next week. The South Asian Truong Son said in a government statement munity, the variant is dangerous and the country must have a vaccine in the first will arrive in the first quarter nation of 220 million people on Saturday, adding that officials would try spreading very quickly,” a statement said, quarter. The government had previously said of 2021 under the COVAX also expects China to donate a to contain the outbreak by February 6, ahead adding that all the cases in Gia Lai were linked it was in talks to procure 30 million doses of scheme, with the remainder further one million doses. of the Lunar New Year holiday. to the Hai Duong epicentre. the vaccine. due by mid-year, Faisal Sultan, Having already approved The government statement said mate- Authorities rushed to test thousands of The port city of Haiphong, where a case special assistant to the Prime the AstraZeneca and rials and equipment designed to combat a people as authorities confirmed the outbreak linked to the new outbreak has been detected, Minister on National Health SinoPharm vaccines, Pakistan hypothetical scenario of as many as 10,000 had spread to Hanoi, where the ruling party also said it would separately seek to secure Services, said in a statement. is also likely to approve Rus- cases would be deployed before the Lunar is holding its five-yearly congress to pick a 2 million vaccine doses for its population. Pakistan signed up last year sia’s Sputnik V, officials say, New Year holiday. The s coronavirus task- new leadership. State media reported the con- Most of the new cases have been recorded to the vaccine sharing scheme adding that the authorisations force chief had previously advocated a plan gress would end on Monday, a day earlier in Hai Duong, where 2,340 factory workers coordinated by the World will be reviewed quarterly. designed to prepare for a scenario of 30,000 than planned. The reports did not say why, have been isolated after one employee came Health Organization to support Pakistan reported 2,179 cases. Vietnam on Saturday locked down two and were later removed from the websites into contact with a person who tested pos- lower-income countries. new infections and 65 deaths remote districts in the coffee-growing Central of official state news outlets. itive for the more contagious B.1.1.7 UK variant “We remain confident that in the latest 24-hours, taking Highlands province of Gia Lai after at least The Vietnamese health ministry approved of the disease upon arrival in Japan in we will meet our plan of large- the total number of cases to five people there tested positive for the virus, a vaccine from AstraZeneca PLC for domestic mid-January. scale immunisation over the 543,214, with 11,623 deaths. US military slams Chinese Japan detects new types of variant strain from UK flights over South China Sea BLOOMBERG — TOKYO late-December, with two of the three experiencing severe REUTERS — WASHINGTON threat to US Navy ships, air- Three new types of the UK coro- symptoms. The new UK strains craft, or sailors,” the US mili- navirus strain, previously not had previously not been detected The US military said on Friday tary’s Pacific Command said detected in Japan, were in Japan outside of airport quar- that Chinese military flights in in a statement. discovered in patients at the antine areas, according to the the past week in the South A US official, speaking on Tokyo Medical and Dental research group. Various strains China Sea fit a pattern of condition of anonymity, said University Hospital, according to have previously been found in destabilising and aggressive the Chinese aircraft did not a research group studying Japan including one discovered behaviour by Beijing but posed come within 250 nautical miles COVID-19 cases at the hospital. in four passengers arriving from no threat to a US Navy aircraft of the US Navy vessels. Taiwan None of the three patients Brazil earlier this month. A variant carrier strike group in the reported that several Chinese infected with mutations of the UK found in South Africa was also region. air force aircraft flew into the strain had travelled abroad, detected in Japan in late “The Theodore Roosevelt southwestern corner of its air meaning there is a high possibility December. Japan has witnessed Carrier Strike Group closely defence identification zone last that the variants are spreading in a spike in new coronavirus cases monitored all People’s Liber- weekend, near the Taiwan- Japan, the group said in a since the start of this year, with ation Army Navy (PLAN) and controlled Pratas Islands, statement on Friday. The patients new infection numbers stuck A man pretending to receive COVID-19 vaccine shot during a mock Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and including fighter jets and were hospitalized during the above 1,000 a day in the capital inoculation exercise in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo, Japan. at no time did they pose a nuclear-capable H-6 bombers. period of November through in recent weeks. 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 Italian President gives parties four days to form new govt AP — ROME political leaders indicated they loggerheads for weeks. There would consider working with was hints earlier on Friday of a Italy’s president on Friday PM Giuseppe Conte quit on Renzi’s small Italy Alive party if break in the impasse when a tasked a parliamentary leader Monday after losing a the two sides can agree on 5-Star leader, Vito Crimi, indi- with determining by early next dependable majority in policy. Since Conte resigned, cated the Movement’s will- week whether the squabbling the Senate because a Mattarella, as head of state, met ingness to again join in coalition parties in caretaker Premier small partner withdrew its with leaders of Italy’s myriad of with Renzi’s forces if both sides Giuseppe Conte’s collapsed political parties to see who can agree on policy. Given government can unite anew to support in a dispute over could cobble together a Renzi’s betrayal this month of steer the country amid the EU pandemic recovery coalition. Conte, forging yet another gov- pandemic. funds spending. Elections are due in spring ernment with Italy Alive’s The announcement by Pres- 2023, and centre-right oppo- support could further splinter ident Sergio Mattarella’s office sition parties had lobbied Mat- the already-fractious 5-Star stopped short of saying whether Mattarella made clear Italy tarella to bring the date forward. Movement, which has been Conte would ultimately be — which has suffered Europe’s But Mattarella said it was losing popularity in opinion tapped to try to forge what second-highest COVID-19 death apparent in his talks that there’s polls. If the Movement cedes to would be his third coalition toll — could afford to waste no “the prospective for a political Renzi’s demands, “arrivederci government since June 2018. time in finding a new majority, made up of the and thanks,” warned a major Instead, it said that Chamber government. Italian President Sergio Mattarella speaks during a news conference groups” that backed Conte’s 5-Star leader, Alessandro Di of Deputies President Roberto “The three emergencies on at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, on Friday. just-ended government. Battista in a Facebook post. Fico was asked to report back the health, social and economic Mattarella, though, in A Renzi party leader in Par- to Mattarella by the end of fronts require immediate the Senate because a small known as an ‘’exploratory’’ tasking Fico, insisted on cer- liament, Ettore Rosato, Tuesday on whether a reborn measures by the government,” partner led by volatile former mandate, saying: “It’s a very tainty. Officially, Conte, a shrugged off the 5-Stars internal coalition was achievable. Mattarella said. “It is a matter Premier Matteo Renzi yanked delicate moment for the lawyer specialising in medi- problems. “This government Fico is a prominent figure of duty then to give life quickly its ministers in a dispute over country. We’re called to face it ation, doesn’t lead any party, fell” on issues of substance, in the populist 5-Star to a government with adequate how some ¤209bn ($253bn) in with utmost responsibility in but became premier thanks to Rosato told state TV. “If we Movement, the largest party in backing in Parliament.” European Union pandemic order to give citizens the urgent staunch lobbying by the 5-Star resolve the problems, I think we back-to-back coalitions under Conte quit on Monday after recovery funds will be spent. answers they expect.” Movement. The 5-Stars and can give birth to a stronger gov- Conte. losing a dependable majority in Fico accepted what is Hours earlier, the 5-Stars Renzi’s party were at ernment than before.” Rivers breaking banks in Germany as Germany expects France can still avoid five million third lockdown: PM more snow falls; rail traffic disrupted vaccine doses in AP — BERLIN Cologne four men had to be weather and rain have accel- REUTERS — PARIS workers and truckers. rescued after their inflatable erated snowmelt in parts of next 3 weeks “Our duty is to do all we can Authorities in Germany boat capsized in swollen Switzerland and Germany in AP — BERLIN France has decided against to avoid a new lockdown, the warned of flooding in the rapids. recent days. imposing a third coronavirus coming days will be crucial,” west of the country yesterday In Buedingen, east of Meanwhile, fresh snow Germany says drugmakers will nationwide lockdown and Castex said. as meltwater pushes rivers to Frankfurt, residents tried to disrupted rail traffic in large deliver at least 5 million doses instead ordered tighter controls The prime minister also break their banks. salvage belongings from the parts of northern Germany, of coronavirus vaccines to the at its borders, increased police said non-food shopping centres Shipping was halted on mud swept in by a foot-high cutting off connections to country in the next three action against curfew breakers with a surface area of more the Rhine at Karlsruhe, and surge of water overnight. Bremen, Kiel and Luebeck weeks. and a greater adherence to than 20,000 square metres in Wissen southeast of Unseasonably warm overnight. The Health Ministry said working from home. would be closed, home- on Twitter that Germany has Prime Minister Jean Castex working rules would be rein- already received 3.5 million said on Friday that the public forced and that police would doses in the past five weeks health crisis remained of great crack down on secret parties and administered 2.2 million concern as France’s death toll and illegal openings of shots. jumped above 75,000, the restaurants. Health Minister Jens Spahn seventh-highest in the world. “The transgressions of a said the new figures for deliv- “We know the grave impact few will not be allowed to ruin eries from Pfizer, Moderna and (of a lockdown). Tonight, the efforts of all,” he said. AstraZeneca were “good news looking at the data of the past Less than a week ago, the after a difficult start.” few days, we consider that we government’s top scientific Germany has given the can still give ourselves a chance adviser on the epidemic said first shot to about 2.2% of its to avoid one,” Castex said in a that France probably needed 83 million population. Nearly televised statement. to move into a third lockdown, half a million people had Speaking shortly after Pres- perhaps as early as the Feb- received both shots by ident Emmanuel Macron con- ruary school holidays, because yesterday. ferred with senior ministers of the circulation of new var- It is recommended the about the crisis, Castex said that iants of the virus. second shot be given 21 to 28 from Sunday all arrivals into France recorded 22,858 days after the first. France from outside the new confirmed COVID-19 cases Chancellor Angela Merkel European Union would be on Friday, taking the total to has summoned the governors banned, except for essential 3.15 million. of Germany’s 16 states, which travel. The health ministry said in are responsible for organicing All visitors from EU nations a statement that 1.45 million the vaccine drive, to discuss A view of a flooded street after heavy rainfall and melting snow in the town of Buedingen near would need to show a negative people had been vaccinated the slow rollout tomorrow Frankfurt, Germany, yesterday. PCR test except cross-border against COVID-19 by Friday. (Monday). In her weekly video address yesterday, she acknowledged families have Ireland says given no forewarning about triggering of Brexit clause had a particular burden in the current lockdown. REUTERS — DUBLIN Dublin. The initial decision to forewarning of the planned island of Ireland, and it had to The chancellor, however, use the Brexit clause — part of The EU abruptly reversed triggering of the provision, row back when it realised the indicated that it was still too Ireland was not consulted by wider EU plans to control the the plan to use the Article devised as a last resort to alle- implications. early for Germany to reopen the European Commission exports of vaccines — illustrated 16 clause to restrict viate serious disruption to trade Preserving the 1998 peace schools and daycare centres. before it briefly sought to how the carefully tuned exports of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland after Brexit, deal that ended three decades restrict some exports of Northern Ireland Brexit pro- vaccines from crossing the Byrne said he was not. of sectarian bloodshed in COVID-19 vaccines by invoking tocol can go awry, as well as Three senior EU diplomats Northern Ireland, without Man charged an emergency Brexit clause showing the panic over vaccine Irish border into the UK on said member states were allowing the UK to become a related to Northern Ireland, availability. Friday. neither consulted on, or back door into the EU’s markets over suspect Ireland’s European Affairs “This type of provision is informed of, the Commission’s through the UK-Irish land Minister said yesterday. standard in trade agreements decision. border, led to the inclusion of package sent to The EU abruptly reversed but in the Northern Ireland sit- made,” Byrne said. “It seems the Commission the protocol in Britain’s divorce the plan to use the Article 16 uation, it obviously has a dif- “It’s too early for me to say took this decision unilaterally,” deal. The protocol achieved this UK vaccine plant clause to restrict exports of ferent political resonance and (how it happened)... It’s clear the an EU official said. by keeping Northern Ireland COVID-19 vaccines from it’s perhaps the case that this implications of Article 16 The official said it appeared both in the EU’s single market REUTERS — LONDON crossing the Irish border into wasn’t fully appreciated by the weren’t fully thought through, the Commission’s intention was for goods, and the UK’s customs the United Kingdom within a drafters,” Ireland’s Europe Min- that’s a pity, but it’s a lesson to to include Northern Ireland in territory, and “is not something A man has been charged after matter of hours on Friday after ister Thomas Byrne told us all at this point.” the vaccines export control to be tampered with lightly,” a suspicious package was sent it sent shockwaves through Newstalk radio. Asked if Irish Prime Minister regime, but that this effectively Irish foreign minister Simon to a factory in Wales that Northern Ireland, London and “Clearly a mistake was Micheál Martin was given any created a land border on the Coveney warned on Friday. produces AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine resulting in a temporary suspension of manufacturing, British police UK police arrest 5 in wake of said yesterday. The Wockhardt plant in fire at asylum-seekers’ camp Wrexham provides so-called fill-and-finish capacity for AP — LONDON Police appealed for anyone AstraZeneca’s British supply with information, including chain, which is the final man- Police in southeast England mobile phone footage and pho- ufacturing step of putting vac- said yesterday that they have tographs of the disturbance, to cines into vials or syringes and arrested five men following a contact them. packaging them. disturbance at a former army Interior Minister Priti Patel Kent police said Anthony barracks that has been housing said on Friday that the “damage Collins, 53, has been charged around 400 asylum-seekers and destruction” at the bar- with dispatching the package and where a fire broke out. racks were “deeply offensive in the post, which was inves- Kent Police said a 31-year- to the taxpayers of this tigated by a bomb disposal old man was arrested on sus- country.” The barracks has squad. picion of assaulting a security been dogged by accusations of In a statement, the police guard in the wake of the fire at poor conditions, and at least said the package was “not a Napier Barracks in the coastal 120 residents reportedly tested viable device”. town of Folkestone on Friday positive for COVID-19 recently. AstraZeneca has agreed to afternoon. Patel dismissed suggestions supply Britain with 100 million Four others were arrested that the conditions at Napier doses of the COVID vaccine it yesterday in connection with Barracks were inhospitable. developed with Oxford Uni- the disturbance and have also “This site has previously versity, with the shots forming been taken into custody. accommodated our brave sol- the central plank of its mass Officers remained on site. diers and army personnel. It is vaccination programme. Protest against French security bill Police said they believe the an insult to say that it is not AstraZeneca is currently in fire was “started deliberately” good enough for these indi- a dispute with the European People attend a demonstration against the “Global Security Bill’’, that rights groups say would make and that it caused a “significant viduals,” she said. Union after it cut vaccine sup- it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer’s face and would infringe journalists’ freedom in amount of damage” to one part Charities working to help plies to the bloc due to pro- the country, in Paris, France, yesterday. of the site. No serious injuries the asylum-seekers criticised duction issues at its Belgian were reported. Patel’s comments. factory. SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13

Greece: Police seize Tycoon claims large cocaine haul, arrest 3 suspects he owns palace AP — THESSALONIKI Greek police have seized a haul of 324kg of pure cocaine ‘linked’ to Putin and arrested three people in the northern city of Thessal- REUTERS — MOSCOW Arkady Rotenberg was oniki. among the Russian They said yesterday that Russian businessman Arkady the suspects planned to mix Rotenberg said yesterday that officials and business the cocaine with other sub- he owns a huge palace in executives blacklisted stances and sell it in Greece southern Russia which jailed and other markets. It would Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny by the US and other have had a street value of 100 has linked to President Western powers in the million euros. Vladimir Putin. aftermath of Russia’s The operation, conducted Navalny and his anti-cor- in cooperation with the US ruption foundation have pub- annexation of Crimea Drug Enforcement Adminis- lished a video in which they in 2014. tration’s Athens office, took allege the opulent mansion place Friday, the authorities belonged to the Russian leader. said. The video has been viewed Moscow from Germany, where The three, a 37-year-old more than 103 million times. he had been recovering from a Albanian citizen, a 36-year-old Rotenberg, Putin’s former nerve agent poisoning last Croat and a 35-year-old Greek judo sparring partner who sold August. Pro-migrant protest citizen born in Albania, were his stake in gas pipeline con- After Navalny’s arrest thou- arrested in central Thessal- Activists take part in a protest to demand support for migrants who live in makeshift camps in Bosnian struction firm Stroygazmontazh sands of people joined unsanc- oniki as they met to decide woods near the border with Croatia, in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. in 2019 for a sum which RBC tioned protests across Russia how to sell the cocaine. business daily put at some last Saturday to demand the $990m, said he bought the Kremlin release Navalny from palace two years ago. jail. “Now it will no longer be a Navalny’s supporters plan Russia tells Navalny supporters not to attend protests secret, I am the beneficiary,” to hold further protest rallies Rotenberg said in a video pub- across Russia today. Authorities AP — MOSCOW had spent five months recovering said much of central Moscow The January 23 protests in lished by Mash channel in Tel- have said they are illegal and from nerve-agent poisoning. His from Red Square to Lubyanka support of Navalny were the egram. “There was a rather have vowed to break them up. Russian police have issued a detention sparked nationwide would have pedestrian restric- largest and most widespread complicated facility, there were Rotenberg was among the strong warning against partic- protests one week ago in about tions and that seven subway seen in Russia in many years, a lot of creditors, and I Russian officials and business ipating in protests planned for 100 cities; nearly 4,000 people stations in the vicinity would be and authorities sought to managed to become the executives blacklisted by the today to call for the release of were reported arrested. closed today. Restaurants in the prevent a repeat. Police con- beneficiary.” United States and other jailed opposition leader Alexei The next demonstration in area also are to be closed, and ducted a series of raids this week He gave no further financial Western powers in the Navalny, the Kremlin’s most Moscow is planned for Lub- the iconic GUM department at apartments and offices of details of the purchase or how aftermath of Russia’s annex- prominent foe. yanka Square. The Federal store on Red Square said it Navalny’s family, associates and it had been funded. ation of Crimea in March 2014. The warning comes amid Security Service, which Navalny would open only in the evening. anti-corruption organisation. Putin has already denied Russian police yesterday detentions of Navalny asso- claims arrange to have him poi- Russian Interior Ministry His brother Oleg, top aide ownership of the palace. detained Sergey Smirnov, ciates and opposition journalists soned with a Soviet-era nerve spokeswoman Irina Volk cited Lyubov Sobol and three other Navalny was remanded in editor-in-chief of independent and a police plan to restrict agent on behalf of the Kremlin, the coronavirus pandemic in people were put under two- custody for 30 days on January media outlet Mediazona, in movement in the centre of is headquartered in the square. yesterday’s warning against month house arrest on Friday, 18 for parole violations he says Moscow on suspicion of taking Moscow today. The Russian government has protests. She said participants as part of a criminal probe into were trumped up and could part in last weekend’s Moscow Navalny was arrested on denied a role in the 44-year- found in violation of epidemi- alleged violations of virus reg- face years in jail. He was protest, Mediazona said January 17 after flying back to old’s poisoning. ological regulations could face ulations during last weekend’s arrested after flying back to yesterday. Russia from Germany, where he The city police department criminal charges. protests. Norway to gradually ease COVID-19 lockdown 96 foreigners breach pandemic REUTERS — OSLO stricter measures on January 23, Stores that are not in February 11. rules at top ski resort in Austria including the closure of all non- shopping centres will be The nation of 5.4 million REUTERS — VIENNA officers, and those found in The Norwegian government essential stores in and around allowed to reopen on people has recorded 62,276 breach face fines of up to will gradually loosen the capital Oslo for the first time in the Wednesday, as well as restau- COVID-19 cases and 563 deaths Austrian police have found 96 $2,650, the statement said. region’s coronavirus lockdown, pandemic. rants, the government said. so far in pandemic, according to foreigners from across Europe Austria, a country of just allowing some shops and recre- “Infections are going down Schools will also see fewer the Norwegian Institute of Public at the ski resort of St Anton am under 9 million people, has ational activities to reopen from continuously in Norway and we restrictions, allowing for more Health, making it one of Europe’s Arlberg in breach of pandemic- recorded 413,208 cases and February 3 onwards, Health now have a better overview classroom teaching and bigger least affected countries. related rules on entering the 7,703 deaths in the pandemic Minister Bent Hoeie said over the outbreak and spread,” groups of students, although The country’s reproduction country and the national so far. yesterday. Hoeie told a news conference. local conditions will apply. rate, which indicates how many lockdown. It has been in its third The outbreak of a more The situation in the capital A closure of the Norwegian people on average an infected The mayor of St Anton, one national lockdown since contagious variant of COVID-19, region remains uncertain, border for all but essential visits person transmits the virus to, of Austria’s top resorts, said this December 26, with non- first identified in Britain, had however, and the easing will that took effect on Friday last stood at 0.6, according to week that dozens of young essential shops closed. In prompted the introduction of therefore be gradual, he added. remains in place at least until official statistics. tourists from across Europe had addition, from December 19 to recently come to his town and January 10 even stricter rules circumvented lockdown rules on entering the country were Ukraine to receive under which ski lifts are open put in place largely to dis- but hotels are closed to tourists. courage skiers, forcing arrivals 117,000 doses “Among others Britons, from almost every country in Danes, Swedes, Romanians, Europe to go into quarantine. of Pfizer vaccine Germans, Australians, Irish The police did not say people and Poles were checked exactly what offences had been REUTERS — KIEV and fined,” the police force of committed but said the for- the western province of Tyrol eigners had breached Ukraine will receive 117,000 said in a statement. lockdown and immigration doses of American-made The operation was carried regulations as well as the law Pfizer-BioNTech m-RNA out on Friday evening with 15 on registering an address. vaccine in February within the framework of the COVAX programme, Viktor Lyashko, Lithuania President nominates Belarus deputy health minister, said. According to Lyashko, also oppn leader for Nobel Peace Prize Ukraine’s chief sanitary doctor, Ukraine will also REUTERS — VILNIUS claimed victory over Tsikha- receive between 2.2 to 3.7 nouskaya in the poll. Thou- million doses of the Astra- Lithuanian President Gitanas sands of protesters were Zeneca/Oxford vaccine in the Nauseda has nominated rounded up and nearly all first half of 2021. Belarus opposition leader opposition political figures Manufactured in the US, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya for were driven into exile or jailed. the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine the Nobel Peace Prize, two A former teacher, Tsikha- will be immediately dis- sources with knowledge of the nouskaya ran for president tributed to vaccinate matter said yesterday. after her husband, an oppo- employees of hospitals that Nauseda nominated the sition blogger with political provide care to patients with activist, who has been living in ambitions, was detained ahead A patient transferred from Lisbon arrives at Nelio Mendonca Hospital in Funchal, amid the coronavirus COVID, the minister added. Lithuania since fleeing her of the election. From her disease pandemic, in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, Portugal, on Friday. “In parallel, during the first homeland in the wake of a dis- Vilnius office she has half of the year, starting from puted August 9 presidential demanded Lukashenko stands February, we will be able to election, to show his support down, frees jailed protesters Portugal running out of ICU beds receive between 2.2 and 3.7 for the democratic movement and holds free elections. million doses of AstraZeneca and its demand for free elec- Nominations for this year’s REUTERS — LISBON Portugal, which has so far pressure on its morgues. / Oxford vaccine for the next tions, said one of the sources. Nobel Peace Prize are due to reported a total of 12,179 With mainland beds phases of the campaign,” Months of mass protests close on January 31 and the Portugal said yesterday it only COVID-19 deaths and 711,018 running low, three patients Lyashko said on his Facebook erupted in Belarus after Pres- winner is scheduled to be had seven vacant beds left in cases, has the world’s highest needing critical care were air- page. ident Alexander Lukashenko announced in November. intensive care units (ICUs) set seven-day rolling average of lifted from Lisbon to the Portu- up for COVID-19 cases on its cases and deaths per capita, guese island of Madeira on mainland, as a surge in infec- according to data tracker www. Friday, where the health system tions prompted the authorities ourworldindata.org. is under less pressure. Court upholds February 14 Catalonia election to send some critical patients The Justice Ministry said on Portugal’s health institute, to Portuguese islands. Friday its institute of forensic the Ricardo Jorge, said the AP — MADRID had wanted to push the election holding odd events surrounded Health Ministry data medicine, whose role includes variant was likely to account for to the end of May. by very few supporters live- showed that, out of 850 ICU handling autopsies for the 65 percent of new virus cases A court in Catalonia has A panel of judges had streamed on social media, a far beds allocated to COVID-19 police and others, had within three weeks. Portugal confirmed that an upcoming already taken the preliminary cry from the hand-shaking and cases on its mainland, a record requested a refrigerator truck has extended a lockdown to vote to choose the northeastern move to uphold the original baby-kissing rallies favoured 843 beds were now occupied. to preserve bodies as funeral mid-February and imposed Spanish region’s new election date of February 14 but by politicians before the The nation of 10 million people homes were not able to take strict travel restrictions. parliament and replace the needed to agree on a final pandemic. has an additional 420 ICU beds them fast enough. At Lisbon's largest hospital, government will take place in decision. The long-standing demands for those with other ailments. An association representing Santa Maria, dozens of ambu- two weeks as scheduled. After confirming the date in for self-determination by The ministry said the funeral homes said public hos- lances have queued for hours Catalonia’s High Court on a statement, the court said that Catalan separatists, the han- number of daily infections was pitals were also running out of over the past few days. On Friday overturned an order its legal arguments will be dis- dling of the pandemic and its 12,435, dipping from Thursday’s refrigerated space to preserve Friday, non-urgent patients with which the regional gov- closed next week. economic fallout are the main record, while there were 293 bodies. Some hospitals have were sent to nearby health ernment, citing a high preva- Campaigning officially issues being debated during the deaths. installed cold containers to ease centres. lence of coronavirus contagion, began on Friday with parties runup to the vote. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021

Novavax aims to produce 150 Canada to quarantine travellers million vaccine AP — TORONTO Prime Minister self-isolate for 14 days and to doses per month Justin Trudeau present a negative COVID-19 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau test taken within three days as early as May on Friday announced stricter announced stricter before arrival. restrictions on travellers in restrictions on Tam said that security con- REUTERS — NEW YORK response to new, likely more travellers when they tractors will be going door-to- contagious variants of the novel door to check on returnees who Novavax expects to produce coronavirus — including arrive in Canada and are isolating at home. The move up to 150 million COVID-19 making it mandatory for trav- suspending airline to require a hotel stay upon vaccine doses monthly by May ellers to quarantine in a hotel service to Mexico return would discourage vaca- or June, its Chief Executive said at their own expense when they tions as people would not want on Friday, a day after reporting arrive in Canada and sus- and all Caribbean to have to quarantine at a hotel interim data that showed its pending airline service to destinations until at their own expense upon return. shot to be 89 percent effective Mexico and all Caribbean des- More and more govern- in a UK trial. tinations until April 30. April 30. ments are thinking about ways Novavax expects to com- Trudeau said in addition to to be more aggressive because plete the clinical trial for its the pre-boarding test Canada This January 22, 2021 picture shows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of the new variants, delays in experimental COVID-19 already requires, the government take to keep their workers safe. of Canada addressing a news conference at Rideau Cottage, as vaccines, the challenges with vaccine in the next few weeks, will be introducing mandatory “The cost is a ballparking. efforts continue to help slow the spread of the coronavirus disease, getting the population vacci- but is already working on PCR testing at the airport for This isn’t like any other facility. in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. nated and the strains on health manufacturing to be able to people returning to Canada. This is one where there has to care systems. reach full production capacity “Travellers will then have be infection prevention control service to sun destinations right soon as possible, in order to Public Safety Minister Bill quickly, Chief Executive to wait for up to three days at measures, security and other away. He said Air Canada, avoid a deep economic crisis in Blair said officials have been Officer Stanley Erck said. “We an approved hotel for their test costs as well. It’s not just a WestJet, Sunwing, and Air the North American Region”. urging Canadians to cancel all should be at full capacity results, at their own expense, regular stay at a hotel,” said Dr. Transat are cancelling air service Trudeau said starting next nonessential travel and are trying starting in May or June, maybe which is expected to be more Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief to all Caribbean destinations and week, all international pas- to eliminate it. Ontario Premier as much as one hundred and than $2,000,” Trudeau said. public health officer. Tam also Mexico starting today until April senger flights to Canada must Doug Ford said his province will fifty million doses per month “Those with negative test said a test will be required on 30. “They will be making land at four airports: Van- begin testing at Toronto’s Pearson globally,” he said. results will then be able to quar- the 10th day after people return. arrangements with their cus- couver, Toronto, Calgary and International Airport tomorrow Erck said he expects it will antine at home under signifi- The Prime Minister said tomers who are currently on a Montreal. “We will also, in the as a stop gap until federal be several weeks before cantly increased surveillance those with positive tests will be trip in these regions to organize coming weeks, be requiring measures are in place. Novavax files the trial data with and enforcement.” He said the immediately required to quar- their return flights,” Trudeau said. nonessential travellers to show Trudeau also announced regulators in the United measure will be take effect “in antine in designated gov- Mexico’s Foreign Relations a negative test before entry at there will be a delay in part of Kingdom, Europe and else- the coming weeks”. ernment facilities to make sure Department said in a statement the land border with the US, and the next shipment of the where, meaning that full review The steep cost for the hotel they’re not carrying variants of that “the government of Mexico we are working to stand up Moderna vaccine, which arrives for authorization of its vaccine stay includes the cost for a particular concern. expresses its hope that the additional testing requirements next week. He said Canada will could take “a couple months”. private PCR test, security, food Trudeau also said the gov- measure recently announced for land travel,” Trudeau said. receive 78 percent of the Novavax on Thursday and the cost of measures the ernment and Canada’s main air- by Prime Minister Justin Canada already requires expected amount, translating released initial results from a designated hotels will have to lines have agreed to suspend Trudeau can be withdrawn as those entering the country to to 180,000 doses. UK trial showing its vaccine to be 89.3 percent effective in preventing COVID-19, and was nearly as effective in pro- Colombia in vaccine pacts tecting against the more highly contagious variant of the coro- with Moderna, Sinovac navirus first discovered in the UK. It also protected against REUTERS — BOGOTA secure 10 million doses each of the potent South Africa vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc variant, though at a lower rate. Colombia has reached agree- and BioNTech SE, and Astra- Erck said 16,000 volun- ments for doses of COVID-19 Zeneca PLC, as well as 9 million teers have already taken part vaccines developed by doses of a vaccine developed by in its US trial and that it will Moderna Inc and Sinovac Janssen, the pharmaceutical likely hit its target of 30,000 Biotech Ltd and plans to begin wing of Johnson & Johnson. It participants by early-to-mid a mass vaccination campaign also has secured 20 million February. The company would on February 20, President Ivan doses of vaccines via the COVAX then observe them for about Duque said on Friday. mechanism backed by the WHO. six weeks before reviewing the The Andean country’s gov- “We have arrived at the results, he added. ernment aims have at least 1 decision that the mass vacci- Novavax will initially focus million people vaccinated nation in Colombia will start on its data review from the US against the novel coronavirus by Feb. 20,” Duque said. Colombia trial on the primary goal of the end of March, Duque added. has reported over 2 million preventing moderate to severe Colombia, a country of about 50 cases and more than 53,000 COVID-19, and subsequently million people, hopes to vac- deaths during the pandemic. analyze the shot’s effec- cinate some 34 million people in Duque did not say which of tiveness against various con- a bid to achieve what is known the vaccines would be used to cerning virus variants that as herd immunity, when a large start the mass vaccination cam- have emerged. part of a given population paign. So far, only the vaccine Novavax has supply con- Vaccination drive in Bolivia becomes immune to an infec- developed by Pfizer and tracts with the United States, tious disease like COVID-19. BioNTech has been approved by Canada and Australia and is in A healthcare worker receives a dose of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus disease at the Colombia previously Colombia’s food and drug regu- talks with the European Union Hospital del Norte in El Alto, on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia, yesterday. announced agreements to lator, INVIMA. on a supply deal as well. Mexico President says in video Brazil neighbours limit travel to halt virus strain’s spread AP — RIO DE JANEIRO Telam. And Peru on January 26 are still seeking cannisters of Viruses are constantly mutating, frequency with which it has been he’s recovering banned air traffic from Brazil; oxygen on their own, albeit and new versions - called var- found. Most samples his labo- from COVID-19 Brazil’s neighbours are starting The governor of Peru’s Loreto fewer than earlier this month. iants - often emerge, almost all ratory analyzed came from to restrict international travel department bordering Brazil There has been speculation of which are no more perilous Manaus, but the new strain was AP — MEXICO CITY amid concern about the spread called on the government to shut Manaus may be merely the first than their prior iterations. also found in cities deeper within of a new coronavirus variant down land crossings, too. city devastated by this new The Brazilian variant was the Amazon, including Sao Mexico President Andrés that experts say may be more The clampdown comes as strain. Other cities in Brazil’s first identified in four travellers Gabriel Cachoeira on the Manuel López Obrador posted contagious and driving a second Manaus, the Amazon rainfor- Amazon region have been who had been in Brazil and Colombian border. a video of himself walking wave of infections. est’s largest city and the site of crushed since, including Porto were tested at an airport outside Guyana’s Health Minister slowly through his offices on Guyana’s government the variant’s outbreak, suffers Velho, capital of neighbouring Tokyo, Japan. Frank Anthony said local Friday and talking for about closed its border with South a brutal second wave of infec- Rondonia state. Felipe Naveca, a researcher private laboratories have 13 minutes straight, saying he America’s largest country on tions. Overrun hospitals Like Manaus, Porto Velho has at the state-owned Fiocruz Ama- already said they are equipped is recovering from COVID-19. Friday, two days after Colombia watched this month as their begun airlifting patients to hos- zonia institute in Manaus, said to test for any new strains. The López Obrador has not halted passenger flights to and oxygen stocks were depleted, pitals out of state. Brazil’s former that the new strain accounted for initial 30-day suspension comes been holding his famous, from Brazil; Both nations cited causing dozens of patients to die health minister Luiz Henrique two-thirds of 90 samples taken with stepped-up border patrols hours-long daily press confer- the new variant as their reason. of asphyxiation. Mandetta told newspaper O between December and mid- by soldiers and police. ences for the first time since Argentina’s government The government has Globo that the new strain could January. Of those taken in Officials in Bolivia and Ven- he took office on December 1, decided to cut in half the number scrambled to replenish supplies cause a “mega-epidemic” across January alone, the new strain ezuela, which share two of Bra- 2018, and he evidently misses of flights to Brazil starting Feb- with an ad hoc plan, but the sit- Brazil within 60 days. comprised 91 percent. Naveca zil’s three longest borders, the opportunity to talk. ruary 1, according to a January uation remains touch-and-go Alarm is growing, but the said it appears that the variant is haven’t announced any recent The President, who has 27 report in state news agency and family members of patients science has yet to catch up. more transmissible, based on the changes to restrictions. been in isolation since testing positive for the coronavirus over the weekend, said: “The doctors tell me I am getting Restaurant dining to resume in through the critical stage. I am doing well.” New York City on February 14 He has been receiving treatment at his apartment REUTERS — NEW YORK Moderna spilled out into the in the colonial-era National January cold at a school-turned- Palace, where he also has New York City’s famed vaccination site operated by offices. restaurant scene will re-open SOMOS Community Care, a phy- López Obrador said that for indoor dining on February sicians network serving Med- Mexico will import the Astra- 14, New York Governor Andrew icaid patients. Zeneca vaccine from India and Cuomo said on Friday, the While the site had enough said that the government latest announcement by a US supply to vaccinate through this expects China’s CanSino vaccine state to ease public health week, Dr. Jacqueline Delmont, to submit test results soon. restrictions as a deadly surge the chief medical officer at Along with Russia’s of COVID-19 begins to abate. SOMOS, said it remained Sputnik vaccine, he said, The flattening of hospitali- unclear whether it would be Mexico expects to have 6 zation rates has led several states resupplied for next week. million doses of various vac- to loosen public health restric- Restaurant owners wel- cines by the end of February tions, even as officials caution comed new rules that will allow and 12 million in March. that cases could surge again, and them to resume indoor dining at The country reported highly contagious strains of the 25 percent of capacity, and will 1,434 newly confirmed virus from other countries also allow some wedding venues COVID-19 deaths on Friday, appear in the United States. to open. While a surge of cases bringing its total for the pan- “We were expecting this spurred by holiday gatherings demic to 156,579. The country surge, and we handled it and appeared to have declined, also recorded 18,670 newly we’re on the other side of it,” health experts caution that cases People wait in line to receive the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine at a pop-up vaccination site operated by confirmed coronavirus infec- Cuomo said. In New York, a line could rise again unless Amer- SOMOS Community Care amid the coronavirus disease pandemic in Manhattan in New York City, New tions, bringing the total to of mostly older people waiting icans wear masks and practice 1.84 million. York, US, on Friday. to receive a vaccine made by social distancing. SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 CDC orders mask mandate for public transportation

REUTERS — WASHINGTON The order requires younger than two and for those face masks to be with certain medical conditions. The US Centers for Disease People in private cars and solo Control and Prevention (CDC) worn by all travellers commercial truck drivers do not issued a sweeping order late on on airplanes, ships, have to wear masks. Friday requiring the use of face trains, subways, US airlines raised concerns masks on nearly all forms of this week about passenger public transportation as the buses, taxis, and requests to opt out of mask- country continues to report thou- ride-shares and at wearing on health grounds. sands of daily COVID-19 deaths. transportation hubs The CDC order says airlines The order, which takes and other transit modes may effect at 11:59pm EST on like airports, bus or require medical documentation Monday (0459 GMT Tuesday) ferry terminals, train and consultation by a medical requires face masks to be worn specialist as well as requiring a by all travellers on airplanes, and subway stations negative COVID-19 test from a ships, trains, subways, buses, and seaports. passenger in order to board a taxis, and ride-shares and at plane or other mode of transportation hubs like airports, transportation. bus or ferry terminals, train and While airlines and most The CDC said this week it A big salute subway stations and seaports. transit modes already require was “actively looking” at US President Joe Biden salutes a United States Marine while descending from Marine One to the President Joe Biden on masks, the CDC order will make requiring negative COVID-19 White House in Washington, DC, on Friday. January 21 ordered government not wearing a mask a violation tests for domestic air travel agencies to “immediately take of federal law that could make after mandating it for nearly all action” to require masks in air- it easier for flight attendants international travel effective ports and on commercial air- and others to enforce. January 26. The prospects of craft, trains and public mar- A US airline group told domestic COVID-19 testing Fauci sees vaccination for kids itime vessels, including ferries, Biden this month that carriers drew strong opposition from intercity bus services and all had had to bar “thousands of airlines and other groups. public transportation. passengers” from future flights The CDC order says airlines by late spring or the summer Under Donald Trump, who for failing to comply with airline and other operators must “at was president until January 20, mask policies. the earliest safe opportunity, a CDC push to mandate masks The CDC said people vio- disembark any person who AP — WASHINGTON “Children tend to not thousands... what we call safety in transit was blocked and the lating the order could poten- refuses to comply.” become as severely ill as adults and... immunogenicity.” That’s a agency instead only issued strong tially face criminal penalties but Federal agencies must The government’s top infec- but they can still become ill and term for whether the vaccine recommendations for mask use. suggested civil penalties would submit plans no later than tious disease expert said he some have tragically died,” said successfully triggers an immune Trump also rejected efforts by be more likely if needed. The Friday to enforce a separate hopes to see some kids starting Dr. Leana Wen, a public health system response. Congress to mandate mask use. order will be enforced by the Biden order requiring masks in to get vaccinated for COVID-19 expert and emergency room After a frustratingly slow “Requiring masks on our Transportation Security Admin- all federal building and on all in the next few months. It’s a physician, who supports Fauci’s start, the US is now adminis- transportation systems will istration and federal, state and federal lands. needed step to securing wide- goal. “Children can also be tering about 1 million shots a protect Americans and provide local agencies. A January 24 White House spread immunity to the virus. vectors of transmission, and day to adults, although that confidence that we can once The order says passengers memo says domestic travel for Vaccines are not yet getting children vaccinated is pace is still seen as insufficient. again travel safely even during must wear a mask in transit federal employees “should be approved for children, but important as we strive for herd President Joe Biden has talked this pandemic,” said the 11-page except for brief periods, such as limited to only mission-critical testing already is under way for immunity.” about 1.5 million shots a day, if it order signed by Marty Cetron, to eat, drink or take medication. trips”, and occupancy at federal those as young as 12. The Pfizer-BioNTech can be done. His administration director for CDC’s Division of Masks may be either manufac- offices should be limited to 25 If those trials are successful, vaccine has emergency has set a goal of 100 million shots Global Migration and tured or homemade. The only percent during “periods of high Dr. Anthony Fauci said they approval for use in people 16 in its first 100 days. Quarantine. exceptions are for travellers community prevalence”. would be followed by another and older. Moderna’s vaccine Two more vaccines from round of testing down to those is for those 18 and older. Pfizer’s American companies are nearing 9 years old. clinical trial for children 12 to the stage where the FDA can “Hopefully by the time we 15 is fully enrolled, and the evaluate them for approval. One get to the late spring and early drugmaker could seek emer- from Johnson & Johnson requires summer we will have children gency authorization from the only a single shot. being able to be vaccinated,” Food and Drug Administration Biden has also set a goal of Fauci said at a White House for children 12 and up sometime reopening most schools by the coronavirus briefing. in the first half of this year. summer, and directed gov- Fauci was looking ahead to Moderna’s trial for ages 12-17 ernment agencies to work with a time vaccines will be plentiful. is still recruiting. communities to advance it. Even older adults are having Since the initial tests to val- His American Rescue Plan difficulty getting shots at the idate the safety and effec- legislation in Congress calls for moment. As of Thursday, only tiveness of the Pfizer and $50bn to finance a major about 1.3 percent of Americans Moderna vaccines involved tens expansion of testing, which is had been fully vaccinated with of thousands of people, the age- seen as necessary for the safe the required two doses of the related testing on children can reopening of schools and busi- currently available vaccines. be done using smaller groups. nesses. That’s because robust Children represent about “You don’t want to have to... testing can detect early out- one-fourth of the population, go through an efficacy trial, breaks before they spread and for the US to reach “herd where you’re involving tens of through a community and immunity”, or widespread thousands of children,” Fauci trigger shutdowns. Testing in resistance, about 70 percent to explained. “What you can do, is the US had a chaotic start, and N95 masks are seen outside of the COVID-19 ICU at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma 85 percent of the population in a much smaller trial, measured experts say in many parts of the City, Oklahoma, on January 28. must be vaccinated. in hundreds to a couple of country it’s still subpar. Two Proud Boys members indicted Virus variants spur warnings amid hopeful vaccine data BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON “By the time someone has mutations. Viruses mutate nat- likely just a glimpse of the April. While vaccines appear to over attack on symptoms, gets a test, has a pos- urally as they replicate. The number of variants spreading be effective against the new US Capitol The Biden administration has itive result and we get the number of new COVID-19 cases because only a small fraction of strains, officials said the virus increased monitoring for new sequence, our opportunity for recorded daily in the US has patient samples get the genetic will continue to mutate in ways BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON variants of the coronavirus doing real case control and declined somewhat in recent sequencing needed to identify advantageous to the virus. that spread more easily, contact tracing is largely gone,” weeks but they’re still growing the virus’s lineage. The mutations will require Two members of the Proud including one that could she said. “We should be treating at several times the rate of the The emergence of new var- vaccine makes to be “more Boys were indicted for con- become the dominant strain every case as if it’s a variant previous peak last summer. iants reinforces the need to nimble” to make versions of the spiracy and civil disorder for in the US by March. during this pandemic right now.” A variant known as B.1.1.7, adhere to public health measures vaccine tailored to new strains their roles in the pro-Trump The US is asking each state Clinical-trial data have spreading widely in the UK, has like masking and keeping that may emerge, Fauci said. mob attack on the US Capitol to send at least 750 samples a shown variants could diminish been detected in the US in 379 physical distance, said Dr. Fauci said he was most earlier this month. week to be sequenced to the effectiveness of COVID-19 cases in 29 states as of January Anthony Fauci, White House worried about the risk that Dominic Pezzola, 43, of determine what mutations are vaccines, underlining the need 27. Another variant identified adviser and director of the some future variants might Rochester, New York, and spreading, Centers for Disease to vaccinate people more in Brazil has emerged in Min- National Institute of Allergy & resist vaccines entirely — a William Pepe, 31, of Beacon, Control and Prevention Director quickly before mutations nesota, and one detected in Infectious Diseases. risk that exists as long as the New York, were accused in the Rochelle Walensky said. Yet she become widespread. South Africa has been found in “Viruses cannot mutate if virus is spreading anywhere indictment of knocking down warned that the existing system Drugmakers say they are two people in South Carolina, they don’t replicate,” Fauci said. in the world. “You need to stay barricades on the Capitol to detect different strains is too working on booster shots that infections that officials don’t He said the B.1.1.7 strain is pro- ahead of these mutants and grounds and stealing slow for public health interven- could enhance the potency of believe are linked. jected to become dominant in essentially crush this out- equipment from Capitol Police tions to contain them. their vaccines against the new The reported cases are the US in late March or early break,” he said. officers, according to a Justice Department statement. The charges were filed on Friday in federal court in Wash- Heavy snow aims for Chicago ington, DC. Established during the 2016 presidential election, the Proud Boys are self- and NY as winter comes East described white nationalists affiliated with extremists known BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK Winter has been missing for the most for anti-Muslim, misogynistic part in the Northeast so far this year. and anti-Semitic rhetoric. A major winter storm will bring heavy snow In New York, Manhattan’s Central Park Pezzola and Pepe removed to Chicago before rolling toward Wash- has had above-normal temperatures for metal barricades at the Capitol, ington and New York, where the flakes most of the season and has received 10.6 and Pezzola ripped a riot shield could start piling up today. Chicago could inches of snow to date, 1 inch below normal. away from a police officer trying be digging out from under as much as 10 Almost all of that came from a single to detain members of the mob inches by today the snow is just getting December storm. By contrast, parts of Cal- illegally gathering in the build- under way along the East Coast. ifornia have seen heavy snow. Storms hob- ing’s west plaza, according to At least six inches could fall across a wide bling Chicago and New York-area airports the Justice Department. area including Washington, Philadelphia and can lead to major delays and cancellations Video evidence shows New York, said Bob Oravec, a senior branch across the US. As of 9:08am, 108 flights in Pezzola smashing a Capitol forecaster with the US Weather Prediction or out of Chicago’s two airports had been window with the shield. Both Center in College Park, Maryland. Areas in canceled for today, according to Flight- men also face charges of the Northeast Corridor will likely see even Aware, an airline tracking service. unlawful entry and disorderly more than that, as heavier bands fall west Winter weather can also snarl road and conduct in restricted buildings of the storm’s center. "It looks like it could rail traffic and cause power outages. Snow or grounds. Pezzola faces addi- be a pretty good storm,” Oravec said. should start in the nation’s capital early tional charges including robbery Winter storm warnings and weather today, later in the day in New York, and and assault. Both were originally advisories stretch from North Dakota to Vir- continue through the night, Oravec said. Snow blankets the ground near Lone Mountain in northwest Las Vegas, Nevada, charged in a criminal complaint ginia and North Carolina, according to the Snow will start in Boston on Monday, where US on January 26, 2021 in this still image obtained from a social media video. earlier this month. National Weather Service. as much as 10 inches could fall. SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2021 16

‘The Little Things’ hits HBO Max, theatres PRAYER TIMINGS BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Warner Bros., which drew the Though “The Little ire of theatre chains after Things” will probably FAJR 04.58 am announcing plans to put all of its only generate about SUNRISE 06.18 am 2021 movies online the same day $2.5m in domestic ticket they premiere in cinemas, is sales over three days, DHUHR 11.47 am likely to dominate the big screen ASR 02.55 pm over the weekend with the debut that’s precious revenue MAGHRIB 05.19 pm of a new Denzel Washington for cinemas starved for ISHA 06.49 pm film. almost a year by the “The Little Things,” a cop pandemic. drama starring the two-time Oscar winner, opened on Friday in cinemas and on HBO Max. It’s the only new movie from a to new movies, and last year major studio set to debut over AMC briefly boycotted films from the weekend, and adds another Universal Pictures after that chapter to the ongoing friction studio began to release movies between Hollywood and the online far sooner. Concert for closed music club exhibitors who show its films. But instead of outright WEATHER A rock band performs a live-stream beneficial concert to support a closed music club amid the While theatre executives warfare, the studio and theatres TODAY coronavirus disease outbreak in Prague, Czech Republic, on Friday. were angered that AT&T Inc.’s have reached a truce while WarnerMedia division forced COVID-19 is still raging, com- them to share the 2021 movie pensating cinema owners. Prior slate with online audiences, they to the pandemic, studios and NBCUniversal initiative for differently abled actors are dependent on the studio for theatres roughly split movie- new films to draw in customers. ticket sales. Exhibitors have AP — LOS ANGELES “My hope is that other major authentically reflects the world o o Though “The Little Things” will asked for a greater cut of those studios in the industry will now we live in, and increasing 17 C 24 C probably only generate about sales, and in some cases a piece Actors with disabilities will be see NBCUniversal and say, ‘This opportunities for those with Minimum Maximum $2.5m in domestic ticket sales of online revenue, in exchange included in auditions for each is something that makes sense disabilities is an integral part of Hazy at places at first becomes over three days, that’s precious for giving studios more flexibility new film and television and we’re also going to commit that,” said NBCUniversal exec- moderate temperature daytime with revenue for cinemas starved for in how they distribute films. production at NBCUniversal, to this,’” said Jay Ruderman, utive vice president Janine some clouds, by night almost a year by the coronavirus With these new deals, the- which becomes the second head of the Boston-based foun- Jones-Clark, whose portfolio pandemic. atres have ensured they have major media company to make dation. Disney, Sony and major includes film, TV and streaming W ALRUWAIS : 17o → 21o The film will show at all of new fare to show audiences. such a commitment. streaming services including inclusion. W ALKHOR : 16o → 23o the large chains that are open, a Most big movies were delayed NBCUniversal said on Friday Netflix and Amazon are among Outside calls for action are W DUKHAN : 15o → 21o little over a third of the nation’s last year, due to coronavirus, and that the pledge covers projects others the foundation would like important and “hold the W WAKRAH : 16o → 23o total, including venues run by few big-budget films are on the by the Universal Filmed Enter- to enlist, he said. industry accountable of the AMC Entertainment Holdings theatrical schedule before July. tainment Group, Universal As more people with disa- work we still need to do in W MESAIEED : 16o → 23o Inc. and Cinemark Holdings Inc. The other movies expected Studio Group, NBC network and bilities are seen in roles, “it will order to see systemic change,” W ABUSAMRA : 12o → 21o Both companies issued sharp to round out the top spots at the Peacock streaming service. have ramifications throughout Jones-Clark said in a statement. statements in December when box office this weekend are all The pledge was made in society,” Ruderman said. According to the most HIGH TIDE the HBO Max streaming decision old, including Universal’s “The response to calls for change by Comcast-owned NBCUni- recent foundation report, only 06:23 – 17:29 was announced, raising ques- Croods: A New Age,” which came the Ruderman Family Foun- versal signed on after a series of about 22% of characters with tions about whether they would out on Thanksgiving weekend, dation, following a similar com- conversations with the foun- disabilities on network and LOW TIDE 00:23 – 14:06 boycott Warner Bros. films. and Warner’s “Wonder Woman mitment the disability rights dation, he said. streaming shows in 2018 were Theatres used to enjoy up to 1984,” which premiered on advocate received from CBS The company is committed “authentically portrayed by three months of exclusive rights Christmas Day. Entertainment in 2019. “to creating content that actors with disabilities.” COVID-19: 10-year-old heads home after 11 days in ICU Firm indefinitely delays plans

REUTERS — MADRID to retrieve Titanic’s radio

A 10-year-old boy who spent 11 AP — NORFOLK reasonably practicable.” days fighting a severe COVID-19 The company has argued infection on an intensive care The company that owns the that exhibiting the radio will ward in Spain was given the all salvage rights to the Titanic ship- help sustain the ship’s legacy clear on Friday, prompting an wreck has indefinitely delayed while honoring passengers and outpouring of affection from the plans to retrieve and exhibit the crew. staff who attended him. vessel’s radio equipment Known in 1912 as a Marconi Medical personnel at the because of the coronavirus wireless telegraph machine, the Mancha Centro hospital in pandemic, according to a court radio sent distress calls to Ciudad Real whooped and filing made by the firm Friday. nearby ships that helped save cheered when Mateo Roman RMS Titanic Inc cited the 700 people in lifeboats. was allowed to go home. “increasing difficulty associated RMS Titanic Inc. filed its “Thank you so much to eve- with international travel and update with a US District Court ryone who has sent me good logistics, and the associated in Norfolk, Virginia, which pre- wishes, I love you all,” he told health risks to the expedition sides over Titanic salvage state broadcaster TVE. team.” matters. The company said it Lucas Salcedo, head of pae- The Atlanta-based company will continue to work on an diatric services at Mancha also said that it’s gone nearly a expedition funding plan, which Centro, congratulated him and year without its primary source the admiralty court has his family for “never throwing of revenue after virus restrictions required. in the towel, even in the most closed exhibits of its vast col- But even without the pan- painful moments”. lection of Titanic artefacts. Only demic, the expedition has been One of just three children some of the exhibitions, which far from guaranteed. The firm Mateo, a 10-year-old boy who spent 11 days fighting a severe coronavirus disease infection in the under 14 to have been admitted are scattered across the country, has been in an ongoing court intensive care ward, waves after being discharged from Mancha Centro hospital in Alcazar de San to the hospital’s intensive care have reopened. But they’re battle with the US government unit since March, Mateo’s case Juan, Spain, on Friday. seeing limited attendance. over whether the undertaking became well known in Spain The company, however, is legal. Lawyers for the US gov- after a nurse published a photo medical team presented him Mateo’s father Javier for him: “They treated him with maintained that it’s financially ernment have argued that the of the two of them on social with a basketball, a car-themed thanked the doctors and nurses a lot of affection, and gave us secure. The firm said the radio mission is barred under federal media. On his last day at the colouring book and a powder- for going above and beyond strength and hope when we expedition remains a top priority law and an international hospital, the blue superman cape. their professional duty in caring needed it”. and will “take place as soon as agreement with Britain. No income, 2,000 mouths to feed: Lockdown squeezes zoo in Athens

AP — ATHENS operating expenses. Between cooler weather “because in zoo’s residents, food, salaries, utilities, medical Greece people go to the accustomed as It’s feeding time at Greece’s only care and other expenses, the beaches, to the islands, they they are to zoo, and a capuchin monkey cost of caring for the animals don’t visit zoos” in the summer, crowds of grabs as many mandarins as it currently exceeds €200,000 the French-born Lesueur said. humans. For can — even tucking one into his ($243,000) per month. Visitors account for more nearly three long, supple tail. It might be “That’s the difference than 99 percent of its revenue, months, they’ve wise to stock up. between us and other com- from tickets, food and bev- only been After being closed for almost panies: When they close they erages and gift shop sales. So seeing their three months due to COVID-19, close. We close, but we don’t every month’s revenue counts, keepers. So the the zoo on the fringes of Athens close,” Lesueur told The Asso- and the loss of December, tables were could be on the road to ciated Press. usually busy due to the turned when an extinction: With no paying vis- Founded in 2000 and Christmas holidays, was partic- AP journalist itors or — unlike other European located in the town of Spata, the ularly heavy. visited last zoos — enough government aid zoo occupies 20 hectares and is So far, suppliers have shown week: Several to cover its very particular home to 290 species, from ele- understanding and are curious animals Zoo keeper Maria Malia prepares food of two llamas in the Attica Zoological Park needs, the Attica Zoological phants to prairie dogs. It’s accepting credit. Two-thirds of and birds came in Spata, near Athens. Park faces huge bills to keep involved in education, conser- the zoo’s staff is on state-sup- close for a good 2,000 animals well-fed and vation and breeding, and ported furlough, and an look. healthy. belongs to the European Asso- expected installment of state aid “Animals miss visitors, 3,300 in November, the number reversed this week. Overall, “As things are... we still can ciation of Zoos and Aquaria, will take care of this month’s because it’s part of their life,” of new daily cases is holding in Lesueur says he’s optimistic that go on for at least one month,” which has about 400 members. pay for the rest, the CEO said. Lesueur said. “All the animals the triple digits. the zoo will get clearance to zoo founder and CEO Jean Having to close again on The zoo also has sold 5,000 you see (here) are born in other Nevertheless, the greater reopen in coming weeks. Jacques Lesueur said. November 7 after Greece’s two- advance tickets at reduced zoos. So they are used to Athens region remains the “Except if the COVID (situ- “After that, we don’t know.” month spring lockdown came prices for when the lockdown people.” Greece has registered country’s worst-hit area and ation) gets worse. That’s another Unlike some businesses forced at a bad time for Attica Zoo- ends, and Lesueur says that about 150,000 confirmed authorities said Friday they will story,” he said. “Now if we are to temporarily close due to logical Park. The zoo normally helped pay December’s COVID-19 infections so far and reimpose tougher lockdown closed for another two months virus-control restrictions, the operates year-round but does salaries. some 5,800 deaths in the pan- restrictions there after a January or three months, I really don’t zoo continues to have sizeable a lot of its business during Lockdown also affects the demic. After peaking above decline in infection rates was know what is going to happen.”