www.thepeninsula.qa Wednesday 8 April 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8221 15 Sha'aban - 1441 2 Riyals

SPORT | 01 PENMAG | 05 BUSINESS | 10

Müller Classifieds Qatar PMI extends and Services drops following Bayern section a period of contract included expansion

Amir directs sending medical Amir holds telephone talk aid, two field hospitals to Italy “My best wishes for a speedy recovery for my with Erdogan friend, Prime Minister @BorisJohnson. I express QNA — DOHA my solidarity to you and the Qatari people are Two Qatari Amiri Air Force military aircraft QNA — DOHA loaded with two field hospitals will arrive in with you and the friendly British people at this Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin difficult time.” Hamad Al Thani has directed Italy today. Hamad Al Thani held via tele- sending medical aid to the phone a conversation with Italian Republic to support the Another two Qatari military planes to carry President of the Republic of Amir wishes British PM speedy recovery efforts of friends in Italy to Turkey, H E Recep Tayyip combat and contain the medical aid to Italy tomorrow. Erdogan, on strategic bilateral THE PENINSULA — DOHA intensive care unit, where he outbreak of the novel corona- relations and the means to was given oxygen but was virus epidemic (COVID-19). meters, and the second hos- coronavirus. enhance them. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin breathing on his own without The aid includes sending pital is about 4,000 square The aid also includes The call also discussed Hamad Al Thani wished hospi- a ventilator two Qatari Amiri Air Force mil- meters, with a capacity of sending two additional military international efforts to contain talised British Prime Minister He was admitted to St itary aircraft loaded with two 1,000 beds for both hospitals. aircraft tomorrow (Thursday), the coronavirus pandemic, H E Boris Johnson speedy Thomas’ Hospital late on field hospitals, which are The hospitals are equipped as another part of the Qatari particularly enhancing bilateral recovery on Twitter. Sunday after suffering scheduled to arrive in Italy with modern technical devices medical assistance that His cooperation and exchanging British Prime Minister was symptoms, including a fever today. The area of the first field and equipment for the Highness directed to the expertise in that field. in stable condition with the and a cough, for more than 10 hospital is about 5,200 square treatment of people with friendly Italian Republic. coronavirus in a hospital days. Qatar participates in emergency Users unable to operate group video meeting of GCC Interior Ministers chat app Houseparty in Qatar SACHIN KUMAR CRA declined to “Unfortunately we believe THE PENINSULA that our app may have been comment on this blocked for users in Qatar. This After witnessing huge success issue now and is was not an action taken by in the past few months, House- expected to provide Houseparty. We’re hoping the party, a group video chatting information about situation changes as soon as app, is facing tough time in possible,” said Houseparty on social media with users raising the situation in twitter. The Communications concern about the app by using coming days. Regulatory Authority (CRA) hashtags #Housepartyhacked declined to comment on this and #DeleteHouseParty. Many users in Qatar went issue now and is expected to Amid these viral hashtags, to social media to know why provide information about the the users in Qatar were unable the app was not opening despite situation in coming days. to use Houseparty app, raising repeated attempts. “Did some- Globally the app is facing doubts that the app has been thing happen to the #house- questions about users’ personal blocked here. Social media was party app in #Qatar?” tweeted information safety. Many users abuzz with concerns about Elisabete, yesterday. Users even on twitter said they have had safety of Houseparty user’s per- approached internet service Spotify, Instagram and other sonal information. providers to get more clarifica- accounts hacked after down- The Ministry of Transport tions on this issue. loading the app. and Communication said in its “Dear customers, regarding “I received 9 texts from website, “Online chat software what’s being circulated about Microsoft providing me with a are widely used. They have several blocked apps, we’d like ‘verification’ code for no reason many features and are low in to clarify that this issue is out of whatsoever. This was over a 2 cost. But the possibility of these our control. Thank you for your separate days since I downloaded Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, participated software getting manipulated understanding,” said Ooredoo your app. Obvious someone was in the emergency meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies Interior Ministers of the Gulf by cybercriminals by camou- Qatar in a tweet, yesterday. trying to get into my account. Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which was held yesterday via video conferencing technology. flaging their identities to reach However, Houseparty tried Better to be safe than sorry. During the meeting, they discussed several topics on the agenda related to enhancing security their targets make them a to clear doubts to some extent FaceTime instead. #DeleteHouse- cooperation between the GCC countries and coordinating efforts to combat the novel coronavirus source of threat to your privacy for its users by issuing a Party,” tweeted James Gooday. (COVID-19) and limit its spread. and the privacy of your family.” statement yesterday on twitter. `P2

MoPH: 225 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths COVID-19 UPDATES IN QATAR - 07 APRIL 2020

THE PENINSULA — DOHA capacity, enabling more tests to be arrival to the hospital last Sunday NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES completed each day,” the Ministry because of his deteriorating health PEOPLE TESTED POSITIVE CASES The Ministry of Public Health said in a statement. condition as a result of severe (MoPH) yesterday announced 225 With the recovery of another 19 kidney failure. Further tests also 19 150 new confirmed cases and two cases the total number of recovered showed that he was infected with 3710 225 { LAST 24 HRS } TOTAL TO DATE deaths from COVID-19 in Qatar. patients in Qatar has reached 150. COVID-19, and despite being given { LAST 24 HRS } { LAST 24 HRS } Another 19 people have recovered Among the new cases, some are the necessary treatment and care, from the virus. travellers who have returned to his condition deteriorated, which The Ministry has increased the Qatar and others related to contacts led to his death this yesterday laboratory testing capacity in recent including citizens and residents. The morning,” the Ministry said. 41818 2057 weeks. It conducted 3,710 COVID-19 new cases have been put into quar- Another 59-year-old resident, { TOTAL TO DATE } { TOTAL TO DATE } tests yesterday, bringing the total antine and are receiving the nec- who was suffering from chronic dis- LET US STOP number of tests performed to date essary medical care. eases has also died. He had been PEOPLE ARE UNDER COVID-19 to 41,818. One of the two fatalities reported hospitalised while he was in an TREATMENT “The use of new laboratory tech- yesterday was a 74-year-old res- advanced stage of the disease. 1901 niques are helping to increase the ident who was suffering from The Ministry has extended its number of tests being done and the chronic diseases. “The deceased was condolences and sympathy to the DEATHS 2 {LAST 24 HOURS }6 TOTAL expansion of central laboratory admitted to intensive care upon his families of the deceased. `P2 Qatar took timely steps to curb COVID-19 spread: QU academics

MOHAMMED OSMAN & the coronavirus crisis, the today, we could have about SIDI MOHAMED Supreme Committee for Crisis thousands of cases instead of THE PENINSULA Management took a number of hundreds,” said Dr. Kamal decisions and implemented Hamidou. The Supreme Committee for measures which were very He said that the government Crisis Management announced essential and were on the right gave top priority to the safety a series of decisions and took time to protect the society from of the society and its plan is to timely preventive measures — the pandemic,” said Dr. Kamal keep cases of infection at the before many countries in the Hamidou, Associate Professor minimum level. “Therefore, we region took such steps — to and Head of Department of see, reduction of number of ensure safety of the entire Mass Communication at Qatar employees at work places by 80 society and curb the spread of University while talking to The percent, closure of educational the coronavirus in the country. Peninsula. institutions and all sort of busi- The government keeps He said that the decisions nesses,” Dr. Hamidou added. assessing the situation minutely Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shami, Dr. Kamal Hamidou, Associate Eiman Eissa, Lecturer of Strategic and preventive measures were He pointed out that State of and takes timely decisions that Professor at Department of Mass Professor and Head of Department Communication at Department taken even before detection of Qatar has learned much from are made to complement the Communication of Mass Communication of Mass Communication cases and before many coun- the Gulf crisis and the gov- preventive and precautionary tries in Europe and America ernment knows how to deal measures that are implemented spread of COVID-19. in this regard some university these measures are. took such measures. “Had these with such emergency cases. by the State of Qatar to curb the The Peninsula approached professors to see how successful “From the very beginning of measures not been in place `P2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 Qatar Foundation for Social Work to continue services online

SIDI MOHAMED The virtual press con- instructions on all of the Foun- THE PENINSULA ference was attended by Amal dation’s electronic platforms. bint Abdullatif Al Mannai, as She said: “Additionally, we More than 10,000 services are well as members of the com- also developed the efficiency provided by the Qatar Foun- mittee, in addition to a number of the digital platforms in the dation for Social Work and the of representatives of various Foundation and centres, and centres affiliated with it from media. the working from home began March 15 to 31. About 5,080 The conference reviewed from March 15, and these efforts people have benefited from the latest news developments are to limit the spread of these services. and highlighted the importance coronavirus.” “To continue providing of continuous development of Also, it discussed the services for families and society the capabilities of electronic measures taken by the Foun- in general in this exceptional platforms in the foundation and dation and the centres to ensure time, we have taken the nec- its centres and working to continued provision of services essary measures such to the targeted groups, in as providing services addition to the internal and The Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi, online,” said the CEO external awareness cam- during a video conference with the members of the Advisory Committee for Government School of Qatar Foundation paigns in each centre in Principals. For Social Work, Amal addition to establishing a bint Abdullatif Al hotline and social media Mannai (pictured). accounts for the central Al Hammadi meets members of Advisory She also said that committee for crisis man- Qatar Foundation for agement in the foundation Committee for Govt School Principals Social Work follows and its centres. the news on the For his part, the QNA — DOHA calling on them to be the voice issues facing the school com- spread of the corona- Director of the Unicef that reflects the conditions of munity, noting the importance virus around the office in Qatar, Professor The Minister of Education and the school community, espe- of employing electronic work world and studies the Anthony extended his Higher Education, H E Dr. cially by defining the challenges in the upcoming meetings, in capabilities of the thanks to the Qatar Foun- Mohammed bin Abdulwahed they face as school leaders, as line with the precautionary Foundation’s digital platforms develop alternative plans to dation for Social Work on the Al Hammadi, met via video well as the challenges their measures during this emer- and other scenarios in case of tackle any urgent future events. great effort in facing this crisis conference with the members fellow teachers face, stressing gency health condition. any emergency events. On the Foundation’s efforts and working effectively with of the Advisory Committee for the enhancement of commu- The committee elected This information came yes- to limit the spread of COVID-19, the most vulnerable groups. Government School Principals. nication to receive all opinions Principal of Hassan Bin Thabit terday during a virtual press Amal said that the Foundation Al Mannai, CEO of the At the beginning of the con- to develop the educational Secondary School Abdulla Ali conference through the meeting has published several Foundation, extended thanks ference, His Excellency praised system and the performance of Rashid Al Rabiah Al Kuwari as application “Zoom” to brief awareness films that suit every to Unicef in Qatar who had the progress of the electoral schools. its Chairman and Principal of local media about the precau- age group, as well as allocating clear efforts and continuous process for selecting the He called on the elected Al Wajba Preparatory School tionary measures it took to a hotline (16030) to commu- communication with the members of the committee and members to set an agenda for Mariam Mohammed Abdulla Al prevent further spread of nicate and receive inquiries, centres concerned with the transparency of its results, the next stage to study the Neama as Vice-Chairperson. COVID-19. and also puts health and safety children and their interest. Allegations on Users unable to hosting 2022 MoCI fixes rates for delivery services operate group Cup denied THE PENINSULA — DOHA The maximum service price personal needs, those of others, marketing and delivery plat- video chat app is 10 percent of the order value or any individual with whom forms are prohibited from QNA — DOHA The Ministry of Commerce and imposed by marketing and he is doing business or oth- imposing discriminatory con- Houseparty Industry (MOCI) has set delivery platforms on the sup- erwise contracted to. ditions, refusing to deal with or FROM PAGE 1 Qatar’s Supreme Committee maximum charges for plier when it comes to mar- The decision identifies the placing restrictions upon the for Delivery and Legacy (SC) e-marketing and products keting services only. supplier as the party that pro- supplier, or imposing any other Another user feared that strongly denied yesterday the delivery to curb unjustified The decision also stipulated vides marketing and delivery percentages or sums on sup- his account was hacked. “I allegations contained within price hike. that the maximum delivery services using technology or pliers and consumers through can’t seem to delete my the court papers made public The decision was made by charge for consumers is QR10 electronic systems and any means or under any label account on house party after in the US on April 6, 2020. the Committee Tasked with for delivery services only. applications. in order to collect additional finding out it was hacked. Can They are part of a long- Determining Maximum Prices According to the decision, Marketing and delivery charges in violation of the pro- somebody please help me? I standing case, the subject of and Profit Ratios No (3) of 2020, marketing and delivery plat- platforms, however, are defined visions of this decision. don’t have a privacy option which is not the 2018/2022 said the Ministry in a release. forms must maintain the per- as those companies and com- Marketing and delivery plus I just found out this creepy FIFA World Cup bidding The issuance of this decision centages and sums collected mercial institutions involved in platforms shall not increase app doesn’t allow you deselect process. falls in line with the Ministry’s from suppliers and consumers the marketing and delivery of charges for the services out- permission settings for your The SC pointed out that keenness to crack down on the prior to the date which appears products using technology lined in the decision before camera & contacts! #Delete- despite years of false claims, unjustified rise in e-marketing on the notification letters. systems and applications. obtaining the prior approval of Houseparty,” tweeted Jason evidence has never been pro- and products delivery charges, The letters were sent to The decision identified the committee. Patric. However the company duced to demonstrate that deter monopolistic practices them by the Ministry’s Compe- service charges as the per- The supplier should give assured all its users that all Qatar won the rights to host and commercial fraud, and tition Protection and Anti- centages, commissions, or sums priority to dealing with mar- Houseparty accounts are safe the FIFA World Cup 2022 ensure the consumer’s right to Monopolistic Practices Com- that are collected by product keting and delivery platforms and secure. “All Houseparty unethically or by means that obtain these services at mittee, corresponding to May dealers in markets in line with affiliated with national com- accounts are safe - the service contravened FIFA’s strict affordable prices. 22, 2019 in order to reconcile those signed contracts. panies and businesses operating is secure, has never been com- bidding rules. The decision outlined their status should these per- The target market is defined in the field of product mar- promised, and doesn’t collect The SC maintains that it maximum service charges to be centages be less than the as the marketing and product keting and delivery. passwords for other sites,” said strictly adhered to all rules and imposed by marketing and maximum percentage referred delivery market that employs Marketing and delivery Houseparty. regulations for the 2018/2022 delivery platforms on the sup- to in Article 3. technology systems and platforms subject to the provi- Experts say that many FIFA World Cup bidding plier and consumer. The decision defines the applications. sions of this decision must also users do not realise how much process and any claim to the The maximum service price concepts to which the provi- The decision of the Com- reconcile their status accord- amount of personal infor- contrary is baseless and will is 19 percent of the order value sions apply. mittee Tasked with Deter- ingly and commit to adding an mation Houseparty gathers be fiercely contested. imposed by marketing and The consumer is identified mining Maximum Prices and appendix of the service charges about its users. But, many delivery platforms on the sup- as any party that obtains goods Profit Ratios No (3) of 2020 out- for valid contracts in users in Qatar said that such OFFICIAL NEWS plier when it comes to mar- or services, either for free or for lined certain conditions. accordance with the provisions apps are helpful. keting and delivery services. a fee, in order to meet his own According to the conditions, of this decision. Qatar condemns Ministry reports bombing of Ashghal inspects workplaces, camps to ensure safety 225 new cases hospital in Tripoli FROM PAGE 1 DOHA: Qatar condemned yesterday THE PENINSULA — DOHA are part of the efforts exerted to workers in the housing, and Development, Labour and Social Haftar forces’ bombing of a hospital protect workers involved in daily checks were made to Affairs, stressed that the MoPH continues to urge that treats coronavirus patients in The Public Works Authority Ashghal projects from COVID- ensure the health and safety of Inspection Department of the public to stay safe, including Tripoli, Libya. The Ministry of For- (Ashghal) in coordination with 19. On this occasion, Eng. workers, as there is a clinic Ministry is always conducting maintaining social and eign Affairs said that the bombing the Ministry of Administrative Abdulla Qassim, an official of the licensed by the Ministry of Public visits in coordination with the physical distancing to reduce of the hospital represents a severe Development, Labour and Social Khalifa Avenue project of the Health in the accomodation Public Works Authority to learn the chances of contracting the violation of international humanitar- Affairs (MADLSA) has launched Highway Projects Department other than a clinic on the work about the extent of the repre- virus. A toll-free hotline, ian law. The Ministry stressed on severe inspection campaigns at of Ashghal, confirmed that the site, Emergency isolation rooms sentative companies’ implemen- 16000, is available 24x7 to the importance of guaranteeing the workplaces and labour accom- authority conducts regular were also provided in the event tation of labors’ welfare answer COVID-19 related safety of patients and medical teams, modations. inspection tours at the work- of a suspicion of a case to any of measures in work and accom- queries. An educational social especially during a time when the The campaign is meant to place and closely follows all the the workers, in order to com- modation sites. The Public media campaign has also been entire world is fighting off the coro- confirm the compliance of con- instructions to maintain safety municate with the authorities in Works Authority has imple- launched, by the MoPH, along navirus pandemic. The statement tracting companies in imple- of workers at work sites and the Ministry of Public Health to mented a number of precau- with Hamad Medical Corpo- stressed that bombing the hospi- menting the precautionary and reduce infection. take the necessary action. tionary measures based on the ration and Primary Health tal requires an urgent international preventive measures taken by Engineer Abdullah Qasim For his part, Nasser Al Hajri, directives issued by the Ministry Care Corporation, sharing investigation. QNA Ashghal based on the directives confirmed that all precautions from the Inspection Department of Administrative Development, infographics and videos of MADLSA. These campaigns were taken for the project of the Ministry of Administrative Labour and Social Affairs. through social media channels. Qatar took timely steps to curb the spread of COVID-19: QU academics FROM PAGE 1 of the government alone,” he Communication at Qatar University of anything we need. Life is going hospitals and they get equal services safety and interests.” For her part, Therefore, he said, within a stressed. noted that the precautionary smoothly as if nothing has hap- in public hospitals.” “Despite Eiman Eissa, Lecturer of Strategic short span of time everything was He said that Qatar has success- measures taken by State of Qatar pened. We saw, in many countries, lockdown and measures taken sud- Communication at Mass Commu- put in place and there were no fully dealt with the crisis, although to curb the spread of COVID-19 are people rushing to buy things to stay denly like suspension of classes in nication Department of Qatar Uni- shortages of any kind of needs. the situation is extraordinary. “The being implemented in a highly- at home,” Dr. Al Shami added. schools, distance learning was versity said that Qatar has taken “Many local companies immedi- government gave priority to the coordinated manner. Regarding distance education, quickly adopted. Thanks to internet strategic steps in managing the ately started producing masks, san- safety of the society but also pro- “The measures’ implemen- Dr. Al Shami said that the plan is services and availability of smart global crisis associated with the itizers and disinfectants,” he added. vided with alternatives, such as dis- tation is well-managed and the being implemented in a very good mobiles, computers in every house, breakout of COVID-19 from the first Asked about non compliance tance learning,” he said, adding that decisions are accurate and gradual way and availability of advanced communication between teachers, day. “Numerous measures have by some people of the health guide- Qatar University is continuing its in line with the situation and interest technology, living conditions of the students and parents is much easier. been taken by Qatar in order to lines and violation of safety rules, educating courses and no educa- of the people. The outcome of these people in Qatar and support of the Of course there may be some diffi- minimize the number of people Dr Hamidou said there is always tional institutions stopped working. measures and plans being imple- government have made it easy for culties for some families but with infected by the virus. Many sectors very small number of people who Dr. Kamal Hamidou noted that mented are tangible and assured everyone. the support from the competent such as public transportation, edu- violates rules, and this basically the situation in Qatar is going well the safety of the entire society,” Dr. In regard to medical services, authorities everything has become cation, services, shopping malls, res- happens due to lack of under- and is fully under control and legal Abdulrahman Al Shami told The he said, the State of Qatar is very easy,” he noted. taurants and non-emergency standing. “People should care for actions taken against some violators Peninsula. He said that Qatar’s unique where there is no difference Dr. Al Shami said that everyone medical centers have been closed the safety of others, and I call upon of the health rules were deterrent efforts are very clear where every- between citizens and expatriates, at this time needed to understand down,” she said, adding that the all citizens and expatriates to must and effective in making people thing is available, from food to med- adding that all get quality medical the peculiarity of the situation. “We government provided the private not become bridges for the virus understand the situation. icine and all services. “From the services. “Even, I can say expatriates need to share responsibility and sector with incentives to accom- and cause death for others. It is a Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shami, beginning of this coronavirus crisis enjoy more privileges when it make things go smoothly as have modate for any loses faced during common responsibility for all; not Professor of Department of Mass we never felt there is any shortage comes to health insurance in private been planned by the State for our this time of crisis. WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 HOME 03 QFZA and QSTP sign MoU to promote research, startups

joint promotion events to strengthen businesses, SMEs, entrepreneurs and H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, said: “I am excited the investment sector. start-ups to explore all that Qatar Free to see the new startups and ventures that will come out H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Zones and QSTP have to offer, as they Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of benefit from.” of this partnership. Providing access and building up Qatar Foundation, said: “I am excited Since its establishment in October the capabilities of our home-grown talent is even more to see the new startups and ventures 2018, Qatar Free Zones has approved critical in this current climate. We must continue to that will come out of this partnership. projects worth a total of more than Providing access and building up the QR3bn (approximately $1bn) from a explore new ways of thinking and innovate in order to capabilities of our home-grown talent wide range of leading local and global build a truly sustainable and resilient nation.” is even more critical in this current companies focused on the new climate. We must continue to explore economy, sustainability, IT, commu- new ways of thinking and innovate in nications, transport, logistics, medical THE PENINSULA — DOHA order to build a truly sustainable and services, aviation, cybersecurity, and of Qatar Foundation Research, Devel- resilient nation.” agritech. opment, and Innovation, to support H E Ahmad bin Mohamed Al Sayed, Over QR4.3bn has been invested Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and research, development, innovation and Minister of State and Chairman of the in research, development, and inno- Qatar Science & Technology Park entrepreneurship within their Qatar Free Zones Authority, said: “We vation activities by international com- (QSTP) has signed a memorandum of respective areas, based on identified are pleased to sign this agreement with panies registered at QSTP. The tech- understanding (MoU) to oversee, and prioritised segments that will have QSTP, which is in line with the direc- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, nology, innovation, and entrepre- regulate and support the research a positive contribution to the number tives of His Excellency the Prime Min- Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar neurship hub is currently home to over development and entrepreneurship of innovators, specialised workforce, ister and Minister of Interior on Foundation. 50 companies, including 20 multina- efforts to foster the establishment of a businesses and the start-up aligning the efforts of the concerned tional companies, and has incubated sustainable knowledge-based environment. investment entities. The MoU will allow growing technology ecosystem within 22 technology-focused Qatari startups. economy in Qatar. The agreement will include a us to go further in our continued Qatar.” Since 2008, more than 1,000 people The collaborative programme will mechanism for training programmes support of Qatar’s technology and He added: “We look forward to have participated in its innovation enable QFZA and QSTP, which is part and information sharing, as well as innovation sectors, and enhance the welcoming innovative international programmes. Italy thanks Qatar for support in fighting COVID-19 Circular on final exams of 2nd

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi in the context of so many joint sem of grade 1 to 11 issued Di Maio in his expression of training programs, including Italian Foreign Minister Luigi gratitude to the State of Qatar training of pilots, we are moved THE PENINSULA — DOHA Students of grade 12 (in Di Maio has thanked Qatar for for its timely and generous to see that the Qatari Air Force private schools which follow its assistance in its fight against donation of 2 field hospitals will transport this donation to The Ministry of Education and the national standards) take COVID-19 pandemic through with a capacity of 500 beds Italy and that our women and Higher Education yesterday the examinations of end of its donation of two field each. It is a tangible gesture of men of the Armed Forces will issued a circular regarding the second semester hospitals, the Italian Embassy friendship between the Italian work together once again for the examination of the end of according to the school cal- said yesterday. and the Qatari people and a the installation of the two field the second semester of endar in examination halls set “The Italian Minister of strong support to Italy’s efforts hospitals.” 2019-20 for grade 1 to 11 up at government primary Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio to fight against the Qatar and Italy have always (adult education), and grade and preparatory schools. expresses gratitude to the State pandemic.” enjoyed excellent relations, 12 (day and adult education). Students of grade 1 to 9 of Qatar for donating Italy two The Ambassador added: placing high confidence in Following the precau- (adult education) will take field hospitals with 500 beds message of thanks. “Moreover, this donation bilateral cooperation and tionary measures undertaken examinations of the end of each. Thank you Qatar,” said Alessandro Prunas (pic- embodies the close bonds of having a continuous high-level by the Ministry in light of the the second semester in their the Italian Embassy in its official tured), Ambassador of Italy to cooperation between our political dialogue, enabling a current situation, to ensure schools according to the Twitter account yesterday, Qatar, said in a statement, “I Armed Forces. At a time when truly strategic partnership the security and safety of stu- approved school calendar. while re-tweeting Di Maio’s would like to join the Italian Italy and Qatar are cooperating across all sectors. dents and all employees in Students grade 10 to 12 schools, it was decided that (adult education) will take the students be distributed to the examinations of the end of examination halls under the second semester of the Ministry of Public Health celebrates World Health Day special arrangements, said academic according to the the Ministry in release. school calendar in the exam- QNA — DOHA Midwives’, and this in universal health coverage, Qatar attaches great impor- Students of grade 12 (day ination halls at government conjunction with the cele- maternal and newborn health, tance to nurses and midwives, education) of government primary and preparatory The Ministry of Public Health bration of the International including mental health, emer- believing in their pivotal role in schools take the examinations schools. The circular stipu- (MoPH) has participated in the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. gency preparedness and improving health care. Her of the end of the second lated that the number of stu- celebration of the World Health The vital role that nurses response, patient safety and Excellency indicated that the semester 2019-20 according dents in the examination Day, which falls on April, 7 and midwives play in main- integrated care. The Minister of nursing cadres play a vital role. to the school calendar halls. It also stipulated that every year, and this year’ slogan taining health is highlighted, as Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan H E the Minister expressed grat- approved in the schools they the distance between is ‘Support Nurses and well as their significant role in Mohammed Al Kuwari, said that itude to all health personnel. are enrolled. students. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 Katara GM new board member of Qatar-America Institute

QAI works proactively to educate and QAI works proactively to and realities related to the provide the facts and interests that guide educate and provide the facts economy, social and political and interests that guide collaboration between the American and Qatari partnerships through American and Qatari partner- United States and Qatar. study and analysis, and encourage ships through study and Dr. Al Sulaiti has won the peaceful dialogue to enhance cooperation analysis, and encourage award as the first government peaceful dialogue to enhance figure supporting Arab tourism and strengthen lasting relationships cooperation and strengthen for the year 2017, after intense and friendships between the Qatari and lasting relationships and friend- competition between several American people. ships between the Qatari and prestigious personalities American people. working in tourism and heritage The institute is active in within the Arab world. This many fields, including edu- achievement of Dr. Al Sulaiti THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar-America Institute is cation and awareness. QAI edu- came during the ninth session a non-profit research institute cates the public in America and of the Arab Tourism Media Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, that hosts an open cultural Qatar on awareness and cul- Oscar Awards for the Arab General Manager of the Cultural space to hold and facilitate tural exchange related to the Center for Tourist Information Village Foundation (Katara), has intercultural exchange pro- politics which is vital to the stra- as recognition of his huge been announced as one of the grams and develop educational tegic relationship between efforts in leading one of the members of the new board of research on cultural and stra- Qatar and the United States. most important cultural and Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of the Cultural directors of Washington-based tegic relations between the As for research and dis- tourism institutions in the Arab Village Foundation (Katara) Qatar-America Institute (QAI). United States and Qatar. covery, QAI provides research world, which is Katara. Traffic Department and QU’s National Center for Educational Development Ashghal discuss smart app launches educational campaign ‘SANID’ for traffic diversions THE PENINSULA — DOHA The campaign started from — DOHA THE PENINSULA April 5, with the aim to Qatar University’s National Center for The Traffic Planning Section of Educational Development has launched support parents, students the Traffic Safety Department educational campaign ‘SANID’, to and teachers to assist held a joint meeting with the support parents, students and teachers them in distance learning Public Works Authority in distance learning processes. (Ashghal) to discuss arrange- The campaign started from April 5, by providing workshops, ments for completing traffic with the aim to support parents, students instructions and skills. diversions transactions elec- and teachers to assist them in distance “The center will increase tronically through a smart learning by providing workshops, application which will be instructions and skills. the provision of its services launched this year. Through its multiple platforms, in and diversity according to Captain Mohammed Mesfer addition to online discussion services Al Hajri (pictured), Head of He also said that through similar to the “hotline” to provide the need. Depending on Traffic Planning Section, said that the application all the traffic various educational consultations and increase of demand until the goal of the application comes diversion transactions will be direct answer to questions related to the end of the academic within the framework of the archived, which will enable technological or educational challenges General Directorate of Traffic’s officials to view and benefit that students, their relatives or teachers year or till the crisis end, endeavours to fully convert to from engineering operations may face during this period. God willing.” electronic systems, and to provide without any need to refer to the Commenting on this campaign, Dr. its services to the public according paper archive. Abdullah Abu-Tineh, Director of the Dr. Abdullah Abu-Tineh, Director of the to the latest modern methods at Captain Al Hajri pointed out National Center for Educational Devel- generation that learning will never end National Center for Educational Development any time and from any place. that the Traffic Safety opment said: “The center will increase even in the darkest conditions. Learning Al Hajri noted that the Department divides the State the provision of its services and diversity is and will be priority always. Department had submitted last of Qatar into five areas, under according to the need. Depending on “Despite the great efforts made by The distance learning experience is year a proposal to Ashghal that the the supervision of Qatari engi- increase of demand until the end of the the Ministry of Education and Higher a rich experience for everyone and transactions of the traffic diver- neers to review and study the academic year or till the crisis end, God Education with all its forces, we at the becomes a future choice after a while sions should be done electronically safety requirements for traffic willing.” National Center for Educational Devel- regardless of the end of the crisis or its due to large number of requests diversions and other technical Dr. Abu-Tineh added that the Min- opment at Qatar University have found continuation. In his presentation, Dr. submitted during the year, pointing details related to them, in order istry of Education and Higher Educa- it necessary for us to stand with the state Abdullah said that it is general in all sub- out that work is underway to to ensure the smooth flow of tion’s keenness to continue to educa- and the Ministry of Education and Higher jects and for all educational levels from present these transactions elec- traffic in a stable and safe tional process in the current situation Education to support students, teachers, the university to the different educa- tronically in the best form. manner. conveys a clear message to young and parents,” he added. tional stages. MME participates in exercise for radiological and nuclear emergencies

THE PENINSULA — DOHA and coordinated with the gency management. Kingdom of Sweden and ini- He pointed out that the The Ministry of Municipality tiated a technical team con- Department made a great effort and Environmenta (MME), sisting of experts in radiology in the communication opera- represented by the Department and medical field assessment tions with the International for the Protection of Radiation to assist the cadres of the State Atomic Energy Agency through and Chemicals in the Environ- of Qatar in containing the remote means of communi- mental Sector, participated in accident. cation, despite the conditions the international office exercise He added that this exercise that countries go through to for radiological and nuclear was better than those held in limit the spread of the emergencies. previous years, as the exercise coronavirus. The event was organised by included an evaluation of The Department for the the International Atomic national procedures and Protection of Radiation and Energy Agency (IAEA) from On this occasion, Eng arrangements for radiological Chemicals participates March 14 to 26, 2020 for 35 Hamad Salah Ibrahim (pic- scenario in a football ground, and nuclear emergencies and annually in international exer- participating countries. tured), Head of Radiation where coordination was done training in direct communi- cises related to radiological and This office exercise called Section and the National Liaison with IAEA to request interna- cation via the communication nuclear emergencies organised ConvEx-2b comes within the Officer for Radiation and tional assistance. protocols approved by the by the International Atomic agreement for early notifi- agreement for international Nuclear Emergency at IAEA said The agency has responded agency and the countries that Energy Agency in cooperation cation of radiological and assistance request signed by that the Department designed to the request for assistance in provide technical and human with the relevant authorities in nuclear emergencies and the the State of Qatar in 2015, a radiological emergency less than twenty-four hours assistance necessary for emer- the country.

Accor allocates 25% of lessness during this crisis.” Toyota Fortuner, “On behalf of the Board, I Innova and Camry, would like to thank the Group’s planned dividend for launch main shareholders. Without Lexus LC500/500H, them, the “ALL Heartist Fund” would not have been possible. I LS500/500H models of ALL Heartist Fund also want to pay a special tribute of 2017-2018 recalled to the Accor teams around the THE PENINSULA — DOHA contribution to global solidarity world. They are facing the initiatives to address the current current crisis with admirable THE PENINSULA — DOHA After consulting with the health crisis while planning for courage, dedication and profes- Group’s main shareholders, future needs. This decision has sionalism. As our industry is The Ministry of Commerce and JinJiang International, Qatar received unanimous support going through tough times, we Industry, in cooperation with Investment Authority, Kingdom from the Board members, who have to make tough decisions, Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Holding Company and Harris collectively decided to reduce but Accor has a strong balance Co W.L.L, dealer of Toyota and Associates, Accor has decided their attendance fees by 20 sheet which will enable it to Lexus in Qatar, announced the to allocate 25 percent of the percent to the benefit of the withstand this crisis and emerge recall of Toyota Fortuner, planned dividend (€70m) to the “ALL Heartist Fund”. Addi- with strength during the Innova and Camry, and Lexus launch of the “ALL Heartist tionally, Sebastien Bazin, recovery period. I am confident LC500/500H and LS500/500H Fund”, a COVID-19 special Chairman and CEO of Accor, that Accor will soon rediscover Models of 2017-2018, due to purpose vehicle. This fund will will forego 25 percent of his the road to growth,” he said. possible fuel pump typically assist the Group’s compensation during the crisis. Thanks to its recent asset- malfunction that may cause it 300,000 employees, pledging The cash equivalent will also be light transformation and cash to stop functioning. to pay for their COVID-19-re- contributed to the Fund. preservation strategy, Accor can The recall campaign lated hospital expenses, for This “ALL Heartist Fund” in sanitizing schools, nurseries, Sébastien Bazin, Chairman today rely on a strong balance comes within the framework those who do not have social complements some of the ini- Mosques, churches and more and CEO of Accor, commented: sheet, with more than €2.5bn of the Ministry’s continuous security or medical insurance, tiatives which have been spear- than 700 houses within their “Welcoming, protecting and in cash on hand and an efforts to protect consumers The fund will assist on a headed by a number of hotels community. At the Sofitel Luxor taking care of others is at the undrawn revolving credit and ensure that dealers follow case by case basis, furloughed throughout the Middle East & Winter Palace, the team pre- very heart of what we do. In light facility of €1.2bn. While much up on vehicle defects and employees suffering great Africa, including a collaboration pares and distributes meals of the urgency and the scale of uncertainty remains on the repairs. financial distress and assist on with partner RISMA in Morocco daily to medical teams assisting the situation, we have decided duration of this crisis, the Group The Ministry said that it a case by case basis, individual resulting in over 500 rooms quarantined patients. Lastly, to act in an immediate and expects a severe impact on its will coordinate with the dealer partners facing financial provided to front-line medical reinforcing proper hygiene and meaningful way, in the spirit of 2020 performance but remains to follow up on the mainte- difficulty. professionals. sanitation during this time, bars our values and commitments. bullish on the long-term per- nance and repair works and This fund reflects the Moreover, following a of soaps and recycled soaps are Through this impactful gesture, spective of the hospitality will communicate with cus- ambition of the Group and its training by the government in widely distributed by Pullman we wish to express our solidarity industry, for Accor, its tomers to ensure that they shareholders to provide a sanitation processes, the Mov- Dakar and Movenpick Nairobi and gratitude to all those dem- employees, its owners and carried out the necessary meaningful and significant enpick Aswan team now assists to various community groups. onstrating courage and self- shareholders. repairs. WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 HOME 05 QF highlights the benefits HBKU Press invites submissions of reading in self-isolation for new publication documenting Qatar Reads is trying life in confinement to make reading as THE PENINSULA — DOHA accessible as possible, posting content Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) has opened and material to its a call for submissions for any Instagram account, literary and/or artistic works with live storytelling inspired by life in confinement due to the global COVID-19 sessions to launch in pandemic and personal the coming weeks. changes that have occurred as a result of the world in crisis. “History is unfolding right THE PENINSULA — DOHA now, and this is a unique oppor- tunity to document it as told by Staying at home to self-isolate the community experiencing it,” can be mentally challenging, but explains Rima Ismail, Outreach it is a necessary precaution as and Special Projects Manager the country works to proactively The Qatar Foundation ini- you do instead of what you at HBKU Press. “Our entire pub- tackle COVID-19. However, tiative is also working to say,” Al Jazi said. “One of the lishing house has shifted to reading can certainly help alle- provide learning opportunities best ways to encourage your working remotely but despite viate stress and anxiety. to the local community during children to read is for you to this challenge, we are still As Al Jazi Al henzab, Project this time. Parents with children read in front of them. looking to promote literacy and Manager of Qatar Reads, has are encouraged to sign up for “Use this time to finish the learning through this activity said, “Reading isn’t tied to a the Family Reading Program, novel you’ve had your eye on open to both the local and physical place, a specific time, which sees members receive for a while, or find something global community.” or mandatory format — monthly books, activity sheets, completely new to read. Maybe The call for submissions wherever there are words, and comics delivered via a spe- even start a reading list. Alter- looks to collate reflective there are stories and learning cially constructed mailbox natively, involve the whole pieces, anything from personal submission is chosen, it will be essential to HBKU Press’s opportunities.” outside homes, with the team family by initiating group essays, narrative first-person included in a published book mission.” And there are many benefits adhering to the strictest health reading time — either by writing pieces; illustrations and tentatively titled, Together…… HBKU Press will begin to reading. “It improves and safety measures set out by reading to your children or drawings, photographs, or Apart. accepting submissions until memory, expands vocabulary, the Ministry of Public Health. asking your children to read original memes; poetry or any “What we hope to achieve May 6, 2020 in Arabic, English and keeps the mind sharp. It Additionally, its 'Mommy to aloud to the whole family.” combination of the mediums at the end of this is a global and French, where applicable. can also have an incredibly Be' program is to launch in the Qatar Reads is trying to listed above that come as a snapshot full of candid For more details on the calming effect on the reader, coming weeks, which will — to make reading as accessible as reaction to the changes that the moments about this time. We requirements and terms and while lowering stress levels. start with — exist in the digital possible, posting content and coronavirus has thrust upon us. want to document revelations, conditions, interested partici- And of course it can also sphere only. material to its Instagram Pieces should reflect your inspirations as well as chal- pants are welcome to visit provide people with an escape, Alternatively, the Qatar account, with live storytelling experience of working from lenges and difficult truths,” HBKU Press website — hbku- which is needed now more than Reads team suggests creating sessions to launch in the coming home, losing your job, being Ismail continues. “The call for press.com — where one can ever,” said Al Jazi online book clubs, using digital weeks. Qatar National Library house-bound with family or submissions is open to anyone find the application form and “And all kinds of reading is video platforms to discuss ideas also offers a large selection of separated from your loved of any age because if we’ve more details about the sub- beneficial — not just textbooks. and themes. “In quarantine it online resources, and Scholastic ones, having to change major learned anything from the mission process. From non-fiction books such may be hard to find new con- — the partner of the Family life plans, your shifts in attitude virus, it’s that it does not dis- Only full application as biographies, autobiogra- versations, so show your Reading Program — is pro- or worldview, the experience criminate. The bottom line is, packages, which include a com- phies, handbooks, and children that reading a book is viding free online reading of contracting the disease or as a global community we are pleted application form, a short memoirs, to fiction books with a way they can continue to material to users. Instructions knowing someone who has, etc. all in this together. We hope descriptive rationale, a brief genres like crime, drama, connect with their friends. on how to access these or anything related to how you that the subsequentially pub- biography and the submission mystery, and fantasy. Short “As children tend to emulate resources are available via the are feeling, coping and adapting lished book will reflect the spirit piece will be considered for attention span? Read a haiku.” their parents, it’s about what Qatar Reads Instagram page. to the global pandemic. If your of cultural exchange that is publication. QRCS protects refugee camps in Bangladesh against COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA whether nationwide or refugee-focused, to keep updated about the situation and In response to the global coronavirus ensure effective response under the outbreak, the representative mission of national preparedness and response plan Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in of the Government of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is working together with QRCS is working closely with BDRCS Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to secure the medical supplies for medical (BDRCS), the International Federation of professionals at camps, including masks, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies gloves, ventilators, sanitizers, and oxygen NU-Q student Saad Ejaz is interning with the Guardian newspaper in New York. RIGHT: NU-Q student Inaara Gangji (IFRC), and other National Societies oper- tanks etc. is interning with USA Today, a publication based in Washington, DC. ating in Bangladesh to protect the popu- In coordination with the health lation and the Myanmar refugees. authorities, QRCS and BDRCS are con- A humanitarian intervention was sidering the possibility of creating a NU-Q students complete internships with launched to help 106 health workers and 20-bed quarantine section at the QRCS- 1,800 families (10,800 individuals) at operated field hospital, with technical refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. There are support from IFRC and the WHO. global media organisations remotely plans to increase the number of benefi- At the health centres of Camps 19 and ciaries, in cooperation with the partners. E8, the staff was divided into two shifts, THE PENINSULA — DOHA students have handled their resi- When advocating for a topic, he con- QRCS’s mission took part in all the to reduce the workforce on duty as per dencies and the transition to remote sidered “has it been done before? coordination and urgent meetings, the instructions of the authorities. The COVID-19 global pandemic has work,” said Mary Dedinsky, professor What angle can I take? You’ve got to not stopped NU-Q students from and director of the Journalism and be able to sell it to your editor.” completing internships as part of Strategic Communication Program. Gangji is interning with USA their undergraduate academic “They were thrown into a crisis; they Today from her home in Tanzania. program. The Journalism and Stra- were resilient, professional, and full She reports to the digital content tegic Communication Residency of ideas of how they could continue editor and researches and pitches program — a requirement for a jour- to work remotely.” ideas relating to crime and policing. nalism degree from Northwestern’s Zia is continuing to work with Once an idea is approved, Gangji Medill School — offers students real- STAT, a media company that reports identifies and invites outside topic world experience working for inter- on health, medicine, and scientific experts to write online opinion national news media and strategic discovery, from her apartment in pieces. She also fact-checks their communications organisations. Boston. She has covered an array of submissions. “Northwestern’s residency scientific and health-focused topics Gangji credits her liberal arts program is unique in higher edu- that include immunotherapy, tips to classes at NU-Q for having “taught cation and helps our students to protect the elderly in the time of me to challenge the status quo and begin the transition from being a coronavirus, and the relationship think about things beyond just student to working as professionals between ER visits and vocabulary on crime… One isolated incident has an in media and strategic communica- Facebook. impact on the larger society.” tions,” said NU-Q Dean Craig LaMay. Zia noticed a spike in the number Also adjusting to remote work “This year, that experience means of subscriptions to STAT as a result from his home in South Korea, Kim that our students are now working of the COVID-19. “The number of is interning at Voice of America, — alongside other professionals — new subscribers per week almost which distributes news and infor- remotely from their homes.” quadrupled in the last couple of mation in over 40 languages to an For students Saad Ejaz, Inaara weeks, which I attribute to the estimated weekly global audience of Gangji, Hanmin Kim, and Amadou important need for trusted news and 280 million people. He has covered Jallow, this has meant leaving New information on the virus — good and the COVID-19 outbreak, creating 30 York and Washington, DC, to go back accurate journalism is extremely to 40-second videos about the coro- to their homes in Pakistan, Tanzania, important today,” she said. navirus for distribution on VOA’s South Korea, and the Gambia, where Several students chose to return Instagram platform. The process they are continuing to write for top- home for the remainder of their included culling important news ranked media outlets including the internships and continue their work nuggets from VOA Asia, a daily Guardian, USA Today, Voice of remotely. Ejaz is reporting for the 25-minute show, writing scripts and America, and Widmeyer Guardian’s New York City office from securing footage. Communications. his family’s home in Pakistan. During Jallow is interning at Widmeyer Other students, including Shafaq his time in New York, he researched Communications, a New York-based Zia and Manan Bhavnani, remain in and wrote articles for the publica- public affairs firm, from his home in Boston and Washington, DC, where tion’s “Fight to Vote” series. One of The Gambia. At Widmeyer he has they are working remotely with STAT his first stories dealt with the disen- helped prepare two strategy docu- and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis franchisement of minority public ments dealing with improving edu- Reporting. school students in suburban East cational performance. The first A handful of other students who Ramapo, New York. Another assessed how funding affects edu- were interning as multimedia and examined prison gerrymandering in cation quality in nations around the video content producers have Pennsylvania, a practice involving world, including the US, Cuba, returned home where they have local politicians who create voting Sweden, Japan, Uganda and Jallow’s taken on new internship opportu- districts by counting prison popula- native Gambia. The second examined nities with media organisations in tions who don’t have the right to vote. the history of national exam per- their country. “I’ve been given a lot of room to formance in the US for grades four “I am so proud of how well our pitch my ideas and stories,” Ejaz said. and eight. 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 Saudi expects up to 200,000 virus cases within weeks AFP — RIYADH Toll in Turkey rises to 725 Saudi Arabia’s health minister yesterday warned of a huge ANATOLIA — ANKARA spike in coronavirus cases of up to 200,000 within weeks, state Turkey confirmed yesterday that 76 more people died from the media reported. coronavirus in the country over the past 24 hours, bringing the The warning comes a day death toll to 725. after the kingdom extended the The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases surged duration of daily curfews in to 34,109 as 3,892 more people tested positive for the virus in multiple cities, including the the last 24 hours, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca told a news capital Riyadh, to 24 hours in a conference. So far, a total of 1,582 patients have recovered and bid to limit the spread of the been discharged from hospitals, while 1,474 patients are cur- deadly virus. rently in intensive care, Koca said. “Within the next few weeks, The recovery rate showed a significant rise, he added. studies predict the number of Also, 20,023 tests were conducted yesterday, bringing the A volunteer from a Kuwaiti charity carries a bag of rice to deliver to expatriates in lockdown at a infections will range from a total number of overall tests carried out so far to 222,868. quarantined building, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, in Farwaniya, Kuwait, yesterday. minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 200,000,” the official Saudi Press Agency to the interior ministry. Saudi Arabia suspended the reported, citing health minister The same measures were year-round “umrah” pilgrimage Kuwait reports 78 new coronavirus Tawfiq Al Rabiah. also imposed on the governo- last month over fears of the Rabiah, who warned the rates of Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and coronavirus pandemic kingdom faces a “critical Khobar, the ministry added. spreading to Islam’s holiest infections; 40 fresh cases in Oman moment” in the fight against the Rabiah said the curfew was cities. Authorities are yet to QNA — KUWAIT virus, said the projection was tightened across multiple cities announce whether they will hospitals reached 673 patients, health habits as well as staying based on four studies by Saudi as many people were not proceed with this year’s Haj, The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health said the spokesman, adding at home and not going out and international experts. adhering to health warnings scheduled for the end of July. announced yesterday that 78 that 911 individuals have com- unless necessary. Saudi Arabia has so far against public gatherings and Authorities last week urged people were infected by the pleted quarantine. Meanwhile, the Amir of reported a total of 2,795 infec- social contact. Muslims to temporarily defer COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, The Omani Ministry of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al tions and 41 deaths from the Authorities had already preparations for the annual bringing the total to 743. Health reported 40 new pos- Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah disease, according to the latest sealed off the holy cities of pilgrimage. Regarding those infected, itive cases of coronavirus in the received yesterday a telephone tally released by the health min- Makkah and Madinah along with Last year, some 2.5 million 69 cases were in contact with Sultanate, bringing the total of call from Sultan of Oman H M istry yesterday. The kingdom, Riyadh and Jeddah, barring faithful travelled to Saudi a coronavirus case, and nine infections to 371 with two Haitham bin Tareq during which has reported the highest people from entering and exiting Arabia from across the world cases are under epidemical deaths. which they discussed mutual number of infections in the Gulf, as well as prohibiting movement to take part in the Haj, which investigation, said Health Min- The Omani Ministry of cooperation relations between is scrambling to limit the spread between all provinces. Last all Muslims must perform at istry spokesman Dr. Abdullah Health also pointed out that 67 the two countries in various of the disease at home. month, Saudi warned of a “more least once in their lives if able. Al Sanad at a daily briefing. cases have recovered, Oman fields. Saudi Arabia on Monday difficult” fight ahead against the The Arab world’s biggest He added that that 23 News Agency (ONA) reported. Kuwait News Agency said announced round-the-clock virus, as the kingdom faces the economy has also closed down patients were in intensive care; In its statement, the min- that the two sides reviewed lockdowns on the cities of economic double blow of virus- cinemas, malls and restaurants including 17 stable cases and six istry called upon all to strictly preventive measures taken in Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, led shutdowns and crashing oil and halted flights as it steps up in critical condition. Those cur- adhere to quarantine measures, the two countries to halt spread Dhahran and Hofuf, according prices. efforts to contain the virus. rently receiving treatment at social distancing instructions, of the novel coronavirus. Barrier of love: Palestinian civilians set up virus checkpoints UN condemns shelling of prison AFP — EIN YABROUD, “We are trying to detect the lockdown for weeks, has 250 places are allowed to stop in from entering the village PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES virus as much as is possible with confirmed COVID-19 cases. the village to buy things, but during patrols or raids. in Yemen our limited means,” Samha said Ein Yabroud has no con- those from other towns and vil- There are more than 9,000 ANATOLIA — SANA'A Wearing a face mask and an at the checkpoint in his home firmed cases but the village of lages are not,” he said. confirmed COVID-19 cases in orange vest while brandishing village of Ein Yabroud. Dayr Jarir, roughly 1.5 kilometres But he pointed out the Ein Israel and Palestinians fear that The UN has condemned the a thermometer, Palestinian Following agreements with (one mile) to the east, has several Yabroud checkpoint is called troops from the Jewish state Sunday’s attack on a prison in Moayad Samha looks similar Israel in the 1990s, the Pales- coronavirus patients. the “barrier of love” and was might cause further West Bank Yemen which left at least six to the countless others tinian government controls Drivers who approached designed for the protection of infections. Hawih claimed to people dead and 11 others manning COVID-19 check- major cities in the West Bank, the Ein Yabroud checkpoint on everyone. have forced soldiers to turn injured. points across the world. but the Israeli army controls 60 Monday were all stopped. Hawih and others said back by blocking their path on “I strongly condemn the But Samha does not work percent of the territory. Samha told anyone with an civilian checkpoints were a several occasions. shelling on Sunday of the for the Palestinian Authority — Palestinian police cannot elevated temperature to hold response to persistent new Concern has also risen Central Prison in Taiz, resulting he is a lawyer and one of enter many rural villages their breath for 10 to 15 infections in small villages and about a possible surge in West in the deaths of five women and dozens of civilians deployed without first coordinating with seconds, in an attempt to see if refugee camps far from main Bank infections caused by the a child, and leaving at least 11 along rural roads in the the Israelis, who can refuse they cough or feel discomfort. Palestinian cities. Volunteers thousands of Palestinians who other people injured,” said occupied West Bank to enforce permission. If someone presented possible in different locations commu- have returned home in recent Michelle Bachelet, the UN high coronavirus controls. Those Israeli restrictions, COVID-19 symptoms, he called nicate via the Zello app, which days from jobs in Israel. commissioner for human rights. Some fear the civilian and chronic cash shortages officials in nearby Ramallah to works like a walkie-talkie. When a large truck arrived Bachelet said, there was no checkpoints will foster faced by the Palestinian gov- conduct a test. Some villages have even in Dura al-Qara on Monday, military presence in the area resentment among Pales- ernment, have hindered efforts Other volunteers checked produced uniforms for their the driver was told to open the and no armed clashes. tinians, as villages with no to contain the virus. travellers’ IDs to determine civilian protectors, with check- rear doors. His ID and desti- “Such an attack cannot be COVID-19 cases turn away res- So the Palestinian police their place of origin. People point staff in Dura al-Qara, nation were checked before he justified in any circumstances. idents from places that have have called on volunteers to from towns or cities with many adjacent to Ein Yabrud, was allowed to pass. This attack appears to be in recorded an outbreak. help do the job. The Palestinian confirmed cases were turned wearing yellow outfits embla- Checkpoint staff said they breach of international But Samha said that he and interior ministry has approved away. Mohammed Hawih, zoned with the village coun- were on the lookout for anyone humanitarian law, and others doing roadside moni- the scheme, calling it key to who is in charge of the village’s cil’s name. trying to sneak through the depending on the circum- toring were striving to protect containment efforts. checkpoints, told AFP the pro- At the Ein Yabroud check- village after returning from stances could amount to a war the whole territory from a full- The West Bank, which has cedures differed depending on point, a key priority has been Israel, instead of entering man- crime,” she said. scale epidemic. been under near total the person. “Residents of some preventing the Israeli army datory quarantine. The Houthi rebels claimed they did not attack the prison. Yemen has been beset by violence and chaos since 2014, Israel makes wearing when the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including the masks compulsory capital of Sana'a. REUTERS & ANATOLIA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM US-led coalition The Israeli government issued orders yesterday making the leaves another wearing of masks in public compulsory to try to stem the spread of the coronavirus. base in Iraq It also approved a timeline for tightened travel restrictions for the Passover holiday, which begins today. ANATOLIA — BAGHDAD Netanyahu last week urged Israelis to wear masks while in public, a measure the government said would become compulsory The US-led coalition against as of Sunday. the Daesh/ISIS terror group The number of coronavirus cases in Israel is now above 9,000 yesterday handed over another and the death toll stands at 59, the country’s Health Ministry said. military base, located west of the The ministry said two people died and 102 more tested positive capital Baghdad, to Iraqi forces, for COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, raising the total to 9,006. according to a military source. It said 153 of the total patients are in critical condition, while The Coalition forces have Makeshift hospital 683 have recovered so far. so far withdrawn from six mil- Israel has taken several measures to stem the spread of the itary bases across Iraq over the A general view of newly-established Sahra Hospital with 250 beds within the measures to fight virus, including closing all educational institutes and banning past few weeks. against coronavirus pandemic at Erbil International Fairground in Erbil, Iraq, yesterday. gatherings of more than 10 people in open or closed public areas. The military source, who Children under the age of six, the mentally disabled or those spoke on condition of ano- alone in vehicles or workplaces are exempted. The government nymity, said: “The Coalition Turkish MPs attend assembly session wearing face masks said masks could be homemade. forces on Tuesday morning From yesterday evening until Friday morning, a ban on unnec- withdrew from its military ANATOLIA — ANKARA parliament, told lawmakers. Gok said.More than 30,000 essary out-of-town travel will be in place, effectively preventing base in Abu Gharib area.” He said that the measure people have tested positive for large gatherings of family and friends for the seder meals. He added that the Coa- Turkish lawmakers yesterday aimed at protecting the health COVID-19 in Turkey, along with From 3 pm today, a few hours before the meal gets lition forces handed over the attended a parliamentary of the country’s lawmakers. 649 deaths. underway, until 7am on Thursday, food shopping within towns base to the Iraqi army. The US session wearing protective face Besides the protective gear, Globally, the virus has will also be forbidden, in a tightened lockdown. Israelis are cobbled a coalition together in masks — a precautionary lawmakers paid attention to spread to 184 countries with already banned from moving more than 100 metres for home 2014 with the stated aim of measure against coronavirus. social distancing, sat with a dis- 1.36 million being infected and except for visits to grocery stores and pharmacies, and travel fighting the terrorist group “This is the correct thing to tance and did not mingle with over 76,000 dying. to work. Daesh/ISIS. In recent weeks, do [...] from now on, we will each other. Like many other states, Announcing an exemption in the Passover restrictions, a gov- some military bases hosting carry out our work while “Wearing the masks and Turkey has also closed malls, ernment statement said the seder night shopping ban would not the coalition forces in Iraq wearing masks,” Levent Gok, practicing social distancing will cafes, and restaurants to slow apply to “non-Jewish minorities”, a reference to Arab citizens have come under attacks by the deputy speaker of Turkish set an example for the public,” the virus’ spread. who are mostly Muslims with a Christian minority. Iraqi groups. WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Iran reopens parliament as virus infections drop for 7th day

AFP — TEHRAN Iran's health increased and a total of 27,039 people had left hospital. Iran’s parliament convened ministry spokesman Iran is by far the worst hit yesterday for the first time since Kianoush Jahanpour by the pandemic in the Middle the coronavirus outbreak forced East, according to official tolls. its doors to close, as the country reported 133 new There has been speculation reported a drop in new infec- coronavirus deaths, abroad that the real number of tions for the seventh straight saying the overall deaths and infections could be day. higher, however. More than two-thirds of the fatalities had In a bid to halt COVID-19, legislature’s 290 members reached 3,872. Iran has ordered the closure of gathered in the absence of non-essential businesses and speaker and veteran politician imposed inter-city travel bans, Ali Larijani, who tested positive the semi-official news agency while refraining from a for COVID-19 last week. ISNA. lockdown. At least 31 members of the But Abdolkarim Hossein- But its taskforce to battle parliament, or Majles, which zadeh, who drafted the bill, said the virus said “low-risk” busi- had been shut since February Iran had been “confused” about nesses would be allowed to 25, have contracted the disease. how to contain the virus. reopen from Saturday, while State television footage of “We must urgently make a observing health protocols. the opening session showed decision, as history will judge The body said two-thirds some MPs huddling together us,” he said. Health ministry of public servants must go to despite guidelines on social dis- spokesman Kianoush work and the rest could do so tancing to stop the spread of the Jahanpour reported 133 new from home. It also said news- virus. coronavirus deaths, saying the paper and magazine publishers Parliament debated and overall fatalities had reached could resume their print edi- eventually blocked an urgent 3,872. Another 2,089 infections tions from Saturday, after being Windows of residential buildings are seen lit during night as people stay home during the COVID-19 bill to totally lock down the were recorded nationwide, barred for a week. outbreak, in the Iranian capital Tehran, yesterday. country for a month, with those bringing the total to 62,589. Authorities are yet to define against arguing it would Iran announced its first what low-risk businesses are quoted the head of Tehran’s city coronavirus is not so dangerous “I don’t know what’s the damage the economy. COVID-19 cases on February 19, and have been criticised for council as saying. after all,” said Mohsen Hasehmi. reasoning for such a decision,” “This plan is against jobs when it said two people had sending mixed signals by “On one hand, there’s the A taskforce member said state news agency IRNA quoted and growing productivity. died from the illness. relaxing social distancing health ministry asking for more anyone going back to work Hamid Souri as saying Monday. Who’s going to pay for imple- Jahanpour said that while measures. stringent measures, and on the could become a virus “cluster Officials said the reopening menting it?” MP Shadmehr 3,987 patients were in critical “We’re seeing a duality in other economic officials decide bomb” as many of those of businesses was meant to save Kazemzadeh said, according to condition, recoveries had senior officials’ remarks,” ISNA things that make people feel the infected were asymptomatic. the economy. Sudan: Bashir 66 at hospital in Durban have coronavirus, mostly staff to stand trial for AP — JOHANNESBURG informal settlements that are crackdown, coup crowded places where the virus Sixty-six people at a single could spread. There needs to be BLOOMBERG — KHARTOUM hospital in South Africa have regular, frequent testing of Sudan’s former president tested positive for the corona- workers. This is a big challenge Omar Al Bashir will stand trial virus in the past few days, the for South Africa.” on charges related to the 1989 health minister said yesterday, “This is an untenable situ- coup that brought him to as anxiety rose among health ation. Front-line medical staff power as well as a crackdown workers over the shortage of must be protected at all times,” on the protests that eventually protective gear. the chair of the South African led to his ouster, the Attorney- At least 48 of the people Medical Association, Angelique General said. who tested positive at St. Coetzee, said last week. Investigations into the Augustine’s Hospital in the city South Africa, the most 76-year-old former ruler’s of Durban are staff, Zweli developed country in Africa, actions have been completed Mkhize said. He said authorities has the B3 most confirmed and the case referred to court, are looking into closing parts of virus cases on the continent it said in a statement. the facility. with more than 1,700. The Bashir, who was sentenced The minister also sought to health minister said fewer to two years in a rehabilitation ease the fears of health workers than 100 people across the facility in December for illicit after one union went to court country are currently possession of foreign cur- last week pressing the gov- hospitalized. rencies, was overthrown by ernment for more protective Cases across the continent Sudan’s army in April 2019 gear. South Africa’s supplies topped 10,000 on Tuesday, and after months of deadly protests. should last up to eight weeks, shortages of protective gear are He’s also wanted by the Inter- he said, adding that no one will acute in many countries that A South African Police Service (SAPS) officer arrests a man for not complying with the lockdown national Criminal Court for his be forced to work where they have some of the world’s most regulations in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, yesterday. alleged role in war crimes in feel unprotected. ill-equipped and poorly funded the western region of Darfur. St. Augustine’s is one of health systems. One is South In Nairobi, a day after “Eventually I borrowed the In Ethiopia, the CEO of Africa’s Durban’s largest private hos- Sudan, which announced its travel in and out of Kenya’s money but now I’m stranded.” largest airline, Ethiopian Air- US says airstrike pitals, said Denis Chopera, a first case Sunday. capital was cut off, there were Some families set off with lines, said three cabin crew virologist working in the city. A growing number of signs of frustration. bags and children and avoided members had tested positive. in Somalia kills “This definitely shows the countries have imposed tough “I had traveled from my roadblocks, walking through Tewolde Gebremariam gave Al Shabaab leader problem of protecting our measures to try to contain the home in Nairobi to go back to fields in or out of the city. no details. And in the latest health care workers,” he said. virus’ spread, from national my village to collect some food “There is a lot of hiccups,” example of the financial pain AP — NAIROBI “These health care workers are lockdowns in South Africa and for the market but then I got said Catherine Ringera, with created by the pandemic, he going to go home and infect Rwanda to the closing-off of stuck without the bus fare to the Athi River police station. said the airline has lost The US military said yesterday their families. Many will return some of Africa’s largest cities, get back home,” said one Fifty-two of Africa’s 54 revenue amounting to $550m it has killed a high-ranking home to townships and including Lagos in Nigeria. thwarted traveler, Joyce Mueni. countries now have the virus. and cut 90% of flights. leader of the Al Qaida-linked Al Shabaab extremist group with an airstrike in Somalia. Rule-breaking virus A statement by the US COVID-19 cases in Africa surpass 10,000; toll nears 500 Africa Command said Yusuf Jiis carriers face was one of three extremists manslaughter ANATOLIA & REUTERS — As per the Africa CDC data, and Government on COVID-19 government said. The masks killed in Thursday’s airstrike ADDIS ABABA the worst-hit countries on the reiterated the need for rapid will be sold at a subsidised price near Bush Madina in the Bay charge in Tunisia continent are South Africa with support for African countries, of 0.8 dirhams ($0.08) per unit. region. The US called Jiis a The number of coronavirus 1,686 cases and 12 deaths, as pledged by G20 members Those who fail to comply face “foundational member” of Al AFP — TUNIS cases in Africa rose above Algeria with 1,423 cases and 173 and other international prison sentences of up to three Shabaab, which controls parts 10,000 as the death toll moved deaths, Egypt with 1,322 cases partners, including the World months and a fine of up to 1,300 of central and southern Tunisia’s interior ministry closer to 500 yesterday. and 85 fatalities, and Morocco Bank and the International dirhams, the government said Somalia and frequently carries warned yesterday that people According to the Africa with 1,120 cases and 80 deaths. Monetary Fund. in a statement on Monday. out attacks in the capital, infected with coronavirus Centers for Disease Prevention All other countries have less The bureau, led by South Morocco plans to increase Mogadishu. could be prosecuted for and Control (Africa CDC), a total than 1,000 cases so far; Cam- African President Cyril Ram- its daily mask production “While we might like to manslaughter if they contam- of 10,075 COVID-19 cases have eroon has 650 cases and 9 aphosa, called for a “stimulus capacity to near 6 million next pause our operations in Somalia inate others by disobeying the now been reported in 52 of the fatalities, Tunisia 596 cases and package including deferred week from 3.3 million cur- because of the coronavirus, the health ministry’s instructions. continent’s 54 countries. 22 deaths, Burkina Faso 364 payments and suspension of rently, Industry Ministry leaders of Al Qaida, Al Shabaab “If someone who is sick The figure marked a rise of cases and 18 deaths, Ivory Coast interest payments” to help spokesman Taoufiq Moucharraf and ISIS have announced that does not self-isolate as 618 cases since Monday, while 323 cases and three fatalities, African countries focus on said. Textile factories across the they see this crisis as an oppor- required in line with health 45 more deaths brought Africa’s Nigeria 238 cases and five COVID-19 response measures. country have been encouraged tunity to further their terrorist ministry instructions, and they death toll to 487. The number deaths, Senegal 226 cases and Meanwhile, Morocco made to produce face masks, he said. agenda so we will continue to contaminate someone else, we of recoveries rose to 913 after two deaths, and Kenya 156 wearing face masks mandatory Morocco, which has imposed a stand with and support our will pursue them under the 65 more patients were dis- cases and six fatalities. starting yesterday for anyone month-long lockdown, con- African partners,” AFRICOM penal code,” Interior Minister charged from hospitals in dif- Last Friday, the African allowed to go out during the firmed as of Monday 1,120 coro- commander Gen. Stephen Hichem Mechichi told ferent countries. Union Bureau of Heads of State coronavirus outbreak, the navirus cases and 80 deaths. Townsend said. reporters. “If that cross-contami- nation results in death, they can be prosecuted for Cameroon ruling party sweeps manslaughter.” Testing has confirmed bypolls in anglophone regions some 600 cases of coronavirus in Tunisia, among which there AFP — YAOUNDE one in the South-West, state have been 22 fatalities. broadcaster CRTV reported. Since April 5, three hotels Cameroon’s ruling party has The wins reinforced the across the country have been swept all 13 seats in parlia- party’s massive majority in the equipped to take care of up to mentary by-elections held late 180-member parliament to 152 1,500 coronavirus patients last month in the conflict- seats. outside hospitals, according to wracked anglophone west of The two anglophone authorities. the country, the constitutional regions have been rocked by Around 120 people are council announced Tuesday. deadly violence as armed sep- currently staying in those Long-ruling President Paul aratists campaign for inde- hotels. Biya’s People’s Democratic pendence from the rest of Cam- But some infected people Movement (RDPC) won all 13 eroon, which is majority have been reluctant to remain seats at stake in 11 constitu- French-speaking. in quarantine. Queuing for free water encies in the North-West and The conflict has killed more “We will be strict in Residents carry their jerrycans to fill them with free water distributed by the Kenyan government South-West regions of the than 3,000 people and dis- applying the law... our respon- at Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday. President Kenyatta announced the distribution of free central African country. placed nearly 700,000 in less sibility is to protect the water to low income communities to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The RDPC “ran the table” than three years, according to people,” Mechichi said. in 10 North-West districts and humanitarian organisations. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Cars form lines at a drive-thru testing site for coronavirus disease at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, yesterday. EDITORIAL

Great push for global development The coronavirus puts press QATAR'S humanitarian and development initiatives, whether in the education or infrastructure field, have been freedom on the endangered list making a huge difference in the lives of millions of people across the world. Even at this trying times when every democracies are dealing with Fortunately, the court’s Despite President Donald country is struggling with the debilitating attack of it,” Joel Simon, executive decision, which cited the need Trump’s often-expressed COVID-19, Qatar has been keen in helping fellow coun- director of the Committee to to protect “free discussion animus toward the press, tries with sending medical supplies and extending Protect Journalists, told me. about the pandemic,” did not journalists in the United financial help where ever needed. “The democratic model could grant the government its States are still free to question Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development be badly damaged by this and desired right to view those leading the government (QFFD) has been offering aid to every corner of the world would be very very hard to reporting before its response to the pandemic and directly or through different organisations such as the rebuild.” publication. to report critically on the JASON REZAIAN United Nations. QFFD has participated in launching the THE WASHINGTON POST As the health of entire In Brazil, President Jair many inconsistencies in Lives and Livelihood (LLF), the largest development ini- populations comes under Bolsonaro has sought to dis- official policies at all levels. tiative in the Middle East. The LLF, established in coop- increasing threat, the concern credit and intimidate jour- We are constantly building a eration with the Islamic Development Bank Group IsDB), The coronavirus pandemic is for accurate and clear nalists covering the pan- historical record of the deci- the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a number of administering a surprise reporting is more essential demic. “People will know sions being made behind regional and international partners, aims to improve stress test to every industry than ever. When disaster soon that a large part of the closed doors. financing models and innovative partnerships, focusing and institution. Core demo- strikes - and the COVID-19 media have deceived them in PBS NewsHour White on issues of extreme poverty and support for maginalised cratic principles are under outbreak gripping the world this issue of the coronavirus,” House correspondent people with the goal of achieving Sustainable Devel- pressure, and governments’ right now certainly qualifies - Bolsonaro said in a television Yamiche Alcindor has become opment Goals (SDGs). Qatar has contributed $50m out respect for press freedom, domestic and local media interview last month. a living symbol of a calm and of the total $500m capital of the LLF, which provides one of the pillars of free soci- outlets are vital to combating Meanwhile, Hungary’s reasoned press amid a developing countries with funds estimated at $2bn. eties, is eroding. problems, including the strongman prime minister, general crisis, at times lit- During its chairmanship of the LLF from March 2019 to In some parts of the world, spread of a disease that could Viktor Orban, who this week erally reading Trump’s own March 2020, QFFD has been keen on providing financial the free flow of information decimate entire populations. used the coronavirus as a words back at him. assistance to developing and the poorest countries in the threatens to become a victim But in our hyperconnected pretext for rule by decree, is “Yamiche is a profes- Islamic world through multi-regional and international part- of this global public health and politicized world, many set to implement measures sional, at her level in the nerships. Qatar has always championed the wholesome crisis. leaders are manipulating the that would make it easy for business, in a similar way that development of every country, especially in the Islamic world, We must do everything news and pressuring local his government to imprison a physician is a professional,” through its pioneering efforts in improving education, pro- we can to protect the freedom media to obscure reality and journalists. Bill McCarren, executive viding employment opportunities, developing infrastructure of expression. Experience divert attention. Simon told me that CPJ’s director of the National Press facilities and improving the living conditions of millions of shows that winning it back China, Russia and Iran are correspondents who follow Club, told me. “The mic in her people, lifting the most deprived people out of poverty and will be extremely tough once among the world’s worst sup- developments in Spain and hand is our thermometer. Do helping developing countries achieve SDGs. The LLF, as it’s lost. pressors and distorters of Italy, two of the European not take it from her hand the largest development initiative in the Middle East, works “The challenge that we’re information. So their attempts countries hardest hit by the while she is working. Let her to improve financing models and innovative partnerships facing right now is a narrative to downplay the significance pandemic, have also seen take the reading.” in order to achieve the SDGs and to help IsDB member being written by authoritarian of outbreaks in their coun- ominous signs in authorities’ For the time being, at least, states to achieve these goals, utilising the practical expe- countries, that their way of tries, shift the blame to oppo- dealings with the press. Some these briefings continue on a rience of their partners in strengthening the targeted sectors. managing the crisis is more nents of their governments or officials have tried to limit the daily basis. It’s a sliver of hope in The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, were effective than how otherwise disinform come as ability of journalists to fully an otherwise abysmal moment adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 as a As the health of entire little surprise. cover the outbreak. Equally that our most sacred ideals may universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet Yet some of the most worrisome has been evidence survive this crisis. Some coun- and ensure that everybody enjoys peace and prosperity by populations comes shocking developments are that much of the public accepts tries will not be so lucky. 2030. The 17 integrated SDGs recognise the action in one under increasing taking place in well-established that such limitations are “The press and the free flow area will affect outcome in others ensuring that development democracies. This week in warranted. of information play a pivotal must be balanced with social, economic and environmental threat, the concern India, the government of Prime “This is so profoundly dis- role in the conduct of our sustainability. The SDGs strongly align with the policy Qatar for accurate and clear Minister Narendra Modi tressing,” Simon said. “The democracy,” McCarren said. has been pursuing for the past several decades, that is, requested a directive from the response makes sense given “The outcomes and exchanges while ensuring the development and the progress of eve- reporting is more country’s Supreme Court that their modern political his- of these briefings may not all be rybody inside the country by providing them with the best essential than ever. would require news outlets to tories, balancing authori- ideal, but this is, in general, good means available in the world, the state also makes great get state permission before pub- tarian structures of the past to see and reaffirming of what strides in seeing that the less-privileged people elsewhere lishing any coronavirus-related with democracy. When we all know to be true. Nothing in the world also enjoy the fruits of development in a peaceful content - essentially allowing they’re under stress, some of fake about it.” atmosphere, free of conflicts, wars and calamities. the government to censor cov- those authoritarian ten- Jason Rezaian is a writer erage as it deemed fit. dencies come back.” for Global Opinions.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The pandemic protectionism is spreading EMAIL: [email protected] SHAWN DONNAN the latest country to impose for itself, they crow.The truth build up strategic reserves, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 BLOOMBERG export controls on protective is somewhat more complex whether they be of oil, grains FAX: +974 4455 7758 equipment, banning and less politically potent. If or N95 masks, so that, in an Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II American companies like 3M there is a policy failure to learn emergency, they can be MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 on Sunday offered a vision of from overseas sales. from, it’s that governments released to avoid the chaos a world that was “united and In an era in which Pres- have wasted years - and not and inflated prices and profit- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 resolute” in battling the ident Donald Trump is usually just the early months of 2020 eering we’re seeing now. Covid-19 pandemic. leading the protectionist wave, - in preparing for a pandemic The problem now is not a LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 “This time we join with all the U.S. is actually a laggard. that many predicted would lack of domestic production. nations across the globe in a Dozens of countries have arrive someday. The U.S. That’s been made clear in the BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 common endeavor,” she said. imposed restrictions. China federal government’s inade- U.S. by the manufacturers “We will succeed - and that and the European Union acted quate stockpiles of N95 respi- from Ford and GM to Ralph SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 success will belong to every weeks ago. Germany’s Angela rators and ventilators is not a Lauren who have turned their one of us.” Merkel may, like the queen, failure of corporate supply American factories to making ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 It’s not what the monarch call publicly for cooperation chains or globalization. It’s a needed equipment. email: [email protected] meant, of course, but the but her government banned failure of planning for an There just wasn’t a market common endeavor the world exports of medical equipment emergency, which is the for what is now being PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 is engaged in now is a protec- in early March. highest responsibility of gov- urgently produced email: [email protected] tionist one. For all the rhetoric To economic nationalists ernments. If we pay our taxes beforehand because the about the united fight and the everywhere this is an “I told for any one reason, it is to be demand wasn’t there, which ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 need for internal cooperation, you so!” moment. protected from calamity by gets back to the role of gov- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] the current obsession in The pandemic, they argue, our leaders, or at least our ernments in making markets almost every country is how has exposed the false promises technocrats.The quasi-black where they might eventually CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 to ban exports and hoard pro- and underlying evil realities of market for protective be needed. What comes next? email: [email protected] tective masks, clothing and international alliances and equipment exists now because The reality check that if you ventilators. supply chains. We live in a of that failure. In normal times, throw up barriers others will SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 The US on Friday became world where every nation is governments are called to too, in all likelihood. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The pandemic is having very serious consequences for the world of work. Just over four out of every /Peninsula_Qatar five workers live in a country where partial or total lockdowns are in operation. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Guy Ryder, Director-General of the ILO +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 OPINION 09 Yemen: First bombs, soon a coronavirus epidemic

RADHYA AL-MUTAWAKEL AL JAZEERA

At a time when the world is scrambling to respond to COVID-19 and ensure that hospitals can treat all patients, Yemen has entered the sixth year of a war that has all but decimated its healthcare system. The new threats of the virus will complicate an already disastrous and entirely man-made humani- tarian crisis. The multiparty war that has ravaged Yemen the past five years has not The Saudi and spared hospitals or health Emirati-led coalition, workers the violence and destruction. the Houthi armed Mwatana for Human group, and the Rights, the organisation I UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres holds a virtual press conference on April 3, 2020, at UN headquarters in New York. Guterres founded in in 2007, docu- on Friday renewed his call for a global ceasefire, urging all parties to conflict to lay down arms and allow war-torn nations to combat internationally mented 120 attacks on health the coronavirus pandemic. recognised facilities and medical per- sonnel by all parties to the the collapse of the healthcare In addition to being caught facilities closed and those that to victims. government of Yemen conflict in Yemen between system. They have launched in the crossfire, hospitals remained operational lacked In Yemen, our worst fears have all contributed 2015 and 2018. They resulted aerial or ground attacks on across Taiz were suffering specialists, essential will likely become a reality: to the collapse of the in the death of 96 civilians known, occupied medical from shortages of oxygen to equipment, and medicines. another epidemic. While and health workers and facilities, looted medical sup- perform basic operations due The few remaining and novel to the entire world, the healthcare system. wounded hundreds of others. plies, and assaulted medical to the siege imposed by barely functional medical disease may be particularly They have launched In a report released in personnel, among other Houthi and Saleh forces. centres were often occupied deadly to countries in conflict March by Mwatana for Human violations. In Sanaa, the hospitals I and militarised by parties to like Yemen. A friend of mine aerial or ground Rights and US-based organi- What I saw when I visited visited were not equipped to the conflict, thereby weapon- who lives in Sanaa told me: “If attacks on known, sation Physicians for Human hospitals in the city of Taiz treat the large numbers of ising and co-opting access to Coronavirus arrives in Yemen, Rights, we illustrate how these and the capital Sanaa in 2015 people injured in Saudi/ healthcare. These acts vio- we should just dig our graves occupied medical attacks were carried out and was heartbreaking. The UAE-led coalition air attacks. lated the medical principle of and wait quietly for death.” facilities, looted how they have contributed to Republican Public Hospital in I still remember the scene of non-discriminatory The spread of coronavirus medical supplies, and the disastrous humanitarian Taiz was empty, like a ghost wounded people filling the healthcare provision and anywhere is a threat to eve- situation in Yemen. This is just house. It was in an area that hallways of understaffed hos- exposed many of these struc- ryone. While countries shore assaulted medical a snapshot, with the actual soon became the site of pitals. I will never forget the tures to the risk of losing their up their own health systems personnel, among number of attacks on health armed clashes between overwhelmed doctors and protected status under the to battle coronavirus, they facilities likely being much Houthi and forces loyal to the nurses, unable to respond laws of armed conflict. must not ignore the plight of other violations. higher. late Yemeni President Ali adequately and feeling All parties to the conflict Yemenis who are already The Saudi and Emirati-led Abdullah Saleh on one side helpless due to the lack of have threatened, injured, under attack. coalition, the Houthi armed and “public resistance” forces essential medical equipment. abducted, detained, and killed Radhya Al-Mutawakel is group, and the internationally affiliated with the gov- By the end of 2016, just health workers. This hostile co-founder and chairperson recognised government of ernment of Yemen on the one year into the war, more environment led almost all of Mwatana for Human Yemen have all contributed to other. than half of Yemen’s health foreign medical professionals, Rights. who comprised approxi- mately 25 percent of the The few remaining health workforce before the escalation of the conflict, to and barely functional flee the country, putting medical centres further strain on the healthcare system. were often occupied Today, Yemen is facing a and militarised by tremendous shortage of parties to the conflict, medical professionals, with only 10 health workers per thereby weaponising 10,000 people - less than half and co-opting access of the minimum ratio recom- mended by the World Health to healthcare. These Organization to provide the acts violated the most basic health coverage to a population of this size. The medical principle of destruction of health facilities non-discriminatory and the shortage of medical professionals have all con- healthcare provision tributed to a catastrophic situ- and exposed many of ation for civilians in Yemen. these structures to This explains why Yemenis suf- fered an outbreak of an easily the risk of losing their preventable disease, cholera. protected status under Parties to the conflict in Yemen must cease attacking the laws of armed and weaponising healthcare conflict. across the country and should immediately conduct investi- gations into attacks to ensure accountability for crimes A view of an empty street after precautions against the coronavirus pandemic are taken in Sana’a, Yemen, yesterday. committed, and offer redress Schools should consider keeping kids in the same grade this fall Most critical - and sensitive - ability to work and read inde- critical in assessing how much funding to pay for them. (In is whether kids should be pendently. But most low- ground has been lost in future years, some of the “socially promoted” to the income, low-performing ele- reading and math. Students “first-year” kindergarteners next grade come fall. The mentary students will struggle who are assessed as ready for would move ahead, but others answer for millions of ele- mightily, almost surely falling the next grade level can move might benefit from additional mentary pupils who were even further behind. Thou- onward. time, especially if the school is already a year or two behind sands of Title I schools The next step would be for again hit by long closures.) MICHAEL J PETRILLI when the crisis struck should nationwide, serving upward teachers to develop plans for Principals would also THE WASHINGTON POST be no. of 10 million students, are full each pupil to make progress, need to find extra space for That is especially true of kids fitting this description. aimed at getting them to additional classrooms, though since the 2020-2021 school So when schools reopen in grade level by June. The plans thanks to declining Education leaders nationwide year is likely to be rocky as the fall, these students should should involve as much enrollment (caused by the are working 24/7 to set up well. Even if some states and remain in their current grade small-group instruction as ongoing baby bust), that distance-learning opportu- communities are prepared to and, ideally, return to the possible, with kids clustered shouldn’t be an insur- Then teachers nities for their students for the return to a semblance of nor- familiarity of their current according to their current mountable hurdle. should develop rest of the school year. That malcy in September, localized teacher. (Other types of reading or math levels, plus None of this is ideal. It includes navigating multiple outbreaks are likely to shutter schools - including affluent some online learning oppor- would have been far better if individualized logistical and regulatory schools again for weeks or schools, middle schools and tunities in case schools are U.S. schools had embraced plans to fill hurdles, training millions of months at a time. high schools - may also want closed again. Those who are “personalized learning” long educators overnight in how to All of this time away from to consider a similar furthest behind could get before the crisis hit - whereby in the gaps in use online tools, and figuring school is going to be particu- approach.) The first order of regular one-on-one tutoring kids move at their own pace, kids’ knowledge out how to get digital devices larly devastating for poor and business will be to attend to from specialists. This would rather than in lockstep with and skills and and packets of printed working-class youngsters, the social, emotional and be different from just their peers. But if there’s any material into children’s hands, many of whom are already mental health needs of their “repeating the grade,” which, silver lining, it’s that school accelerate their among dozens of other below grade level. Their children and to reestablish research shows, rarely helps closures create an unprece- progress to grade pressing tasks. parents are often working the supportive and comforting students catch up. dented opportunity to give So it’s understandable if sorts of jobs that don’t have routines. To be sure, holding back struggling students the gift of level. educators are a bit preoc- the option of being done vir- Then teachers should most students would present extra time. That will reap cupied at the moment. But it’s tually, and their homes are develop individualized plans challenges. For one, schools rewards in the years ahead. not too early to plan for next more likely to lack high-speed to fill in the gaps in kids’ would have two kindergarten Petrilli is president of the year, because major decisions Internet and ample devices. knowledge and skills and cohorts, so principals would Thomas B. Fordham Institute loom that could impact stu- Perhaps middle and high accelerate their progress to have to quickly staff up to find and a visiting fellow at dents’ trajectories for the rest school students can overcome grade level. The use of high- qualified teachers for the Stanford University’s Hoover of their academic careers. these challenges, given their quality diagnostic tests will be extra classrooms and extra Institution. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 Japan ramps up battle, declares month-long state of emergency

AP — TOKYO The state of cruise ship that was quaran- emergency, which tined earlier at Yokohama port Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo near Tokyo. Abe declared a month-long is until May 6, will Abe has been under state of emergency for Tokyo only permit Tokyo pressure to declare a state of and six other prefectures emergency to get better com- yesterday to ramp up defences Gov. Yuriko Koike pliance with calls for social dis- against the spread of the coro- and heads of the six tancing amid rising alarm over navirus as the number of infec- other prefectures to the number of cases without tions surges. any known contact with other But the move came in the do more to reinforce patients. form of a stay-at-home request calls for social Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike — not an order — and violators welcomed the emergency will not be penalised. distancing. measures, saying she expects The COVID-19 outbreak is they “will prevail widely and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (foreground) delivers a report to committee members of the now rampant and rapidly deeply among the people.” Lower House of Parliament before declaring a state of emergency, in Tokyo yesterday. spreading, threatening people’s month, calling the coronavirus She said her immediate health, their daily lives and the pandemic “the biggest postwar request under the state of emer- economy, Abe said. crisis.” The announcement gency is “stay home.” emergency clause for disaster request; guidance to schools on clusters of cases and keeping The state of emergency, follows surges in new cases in Japan’s limits on official and wartime contingencies. temporary closures and them under control, rather than which is until May 6, will only Tokyo, including consecutive action during a state of emer- Abe’s government is thought requests to close nonessential conducting massive testing as permit Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike rises exceeding 100 over the gency stem from its experience to have delayed declaring a businesses and stores and to was done in neighboring South and heads of the six other pre- weekend. with repression and disasters state of emergency out of fear cancel or postpone events and Korea. fectures to do more to reinforce By yesterday there were stemming from fascist govern- of how it might hurt the exhibits. Violators cannot be That strategy appears to be calls for social distancing. 1,196 confirmed cases in the ments before and during World economy. But as fear of the pan- penalised unless they fail to failing given the sharp rise in “The most important thing metropolitan region of 14 War II. demic has grown, the public and comply with orders on pro- cases not linked to previous is for each one of us to change million people. Nationwide, The public is doubly wary medical experts have increas- viding or storing emergency known infections. our activity,” Abe told a gov- Japan has reported 91 deaths due to the push by Abe’s ultra- ingly supported taking more relief goods, such as surgical As is true in many places, ernment task force. He urged from COVID-19 and 3,906 con- conservative ruling party and its drastic action. masks and medical equipment. there are fears over shortages everyone to cut contacts with firmed cases, plus another 712 supporters for a constitutional The state of emergency Earlier, Japan sought to curb of beds and ICU units for others by 70-80 percent for one cases and 11 fatalities from a amendment to include a state of includes a stay-at-home infections by closely monitoring patients with severe symptoms. Bangladesh Putrajaya in Malaysia declared COVID-19 ‘red zone’ arrests killer of ANATOLIA — KUALA LUMPUR confirmed cases to 3,963. The as hot spots of the virus economic stimulus package to recovered, according to data death toll has reached 63. outbreak. support businesses and ease the compiled by the US-based Johns Mujibur Rahman Malaysia has declared its Local daily Star newspaper Last week, they extended economic burden on people due Hopkins University. Nearly administrative capital of quoted Abdullah as saying that anti-coronavirus measures by to the pandemic. 76,000 have died. AP — DHAKA Putrajaya as “red zone” the fatality rate in Malaysia was another two weeks, until April Meanwhile, travelers While the crisis abates in following a surge in coronavirus less than 2 percent. 14. entering Malaysia are put under China, the rest of the world Police in Bangladesh arrested cases in the region, the coun- Putrajaya, from where the The government ordered all a mandatory quarantine of two remains firmly in the grip of the a fugitive killer of the country’s try’s Health Ministry said on Southeast Asian country’s business selling daily essentials, weeks. After originating in disease. independence leader Sheikh Monday. federal government operates, including supermarkets and Wuhan, China late last year, the The number of infections in Mujibur Rahman yesterday, The country’s health chief has recorded 41 positive cases, petrol stations, stalls, restau- virus has spread to at least 184 the US, over 368,000, are nearly 45 years after the brutal Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said according to state-run news rants, and food delivery services countries and territories. higher than any other country. assassination, the country’s Malaysia detected 170 new agency Bernama. to operate from 8am to 8pm The virus has infected over The most number of deaths, home minister said. COVID-19 cases yesterday, Authorities have designated only. 1.35 million people worldwide, however, have occurred in Italy Abdul Majed, a former mil- taking the national tally of 21 locations across the country Besides, it also rolled out an while some 292,000 have and Spain. itary captain, was arrested in the capital, Dhaka, Home Min- ister Asaduzzaman Khan said, adding that the arrest was “the Two South Koreans recover from virus after plasma therapy biggest gift” for Bangladesh this year. AFP — SEOUL Kwon Jun-wook, an official Majed had publicly at Seoul’s Central Disease announced his involvement in Two elderly South Korean coro- Control Headquarters, said the assassination after the navirus patients recovered from plasma therapy was “important” killing and had reportedly been severe pneumonia after being when there was “currently no hiding in India for many years. treated with plasma from vaccine or treatment available” It was not clear when or how survivors, researchers said for the virus. he returned to Bangladesh. yesterday, offering hope in the He called on experts to Majed is one of a dozen face of the global pandemic. examine the two cases urgently. defendants whose death sen- Scientists have pointed to Research on plasma and tences were upheld by the the potential benefits of plasma other therapies “will proceed country’s Supreme Court in — a blood fluid — from quickly”, Kwon added. 2009. A trial court in 1998 had recovered individuals who have Small studies on plasma sentenced them to death for developed antibodies to the have demonstrated its effec- their involvement in the Aug. virus enabling the body’s tiveness in treating infectious 15, 1975, killing of Rahman and defences to attack it. diseases, including Ebola and most of his family members by Since emerging in China in SARS. a group of army officials. December, the coronavirus has Trials started in France yes- Rahman is the father of killed almost 75,000 people as terday involving 60 patients in current Prime Minister Sheikh drugmakers worldwide race to Paris hospitals, half of whom Hasina. Hasina and her younger develop a vaccine and treat- will receive plasma from sister Sheikh Rehana were the ments for the disease. recovered patients. only survivors in the family, as Plasma therapy could The US Food and Drug they were visiting Germany become “an alternative Administration authorised phy- during the assassination. treatment for patients in critical South Koreans wearing protective face masks attend a drive-in worship service following the outbreak sicians to experiment with the In 2010, five others who condition who do not respond of the coronavirus disease in Seoul, South Korea. strategy to fight the coronavirus, admitted to taking part in the to antiviral drugs,” said Choi and tests are also being carried assassination were hanged to Jun-yong, a doctor and One of the two patients was He was initially given and oxygen therapy. She began out in China. death. One man died of natural researcher at Severance Hos- a 71-year-old man with no malaria drugs and a respirator to recover after receiving South Korea endured one of causes in Zimbabwe. The other pital in Seoul, where both underlying conditions who only for severe pneumonia. plasma therapy and steroids at the worst early outbreaks of the six convicts, including Majed, patients were treated. improved when treated with The other patient, a the same time, researchers said. virus, but appears to have were at large. At least one of But large-scale clinical trials plasma from a recovered 67-year-old female, also did not Their findings were pub- brought it under control thanks them is in Canada and another were needed to prove its effec- patient in his 20s, along with respond to initial treatments lished in the peer-reviewed to its extensive “trace, test and in the United States, officials tiveness, he added. steroids. including malaria, HIV drugs, Journal of Korean Medicine. treat” programme. say. India eases malaria drug export ban after Trump’s threat Indian state leaders reluctant to AFP — NEW DELHI quences otherwise. ending world’s biggest lockdown “If he doesn’t allow it to India announced yesterday a come out, that would be okay, partial lifting of a fresh export but of course, there may be REUTERS — NEW DELHI wages to flee to their homes in fatalities from the respiratory concerns that it won’t escape the ban on a malaria drug seen as a retaliation, why wouldn’t there the countryside for food and disease has topped 10,000. surge seen in other parts of the potential coronavirus treatment, be?” Trump said on Monday. India’s 21-day lockdown is set to shelter. Modi, who has faced criticism world. Bangladesh Prime Min- after US President Donald The Indian foreign ministry end next week but several state The chief minister of the for ordering the lockdown with ister Sheikh Hasina warned of a Trump hinted at “retaliation”. swiftly backtracked and yes- leaders have called for an southern state of Telangana barely four hours’ notice is due big outbreak this month. Citing domestic needs, India terday said it would now licence extension or only a partial lifting which has been hit by a rash of to make a decision this week “We have got some reports, banned on Saturday exports of the export of the drug and para- of restrictions, saying is the only cases tied to a Muslim religious about whether to extend it. which said there will be a hydroxychloroquine which has cetamol — exports of which way to avoid a coronavirus gathering in Delhi said the The leaders of the eastern massive hike in cases in Bang- shown early promise against were restricted in March — “in epidemic that will be difficult to country could take the hit to the states of Assam and Chhattigarh ladesh. So, we have to be very COVID-19 in small-scale studies appropriate quantities to all our tackle. economy and that it was more said they would like to keep the careful to overcome the crisis,” in France and China. neighbouring countries who are India has so far escaped a big important to save lives. state borders closed or allow only Hasina told government India is the world’s largest dependent on our surge in cases after Prime Min- “I am for the lockdown of the restricted entry while they dealt officials. producer and exporter of the capabilities.” ister Narendra Modi asked its 1.3 country further more after April with the infections. She said the garment industry drug, according to media “We will also be supplying billion people to stay indoors in 15. Because, we can recover from “As and when the lockdown will also have to remain shut as reports. these essential drugs to some the world’s biggest lockdown last the economic problem. But, we is withdrawn, we have to regulate part of the lockdown till April 14 Global stocks are however nations who have been partic- month that authorities have cannot get back lives,” K. Chan- those wanting to come to Assam,” even though businesses had limited and Trump said that he ularly badly affected by the pan- enforced tightly. drasekhar Rao told reporters. said Health Minister Himanta asked for an exemption for the had pressed Indian Prime Min- demic,” foreign ministry But shuttering down the India has 4,421 coronavirus Biswa Sarma. country’s top export earner. ister Narendra Modi this spokesman Anurag Srivastava $2.9tn economy has left millions cases and 115 deaths, compara- Across South Asia, home to So far, the densely packed weekend to expedite ship- said in a statement. of people without work and tively less than some countries one fifth of the world’s popu- country of 160 million has had ments, hinting at conse- forced those who live on daily such as the United States where lation, there are growing 123 cases including 12 deaths. WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 ASIA 11 Wuhan ends lockdown; no virus deaths in China REUTERS — BEIJING For the first time media briefing yesterday. With mainland China well Mainland China reported since the commission past February’s peak of infec- yesterday no coronavirus deaths began publishing tions, authorities have turned for the first time since the their attention to imported cases pandemic began and a drop in nationwide data in and asymptomatic patients, who new cases, a day before the late January, Hubei’s show no symptoms but can still central city of Wuhan, where the provincial capital pass on the virus. virus emerged late in December, Total infections in mainland was set to lift its lockdown. of Wuhan saw no China stood at 81,740 on Monday China had 32 new infections new deaths, joining with 3,331 deaths, the com- by Monday, down from 39 a day mission said. It reported 30 new earlier, the National Health the rest of mainland asymptomatic cases, nine Commission said. China, which has involving incoming travellers. Of For the first time since the the new asymptomatic cases, 18 commission began publishing recorded none since were in Hubei. nationwide data in late January, March 31. By the end of Monday, 1,033 Hubei’s provincial capital of asymptomatic patients were Wuhan saw no new deaths, But zero new cases do not under medical observation. joining the rest of mainland mean zero risks, the provincial Overseas arrivals made up China, which has recorded none counter-epidemic authority said all 32 of the new cases with since March 31. in a statement. symptoms, down from 38 a day Wuhan, a city of 11 million Wuhan residents are urged earlier. Total imported infections that reported only two new not to leave their neigh- stand at 983, the commission infections in the past fortnight, bourhood, their city and even the said. China faces the “dual risks” is due to allow residents to leave province unless necessary, of imported infections and the city today for the first time according to the statement. domestic cluster outbreaks, a People wearing face masks commute on a street, in Beijing, yesterday. since it was locked down on Zhejiang, a populous commission spokesman told a January 23 to curb the spread of province in the east, will conduct briefing yesterday. Yesterday, the Chinese con- yesterday. travellers through airports is the virus. all the necessary tests on people The northeast province of sulate in the Russian city of China has shut its borders to fewer than 3,000 a day, down From midnight, traffic arriving from Wuhan over the Heilongjiang reported 20 new Vladivostok near the border with foreigners as the virus spread from about 25,000 in late March, control checkpoints in Wuhan next 14 days. cases, all in Chinese citizens China said it strongly reminded globally, though most imported before China slashed the number will be dismantled, and normal The move aims to step up returning from neighbouring Chinese nationals not to return cases have involved Chinese of international flights. operation of railways, airports, targeted screening of asympto- Russia. It had reported 20 new home through the border port nationals returning from It also started testing all waterways, highways and buses matic infections, the Zhejiang infections on Sunday, all also of Suifenhe, which was to be overseas. international arrivals for the will resume. provincial government told a cases imported from Russia. closed to all arrivals from The number of inbound virus this month. Jakarta gets more powers to impose social restrictions Coronavirus REUTERS — JAKARTA restrictions already in place “this cases in is just a stamp that makes it look Indonesia approved yesterday a official.” Pakistan request by the Jakarta adminis- Governor Baswedan and his tration to impose further large- representatives did not immedi- rise to 4,004 scale social restrictions on the ately respond to requests for capital, the epicentre for novel comment. AGENCIES — ISLAMABAD coronavirus cases in the There has been friction Southeast Asian country. between the central and local The total number coronavirus President Joko Widodo has governments on social distancing cases in Pakistan reached to focused on combating the spread measures, with some regional 4,004 yesterday as the country of the disease through social dis- leaders attempting to lock down reported 577 new cases, its tancing policies, but has resisted their borders to stem the coro- highest daily tally to date. the touagh lockdown measures navirus spread. Meanwhile, four fatalities adopted in many countries. Hundreds of thousands of were reported over the past 24 Official data shows the virus Jakarta residents have left in hours, raising the death toll to has infected 2,491 people in the recent weeks for their home vil- 54, according to the country’s world’s fourth most populous lages to find a safe haven, or after Health Ministry. country and killed 209, though a losing their jobs, officials said. The ministry said 28 of the low level of testing and data There are also growing fears total patients are in critical showing a spike in funerals in that the annual exodus of tens of condition, while 429 people Jakarta indicates the toll could be millions of people to homes have recovered across the higher. A large portion of Indo- across the archipelago for the country. nesia’s confirmed cases are in the Medical staff conducts coronavirus test on migrant workers after arriving at Juanda International Muslim Ramadan holiday would A total of 39,183 people city region. Airport in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, yesterday. accelerate the outbreak. have been tested in the country Yesterday, Health Minister Indonesia said last week it of over 200 million people, Terawan Agus Putranto signed a with state agencies helping to schools and workplaces. are voluntary and Jakarta Gov- would give cash to poor families with 3,088 tests conducted central government order, giving implement them. Jakarta had already shut ernor Anies Baswedan has to persuade them to stay in over the past 24 hours. approval for the Jakarta gov- The restrictions include lim- schools and enacted some pushed for a tougher response. Jakarta, but the government has With 1,918 cases, the north- ernment to impose a range of iting religious events, defence- restriction measures after Pandu Riono, a public health rejected calls for a ban on the eastern Punjab province, social restrictions in the city related activities, socio-cultural declaring a state of emergency expert at the University of Indo- “mudik”, as the migration is which accounts for more than region over the next two weeks, activities, and the closing of that runs until April 19, but most nesia, said with some of the called locally. half of the country’s popu- lation, is the worst-hit area in Pakistan. The southern Sindh New Zealand demotes province has 932 cases, north- western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 500 cases, and south- minister for breach western Balochistan province has 202 cases, according to the ministry’s data. of lockdown rules The northern Gilgit Baltistan region accounts for REUTERS — SYDNEY Health Minister 211 of the country’s total cases, while the capital Islamabad New Zealand Prime Minister David Clark drove has 83, and Jammu and Jacinda Ardern said his family to the Kashmir has 18 cases so far. yesterday she had rejected Since appearing in China last her health minister’s offer beach in the early December, the novel corona- to resign for breaching stages of the virus has spread to at least 184 nationwide lockdown rules lockdown, flouting countries and regions, as doing so would jeop- according to figures compiled ardise plans to slow the social distancing by the US-based Johns Hopkins spread of the new corona- rules, the Prime University. virus. Health Minister David Minister said. Clark drove his family to the Philippines Badly damaged buildings are pictured near Vanuatu’s capital of Port Vila yesterday after tropical beach in the early stages of cyclone Harold swept past and hit islands to the north. the lockdown, flouting national emergency for a social distancing rules, the further seven days. extends prime minister said. Ashley Bloomfield, the “Under normal condi- director-general of health, lockdown Monster cyclone tears through tions I would sack the min- told a regular briefing the ister of health. What he did Pacific nation’s new daily REUTERS — MANILA was wrong, and there are no cases of COVID-19 dropped Vanuatu’s second largest town excuses,” Ardern said in to 54 yesterday, the lowest Philippine President Rodrigo Wellington. count in nearly two weeks, Duterte yesterday approved the AFP — PORT VILA, VANUATU World Vision’s Vanuatu scale of the disaster would Instead, Ardern said she taking the total tally to extension of lockdown and director Kendra Gates Der- remain unclear until remote had demoted Clark to the 1,160. home quarantine measures A deadly cyclone destroyed ousseau said the charity’s local island communities, such as bottom of cabinet rankings Bloomfield said he covering more than half of the much of Vanuatu’s second- manager told her the damage southern Pentecost, had been and stripped him of his role expected the number of new population, a crisis panel official largest town but early warnings was comparable to the last cat- contacted. as associate finance coronavirus infections to said, in an effort to contain the appeared to have prevented egory five monster to hit the “They were directly in the minister. continue at the “same level” spread of the coronavirus. mass casualties in the Pacific country, Cyclone Pam in 2015. eye (of the cyclone) and they “I expect better, and so before declining. The Enhanced Community nation, with some residents “I managed to speak to her have very few concrete buildings, does New Zealand,” she said. New Zealand has Quarantine was due to end sheltered in caves to stay safe, on a satellite phone and she they shelter in traditional thatch Clark said in a statement reported one novel corona- next week but would be aid workers said yesterday. estimated about 50 percent of dwellings or caves,” she said. that he had been “an idiot, virus-related death. extended until April 30, Karlo Tropical Cyclone Harold, dwellings have been signifi- Red Cross Vanuatu sec- and I understand why people A total of 65 people have Nograles, a cabinet secretary, which claimed 27 lives when it cantly damaged, the World retary general Jacqueline de will be angry with me”. recovered from the illness told a regular news conference. swept through the Solomon Vision office has lost its roof,” Gaillande said the communi- New Zealand, with a pop- overnight, which was more Policies restricting movement Islands last week, lashed Van- she said. cations issues meant that the ulation of nearly 5 million than the total number of and gatherings have been in uatu’s northern provinces over- “She mentioned that she has most recent updates she people, in late March started cases reported yesterday. place in and around the capital night as a scale-topping cat- heard no reports of casualties received were social media a four-week national Despite these promising Manila since nearly a month ago, egory five superstorm. or any significant injuries at this posts from the charity’s local lockdown by closing schools, signs, officials have urged in response to confirmation of The town of Luganville, time,” the Port Vila-based aid staffers on Monday evening. restaurants, cafes and gyms greater vigilance especially the first domestic population 16,500, took a direct worker added. “They showed a lot of and shutting its borders to over the Easter holidays. transmission. hit as winds of 235km per hour Communications remain damage but we have no most foreign nationals. “Now is not the time to The Philippines was among brought down buildings and down across much of the country numbers of casualties yet,” she Yesterday, it also extended change any of our behav- the first countries to adopt strict caused flash flooding. and Gates Derousseau said the said. for a second time the state of iours,” Ardern said. home quarantine measures. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 Paris bans daytime jogging Queen Elizabeth II thanks health workers as virus deaths hit new high around the world Prime Minister Edouard Philippe REUTERS — LONDON told parliament Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II(pictured) yesterday sent a that “the period of message of “enduring appreci- confinement will ation and good wishes” to health workers around the world for continue”. World Health Day. “I want to thank all those working in the healthcare pro- AFP — PARIS fession for your selfless com- mitment and diligence as you Paris yesteday banned daytime undertake vitally important roles jogging to keep people from to protect and improve the health bending anti-coronavirus and well-being of people,” the lockdown rules as France Queen said. breached 10,000 deaths due to The Queen’s words were Nurses use medical equipment as they attend to patients infected with COVID-19 at an intensive care the outbreak. shown on a video released by the unit at a hospital, in Paris, yesterday. Other cities also announced royal family’s Twitter account, stricter restrictions, some con- which featured images of the wishes,” the Queen said. troversial, on the day top health Interior Minister Christophe aids the fight against the epi- But France’s Human Rights Queen and other members of her The 93-year-old monarch is official Jerome Salomon told Castaner has urged municipal demic,” Paris Mayor Anne League said yesterday it would family visiting hospitals and staying at her Windsor Castle journalists 10,328 people had officials to toughen restrictions Hidalgo and police chief Didier take the mayor to court for what meeting healthcare workers. home with her husband Prince died of COVID-19 in France since on movement if necessary, and Lallement said in a statement it considered a violation of fun- Included in the video were Philip, 98. March 1. Paris announced it would enforce yesterday announcing the partial damental human liberties. three of the Queen’s children: On Sunday, in a rare tele- Of these, 7,091 had perished a ban on individual outdoor jogging ban. And the Atlantic coastal Prince Charles and his wife vised address, the Queen told the in hospitals — 597 in the last 24 sports between the hours of Paris and other cities have resort city of Biarritz yesterday Camilla, Princess Anne, and British people that they would hours — and 3,237 in old age 10am and 7pm starting today. already closed public parks and overturned a two-minute limit it Prince Edward. The Queen’s overcome the coronavirus out- homes, Salomon said, warning Under the nationwide orders, gardens as part of the nationwide had set for people to spend on grandson Prince William and his break if they stayed resolute in “the epidemic is continuing its people can leave home only for lockdown that requires people public benches after widespread wife Kate Middleton were also the face of lockdown and progression.” essential purposes, which include to carry a document justifying criticism. pictured. self-isolation. “We are in the ascending a solo walk or run within a one- any excursion from the home. Prime Minister Edouard “In testing times, we often She invoked the wartime phase of the epidemic, even if it kilometre radius of home. Those caught without the Philippe told parliament, mean- observe that the best of the spirit by saying “we will meet is slowing a bit,” he said, adding But amid a spell of sunny document risk a fine starting at while, that “the period of con- human spirit comes to the fore; again” — a direct reference to the “we have not yet reached the spring weather, large groups of €135. finement will continue.” the dedication to service of most famous British song from peak.” Parisians were seen running, In the north of France, the The lockdown “is difficult for countless nurses, midwives and the war years of the 1940s. Senior government officials walking and congregating over mayor of Marcq-en-Baroeul has many French people, I am fully other health workers, in these Prince Charles, 71, has warned it was too early to think the weekend, even as police made spitting in public, coughing aware of this. But it is essential if most challenging of circum- recovered after suffering mild of lifting the nationwide stepped up patrols and already or sneezing without covering we do not wish to find ourselves stances, is an example to us all,” symptoms of the virus and lockdown which entered into overstretched hospitals grappled one’s face, and throwing used in an even worse situation than she said. opened a new field hospital in force on March 17 and is set to with an influx of patients. masks and gloves in the street the one we are experiencing “My family and I send our London via video link from his run until April 15, for now. “Every excursion avoided punishable by a fine of €68. today,” he said. enduring appreciation and good home in Scotland on Friday. Harry, Meghan to start non-profit COVID-19 deaths in UK hit new record; Premier ‘stable’ ANATOLIA — LONDON support,” the spokesman said. organisation The official said Johnson was British health authorities not receiving “special treatment” AFP — LONDON announced yesterday that the amid comments that a ventilator UK-wide death toll from the was being set aside for him at a Britain’s Prince Harry and his novel coronavirus increased by time the country was seeking wife Meghan Markle are 786 in 24 hours, the biggest rise many more in order to meet planning to launch a wide- on record. projected rising demand. There ranging non-profit organi- The Department of Health was “significant spare capacity,” sation named Archewell, reported: “213,181 people have including ventilators, in the hos- reports yesterday said. been tested of which 55,242 pitals, he added. The Duke and Duchess of tested positive. The official urged against Sussex, who formally stepped “As of 5pm on April 6, of seeking exit strategies out of the down as senior members of those hospitalised in the UK who ongoing nationwide lockdown. the British royal family last tested positive for coronavirus, The lockdown is to be reviewed week, told the Daily Telegraph 6,159 have sadly died.” Prime every three weeks, with the first newspaper they were estab- Minister Boris Johnson was review to take place next lishing the organisation in the admitted into intensive care late Monday. United States, where they are on Monday as his condition The spokesman refused to now based. deteriorated since contracting confirm or deny that it would be The charitable organi- the virus. extended. sation will include emotional At a daily press briefing, “We informed you all as support groups, a multimedia Foreign Minister Dominic Raab British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (right) and Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty soon as was practically possible. educational empire and a said, “I’m confident he’ll pull attending a remote press conference, in London, yesterday. We have a commitment to be as wellbeing website among through because if there’s one transparent as we can be other things. thing I know about this prime Earlier in the day, Queen also extended her good wishes, “The prime minister has throughout this process,” he said. They said they wanted “to minister, he’s a fighter.” Elizabeth II sent a message to saying: “We are all willing you been stable overnight and After appearing in China last do something of meaning, to Raab was asked by Johnson Johnson and his partner, Carrie on, Boris.” remains in good spirits. He is December, the novel corona- do something that matters”. to deputise for him while he is Symonds, saying her thoughts During a separate press receiving standard oxygen virus has spread to at least 184 The couple filed in intensive care. Chancellor were with them and that she briefing earlier in the day, the treatment and breathing without countries and regions, according paperwork for their new Rishi Sunak would be next in line wished the prime minister “a full prime minister’s spokesman said any other assistance. He has not to data compiled by the US- venture in the US last month, if Raab were to fall ill, according and speedy recovery.” Scottish Johnson did not have required mechanical ventilation based Johns Hopkins the Telegraph said. to a government spokesman. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon pneumonia. or non-invasive respiratory University. They have delayed releasing full details about it because of the coronavirus pandemic and will make an Coronavirus deaths tick up again to 13,798 in Spain announcement “when the time is right”, they told the paper. REUTERS — MADRID the world after Italy. in the world after the United reported in recent days that number of extra fatalities is Their proposals are for “a Still, the proportional daily States. For lockdown restrictions insufficient testing means the real higher than the number con- vast and ambitious array of Spain’s pace of coronavirus increase of 5.7 percent was about to be lifted, officials say testing death toll could be much higher. firmed to have died from the projects” under the name deaths ticked up for the first time half that reported a week ago. has to be widened, to find car- Asked about that, gov- coronavirus, according to calcu- Archewell to replace their pre- in five days yesterday, with 743 “It is normal to have some riers who may have mild or no ernment spokeswoman Maria lations based on data collected vious “Sussex Royal” brand, it people succumbing overnight, oscillations... What matters is to symptoms. The government is Jesus Montero told a news con- by the health and justice added. but there was still hope the see the trend and the cumulative planning mass, quick antibody ference it was possible there ministries. The new name is derived national lockdown might be data,” said Maria Jose Sierra, tests in coming days. Cadena Ser could be time lags between the In the central region of Cas- from the Greek word Arche, eased soon. deputy chief of health emer- radio said about 62,000 people report of a death and its attri- tilla La Mancha, around 2,000 meaning “source of action”, Yesterday’s toll from the gencies, adding that latest data would be tested twice with an bution to the virus, but that she more people died than usual and was reportedly the inspi- health ministry compared to 637 included some delayed notifica- interval of 21 days to see the had no further information. between March 15 and April 3, but ration behind the name of deaths registered during the pre- tions from the weekend. effect of any easing of measures Thirteen of Spain’s 17 regions fewer than 1,000 coronavirus their 11-month-old son, Archie vious 24 hours, taking the total Total cases rose to 140,510 — on contagion. have registered more deaths than deaths were registered during Mountbatten-Windsor. to 13,798, the second highest in the highest in Europe and second Some Spanish media have usual, and in 11 of those, the those three weeks. Italy reports 604 new deaths, slowest rise in contagion ANATOLIA — ROME percent from Monday to 94,067 business activities in Italy — until — the slowest rise since the start at least April 13. However, Italy yesterday reported 604 of the outbreak in Italy. The authorities are worried that the more deaths from the novel coro- number of recovered people also nice weather, coupled with the navirus, bringing the total continued to rise, climbing to upcoming Easter vacation, will number of fatalities to 17,127 — 24,392, while the number of push more people outdoor, mul- the highest worldwide — but intensive care patients dropped tiplying the risks of restarting the registering the lowest rise ever in for the fourth consecutive day. contagions’ rise. the number of active infections. The epicentre of the Italian “In these few days ahead of Yesterday’s record low rate outbreak remains the northern Easter, please never forget that in the rise of contagions — down Lombardy region, which now this virus has already taken more from the double-digit increases counts 9,484 victims. than 16,500 human lives,” said in the early stages of the outbreak In its ongoing battle to Domenico Arcuri, the gov- — supports the government’s contain the outbreak, the Italian ernment special commissioner hopes that a plateau in the con- government has extended an for the emergency, “I beg you, in tagion curve has been reached. almost-total lockdown — which the next hours do not cancel this Volunteers of the Italian Red Cross prepare protective masks which will be distributed for free to Current infections grew 0.9 halted most production and number from your memory.” Florence residents to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Florence, yesterday. WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 EUROPE 13 EU announces €15bn to fight virus worldwide

BRUSSELS AFP — European Commission head Ursula von der The European Union is to put Leyen said the money would help countries up €15bn ($16.4bn) to help poor with weak healthcare systems tackle the countries fight the coronavirus epidemic, the bloc’s chief impact of COVID-19 and also aid their long- announced yesterday. term economic recovery. European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said the money would help coun- COVID-19 and also aid their Europe alone is not enough, tries with weak healthcare long-term economic recovery. officials say, pointing out that systems tackle the impact of Beating the pandemic in if coronavirus continues to rage elsewhere in the world, it will simply return in time. “We will only win this EU to debate strategy battle with a coordinated global response,” von der Leyen said in a video posted on Twitter. to exit virus lockdown “This is why the European AFP — BRUSSELS Union is securing more than €15bn to help our partners The European Commission will consider today how to craft a worldwide to fight plan to ease the bloc out of a virus lockdown that has dealt a coronavirus.” Staff loading a suspected coronavirus patient onto a trauma helicopter as it prepares to depart to a body blow to the economies of EU members. The brief video did not give German hospital from Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital in Tilburg, 100km south of Amsterdam, in the Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will hold an details of where the money “orientation debate” with commissioners by videoconference, would come from nor which Netherlands, yesterday. A total of 107 Netherlands corona patients are in the intensive care unit’s after some EU countries announced they were already planning countries would benefit. of 68 hospitals in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). to relax measures. Both Austria and Denmark have said they But officials have previ- will start phasing out restrictions from next week, while still ously identified Africa as a keeping social-distancing rules and frequent hand washing concern because of its links to instructions in place. Europe and the poor state of Death toll climbs to 2,101 in the Initially, a commission spokesman announced the meeting healthcare in many of its would set out guidelines for a bloc-wide strategy. But, just hours countries. later, this was downgraded in a terse statement to become a debate A senior EU official last Netherlands; cases near 20,000 on a “roadmap to exit the restrictive measures”, amid concern week warned it would be “com- about sending mixed messages about the pandemic. pletely useless” to defeat coro- ANATOLIA — THE HAGUE Overall cases are now up to numbers in the Netherlands are “The timing is delicate because member states are at dif- navirus in Europe if it simply 19,580 after 777 more people higher than the numbers stated ferent stages of the pandemic,” a European source said. re-emerged from nearby coun- The coronavirus death toll in tested positive for COVID-19. here,” it said. “The commission doesn’t want to risk sending a signal of tries struggling to contain it. the Netherlands is now over Of the total, 7,427 patients The situation in the Neth- relaxing (restrictions) which could be misunderstood by some “Africa could experience 2,000 and the number of cases are under treatment at hos- erlands is similar to neigh- member states. Better to wait until after Easter.” the same problems that we are is almost 20,000, authorities pitals, with 292 more admis- boring Belgium, where the Earlier, spokesman Eric Mamer said the commission felt facing in Europe in a matter of announced yesterday. sions reported yesterday. death toll crossed 2,000 and it was important that EU countries lift their lockdown rules in weeks,” von der Leyen said in A total of 234 more fatalities The institute, however, clar- overall cases went past 22,000 a coordinated way. The early days of the crisis in Europe were her video. were confirmed in the country, ified that “not all of the hospital yesterday. marked by some countries taking unilateral measures, including “They need our help to raising the death toll to 2,101, admissions or deaths occurred The global death toll is over banning the export of medical equipment even within the bloc, slow down the spread of the according to the National within the last 24 hours.” 76,300 and more than 292,100 before Brussels intervened. virus as we needed help in this Institute of Public Health and Since not all COVID-19 people have recovered around crisis.” the Environment. patients are tested, the actual the world so far. Slovenia could lift Russia says ready to start testing 10 newborns contract virus some restrictions next week: PM coronavirus vaccines on humans in June at Romanian hospital AFP — MOSCOW vaccines. Tests were currently probe over spreading false AFP — BUCHAREST AFP — LJUBLJANA underway on mice, rabbits and information after he joked the The head of a top Russian other animals to determine the coronavirus had been created A Romanian maternity unit was being investigated yesterday after The Slovenian government research centre told President most promising by April 30, he in a secret Siberian lab. 10 newborns tested positive for the novel coronavirus, with the could gradually start loosening Vladimir Putin yesterday that said. "Friends, a criminal case suspicion they contracted the virus from healthcare staff. the EU nation’s lockdown next his lab was ready to start Vektor planned pre-clinical has been opened against me “The mothers tested negative, but the babies tested positive week if the current favourable human trials of experimental studies by June 22 before over yesterday's humorous so we have to consider their contacts with medical staff,” Health trends of the COVID-19 coronavirus vaccines in June. launching the testing in video in which I'm mocking a Minister Nelu Tataru said in an interview with the Antena 3 TV epidemic continue, Prime Rinat Maksyutov, head of humans, Maksyutov added. conspiracy theory about the station late on Monday. Minister Janez Jansa said the Vektor State Virology and But the first human trials coronavirus originating in a The babies have no symptoms and all but one of them, together yesterday. Biotechnology Centre, said his could begin in May “if the health Russian lab," blogger Alexander with their mothers, have gone into self-isolation at home. “Positive experiences facility proposed first-phase ministry allows it”. Thorn said on Twitter. Tataru pointed to the “failures in the activities of both maternity allow us to study and plan clinical trials of three vaccines Vektor has vaccine Earlier in the day the Inves- officials and the local public health directorate (DSP)” and promised loosening some restrictions from June 29, on 180 platform technologies that have tigative Committee, which severe measures if necessary. starting next Tuesday if some volunteers. already been tested in humans probes major cases, said a The local DSP chief has already been dismissed. conditions are met,” Jansa Maksyutov was speaking for other infections and could criminal case had been opened “For the past two days I have felt like I am living in a horror said in an address broad- during a video-link meeting be used for the coronavirus, he against a Twitter user for film,” one of the mothers told the local pressalert.ro website. casted live. between Putin and the heads added. The Vektor laboratory spreading false information that “The staff were not wearing masks,” she said, adding that the He added that factories of top research centres. complex conducted secret bio- presents a threat to people's life mothers had heard on Wednesday through unofficial channels and service providers that can “Groups of volunteers have logical weapons research in the and safety. that there was a case of coronavirus in the hospital. ensure the safety of their already been formed,” he told Soviet era and stockpiles "A user of Twitter social “On Thursday the hospital was disinfected with us inside,” workers and customers,with Putin, adding that a lot of viruses ranging from Ebola to network posted a video in she said. the use of protective gear and people wanted to take part in smallpox. which he said that the The unit in the western Romanian city of Timisoara was briefly other cautionary measures, the trials. Russia yesterday reported COVID-19 had been created in placed under quarantine on March 31 but was reopened the next could be among the first to be “We have already received 7,497 coronavirus cases and 58 the Vektor state research centre day on the orders of the local DSP, which insisted at the time that allowed to resume more than 300 applications.” fatalities but the real number after which it had deliberately there was “no risk of infection for patients or doctors” even though operations. Maksyutov said scientists of infections is believed to be been spread across Russia and 13 members of staff had already tested positive. Slovenia, an EU state of at the top-secret lab complex much higher. China with the help of an The latest case adds to worries about how Romania’s system two million people bordering located in Koltsovo outside the Meanwhile, A Russian sat- explosion," investigators said is coping with the epidemic. Italy, has managed to contain Siberian city of Novosibirsk had irist said Tuesday he had in a statement without identi- Medical staff have spoken out in recent weeks over insuffi- the spreading of the corona- developed several prototype become the target of a criminal fying the target of the probe. cient equipment for those on the frontline. virus epidemic by imposing tough restrictions shortly after the first cases were reported. After a lockdown was Bosnian band cheers up fans with online ‘Quarantine Show’ declared last month, citizens in Slovenia were banned from SARAJEVO travelling around the country REUTERS — the moment the same way as and they have been forced to they felt before corona,” use protective masks and Bosnia’s most popular band, Jakupovic said. gloves in food shops and other Dubioza Kolektiv, invites its The musicians play from indoor public spaces. audience to “stay connected and their homes in Bosnia, Croatia disinfected” during a weekly and Slovenia but their act is per- Germany, Luxembourg “Quarantine Show” online to fectly synchronised. to take in migrant cheer up fans locked in their Jakupovic says that about homes due to the coronavirus. 30,000-40,000 fans from children from Greece Bosnia, like most states in dozens of countries worldwide Europe, has introduced watch the concert live online. AP — BERLIN lockdown in an attempt to halt “It’s very exciting, and it all the spread of the novel corona- happens while playing from our Germany plans to take in up to virus which has so far infected own bedrooms,” he said, 50 unaccompanied minors close to 800 people and caused laughing. staying at overcrowded refugee 30 deaths in the Balkan country. Dubioza Kolektiv is known camps in Greece, while Luxem- Each Monday at 20:30 for their eclectic musical style bourg has agreed to accept 12, (18:30 GMT), tens of thousands and socially and politically government officials said. of people watch the dub rock engaged lyrics sung in Bosnian Interior Minister Horst See- group perform online, with the and English. hofer will propose to the musicians playing from their Their first quarantine show Cabinet today a plan to bring the homes in three different on YouTube three weeks ago children to Germany and rec- countries. had almost 200,000 views and ommend that “the transfer “The Internet has remained about 1,000 comments and should begin in the next week, the only way for us to commu- cheers. if possible,” a statement from his nicate and play music,” Dubioza “This is perhaps one of rare ministry said. Kolektiv keyboardist Brano moments when the situation is A dozen children are Jakupovic told Reuters speaking the same on the whole planet,” expected to be transferred via Skype from his home in Jakupovic said. “One micro- from the Greek camps to Lux- Sarajevo. scopic organism is capable of embourg in the coming days, “It is important that people bringing us to a point where all the Greek government said, Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv cheers up its fans across Europe with their weekly online concert enjoy the concert but also that of us are the same, while we are expressing thanks to the small “Quarantine Show”, held under slogan “Stay connected and disinfected”, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they communicate via chats, not capable of doing that European country. yesterday. write to each other and feel for ourselves.” 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 Virus deaths exceed 3,200 in New York City, topping toll for 9/11 attacks

AGENCIES — NEW YORK US Surgeon-General began. At a State Department news New York City’s death toll from Jerome Adams said conference, Pompeo did not the coronavirus officially that if Americans mention China by name and eclipsed the number of those avoided harsh rhetoric he has killed at the World Trade Center continue to practice used recently. He has previously on 9/11, health officials said social distancing for accused Beijing of covering up yesterday. At least 3,202 people the scale of the outbreak in the have died in New York from the rest of April, “we early days and not sharing COVID-19, according to the will be able to get accurate data. count released by the city. Pompeo said all countries US President Donald Trump addressing the daily coronavirus task force briefing as Dr. Anthony Fauci, The deadliest terror attack back to some sense of have an obligation to provide Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Vice-President Mike Pence on US soil killed 2,753 people in normalcy.” accurate and timely data to help listen at the White House in Washington, US on Monday. the city and 2,977 overall, when the world learn more about the hijacked planes slammed into virus. "Every nation, be they a the twin towers, the Pentagon “I want the American people democracy or not, has to share Trump slams watchdog report and a Pennsylvania field on Sep- to know there is a light at the end this information in a transparent, tember11, 2001. of this tunnel, and we feel con- open, efficient way," he said. New York state recorded 731 fident that if we keep doing the Pompeo has softened his on hospitals engulfed by virus new coronavirus deaths right thing for the rest of this tone toward Beijing since a Tuesday, its biggest one-day month, that we can start to slowly March 27 phone call between jump yet, for a statewide toll of reopen in some places,” he said US President Donald Trump and AP — WASHINGTON monitor the health of patients was she appointed?” Trump nearly 5,500, Governor Andrew on ABC’s Good Morning America. his Chinese counterpart Xi and staff,” the report said. asked. Cuomo said. But in an encour- One lockdown exception in Jinping, after which Trump President Donald Trump on Three out of fourUS hos- Trump’s comments carried aging sign, he reported that the the US was Wisconsin, which dialed down his criticism of Monday disputed the veracity pitals told the inspector general’s an edge because last Friday he average number of people asked hundreds of thousands of China's handling of the virus. of a federal survey that found office they are already treating announced the firing of the newly hospitalised each day voters to ignore a stay-at-home China insists it has been hospitals faced severe shortages patients with confirmed or sus- inspector general of the intel- dropped over the past three order to participate in its pres- transparent about the pan- of coronavirus test supplies, pected COVID-19, and they ligence community, Michael days. Across the US, the death idential primary yesterday. demic and has sharply criti- questioning whether its conclu- expect to be overwhelmed. The Atkinson, for reporting to Con- toll reached about 11,000, with The US government’s top cized US officials who cast sions were skewed by politics. report did not criticize Trump gress the whistleblower com- around 370,000 confirmed infectious-disease expert, Dr. doubt on that. With coronavirus cases administration actions. plaint that the president tried infections. Anthony Fauci, was cautiously The World Heath Organi- rocketing toward their expected Asked by a reporter about to enlist Ukraine in investi- In New York and in some optimistic, saying that in New sation became a target for peak, the nonpartisan Health the survey’s finding on testing, gating Joe Biden’s son. European hot spots, authorities York, “what we have been doing Trump yesterday, when he and Human Services inspector Trump responded, “It is wrong.” Grimm’s title is principal were hoping that the outbreak has been working.” accused it of being "very general’s office reported “So, give me the name of the deputy inspector general. She was turning a corner, based on Meanwhile, US Secretary of China centric" and of issuing Monday morning that a inspector general?” he asked began her career with the slowdowns in new deaths and State Mike Pompeo yesterday bad advice during the shortage of tests and long waits before suggesting without evi- agency more than 20 years ago. hospitalisations. urged all countries to be trans- outbreak. for results were at the root of dence, “Could politics be “They did serve in the pre- US Surgeon-General Jerome parent and honest as they Trump said last week China's mounting problems faced by entered into that?” Acting in the vious admin - you mean the Adams said that if Americans grapple with the coronavirus statistics seemed "a little bit on hospitals. role of HHS Inspector General Obama administration?” Trump continue to practice social dis- pandemic, a thinly veiled swipe the light side," while his national “Hospitals reported that is Christi A Grimm, a career asked a reporter who pressed tancing for the rest of April, “we at China, which reported no security adviser said Washington severe shortages of testing sup- government manager who took on with questions. “Thank you will be able to get back to some deaths from the illness for the had no way of knowing if Bei- plies and extended waits for test over the position early this year for telling me that... there’s a sense of normalcy.” first time since the outbreak jing's figures were accurate. results limited (their) ability to in an interim capacity. “When typical fake news deal.” Navy hospital ship crew in Wisconsin voters defy stay-at-home orders

NYC test positive REUTERS — SOMERSET More than half of Wisconsin’s ballots to drivers’ windows after Republicans for quashing a bid decision extending absentee municipalities reported shortages verifying photo identification to postpone the election. “We voting, instead ruling ballots were for COVID-19 Wisconsin voters faced long of poll workers, prompting the and residency, then returned felt it was important.” to be postmarked by yesterday lines at limited polling locations state to call up 2,400 National the filled-out paperwork to a A flurry of 11th-hour legal to be counted. “Now voters will ANATOLIA — ANKARA yesterday, as the Midwestern Guard troops to assist. counting machine. wrangling failed to stop the bal- be forced to choose between state’s presidential primary and The election took place even Phillip Thomas, 70, and his loting, as two late court rulings their health and their right to A crew member onboard a local elections moved ahead though Wisconsin, like most US wife Kathy Thomas, 65, had on Monday put the election, vote, an untenable choice that navy hospital ship docked in despite mounting fears about states, has imposed a stay-at- filled out absentee ballots - but which will include Democratic responsible public officials tried New York City tested positive the coronavirus outbreak. home order on its residents. as new Wisconsin residents, they and Republican presidential pri- to avoid,” said Satya Rhodes- for novel coronavirus, Outside Riverside High More than a dozen other states were unclear on how to handle maries and voting for thousands Conway, the Democratic mayor according to a report School in Milwaukee — where have postponed their elections the witness requirement. They of state and local offices, back on of Madison, Wisconsin. yesterday. officials were forced to close 175 in the face of the COVID-19 were relieved to learn that Beloit track after days of uncertainty. The legal maneuvering over- ABC News cited a of 180 normal voting sites due pandemic, which has trans- was doing a drive-through In deciding separate lawsuits shadowed the Democratic pres- statement by the US Navy that to a lack of poll workers — formed Americans’ daily lives. system and brought their ballots brought by Republicans, the state idential primary in Wisconsin, said the USNS Comfort masked voters stood several Some Wisconsin cities to the polling site to make sure Supreme Court blocked Demo- the first nominating contest held member tested on Monday and feet apart in a line that stretched resorted to “drive-through” they were counted. cratic Governor Tony Evers’ since March 17 in the race to pick was put under isolation. for several blocks early yes- voting. In Beloit, a city of about “We were afraid we were order to delay the election until a challenger to Republican Pres- “There is no impact to terday, according to videos and 37,000 people along the Illinois going to have to vote in person,” June and the US Supreme Court ident Donald Trump for the Comfort’s mission, and this photos posted on Twitter. border, poll workers brought said Thomas, who blamed state overturned a federal judge’s November 3 election. will not affect the ability for Comfort to receive patients,” the statement read. “The ship is following protocols and US official calls for direct taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety work with labs in Wuhan of all crew members and patients on board.” REUTERS — WASHINGTON The news came one day after US President Donald A senior Trump administration official urged China yesterday to Trump and New York Gov- allow the United States to work directly with laboratories in Wuhan ernor Andrew Cuomo con- on research into the novel coronavirus, saying this was critical to firmed COVID-19 patients saving lives globally. would be treated aboard the On Sunday, China’s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, Comfort with 1,000 additional said in a New York Times opinion piece there had been “unpleasant beds to relieve crowded hos- talk” between the two countries about the virus but that now was pital systems. the time for “solidarity, collaboration and mutual support.” It added that those who had “If Ambassador Cui is saying that China is willing to cooperate contact with the sick member with the US, we would appreciate the opportunity to work directly also tested and no virus was with their Virology labs in Wuhan to share whatever research detected but they would they have, since they’ve known about it and have been fighting it remain under isolation out of for at least a month longer than our scientists here in the US,” the an abundance of caution. official said. Trump announced last The comments come a day before Wuhan, the Chinese city month that the ship would be where the outbreak originated late last year, was poised to lift its deployed to New York City lockdown after reporting only two new infections in the past harbor to help efforts to combat fortnight. the coronavirus outbreak. “Since the pandemic originated in Wuhan, we think cooper- According to the running Hospital staff protest lack of personal protection equipment ation with PRC medical and disease experts there is critical to tally of Johns Hopkins University saving lives globally,” the administration official added. in Maryland, coronavirus- Nurses with the Brooklyn VA Medical Center hold a job action during a shift change in the Brooklyn related fatalities in New York borough of New York City. The workers were protesting the lack of personal protective equipment state neared the 5,000 mark. for frontline workers and for what they claim are dangerously inadequate staffing levels. Three fatally stabbed, suspect killed by a deputy at travel center

White House spokeswoman switches to First Lady staff AP — KNOXVILLE,

REUTERS — WASHINGTON House chief of staff Mark McEnany, a familiar communications. Current A man fatally stabbed three people and wounded a fourth at a Meadows. defender of Trump on cable deputy press secretaries Hogan Tennessee travel center yesterday morning before a deputy shot White House Press Secretary Grisham, who held both the news shows, is expected to be Gidley and Judd Deere are and killed him, authorities said. Stephanie Grisham announced positions of communications announced as press secretary, expected to remain in their roles. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at the plans yesterday to become chief director and chief spokesperson, the administration official said. Grisham took over from Pilot Travel Center off Interstate 40 to find a person with stab of staff to First Lady Melania is returning to familiar territory Pentagon spokeswoman Sarah Sanders as press sec- wounds outside the store and a man armed with a knife in the Trump and an administration as the first lady’s top aide, having Alyssa Farah, a former spokes- retary last June, the third person parking lot, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a official said she is expected to previously served as her com- woman for Vice-President Mike to hold the role in Trump’s statement. Witnesses identified the man as the suspect and he be replaced by a spokeswoman munications director. Pence, is expected to be named high-turnover White House. refused deputies’ demands to drop the weapon, the bureau said. for President Donald Trump’s Trump is considering director of strategic communi- Sean Spicer was Trump’s first As some point during the encounter, a deputy fired, striking and re-election campaign, Kayleigh having separate people for the cations, the source familiar with press secretary. killing the suspect, the statement said. McEnany. communications and press sec- the situation said. At Trump’s direction, she did Authorities found four stabbing victims. Three were pro- The communications retary jobs, according to a Long-time Meadows aide not hold press briefings but did nounced dead at the scene and the fourth was taken to a hospital shakeup is seen as a sign of the source familiar with the Ben Williamson is expected to make multiple appearances on for treatment. The victims include Pilot employees, Tennessee internal influence of new White situation. be a senior adviser for Fox News Channel programs. Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Leslie Earhart said. WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020 AMERICAS 15 Canada needs to do more to ensure flow of US medical supplies: PM

REUTERS & AP — OTTAWA The Canadian death Ontario, the most populous of Canada’s 10 provinces, says Canada needs to do more to toll from the outbreak it is running out of personal persuade Washington not to rose to 345 from 293, protection equipment. block medical supplies from Canadian officials complain flowing across the border, even chief medical officer the market for medical though US officials have Theresa Tam told a equipment is like the “Wild allowed the export of 500,000 West,” and say they cannot masks, Prime Minister Justin daily briefing. The guarantee the masks, gowns Trudeau said yesterday. total number of cases and gloves they have ordered Trudeau told a briefing that will arrive. the N95 surgical masks from reached 17,063. Procurement Minister Anita Saint Paul, Minnesota-based Anand said Canada had com- 3M Co — part of a batch of four to highlight to the American mitments to companies around million ordered by the province administration the point to the world to buy more than 230 of Ontario to help fight the which healthcare supplies and million face masks, of which Vehicles travel along Highway 401 as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow in Toronto, Ontario. coronavirus — should arrive services go back and forth more than 16 million had been today. across that border,” he delivered. It has also ordered Canadian officials pressed continued. 75 million N95 surgical masks said Monday it has an facility in China. week saying that could have their US counterparts after The Canadian death toll and expects to have 2.3 million agreement with the Trump “3M and the Adminis- “significant humanitarian Ontario complained the from the outbreak rose to 345 by end of the week. administration that will allow tration worked together to implications” for healthcare shipment had been blocked. US from 293 on Monday, chief “We will not rest until these the company to continue to ensure that this plan does not workers in Canada and Latin President Donald Trump signed medical officer Theresa Tam supplies are in Canada,” she export N95 protective masks to create further humanitarian America. The company had said an order last week to stop per- told a daily briefing. The total told the briefing, adding that Canada and Latin America implications for countries cur- possible retaliation by other sonal protective equipment number of cases is 17,063, officials were being aggressive amid the coronavirus rently fighting the COVID-19 nations could actually lead to from being exported. compared to 15,822 a day as they tracked down potential pandemic. outbreak,” the company said fewer of the masks being “We have had constructive earlier. suppliers. The company said the US in a statement. available in the US. and productive conversations Tam said she was worried The provinces are also government and 3M have a “The plan will also enable Ontario Premier Doug Ford that have assured that this par- that the disease was spreading worried about a lack of venti- plan to produce 166.5 million 3M to continue sending US pro- said that he was hopeful ticular shipment comes through quickly among vulnerable lators. Trudeau said Ottawa masks over the next three duced respirators to Canada Canada would get an but we recognize there is still sectors such as seniors’ homes, was working with domestic months to support healthcare and Latin America, where 3M exemption and that he felt more work to do,” Trudeau prisons and remote aboriginal firms to produce up to 30,000 workers in the United States. is the primary source of better about that after speaking said. communities, where healthcare ventilators. They will primarily come supply.” with US Trade Representative “We are going to continue resources are already stretched. Manufacturing giant 3M from its manufacturing 3M issued a statement last Robert Lighthizer. Mexico facing UN Security Council to hold first COVID-19 talks tomorrow shortage of AFP — UNITED NATIONS “Meeting confirmed for Assembly adopted by consensus from the Chinese and the requested the meeting are doctors amid Thursday,” one diplomat said a resolution calling for “inter- Russians. Germany, which spearheaded the The UN Security Council will on condition of anonymity. It national cooperation” and Moscow and Beijing say effort, Belgium, the Dominican virus fight tomorrow hold its first meeting was to be held behind closed “multilateralism” in the fight they only believe the council Republic, Estonia, Indonesia, on the coronavirus pandemic doors at 3pm (1900 GMT). against COVID-19 — the first should consider the pandemic Niger, St Vincent and the Gren- — by videoconference — after It’s not yet clear what form text to come out of the world when they are talking about a adines, Tunisia and Vietnam. REUTERS — MEXICO CITY weeks of divisions among its the meeting will take, or what body since the outbreak began. country experiencing conflict, The final non-permanent five permanent members, could be accomplished: will the Russia has tried to oppose the diplomats said. member, South Africa, did not Mexico’s Health Ministry diplomats said on Monday. member nations show unity in the text, but only four other According to several dip- support the move, saying the yeserday warned that the Last week, exasperated by the fact of a global crisis and a countries backed its parallel lomats, France been trying since council’s remit was peace and country was facing an acute the back-and-forth that has willingness to cooperate, or draft. The United States has long last week to organize a videocon- security, not health and eco- shortage of doctors as the paralyzed the council, including proceed with a settling of demanded that any meeting or ference with leaders of the five nomic issues. country seeks to ramp up between China and the United scores? The New York-based text specify that the virus first permanent member countries to For those nine countries, it’s hospital care to fight the fast- States, nine of the 10 non-per- Security Council has been tel- emerged in China, to Beijing’s try to iron out differences. “really irresponsible to block” spreading novel coronavirus manent members formally eworking since March 12 as the consternation. Along with France, the per- a council meeting and to “par- outbreak. requested a meeting featuring new coronavirus spreads Diplomats said on Monday manent members are Britain, alyze” the institution since the Mexico on Monday regis- a presentation by Secretary- rapidly in the city. that opposition to holding a China, Russia and the US. start of the crisis, a diplomat tered 296 new coronavirus General Antonio Guterres. Last week, the UN General council meeting was coming The nine countries that from one of them said. infections, bringing the coun- try’s total to 2,439 cases and 125 deaths, with health offi- cials expecting the death toll Brazil health minister holds to rise sharply. Mexico has among the job in clash with Bolsonaro lowest number of medical per- sonnel relative to population REUTERS — BRASILIA over the need for isolation. among countries in the Organ- Mandetta, a doctor by isation for Economic Cooper- Brazilian Health Minister Luiz training, has openly contra- ation and Development (OECD), Henrique Mandetta said on dicted the far-right president Mexican health officials say. Monday he will continue in his who has minimized the danger Mexican Health Minister post after overcoming a disa- of the epidemic and opposed Jorge Alcocer said the country greement with President Jair lockdowns that are stalling the needed to recruit more doctors Bolsonaro over the need for economy. rapidly. social distancing to stop the The minister’s stance, “We require 200,000 phy- spread of coronavirus. however, received widespread sicians, of which 123,000 are “A doctor does not abandon support, which irked Bolsonaro general practitioners... and his patient. We will continue,” and led him to say last week: around 76,000 specialist phy- he said at a news conference at “Nobody should forget that I’m sicians,” Alcocer said during the end of a day of speculation the president.” Bolsonaro’s President Andres Manuel over whether Bolsonaro would denial of the need to reinforce Lopez Obrador’s daily morning fire him in the midst of an esca- social distancing led to a split press conference. lating public health crisis. in his cabinet, with top military Mexican officials have “The government is taking officers in the government repeatedly warned that Mex- a new position and it will be opposing him and siding with ico’s health system could be Disinfection drive more focused” on the epi- Mandetta, including his Presi- overwhelmed if people did not demic, Mandetta said, con- dential Chief of Staff Walter practice social distancing A city employee, wearing protective gear, disinfects near to the Angel de la Independencia monument firming he had won an arm- Braga, an active duty Army measures. as the coronavirus disease continues in Mexico City, Mexico. wrestle with the president general. Brazil army calls for isolation Virus crisis cuts off billions sent to poor around world to slow coronavirus spread AP — MIAMI and no work. If you get sick no longer afford to send their driver in the US. But the money here, you die.” monthly $50, $100 or $200 to was late. His cousin, like many Until a month ago, Diana Leticia The devastation wrought by Honduras, Somalia or India. The in the US, had been confined to REUTERS — BRASILIA military officers in the gov- Hernández sold face cream COVID-19 across the developed shock waves are pushing their his home for almost three ernment opposing his stance door to door in Miami. Her world in cutting into the relatives to desperation. weeks, unable to work. A report published by the and siding with Health Minister husband painted houses. The financial lifelines for people “I’m in anguish,’’ said “I came back empty- Brazilian army’s strategic Luiz Henrique Mandetta, money fed their family and at across Latin America, Africa Hernández, 45. “They’re handed,” an anxious-looking studies center last week contra- including Presidential Chief of least six relatives in Honduras. and Asia. counting on me. I’m trying to Sabdow said, after peering dicts President Jair Bolsonaro Staff Walter Braga, an active Hernández has sold nothing The World Bank estimates get anything I can send, $30, under the partition as workers, by calling for widespread duty Army general. since last month due to fear and that a record $529bn was trans- $50, whatever.” one wearing a face mask and isolation to fight the COVID-19 Army representatives social-distancing restrictions in ferred to developing countries Across Africa, where remit- gloves, fanned through stacks pandemic, potentially ratcheting declined to comment on the South Florida. Her husband through official channels in tances have grown to surpass of crisp $100 bills. “I asked the up an already heated public report from the CEEEx study hasn’t worked either. This 2018, the latest year for which foreign aid and direct foreign counter to double-check my debate within the government. center, which reports directly month, for the first time since figures are available. Billions investment and some $82bn name, but nothing has been The study calls for rein- to Army Chief of Staff General shortly after their arrival in the more moved unrecorded in flowed in during 2018 alone, forthcoming. Time is running forcing social distancing Marcos Antonio Amaro. Bol- United States 16 years ago, they cash. Many of those remittances untold millions of people are out... It is very distressing.” measures to slow the acceler- sonaro’s office did not imme- weren’t able to send home are sent home by people who already feeling the pinch. One With three of his small ation of confirmed cases that diately respond to a request for about $300 to help their fam- work in service jobs or occupa- money-transfer company in children piled onto his lap at have doubled in the last six comment. ilies with food, rent, medicine tions, like day labor, that have Europe sending funds to Africa home, he worried about falling days to 12,056, with 553 related The document was pub- and school bills. no monthly paycheck and are saw an 80 percent drop in volume behind in rent, no small thing deaths. lished on the CEEEx website on In the Honduran town of worst affected by the global in a single week, the Washington- in a city where camps of hun- That defies statements by Thursday, but was not acces- Villa Nueva Cortez, Hernández’s downtown. Some also comes based Center for Financial dreds of thousands of internally Bolsonaro, who has sought to sible on Monday. An army mother Teonila Murillo is from illegal immigrants ineli- Inclusion said last month. displaced people are a constant minimize the risks of the res- spokesperson said the site was running out of money to buy gible for part of the massive aid In Somalia Abdalla Sabdow, reminder of the fragility of piratory disease, calling for “under maintenance.” The insulin for her diabetes, and packages uncorked by a former security guard and a circumstances. states to end lockdowns and let report endorses widespread, or Hernández’s brother doesn’t advanced economies. father of six, made his way “This month we had a big Brazilians get back to work. “horizontal,” social distancing know if he’ll be able to make With coronavirus shutting through Mogadishu last week problem,” his cousin, Ahmed, His rejection of the need for measures to avoid a sharp peak his $60 rent next month. down industries, many earners to check on the $200 he later explained by phone. He social distancing has led to a in infections, a policy endorsed “I’m doing really badly,’’ in Miami, Las Vegas, London, receives monthly from his hoped to send the money the split in his cabinet, with top by health experts. Murillo said. “There’s no money, and other economic centers can cousin Yusuf Ahmed, a taxi following week. 16 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR04.01 am SUNRISE 05.19 am o o Hot daytime with scattered clouds and chance of rain at 26 C 39 C some places, slight dust at times. ZUHR 11.36 am ASR 03.05 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 03:42– 15:54 LOW TIDE 11:21 – 23:07 MAGHRIB 05.55 pm ISHA 07.25 pm W ALRUWAIS: 26o↗36o W ALKHOR: 23o↗32o W DUKHAN: 23o↗42o W WAKRAH: 23o↗38o W MESAIEED 23o↗38o W ABUSAMRA22o↗28o

Millennial Money: 8 ways to switch up the new at-home normal

AP — DENVER discounts and ideas that may GO ON DATES, AT HOME on eligible orders at select res- camping overnight in her family get in shape, you may now have help lighten your load or The Phinneys are also pre- taurants, and as with similar room. more time and resources. The As COVID-19 sparks closures, strengthen bonds with loved serving date-night traditions. services such as DoorDash, you The Phinneys are heading to YMCA launched free online cancellations and stay-at-home ones. Through their Date Mates can facilitate no-contact their backyard. “We’ll probably classes via a program called orders, household stressors are YouTube channel, they doc- deliveries. do some stargazing, make YMCA 360 to help people stay piling up. On top of health REINVENT GAME NIGHT ument unique date ideas like Or you can go get the snacks and tell scary stories or active while indoors. concerns, lost incomes and lack A game of Pictionary via the “Chopped Cooking Chal- takeout yourself. Many restau- sing some songs,” Ruth said. Several other gyms and of child care amid the videoconferencing service lenge,” based on the “Chopped” rants are offering curbside If you’re looking for non- studios like Planet Fitness and pandemic, there’s also coping Zoom was a hit with Nelson’s TV show that challenges chefs pickup, and you might even scary campsite stories for kids, CorePower Yoga are also pro- with isolation, whether individ- family. Multiple people can join to make a dish with unconven- cherish the car ride. Audible is offering free audio- viding free live-stream ually or as a couple or family. a call and draw figures with tional ingredients. books while schools are closed. workouts. Kate Nelson, a school Zoom’s whiteboard. A basic Thomas’ main course com- HOST A VIRTUAL MOVIE administrator from Colorado, subscription is free. bined short ribs, root beer, bok SCREENING CHANGE THE ROUTINE FIND PEACE IN is adjusting to losing an income Illinois couple and content choy and guava. You don’t have to gather at Nelson shares struggles MEDITATION stream and working from home creators Ruth and Thomas “It ended up being deli- a theatre. Organise a video call and activities on her lifestyle If you’re feeling anxious with distractions: a spouse, Phinney are able to work cious,” said Ruth, 26. (She had with friends, stream the same blog, Avenue Kate, to help about COVID-19, the Calm app three kids and home-schooling remotely as they abide by their to make dessert with cottage film simultaneously from your parents. One of her ideas: A for sleep and meditation is assignments. Like others, she’s state’s stay-at-home orders. But cheese, crescent dough, Frosted own homes, and add com- scavenger hunt in which kids offering free resources. been using technology — vide- they’re still channeling their Flakes, mint and prunes.) mentary over popcorn. search for signs of spring Aileen Xu, 29, a California- oconferencing and blogging — competitive streak, playing The couple also used a If TV is more your thing and around her property and doc- based content creator via the to help. virtual games with friends on rewards credit card on grocery you’re running low on shows, ument them with photos or Lavendaire blog and YouTube “My family, we are all apps like Trivia Crack and purchases to earn points, which Showtime’s streaming service drawings. channel, uses meditation to be spread out, and we’re very Houseparty. they plan to use toward travel, has been offering a 30-day free “Anything that changes up present and mindful. Xu focuses close,” said Nelson, 33. “Right “We’ve been able to get into eventually. trial. the routine for them and makes on being still, breathing and now we’re talking every day. contact with friends that we it feel like it is fun and out of the reeling her thoughts back to the They’re in some ways a lot haven’t talked to in a long time,” TREAT YOURSELF TO DINNER SET UP CAMP ordinary is kind of the focus present to avoid worrying about closer than they’ve ever been.” said Thomas. “In a time that could If your budget permits, take Camping indoors or in the right now,” Nelson said. the future. As you take precautions be really anxious, we’re just a break from meal planning and backyard can offer a change of “The only thing you have against the coronavirus and stay trying to make the most of it.” order food for delivery. Uber scenery. Nelson’s children — TRY NEW WORKOUTS control over is the present at home, here are some services, Eats is waiving the delivery fee ages 7, 4 and 2 — will soon be If you’ve been wanting to moment,” she says. Women can be better, safe drivers than men

IANS — LONDON injury statistics, Road Traffic Despite their small size, Statistics, National Travel motorbikes also put other road Busting a common myth that Survey data and Office for users at high risk. In urban women are bad at wheels, National Statistics population/ areas, most of those deaths — researchers now say that male gender figures. 173 over the entire study period drivers are more dangerous on They used the data to — were pedestrians. the road and are also more analyse the risks posed to other Analysis of the data by likely to drive more dangerous road users from bicycles, cars gender showed that men types of vehicles. and taxis, vans, buses, lorries posed a significantly higher Women may actually be and motorbikes per billion risk to other road users for five better and safer drivers than vehicle kilometres travelled, of the six-vehicle types men, they added. and categorised by road type — studied. The findings, published in major and minor roads in urban For cars and vans, the risk the journal The BMJ, prompt the and rural areas — and gender. posed by male drivers was researchers to suggest that In terms of absolute double that posed by women greater gender equity in road numbers, cars and taxis were per km driven, rising to four transport jobs, overall, might associated with most (two- times higher for lorry drivers, help lessen these risks. thirds) of fatalities to other road and more than 10 times higher “We suggest policy-makers users. But a comparison of for motorbike riders. consider policies to increase fatalities per distance travelled In a linked podcast, the gender balance in occupations shows that other vehicles might researchers pointed out that that substantially involve be even more dangerous. driving jobs tend to be male- driving, given the greater like- According to the dominated, citing the high lihood that other road users will researchers, lorries were asso- death toll to other road users be killed if men rather than ciated with one in six deaths to associated with lorries, 95 per women are driving or riding,” other road users: each km cent of which are driven by Staying creative amid pandemic the researchers wrote. driven was associated with men. For the findings, more than five times the While lorries, in general, are A pedestrian walks past a mural addressing the current coronavirus situation by artist HIJACK researchers at University of number of such deaths than dangerous vehicles, male lorry depicting a couple armed with hand sanitizer, rolls of toilet paper and a vacuum cleaner, in Los Westminster drew on four sets each km driven in a car. There drivers pose a particularly high Angeles, yesterday. Officials are urging LA County residents to stay home this week, calling it critical of official data for England for was a similarly high death toll risk compared to female lorry in the effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases in the county top 6,000. the period 2005-15: police for buses per km driven. drivers, she adds. American singer Gloria Estefan Dead, ill, cured: Celebrities hit by COVID-19 updates 80s hit for pandemic AFP — PARIS including France’s 2018 World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, AFP — MIAMI the virus, which by Monday had From world leaders and royalty asymptomatic but in quar- killed more than 10,000 people to musicians, sports stars and antine, and Argentinian Gloria Estefan, one of the in the United States. actors, the coronavirus has hit attacker Paulo Dybala, who said biggest stars of the Miami music The video, released on millions around the world, March 27 he felt “much better”. scene during the 1980s and Sunday on the 62-year-old including the rich and famous. ŭƔ ÌÙÅ¢ÙƔ
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