SHAABAN 6, 1441 AH MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

20 Pages Max 29º Min 18º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18093 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Rumors in coronavirus time hurts N Korea fires 2 short-range Nextdoor, network for neighbors, Hunger games? Tennis foot 2 society’s morale, state’s efforts 8 ‘ballistic missiles’ into sea 9 grows in age of social distancing 20 soldiers struggle in time of virus

20 new cases of coronavirus in Kuwait; all cafes shuttered

Ban on cemetery visits, restrictions on funerals • No cases at Central Prison

By A Sakeh tion) and three Bangladeshis in contact with another Ahmad Al-Manfouhi announced on Saturday the allowed to be present, in line with directions by the Bangladeshi (under epidemiological investigation as closure of cafes everywhere in Kuwait. The decision health ministry. Moreover, the municipality has set KUWAIT: The health ministry yesterday confirmed well). He pointed out to the concentration of a num- is applied to cafes in markets, shopping malls, fuel the burial time from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm, adding 20 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, ber of cases resulting from contact with infected stations and rest stations on highways. However, the body must be buried immediately. bringing the total number of cases in Kuwait to 255. cases in Mahboula, Industrial Shuwaikh, and some they are allowed to continue delivery services from The interior ministry also categorically denied The ministry’s spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad commercial areas of the capital. 5 am until 5 pm, when the daily partial curfew goes reports circulating on social media about coron- said at the ministry’s daily press conference that Health Minister Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah earlier into effect. Manfouhi affirmed that the decision is avirus cases among prisoners at the Central Prison. seven cases - six Kuwaitis and one Filipino - are announced the recovery of three new cases, bring- part of precautionary and preventive measures that The ministry’s public relations and information related to travel to the UK. ing the total of those who have recovered to 67. have been taken by the municipality to stem the department said in a statement that the directorate Sanad added that the 13 other cases include a Twelve cases are in intensive care - three critical spread of the novel coronavirus. general for correctional institutions and execution Kuwaiti in contact with another Kuwaiti who had and nine stable - out of 188 cases in hospital, while The director general of funeral affairs Faisal Al- of verdicts has affirmed that all preventive and pre- traveled to Saudi Arabia, nine Indians in contact 910 persons completed the quarantine period. Awadhi announced a ban on visits to cemeteries. As cautionary measures have been taken to ensure with three Indians (under epidemiological investiga- Meanwhile, Municipality Director General for funerals, only relatives of the deceased are inmates’ health.

First virus death Wealth funds seen in Qatar; Europe, shedding up to US deaths surge $225bn in stocks DOHA/MADRID: Qatar recorded its first death from the new coronavirus on Saturday, while con- LONDON: Sovereign wealth funds from oil- firmed infections rose by 28 to 590, the health min- producing countries mainly in the Middle East istry said. A “57-year-old Bangladeshi national resi- and Africa are on course to dump up to $225 bil- dent (in Qatar)... suffering from chronic diseases” lion in equities, a senior banker estimates, as died from the COVID-19 respiratory disease, the plummeting oil prices and the coronavirus pan- ministry said on Twitter. demic hit state finances. The rapid spread of the The majority of the cases in Qatar are among virus has ravaged the global economy, sending migrant laborers, where foreigners make up most of markets into a tailspin and costing both oil and the workforce. Qatar said on Saturday it was quar- non-oil based sovereign wealth funds around $1 antining 31 Bahrainis who travelled from Iran to trillion in equity losses, according to JPMorgan Doha on Friday. They cannot go directly to Bahrain, strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou. one of four states boycotting Qatar since mid-2017 His estimates are based on data from sover- due to a political dispute. Qatar’s Government eign wealth funds and figures from the Sovereign Communications Office said that Doha offered to Wealth Fund Institute, a research group. Sticking return them home on a private charter flight. with equity investments and risking more losses “The government of Bahrain declined this option. is not an option for some funds from oil produc- Bahraini officials have said they will send a flight for ing nations. Their governments are facing a finan- them at some undefined point in the future,” it said cial double-whammy - falling revenues due to in a statement, adding that Qatari authorities had DUBAI: Municipal workers disinfect the streets of Palm Island as a preventive measure against the spread Continued on Page 16 tested the group for the virus. Continued on Page 16 of the novel coronavirus on Saturday. — AFP

September to halt attacks on the kingdom for a ceasefire to protect civilians from the Saudi intercepts after devastating twin strikes on Saudi oil coronavirus pandemic. Saudi Arabia, the installations. “Two ballistic missiles were Yemeni government and the rebels all wel- launched towards the cities of Riyadh and comed an appeal from UN Secretary missiles over Jizan,” the official Saudi Press Agency General Antonio Guterres for an “immedi- reported, citing the coalition fighting the ate global ceasefire” to help avert disaster Riyadh, Jizan rebels. for vulnerable people in conflict zones. Their interception sent shrapnel raining The call coincided with the fifth RIYADH: Saudi air defenses intercepted on residential neighborhoods in the cities, anniversary of Saudi Arabia’s military ballistic missiles over Riyadh and a city on leaving two civilians injured in Riyadh, a intervention in Yemen’s civil war, which the Yemen border late Saturday, leaving at civil defense spokesman said in a separate was launched to shore up the internation- least two civilians wounded in the capital statement released by SPA. There was no ally recognized government against the that is under curfew in a bid to curb the immediate comment from the rebels. At Houthi rebels. The Yemen government spread of the coronavirus. Multiple explo- least three blasts rocked the capital, which condemned the attack, which it said sions shook Riyadh in the attack, which the is under a 15-hour coronavirus curfew, just undermined efforts to scale down the con- Saudi-led military coalition blamed on before midnight, said AFP reporters. Jizan, flict amid the coronavirus outbreak. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels who like many other Saudi cities, faces a short- Information Minister Moammer Al-Eryani have previously targeted Saudi cities with er dusk-to-dawn curfew. said in a tweet that the strikes also con- missiles, rockets and drones. The assault comes despite a show of firmed the “continued flow of Iranian AL-KHARJ, Saudi Arabia: In this file photo taken on Feb 20, 2020, a member of It was the first major assault on Saudi support on Thursday by all of Yemen’s weapons” to the Houthi militias. the US air force looks on near a Patriot missile battery at Prince Sultan Air Arabia since the Houthis offered last warring parties for a United Nations call Continued on Page 16 Base in central Saudi Arabia. — AFP

veillance. While there is widespread stands in stark contrast to mass protests Fears of setback acceptance that robust measures are which last year brought down leaders in needed to slow the infection rate, critics Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon and Sudan. have voiced fears that states will overreach The region had as of Saturday recorded in liberties in and, once the public health threat has 2,291 COVID-19 deaths out of 35,618 con- passed, keep some of the tough new emer- firmed cases, according to figures collated Middle East gency measures in their toolkits. from states and the World Health This concern is amplified in the Middle Organization, which has urged “concrete CAIRO: Armored vehicles in the streets, East and North Africa, with poorly ranked action” from governments to contain the hundreds arrested, smartphone surveil- human rights records, a cast of authoritari- virus. Authorities have curtailed movement, lance - sweeping measures to fight the an regimes able to bulk up security appa- clamped down on gatherings and arrested coronavirus have raised concerns in the ratuses largely unopposed and many those who disobey the confinement orders. Middle East over the erosion of already states already reeling from political turmoil In Jordan, where King Abdullah II threatened human rights. As the world bat- and economic hardship. The sight of mili- signed a decree giving the government tles the COVID-19 pandemic, more than tary vehicles patrolling otherwise empty exceptional powers, hundreds of people RABAT: Moroccan policemen instruct people to return and remain at home as three billion people are now living under roads to enforce curfews or lockdowns in have been arrested for breaking a curfew. a measure against the coronavirus pandemic in the capital’s district of lockdown and, in some cases, strict sur- countries such as Morocco and Jordan Continued on Page 16 Takadoum on March 27, 2020. —AFP 2 Established 1961 Local Monday, March 30, 2020 Rumors in coronavirus time ruinous to society’s morale, state’s efforts: Academics

Stopping rumors a national duty at this critical time: KU professor

KUWAIT: Posting and circulation of rumors and fake news in the time of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak could have detrimental impacts on people’s morale and state’s ability to handle and overcome the serious health challenge, a group of Kuwaiti academ- ics have warned as judiciary pursuing rumor-mongers. Rumors harm the society and spark panic and fear among its members, Professor of Sociology at the Kuwait University (KU) Dr Ali Al-Zubi said. He under- lined that people are already under enormous psy- chological stress due to the spread of the deadly virus, for which no drug has been found yet. Circulation of fake news and rumors will make things worse, he cau- Dr Massouma Dr Ali Al-Zubi Dr Fawaz Al-Ajmi tioned. He called for checking the credibility of any in- Al-Mubarak formation before posting it. The onus of stopping rumors is on everyone, he emphasized, considering it indicated that Kuwait already has several laws that He called on citizens and residents to double check hampering the government efforts to combat the a national duty at this critical time. tackles disseminating of rumors and false informa- the authenticity and credibility of any information novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the minister revealed. Zubi also urged people to refrain from disseminat- tion, namely Kuwait’s penal code, the audio-visual before circulating it. Ajmi pointed out that the gov- Furthermore, Public Prosecutor Dherar Al-Asousi ing information that could undermine social security law, or the electronic crimes law. ernment has taken several actions to address this has warned that stiff measures would be taken and spread fear. He also advised people to seek infor- problem. against rumormongers who insist on posting misin- mation from the state official sources, notably Grave effects On Wednesday, the Government Spokesman Tareq formation and fabrications about coronavirus on so- spokespersons of the government and ministries as In the meantime, Kuwait University’s Media Pro- Al-Merzem urged people to disregard rumors and cial media, websites and media. He vowed in a press well as the ministry of information and the official fessor Fawaz Al-Ajmi also warned against the grave fabricated video clips. “Help us to stop dissemination statement on March 17 that anyone who may circu- Kuwaiti News Agency. Zubi believes that relying on effects of rumors on the society especially in the cur- of the rumors .. along with fabricated video clips pro- late false data and news about measures taken by people’s conscious and awareness is good in the fight rent exceptional circumstances. He called for syn- moting wrong information .. do not forward these er- state agencies to fight coronavirus, or air posts that against rumor-mongers. He argues that it is better to roneous materials,” he implored. On Thursday, could stir public panic or undermine state homage encourage people to act responsibly than to threaten Minister of Information Mohammad Al-Jabri stressed and public morale would be inevitably brought to them with tough penalties. the significant role of mass media in rebuffing rumors legal accountability. — KUNA over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Adequate information Govt must Speaking to KUNA and Kuwait TV while visiting Meanwhile, Professor of Political Science at the KUNA headquarters, Jabri, who doubles as Minister Kuwait University Massouma Al-Mubarak also stand up of State for Youth Affairs, said that amid the excep- Curfew Diaries agreed that rumors undermine the state’s plans for against rumors tional circumstances in the country, mass media have addressing crises. The state bodies have to stand up a crucial part to play in speedily covering relevant against rumors through providing adequate informa- state decisions and precautions, as well as fighting tion, she said, warning that lack of information opens rumors purposed to sow panic among people. the door wide for rumors and misinformation. The wish jar Mubarak advised the state bodies to follow up social ergy from the government and people to stop the Lawsuits filed networking sites and to be transparent in responding flow of rumors. In this regard, Ajmi demanded the On March 11, ministries of interior and information to any rumor that may stir panic or discontent. She government to feed people with all important infor- filed lawsuits against people who spread rumors re- noted that countering rumors is a collective respon- mation in a timely manner to close the door in face lated to coronavirus. Information Minister Jabri has sibility on every member of the society. of any rumor and to nip in the buds malicious at- also announced that the admins of 23 accounts on Mubarak, nevertheless, called for firmly enforcing tempts to cause public panic and anger. social media sites have been referred to the public By Jamie Etheridge the law on those who spread rumors and tamper with Rumor-mongers are capitalizing on people’s des- prosecution for violating the e-media regulation act the state security. “The state has to be firm especially perate need for information, he said, noting that the 8 (2016). The misinformation circulated by such ac- during the current delicate time,” she said. Mubarak government has to meet their demands in this regard. counts sparked confusion and controversy, thus [email protected]

MoH launches esterday a friend posted this really cool idea on Facebook. Set up a wish jar with meds delivery Ya stack of Post-it notes and a pen in your house. Each time someone in your family wishes they could go shopping at the mall, meet up with service friends for a night out, go to a restaurant and have a meal, take a short holiday abroad or any- thing else currently made impossibly by the KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health (MoH) global pandemic, write the idea on a note and launched yesterday a new medicine delivery service drop it into the wish jar. for people in Kuwait, which they can use to order The jar will likely fill up fast, since we all think medications to be delivered during curfew hours. The daily about the things we wish we could do. My medications will be delivered within 72 hours after favorite wish, for instance, is to go for an early the order is submitted. To place an order, patients walk in Al-Shaheed Park and then have breakfast should send a WhatsApp to the numbers for the hos- with my family at our favorite breakfast cafe. pitals and medical centers as listed below. The patient Keep the jar and when this is all over, go should include their name, Civil ID number, hospital through it and do all the activities you and your or clinic file number, mobile phone number and the Jaber Hospital. family wished for during the coronavirus pan- medicine needed to the following numbers: demic. Take your kids to the playground, learn to • Amiri Hospital: 50880699 scuba dive or get a manicure. Whatever you • Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital: 50880755 • Chest Hospital: 99258749 • Zain Hospital: 97552031 wished for, make it happen. Then when you are • Farwaniya Hospital: 50880852 • Razi Hospital: 97633487 • NBK Hospital: 96931761 making your dream come true - even if it’s some- • Adan Hospital: 50880908 • Kuwait Cancer Control Center: 96735242 • Al-Rashed Allergy Hospital: 94162470 thing as simple as shopping in The Avenues - pull • Jahra Hospital: 50881066 • Psychiatric Hospital: 97350113 • Infectious Diseases Hospital: 96989164 out that yellow Post-it note. Pause for a moment • Sabah Hospital: 97632660 • Physiotherapy Hospital: 99824037 • Palliative Care Hospital: 94024786 and remember when this simple activity hadn’t • Jaber Hospital: 96992079 • Maternity Hospital: 98559531 • Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center: 90952469 been possible and be grateful. • Ibn Sina Hospital: 99613948 • As’ad Al-Hamad Dermatology Center: 98514508 • KFH Addiction Treatment Center: 94169363 Gratitude is one of the best mindsets to have when facing difficult circumstances. Remember- ing in times of hardship and uncertainty how blessed and lucky we are is a major boon for our people at a time and in case there are lines, the from March 12 to April 9, with work resuming on mental state and can help ease depression and Coronavirus in distance must be at least one meter between April 12, while entities providing vital services will anxiety and also support a calm and more people. remain open. thoughtful approach. In the current state of State departments have been on high alert to global pandemic, we could all use a bit more Kuwait: What we Operating businesses take precautions against the potential spread of calm, and so it’s good to be grateful. The following activities are allowed to operate the virus. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry Gratitude can also help manage the present. know so far outside of the curfew period between 5:00 am has taken measures to make sure that facial Since this crisis began in late February in Kuwait, and 4:00 pm: masks, hand sanitizers and other goods remain I have heard more and more people speaking 1- Various types of foodstuff and supplies accessible to the public. Meanwhile, the Ministry about the plans they have and what they will do KUWAIT: Kuwait has so far recorded 255 cases stores an markets. of Education has suspended classes for March at when it’s over. As the wish jar suggests, looking infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 2- Laundromats. all public and private schools (for both students forward to the future can be a valuable tool for With the exception of eleven cases in critical 3- Various type of repair shops. and teaching staffs); first from March 1 to March managing the present. But it is also important to condition, all cases are in stable condition and are 4- Automobile repair, maintenance and spare 12, and later extended it until March 29, before find ways to be present, in the present, and still recovering in quarantined locations designated parts. eventually suspending schools until August for feel ok. by the government for this purpose, while 910 5- Money exchangers. grade 12 and October for other stages. Kuwait Imagine you are only used to cooking with have been discharged from quarantine after ex- 6- Pharmacies. suspended issuing entry permits and visas unless onions and suddenly there are no onions avail- hibiting no symptoms during their 14-day quar- 7- Various types of restaurants. those issued through diplomatic missions. able in the market. Will you stop cooking alto- antine period, the Ministry of Health confirmed. 8- Optical shops. gether? Or adapt to cook what you never before Meanwhile, 67 people have recovered completely 9- Administrative offices. Hotlines believed was possible to cook without onions? after previously being infected with the virus, the 10- Cooking gas branches. • The Ministry of Health has set the following Maybe you will spend all your time lamenting the ministry said. There are 168 people receiving 11- Co-ops’ family needs branches. hotlines to receive inquiries about the coron- loss of onions and dream of the sweet sting of treatment as of yesterday, and 1,231 quarantined 12- Feed shops. avirus 24/7: 24970967 - 96049698 - 99048619. onion juice, or how full-bodied and rich onions as of Saturday. Kuwait is taking measures to test Meanwhile, the following industrial and craft made your soup or curry. Kuwaitis coming from infected areas for potential activities, which are licensed by the Public Au- • The Education Ministry set the following But what if, instead of focusing on the absence infection, as it has already tested thousands of thority for Industry (PAI), are allowed to open: hotlines to receive inquiries on school closures of a thing, we focused on what is present? Per- people. Meanwhile, Kuwait requires all expatri- 1- Food. related to the anti-coronavirus measures: haps exploring new ways to cook that don’t in- ates who arrived from travel on March 1 and be- 2- Petrochemicals. volve onions? New ways of living that don’t yond to visit Kuwait International Fairground 3- Gases. • 24970967 (24/7 hotline) require frequent shopping trips or flights abroad where the Ministry of Health has set up a center 4- Plastic. • 51575591 (Capital Educational Zone) or regular dinners in restaurants in order to live at Hall 6 to test people for possible infection. 5- Cardboard and paper. • 51576117 (Hawally Educational Zone) full and meaningful lives? • 51576576 (Farwaniya Educational Zone) We can wish for a future of greater freedom Curfew Precautions • 51577055 (Jahra Educational Zone) and opportunities while also enjoying a present Kuwait enforced a country-wide curfew as of All arrivals to Kuwait from all countries are to • 51577655 (Ahmadi Educational Zone) with more limitations but also more opportunities Sunday from 5:00 pm to 4:00 am until further be placed under compulsory institutional quar- • 51577951 (Mubarak Al-Kabeer Educational to explore and be creative within those limita- notice. Earlier, the government decided to close antine for 14 days, during which the person is Zone) tions. Orson Welles is credited with saying that all shopping malls, beauty salons and barber monitored, and prescribed health procedures are • 51578171 (Religious Studies Department) “The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.” shops as part of its measures to prevent the applied, the health ministry said. Kuwait halted all • 51588599 (Private Education Department) We are now in a time of limitations. We can wait spread of the coronavirus. The government also commercial flights until further notice. Authorities • 51592515 (Services Department) for wishes to one day come true or we can work allowed restaurants to host a maximum of five also announced a public holiday in the country • 51594544 (Public Relations Department) within the limitations before us, creating in the present the world we want. 3 Local Monday, March 30, 2020 Kuwait FM meets team tasked with repatriation of citizens Kuwaitis returned home from Tehran, Paris, London, New York

KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting with a team This file photo shows a Kuwait Airways plane shortly after landing at Kuwait International Airport on tasked with repatriation of Kuwaiti citizens back home. —KUNA March 25, 2020, carrying Kuwaiti nationals repatriated back home.

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr of Civil Aviation, KRCS and information technol- don had touched down at Kuwait International plained. Kuwait International Airport received, on Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah met with a ogy agency. Airport late on Saturday, while another plane car- Friday, three planeloads of Kuwaiti returnees; one team tasked with arranging repatriation of Kuwaiti Four incoming flights were scheduled yesterday rying Kuwaiti nationals arrived from New York the from Spain, the other from Britain and the third citizens back home, to discuss means of guaran- to bring Kuwaiti repatriates same day. The flights were part from Italy. Last Thursday, there were three flights; teeing safety of nationals until their return from from Iran, France and the of the state’s ‘air bridge’ oper- one from Germany, the other from Britain and an- abroad amidst the global coronavirus (COVID-19) United Kingdom. Directorate ‘Phase One’ ation to bring back home thou- other from Abu Dhabi, the UAE, a day after arrival pandemic, a foreign ministry statement said. The General of Civil Aviation sands of nationals stranded of three planes from Lebanon, Egypt and Bahrain. meeting, attended by President of Kuwait Red (DGCA) said on its official concluded abroad due to the spread of Phase one of the operation to bring back Crescent Society Dr Helal Al-Sayer and held at Twitter account on Saturday the coronavirus (COVID-19), Kuwaiti citizens kicked off last Wednesday and was Seif Palace Saturday night, touched upon comple- that two Al-Jazeera aircrafts yesterday Directorate General of Civil scheduled to end yesterday. The operation is being tion of urgent measures to deal with latest devel- would fly to Kuwait from Aviation (DGCA) said on its of- executed according to health conditions and terms, opments related to the coronavirus, added the Tehran, Iran; one scheduled at ficial Twitter account. set by local authorities in Kuwait and the World statement. They also discussed coordination 12:00 am and the other 3:00 The latest incoming flight Health Organization (WHO). Basically, such air- among relevant state bodies for the repatriation of am. A Kuwait Airways plane would fly back was organized as part of phase one of the opera- crafts are disinfected and the passengers must take Kuwaiti citizens. The meeting grouped represen- Kuwaiti repatriates from Paris at 6:00 pm and an- tion, carried out in coordination with the ministries prescribed health precautions from start to end of tatives of the foreign, finance, interior, health and other would come from London at 9:00 pm, it said. of foreign affairs, interior, health, customs and fire the flight. They are also examined to ensure they defense ministries, as well as Directorate General A plane carrying Kuwaiti repatriates from Lon- departments as well as Kuwait Airways, DGCA ex- are free of symptoms of coronavirus. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Vehicles drive amidst heavy rain which hit Kuwait on Saturday. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh 4 Established 1961 Local Monday, March 30, 2020

KUWAIT: A combination of photos showing traffic police officers carrying out an inspection campaign recently in Hawally during curfew hours, as part of efforts to maintain order amidst government measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

the security and stability Kuwait condemns of the Gulf region,” the source said in a state- ‘heinous attacks’ ment. The attacks, he added, were violating international law and on Saudi Arabia came at a time the whole world was mobilizing KUWAIT: Kuwait strongly condemns the “heinous” efforts to fight coron- rockets’ attacks on Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh avirus (COVID). The and Jazan on Saturday, a foreign ministry source State of Kuwait, reiterated the source, fully supports said. This “cowardly attack does not only target Saudi Arabia and all measures it was taking to main- security of the Kingdom and safety of its people, but tain the country’s security and stability. —KUNA Minivan catches fire in Khaitan

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Firemen put out a blaze in a minivan parked in an open area in Khaitan Saturday night. Farwaniya Fire Station men arrived to the scene minutes after the fire was reported, and managed to extinguish the flames before they could spread to other vehicles parked nearby. No injuries were reported, and an investigation was opened to deter- mine the cause of the blaze, Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) said. 5 Local Monday, March 30, 2020 Customers with high temperatures not allowed into supermarkets Minister issues decisions to limit crowds, help prevent COVID-19 spread

By A Saleh Khaled Al-Roudhan, noting that such decisions were made to avoid overburdening citizens and prevent KUWAIT: Minister of State for Municipal Affairs unjustified foodstuff price increases. Earlier, Roudhan Waleed Al-Jassem announced issuing a decision had issued a decision fixing the prices of livestock mandating measuring the temperature of all super- and meat, according to the following: market and store staff and customers prior to entry - Three to four month-old local Naimi sheep will and reporting any case with temperatures above 37 cost no more than KD 95, while sheep older than six degrees centigrade. Jassem months will be sold for a max- added that he had issued sev- imum of KD 115. eral decisions and directives to - Two to four month-old help limit crowds in supermar- Commerce Shefali sheep will be sold for a kets, protect customers’ health maximum of KD 80, 2-4 month- and prevent the spread of ministry sets old male goats will be sold for a coronavirus (COVID-19), in- maximum KD 50, and those cluding obliging stores and su- food prices older than 4 months will be sold permarkets to provide for a maximum of KD 60. customers with sanitizers and - Four month-old and older gloves on entry and maintain a Australian sheep will be sold for KUWAIT: People lined up outside a vegetables’ store in Hawally. —Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh distance of at least one meter between customers a maximum of KD 60, younger animals will be sold for waiting in line. Jassem also noted that the decision in- KD 53, and 3-4-month-old Somali sheep will be sold cluded not allowing in more than 10 customers at a for a maximum of KD 50. Hawally, where foul shisha tobacco and products were a police detective and violating the curfew hours, time with two meters between one another inside, and - Four to six month-old Jordanian sheep will be sold being stored and sold in the local market. Inspectors said security sources. Case papers indicate that banning the entry of children to avoid legal actions for a maximum of KD 90, while 4-6-month-old South had watched the warehouse for two days prior to the Farwaniya detectives suspected someone using a stipulated in decision number 703/2020. African sheep will be sold for a maximum of KD 55. raid and confiscated large quantities of the tobacco police flasher on his vehicle, and when he was Roudhan warned that violation of the above deci- that did not match specifications, in addition to a truck stopped, he was found to be a Syrian, who admit- Food prices sion will be subject to legal penalties and actions. being loaded outside. The place was closed down. ted that the flasher belongs to a friend working for Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce and Indus- Ahmadi police detectives, who was also arrested. try (MoCI) issued special decisions fixing the prices Foul tobacco Police impersonator arrested Both were referred to relevant authorities pending of vegetable and meat at various outlets, said Minister Hawally municipal inspectors raided a warehouse in A Syrian man was arrested for impersonating as further legal action.

devised in view of the current health circum- Amiri Hospital Director Dr Ali Al-Alandah said Amiri Hospital stances and as part of measures taken by the hos- 2,187 patients had been registered through the local spotlight pital to limit the spread of the coronavirus portal and that the number will increase in view of stays in touch with (COVID-19) and protect patients by reducing the growing number of hospital patients wishing to their visits to the hospital. use the service. “The Amiri Hospital is the first to Sarraf added that the portal will provide the use an online portal in Kuwait,” he underlined. Health system patients online services of prescribing medicines, nutrients and The hospital’s official spokesperson Dr Raed medical materials, renewing prescriptions, medi- Sayyed Hashem stressed that the portal aims at fa- cine home delivery, inquiring about outpatient de- cilitating services for patients and helps them stay By Meshaal Al-Enezi partment and visit appointments, medical test at home amidst fears of the spread of COVID-19. requests, complaints, inquiries and warnings. Gastroenterologist at Thunayyan Al-Ghanem Cen- KUWAIT: Capital health zone director Dr Afrah “There is a team including members from the hos- ter Dr Maasouma Al-Ali added that medicines will By Muna Al-Fuzai Al-Sarraf announced launching the Amiri Hospital pital’s 14 departments operating the portal,” she be delivered to patients within 24 to 48 hours and online portal to communicate with hospital pa- underlined, pointing out that the second phase of that 920 home deliveries had been made so far. tients, both citizens and expatriates. Speaking on the project due to be launched soon will include Amiri Hospital’s IT department manager Mezyad the sidelines of a meeting she headed to launch online consultation, through which patients will be Al-Mutairi stressed that the portal ensures privacy the service, Sarraf said the new platform had been able to communicate with doctors by video. of patients’ information. [email protected]

Copernicus Sentinel-2 he coronavirus has exposed the vulnerabil- ity and strength of the health system of al- mission takes space Tmost every country in the world. It clearly showed that no country can claim to be proud of being the strongest in terms of its health system photograph of Kuwait because the number of coronavirus infections, specifically deaths, and the ability of each system to provide treatment are the best criteria, and KUWAIT: The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission cap- numbers don’t lie. tured this satellite image of Kuwait on July 25, 2019. There is no doubt that most countries in the world The image was received at the Matera Space Centre were not prepared for a pandemic and international (Italy), where Italian-headquartered aerospace and health solidarity is needed between all countries in defense company Leonardo - through the joint ven- the world. Whether this virus came from a bat or ture e-GEOS (Telespazio 80 percent / Italian Space from a human mistake in a laboratory, it triggered Agency 20 percent) - acquires, processes, stores and real terror and fatalities in humans, and no one distributes data from the main Earth observation knows for sure when this virus will be eliminated. satellites, and also produces images, products and In a short period of time, the world of finance services in near real-time for maritime surveillance. and oil were hit deeply, with millions of people The Copernicus program is coordinated by the pushed into quarantine, whether domestic or insti- European Commission in collaboration with the Eu- tutional. All governments are working now to iso- ropean Space Agency (ESA) and is designed to mon- late their citizens and prevent them from gathering itor the environment and to mitigate the effects of in order to halt the spread of the virus. climate change, contributing to the management of Also, there’s a shortage of medical equipment humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters and civil such as masks, clothing and eyewear for medical security. The Copernicus Sentinel missions provide personnel. Operating medical devices is a difficult high-resolution radar and optical images of our process for some states because they need a num- planet that allow us to capture images such as this ber of parts imported from abroad, and this is not one from space, but also allows us to monitor chang- available due to the escalating crisis. In fact, every- ing places on Earth. Flying 800 km above, satellites one is busy with their internal crises and need the take the pulse of our planet by systematically imaging equipment for themselves. This is the truth. and measuring changes taking place, which is partic- I also believe that protecting medical and nurs- ularly important in regions that are otherwise difficult ing staff from infection is essential to shield them to access. Kuwait is generally low lying, with the high- and their patients from infection and transferring est point being only 300 m above sea level. The image it to others, but the lack of medical supplies puts shows the flat, sandy Arabian Desert that covers the KUWAIT: A satellite image of Kuwait captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on July 25, 2019. their lives at risk and that of other workers caring — European Space Agency (ESA) majority of Kuwait and appears as a vast expanse of for infected patients. Some reports indicated that light sand-colored terrain. During the dry season, be- the coronavirus may lead to a fundamental change tween April and September, the heat in the desert can Sabah Causeway can be seen cutting across the bay. center-pivot irrigation method, where equipment ro- in the global system, especially as it is not directed be severe with daytime temperatures reaching 45 de- The bridge is 36 km long - making it the fourth largest tates around a central pivot and crops are watered against a specific system, peoples or nations, but grees C and, on occasion, over 50 degrees C. bridge in the world. with sprinklers. Just south of Kuwait City lies the rather threatens everyone without exception. Kuwait City, visible jutting out into Kuwait Bay, Al-Jahra lies around 50 km west of Kuwait City Great Burgan oil field - considered the second Last week, a set of developments related to the holds most of the country’s population - making and is visible as a small, green oasis on the west side largest oil field in the world. The Great Burgan com- coronavirus occurred, such as when Italy recorded Kuwait one of the most urbanized countries in the of Kuwait Bay. It is the center of the country’s prin- prises three smaller fields: Burgan, Al-Maqwa and the largest death toll in one day, and yet some world. The various colors of Kuwait Bay come from a cipal agricultural region - producing primarily fruits Al-Ahmadi. The oil fields can be identified as an ex- Cuban doctors went there for help and support in combination of wind and the amount of sunlight re- and vegetables. The circular shapes to the right of tensive network of interlocking roads which connect a campaign of medical diplomacy. This is a heroic flected off the waters. The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- Al-Jahra are an example of the pivot irrigation or the individual wellheads. action indeed. I think the health system in Kuwait is excellent, and it works hard at its best to prevent the spread of disease among people, along with tightening the Shortage of onions, curfew and banning social gatherings. In a country with a population of approximately four million other veggies people, the rates of disease and recovery mean that things are under control, even if the number of infected cases reached 235 cases on Saturday. By Ben Garcia I need to say that Kuwait did not ban its citizens returning from abroad, but rather encouraged this KUWAIT: There is a shortage of onions and other and took all precautions to protect and treat them. vegetables in many supermarkets and groceries all I believe that Kuwait is better than many other over Kuwait. In some hypermarkets, produce is avail- countries that have refused to accept the return of able, but for 500 to 750 fils per kilo instead of the their citizens, because they are likely to be in- regular 250 to 385 fils per kilo. Yesterday, Kuwait fected! KUWAIT: Empty shelves inside a local supermarket yesterday. — Photos by Ben Garcia Times went around Salmiya, Rai, Farwaniya and I think this virus may bring a new awakening to Kuwait City and found very little to no vegetables in the world. French President Emmanuel Macron an- the storage and display sections of stores. In some manager of a chain of hypermarkets in Kuwait on the He said due to the suspension of commercial nounced that he is preparing with US President co-ops too, there are reported shortages of onions condition of anonymity. “But no worries, because the flights, shortages of vegetables and other produce Donald Trump and other countries a new initiative and other green vegetables, according to customers. shortage is temporary - we will have deliveries of was bound to happen. “Before we got supplies deliv- to tackle the coronavirus. Hope and prayers are all “I informed some of my customers last week that produce by mid-next week. The problem is that even ered from India daily - it’s just a few hours’ journey we have to call for the importance of improving the we are going to run out of stock, especially of onions in the places from where we get our vegetables, sup- from here. But now we need to wait for cargo flights health system to face the unexpected. and other veggies. Now, this is happening,” said a ply is low,” he added. to arrive before we can replenish our stocks,” he said. InternationalEstablished 1961 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 N Korea fires short-range ‘ballistic Spread of coronavirus accelerates in US jails missiles’ into sea Page 8 Page 8

SYDNEY: People wait in a queue to receive benefit payouts, including unemployment and small business support as the novel coronavirus inflicts a toll on the economy, at a Centerlink payment centre in downtown Sydney. — AFP Virus drives surge in domestic violence Privacy rights may become next victim of killer pandemic SYDNEY: Australia yesterday announced a nearly Aus$150 million boost-part of an additional Aus$1.1 sharing “anonymized” smartphone data to better sorship about the crisis, human rights watchdog Free- US$100 million boost in funding to tackle domestic billion in health-related spending announced Sunday- track the outbreak. dom House said, while others are blocking websites violence after support services reported a spike in would be spent on telephone support services for These moves have prompted soul-searching by or shutting off internet access. “We have observed a coronavirus-related family abuse. Prime Minister both domestic violence victims and abusers. privacy activists who acknowledge the need for tech- number of concerning signs that authoritarian Scott Morrison said there had been a 75 percent “We need to put more resources into supporting nology to save lives while fretting over the potential regimes are using COVID-19 as a pretext to suppress surge in Google searches for help during the ongoing people who will be vulnerable and may be vulnera- for abuse. “Governments around the world are de- independent speech, increase surveillance, and oth- nationwide shutdown of non-essential services to ble,” he told reporters in Canberra. The government manding extraordinary new surveillance powers in- erwise restrict fundamental rights, going beyond what curb the spread of COVID-19. is also increasing funding tended to contain the virus’ is justified by public health needs,” said Michael Women’s Safety, a domestic violence charity in for online mental health spread,” the Electronic Abramowitz, president of the group. Australia’s most populous New South Wales state, services, telephone medical Frontier Foundation said in has reported that more than 40 percent of workers consultations and emer- Australia boosts an online post. “Many ‘Normalized’ surveillance had seen an increase in client numbers, with over a gency food relief in re- would invade our privacy, Some activists cite the precedent of the Septem- third of cases directly linked to the virus outbreak. In sponse to the coronavirus funding to deter our free speech, and ber 11, 2001 attacks, which opened up the door to neighboring Victoria, women’s support service Wayss pandemic, which has left disparately burden vulner- more invasive surveillance in the name of national said police requests for assistance with cases had al- many people largely con- tackle domestic able groups of people. security. “There is a risk these tools will become most doubled in the past week, as they dealt with a fined to their homes. Aus- Governments must show normalized and continue even after the pandemic form of abuse “not experienced before”. tralia has recorded almost violence that such powers would ac- slows,” said Darrell West, who heads the Brookings “Just having the people in the house, rather than 4,000 cases of COVID-19, tually be effective, science- Institution’s Center for Technology Innovation. But having the pressure release of going to work, or being with the death toll rising to based, necessary, and even some digital privacy defenders say it may be able to travel freely outside of the house are con- 16 yesterday. proportionate.” prudent to use some of the available data to help tributing factors,” Wayss CEO Liz Thomas told public The measures vary from place to place. Hong Kong control the outbreak. broadcaster ABC. “We’ve also seen half a dozen ex- Privacy rights ordered people arriving from overseas to wear track- “I’m not against fighting this epidemic with data amples in the past week where perpetrators have ac- Digital surveillance and smartphone technology ing bracelets, and Singapore has a team of dedicated or tech,” said Ryan Calo, a University of Washington tually used COVID-19 as a form of abuse-telling their may prove helpful in containing the coronavirus digital detectives monitoring those living under quar- researcher affiliated with Stanford’s Center for In- partner that they have the virus, therefore they can’t pandemic-but some activists fear this could mean antine. Israel’s security agency Shin Bet has begun ternet and Society. “The problem with implementing leave the house.” lasting harm to privacy and digital rights. From using advanced technology and telecom data to track surveillance in an emergency is that it might accli- Perpetrators have also invited “people into the China to Singapore to Israel, governments have or- civilians. In perhaps the strictest move, China gave mate people to that.” Calo said it is a difficult trade- house where the woman is self-isolating, saying that dered electronic monitoring of their citizens’ move- people smartphone codes displayed in green, yellow, off, noting that even the awareness of being tracked the visitor has COVID-19 and is going to infect them”, ments in an effort to limit contagion. In Europe and and red, determining where citizens can and cannot go. or monitored has an impact on people’s feelings of Thomas said. Prime Minister Morrison said the the United States, technology firms have begun China is also among the countries enhancing cen- privacy and personal security. — Agencies

associated with COVID-19 in an infant,” In rare case, US the department’s director Ngozi Ezike said ‘Super-spreader’ in a statement. “A full investigation is un- derway to determine the cause of death.” infant dies from Pritzker described himself as shaken by the guru puts Indian news. “I know how difficult this news can COVID-19 be, especially about this very young child,” villages on alert he said. “It’s especially sorrowful for the family of this very small child, for the years WASHINGTON: A US infant has died stolen from this infant. We should grieve.” NEW DELHI: At least 15,000 people from the COVID-19 illness, officials in the Last week, top French health official who may have caught the coronavirus state of Illinois said on Saturday, marking Jerome Salomon said a 16-year-old girl had from a ‘super-spreader’ guru are under an extremely rare case of juvenile death in died in the Ile-de-France region of Paris strict quarantine in northern India after the global pandemic. At a news conference, and its surroundings. “Severe forms (of the Sikh religious leader died of Governor JB Pritzker said “an infant” was coronavirus) with the young are very rare,” COVID-19. The 70-year-old guru, among the fatalities linked to the new coro- Salomon noted. In the US state of Califor- Baldev Singh, had returned from a trip navirus over the previous 24 hours. The nia last week, the Los Angeles County De- to Europe’s virus epicenter Italy and state Department of Public Health said the partment of Public Health said that a Germany when he went preaching in child who died in Chicago was younger teenager had tested positive for COVID-19 more than a dozen villages in Punjab than one year old and had tested positive and died. But the agency added the case is state. for COVID-19. complex and there may be an alternate ex- It has sparked one of India’s most se- “There has never before been a death planation. — AFP rious alerts related to the pandemic and special food deliveries are being made to each household under even tighter restrictions than the 21-day nationwide stay-at-home order imposed by the NEW DELHI: Migrant workers and their family members lineup outside the Anand government. “The first of these 15 vil- Vihar bus terminal to leave for their villages during a government-imposed nation- lages was sealed on March 18, and we wide lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. — AFP think there are 15,000 to 20,000 people in the sealed villages,” said Gaurav Jain, a senior magistrate for the district of rope, and were on their preaching tour With 873 confirmed coronavirus Banga, where Singh lived. until Singh fell ill and died. cases and 19 deaths, India’s toll is lower “There are medical teams on standby The case has stunned India and a than other countries afflicted by the and regular monitoring,” he told AFP on popular Punjabi singer based in Canada, pandemic, but experts say many infec- Friday. Nineteen people who were in Sidhu Moose Wala, released a song tions have not been detected due to a contact with the preacher have already about Singh that has been viewed on lack of testing. A similar alert has been tested positive for the new virus, said YouTube more than 2.3 million times in declared in the town of Bhilwara in Ra- Vinay Bublani, a local deputy police less than two days. “I passed on the dis- jasthan state after there were two deaths commissioner. Results are being awaited ease... roaming around the village like a out of 19 virus cases. No details have from more than 200 others. shadow of death,” say the lyrics to the been given about the source of the clus- The guru and his two associates-who song, which Punjab’s police chief Dinkar ter, but a one kilometer (0.6 mile) no-go NEW YORK: Photo shows EMS personnel outside Emergency Department, St Barnabas have also tested positive-ignored self- Gupta has encouraged people to listen area has been declared around a hospi- Hospital in the Bronx in New York City. — AFP isolation orders on their return from Eu- to as a warning. tal being used to treat victims. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, March 30, 2020 Getting better: China’s new virus cases trending lower New daily cases down to 45, all but one from overseas

WUHAN: China reported 45 new coronavirus man, who gave his surname as Hu, told Reuters as cases in the mainland for Saturday, down from 54 he ventured out to buy groceries in Wuhan. “Now, on the previous day, with all but one involving it is under control. Now, it’s great, right?” All air- travelers from overseas, the country’s health ports in Hubei resumed some domestic flights yes- authority said yesterday. In the last seven days, terday, with the exception of Wuhan’s Tianhe air- China has reported 313 imported cases of coron- port, which will open to domestic flights on April avirus but only 6 confirmed cases of domestic 8. Flights from Hubei to Beijing remain suspended. transmission, data from the National Health A train arrived in Wuhan on Saturday for the Commission showed. first time since the city was placed in lockdown Most of those imported cases have involved two months ago. Greeting the train, Hubei Chinese returning home from abroad. Airlines have Communist Party Secretary Ying Yong described been ordered to sharply Wuhan as “a city full of cut international flights. hope” and said the hero- And restrictions on for- ism and hard work of its eigners entering the people had “basically cut country went into effect Wuhan off transmission” of the on Saturday. Five more reported just virus. More than 60,000 people died on Saturday, people entered Wuhan on all of them in Wuhan, the one new case Saturday after rail servic- industrial central city es were officially restart- where the epidemic in 10 days ed, with more than 260 began in December. But trains arriving or travel- Wuhan, the capital of ling through, the People’s Hubei province, has Daily reported yesterday. reported only one new case on the last 10 days. Yesterday, streets and metro trains were still A total of 3,300 people have now died in main- largely empty amid a cold rainy day. Flashing signs land China, with a reported 81,439 infections. on the Wuhan Metro, which resumed operations WUHAN: People wearing face masks ride along a street in Wuhan, in China’s central Hubei province Saturday marked the fourth consecutive day that on Saturday, said its cars would keep passenger yesterday. —AFP Hubei province recorded no new confirmed cases. capacity at less than 30%. The Hubei government The sole case of domestically transmitted coron- yesterday said on its official WeChat account that avirus was recorded in Henan province, bordering a number of malls in Wuhan, as well as the Chu Nanshan, played down that risk in comments to this quarter, China is set to unleash hundreds of bil- Hubei. With traffic restrictions in the province lift- River and Han Street shopping belt, will be allowed state broadcaster CCTV yesterday. Zhong said lions of dollars in stimulus. The ruling Communist ed, Wuhan is also gradually reopening borders to resume operations on March 30. asymptomatic patients were usually found by Party’s Politburo called on Friday for a bigger and restarting some local transportation services. Concerns have been raised that a large number tracing the contacts of confirmed cases, which had budget deficit, the issuance of more local and “It’s much better now, there was so much panic of undiagnosed asymptomatic patients could so far shown no sign of rebounding. national bonds, and steps to guide interest rates back then. There weren’t any people on the street. return to circulation once transport restrictions With the world’s second-biggest economy lower, delay loan repayments, reduce supply-chain Nothing. How scary the epidemic situation was,” a are eased. China’s top medical adviser, Zhong expected to shrink for the first time in four decades bottlenecks and boost consumption. —Reuters

boost in funding to tackle domestic violence after Asia virus latest: support services reported a spike in coronavirus- related family abuse. Prime Minister Scott Australia domestic Morrison said there had been a 75 percent surge in Google searches for help during the ongoing South Africa police nationwide shutdown of non-essential services to violence cases surge curb the spread of COVID-19. Associations around fire rubber bullets the world that help victims of domestic violence HONG KONG: Here are the latest develop- have sounded the alarm over fears of an increase in ments from Asia related to the novel coron- cases, as the stress caused by social isolation exac- at shoppers avirus pandemic: erbates tensions. JOHANNESBURG: South African police fired Singapore cancels passport China’s imported cases rubber bullets towards hundreds of shoppers Singapore cancelled the passport of a citizen China reported 45 new coronavirus infections queueing outside a supermarket in Johannesburg who breached his mandatory quarantine period, the yesterday, all but one of them imported from as authorities battled to keep people at home in a latest example of the city-state’s strict enforcement abroad. That compares with 54 cases the previous SINGAPORE: People walk near commercial buildings in bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus. With of social distancing measures. The 53-year-old man the central business district in Singapore. Singapore’s 1,187 confirmed infections and one death, the day, all imported. After taking draconian steps to had been ordered to stay at home for 14 days after economy, a bellwether for trade-reliant Asian coun- country has the highest numbers of confirmed bring the virus spread under control domestically, returning to Singapore from neighboring tries, suffered its worst contraction since the global infections on the continent. Indonesia-a rule he then broke by making a further China is now doing the same to prevent imported financial crisis in the first quarter as the coronavirus President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a 21- return trip over the border. Singapore, which has infections. It announced this week it would drasti- pandemic escalated, official data showed. —AFP day lockdown for the country’s 57 million inhabi- imposed tough measures to slow the spread of the cally reduce the number of international flights into tants, deploying police and the military to enforce virus-including the threat of six months in jail for the country and banned foreigners from entering the restrictions. But on day two of the nationwide people who intentionally stand close to someone beginning Saturday. underlying condition. There are now more than 500 lockdown, the government was struggling to get else-reported its third COVID-19 death on Sunday. confirmed cases in New Zealand, with 63 new people to observe the restrictions. Many in work- NZ, Sri Lanka report first deaths infections reported over the past 24 hours. Sri ing-class neighborhoods ventured out to buy food, Australia domestic violence New Zealand (NZ) has had its first novel coron- Lanka also recorded its first Coronavirus death late standing close to each other in lines while waiting Australia announced a nearly US$100 million avirus death: a woman in her 70s with a chronic Saturday. —AFP for turns to get into grocery stores. Between 200 and 300 people gathered outside a popular grocery store, early Saturday in Yeoville, The poll will see new MPs elected to the 147- a crime-prone area in Johannesburg’s gritty central Malians vote despite seat National Assembly for the first time since 2013, business district. Scrambling to secure their spots, when President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s Rally for many did not observe the recommended safe dis- virus, security fears Mali party won a substantial majority. tance between each other. Police arrived in 10 Parliamentary elections were meant to take place patrol vehicles and started firing rubber bullets again in late 2018 following Keita’s re-election, but towards the shoppers. Startled shoppers trampled BAMAKO: Malians headed to the polls yesterday the poll was postponed several times, largely due to for a long-delayed parliamentary election just hours on each other and a woman with a baby on her security concerns. After yesterday’s first round vote, back fell to the ground. after the country recorded its first coronavirus a second round is scheduled for April 19. death and with the leading opposition figure kid- Later the police used whips to get the shoppers napped and believed to be in the hands of jihadists. to observe social distancing rules. In ‘Difficult times’ Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, shopping trol- There were security fears about the vote even Casting a shadow over the vote is the fate of before the war-torn West African country recorded leys helped keep the rules respected. “So for today, veteran opposition leader Soumaila Cisse, who was what we have adopted is to do the 1.5 meter dis- its first coronavirus infection on Wednesday. kidnapped on Wednesday while campaigning in the Some 200,000 people displaced by the near- BAMAKO: A vegetable vendor wears a mask as a pre- tance using the trolleys,” said Lilly Bophela, centre of the country. Cisse, 70, who has been run- Alexandra shopping mall manager. “So as you can daily violence in Mali’s centre and north will not be ner-up in three presidential elections, and six mem- ventive measure against the spread of COVID-19 coro- able to vote, because “no mechanism has been navirus in the central market of Bamako. —AFP see now we are just making sure that people are bers of his team were abducted in an attack in one meter away using the trolleys”. While jogging established” for them to do so, a government official which his bodyguard was killed. He was “likely” said. There were also fears that the impoverished and dog-walking are banned, shopping for food being held by jihadists loyal to Fulani preacher and other basics, but not alcohol, is permitted. state of some 19 million people - where large Amadou Koufa, who leads a branch of the al- were not ideal. “It’s true that we cannot say that swathes of territory lie outside state control - is Qaeda-aligned GSIM active in the Sahel, according everything is perfect, but we’re doing the maxi- particularly exposed to a COVID-19 outbreak. Late mum,” he said, referring to the threat of coronavirus. Police whip shoppers to a security source and a local official. Cisse and South African billionaire businessman Patrice Saturday, just hours before polls opened at 0800 his entourage were probably now “far from where He added that hand-washing kits had been distrib- GMT yesterday, the country’s first coronavirus uted in the countryside, while in the capital Bamako, Motsepe on Saturday pledged one billion rand they were abducted,” the security source told AFP. (US$57 million) to help fight the pandemic. “Our death was announced, with the number of infections The government’s election spokesman, Amini authorities would make masks and hand sanitizers rising to 18. available. —AFP number one concern is to save lives and ... to make Belko Maiga, has admitted that voting conditions sure that we slow down ... the spread of coron- avirus pandemic,” he told a new conference. Africa’s confirmed cases were Saturday creep- New York City area could spread COVID-19 in their ing towards 4,000 cases with at least 117 deaths - Trump rejects communities. and governments are scrambling to slow the He told reporters that “heavily infected” New spread. Zimbabwe starts a three-week lockdown NY lockdown Yorkers were a threat to Florida, a popular southern today, while on the same day Lesotho will also go holiday destination for people in the northeast. But on a 25-day lockdown. Elsewhere on the conti- after strong warnings from New York Governor WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump decid- nent, Ghana has announced a two-week lockdown Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Ned in the country’s two main regions of Accra and ed late Saturday against imposing a broad two-week Lamont that the move would spark panic and cause lockdown on New York and its neighbors after a Kumasi starting today. The move came as the further damage to financial markets, Trump reversed authorities reported 137 confirmed cases, includ- strong pushback from local political leaders and course and said there would only be travel warnings warnings of the panic it could spark. ing four deaths. for the region. President Nana Akufo-Ado said residents The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “On the recommendation of the White House (CDC), however, late Saturday advised residents of would only be allowed to go out to buy food, CoronaVirus Task Force, and upon consultation with water and medicines and to use public toilets. On the region not to travel except for essential purposes. the Governors of New York, New Jersey and “A quarantine will not be necessary,” Trump NEW YORK: A man walks his dog in Brooklyn in an Saturday the Democratic Republic of Congo Connecticut, I have asked the (US Centers for sprawling capital, Kinshasa, was meant to go into tweeted, about eight hours after he stunned the New Disease Control and Prevention) to issue a strong empty park in New York City, NY. —AFP York metropolitan region, the epicenter of the US lockdown for four days, but local officials delayed Travel Advisory,” he said on Twitter. The CDC then the measure after the announcement caused a coronavirus outbreak, with a proposal to place it published its advisory which urged residents of the under quarantine to prevent residents from leaving. A nationwide. New York City alone reported a surge of spike in the price of basic goods and worries three neighboring states “to refrain from non-essen- about unrest. And in neighboring Congo- lockdown of that type would have been the harshest tial domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.” more than 155 deaths Saturday, taking the city’s total to measure yet taken by the US government to slow the 672, about one-third of the 2,185 fatalities across the Brazzaville, President Denis Sassou Nguesso declared a health emergency and announced a spread of the disease. Trump had indicated earlier US epicenter United States, according to data from Johns Hopkins that he was responding to worries in other states, University. Neighboring New Jersey has reported more lockdown in the country, combined with a night New York state has reported in excess of 53,000 curfew, from Tuesday. —AFP particularly Florida, that travelers from the greater cases of the new coronavirus, out of more than 124,000 than 11,100 COVID-19 cases. —AFP 8 Established 1961 Monday, March 30, 2020 International N Korea fires short-range ‘ballistic missiles’ into sea 4th such launch this month as world battles virus outbreak

SEOUL: North Korea fired what appeared to be the two leaders would not be enough to foster two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast broader relations. yesterday, the fourth such launch this month as the Trump “explained his plan to propel the relations world battles the coronavirus outbreak. The string between the two countries... and expressed his of weapons drills come as a prolonged hiatus in dis- intent to render cooperation in the anti-epidemic armament talks with the United States drags on, and work,” she said in a statement published by the despite recent overtures from Washington offering Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North help to contain the pandemic. Korea is one of the few remaining countries in the South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North world yet to report a case of novel coronavirus fired the two projectiles, presumed to be ballistic infection. But the outbreak has turned into a major missiles, from the port city of Wonsan into the Sea international crisis, with more than 640,000 con- of Japan, also known as the East Sea. “Such military firmed cases and 30,000 dead worldwide. action by North Korea is an extremely inappropri- There has also been widespread speculation that ate act when the entire the virus has reached the world is having difficulties isolated nation, and health due to the COVID-19 out- experts have warned that break,” they added in a it could devastate the statement. N Korea country given its weak Tokyo’s defense min- refining medical infrastructure and istry said the projectiles widespread malnutrition. fell short of Japanese its weapons Yesterday’s launch was waters and the country’s capabilities intended to show the exclusive economic zone. country was running nor- The nuclear-armed North mally during the pandemic, has yet to issue a state- said Kim Dong-yub, a ment yesterday’s missiles researcher at the Seoul- but attributed its three other launches this month-all based Institute for Far Eastern Studies. SEOUL: A woman walks past a screen showing file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a of which landed in the Sea of Japan-to “long-range railway station in Seoul yesterday. —AFP artillery” drills. It last week fired what Seoul said Negotiations deadlocked were two short-range ballistic missiles, describing Analysts say the North has been continuing to them as a new “tactical guided weapon”. refine its weapons capabilities more than a year Washington to offer fresh concessions by the end of the Hiroshima blast. North Korean state media announced the follow- after a summit between Kim and Trump broke down 2019, and in late December Kim declared his coun- North Korea is under multiple sets of United ing day that the country’s leader Kim Jong Un had in Hanoi. Negotiations have since been deadlocked try no longer considered itself bound by moratori- Nations, US and other sanctions over its weapons received a letter from US President Donald Trump over sanctions relief and what the North would be ums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile programs. Heightened tensions in 2017 were fol- detailing a plan to develop ties-a move later con- willing to give up in return, despite a high-profile tests. In the past the North has fired missiles capa- lowed by two years of nuclear diplomacy between firmed by a White House official. The report cited June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides ble of reaching the entire US mainland and has car- Pyongyang and Washington, including three meet- Kim’s powerful sister Kim Yo Jong, who warned that the Korean peninsula. ried out six nuclear tests, the most recent of them ings between Kim and Trump, but little tangible the apparently good personal relationship between Pyongyang set a unilateral deadline for estimated to be up to 16 times more powerful than progress was made. —AFP

Trying to sew divisions has been one of Guaido’s How will US bounty main aims since January 2019 when he used his position as National Assembly speaker to declare himself acting president in a direct challenge to Spread of coronavirus affect Maduro’s hold Maduro’s authority. Despite being recognized by more than 50 countries, he’s failed to make any sig- accelerates in US jails on Venezuela power? nificant headway. Maduro retains the support of the powerful military - backed by allies China, Russia NEW YORK: Sean Hernandez says he covers his CARACAS: The United States ramped up the pres- and Cuba - and control of state resources increas- mouth and nose with a t-shirt or towel when he sure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this ingly under pressure from US sanctions. leaves his cell, the only defense he can improvise week by accusing him of “narco-terrorism” and “Both the US and Guaido have failed in their against the coronavirus outbreak now sweeping offering a $15 million bounty for information leading efforts to undermine Maduro’s power base,” said through New York’s Rikers Island jail system. to his capture. It’s the latest in a succession of Peter Hakim, president emeritus of the Washington- Inmates have no access to gloves or proper measures to try and force Maduro from power in based Inter-American Dialogue think tank. “It is CARACAS: In this file photo, Venezuela’s President masks and have only cold water to wash their favor of Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido. impossible at this point to make a serious prediction Nicolas Maduro gestures during a press conference hands, said Hernandez, who was convicted of But though analysts said the move could pressure about whether this time will be different,” although attempted murder and has served eight years. He he acknowledged it would “put added pressure and with members of the foreign media at Miraflores the regime, they were also skeptical it will achieve palace in Caracas. —AFP said inmates watched on Thursday as a guard either the desired effect or an end to the South stress on the Maduro government and the army.” coughed, her cheeks turned red and she col- American country’s long-running economic and But political scientist Ricardo Sucre believes this lapsed to the ground. political crises. pressure is more likely to unite the leadership rather on Friday reiterated their “unwavering commitment” “We are pleading with officers” for better than fragment it. to Maduro in the face of “extravagant and extremist defenses, he said. “They just shrug. In the end, Fracturing the leadership accusations.” we are just inmates, second-class citizens. We The millions of dollars offered in reward by the Military factor Maduro has already bought their loyalty, provid- are like livestock.” As of Saturday, at least 132 US Justice Department are aimed at encouraging Washington’s overtures have mostly been to the ing the military with ample political and economic inmates and 104 staff at jails across New York divisions amongst the command structures in the Venezuelan military in a bid to sever their ties with power in a country whose economy has crumbled, City had tested positive for COVID-19, the dis- Maduro regime, experts say. “It’s a game of bil- Maduro, who repeatedly claims he’s the target of forcing millions of ordinary Venezuelans to flee. He ease caused by the coronavirus. The virus liards... you put the ball in play, hit it against others attempted coups. “They’ve gone from trying to cre- has always been able to rely on that military sup- appears to be spreading quickly through a jail and those balls hit others, generating reactions,” ate a crack through threats, to buying a crack ... port, including during mass street protests against system famous for its overcrowded cell blocks. said political scientist Luis Salamanca. He said it they’re looking to see if someone will sell out his rule in 2014 and 2017 when violent crackdowns The city’s Department of Correction said it is “sets a ball in motion in the circles of power” that Maduro,” said Sucre. The armed forces remain, out- left around 200 people dead, and an attempted taking many measures to protect detainees, and could create internal divisions. wardly at least, loyal to the leader and once again uprising by Guaido in April 2019. —AFP declined to comment on Hernandez’s account of an infected guard collapsing. Across the United States, jails and prisons are lives will be lost and the sooner life can reporting an accelerating spread of the new dis- At home with return to normal,” he will say, according ease, and they are taking a varied approach to to a statement from Downing Street. protecting the inmates in their charge. Thousands Britain has reported 17,089 con- of inmates are being released from detention, in virus, UK’s firmed cases of coronavirus and 1,019 some cases with little or no medical screening to deaths. The peak of the epidemic in the determine if they may be infected by the coron- Johnson writes country is expected to come in a few avirus and at risk of spreading it into the commu- weeks. After initially taking relatively nity, Reuters found. modest steps compared with other Since March 22, jails have reported 226 inmates to the nation European nations, Johnson ramped up and 131 staff with confirmed cases of COVID-19, his response to coronavirus in the past according to a Reuters survey of cities and coun- LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris week, ordering pubs, cafes, restaurants ties that run America’s 20 largest jails. The numbers Johnson, who is self-isolating at 10 and shops to close and making social are almost certainly an undercount given the fast Downing Street after testing positive for distancing compulsory. spread of the virus. Hot spots include Cook County coronavirus, will write to every UK In his letter, he will thank all those jail in Chicago, Illinois. Since the first case was household to urge people to stay at working for the state-funded National confirmed there on Sunday, the virus has infected home. Johnson, who has described his Health Service (NHS), which provides 89 inmates and nine staff. Test results are pending symptoms as mild, is leading the govern- free healthcare to everyone living in the for 92 other detainees. ment’s response to the crisis, chairing United Kingdom and inspires huge Inmate advocates, local officials and public meetings by video conference. The health respect across society. “It has been truly London: A handout picture released by 10 Downing Street, shows an image defenders are urging jails and prisons to speed minister, Matt Hancock, has also tested inspirational to see our doctors, nurses of Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a screen as he remotely chairs up the release of inmates. Jails typically hold positive and is working from home. and other carers rise magnificently to the morning novel coronavirus Covid-19 meeting by video link. —AFP people for relatively short periods as they await “We know things will get worse the needs of the hour,” Johnson will say. before they get better,” Johnson will write trial. They have more flexibility to reduce popu- “Thousands of retired doctors and nurs- to stay at home, protect the NHS and ble people, and explanations of symp- in his letter, which will be sent to 30 mil- lations than state or federal prisons, whose es are returning to the NHS - and hun- save lives.” The letter will come with a toms. The letter and leaflet are part of the lion households across the United inmates have been convicted and sentenced. “We dreds of thousands of citizens are volun- leaflet containing the government’s government’s public information cam- Kingdom starting from next week. “But are nowhere close to the rate of release we need teering to help the most vulnerable. advice on hand washing, rules on leaving paign on coronavirus, and are expected we are making the right preparations, and to see to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Udi “That is why, at this moment of the house, guidance for those self-isolat- to cost 5.8 million pounds ($7 million) to the more we all follow the rules, the fewer Ofer, director of the justice division at the national emergency, I urge you, please, ing with symptoms or shielding vulnera- print and distribute. —Reuters American Civil Liberties Union. “Every day that government officials do not act is another day that lives are put at risk.” other aspect of American life. also deprived of hosting his raucous rallies, is Some groups are pushing back. Victims’ rights Biden and Sanders go Biden, the 77-year-old frontrunner, and Sanders, monopolizing the spotlight. The daily, nationally group Marsy’s Law, named after the murdered the 78-year-old underdog, have paused all in-per- televised White House coronavirus task force sister of billionaire Henry Nicholas, has criticized virtual as virus freezes son campaigning. Live town halls are no more. briefings often stretch on for more than 90 min- the releases, saying victims of crimes should be Several states have postponed their primaries on utes, with Trump sometimes taking up an entire notified before the people who committed them coronavirus fears - New York was the latest to do hour at the podium. are let out-a process that could delay releases of US Democratic race so on Saturday - and another debate between the The Republican incumbent’s handling of the cri- some inmates by weeks or months. However, offi- two candidates is unlikely. The dozens of reporters sis has earned mixed reviews, but his job approval cials supervising releases in New York, Los WASHINGTON: Three weeks ago, Joe Biden and who followed the two candidates for months have rating has ticked up - and he is front and center Angeles, Houston and other major cities say they rival Bernie Sanders were hosting rallies that peeled away. every day. Desperate to stay relevant, Biden and are releasing only low-level, non-violent offend- attracted thousands. The pair often visited two Even the Democratic National Convention set Sanders are participating in multiple webcasts, ers. New York City has freed about 450 inmates states a day in their fierce and spirited battle for for mid-July, when the party officially nominates including roundtables with their respective health from its jails since last weekend as it scrambles to votes. Today, they appear online as lonely candi- their candidate to challenge President Donald advisor on the latest coronavirus developments. The contain the virus, which has killed more than dates hunkered down in their homes, forced off the Trump in November, is at risk. “We’re doing a vir- events are largely somber, like a CNN virtual town 28,300 people, including more than 2,050 in the trail and into campaign reinvention mode as the tual campaign, if you like,” Sanders said Thursday hall Friday on COVID-19, at which the former vice United States. —Reuters intensifying coronavirus pandemic upends the on National Public Radio. While the Democrats president answered questions from voters in virus Democratic presidential primaries along with every are reduced to basement livestreaming, Trump, hotspots like New York. —AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

Left jobless, Colombia’s informal KIB achieved significant assets Markaz exits Parc Santa Fe 10workers to get government aid 11 growth and brand standing in 2019 11 industrial property in US

WASHINGTON, DC: Nextdoor, the hyper local social network, is seen on a computer screen in Washington, DC, on Friday. There are offers to pick up groceries or medicine for neighbors, to share supplies, or walk people’s dogs. — AFP Nextdoor grows in age of social distancing

Hyperlocal social network plays an increasingly important role in the time of corona

SAN FRANCISCO: There are offers to pick up gro- other,” said Nextdoor user Paulina Borsook. Borsook the neighborhood,” read a Nextdoor post in a Santa the coronavirus. ceries or medicine for neighbors, to share supplies, or lives on a hill overlooking Monterey Bay on the edge Cruz county community. “I find it really valuable for hyperlocal news,” Bor- walk people’s dogs-and even intel on where to find of Silicon Valley, and is among those grappling with “They aren’t super elaborate, but I think it will give sook said of Nextdoor, adding that neighbours are scarce items like toilet paper. For people forced to not venturing outside because their age makes it risky us all something beautiful to look at night while walk- posting information “I am not getting anywhere else.” stay home to ride out the coronavirus pandemic, in a time of coronavirus. ing. Please join me.” Nextdoor is also being used as a While Nextdoor watches for misinformation or scams, Nextdoor, a hyperlocal social network, has found itself “I am used to getting lemons from neighbors, but platform to support local businesses; collect donations it benefits from being based on verifying that those playing an increasingly important role. relying on them for gro- for food banks, and connect who join the social network are who they say they are Daily usage of the network-an ad-supported pri- ceries is much different,” parents dealing with edu- and live where they say they do. vately held start-up which touts itself as a local alterna- she said. cating children at home be- “The underpinnings are strong from a trust per- tive to Facebook-soared 80 percent in March as people cause schools are closed. spective,” Friar said. “When people post, they post looked to connect more with neighbors. “What we are Help map Private start-up “There is genuine isola- with real names so you have more accountability.” seeing is proximity matters more than anything right Earlier this month, tion, loneliness, but there is Neighbors can report dubious content to the social now,” Nextdoor chief executive Sarah Friar told AFP. Nextdoor launched an in- an alternative also kindness kicking in,” network while also directly challenging it in the online “There is a real need in our lives for people who teractive “help map” which to Facebook? Friar said. community. live close by.” Nextdoor is free. The only caveat is that lets people indicate how “Usage is off the charts “If you post something nonsensical, people will call users must verify who they are and live in the real- they are able to help with at the moment.” you out on it,” Borsook said. “There is more a sense world location that comports with the boundaries of chores, errands or other of ‘we are all in this together.”‘ the online neighborhood network they wish to join. needs. “Happy to do any er- Nearby news Like Facebook, Nextdoor has seen advertising dip Launched in late 2011 as a variation on town rands that don’t require heavy lifting,” one user in the Nextdoor has long collaborated with agencies due to the economic disruption of sheltering-in-place, squares where people could get to know neighbors suburbs of the US capital wrote. “I’m a fantastic gro- and governments to connect with local citizens, po- but it is also catching the eyes of restaurants, health and catch up on local news, San Francisco-based cery shopper too!” sitioning it as a hub for local news and resources. It care facilities, insurers and other businesses adapting Nextdoor now boasts 260,000 neighborhoods across Nextdoor users share word of which restaurants has been used in the past by the US Census Bureau to the crisis. “We do, clearly, have advertisers on the 11 countries including Australia, Britain, France, Italy, have takeaway food, what precautions are in place at and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Now, platform that have pulled back,” Friar said. Spain, and the US. local markets-and even ideas to soothe one another the California governor’s office is using the social “On the other side, we are seeing companies lean “I am really touched by the amount of community at a stressful time. “I will be putting our Christmas network to provide neighborhood-specific updates in that didn’t know us before and want to be there in spiritedness; people helping out, shopping for one an- lights back up tomorrow to add some cheer back to about what the state knows and is doing regarding this moment.” — AFP

is only likely to deteriorate from here.” On to 2027. They could not agree either on how dollar-denominated Eurobonds. UK firms worried the other hand, business and professional much each sector should receive. Lebanon to This came after its first default in services firms expected growth in the com- Although talks have continued since then, history on a $1.2 billion Eurobond orig- about outlook ing quarter. The CBI data is compiled from the novel coronavirus pandemic has spread form debt plan inally due on March 9. surveys of manufacturing and retail sectors, further across Europe, which now accounts The country is embroiled in one of which it publishes separately, and a gauge for two thirds of the global death toll: 21,334 its worst economic crises since the before lockdown of the services sector. out of the latest world total of 30,003. That by year-end 1975-1990 civil war, now compounded The balances represent the difference in has changed the outlook of many political by an outbreak of the novel coron- percentage points between the share of leaders, with the whole EU bloc facing the avirus. In a bid to halt the spread of the BEIRUT: Lebanon Friday pledged to LONDON: British companies in key sec- firms answering that output is, or is likely to prospect of slipping into recession by the illness, the government has ordered a tors were already bracing for the biggest be, up or down. Meanwhile, the European end of the year. finalise a plan to restructure the coun- try’s massive debt by the end of 2020, lockdown until April 12 and ordered all hit to business since 2009 even before last Commission will propose a new stimulus But the 27 EU leaders could not agree on non-essential businesses to close. week’s shutdown of the much of the econ- package to help the bloc recover from the the best economic response to the eco- just weeks after its first default in his- The finance ministry’s director-gen- omy as the government moved to slow the economic damage caused by the coron- nomic damage wrought by the pandemic tory. Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni eral Alain Bifani warned that the pan- spread of coronavirus, an employers’ avirus pandemic, Commission chief Ursula during a video-conference Thursday. They promised “a full restructuring of the demic would only “exacerbate the group said. von der Leyen said Saturday. “To ensure re- asked the Eurogroup bloc of nations to government debt-both Lebanese deterioration of social conditions”. He Surveys conducted in the first half of covery the Commission will propose come up with proposals next month. pound and dollar denominated debt” March showed consumer services firms, changes in the MFF proposal that will allow “The Commission will participate in as part of a wider economic recovery said 45 percent of Lebanese already such as restaurants, bars and cinemas, were to address the fallout of the coronavirus cri- these discussions and stands ready to assist, plan. lived in poverty, and 22 percent in ex- the most pessimistic, the Confederation of sis,” von der Leyen said in a statement. if supported by the Eurogroup,” von der “Our aim is to finalize this ambitious treme poverty. He predicted the econ- British Industry (CBI) said yesterday. A The MFF is the multi-annual financial Leyen said. “In parallel the Commission is turnaround agenda before year-end omy would further contract by around measure of their expectations for business framework (MFF), the European Union’s working on proposals for the recovery 2020,” he said during a presentation to 12 percent this year, and inflation volumes in the next three months showed a long-term budget. phase within the existing treaties.” investors by webcast. Describing the would reach up to 25 percent. balance of -47 percent. “This will include a stimulus package that Italy, Spain and France-the hardest hit Lebanese economic model as “bro- Even before the coronavirus, prices The balance for manufacturers stood at will ensure that cohesion within the Union countries so far, with cases spreading ken”, he also pledged banking sector had soared and many businesses had -20 percent while the retail sector’s sales is maintained through solidarity and re- fast-are pushing for Europe to find a way and fiscal reforms. been forced to slash salaries, fire staff expectations fell to -31 percent, it said. “Ex- sponsibility,” she added. “At this juncture, to better share the financial burden. But One of the most indebted countries or close. The pandemic is just the lat- pectations of a sharp fall in activity give the President is not excluding any options the Netherlands and Germany are skepti- in the world, Lebanon is burdened by est crisis to hit Lebanon, already reel- some sign of what is to come,” Alpesh Paleja, within the limits of the treaty.” cal, fearing their big-spending southern a public debt equivalent to more than ing from months of unprecedented the CBI’s lead economist, said. Last month, EU leaders failed to reach neighbors will exploit the crisis to push 170 percent of GDP. Last Monday, the anti-government protests that sought “With strict social distancing measures agreement on an extension to the upcoming for a pooling of eurozone government finance ministry said it would discon- to dislodge a ruling elite seen as in- still to be reflected in our data, the picture seven-year budget plan, for the years, 2021 debts. — Agencies tinue payments on all of its outstanding competent and corrupt. — AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Monday, March 30, 2020 Left jobless, Colombia’s informal workers to get government aid

Half the wage earners work off the books with no savings

BOGOTA: The poorest residents from street vendors The amount is the equivalent to about 12 percent of to war victims will receive cash and food during the the minimum monthly wage. coronavirus lockdown in Colombia, where roughly half Duque said on a televised program from the presi- the wage earners work off the books with no savings, dential palace that the measures were introduced “so authorities said. The government said it will spend that we can weather these storms without hunger in $120 million to help about three million informal econ- our country.” omy workers like cleaners, maids, street vendors and He also said about 2.6 million Colombian families construction workers who lack a financial safety net. who do receive a monthly cash transfer from the The South American nation of 50 million people has government’s ‘Families in Action’ program will get an additional payment of about $80. The program main- ly covers unemployed single mothers and poor rural families. In addition, 206,000 young people partici- 3m Colombians pating in the government’s ‘Youth in Action’ welfare to get $40 program will also receive an additional payment of about $50. As the lockdown has brought the coun- in one-time try’s informal economy to a halt, the streets of Bogota and other majors cities were empty, particu- cash transfer larly hurting street sellers who rely on their daily earnings to buy food and pay rent. Like others in the nation’s informal economy, they have no savings or access to bank loans and very lim- Workers are seen in a construction area at Hidroituango hydroelectric plant in Ituango, been under lockdown since Tuesday to stem the ited health care. In Bogota, a city of 8 million people, Colombia.— Reuters spread of the coronavirus, which has infected at least local authorities pledged this week to help the 53,000 539 people and killed eight in Colombia so far. registered street vendors by providing food parcels. Since 2011, war victims have been entitled to a one- “I haven’t heard of anything or got anything. I’m Colombians are under orders to stay at home until So far, about 3,500 parcels have been delivered. time compensation payment of about $2,000. not on any list to receive benefits,” Cardenas told April 13, and the elderly are confined until the end of Also getting aid are the nation’s nearly 9 million people Payments scheduled for later this year for 50,000 the Thomson Reuters Foundation. He said he has not May. President Ivan Duque announced this week listed as official victims of its 52-year war that ended war victims will be moved up to as early as next been able to work since the ride-hailing platform that three million Colombians who are not partici- in 2016, Duque said. They are mostly people who were month, the government has said. But the benefits will has been suspended during the lockdown. “I’m pating in government welfare programs would displaced from their rural homes by warring factions not reach many of those in need who will be forced to going to have to eat less and borrow money,” he receive $40 in a one-time cash transfer next week. and now live in city slums. fend for themselves, said Uber driver Juan Cardenas. said. — Reuters

The World Health Organization World’s largest warned on Friday that the “chronic glob- al shortage of personal protective gear” glove maker is among the most urgent threats to the virus containment efforts. ECB asks banks “Definitely there is a shortage. They sees shortage order 100 percent more, we can only increase 20 percent so there is a short- to halt dividends KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Top age of about 50 percent to 80 percent,” Glove Corporation Bhd, which makes he said. The exceptional buying momen- over virus crisis one in every five gloves globally, expects tum could last another three months but a product shortage as demand from orders are expected to remain strong for FRANKFURT: Europe and the United States spikes The European Central Bank on up to nine months even as demand from Friday asked eurozone banks to freeze dividend because of the widening coronavirus Asian markets has started to slow slight- outbreak is exceeding its capacity. payments “until at least October 2020” to preserve ly, Lim said. To cope, the company has liquidity that can be used to help households and The company has extended shipping adjusted its delivery time from as short times to cope with the demand surge, companies through the coronavirus crisis. The as 30 days to as long as 150 days. Frankfurt institution also asked banks not to buy SAN FRANCISCO: Bird has already paused shared scooter operations in Executive Chairman Lim Wee Chai told Lim said the company was ensuring Reuters by phone on Friday. Lim said back shares, another tool to reward shareholders, at many markets around the world and drastically cut spending, and is all its customers get a fair share of extra a time when policymakers everywhere are taking now ‘saying goodbye’ to 30 percent of its workforce. orders received in the past few weeks, gloves delivered. mainly from Europe and the United unprecedented steps to support the global economy. “We manage their volume, limit them “The ECB expects banks’ shareholders to join States, were almost double the compa- to buy so much per customer. We have ny’s production capacity. Top Glove can this collective effort,” it said in a surprise statement. slashing costs to ensure it has enough to manage but it’s a good problem for us produce 200 million natural and syn- The measures would “boost banks’ capacity to Layoffs at money to keep it running through next to solve,” he said. Lim said the company thetic rubber gloves a day. absorb losses and support lending to households, year, according to VanderZanden. Bird is adding new machines every week, and There are now more than 600,000 small businesses and corporates during the coron- e-scooter is curbing all spending not related to could increase its production by as coronavirus cases across 202 countries avirus (COVID-19) pandemic”, it added. The ECB’s keeping the startup afloat, according to much as 30 percent. This month, Top and territories globally, with the United proposal, which would affect dividends for the the chief executive. Glove stepped up its factory utilization startup Bird States overtaking China as the country financial years 2019 and 2020, echoes that of the “History suggests that people will by 10 percent to 95 percent and expects with the most infections. Europe contin- Brussels-based European Banking Federation demand a large scale mobility option to reach near maximum utilization in SAN FRANCISCO: ues to report the most deaths. “Some which earlier this week said “listed banks should Electric-scooter that still allows for personal distancing,” April. The company is rushing to source customers panic order; normally they not accrue dividends or undertake share buybacks startup Bird on Friday said it is laying VanderZanden said. “And Bird will be about 1,000 workers to keep up. Top order 10 containers a month but now so as to maintain maximum capital preservation” off nearly a third of its workforce to sur- there.” Bird workers losing jobs were Glove normally hires from Nepal but is they suddenly increase to 20 contain- during the crisis. The ECB’s suggestion is likely to vive damage done to its service by the assured severance pay and extended now drafting workers from Malaysia ers,” he said. be welcomed by eurozone citizens, many of whom coronavirus pandemic. health plan coverage. “This once in a because of travel restrictions.—Reuters vividly remember the taxpayer bailouts of global Bird has already paused shared decade black swan event presents one banks during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. “The scooter operations in many markets of the greatest challenges in history,” coronavirus outbreak is threatening the lives of around the world and drastically cut VanderZanden said in the memo. many people around the globe and is pushing the spending, and is now “saying goodbye” Transport company Lime last week economies of many countries into recession,” ECB to 30 percent of its workforce, founder pulled its electric scooters from nearly supervisory board chair Andrea Enria said in a sep- and chief executive Travis two dozen countries, including the arate blog post. VanderZanden said in a memo to United States, as the new coronavirus “Unlike in the 2008 financial crisis, banks are employees at the Southern California- spread worldwide. not the source of the problem this time. But we based company. “Like you, we are worried about the need to ensure that they can be part of the solu- “We’ve watched the COVID-19 pan- cities we love and call home, the people tion.” He estimated that compliance with the ECB’s demic radically and quickly transform we serve, and our colleagues on the proposal would keep an extra 30 billion euros ($33 our lives, the world, and our business in ground,” said Brad Bao, the chief execu- billion) of capital in the financial system. less than a month,” VanderZanden said tive and founder of Lime. Bao said in in the memo, a copy of which was cities where the scooters will still be ‘No limits’ shared with AFP. available, the company is taking extra While many eurozone banks may be able to “Given the unknown timeline and precautions including “cleaning all parts hold off on their 2020 dividend payments, some current economic situation, we were of the scooter that are touched by peo- have already paid out those for 2019 or have com- forced to cut back in this way to elon- KUALA LUMPUR: A worker monitors a production line at a Top Glove fac- ple.” Nonetheless, Bao said, customers tory in Meru outside Kuala Lumpur. — Reuters mitted to doing so. The ECB said it was not asking gate the trajectory of Bird and our mis- should wipe down scooters or bikes for those payouts to be scrapped, but lenders sion.” Bird recently raised hundreds of before using them and wear gloves as a whose shareholders are set to vote on dividend millions of dollars from investors, but is precaution. —AFP proposals in upcoming annual meetings “will be Moody’s cuts S Africa’s expected to amend such proposals in line with the updated recommendation”. Russia’s Rosneft the company stressed. Russia, with credit ratings to junk After initially facing criticism for not taking as China and Cuba, is one of the main allies much action as other central banks in the coron- of Venezuela’s leader President Nicolas avirus fightback, the ECB has in recent weeks Maduro, but US sanctions against his JOHANNESBURG: halts work Moody’s has Losing an investment-grade notation unleashed a flurry of measures to shore up the 19- regime had put Rosneft under increas- downgraded South Africa’s credit rating has a real impact on a government’s nation euro area. That includes a “big bazooka” ing pressure. In February, Washington to junk status, piling more anguish on an ability to borrow in international debt scheme to buy an additional 750 billion euros in Venezuela announced sanctions against a Rosneft economy already in recession and bat- markets, as many of the world’s invest- ($832 billion) in government and corporate bonds subsidiary because of its presence in tered by Africa’s worst coronavirus out- ment funds are barred by their statutes this year to keep cash flowing through the financial MOSCOW: Russian oil giant Rosneft Venezuela. break. Moody’s move “could not have from investing in junk bonds. Crucially, announced Saturday it is halting its Rosneft spokesman Mikhail Leontiev system. The ECB has also launched a fresh round of come at a worse time”, the South South Africa will now be excluded from ultra-cheap loans to banks and eased rules on capi- activities in Venezuela and selling its said the company had fulfilled its obli- African government said, as it would the FTSE World Government Bond tal buffers to encourage banks to offer loans to assets there, a country that has been hit gations and now had a right to expect “further add to the prevailing financial Index (WGBI). households and businesses. by US trade sanctions. “Rosneft the lifting of sanctions, Russian news market stress”. It further sought to calm markets by promising announces the termination of its opera- agency Ria Novosti reported. The downgrade late on Friday came ‘Kicks South Africa’ there would be “no limits” to its commitment to tions in Venezuela and the disposal of its Last August, Russia and Venezuela as South Africa began a three-week The downgrade “kicks South Africa assets, related to operating in were collaborating on developing two nationwide lockdown to try to halt the when it’s down”, said Daniel Silke, a protecting the euro. The ECB warned earlier this Venezuela,” the company said in a new gas fields on the east coast, in the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, political economy analyst, on Twitter. month that it expected banks “to use the positive statement. Caribbean Sea. Rosneft boss Igor which has infected more than 1,100 But he said South Africa had been effects coming from these measures to support the Russia however remains a key part- Sechin, a close ally of Russian President people in the country. “The key driver edging towards such a situation since economy” and not to increase dividends or bonus ner to Caracas. State oil giant Rosneft Vladimir Putin, was one of the main behind the rating downgrade to Ba1 is last year “due to politically con- payouts. Authorities in the Nordic countries of said it had sold its Venezuelan assets to investors. the continuing deterioration in fiscal strained economic reforms & broader Finland, Norway and Sweden have likewise been a company 100 percent-owned by the Maduro has ruled Venezuela since strength and structurally very weak governance failures coupled with ris- urging banks to forgo paying out dividends. Russian government. The interests sold 2013. He was re-elected for a second growth,” Moody’s said. “The govern- ing debt levels”. Thousands of companies worldwide have been by Rosneft include joint ventures of term in 2018, a vote boycotted by the ment’s own capacity to limit the eco- Annabel Bishop, an analyst with forced to close their doors to slow the spread of Petromonagas, Petroperija, Boqueron, opposition which rejected the results. nomic deterioration in the current Investec, said additional public spend- the virus, while large swathes of employees have Petromiranda and Petrovictoria, “as well The US and a large part of the interna- shock and more durably is con- ing to support the economy during the seen their working hours cut or are facing unem- as oil-field services companies, com- tional community has also refused to strained,” it said, blaming “unreliable coronavirus crisis “will worsen govern- ployment. Several major firms have already said mercial and trading operations,” the recognize Maduro’s victory and electricity supply, persistent weak ment finances, as will the contraction in they would scrap their 2019 dividends, among them company said. All Rosneft shares and Washington has applied economic pres- business confidence and investment as GDP and the negative impact to corpo- German airline giant Lufthansa and European plane operations linked to Venezuela will be sure with sanctions against the govern- well as long-standing structural labor rate and household incomes on the maker Airbus.—AFP “disposed of, terminated or liquidated”, ment there. —AFP market rigidities”. shutdown”. —AFP Established 1961 11 Monday, March 30, 2020 Business

Sheikh Mohammed Raed Jawad Mohamed Said El Saka The KIB Annual General Meeting Jarrah Al-Sabah Bukhamseen KIB achieved significant assets growth and brand standing in 2019 Al-Jarrah: We achieved strong, sustainable growth and moved forward in our strategic plan

KUWAIT: The Shareholders Annual General which in turn added to operational challenges. sive digital transformation across all its activities and technical systems. By doing so, KIB’s performance Meetings (AGM/EGM) of KIB held on 26 March Al-Jarrah pointed out the strength of the current operations. The new strategic plan will include a set indicators continued to improve year after year, 2020 and attended by 83.7 percent of shareholders. Kuwaiti economy, which is based on solid fundamen- of initiatives aimed at developing a business model becoming more capable and resilient. The Bank looks The meetings were convened in a manner that took tals that contributed to the stability of the operating with decision-making processes using advanced forward to a positive future to achieve its strategic into account the public safety complying with all the environment, despite the tensions of international analytical models to identify needs of current cus- goals and continue its successful journey powered preventive measures issued by the Ministry of and geopolitical trade in the region. KIB has been tomers, attract new customers, forecast future needs, by a strong vision and strategic plan. Health. Further instructions and guidelines were flexible to handle, based on its strong, sustainable and develop products and loyalty programs specifi- applied to combat the spread of the COVID - 19 growth of its balance sheet, successfully expanded cally designed for them. Additionally, the plan will Local Awards and Global Recognitions virus, for example KIB provided hand sanitizers, a business operations and developed its services and also include attracting new talents in financial tech- As a testament to its positive developments and specialized medical team monitored the tempera- products. The Bank is enthusiastically forging ahead nology and data analysis. excellent results efforts in 2019, KIB garnered a tures and ensure that there is sufficient distance with the final stages of its strategic plan to build on number of prestigious regional and international between the attendees. in order to ensure the safety what it has accomplished so far in the past five years A Complete Digital Transformation awards. KIB was awarded the ‘Best Sharia Compliant of all attending the meetings. and outline its next strategic plan for (2020-2024). KIB’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Bank - MENA 2019’ for the fifth consecutive year by which aims to build an advanced digital business Said El Saka also stated that during 2019, the Bank Capital Finance International (CFI.co), ‘Best Islamic model that will bring KIB closer towards its strategic successfully implemented its ambitious strategic plan Bank in Kuwait 2019’ by World Finance for the sixth vision to become the Islamic bank of choice in that it launched back in 2015. By doing so, KIB was consecutive year, as well as the ‘Fastest Growing Kuwait. able to employ changes across most of its business Islamic Bank MENA 2019’ award from Capital KIB recorded activities, update its systems, develop its infrastruc- Finance International (CFI.co) for the fourth consec- KD 17 million in Ongoing Improvement in ture, strengthen its competitive advantage, as well as utive year. The Bank also received the debut ‘GCC Most Financial Indicators witness a significant improvement in most of its key Best CSR Business Model’ award by World Finance net profit in 2019 On his part, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive financial indicators, some of which recorded notable and the ‘Best CSR Initiative - Arab Banking’ from the Office at KIB, Raed Jawad Bukhamseen pointed out rates. The Bank has also developed its human capital World Union of Arab Bankers in recognition of its that the Bank’s total assets grew by 24 percent to and attract a number of exceptional talent. efforts in improving financial literacy. reach KD 2.69 billion compared to 2.16 billion in 2018. This was a result of an increase in KIB’s financ- ing portfolio of KD 260 million or 16 percent, to The AGM approved the Board of Directors’ rec- reach KD 1.86 billion compared to KD 1.60 billion in • Al-Jarrah: AGM decided to distribute 7% cash dividends and 5% bonus shares ommendation to distribute cash dividends of 7 per- 2018. Additionally, there was an increase in the • Al-Jarrah: Operating profit reached KD 68.5 million cent of the nominal value of the share (7 fils per investment portfolio by KD 74 million or 44 percent • Al-Jarrah: A new strategic plan will be launched (2020 to 2024) to build an advanced digital business share) amounting to KD 6,797 on existing shares to reach KD 240 million compared to KD 166 million model (excluding treasury shares). Additionally, bonus in 2018. Depositors’ accounts also grew to reach KD shares of 5 percent of the authorized, issued and ful- 1.47 billion or a KD 151 million increase or an • Al-Jarrah: Lauded CBK’s efforts in supporting KIB’s journey ly paid up capital (5 shares for every 100 shares) to increase of 11 percent, compared to KD 1.32 billion • Bukhamseen: Total assets increase by 24% shareholders registered in the Bank’s register of recorded last year. Total shareholder equity amount- • Bukhamseen: 16% growth in financing portfolio and 44% growth in investments shareholders at the end of the entitlement date set as ed to KD 281 million, or an increase of 3 percent. • Bukhamseen: Maintain profit rates for depositors’ accounts Tuesday, 21 April 2020. Cash dividends and bonus Bukhamseen also noted that these positive indica- • Bukhamseen: KIB has taken exceptional steps across all its business activities shares will be distributed to the entitled shareholders tors have helped maintain the rate of profits in • El Saka: Latest credit rating reflects our exceptional standing. on Thursday, 23 April 2020. depositors’ accounts in 2019. The annualized return • El Saka: KIB has established strong partnerships with all its customers During the AGM, Chairman of KIB, Sheikh on KIB (KD) Deposit increased to 3.50 percent in • El Saka: KIB has comfortable capitalization in term of Capital Adequacy Ratio of 19.24% Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah, commented: “During 2019 and the annualized return for the long-term the year 2019, KIB recorded continuous develop- deposit account (three-year) was 3.70 percent in ments in its systems and operations, as well as 2019. The Al-Ithmaar Call Account for companies remarkable growth in business activities. This was a has achieved notable success where the net annual- Additionally, KIB has formed a highly-experienced Credit Rating result of the collective and ongoing effort made by ized return reached 1.75 percent at the end of 2019.. management team that works in unison with a clear According to its report issued in 2019, Fitch our talented people, who worked to improve the The Investment Savings Account continued to strategic framework; thereby strengthening its ability Ratings affirmed KIB’s Long Term Issuer Default Bank’s customer service and shareholder value which achieve the highest returns in the local market during to innovative, improving asset quality and sharehold- Rating (LT-IDR) at “A+” with a Stable Outlook. Fitch reflected positively on our performance indicators, 2019, with a net annualized return of 2.1 percent at er returns, and brought the Bank closer to achieving also affirmed the Bank’s Viability Rating (VR) at “bb- strengthened our standing and brand both locally the end of 2019.. Profits will be credited to eligible its strategic vision of becoming the Islamic bank of “. Fitch Ratings also noted that the Bank has the and internationally .” depositors’ accounts upon announcement of financial choice in Kuwait. capacity to further improve as a result of its business Al-Jarrah stated that, as per the audited consoli- results. El Saka added KIB’s positive performance indi- operations and risk appetite, as well as the stability dated financial statements, KIB achieved a net profit cators contributed to the strength of its brand, of its assets. of over KD 17 million for the year ended 31 Continuous Drastic Development creditworthiness, and financial standing. The Bank December 2019 and EPS of 15.01 fils. The Bank’s Bukhamseen added that, KIB is aware of the rapid had issued a $300 million Additional Tier 1 (AT1) Thanks and Appreciation improved performance reflected positively on its changes that the market is going through as well as Sukuk, which came as part of its expansion strate- Al-Jarrah also lauded the Central Bank of Kuwait’s core operational income which reached KD 68.5 intense competition from both within and outside the gy to enhance capital adequacy at 19.24 percent as continuous support for KIB’s ongoing journey. He compared to KD 66.6 in 2018. This was a result of 16 banking sector. Accordingly, the Bank has taken at 31 December 2019. The Sukuk served as a new also appreciated its supervisory role in the local percent growth in financing income, (approximately exceptional steps across all its business activities to addition to its impressive roster of success, as it banking sector in Kuwait and extended his sincere KD 14 million), to reach approximately KD 103 mil- hold true to its brand promise of being a ‘Bank for received attention from investors across 26 coun- appreciation to the Bank’s Board of Directors, the lion compared to approximately KD 89.5 million Life’. He also noted that KIB aims at building a true tries worldwide with a final distribution of 51 per- executive management, the members of the Sharia recorded in 2018. partnership with its customers to provide them with cent international investors and 49 percent region- Supervisory Board, all shareholders, employees and Additionally, there was a notable increase in KIB’s a unique banking experience that meets all their al investors. customers of the Bank. He also lauded their trust in investment income of 160 percent or KD 2.5 million goals and exceeds their expectations. In 2019, the He also noted that KIB continues to enjoy a stable KIB and their key role in making it what it is today. to reach KD 4.1 million compared to KD 1.6 million in Bank continued to develop its systems, digitize oper- operating environment in Kuwait. Our latest credit He also lauded the efforts of the Kuwaiti govern- 2018. Fees and commission income increased by 4 ations, invest in infrastructure, as well as attract tal- rating reflects our exceptional standing, the strength ment and political leadership, as well as their out- percent to reach KD 10.2 million compared to KD ent and develop human capital in order to enhance of our strategic direction. standing ability to handle the global crisis. As part of 9.8 million in 2018. its competitive advantage and enable it to anticipate its efforts, the government issued instructions and and respond to current and future needs. Continuing Our Path of Success preventive measures to combat the COVID - 19. Upcoming Strategy (2020-2024) He noted that KIB’s solid foundation built over the El Saka also noted that during the year 2019, KIB Additionally, he also wished good health and safety Al-Jarrah added that the year 2019 witnessed a past few years, as well as its strong understanding of entered a new stage of a true partnership with its for all under these exceptional circumstance, a combination of economic challenges across the rapid technological developments and their business customers. So far, the Bank has updated its business speedy recovery for all those infected, and to protect globe, which impacted the global economy. However, implications, has driven the Bank to look forward to systems and increased the effectiveness of its opera- Kuwait under the patronage of HH the Amir of the he also noted that the local economy witnessed more the future with passion and positivity. Looking tions, redesigned and launched new product offer- State of Kuwait, the Crown Prince and Prime stability, although economic rates have slowed down, ahead, the Bank is set to launch another comprehen- ings, developed its infrastructure and invested in Minister.

“For over 30 years, Markaz continued to strengthen ues to be sector and strategy agnostic under which Al-Sabt added: “Our current International real Markaz exits Parc its presence in international real estate markets and we identify and source opportunities depending on estate portfolio consists of 15 standalone invest- we have been able to achieve strong results and wit- market trends and timing. We have bought, sold, ments worth over $450 million across various mar- ness the growth of our portfolio by building lasting developed and renovated real estate assets across kets. The full economic implications of the COVID- Santa Fe industrial relationships with market leading operating partners, all major sectors (industrial, office, multifamily and 19 are not yet clear and uncertainty still prevails due service providers and lending institutions. We would retail). Our main focus is to create value to our to the unprecedented nature of the event. However, property in US like to take this opportunity to thank our partner for investors, shareholders and stakeholders through our existing portfolio is well positioned to weather the strong performance delivered on this investment. prudent due diligence, timely acquisitions and the downturn and strongly recover as the crisis sub- We would also like to thank all of our investors for world-class execution.” dues. We strongly believe in the long-term value KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C “Markaz” their continued support and trust.” Sadon Abdullah Al-Sabt, Vice President of proposition of our investment program, which is announced the successful sale of Parc Santa Fe, a Shabshab added: “Our philosophy is and contin- International Real Estate at Markaz, reiterated the designed to capitalize on real estate opportunities (344,542) square foot industrial property located in company’s continued commitment towards its real in the United States and in Europe. The current cri- Denver, CO, for $58,000,000. Launched in April of estate investment program both in the US and in sis will no doubt bring to the market unique trans- 2018, the investment involved the acquisition and Europe. He stated: “This exit is one of a series that actions with significant long term upside which development of a greenfield land parcel into a Class- have achieved more than the initial expected IRR. In Markaz is ready to capture.” A industrial facility. The sale of the property, which 2019, Markaz successfully exited two development Markaz has been active in the US real estate was in line with the initial investment strategy, deliv- projects within our US development program with market since 1977 with the launching of its first syn- ered a net internal rate of return to investors (IRR) of returns exceeding original pro-forma expectations. dicated transaction. Since 1988, Markaz has been 27.7 percent and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 49.6 Furthermore, we fully exited one of our distressed conducting real estate transactions in the US percent. Both return metrics exceeded initial esti- debt assets in Arizona and currently have only one through Mar-Gulf, the US real estate arm and whol- mates of 11.9 percent (IRR) and 43.0 percent (ROE) remaining. In addition, we broke ground on four dif- ly owned subsidiary of Markaz. Over the past thirty driven by strong market selection, excellent project ferent development projects in 2019 including two years, Markaz and Mar-Gulf have been involved in execution and active monitoring & oversight of the industrial projects in Europe (Germany and Poland). the ownership and development of real estate prop- project. The weighted average IRR generated by interna- erties in a variety of segments (Industrial, Retail, Sami Shabshab, President of Mar-gulf tional real estate projects reached 19.5 percent in Multifamily and Office) across the US with a total Management Inc, Markaz’s US real estate arm, stated: Sami Shabshab Sadon Abdullah Al-Sabt the current real estate cycle (since 2010).” acquisition cost exceeding $1.65 billion. 12 Established 1961 Health & Science Monday, March 30, 2020 French chefs cook up antidote to coronavirus confinement

PARIS: Frustrated at stay-at-home confinement, France’s celebrity chefs are cooking up an antidote to the gloomy days of pandemic and quarantine with the help of television and social networks. “Today it’s not chef Lignac talking, it’s Cyril who like all French people has to do his shopping near where he lives,” says Cyril Lignac, the nation’s cur- rent gastronomic media star. On prime-time television, he sports a T-shirt to prepare dinner from his home on his new show “Everyone in the Kitchen”. The show focuses on everyday cooking and the travails of the public in a time of national emergency. The coronavirus crisis has enabled chefs “to play a different tune in the kitchen”, he tells AFP. “It’s very interesting to improve people’s daily lives by cooking just from the cupboard and the fridge.” The show, which opened on France’s M6 channel on Tuesday, is scheduled to last only as long as the public’s confinement in their own homes. Lignac says he wants to help his compatriots by proving how easy, good and well-priced it can be to cook at home. Other chefs are following a similar path. “There are no tricks,” says Paris chef Amandine Chaignot during an online class explaining how to prepare asparagus. “I have a tiny kitchen, if I can do it, you can too.” PARIS: French chef Eric Duquenne, former team leader in the kitchens of the Elysee Palace, packs dishes he cooked in his closed restaurant “Les 3 Presidents” in Paris before Chaignot may be more used to serving up presti- a delivery to an hospital for the medical personnel on the ninth day of a lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in France. — AFP gious banquets but here she’s whipping up a dish with one pot-asparagus and eggs bubbling away In the Mediterranean city of Marseille, two-star green Puy lentil salad that swaps kumquat for green lemon and olive oÔl cake. “It was my wife who con- before runny yolks are mixed with butter and Michelin gourmet Alexandre Mazzia describes him- apple and cashews for any nut. “I received 350 text vinced me to go on Instagram,” he says. With the poured over chopped-up white stalks. Her video self as a “dad” who does homework, sport and messages asking me what to do with Puy lentils,” markets closed, he says, shoppers are unlikely to find was made for mates who often eat in restaurants, cooking with his children. In a rare moment of says the award-winning chef. Triple Michelin star such things as a John Dory fish to cook with aspara- she says. “You can miss so much if you tell yourself downtime, he posted on social media some recipes Christophe Bacquie has also taken to social media gus. Instead, go for a traditional dish like potato ‘I don’t know how to do the simplest of things,’” she adapted to a time of quarantine. They include a to help the nation to get cooking. galette without eggs or flour, Bacquie says. “We use tells AFP. “It has to be easy, quick and not involve a chocolate cake that is “made like an omelette” with He wants to put Mediterranean tastes on our what we have,” says Bacquie. “Everyone is confined, lot of equipment or ingredients you cannot source.” no need to whip up egg whites or sift flour, and a plates-endives in orange, honey and rosemary, we have a duty to lead by example.” — AFP 13

Monday, March 30, 2020

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Monday, March 30, 2020 Lifestyle Features

he legendary Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow has engage with fans in new ways during these challenging Tannounced it will broadcast its best classic per- times,” Julia Solovieva, head of Google in Russia, said formances online for free in response to new in the statement. The “Golden Collection” of the restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Bolshoi’s most popular productions include Sleeping Bolshoi’s announcement came after the Moscow mayor Beauty and The Nutcracker, ballets scored by the ordered the closure of all non-essential services and Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The Bolshoi ear- encouraged residents to stay home. “Our country, like lier cancelled all of its scheduled performances the rest of the world, is experiencing a very difficult between March 17 and April 10, following restrictions time” said Vladimir Urin, general director of the on public events of more than 50 people. Bolshoi Theatre, announcing the digital shows. “We’ve Dozens of theatres and operas around the world never faced this type of situation before and since we have closed their doors to the public in recent days to had to close the theatre we didn’t want to lose our slow the spread of the coronavirus, with some live connection with our audience,” he said. streaming shows. Russia has recorded 840 coronavirus The ballet and opera house said it will show six of cases and two COVID-19 related deaths, according to its most popular productions on its YouTube channel official figures published Thursday.—AFP beginning Friday with the Swan Lake ballet. “We’re honored that YouTube can support the Bolshoi as they

Picture shows eastern chocolate bunnies wearing protective face masks at the bakery Baeckerei Bohnenblust in Bern, amid the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus. — AFP

British charity has teamed up with scientists to epidemic”. The charity has previously trained dogs to Asee whether dogs could help detect COVID-19 detect diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and bacter- through their keen sense of smell, they said on ial infections by sniffing samples taken from patients. Friday. Medical Detection Dogs will work with the They can also detect subtle changes in skin tem- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine perature, potentially making them useful to determin- (LSHTM) and Durham University in northeast England ing if a person has a fever. “In principle, we’re sure to determine whether canines could help diagnoses. It that dogs could detect COVID-19,” said Claire Guest, follows previous research into dogs’ ability to sniff out founder and chief executive of Medical Detection malaria and is based on a belief that each disease trig- Dogs. “We are now looking into how we can safely gers a distinct odor. catch the odour of the virus from patients and pres- The organizations said they had begun prepara- ent it to the dogs. tions to train dogs in six weeks “to help provide a rap- “The aim is that dogs will be able to screen anyone, id, non-invasive diagnosis towards the tail end of the including those who are asymptomatic, and tell us whether they need to be tested. “This would be fast, A man wearing a protective face mask uses his mobile phone in front of the Bolshoi theatre in downtown Moscow, effective and non-invasive and make sure the limited where all events were cancelled in a measure to fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.—AFP NHS (National Health Service) testing resources are only used where they are really needed.” The head of disease control at the LSHTM said dogs could detect malaria with “extremely high accuracy” and, as other respiratory diseases changed body odour, there was a “very high chance” it could also work with COVID-19. Detection dogs could be deployed at airports at the end of the epidemic to rapidly identify people carrying the virus, helping prevent the re-emergence of the disease, according to Steve Lindsay from Durham University. Over 500,000 coronavirus ashion brand Armani said it would weeks to hospitals around Italy, includ- infections have now been recorded across 182 coun- start making single use medical ing Bergamo and Piacenza in the hard- tries, contributing to 22,920 deaths, according to an F overalls for hospital workers at all hit north, the company said. The com- AFP calculation based on official country data and its Italian factories. The group - whose pany operates four factories in Italy, a World Health Organization figures. The number of brands include Giorgio Armani and spokeswoman told AFP. Like many other actual infections is believed to be higher since many Emporio Armani - said they would be fashion brands, Armani has in recent In this file photo Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall countries are only testing severe cases or patients used for “the individual protection of years moved much of its production out requiring hospitalization. —AFP (center), watches a display by a working dog as she vis- healthcare workers engaged in the fight of Italy to other countries where labor its Medical Detection Dogs (MDD) charity in Great against the Coronavirus disease.” costs are lower. —AFP Horwood, outside Milton Keynes, north of London.—AFP Giorgio Armani Founder Giorgio Armani has donated 2 million euros ($2.2 million) in recent

wo of the main events in the fashion calendar — menswear Paris Fashion Week, scheduled from June producing surgical face masks. Their rival LVMH has TParis men’s fashion week and the haute couture 23rd to June 28th, 2020, and the Haute Couture Week for its part launched into the production of sanitising shows — scheduled for June and July have been scheduled from July 5 to July 9, 2020, cannot take hand gel for hospitals at three perfume and cosmetics cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers place,” it said. factories in France.—AFP said on Friday. “Strong decisions are required to It added: “However, the Federation is actively work- ensure the safety and health of (fashion) houses, their ing with its members on possible alternatives,” without employees and everyone working in our industry,” the giving further details. The big French fashion houses A model presents a creation by designer Nicolas Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) are among the many businesses suffering due to the Ghesquiere as part of his Fall/Winter 2020/21 women’s said in a statement. “The board of directors... has come pandemic, with French design houses Yves Saint ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Louis Vuitton to the decision that, in the present conditions, the Laurent and Balenciaga of the luxury Kering group in Paris on March 3, 2020.—Reuters

iranda Lambert is suffering with anxiety amid Lord willin. But in happy news, this box arrived today Mthe Covid-19 pandemic. The 36-year-old and I felt my heart jump. Some wine from @red55win- country music singer admitted she has been ery, freshly canned salsa, apple butter, Paw Paws bbq ollywood’s glitzy film awards are scrambling to The canceled SXSW festival in Austin — which worrying about “the state of the world” as many coun- sauce, and a note on napkin. ‘Sending love from home. deal with the unprecedented impact of the serves as a “qualifying festival” for the Oscars — tries go into lockdown to deal with the spread of the love mom and dad (be safe).’ I do feel safe now know- H coronavirus on the industry, with the Golden went ahead with its competition despite no premieres virus but said she is finding peace in spending time at ing that even though they are over 600 miles away I’m Globes first to relax their entry rules Thursday. Most taking place. Judges were offered online screening home on her farm with husband Brendan McLoughlin. connected to all of them. Sending light to all the first awards shows from the Globes to the Oscars require links to make up their minds. Winners in documen- She wrote on Instagram: “I haven’t really known responders and health care workers. Stay home. Call that movies must be shown in Los Angeles theaters tary, animated and short film categories will still be what to say on social media during all this. I’m not home (sic).”—Bang Showbiz for a minimum period to be considered. But with even eligible for the Oscars.—AFP great at socials anyway and a time like this makes it private screening rooms shuttered indefinitely across that much more difficult for me to figure out how to be. the entertainment capital — and much of the world Tuesday of this week is when I finally realized I could — that appears to be changing. unpack. For the next few months for me there are no Films that had planned “a bona fide theatrical shows, no sound checks, no bus calls, no flights. Just release” between the start of the outbreak and the home. Once I processed it, I actually got a feeling of end of April will be permitted at the Globes, even if peace even though , like all of us, my anxiety about the the release was scrapped, the Hollywood Foreign state of the world right now is still through the roof. Press Association said Thursday. Titles that go “I’ve started working on some projects around the straight to streaming platforms such as Netflix or tel- farm that I kept running from because I had to leave evision during this time will now be eligible. And for work and some I’ve wanted to run from because while previously studios had to invite HFPA voters to organization is not my fav. Ive been having some pret- private screening events, online links or DVDs will be ty cool virtual happy hours with friends and family. permitted during the pandemic lockdown, it added. Brendan and I have been cooking, cleaning, working The all-important Oscars — which typically take out, spending time with dogs and horses and just being place one or two months after the Globes — have yet together quietly . Well besides the country music con- to announce any changes. stantly coming through the speakers (sic).” But a spokesperson said the Academy of Motion Miranda also revealed that she is writing new Picture Arts and Sciences was “evaluating all aspects music, explaining: “I have written a few songs for the of this uncertain landscape and what changes may first time in a year. And text writing a cowgirl song need to be made.” “We are committed to being nim- with @ronniedunn (such a fan girl of B&D).” However, ble and forward-thinking as we discuss what is best she admitted that she is missing her family and friends. for the future of the industry and will make further She wrote: “We miss our road family, New York family announcements in the coming days.” Other major File photo shows Golden Globe trophies are set on stage and I dang sure miss my Texas fam. My soul sister award shows contacted by AFP said it was too early ahead of the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards nomina- @apes_1983 just had her first baby yesterday, baby to decide on changes. But smaller awards have tions announcement at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Finn, and we only get to see him through a screen for Miranda Lambert already been forced to adapt. now. I wish I was there in person. Soon enough good Hills on December 9, 2019. — AFP Established 1961 15 Lifestyle Features Monday, March 30, 2020

enato Hausler shouts out the hour from the top of Lausanne Cathedral then sounds a centuries-old Rwarning bell, rung only when the normally-tran- quil Swiss city is facing peril. The nightwatchman is ringing La Clemence, a bell made in 1518, to call for mutual solidarity among the Lausannois in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic, Hausler told AFP. Its 3.4 tonnes of steel make a hell of a din which cuts through the still night air, above the city and out over Lake Geneva. Its C note rings in harmony with those of Marie-Madeleine, Lombard and the four other bells hanging in the tower. Standing in his felt hat with a lantern to light the way, Hausler peals the bell with three strikes, a pause, six strikes, another pause, then repeats the pattern. Every night without fail, Hausler or one of his stand-ins calls out the hour from 10:00pm to 2:00am, north, south east and west from the bell tower, up 153 stone steps from the cathedral floor. Lausanne is one of the last places in Europe that still has a nightwatchman as a living timekeeper. Hausler has been doing the job full- time since 2002. The first written references to a night- watchman date back to 1405, after a huge blaze ripped Night watchman of the Cathedral of Lausanne, Renato Haeusler holds his lantern prior to manually ringing the 3600 kg “La Night watchman of the Cathedral of Lausanne, Renato through the city. “During the disaster, the bell rang to Clemence” emergency bell in the Cathedral’s belfry tower, in Lausanne, amid the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coron- Haeusler manually rings the 3600 kg “La Clemence” emer- encourage the townsfolk, to rally people together to avirus).—AFP photos gency bell in the Cathedral’s belfry tower. fight the fire,” said Hausler. Linked with a network of watchmen on the ground, the cathedral watchman, ple have died in the new coronavirus pandemic, especially on weekends — is strangely silent. “Since “There is perhaps just one last thing that would perched on the highest point in Lausanne, sounded the according to the health ministry. The French-speaking these restrictive measures urging people to stay at bring us right back to how things were in the Middle alert around the city as quickly as possible. Vaud region surrounding Lausanne has seen the high- home, it has completely changed,” said Hausler. “It is Ages: turning out the lights.” Besides Lausanne, only est numbers of cases of all of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, quiet all week, even from 8:00pm, and when I get here, six other European cities are thought to keep up a More than 200 dead with nearly 3,000 people infected. there is hardly any activity around the cathedral or nightly watch: Annaberg, Celle and Nordlingen in Centuries on, perilous times are back on the shores The Alpine country has not confined its population even in the city so it brings a tranquility that I have Germany; Ripon in Britain; Krakow in Poland, and of Lake Geneva and the bell rings out for a full three indoors but outdoor gatherings of more than five peo- never experienced before. “There is a real calm which Ystad in Sweden.—AFP minutes. More than 13,000 people in Switzerland have ple are banned. And in the evening, the streets of resembles what it would have been like in the past, tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 230 peo- Lausanne, a student city that is usually very lively — before there was all this traffic noise.

renchman Jean-Jacques Savin, 73, ‘Mother Nature’s message’ Fmade a splash last year by crossing He was speaking as France was grit- the Atlantic alone in a custom-built ting its teeth at the start of a long con- barrel, a 127-day trip that was followed finement period — with only essential by thousands via his regular Facebook trips out of the house allowed — that posts. In an interview with AFP, the for- could last several weeks or possibly mer paratrooper revealed his tactics for longer to battle the coronavirus. “In this fending off cabin fever after France case, confinement has been imposed on issued strict stay-at-home orders this us and quite quickly. But we’re not total- week to fight the coronavirus outbreak. ly isolated, we all have telephones. I have Savin spent four months in a barrel with friends who call and they’re often bored. just six square meters (65 square feet) of I hate to interrupt them, but I have Chefs and members of the Hungarian Gastronomy Society, Gabor Mogyorosi Chefs and members of the Hungarian Gastronomy Society prepare meals for cramped living space. So any advice for things to do.” (left) and President Tamas B Molnar prepare meals for medical staff in the medical staff. people confined to their homes? Savin said he felt safe hunkering kitchen of the “Bobo” restaurant at Harris Park in Budapest. — AFP photos “Everyone needs to embrace their down in the countryside in southwest passion. This time of isolation can be an France, with the confinement rules opportunity for discovery — start draw- imposing no major hardship or change ing, learn to play the harmonica, if it in routine for him. “I’m lucky, I own 40 doesn’t bother the neighbors,” he said. hectares (100 acres) of pine and oak “You need to tire yourself out physically, forests about 12 kilometres from my not mentally, and walk as much as you house in Ares, on the Arcachon bay. I’m can. Above all, don’t zone out in front of living in a 20-square-metre cabin with the television at night and then sleep candles for light, a stove and a stream until noon.” Savin managed almost half a nearby for taking baths. “Like everyone year of solitude during a trip on which else, I have plenty of pasta, rice, op chefs in Hungary have been firing spacious kitchen, offered by a friend, locat- he was just carried along by the cur- semolina. And I love sardines, I have up their ovens to cook up gourmet ed in a posh district of Hungarian capital rents. “When you decide to take on a around 30 tins. I can hold out for 25 Tmeals for hard-pressed hospital work- Budapest. challenge, no matter what difficulties days, and if I have to stay six months, ers battling to stem the spread of the new “Tomorrow we have beef and “mangali- come up — except for health problems I’ll stay six months. “This virus is coronavirus pandemic. “It may not look like ca” pork (a Hungarian delicacy) coming in — you know at one point it will be over. Mother Nature’s way of sending us a a fine-dining meal when it’s in this take- from one company, 80 kilograms (180 The solitude never bothered me, I actu- message. We’ll need to listen to it once away plastic microwave-ready box,” said pounds) of mushrooms, crates of eggs and ally appreciated it, because I chose it. “I this is over,” he said.—AFP Lajos Takacs, one of a group of chefs gourmet pasta from another,” said Molnar. wrote my journal, I read a lot, I exer- behind the idea. “But until that moment it “From simple but good ingredients we want cised... I adapted to the solitude, the could be served up in any top restaurant,” to make really quality meals for hospital weather, I emptied my head and accept- Takacs, 47, told AFP while ladling a sauce staff that are easy to eat under work pres- ed that it would be long. I also knew that over a portion of Bavarian roasted pork sure,” he said, after receiving a sack of it was just for a while.” shank and steamed cabbage. potatoes from an anonymous donor. After After emergency anti-virus measures cooking around 100 portions per week the A picture shows a meal that chefs and members shuttered restaurants in Hungary, Takacs group delivers the meals to Budapest hospi- of the Hungarian Gastronomy Society prepared and two other chefs who run the Hungarian tals treating coronavirus patients. “We just In this file photo taken on for medical staff. Gastronomic Society (MGE), decided hand them over at the entrance as it’s not May 9, 2019 Frenchman against hanging up their chef’s aprons. wise to go in,” Molnar told AFP at the Jean-Jacques Savin, who Although Hungary has reported just 300 cooks, butchers and bloggers, during entrance of the Uzsoki utca Hospital, before floated across the Atlantic in Covid-19 infection cases so far — and 10 “peacetime” MGE typically organizes driving back to the kitchen. “Next, we plan a custom-made barrel for deaths — the numbers are expected to rise cooking competitions, product sampling, to provide quality hot meals to paramedics nearly 100 days.—AFP sharply. “It’s like wartime, frontline workers and promotes local gastronomy. Its appeal and ambulance-drivers,” he said. The initia- risking their health to do their jobs have our for ingredients on social media, backed by tive mirrors similar drives by leading chefs respect, it’s the least we can do,” said MGE several celebrity chefs, quickly bore fruit, as in cities across virus-hit Europe including president Tamas B. Molnar, 65, while shred- well as meat and vegetables. Since the ini- Paris, Berlin and Brussels. ding heads of cabbage. tiative was launched two weeks ago food Founded 15 years ago as a collective of donations arrive in bulk every day at the

ob Dylan surprised fans overnight Kennedy, who was slain in 1963 while into Friday by releasing his first riding in a motorcade through Dallas. travelling Czech circus stuck abroad “We have been overwhelmed by the support were preparing for the 2020 season and set Boriginal music in eight years, a 17- The song is packed with artist name- Aunder the coronavirus lockdown has of strangers,” circus owner Anna Polachova up our tent in Riga, but the very next day we minute ballad about the assassination of drops and pop culture references, been overwhelmed by the generosity told AFP, adding the circus has received were informed that all public gatherings and John F. Kennedy. Backed by delicate including to The Beatles, Charlie Parker, of strangers helping to feed its troupe of ani- “more food for ourselves and our animals cultural performances with more than 50 piano, strings and muted drums, the Eagles, Stevie Nicks and the mals after cancelled shows left it penniless. than we can eat!” people are prohibited due to coronavirus,” “Murder Most Foul” retells the shooting Woodstock festival. “Shot down like a Stranded in Latvia, the family-run Circus The circus features three horses, a horned said Polachova, whose family has worked in of the US president while describing the dog in broad daylight / Was a matter of Alex has been unable to perform or return female goat named Alina with two kids and the circus business for generations. “Our evolution of 1960s counterculture. “This timing and the timing was right / You home since borders were closed in mid- Jozef, a llama. Although Latvia bans using hired jugglers and magicians have returned is an unreleased song we recorded a got unpaid debts; we’ve come to collect March. Its desperate owners were forced to force to make animals perform tricks that are home but our family must stay with our ani- while back that you might find interest- / We’re gonna kill you with hatred; turn to social media to ask for help to feed unnatural for a given species, it permits zoos mals,” Polachova added.—AFP ing. Stay safe, stay observant, and may without any respect,” Dylan recounts in their horses, goats, a llama and themselves. so long as animals are treated humanely. “We God be with you,” Dylan posted on his his signature sandpaper vocals. It’s the website, along with a portrait of folk singer’s first original song since his 2012 album “Tempest,” though he has released a number of cover albums in the interim. “Murder Most Foul” is also the first song Dylan has penned and released since he reluctantly accepted the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature, the first songwriter awarded the honor. At 78, Dylan has maintained a relentless tour- ing schedule, though he was forced to cancel a string of April dates in Japan In this file photo Bob Dylan performs during over the coronavirus pandemic. The the 21st edition of the Vieilles Charrues artist is still set to kick off a North music festival in Carhaix-Plouguer, western American tour in June.—AFP Horses of the Cirkus Alex circus stand in their temporary enclosure in Stopini, Latvia. A pony of the Cirkus Alex circus stands in its temporary France.—AFP enclosure. 16 Established 1961 News Monday, March 30, 2020

An Emirati man wearing a protective facemask walks past a mural in Dubai on March 28, 2020. —AFP

significant chunk of the roughly $8.40 trillion in the protests, was put in pre-trial detention on Thursday. Wealth funds seen total sovereign wealth assets, funds they’ve built up Fears of setback Lebanon faced similar accusations as police on as a bulwark for when oil revenues dry up. Friday night dismantled tents in the heart of the capital Sovereign funds have become major players on Beirut where protesters had maintained a sit-in to keep shedding up to... global stock markets, accounting for roughly 5-10 in liberties in... up pressure on authorities. The authorities “are taking percent of total holdings, and an important source Continued from Page 1 advantage of the fact that people are preoccupied with their health and confined to repress any dissenting voic- Continued from Page 1 of income for Wall Street asset managers. While they have been hit hard by the approxi- While the government said the powers would be es,” activist and film director Lucien Bourjeily tweeted. In the fledgling democracy of Tunisia - a former the spiralling oil price and rocketing spending as mate 20 percent slide in global equity prices, the used to the “narrowest extent”, Human Rights Watch oil-based funds’ governments in Abu Dhabi, (HRW) urged Amman not to abuse fundamental rights police state where security apparatuses have seen little administrations rush out emergency budgets. reform - many have denounced heavy-handed police Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and for the cause of combatting the virus. Around $100-$150 billion in stocks have likely enforcement of pandemic-related movement restric- been offloaded by oil-producer sovereign wealth Angola have also seen their finances strained by a In Morocco, known for its muscular security policy, the arrests of offenders - who risk heavy fines and jail tions. The Tunisian League for Human Rights has funds, excluding Norway’s fund, in recent weeks, nearly two thirds drop in oil prices this year. Gulf requested clarifications on social distancing measures sovereign wealth funds could see their assets time - have generated little protest and are even Panigirtzoglou said, and a further $50-$75 billion praised on social media. Like many countries, Rabat after people expressed frustration online over appar- will likely be sold in the coming months. “It makes decline by $296 billion by the end of this year, ently arbitrary police interventions. according to Garbis Iradian, chief Middle East and has bolstered a campaign against misinformation, but sense for sovereign funds to frontload their selling, the adoption without debate of a law on social media In Egypt, authorities have targeted media question- as you don’t want to be selling your assets at a later North Africa economist at the Institute of ing low official virus infection figures. British newspaper International Finance (IIF). controls has elicited concern. stage when it is more likely to have distressed valu- Many are crying foul over surveillance in Israel, The Guardian said its correspondent was forced out of Around $216 billion of that fall would be from ations,” he said. where domestic security agency Shin Bet, usually the country over an article that suggested authorities Most oil-based funds are required to keep sub- stock market losses and a further $80 billion from focused on “anti-terrorist activities”, is now authorized were underreporting cases. With the number of cases stantial cash-buffers in place in case a collapse in drawdowns taken by cash-squeezed governments. to collect data on citizens as part of the fight against rising, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s government oil prices triggers a request from the government The central banks of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab COVID-19. Embattled Prime Minister Benjamin imposed movement restrictions and threatened heavy for funding. A source at an oil-based sovereign Emirates and Qatar have offered a total $60 billion Netanyahu drew criticism for imposing the measure fines and prison sentences for non-compliance. fund said it had been gradually raising its liquidity in stimulus, although expectations of tighter liquidi- with an emergency decree after a parliamentary com- In a country lacking an independent media or judi- position since oil prices began drifting lower from ty have already pressured Gulf currencies, pegged mittee rejected it. ciary, families of prisoners of conscience sounded the their most recent peak above $70 a barrel in Oct for decades to the US dollar. In an editorial published by the Financial Times, alarm over the possibility of a coronavirus outbreak in 2018. In addition to the cash reserves, additional “There’s a question of whether some of these Israeli historian and best-selling author Yuval Noah overcrowded and unsanitary prisons. Amnesty liquidity was typically drawn firstly from short- funds are going to be used to support currencies, Harari warned that, “If we are not careful, the epidemic International has called for the “immediate and uncon- term money market instruments like treasury bills as some legal frameworks allow this,” said Danae might nevertheless mark an important watershed in the ditional” release of political prisoners, estimated by and then from passively invested equity as a last Kyriakopoulou, chief economist of the Official history of surveillance. A big battle has been raging in rights groups to number around 60,000, only 15 of resort, the source said. Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum recent years over our privacy. The coronavirus crisis which have so far been let out by Egyptian authorities. could be the battle’s tipping point,” he said. It’s generally a similar trend for other funds. (OMFIF), a think tank. “In the previous 10 years Jordan, Tunisia and Sudan have ordered thousands of In Algeria, more than a year into an unprecedented “Our investor flows broadly show more resilience some countries moved reserves from their central inmates to be freed to limit the risk of contagion. banks to sovereign funds, allowing them to invest in popular movement known as “Hirak”, it took the emer- than market pricing would suggest,” said Elliot gence of the pandemic to pause weekly protests. But Activists in the Gulf too have called for the release Hentov, head of policy research at State Street more risky assets as they have greater flexibility. of political prisoners held in what HRW researcher Now, that may be a problem, because you have rights groups have accused Algerian authorities of using Global Advisors. “There has been a shift toward the health crisis to crack down on dissent via the courts. Hiba Zayadin said are often overcrowded and unsan- cash since the crisis started, but it’s not a panic more reserves in the sovereign fund than the cen- itary conditions with limited access to health care. tral bank when you may need the reserves to “The Hirak has suspended its marches but the #Algeria move but rather gradual.” The sovereign fund government has not suspended its repression,” HRW’s Kuwaiti activist Anwar Al-Rasheed asked on Twitter, defend the currency.” source said the fund had made adjustments to its Eric Goldstein wrote on Twitter after journalist Khaled “In the midst of this pandemic, is it not yet the time actively-managed equity investments due to the Saudi Arabia is among countries that have in Drareni, who had been arrested several times for covering to release prisoners of conscience?” — AFP market rout, both to stem losses and position for recent years moved reserves from its central bank the recovery, when it comes. to beef up its sovereign investment vehicle, Public gripped by what the UN calls the world’s worst Exactly how much sovereign wealth funds invest Investment Fund, which holds stakes in Uber and Saudi intercepts humanitarian crisis. Saudi Arabia is also scram- and with whom remain undisclosed. Many don’t electric car firm Lucid Motors, and had around bling to limit the spread of the disease at home. even report the value of the assets they manage. On $300 billion in assets under management in 2019. In The kingdom’s health ministry has reported 1,203 Thursday, the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund 2015, the last time crude prices collapsed, Saudi missiles over... coronavirus infections and four deaths from the said it had lost $124 billion so far this year as equity Arabia’s central bank, which then oversaw a larger illness so far. markets sunk but its outgoing CEO Yngve chunk of the kingdom’s investments, mainly in secu- Continued from Page 1 Fighting has recently escalated again between Slyngstad said it would, at some point, start buying rities such as US Treasury bonds, ran down its for- the Houthis and Riyadh-backed Yemeni troops stocks to get its portfolio back to its target equity eign assets by over $100 billion to cover a huge “This militia lives only on wars and doesn’t around the strategic northern districts of Al-Jouf allocation of 70 percent from 65 percent currently. state budget deficit. This month, Saudi Arabia’s understand peace language,” he said. and Marib, ending a months-long lull. The warring Slyngstad also said that any fiscal spending by the Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the Yemen’s broken healthcare system has so far sides had earlier shown an interest in de-escalation, government this year would be financed by selling country would look to borrow to finance its deficit recorded no case of the COVID-19 illness, but aid with a Saudi official saying in November that bonds in its portfolio. after announcing an economic support package groups have warned that when it does hit, the Riyadh had an “open channel” with the rebels with State-backed, energy-rich funds account for a worth more than $32 billion. — Reuters impact will be catastrophic. The country is already the goal of ending the war. — AFP

Dubai, the region’s business and tourism hub and a after a strong pushback from local political leaders borders today, despite reporting relatively low lev- First virus death major air transit center, announced more incentives and warnings of the panic it could spark. “A quaran- els of the virus. to protect an economy which has been hit hard by tine will not be necessary,” Trump tweeted, about More than 664,000 cases of the novel coron- global travel disruptions and the closure of most eight hours after he stunned the New York metro- avirus have been officially recorded around the in Qatar; Europe... public venues in the UAE. Among measures politan region - the epicenter of the US outbreak - world since the outbreak began late last year, announced by the Dubai Free Zones Council on with a proposal to place it under quarantine. according to the Johns Hopkins tracker. Variations Continued from Page 1 Saturday were six-month rent waivers, cancellation The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in testing regimes - and delays in some countries - of fines and permitting temporary employee con- however, asked area residents not to travel except mean the true number is likely far higher. In France, The Bahraini Health Ministry told Reuters that tracts until the end of the year to support employ- for essential purposes. Trump’s reversal came on the which has seen close to 2,000 deaths, Prime Manama was continuing its repatriation plan and ment efforts, state news agency WAM said. same day the US death toll topped 2,100, more than Minister Edouard Philippe warned the “battle” was had operated three charter flights so far to Iran, The global coronavirus death toll surged past doubling in just three days. Of the fatalities, more just beginning. which is one of the epicenters of the disease. 30,000 over the weekend as Europe and the than a quarter were in New York City. Health offi- The British toll passed 1,000 on Saturday while Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s health ministry United States endured their darkest days of the cri- cials say they fear New York may follow the deadly Belgium saw a steep climb in deaths, with 353 reported 99 new cases and declared one death on sis. A back-flip from US President Donald Trump path charted by Italy, with health professionals recorded on Saturday - up from 289 the day before. Saturday, taking the kingdom’s death toll to four, on quarantining New York highlighted the panic exhausted and hospitals desperately short of pro- Elsewhere, Iran announced 139 more deaths, and while the United Arab Emirates declared 63 fresh and confusion across many parts of the world in tective equipment and ventilators. India sealed a dozen villages that had been visited cases and Oman 21. This took the cumulative con- trying to contain the pandemic, which has seen “It’s abysmal,” said Andrew, a psychiatry resident by a guru now known to be infected and a possible firmed infections to 1,203 in Saudi Arabia, 468 in the more than a third of humanity placed under in a New York hospital who spoke on condition his “super-spreader”. South African police used rubber UAE, 457 in Bahrain and 152 in Oman, according to unprecedented lockdowns. name be changed. He is now quarantined at home bullets in Johannesburg to enforce social distancing each country’s official figures. The official COVID- More than 30,800 deaths had been reported with a likely case of the virus himself. “There’s not on a crowd queueing for supplies outside a super- 19 death toll across the Gulf Cooperation Council worldwide by yesterday, according to a Johns enough money, there aren’t enough tests, there’s not market during a national lockdown. (GCC) stands at 11, including four in Bahrain and Hopkins University tally, as the virus continued to enough personal protective equipment for people In Italy, a cardiologist from Rome who has two in the UAE. leave a devastating imprint on nearly every aspect who are dealing with this,” he told AFP in an inter- recovered from COVID-19 recalled his hellish expe- The UAE on Saturday extended to April 5 a of society: wiping out millions of jobs, overwhelm- view punctuated by coughs. rience. “The oxygen therapy is painful, looking for nightly curfew to sterilize public places to combat ing healthcare services and draining national treas- The United States now has the highest number the radial artery is difficult. Desperate other the spread of coronavirus. The UAE’s deep clean uries. Europe alone accounted for more than of confirmed COVID-19 infections globally with patients were crying out, ‘Enough, enough’,” he told campaign, being implemented between 8 pm and 6 20,000 fatalities, where hardest-hit Italy and Spain more than 124,000 cases, according to the Johns AFP. Infection rates in Italy are on a downward am each day, began on March 26 and had been due each reported more than 800 dead in one day. Hopkins tally. One of the fatalities announced trend. The head of the national health institute Silvio to end on the morning of March 29. “We are all Pablo Rodriguez, a radiologist at a Madrid hospi- Saturday was that of a Chicago infant less than a Brusaferro predicted a peak “in the next few days”. hoping that everybody - citizens, residents and visi- tal, described the influx of patients as “a total tsuna- year old, marking an extremely rare case of juvenile Europe has suffered the brunt of the coron- tors - will stay at home during this period,” Farida mi”. “It’s like going to the front line in a war,” he death in the pandemic. avirus crisis in recent weeks, with millions across Al-Hosani, a health ministry spokeswoman, told a said. Officials in some countries have warned that European nations have been harder hit than the the continent on lockdown and the streets of news conference. Saudi Arabia on Saturday extend- the worst is yet to come. But in the Chinese city of US on a per capita basis with over 20,000 deaths - Paris, Rome and Madrid eerily empty. Other ed a curfew in some neighborhoods of Madinah to Wuhan where the virus first struck late last year, around half in worst-hit Italy. Spain, with the world’s countries across the world were bracing for the 24 hours per day, as a “precautionary” measure. officials took tentative steps back towards normali- second-highest toll, added 832 deaths on Saturday virus’ full impact. As even rich countries struggle, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin ty, partially reopening it after more than two months for a total of 5,812. Madrid toughened a nationwide aid groups warn the toll could be in the millions Zayed Al-Nahyan visited a mobile coronavirus test- of near-total isolation for its 11 million residents. lockdown, halting all non-essential activities, though in low-income countries and war zones such as ing center on Saturday and posted on Twitter a pic- Trump decided late Saturday against imposing a officials said the epidemic in the country seemed to Syria and Yemen, where healthcare systems are ture of himself receiving a nasal swab while in a car. broad lockdown on New York and its neighbors be nearing a peak. Russia said it would close its in tatters. — Agencies Established 1961 17 Stars Monday, March 30, 2020

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) A financial goal you’ve been hoping to reach Financial worries could plague you today, Libra. very soon might seem right around the corner, Aries, but This is unfortunate, because your concerns are probably there still seem to be a thousand things you have to do misplaced. There may be a few adjustments to make, but before it’s actually realized. This could get you down tem- nothing a little belt-tightening for a few days can’t fix. Find porarily, but don’t get stuck there. Make a list of whatever something inexpensive but fascinating to do like reading or needs to be done and then tackle each task one at a time watching a documentary. You’ll forget your troubles and until the goal is reached. Get busy! learn something in the meantime.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Expect a hectic pace today, Taurus. Some of Love matters could have you feeling uptight your colleagues may have been procrastinating a little and and somewhat fearful today, Scorpio. Perhaps this involves now everything has to be done at once. Don’t get too frus- a relationship that hasn’t really manifested yet, or maybe trated, however. There are unspoken reasons for their you and your beloved have had a dispute of some kind. behavior that they haven’t shared with you. Just do the best Don’t worry too much. You should hear some reassuring you can and hope that others will as well. If some of it has to words before too long. Try to stay calm when talking to wait, it won’t be the end of the world! your partner. Sounding desperate or scared could push him or her in the opposite direction. Find the way

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Have you been planning to travel, perhaps for Idealized romantic feelings could pour out business, Gemini? You might receive word that today when talking to your love interest, your trip has to be postponed, which could be disappoint- Sagittarius. That’s fine, but you should exercise restraint. If it’s ing. However, bear in mind that this is only a delay, not a a new relationship, your partner could be scared off. If it’s a long-term involvement, your friend might feel at a disadvan- denial. All signs are that you’ll make that trip, so don’t panic. tage. Channel the feelings into a poem, song, or painting. If Think of it as more time in which to prepare. You’ll want to you must voice them directly to your friend, keep the terms be thoroughly ready before you go. Enjoy your day. general. Don’t put your beloved on the spot.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

A proposed get-together with a love interest Money worries could cause you to resist might have to be postponed until much later tonight or per- attending a group event with some friends, haps another evening, %. This could make you a little blue. Capricorn. Are you afraid you’ll be tempted to spend more Your insecurity might even get the better of you. Does your than you can afford now? You probably will, but that’s no friend not want to meet? Don’t fall into this kind of thinking. reason to stay away. Leave your checkbook and credit Accept that there’s a reason and go with the flow. You’ll enjoy cards at home. Take only a minimal amount of cash. If you see something you can’t live without, take the name and the date that much more for the delay. number of the vendor for later.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Are you expecting a close friend or love part- Someone you know from work could sud- ner to visit you at home, Leo? Don’t panic if your friend does- denly seem to have romantic feelings for you, Aquarius. n’t show up at the allotted time. It doesn’t mean that no one At first this might make you a little uncomfortable, since is coming! There probably has been a traffic jam, last-minute you’ve never thought of this person in that way before. Don’t do anything rash. Think about it first. Maybe there’s phone call, long line at the supermarket, or some other potential, maybe not, but don’t jump at it or dismiss it mundane delay. Be patient and your friend will show up out of hand. Who knows? This person could prove to be eventually. Hang in there! your ideal mate!

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20)

An emotional phone call could come from a Is your love interest out of town, Pisces? If so, close friend or love partner, Virgo. This person has a lot of you might spend much of the day feeling worries, and is apt to lay them all on you if you let it happen. lonely and gloomy. Your friend misses you, too, so don’t You won’t want to drop everything that you’d planned to think you’ll be alone for long. Try to fill the hours until your work on today. Tell your friend that you should get together partner returns with activities that you love, such as read- for dinner or coffee and you’ll talk about it, and then finish ing or artistic pursuits. The time should then go quickly your tasks as quickly as possible. and you’ll be back together before you know it.

Color It Crossword 18 Established 1961 Sports Monday, March 30, 2020

Star batsman Photo of the day Smith’s leadership ban ends

SYDNEY: A two-year leadership ban slapped on Steve Smith after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa ended yesterday, leaving the master batsman free to skipper Australia again. The 30-year-old captained the team until he was suspended for 12 months over a brazen attempt to alter the ball with sandpaper under his watch during a Test in Cape Town in 2018. Part of his punishment included a further year- long exile from any leadership role, which has now expired. Co-conspirator and former vice-captain David Warner was banned from any leadership role for life, although both have successfully resumed their international careers. There have been calls for Smith to take back the Test captaincy from Tim Paine, but it remains unclear whether he wants to, with the 35-year- old seemingly intent on playing on. Coach Justin Langer last year praised Paine’s leadership as “brilliant” and said Smith may not want the “burden” of captaincy on top of batting pressures. Aaron Finch is skipper of the Twenty20 and one-day teams. Smith told Channel Nine television yesterday he was focused only on trying to stay physically and mentally fit during the coronavirus shutdown of Australian cricket. He was supposed to be preparing for a big-money payday at the Indian Premier League, but the tournament has already been delayed until April 15 in response to the pandemic. With India in a three-week lockdown in a bid to contain a spread of the virus, Smith admitted the IPL appeared unlikely to go ahead. “I think CAIRO: Dominic Di Tommaso, freerunning athlete, performs in Cairo, Egypt. —Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com the country’s basically shut its borders until the 15th of April,” he said. —AFP F1 could race into January if necessary, says Binotto Ferrari boss sees January end to F1 season

LONDON: Formula One could shorten timetable for us to get racing again, we are meant to have a record 22 races, with grand prix weekends and race into January willing on our side. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton hoping to equal if that helps salvage a season ravaged by “We’re assessing various ideas; races closer Michael Schumacher’s record seven titles and the coronavirus, according to Ferrari boss together, maybe doing two or three races in surpass the Ferrari great’s unprecedented 91 Mattia Binotto. January, considering also the option of can- wins. Hamilton so far has 84 wins. The opening race in Australia on March 15 celling (Friday) practice.” The Briton could be kept waiting on both was cancelled and the showcase Monaco Formula One needs a minimum of eight accounts if the sport is unable to put together Grand Prix in May has also been scrapped, races for a valid cham- enough races. the first time since 1954 that it has not fea- pionship and the 2020 Former commercial tured on the championship calendar. A further season is currently due supremo Bernie six rounds have been postponed, and more to end in Abu Dhabi on Ecclestone told Reuters look likely to follow with countries in lock- Nov. 29. We are in on Friday that he would down, but Formula One bosses have said they The sport normally constant be very surprised if the hope to get back on track sometime in the has a break until sport managed to put European summer with a reduced season of launches and pre-sea- dialogue together even a Mattia Binotto 15 to 18 races. son testing in February reduced season of 15- Binotto told Sky Sports Italia that the teams but, with cars now 18 races. dom to the FIA in terms of scheduling,” had given the Formula One powers-that-be remaining the same in Earlier, As the virus Binotto told Sky Sport Italia. complete freedom to do what was necessary 2021 with major rule spread globally, so has “We are looking at several options: If you to have a championship. changes deferred a year to save money, there its impact on world sport and so far, Grand hold them one right after the other, you can “We are in constant dialogue,” he said. “I would be little need for that anyway. Prix races scheduled for Bahrain, Vietnam, run two or three races in January.” have felt, along with the other team principals, “If this allows us to guarantee a more com- China, Netherlands, Spain and Azerbaijan have The 2020 season is not due to open until that these are decisive moments. plete 2020 world championship, with the fol- been postponed. June 14 in Canada at the earliest. “We’ve decided to give complete freedom lowing season not starting until March, there is The iconic Riviera showpiece in Monaco Earlier in the week, F1 boss Chase Carey to (Formula One chairman Chase) Carey and great availability for that,” said Binotto. and the season-opening Australian race were said he still envisaged a 15-18 race calendar the FIA to put together as soon as possible a The 2020 championship was originally cancelled. “We have decided to give total free- from an initial schedule of 22. —Agencies

residence in Moscow. They have multiple strokes and had that changed after the veter- games with the Houston French already prepared 14 beds.” The Robinson open heart surgery for a an met with coach Vic Fangio Roughnecks before the XFL group has kept a regular schedule chess team while in quarantine, where they birth defect. Hebert Jr., who to discuss his role on the season was suspended. He have all been tested three times for to re-sign works for WWL Radio in team. had 22 tackles, two sacks the virus and were found to be New Orleans, discussed his l The Tampa Bay and a forced fumble. quarantined l healthy. Each day they follow their with Chiefs father’s battle with the virus Buccaneers re-signed cor- The Minnesota Vikings school curriculum, practice English, on a recent radio appear- nerback and special-teams re-signed offensive guard in Russia hold a French dictation and play ance, saying, “You can be standout Ryan Smith. Smith Dakota Dozier to a contract, chess. Russia, which has recorded KANSAS CITY: Kansas City tough and the virus can still played over half of the the team announced. Terms Chiefs wide receiver MURMANSK: When a group of 1,264 cases of coronavirus, has halt- overwhelm you.” He called Buccaneers’ special-teams of the deal were not dis- ed all international flights and on Demarcus Robinson is sign- coronavirus “an unseen snaps in 2019 despite sitting closed by the Vikings, how- French chess players travelled to the ing a one-year contract to Russian Arctic city of Murmansk for Saturday said it would be closing all enemy.” out the first four games on ever TwinCities.com report- border checkpoints from Monday. remain with the team, multi- l The Baltimore Ravens suspension. The 26-year old ed that the contract was for a tournament this month, they didn’t ple media outlets reported expect to end up in quarantine and Chess grandmaster Maxime reached a one-year, $3 mil- recorded 11 tackles and one one year and $1 million. Saturday. NFL Network’s face delays in getting home. Vachier-Lagrave, currently ranked lion deal with defensive end pass defended last season. Dozier started four games Hailing from the Ile-de-France eighth in the world, returned to Tom Pelissero reported that Derek Wolfe, multiple outlets l The New York Giants last season with Minnesota region, the 14-strong group, which France this week from a tournament Robinson will receive $2.3 reported. The deal also agreed to terms with former after spending his first five includes eight minors, arrived in in Yekaterinburg, a city 1,400 kilo- million fully guaranteed. includes $3 million in incen- Jets tight end Eric Tomlinson NFL campaigns with the Murmansk, 1,480 kilometres (920 metres (885 miles) east of Moscow, Robinson’s production has tives, according to NFL to provide depth at the posi- New York Jets. miles) north of Moscow, on March just as all international flights were steadily increased during his Network. Wolfe, 30, who has tion. Contract terms were not l Former Denver Broncos 12 to play opponents from Russia, being suspended. three seasons with the Chiefs. played all eight of his NFL released. Tomlinson, who receiver Orlando McDaniel, Ireland and the Netherlands. Vachier-Lagrave was tied for the His catches (32) and receiving seasons with the Denver turns 28 next month, was an also a former LSU football But the tournament was derailed lead in the Candidates Tournament, yards (449) in 2019 served as Broncos, is coming off a sea- undrafted free agent from and track standout, died when an Irish player was diagnosed which brought together contenders career highs, while his four son when he started in all 12 UTEP when he signed with Friday night due to the coro- with the coronavirus, forcing other vying for the chance to challenge touchdown receptions games he played. He had 34 the Philadelphia Eagles in navirus. He was 59. LSU participants into quarantine. defending world champion Magnus matched his total in 2018. tackles and a career-best 2015 before he was cut. He track coach Dennis Shaver Jurriaan Kien, an official accompa- Carlsen of Norway for the world The 25-year-old’s best seven sacks to give him 33 then joined the Houston told media outlets on nying the French players, told Reuters title, when it was abruptly suspend- game came in Kansas City’s sacks in his career. Texans’ practice squad. He Saturday that McDaniel fell from quarantine in a Murmansk hospi- ed on Thursday because foreign 28-10 victory over Oakland l Defensive end Shelby signed with the Jets in 2016 ill after returning from a trip tal on Saturday that the group are due participants were at risk of remain- on Sept. 15. He had six Harris has agreed to a one- and spent three seasons with to the Washington D.C. area. to return to France on Monday despite ing stranded in Russia. catches for 172 yards and Russia having grounded all interna- year deal to remain with the the team, appearing in 36 McDaniel lived in the Dallas- “We made the effort to come two touchdowns. —The Denver Broncos, according games where he caught 16 Fort Worth area and coached tional flights. He said that he had father of former New received assurances from the airline play because this is a very impor- to multiple reports. The con- passes, including a touch- track and field athletes. tant tournament, but we knew there Orleans Saints and Atlanta tract is worth $2.5 million in down. McDaniel caught 41 passes that their flight from Moscow had Falcons quarterback Bobby so far not been cancelled. was a chance it would not be com- guaranteed money and l The Atlanta Falcons and for 719 yards and two touch- Hebert Jr. died of complica- “We have a Plan B because we pleted,” Vachier-Lagrave told includes incentives that linebacker Edmond downs as an LSU senior in are chess players and always antici- Reuters from his home in Paris. tions from the coronavirus, could push it to $3.25 mil- Robinson, formerly of the 1981 and was a second- pate the next move,” Kien said. “If “You just have to remain calm and the family announced. Bobby lion, The Athletic reported. XFL, agreed to a one-year round draft pick of the for some reason we arrive in wait for the world to do better. Then Hebert Sr. was 81. Harris, 28, was expected to contract. Financial terms of Broncos. He played in three Moscow and we can’t leave, we will when everything is resolved, we can Hebert Sr. was a colon move on in free agency, but the deal were not announced. games in 1982 but didn’t be hosted at the French embassy’s play chess again.” —Reuters cancer survivor who had the Denver Post reported Robinson, 28, played in five catch a pass. —Reuters 19 Sports Monday, March 30, 2020 Juventus players, Sarri agree pay cut due to coronavirus

Personal agreements with players and coach will be finalised

MILAN: Juventus players and coach Maurizio Sarri the virus — forward Paulo Dybala, defender Daniele have reached an agreement over a wage reduction Rugani and midfielder Blaise Matuidi. that will save the Italian champions 90 million euros Soccer around the world has been brought to a ($100.26 million), the Serie A club announced on standstill by the pandemic with Italy having suffered Saturday. more than 10,000 deaths from the virus, the highest Sarri and the first-team players have agreed what number in any country. Italy’s top-fight Serie A amounts to a four-month pay reduction to help Italy’s league has been suspended since March 9 with Ju- most successful club during the coronavirus crisis. ventus, seeking a ninth successive title, leading the The effective one-third cut to the players’ annual league by one point from Lazio with 12 games each salaries will mean a huge drop in wages for a squad remaining. “Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces headed by marquee Por- that, due to the current global tuguese player Cristiano health emergency (which) is Ronaldo, the best-paid foot- preventing the performance of baller in Italy who is reported Soccer the sporting activity, it has to earn 31 million euros a year. reached an understanding with The agreement comes at a brought to a the players and the coach of the time when many clubs around First Team regarding their Europe have had to cut wage standstill compensation for the residual bills because of the dramatic portion of the current sport impact of matches having had season,” the club statement to be postponed or played be- said. hind closed doors due to the spread of the virus. “The understanding provides for the reduction of “The economic and financial effects of the under- the compensation for an amount equal to the monthly MILAN: Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Maurizio Sarri (right) have agreed to take pay cuts. — AFP standing reached are positive for about 90 million wages of March, April, May and June 2020. euros for the 2019/2020 financial year”, Juventus said “In the coming weeks, personal agreements with in a statement. the players and the coach will be finalised, as required everyone.” Long-standing defender Giorgio Chiellini Atletico joined La Liga rivals Barcelona, who im- “The understanding provides for the reduction of by the current regulations. led the players’ negotiations amid reports in the Ital- posed a compulsory wage reduction on their players the compensation for an amount equal to the monthly “Should the current season’s matches be resched- ian media that Ronaldo had agreed to sacrifice 3.8 during the period of lockdown after Spain became payments of March, April, May and June 2020”, it uled, the Club will negotiate in good faith with the million euros of his yearly wage to ease the financial the second-most affected country by the coronavirus added, saying personal agreements with Sarri and the players and the coach conditional increases of com- burden on the club while Italy is in lockdown. in Europe behind Italy. players will be finalised in the coming weeks. pensation according to the actual resumption and fi- The agreement comes the day after leading Span- German Bundesliga clubs Borussia The Turin-based club, in one of the regions hit nalisation of official competitions. ish club Atletico Madrid took the decision to cut the Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund have hardest by the crisis, have suffered in recent weeks “Juventus would like to thank the players and the wages of their staff, including the players, to ease the also said their players would forego some of their with three of their players having tested positive for coach for their commitment at a difficult time for financial burden on the club. salary.—Reuters

back. Strong play from DPS Kyeong-bo “GodsB” 3, but the Gladiators would come roaring back on Spark win season Kim and main tank Xu “guxue” Qiulin would lead Control, taking Oasis 2-0 and securing the series win. the Spark to a 3-2 win on Numbani and a 3-2 win The win moves Los Angeles Gladiators into 10th defeat by knocking on Paris. place while it drops San Francisco to 11th. In the tiebreaker map on Oasis, despite good per- In other Chinese team action, the Shanghai Drag- Euro footballers formances from JinMu and Chengdu main tank Ding ons (1-0) demolished the Guangzhou Charge 3-0. off Hunters “Ameng” Menghan, who was a consistent menace on Led by the debuting DPS Byung-sun “Fleta” Kim, learn to deal Wrecking Ball, Hangzhou held firm and took a 2-1 who came over from the Seoul Dynasty, Shanghai map to wrap up a 3-2 series win. took a 2-1 win on Nepal, 3-2 win on Route 66, and 2- HANGZHOU: The Hangzhou Spark kicked off their Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Gladiators picked 1 on Eichenwalde. Fleta’s Mei was on point; using her without the game season with a bang, coming back to take a 3-2 re- up their first win of the year by posting a 3-1 victory Ice Wall ability to split up the Charge (0-1) and win verse sweep against the Chengdu Hunters on Satur- over the defending Overwatch League champion- fights before they could truly even begin. day. This was the first series of the year for both San Francisco Shock. San Francisco (1-1) ran a vari- Meanwhile, the Seoul Dynasty (1-0) picked up a LONDON: The riches, glamour and glory of teams, whose debuts had been delayed due to the ety of lineups in this series, utilizing its deep bench clean 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Valiant (1-2). Led playing football in front of packed stadiums at- coronavirus outbreak. to varying success. Los Angeles ran fairly consistent by new acquisitions Joon-yeong “Profit” Park on tracts the world’s top players across borders but The Hunters (0-1) came out strong, winning Ilios lineups, swapping DPS players in and out depending DPS, Jae-hee “Gesture” Hong on tank and on sup- with the European game in lockdown, many have 2-1. Chengdu ran dive compositions for the open- on the map. port, Seoul soared to a convincing win. The Dynasty been left isolated from their families. ing rounds of Ilios before DPS Hu “JinMu” Yi broke For the Gladiators (1-1), the tank duo of Min-seok took Nepal 2-0, Dorado 2-1, and capped things off Coronavirus has forced governments across out his signature Pharah and laid waste to the “OGE” Son and Indy “SPACE” Halpern were the with a 3-2 win on Eichenwalde. Europe to impose swingeing restrictions on Spark. Though Chengdu only picked up two points biggest contributors to the win. OGE and SPACE led Finally, the Toronto Defiant (2-4) picked up a 3-1 travel and personal freedoms. Footballers’ daily on Dorado, JinMu’s Pharah carried the Hunters to Los Angeles to a 2-0 win on Ilios and a resounding win over the Boston Uprising (1-5) in a battle of teams routines have been upended with no games to a 2-0 shutout win to put Chengdu up 2-0 going 1-0 full-hold win on Route 66 to go up 2-0 into the near the bottom of the standings. Toronto took Busan play for the foreseeable future and training ses- into the break. break. San Francisco would come back somewhat, 2-0, Rialto 1-0, and, after losing Hollywood 3-0, took sions now conducted alone at home or via video- After the break, the Spark (1-0) would bounce taking Numbani 3-2 and tying Volskaya Industries 3- Hanamura 2-1 to secure the win. — Reuters conferencing to maintain some semblance of team spirit. “It is a way to keep in contact with each other, to start a little bit of routine because I think that Belarus ploughs is important,” said Brighton manager Graham Potter, who has his squad doing communal morn- ing sessions via video. lone furrow over “Our guys are all here in the UK. That is why it is important for us to keep in contact and reg- coronavirus ular dialogue and make sure everyone is alright. “They are away from families, they are missing families and that is something we understand. We sympathise with that, but we felt it was right to MINSK: As the rest of Europe shuts up shop to combat limit international travel and to stay at home and the new coronavirus, Belarus remains resolutely open for be safe.” Other clubs allowed their stars to jet business. Restaurants in the former Soviet Republic con- home. Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar and Thiago tinue to serve food, and the country’s football league Silva returned to Brazil and Edinson Cavani plays on. Despite being at the door of a Europe grap- headed to Uruguay before France went into pling with the deadly COVID-19, life goes on here more lockdown. By contrast, Chelsea’s Spanish winger or less unchecked. The Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the global health crisis as a Pedro Rodriguez was stuck in London as he and “psychosis”, and refuses to follow the example of much the rest of the Blues squad were forced into self- of the globe by imposing a lockdown. isolation when teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi With less than 100 positive cases and no deaths in tested positive. Belarus, Lukashenko this week suggested “there should- “It’s hard not to be able to see my children,” n’t be any panic” over the virus. He encouraged his citi- Pedro Rodriguez, whose children live in zens to work on the land. “There, the tractor will heal Barcelona, told Spanish radio station Cadena everyone. The fields heal everyone,” suggested the SER. “I imagine there are many people like me. straight-talking former collective farm director who as- “I tell them to stay in the house and that I miss sumed power in 1994. them.” Birmingham boss Pep Clotet sent his fam- Vodka and saunas also figure on his list of miracle MINSK: File photo shows action from a match between Torpedo-Belaz Zhodino and Belshina Bobruisk dur- ily back to Spain before a state of emergency cures. And so, in stark contrast to leagues elsewhere on ing their Belarus League match on Friday. was declared in his homeland, but remained in the European continent, the Belarus championship like England to do what work he could. the country’s tractors, ploughs on, undeterred. “I am caught between two worlds,” said tocol advice for their customers. Ivan, an employee of a anyone who has the virus or is showing virus-like symp- Special measures have been put in place nonetheless Clotet. “I feel I cannot do my job properly. I keep including thermal cameras to check the temperature of new technology company, has been working from home toms is isolated and hospitalised. for the past three weeks. Yet despite that precaution he And those they have been in contact with are placed thinking ‘Maybe I should go back?’ But I cannot fans as they enter stadia which are disinfected twice a go back because I am working.” day. As a result, a rare spotlight has been shone on the meets up with his friends every evening “at the gym or in quarantine. The country’s opposition denounces the in a cafe”. The authorities justify the lax health regime official approach. “The authorities are preparing enor- For others, the greatest concern is filling time humble “Vysshaya Liga”, the Belarus first division. and the void left by no football. “I am obviously Russian public television channel Match TV has by the strict confinement of those who have tested pos- mous savings on pensions” opposition minister Mikola a little bored since two weeks have passed since bought the rights to screen its matches. And former Be- itive. Deputy Health Minister Elena Bogdan says that Statkevitch said caustically in a video message.— AFP larus star Alexander Hleb suggested in the German press the beginning of the quarantine at home,” Juven- that it could be lit up by the arrivals of Lionel Messi and tus’ Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny told possibility of starting again at the beginning of the Sky Sport Italia. Cristiano Ronaldo. UEFA president next, starting the following one later. We will see the “We’ve taken all the measures recommended by the “I am alone in Turin because my family went best solution for leagues and clubs.” to Poland. Having said that, however, I must say Sports Ministry. All those who are in contact with Ceferin has said the finishing domestic leagues was fans...are supplied with gloves,” Belarus football feder- says current season that I am having a peaceful time. I sleep a lot.” the priority, even if it meant playing behind closed The unexpected downtime is even allowing some ation spokesman Alexsandr Aleinik told AFP. doors. “It’s hard for me to imagine all the matches be- players accustomed to globe-trotting extra qual- Crowds are well down though, by half last week com- may not finish hind closed doors, but we still don’t know whether pared to the week before, “enabling fans to distance we’ll resume, with or without spectators. ity time with their nearest and dearest. themselves in the stands” said Aleinik. Since Tuesday “If there was no alternative, it would be better to Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega has spent the however, there has been a shift in tone from the top. In a ROME: The head of European soccer’s governing finish the championships anyway,” he said. “But I can vast majority of his playing career in Spain, but meeting with the Chinese ambassador Lukashenko as- body said that the current season could be “lost” if it say that I don’t think about the finals of the European the 65-time capped Argentine international is serted that his country was “controlling very seriously” is unable to re-start by the end of June, although he club competitions behind closed doors.” used to hopping back and forth across the At- the situation. And newspapers and state television began did not rule out extending it into the next season. Ceferin said that the decision to postpone Euro lantic to represent his country. to talk about the pandemic which has now killed more UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told the Italian 2020 until next year “has shown that every emergency “It’s strange because there is always football than 25,000 people. newspaper La Repubblica that there were a number is our emergency and every club is our club.” He said on. When La Liga stops, there are international But they stick to the line that a general lockdown is of options for concluding the season, which has been that a videoconference with representatives of clubs, games. Even in the summer, there is football with not the solution. Minsk, the capital, has become quieter brought to a halt around Europe by the coronavirus leagues and players was “a fantastic demonstration of pre-season games,” Banega told AFP. over the past few days, over 65s are encouraged to stay pandemic. unity and solidarity.” “You miss a lot of moments with your loved indoors, pupils are authorised not to attend school. “There is a plan A, B and C. The three options are He was also talking to FIFA and its president Gi- ones. Now what I am mostly doing is taking ad- During rush hour trains on the metro underground to start again in mid-May, in June or at the end of June, anni Infantino despite recent differences. “It is impor- are not as full as usual, numerous companies are allowing vantage of the time with my kids, my wife, enjoy- if we don’t succeed, the season will probably be lost,” tant to forget personal interests and disagreements,” staff to work from home. But bars, cafes and shops re- ing the family time.” —AFP he said. However, he then added: “There is also the he said. — Reuters main steadfastly open, without any self-distancing pro- Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

F1 could race into January Juventus players, Sarri agree Belarus ploughs lone 18if necessary, says Binotto 19 pay cut due to coronavirus 19 furrow over coronavirus

Tokyo eye July 2021 for delayed Olympics

TOKYO: A notice which reads in Japanese “Under adjustment” is pasted on a countdown display for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Tokyo on March 25, 2020. Japan started the unprecedented task of reorganising the Tokyo Olympics after the historic decision to postpone the world’s biggest sporting event due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that has locked down one third of the planet. — AFP

TOKYO: Tokyo Olympics organisers are eyeing next cording to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. restricted just to the summer months”. for us always, but that time is not now,” Osaka wrote. July as a start date for the postponed Games, Japan- On Saturday, Mori told a Japanese TV station that Meanwhile, NHK said the Olympic flame would be Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the In- ese media reported yesterday, following the historic “some kind of conclusion” would be reached within displayed for a month at the J-Village sports complex ternational Olympic Committee agreed to postpone decision to delay the event due to the coronavirus. a week. The Olympics were in Fukushima, which was used the Olympics after athletes worldwide expressed Given the ongoing pandemic and need for prepa- scheduled to open on July 24 as a base camp for thousands concern about trying to stage the spectacle amid so ration time, the most likely plan would be for the this year with the Paralympics Osaka of relief workers in radiation much uncertainty. “Everyone knows how much the Games to begin on July 23, 2021, public broadcaster on August 25, but Japan an- protection suits during the Olympics means to me and how proud I will be to NHK said, citing sources within the organising panel. nounced last week it had se- supports 2011 nuclear disaster. participate in my home country. Of course I’m disap- It came after Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike raised cured agreement from the IOC Meanwhile, Japanese star pointed that it won’t happen this year,” Osaka said. the idea on Friday of moving the event to a less hot to postpone the Games — a delay Naomi Osaka says she’s disap- “But we’ll all be ready to go stronger than ever in and humid time of year. decision unprecedented in pointed not to compete at the 2021! I support Prime Minister Abe’s brave decision She argued that this would make marathons and peacetime. Prime Minister Tokyo Olympics this year but and the IOC 100%.” other races easier to endure, meaning they could be Shinzo Abe said they would be supports the decision to post- Osaka, the 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian held in the capital instead of in northern Sapporo city, held in around a year instead as a testament to hu- pone the event to 2021. The 22-year-old former world Open champion, asked the Japanese people to stay where the International Olympic Committee (IOC) manity’s victory over the pandemic. number one said on Twitter Saturday that she thinks strong. “This is the time for people from all countries, had decided to move them. The decision had been seen to open options for the event will be better for moving to next year in the backgrounds and races to rally together to save as The Tokyo 2020 team led by Yoshiro Mori is cur- Tokyo, with IOC chief Thomas Bach saying that “all wake of the coronavirus pandemic. many lives as we can,” Osaka said. “To me that’s the rently discussing possible dates with the IOC, ac- the options are on the table” and rescheduling “is not “Sport will eventually unite us again and be there Olympic spirit.” — AFP

replied that their plate is full and they will come supplement their meagre incomes by coaching or $473,500, boosted by lucrative wildcards into the Tennis foot back to me as soon as they can. But after that email playing in European club leagues. main draw at Wimbledon. In 2016, she made the sec- they did not reply with anything.” However, those reliable revenue streams dried up ond round at the All England Club and pocketed a soldiers struggle Shapatava, the world number 371, is a 16-year after governments worldwide banned large gather- welcome $62,000. veteran of the tour. But she plays mostly secondary ings to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus. “There are more important things like life and ITF events, a world away from the gilded Grand “I started the petition to help tennis players to be death, but a lot of players from smaller countries, in time of virus Slam world inhabited by multi-millionaires Serena heard by ITF, after I talked to many of the people I (are) unable to earn any income, unable to claim Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael know and about their plans for the next three benefits as they are considered ‘self-employed’,” Nadal. months and I realised that some people won’t even wrote the 27-year-old Hong Kong-born Moore in PARIS: With careers spent scratching around dusty Shapatava has banked $354,000 in career prize be able to have food,” claimed Shapatava in her on- support of Shapatava’s petition. outposts, sometimes with “just $100” in their pock- money from almost 1,500 singles and doubles line blog. “It will be tough for many players to survive the ets, Tennis’ unheralded army of foot soldiers claim matches. “My problem is that my sport will die as it is, it next couple of months.” Former world number 15 they are struggling to afford food after being made Barely $3,000 has come her way since the turn will die, because players who are ranked lower then Alla Kudryavtseva sympathised with the plight of unemployed overnight by the coronavirus pandemic. of the year after events in Andrezieux-Bouthion in 150 in the world will not be able to play.” Coron- the current crop. The 32-year-old Russian, who fa- Now, Georgian player Sofia Shapatava is plead- France, Midland in Michigan, Nicholasville in Ken- avirus has brought all tennis to a standstill until June mously dumped Maria Sharapova out of Wimbledon ing with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to tucky and the Californian venue of Rancho Sante Fe. 8 at the earliest. in 2008, made over $3 million in her career, accrued dig deep and help out the hundreds of players who However, compared to many, the 31-year-old is The entire claycourt season has been wiped out mostly from success on the doubles court. lost their livelihoods when the men’s and women’s well-off. There are comfortably over 1,000 players with the French Open shifted to September-October “I have savings, I’m not worried. What about tours went into a three-month lockdown. in the WTA rankings. The men’s ATP Tour has just instead of its traditional May-June slot. Wimbledon those juniors that chose tennis as their career and “Players lower ranked than 250 will not be able as many. Amongst a batch of women currently could follow suit next week when organisers may are making the transition to pros? Who didn’t have to buy food in two-three weeks’ time,” warned Sha- locked in the lowest rank of 1,283 is 27-year-old postpone or even cancel completely the grasscourt a chance to save anything yet? Who potentially in- patava, who is not optimistic the ITF will look Ksenia Kolesnikova of Russia. Grand Slam event scheduled to start on June 29. vested money in themselves? “They are not stu- favourably on her plea. In 2020, she has officially made just $68. Many Britain’s Tara Moore, the world 233, has made just dent loans.” The ITF did not respond to requests “I honestly don’t think so,” she told AFP. “They players outside the lucrative top 100 traditionally $2,500 this year but her career earnings stand at for a comment. — AFP