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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune SUNDAY MARCH 15, 2020 RAJAB 20, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 4894 QR 2

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Four expats recover from COVID-19

spread of the virus.” More patients likely Majority of the cases dis- 17 more test positive for virus covered were workers, with to recover soon: The Ministry of Public health (MoPh) on Saturday announced the rest visiting from countries MoPH official 17 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (CoVID-19) in Qatar. that affected by the spread of In a statement, the ministry said the new cases relate to the the virus. previously discovered ones among expatriate workers who are “Majority of the cases’ CATHERINE W GICHUKI quarantined. The new cases are receiving suitable care under families tested negative for the Doha complete isolation and they all are in stable health condition, the virus, thanks to good personal statement added. The MoPh continues to expand the scope of hygiene and social distanc- IN a positive news, four ex- testing and conduct the necessary checks to trace all possible ing,” he noted. patriates who contracted contacts with confirmed cases.(QNA) Medical Director of Com- coronavirus (COVID-19) re- municable Disease Center Dr covered from the disease Muna al Maslamani said the after receiving treatment at He said more persons in- “Qatar has been preparing first one was a Jordanian resi- the Communicable Disease fected with coronavirus are ex- for this for a few months and dent who came in with a sore Center, the Ministry of Public pected to recover in the com- we have enough beds in quar- throat and fever. Health (MoPH) announced on ing days. antine areas,” he said. “The first test on March Saturday. The disease doesn’t affect He assured the public that 7 came back positive. Al Ma- The four — a Jordanian, a Ministry of Public Health officials address a press conference in Doha on Saturday. anyone based on their age, medical teams are doing all slamani said that the patient Filipino, an Iranian and a Su- gender or race, he said. they can to treat the cases and took two more tests later, with danese — had either a history Addressing a press con- Thani said, “The recovery of sources to treat patients. The “Everyone gets the same to provide the necessary pro- both coming back negative,” of travel or had come in close ference, Director of Public four cases confirms the com- ministry will keep on updating treatment. Qatar doesn’t dif- tective measures. she said. contact with those coming Health Department Sheikh mitment of the health sector people about those who have ferentiate between a citizen “Every institution is co- from Iran. Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al to allocating the necessary re- recovered from the disease.” and a resident,” he said operating to ensure minimal Continued on page 2 

Banks, telcos advise customers to go digital for transactions number of Doha-based less credit and debit cards Qatar bolsters virus defence abanks and telecom enti- to facilitate payments,” Doha ties have advised their cus- Bank said in a message send tomers to use debit, credit to its customers. cards and digital channels “For your safety, always Entry ban extended to instead of paying by cash for wash your hands thoroughly, financial transactions and and remember you can settling bills to combat the always pay using Commercial Italy, Germany, Spain, spread of the coronavirus in Bank Contactless Debit and Qatar. Credit Cards via “Tap N Pay” “Your health and safety technology,” Commercial France and Sudan is of prime importance to Bank twitted on Saturday. us. Doha Bank would like ooredoo also advised to encourage you to make its customers to use the all your financial and bank- company’s digital platforms ing transactions through our to make payments. Vodafone HMC changes Katara suspends SJC suspends safe and convenient digital Qatar is also encouraging banking channels like aTM, all its customers to use the visitor policy all activities for court sessions Cash Deposit Machines, company’s digital channels at all hospitals two weeks for two weeks online and Mobile Banking. accessible 24/7. You may also use our contact- —SATYENDRA PATHAK PG 8 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK facilities across HMC hospi- Doha tals. From March 13, visitors are limited to first and second IN a move to contain the coro- degree relatives only, one at a navirus (COVID-1) spread, time, and for a maximum of 15 No exit permit needed Qatar has ramped up defence minutes. against the virus. Joining the This policy will be en- state’s efforts to defeat the vi- forced across all HMC hos- for govt, semi-govt staff rus, many institutions and au- pitals and long-term care thorities have cancelled their facilities including Enaya Spe- QNA they stay in a quarantine from March 19: MoI activities for some time. Msheireb Museums cialised Care Center. Doha facility for 14 days as per The Supreme Judicial closes its facilities; “Enaya Specialized Care the local procedures,” the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Council (SJC) has suspended Center has many elderly AS part of the precautionary statement said. Doha sessions of the Court of Ap- tram services shut patients and patients with measures taken to limit the It has also been decided peal, the Court of First In- chronic health conditions. spread of coronavirus (COV- to temporarily suspend en- Starting from March 19, exit stance, Labour Disputes closed in addition to art gal- Therefore, it is particularly ID-19), Qatar has suspended try to Qatar from Sudan. permits for the governmental Settlement Committee and leries from Sunday. important to protect these visa on arrival for travellers This restriction includes and quasi-governmental sector, Rental Disputes Settlements “In line with the efforts patients who are more vulner- from a number of European those who are in possession with the exception of 5 percent Committee from March 15 for made by Qatar to reduce able to COVID-19 than other countries from March 15 un- of visa on arrival or a Qatar of the workers determined by two weeks. spread of COVID-19, Katara members of society,’’ said Dr til further notice. residence permit. the employer, will be abolished, In a press release, the SJC will suspend all its activities, Hanadi al Hamad. In a statement on Sat- The statement said Qa- the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed judges will con- events, art galleries, restau- Similarly, Msheireb Muse- urday, the Government tar continues to urge citi- announced. tinue to hear and look into rants and cafes in addition ums, the four heritage houses Communications Office zens and residents to avoid Major abdullah Khalifa al Major Abdullah Khalifa al time-related and other urgent to the health club and Katara and the cultural destination at (GCO) said the decision all but essential travel at Muhannadi, Director of the Visa Muhannadi. matters, in addition to setting Beach area for a period of two Msheireb Downtown Doha, includes suspending entry this time. Support Services Department new dates for postponed ses- weeks, starting from Sunday, has temporarily closed its fa- for citizens of Italy, France, These precautionary at the General Directorate of sectors, workers in agriculture sions. The Court of Cassation March 15, 2020,” Katara said cilities in Msheireb Downtown Germany and Spain, as well measures may be subject Passport, said, “Temporary or and irrigation, and those work- will continue its hearings on in a tweet. Doha until further notice. as all others traveling from to further updates based on final exit during the period of ing in private offices as well.” the pre-scheduled dates. In order to limit the po- This action is being taken these countries. the latest guidance of the valid work contract is permis- he explained that 5 percent To reduce the chance of tential spread of COVID-19, to prevent and contain the “Individuals intending national health authorities sible without exit permit for the of workers in the establishment infection and transmission of Hamad Medical Corporation spread of the COVID-19. to travel from these four and international organisa- employees in the ministries and will be excluded as they must coronavirus, Katara has sus- (HMC) is making changes to In addition, Msheireb countries who are in pos- tions regarding the spread other government agencies, submit an application with their pended all its activities for two its visitor policy. The HMC Properties has halted tram session of a Qatar residence of COVID-19, in order to public bodies and institutions, employer for obtaining a final or weeks. has imposed additional re- service at Msheireb Down- permit are excluded from ensure the safety of all resi- workers in the oil and gas sec- temporary exit permit. The health club, beach strictions for visitors to Inpa- town Doha until further notice this decision, provided that dents of Qatar. tor and its subsidiaries, employ- area and eateries will be tient Units and long-term care for the same reason. PG 2 ees of sea and territorial waters Continued on page 2  02 Sunday, March 15, 2020

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All coronavirus Take extra precautions against spread cases at CDC in good health of COVıD-19, expert advises diabetics Hand hygiene and social distancing are essential for protection from coronavirus: Prof Badi Continued from page 1  Disease Center (CDC) on March 8. A test conducted TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK symptoms of respiratory ill- have questions about manag- The second case was of on him the next day showed Doha ness, Professor Abou Samra ing their diabetes, especially if a Filipino resident who was positive. said it is important that people they feel unwell. coming back from Iran. The “He had a cough. His PROFESSOR Abdul Badi with diabetes follow the guid- He emphasised the im- patient had no symptoms but next two tests on March 12 Abou Samra, director of Qatar ance provided by their health- portance of contacting doctor was found to have the virus, and March 13 were nega- Metabolic Institute and chair- care team for how to manage if the blood sugar is over 300 thanks to the screening the tive,” she added. man of Internal Medicine at sick days. mg/dl for two tests in a row (in ministry carries out, she said. “Once the swab comes Hamad Medical Corporation He said, “It is important a two-to-eight hour period), if The patient had two negative, we have to repeat (HMC) has urged diabetics to make a list of your medi- diabetic finds ketones in his/ tests that came out positive, the test again within 24 in the country to take extra cations and their dosages. If her urine, feels sleepier than on March 4 and March 7, hours for confirmation and precautions to guard against you have type 1 diabetes, en- usual, has trouble breathing, respectively. The following this is based on WHO and COVID-19. sure you have a good supply can’t think clearly, has diar- two tests that took place on CDC recommendations to He, however, advised them of glucagon and ketone strips. rhea, has an infection, vision, March 10 and March 13 came ensure that the patient is to- not to panic. It is also important to ensure speech or balance problems. as negative. tally cured and is discharged “People with chronic dis- you have enough insulin and “Most diabetics will be The third case was for an from the hospital,” she said. eases, particularly diabetes, medication for a couple of very familiar with how to Iranian resident who came “All the coronavirus cas- have lower immunity levels weeks, should you be too ill to care for themselves during back from Iran on February es at the centre are in good than healthy people. There- get prescriptions refilled. sick days, but if they have any 21. health and are being moni- fore, it’s important they take He added, “Like other res- nated with air droplets and “If you are at risk for hy- questions, they should consult He had only a runny tored constantly,” she said, extra precautions by practis- piratory illnesses, COVID-19 then touching the mouth or poglycemia, check your blood their healthcare team. It is es- nose, but his test on March adding that majority of the ing good personal hygiene and spreads from one person to nose. Therefore, hand hygiene sugar as soon as you feel any pecially important they talk to 8 came out positive. The fol- cases did not have symp- not sharing food, glasses and another through air droplets and social distancing are es- symptoms and if your blood their doctor about any chang- lowing two tests on March 10 toms. towels, and avoiding contact that are dispersed when an in- sential for protection from sugar is low, drink a cup of es to their diabetes medica- and March 12 came as nega- She said majority of the with anyone showing symp- fected person sneezes, coughs COVID-19.” juice or have three pieces of tions when sick, and also what tive. cases do not need treatment, toms of respiratory illnesses. or talks. The virus can also be In addition to taking pre- sugar.” medications they can take for The fourth case was for the exemption being made They should also seek medi- spread through close contact cautions such as thorough Professor Abou Samra colds, flu, viruses and infec- a Sudanese resident who to those who have chronic cal care in case they feel sick,” with an infected person or by hand washing and avoiding urged patients not to hesitate tions,” said Professor Abou entered the Communicable diseases. said Professor Abou Samra. touching surfaces contami- contact with anyone showing to contact their doctor if they Samra.

Qatar Int’l Boat Show postponed HMC limits visit to Enaya Gulf health ministers discuss ASHRAF SIDDIQUI Qatar. measures to curb Covid-19 Doha “In view of the current situation brought on by coro- Specialized Care Center QNA The meeting reviewed the KHALID Essa al Mannai, navirus (Covid19) and in the Doha latest developments in the GCC chairman of Al Mannai Plus interest of the health and TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK countries and discussed meas- Events, the organisers of the safety of representatives of our Doha QATAR took part in the meet- ures to curb the spread of the sole luxury yachts show in the partners, sponsors and par- ing of health ministers of the Coronavirus. country, ‘Qatar International ticipating companies as well IN order to limit the potential Gulf Cooperation Council During the meeting, an Boat Show’, has announced the as visitors, the event has been spread of COVID-19, Hamad (GCC), which was held on Sat- overview of the current situa- postponement of the 7th edi- postponed on the advice of the Medical Corporation (HMC) urday through video conference tion in each of the GCC states tion of the event. local authorities,” Mannai said. has introduced additional to discuss the developments of was presented, including the Under the patronage of the Mannai regretted the in- restrictions for visitors to in- the coronavirus (Covid-19). procedures followed in the Prime Minister and Minister convenience caused by the patient units and long-term Minister of Public Health ports, statistics related to the of Interior, the international decision and appreciated the care facilities across HMC HE Dr Hanan Mohammed al virus, health sector readiness, event was scheduled to be held support of all parties and stake- hospitals. Kuwari represented Qatar in media and awareness plans, from March 18 to 21,2020 at holders concerned in this diffi- From Saturday, March 13, the meeting. and contingency plans. the Porto Arabia, The Pearl cult time. visitors have been limited to first and second degree rela- tives only, one at a time and for a maximum of 15 minutes stay. SJC suspends court HR departments informed The policy will be en- forced across all HMC hos- pitals and long-term care have compromised immune sessions for 2 weeks about new exit procedures facilities, including Enaya From Saturday, March 13, systems, putting them at in- Continued from page 1  thorities in the relevant sec- Specialized Care Center. visitors have been limited to creased risk from COVID-19. THE Supreme Judicial Coun- gent matters, in addition to tors to add the employees “Enaya Specialized Care first and second degree rel- We understand that regular cil (SJC) has announced the setting new dates for post- He pointed out that HR included in the excluded cat- Center has many elderly atives only, one at a time interaction with family mem- suspension of the sessions poned sessions. The Court departments have been in- egory before the implemen- patients and patients with and for a maximum of 15 bers is an important part of of the Court of Appeal, the of Cassation will continue to formed in the relevant sec- tation of the decision begins. chronic health conditions. our patients care plans, but Court of First Instance, La- consider its hearings on the tors to inform them of the A text message will be Therefore, it is particularly minutes stay we must prioritise the safety bour Disputes Settlement pre-scheduled dates. required procedures and sent to those who are includ- important to protect these and health of our patients Committee and Rental Dis- The measure is part of steps. ed in the category informing patients who are more vul- and chairperson of the Geri- at this difficult time. We ask putes Settlements Commit- the preventive efforts taken He said these procedures the necessity of submitting nerable to COVID-19 than atrics and Long Term Care patients and their families tee from Sunday, March 15, by Qatar to curb the spread were activated through Met- an application with the em- other members of society,” Department at HMC. for their support while these for two weeks. of the coronavirus (Covid 19) rash2 and the website of the ployer in case of wishing to said Dr Hanadi al Hamad, “These changes to our changes are in place and we In a press release, the for everyone’s safety, and in Ministry of Interior since leave the country temporar- Medical Director of Ru- visitor policy have been will continue to provide up- council confirmed that judg- coordination with the rele- March 5 to enable the au- ily or permanently. mailah Hospital and the Qa- made in the best interest of dates as and when needed,” es will continue to look into vant authorities in the coun- tar Rehabilitation Institute our patients, many of whom Dr Hamad added. time-related and other ur- try. (QNA) Msheireb Museums announces temporary closure

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK flagship project Msheireb Doha Downtown Doha, applauded the effort taken by Qatari au- MSHEIREB Museums, the thorities to tackle the corona- four heritage houses and virus spread and wished the the cultural destination at citizens and residents of Qatar Msheireb Downtown Doha, wellbeing and health. has announced the tempo- Msheireb Properties has rary closure of its facilities in also halted Tram service at Msheireb Downtown Doha Msheireb Downtown Doha until further notice. until further notice for the This action is being taken same reason. by Msheireb Properties to The closure of Msheireb support the precautionary Museums and MDD tram is measures put in place by Qa- part of the response Msheireb tar to prevent and contain Properties is taking at its flag- the spread of the coronavirus ship project Msheireb Down- (COVID-19). town Doha to help secure the While regretting the in- health of local community and convenience, Msheireb Prop- support the effort of Qatari au- erties, the developer of the thorities. Nation Sunday, March 15, 2020 03

Global organisation Experts share insights on transitional hails commitment of Qatar to Rotterdam justice in Arab region at BDC meeting Stockholm conventions QNA Brookings Doha Center and American Society of International Law bring together more than 30 experts at workshop Doha The Rotterdam Convention Prior Informed Consent TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK THE Secretariat of the ‘Rot- Procedure for Certain Doha terdam and Stockholm’ Hazardous Chemicals and conventions of the United THE Brookings Doha Center Nations Environment Pro- Pesticides in International and the American Society gramme, in its official website Trade is a multilateral trea- of International Law jointly and its Twitter account, con- ty to promote shared organised a workshop titled gratulated Qatar on the occa- responsibilities in relation ‘Innovation in Transitional sion of the 15th anniversary to importation of hazard- Justice: Experiences from the of becoming an international Arab Region’. actor and committed to the ous chemicals More than 30 experts gath- terms of these two multilat- ered to highlight the achieve- eral environmental conven- on Persistent Organic Pollut- ments and innovations in the tions that the Qatar signed ants is an international en- pursuit of transitional justice, on December 10, 2004. vironmental treaty signed in and to explore new ways of The Rotterdam Conven- 2001 and effective from May thinking about transitional tion Prior Informed Consent 2004 that aims to eliminate justice amid ongoing conflict Procedure for Certain Haz- or restrict the production and authoritarianism in the ardous Chemicals and Pesti- and use of persistent organic Arab region. The workshop cides in International Trade pollutants (POPs). focused on eight countries: is a multilateral treaty to The Ministry of Munici- Algeria, Sudan, Egypt, Tuni- promote shared responsibil- pality and Environment rep- sia, Libya, Yemen, Syria and ities in relation to importa- resents Qatar in the periodic Lebanon. tion of hazardous chemicals. meetings and conferences re- Commenting on the oc- The convention promotes lated to the two conventions casion, Noha Aboueldahab, open exchange of informa- through the Department fellow at the Brookings Doha tion and calls on exporters of Radiation and Chemical Center, said: “With the wealth of hazardous chemicals to Protection, and the national of experience the participants use proper labelling, include point of contact in the min- brought with them, I have no directions on safe handling, istry is the link between the doubt that we have made some over 30 experts gather to highlight the achievements and innovations in the pursuit of transitional justice. and inform purchasers of any State and the Convention great headway in thinking known restrictions or bans. secretariat. about how to address these is- justice policy in Arab states. year’s iteration is an expan- and Dignity Commission in bring justice to the victims and Signatory nations can Qatar participated in the sues both from a research and The workshop is the sec- sion of the previous workshop Tunisia, who talked about her carry out reforms so that these decide whether to allow Conference of the Parties to policy perspective.” ond organised by Brookings with the objective of develop- country’s experience in im- violations do not recur.” She or ban the importation of the Basel Convention on the Through six interactive ses- Doha Center on the topic of ing the Arab transitional jus- plementing transitional jus- added: “All conditions must be chemicals listed in the treaty Control of Trans-boundary sions, the participants offered transitional justice in the Arab tice network of practitioners, tice. “The tasks of the Truth met in transitional justice in and exporting countries are Movements of Hazardous their insight into a wide range world. In October 2017, 18 ex- policy makers, civil society and Dignity Commission,” order to achieve justice.” obliged to make sure that Wastes and Their Disposal of themes, such as pursuing perts from across the region and scholars. she said, “are to determine The session was moderat- producers within their juris- and the Rotterdam and accountability during war and convened in Doha to discuss The Brookings Doha Cent- responsibility of committed ed by Nadim Houry, executive diction comply. Stockholm Conventions, authoritarian rule, art and tran- challenges facing transitional er also hosted Sihem Bense- violations and who should be director of the Arab Reform Stockholm Convention held in Geneva last year. sitional justice, and transitional justice in the region. This drine, president of the Truth held accountable, as well as to Initiative. QIC Group bids farewell to its PwC and female industry leaders in Qatar senior deputy president, CEO discuss how to thrive in today’s workplace TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

PWC Qatar recently hosted two panels in line with the global campaign theme ‘Each for Equal’ in celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD). The discussion was cen- tred around how people in Qatar can contribute to re- alising gender equality. This year’s theme focused on how gender equality is essential for economies and communi- ties to thrive. The sessions featured a di- verse panel of accomplished women from across sectors and industry in Qatar, in- cluding Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad al Thani, managing director of Business Devel- opment at Qatar Financial the sessions featured a diverse panel of accomplished women from across sectors and industry in Qatar. Centre Authority (QFC), Abir Bougerra from Malomatia, discussed the prominent role equal opportunities.” factor that continually trans- Qatar Insurance company Group Senior Deputy Group President & cEo Ali al Fadala with other senior Zeynep Yondem from Qatar women have had on his own Abir Bougerra added: “We forms our business and we can management staff at a farewell ceremony in Doha recently. Free Zones Authority, Eman development. He said that should be focusing on build- bring innovation to not only al Kuwari from the Ministry working for HE Reem al Man- ing human-centric cultures at our partners, but teams across TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tation ceremony. at QIC, Ali has played a very of Transport and Communi- soori at MoTC has been a de- the workplace and looking at the board. I believe this diver- Doha Fadala joined QIC in 1986 prominent role. His con- cations’ TASMU Smart Qatar fining experience in his career individuals from the lenses of sity and the ongoing collabo- and held several key positions tribution is reflected in the Programme, and Hind Zaki, development to date.” what they can offer in terms ration to recognise equality QATAR Insurance Company within the group and its enti- achievements made by the director of Strategy and Plan- Both sessions were led by of capabilities and capacities within our team should be cel- (QIC) Group, a leading insur- ties. Group under his guidance.” ning at Qatar Research, Devel- Jennifer OSullivan, partner, as humans and not within the ebrated beyond International er in the MENA region, hon- In 2010, Fadala was ap- He added, “I would like to opment and Innovation Coun- International Tax, and PwC constraints of their genders, Women’s Day,” said Bassam oured Senior Deputy Group pointed as CEO of Daman express my sincere gratitude cil (QDRI). Qatar’s Consulting Director because the change starts Hajhamad, PwC Qatar coun- President & CEO Ali al Fadala Islamic Insurance Company for his visionary foresight, Each panellist brought Aysun Ozen Tacer. from the top.” try senior partner. for his significant contribu- (BEEMA), which is a subsidi- continued guidance and ef- a unique perspective to the During the panels, Sheikha “International Women’s Jennifer O Sullivan said, tions to the company, during ary of QIC Group. fective role in transforming discussion about the barriers Alanoud bint Hamad al Thani Day serves as a much-needed “At PwC, we ensure that our a farewell ceremony organ- In 2013, he was appointed the company to where it has they have faced in the work- said, “Qatar has been progres- opportunity to celebrate wom- teams are equipped with the ised at the group’s headquar- as the Senior Deputy Group reached today. place, and how they overcame sively empowering women by en in the local workforce, but necessary tools and resources ters in West Bay. President & CEO of the QIC “I wish him success in his these and ultimately build or supporting their active en- perhaps more importantly, it’s in order for women to thrive Group President Khali- Group. He was also elected as future endeavours and hope lead some of the most success- gagement, economically, po- a chance for female leaders in in the workplace and beyond. fa Abdulla Turki al Subaie, a member to the Board of Di- that his sincere dedication ful businesses in the country. litically and socially.” the industry to share and pass While we have made signifi- Group CEO Salem al Mannai rectors of BEEMA. and contribution will con- The panel also featured Zyenep Yondem said: their expertise and knowl- cant progress in recent years, and other senior officials of Subaie said, “During the tinue to inspire many in the Dave Verma, consulting di- “When it comes to advancing edge to others. Our diversity there is still much to be done the group attended the felici- past 33 years of his service future.” rector at PwC Qatar, who your career, the key is having at PwC Qatar is a key success to achieve gender equality.” Nearly 40 professionals attend IIQS-Qatar first CPD event

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tive and interactive lecture the topic. Doha on the topic ‘Insurance Tejas Sangvi (member- Claims – A Test of Promise’. ship manager, IIQS-Qatar) THE Indian Institute of The lecture was attended welcomed the attendees and Quantity Surveyors-Qatar by 40 members and guests. hosted the event while Kiran Chapter (IIQS-Qatar), affili- The real life case studies (general secretary, IIQS-Qa- ated to the Indian Business introduced by the speaker tar) felicitated Vinod Kumar, and Professionals Council were highly engaging and the speaker. (IBPC) under the aegis of the provided the audience with Sudheer Edamana (vice- Indian Embassy in Qatar, an insight into management president, IIQS-Qatar) pro- conducted its first Continu- of insurances and insurance posed the vote of thanks and ing Professional Develop- claims in particular. provided an outline of IIQS- ment (CPD) of 2020, at Con- The organisers had to Qatar’s upcoming events corde Hotel recently. extend the session beyond starting with an exciting CPD Vinod Kumar, chief ex- the stipulated time, owing on ‘Public Private Partner- ecutive officer, Marsh Qatar, to the enthusiasm and inter- ships’ by Nick Coleridge on delivered a highly informa- est shown by the attendees in February19, 2020. 04 Sunday, March 15, 2020 Nation Texas A&M at Qatar hosts Nobel laureate Sir Stoddart This was the second visit to the campus by the world-renowned chemist who offered his advice to students and researchers

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ACS International Chemical Doha Sciences Chapter and joined 19 other international chap- A recent visit to Doha by ters around the world. The world-renowned chemist and world’s largest scientific soci- Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser ety, ACS aims to advance the Stoddart led to a unique op- broader chemistry enterprise MES recognised portunity for students, faculty and its practitioners for the and researchers at Texas A&M benefit of the planet and its University at Qatar (Tamuq). people and its vision is to im- as Mathematics Stoddart met with faculty, prove people’s lives through researchers and students at the transforming power of Tamuq, where he gave advice chemistry. Promotion School to students and researchers The society provides in- alike. He encouraged students formation, education, career TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The AryabhataGanit Chal- to take advantage of the op- services, professional de- Doha lenge 2019 was held in two portunities available to them. velopment and engagement stages at the MES Indian “Life is not a bowl of cher- programmes to help scien- MES Indian School has been School in November 2019. ries,” Stoddart said. “Your tists and researchers thrive recognised as a ‘Mathemat- The stage-1 was held with success is pretty much deter- in an ever-changing global ics Promotion School’ by the the participation of a total of mined from your capacity to economy. It also supports Central Board of Secondary 927 students, including 523 withstand failure.” teaching and learning for Education (QBSE), New Del- boys and 404 girls. Juveriya Tamuq dean Dr César students of all ages through hi, India, for its overwhelming Mohammad of 10-R, Jeswin- Octavio Malavé said the visit grants and scholarships. participation in, and support BinuChacko of 10-H and provided a unique opportu- Chapter chair Dr Has- for, the recently-concluded ArhaanMudassirRajpurkarof nity for students and faculty san S Bazzi, who is also as- Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 10 -B emerged as the top three to interact with a true vision- sociate dean for research and 2019. students of stage-1 and were ary in the chemical sciences. Nobel laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart (second right) with tamuq researchers at texas A&M university in Doha. advancement and professor The challenge was a selected for stage-2. The sec- “It is rare for scientists of chemistry at Tamuq, said, computer-based online test ond stage of the test was held and students to be able to opportunities that his visit Stoddart also met with chapter. “We are privileged to be able conducted by the CBSE to online in the main computer talk with a scientific leader provided to our students and members of the Qatar Uni- The QU student ACS to bring to Qatar a scientist of promote the general compe- lab of MES Indian School on of Sir Fraser Stoddart’s cali- our researchers. Sir Fraser is versity (QU) student chap- chapter was formed in 2015, Sir Fraser Stoddart’s renown. tencies among students to November 29, 2019, said Ha- bre,” Malavé said. “This is his a true friend to Texas A&M at ter of the American Chemi- while the ACS Qatar chap- His career and achievements apply mathematics in their meeda Kadar, principal of the second visit to our campus Qatar and we are pleased to cal Society (ACS), as well as ter was established in 2018, are an inspiration to all cur- daily life. school. and we are grateful for the be able to host him here.” members of the ACS Qatar when it was designated an rent and aspiring chemists.” QFBA-Northumbria introduces new master’s programme in Finance TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

QATAR Finance and Busi- ness Academy in collabora- tion with Northumbria Uni- versity (QFBA-Northumbria) has launched a new master’s programme (MSc) in Finance. The post graduate degree spans over a period of one DPS-MIS holds clay modelling year. It aims to offer an aca- demically sound yet flexible programme in response to activities for its Prep students analysing the current needs, gaps and demands of Qatar’s TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK financial sector. Doha With a greater aim of pro- viding academic excellence AIMING to stimulate the crea- and contributing to Qatar’s tivity of the little ones and help- human capital development, ing them think out of the box, Qatar Finance and Busi- Class Preparatory of the DPS- ness Academy in cooperation Qatar Finance and Business Academy has launched a new Master’s program (MSc) in Finance, in partner- Modern Indian School (DPS- with Northumbria Univer- ship with Northumbria university (QFBA-Northumbria). MIS) recently conducted a clay sity sought to provide work- modelling activity on the topic ing professionals with a pro- tor. The programme equally Facilities offered as part of ‘Traffic Light’. gramme that can empower Course reflects offers an ideal platform for the MSc Finance programme Road safety, traffic rules students to become successful market demands self-development, acquiring include trading suites and regulations for children leaders and managers in the leadership skills and reinforc- equipped with Bloomberg are some of the significant top- market. We strive to ensure our pro- ing one’s knowledge of the fi- terminals providing access to ics the children learn in school. Commenting on the grammes reflect the current nancial market.” live financial data, portfolio To make the event more inter- launch of the master’s pro- needs and keep up with the He added, “We strive to en- construction, forecasting and esting, the clay activity was gamme, Khalifa al Yafei, di- developments of the finan- sure our programmes reflect optimisation tools to analyse planned in a fun way where rector of Student Affairs said, cial services sector the current needs and keep and support one’s studies in children got engrossed with a DPS-Modern Indian School students participates in a clay modelling “In pursuit of contributing to up with the developments of line with global standards. high degree of creativity. activity held recently in the school premises. the actualisation of the Qatar Khalifa al Yafei the financial services sector. QFBA-Northumbria also Under the guidance of National Vision of develop- Today, finance related topics boasts state-of-the-art econo- teachers, the students pound- played it with pride. Ice-cream the children boost their self- ment of human capital, we such as econometrics, invest- metric packages such as E- ed, squeezed, rolled and sticks were fixed on the back of confidence and the finished launched the master’s pro- upon their existing expertise ment and risk management, views 10.0, a strategic finan- blended the clay with joy and the paper to resemble signal- product was a treasure to gramme to serve working pro- and gain a competitive edge and global financial trends are cial econometric forecasting made a signal light and dis- light pole.This activity helped cherish for the young ones. fessionals who want to build in the financial services sec- of growing importance.” tool used worldwide. ‘Tarsheed’ programme launched in MES Indian School TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

THE ‘Tarsheed’ energy con- servation programme by Qa- tar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kah- ramaa) was launched at the MES Indian School, in asso- ciation with the Institution of Engineers India (IEI) Qatar Chapter. At the inaugural ceremo- ny, Abdul Sathar, honorary chairman of IEI, said the pro- gramme would make the stu- dents socially responsible by helping them understand the importance of water and en- MES Indian School Principal Hameeda Kadar and officials of the Institution of Engineers India during the ergy conservation in their life. launch of the ‘tarsheed’ programme recently. Hameeda Kadar, princi- pal of the school, welcomed tor, Conserve Engineer- of IEI Women’s wing, praised Award 2020’. IEI’s student-friendly activi- ing, through a PowerPoint the initiatives taken up by the Manmmadhan Mambally, ties that will benefit the entire presentation explained the association. chief coordinator for stu- community in Qatar by trans- importance of sustainable At the event, Hameeda dents’ activity, coordinated forming students into respon- development. Sabeena and Kadar was honoured by IEI the event and welcomed the sible citizens. MeenuChauhan, president officials and Ritish Handa for gathering. Anand Nadgir pro- Baseeth Ahmed, direc- and secretary, respectively, winning the ‘Jwala Women’s posed the vote of thanks. Gulf/Asia/Africa Sunday, March 15, 2020 05

India declares News virus outbreak a in brief disaster to draw Iran reports 97 new virus Asian nations on special funds launch entry bans, close schools DPA deaths, taking total to 611 NeW DeLhI NeW Zealand, Cambodia and Taiwan were among the THE Indian government has AFP stafa Dehmardei, head of Teh- countries in the asia Pacific declared the coronavirus out- TehraN ran’s Motahari hospital, told region to announce new break a “notified disaster” semi-official news agency ISNA. travel restrictions on Satur- to make it easier to draw on IRAN said on Saturday that Several politicians and of- day as part of global efforts funds set aside for disaster the novel coronavirus has ficials, both sitting and former, to curb the spread of the new response, a federal Home claimed 97 more lives, rais- have been infected with the coronavirus. Ministry release said. ing the country’s total to 611, new coronavirus, and some every person entering New Regional governments are as the number of confirmed have died from the illness. Zealand from Sunday will now able to draw on these cases jumped again. The latest suspected case have to self-isolate for 14 funds to help those affected Health ministry spokes- of infection was Ali Akbar days, Prime Minister Jacinda and the next of kin of those man Kianoush Jahanpour Velayati, who advises Iran’s ardern said at a press confer- who died. said that “1,365 fresh cases supreme leader Ayatollah Ali ence. She added that only Aid amounting to 400,000 have been added to the num- Khamenei on foreign policy. travellers from the Pacific rupees (5,400 dollars) would ber of confirmed infections in Iran’s official coronavirus Islands would be exempt be given to the families of the past 24 hours”, bringing committee also held its meet- from the measures. New those whose deaths were the total to 12,729. ing chaired by President Has- Zealand so far has six con- linked to Covid-19, the Home Jahanpour told a televised san Rouhani on Friday via firmed cases of Covid-19, the Ministry said. news conference that more videoconference. disease caused by the virus. The total number of con- than 4,300 of those with con- Pictures of the meeting elsewhere, Indonesian Trans- firmed coronavirus cases firmed infections had recov- that have been released show portation Minister Budi Karya in India is now 84, federal ered so far. ministers with masks tuning Sumadi has tested positive health secretary Sanjeeva Ku- Tehran province had the in from their offices. for coronavirus and is being mar said. Some 4,000 people highest number of new cases The foreign ministry on treated at the Central army who came in contact with with 347, followed by Isfahan Friday thanked other countries hospital in Jakarta, according these positive cases are under with 155 and the northern re- for sending aid in the form of to State Secretary Pratikno. surveillance. gion of Alborz with 134. cash and medical equipment to The minister’s Twitter feed Ten people who tested “Naturally, the number of Iranian Firefighters disinfect streets in the capital tehran in a bid to halt the wild spread of coronavirus. combat the outbreak. shows he recently met the positive have recovered. Two confirmed cases will increase” Iranian forces will clear the streets nationwide and all citizens will be checked for the new coronavirus in a The government and peo- Dutch minister of infrastruc- people have died. Several even more as Iran steps up its bid to halt its spread, the military said. (aFP) ple of Iran would “never for- ture and water management, regional governments, in- laboratory sampling and tests, get their friends” at a time of Cora Van Nieuwenhuizen, to cluding Goa, Maharashtra, he said. those who died was 67. The mours circulated that it can with many suffering burns hardship, spokesman Abbas discuss cooperation in the Karnataka, Kerala and Del- The outbreak in Iran is youngest was a three-year-old help to cure or protect from the and being hospitalised. Mousavi tweeted. transport sector. The news hi, have banned large gath- one of the deadliest outside leukaemia sufferer and the virus, and the number has been The interior ministry has He thanked Azerbaijan, came as authorities in the erings and started shutting of China, where the disease oldest 91. on the rise for the past few days. ordered firefighters and medi- Britain, China, France, Ger- capital, Jakarta, said they down schools and colleges. originated. Four times as many men Iran is also preparing for cal services to be on the alert, many, Japan, Qatar, Russia, would close schools for two T company Infosys says it But Tehran’s markets were as women died from the novel its traditional fire festival, or but the head of a hospital spe- Turkey and the United Arab weeks starting Monday and has vacated one of its build- still crowded despite calls for coronavirus. Chaharshanbe Soori, held an- cialising in the treatment of Emirates. the number of confirmed ings in Bangalore after a team people to stay at home, with But in some of Iran’s prov- nually on the last Wednesday burns suggested the govern- Iran said on Thursday that cases in the country jumped member was suspected of many shopping ahead of the inces alcohol poisoning was evening before the spring hol- ment ban the ceremony amid it has sought immediate finan- to 96, with five deaths.(DPA) having the virus. country’s New Year holidays killing even more people than iday of Nowrouz. the virus outbreak. cial assistance from the Interna- Several firms have asked which start on March 20. the virus. Iranians traditionally “People suffering burns tional Monetary Fund to help it their employees to work The ministry said on Fri- At least 92 have died from jump over fires and light fire- while the coronavirus is out fight the virus, in what would be Senegal bans from home. day that the average age of drinking methanol after ru- works to celebrate the event, there is a big nightmare,” Mo- its first such loan in decades. independence day festivities over virus

SeNeGaL’S President Macky Sall on Saturday announced strict measures aimed at New rockets target Iraq base housing US, UK troops slowing the spread of coro- navirus, including banning AFP base on Saturday, the country’s ist remnants, after units were They dramatically spiked in public gatherings, closing BaGhDaD military said, in one of the larg- moved to the air base from late 2019 when a US contractor schools and cancelling april est such volleys yet. other installations. was killed in a rocket attack on a 4 Independence Day festivi- A fresh spate of rockets target- “The initial toll is two It came three days after a separate base in northern Iraq, ties. ed an Iraqi base north of Bagh- wounded Iraqi Air Defence similar attack on the base killed leading to retaliatory American “I have decided, first of all, to dad on Saturday where foreign personnel who are in very criti- two American military person- strikes on Kataeb Hezbollah. ban all public events for 30 troops are deployed, Iraqi and cal condition,” said Tahsin al- nel and a British soldier -- the Days later, a US drone days throughout the country,” US security sources told AFP, Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq’s deadliest such incident at an strike killed Iranian com- Sall said on national televi- in a rare daytime attack. Joint Operations Command. Iraqi base in years. mander Qasem Soleimani and sion following an emergency It was the 23rd such attack The US-led coalition said The US responded on Fri- Hashed deputy chief Abu Mah- meeting. The president also since late October on installa- three of its members were also day with air strikes on arms de- di al-Muhandis. announced a temporary ban tions across Iraq where Ameri- wounded in the attack. pots it said were used by Kataeb Iran launched ballistic mis- on cruise ships docking in can troops and diplomats are Iraq’s military said it had Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned fac- siles at US troops in Iraq while Senegal and the introduction based, with the latest rounds found another 24 missiles at a tion within the Hashed. the Iraqi parliament voted to of systematic health controls growing deadlier. nearby launching site and had At least five members of expel all foreign soldiers from at all borders. None of the attacks have detained the owner of the plot Iraq’s security forces and one its soil, a decision that has yet he also cancelled the official ever been claimed but the US of land as well as security forc- Damaged military vehicles in the aftermath of uS military air strikes at a civilian were killed, none of to be implemented. festivities to mark the 60th has blamed hardline elements es from an adjacent checkpoint militarised zone in the Jurf al-Sakhr area in Iraq’s Babylon province. (aFP) them members of the Hashed, Some 5,200 American anniversary of independence of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a net- for questioning. according to Iraq’s military. troops are based in Iraq as from France and closed all work of armed groups incorpo- The US-led coalition’s a US official said may have under the cover of night. Iraq has long feared it part of the US-led coalition schools and universities rated into the Iraqi state. surveillance capabilities have contributed to the attackers’ Taji is overcrowded with would get caught in the spiral- helping local troops root out for three weeks beginning At least 33 rockets hit Iraqi been impaired by cloudy readiness to launch the rock- members of the US-led coali- ling tensions between Iran and the remnants of the Islamic Monday. (AFP) air defence units at the Taji air weather in recent days, which ets during the day instead of tion helping Iraq fight jihad- the US, its two main allies. State group.

Coronavirus spreads to more African nations Syria death toll as Namibia, Rwanda announce first cases 384,000 after nine DPA the coronavirus, but the disease is now JohaNNeSBurG spreading across the continent: At least 21 years of war: Monitor nations have recorded cases. THE list of African nations hit by the Experts warn that health systems in AFP coronavirus keeps growing, with Namib- many African countries are weak, mean- BeIruT ia, Kenya, Rwanda and Eswatini among ing hospitals and clinics could easily be those reporting their first cases. overwhelmed if there is a surge in infec- AT least 384,000 people have died in Syria, including South Africa’s number of confirmed tions. more than 116,000 civilians, since the war began in cases rose by 14, for a total of 38, as the ar- According to the Economic Commis- March 2011, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights rival of a military transporter evacuating sion for Africa (ECA), the economies of said on Saturday. 122 South Africans from the Chinese re- numerous countries on the continent Sparked by deadly repression of peaceful pro- gion of Wuhan was broadcast live on TV. could be badly hit in the event of a crisis. democracy protests, the conflict has drawn in outside In Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, the “Africa may lose half of its (gross do- powers in a complex war involving rebel factions, jihad- health minister said the infected person is mestic product), with growth, falling from ist groups and foreign interests. a 33-year-old who recently returned from 3.2 per cent to about 2 per cent due to a As the war enters its 10th year, the government of a business trip to the United States. number of reasons which include the President Bashar al-Assad now controls more than 70 In Namibia, the health minister an- disruption of global supply chains,” said percent of Syrian territory, thanks to the military sup- nounced at a press conference that a economist Vera Songwe at an ECA meet- port of its allies Russia, Iran and Lebanese militant Spanish couple had tested positive. ing in Ethiopia. group Hezbollah. An Indian national from Mumbai is Songwe said the continent’s ties to af- The conflict is the “worst man-made disaster since Rwanda’s first case, said Health Minister fected economies in the European Union, World War II,” the United Nations human rights chief Daniel Ngamije. China and the United States was causing declared in 2017. Africa had for weeks been spared from ripple effects. The war has destroyed the economy and caused more than 11 million Syrians to flee their homes. According to the Observatory, which relies on a net- work of sources in Syria, the latest death toll includes about 22,000 children and 13,000 women. At least 129,476 Syrian soldiers, allied forces and militiamen have died, according to the Britain-based war monitor, including 1,697 members of Hezbollah. Nearly 57,000 rebels have died, as well as 13,624 members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which spearheaded the US-backed campaign against the Islamic State group, the Observatory said. The Observatory tallied 67,296 deaths among jihadists loyal to IS or to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance led by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate that domi- nates the last rebel enclave in the Idlib region in the northwest. The death toll included 421 unidentified victims. A health worker wearing protective gear disinfects the minibus in which the first Kenyan patient After recent government advances, Idlib province is of the coVID-19 travelled, in ongata rongai in Kenya on Saturday. Kenya announced the first the last battleground between government forces, and confirmed case of coronavirus in East Africa.(aFP) the jihadists and their rebel allies. 06 Sunday, March 15, 2020

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 Not To Protect The Economy ıt’s Fear, Not Coronavirus, From A Coronavirus Downturn The government should have prepared to deal with a That’s Roiling World Markets coronavirus-like pandemic as scientists have been warning of a pandemic threat. Now that it has hit, the Trump administration must protect the vulnerable sections of And Upending Daily Life the society from impending economic downturn OU can’t say we didn’t see this one com- That’s the theory. One drawback, though, Panic and fear will overburden the healthcare system, which will result ing. Scientists and policymakers have been is that the bump in take-home pay doesn’t Yaware for decades of the enormous threat feel as substantial when it’s spread out over in the people, who need urgent care, being pushed aside to society of a viral pandemic. Yet still, it the course of a year. And because the tax is feels like the outbreak of a novel coronavirus calculated as a percentage of wages, a pay- AN we please stop blaming a microbe caught the United States unprepared for some roll tax holiday would give more money to Cfor things it can’t do? of the main challenges it poses. higher-income Americans, who are more Coronavirus doesn’t make the stock A good example is the fact that the gov- likely to tuck the extra dollars into savings market plunge or schools shut down or ernment doesn’t appear to have had a com- than lower-income workers would be, damp- empty entire aisles of supermarkets. prehensive plan in place for shoring up the ening the stimulative effect. And unless the Despite headlines proclaiming “Coro- US economy in the face of the kind of sudden federal government diverted other income navirus Roils Markets” and “Coronavi- and unexpected disruption the virus is caus- tax revenue into the Social Security trust rus Tightens Grip on Daily Life Around ing. President Trump went on national TV fund, a payroll tax cut would only worsen the the Globe,” the virus is incapable of such Wednesday night with some ideas for how to projected shortfall in the fund, threatening feats. Those are caused by fears — some help affected people and businesses, mainly future retirees’ benefits. rational, some irrational. by offering more loans to small businesses Some Republicans aren’t convinced that President Trump announced new re- and postponing tax payments. But he also any stimulus is needed, at least not until strictions on travel and measures aimed called for a broader and less fitting response: there’s proof of damage to the broader econo- at containing the virus that we hope are asking Congress to cut payroll taxes. my. But that’s like waiting to build boats until based on the best science. Some of the Granted, politicians aren’t known for after the tidal wave on the horizon hits land. things Americans have done in recent tackling problems early. There’s no reward We can see the economic slowdown coming; days are not. from voters for taking painful but necessary the only questions are how bad it’s going to be Frightened people sometimes make steps. But there’s and what are the good decisions. They lay in flashlight bat- no political cost best ways to miti- teries prior to a hurricane, say. But they to having plans gate the damage. also do things that put themselves and ready for possible An alternative others at greater risk. When investors emergencies, and to cutting the pay- sell on fear, they disregard the proven the obligation to roll tax is to send benefits of investing for the long term — do so comes with a check for a few and increase the odds that workers will the territory. In hundred dollars be laid off. When people clear shelves of fact, some federal to every taxpayer. masks and hand sanitisers, they make it agencies do it ob- That sort of blan- more likely that they and others will find BARRY GLASSNER liticise the disease. Those on the right who sessively (see, e.g., ket stimulus has themselves in medical facilities that need TrIBuNe NeWS SerVICe blame COVID-19 on deep-state actors and the Pentagon). a certain appeal more of these supplies than they can get. their counterparts on the left who call it Despite steady — it would cost And when they lay in a six-month supply with others — on public transportation, in “Trumpvirus” add needless anxieties and advances in medi- the federal gov- of toilet paper? They leave other people movie theatres and shopping centres. And make the nation’s fear-fogged conversa- cal treatment and ernment very little scrambling to find it. there are costs borne by children who rely tion even more dimwitted. We should be prevention over the years, pandemics re- to borrow the money needed. But we don’t What’s particularly ironic is that on school lunches, special education teach- debating how to provide health care and main a real and well-documented risk. We’ve know how long the outbreak will last or how frightened people are more susceptible to ers or school nurses. In many communities sick leave for those who need it, not con- had a number of scares and near-misses in deep the hit to the economy will be; nor do viral and other diseases. Numerous stud- the caretakers who will be watching out for spiracy theories. recent years, including Zika in 2016, Ebola we know that the extra money will help the ies suggest that fear and stress weaken these children will be from the group most Politicising the outbreak also serves in 2014, MERS in 2012 and 2015 and SARS public overcome the fears that are dampen- our immune systems, leaving us more vulnerable to serious disease and death to undermine the authority of responsi- in 2003. Former Microsoft Chief Executive ing spending. So rather than just doling out vulnerable to infection. from viral infections: elderly relatives. ble officials. There are definitely things Bill Gates, a vocal advocate for global efforts aid broadly, it makes sense to target help to Chronic fear also contributes to two of Hospital administrators are another that make sense in dealing with a virus to eliminate infectious diseases, told the those most affected by the slowdown or by the three leading causes of death in the US group who find themselves in binds. Do that’s spreading more rapidly than our Washington Post two years ago that he had the preventive measures being put in place — heart disease and accidents — and the they delay hospitalisation or surgery for knowledge of it. We need to heed direc- warned Trump repeatedly about the coun- to slow the spread of the virus — for example, third, cancer, is only a partial exception. other patients in order to serve more tives to wash our hands and stay home if try’s vulnerability to pandemic. the small businesses that may need more time There’s little evidence that stress directly COVID-19 patients? “What worries me,” we’re not feeling well. Many workplaces So you would have thought that the ad- to repay government loans, or the job-seekers triggers cancer, but it can lead us to do Dr. Paul Offit, a professor of paediatrics will choose to encourage telecommuting ministration would have offered something restrained by quarantines. Trump says he will things like smoke and drink more, which at the University of Pennsylvania School where it makes sense — in part to work more thoughtful than a payroll tax holiday seek some targeted aid, although he offered increases our cancer risk. of Medicine, told an interviewer, “is the out the kinks should it actually become — an idea that Trump also floated before the few details Wednesday. Fear-ridden people not only make panic and fear associated with this is go- necessary. And we should follow the ad- 2018 election because the US economy wasn’t The most important places to direct any dicey decisions themselves; they pres- ing to cause health care systems like ours vice of our health care providers. We growing as fast as he’d hoped. It was an un- new spending are the people and business- sure public officials to do so. In recent to be overwhelmed where those people don’t need to be wondering if they are necessary and politically motivated proposal es that can slow the spread of COVID-19. days, some school administrators have who really do need our care are going to agents of the deep state. then, and it would be the wrong move now. Congress just approved more than $8 bil- made the decision to close schools even be pushed aside.” The world’s top public health official The federal government charges a 12.4% lion in emergency spending aimed mainly without known cases of the virus. There’s As adults, we’re supposed to know bet- put it well. “Fear and panic are danger- payroll tax on wages to pay for Social Security at healthcare expenses associated with the much we don’t know about the course ter than to give in to our urges in coun- ous,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, benefits, and an additional 2.9% to pay for coronavirus, which was a good step. But it this outbreak will take, and it may be terproductive ways. Buying up whatever director general of the World Health Or- Medicare hospital benefits. Half of the tax is can go further, most notably by covering the that some school closures make sense, makes you feel safer is like trying to cure ganization. “It’s fine to be concerned and collected from employers and half from work- cost of providing paid sick leave to workers but measured responses aren’t the way alcoholism by having another drink. You worried, but let’s calm down and do the ers; self-employed people pay the full amount. who don’t have those benefits. The best way of a panicked populace. might stave off your craving, but you’re right things.” Because the payroll tax takes a sizable bite out to stimulate the economy may be to give peo- It’s true that children who aren’t at- making matters worse. (Barry Glassner is the author of of workers’ disposable income over the course ple confidence that it’s safe to go back to the tending school won’t acquire or spread the What’s the proper response then? Just The Culture of Fear: Why Ameri- of a year, cutting the tax could lead them to lives they were leading before the outbreak virus at school. But most of them won’t be say no to people dealing fear without real cans Are Afraid of the Wrong spend more, stimulating the economy. disrupted them. removing themselves from close contact knowledge. Refuse as well people who po- Things.) (Tribune News Service) An American In Italy, Where 60 Million Are Trapped By The Coronavirus Italy is a test case for the rest of Europe and the US and learning the right lessons from Italy is a matter of life and death. the northern regions most affected by the tions on even short-range travel. But the DAVID C UNG virus sealed off. Two days later the whole most profound crisis, and the one that is TrIBuNe NeWS SerVICe country was locked down. driving the government toward all these On Wednesday night, Prime Minister restrictions, is the potential overwhelm- NDER other circumstances, being Giuseppe Conte announced the nationwide ing of Italy’s hospital system, particularly homebound here might not seem a bad closure of all shops, except food stores and intensive care. If not soon checked, this Uthing. Not for nothing is this stretch of pharmacies. Now our streets and beaches epidemic could lead to triage decisions the Italian Riviera called the Golfo Para- are deserted, with most of the locals behind that would potentially require rationing diso, the Gulf of Paradise. From our apart- closed doors. emergency care to those with the best ment, my wife and I look out at the Medi- It has come to this even though Italy underlying health and with the longest terranean, the nearby city of Genoa and the moved early and aggressively against the remaining life expectancy. snow-capped mountains beyond. Now, with coronavirus threat with what it thought There is special concern about the vi- no one supposed to leave home, there are were strict measures of containment. When rus spreading to southern Italy, with its no errands to run, grace periods have been two travellers, who arrived in Italy from A picture taken on March 10, 2020 shows people sitting at the terrace of the closed rosati res- lower number of current coronavirus cas- granted on mortgage, utility and tax bills. Wuhan, China, tested positive, they were taurant on Piazza del Popolo in rome after Italy imposed unprecedented national restrictions es but much thinner medical infrastruc- My shelves bulge with books that I now have quarantined and further flights from China on its 60 million people to control the deadly coVID-19 coronavirus. (aFP) ture. But local officials report that areas more time to read. were banned. When a new cluster of cases of the north, like Lombardy, are already But these circumstances are horrific. Italy emerged in northern Italy in late February, at the end of a longer chain of transmission. neighbours mainly by Facebook Messen- close to being overwhelmed. And with is living through a national tragedy of incom- the government moved quickly to blockade Now the Italian government asks every- ger to avoid face-to-face contact. Yet I am Italian hospitals stretched to capacity car- prehensible proportions. More than 10,000 all areas of known infection, sealing off some one in Italy to stay home, keep a distance of able to do full and frequent advisory ses- ing for coronavirus victims, other medical people here are ill with the coronavirus and 50,000 people in 11 northern cities. But at least one meter from others, to not shake sions with graduate students at my univer- needs are going unattended. hundreds have died. Things could get worse, what seemed unusually strict soon turned hands or hug when greeting people. It also sity, hundreds of miles away, with Apple’s Italy is now a test case for the rest of Eu- much worse, before they get better. out to be not strict enough. advises washing hands frequently because FaceTime. In the age of the internet and rope and perhaps the US as well. Learning And no one knows when this will end. The virus had moved beyond a limited the virus can stay alive outside the body and social media, isolation is not what it once the right lessons from Italy’s current trials is This region, known as Liguria, is not number of locations with a limited number is present in droplets from coughing or even would have been, at least for those with now a matter of life and death. the worst hit, but is just south of the ar- of people who had been in direct or indi- exhaling. A main route of transmission is online connections. eas that are. On Saturday, March 7, our rect contact with China or other foreign when people touch surfaces that have virus- There are huge economic and social ( David C Unger teaches American streets and beaches teemed with tourists hot spots. It had turned into “community laden droplets and then touch their eyes, consequences to shutting down a whole foreign policy at Johns Hopkins Uni- from the colder cities of the north. On spread,” infecting people who had not trav- noses or mouths. country of 60 million people, telling eve- versity SAIS Europe and is author of Sunday morning, the government ordered elled anywhere but had picked up the virus To be extra cautious, I chat with my ryone to stay home and enforcing restric- “The Emergency State.”)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Europe / US Sunday, March 15, 2020 07

Armenian PM and wife in precautionary quarantine after Brazil trip US-Canada command says it intercepted Russian jets near Alaska NIKoL Pashinyan and his wife have isolated themselves in a precautionary quarantine after her trip last TWo pairs of russian military reconnaissance aircraft have been intercepted near alaska, the North News week to Brazil. Pashinyan said on Saturday that both he and his wife anna hakobyan feel well and are american aerospace Defense Command said on Saturday. The russian aircraft entered and remained not experiencing coronavirus symptoms, but out of an abundance of caution have decided to stay in in the air defense identification zone, a security perimeter in international airspace, for about four hours, in brief isolation at their residence outside of Yerevan as they await test results. hakobyan met with Brazilian the joint uS-Canadian command said. NoraD’s “F-22s, supported by KC-135 Stratotankers and e-3 President Jair Bolsonaro’s spouse in the capital Brasilia. one of Bolsonaro’s top aides has contracted Sentry airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, intercepted two pairs of russian Tu-142s entering the coronavirus, but Bolsonaro said a test has shown that he was not infected. armenia has recorded the alaskan air Defense Identification Zone on Saturday, March 14th,” the command reported. The rus- 15 cases of the coronavirus. In Brazil, health Ministry figures show 77 cases in the country.(DPA) sian aircraft never entered sovereign uS or Canadian airspace, the command said. (AFP)

Chile quarantines 1,300 US adds Britain & ıreland to travel aboard two cruise ships AFP a press conference. SaNTIaGo The other ship, the Azmara Pursuit – with 665 passengers ban; Trump awaits virus test results CHILE has quarantined more and nearly 400 crew – had than 1,300 people aboard two earlier crossed into Chilean DPA cruise ships after an elderly waters from the southern Ar- WaShINGToN Trump also said he had Briton aboard one of them gentine port of Ushuaia. been tested for the virus on tested positive for the corona- Manalich said it was THE United States on Satur- Friday night and was await- virus, the health ministry an- currently near the port of day expanded the European ing the results, which would nounced on Saturday. Chacabuco after authorities coronavirus travel ban, add- take a day or two to Both ships are cruising the banned it from landing pas- ing Britain and Ireland to the receive. Trump has had con- Chilean fjords in Patagonia. sengers there, on grounds list, while President Donald The 85-year-old man that it was carrying suspected Trump said he was tested for tact with several people showed symptoms of the virus cases of the coronavirus. The the virus. who have tested positive for after getting off the Silver Ex- ship is on a 21-day cruise from “The president has made a the virus. plorer ship in the far southern Buenos Aires to Callao in decision to suspend all travel” port of Caleta Tortel. The man Peru.The number of coronavi- to Britain and Ireland effec- was later transferred to a hos- rus cases in Chile reached 61 tive at midnight on Monday locations and other firms pro- pital in the city of Coyhaique on Saturday, 18 more than on (0400 GMT Tuesday), Vice viding drive-by testing sites. where he tested positive. Friday. President Mike Pence said at The US House of Repre- “The ship is in quarantine Manalich said Chile is a White House press briefing. sentatives passed a multi- off the port of Castro. The in Phase 3 of the crisis, with The action came after “a billion dollar aid bill meant British citizen is in good con- means that in addition to unanimous recommenda- to blunt the economic fallout dition but has tested positive those infected with COVID-19 tion” from “all of our health of the coronavirus late on Fri- for coronavirus,” said Health coming from abroad, there experts,” Pence said, as the day. It will next head to the Minister Jaime Manalich told may be local cases. number of coronavirus cas- Senate for a vote early next es surge in those countries. week, where it is expected In Britain, the death toll on to be approved and then be Saturday nearly doubled from signed into law by Trump. the previous day, to 21. uS President Donald trump speaks during a press briefing about the coronavirus (coVID-19) alongside Trump has faced increas- “They’ve had a little bit Vice President Mike Pence (left) and members of the coronavirus task Force in the Brady Press Briefing ing criticism for downplaying Slovak coalition present of activity, unfortunately,” room at the White House in Washington on Saturday. President trump says he has taken coronavirus test, the virus in the earlier days Trump told reporters earlier no result yet. (aFP) of the outbreak. There are in the briefing. “If you don’t more than 1,620 cases of the new cabinet to president have to travel, I wouldn’t do the restrictions. Trump on fectly normal.” briefing. virus and 41 deaths recorded DPA The coalition partners it.” Wednesday announced a 30- Trump has had contact One journalist was denied in the US, according to the WarSaW are yet to agree upon a hand- The ban will apply to any- day ban on most travel from with several people who have entry after having a high tem- Centers for Disease Control. ful of ministerial appoint- one who was physically pre- Europe that took effect Friday tested positive for the virus. perature, according to a tweet However, the real number of SLOVAKIA’S prospective ments, 46-year-old Matovic sent in Britain and Ireland in at midnight. The White House has is- from Pence’s press secretary cases is likely higher, since ju- coalition partners said they told the TASR agency. the 14 days prior to their at- The president said on Sat- sued conflicting statements Katie Miller. risdictions across the country were close to finalising the The names of the new tempted entry to the US. urday that he was considering about testing the president, Trump on Friday declared complain of a lack of testing line-up of the new govern- ministers may be made pub- Pence specified that imposing domestic travel re- with a Friday letter from a national emergency to com- ability. ment and have given a list lic next week, following pres- US citizens “can come home” strictions. Trump’s doctor saying he bat the virus outbreak, in a New York state reported of names to the country’s idential approval, he said. and will be “funneled through Trump also said he had would not be checked for Cov- move that will free up some its first virus-related death on president. The new cabinet will be specific airports and pro- been tested for the virus on id-19, the respiratory disease 50 billion dollars in aid and Saturday. The ministerial appoint- made up of representatives cessed.” They will undergo Friday night and was awaiting caused by the new virus. waive a slew of regulations in “I am saddened to report ments, which have not yet from Matovic’s Olano (Or- medical screening and will be the results, which would take The White House has the health care sector. the #COVID19-related death been released, have been dinary People) party, which asked to self-quarantine for 14 a day or two to receive. started taking the tempera- Private companies began of an 82-year-old women (sic) handed to President Zuzan- won 25.02 per cent of the days. “I had my temperature ture of those who have been working with the government in NYC who had a pre-existing na Caputova for review, said vote in the February 29 elec- Certain visa holders, for- taken coming into the room,” close to Trump and Pence, to help expedite testing, with respiratory disease (emphy- Igor Matovic, leader of the tion, along with three coali- eign diplomats and some he said at the news confer- including the reporters at- Google developing a new web- sema),” New York Governor conservative Olano party. tion partners. others are also exempt from ence, adding that it was “per- tending the Saturday press site to guide people to testing Andrew Cuomo tweeted.

First French prisoner, senator UK set to follow Europe in banning large events as virus toll jumps test positive for coronavirus AFP likely to be between 5,000 and COVID-19 to justify such an ap- LoNDoN 10,000. proach. AFP on), he already had respiratory The government’s new leg- “We don’t know enough ParIS problems,” said Jean-Chris- BRITISH Prime Minister Boris islation could see the cancella- about the science of this virus, it tophe Petit, from the Fresnes Johnson is preparing to follow tion of events such as the Wim- hasn’t been in our population for A prisoner has tested posi- prison. other European countries in bledon tennis tournament and long enough for us to know what tive for coronavirus in France, A nurse had already tested banning mass gatherings, me- the Glastonbury music festival, it does in immunological terms,” where many jails are over- positive at the prison but the dia reported Saturday as the due to begin at the end of June, Harris told BBC Radio 4. stretched, as well as a senator, justice ministry stressed there country registered a jump in its as well as major horse races in- “We can talk theories, but at officials said Saturday, describ- was no link between the two in- number of coronavirus cases cluding Royal Ascot and Grand the moment we are really facing ing them as the first such cases. fections. and deaths. National. a situation where we have got to Hundreds of anti-govern- According to the latest Johnson, who has faced Its current plan is to try to look at action.” ment “yellow vest” protest- count, there have been 3,661 criticism for his country’s light- delay the peak of the outbreak However, health officials ers meanwhile ignored official COVID-19 cases in France and touch approach to tackling the until the weather becomes advising the government argue warnings against gatherings 79 deaths. The senator infected outbreak, is expected to intro- warmer to cushion the blow that taking drastic measures too of more than 100 people and was identified as Guylene Pan- duce emergency legislation next on the health services, and the early would have only limited massed in central Paris for their tel, 56, but she was reported to week with the ban coming into advice so far is for people who benefit and would risk tiring a 70th weekly protest, tradition- be in good health. force from next weekend, gov- show symptoms to self-isolate population before the peak of ally held on Saturdays. Brune Poirson, French Sec- ernment sources told British trolleys piled high for delivery are seen as shoppers queue at the for a week. the crisis. A 74-year-old man tested retary of State the Minister for media. checkout of a supermarket in london on Saturday. British PM Boris The government has said But many events such as positive in a jail in Fresnes, east the Ecological and Inclusive Britain’s death toll from Johnson, who has faced criticism for his country’s light touch approach the ultimate hope is that the Premier League, London Mara- of Paris. He has been placed in a Transition, also tested posi- the disease nearly doubled on to tackling the coronavirus outbreak, is preparing to review its approach country develops “herd immu- thon and the May local elections solitary cell on March 8 and was tive but “showed no worrying Saturday, as health officials an- and ban mass gatherings, according to government sources. (aFP) nity” to the virus, but World have already been suspended or taken to hospital on Friday, Jus- signs,” her office said. nounced 10 more people had Health Organisation (WHO) postponed. tice Minister Nicole Belloubet’s Police meanwhile said they died, bringing the total number Saturday showed the country fore. But a senior health official spokeswoman Margaret Harris Queen Elizabeth II has spokeswoman said. had arrested 34 yellow vest pro- of fatalities to 21. has 1,140 confirmed cases – an has estimated that the num- on Saturday warned that not postponed a number of engage- “When he arrived (in pris- testers in the south of Paris. Official figures released increase of 342 from the day be- ber of infected people is more enough was known about the ments scheduled for next week. Life upended for Europeans as virus restrictions take effect DPA that tourists and other foreign- now the epicentre of the Cov- public parks. Travel by planes and trains BerLIN/roMe ers who don’t have an impor- id-19 pandemic, surpassing Spain appeared set to fol- has also been curtailed as op- tant reason for visiting will not China as the world’s coronavi- low Italy’s lead into lockdown. erators slash routes or cut back MORE European nations have be allowed in, although deliver- rus hot spot. The country was to officially service due to low demand, enacted sweeping restrictions ies of medicine, food and other In Italy, the worst-affected declare a state of emergency on and governments ban arrivals on the ability to move around important goods will be grant- country in the world outside Saturday after 70,000 people from selected countries. The and socialize in order to com- ed entry. of China, numbers soared to were placed under quarantine. measures are in stark contrast bat the continent’s coronavirus Danish broadcasters 21,157 infections and 1,441 Quim Torra, the president to the European Union’s nor- outbreak, leaving shops shut- showed cement barriers placed dead, and hospitals are strain- of hard-hit Catalonia, has mally open borders. tered, travel plans scrapped at 10 of the 13 land border ing to treat an escalating num- asked that his entire region Turkey has banned entry and streets empty. crossings to Germany, as part ber of patients. be placed on lockdown. The for travellers from nine Eu- Restaurants and stores of- of efforts to divert road traffic Amid a national lockdown country has seen its Covid-19 ropean countries to stem the fering non-essential goods in to the three crossings where that has been going on since infections soar to almost 6,000 spread of the coronavirus. An- the Czech Republic were locked police would check entries Tuesday, people are trying to people. Nearly 200 have died. kara is also closing one of its up for the next 10 days starting around the clock. keep their spirits up with bal- Germany was recommend- border crossings with Georgia. Saturday, while Belgium closed Danish police in southern cony sing-alongs and other ing that all people who have re- Turkey and Azerbaijan all restaurants, cafes and bars. Jutland reported that 29 peo- A woman speaks with Italian soldiers as they control vehicles enter- flashmob events. cently been to Italy, Austria or agreed to mutually suspend The Czech Republic also ple were denied entry at land ing Italy at the France-Italy border in Menton, southeastern France on The government has closed Switzerland isolate themselves land and air transportation, banned entry to foreigners border crossings to Germany Saturday. (aFP) all shops except those selling for two weeks, regardless if excluding cargo, state news from high-risk states, while during the first hours after bor- essential items like groceries they have symptoms or not. agency Anadolu said. the government now forbids ders closed. Starting on Sunday, Poland subject to a two-week quaran- and pharmacies, and urged eve- Countries across Europe have The Norwegian Foreign most Czech citizens from visit- Thirteen people were will ban entry to foreigners, tine upon re-entry. ryone to stay home unless for banned large gatherings, or Ministry on Saturday issued ing neighbouring Germany and stopped at the Oresund bridge, and international air and train The stringent restrictions work, health or urgent needs. strongly advised against them. a travel recommendation to Austria. the rail and vehicle link that connections will be suspended. came after the head of the Rome, Milan and several Museums, landmarks and avoid non-essential trips to Denmark’s borders closed connects Denmark and Swe- Citizens and permanent resi- World Health Organization other cities adopted further theme parks have been closed, any part of the world for the at noon on Saturday, meaning den. dents are allowed in but will be said late Friday that Europe is restrictions, closing down such as Disneyland Paris. coming month. As recession fears mount, eyes turn to US consumer PAGE 10

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020

DOW23,185.62 QE 8,230.41 SENSEX 34,103.48 GOLD 1,516.70 QAC introduces all-new Mitsubishi +1985.00 PtS -382.95 PtS +1.325.34 PtS -4.63% ASX 2020 model PAGE 9 PrICe PerCentAge PrICe PerCentAge 14.50 BRENT 33.85 +1.90% WTI 31.73 +0.73% SILVER -9.40% Qatar Consumer Covid-19: Banks, telecom firms Price Index edges urge customers to go digital up 0.04% in Feb QNA Corporate focus shifts to digital channels for service delivery as efforts to contain virus spread intensify Doha up and down QATAR’S Consumer Price ● The CPI showed price SATYENDRA PATHAK Index (CPI) reached 98.42 Doha points in February, up 0.04 increases, on a percent from January but month-on-month analysis, A number of Doha-based down 0.47 percent from Feb- in six main groups — trans- banks and telecom entities ruary 2019. port by 2.26 percent; food have advised their custom- Stay at home According to the Planning and beverages by 0.51 ers to use debit, credit cards and Statistics Authority, the in- percent; clothing and and digital channels instead with ooredoo dex showed price increases, on footwear by 0.43 percent of paying by cash for financial a month-on-month analysis, in ooredoo has launched a and miscellaneous goods transactions and settling bills six main groups — transport by and services, and to combat the spread of the hashtag campaign — #Stay- 2.26 percent; food and bever- homeWithooredoo — on education by 0.24 percent coronavirus in Qatar. ages by 0.51 percent; clothing each “Your health and safety Twitter, announcing new offers and footwear by 0.43 percent is of prime importance to us. to encourage people to stay at and miscellaneous goods and ● on an year-on-year Doha Bank would like to en- home or use its digital services, and education by comparison, the index courage you to make all your services. The telecom major 0.24 percent each. showed price declines in financial and banking trans- is offering “cash back” on its A decrease has been re- five groups — recreation actions through our safe and fees for all remittances made corded in recreation and cul- and culture by 6.8 percent, convenient digital banking through its “Mobile Money” ture by 3.54 percent; housing, channels like ATM, Cash De- water, electricity and other housing, water, electricity posit Machines, Online and service. It is also providing fuel by 0.16 percent, and res- and other fuel by 3.84 Mobile Banking. You may also free kids/family package on taurants and hotels by 0.13 percent; communication by use our contactless credit and ooredoo one-TV service. percent. Tobacco, health and 2.44 percent, clothing and debit cards to facilitate pay- communication groups re- footwear by 1.72 percent ments,” Doha Bank said in a Doha Bank joined several banks in urging its customers to make their financial and banking transactions HomeWithOoredoo — on mained flat at the last month’s and furniture and message sent to its customers. through digital banking channels. Twitter, announcing new of- price level. household equipment by “For your safety, always fers to encourage people to On an year-on-year com- 0.44 percent. wash your hands thoroughly, stay at home or use its digital parison, the index showed and remember you can always services. price declines in five groups pay using Commercial Bank QNB, al khaliji give three-month The telecom major is offer- — recreation and culture by and services by 1.77 percent; Contactless Debit and Credit ing “cash back” on its fees for 6.8 percent, housing, water, education by 1.18 percent, and Cards via “Tap N Pay” tech- reprieve in SME loan payment all remittances made through electricity and other fuel by food and beverages by 1 per- nology,” Commercial Bank its “Mobile Money” service. 3.84 percent; communica- cent. No change was recorded twitted on Saturday. SATYENDRA PATHAK virus outbreak. interest or fees.” It is also providing free kids/ tion by 2.44 percent, clothing in tobacco group. In a similar advice to its Doha In a tweet addressed to In a similar twitter post family package on Ooredoo and footwear by 1.72 percent The CPI of January 2020, customers through a tweet, its SME customers on Satur- on Friday, Qatar National One-TV service. and furniture and household excluding housing, water, elec- QNB said, “For your safety, we IN a major relief to its SME day, al khaliji said, “Taking Bank announced that all “For your health and safe- equipment by 0.44 percent. tricity and other fuel group, offer you our digital services to customers, Al Khalij Com- into consideration the im- payments due under loans ty, we highly advise that you An increase has been stands at 99.46 points, show- enjoy various banking trans- mercial Bank (al khaliji) on pact of Covid-19 in various and documentary credits use your credit, debit cards to shown in the price levels in six ing an increase of 0.09% when actions. For your safety, we Saturday became the sec- sectors, please be advised for SME customers will be settle bills via our Self Service groups — transport by 4.83 compared with that in January recommend using our mobile ond bank in Qatar after Qa- that effective March, all your postponed for three months Machines, instead of paying percent; restaurants and hotels 2020 and a jump of 0.52 per- banking services.” tar National Bank (QNB) to due payments on your loans without any interest or fees by cash. You can also use our by 4.82 percent; health by 3.07 cent when compared with that Qatar Development Bank have announced postpone- and your documentary cred- starting March due to the digital channels, such as the percent; miscellaneous goods in February 2019. (QDB) has also encouraged ment of loan payments for its, are postponed for a pe- outbreak of coronavirus. Ooredoo App and the Ooredoo its customers to use its online three months due to corona- riod of 3 months without any website other transactions,” banking services, with the goal Ooredoo said in a message to of decreasing gatherings in line its customers. with the state’s health precau- details on them can be found spread of the coronavirus, we Banking for all your financial Another telecom firm, tions. on the bank’s website. Users are taking proactive measures needs.” Vodafone Qatar is also encour- In a statement, QDB said, can also upload the required in disinfecting all our ATMs Qatar’s largest telecom op- aging all its customers to use “The customers can access the documents online without the on a regular basis and started erator Ooredoo also advised its the company’s digital channels bank’s online services through need to visit any of the branch- installing hand sanitizer dis- customers to use the compa- accessible 24/7, including its its website or mobile app. es.” pensers for your convenience. ny’s digital platforms to make website and My Vodafone App, There is a wide range of con- Another Doha-based bank We encourage you to bank payments. for all payments, recharges sulting and financing services said in a twit, “In our con- safely from home using our Ooredoo has launched a and support, instead of doing available to users online, more tinuous effort to combat the 24/7 Mobile App and Internet hashtag campaign — #Stay- so in-person at retail stores.

QNB ECONOMIC COMMENTARY Acute risk-off sentiment a mixed bag for the US dollar he fallout from the glob- of recent market dislocations tility and the overall level of al spread of Covid-19 triggered a broad sell-off that stress in money, bond and Thas already produced unwound long standing carry equity markets. Risk-off be- an epic sudden change in trades of leveraged investors haviour prompt investors to risk sentiment from rampant against low-yielding EUR and dump risky assets, including optimism to fear since the JPY. Such sell-off includes EM-related equities, bonds beginning of 2020. not only short EUR/USD and FX. Historically, this has and long USD/JPY positions Second,disruptions in tended to favour safe-haven but also massive short EUR/ global trade and supply chains assets, including high quality EM trades. This produced a as well as demand destruc- sovereign papers, precious significant technical appre- tion in China are particu- metals and currencies of ciation of the EUR and JPY larly threatening to Asian and stable and wealthy countries. against the USD. commodity exporters. The While the recent bout of risk Third, differences in massive deflationary shock aversion has mostly created monetary policy space create is already prompting EM textbook reactions in differ- a fundamental asymmetry in central banks to cut rates. In ent asset classes, the recent terms of the potential direc- contrast to Europe and Japan, depreciation of the USD con- tion of the spread between monetary authorities in most stitutes an exception to what USD Treasury papers ver- EM countries still have policy would normally be antici- susEuropean and Japanese space. Lower yields in EM are pated. As a classic safe-haven government bonds. While encouraging further capital currency, the USD usually ap- rates in Europe and Japan are flight towards safer assets. preciates when investors face already at the lower bound All in all, we expect the global emergencies. However, (close or below 0), there is risk-off environment to con- this time seems to be differ- after a period of appreciation dive into some key bilateral eral cross-currents associated Japanese Yen (JPY) and the still space for US rates to fall tinue throughout H1 2020, ent. Our analysis delves into but was already more than foreign exchange rates be- with risk sentiment, trade Swiss Franc (CHF), have also further. As the spread nar- even if in a slightly more the forces that have been sufficient to place the DXY tween the USD and other cur- positioning and other macro historically served as a safe- rows, the USD becomes less moderate fashion. However, driving USD moves. performace for the year in rencies. In fact, the USD has related trends. haven or shock absorber in attractive. the current trend of safe- The USD index (DXY), negative territory. been underperforming key Three factors explain the the portfolio of global inves- When it comes to EM cur- haven currencies of advanced a traditional benchmark The movement is unusual peers from other advanced recent depreciation of the tors. They also tend to appre- rencies, two factors explain economies against the USD that measures the value of given the generally positive economies while outperform- USD against key currencies ciate in periods of global risk the recent USD appreciation. is expected to ease, especially the USD against a weighted correlation between volatil- ing emerging market curren- of other advanced economies. aversion, particularly due to First,negative developments as FX technical positioning basket of six currencies, has ity or fear and the DXY. A cies. First, the USD is not the only the interest of investors from associated with the Covid-19 changes and fixed income depreciated by almost 5% comprehensive explanation The movements of the safe-haven currency. Other Asia and Europe. severely affected risk senti- markets digest lower USD in recent weeks. This comes for such a move requires a USD are determined by sev- currencies, particularly the Second, the magnitude ment, increasing price vola- yields. Economy & Business Sunday, March 15, 2020 09 Qatar Automobiles Company introduces all-new Mitsubishi ASX 2020 model The new Mitsubishi ASX is equipped with plenty of features that enhance the safety measures and ensure the maximum protection of the driver and passengers

the new 2020 ASX model has gone through some significant styling changes

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tail lamps, while a new rear The engine is teamed with Change Assist (LCA) which engaged, a warning message even with five occupants in- Display Audio (SDA), you can Doha fascia and bumper design de- the INVECS-III (Intelligent & uses radar sensors in the rear appears in the multi-informa- side, you can bring everything go where you want, when you letes a lot of chrome work and Innovative Vehicle Electronic bumper to detect vehicles in tion display, a buzzer sounds you need. The wide tailgate want and discover new places QATAR Automobiles Compa- sharpens its visage. Control System) CVT (Con- rear blind spots, on the right and an indicator blinks in both opening and low cargo floor and new music. SDA helps you ny (QAC), the authorised gen- tinuously Variable Transmis- and left sides. door mirrors. The T-shaped make the loading and un- operate map settings, music eral distributor of Mitsubishi Performance sion), ideally tuned to deliver An indicator appears in rear combination lamps have loading of cargo fuss-free for playback, and calls all with Motors in Qatar, has launched The 2.0-litre engine gives effortless acceleration from the door mirror when BSW is a wide and stable look and everybody. With the Full-Flat voice actions for a more enjoy- the new 2020 ASX model to its all the power needed for all any speed. active and the turn signals are feel. The brake lights illumi- Rear Seat /60:40 Split Fold- able and safer drive. customers in Qatar. The new trips. MIVEC technology al- The Active Stability Con- off. When a vehicle is detected nate independently for better able Seatback, anybody can Interaction doesn’t stop ASX is available at Mitsubishi lows the engine to combine trol system uses onboard sen- while the turn signal is on, an visibility. easily use the rear seat release here. The ASX presents Ap- showroom at Salwa Road. maximum power output, fuel sors to analyse the vehicle’s indicator blinks in the corre- The new ASX is also buttons and fold down the rear ple CarPlay and Android Auto efficiency, and environmental motion and identify lateral sponding door mirror and a equipped with Hill Start As- seatbacks to transport bulky systems allowing you to use a Design performance. The maximum wheel slippage. buzzer sounds. sist (HSA) system that makes or oddly-shaped items. number of audio, messaging, The new 2020 ASX model torque of the engine is 197Nm By governing engine out- The available 7-airbag sys- it easy to start off on a steep Besides, all passengers can voice calling, and third party has gone through some signifi- / 4,200rpm generating a max- put and applying braking pow- tem helps protect every pas- uphill slope by preventing the enjoy the view from every di- navigation apps from your iP- cant styling changes. With a imum output of 110kW. er to the appropriate wheels, senger in every seat. For pro- vehicle from rolling backward. rection with the panoramic hone. new look, new technology and The MacPherson strut ASC helps to maintain stabil- tection in frontal collisions, When a gradient is detected, glass roof. At night, the roof Passengers can savor the a new more powerful engine, front and multi-link rear ity and control. In addition, front passengers get front air- it automatically maintains the is attractively illuminated stunning sound quality of a it now adopts Mitsu’s latest suspensions make driving a gear shift indicator in the bags and a knee airbag on the braking force until the accel- with LED lamps. Rugged yet new audio system jointly de- Dynamic Shield front design on rough roads smooth and multi-information display rec- driver’s side. erator is applied. When sud- sporty, the roof rails accentu- veloped with the Rockford language with LED headlights comfortable, while the shock ommends the best shift timing In a side collision, front den braking is detected, Emer- ate the flowing roof lines of the Corporation, thanks to nine and taillights. absorbers and stabilizers are for current driving conditions. passengers are protected by gency Stop Signal System ASX. speakers with spectacular DTS Mitsubishi also designed a precision-tuned for responsive side airbags while both rows helps reduce the chance of a Neural Surround™ sound. fresh rear skid plate finished handling and sporty, comfort- Safety at its best are protected by curtain air- rear collision by automatically Technology With Bluetooth, Hands- in silver to make the ASX seem able performance. The new Mitsubishi ASX bags. flashing your hazards to warn The new ASX is equipped Free Kit, Link System you keep a bit more rugged. A similar On the road, drivers can is equipped with plenty of When Rear Cross Traffic the driver behind. with the state-of-the-art tech- in touch while keeping safely change has been made at the choose between three driving features that enhance the Alert (RCTA) is active, an in- nology features. Starting from in control with the hands-free front bumper to complete the modes to best match your pre- safety measures and ensure dicator appears in the combi- Utility 8-inch display monitor that kit. Link your Bluetooth-com- look. ferred driving style and road the maximum protection of nation meter display. If radar The versatile cargo area is makes navigation and rear- patible mobile phone, and the Out back, LED taillights conditions for fuel-efficient the driver and passengers. sensors in the rear bumper spacious and easy to use for view camera easier to use with voice-activated dialer lets you work with conventional turn driving and outstanding 4WD These features include Blind detect an approaching vehicle any driver. With up to 358 li- the larger 8-inch touchscreen. make calls while holding the indicators in the reconfigured performance. Spot Warning (BSW) / Lane nearby while reverse gear is tres of cargo space available With Smartphone-Link wheel. Doha Bank announces winners of Ferrari suspends production over virus

QND credit, debit card promotion AFP self the most affected country roMe other than China. The Italian TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK impact of our products and government ordered a nation- Doha services on the people of Qa- ITALIAN luxury carmaker wide lockdown last week. tar. Ferrari said on Saturday it was But supply chain problems DOHA Bank has announced “Undoubtedly, Qatar Na- suspending production for two have emerged to the degree the names of the 18 lucky win- tional Day is a unique occa- weeks at two of its factories, that the automaker “cannot ners of the Qatar National Day sion for our nation and we citing “serious difficulties” ensure continued produc- 2019 credit and debit card wanted to celebrate it with our related to Italy being in lock- tion,” although operations not promotion draw. customers in a special way by down due to the coronavirus linked to production will con- The winners took home providing them with the op- pandemic. tinue, the company added. QR18,000 in cash prizes dur- portunity to benefit from our Production will stop im- CEO Louis Camilleri said ing the raffle draw that took products and win exciting mediately at the Maranello that Ferrari would look to re- place on January 30, the bank prizes.” and Modena factories until start production as soon as said in a statement on Satur- The promotion that ran March 27, Ferrari said in a feasible. day. from November 18, 2019 to statement. A member of the Ferrari team stands outside the team’s office after Fiat-Chrysler for its part Braik al Marri, Chief Retail January 18, 2020, offered cus- “This measure has been the Formula one Australian Grand Prix is cancelled in Melbourne on on Wednesday announced the Banking Officer at Doha Bank, each. tomers the chance to enter the taken in the interest of em- Friday. (aFP) temporary closure of its main said, “We are very pleased to “In Doha Bank we are draw and win QR18,000 in re- ployees and following a series sites in order to deep clean announce the 18 winners of proud to have such a great turn for their local and inter- of rigorous measures already gion of Emilia-Romagna is af- cases, according to local au- them, saying that production the Qatar National Day 2019 turnout of participants in the national spending using their taken to ensure onsite secu- ter Lombardy the region worst thorities. would drop as a result of keep- credit and debit card promo- campaigns that we organize, Doha Bank credit or debit rity,” the firm said. hit by the crisis, with around Ferrari had attempted to ing just minimum staffing at tion draw who won QR18,000 which attests to the positive cards. The company’s home re- 200 deaths and some 2,200 carry on even as Italy found it- the sites for the interim.

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QUOTATIONS REQUIRED FOR QUOTATIONS INVITED FOR THE Required For A Medical Complex CLEANING SERVICES PURCHASE OF WINDOW AC Quotations are invited for the Cleaning Services at Pakistan Quotations are invited for the purchase of - Doctors10 Split with Air all Conditioners. specialties Kindly send your International School on daily basis except Friday. - Nursessealed quotations latest by 20-03-2020 on the Interested Parties/Companies are requested to collect the terms following address and conditions from Sunday to Thursday (07am to 01 pm) from TransferablePrincipal PakistanRP is a must International School Doha, Admin Office Pakistan International School. Kindly send your P.O Box # 1930.For details contact:-Admin sealed quotations latest by 22-03-2020 on the following address Office,Contact: Pakistan International School, Doha WhatsApp: 33811174 Principal Office Pakistan International School PO Box 1930 Doha Qatar. For Qatar.44683343/33 and 44683250 OR Visit Further details please call 44683343-Ext-33 Or Visit www.pisqdoha.com Email:website: [email protected] www.pisqdoha.com 10 Sunday, March 15, 2020 Economy & Business As recession fears mount, eyes turn to the American consumer 70 percent of the American economy consists of consumer spending, which has held up remarkably strong in the current record-breaking expansion that followed the Great Recession more than a decade ago

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE WaShINGToN

AS the White House, Congress and the Federal Reserve struggle to stem the growing financial and economic crisis, the likelihood of success may ultimately come down to one factor: the American consumer. What’s largely behind the mount- ing recession fears and wild gyrations of financial markets is the fact that what drives the US economy is not new investment by corporations, not tax cuts or big new federal spending programs, but millions of ordinary Americans buying new cars, cruising the malls and upgrading to bigger TV sets. Fully 70 percent of the Ameri- can economy consists of consumer spending, which has held up remark- ably strong in the current record- breaking expansion that followed the Great Recession more than a decade ago. Even though wages and incomes have been stagnant for many house- holds, they have continued to spend. But the coronavirus strikes a blow at that long-running source of economic strength. It’s already be- gun to force people to cancel busi- ness trips and forgo personal travel, and to shelter in place instead of go- ing to movies, restaurants and shop- ping malls. Although it’s not clear how far- As the coronavirus continues to spread across the united States, customers with filled shopping carts walk out of costco in Melville, New york on Saturday. (aFP) reaching or long-lasting the corona- virus pullback will prove to be, the class and lower-income families as tapped out and the US economy boost the economy immediately be- very uncertainties caused by the con- well. moving ominously closer to reces- fore the presidential election, which tinuing spread have sparked fears of To be sure, lower Treasury yields sion, that’s set off a growing call for could help reelect Trump. Demo- impending recession. have brought down mortgage rates, action by the federal government. crats may be reluctant to move un- “Will consumers stop their trav- and that will help families through “If we could get a targeted and less we witness worse economic el-related expenses? Are they going refinancings. But the benefit to the timely fiscal response, it would be data.” to stop spending money on enter- housing market more broadly could low oil price a boon to consumers? viewed as a positive development,” Economists said it may not be tainment? Will they be nervous to go be limited. As Richard Curtin, di- To some degree, lower oil prices will provide welcome relief for consumers, Meyer said. until job growth stalls before both to areas that are populated and take rector of the University of Michi- who could pocket savings from lower pump prices. and it’s a plus for But while the administration has sides sense the urgency to pass a big mass transit?” asked Jeff Schulze, gan consumer confidence survey, airliners and transportation services as they face cheaper fuel costs. But it’s begun early discussions of programs fiscal stimulus. So far, the job mar- investment strategist at ClearBridge observed, “There’s some hesitancy much less of a benefit when people are too fearful to travel. The net result particularly to help workers and ket has held up very well. The econo- Investments. to open their houses to visits by the of the oil collapse is likely to be negative families hit hardest by the outbreak, my added 273,000 jobs in February, While a clearer picture of the fall- public.” it comes at a time when Washington although that was inflated by unusu- out may emerge in the next couple of In his most recent survey con- is so politically divided and polarized ally warm weather. weeks, for now he said markets are ducted in February, when the virus when people are too fearful to travel. as the transportation sector, the New that it will be very hard to get agree- Also, consumers by and large are fearing the worst-case scenario. was still seen largely as a China and The net result of the oil collapse is York Fed on Monday moved to in- ment on a plan. in relatively good financial shape, Schulze sees a 50-50 chance of foreign problem, Curtin said only 1 likely to be negative. crease short-term funding to support Unlike the 2007-08 financial with historically low debt burdens. recession in the near term, and the in 5 Americans brought up the coro- The reason is that unlike past oil credit markets. crisis, when the Bush and Obama Scott Hoyt, who follows consumer cratering of oil prices, which added navirus issue, and then mainly as a shocks, the United States today is “Markets are sending a very administrations were able to achieve spending for Moody’s Analytics, said to financial market woes, could be global or trade concern. But Curtin the world’s largest oil producer. That strong signal that the risks are very a unified and effective response de- that as long as people aren’t afraid of the straw that breaks the camel’s said he wouldn’t be surprised to see means sagging petroleum prices large right now for the US economy,” spite partisan differences, few ex- losing their jobs or source of income, back. a very different result in the March will cause a significantly bigger hit said Michelle Meyer, head of US eco- perts see a repeat of a large stimulus. a consumer pullback may not be so Plunging crude prices, triggered survey to be released Friday. to the American economy, with se- nomics at Bank of America Merrill Over the last three years of the severe. in part by falling demand from China “We’re going to see the reaction vere strains for energy companies Lynch. Trump administration, for example, At the same time, he and other due to the coronavirus, caused chaos of consumers to the virus, to put and their employees, particularly in She said financial markets are both Republicans and Democrats analysts said it would be prudent for in global markets and dragged the more space between them and an- states like Texas and North Dakota. now looking for the Fed to slash in- have talked often of a government the federal government to act before Dow down more than 2,000 points other person,” he said. “And that ar- The oil market’s tumble came terest rates by another three-quar- infrastructure spending program, things get too bad. Besides a payroll on Monday. gues against them going into stores, after Saudi Arabia pledged over the ters to 1 point in the coming days and but nothing has ever come of it. tax cut, other programs that may be US Treasury yields have fallen to malls, restaurants and all range of weekend to reduce its crude export weeks. But the central bank already Economists like Schulze aren’t considered include regulatory relief, unprecedented lows as investors flee activities.” prices and boost output to effectively made a half-point emergency cut last counting on a large fiscal policy re- help for small businesses and expan- risky assets for the safety of govern- To some degree, lower oil prices put pressure on Russia and other week, to 1 percent to 1.25 percent, sponse. sion of unemployment benefits for ment bonds. will provide welcome relief for con- major oil producers, including the and heeding market demands for “Republicans will want tax cuts those who are temporarily laid off. All of this is certain to weigh on sumers, who could pocket savings United States, at a time when de- more would bring the central bank’s like the payroll tax cut announced “Some preemptive action or put- consumer confidence, among not from lower pump prices. And it’s a mand is sinking from the coronavi- main rate close to zero, using up by Trump, while the Democrats ting something in the books that will only wealthier households that have plus for airliners and transportation rus outbreak. practically all of its traditional fire- will favor higher spending,” he said. kick in (when conditions worsen) accounted for a disproportionate services as they face cheaper fuel Amid worries about the financial power to boost growth. Schulze added: “It’s important to could help restore confidence and share of spending but across middle- costs. But it’s much less of a benefit health of the energy industry as well With the Fed being close to point out that any stimulus would prevent the need for it,” Hoyt said.

Germany promises unlimited credit for businesses hit by coronavirus DPA Economy Minister Pe- declared Grand Est a high- avert cash-flow problems. closed from Monday. Other BerLIN ter Altmaier told Der Spiegel risk area on Wednesday, they In Munich, Bavarian states were holding discus- news magazine the govern- said. Premier Markus Soeder an- sions and were expected to THE German government is ment was retaining the op- The Central Council of nounced that visits to homes take a decision later on Friday. to provide businesses with tion of taking a stake in key Muslims in Germany (ZMD) for the aged would be heavily Family Minister Franzis- unlimited credit to offset the companies but added there urged mosques to cancel tra- restricted. He added that the ka Giffey defended regional coronavirus crisis, Finance was no immediate prospect of ditional Friday prayer servic- elderly should not be asked to decisions on school closures. Minister Olaf Scholz an- widespread nationalization. es, with the aim of slowing the look after children. “Naturally, health has prior- nounced in Berlin on Friday. The pharmaceutical sec- progress of the epidemic and All schools, child day-care ity, and wherever there are The announcement came tor, which draws many of its easing pressure on the coun- centres and creches are to concrete illness or suspect as the federal and state gov- medications from Asia, could try’s health services. be closed across the south- cases, temporary closures ernments introduced more need help, Altmaier said. Friday prayers and other ern state, Germany’s largest are necessary,” she told the stringent measures to curb Deutsche Bahn (DB), the activities in mosques across by area, from Monday up to Friday edition of the Rhein the spread of the virus. state-owned German rail Germany should be can- April 6, the start of the Easter Neckar Zeitung newspaper. The German parliament company announced that its celled at least until the end holiday. The move effectively But she also noted that a pushed through measures to regular express service from of March, the ZMD said after shuts down all education in total school shutdown would give affected employees ac- Frankfurt through south- consultation with the health the state up to April 20. lead to problems with child- cess to funds intended for western Germany and Swit- authorities at federal and re- “As there is no medica- care. “This would affect par- short-term work, as the au- zerland to Italy had stopped gional level. tion, we are compelled to ents working in hospitals, thorities in Germany’s 16 running, and direct services German chancellor Angela Merkel (centre) in Berlin on Friday. (aFP) Among the measures put take other measures to slow nursing or doctors’ practices,” states moved to restrict visits were no longer available to forward by Scholz and Alt- the spread,” Soeder said, af- Giffey said, noting that calling to homes for the elderly and Italy. ing advised to check ahead of symptoms would have their maier are billions of euros ter at least 500 people had on grandparents to take over shut down schools in a se- In addition, DB’s services travelling. temperature taken, and in in financial aid to companies tested positive for the virus by would put them at risk. ries of patchwork measures from Bavaria to Italy are now On the border with the the event of a suspected case and employees, government Thursday. The Federal Statistical Of- spreading across the country. stopping in Austria, while virus-hit French region of of illness, turned away at the sources told dpa. By midday on Friday, at fice (Destatis) puts the total German has seen about normal services to France are Grand Est, police imposed border after Germany’s of- A delay in tax payments least eight of Germany’s 16 number of schools at around 2,400 confirmed cases of the continuing for the present, spot-checks for the virus. ficial disease control body, is expected to be part of the states had announced that 43,000 with 11 million pupils virus, including five deaths. although passengers are be- Anyone with flu-like the Robert Koch Institute, package, which is designed to schools and creches would be and some 820,000 teachers. Abdulla al Qubaisi emerges Qatar Superstock 600 champion at Losail International Circuit PAGE 14

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 Duhail drub Al Sailiya 4-0 to set up Amir Cup semis clash with Al Sadd

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha QFA puts off all matches AL Duhail came up with a rol- licking performance on Satur- till March 29 day as they handed Al Sailiya a 4-0 defeat to ensure a semi-final The Qatar Football associa- clash with arch-rivals Al Sadd. tion (QFa) announced that The Red Knights dominat- based on the circular issued ed from the word go to hum- by the Qatar olympic Com- ble Al Sailiya, for whom it was mittee No. 6 for the year one of their worst match of 2020, it will suspend all the season, at the Jassim Bin local sporting activities until Hamad Stadium. March 29, 2020. The Qatar Edmilson Junior, who be- Football association has gan the scoring with a penalty decided to stop all football strike in the first half, Abdulla matches, which includes al Ahrak (49’), Moez Abdalla the amir Cup, QNB Stars (52’) and Abdulrahman Mo- League, Second Division hamed (65’) were among the League, QatarGas League goal-scorers for Al Duhail. and ooredoo Cup for the The win paved way for an season 2019-2020 in addi- exciting Al Duhail-Al Sadd tion to other local football semis clash. The Red Knights competitions that are organ- had prevailed over Al Sadd to ised by the Qatar Football claim the Amir Cup the last association until March 29. season. The Wolves avenged This decision comes within the bitter loss during the Qatar the framework of the efforts Cup earlier this season. and measures taken by the Duhail are currently the state to limit the spread of QNB Stars League leaders and the coronavirus (Covid-19) in will aim to get the better of Al order to ensure the safety of Sadd once again. players, fans and administra- The Xavi Hernandez- tive staff. (QFA) coached Al Sadd in contrast needed a spot kick to get past Al Wakrah for their captain Boudiaf was pleased semis berth. Al Duhail players celebrate with star of the match Edmilson Junior (No. 10) after he scored the opening goal from the spot against Al Sailiya during their Amir cup quarter-final his team’s show and said he The other last four encoun- match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. was looking forward to the ter pits Al Arabi against sec- semi-final against Sadd. ond division side Al Markhiya, Scoreline “We are very happy to play who stunned Al Rayyan. Al Duhail 4 (Edmilson in the semis against Al Sadd. Of all the four sides, Al Du- We are very happy to play in We have taken another step hail seem to be in fine fettle Al Sailiya’s Ahmed the semis against Al Sadd. Junior (pen) 24’, Abdulla closer to winning the Amir given their show on Saturday. al Minhali tries to We have taken another step al Ahrak 49’, Moez Cup again and I hope we play Led by Edmilson Junior, who stop Al Duhail’s closer to winning the Amir Abdalla 52’, well against Sadd. We have a toppled Sailiya defence time Almoez Ali during their Cup again and I hope we Abdulrahman Mohamed good team and are playing at and again, the Red Knights match on Saturday. 65’) bt Al Sailiya 0 good level. The last time (at clearly on top of their game. play well against Sadd. We Qatar Cup) Al Sadd played They should have been 2-0 have a good team and are better than us but hopefully up inside the first 10 minutes playing at good level. The by Sailiya defenders. this time we will come out as but Mohammed Muntari and last time (at Qatar Cup) Al The second goal eventually winners,” said Boudiaf. Almoez Ali were poor in front Sadd played better than us came in the 49th minute when Sailiya’s Serigne Mbodji of goal, failing to take advan- but hopefully this time we Abdulla al Ahrak sent in a stun- said his team didn’t deserve tage of Edmilson’s pin point ner from just outside the box. to win and lamented the sec- cross from the left side. will come out as winners. Whatever little hopes Sail- ond half performance. Edmilson put Duhail Al Duhail midfielder and iya may have had of making “It’s was a very difficult ahead in the 24th minute as captain Karim Boudiaf a comeback were dismissed match for us. The way we the Belgian forward converted when when Almoez found the played in the second half a penalty after Sailiya’s Mosta- net in the 52nd minute. was bad. If you are playing fa Mohamed Abdelha handled time with one-goal lead. Soon, Abdulrahman Mo- the leaders of the league you the ball in the box. Karim Bou- Immediately after the half hamed piled on the misery need to try and not give any diaf and Muntari spurned easy time break, Edmilson had a for Peregrines with a 66th chance, and but we were very opportunities to increase the chance to score again but he minute strike. poor in the second half,” the lead as Duhail went into half shot too long and was crowded Al Duhail midfielder and Senegalese defender said. I’m supernatural, says Semenya, Japan’s PM Abe pledges pursues Olympics 200m slot Olympics to go ahead

AFP “With what I have already done – I have AFP JohaNNeSBurG run three 200m races – it is doable,” said Se- ToKYo menya as she eyes making the Tokyo quali- DOUBLE Olympics 800-metre champion fying time before the June 29 deadline. JAPANESE Prime Minister Caster Semenya called herself “supernat- The athlete born in northern region Shinzo Abe on Saturday resist- ural” this weekend after saying she hoped capital Polokwane holds the South Afri- ed pressure for changes to the to compete in the 200m at the 2020 To- can records at 300, 400, 600, 800, 1000 Tokyo Olympics schedule even kyo Games. and 1500m. as sporting events worldwide The 29-year-old South African can- Semenya took the athletics world by fall victim to the coronavirus not defend her 800m title as she refuses storm 11 years ago when becoming the pandemic. to abide by World Athletics testoster- world 800m champion in Berlin at the Abe pledged Japan would one-reducing regulations covering races age of 19. But as her list of successes grew, host the Games as planned in between 400m and the mile. rival female athletes began to question July and said he had no im- “I call myself supernatural,” said the how the South African could leave them mediate intention to declare three-time world 800m champion after trailing in her wake. a state of emergency over the clocking 23.49 seconds to win a provincial Semenya is among a minority of fe- virus outbreak, which has now championships 200m final in Pretoria. male athletes who have an unusually high seen more than 140,000 peo- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe talks to the media during a The time she set here leaves her 0.69 level of testosterone, which gives added ple infected across the globe press conference in tokyo on Saturday. (aFP) sec outside the time needed to qualify for strength. and over 5,400 killed. the July 24-August 9 Tokyo Olympics. The media-shy South African has faced His comments come two any trouble by overcoming the outbreak and Olympics after Semenya will have at least four chanc- South African 800-metre olympic champion constant legal battles during her career, days after US President Don- spread of infections,” he said. Trump proposed a delay. es during April to lower her time to at least caster Semenya reacts after winning the leading to temporary bans from compet- ald Trump suggested the Organisers, Japanese gov- “We agreed that Japan 22.80 sec and secure a place in the South women’s 200m final during the Athletics Gaut- ing in her favourite middle-distance event. Japanese capital postpone the ernment officials and the IOC and the US will cooperate and African Olympics team. eng North championships at the lc de Villiers The latest testosterone regulations left her Games for a year as the spread have insisted preparations are closely coordinate for success She can compete in three Athletics Athletics Stadium in Pretoria on Friday. (aFP) with a choice of competing in the 200m or of the virus wreaks havoc on on track and there will be no in the Olympics,” Abe said, South Africa Grand Prix meetings and at a distance longer than the mile. the sporting calendar. postponement or cancellation. adding they had not discussed the national championships. “You now me – I always challenge my- She has not clocked impressive times “We will respond by closely England’s football Premier any postponement. The champion was thrilled at her lat- self. This (switching from 800m to 200m) over longer distances, prompting her to coordinating with officials con- League, America’s NBA bas- The Japanese parliament est 200m time, having slashed 0.77 sec off was not an easy decision to make. seek the 200m route to Tokyo. cerned, including the IOC (In- ketball season and the Augusta on Friday approved legisla- her 2019 personal best in two races span- Away from the athletics track, Se- ternational Olympic Commit- Masters golf major are just some tion that gives Abe the power ning seven days. ‘Anything is possible’ menya joined a Johannesburg-based tee). There is no change in this,” of the competitions suspended to declare a state of emergency “We are chopping the times and I call ”I am used to running two laps and then you football club last year but was unable to Abe told a news conference. because of the pandemic. to combat COVID-19 but Abe myself supernatural. I can do anything I come and run half a lap. You have to adjust, play immediately because she missed the “We want to hold the On Friday, Abe and Trump insisted such a declaration was want,” she told reporters. which is not easy, but anything is possible. registration deadline. Olympics as planned without spoke on the phone about the not yet necessary. 12 Sunday, March 15, 2020 Sports Football takes stock after virus brings global sport to a halt

DPA which normally oblige clubs races of the 2020 season have BerLIN to release players for national now been called off. team matches will not apply The Australian Grand FOOTBALL in Europe’s major for the international windows Prix was cancelled on Friday leagues was coming to terms in March and April. morning after a member of the this weekend with all matches “FIFA understands that to McLaren team in Melbourne suspended as the coronavirus hold the matches under cur- tested positive for coronavi- pandemic laid waste to the rent circumstances might not rus. Later the Bahrain GP and sporting calendar on Saturday. only present potential health the Vietnam’s inaugural grand Few events were left af- risks to players (and to the prix were postponed, while the ter a week which saw most general public) but would Chinese Grand Prix had al- sports cancel or postpone also, most likely, compromise ready been postponed. competitions, with golf’s pres- the sporting integrity of such The next two races on the tigious Masters tournament matches insofar as certain calendar are the May 3 Dutch set for next month and For- teams may be deprived of their Grand Prix and the Spanish mula One’s four opening races best squads whilst others may Grand Prix a week later. among events now off. not,” a statement said. Dutch race officials said The coronavirus outbreak All internationals in March they were in consultations has left football in crisis, with and April should now be post- with F1 and motorsport fed- the major leagues and Euro- poned, it recommended, but eration FIA “about the pos- pean competitions in abeyance indicated it would be up to sible consequences” for the ahead of this summer pan-Eu- UEFA to decide on the Euro race in Zandvoort. ropean Euro 2020 tournament. 2020 play-offs. Spanish Grand Prix officials World governing body “The final decision on this announced all events at the Cir- FIFA’s executive has now rec- issue rests with the respective cuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ommended all international competition organizers or rel- scheduled to take place up to matches in March and April be evant member association in mid-April would be postponed. postponed. case of friendlies,” the state- That does not cover the Several internationals ment said. planned grand prix weekend including play-offs for Euro Qualifying matches for the but the organizers said the 2020 had already been called World Cup in Asia and South were “already analyzing the off or were to take place be- America have already been different available options hind closed doors as a result of postponed. with Formula 1.” The Spanish the coronavirus pandemic. Among the latest match- Grand Prix would be followed European body UEFA is es called off was Germany’s A photograph taken on Saturday shows the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris. the French football season has been sus- by the Monaco Grand Prix on meeting on Tuesday to dis- friendly international against pended “until further notice” because of the coronavirus outbreak, the lFP, which runs the elite ligue 1 and ligue 2, announced on Friday. (aFP) May 24, with the Azerbaijan cuss the June 12-July 12 Eu- Italy on March 26 in Nurem- GP set to follow on June 7. F1 ropean Championship, set to berg following an order by the Liverpool manager Juer- positive for the virus, while programme. Monday off before resuming and FIA were quoted on the F1 be played across 12 European city government. gen Klopp said the decision Everton, Watford and Leicester The club said part of the individual training on Tuesday. website as saying they expect- countries, as well as the status UEFA already effectively was a simple one. all had players in self-isolation. squad had been placed in “From Friday we will train ed the 2020 season to begin at of the Champions League and suspended its Champions “If it’s a choice between Nine Serie players have quarantine for 14 days at normally again and start perpar- the end of May. Europa League competitions. League and Europa League football and the good of the also tested positive for the home. The team doctor car- ing for the game against Hertha Elsewhere, the Interna- It is thought Euro 2020 competitions indefinitely by wider society, it’s no contest, virus, with Fiorentina’s Pat- ried out 45 tests on players (Berlin),” sport director Markus tional Triathlon Union has could be postponed for a year, postponing all last 16 second really, it isn’t,” Klopp said on rick Cutrone and German and staff. Kroesche said of the next sched- suspended all activities until which would also allow the leg ties scheduled for next week. Liverpool’s website. Pezzella the latest along with Some Bundesliga clubs uled match on April 4. April 30, including all com- possibility of leagues being Quarter-final draws for Arsenal manager Mikel club physiotherapist Stefano continued to train on Saturday However, the German Foot- petitions in the World Triath- able to end their seasons later both competitions have also Arteta meanwhile said he was Dainelli. and were then planning to give ball League is holding a meet- lon calendar and qualification than planned. been postponed. “feeling better already,” less Paderborn defender players some days off. ing of members on Monday to races for the Tokyo Olympics. In a statement late Friday Premier League clubs have than 24 hours after announc- Luca Kilian became the first RB Leipzig and Borus- discuss the rest of the season. Upcoming ironman FIFA said the bureau of the been united in their backing to ing he had tested positive for Bundesliga player reported sia Moenchengladbach were In motorsport, Formula events in South Africa, Texas FIFA Council – the body’s suspend all fixtures in the top the new coronavirus. with an infection following among clubs to hold training One is in talks with the Dutch and Taiwan and nine half executive committee – has flight English league until at Chelsea winger Callum the league’s decision to sus- sessions. Leipzig said the play- and Spanish Grands Prix or- ironman races have also been decided that the general rules least April 3. Hudson-Odoi had also tested pend this weekend’s match ers would have Sunday and ganizers after the first four postponed. All Badminton World Federation tournaments suspended

AFP KuaLa LuMPur

THE Badminton World Fed- eration is to suspend all tour- naments from Monday until Malaysia’s lee Zii Jia April 12 due to the coronavirus during his All England epidemic. open Badminton “The suspension of the championships’ men’s circuit will come into effect singles semi-final following the completion of match in Birmingham the Yonex All England Open on Saturday. (aFP) in Birmingham on Sunday,” it said in a statement. The tournaments affected include the Swiss Open, India Open, Orleans Masters, Malay- liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah in action during the uEFA champions league round of 16 sia Open, and Singapore Open. second leg match between liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield in England last Wednesday.(aFP) The decision comes after top shuttlers hit out at the world body, accusing it of not taking the epidemic seriously Premier League ‘may and putting them in danger by going ahead with international tournaments. Dozens of major sporting not finish’, says FA chief events have been cancelled Lee stunned the Chinese over the epidemic, from For- two-time champion 21-12, 21- AFP to peak in Britain for many maining, chasing their first Eng- mula One motor racing to 18 to end the number three LoNDoN weeks, raising doubts over an lish top-flight title for 30 years. England’s Premier League and seed’s hopes of a memorable early April re-start for the Pre- If results had gone their the Masters golf major. third title in Birmingham. FOOTBALL Association chair- mier League. way this weekend they could BWF also warned that Chen, the champion in man Greg Clarke has report- The Times said it is under- have wrapped up the title at the cancellations could hurt 2013 and 2015, had previously edly told the Premier League stood that Brighton and Hove Everton on Monday but man- Olympic qualifying, which beaten six-time All England he does not believe the domes- Albion chief executive Paul ager Jurgen Klopp said he closes on April 30. champion Lin Dan 21-17, 21-8 tic football season will be com- Barber also questioned the supported the move to sus- In February, BWF said it to progress into the quarter- pleted because of the corona- brevity of the suspension. pend football. would not make any adjust- finals. But he was no match virus pandemic. Richard Masters, the Pre- He said in a club state- ments to the Olympic qualifi- for Lee who was motivated to The Premier League sus- mier League chief executive, is ment: “If it’s a choice between cation period despite a string avenge the result the last time pended all fixtures at an emer- reported to have said it would football and the good of the of events being impacted by the two met at the Denmark gency meeting on Friday. at least allow time to consider wider society, it’s no contest. the virus in the lead-up to the Open in October. Matches in the English Football the potential consequences and Really, it isn’t.” Tokyo Games, which are due The unseeded Malaysian League, FA Women’s Super debate the possible solutions. West Ham vice-chairman to open in July. But in the lat- needed only 49 minutes to League and Women’s Champi- The decision was taken Karren Brady said if the Pre- est statement, the world body breeze past Chen and keep Spectators wear protective masks as they watch the All England open onship are also on hold. after Arsenal manager Mikel mier League fixtures could not signalled it may reconsider, alive his hopes of lifting the Badminton championships action in Birmingham on Saturday. (aFP) “It was unanimously de- Arteta and Chelsea winger be completed, the only fair so- saying “BWF will make a fur- trophy for the first time. cided to suspend the Premier Callum Hudson-Odoi tested lution would be to declare the ther announcement on regula- “Last time I played against Open in 2018. Ratchanok Intanon 17-21, 21- League with the intention of positive for COVID-19. season “null and void”. tions related to Olympic quali- Chen I lost to him, so it felt In the other men’s quar- 15, 21-17. returning on 4 April, subject Arteta welcomed the move Writing in The Sun, Brady, fication points at a later date”. like a case of revenge for me ter-finals, Viktor Axelsen bt The 22-year-old has al- to medical advice and condi- to put the season on hold. whose club are just two places today,” Lee said. “So far I’ve China’s Yu Qi Shi 21-15, 21-7. ready won titles in Switzer- tions at the time,” the Premier “Feeling better already,” above the relegation zone, Lee stuns Chen been able to pick up a couple Top seed Tien Chen Chou land, Thailand and Australia, League said in a statement. he tweeted. “We’re all facing said: “Who knows who would Meanwhile in London, Ma- of upsets, and I don’t really defeated Tzu Wei Wang 21-11, as well as her All England tri- Clarke said at the meeting a huge & unprecedented chal- have gone down or come up laysia’s Lee Zii Jia savoured think too much about winning 21-12, while Anders Antonsen umph last year. that he did not think it was lenge. Everyone’s health is all if the games have not actually a “revenge” victory over Chen the match tomorrow. I’ll just beat Rasmus Gemke 21-10 21-13. “I have the confidence to feasible for the season to be that matters right now.” been played in full? Long as the world number 13 go in there and play my best.” China’s Chen Yufei, the go all the way this week. I’ve completed, according to a re- Liverpool are 25 points “A huge blow to Liverpool, moved into the All England Lee, 21, is bidding for his reigning women’s singles been preparing very well for port in the Times. clear at the top of the Premier who might be robbed of their badminton Championship first BWF World Tour event champion, came from behind the competition so hopefully I The virus is not expected League with nine games re- first title in 30 years.” semi-finals on Friday. title since the Chinese Taipei to beat world number five can go on to win,” she said. Sports Sunday, March 15, 2020 13 Shamal retain QBF League crown

Al Shamal club catain omar Abdelqader Salem celebrates the QBF league victory with teammates and QBF President Ahmed al Muftah presents the QBF league winner’s trophy to Al Shamal club players after they won the final against Al Gharafa officials in Al Gharafa on Saturday. club on Saturday. An 18-0 run lifts RESULT holders past QBF League final Al Shamal Club beat Al Gharafa Club Al Gharafa in a 81-70 (half-time 32-35) Main performers – Al Shamal: Michael thrilling final Efevberha 30 pts & 10 rebounds, Emir Mujic 19 pts & 11 rebounds, Wael Arkaji TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 17 pts, Michael Harris 11 pts & 17 Doha rebounds Al Gharafa Club: Ali Haider 20 pts & 11 DEFENDING champions rebounds, Mohd Yousuf Mohammed 15 Al Shamal Club stunned Al pts, Abdulrahman Saad 14 pts, Shane Gharafa Club with an 18-0 Rector 12 pts streak at the end the third quarter and extended their reign over the QBF League close of the third quarter, for- crown for another year, win- ward Sammy Monroe dunked ning by 81-70 on Saturday. the ball to put Al Gharafa four At the Al Gharafa Club points clear. Al Shamal then Al Shamal’s Wael Arkaji dribbles the ball through Al Gharafa defend- Indoor Hall court, Al Shamal responded with what tourned ers during the final. and Al Gharafa were chasing out to be a game-changing Al Shamal top-scorer Michael Efevberha scores against Al Gharafa in the QBF league final on Saturday. each other and neither was sequence. Centre Emir Mu- power forward Ali Haider had QBF President Ahmed al able to get a breathing space jic was fouled and he could ahead of the rivals (68-53). was. chael Harris (11 ponts and 17 the maximum points – 20 and Muftah was the chief guest at in the final. Both had already just utilise one of the two free Then it was no point of re- Forward Michael Efe- rebounds) all had a memora- 11 rebounds. Mohd Yousuf the closing ceremony and pre- been tied for seven times and throws. But that point set up a turn for fighting Al Gharafa vberha (30 points and 10 re- ble double-double each for the Mohammed netted 15, Abdul- sented the winner’s trophy to exchanged the lead nine times. massive run and when it end- and Al Shamal tightened their bounds), Mujic (19 points and winners. Arkaji added 17. rahman Saad added 14 and Al Shamal captain Omar Ab- However, towards the ed, Al Shamal were 15 points defence to make sure it indeed 11 rebounds) and centre Mi- For Al Gharafa, Lebanese Shane Rector got 12. delqader Salem. Al Rayyan Club upset Root backs England decision to scrap Lanka tour over fears AFP “You could see looking at Al Arabi in QVA League LoNDoN the players that their minds were elsewhere thinking about TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ENGLAND Test captain Joe people back home. Now that Doha Root has backed the decision we can go and look after fami- Standings (Top 5) to abandon the Test tour of lies and be with loved ones, AL Rayyan Club spoilt early Teams MP W L Pts Sri Lanka over the coronavirus that’s put a lot of guys at ease.” party plans of Al Arabi Club as 1. Al Arabi 17 15 2 44 pandemic, saying the players’ The skipper said there had The Lions beat the former 25 2. Police 17 15 2 42 minds were “elsewhere”. been a lot of talk about the vi- times champions 25-22, 25- A practice match in Colom- rus in the dressing room and 3. Al Ahli 18 13 5 37 23, 26-28, 25-19 in the QVA bo was halted on Friday and the it had started to overshadow League at the QVA Indoor Hall 4. Al Rayyan 17 12 5 39 team announced they would be the cricket. in Doha on Saturday. 5. Al Wakrah 18 11 7 31 flying back to London. “Looking at how quick- Earlier in the season, Al The two-Test series, which ly things have happened at Arabi were seemingly cruising was due to start in Galle on home, you’re thinking about England’s captain Joe root is to the title with only one loss March 19, has been postponed. family and friends who might seen inside a bus before leaving in 16 matches. But the second The England and Wales be a bit more vulnerable and for the airport in colombo on loss for them in 17 matches Cricket Board said the physi- that’s hard when you’re a long Saturday. (aFP) means they are just two points cal and mental well-being of way away. ahead of hotly-chasing holders the players and support staff “It was clear it was getting their one-day tour of Austral- Police. The two will clash in was paramount. in the way of performance and ia on Saturday after Welling- the final round of the second “There was an element of affecting the mental well-be- ton tightened border restric- phase when the Qatar Olympic relief. The right decision has ing of the guys.” tions to combat the spread of Committee permits the local been made,” Root told the BBC. New Zealand abandoned coronavirus. sporting activities to resume. If Police manage to win in straight sets or 3-1, they will be able to retain the crown. If Police win in five sets, Al IPL will be shortened, says Ganguly Arabi can still claim the title due to having one point and AFP remaining domestic matches,” most successful India captains taking their tally to 45, while Marko Vukasinovic beats Al Arabi blockers with a smash during a QVA league match in Doha on Saturday. MuMBaI Ganguly told reporters. who became BCCI president Police will have only 44. If Al Al rayyan won 3-1. “If it (IPL) is (postponed last year, said everyone was Arabi win that match, they INDIA’S cricket board chief till) April 15, then, in any case forced to wait and see. will be champions for having are two points behind them in Sourav Ganguly said on Sat- 15 days are gone, it has to be a “We met with the owners, more wins. the second spot. Al Ahil have urday the Indian Premier truncated one. How truncated, to tell them how it can happen Al Rayyan, who are lying 37 points from 13 wins in 18 League will be truncated with how many games, I can’t say at and where do we stand at the in the fourth spot with 12 wins matches. Al Wakrah are fol- the Twenty20 tournament the moment.” moment. At the moment, it is and five losses to take their lowing fourth-placed Al Rayy- pushed back due to the coro- While the country of 1.3 just postponed. We will assess tally to 39 points, will take on an in the fifth spot with 11 wins navirus pandemic. billion has reported just two the situation,” said Ganguly. Qatar Sports Club. in 18 matches. The world’s richest cricket deaths from coronavirus and “It will be re-assessed eve- The first three sets be- Al Gharafa resisted Police league was postponed Friday, more than 80 confirmed cas- ry week. I can’t say at the mo- tween Al Rayyan and Al Arabi strongly in the opening set but meaning instead of starting es, all sporting activities have ment (about any deadline). It were quite close. But in the after losing it in extra points, on March 29, it will begin on been suspended. has to be worked around. As fourth, Al Rayyan managed to they were not able to match April 15 at the earliest after the India has stopped all do- much as we want to host the pull 21-15 clear and went on the holders and suffered a Indian government ordered mestic soccer and cricket IPL, we also need to be careful to seal a morale-boosting win. tame defeat in 66 minutes. measures against travel and events after two remaining about the security.” Marco Evan Ferreira, Marko Willner Rivas was the lead- public gatherings. one-day cricket internationals IPL is estimated to gen- Vukasinovic and Marcus de ing scorer for Police with 21, Top officials of the Board against a visiting South Africa erate more than $11 billion Souza were outstanding for Al including six aces. Dimitry got of Control for Cricket in India side were called off on Friday. for the Indian economy and Rayyan and collected the bulk 12. Osneil was the lone battler (BCCI) met franchise owners But postponing the cash- involves cricket’s top in- of points as well. for Al Gharafa with 19 points. of the eight IPL teams in Mum- rich IPL, which draws the ternational stars including Ferreira led with 22 points, Guilherme earned 10. bai to assess the situation. world’s top players from Aus- England’s Ben Stokes, David including 19 from attack, while Marcus de Souza of Al rayyan jumps for a kill against Al Arabi at the “Safety is most important for tralia, England and South Af- Warner of Australia and In- Vukasinovic had 17 and de QVA Indoor Hall in Doha on Saturday. the players and at the moment rica, and generates hundreds dian captain Virat Kohli. Souza netted 13. Results (with) what’s going around in of millions of dollars in reve- Chinese mobile-maker For Al Arabi, Geraldo was Rebeiro added 15 and 12, re- table with 44 and Police, who Police beat Al Gharafa Club 28-26, 25-18, 25-20 in the world and India with the nues each year, has dominated Vivo paid $330 million to be the chief contributor with 17. spectively. also have the same number of 66 minutes; Al Rayyan Club beat Al Arabi Club government directives this is all Indian headlines. the league’s top sponsor for Valentin Bratoev and Renan Al Arabi are leading the wins – 15 from 17 matches - 25-22, 25-23, 26-28, 25-19 in 102 minutes. we can do. We have postponed Ganguly, one of India’s 2018-2022. 14 Sunday, March 15, 2020 Sports Qubaisi is new QSTK600 champion French Parola bags QSTK Trophy

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

ABDULLA al Qubaisi is the new winner of Qatar Su- perstock 600 title when the young rider clinched both the races in the final round at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. Defending QSTK600 champion Saeed al Sulaiti and Qubaisi both had an opportuni- ty to become the series champi- on as they were separated only by six points while entering into the final round. Qubaisi put up a splendid display of pace and Abdulla al Qubaisi (centre) won both the races in the fifth and final round of the QStK600 and emerged as Jeremy Parola (centre) won the QStK trophy after clinching the first race in the category at the losail guts, winning both the races the new champion at the losail International circuit on Saturday. International circuit. and giving no chance to his rival and mentor Sulaiti. to win,” Abdulla commented. In the first race, Qubaisi “In the Race 2, I pushed Fifth Round Results and Sulaiti were exchanged very hard and I didn’t know if QSTK600 first race (12 laps) the lead but in the final three I was going to win the cham- 1.Abdulla AL QUBAISI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:10.492 laps, the latter had gear pad- pionship until the last lap. I 2.Mashel AL NAIMI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:15.552 dle problem and slowed overtook Saeed in the last lap 3.Saeed AL SULAITI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:22.421 down. Mashel al Naimi took and tried to create a bit of gap QSTK Trophy (12 laps) advantage of it and replaced and I won,” he added 1.Jeremy PAROLA (FRA) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:52.947 him in the second spot be- “I also want to thank 2.Rayad AL EMADI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:06.676 hind winner Qubaisi. QMMF President Abdulrah- 3.Hassan Ali AL MANSOORI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:34.990 Still there was a great deal man al Mannai and LCSC QSTK600 second race (12 laps) of pressure on Qubaisi, who was General Manager and Vice- 1.Abdulla AL QUBAISI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:10.559 just three points ahead of Sulaiti President Khalid al Remaihi 2.Saeed AL SULAITI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:12.214 before the second race. Sulaiti for this amazing champion- 3.Mashel AL NAIMI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:36.887 led most of the race but Qubaisi ship,” he added. QSTK Trophy (12 laps) made a big move with a lap to Sulaiti battled until the last 1.Rayad AL EMADI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:02.751 go. He overtook him and held race of the season to get his Abdulla al Qubaisi leads in the race in the fifth and final round of the Qatar Superstock 600 on Saturday. 2.Hassan Ali AL-MANSOORI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:38.567 on to the advantage till the cheq- fourth title but couldn’t get it, 3.Lambros KOURIS (GRE) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:51.460 uered flag. Naimi finished third. finishing with 205 points in the the line that altered our race. won the last three years and thanks to QMMF and Losail Qubaisi collected 213 classification. “Unfortunately, in But at the end of the day, Ab- now I lost but this is a motiva- Circuit Sports Club for or- getting the title in his first points,” Parola said. points and won the QSTK600 the first race I lost the gear pad- dulla deserved to be the cham- tion for me to work harder for ganising this championship,” championship. “It was very Rayad al Emadi finished championship by eight points. dle midway and I just tried to pionship. I worked really hard next season and be back on the Naimi said. nice to ride here in Qatar and second behind Parola with 210 “I’m really happy for the whole minimise the loss and I finished and had been coaching him top,” said Sulaiti. In the QSTK Trophy, everything was very well or- points and Hassan al Mansoori season. Everybody was working in third place,” Sulaiti said. for the last three years. It is Naimi finished in third French rider Jeremy Parola ganised. It was my first time rounded the QSTK Trophy with me very hard, the mechan- “The second race was one an honour to see him winning place with 178 points. “It was got the title with a fine perfor- in the championship and it championship in third place. ics, family and Saeed - my sup- of the strongest ones in the now,” Sulaiti said. a very good season. In the last mance during all the rounds. was amazing, I enjoyed a lot. Abdulrahman al Man- porter number one. The whole championship. Until the last “I am very proud of him two rounds, I struggled with Parola was on the podium in In the last race, I was fighting nai, QMMF President, and championship was really hard lap, I was fighting with Abdul- and I feel like his win is a the bike and at the end, the all the races until the last one, with Mihail but I pushed too Khalid al Remaihi, LCSC for me as I had to fight with la. In the last lap, heading to double win for me. I was wait- championship was decided but he had already got the title. much in turn 7. I lost the front Vice-President and General Saeed. He is working really hard corner one we overtook three ing for this moment since we between Saeed and Abdulla. Parola, who scored 233 and crashed but I was able to Manager, presented the tro- and strong so it was very difficult slow riders but one stayed in started training together. I Overall it was a good season, points, was very happy about rejoin the race to get some phies and prizes.

(Far left) Katara Beach Volleyball cup winners with officials of Katara cultural Foundation, the Qatar Volleyball Association and the FIVB after the prize distribution ceremony. (centre) Grzegorz Fijalek of Poland smashes the ball during the gold medal match. (Above) Jose rubio goes for a smash against Poland at the Katara cultural Village’s Amphitheatre on Saturday. Bryl-Fijalek team bag maiden gold medal Bryl and Fijalek, after los- Results Lupo, Nicolai ing the opening set, fell behind the Mexican youngsters early Katara Cup Gold Medal finish third in in the second. However, Bryl Michal Bryl / Grzegorz Fijalek (Poland, 7) and Fijalek combined their def. Josue Gaxiola / Jose Rubio (Mexico, Katara Beach abilities to force the Mexican 28, Q8) 16-21, 21-19, 15-11 (1:03) Volleyball Cup duo to make mistakes, before winning it and drawing level. Bronze Medal In the tie-break, the Poles Daniele Lupo / Paolo Nicolai (Italy, 4) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK were in good flow and went on def. Evandro Goncalves / Bruno Oscar Doha to clinch it and seal the victory Schmidt (Brazil, 6) 21-19, 21-17 (0:34) after finishing fifth in the 2018 Doha. Now we want to carry Lucena and had shown some THE final day of the Four-Star and fourth last year. on in the next tournaments,” of their best beach volleyball Katara Beach Volleyball Cup For Bryl and Fijalek, this joyed this tournament. It is the Rubio said. until their defeat to Bryl and saw the order being restored was their second win over best feeling in the world to win The Mexicans enjoyed a Fijalek in the semi-finals. as Grzegorz Fijalek and Michal Gaxiola and Rubio, having a tournament,” said a smil- stellar run in Doha. After they “Bruno and Evandro are Bryl eventually tasted the beaten them in straight sets in ing Bryl, who played once in made it through pool play and among the best players in the maiden FIVB Beach Volley- a pool match in the Four-Star Doha before alongwith Maciej the first two knockout rounds, world, but we played very well. ball World Tour success as a Chetumal last year. Kosiak and twice with Kacper they defeated reigning world So, I’m happy,” Lupo said. team by beating Josue Gaxiola Fijalek commented after Kujawiak. champions Oleg Stoyanovskiy Four years ago, Lupo and and Jose Rubio Four-Star Ka- the 63-minute final, “For us, Gaxiola and Rubio, the for- and Viacheslav Krasilnikov Nicolai won silver at the Rio de tara Beach Volleyball Cup gold it wasn’t the best game of this mer World Beach Volleyball of Russia before going on to Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games medal match. tournament, but we are very Under-21 Championship run- knock out Brazil’s Schmidt and they have already quali- At the Katara Cultural happy (to have won). We start- ners-up, were playing a Tour and Goncalves who have two fied for Tokyo 2020 via the Village’s Amphitheatre, the ed very nervously, but we ex- event outsisde Mexico for a World Championships and FIVB World Olympic Qualifi- seventh-seeded Polish pair got pected that as they are young QVA President Ali Ghanim al Kuwari presents the winner’s cheque to first time and this silver-medal one Olympic gold between cation Tournament. the better of the Mexican duo boys and have great rhythm Poland’s Michal Bryl (left) and Grzegorz Fijalek after the Katara Beach finish would be quite special them. Their bronze ends a barren 16-21, 21-19, 15-11 to emerge and played well this week. Volleyball cup final. for the Mexican qualifiers. “It was a very intense run for the pair that stretched the champions. Fourth-seed- “It is our first tournament “Poland are a very good week,” Gaxiola said. “It has back to the 2018 Gstaad 5-Star ed Italians Daniele Lupo and win as a team and I hope we finals. They had four silvers and Mariusz Prudel played in team and very experienced. been a very tiring week, but we where they finished third. Paolo Nicolai grabbed the keep our shape in the next in 2018, while one silver and the 2012 London Games and There is only one winner in a will continue to work and push “It is great because it is a bronze medal with a 21-19, 21- tournament,” added the Polish two bronze medals in 2019. 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, final, but we kept fighting to on in our next tournaments.” good start, a good first step. 17 triumph over Brazil’s world defender. With this win, they cemented but for Bryl, it may well be his the end. It has gone well for Lupo and Nicolai travelled We are trying to grow our champions Evandro Gon- Bryl and Fijalek teamed their fifth position in the FIVB first Olympic appearance. our first World Tour outside to Doha from a training camp game and I think in this tour- calves and Bruno Schmidt, the up at the start of 2017 and Olympic Rankings for the “We didn’t know how the Mexico. We are very pleased in Fort Lauderdale with Amer- nament we made a good step sixth seeds. since then they figured in six 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Fijalek season will turn out. We en- with how it all went here in icans Phil Dalhausser and Nick forward,” said Nicolai. Sunday, March 15, 2020 15 Reports by Ailyn Agonia For events and press releases email [email protected] or Ailyn Agonia Kabayan Corner Ailyn Agonia call (974) 4000 2222 Ailyn Agonia Seminar to help senior school students decide courses they’d choose in college

Filipino professional lecturers

PICPA Doha participates in Philippine School Doha’s third Career Simulation Seminar Workshop held in the school premises recently HE Philippine In- stitute of Certified Public Account- ant (PICPA) Doha took part in the Tculminating activity of Philip- pine School Doha’s (PSD) 3rd Career Simulation Seminar Workshop (CSSW) held in the school premises recently. Since 2018, PSD has been conducting its annual CSSW as part of its Senior High School curriculum. The sem- inar-workshop aims to assist all Senior High Students in deciding what courses they the awarding of certificate of completion to SHS students are going to take in college. It also aims to impart some basic knowledge to all stu- my and individual’s life was PSD-Principal Dr. Alex- was also part of the program. dents related to their cho- also tackled. ander S. Acosta delivered the To add on the excitement of sen courses through the ses- As Bea Hubalde, a Senior opening remarks of the recent- everyone in the venue, some sions conducted by Filipino High School Student, said ly conducted culmination and of the Senior High School Professionals here in Qatar during the testimonial part followed by testimonies of se- students showcased their tal- under the mother organisa- of the culminating activ- lected students for each course ents through singing, danc- tion, Philippine Professional the awarding of certificate of recognition to PIcPA DoHA llcG ity, “This CSSW course has on how CSSW helped them a ing and acting. It only means Organization (PPO). taught us a lot when it comes lot on choosing the right course that PSD’s Senior High School Various course choices tionist and Dieticians, AFE- of 31 Senior High School counting and its history, ac- to accountancy, but ultimate- for them. Subsequently, Labor students are not just good aca- were conducted by PICE- Q for Education, FDOQ for Students. Representatives counting equation, account ly brought out the friendship Attache David Des Dicang as a demically but also for some Qatar, IIEE-SQC, PSME and Dentistry, FilRAQ for Radio from PICPA Doha LLC(G)’s cycle of business, financial and camaraderie among us. keynote speaker delivered his extra-curricular activities. IECEP-Q for Engineering Technology and PICPA Doha Council Officers served as statements preparation and It taught us not only every- inspirational message. Award- For more information courses, UAP for Architecture, LLC(G) for Accountancy. their lecturers discussing analysis. Aside from these, thing that is accounting re- ing of certificates of completion about PICPA Doha LLC(G) and PNAQ for Nursing, IPAO for This year’s Account- the basics of accounting the essence of accounting for lated but also to look as life and recognition to all students its upcoming events, please Optometry, NDAP for Nutri- ancy class was composed such introduction of ac- every business, in the econo- in different angles.” and lecturers, respectively, visit www.picpadoha.org.

Intentional Investing Conference

hilippine International School Qatar (PISQ) hosted an event titled Intentional Investing conference recently. the event was held in collaboration with overseas Filipino Investor and Entrepreneur PMovement (oFIE-M) and PISQ BoDs HrPtA officers. the invited speakers were Japet Bernardino lindo, Engr. rommel Marcaida, Engr. Edgar Boyano, Earvin Mondidu and event coordinator Eduard chavarria. the conference tackled the right mindset that leads to right result and a comprehensive look into the motivation of most Filipinos to work abroad, growing hard-earned money through paper assets, investing in real estate, among others. 16 Sunday, March 15, 2020 The Last Word Coronavirus can be tackled through collective action and responsible behaviour: QF’s expert Dr Laith Abu-Raddad of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar says knowledge of the disease and risk levels in Qatar offer public reassurance TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to disturbances to daily routine – on average infect 1.3 other persons, “Social distancing – that is, Doha are all to ensure containment of while each person infected with the avoiding close contact with oth- the virus, a strategy that has been new coronavirus will on average in- ers by keeping a one-metre dis- USING face masks may not neces- working in Qatar where the out- fect 2.2 other persons. tance, avoiding large gatherings sarily offer full protection against break remains under control.” However, around 80 percent and crowded places – and regu- coronavirus and is not recom- Dr Abu-Raddad emphasised of those who contract the corona- lar hand and face washing, are mended for people with no symp- that containing the virus is a col- virus will only suffer from a mild measures proven to be far more toms of a flu like-illness, according lective responsibility of people and infection similar to a usual cold effective in reducing the risk of to Dr Laith Abu-Raddad, professor governments. “We will not be able infection, 14 percent will show acquiring the virus than face of Healthcare Policy and Research to control the coronavirus spread severe symptoms and may re- masks,” he said, adding that peo- at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar unless every person becomes en- quire hospitalisation, and only six ple showing flu-like symptoms (WCM-Q), a Qatar Foundation gaged and follows the preven- percent will develop critical, life- should isolate themselves imme- (QF) partner university. tion recommendations,” he said. threatening symptoms. Currently, diately and seek healthcare assis- “Of particular concern is the “This is an unusual epidemic that the death rate from coronavirus, tance by contacting the toll-free mishandling of face masks and the requires every person to act with using data obtained from China, is national hotline at 16000. resulting frequent face touching responsibility and cooperate with about 2-4 percent. Many research centres across which could increase the risk for the other people and the public “It is more dangerous than the the world are currently working an uninfected person to contract health authorities.” usual seasonal flu, which causes on developing a vaccine against the virus,” he said. According to Dr Abu-Raddad, death in only 0.1 percent of cases,” this coronavirus. Dr Abu-Raddad “The use of masks is therefore there is “a lot of misinformation” said Dr Abu-Raddad. “However, said: “Several candidates for vac- not recommended unless the per- surrounding coronavirus, which Dr laith Abu-raddad most deaths are occurring among cine and antiviral drugs are al- son is showing flu-like symptoms is “feeding a culture of fear, if the elderly population and persons ready available, but these will such as coughing and sneezing. not panic”. coronavirus. With this in mind, if Qatar are being constantly updated already suffering from health com- require extensive testing prior “It is reassuring that despite “We know what the coronavi- anyone does show symptoms, it is and made available to the public as plications.” to their approval for wide-scale thousands of tests on people with rus is, how it is transmitted, and unlikely that they are infected with they occur, and this should be reas- While the level of risk in Qatar use in a population, and this is a flu-like or respiratory illnesses in what the level of risk is in Qatar. the coronavirus, but rather with suring for everyone.” remains on the low side, and the lengthy process that may extend Qatar, very few turned out to be So there is no need to panic as other common cold viruses.” Dr Abu-Raddad explained that government is making every effort over more than a year. infected with the coronavirus. The transmission between members of He also emphasised that people the danger posed by the coronavi- to rapidly contain the infection, “We need time to reach fun- rapid governmental response in the community remains limited. should only refer to credible news rus lies in it being more infectious the need remains for people need damental solutions. In the mean- finding cases, isolating them, iden- “It is also the flu season, and sources and official social media than a typical cold virus, and that it to act responsibly. time, we need to take measures tifying their contacts and testing there are other cold viruses circu- accounts for reliable information, can lead to serious disease in some Dr Abu-Raddad says that, rath- that can contain the virus and re- them, and the precautionary meas- lating, which can cause symptoms saying: “The statistics and num- people. For example, for seasonal er than using masks, there are bet- duce its chances for further spread ures undertaken – even if they led similar to those caused by the bers related to the coronavirus in influenza, each infected person will ter ways of avoiding the infection. as much as possible.” QntC holds workshop on coronavirus Vodafone makes staff work from prevention for hospitality sector firms home to curb COVID-19 spread

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK so in-person at retail stores. Customers can simply re- Doha Doha The company is also quest this service at the com- closely monitoring data usage pany’s website www.voda- QATAR National Tourism AS part of measures to safe- on its network to stay ahead fone.qa/delivery. Council (QNTC) held an guard the health and well- of any demand as more busi- Commenting on the awareness workshop in co- being of its employees and nesses require employees to measures, Sheikh Hamad operation with the Ministry community, and to minimise work remotely. If needed, Abdulla al Thani, Vodafone of Public Health (MoPH) on the spread of COVID-19 Qatar’s CEO, said: “These the measures to prevent the in Qatar, Vodafone Qa- are unprecedented times spread of the coronavirus in tar activated its business but the transparency hospitality establishments continuity plans that, and rapid response by throughout Qatar. The work- among others, allow its all the relevant authori- shop was attended by senior employees to work re- ties in the country has representatives from across motely, with only a lim- been truly exemplary. As the hospitality sector. ited number of personnel a company, we felt it was The session was led by staffing Vodafone’s retail our responsibility to take Dr Salam Sharrab from the stores. proactive measures to MoPH who explained the This comes in light support the country’s ef- core measures hospitality em- of Qatar’s government and Vodafone Qatar stands ready forts in combating this novel ployees should take to protect the importance of using their interactions outside the cleanliness of facilities like World Health Organisation’s to expand network capabili- virus, while protecting our themselves and their guests, alcohol-based antiseptics workplace, checking employ- spas or pools. (WHO) advice to practice ties for critical entities and workforce. the most important of which with 70 percent concentra- ees for fever on a daily basis QNTC has launched a social distancing and avoid adjust network resources for “As a provider of essential is washing hands thoroughly tion to clean toilets, sur- before they enter the hotel, task force that has been as- crowds. any shifts in demand. communications products with any type of soap. faces and public places like using sanitiser in accord- signed to work around the Vodafone Qatar is also To support consumers and services, we have the in- He also stated that any gyms, restaurants, lobbies ance with the MoPH stand- clock in coordination with encouraging all its customers, and businesses with all their frastructure and technology staff member or guest exhib- and guest rooms. ards and sterilising all tables, the MoPH and other entities for their safety and the safety remote work needs, Vodafone in place that allows us to ef- iting symptoms of the virus Several of the hotel man- chairs and gym equipment concerned to make sure that of others, to use the compa- Qatar will be offering free fectively respond and react should be quarantined as a agers who took part in the after every use. a steady flow of informa- ny’s digital channels acces- door-to-door delivery of any to such situations. We are precautionary measure, and workshop stated that they Some hotels are offering tion and directives is com- sible 24/7, including its web- Vodafone product and service confident of our robust busi- that the MoPH can be reached have already taken a num- their guests sanitiser upon municated to all hospitality site and My Vodafone App, such as its unlimited local ness continuity plans and are any time by calling 16000. ber of precautionary steps arrival, and taking addi- establishments and attrac- for all payments, recharges data and calls plans plusmo- committed to ensuring our The workshop addressed such as asking staff to limit tional steps to ensure to the tions in Qatar. and support, instead of doing bile Wi-Fi devices. customers’ needs are met.” 50 divers take part in MME campaign to clean up coral reefs along Sealine Beach

he Ministry of Municipality and Environ- ment, represented by the Nature Reserves Tand Wildlife Department, recently organised a campaign to clean up the coral reefs along the Sealine Beach. The campaign, titled ‘Together we care for our coral reefs’, saw the participation of some 50 divers from a number of agencies and institutions in the country, including the Lekhwiya Force, Alghais Div- ing and the Rural Tech, as well as a host of volunteer divers. The MME’s campaign for cleaning the coral reefs at the Sealine Beach started in 2009. The pro- cess helps rapid growth of the coral reefs, accord- ing to an official from the MME. He added that the ministry is making every effort to preserve coral reefs as part of its initiative to protect the seabed of Qatar from pollutants that lead to the de- terioration of marine life, including coral reefs. (TNN)