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US aviation sector cuts more jobs amid travel meltdown 5 BUSINESS WORLD 6 ‘Glad’ Kim ‘is back, and well’, says Trump

Health Ministry announces 150 more COVID-19 recoveries TDT | Manama Training he Ministry of Health Tannounced yesterday that 150 patients have recov- ered from the coronavirus (COVID-19). That brought the total number of discharged from medical dedicated treatment centres to 1,718 as of last night. The Health Ministry also said they had registered 72 new active cases, of which 67 are expatriate workers and five are contacts of ac- An instructor with a trainee working on a computer programme tive cases. heroes There are now a total of Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research takes pioneering role in COVID-19 fight 1,657 active cases, all but one of which are stable. TDT | Manama Meanwhile, the Ministry revealed that 211 individuals have left quarantine centres ore than 1,500 medical The centre has after completing the neces- professionals includ- harnessed all the sary quarantine period and Ming doctors, nurses and energy from its undergoing testing to ensure those in affiliated occupations they are free of COVID-19. have been trained at the Crown training staff to get The Ministry added that, Prince Centre for Training and the largest possible as of yesterday, 2,040 indi- Medical Research on various number of medical viduals have exited the quar- ways to battle the coronavirus professionals ready antine centres. (COVID-19), it emerged yesterday. to face the COVID-19 The total tested reached The training has included in- pandemic. 144,155, as of last night. tensive workshops incorporat- ing World Health Organisation COLONEL DR. NAYEF ABDUL RAHMAN LOWRY (WHO) instructions and the latest Training going on at the Crown Prince Centre Anti-Cyber Crime global techniques to combat the disease. dul Ghaffar Abdullah stressed workshops to combat COVID-19 art field Intensive Care Unit at summons man Royal Medical Services (RMS) the important role of the centre at RMS, Colonel Dr. Nayef Abdul BDF Hospital. for immorality Commander Major General Pro- at this stage. He noted that more Rahman Lowry, confirmed that Courses and practical work- fessor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al than 150 workshops have been 1,500 the centre has taken the lead in shops on how to protect one’s self incitement Khalifa commended the pioneer- conducted in various specialisa- is the minimum number training medical staff in the King- and patients have also been con- TDT | Manama ing role that the Crown Prince tions, and a number of doctors of medical professionals dom within the directives of the ducted, in accordance with the Centre has taken within the plans and specialists from Bahrain De- including doctors, nurses national medical team battling approved standards for personal he Criminal Investi- developed to combat COVID-19. fence Force (BDF) Hospital have and those in affiliated the coronavirus. protective equipment. Tgation and Forensic He stressed that the courses participated, along with many occupations who have Dr. Lowry revealed that the Dr. Lowry noted that these Science director-general and workshops held at the cen- from the Gulf and around the been trained at the Crown training of the more than 1,500 courses and practical workshops Prince Centre on ways to announced last night that, tre are an essential source of world such as from the US, the combat the coronavirus medical professionals includes will continue at the Crown Prince through the monitoring of the national efforts fighting the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain dealing with existing cases of Centre during the coming period social media, an individual coronavirus, which are being led and Ireland. COVID-19 and using the latest for employees of the RMS and Sal- was spotted misusing the live by His Royal Highness Prince The centre includes rooms and in hospitals and operating rooms, artificial respirators. Intensive maniya Medical Complex. feature to incite immorality. Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, medical halls equipped with the and therefore allows for practical training sessions devoted to He added that the Crown The man pretended to be Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme latest technology in medical edu- training in various scenarios, he respiratory therapy have also Prince Centre has harnessed all a woman and called and dis- Commander and First Deputy cation such as robots, simulators, said. been held, along with dealing the energy from its training staff turbed people. Prime Minister. teaching dolls and scientific lab- Meanwhile, Continuing Edu- with critical existing cases, es- to get the largest possible number The Anti-Cyber Crime The Crown Prince Centre’s di- oratories. These help create an cation for Doctors head and su- pecially in light of the recent of medical professionals ready to Directorate summoned and rector Brigadier Dr. Khaled Ab- atmosphere that simulates those pervisor of specialised training construction of the state-of-the- face the COVID-19 pandemic. referred him to the Public Prosecution after finalising legal proceedings. TRAVEL SUSPENDED Bahraini citizens instructed to contact Embassies for repatriation Flights to Manila cancelled for at least a week

TDT | Manama also ensure that our OFWs are well taken care of DON’T MISS IT when they arrive from abroad,” the Philippines’ ravel to Manila has been put off for at least National Task Force against COVID-19 chief a week after the Philippine government implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. was Tannounced yesterday the suspension of quoted as saying. Labour workers’ all inbound international commercial flights. “As of today, there are already approximately accommodations National carrier Gulf Air is currently operating 20,000 OFWs undergoing mandatory quarantine 02 one flight per week, every Saturday, to the Phil- in Metro Manila. The new flight restriction is The Gulf Air flight that arrived from Iran yesterday help ippine capital. The airline confirmed last night only temporary and will be implemented for one that this week’s flight is cancelled due to the week to give the government the opportunity to TDT | Manama Kingdom of Bahrain’s Interna- Bahrain marks suspension, which came into effect yesterday. decongest the quarantine facilities.” tional COVID-19 Repatriation 03 World Press The temporary suspension was issued because Certain other inbound and outbound interna- he Ministry of Foreign Programme (ICRP), which has Freedom Day coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine facilities in tional commercial flights will be allowed, with Affairs called on Bahraini already coordinated the return Metro Manila, intended to accommodate Over- approval from authorities and under certain Tcitizens currently in Saudi of thousands of Bahrainis from seas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to the conditions. Arabia and Morocco to contact across the globe. It is scheduled Saudi to take country, are nearly full. “The move is deemed necessary in order to their respective Embassies to reg- to continue until the middle of ‘strict, painful’ The Philippine government currently requires ensure that our country will not experience a ister their data in order to coordi- the month. 04 measures to deal all OFWs flying home to undergo a 14-day quar- second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic due to nate their return home. As part of theICRP , the Ministry antine period upon their arrival, and before the increasing number of international passen- The Ministry posted on its of- of Health announced the arrival with virus being able to reunite with their families. This ger arrivals,” the Department of Transportation ficial account on social network- yesterday of a Gulf Air-operated 210 fils (includes VAT) is part of the country’s measures being taken to said in a statement. ing service Twitter the numbers flight carrying stranded citizens help further mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 According to reports, one of the last flights out citizens should call if they wish from Iran. pandemic. of Manila yesterday, right after the suspension to come back to the Kingdom, The citizens underwent pre- “This decision is meant to decongest our was announced, was a Gulf Air flight that landed in light of the global coronavirus ventive medical protocols upon quarantine facilities to protect our people by earlier in the day carrying OFWs from Bahrain. (COVID-19) crisis. their arrival, to ensure the health preventing the further spread of COVID-19 and It departed one hour later. The efforts are part of the and safety of all those involved. MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 02

Deputy Premier to participate in virtual summit TDT | Manama the Non-Aligned Movement. Themed “United Against COV- peoples worldwide, including the the movement and take part in President of the Republic of ID-19”, the virtual summit affirms coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. discussing issues featured on the n behalf of His Majesty Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Incum- the commitment of member states It also aims to tackle the human, agenda of the summit. King Hamad bin Isa Al bent President of the current ses- to the UN charter and the princi- economic and social fallout in all The event convenes amid crit- OKhalifa, Deputy Premier sion of the Non-Aligned Move- ples on which the Non-Aligned countries in the world. ical circumstances that require His Highness Shaikh Mohammed ment called for the summit, which Movement is based to preserve HH Shaikh Mohammed will de- the unity of all countries and peo- bin Mubarak Al Khalifa will take will be held via video teleconfer- global peace and security and con- liver a speech to affirm Bahrain’s ples, as well as concerted efforts to HH Shaikh Mohammed part today in a virtual summit of ence. front threats facing countries and commitment to the principles of eliminate this pandemic. Labour workers’ accommodations help BCCI contributes BD60,000 in joint-project with Capital Governorate for temporary housing Nass, left, and Shaikh Hisham TDT | Manama Capital Governor Shaikh Hish- role in supporting the various mentation of the royal directives efforts to protect the safety and am bin Abdul Rahman Al Khal- initiatives for the benefit of both of His Majesty King Hamad bin stability of Bahraini society. he Bahrain Chamber of ifa praised the important role citizens and residents. Isa Al Khalifa, together with the The BCCI chief stressed that Commerce and Industry played by BCCI in supporting Expatriate labour Shaikh Hisham called on vari- efforts, cooperation and coordi- expatriate labour workers in T(BCCI) is contributing national efforts to contain and workers are being fully ous institutions and private sec- nation with the esteemed gov- the Kingdom are being fully BD60,000 to a joint-project with prevent the spread of COVID-19, cared for and respected tor companies to contribute to ernment, to combat the coro- cared for and respected by the the Capital Governorate to estab- and its support to traders under the efforts made by the governo- navirus. government, and that they en- lish temporary housing for mi- the current circumstances. by the government, and rate to reduce the intensity of ex- He stressed the importance joy all the rights guaranteed by grant workers and ensure their Shaikh Hisham said that they enjoy all the rights patriate labour workers through of harnessing all of BCCI’s capa- the laws and legislations of the safe transfer to these facilities, as this initiative confirms its ac- guaranteed by the laws the establishment of temporary bilities to support the national Kingdom. part of national efforts to combat tive contribution to solving the and legislations of the housing or donations of existing efforts to address this pandemic He pointed out that all preven- the coronavirus (COVID-19). problem of the congestion of mi- Kingdom. buildings for temporary housing. and its negative repercussions on tive measures are being taken to BCCI’s contribution is within grant workers in their residences BAHRAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND For his part, BCCI chairman various sectors. reinforce their protection and the framework of its close rela- within the governorate. It is also INDUSTRY (BCCI) CHAIRMAN SAMIR Samir Abdullah Nass said that He pointed out the chamber’s their safeguarding from the cur- tionship with the governorate. in line with its proven national ABDULLAH NASS this initiative comes in imple- keenness to align with national rent epidemic.

Students commemorate Labour Day

To commemorate Labour Day, students of Bahrain Indian School-BHAVANS engaged in a number of activities through digital medium. Students made cards honouring workers, shared interesting quotes on Labour Day, and presented researched material through power point presentations on how the occasion is celebrated differently in various countries. Students also made placards highlighting the theme “Know Some Labour Rights”. Left, some of the placards shared during an activity.

Pakistan Club delivers food packages to needy families

Pakistan Club organised free food package deliveries to needy families and individuals facing financial difficulties due to the present circumstances resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Basic food items including rice, flour, sugar, spices, tea, lintels, milk and the like were provided to 200 families and 250 individuals directly to their residences before Ramadan. More food packages were then distributed in the first week of Ramadan to another 150 families who had applied for assistance. Above, some of the goods that were distributed. MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 03

The comprehensive development• process launched by His Majesty the King has given room for free and responsible Bahrain marks World media to run in parallel with ever-widening political, economic and social openness TDT | Manama Press Freedom Day Deputy Supreme Commander the community and preserving he Kingdom of Bahrain and First Deputy Prime Minister. Bahrain’s development and civi- joined countries across the The vibrant scene of the press Leadership’s support to journalism hailed lisational gains. Tglobe in marking World in Bahrain has seen the adapta- TDT | Manama which launched the reform pro- ciation of Bahraini journalists as HM the King has dedicated Press Freedom Day yesterday. tion of tools to enhance infor- ject that led journalism to broader a source of pride. They stressed a day to celebrate the achieve- The United Nations Education- mation delivery in a professional ahrain Journalists As- horizons of independence. that his message marking World ments of Bahraini press and hon- al, Scientific and Cultural Organ- and responsible manner. Modern sociation (BJA) Board of The BJA Board of Directors Press Freedom Day casts light on our journalists in recognition of isation (UNESCO) chose “Journal- technological trends have allowed BDirectors extended their paid tribute to HM the King for the role of journalism, with rela- their status, noble messages and ism Without Fear or Favour” as more timely and diverse methods sincerest thanks and respect to his keen support to journalism tion to coronavirus (COVID-19) enhancement of Bahrain’s posi- this year’s theme. to achieve this. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa and freedom of expression, be- pandemic and electronic devel- tion on the Arab and international The theme asserts the impor- The role of the local press has Al Khalifa and His Royal High- ing pillars in the royal reform opment. media map. tance of maintaining independ- been further emphasised during ness the Prime Minister Prince project that ushered in a pros- The board also commended It is during this era that Bah- ent and professional journalism the current times of dealing with Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa perous era of conscious and re- the interest shown by His Roy- rain has had its first association standards. It also addresses po- the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal- for their noble messages marking sponsible press. They pledged to al Highness Prince Salman bin of journalists. litical, ideological or economic ists and other men and women World Press Freedom Day. continue working on preserving Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, The establishment of the asso- control and defamatory attacks on in the media are supporting the In a statement, the board laud- achievements and promoting the Deputy Supreme Commander ciation was part of a boom in the journalists, as stated in the mes- national efforts by amplifying ed the royal address, describing approach of the national press and First Deputy Premier con- active involvement of civil society sage by UNESCO director general messages bearing factual and un- it as a roadmap for journalists within the framework of respon- cerning the development of organisations in public affairs. Audrey Azoulay. biased information and awareness and media persons to perform sible freedom, credibility, trust journalism. They praised HRH The Bahrain Journalists Associ- Bahrain takes pride in the his- to the public. their duties freely, transparently and professionalism. the Crown Prince’s leadership of ation (BJA) takes upon the role tory of its press through the dec- Local media has also been and responsibly. It also praised The Board of Directors also the efforts to combat COVID-19, of protecting journalists’ rights ades. The constitutional guaran- actively involved in countering the unlimited royal support to praised the support of HRH the stressing success in boosting so- as well as providing them with tees for the freedom of press and what UNSECSO’s message de- local press, stressing that HM the Premier and his constant direc- cial awareness and ensuring flow training opportunities to empow- expression are in line with the scribed as “the infodemic of ru- King’s message reflects his en- tives to remain open on journal- of information and news trans- er their career development. limitless support afforded by His mours and disinformation” and lightened thought and noble will, ism. They described his appre- parently. Bahraini women are strongly Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al in highlighting the tireless efforts represented in the field of journal- Khalifa, His Royal Highness the exerted by Bahrain in managing for free and responsible media to the Bahraini media, has provid- Charter and the Constitution of ism, and media overall. They hold Prime Minister Prince Khalifa the situation. run in parallel with ever-widen- ed a conducive environment for 2002. several senior and executive roles bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His The comprehensive develop- ing political, economic and so- the press to assume its role as the HM the King has fully support- as well as 40 per cent of special- Royal Highness Prince Salman bin ment process launched by His cial openness. This golden era, fourth estate, supported by the ed the Bahraini press and appre- ised jobs, off and on screen and in Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Majesty the King has given room unprecedented in the history of principles of the National Action ciated its contributions to serving other media related services.

Civil Defence put out rooftop fire in Buri Two arrested for ‘Walk Challenge’ suspected robbery competitors honoured of BD23,000 worth TDT | Manama of goods, money pation from all age categories. He pointed out that the competition TDT | Manama ahrain Diabetes Society has become a comprehensive (BDS) has organised for awareness programme to curb wo individuals suspected Bthe first time a remote cer- obesity and the complications Tof stealing a safe contain- emony to honour competitors in of diabetes and chronic diseases. ing items and money worth the “Walk Challenge” through For her part, Public Health as- BD23,000 have been arrested, the Visual Communication Tech- sistant undersecretary and BDS the Capital Governorate Police nology (VCT). vice-president Dr. Mariam Al director-general announced It was held under the pa- Hajeri said the second edition of yesterday. tronage of Supreme Council of the competition was organised The culprits, aged 26 and Health (SCH) president Lieuten- over three months, from January 23, stole the safe from a car ant General Dr. Shaikh Moham- 25 to April 23 of this year, starting workshop. The arrests were med bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. from Riffa walkway in the South- made in coordination with the In the speech, Dr. Shaikh ern Governorate. She noted that General Directorate of Crimi- Mohammed stressed that the the contest aims to help Bahraini nal Investigation and Forensic “Walk Challenge” contest is one society adopt healthy walking as Science within 24 hours of the of the key programmes aimed at a lifestyle and maintain a healthy reporting of the case. tackling obesity in the Bahraini weight to prevent non-commu- The director-general said society. He noted that it is one of nicable diseases in the long run. that an investigation into the the main causes of diabetes and At the end of the ceremony, robbery has led to the iden- other chronic diseases which BDS awareness and media com- tification and arrests of the have social, health and financial mittee head Dr. Kawthar Al Eid suspects and the confiscation effects on individuals, govern- held a raffle draw with prizes for of the stolen items. They in- ments and the society. 17 winners who participated in clude watches, pens, cameras Dr. Shaikh Mohammed af- the initiative. and a laptop that were found firmed that the “Walk Challenge” Meanwhile, the SCH president at a farm. is a first-of-its-kind initiative in inaugurated the BDS website Legal proceedings were A fire that broke out at the rooftop of a residential building in Buri was put out by the Civil Defence. This was announced Bahrain and the Gulf. He added which represents a compre- taken, and the case has been yesterday by the Ministry of Interior on its official page on social networking service Twitter. A precautionary the it has received large scale hensive media and awareness referred to the Public Pros- evacuation was carried out and no injuries were reported. Investigations determined that a short circuit was the reason support and saw massive partici- platform. ecution. behind the fire. Above, a view of the building’s rooftop after the fire was put out. BenefitPay for fuel payments launched TDT | Manama to the public’s demand for such to cashless transactions, in line with “This initiative is in line with our electronic financial payments and lectronic payment service services. national directives and precaution- continuous efforts to provide a fully transitioning into a cashless society. BenefitPay can now be used This partnership opens a new ary measures to limit the spread of integrated electronic-payments The initiative is in line with the Eby Sadeem customers to enrollment channel for Sadeem the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the solution that meets the require- government’s plans and the di- pay for fuel. card through BenefitPay and elim- Kingdom. ments of individuals and compa- rectives of Minister of Oil Shaikh This was announced yesterday inates the need for Sadeem ex- Benefit is offering an exclusive nies. We would like to express our Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa by Benefit company, following its isting users to carry their plastic offer of 10 per cent cash back for thanks to the Central Bank of Bah- as fueling stations are amongst the partnership with Bahrain Petrole- cards with them. service users purchasing fuel at Al Janahi Buhazza rain for their continuous support.” most businesses that use cash, he um Company (Bapco) in coopera- Sadeem card holders will be Bapco Retail Stations, and a five Bapco general manager mar- added. tion with Bapco Retail Company. able to recharge their accounts per cent cash back for service users “We are pleased to announce keting Khalid Buhazza said the “Sadeem users can enjoy re- Sadeem users can now pay for through “Fawateer” on the Ben- purchasing fuel at any other fuel such a quantum leap with Bapco partnership provides the option charging and using their accounts fuel and recharge their accounts efitPay application, where their station amongst the 52 participat- and Bapco Retail Company, ena- of using electronic payments at without the need of carrying a using BenefitPay. cards will digitally appear to them. ing stations located throughout bling the public to use the Benefit- refueling stations and protecting physical card, which in return pro- The move is in line with gov- This partnership strengthens Bahrain, to be deposited directly Pay application to access Sadeem,” users and employees on site, in ad- vides our valued customers with a ernment directives to encourage efforts to reduce the use of cash, into the balance of their Sadeem Benefit CE Abdulwahed Al Janahi dition to contributing to achieving higher level of customer satisfac- electronic payments, in addition especially at fuel stations, and move account. said. the national plans to encourage tion,” said Buhazza. MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 04

Tesla applies to become UK electricity provider - The Telegraph Saudi to take ‘strict, painful’ Reuters

S electric carmaker Te - Usla Inc has applied for measures to deal with virus a licence to supply electric- ity in the United Kingdom, Reuters | Riyadh The Telegraph reported on to curb the pace and scale of Saturday. economic reforms launched by The purpose of the licence audi Arabia will take strict Crown Price Mohammed bin from the energy regulator may and painful measures to Salman. be to introduce the company’s the paper said, citing industry Sdeal with the economic Saudi Arabia’s central bank Autobidder platform, the re- sources. impact of the coronavirus pan- foreign exchange reserves fell port said, citing a company The company did not imme- demic, the finance minister said in March at their fastest rate in source. The application did diately respond to a request for on Saturday, adding that “all op- at least 20 years, hitting their not make clear why Tesla has a comment. tions for dealing with the crisis lowest level since 2011, while applied for the licence, The In 2017, the carmaker built are open”. the kingdom slipped to a $9 bil- Telegraph reported. world’s largest lithium ion bat- “We must reduce budget ex- lion budget deficit in the first Autobidder is a platform for tery to help keep the lights on penditures sharply”, Moham- quarter as oil revenue collapsed. automated energy trading and in South Australia. med al-Jadaan said in an inter- Jadaan said last month that is currently being operated at Shares of Tesla fell 9% on view with Al Arabiya TV, adding Riyadh could borrow $26 billion Tesla’s Hornsdale Power Re- Friday after Chief Executive that the impact of the new coro- Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed al-Jadaan speaks during an interview with more this year while it would serve in South Australia. Officer Elon Musk tweeted navirus on Saudi Arabia’s state Reuters at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia draw down up to $32 billion Having built a significant that the electric carmaker’s finances will appear from the from its foreign reserves to fi- battery business in recent high-flying stock was overly second quarter of the year. Isolates industrial area in Dammam nance the deficit. years, the carmaker is now expensive. “Tesla stock price is “Saudi finances need more Reuters | Cairo On Saturday Jadaan told Al preparing to enter the British too high,” Musk said on Twit- discipline and the road ahead is Arabiya Saudi Arabia had used market with its technology, ter. long,” he said. some revenue from investments One measure would be to audi Arabia isolated an industrial area of the eastern city of to plug the deficit, and that the slow down government pro - SDammam yesterday, preventing entry and exit until further crisis presented investment op- jects, including mega-projects, notice, to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, state news portunities. to reduce spending, he said. agency SPA said. Freight shipments will be able to come and go Jadaan noted the country had UAE’s ADNOC restarts Ruwais The world’s largest oil export- from the area, Dammam Second Industrial City, SPA said, citing introduced stimulus measures er is suffering from historically an interior ministry official. The decision allows vital factories aimed at preserving jobs in the oil refinery after maintenance low oil prices, while measures to to operate at one third capacity, SPA added. private sector and safeguarding Reuters | Dubai fight the coronavirus are likely the provision of basic services. bu Dhabi National Oil ACompany (ADNOC) has begun a gradual restart of its Egypt sees Jordan lifts all Ruwais oil refinery complex Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi joint after a scheduled maintenance growth slowing venture to start flights this year curbs on economic shutdown, a company spokes- if coronavirus activity in latest man said yesterday. Reuters | Dubai The Ruwais complex, which An Emirati man is seen near the logo continues to easing of lockdown has capacity of 835,000 barrels of ADNOC in Ruwais, United Arab December: minister izz Air’s planned Abu Reuters | Amman per day, was shut down early Emirates WDhabi-based joint ven- this year, the ADNOC spokes- Reuters | Cairo ture carrier is expected to start ordan said yesterday man said. Ruwais following our planned flying this year, the European Jit had lifted all restric- “We are gradually restart- maintenance programme,” the gypt was expecting budget airline said in a state- tions on economic activity ing our refining operations in spokesman said. Egrowth of 3.5 per cent ment yesterday. in the latest easing of coro- in the fiscal year 2020-21 The joint venture with Abu A Wizz Air Airbus A320 navirus lockdown rules to which starts in July, but Dhabi state holding company help jump-start the cash- growth could slow to 2pc ADQ, announced in December, Wizz Air will also start strapped economy. if the coronavirus crisis aims to start flights to Europe, flights from European cities to Jordan has in the last two Regional markets decline continues to December, the Indian subcontinent, Mid- Abu Dhabi from June, which weeks been lifting restric- Reuters Planning Minister Hala al- dle East and Africa, Wizz Air it said would supplement the tions to allow businesses Closing Bell Saeed said in a statement said. launch of the joint venture. back to work, but with low- yesterday. er levels of staff and strict audi Arabia’s stock market SAUDI q 7.4pc to 6,586 pts The government had been social distancing and hy- Sfell sharply yesterday, snap- ABU DHABI q 3pc to 4,107 pts targeting annual growth of giene guidelines. ping three sessions of gains DUBAI q 4pc to 1,946 pts 5.6pc in the current fiscal as the prospect of more strin- US may need to put more money in QATAR q 0.9pc to 8,688 pts year 2019-20, but was now gent measures to cope with looking at 4.2pc due to the small business programme: Kudlow the coronavirus and Moody’s EGYPT q 3.3pc to 10,200 pts crisis, she added. Reuters | Washington Lufthansa downgrading of the kingdom’s OMAN n at 3,538 pts outlook soured investor sen- KUWAIT q 2pc at 5,248 pts hite House economic hopeful on deal timent. Wadviser Larry Kudlow for German Saudi Arabia’s benchmark Intel in talks said yesterday he would not index plunged 5.7 per cent, rule out any element in the state aid its biggest intraday fall since to buy Israel’s next potential coronavirus re- Berlin March 09, weighed down by an lief bill, including more mon- 8pc drop in Al Rajhi Bank and Moovit public ey for state and local govern- urope’s biggest airline a 5.2pc fall in oil giant Saudi ments. Egroup Lufthansa said Aramco. transit app for $1 “We are in discussions,” Sunday it was close to a deal Moody’s Investors Service billion - media Kudlow said on CNN’s “State with the German govern- cut Saudi Arabia’s outlook to of the Union.” He said author- ment on state aid to ease the “negative” from “stable” on Reuters | Tel Aviv ities would need to see in a impact of the coronavirus Friday, citing higher fiscal couple of weeks “what needs crisis. risks due to the crash in oil hipmaker Intel Corp is to be done and perhaps how The group, which warns prices, and uncertainty about Cin advanced talks to ac- to do it.” ey into a popular programme it is bleeding cash and might the government’s ability to off- quire Israeli public transit Kudlow also said “it may be” to help small businesses sur- have to declare insolvency, set revenue losses and stabilize app developer Moovit for that the federal government vive coronavirus-related shut- had appeared to be stalled its debt in the medium term. $1 billion, financial news needs to put even more mon- downs. in its bid for up to 10 billion “Market is down given the website Calcalist reported euros ($11 billion) in aid, unavoidable austerity meas- yesterday. according to a report in the ures, depressed economy and Representative picture Moovit has raised $133 weekly Der Spiegel. fiscal pro-cyclical measures. million from investors in- US processes over $500 billion in But in a note from This is the time to concentrate negative from stable. cluding Intel, BMW iVen- Lufthansa directors to staff on saving the domestic econ- Meanwhile, President Don- tures and Sequoia Capital. small business loans seen by AFP, the company omy and that requires mas- ald Trump’s revived threat of Officials at Intel Is - Reuters said it has held “intense and sive fiscal support and cutting new U.S. tariffs against China rael and Moovit de - SBA has processed about constructive exchanges” excess fat inside and acquisi- dampened risk appetite. clined to comment on the 2.2 million loans, whose val- with the German govern- tions outside,” said John Sfa- The Abu Dhabi index report. he US Small Business ue is over $175 billion, since ment on the financial help. kianakis, senior scholar at the dropped 3pc, as the largest Calcalist reported that TAdministration has pro- the start of the second round “In our view these dis- University of Cambridge. lender First Abu Dhabi Bank people with knowledge of cessed over 3.8 million loans of the PPP loan processing on cussions could be conclud- “The domestic economy lost 3.3pc. the talks, who spoke on con- for more than half a trillion April 27, the statement added. ed in the near future,” it needs to take prescience at all Qatar’s index slipped 0.9pc, dition of anonymity, said the dollars since the launch of The second round of the said. costs now as this is a never hurt by a 1.4pc drop in Qatar deal is very close to being the Paycheck Protection Pro- SBA’s Paycheck Protection “Support from the Ger- seen before crisis of multiple Islamic Bank. signed. gramme on April 3 to deal Programme was launched man state constitutes an black swans,” he added. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s Moovit’s free mobile nav- with the economic fallout of on Monday, allowing lend- essential step towards en- In Dubai, the index closed blue-chip index dropped 3.3pc, igation app provides transit the coronavirus outbreak, ac- ers to issue forgivable, gov- suring our future,” it add- 4pc down, with Emaar Proper- with Commercial Internation- information to more than cording to a joint statement ernment-guaranteed loans to ed, as Europe begins to ease ties sliding 4.8pc after Moody’s al Bank falling 2.3pc. 750 million users in 100 by the SBA and the Treasury small businesses shuttered by measures taken to stem the changed the Bahrain was closed for a countries. Department. the outbreak. spread of COVID-19. outlook for the developer to public holiday. MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 05 Bahrain Chamber US aviation sector cuts more unveils new logo jobs amid travel meltdown Reuters | Washington “This sudden drop in air travel turn to 2019 levels and it will research note on Friday that he ongoing US travel cri- has forced our customers to ad- be a few years beyond that for “October 1st is likely to emerge sis is causing thousands just to lower demand from air- the industry to return to long- as one of the darkest days in his- Tof job cuts as the aviation lines, many of which are seeking term growth trends.” The cuts tory for airline labor” — though TDT | Manama The logo, BCCI said, rep- sector waits for passengers to to defer or cancel airplane or- in some areas, such as commer- it noted that Congress could opt resents its new identity, fu - return to the skies but braces for ders,” Spirit AeroSystems Chief cial airplanes, will be more than to extend additional assistance. he Bahrain Chamber of turistic vision, and the board years of lower demand because Executive Tom Gentile told 15pc, Boeing said. United Airlines is reducing TCommerce and Industry of directors’ keenness on re- of the coronavirus pandemic. employees in an email Delta Air Lines Inc said last working hours by 25pc for (BCCI) said it has launched a vamping and modernising the US airlines are slashing hun- seen. “All indi- week it does not expect air trav- 15,000 employees starting May new logo to match its new vi- chamber’s operations and ser- dreds of thousands of flights, el to recover for two or three 24, drawing criticism from an sion and development strategy. vices, while at the same time cutting schedules by 80 per cent years. More than 37,000 Delta employee union and some US The new logo will be used reflects its long history full of or more through at least June employees have volunteered to lawmakers who contend that in all further correspondence achievements. and parking thousands of jets as take unpaid leave lasting from the move violates the terms of while sustaining the official The Chamber vowed to keep demand for tickets has plunged one month to a year. the $5 billion payroll assistance name of the Chamber as (Bah- abreast of all developments by about 95pc. Airlines are re- American Airlines Chief Ex- United is receiving from the rain Chamber of Commerce while offering its members quiring facial coverings and ecutive Doug Parkersaid in an Treasury. and Industry). quality services. implementing new cleaning interview on Thursday that the “The taxpayers of this coun- procedures to airline will be “smaller than we try have offered a generous bail- try to intended to be certainly into out to your company and you 2021.” should, in turn, honor this trust Labor union SEIU said by keeping the promises you Thursday at least 13,000 made to those you employ,” Re- convince passengers it is safe union members at air- publican Senator Josh Hawley to fly again, but also fear the ports have been laid off wrote United on Friday. weakened economy may further cations right now and another 1,000 layoffs United declined to comment drag down demand. tell us this lower are planned. The US Treasury on Hawley’s letter on Saturday Late Friday, Spirit demand for new has not yet awarded $3 bil - but its chief operations officer AeroSystems said that commercial air- lion in payroll assistance cash Greg Hart told employees in an in response to lower pro- planes is likely grants approved by Congress email on Friday that the reduc- duction rates from Boeing Co to last for several years.” for airport contractors such as tion in hours does not violate and Airbus SE it would layoff On Wednesday, Boeing Co baggage handlers and airplane the terms of the government 1,450 workers in Kansas. announced it would cut some caterers. assistance. production rates and eliminate US airlines last month collec- He said United is “making about 16,000 jobs tively were awarded $25 billion similar changes for our manage- worldwide, or 10pc in Treasury cash grants but as a ment personnel” and that those of its workforce by condition must not fire workers changes will be announced on year end. or reduce through Sept. 30. Monday. Boeing Chief Numerous airlines have Last month, General Elec- The Bahrain Chamber Chief Executive Officer Shaker Al Shater named Sayed Executive Dave warned that without a dramatic tric Co said it was furloughing Majeed Sayed Mahfoodh as its Distinguished Employee in honour of his Calhoun said turnaround in passenger num- 50pc of workers in US engine sincere and relentless efforts. Al Shater stressed that the award mainly aims he expects it bers they will be forced to make assembly and component man- at sustaining a healthy and rewarding work environment that cultivates will “take two new significant cuts before year ufacturing operations, a move hard work, creativity, and good work ethics, and explained that the selection to three years end. that impacted thousands of process for the Distinguished Employee Award is conducted by a specialised committee that follows objective criteria. for travel to re- JPMorgan Chase said in a employees. Warren Buffett says virus cannot stop America, or Berkshire Berkshire sells entire stakes in US airlines Reuters closed it had begun investing in future.” Berkshire disclosed on work and our operational relia- the four carriers after avoiding April 3 it had sold about 18pc bility – will endure and position erkshire Hathaway Inc the sector for years. of its Delta stake and 4pc of its Delta to succeed.” Bsold its entire stakes in Airline stocks have been hard Southwest shares. Buffett said he previously the four largest US airlines in hit by the near collapse US trav- Buffett said Berkshire had considered investing in addi- April, Chairman Warren Buffett el demand amid the coronavi- invested around $7 billion or $8 tional airlines. said at the company’s annu- rus pandemic. billion amassing stakes in the “It is a blow to have essen- al meeting, saying “the world US airlines are cutting hun- four airlines including Ameri- tially your demand dry up.... It has changed” for the aviation dreds of thousands of flights, can Airlines Group Inc. is basically that we shut off air industry. parking thousands of planes “We did not take out anything travel in this country,” Buffett The conglomerate had held as US travel demand has fallen like $7 or $8 billion and that added. sizeable positions in the air- by about 95pc and there is no was my mistake,” Buffett said Buffett previously expressed lines, including an 11 per cent clear timetable for passengers at the company’s annual meet- grim sentiments about the fi- Warren Buffett stake in Delta Air Lines, 10pc of to return to flights at pre-crisis ing which was livestreamed. nancial outlook for airlines. He American Airlines Co, 10pc of levels. “I am the one who made the did invest in USAir in 1989. Reuters the recent bear market. Southwest Airlines Co and 9pc Buffett said the airline indus- decision.” “If a farsighted capitalist had The 89-year-old opened the of United Airlines at the end of try’s outlook rapidly changed. Southwest, American and been present at Kitty Hawk, he illionaire investor Warren meeting in Omaha, Nebraska 2019, according to its annual “We made that decision in United declined comment. would have done his succes- BBuffett on Saturday said the with 1-3/4 hours of remarks to report and company filings. terms of the airline business. Delta said in a statement sors a huge favor by shooting United States’ capacity to with- soothe anxious investors, urging The conglomerate was one of We took money out of the busi- it was aware of the sale and Orville down,” Buffett wrote in stand crises provides a silver them to stay committed to stocks the largest individual holders ness basically even at a sub - has “tremendous respect for his 2007 annual letter. “Inves- lining as it combats the corona- despite this year’s bear market, in the four airlines and stantial loss,” Buffett said. “We Mr. Buffett and the Berkshire tors have poured money into virus, even as he acknowledged even if the pandemic gets a sec- in 2016 dis - will not fund a company that team.” The airline added it a bottomless pit, attracted by that the global pandemic could ond wind late this year. — where we think that it is go- remains “confident that the growth when they should have significantly damage the econo- Illustrating his remarks with ing to chew up money in the strengths that are core to Del- been repelled by it.” my and his investments. dozens of plain black-and-white ta’s business – our people, our Over more than 4-1/2 hours at slides, Buffett called dealing brand, our net- the annual meeting of Berkshire with the pandemic “quite an ex- Hathaway Inc, Buffett said his periment” that had an “extraor- conglomerate has taken many dinarily wide” range of possible steps responding to the pan - economic outcomes. demic, including providing cash But he said Americans have to struggling operating units, persevered and prospered and throwing in the towel on a through such crises as the Civil multi-billion-dollar bet on U.S. War in the 1860s, the influen- airlines. Buffett also said he re- za pandemic a century ago and mains keen on making a big ac- the Great Depression. American quisition, which he has not done “magic” prevailed before and since 2016, but has not provided would do again, he said. financial support to companies “Nothing can stop America The meeting was held virtu- streamed by Yahoo Finance. holder questions posed by a sidered by many analysts and as he did during the 2008 finan- when you get right down to it,” ally for the first time because of Buffett and Vice Chairman reporter.Abel has day-to-day investors a top candidate to cial crisis because he saw noth- Buffett said. “I will bet on Amer- the pandemic, without share- Greg Abel, 57, spent nearly oversight of Berkshire’s non-in- eventually succeed Buffett as ing attractive enough, even after ica the rest of my life.” holders in attendance, and 2-1/2 hours answering share- surance businesses, and is con- chief executive. MONDAY, MAY 4 , 2020 06

Venezuela prison News in brief riot leaves 47 dead, Military jets flew over 75 wounded North and South Korea US cities on Saturday to salute frontline workers in the country with the highest coronavirus exchange gunfire: Seoul caseload and death toll in the world. Residents of the AFP | Seoul nation’s capital Washington, as well as Baltimore and Atlanta were treated to sights of the Navy’s Blue orth Korean troops A screenshot shows members Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds arcing across the sky. Crowds turned out on fired multiple gunshots of the National Guard deployed the National Mall to see the jets fly in formation past sites such as the US Capitol and outside Los Llanos prison, in towards the South in N the Washington Monument. Guanare on May 2 after a riot the Demilitarized Zone divid- ing the peninsula yesterday, Helicopters showered masked health India’s Caracas prompting South Korean forces workers with rose petals and jets roared to fire back, Seoul said. across the skies Sunday as India’s military military The rare exchange of gunfire paid tribute to frontline workers battling prison riot has left at comes a day after North Kore- the coronavirus pandemic. In one of the first of salutes virus Aleast 47 dead and 75 an state media reported that several gestures on Sunday, petals fell on to the upturnedworkers with wounded in western Ven- leader Kim Jong Un had made faces of medical personnel clad in protective gear as an ezuela, a country where his first public appearance in army band played patriotic tunes including “Jai Ho” (May rose petals, NGOs and inmates’ families nearly three weeks following an The Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea is one of the most victory prevail) from the popular Slumdog Millionaire flypasts regularly denounce unsan- absence that triggered intense fortified places in the world film. In several states and itary conditions, violence speculation about his health territories across the vast and overcrowding behind and fears about the stability of nation of 1.3 billion people, bars. the isolated nation. ‘Glad’ Kim ‘is back, and well’, says Trump fighter jets and transport According to an army re- A South Korean guard post Washington port on Friday, the disrup- was hit by several shots from aircraft in formations took part in low-flying aerial tion started when inmates the North, the joint chiefs of S President Donald Trump salutes to thank the country’s began destroying “the se- staff (JCS) in Seoul said in a Usaid Saturday he was curity fences around the statement, adding no casual- “glad” about the reappearance so-called “corona warriors” perimeter” in a “massive ties were reported in the South. of Kim Jong Un and that the Britain will trial a new coronavirus tracing escape attempt.” It also said “Our military responded with North Korea leader is appar- programme next week on the Isle of Wight, just the prison’s director was two rounds of gunfire and a ently healthy. off the south coast of England, cabinet minister Michael Gove wounded. warning announcement,” the “I, for one, am glad to see Trump and Kim Jong Un said on Sunday as the government looks at how to minimise the Guards opened fire fol- JCS said. The South Korean he is back, and well!” Trump risk of a second wave of infection. “This week we will be piloting lowing the incident at the military later said the North’s tweeted, following Kim’s first lizer factory on Friday in Sun- new test, track and trace procedures on the Isle of Wight with a facility, which has a capacity gunshots were “not deemed public appearance in nearly chon, north of Pyongyang. view to having that in place more widely later this month,” he told a news conference. for 750 inmates but houses intentional”, according to the three weeks after intense spec- Rumors about Kim’s health some 2,500. Yonhap news agency. The two ulation that he was seriously ill have been swirling since his Bulgaria plans to lift a ban on people travelling outside their local communities With the coronavirus neighbours remain technically or possibly dead. conspicuous no-show at April next week as it begins easing coronavirus restrictions. pandemic raging, visits from at war after the Kowtrean War North Korean state tele - 15 celebrations for the birthday Japan could ease some coronavirus curbs by allowing places such as parks and family and friends -- who ended with an armistice in 1953, vision showed Kim walking, of his grandfather, the North’s museums to reopen, provided proper preventive measures were in place, Economy often bring food and medi- and despite its name, the De- smiling broadly and smoking founder -- the most important Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said. cine to inmates -- have been militarized Zone is one of the a cigarette at what the North day in the country’s political South Korea will further relax social distancing rules from May 6, allowing a greatly reduced. most fortified places on earth. said was the opening of a ferti- calendar. phased re-opening of businesses, as the nation has largely managed to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control, the government said Singapore will progressively ramp up its manufacturing activities, its minister of Pope says coronavirus vaccine must Russia sees record rise as virus trade and industry said, with the city-state looking to restart its economy as curbs be shared worldwide start to ease over the next few weeks. cases surge past 130,000 Australia’s state of Victoria saw its highest increase in new coronavirus cases in Reuters | Vatican City weeks and New South Wales state struggled with a cluster of infections at an aged al cooperation to deal Moscow care facility, as parts of the country began easing distancing rules. ope Francis called with the crisis and com- Pyesterday for in- bat the virus, which has ussia yesterday reported a new record daily rise in corona- New York Governor Andrew Cuomo pushed back against what he called premature ternational scientific infected nearly 3.5 mil- Rvirus infections as the number of confirmed cases surged demands that he reopen the state, saying he knew people were struggling without cooperation to dis- lion people and killed past 130,000. As some European countries were looking to jobs but that more understanding of the coronavirus was needed. cover a vaccine for the more than 240,000 peo- gradually lift restrictions, officials in Moscow -- the epicentre of Malls in the United Arab Emirates’ capital Abu Dhabi began reopening to a coronavirus and said ple worldwide. the contagion in Russia -- urged residents to stay home despite restricted number of customers. any successful vaccine “In fact, it is impor- glorious weather. should be made availa- tant to unite scientific With the number of cases rising by ble around the world. capabilities, in a transparent several thousand each day, Russia is Global Countries worst affected Francis, who has been deliv- and impartial way to find vac- now the European country registering ering his Sunday address from cines and treatments,” he said. the most new infections. Despite the Covid-19 Cases: Country Total cases New deaths Total the papal library instead of St. Francis said it was also im- increases, the government has indicat- Deaths Peter’s Square because of the portant to “guarantee univer- ed it could gradually lift confinement USA 1,171,350 +644 68,088 lockdown in Italy, thanked all sal access to essential technol- measures from May 12, depending on the 3,539,654 those around the world who ogies that allow each infected region. According to the government’s Spain 247,122 +164 25,264 were providing essential ser- person, in every part of the daily coronavirus update, 10,633 con- Deaths vices. world, to receive the necessary firmed infections were reported in the Italy 210,717 +174 28,884 He encouraged internation- medical treatment.” last 24 hours. 247,033 UK 186,599 +315 28,446 Recovered: France 168,396 24,760 Germany 165,183 6,812 1,147,589 Russia 134,687 +58 1,280 UK PM says doctors had plan in Turkey 126,045 +61 3,397 New cases Iran 97,424 +47 6,203 case he died of COVID-19 Brazil 97,100 +11 6,761 London +58,283 China 82,877 4,633 support”, and admitted after his discharge on April 12 that his fight New deaths Canada 57,148 +40 3,606 octors treating Boris Johnson with the virus “could have gone India 42,490 +68 1,391 Dfor coronavirus prepared to an- either way”. nounce his death after he was taken But although he told the newspa- Pakistan 20,084 +20 457 to intensive care, the British prime per he did think “how am I going to +2,370 minister said on Sunday, in his first get out of this?”, he did not think at Middle East Figures as of closing detailed comments about his illness. any point he was going to die. “It was a tough old moment, I Johnson, who returned to work Country Total new cases Total New Total Active Serious, Tot last Monday and became a father cases deaths Deaths recovered cases Critical cases/1m won’t deny it,” he was quoted as pop saying by the Sun on Sunday news- again when his fiancee Carrie paper in an interview. “They had Boris Johnson first announced he had Symonds gave birth on Wednesday, Bahrain 3,356 +72 8 1,717 1,631 1 1,972 a strategy to deal with a ‘death of contracted COVID-19 on March 27 but said he was given “litres and litres” of oxygen in hospital. Saudi Stalin’-type scenario. failed to shake the illness after a week of Arabia 27,011 +1,552 184 +8 4,134 22,693 139 776 “I was not in particularly brilliant self-isolation He said he felt frustrated he was shape and I was aware there were symptoms. Yet he failed to shake the not getting better but the reality hit UAE 14,163 +564 126 +7 2,763 11,274 1 1,432 contingency plans in place. The illness after a week of self-isolation. home when doctors were deliberat- Kuwait doctors had all sorts of arrange - He was taken to hospital as a pre- ing whether to intubate him and put 4,983 +364 38 +5 1,776 3,169 72 1,167 ments for what to do if things went caution on April 5 for further tests him on a ventilator. Oman badly wrong.” but within 24 hours was moved to “That was when it got a bit... they 2,568 +85 12 750 1,806 17 503 Johnson, 55, first announced he intensive care. were starting to think about how to Egypt had contracted COVID-19 on March The Conservative party leader handle it presentationally,” he told 6,193 415 1,522 4,256 61 27 but maintained he had only mild spent three days receiving “oxygen the weekly tabloid. MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 07

News in brief Pompeo says Israel reopened some schools ‘enormous Burj Khalifa to light up with on Sunday but the bid to edge back to normality as coronavirus evidence’ virus concerns ease was boycotted by several municipalities and many came from parents who cited poor government Wuhan lab coronavirus donations preparation. Kitted with masks and hand-cleaners, the first three grades of Washington elementary school and the last two grades of high school were allowed back, redistributed in classes capped at 15 pupils to enforce S Secretary of State social-distancing. If the move does not unleash fresh contagions, other grades and UMike Pompeo said yesterday that there was kindergartens may soon follow suit. “enormous evidence” that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not undergo surgery during almost three weeks the coronavirus pandemic of absence from public life, a South Korean official said on Sunday. “Our assessment originated in a laboratory in is that (Kim) did not undergo surgery,” the official, who declined to be identified, told Wuhan, China. reporters. Asked if media reports of Kim having undergone a simple medical treatment “There is enormous ev- were also untrue, the official simply said: “Yes.” idence that this is where Dozens of Rohingya refugees stranded at it began,” he said on ABC’s sea for weeks have been relocated to a “This Week.” controversial flood-prone island in the Bay of But while highly critical Bengal, Bangladesh officials said yesterday. of China’s handling of the matter, Pompeo declined to Bangladesh last year constructed facilities for say whether he thought the 100,000 people on Bhashan Char, a muddy virus had been intentionally silt islet in the cyclone-prone coastal belt, released. saying they needed to take pressure off News reports say Trump crowded border camps that are home to almost one million Rohingya. has tasked US spies to find Nearly 3,000 cruise ship out more about the origins workers quarantined of the virus, at first blamed aboard a liner will undergo on a Wuhan market selling tests for the novel exotic animals like bats, but coronavirus, German travel now thought possibly to be Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in the city centre of the Gulf emirate of Dubai group TUI said yesterday. from a virus research labo- “Mein Schiff 3” was being ratory nearby. used to ferry 2,899 TUI Pompeo, a former direc- the United Arab Emirates. against the pandemic,” Dubai’s employees and crew home tor of the Central Intelli- The Burj Khalifa, which media office said in a statement. For each 10-dirham with both cruises and the gence Agency, told ABC that • stands 828 metres (2,717 feet) “They will see the impact he agreed with a statement ($2.7) donation, one high, will be transformed into of their contributions on the usual means of transport in much of Europe shut down by the pandemic. Problems began when the huge vessel Thursday from the US in- of the building’s 1.2 the “world’s tallest donation facade of the world’s tallest telligence community in million LED lights will box” as part of a campaign to building.” docked at in the German North Sea port of Cuxhaven on April 28 with more than a which it concurred “with be illuminated -- each provide 10 million meals to Last week, the UAE eased dozen crew members showing flu-like symptoms. One of them then tested positive for the wide scientific consen- low-income people. lockdown restrictions that were the virus on Friday leading the company to quarantine everyone on board. sus that the COVID-19 virus representing a meal For each 10-dirham ($2.7) put in place to curb the spread was not man-made or ge- donation, one of the building’s of the disease. Crowds pack Seoul beach as new netically modified.” • A live count on the 1.2 million LED lights will be Dubai, one of the seven But he went further than website indicated that illuminated -- each represent- sheikhdoms that make up the virus cases drop Trump, in citing “signifi- more than 176,000 ing a meal. UAE, had imposed a total cur- cant” and “enormous” ev- On Sunday, less than 24 hours few. idence that the virus orig- meals had been donated since the launch of the appeal, The emirate depends heavily inated in a Wuhan labora- a live count on the website in- on trade, retail, tourism and tory. Last week, the dicated that more than 176,000 real estate, and the restrictions “I think the whole world UAE• eased lockdown meals had been donated. have hit businesses hard. It is can see now, remember, restrictions that were The skyscraper regularly fea- also home to millions of for- China has a history of in- tures displays of solidarity with eign workers, some of whom fecting the world and run- put in place to curb the crisis-stricken countries -- for have found themselves out of ning substandard laborato- spread of the disease. Australia when bushfires rav- work or unpaid as the economy ries,” Pompeo said. aged parts of the country, and crumbles. He said early Chinese Dubai for China and Italy when they The UAE has so far reported efforts to downplay the were hit hard by the COVID-19 more than 14,000 infections, coronavirus amounted to respiratory disease. including 126 deaths. Crowds throng a beach in Seoul during the ongoing long weekend with “a classic Communist disin- ne pixel at a time, Dubai “Representing donations as It has the second highest public holidays on April 30 (Buddha’s birthday) and May 5 (Children’s Day). formation effort. That cre- will light up the facade lights beaming on Burj Khali- number of confirmed COVID-19 South Korea appears to have turned a corner in its aggressive fight against ated enormous risk.” of the world’s tallest fa reflects the hope that small cases in the Gulf after Saudi the coronavirus but an air of caution remains among the public. “I feel O cautious since we are still supposed to be social-distancing. So it is not easy “President Trump is very building to represent each do- acts of kindness will bring to Arabia, which has recorded to truly relax and enjoy the holiday,” says one man while trying to destress clear: we’ll hold those re- nation made to relieve corona- less fortunate communities as more than 25,000 infections at the beach Saturday. sponsible accountable.” virus-hit communities across the country continues its battle and 176 deaths. Confusion as Italy prepares to ease lockdown AFP | Rome them closed, even to those who used “as an excuse by many for taly was spending its last day live by the sea. a sort of free- for-all”. Iin total lockdown Sunday, but “We’ve been waiting with The government hopes easing the partial easing of strict coro- longing for May 4, but now it’s the coronavirus lockdown, the navirus measures after a two- finally arrived it’s a letdown. Un- longest in the world, will reboot month shutdown was causing til they tell me I’m really free, I’ll a crippled economy. anxiety and confusion rather feel paranoid, like I’m breaking But Conte has warned he will than elation. the rules in some way,” 37-year be watching closely to see if the Across the country, attempts old Michele Magna told AFP. virus flares up again, and is ready to make plans for the first day to enforce localised lockdowns if of freedom were hampered by ‘Extremely worried’ necessary to stop the return of uncertainty over the rules. The Prime Minister Giuseppe a pandemic which has claimed government has a list of permit- Conte further puzzled many by nearly 29,000 lives. ted activities, but regions are telling Italians visits with “con- “I’m extremely worried about also making up their own regula- giunti” were allowed. the reopening, I don’t trust tions. “I’m hoping this morning’s The Italian word can mean people to act responsibly,” said paper will clear it up. I want to either relatives or kinsmen. He salesman Tiziano Mazzoli. take my old mum to the sea-side, then attempted to clarify by Father Duilio Diligente, 38, can I?” asked 53-year old cleaner saying that extended to people said he was concerned about Pietro Garlanti as he queued pa- who had “relationships of steady how children such as his eight- tiently in the sun at a kiosk in the affection”. Many asked did that year old would re-adjust. capital’s historic centre. mean lovers, friends and fiances “We were out on our bikes last In this first stage, Italy’s 60 were included? night in an empty square, when million inhabitants will be able The government was forced he suddenly swerved massively to move more freely within their Italians are preparing for the easing of their strict lockdown, though many are confused about the new rules Saturday to publish a Q&A that to avoid a man and his dog, and own regions, visiting relatives, specified people could see ex- fell off. He said he was afraid of going to the re-opened parks lunches are forbidden. Going to have put their own spin on the Liguria is thinking about let- tended relatives -- including, for going near them in case they had with their children and going holiday homes is not allowed. rules. Two of them, Veneto and ting people go sailing in small example, the children of their the virus,” he said. cycling or running further from And people cannot leave their Calabria, even lifted their lock- groups, and is reopening its cousins -- but friends, however “It’s going to take time for home. own regions, except for emer- downs early, opening to bars and beaches. So is the Marghe re- dear, were out of bounds. us to be really, psychologically None of that can be done in gencies or for health reasons. restaurants with outdoor tables gion, but for walks not sunbath- Teacher Alessandra Coletti ready for the end of the lock- groups, however, so big family Italy’s 20 regions, however, this week. ing. Emilia-Romagna is keeping thought the confusion would be down.” MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 08

Revered Algerian singer and Hollywood artist tutors Arabic- Berber idol Idir dies at 70 speaking kids during pandemic

Paris

he Algerian singer Idir, a leading cultural ambassador for Tof his native Kabylie and its Berber language, died in Paris on Saturday aged 70, his family announced. Idir, who suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, was hospitalised on Friday. “We regret to announce the death of our father (of us all), Idir,” a message posted on his official Facebook account said. Contacted by AFP, his family declined to comment further. Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called him “an icon of Algerian art”, saying on Twitter, “With his passing, Algeria has lost one of its monuments.” Artist Reem Ali Adeeb gestures while pointing out the Netflix production of Idir, whose real name was Hamid Cheriet, was born on Oc- “Green Eggs and Ham” on which she worked, in her studio apartment in Los tober 25, 1949, in Ait Lahcene, near the Kabylie capital of Tizi Angeles, California Ouzou in northern Algeria. AFP | Los Angeles the aim is to make their screen He studied to be a geologist but in 1973 was tapped as a sur- time interactive and inspiring prise last-minute replacement for the Kablyie diva Nouara on by drawing with them, reading Radio Algiers to sing “A Vava Inouva,” a lullaby set to acoustic t was during a phone conver- them a story or doing crafts.” guitar and an ode to the rich oral traditions of Berber mountain Isation with her sister back Ali Adeeb said her sister’s villages. in Qatar that the idea clicked 7-year-old son Omar has even The song became a huge success in Algeria and beyond, but for Hollywood animation artist joined in the fun, offering ori- Idir had no idea because soon after the recording he was drafted Reem Ali Adeeb. gami tutorials to his peers. for mandatory military service. Like other regions across the “He’s been the best. “I came at the right time, with the right songs” that evoked world, young children in the H e ’ s the rhythms of daily life he had heard since a baby, Idir told Middle East were confined at AFP in a 2013 interview. home because of the COVID-19 He travelled to Paris to record his first album, also titled “A pandemic, but there was not Vava Inouva,” in 1975. But after a series of tours and another nearly enough original content album, he decided to abandon the music industry until 1991, online in Arabic to keep them when the release of a compilation album relaunched his career. entertained, such as fun tutori- Installed in France, he became an impassioned advocate of als and other activities. his native Kabylie while also defending multiculturalism and So Ali Adeeb, a Syrian-born immigration as they became key issues in his adopted country’s animation artist who works at 2007 presidential race. Warner Bros. Entertainment After a 38-year absence he returned to Algeria in January 2018 in Los Angeles, and her sister Palestinian for a Berber new year concert in the capital and the next year Sandi, a university lecturer of children pose with defended the popular uprisings that lead to the resignation of pharmaceutics in Qatar, decided makeshifts masks made of longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika. to take matters into their own cabbage while cooking at home coun- “I loved everything about these protests: the intelligence hands. with their family in Beit Lahia in tries,” she of these youths, their humour, their determination to remain The pair set up “Susupreemo,” the northern Gaza Strip on April 16, told AFP in an email. homes or even in refugee camps. peaceful,” Idir said in April 2019. a YouTube channel designed to 2020 amid the coronavirus COVID-19 “I started with a book suitable “Nowadays, children world- “I admit that these moments were like a breath of fresh air. pandemic. help Arabic-speaking kids -- for children aged 3 to 6 years old wide are confined in their And since I have pulmonary fibrosis, I know what I’m talking and their stressed-out parents and now I am selecting more homes and children in the Mid- about.” -- weather the coronavirus lock- done the most among us with books that can engage the kids dle East are no exception,” said downs through basic tutorials three videos recorded already,” for longer periods,” she added. Annamaria Laurini, the former on drawing, making origami or she said. head of UNICEF in Lebanon. simply reading children’s books, Ali Adeeb herself is using A new reality “Suddenly their own world Afghanistan probes report Iranian all in Arabic. some of the characters from The response, so far, has been has disappeared -- no more “The idea is to create vide- “Green Eggs and Ham,” notably overwhelmingly positive with school, no more play with their border guards forced migrants into os to engage the kids,” said Ali Chickeraffe, a chicken/giraffe children enthusiastically shar- friends and no more human river, many drowned Adeeb, who at Warner Bros. has hybrid, to draw young viewers ing their drawings via email and interactions except with their worked on children’s shows in- into her world. parents thankful for the oppor- family,” she added. “It’s a lonely Reuters | Herat, Afghanistan cluding “Green Eggs and Ham,” Sandi for her part keeps her tunity to be able to hold work reality that makes it difficult to a Netflix animated series based young audience focused and meetings online without being dream, that confines their im- fghan officials yesterday launched a hunt to retrieve bodies on the Dr. Seuss classic. allows their imagination to trav- interrupted or just have some agination to the walls of their Aof Afghan migrants from a river in a western province after “There’s tons of content on el by reading them children’s time for themselves. room -- if they are so lucky to reports that Iranian border guards tortured and threw Afghans the web in English for kids but books. In a region often wracked by have one.” into the river to prevent their entry into Iran. there is not enough original “I thought I would read for war, and where children faced Soha Bsat Boustani, a UNICEF Afghanistan’s foreign ministry in a statement on Saturday content in Arabic,” added the kids during a time where buying a harsh reality even before the consultant based in Beirut, said said an inquiry had been launched and a senior official in the 34-year-old who is now work- or lending a book is very chal- pandemic, experts say such the YouTube tutorials are much presidential palace in Kabul said initial assessments suggested ing from home on the second lenging, especially for some dis- tutorials offer kids a reprieve needed in a region where such at least 70 Afghans who were trying to enter Iran from border- season of the Netflix show. “So advantaged kids in some Arab whether in the comfort of their material in Arabic for children ing Heart province were beaten and pushed into the Harirud is lagging in terms of creativity river. and innovation. The Harirud river basin is shared by Afghanistan, Iran and “And so, initiatives like ‘Su- Turkmenistan. supreemo’ can only be seen in a Doctors at Heart District Hospital said they had received positive light as it gives children the bodies of Afghan migrants, some of whom had drowned. a healthy way out of confine- “So far, 5 bodies have been transferred to the hospital, of these ment and a sense of normalcy.” bodies, its clear that 4 died due to drowning,” said Aref Jalali, So far Ali Adeeb, her sister head of Heart District Hospital. and nephew have produced “Iranian border guards have not arrested any Afghan citi- seven videos and they hope to zens,” the consulate said in a statement on Saturday. Iranian continue with their project even embassy officials in the Afghan capital Kabul were not imme- after the pandemic. diately available for a comment. “I’m thinking now of teach- Noor Mohammad said he was one of 57 Afghan citizens who ing kids how to draw popular were caught by Iranian border guards on Saturday when they cartoon characters ... and I’m were trying to cross into Iran in search of work from Gulran hoping to open this space for District of Heart. other artists,” she said. “I have “After being tortured, the Iranian soldiers threw all of us in a friend who is a dancer and I the Harirud river,” Mohammad told Reuters. would love for her to teach kids Shir Agha, who said he also survived the violence, said at how to dance. least 23 of the 57 people thrown by Iranian soldiers into the “There’s a lot more we can river were dead. Artist Reem Ali Adeeb points to the words “Let’s Draw” in Arabic script while working in her studio apartment in Los do.” “Iranian soldiers warned us that if we do not throw ourselves Angeles, California on April 29, 2020, where she is developing online tutorials in Arabic for children about ar into the water, we will be shot,” said Agha. MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 09

Syrian tycoon decries ‘inhumane’ security forces Indian officials capture rare Reuters | Amman

anctions-hit Syrian tycoon SRami Makhlouf said yester- snow leopard, send it to zoo day that security forces were arresting employees at his companies “in an inhumane way” amid pressure on him to step down from his business empire and pay millions of dol- lars in tax. Makhlouf, a cousin of Pres- ident Bashar al-Assad and Makhlouf widely considered part of the president’s inner circle, has a to pressure to hand over his business empire that ranges wealth. from telecoms and real estate The billionaire has been un- to construction and oil trading. der US sanctions since 2008 for He played a big role in financ- what Washington calls pub- ing Assad’s war effort, Western lic corruption and it has since officials have said. toughened measures against “Today pressures began in top businessmen who are close an unacceptable ways and the to him. security forces, in an inhu - The European Union has mane way, are arresting our also slapped sanctions on employees,” Makhlouf said in Makhlouf since the Syrian a video in an unprecedented conflict began in 2011, accus- attack on the powerful security ing him of bankrolling Assad. forces by one of the country’s Makhlouf became a hated most influential figures. figure to many pro-democracy “Mr President (Assad), the protesters who rose up against security forces have started corruption and the authori- attacking people’s freedoms. tarian rule of Assad in March These are your loyal sup - 2011. porters... The situation is Makhlouf, who belongs to dangerous and by God, if we Assad’s Alawite minority sect A snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan. As few as 4,000 of the big cats could be left in the high mountains of Asia according to the World Wildlife Fund continue, the situation of the that holds political power in country will be very difficult,” Syria, owes his fortune to As- AFP | Shimla India the team that caught the snow Pradesh, according to Sharma. terious animals could be left in Makhlouf said. sad and was seen by many Syr- leopard, told AFP. Rajeshwar Negi, the National the high mountains of central Makhlouf said in the vid- ian businessmen and others as rare snow leopard cap- “The shepherd contacted us Convener of Nature Watch In- Asia -- their sole habitat -- ac- eo he had been asked to step a front man for the president tured as it savaged live- and we captured the animal in dia said the decision was con- cording to the World Wildlife down from his companies, and other members of the rul- Astock in a remote village a cage.” demning the creature to a life Fund. including Syriatel, the main ing family. in the Indian Himalaya will be The state’s chief wildlife of- without freedom. Negi said snow leopards were mobile operator and main The tycoon was rumoured sent to a zoo instead of being ficial Savita Sharma told AFP “Don’t they know how stress- being forced to move to lower source of revenue for the sanc- in private business circles released, officials said Sunday, the snow leopard was not be- ful it will be for the animal to altitudes and prey on domestic tions-hit government. last year to have fallen out of triggering outrage from activ- ing released since the incident be transported on a bumpy animals as the populations of “I have been asked today to favour with Assad. But until ists. involved “wild animal-human 350-kilometre long road,” he their natural prey -- the ibex step down from my companies a first video he released on The endangered creature was conflict,” adding it would be told AFP. and blue sheep -- have been dec- and take instructions while Thursday, he had kept out of found on Saturday after it be- transferred to a zoo in the foot- “Does it mean the snow leop- imated by hunting. I close my eyes. Authority is the spotlight.[L8N2CJ48Z] came trapped inside a pen con- hills outside the state capital ard will spend the rest of its life Global warming is also threat- not given to put pressure on In Thursday’s video, taining sheep and goats in Giu Shimla. in a zoo instead of the Himala- ening the survival of the big people to give in,” he said. Makhlouf said he would ap- village near the Tibetan border Officials estimated that the yan wilds?” cat, with warmer temperatures “Did anyone expect the se- peal to Assad to allow Syriatel in India’s Himachal Pradesh juvenile animal killed 43 sheep He added that the animal pushing the tree line higher and curity forces would pounce to reschedule payment of tax- state. and goats in the pen over four would also suffer in the high- prompting farmers to move fur- on Rami Makhlouf’s compa- es. He said the government’s “The big cat was unable to days. er temperatures at the zoo in ther up the mountains to plant nies who were their biggest demand for 130 billion Syrian escape from the enclosure after There are only 44 snow leop- Shimla, which is significantly crops and graze livestock, en- supporters and their patron pounds ($300 million) was killing a few livestock,” wildlife ards living in the high passes warmer than its natural habitat. croaching on the snow leopards’ during the war?” “unjust” but that he would official Hardev Negi, who led and rugged valleys of Himachal As few as 4,000 of the mys- territory. He said he would not bow comply. Free-roaming horse Jenny cheers up German lockdown AFP | Frankfurt am Main

very morning white mare EJenny leaves her stable to stroll through her Frankfurt neighbourhood. Bringing trams to a halt and smiles to people’s faces, the free-roaming horse is brightening up the coronavirus lockdown for many. “Everyone else has to live with coronavirus restrictions but Jen- ny is as free as ever,” her owner Anna Weischedel, 65, told AFP. For more than a decade Jenny has wandered solo through her local Fechenheim area, a green part of Frankfurt on the bank of the Main river. Jenny is getting ready for her daily walk cared by her owner Anna Weischedel She explores the high street, trots along the tram line to a The daily ramble ends at The only thing that upsets nearby field and spends hours around 4:00 pm, when Anna’s Jenny is the noise of fireworks, nibbling on patches of grass. 80-year-old husband, Wer- something she shares with The beloved Arabian mare, ner, jumps on his e-scooter Werner who is haunted by the already a venerable 25 years old, to find Jenny along her usu- sounds of bombs dropping on has always been a hit with resi- al route and tell her it’s home Frankfurt when he was a child dents. But never more so than in time. during World War II. recent weeks. “And then she slowly heads “Jenny and I spend New Year’s “People seem to notice her back,” said Werner, a retired Eve cowering together,” Werner more because they have more flower shop owner. smiled. time. A lot of passers-by stroke A 25-year-old horse named Jenny grazes on a field during her daily walk in Fechenheim near Frankfurt am Main - ‘Very patient’ - Jenny’s animal-loving owners, her, maybe because they are In all her years of ambling, who also have a near-toothless missing some human contact,” easing some lockdown meas- Jenny, we miss her when we To avoid misunderstandings, Jenny has never caused trouble chihuahua and look after more said Anna. ures, people are encouraged to don’t pass her on our walks,” since people have in the past and local authorities have em- than 100 birds, are taking the Like many countries, Germany limit their social interactions said Gaby Marxen, 61, holding called the police to report an braced their equine celebrity, coronavirus pandemic in their has closed schools, playgrounds and keep their distance. two dogs on a leash. unaccompanied horse, Jenny the couple said. stride. and many businesses to curb the But there are no rules against Johanna, 8, who was also out wears a note around her neck “She’s a very patient horse, “We survived the war, we’ll outbreak. snuggling with Jenny. walking a dog, said: “My brother that reads: “I haven’t run away, it takes a lot to stress her out,” survive corona,” shrugged Wer- Though it has slowly started “It makes us so happy to see and I like to pet her.” I’m just out for a walk.” said Anna. ner. 10 MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 sports

Belgium coach Martinez extends De Bruyne eyes swift return to action deal until 2022 Reuters | London I think. On Manchester City’s ban from World Cup “The financial aspect is far too European club competition for the evin De Bruyne be- important for the Premier League next two years due to breaches of lieves Manchester and if the season is not complete, it financial fair play regulations, he City could resume When the league will cause serious problems.” said: “The club is appealing and K resumes, I don’t training in a fortnight, that De Bruyne’s Manchester City have told us they are almost 100% the Premier League will fin- really see it as an team mate Sergio Aguero said last sure that they are right. I trust the ish the season despite the extension of the week he was scared about return- club.” coronavirus crisis and that season. It feels more ing. Martinez staying as coach of top- his club’s European ban like the start of a “Gosh, I don’t think they are re- ranked Belgium was a logical move will be overturned. new season ally afraid for themselves, but for after the European Championship The midfielder is also their families,” De Bruyne said. was postponed to next year, De pleased Belgium coach KEVIN DE BRUYNE “That is the problem for many peo- Bruyne added. Roberto Martinez has ple. Everyone will be tested once “Maybe he would have gone off extended his contract we start playing again.” and done something different if and says he is not in- De Bruyne had been in excellent the European Championship was Belgium coach Roberto Martinez terested in a move. form before the suspension. played this year, but we have a pro- reacts during a training session (file photo) The 28-year-old, “When the league resumes, I ject, which is far from complete. speaking to Bel- don’t really see it as an extension Stopping now would be weird.” AFP | Brussels Kevin De gian newspaper Het of the season. It feels more like the As to his own future, De Bruyne Bruyne Laatste Nieuws, pre- “My feeling is that we may be start of a new season,” the Belgian is very content at City. elgium coach Roberto dicted the Premier able to train again within two international said. “I play for one of the best teams BMartinez is close to ex- League season will be weeks,” he said. “I have never stood still for so in the world; I play in England, in tending his contract to lead concluded unlike the “The government wants to re- long in my career but I’m not mak- my view, the best competition, and the country until the 2022 campaigns in France, the start football as soon as possible to ing a big deal out of it. Greater pow- I like that,” he said. “It remains a World Cup in Qatar, local Netherlands and his native give the people something, but it ers are at work and whatever is said challenge to be the best and I need media reported yesterday. Belgium. will be played without spectators and decided, I will agree with.” that.” Martinez, 46, reached an agreement in principle with the Belgian football federation three weeks ago, according to La Derniere Neville claims Premier Heure newspaper. Paul Pogba using lockdown The Spaniard’s contract Pogba League clubs ‘frightened’ was due to run out after this to prepare for return year’s European Champi- to publicly back restart onship, which was pushed AFP | London back until 2021 due to the after injury woes coronavirus pandemic. AFP | London Reports indicate Mar- ary Neville has accused tinez, who took Belgium GPremier League clubs of to third place at the 2018 anchester United mid- being “frightened to death” World Cup, would double Mfielder Paul Pogba is us- to publicly back the plan to his current annual salary ing the coronavirus lockdown For myself, I have restart the season. of 1.2 million euros ($1.33 to step up his return to fitness been out for a long Premier League stakehold- million). after an injury-plagued season. time as well, so for ers met on Friday to debate The former Everton, Pogba had made just eight me I just want to how to finish the current cam- Wigan and Swansea man- appearances for United this paign, with reports that some ager replaced Marc Wilmots season before the health crisis come back playing clubs want to abandon the Premier League All Stars XI’s Gary as Belgium boss in August forced the suspension of the football season due to the pandemic Neville before the match (file photo) 2016. Premier League in March. PAUL POGBA and others are keen to play all The French World Cup win- remaining 92 fixtures. ner hasn’t played a single match Former Manchester United in 2020 due to his persistent defender Neville believes clubs ankle problems. pi- do not want to be held liable His last appearance came in a still have goals in my head and ons should a player become ill with December 26 win over Newcas- one day hopefully this (pan- the coronavirus if the English tle, but Pogba has been keeping demic) will stop. League season resumes. fit during the virus break and “And then we have to get back qualifi- The French and Dutch sea- hopes to be ready if the Pre- on the pitch, so we have to be cation if sons have been called off be- mier League can return in the ready. match- cause of the health crisis and summer. “For myself, I have been out es can be while the Premier League “I have a little home gym in for a long time as well, so for me played again have apparently ear-marked my house,” Pogba told United’s I just want to come back playing eventually. a June return, that date is far website. football.” “My advice from set in stone. “I can do some training, some Pogba, 27, has been in regular first of all is to Claiming there running, some bike, go outside contact with his United team- stay safe, stay at needs to be more and do some things with the mates during the lockdown as home and keep public comment ball. I am just keeping busy and they follow the club’s fitness practising,” Pogba from clubs, Neville wrote keeping healthy. regime from home. said. on Twitter: “The PL are hav- “We have got to stay motivat- Linked with a move away “There is always a way to ing a CV nightmare. They keep ed, there is no other choice. It is from fifth-placed United earli- work, you can work with any- spouting Health First but then a period and we don’t know un- er this season, Pogba’s presence thing you have at home, you can brief constantly ‘We have to til when it will be like this, but I would boost their bid for Cham- still do sit-ups, push-ups.” Re-Start’.

SUDOKU CROSSWORD Across Yesterday’s solution Yesterday’s solution 1- An eccentric person; 6- Employs; 10- ___-Mart; 13- The end of ___; 14- Resting place; 15- Actor Lugosi; 16- Sublease; 17- Supercomputer name; 18- Nile wader; 19- Inner surface of the hand; 20- Like penne or ziti; 22- Wheel; 24- Tolerate; 28- Right-leaning?; 31- Prongs; 32- Varieties; 34- Give ___ break!; 36- K-6; 37- Social connections; 38- Religious discourses; 41- ___-de-France; 42- Show to a table; 44- Snow runner; 45- Cancels a dele; 47- Funny Anne; 49- Beefy stew ingredient; 51- Elude; 53- Still; 56- Depreciate; 59- Staff leader?; 61- Adjutant; 64- Awestruck; 65- Blank look; 66- Exclamation to express sorrow; 67- Morse element; 68- Rigid; 69- Coal scuttle; 70- Formerly, formerly; 71- Barely beat; Down 1- “Star Trek” speed; 2- Lend ___; 3- Yo Yo’s instrument; 4- Citadel of Moscow; 5- Feedbag morsel; 6- Straighten out; 7- Belgrade native; 8- Son of Isaac and Rebekah; 9- Elegance; 10- Spider’s creation; 11- Clay today; 12- ___ Cruces, NM; 15- One stroke under par; 20- Tantalizes; 21- Hill insect; 23- Old Fords; 25- Dark; 26- Staggers; 27- Salinger girl; 29- Mingle; 30- Corp. bigwig; 32- Leg joints; 33- How to play Stern with a bow; 35- Having a handle; 37- Woe ___; 39- “Citizen Kane” studio; Place a number in the empty boxes in such 40- Be up and about; 43- Baseball deals; 46- Voted into a seat; 48- Gibbon, a way that each row across, each column e.g.; 50- Instructed; 52- Sidestep, circumvent; 54- Jargon; 55- Concise; 57- Food down and each 9-box square contains all thickener; 58- A pitcher may take one; 60- Give eats; 61- Satisfied sound; 62- UN of the numbers from one to nine. agency; 63- June honoree; 65- ___-Foy, Quebec; MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 11

Reuters | London

ormula E founder Alejandro Formula One has Agag reckons both his electric Fseries and Formula One have a 50-50 chance of getting races run due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has stalled both championships. a 50-50 chance The Spaniard, whose city-based series started last November and completed five races before the virus forced it off the streets, said it was unclear how much was going to be possible as restrictions eased. of going racing, F1 cars in action during Bahrain GP (file photo) He said Formula One bosses, who have plans to start their sea- Formula E has a logistical advan- open? We don’t know yet. The quar- son without spectators at Austria’s tage in that it has far smaller teams antine period if you go to one place Red Bull Ring in July before racing and controls all the cars, which being imposed we don’t know yet,” behind closed doors at Silverstone are currently stored in Valencia in he said. says Agag in Britain, were doing “the right Spain, after the most recent race “So I would try to do what For- thing trying”. in Morocco at the end of February. mula One is doing, but I am not sure “We are going to try the same It also needs only a few more if it is doable.” thing. We are going to try to put races to have a valid championship, Formula E’s last two rounds of the some races behind closed doors,” with the normal season due to end season are scheduled for New York Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro the Spaniard told Reuters in an in- in July but expandable into August and London at venues that are now Agag looks at a Mahindra Racing terview via Zoom. and September. being used as temporary hospitals car in the pit lane of the Formula “I guess it’s a 50-50 chance. The “We will try and make at least two for those suffering from the virus. E track in Hong Kong (file photo) same for us,” he added when asked or three more races in a closed cir- Both locations are likely to be whether he felt Formula One would cuit. I think that should be possible scrapped, but Agag suggested Brit- manage to get races held. in the month of August. But again, ain remained an option. who knows?,” said Agag. “We could race in Britain. We are “I’m thinking 90% they will be talking with some tracks in the UK in Europe. We still have an option to do it and maybe even more than outside of Europe that we’re look- a race,” he said, mentioning Brands We will try and make at ing at, that is still alive, but we will Hatch, Silverstone and Donington least two or three more decide later on.” Park as potential venues. races in a closed circuit. Agag reckoned Formula E need- Agag is also busy planning an I think that should be ed between 950-970 people to put Extreme E off-road environmen- on a race, including broadcasters tally conscious electric SUV ‘docu- possible in the month of and safety staff, which would allow sport’ series that is due to launch August. But again, who them to get under the limit of 1,000 next year. knows? imposed by some countries. They announced on Thursday ALEJANDRO AGAG Formidable hurdles remained, that the eight teams’ cars would be however. crewed equally by male and female “Are the borders going to be drivers.

Serie A’s Sassuolo say players Influential German minister backs can start training from Monday Bundesliga restart this month AFP | Berlin The German Football League rus in a team or its management, ventative measure against the (DFL) backs matches resuming the club as a whole, and possibly virus. ermany’s minister for the without spectators around mid- also the team against which it Germany had reported Ginterior and sport said Sun- May, which would make it the last played, must go into quar- 162,496 cases of COVID-19 as day he supports a resumption first major European champion- antine for two weeks,” he said. of Sunday, but its death toll of of the country’s football season ship to make such a move. “There will continue there- 6,649 remains considerably this month despite three people The sports ministers of the fore to be risks for the schedule lower than that of comparable testing positive for coronavirus 16 German states have also ap- of matches and for the stand- European countries, which are at Bundesliga club Cologne. proved the DFL’s plans. ings,” if there is any contami- home to the continent’s other “I find the schedule proposed Seehofer, who plays a key nation. top football leagues. by the German league plausi- government role on the issue But he said clubs would not Sassuolo players celebrate after a match (file photo) ble and I support the restart in as he holds several portfolios, have any special testing privi- ‘Health is priority’ Reuters | Rome ual basis from May 4 onwards. May,” Horst Seehofer told Bild has emphasised that the teams leges denied to the rest of the In France, Paris Saint-Ger- “Sassuolo announces that, newspaper, three days before a and players must respect several population. Some sides had sug- main were declared Ligue 1 assuolo are set to become from Monday May 4, they will meeting of German authorities conditions. gested carrying out frequent champions on Thursday after Sthe first Serie A side to re- grant their players use of the to discuss the issue. “If there is a case of coronavi- tests of their players as a pre- French Prime Minister Edouard start training following the Mapei Football Centre pitch- Philippe announced profession- coronavirus shutdown after es for optional, individual al sport could not resume before saying their players could use sessions,” Sassuolo said in a September. the club’s facilities from Mon- statement. Meanwhile, English Premier day on an optional basis. The club said that only play- League clubs on Friday recon- Bologna, meanwhile, say ers would be allowed to ac - firmed their commitment to fin- their players will be able to cess the pitches while the use ish the season subject to corona- start training from Tuesday. of indoor facilities would be virus restrictions being lifted. Serie A has been suspended prohibited. Under Sassuolo’s There are still 92 games re- since March 9 and the league guidelines, each player would maining. They will be behind and the Italian football fed- have half a pitch to himself. closed doors with neutral ven- eration (FIGC) both want to “The individual sessions will ues suggested. complete the season although take place in the morning, from Also on Friday Italy’s 20 Serie the Italian government says it Monday to Friday, with the use A clubs reiterated their unan- has not yet decided whether it of three pitches, with six ath- imous desire to complete the will give permission. letes per hour (one athlete for season despite sports minister The government has given each half of the field),” the club Vincenzo Spadafora saying the professional teams permission said, adding that coaching staff chances of restarting were “in- to train together from May 18 would not be present. creasingly narrow”. although they will still have “An emergency health ser- In Spain, La Liga is planning to respect social distancing vice will be guaranteed,” it to start testing players for the guidelines. added. coronavirus between Tues- Sassuolo and Bologna are Bologna announced similar day and Thursday next week, based in the region of Emil- guidelines while Parma and after which they would then ia Romagna which has given SPAL, also based in Emilia Ro- be able to resume individual special permission for athletes magna, have not yet indicated training programmes within 48 in team sports to take part in whether they will start train- The team of German Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04 attends a training session at the club’s training grounds hours. training sessions on an individ- ing. MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 12

Khawaja vows to bounce back after contract snub Fantastic virtual double for Leclerc Ferrari academy driver clinches F2 races in Bahrain round of all-new Esports series TDT | Manama

rthur Leclerc, the young- er brother of Formula 1 Asuperstar Charles Le- clerc, clinched a double victory KNOW WHAT Australia’s Usman Khawaja reacts yesterday at a virtual Bahrain In- during a match (file photo) ternational Circuit, in the open- ing round of an all-new Esports Reuters | Sydney racing series featuring drivers Seven F2 drivers and mostly from the FIA Formula 2 seven F3 drivers from sman Khawaja be - and FIA Formula 3 champion- the 2020 season took Ulieves he is still among ships. part, together with Australia’s top six batsmen The races were held using F2 former F2 and multiple and can force his way back cars on the F1 2019 video game. race winners Oliver into the squad after being Driving for Prema Racing, Le- dropped a few days ago clerc won both the 30-minute Rowland, Antonio Fuo- from the list of contracted Feature Race and the ensuing co and Norman Nato, players. five-lap Sprint Race in which plus fresh face Leclerc The top order batsman the top eight positions were re- was omitted from Austral- versed. Feature Race. ia’s annual list of 20 elite, Seven F2 drivers and seven After some chaos in the mid- contracted players in 2020, F3 drivers from the 2020 season field around the first corner, Le- A screen shot of the action from the start of the Feature Race announced on Thursday, af- took part, together with former clerc was able to build a big lead ter falling out of favour with F2 and multiple race winners and was unchallenged the rest son, who had worked his way second place, just as leader Nato at a virtual BIC, three more selectors midway through Oliver Rowland, Antonio Fuoco of the way to take a comfortable back up the pack after stalling of Carlin was given a two-sec- rounds are to follow in the com- last year’s Ashes. and Norman Nato, plus fresh victory. from second on the grid, man- ond penalty for track limits. ing weeks. They will be held at “Without sounding arro- face Leclerc. The races were He finished ahead of run- aged to get past the pair to round Nato went on to take the cheq- the virtual circuits in Barcelona, gant, I still feel like I’m one streamed live on Formula 1’s ner-up Rowland of DAMS. out the podium. uered flag, but Leclerc and Louis Monte Carlo and Baku. of the top six batsmen in the YouTube and Twitch channels. The battle for third was large- MP Motorsport’s Felipe Deletraz of Charouz Racing Sys- To keep the racing competi- country,” the 33-year-old Leclerc, who is also a Ferrari ly between Campos Racing’s Drugovich was then on pole for tem were close enough to inherit tive and accessible in the series, lefthander told Fox Sports academy driver, took pole in the Jack Aitken and Virtuosi’s Cal- the Sprint Race. At the start, first and second ahead of their car set-ups are fixed, driver aids yesterday. one-lap qualifying session and lum Ilott; however, Aitken’s Leclerc quickly worked his way penalised rival. are permitted (but optional), led the pack at the start of the Campos teammate Liam Law- up into fifth and later charged to Following the opening round and damage is off.

Froome fears Tour de France may Coca Cola Bottling Company contribute Vettel makes his esports struggle to keep fans away water bottles to KHK Heroes Challenge debut in Legends Trophy TDT | Manama AFP | London oca Cola Bottling Company hris Froome fears Tour Cis the latest organization to Cde France organisers accept the KHK Heroes Chal- could struggle to prevent lenge and has provided water fans gathering to watch the bottles for distribution. race even if it is not open to The latest contribution is one the public because of the of many, bringing the current coronavirus. total of contributions to the The Tour de France has initiative to an overwhelming been rescheduled for Au- amount of food, water, financial gust 29 from its original donations, and volunteers. June 27 start date, but there Mohamed Akeel, Managing are still concerns about how Director of Coca Cola Bottling to organise the event amid Company, UAE, Oman, Qatar & the pandemic. Bahrain said, “It’s an amazing Mohamed Akeel, Managing Director of Coca Cola Bottling Company is seen The French government initiative and we are honoured holding a bottle manufactured at his company says no mass gatherings can to be part of this global KHK take place before Septem- Heroes Challenge.” preme Commander, and First Advisor and President of the Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel reacts prior to a race (file photo) ber, but has clarified the Initiated by HH Shaikh Khalid Deputy Premier and HH Shaikh Supreme Council for Youth and Tour could still go ahead bin Hamad Al Khalifa to sup- Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Sports, KHK Heroes has called Reuters | London and Williams F1 driver Juan on its new dates if the open- port the vision of HRH Prince His Majesty the King’s Repre- on the nation for a united cause, Pablo Montoya, a double In- ing stages are managed cor- Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, sentative for Charity Works and helping those most vulnerable errari’s Sebastian Vettel dianapolis 500 winner, while rectly. the Crown Prince, Deputy Su- Youth Affairs, National Security during Coronavirus Pandemic. Fmade his esports debut on the second went to Mexican Saturday in Legends Trophy Adrian Fernandez. races that also featured retired Vettel’s team mate Charles Formula One world champions Leclerc has been active on var- Emerson Fittipaldi and Jenson ious platforms from his Mo- England’s ‘stir-crazy’ Roy happy to play behind closed doors Button. naco apartment, even taking The German has some time part in virtual lawn mower and Reuters | London man when the bowler’s running on his hands with Formula truck races. in you learn to block out the One’s season stalled by the The 22-year-old Mone - ngland’s Jason Roy is ready crowd, but as soon as the ball is COVID-19 pandemic and or- gasque has also won two For- Eto play in empty stadiums if done you can hear them going ganisers hoping to get going mula One virtual races and will the post-coronavirus situation absolutely berserk. in Austria at the start of July. take part in another yesterday, demands so, said the opener “(In Lahore) there was just The four times champion which would have been the who got a taste of it in his last dead silence. You could hear finished 15th and 12th respec- day of the postponed Dutch outing. your mate calling ones and twos, tively after being caught up in Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Roy played a Pakistan Super so you don’t just have to work incidents on the virtual version Vettel acquired a simulator League match on May 7 which off each other’s body language. of the Sepang circuit that host- only recently from the Al- took place behind closed doors It was hard to get up for it. But ed the Malaysian Grand Prix linsports company owned by in Lahore just before the pan- it was something we knew we between 1999 and 2017. Torque Esports, organisers of demic halted international had to deal with.” While Vettel, 32, and Button, the Legends Trophy, and said sports across the globe. Playing without fans has been 40, are both actual Malaysian he would try it out for fun at “There was no atmosphere, suggested as one possible way Grand Prix winners, 73-year- his Swiss home. simple as that,” the Dur - to resume cricket as soon as the old Fittipaldi’s time was in the “I’m aware that some peo- ban-born batsman, a key figure pandemic subsides and Roy was 1970s when the real Brabham ple take it very seriously and in England’s World Cup win- ready to adjust. BT44s, simulated in the virtual spend a lot of time there but I ning squad last year, told British “I’m more than happy to play race, were around. also enjoy doing other things,” media. behind closed doors. It would The first race was won by the German, a father of three, “It was very strange. As a bats- just be nice to get out there.” England’s Jason Roy reacts during a match (file photo) Colombian former McLaren told reporters this month.

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