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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2020 SHAWWAL 4, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 4957 QR 2

Fajr: 3:18 am Dhuhr: 11:31 am FInE Asr: 2:56 pm Maghrib: 6:18 pm hiGh : 39°C LoW : 27°C Isha: 7:48 pm

World 4 Business 7 Sports 9 Hundreds more Taliban Forbes ranks QNB as top Brilliant Kimmich downs prisoners freed on last bank in MENA region with Dortmund to put Bayern day of Afghan truce $264.9 bn assets on brink of title Eid Mubarak

AMIR DIRECTS TO SEND URGENT AID TO UKRAINE, MOLDOVA AND ETHIOPIA TO HELP THEM COMBAT COVID-19 Qatar sends medical aid to 3 countries QNA Doha/ Chisinau/ aDDis ababa

THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani has directed to send urgent medical assistance to Ukraine, Moldova and Ethiopia as a support Amir, Indian from Qatar for the efforts of the friend- ly countries in combating the novel PM review coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In implementation of the direc- tives of HH the Amir, a cargo plane bilateral ties loaded with 8.5 tonnes of urgent QNA medical assistance provided by Qatar Doha through the Qatar Fund for Develop- ment (QFFD) arrived in Moldova on The amir hh sheikh Tamim Tuesday. bin hamad al Thani on Tues- The medical assistance was re- day received a telephone ceived by Minister of the Interior of call from Prime Minister of Moldova Pavel Fico, State Secretary of india narendra Modi, who the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Eu- congratulated hh the amir ropean Integration (MFAEI) Dumitru (Left) A cargo plane loaded with 8.5 tonnes of urgent medical assistance provided by Qatar arrives in and the Qatari people on the Sokolan, Assistant Minister of Health, Moldova on Tuesday. (Top) Qatari medical aid arrives in Ethiopia on Tuesday. occasion of eid al Fitr. The Labor and Social Protection Alexan- call saw a review of bilateral dro H, and Acting Charge d’Affaires at Interior of Moldova thanked the Amir the challenges of the coronavirus pan- Moldova affirmed that Qatar stands health sector to face the coronavirus relations and the means to the Embassy of Qatar to Moldova HE for providing medical assistance at demic. with the friendly Moldova and its peo- pandemic. enhance them, in addition Hamad bin Rashid al Athba. this difficult time, noting that it will For his part, the Acting Charge ple. He said the Qatari medical aid is to a discussion of the most On this occasion, the Minister of help the Moldovan government to face d’Affaires at the Embassy of Qatar to aimed at supporting the Moldovan Continued on page 2  prominent regional and inter- national developments.

HGH, Al Wakrah hosp COVID-19 recoveries jump by Comprehensive update see 745 gastro cases on 3rd day of Eid to Ehteraz app to ensure haMaD Medical Corporation’s 1,481 to reach 11,844: MoPH emergency Departments (eD) at security & privacy: MoPH hamad General hospital (hGh) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK among groups of workers in different The Ministry of Public health and al Wakrah hospital received Doha regions. (MoPh) has reiterated that a total of 745 cases on the third Cases of infection have also in- the ehteraz app’s user priva- day of eid al Fitr on Tuesday. a QATAR on Tuesday registered 1,742 creased among citizens and residents cy and platform security are majority of these cases were re- new confirmed cases of coronavirus as a result of contact with infected of the utmost importance. lated to gastrointestinal system (COVID-19), and 1,481 new recov- family members who had been in- “a comprehensive as a result of change in food ered cases, bringing the total num- fected in the workplace or through update of the app rolled out habits following Ramadan. The ber of recoveries to 11,844. Two more visits and family gatherings. The new on sunday (May 24) with ex- hGh received 515 cases, while people also succumbed to the virus confirmed cases of infection have panded security and privacy al Wakrah hospital saw 230 on Tuesday, taking the death toll in been put in complete isolation at features for all users,” the cases. There were no critical the country to 28. various medical facilities in the coun- MoPh said in a tweet. cases at both the hospitals. In a statement, the Ministry of try, where they receive the necessary “These updates are —CATHERINE W GICHUKI PAGE 2 Public Health said 19 people were healthcare. part of the continuous work admitted to intensive care due to the The ministry stated that the two to review and improve the virus, bringing the total number of new deaths recorded in the last 24 app’s security, including cases in intensive care to 205. hours were of patients aged 58 and issues brought to our atten- The ministry said the new cases 60 years old, who were suffering tion by third party groups. are due to expatriate workers who from chronic diseases and received ehteraz is a vital compo- were infected with the virus as a re- treatment in intensive care. nent in our collective fight supplement is being sult of contact with individuals who The ministry extended condo- against coronavirus (CoViD-19) and we thank Qatar’s citizens issued with this edition were previously infected, in addition lences and sympathy to the families and residents for their cooperation,” it added. (TNN) to recording of new cases of infection of the deceased.

COVID-19 survivors recount their tales of recovery Saudi Arabia behind pirate Three expatriates, who emerged victorious against the coronavirus (COVID-19), thanked the world-class care provided to them by channel beoutQ: WTO Qatar for their recovery. In a series of tweets, the Ministry of Public Health has published their tales of recovery from the virus. The controversial £300m saudi arabia-funded takeover of newcastle united appears to be in serious doubt after the World Trade organization (WTo) ruled that the country is behind a pi- rate satellite TV, beoutQ, and streaming service that offers illegal access to sporting events, according to the Guardian. While the WTo’s 130-page final report will not be published until mid-June, it is understood that the independent ruling firmly establishes that the saudi government is behind beoutQ. it can also be revealed that the Premier League, which received the WTo report this month, made submissions against saudi arabia as part of the legal process. in april last year, Qatar’s Ministry of Com- merce and industry announced that it had filed its first written submission in its challenge to saudi’s failure to protect intellec- tual property in accordance with its international obligations as a member of the WTo. Previously FiFa, ueFa, the Premier League, La Liga and others have tried to take legal action against beoutQ in saudi arabia for illegally streaming matches. subsequently, a case against saudi arabia was taken to the WTo. (TNN) 02 Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Contact US: Qatar Tribune I EDITORIAL I Phone: 40002222 I ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING I Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

Quick read Industrial contracting companies Amir congratulates president of Georgia The amir hh sheikh Tamim bin hamad al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Georgia salome Zour- abichvili on her country’s independence Day. (QNA) mull ways to repatriate workers Deputy Amir congratulates Georgia’s president The Deputy amir hh sheikh abdullah bin hamad al Thani on home as their contracts are isations. Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Georgia Maintaining the workers after the expiry over,” he said. K R Jayaraj, president of salome Zourabichvili on her country’s independence Day. (QNA) of contracts is a big financial challenge Maintaining the workers Kerala Business Forum (KBF), for long term in Qatar after an association of the business PM sends greetings to Georgian counterpart the expiry of contracts is a big community in Doha, said, SANTHOSH CHANDRAN sources in the industry. financial challenge for the con- “We have been trying to ar- PRiMe Minister and Minister of interior he sheikh Khalid bin Doha Every year, hundreds of tracting companies. range chartered flights since Khalifa bin abdulaziz al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of con- workers from countries such “As per the contract, send- April. We have approached gratulations to Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia on his INDUSTRIAL contracting as India and Sri Lanka come regular practice in this sector,” ing them back is our responsi- the Indian Embassy and the country’s independence Day. (QNA) companies that brought hun- to Qatar to work in the oil said the senior officer of a con- bility. We have approached the authorities concerned in In- dreds of skilled workers to Qa- and gas sector on shut-down tracting company that oper- authorities concerned in Qatar dia with this request. We have PM, Tunisian counterpart exchange tar on short-term contracts are projects. Carried out during ates in the oil and gas sector. and India to operate chartered also offered five tickets free of Eid greetings, review ties struggling to find ways to send a planned period of cessation “We recruit skilled work- flights to some cities in south- charge for deserving workers PRiMe Minister and Minister of interior he sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa them home as COVID-19 leaves at a refinery or a plant, a shut- ers for two or three months ern India,” a senior employee from other sectors who have bin abdulaziz al Thani on Tuesday received a telephone call from Prime them stuck in the country. down project generally lasts for shut-down projects at big of a contracting company in Al registered with the embassy Minister of Tunisia elyes Fakhfakh, during which they exchanged greet- The companies are trying for two or three months and companies. When the job is Khor told Qatar Tribune. for repatriation.” ings on the occasion of the blessed eid al-Fitr. The also discussed the to charter special flights to requires a large number of hu- done, we send them back ac- Sources at the Indian Em- The ticket fare for each relations between the countries and the ways boosting them, in addi- send them back and are await- man resources. cording to the contract. We bassy in Doha said they have person on a 180-seat char- tion to discussing other regional and international issues. (QNA) ing approval from the authori- “Recruiting skilled work- have more than 600 workers received such proposals from tered flight is estimated as ties concerned, according to ers for shutdown projects is a in this category to send back various companies and organ- QR2,000. Qatar, Argentina working together HGH and AWH emergency departments to build on ties, says Hernandez receive 745 cases on Eid Al-Fitr 3rd day CATHERINE W GICHUKI Corporate Affairs in the HMC change in food habits after the gent cases. Doha Department of Emergency Holy Month. He said, “Nor- Envoy thanks Qatar The Argentinian envoy, Medicine Dr Galal Alessai said, mally, it takes a few days for Airways Group Chief however, pointed out that it HAMAD Medical Corpora- “Emergency departments are people to adjust to the new has hardly affected his work tion’s (HMC) emergency de- always busy, though the num- routine.” Executive Officer as most of the work is carried partments (ED) at Hamad bers keep fluctuating.” According to him, road Akbar al Baker for online. He said that he reads General Hospital (HGH) and According to him, last year mishap cases and critical cases books as usual and keeps in Al Wakrah Hospital (AWH) on same days the number was were also less this year. support amid touch with most of his col- received a total of 745 cases on higher than this year. “This is Dr Alessai urged people leagues back home. the third day of Eid Al-Fitr on perhaps because now people not to increase intake of food COVID-19 He added that he is also Tuesday. Most of these cases know when to use emergency containing sugar and to try in regular contact with the were related to the gastroin- departments. The public is to improve food habits. He ASHRAF SIDDIQUI Argentine ambassadors to testinal system as a result of Dr Galal Alessai more aware now than last year,” advised them to drink more Doha Southeast Asia, Australasia, change in food habits following he said. Dr Alessai further water in order to stay hydrat- South African in addition to the Holy Month of Ramadan. no critical cases and ranged said that it was normal for the ed, especially as it is summer AMBASSADOR of Argentina HE Carlos Hernandez those heading Argentinian The HGH ED received 355 from simple to moderate. number of males visiting the season. “People with comor- to Qatar HE Carlos Hernandez diplomatic missions in Eu- male and 160 female patients It is worth to note that the emergency department to be bidities should also take their has hinted that he is working Akbar al Baker, Vice President rope, Latin America and the of whom only 12 were admit- cases are not related to coro- higher than that of females medication on time,” he said. with the new Qatari Ambassa- Fatti Athi and General Man- USA owing to issue of evacu- ted while the AWH attended navirus disease (COVID-19). during this period. Dr Alessai also advised dor to Argentina HE Battal al ager Miguel von der Heyden ation of stranded Argentinian to a total of 230 cases, includ- Speaking to Qatar Tribune, According to him, most people to stay home and follow Dosari to build on the already for making it possible amid citizens. ing 167 males and 63 females HMC Consultant of Emergen- of the cases received were re- the instructions of the Minis- strong bilateral ties between coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- “Coordinating flights when of which 22 were admitted. In cy Medicine, Medical Toxicol- lated to gastrointestinal sys- try of Public Health to curb the Qatar and Argentina. demic. most borders and airports both the hospitals, there were ogist and Vice-Chairman for tem, which is associated with spread of COVID-19. In an exclusive online inter- He said the national air around the world are closed is view with Qatar Tribune, Her- carrier of Qatar has the dis- not an easy task, because you nandez said he enjoyed good tinction of being among the need hundreds of authorisa- understanding with Dosari, few airlines operating in the tions. My cellphone is all the who was appointed as ambas- present pandemic. time ringing nowadays. We sador of Qatar to Argentina The Argentinian ambas- also have to hold video confer- Qatar medical aid arrives in Ethiopia last year, and was hopeful of sador added that he is also ences and virtual meetings fre- resumption of the joint work in working closely with the Qa- quently”, he remarked. this regard in near future. tari ambassador to rescue “our Responding to a query, He said, “Unfortunately, citizens stranded all around Hernandez said that the pan- a lot of the activities that we the world”. demic would leave a lasting had planned for this year had Speaking on his daily rou- impact on people’s lifestyles, to be cancelled or postponed tine amid pandemic, Hernan- which would stay on until a due to the pandemic. But, we dez said that he stays indoors vaccine was available for eve- are positive that things will and moves out only when nec- ryone. improve in near future and we essary. “Earlier, we had meet- “In my country COVID-19 will be able to carry our plans ings, gatherings and dinners is not the only pandemic we forward.” almost everyday, but since the are facing. We also have cases He also thanked Qatar Air- pandemic started we barely of dengue fever all around the ways for its remarkable role in leave the house. Now, we go country”, the envoy said. evacuating stranded Argentin- out only if we have to buy The ambassador informed ians from the South East and medicines and grocery. I also further that the Argentine Continued from page 1  Australasia and bringing them visit the embassy occasionally President decided to prioritise Ethiopia to support the efforts Ethiopia Dr Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister of home. with my team.” life over economy and a man- of Ethiopia to face the COVID-19 out- State in the Ethiopian Ministry of Health Hernandez expressed his He said that he avoids datory lockdown has been in MEANWHILE, a cargo plane load- break. Dr D Dujma and Qatar’s Ambassador to gratitude to Qatar Airways personal meetings unless in force since March 20 and re- ed with urgent medical aid provided The aid shipment was received by Ethiopia HE Hamad bin Mohammed al Group Chief Executive Officer exceptional and extremely ur- newed ever since. by Qatar through QFFD arrived in Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Dosari. Al Jazeera’s Fault Lines uncovers cancer outbreak in Houston neighbourhood

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK dens. Many residents suspect that Fifth Ward. Two of her sisters died than a dozen men who worked at Doha the nearby railroad, owned by the For almost 75 years, the railyard from lung cancer when they were the railyard, who described how railroad giant Union Pacific, has had been treating railway ties in their 60s. Neither smoked. An- carelessly-stored creosote flowed FAULT Lines, the Emmy and something to do with it. with a toxic compound called dre long suspected the chemicals into the neighborhoods for dec- Peabody-award-winning docu- For almost 75 years, the rail- creosote, which the US at the railyard made them sick and ades whenever it rained. mentary programme by Al Jazeera yard had been treating railway ties Environmental Protection has joined local activists to force Union Pacific declined to inter- English, is releasing a documen- with a toxic compound called creo- Agency has identified as a prob- Union Pacific to answer for the view Fault Lines. It was stated in tary, “Houston’s Cancer Cluster,” sote, which the US Environmental pollution in the community. a statement that residents are not that follows the quest for answers Protection Agency has identified able human carcinogen. The Sandra Edwards leads IM- exposed to contaminated ground- and accountability by an African- as a probable human carcinogen. groundwater under more than PACT, a community group that water and denied access to a clus- American group after their Texas The groundwater under more than 100 properties around the rail- pressures the state to conduct an ter of cancers. neighbourhood has been declared 100 properties around the railyard yard is contaminated with epidemiological study that could The Houston outbreak of COV- a cancer cluster. is contaminated with chemicals chemicals found in creosote identify the cause of the cancer ID-19 has reduced the organisa- Last year, the state of Texas found in creosote. And the cancers cluster. But nine months after the tion of efforts. But the pressure found unusually high rates of found in the cluster are associated cancer cluster was discovered, could work. The Houston Health certain types of lung and throat with exposure to créosote. husband grew up in Kashmere hours outside of work caring for Texas has not yet agreed to do Department has set aside funds cancer in two historically black Fault Lines focuses on the Gardens and is dying from es- her husband as he fought for his one. for environmental testing and is neighborhoods in East Houston, stories of three women, includ- ophageal cancer. When we met life. In an exclusive group inter- investigating the feasibility of an Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gar- ing Schrhonda Babineux, whose her, Schrhonda was spending her Andre West grew up in the view, Fault Lines spoke to more epidemiological study. Wednesday, May 27, 2020 03 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or L N Mallick Pakistan Prism L N Mallick call (974) 4000 2222 L N Mallick

The event was organised by YouTube channel #Meetwithrana in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The channel is hosted by Qatar-based prominent influencer and literary figure Anwar Ali Rana

Ramla Manahil, winner in category A Children enthusiastically participate in the online Quran recitation contest. Huzaifa Amjad, winner in category B

Online Quran recitation contest brings children’s creative talents to the fore

OR a large num- children to interact online and ber of children, it express themselves in a ways they turned out to be an like. Children are seen reciting occasion to discover Quranic verses, Hamd and Naat. new skills and pro- Some children revealed their love mote Islamic values for art while others expressed as they participated in an online their social awareness messages QuranF recitation competition dur- on COVID-19. ing the Holy month of Ramadan. Children engage themselves in The event was organised by chatting online on different top- YouTube channel #Meetwithra- ics and speaking with passion and na in the face of the COVID-19 confidence. Making the best use of pandemic. The channel is hosted technology, Rana is exploring dif- by Qatar-based prominent influ- ferent aspects and potential of chil- encer and literary figure Anwar dren to groom them into responsi- Ali Rana. ble and well-behaved citizens. The competition aimed to #Meetwithrana is engaging spread the spirit of competition adults as well through a vari- among children and promote ety of online programmes. One Quranic values during Ramadan. remarkable online session was The participants were divided with renowned scholar Muham- into two categories based on their mad Tariq on the topic of zakat age groups. Tahir Jamil, Muham- followed by question-answer ses- mad Ali Ather, Qari Mujtaba and sion during Ramadan. The chan- Muhammad Idrees convened the nel periodically invites profes- competition and also acted as sionals so they can interact with judges. They observed and judged youth and share with them their the children mainly on three cri- success stories. teria -- pronunciation accuracy, Rana deserves all praise for ease and expertise in delivery, and his efforts to promote his channel melodiousness. which is equally popular among The contestants made the job children and adults. The channel of judges really tough as all of is doing an amazing job by pro- them recited the Quranic verses moting good values in the times of beautifully. #Meetwithrana’s poster inviting community members to participate in the online session with renowned scholar Muhammad Tariq. desperation. Ramla Manahil came first in “My passion is to nurture fire- category A while Muhammad jad was declared first. Hadia Ba- story since its launch. homes, everyone is trying to do platform, under the ‘Bazm-e-Ad- flies and spread light,” said Rana. Mohsin Malik, Muhammad You- tool, Danial Tabassum and Abdul- Amidst the coronavirus out- their bit to fight the virus. ab’ banner, is providing them a Not only children but also adults suf Waseem and Muhammad lah Abaan came second, third and break, which has infected people Meetwithrana YouTube chan- chance to express themselves with too are benefiting and further- Ayaan got the second, third and fourth, respectively. across the world and has led to nel is one such example. It is es- confidence in a variety of pro- ing their knowledge. Community fourth positions, respectively. #Meetwithrana YouTube lockdown of various cities, caus- pecially popular among children. grammes offered online. Bazm- members have praised Rana for In the category B, Huzaifa Am- channel has been a big success ing families to self-isolate in their As children stay indoors, this e-Adab is offering opportunity to his valuable social work.

Message from The Donkey King: Stay home and stay safe

HE makers of Pakistan’s blockbuster animated movie, The Donkey King, have released an inspira- tional anthem urging the Tgeneral public to practice social distancing and play their part in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The song titled ‘Darna nahin larna hai’ (don’t be afraid but fight) has been written by Aziz Jindani, the writer-director of The Donkey King, while it has been composed by Shuja Haider. Popular singer Syed Asrar Shah has rendered the vocals. In an inspirational video that ends with the message, ‘Stay home, stay safe’, Mangu and cameos from other charac- ters of the movie request people to keep an appropriate distance from each other while urging Mangu urges everyone to play their part in the fight against coronavirus in the inspirational video. them to avoid going out of the house unnecessarily. cinemas across the world and Sheikh, Irfan Khoosat, Adeel Azad Nagar. The story traces underdog. The main objective of The Donkey King is an ani- has also been dubbed in many Hashmi and Faisal Qureshi. Mangu’s extraordinary journey the film is to inspire children and mated family comedy film in languages including Turkish, The Donkey King is the story from a small town dhobhi ghat adults alike to reach their full po- Urdu for children and “chil- Ukrainian, Russian, Korean, of a dreamer, happy go lucky to a royal palace during which he tential, regardless of the skills dren at heart”. It was released Spanish, Basque, and Catalan. donkey called Mangu. A lion de- rises, falls and then rises again to and talents they are born with. in Pakistan on October 13, The film features the voices cides that a new king shall take prove to the world that he may The Donkey King’s world 2018. Produced by Geo Films of Afzal Khan alias Jan Rambo, on the reins of Azad Nagar when be born a donkey, but is not one. television premiere was held The official poster of Pakistan’s blockbuster animated movie and Talisman Studios, the Ismail Tara, Hina Dilpazeer, he retires. A donkey named The Donkey King is a metaphor- on the first day of Eid Al Fitr on The Donkey King. movie has been released in Ghulam Mohiuddin, Jawed Mangu is chosen as the king of ical story of the triumph of an May 24, 2020. 04 Wednesday, May 27, 2020 World Thailand extends state of emergency until June 30 despite oppposition Airbus team arrives in Pakistan to assist investigations into crash banGKoK Thailand’s government has extended a state of emergency imposed in the fight against isLaMabaD a team of experts from aircraft manufacturer airbus on Tuesday arrived in Pakistan to the novel coronavirus until June 30 despite opposition against the move, officials said. assist authorities investigating the plane crash in the southern city of Karachi that killed 97 people News Thailand’s cabinet ministers on Tuesday approved an extension extension the the emergency de- on Friday, officials said. cree first imposed on March 26, giving the prime minister sweeping powers to introduce and enforce “airbus has sent an 11-member team of experts to provide technical assistance to aircraft ac- in brief regulations. Government spokeswoman narumon Pinyosinwat said the government had received cident investigation board,” said abdullah hafeez Khan, spokesperson for the Pakistan international complaints from opponents of the extension. “The prime minister has instructed me to inform the airlines (Pia). Khan said Pia would help “the board and the airbus team to ascertain the real cause public that since the emergency decree was declared ... public health reasons were always consid- of crash.” The team will inspect the runway and visit the crash site from where authorities had ered a priority and political reasons were never considered,” narumon said. (DPA) already stopped removing the aircraft’s debris. (DPA) Duterte wants Philippine schools closed until vaccine is ready Iran eases restaurant curbs as DPA cation had set the opening of The Department of “We have what we call blend- ManiLa the school year for August 24 Education had set the ed learning,” Roque said. “We virus claims 57 more lives due to the COVID-19 outbreak, opening of the school year will use the television, the radio PHILIPPINE President Rod- three months after its tradi- for August 24 due to the and the internet to continue the AFP signalled the easing of restric- ID-19 deaths in the past 24 rigo Duterte said that schools tional start in June. education of our children.” TehRan tions on eateries. hours, bringing the total num- should remain closed until a But the department COVID-19 outbreak, three The Department of Health “Restaurants which before ber of fatalities in the country vaccine for the novel coronavi- stressed that “school opening months after its traditional on Tuesday reported 350 new IRAN further eased restric- this decree were only allowed to 7,508. rus is ready. will not necessarily mean tra- start in June. confirmed cases of COVID-19 tions aimed at curbing the to distribute food will be al- Jahanpour said 1,787 new Without a vaccine, send- ditional face-to-face learning in the Philippines, bringing spread of the novel coronavi- lowed to accept customers cases of infection over the ing children to school “spells in [the] classroom.” not available to all students, es- the national tally to 14,669. An rus Tuesday by allowing res- from today,” Mohsen Farhadi same period brought the Is- disaster,” Duterte said during “The physical opening of pecially those in remote areas. additional 13 deaths were also taurants to accept customers, told state television. lamic republic’s caseload to a late-night television address schools will depend on the As in many countries around recorded, making the death as it announced another 57 Farhadi called on restau- 139,511. on Monday. risk severity grading or classi- the world, many parents have toll 886. deaths from the virus. rants to respect health pro- “We are seeing a stable “I will not allow the opening fication of a locality,” it added been home-schooling. Metro Manila and high- Since the first cases of tocols to ensure distancing of process in the majority of of classes where students will be when it announced the new Presidential spokesman risk areas for infections are COVID-19 appeared on its soil two metres, a measure he said provinces,” Jahanpour said, near each other,” he said. school calendar. Schools have Harry Roque said on Tuesday under relaxed lockdown un- in mid-February, the Islamic would reduce client numbers adding that the southwestern “Unless I am sure that they been conducting online lessons that learning should continue til May 31, which has allowed republic has sought to halt the by 50 percent. province of Khuzestan was are really safe, it’s useless to be for students who have access to despite the pandemic, but Du- some industries and establish- spread of the virus without im- Health ministry spokes- still classified “red”, although talking about opening of classes.” computers and the internet at terte did not want schools to ments, such as malls, to re- posing lockdowns. man Kianoush Jahanpour the number of infected cases The Department of Edu- home. However, this option is hold face-to-face classes. sume limited operations. A deputy health minister reported 57 additional COV- was declining.

Syria loosens Saudi Arabia to gradually coronavirus Hundreds more Taliban ease coronavirus lockdown restrictions, open mosques AFP DPA The ban on travel between DaMasCus RiyaDh cities using private vehicles will prisoners freed on last be lifted and more businesses, SYRIAN authorities loosened SAUDI Arabia will gradually including shopping malls, cafes coronavirus lockdown restric- ease restrictions and reopen and restaurants, will reopen. tions Tuesday by cancelling mosques, except in the holy Businesses where “physical a nighttime curfew, allowing city of Mecca, as it lifts meas- distancing cannot be achieved,” travel between provinces and ures it imposed more than two like hairdressers, health clubs announcing a reopening of day of Afghan truce months ago due to the novel and cinemas, will remain mosques, state media said. coronavirus outbreak. closed, the ministry said in a The decision comes as AFP The kingdom will shorten statement published by the the war-torn country grap- baGRaM curfew hours, allow people to Saudi Press Agency (SPA). ples with a crippling economic go back to work and resume Social distancing measures crisis and official cases of the AFGHAN authorities freed domestic flights, the Interior will be in place at all times in COVID-19 respiratory disease hundreds more Taliban prison- Ministry said on Tuesday. public spaces and social gather- continue to rise. ers on Tuesday, as calls grew for A 24-hour nationwide cur- ings of more than 50 people will Damascus has announced the militants to extend a cease- few enforced this week during remain banned. 121 cases, including four deaths fire on its third and final day. the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, On June 21, the kingdom in government-held areas. The historic pause in fight- one of Islam’s two major festi- will lift the lockdown and life In the Kurdish-run north- ing -- only the second in nearly vals, will be shortened starting will return to normal, except in east, the United Nations has 19 years of war -- has mostly on Thursday to between 3 pm Mecca city, the Interior Minis- recorded six cases including held across Afghanistan, pro- and 6 am local time. try added. one death. viding a rare respite from the Starting May 31, curfew Restrictions will remain In March, the Syrian gov- conflict’s grinding violence. hours will be shortened to start stricter in Mecca, where a ernment introduced a series of Authorities said they had at 8 pm. longer curfew will be enforced. confinement measures to stem released about 900 Taliban Friday and congregation- Mosques and businesses in the the spread of the virus. prisoners across the country on al prayers will be allowed in city will reopen after June 20. On Monday night, the Tuesday, approximately 600 mosques and public and pri- International flights will government said it would of them from the notorious vate employees can go back to continue to be halted, the king- completely cancel nighttime Bagram jail near Kabul. work. dom said. curfews starting Tuesday, al- The release is part of a low travel between provinces pledge by the Afghan govern- and allow shops and malls to ment to free up to 2,000 insur- open from 8.00am to 7.00pm gent prisoners in response to The ceasefire has raised hopes of an extended truce that could pave the way for talks, which had originally (0500 GMT and 1600 GMT) the Taliban’s three-day cease- been scheduled to start by March 10. during summer, state news fire offer, which began Sunday New Delhi sizzles at 47 agency SANA said. to mark the Muslim holiday of Qari Mohammadullah vowed to each other and took taxis to he said. On Tuesday, the endow- Eid al-Fitr. to continue fighting if foreign their homes. The ceasefire has raised degrees as India reels ments ministry announced Abdul Wasi, 27, from Kan- forces remain. The release of 900 prison- hopes of an extended truce that mosques would be al- dahar province, much of which “We don’t want foreigners ers marked “good progress,” that could pave the way for under severe heatwave lowed to fully reopen starting is under Taliban control, said to stay any longer in our coun- Taliban spokesman Suhail talks, which had originally been on Wednesday after a tempo- he was a “holy warrior” when try. They must leave immedi- Shaheen said on Twitter. scheduled to start by March 10. DPA the mercury shot up to 47.6 rary ban on public prayers be- he was detained eight years ately,” Mohammadullah said. He added the group will “Extend the ceasefire. Save neW DeLhi degrees Celsius in the airport cause of COVID-19, according ago. free a “remarkable” number of lives,” Shaharzad Akbar, head area of Palam, IMD said. to SANA. “I was told ... to do jihad Afghan security force person- of the Afghanistan Independ- TEMPERATURES breached The highest temperature Syria’s borders, however, until all foreign troops are driv- Authorities said they had nel, but did not specify when. ent Human Rights Commis- 50 degrees Celsius as a heat- was recorded in the country remain closed. en out of our country,” Wasi released about 900 Taliban Afghan authorities hoped sion, said on Twitter. wave gripped large swathes was in Rajasthan’s Churu at The government started to told AFP moments after he was prisoners across the country the Taliban would extend the “End the violence so that we of northern, western and 50 degrees Celsius, it said. gradually loosen restrictions freed. He said he was happy on Tuesday, approximately ceasefire so delayed peace talks can all focus on making services central India on Tuesday. Private forecasting agen- last month to help salvage an about the US-Taliban deal pav- 600 of them from the notori- with the insurgents could be- available to the most vulnerable The Indian Meteorologi- cy Skymet said it was the economy strangled by West- ing the way for all foreign forc- gin, National Security Council across the country, on expand- cal Department said there highest May temperature for ern sanctions and nine years es to leave Afghanistan by May ous Bagram jail near Kabul. spokesman Javid Faisal said. ing access to human rights, so were “heat wave to severe Delhi since 2009, with the of war. next year, and that he wanted a “If the Taliban are ready that we have space to breathe.” heat wave conditions” across all-time record being 48.4 The country’s economic permanent ceasefire. “We will continue our jihad to extend the ceasefire, we are A senior Taliban source ear- the northern states of Ut- degrees in May 1998. woes include soaring inflation, “If the foreign troops exit, until every single foreign force ready to continue the ceasefire lier told AFP the group could tar Pradesh and Rajasthan, The heatwave comes high unemployment and a we won’t fight,” he said as he leaves.” too,” Faisal told a news confer- extend the ceasefire by seven western Maharashtra, cen- amid the country’s corona- hefty depreciation of the Syr- boarded a Kabul-bound bus Each former prisoner was ence. days if the government speeds tral Madhya Pradesh as well virus outbreak as well as the ian pound. along with other freed Taliban given the equivalent of about “We hope they release our up the release of prisoners. as eastern states of Bihar worst locust attack threat- President Bashar al-Assad members. $65 in Afghan currency. The prisoners so that intra-Afghan But insurgent spokesman and Jharkhand. ening several states in over in early May warned of a “ca- The prisoners had signed buses they had boarded at the peace talks begin as soon as Zabihullah Mujahid said he New Delhi recorded its two decades, the Hindustan tastrophe” if the easing of lock- written pledges not to return to prison dropped them in Ka- possible... The future depends had no information about an hottest day of the season as Times reported. down measures is mishandled. the battlefield, but freed inmate bul, where they bid goodbyes on the Taliban’s next move,” extension. Russia sent warplanes to back mercenaries in Libya: US military

AFP volvement in the ongoing Lib- beRLin UN condemns use of IEDs against civilians in Libya yan conflict. Well, there is no denying it now,” said US Army RUSSIA recently sent fighter TRiPoLi The united nations innocent civilians who must be while families were seeking General Stephen Townsend in jets to Libya to support Rus- has deplored the “grotesque” protected under international the safety and comfort of their the Africom statement. sian mercenaries fighting for use of improvised explosive humanitarian law.” homes for the eid holiday, dem- “Russia is clearly trying to strongman Khalifa Haftar, the devices against civilians in in a statement released onstrates deliberate targeting tip the scales in its favour in US military command for Af- Libya’s capital Tripoli, the late on Monday, it voiced alarm of innocent civilians.” Libya,” he added. rica (Africom) said Tuesday, in scene of more than a year of about reports that residents of Libya is largely divided “Just like I saw them do- a major escalation in the long- deadly fighting. the ain Zara and salaheddin between forces backing the ing in Syria, they are expand- running conflict. The un mission in Libya districts in southern Tripoli had un-recognised Government of ing their military footprint in The military fighter aircraft said it “strongly condemns been killed or wounded by ieDs national accord (Gna), based Africa using government-sup- left Russia and first stopped these acts, which serve no placed in or near their homes. in Tripoli, and those led by mili- ported mercenary groups like in Syria where they “were re- military objective, provoke ex- “This grotesque transfor- tary strongman Khalifa haftar, Wagner.” painted to camouflage their Group Captain Muhammad Qanunu (centre), military spokesperson of treme fear among the popula- mation and deterioration of the who backs a rival administra- He described the Russian Russian origin” before arriving Libya’s Government of national Accord (GnA) forces, speaks before a tion, and violate the rights of conflict, (which) has occurred tion in the east. (AFP) warplanes deployed to Libya as in Libya, said Stuttgart-based Russian-made Pantsir air defense system truck in Tripoli. (aFP) “fourth generation jet fighters”. Africom. Africom said Russia’s ac- The US military did not The announcement comes naries backing rival military The Kremlin has always said in a report last month that Vladimir Putin, had sent fight- tions risked prolonging the specify when exactly the jets a day after Libya’s UN-rec- commander Haftar had been denied involvement in the con- the Wagner Group, a shadowy ers to back Haftar. conflict and exacerbating “cas- arrived, only saying that it was ognised government said evacuated from combat zones flict. Russian paramilitary organisa- “For too long, Russia has ualties and human suffering on “recently”. hundreds of Russian merce- south of the capital Tripoli. But United Nations experts tion seen as close to President denied the full extent of its in- both sides”. Wednesday, May 27, 2020 05

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 Opinion hAMAD BIn SUhAIM Al ThAnI CHAIRMAN ADEl AlI BIn AlI MANAGING DIRECTOR Dr hASSAn MOhAMMED Al AnSArI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

How The US Has Suffered Nearly 100,000 Coronavirus Deaths India’s Leadership In the If China is guilty of covering up the COVID-19 in earlier stages, WHO: What To Expect the Trump administration must share the blame for ignoring the seriousness of the virus India must act as a bridge between developed and developing countries, focus on institutional reforms and the Trump administration must depoliticse the COVID-19 issue to achieve desirable goals ODAY, more than four months after the past when they should have taken strong first reported case of what was then called action, underestimated the virus’ potential Tthe novel coronavirus in the state of Wash- to spread and to kill. ROGER C LIU ington, Americans will die in Tennessee and There are no time machines yet, which TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Texas, in Arizona and Wisconsin, in Colorado means there will be no time machines ever, and Kansas and, of course, in New York and but in hindsight it is clear that the pathogen N the highly politicised context of COV- New Jersey. was circulating in this city and state earlier ID-19 and persistent calls for reform A grave milestone in a public health war, than we knew; it is deadlier and more conta- of current international organisations, on the heels of a long weekend when we hon- gious than we thought; and we should have Dr Harsh Vardhan, India’s minister of oured war dead: Since the first US fatality clamped down earlier than we did. As of the health and family welfare, took charge from the virus, initially thought to have hap- second week in March, this editorial board Iover the WHO’s Executive Board as the pened in late February but later revised to was unconvinced the schools needed to close. chairman on May 22. Along with the chair- early that month, more than 100,000 souls We were wrong, but it isn’t lost on us that we manship, India also occupies two other will soon have perished across the country. don’t have in-house epidemiologists. influential positions in the WHO: The ex- That almost surely understates the true toll. Too many more things went wrong to ternal auditor, which oversees WHO’s The United States of America, with 4.25 per- catalog, including glaring federal failures to spending (2020-2023), and the chief scien- cent of the world’s population, has suffered test and to produce personal protective equip- tist post, created in 2019 in response to re- 28 percent of its deaths. Our great nation, ment. And, as we battled the bug and bent a quests of institutional reforms of the global which beats its chest and chants three proud curve that could have continued a steep as- public health body. letters when it wins Olympic medals, has cent, many things went right. The expanding influence of India in the been laid low. Local health officials failed to spot the vi- WHO and other multilateral international They say defeat is an orphan but success rus as cases manifested early here. organisations not only reflects the imple- has a thousand fathers, but there are many When the worst arrived, Cuomo man- mentation of the Modi government’s more constant pattern that India has long taken the South Block of New Delhi prefer to with responsibility for this carnage. aged with welcome clarity and consistency, ambitious foreign policy approach, but also neutral (or in some years, anti-West) posi- manage the complicated India-China re- First, blame the Chinese government in and he and de Blasio belatedly told New Yor- makes India a potential partner for Western tions on a variety of issues in the post-World lations via institutionalised bilateral and Beijing, which, rather than successfully con- kers to stay home whenever possible, and to countries seeking to counter China’s grow- War II era. India’s stance in the UN aligns multilateral mechanisms without being taining the outbreak in Wuhan, covered it keep their distance when outside, and to wear ing influence on major global intergovern- with the G-77 and South Asian Association seen a pawn of Washington DC. up, deceiving the world in critical early days. masks, and, with the help of Trump and the mental organisations (IGOs). for Regional Cooperation countries. On India avoids conflicts with great pow- But America has had an especially fierce bat- federal government, they boosted the capacity When Prime Minister Narendra economic issues, India votes more similarly ers in multilateral organisations and wants tle against COVID-19 because of weaknesses of our health care system. Modi attended the third Future Invest- with China than with South Africa, Brazil, to be seen as a country that unifies and homegrown. Ordinary citizens cooperated. Other ment Initiative (FII) forum in Octo- and Russia. In the post-Cold War era, the harmonises, rather than one who splits Blame President Donald Trump, who, de- ordinary citizens risk their lives carrying ber 2019 in Riyadh, he accused some gap of policy disagreement between India and challenges. And this is also what India spite emphatic warnings in briefings through- out their livelihoods, staffing the hospitals “strong countries” of having used the and the United States is wider than that be- does better: Aman Thakker finds that In- out January and February, repeatedly down- and police precincts and grocery stores and UN as the instrument for their own tween India and Russia. dia has been able to form effective voting played the threat of the virus. He imposed a brought the food and prescription drugs purposes and thus breaching the fur- Whether this posture can be trans- blocs in the UN on international develop- ban on travel from China that he now says and delivered the mail. ther creation of a “rule-based order.” formed into a more coordinated policy in ment-related issues to reach to a higher saved millions of lives, but that was like plug- These last four months, we have learned On the eve of the World Health As- multilateral organisations is yet to be seen, level of cooperation. On security-related ging a hole after a dam had already broken. volumes. We will learn volumes more as we sembly (WHA), India joined Australia especially on public health, an area where issues, or “high politics,” such as counter- For deaths in New York that comprise strain to contain and reverse the economic and other 62 countries in a resolution India and countries of the Global South terrorism or the question of India’s per- 24 percent of the nation’s, blame Governor damage that now ripples across a worried and demanding an “impartial, independent have more stakes in common. India turned manent membership in the UN Security Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, infected nation. Hope for many trials, and and comprehensive” investigation into back to the non-aligned countries amid the Council, the efforts by New Delhi to con- who, at least a week and probably more fewer errors. the WHO’s responses to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic to highlight its poten- solidate support from member states are COVID-19, which is the first official re- tial and the contribution it could make in usually compromised and limited. sponse since the breakout of pandemic. the context of South-South cooperation. In If the Trump administration wants to Between now and January 2021 when May 2020, Modi participated in the virtual make the best of India’s new leadership role the second Executive Board (EB) meet- COVID-19 NAM summit. It was the first in the WHO, it should do as much as it can ing takes place in Geneva, political strug- time Modi had participated in a NAM sum- to depoliticise the issue of “holding China gles between the United States, EU, China mit since assuming office; he had distanced and WHO accountable,” encourage India to and their respective coalitions will brew. himself from the grouping by skipping two play a bridging role between developed and How much India — who for the first time previous summits in 2016 and 2019. developing countries, and focus more on in- assumes the leadership of WHO — is will- Although this may not signal any funda- stitutional reforms per se. ing to join hands with the West to push for mental change in Modi’s foreign policy, the India could be a more proactive “rule- more reforms of the global public health approach to NAM and developing countries maker” in the WHO, especially if the institution and further pressure China for may likely hinder any US plan to get India United States, EU, Australia, and Japan open, if not full, disclosure on the origin and on side for more pressure on the WHO and can work with India within the Indo-Pacif- spread of the coronavirus, can determine its director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom ic framework to introduce a set of proto- the course of events. Ghebreyesus. After all, the Coordination cols and procedures for the management However, India has long been known Bureau of NAM issued a communique to of COVID-19, and collaborate with India as the “naysayer” and the veto-player in “extend its full support” for the WHO and to work out a new mechanism that can multilateral organisations. Such behaviour Tedros in April 2020. better answer demands for more trans- can be traced back to the Nehruvian “Non- It is not realistic to expect India to parency and accountability for the WHO Aligned Movement (NAM)” in the 1950s lead a high-profile investigation against and its member countries. to ‘60s, when New Delhi avoided being China in the WHO. As Indian Minister dragged into the Cold War and positioned of External Affairs S Jaishankar said in (Roger C Liu is Associate itself with the Third World countries. the Valdai Discussion Club in August Professor of Political Science and The research done by Aparajita Das on 2019, India’s Indo-Pacific Concept aims the chair of the Center for South the voting behaviour of India in the United to contain no one — with a specific refer- and Southeast Asia Studies of (Tribune News Service) Nation General Assembly (UNGA) shows a ence to China. The strategic planners in FLAME University in Pune, India) How To Deal With Strangers Asking For Favours

Figure out first whether the favour could make you both better off, then take action

PETER COHAN One successful entrepreneur, question: Is there anything that ger was pitching you on hiring a TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Tope Awotona, founder and CEO this stranger could say to me that star sales person who had just quit of Atlanta-based Calendly, a sched- would be worth the same as me because the company was down- HEN you’re successful, uling service, had the courage to continuing to do what I was doing sizing, you might both be better off everyone wants to be your come out and say that this is the before that stranger approached? were you to take the time to listen W‘friend’ -- and if you’re thing he likes least about being a The answer to that question is to the stranger. struggling or failing, people successful entrepreneur. The worst what the concept of an indifference If Not, Tell the Person That avoid you as if your work woes part of being successful is that it’s curve is all about. To create such as You Can’t Help. If the stran- were a contagious disease. Based the only thing he’s known for, ac- curve, you must think about how ger asks you to do something that on my own experience and my cording to.the Wall Street Journal much value a stranger could pro- will clearly make you worse off, interviews with hundreds of en- When he’s in a restaurant, vide you to make it worth giving up tell them that you wish them well, trepreneurs, it’s safe to say that he can’t enjoy the meal in peace. a piece of your free time. however, you are not in a position most successful entrepreneurs Instead, when he meets people, Assess Whether a Stran- to help them. feel highly isolated during their he said, “I’m very reluctant to let ger’s Request Can Make You If So, Ask for More Infor- times of struggle. them know what I do because too Both Better Off. If your compa- mation. If you think the stranger It does not surprise me to often the conversation turns into ny does not need new employees might be able to make you both learn that successful entrepre- an impromptu interview, pitch or or has all the capital that it needs, better off, ask the stranger some neurs feel a sense of resentment plea for something. People will ask ties without being bombarded for strangers. Here are four steps to then spending time listening to a specific questions that will help when people who kept their dis- things like, ‘Can you hire me, or favours. Yet I can understand why finding that middle ground. stranger explain why you should you assess whether their claims tance when they were struggling can you hire my friend?’ ‘Can you many people would think that he Construct Your Personal hire them will have negative value are likely to be true. If so, provide want to be their ‘friends’ when give me advice on a business idea somehow owes them a little help in Indifference Curve. One of the to you. them with a way to get in touch they’re riding high. I put friends I have?’ ‘When will you build this their own ascent. best things about being a successful However, what if you had just and send you more details about in scare quotes because these feature?’ ‘Can I sell you this?’ ‘Can I think there is a middle ground entrepreneur is that you have more left a meeting in which you had their proposal. people are misusing the word -- I introduce you to this VC?’” the here between ignoring everyone control over how you spend your decided you were going to fire one Do these four things and you to them it means you give them Journal reported. who asks him for help and spend- time. When a stranger approaches of your salespeople because they can make the best of strangers something of value in exchange I don’t blame Awotona for his ing hours meticulously responding asking for a favor, that entrepre- were consistently falling short of asking for favours -- in a way that for which they give you nothing. desire to enjoy doing normal activi- to every single request he gets from neur may ask herself the following their goals? In that case, if a stran- make you both better off.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. 06 Wednesday, May 27, 2020 World Brazil stands by hydroxychloroquine despite WHO ‘safety warnings’ Hungary expects emergency AFP Lancet that found the drugs latest flashpoint, with nearly virus powers to end June 20 bRasíLia actually increased the risk of Virus spread ‘still accelerating’ 375,000 cases -- the second- death. in Brazil, Peru, Chile: WHO highest in the world, after the AFP bill adopted March 30 by the Bu- BRAZIL’S health ministry said That led the WHO to sus- United States -- and more than buDaPesT dapest assembly enabled Orban on Monday it would not change pend a worldwide clinical trial WashinGTon: international health authorities expressed con- 23,000 deaths. to rule by decree until his cabi- its recommendation to treat of hydroxychloroquine as a cern on Tuesday over signs the spread of the new coronavirus is Experts say under-testing THE Hungarian government net declared an end to its “state coronavirus with hydroxychlo- COVID-19 treatment Monday. “still accelerating” in brazil, Peru and Chile. means the real figures are prob- said on Tuesday it is submit- of danger” declared March 11 roquine, despite the World “We’re remaining calm and “in south america, we are particularly concerned that the ably far higher. ting draft legislation to revoke owing to the COVID-19 crisis. Health Organization deciding there will be no change” to the number of new cases reported last week in brazil was the Hydroxychloroquine is typ- anti-coronavirus emergency Orban argued that ruling to suspend trials of the drug Brazilian guideline issued last highest for a seven-day period, since the outbreak began,” said ically used to treat autoimmune powers that triggered fears of by decree allowed him to re- over safety concerns. week, health ministry official Carissa etienne, director of the Washington-based Pan american diseases, while chloroquine is a power grab by Prime Minis- spond quickly and effectively Like his US counterpart Mayra Pinheiro told a news health organization. generally used against malaria. ter Viktor Orban. during the emergency. Donald Trump, Brazilian Presi- conference. “both Peru and Chile are also reporting a high incidence, a Preliminary studies in “A bill calling on the gov- But critics at home and dent Jair Bolsonaro has touted The guideline recommend- sign that transmission is still accelerating in these countries,” China and France had gener- ernment to end the state of abroad fretted that the law had the supposed benefits of hy- ed doctors in the public health she said at a weekly briefing. ated hope the drugs might be danger will be submitted to no time limit and accused Or- droxychloroquine and a related system prescribe either chloro- The Pan american health organization, which serves as the effective against the new coro- Parliament today,” Justice ban of using the crisis to steer drug, chloroquine, against the quine or hydroxychloroquine regional office for the World health organization, has been moni- navirus. That led governments Minister Judit Varga said in a EU member Hungary toward new coronavirus. from the onset of COVID-19 toring the pandemic in Latin america and the Caribbean. (AFP) to buy them in bulk. Trump Facebook post. authoritarianism. Studies, however, have symptoms. even said last week he was tak- “With the adoption of the Hungary, with a popula- questioned their safety and ef- It was issued shortly after insistence on pushing the drugs month. ing hydroxychloroquine as a law the state of danger is ex- tion of almost 10 million, has ficacy against the disease, in- the resignation of former health despite a lack of solid evidence. Brazil, the Latin Ameri- preventive measure, though he pected to end on June 20 in reported 3,771 COVID-19 cas- cluding one published Friday in minister Nelson Teich, who re- He was Brazil’s second can country hit hardest by the said Sunday he had finished his Hungary,” she said. es and 499 deaths as of Tues- respected medical journal The portedly quit over Bolsonaro’s health minister in less than a pandemic, has emerged as the course of treatment. An anti-coronavirus defence day morning. UK minister resigns over ‘LOVE IN THE TIME Cummings lockdown trip OF CORONAVIRUS’ AFP I have constituents who LonDon didn’t get to say goodbye A woman visits her husband at a retirement home in Bourbourg to loved ones ... who didn’t (north of France), where a double entry bubble has been in- BRITISH Prime Minister Boris visit sick relatives because stalled to allow visits without risk of contamination, as part of a Johnson’s government was hit they followed the guid- prophylactic measure against the spread of the coronavirus. by its first resignation on Tues- Relatives and residents each enter the tent through a differ- day over the controversy sur- ance of the government. I ent entrance to find themselves in the same room, separated rounding his top aide Dominic cannot in good faith tell by a transparent plastic canvas. These bubbles were originally Cummings’ cross-country trip them they were all wrong designed for tourism by the company. during the coronavirus lock- and one senior advisor to Over 28,500 COVID-19 deaths and more than 183,000 down. the government was right infection cases have now been recorded in France since the Undermining attempts by epidemic began. The government is to announce on Thursday ministers to move on from a Douglas Ross what measures can be eased in the next stage of the relaxation crisis that has dominated Brit- on June 2.(aFP) ish politics for days, Douglas northeast of England during Ross, a minister for Scotland, the height of the coronavirus quit in protest. crisis. “I have constituents who Cummings said he had vi- didn’t get to say goodbye to rus symptoms around the time loved ones; families who could of the trip and his wife was also not mourn together; people suffering from COVID-19. who didn’t visit sick relatives The Brexit campaign mas- because they followed the termind explained he wanted guidance of the government,” to drop off his four-year-old EU calls for protection he said in a statement. son at his parent’s house in “I cannot in good faith tell case both he and his wife be- them they were all wrong and came incapacitated. one senior advisor to the gov- But many in Britain remain ernment was right.” The gov- unconvinced. of Hong Kong autonomy ernment said it regretted his A YouGov poll taken after decision. Cummings’ press conference AFP growing assertiveness under The resignation will pile found that 59 percent of re- bRusseLs President Xi Jinping. more pressure on Cummings, spondents thought he should The bloc’s foreign policy who held a press conference resign, up from 52 percent. EU chief Charles Michel said chief Josep Borrell said Mon- on Monday to justify driving More than two-thirds -- on Tuesday the bloc wanted day it needed a more “robust” his wife and young son on a 71 percent -- thought he had to help protect Hong Kong’s strategy, urging the member 264-mile (425-kilometre) trip broken the government’s lock- autonomy, as China pushes states to find a way to maintain from London to Durham in the down rules. ahead with a new security law “collective discipline”. that critics fear will erode the Despite a difficult few region’s freedoms. weeks in EU-China ties, in Michel, president of the which Brussels was twice ac- News European Council, which cused of caving in to pressure groups the 27 member states, from Beijing, Michel insisted in brief said the EU was not “naive” the bloc was under no illusions. about China’s behaviour on the “We are not naive about Macron ruling party hit by new defections international stage. Chinese behaviour at the inter- in French parliament Beijing wants to enact leg- national level,” Michel said. islation banning secession, “We are convinced that it’s PaRis: seven French MPs on Tuesday quit President emmanuel subversion, terrorism and essential as the European Un- Macron’s party to join a new formation in parliament, dealing foreign interference in Hong ion to promote more our val- a fresh blow to the majority after several other lawmakers Kong after months of massive, ues... but also to defend more defected last week. often-violent pro-democracy our interests.” EU foreign Macron’s Republic on the Move (LReM) last week lost its protests last year. ministers will discuss China parliamentary majority after 17 MPs defected, although of- There are fears the move at a regular session of talks on ficials insisted the party will have no problem pushing through could end the finance hub’s Friday. legislation. freedoms and usher in the end Pro-democracy activists tear a placard of Winnie-the-pooh that represents Chinese President Xi Jinping during While a spokeswoman said The seven latest MPs to leave will join a new faction called of it passing its own laws. a protest against a proposed new security law outside the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong recently.(aFP) that sanctions were part of “agir ensemble” (act Together), which will be the 10th par- “We attach great impor- the EU’s diplomatic “toolbox”, liamentary grouping in France’s national assembly, a record tance to the preservation of a video summit with Japanese logue with the Chinese author- differences, the EU has strug- it is highly unlikely any such number in modern France. Hong Kong’s high degree of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. ities in order to express our gled to come up with a clear, measure will be adopted at this They said the new faction -- while remaining loyal to the autonomy,” Michel said after “We are in permanent dia- opinions.” Riven by internal unified response to China’s stage. LReM -- would be “agile” and in a position to shake things up after the coronavirus passes. The move lowers the number of LReM MPs in the chamber to 281, short of the absolute majority of 289. (AFP) US senators hope Hong Kong sanctions bill dissuades China WashinGTon us senators ban treason and other perceived going to be a whole new level leagues to “send a very strong over the colony in 1997. vowed on Tuesday to move offenses in the financial hub, of pressure for the govern- message” to beijing. The new legislation would Spain to hold 10 Rome’s Colosseum quickly on a bill that threatens which was rocked last year by ment not to trigger this kind of “The timing of this is more open the way for us financial days of mourning to reopen to sanctions on Chinese officials major pro-democracy protests. response,” he said. important than ever, so we sanctions on individuals such for virus victims visitors on June 1 seen as undermining hong senator Pat Toomey, a Re- “My hope is that it will intend to move quickly,” Van as Chinese officials and hong Kong’s autonomy and voiced publican co-leading the bill with increase the likelihood that the hollen said. The bill follows a Kong police -- and, critically, the MaDRiD: spain is to hold 10 RoMe: italy’s most popular hope the measures would dis- a Democrat, said that while worst potential behavior from law last year, angrily denounced banks that do transactions with days of official mourning for tourist attraction, the Colos- suade beijing. China is not a democracy, its beijing is averted for the sake by beijing, that would strip them. “We want to make sure victims of the coronavirus epi- seum in Rome, will reopen The proposal, which would leadership is “certainly subject of the people of hong Kong,” hong Kong’s special trading that we’re squeezing those indi- demic that has so far claimed on June 1 after nearly three punish individuals who curb to political pressure.” “When he said. status with the united states viduals who are at the heart of more than 27,000 months of closure due to the hong Kong’s freedoms, came af- business interests and financial senator Chris Van hollen, if it is no longer considered these decisions to deprive the lives, the government said novel coronavirus pandemic. ter beijing last week put forward interests realise that this tool the Democrat teaming up with autonomous -- as beijing had people of hong Kong of their on Tuesday. The mourning The last few months, in a controversial bill that would can be deployed, i think there’s Toomey, said the pair want col- promised before britain handed rights,” Van hollen said. (AFP) period is to begin on Wednes- which the Colosseum and the day when all flags on public Roman Forum were “wrapped buildings will be lowered to in a surreal silence, difficult half-mast in a country that to accept,” have been “very has suffered one of the most difficult,” the Colosseum deadly outbreaks of the virus. archaeological Park said in a Writing on Twitter, spanish statement. Proposed health code app sparks anger in China Prime Minister Pedro sanchez Visitors to the Colos- said it would be “10 days, the seum will now have to book AFP travel history and whether they ing out an app that looks much daily actions. screenshot. longest period of mourning in advance, wear a mask and beiJinG had come into contact with an deeper into the health of citi- For example, drinking a Currently in development, in our democracy, in which have their body temperature infected case. zens. glass of white wine could set the app could be completed as we will all express our sorrow scanned at the entrance, and A Chinese local government’s Hangzhou, a high-tech hub The software monitors us- your score back by 1.5 points, early as June, but further de- and pay homage to those who will be admitted every 15 min- proposal for a post-coronavirus and home to e-commerce giant ers in real-time and ranks them while sleeping for seven hours tails -- such as how data is col- have died.” The mourning peri- utes, in groups of up to 14. health app that ranks citizens Alibaba, was among the first on a 100-point “health gradi- could improve it by one point. lected -- remain unclear. od was approved at Tuesday’s Those wishing to see based on their smoking, drink- Chinese cities to adopt such ent” scale, according to a post The app can also give com- “The municipal health com- cabinet meeting, and govern- the Roman Forum will have ing, exercise and sleep habits an app, which gives people a on the commission’s website. panies and residential commu- mission should grasp the op- ment spokeswoman Maria Je- to follow four fixed itinerar- has sparked fury online over green, yellow or red code that According to shots of the nities an overall health score portunity to deepen the use of sus Montero said there would ies through the ruins, with a privacy concerns. determines if they can buy trav- app shared in the post, it ranks based on the scores of individu- health codes... to ensure the also be a ceremony to honour duration varying from half an China has already devel- el tickets or enter public places. citizens out of the entire popu- als, such as employees’ aver- full completion of various mu- the victims presided over by hour to two and a half hours. oped apps that indicate an indi- But the health commission lation of Hangzhou based age sleep rate, steps taken and nicipal health systems,” health King Felipe Vi. (AFP) (DPA) vidual’s likelihood of contract- in the eastern city of 10 million on their health score, which how many of them suffer from commission member Sun Yon- ing coronavirus based on their people is now considering roll- changes according to the user’s chronic disease, according to a grong was quoted as saying. LATAM files for bankruptcy in US PAGE 8

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020

DOW25,130.60 QE 8,873.16 SENSEX 30,609.30 GOLD 1,711.19 Virus-hit Singapore warns of +665.44 PTS +17.01 PTS −63.29 PTS -1.20% worst economic contraction PAGE 8 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 17.63 BRENT 35.78 +0.70% WTI 34.03 +2.35% SILVER -0.36% World stocks rally on recovery hopes AGENCIES neW yoRK

US stocks jumped to a nine- week high as investors poured back into risk assets on specu- lation the worst of the econom- ic hit from the pandemic has passed. A dollar gauge fell by the most in almost two months. The S&P 500 rose as much as 2.2 percent as it topped 3,000 for the first time since early March. Fresh economic data showed that the easing of lockdown restrictions is boost- ing economic activity. The con- The S&P 500 rose as much as 2.2 percent as it topped 3,000 for the tours of the rally, with small- first time since early March caps and energy shares leading, The QnB headquarters in Doha. suggest investors who doubted recession. While investors’ spirits are its staying power are now tar- Elsewhere, the Stoxx Eu- being lifted by economic reo- geting areas that have lagged rope 600 Index rallied, with penings, there are also mount- behind so far. Large-cap tech travel stocks surging on re- ing signs that coronavirus infec- shares, the group that lifted ports that Germany plans to tion rates are moderating. The stocks from pandemic lows, lift travel warnings for 31 Euro- Japanese government ended its Forbes ranks QNB as top trailed on Tuesday. pean countries. The UK also an- nationwide state of emergency While economic data is nounced steps toward getting Monday, while Germany re- still awful by virtually any his- back to business, sending the corded a decline in the number toric comparison, a consensus pound up by the most in almost of new virus cases. Signs that among investors is building a month. more euro area stimulus is on bank in MENA region that the worst is over, easing Japan led the equity ad- the way is also helping support fear that the rally was a bear vance in Asia as the world’s the appetite for risk. trap destined to come undone. third-largest economy reo- The euro strengthened Instead, traders are concerned pened, and shares rose in Hong ahead of negotiations this they’ve missed the best of the Kong, which showed signs of week on the form of a bloc- gains and are seeking returns stabilizing after weekend un- wide recovery fund. WTI crude with $264.9 bn assets in the riskiest corners of the rest. Treasuries slid after the oil advanced to around $34 market, overlooking rising ten- three-day US weekend, along- a barrel on hopes the market sions between Washington and side Germany’s government may rebalance after historic QNB ranks 190th globally in the Forbes Global 2000 list released recently Beijing and a looming earnings debt. output cuts. SATYENDRA PATHAK QNB Group has steadily downs and serves as a warning Banks dominate the 2020 Doha grown to be the biggest bank in for more trouble ahead in the Forbes Global 2000 list, a meas- Qatar and the largest financial coming months. ure of the world’s largest and THIS year’s Forbes Global 2000 institution in the Middle East Most companies on this most successful companies. Quick read list has ranked Qatar’s largest and Africa region. year’s Global 2000 list have Lenders’ importance has rarely financial institution Qatar Na- The Group is the largest seen their market values drop been greater as businesses work tional Bank (QNB) as the largest bank by market capitalisation, considerably since last year, and to stay afloat, markets continue China’s central bank cuts Airlines receive $123 bn bank by asset size in the Middle total assets, loans, deposits, and woeful first-quarter earnings to hum and savers manage their reserve requirement ratio East and North Africa region. profit in Qatar and Middle East provide a painful insight into the assets. US and Chinese banks of crisis state aid In the Forbes Global 2000 and Africa region. impact of the Great Cessation. lead the industry. beiJinG: The People’s bank of China (PboC) has GeneVa: Governments around the world list released recently, Qatar Na- The Forbes Global 2000 list The past few months have On the financial front, the said that the average reserve requirement ratio have committed $123 billion to help airlines tional Bank (QNB) is the top saw the inclusion of 40 com- been especially brutal for the Industrial and Commercial (RRR) for financial institutions stood at 9.4 percent that have been hit by the coronavirus pan- bank regionally and 190th glob- panies from the Arab world in airlines, which saw demand Bank of China remained in the on May 15, down 5.2 percentage points from the demic, the international air Transport as- ally with a market value and as- the magazine’s ranking of the drop lower than after 9/11. top spot for the eighth straight beginning of 2018. The PboC has lowered the RRR sociation (iaTa) reported on Tuesday. While sets of $43.7 billion and $264.9 world’s top 2,000 companies, American Airlines, for in- year with more than $4.3 tril- 12 times since 2018, releasing about 8 trillion yuan 45 percent of this amount consists of wage billion, respectively. Other Qa- based on assets, profits, rev- stance, fell from number 372 lion in assets. China’s ‘big four’ (about $1.12 trillion) in long-term funds to bolster subsidies, equity financing and tax relief, tari banks on the list are Qatar enues, and market value. on the list to 967th after losing state-owned banks all wound up the real economy, according to Xinhua news agency. the remaining 55 percent are government Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Oil giant Saudi Aramco a staggering $2.2 billion in its in this year’s top 10. JPMorgan of the total, four RRR cuts in 2018 released 3.65 loans that will have to be repaid, the industry and the Commercial Bank of made its debut in the fifth place first quarter. Chase is the largest US company trillion yuan, five RRR cuts in 2019 released 2.7 tril- group said in a press briefing from Geneva. Qatar. as the most valuable company However, not all companies at No. 3, falling one spot from lion yuan and three RRR cuts in the first five months Governments should be aware that this grow- Established in 1964 as the in the world with a market value are being negatively affected by last year. this year released 1.75 trillion yuan. The RRR cuts ing debt burden will have consequences, country’s first Qatari-owned worth $1.6 trillion, after com- the pandemic. The biggest play- In other bright spots, Zoom have led to the contraction of the balance sheet of iaTa chief alexandre de Juniac said. “it will commercial bank, with an own- pleting the largest-ever IPO in ers in e-commerce—including and Slack have also been in- the PboC, but this will not cause the tightening of make the recovery longer and more difficult,” ership structure split between the world last year. Amazon, Alibaba and Walmart— stant beneficiaries of the new money supply and is contrary to the balance sheet he warned. iaTa estimates that the world’s the Qatar Investment Authority Forbes’ 18th annual rank- have all experienced growth work-from-home realities. Both reduction of the central banks of the developed airlines will carry a total debt of 550 billion (50 percent) and the remaining ing of the world’s 2,000 largest thanks to the rise in online shop- companies made an inaugural economies such as the us Federal Reserve to dollars by the end of the year, up from 430 (50 percent) held by members public companies illustrates the ping. All three moved up on this appearance on the Global 2000 reduce the bond holdings, the PboC said. (Qna) billion dollars at the end of 2019. (DPa) of the public, magnitude of the global shut- year’s list. virtually overnight. Can domestic travel address the slump in emerging markets? TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK foreseeable future, in mid-May the fered under the virus lockdown, it is considering the current pressures Doha government launched the “Viet- unlikely to fully compensate for the on household finances,” the report namese people travel to Vietnam losses incurred from international said. WITH the coronavirus pandemic destinations” programme, designed travel restrictions. Similarly, in Thailand, tourism causing the closure of national to stimulate domestic tourism. The global economy is expected accounts for around 17.4 percent of borders and the suspension of in- Running until the end of the to contract by 3 percent this year direct and indirect GDP, of which ternational travel, governments in year, the programme aims to de- and emerging markets by an aver- just 6 percent comes from domestic emerging markets have begun to ex- velop specific tourism products and age of 1 percent, according to the tourists. plore whether domestic tourism can tours that cater to the needs of lo- IMF. Furthermore, widespread job Meanwhile, estimates have sug- kick-start their economies, Oxford cal travellers during the pandemic. losses around the world have placed gested that the Philippines and Mo- Business Group (OBG) has said in Meanwhile, airlines, travel agen- significant pressure on household rocco could lose around $9 billion its latest report. cies, resorts and hotels are offering finances, leaving many people either and $3.5 billion respectively in tour- Although international travel discounts of up to 50 percent to en- unwilling or unable to spend money ism receipts this year. ground to a halt in the first quar- courage internal travel while incom- on travel. This will disproportion- As part of so-called ‘travel bub- ter of 2020, OBG said, domestic ing flights are still banned. ately impact lower- to middle-in- ble’ plans, some countries have tourism could become a popular Elsewhere in South-East Asia, come countries, where tourism was looked towards opening interna- approach to stimulating economic Thailand that last year welcomed previously geared more towards for- tional borders to countries that have growth as restrictions are eased in around 40 million tourists, making Vietnam’s government has launched the “Vietnamese people travel to Vietnam eign visitors. successfully limited the spread of many countries around the world. it the most popular destination in destinations” programme to stimulate domestic tourism. For example, while tourism ac- the virus. The revival of domestic travel the region, has also outlined efforts counted for around 12 percent of World leaders in this regard in emerging markets is being led by to incentivise domestic travel from Vietnam’s GDP last year, domestic have been the Baltic states of Es- countries that have been compara- July. which in 2018 derived 12.7 percent growing before the pandemic, with spending only made up an estimat- tonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which tively successful in avoiding large- Some $31.3 billion that is ex- of GDP from tourism, has outlined a the country recording 110 million ed 40-45 percent of this. in mid-May opened their common scale outbreaks of the virus, and pected to be borrowed by the gov- series of safety measures, including domestic tourists in 2018, an in- “As such, efforts will need to be borders to kick-start movement be- which rely on tourism for a signifi- ernment in 2020-21 is likely to be sanitation and physical distancing crease of 14.1 percent from the pre- made to not just encourage more tween the countries. cant portion of GDP. channelled towards incentives and regulations, necessary for the re- vious year. domestic trips, but also to entice Meanwhile, the governments One such country is Vietnam. subsidies to help stimulate the in- establishment of domestic tourism. Although domestic tourism will domestic tourists into spending of Australia and New Zealand have With international travel expected dustry. The importance of domestic undoubtedly offer some relief to more when they visit local destina- discussed creating their own travel to remain severely limited for the Meanwhile, the Philippines, tourism to the Philippines had been emerging economies that have suf- tions that might not be an easy task bubble. 08 Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Economy & Business Tourism economies eagerly await German June 15 travel decision DPA Spain, Croatia, Portugal and for Britain and the four non- bring more than 240,000 new cases of novel coronavi- On Tuesday, Slovenia beRLin/beLGRaDe Greece. EU members of the border- Tourism is an important, if stranded tourists back home. rus are reported per 100,000 lifted entry restrictions for Europe was working to- less Schengen zone, Iceland, not the largest, generator The warning against all people in a seven-day period. tourists from the EU and the JUNE 15 is Europe’s “D-Day” wards “a new start” on that Norway, Switzerland and of revenue for most foreign travel is to be replaced The German draft paper Schengen zone, allowing any- for tourism ahead of the date, di Maio told broad- Liechtenstein, according to a by advice tailored to the risks says the European Commis- one with a hotel reservation crucial summer season, Ital- caster Rai, referring to a draft policy proposal seen by European Mediterranean in individual countries. sion should develop a pro- to freely enter the country, ian Foreign Minister Luigi German plan to lift a travel dpa. countries, such as Italy, Berlin is pushing for a cedure to evaluate protective STA news agency reported. Di Maio said on Tuesday as warning for tourists plan- The plan, contingent on Spain, Croatia, common EU standard for measures taken. Nationals from other countries were preparing to ning to travel to 31 European continuing positive trends in Portugal and Greece countries to assess the situ- Meanwhile, Croatia, Slo- countries must still go to open up after three months countries from June 15. the coronavirus pandemic, ation and could propose us- venia and Greece have al- quarantine, with some ex- of the pandemic lockdown. The move will end an un- could be approved by Chan- ing a metric already in place ready lifted some travel re- ceptions, most importantly Tourism is an impor- precedented directive against cellor Angela Merkel’s cabi- ing a measure otherwise re- within Germany to track lo- strictions and revealed plans for those in transit. Slove- tant, if not the largest, gen- all international travel. net as early as Wednesday. served for troubled conflict cal infection levels. to do more based on bilateral nia on May 15 became the erator of revenue for most Alongside Germany’s 27 Germany’s Foreign Min- zones and applying it to the Under the method, a lo- agreements and the epide- first in Europe to declare European Mediterranean fellow EU member states, istry announced the current entire globe, followed by a cality must turn to stricter miological situation in indi- the Covid-19 epidemic to be countries, such as Italy, the warning will also be lifted warning on March 17, adapt- massive airlift operation to measures if more than 50 vidual countries. over. Macron unveils Virus-hit Singapore warns of $8.8 bn French auto rescue, worst economic contraction champions e-cars The warning came as Singapore’s deputy prime minister unveiled a fresh support package worth $23 bn AFP by this sector which repre- AFP ÉTaPLes, FRanCe sents close to 16 percent of sinGaPoRe the revenue of our industrial PRESIDENT Emmanuel Ma- sector,” said the president. SINGAPORE’S virus-hit cron on Tuesday announced The car industry in economy could shrink by as an 8-billion euro ($8.8 bil- France is critical to the much as seven percent this lion) plan to revive France’s French economy -- compris- year -- the worst reading auto industry by making it ing some 4,000 businesses, since independence -- the the European leader in elec- 400,000 direct employees government said Tuesday, as tric cars, boosting a sector and 900,000 in total. it unveiled a fresh multi-bil- brought to its knees by the The president said the lion dollar stimulus package. coronavirus. plan was aimed at “defending The city-state is seen as Macron said the pack- our industrial employment, a bellwether of the global age would include one billion which is going to be faced economy, and the forecast euros in subsidies to encour- with one of the most serious historic contraction high- age purchases of electric and crises in its history” and also lights the extreme pain being hybrid cars and set a target of protecting France’s “indus- wrought on countries by the France producing a million trial automobile sovereignty”. killer disease. green cars annually by 2025. The warning came as The “historic” interven- Singapore’s deputy prime tion will aim to turn France’s Macron said the pack- minister unveiled a fresh rechargeable car industry age would include one support package worth into Europe’s biggest, the billion euros in subsi- Sg$33 billion ($23.2 billion) president said. dies to encourage pur- for the troubled city, which Visiting a car factory in chases of electric and has been crippled by months Etaples in northern France, of lockdowns around the Macron said his government hybrid cars and set a world. would seek to boost flagging target of France produc- The trade ministry’s fore- customer demand with a sub- ing a million green cars cast -- which was a down- sidy of 7,000 euros for each annually by 2025. grade from the maximum individual buying an electric four percent contraction car, 5,000 for each company predicted in March -- came purchase, and 2,000 per hy- “And it is also a plan for as official data showed the brid rechargeable car. the future of the automobile economy shrank 0.7 percent Starting June 1, there in the 21st century,” he add- on-year in the first three would also be an aid of 3,000 ed. months of the year, while it euros for converting from a The plan won a warm reduced 4.7 percent from the petrol-fuelled car to a less- welcome from the head of the previous quarter. polluting one -- and as much sector association Plateforme The financial hub is one as 5,000 euros to upgrade to Automobile, Luc Chatel. of the world’s most open an electric vehicle, the presi- “This sets out a new am- economies, and is usually hit dent said. He said that some bition for the auto industry in hardest and earliest during three quarters of French peo- France and responds to the any global shock. A woman wearing a face mask as preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus walks at the Raffles Place central busi- ple would be eligible for the gravity of the situation”, he The ministry said the new ness district in Singapore recently. (AFP) incentives. told France Info radio. estimate was made “in view “In total, the state will “Excluding periods of of the deterioration in the stay at home, and banned 32,000 people in the city- three times the size of GDP. and monetary policy space provide a bit more than 8 war, we are going through external demand outlook” large gatherings. While of- state, the highest in South- The sharp contractions are a in many major economies billion euros in aid to the sec- the most serious crisis in the and the partial lockdown ficials say they may start re- east Asia. reflection of its external vul- could damage confidence tor,” said Macron. history of the auto sector,” he imposed domestically. A laxing the rules from early “It has been an unprec- nerability,” he told AFP. in authorities’ ability to re- - ‘Never before’ -France, added. Chatel applauded the contraction of seven percent June, many restrictions will edented crisis that is still The trade ministry also spond to shocks.” the home of Renault, Citroen plan for one million electric would be the worst since the remain in place. changing rapidly,” Heng said “significant uncertain- The trade ministry and Peugeot, has seen car or hybrid cars annually by city’s independence in 1965. Deputy Prime Minister said, adding Singapore ties” remain despite the warned that “notwithstand- sales and revenue slashed by 2025 as “realistic”. Shutdowns in major Heng Swee Keat, who is also has the “fiscal resources to opening up of some econo- ing the downgrade, there some 80 percent as a result The French government markets such as the United the finance minister, an- mount this response”. mies as they slowly emerge continues to be a significant of a two-month nationwide is eager to use the crisis to States, Europe and China nounced in parliament the Song Seng Wun, an econ- from lockdowns. degree of uncertainty over lockdown to curb the spread push industry in a greener di- have crippled demand for new package largely aimed at omist with CIMB Private “First, there is a risk that the length and severity of the of the coronavirus, said Ma- rection and has made a seven exports, and a halt in inter- helping companies save jobs. Banking, said he expects the subsequent waves of infec- COVID-19 outbreak, as well cron. billion euro aid package for national air travel has ham- The government has so second quarter to bear the tions in major economies as the trajectory of the eco- By the end of June, some Air France conditional on mered Singapore’s key tour- far earmarked more than full brunt of the fallout, with such as the US and eurozone nomic recovery”. half a million cars will have a more environmentally- ism sector. Sg$90 billion, or 20 percent GDP expected to contract 15- may further disrupt econom- Singapore’s central bank gone unsold. friendly strategy from the Singapore has ordered of GDP, to cushion the eco- 20 percent. ic activity,” it said. in March eased monetary “This has never been seen airline. the closure of most busi- nomic fallout from the vi- “Singapore is a small and “Second, a growing per- policy to support the virus- nesses, advised people to rus, which has infected over open economy whose trade is ception of diminished fiscal hit economy. Latin America’s largest airline LATAM files for bankruptcy in US

cial reorganization process The International Air The International Air Transport As- provides a clear and guided Transport Association has opportunity to work with our forecast a $15 billion loss in sociation has forecast a $15 billion creditors and other stake- revenue for Latin American holders to reduce our debt, airlines this year. loss in revenue for Latin American Before the pandemic, airlines this year LATAM -- a merger of Chile’s lATAM Airlines Group and LAN and Brazil’s TAM -- flew AFP industry, LATAM has been its affiliates in Chile, Peru, to 145 destinations in 26 neW yoRK forced to make a series of Ecuador and Colombia countries, operating around extremely difficult decisions entered into a voluntary 1,400 flights a day. LATIN America’s largest air- in the past few months,” said reorganisation under On Friday the World line LATAM filed for bank- the airline’s chief executive Chapter 11 protection in Health Organization de- ruptcy in the US on Tuesday, Roberto Alvo in a video state- the United States clared Latin America “a new the company said in a state- ment. epicenter” of the coronavi- ment, following a drastic “LATAM Airlines Group rus pandemic, as cases surge slump in business caused by and its affiliates in Chile, address commercial chal- across the continent -- espe- the coronavirus pandemic. Peru, Ecuador and Colombia lenges that we, like others in cially in Brazil, which now The world’s travel and entered into a voluntary re- our industry, are facing,” its has the second highest num- tourism sectors have been organization under Chapter statement said. ber of confirmed COVID-19 hammered by the contagion, 11 protection in the United It came just two weeks cases after the US. as they are directly affected States,” he added. after Latin America’s second Latin America and the by border closures and popu- Chapter 11 proceedings largest airline, Colombia’s Caribbean have reported lation lockdowns. allow a company that is no Last month, the Chilean- the global health crisis. It also would be no immediate im- Avianca, also filed for bank- more than 41,000 virus “Given the impact that longer able to repay its debt Brazilian airline said it was announced hundreds of job pact on passenger or cargo ruptcy in the US to reorganize deaths and over 766,000 to- the COVID-19-generated cri- to restructure without pres- scaling back its operations cuts earlier in May. flights. its debt “due to the unpredict- tal cases, according to an AFP sis has had on the aviation sure from creditors. by 95 percent in response to The airline said there “The US Chapter 11 finan- able impact” of the pandemic. tally. Stokes opens up about what went wrong with India’s 2019 World Cup campaign PAGE 11 WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 Brilliant Kimmich downs Dortmund to put Bayern on brink of title

DPA DoRTMunD (GeRMany)

BAYERN Munich moved to within touching distance of a record-extending eighth con- secutive Bundesliga title on Tuesday as Joshua Kimmich’s superb goal secured a 1-0 win at rivals Borussia Dortmund. Kimmich’s glorious chip from outside the box in the 43rd minute sent Bayern sev- en points clear of Dortmund with just six games remaining in the season delayed by the coronavirus epidemic. Dortmund started brightly and Erling Braut Haaland had a shot cleared off the line in just 30 seconds. But Bayern stabilized and Kimmich’s win- ner came after Dortmund also Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich (C) celebrates scoring the winning goal at Borussia Dortmund.(aFP) Bayern Munich’s goal came from Joshua Kimmich just before half-time. survived a scare when Lukasz Piszczek blocked Serge Gna- Goretzka tested Roman Buerki door affair without fans had BUNDESLIGA POINTS TALLY The 19-year-old Haaland wandowski, often the scourge dished out to Dortmund in bry on the line. before the Swiss keeper was vanished immediately when struggled to offer Dortmund of his former club, had a quiet November in Hansi Flick’s TOP 4 Later Bayer Leverkusen undone just before half-time. Haaland pounced on Manuel Team MP W D L GF GA Pts an outlet, though he had a shot game though he did strike the first Bundesliga game since can move third with a win Bayern poked and prod- Neuer’s poor clearance in the Bayern Munich 28 20 4 4 81 28 64 blocked by the arm of Boateng post late on. He remains on 27 replacing the sacked Niko over Wolfsburg and Borussia ded outside the box as Dort- opening seconds. Borussia Dortmund 28 17 6 5 74 34 57 as he fell, and limped off with goals and Gerd Mueller’s his- Kovac. But it was enough Moenchengladbach could go mund failed to clear before The teenage sensation RB Leipzig 27 15 9 3 68 27 54 19 minutes remaining. Buerki toric mark of 40 from 1971/72 and Bayern’s run of title within two points of second- Kimmich’s moment of inspira- beat the recovering keep- Bayer Leverkusen 27 16 5 6 52 32 53 remained the busier keeper in looks increasingly out of reach. dominance, since Dort- placed Dortmund with a win tion. Backtracking Buerki got er, who was celebrating his the second period. Mario Goetze, who will mund’s last success in 2012, at struggling Werder Bremen. a hand to the ball but couldn’t 400th Bundesliga game, but scampered beyond Bayern’s “I think that with that all leave Dortmund after the seems set to continue. Bayern had taken an out- keep it out. not Boateng. high back line without finding the other teams are out [of season, replaced Piszczek in standing 28 points from the “We were told before the Dortmund had won nine of an opportunity. contention],” said Dortmund Favre’s last throw of the dice Wednesday Fixtures: Leipzig last 30 available but despite game that Buerki often stands their last 10 to set up the crack Dortmund coach Lucien defender Mats Hummels. “We but a clear chance was elusive. vs hertha berlin (7.30pm their excellent form took con- off his line,” said Kimmich. at Bayern and were not hold- Favre tried to recover the mo- have to hope for three slip ups “It was a really important Qatar time), hoffenheim vs trol only midway through the “That was the best goal of my ing back. mentum by throwing on Emre (from Bayern) in six games. statement and a really impor- Cologne (9.30pm), Dusseldorf first half. career - it was so important.” Julian Brandt stung the Can and Jadon Sancho for And Favre admit- tant win for us,” said Neuer. vs schalke (9.30pm), augsburg Gnabry saw his shot Any fears the title six-pointer palms of Neuer and the Dort- Thomas Delaney and Brandt ted: “That’ll be brutally hard.” It was far from a repeat vs Paderborn (9.30pm), union cleared from the line and Leon could be diluted by the closed mund forwards frequently at half-time. League top scorer Robert Le- of the 4-0 humbling Bayern berlin vs Mainz (9.30pm).

Illegal football match sparks anxiety in French virus hotspot AFP main limited to 10 people. The match, played on added regional health officer all the spectators, but rather sTRasbouRG The football game drew Sunday between teams Adeline Jenner. the organisers,” said Stras- widespread condemnation “The test will not be held bourg’s chief prosecutor AN illegal football match and a promise of “severe from the city’s districts of against them,” she added. Yolande Renzi, adding that played in France’s eastern sanctions” from city hall of- neuhof and hautepierre in In order to break the someone must have opened city of Strasbourg sparked ficial Serge Oehler. a local stadium, attracted chain of transmission that the stadium where the match fears on Tuesday the game But on Tuesday authori- some 400 spectators in could emerge from the event, was held. could lead to a resurgence of ties said the priority was defiance of rules still in Jenner said social distancing Violations of the limit on the coronavirus virus in one health, not punishment, al- place to battle the virus. measures were essential. public gatherings up to 10 of the worst-affected areas in though prosecutors want to Strasbourg remains in people can lead up to a six the country. track down the organisers. the high-alert “red zone” of month prison sentence and a The match, played on “Our number one con- prior consultation. domestic virus circulation. 7,500 euro ($8,237) fine. Sunday between teams from cern is health, it isn’t a trap,” “We must absolutely Along with Paris, eastern Strasbourg mayor Roland the city’s districts of Neuhof said the senior local official avoid another virus hotspot France has been one of the Reis said no one should con- and Hautepierre in a local Josiane Chevalier, calling in Strasbourg and protect the worst hit areas in the country. sider a return game between stadium, attracted some 400 for those who attended to be participants” as well as their So far no-one has been the two sides. spectators in defiance of rules tested. families, said Chevalier at a arrested in relation to Sun- “If there are other events still in place to battle the vi- From Thursday they can video press conference. day’s game, but the police are like those on Sunday, all the rus. go to a testing centre set up “It’s important that the searching for those responsi- work done to contain the vi- Schalke’s midfielder and top-scorer Suat Serdar. (aFP) France began easing strict at the European Parliament participants understand that ble. rus over the two months of lockdown measures a fort- to be screened anonymously, their behaviour in the next “The objective of the in- lockdown will be put into night ago, but gatherings re- without an appointment nor few days can save lives,” vestigation isn’t to identify question,” he said. Schalke lose top-scorer Serdar Solskjaer counting on Pogba, Rashford for restart for rest of season AFP League, which UEFA hopes to AFP match at Fortuna Dues- LonDon complete in August. beRLin seldorf, who are third from However, Solskjaer may bottom, France Under-20 MANCHESTER United man- have to do without on-loan SCHALKE 04, who are midfielder Jean-Clair Todibo, ager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said striker Odion Ighalo. struggling for form in the who is on loan from Barcelo- on Tuesday he is confident of The Nigerian was signed Bundesliga, have lost their na, is fit after recovering from having Paul Pogba and Mar- from Chinese side Shanghai top-scorer Suat Serdar for an ankle injury. cus Rashford fit should the Shenhua in January, but his the rest of the season with The loss of Serdar is the Premier League season restart short-term deal expires at the a torn leg ligament, head latest blow to Schalke, who next month. end of May. coach David Wagner con- are winless in their last nine Pogba has missed the ma- Despite United’s inter- firmed on Tuesday. league games, conceding 22 jority of the campaign with an est in extending Ighalo’s stay, The 23-year-old Serdar, goals and scoring just twice. ongoing ankle injury, while Shanghai are reportedly keen who has Having Rashford seemed set to miss for him to return to China for scored seven The loss of Serdar is the been in the ti- the rest of the season when he the start of their season. league goals latest blow to Schalke, tle race before suffered a double stress frac- “The loan deal went to the this season who are winless in their Christmas, ture in his back in January. end of May now, so obviously from defen- Schalke have United returned to train- he’s supposed to be going sive midfield, last nine league games, dropped from ing in small groups last week back,” added Solskjaer. suffered the conceding 22 goals and third in Decem- and preparations are expect- “We’re in dialogue and injury in the scoring just twice. ber to eighth ed to be ramped up further hopefully (he can stay). second half in the table. for a return to action when They’ve been great towards us, in Sunday’s 3-0 home loss to The pressure is mounting on Premier League clubs vote on his club, and allow him to play Augsburg. ex-Huddersfield Town boss resuming contact training on for his dream club. Serdar, who made his Wagner, who admits the situ- Wednesday. “It’s been a dream for him Germany debut last Novem- ation is “not pleasant”, having “Hopefully now we’ve and hopefully he can finish off ber, will undergo further tests also been hammered 4-0 at proved we can do this safely Manchester United could have Paul Pogba (left) and Marcus Rashford (right) fit for when the Premier what he started, maybe with a to decide “whether an opera- Dortmund ten days ago. and we can move to the next League returns. (aFP) trophy or two. tion is necessary at the end of “At the moment we are step. It’s been really enjoyable “But at the moment noth- the week,” said Wagner. no longer the team we were being on the training ground other boys have been doing. ers could be a major boost to Premier League when play was ing’s been agreed yet. Their Serdar is expected to be in the first half of the season,” again,” said Solskjaer. No reaction so far, touch wood. United’s hopes of ending the halted due to the coronavirus league is going to start soon so sidelined for from three to said Wagner. “They (Pogba and Rash- “When we get started, it season on a high in three com- pandemic in March. we are just waiting to see.” four months, missing their “You can’t compare the ford) are looking good, they’ve looks like we can have a full petitions. The Red Devils are also Ighalo scored four goals in last seven league games. kind of football we played joined training now and squad to choose from.” Solskjaer’s men were three still in the hunt for silverware three starts and made eight ap- For Wednesday’s league back then.” they’ve done everything the The return of both play- points off the top four in the in the FA Cup and Europa pearances in total for United. 10 Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Sports

Reigning Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin plans to be part of the World TeamTennis season that will be staged at a US mountain resort starting July 12. (aFP) Kenin, Stephens to play WTT season before fans at resort

AFP ginia has among the nation’s Los anGeLes fewest cases of COVID-19.” The WTT plans at least REIGNING Australian Open three matches a day at the re- champion Sofia Kenin and sort’s 2,500-seat outdoor sta- 2017 US Open winner Sloane dium with an indoor court to Stephens will compete in a be installed as a backup option. 2020 World TeamTennis sea- West Virginia health guide- son played at a mountain re- lines will allow up to 500 spec- sort with spectators starting tators, a 20% capacity, to at- July 12. tend the matches. Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has tested positive for coronavirus. (aFP) The nine-team US circuit The WTT plans a 63-match will stage its 45th campaign at regular season from July 19-30 The Greenbrier in White Sul- with the semi-finals August 1 phur Springs, West Virginia, and the championship match from July 12-August 2, the the following day. league announced on Tuesday. The WTT will follow local With the WTA and ATP and state government rules Bournemouth’s Ramsdale tours shut down into August and adhere to safety protocals due to the coronavirus pan- from the Centers for Disease demic, the move makes the Control, including COVID-19 WTT the first pro tennis circuit testing and screening and pro- to resume play after the global tective gear such as facemasks. shocked by virus diagnosis outbreak of the deadly virus World number four Kenin, shut down the sport. a 21-year-old American who “All of us are extremely captured her first Grand AFP out by Premier League clubs in the first round of testing and I’ve contracted the virus. Meanwhile, captains and grateful to be able to play the Slam title on February 1 at LonDon as they gear up for a return to believes he must have contract- “I’ve been just as careful representatives of players and 45th World TeamTennis sea- Melbourne, will play for the action next month. ed the virus while shopping. as before on lockdown and it coaches will meet with the son and present professional Philadelphia Freedoms while BOURNEMOUTH goalkeeper “It’s definitely a shock -- “This last week, I’ve done seems to be a shopping trip league later on Tuesday to dis- tennis to our sports-starved 37th-ranked Stephens, the Aaron Ramsdale described I’ve not been in contact with the usual things like going to where I’ve caught it.” cuss protocols on a return to and tennis-starved audienc- 2018 French Open runner-up, finding out he had tested posi- anybody and I’ve now got it,” the supermarket and going to A total of eight cases of contact training. es,” said WTT chief executive will compete for the expansion tive for coronavirus as “scary Ramsdale told The Sun. the petrol station to fill my car. coronavirus among players England’s top-flight Carlos Silva. Chicago Smash. and worrying”, despite display- “I’m showing no symp- “Once you’ve contracted the and staff have been detected clubs will vote on proposals “The overwhelming feed- On the men’s side, Bulgar- ing no symptoms. toms so the fact that a healthy virus, it shows in your blood. from 1,744 tests in the Pre- for a phased return to full back from our players is that ia’s 19th-ranked Grigor Dim- The England under-21 young person could poten- “That was obviously not mier League. training on Wednesday after they want to play WTT and are itrov will play for the Orange international was one of two tially have it is definitely scary the case (after the first test) Results from a third new government guidelines comfortable in doing so in a County Breakers with doubles positive cases from the sec- and worrying.” and it’s been the three days round of testing will be re- cleared the way for “close safe environment, which is our stars Bob and Mike Bryan on ond round of testing carried Ramsdale tested negative between the two tests when vealed on Wednesday. contact” training. number one priority. West Vir- the Vegas Rollers.

Ibrahimovic injury to calf, not Achilles: AC Milan Kvitova ‘pretty gutted’ by Wimbledon cancellation

AFP AFP Czech tournament in Prague, it’s the most important and MiLan PRaGue where eight men and eight greatest tournament of all,” women are competing behind said the 34-year-old. ZLATAN Ibrahimovic has TWO-TIME Wimbledon closed doors and under strin- “When the time comes it picked up a calf injury and not champion Petra Kvitova said gent measures to prevent the I’m not saying I cried when I will be sad for me, but that’s ruptured his Achilles tendon on Tuesday she had been virus from spreading. heard it, but I was pretty how it is and we can’t change as feared, AC Milan confirmed “pretty gutted” by news that Hygiene is key at the event gutted on that day. I guess anything about it.” on Tuesday. her favourite tournament was where no one will hand the the reason is clear. Karolina Muchova, the “Ibrahimovic has sustained cancelled over the coronavirus towel to the players who must 23-year-old world number an injury to his right soleus pandemic. also wear face masks at press Petra Kvitova 26, made it to the Wimbledon muscle during yesterday’s train- “Of all tournaments that conferences. The ball boys and quarter-finals in 2019, a year ing session,” the Serie A team have been cancelled, the news ball girls are wearing gloves, that saw her climb from 145th said in a statement. File photo of AC Milan’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic holding about Wimbledon was the though the players share a set of the tournament of course, to 21st in the world. “The Achilles tendon is per- his leg after being tackled during the Italian Cup semi-final first leg most upsetting for me,” the of balls. besides the experiences and “I guess Wimbledon is the fectly intact. The player will un- match against Juventus Turin at the San Siro stadium in Milan on 30-year-old, who won the Instead of shaking hands memories of last year,” said greatest tournament so I’ll re- dergo a scan in 10 days time.” February 13, 2020. (aFP) grass-court major in 2011 and at the end of each game, they fellow Czech Barbora Stry- ally miss everything about it,” Milan did not say for how 2014, told AFP. do a “racquet bump” to avoid cova, who made the singles she said. long the 38-year-old would Ibrahimovic rejoined the He returned to Italy two “I’m not saying I cried infection. semi-finals and took the dou- “I had my best result there be out of action, although seven-time European cham- weeks ago from Sweden, when I heard it, but I was pret- Organisers cancelled the bles honours with Taiwan’s last year, so it was special, and Italian media reports say he pions during this season’s where he had been training ty gutted on that day. I guess Grand Slam scheduled for ear- Hsieh Su-Wei in 2019. I was looking forward to the could be facing four weeks on winter transfer window. He with Hammarby, in order to the reason is clear,” added the ly July on April 1, for the first “I always like to get back to grass season, that’s kind of the sidelines, as Serie A eyes a suffered a calf injury shortly prepare for a possible return current world number 12. time since World War II. Wimbledon because when I’m specific and I enjoyed playing potential restart next month. after signing in January. to action. Kvitova is playing at an all- “I will miss the atmosphere there it feels special. For me there,” Muchova told AFP. Longines Global Champions Tour, Global Champions League showjumping championship series to restart afresh in 2021

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK and adjusting to deliver incred- Owner this is the right in this extremely challenging Doha ible sport in 2021 and beyond.” decision as it is more and uncertain environment. Neil Moffitt, Owner of important to main- GCL is not a one-off event, it AFTER a distinguished open- the London Knights tain the integrity is a prestigious Championship ing round hosted by Doha team which won the and quality of with knock-out stages like the at the spectacular Al Shaqab GCL championship the League Champions League in Europe. (member, Qatar Foundation) two years’ running than to try We look forward to continu- in the first week of March in 2018 and 2019, to stage a ing our successful campaign 2020, the Longines Global said: “As a Found- few shows in the seasons ahead.” Champions Tour (LGCT) and ing GCL Team this year If permitted by the Gov- Global Champions League ernment in The Netherlands (GCL) have now announced several shows will take place that the 2020 season will re- behind closed doors later this start next year due to the un- The Longines Arena at Al Shaqab in Doha. year in Valkenswaard, which precedented impact of the is a permanent facility where novel coronavirus pandemic. “Restrictions on travel vary championship series afresh in fering so many people are go- strict safety policies can be “In these exceptional cir- around the world, so not all 2021,” it added. ing through. followed. cumstances it is not realis- riders will have the freedom to Jan Tops, LGCT and GCL “Our priority must contin- The Longines Global tic to safely stage our global compete. There is also the risk President, said: “We sincerely ue to be the health and safety Champions Tour is an annual championship circuit this of a second wave later this year, thank our event organising of our fans, our staff, the ath- show jumping series that com- year. We must follow the laws in the absence of a cure or vac- partners, our Title Partner letes and their teams and those prises up to 18 events includ- of national Governments and cine, which further complicates Longines, the GCL team own- living in the locations of our ing the GC Prague Playoffs, public health authorities, logistical planning. ers and our partners around events. So it is with great regret spanning three continents and which change regularly and at “In this complex environ- the world for their tremen- we have decided to cancel the 18 iconic locations around the short notice, having a major ment the responsible deci- dous support and under- remaining shows this year. world. impact on international plan- sion is to start the Longines standing. None of us could “Now we must all pull to- German showjumper Daniel Deusser, a bronze medalist at Rio Olympics, It brings together the top ning,” the organisers said in a Global Champions Tour and have foreseen the scale of this gether to build a positive future had won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha event 30 riders in the FEI Jumping press release. GCL top-level show jumping global emergency and the suf- after the pandemic, adapting at the gleaming Al Shaqab on March 7, 2020. World Rankings. Sports Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11 Akhtar blasts ICC Stokes opens up about what for finishing cricket went wrong with India’s in last 10 years AGENCIES Where are those Sachin versus KaRaChi Shoaib contests?” Speaking about Tendulkar, 2019 World Cup campaign THE International Cricket Akhtar said that he is one with Council has “successfully fin- whom he never got aggressive, ished” cricket in the last 10 as there was a lot of respect for AGENCIES years and brought it down to the world’s best batsman. LonDon its knees, former Pakistan pac- “But yes, I would try to out- er Shoaib Akhtar insisted in a think him. Like in the 2006 tour ENGLAND all-rounder Ben The way rohit Sharma and scathing criticism of the sport’s of Pakistan, I knew he had ten- Stokes was baffled by India’s global body. nis elbow problems and he can’t run-chasing strategy during Virat kohli played was During a conversation with hook or pull me, so I bowled a their World Cup game last mystifying. I know that we Sanjay Manjrekar for ESPN- barrage of bouncers to keep him year in which he found Virat Cricinfo’s podcast, Akhtar ex- quiet,” Akhtar said. Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s bowled brilliantly well pressed his anguish at some of Talking about pull shots, approach ‘mystifying’ and during this period, but the the playing conditions in white the speed merchant said that at saw ‘no intent’ from Mahen- way they went about their ball cricket, which has made it a his peak Virat Kohli would have dra Singh Dhoni during the game only for the batsmen. found it difficult to play that run chase. batting just seemed bizarre Akhtar was sharp in his shot against him because of his In fact, Stokes called skip- BEn STOkES criticism after Manjrekar asked express pace. per Virat Kohli’s complaints for his take on a trend that fast “I would have come wide about the ‘59-metre’ bound- bowlers are going a bit slow in off the crease and tried to shape ary on one side ‘whingeing’. they went about their batting limited overs games, especially that new ball out and lured him It was the game at Bir- just seemed bizarre.” T20s, while spinners are bowl- into driving. Something that mingham, where India were “They allowed their team ing faster. James Anderson has done with comprehensively beaten by to get so far behind the game. “Can I tell you something him. Having said that he would 31 runs failing to chase Eng- They showed no desire to put bluntly? They (ICC) are finish- have scored as many runs as he land’s massive score of 337 any pressure back onto our ing the cricket. I am openly say- scored now had I also played.” for 7 last year. team, content instead to just ing that in last 10 years, ICC has In his new book On Fire drift along, a tactic that was successfully finished cricket, TrEAT TO wATCh published by Headline Books clearly playing into our hands.” and I would say job well done Akhtar thought that it would and distributed by Hachette Stokes also wrote that guys. Jo socha thaa apne woh have been a treat to watch if India, Stokes analysed each Kohli’s explanation about kiya (You did what you intend- Kohli was pitted against Wasim of England’s games in the short boundaries sounded a ed to),” Akhtar said in his inimi- Akram, Waqar Younis and World Cup. ‘bit weird’ to him. table style. Shane Warne in their prime. “Arguably, the way MS “Yet it was weird to Akhtar feels that the num- “He could have judged him- Dhoni played when he came hear India captain Kohli ber of bouncers per over should self where he stood in front of in with 112 runs needed from Ben Stokes: Adds fuel to fire through his book. whingeing about the size of be increased as there are two these bowlers,” he said. 11 overs was even stranger. the boundaries at the post- new balls and only four fielders Manjrekar asked him He appeared more intent on land dressing room felt that the game, he takes it right to losing cause.” match presentation cer- outside the circle for the better whether the culture of pro- singles than sixes. Even with Dhoni tried to take it deep so the end to try to make sure In fact, England’s new emony. I have never heard part of an ODI game. ducing tearaway quicks is a dozen balls remaining, In- that the run-rate remained that India’s run rate stays ball bowlers Chris Wokes such a bizarre complaint af- still there in Pakistan or they dia could still have won.” intact. Dhoni remained un- relatively healthy,” Stokes and Jofra Archer kept a tight ter a match. It’s actually the BOUnCEr rUlE are happy producing fast me- “...there was little or no beaten on 42 off 31 balls but wrote. leash on Rohit and Kohli as worst complaint you could I have been saying repeat- dium bowlers. intent from him (Dhoni) or most of the runs came in the “His big thing has always they consumed nearly 27 ever make. Both teams have edly that change bouncer rule “People like me should his partner Kedar Jadhav. last over when the match as a been to give himself a chance overs for their 138-run stand. to bat out there, and get the (one per over). You have two have been in PCB and I would To me, while victory is still contest was over. of winning by being at the “The way Rohit Sharma same number of balls, so new balls and four fielders out- have produced fast bowlers. possible you always go for “There is a theory in our crease for the final over, but and Virat Kohli played was how can the playing area’s side. Please ask ICC whether in Fast bowlers should be like broke,” Stokes wrote in his camp that Dhoni’s way of he generally likes to stick mystifying. I know that we dimensions be an advantage last 10 years, quality of cricket leopards which would hunt soon-to-be-published book. playing has always been the around to get as close to a bowled brilliantly well dur- to one team or the other?,” has gone up or gone down. down its prey. He revealed that the Eng- same. Even if India can’t win target as possible even in a ing this period, but the way he further wrote.

NHL players ICC recommends extra review in Tests post COVID-19 may return AGENCIES usage of saliva on the ball, the “I think the need of hour a Test match. The reason that Dubai Kumble-led ICC Cricket Com- was to start cricket. We also felt we started neutral umpiring 20 to practice mittee has also suggested for that because of travel restric- years ago was because there was ICC Cricket Committee Chair- local umpires and additional tions, there could be quaran- the perception of a bias. man Anil Kumble says the inex- review in Test matches in the tine measures. You don’t have “The recommendation early June perience of local umpires, who post-coronavirus scenario. too many elite umpires in the for an extra review for both are expected to officiate in Test Reasoning the ICC Cricket panel so we felt that for cricket teams is not to root that out AFP matches once action resumes Committee’s recommenda- to kickstart, its best to use local but we felt that there could A file photo of India’s Sachin Tenudkar with Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar Los anGeLes post the COVID-19 pandemic, tions, the former India cap- umpires,” Kumble said on Star be potential inexperience be- during a One-Day International match. is the reason behind recom- tain said the suggestion to use Sports show Cricket Connected. ing in a Test match situation, NATIONAL Hockey League mending an extra review, which of local umpires was made “Most countries don’t have which is why the advantage of teams could be able to hold according to him will give a level because of travel restrictions the experience, the local um- the additional review would training sessions for small playing field to both the teams. around the world in the wake pires don’t have the experience probably benefit both the groups of players in early Besides recommending the of the virus outbreak. of a Test Match or being part of teams,” he added. Lanka cricketer suspended June in the latest phase of the sport’s return from the coro- after heroin arrest navirus shutdown, the league said on Monday. AFP hat-trick against Bangladesh A memo sent to teams on Saliva ban may make cricket ‘boring’: Starc CoLoMbo on his one-day international Sunday said groups of up to debut in January 2018. He six players would be allowed AFP the ball to move in the air, be bowlers. In Australia in condition of the ball. SRI Lanka’s cricket board also played two T20 matches to train on the ice together at syDney deceiving the batsman, by the last couple of years we’ve Starc said he understood on Tuesday suspended pace against Bangladesh in 2018, any one time under the new shining one side using sweat had some pretty flat wick- such reluctance, given the bowler Shehan Madushanka but has not played an interna- relaxed guidelines. AUSTRALIAN paceman Mitch- or saliva. ets, and if that ball’s going clear rules that exist against from all forms of the game, tional since due to injuries. ell Starc warned on Tuesday that Starc said swinging the straight it’s a pretty boring ball tampering. two days after he was ar- Sri Lanka Cricket secretary cricket risks becoming “pretty ball in such a manner was a contest.” But he said if bowlers rested allegedly in pos- Mohan de Silva said they Under the new training boring” if ball-tampering rules crucial part of the contest be- Anil Kumble, Chairman were disadvantaged by a sa- session of heroin. suspended the 25-year- protocols, a maximum of are not relaxed in response to a tween bowler and batsman. of the ICC Cricket Commit- liva ban, they should be given The right-arm old pending an internal six players will be allowed COVID-19-linked ban on using “We don’t want to lose tee, said this week that the more leeway elsewhere. bowler was stopped disciplinary inquiry. He to train together, with no saliva to shine the ball. that or make it less even, so saliva ban was only intended The 30-year-old said while driving with was remanded into cus- coaches or team person- The International Cricket there needs to be something to be a temporary measure ground staff could be or- another person in a tody on Monday. nel allowed on the ice. Council (ICC) is set to imple- in place to keep that ball during the coronavirus crisis. dered not to produce bats- car on Sunday and “We have suspended ment the ban in June after swinging,” he told reporters The former Indian Test man-friendly flat wickets, or found to have him with immediate receiving medical advice that in an online press conference. spinner suggested cricket ball-tampering rules could two grams of effect and he also can- No date was given for spit poses a COVID-19 trans- “Otherwise people aren’t regulators did not want to be changed allowing a sub- the drug, po- not take part in any when the new guidelines will mission risk. going to be watching it and open the door to using for- stance such as wax could be lice said. form of the game,” take effect, but the league Bowlers traditionally get kids aren’t going to want to eign substances to alter the applied to the ball. He took a de Silva said. said it was targeting a return to practice in “early June”. The memo said the NHL would continue to “monitor developments” in each indi- Players want return but need certainty: NBPA boss Roberts vidual market and could “ad- just the overall timing if ap- propriate.” AFP where allowed, is exploring a “If we thought we need- home, his son Patrick Ewing Under the new training neW yoRK plan to resume the season in ed a vote, we would,” Rob- Jr. said on Twitter. protocols, a maximum of six late July at Disney World in erts said. “But our preferred “I want to thank all of the players will be allowed to train NBA players overwhelming- Orlando, Florida, although method is talking to people doctors and hospital staff for together, with no coaches or ly want to resume the 2019- final details of a plan have or just having them talk to us. taking care of my father dur- team personnel allowed on 20 season but “need some yet to be determined. Then if we get a sense of what ing his stay, as well as eve- the ice. Players will also be re- level of certainty” in a come- The league and union the sentiment is, then we can ryone who has reached out quired to wear face coverings back plan, players’ union have been in talks about a move forward. We talk to our with thoughts and prayers to when they are not on the rink. executive director Michele resumption of the NBA sea- players and figure it out.” us since his diagnosis,” Ew- The league added that Roberts says. son and Roberts says she ing Jr. wrote. participation in the return to The National Basketball plans to speak with players EwInG BACk hOME “My father is now home training was “strictly volun- Players Association boss told on all 30 teams over the next NBA great Patrick Ewing and getting better. We’ll tary.” ESPN in a report on Tuesday week to inform players about has left hospital and is re- continue to watch his symp- “The health of player and that most players support the plans’ safety measures to covering at home after being toms and follow the CDC club personnel is the league’s the idea of resuming a cam- prevent players from becom- diagnosed with COVID-19, guidelines. I hope everyone top priority,” the memo said. paign shut down in March by ing infected and what would his son said on Monday. continues to stay safe and The NHL shut down the coronavirus pandemic. happen if a player does catch The 57-year-old Hall-of- protect yourselves and your its 2019-20 campaign on “It’s time,” Roberts told the deadly virus. Famer was hospitalised last loved ones.” March 12 with just over ESPN. “It has been two and a “Our guys need to know,” week after announcing he Ewing, who was a member three weeks of the regular half months of ‘What if?’ My Roberts said. “Certainty will national Basketball Players Association Executive Director had tested positive for the of the 1992 Olympic gold med- season remaining. players need some level of cer- be good. But the players re- Michele Roberts coronavirus. al-winning “Dream Team”, The league is reportedly tainty. I think everybody does.” ally want to play.” However the former New and also won Olympic gold in mulling a plan to return to The NBA, whose players NBA team owners plan a about COVID-19 safeguards would not necessarily need York Knicks star and cur- 1984, played 17 seasons in the play which could see 24 clubs are conducting individual conference call Friday that and a full return plan. to vote upon any comeback rent Georgetown University NBA, mostly for the Knicks, based at two sites. workouts at team facilities could reveal more details Roberts said the union strategy. coach is now on the mend at earning 11 All-Star selections. 12 Wednesday, May 27, 2020 The Last Word ‘Qatar Eid food package, a great succour to expat communities’ As many as 50,000 food parcels were distributed to 17 expat communities in the country JELILI A OPADIJO ministries and other agencies, Doha for making Eid Al-Fitr cel- ebration during the corona- PRESIDENT of the Nigerians virus (COVID-19) pandemic in Diaspora Organisation, Qa- a joyous one for the needy tar (NIDO-Qatar), Victor Ikoli expatriates. has described the Eid Al-Fitr “On behalf of the Nigerian food parcels distributed by expatriates and other benefit- Qatar to 17 expatriate com- ing communities, I say a big munities as a timely gesture thank you to Qatar and the that brought a great succour coordinating ministries and to many members of the com- agencies for this wonderful The nIDO-Qatar president thanked the officials of the embassy for their cooperation and coordination for the smooth distribution of the items despite the large turnout of the people. munities. gesture. The impacts of this Ikoli said the joint initia- donation is invaluable and we Wednesday evening to the in- for them,” he said. to the community enabled the items to those people at their in late April. And now this one tive by the Ministry of Foreign are deeply indebted to Qatar terested individuals to come The NIDO-Qatar presi- organisation to reach so many respective residences,” Ajibade from the ministries and Qatar Affairs (MoFA), the Ministry for the unforgettable assis- to the embassy by 1:30pm on dent also thanked the officials people, including those who said. Charity. May God continue to of Interior (MoI), the Ministry tance at this trying times,” he Thursday. To my amazement, of the embassy for their coop- could not come to the embassy. Emeka, one of the benefi- bless Qatar and its generous of Administrative Develop- said. many people were already at eration and coordination for “We knew that there were ciaries who could not hide his donors.” ment, Labour and Social Af- Ikoli said he was surprised the embassy before the time the smooth distribution of the some people who needed the joy, said: “I don’t know how Rasheedah, another recipi- fairs (MDLSA), Qatar Charity by the number of people he we told them to come, even items despite the large turnout items but could not come to to thank the donors enough. ent, said she was even happier and Ooredoo provided 50,000 met at the Embassy of Nigeria before the food packages ar- of the people. collect them because they This is the second time within because she also received a food packages to various com- in West Bay area on Thursday, rived at the embassy. I was so Lateef Ajibade, NIDO- couldn’t afford the transport the span of one month that I beautiful toy for her baby. munities, among which Nigeri- May 21, 2020, the day of the touched to see them eagerly Qatar secretary, who was on fares. To enable such people to benefit from this kind of ges- Each food package con- ans received 1,000 parcels. distribution, despite the short waiting to receive their rations. ground to coordinate the dis- benefit, some executive mem- ture from Qatar. The first one tained rice, lentil, cooking oil, Ikoli thanked the govern- notice sent to the beneficiaries. That showed that the food do- tribution, said the quantity of bers and others who have vehi- was the palliative packages wheat flour, tea, sugar, salt and ment of Qatar, through the “We sent message out on nation came at the right time the food parcels (1,000) given cles volunteered to deliver the distributed by Qatar Charity powdered chilli pepper. QRCS sends medical aid to Gaziantep region in Turkey A total of 36,000 masks and 72,000 gloves were delivered at public hospitals in Turkey and Syria with an objective to protect medical and non-medical staff from COVID-19

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DPS-MIS holds virtual Doha QATAR Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has delivered medical orientation for nursery supplies as a gift to Gaziantep Province, in response to the in- vitation by the Department of students and parents Societies of the southern Turkish province to the humanitarian pro- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK grooming and mentoring their wards. viders involved in Syria. Doha Gurpreet Kour gave parents a The gift included 36,000 glimpse of how nursery is a milestone in masks and 72,000 gloves, in order THE new academic session of the DPS- the child’s life, as it is the initial stage to ensure the protection of medi- Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) of organised instruction, designed pri- cal and non-medical staff at public Nursery started recently with an online marily to introduce their children to hospitals working in Turkey and orientation programme for parents and a school-like environment. Kour ex- Syria from the coronavirus (COV- nursery students. plained the activities and routines that ID-19) pandemic. The session was held online, bear- their children would follow through the Gaziantep is a Syria-adjacent ing in mind the current circumstances PPT, with a particular emphasis on life border province located 96 kilo- of COVID-19. Parents and students at- skills and nursery preparedness. metres away from Aleppo City. tended the session with enthusiasm and Dipti Dixit shared her views on posi- It hosts many makeshift shelter excitement. tive parenting and gave presentation on centres for Syrian refugees. Since The programme began with the positive and effective parenting. 2011, the province has received opening remarks by Shabana Parkar, Parents were also briefed about the around 400,000 Syrians. followed by a welcome speech by Najla school’s e-learning portal and on how to QRCS’ representation mission Mohammed Bukhari. use the remote learning zoom app by IT in Turkey is applying preventive The gift reflects the strong relations between QRCS and Turkey’s public organisations and nGOs. Nursery Coordinator Principal Asna Head Harish Buhari. measures in Syria, in coordination Nafees addressed the parents and as- The session ended with a vote of with World Health Organization countries throughout the Middle sured them that their children will be thanks by Ramalahsmi Balaji and Ri- (WHO) and other humanitarian East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. in safe hands and highlighted the sup- hana Sheik Farid. It was a very informa- peers working there. QRCS’ humanitarian actions port the school will provide in terms of tive and fruitful session. They are developing prepar- include providing support in dis- edness, response and follow-up aster preparedness, disaster re- plans. All preventive and adminis- sponse, risk reduction, and dis- trative procedures are strictly ap- aster recovery. To mitigate the plied at the multiple QRCS-oper- impact of disasters and improve ated health facilities and services. the livelihoods of affected popu- This gift reflects the strong lations, QRCS provides medical relations between QRCS and Tur- services, healthcare and social key’s public organisations and development to local communi- NGOs, mainly the Turkish Red ties. Crescent. It builds upon the his- QRCS is also active at the hu- torical bonds of friendship be- manitarian advocacy front. With tween the two countries at vari- the help of a vast network of ous levels, which are capitalised trained, committed staff and vol- on and promoted by QRCS to al- conflict in their country. internationally and has ongoing unteers, QRCS aspires to improve leviate the suffering of the Syrian It is worth mentioning that international relief and devel- the lives of vulnerable people by brothers affected by the prolonged QRCS operates both locally and opment projects in a number of mobilising the power of humanity.

Katara’s online Eid Al-Fitr programmes elicit huge participation from public katara website records 132,000 visits on the first two days of Eid holidays

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK online in an innovative and Doha fun way. The online events were successful in provid- THE Cultural Village Foun- ing a holiday atmosphere dation (Katara) will con- for the participants, and the clude today (Wednesday) Katara website witnessed a its Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, record number of 132,000 which lasted for four days, visits on the first two days of eliciting huge participation the Eid holidays. from the public through its The programmes also in- website and social media ac- cluded surprise events such counts. as virtual fireworks, which Virtual fireworks were part of Katara’s Eid Al-Fitr programmes. In line with the precau- evoked the memories of the tionary measures to prevent fireworks Katara had or- gifts and prizes for the on- will receive e-vouchers on quarantine. can send images and videos published on Katara’s social the spread of the corona- gnised in the previous years line participants who reg- WhatsApp. Eid gifts will Katara is also conduct- for the competition on the media accounts and the first virus (COVID-19), Katara to celebrate festivals. ister on its website. The also be distributed to chil- ing a photo and video con- number 66011303 until May five winners will receive ex- conducted the celebrations Katara has also ensured winners of lucky draws dren staying home and in test for children. Children 30. Winning entries will be citing prizes. PUBLISHED BY AN INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL HEALTH SUPPLEMENT WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 ISSUE 46 SPONSORED BY THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Minister of Health HE Hanan al Kuwari CATHERINE W GICHUKI Doha

n the efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), IQatar recently opened two field hos- pitals within a week. One of the hospitals, a 200-bed facil- ity, is located in Industrial Area while the other, a 504-bed facility, was opened in Al Shahaniya in association with the Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Defence. TWO FIELD It is because of such efforts that despite many cases being reported, the mortality rate remains very low in Qatar. It is worth to note that Qatar is among the two nations standing out with the HOSPITALS OPEN lowest fatality rates among countries experiencing major outbreaks. In Qatar Qatar opened two field hospitals as part of efforts to and Singapore, the death toll is less than 0.1 percent of reported infections. provide medical services throughout the country National Lead for Health Care Sector in the lockdown area Dr Khalid Abdul- noor Saifeldeen, who is also the Director An interior view of Libsear Field Hospital in Al Shahaniya (Dukhan Road). of Hamad Medical Corporation’s Hamad International Training Centre (HITC), said the facility in Industrial Area can receive between 2,000 to 3,000 patients a day. The facility is not only for corona virus patients but other ailments and emergencies as well. The field hospital was put up in four weeks. “During COVID-19, the whole system has changed even for people outside the lockdown areas because some hospitals have been turned into facilities to care for COVID-19, so capacity and access to care has changed. We felt very quickly that we needed to provide them with alternative access to normal care.”

Field hospital in Industrial Area. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ��

Are you living with a rheumatic disease? This is for you How Ambulance Service team protects Are you living with a rheumatic disorder like lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, themselves from COVID-19 rheumatoid arthritis, among others? Hamad Medical Corporation has advised that for your safety, you should not visit the clinic if you have an Hamad Medical Corporation’s Ambulance Service paramedics and appointment as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of corona team members have been on the frontline to fight the coronavirus virus disease (COVID-19). The doctor will call you and will also get your disease. But have you ever wondered how they keep safe to prevent medication delivered at your doorstep. PAGE 3 themselves from contracting the disease?. PAGE 7 02 DEVELOPMENTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 Two field hospitals open

Frontline staff at the Field Hospital in Industrial Area.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 According to him, the field hospital has medication refill system, outpatient clinic, emergency department, observa- An inside view of a room at Libsear Field tion but can’t provide critical care or major trauma which Hospital. can go to other hospitals. “ According to him the entire HITC staff is volunteering at the facility. The facility also features adjoining quarantine facility which can accommodate 300-400 people for two to four weeks. The hospital has 200 staff including doctors and nurses and also an ambulance station. He explained that when these hospitals discharge the pa- For the Libsear Field Hospital, the Clinical Lead of the tient, they categorise them as, ‘fit to go home’, or as patients hospital Dr Abdulla Rashid al Naimi said that the facility was who need a few more days for continuous recovery. “These for those who were recovering from COVID-19. “The facility are the patients that we receive here. We keep someone who has buildings including the administration, then there are is recovering or those who require to continue with their two main buildings (A and B) which has 252 beds each. Each medication (category 1). We keep them here till they com- room has its own toilet. It’s a complete private room.” plete the 14 days of isolation, and then we take the swab and According to Dr Al Naimi, the hospital is for those who take them home safely.” have recovered from the dedicated COVID-19 hospitals includ- Dr Al Naimi said that the hospital was set up in two-and- ing Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HGMH), Mesaeeid, Ras a-half weeks. Laffan and Cuban Hospital. “Cuban Hospital takes women and The hospital has over 70 medical staff including 20 doctors. “All children while the other three takes the majority of the pa- the patients are receiving the mental health support on a regular tients. “We want the flow in these hospitals to be continuous.” basis with a special volunteer team of doctors,” said Dr Al Naimi. Healthcare professionals at Libsear Field Hospital WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 HEALTHY LIVING 03 Are you living with a rheumatic disease? This is for you “Those with rheumatic CATHERINE W GICHUKI disorders should Doha not stop or change RE you living with a rheumatic disorder like lupus, their medication Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, among oth- ers? Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has advised as medications are A that for your safety, you should not visit the clinic if important to control you have an appointment as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19). the disease and protect The doctor will call you and will also get your medication the patient’s health” delivered at your doorstep. cations are important to control the disease and protect the HMC Head of Rheumatology Division in Medicine Depart- patient’s health. “According to American College of Rheu- ment Dr Samar al Emadi said that patients should not go to the matology and European League against rheumatological clinic during their appointments. “Your doctor will call you to disease, a patient should not stop or change doses of these check on you and will discuss with you any health problems medications including biological medications unless there related to your disease, will update you regarding your results are symptoms like fever or cough or any symptoms suggest- and will give you the proper advice. If your situation requires ing the presence of an infection.” you to come to the clinic, you will be asked to.” She reiterated that if one has fever or cough the medica- She reiterated that the clinics are still working at full staff tions should be stopped in agreement with a rheumatologist capacity including physicians and nurses and that they were except for hydroxychloroquine (plaqunil) as it is safe. calling their patients daily and reviewing their files and their According to Dr Al Emadi patients with rheumatic dis- blood results. “We are avoiding bringing patients to the clin- orders, just like others, should observe the precautionary ics for their own benefit.” measures to protect themselves from COVID-19 such as According to Dr Al Emadi patients should also not worry maintaining personal and hand hygiene; avoiding touching about their medications for their doctor will order the eyes and face especially when outside the house; avoiding medication and the patient can collect the medicines at the going out unnecessary, avoid going close to sick people; pharmacy or delivered at home through the home delivery exercising; maintaining a healthy diet, besides others. service via Qatar Post. She advised that if one gets cough or fever they should Dr samar al emadi, hMC head of Rheumatology Dr Al Emadi said that those with rheumatic disorders follow the Ministry of Public Health recommendations by Division in Medicine Department. should not stop or change their medications because medi- calling the hotline-16000.

Take extra precautions if you live with a cardiovascular condition

CATHERINE W GICHUKI According to some disease attacks people with comorbidi- Doha reports, it was reported ties like heart disease, kidney and chest problems. “For that reason we need to EOPLE with heart conditions are that coronavirus disease have more efforts to prevent ourselves Pvulnerable to respiratory infections attacks people with from catching COVID-19.” and are at an increased risk when According to him the general pre- it comes to recovering from coronavirus comorbidities like cautionary measures they need to follow disease (COVID-19), just like others with heart disease, kidney are social distancing, frequent washing underlying medical conditions. There- and chest problems. of hands, wearing masks, and trying to fore, it is important for those with cardio- avoid contacts with suspicious people vascular issues to take extra precautions complications, just as they would with especially those who have symptoms. to protect themselves from contracting the seasonal flu. “It is important for those patients to pay the disease. “People with cardiovascular disease a lot of attention in taking their medi- Hamad Medical Corporation’s have chances of catching the covid-19 cation because they need to keep their (HMC) Heart Hospital Senior Consult- just like any other people. The difference condition in check.” ant Cardiologist Dr Omar al Tamimi said is that symptoms of those with cardio- However, in case they need to that although they don’t believe these vascular disease are going to be much consult their doctor they can call the patients are at a higher risk of getting more severe.” hotline 16000. If it is during their ap- Dr omar al Tamimi, hamad Medical the coronavirus, they know that those He added that according to some pointment time, a doctor will call them Corporation’s heart hospital senior who get it have a higher chance to suffer reports, it was reported that coronavirus on their phone. Consultant Cardiologist. 04 CAMPAIGN WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020

COVID-19 COMMON SYMPTOMS: CAN INCLUDE: • Fever • Cough (usually dry) • Shortness of breath Employers COVID-19 MODE OF TRANSMISSION: The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale. The virus can also survive for several hours on surfaces such as tables and door handles. Employers must rapidly take the following precautionary measures responsibilities to flatten the coronavirus COVID-19 curve and prevent the current pandemic from worsening and affect our community especially our vulnerable population. Employers must ensure that they follow national and WHO recommendations in order to keep workplace safe and healthy in the presence of the Coronavirus COVID-19. to prevent the

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING spread of the COVID-19 within Employers MUST have installed hand sanitizers containing alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol 60 % minimum), isopropyl alcohol or benzalkonium chloride and ensure they are refilled regularly. Employers MUST also provide soap, water and tissues in all available restrooms. the workplace 1

When Employers share accurate information about COVID-19 they can All entities MUST apply physical distancing and staff should remain out help make employees feel less stressed and allow them to connect with their managers if they feel the need to. TIMEKEEPING of group settings, mass gatherings, and maintain distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from each other whenever possible. It is the Employers responsibility to take necessary measures to ensure employees feel free to talk should they have any symptoms, with no fear All Employers MUST ensure restricted movement for all their staff and of being discriminated against at the workplace. avoid social events. WORK FLEXIBILITY

FOOD & BEVERAGES

Employer MUST suspend the use of fingerprints for work timekeeping until further notice. Line Managers MUST be able to monitor their staff attendance manually, if necessary, until the situation is controlled.

Employers at times of extremely high health risk MUST be flexible and enable people to work from home when tasks and functions allow that. STAFF TEMPERATURE Employers should suspend temporarily the use of an external company to serve tea and coffee. Employer, as a minimum, MUST follow National Directives and implement immediately the following: People suffering from chronic conditions Employers should notify staff that all personal deliveries to the office are such as diabetes and hypertension, people above 55 years and pregnant women MUST work remotely from home. also suspended and that employees should self-serve themselves and bring their personal food and preferably disposable items (spoon, mug, What should an employer do if one of his/her employee is infected? glass, plate, etc)

MENTAL HEALTH & Employers can measure the staff temperature using a touchless device STRESS MANAGEMENT one or two times a day all by respecting physical distancing.

EXTERNAL VISITORS Employers must provide the employee a surgical mask that he will wear AND MEETINGS appropriately and put the employee in an isolated area or room before calling the MOPH hotline 16000.

Employers MUST follow the Ministry of Public Health National Infection Employers MUST share the facts about COVID-19 with all employees Prevention and Control Interim Guideline for Corona Virus COVID-19 and regularly communicate through emails or social medias. Providing and housekeeping staff shall use appropriate Personal Protective the comfort in understanding employees’ fear and support with Equipment. continuous internal communication on status as well as understanding Employers MUST communicate with the patient coworkers especially Employers MUST cancel external visitors and external business meetings. that actual risk, can make an outbreak less stressful. those at risks for them to take any necessary measures and precaution Technology is highly developed to provide solutions like Business Skype, without introducing stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Microsoft Teams, Virtual Meetings applications. OFFICIAL SOURCES TO SHARE FACTS: Ministry of Public Health, Employers MUST make sure the patient has a medical clearance before Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation. returning to work

2 3 4

For more info. on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) visit www.moph.gov.qa or call 16000 WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 CAMPAIGN 05 COVID-19 - a Guide for Family and Carers of Older People

What is your role as family member and/or caregiver? What do you need to know about ‘physical distancing’ and how can you 1 2 introduce this at home to keep your loved one safe? Some older adults will resist changes to their routines and adapting to the new 3 Physical distancing means limiting your contact with others to prevent the virus COVID-19 lifestyle. Remember that these are extraordinary times; the uncertainty along from using you as a carrier to spread further. with home confinement and isolation from friends and family can be stressful and For those most at risk for severe infection, it is important that we overwhelming. do everything we can to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus. Simple things like frequent handwashing, avoiding crowds, limiting time in public The best way to prevent and slow down transmission of the disease is to be well places, trying to keep a distance from others, and staying at home if we are sick, can make a big difference in reducing our risk of informed about the COVID-19 virus, the symptoms and how it spreads. Protect yourself becoming infected, and of infecting others- including the older and others from infection by encouraging frequent hand washing and monitoring who adults in our life. comes into contact with your family and especially your elderly relative. If there are children living in the house with an elderly relative, You can be the safety gatekeeper for the older person in your care by establishing please ensure they do not go to the rooms where the older practical infection prevention and control measures, including: person spends most of their time (such as the bedroom or private sitting room). Do not allow any physical contact with their grandparents, as hugs and kisses can lead to the spread of Washing Hands infection. • Encourage frequent cleaning of hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rub, both for you and person you care especially: • After any type of contact with some who is ill or any surfaces they may How can you socialize with your elderly relative while keeping a safe physical have touched. distance? • Before, during and after preparing food. The internet can be a wonderful tool for learning new • Before and after eating. skills, entertainment and staying connected with others. If the older adult in your life is not already • After using the toilet. online, you can help them to learn how to use new technology to talk to family and friends. • Identify frequently touched surfaces by the person who has COVID-19 If your loved one is not familiar with technology, make and clean and disinfect them dail.y it part of your routine to check in a few times each day by phone. Physical distancing does not mean • Wear a medical mask when in the same room with the person who has social isolation, and even a potentially deadly virus COVID -19. Do not touch the mask or face during use and discard it should not force us to be alone. Now, more than afterward. ever, people need to find smart ways to stay connected and safe. • Use dedicated dishes cups, eating utensils, towels and bed linens for the In extended households where children are used to interacting with their grandparents- maybe person who has COVID-19. Wash them with soap and water. introduce a ‘social hour’ where the children can sit at least two meters away and listen to a story or have a conversation with their grandparent. But ensure they do not hug or kiss them to be safe. Practicing Physical Distancing When the world is in a state of panic, we need to remember that remaining hopeful can help people to deal with a new way of living. While it is best to distance yourself from older adults at Older adults, aged 65 years and older, are at a higher risk of contracting It can be hard to limit family visits, especially on special occasions and this stage in the pandemic; however, you can still keep them in the loop. Coronavirus Disease and can become more ill. At this time, there are no elderly relatives might insist on seeing the grandchildren or having family Let them know what is going on by keeping them up to date with daily news. In your phone calls gatherings. However, for their own safety, please insist on everyone or video chats, talk about normal daily occurrences as well as plans for the future to give them something to look forward to. so the best way to keep your loved ones safe from infection is to keep adhering to strict safety protocols when coming to the house. them away from contact with the virus.

THIS GUIDE IS FOR FAMILY AND CARERS OF OLDER PEOPLE, TO HELP THEM REDUCE THE RISK OF THEIR LOVED ONE CONTRACTING THE DISEASE AS WELL TO HELP 5 6 CAREGIVERS THEMSELVES. Do: Eat regular healthy meals, with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, to help REMEMBER IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR PRIMARY CAREGIVERS TO boost your body’s natural immune system. LOOK AFTER THEIR OWN HEALTH!

Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. Caregiving can be more stressful at this time, especially if dealing with someone who may have a cognitive impairment due to dementia and may not 4 Take medication as prescribed, check they have taken their daily medication understand the restrictions imposed on them, even if they are for their own and how many doses they have left to see if a repeat prescription is required. TIPS FOR HOW YOU CAN HELP EASE THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL DISTANCING good. Keep as physically fit as you can, within the confines of your home and It is therefore important for the caregiver to monitor their own physical and Limit the non-essentials: Encourage the older adults in your life to cancel any subject to your health condition. Some form of daily exercise helps improve psychological wellbeing. Try to identify any options that may exist for alleviating blood circulation and lung function. appointments and outings that are not essential. If it is essential, contact a the burden of care or providing some respite. healthcare provider on the COVID-19 hotline ( # 16000) and ask for advice. Keep your mind active, with reading, using the internet to learn a new skill or play games and staying in touch with friends and family through the YOU ARE NOT ALONE - DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. Since it is best to keep a physical distance, you can offer to have telephone or social media. Call the COVID-19 hotline number #16000 and ask to speak to healthcare conversations via phone calls, video chats and e-mail. Talk about what professional for mental health and wellbeing support. Loneliness and boredom in older people can lead to depression and early matters to you and to them. Talk about normal every day things while also cognitive decline – so help your older loved ones to keep active, socially checking that they feel physically well and continue to eat healthy, drink and physically, but while still keeping a safe distance from others. enough liquids as well as exercise and rest as required.

Offer help: If you live with any older adults or are in contact with them as a What should you do if you suspect a potential family member or a neighbor, ask how you can help them – whether it is a infection in the older person in your care? What about having to take regular medication and how can I get repeat prescriptions? medication refill, or if they need groceries. Let them know you care and are Common signs of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty there to help them. Respect their autonomy and self-rule but also ensure they breathing. As the virus becomes more severe, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe For anyone who has to take regular medication it is important that they continue with are aware of why you are doing certain things to keep them safe. acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. this practice. Older people with chronic conditions who need to take their medicines If your elderly relative experiences any of these symptoms, please call the national Communicate: Do not be too negative but try to communicate effectively and can be reminded by their relatives or carers to do so. COVID-19 hotline on #16000 for further assistance. calmly. We all need hope in times like these, so remember to pass it on to the Older adults may be less likely than younger individuals to run a fever when they have an If the older person needs physical help in taking the medications, make sure whoever older adults in your life. This is a stressful time, now more than ever; it is good infection so if they have other symptoms of an infection or are feeling poorly, it is better gives the medication washed their hand well before and after completing the task. to be patient and practice peaceful unity. to get checked them out. Ensure your elderly relative has enough medication doses so they do not run out. If What should you do if you suspect you may have they are running low, you can arrange for a repeat prescription by calling the some kind of infection? COVID-19 hotline. What general advice should you give to your elderly Please arrange to pick up the prescription and medication and discourage your elderly relative from engaging in this task to avoid the risk of infection. relative or care recipient? If you or anyone else in your family or household, who has been in contact with your elderly relative, exhibit any signs of having flu-like symptoms you should call the If you call the COVID-19 hotline on #16000 you can check if the person you care for COVID-19 hotline for advice on how to proceed further. Every person ages differently; while some might be more homebound due to their is eligible to have their medicines delivered to them. existing health condition, others might be active and used to leading an independent Make sure you keep your distance from your loved ones and adopt extra special and energetic life. hand-hygiene until you are sure you do not carry the virus and can transfer it to others. Do Not: Visit any crowded places – Let someone else do the food shopping or visit the chemist if needed. When in doubt – who to contact? Attend any social gatherings – Birthdays, weddings and any other special 7 The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar has established a dedicated website occasions outside the house as well as inside the home! These can be (www.moph.gov.qa) to provide the public with updates on the current situation as celebrated another time, as they are not as important as your health. well as information on how to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. A

Have physical contact with anyone who is sick – event if they may only hotline (16000) is also available 24-hours a day to answer COVID-19 related have a simple cold, they may also be carrying the coronavirus. queries. While in many instances sharing is considered a form of caring but not if someone is carrying the COVID-19 virus. Do not put yourself or your loved ones at risk.

For more info. on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) visit www.moph.gov.qa or call 16000 06 HEALTHY LIVING WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 How to observe dental care during COVID-19

HEALTH CHECK TEAM (not just a little pain); infection or a Doha substantial risk of it and trauma (such as a broken tooth). S a part of the precaution- However, if you feel sick before com- ary measure and following ing to see a dentist, for instance, if you Tips on denTAl hygiene the directive of the Ministry have a fever, cough, shortness of breath Aof Public Health to limit the and a sore throat - you must call the ☛ The best way to reduce your need to see a dentist is spread of coronavirus disease COVID-19 hotline #16000 first for advice to keep good oral hygiene. (COVID-19), Primary Health Care Corpo- on how to proceed. ration (PHCC) Dental Services restricted Patients requiring PHCC dental services ☛ Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that in-person patient’s appointments to can now dial 16000 and choose the PHCC contains fluoride health centres. option, they will then be routed to a PHCC To be seen at the health centre, one Community Call Centre offering remote ☛ Gargle frequently with an antiseptic mouthwash must have one or more of these condi- consultations for patients requiring both or simply rinse your mouth with salt water, which is a tions including severe toothache pain routine and urgent care dental services. natural and cost effective way to keep your mouth clean.

Treating skin irritations from wearing face masks MAYO CLINIC unscented diaper paste,” she says. “It has very nice anti-in- “Repeat that two to three times a day, if possible, and TRibune neWs seRViCe flammatory properties, and you can put a thin layer across you’ll find that this humidifying method is very helpful,” your nasal bridge, behind your ears or under your she says. INCE people are wearing face masks chin, in places where the mask will rub.” Also, skin issues on the face and neck that are not re- Sbecause of COVID-19 pandemic require- She says that serves as a barrier to the friction lated to COVID-19, where the mask rests or rubs, are likely ments, skin irritations on the face might without affecting or decreasing the effective- to be exacerbated by the friction of the mask and sweat- be more prevalent. ness of the mask. ing, since some people get warm wearing them. Examples “People are getting friction and irritation Dr. Davis says the first step for mask use include acne, rosacea and psoriasis. across their nasal bridge, behind their ears and sensitive skin is after you’ve washed and perhaps under their chin,” says Dr. and patted your face dry, apply hypoaller- For these concerns, Dr. Davis encourages people to: Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist. genic moisturizer that’s identified as face ☛ Wash the face gently with soap and water, twice daily. “That happens because of natural wear but moisturiser. Apply the lotion or cream ☛ Use medications as directed. also because the masks are tight, which twice, leaving a thick layer. ☛ Consult your dermatologist or primary health care pro- is well-intentioned, but can “Then do a vinegar soak with vider if a new rash erupts, or if the current skin condition strangulate the skin.” a washcloth and lay it across changes appearance or is not responding to treatment. She says the your face for about 15 mask should not minutes in the areas Dr. Davis also stresses washing cotton face masks to be loose and that are irritated,” keep them clean. She says washing by hand is gentler on should be says Dr. Davis. the mask. However, remember to wash adequately with worn firmly Her recipe for soap and hot water. against the the vinegar Dr. Davis offers other reminders, including: skin, but not so soak is to put ☛ Replace ties or elastic, as needed, if you wear. tight it bruises the a teaspoon of ☛ Replace the mask if it tears or develops holes. skin. white vinegar in ☛ Wear the mask over the nose and mouth. Not just Dr. Davis also recommends a glass or small bowl of the mouth. using zinc oxide. “That’s the white warm water, soak a clean washcloth, ☛ Don’t forget about potential irritation behind the ears hypoallergenic chemical that’s in then rest it on your face. and under the chin.

EDITORIAL TEAM: MARKETING TEAM: DESIGNER: JITENDRA PATEL CATHERINE W GICHUKI HEALTH CHECK TEAM PUBLISHED BY: QATAR TRIBUNE WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 LIFESTYLE IMPACT 07

How Ambulance Service team protects themselves from COVID-19

The Ambulance service CATHERINE W GICHUKI screening /swabbing at HIA / Doha Port; cially the group of staff who are regu- including the paramedics Doha and follow- up by telephone and home larly in direct contact of dispatching visits – medical advice as required and COVID-19 positive patients and trans- and the team are well AMAD Medical Corporation’s swabbing to support discharge after 14 ferring them either from community protected and they follow (HMC) Ambulance Service days. About a month ago, we held a large to hospital or from hospital to hospital hMC’s infection and paramedics and team mem- drive -through service over a few days to (inter-facility transfer). Control disease and Who’s H bers have been on the front- support the swabbing of large numbers The official further said that they also line to fight the coronavirus (1,200) of home quarantine individuals.” monitor the health condition of their guidelines and protocols disease (COVID-19). But have you ever With all this to do, how do they keep staff and if they notice any sign and wondered how they keep safe to prevent themselves protected? symptom, the paramedic is transferred themselves from contracting the disease? According to Darwish the Ambu- to the HMC’s staff clinic where they con- Ambulance Service Assistant Execu- lance Service including the paramed- tinue with the procedure and investiga- tive Director Ali Darwish said COVID-19 ics and the team are well protected tions required. has a lot of scheduled transfers either and they follow HMC’s Infection and According to him, even at home they from community to hospital, from Control Disease and WHO’s guidelines lead a lifestyle that will minimise them or hospital to hospital or from quarantine and protocols. their family members getting infected. to hospital. Describing the type of the Personal “The Ambulance Service paramedics In addition the Ambulance Service Protective Equipment (PPE) they use as are naturally careful because they are is also supporting quarantine with a su- Ambulance Service, Darwish said first healthcare providers and this is part of pervisor to assist with the management they get to know what they are facing their training and educational practice. of quarantine and the needs of people before they arrive which is given This means that during the pandem- who are inside. “We also support them from the National Command ic, they are even more careful and with the ambulances for transfer from Center. cautious to a level that when they quarantine to hospital if the patient is “The National Command go home after work, they put their sick or if they their health deteriorates. Center gives us the information belongings and footwear, uniform The Ambulance Service also provides about the information of the pa- outside the house and they go the Field Hospital in Industrial Area tient that we are going to and then directly to take a good shower.” ali Darwish, ambulance service assistant with ambulances to assist in transfer- we wear the PPE.” According to Darwish, they executive Director ring patients from the field hospital to According to him, when change their clothes and Hamad General Hospital or to any other donning the PPE, they disinfect every belong- emergency care centre.” start with the face ing they had from work Darwish explained that the Ambu- mask, face shield, including phones, wal- lance Service has another team and gloves, gown/ apron let, among others. He they work together in the fight against (worn on top of the said that when they the pandemic-the Mobile Health Ser- uniform), head enter the house, vices (MHS). cover and foot they don’t use the “MHS continues to operate normal cover. “We also house facility- they community service, for example, IV provide the don’t sit on chairs antibiotics, dressings at home; long-term patient who and don’t get in care for housebound elderly patients is COVID-19 touch with their and services at our fixed facilities, at the positive a mask and families and kids Patient Recovery Centre (57- bedded step gloves, for the patient not before they take down facility) and the Hamad Interna- to transmit the disease.” bath and disinfect tional Airport (HIA) North-Node Clinic.” He said besides that themselves. “They According to Darwish, the MHS the Ambulance Service also keep a fam- recently supported the Ministry of Public also screens and swabs ily social distance. Health in Community Survey by provid- its staff. “We protect These are the precautions ing the operational capacity for the drive- and monitor our staff they follow to minimise through swabbing of over 1,300 indi- by regular swabbing the chances of getting viduals. “MHS is also doing Ports of Entry and screening espe- infected.” 08 WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020

How to protect yourself and others from infection:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use a ّ hand sanitizer

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and dispose of used tissues

Avoid close contact with ّ anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness

If you experience symptoms including cough,sneezing, َ and fever, limit your contact with other people ّ

Avoid touching your ّ eyes, nose and mouth with your hands

ﻟﻠﻤﺰﻳﺪ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎت: ﻳﺮﺟﻰ زﻳﺎرة اﻟﻤﻮﻗﻊ اﻻﻟﻜﺘﺮوﻧﻲ www.moph.gov.qa أو اﻻﺗﺼﺎل ﻋﻠﻰ رﻗﻢ اﻟﻬﺎﺗﻒ (16000) For more info. Visit www.moph.gov.qa or call (16000)