www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 2 June 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8276 10 Shawwal - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 03 SPORT | 08

PPP law will spur Classifieds La Liga growth and drive and Services announces industrial section fixtures as diversification included restart looms

QP signs largest Amir holds telephone talk LNG shipbuilding with President of Ghana agreements QNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Qatar Petroleum’s LNG carrier fleet Hamad Al Thani held yesterday a telephone program is the largest of its kind in conversation with President of the Republic of Ghana, the history of the LNG industry. H E Nana Akufo-Addo, during which they discussed THE PENINSULA — DOHA agreement with HHI was signed the relations between the by Sam H Ka, President and two friendly countries and Qatar Petroleum (QP) entered Board member of HHI, and the ways of boosting them in into three agreements agreement with SHI was signed various fields. yesterday to reserve LNG ship by Joon Ou Nam, President and During the phone call, construction capacity in the CEO of SHI. the developments con- Republic of Korea to be utilised H E Al Kaabi said: “The signing cerning the pandemic of for Qatar Petroleum’s future of today’s agreements with the Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi (left), the novel coronavirus LNG carrier fleet requirements, three esteemed Korean com- during his visit to a school where Secondary School Certificate exams are being held. (COVID-19) and efforts and including those for the ongoing panies reflects our commitment cooperation of the two expansion projects in the North to the North Field expansion countries to combat the Field and in the United States. projects, even during these virus were also discussed. Under the agreements, the extraordinary times. As I have pre- All preventive measures taken for In this regard, H E the “Big 3” Korean shipyards — viously stated, we are moving full Ghanaian President Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine steam ahead with the North Field students’ safety during exams expressed his thanks and Engineering (DSME), Hyundai expansion projects to raise Qatar’s appreciation to H H the Heavy Industries (HHI) and LNG production capacity from 77 QNA — DOHA As many as 11,500 students are taking the Amir, for the support of the Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) million today to 126 million tonnes State of Qatar and its — will reserve a major portion per annum by 2027 to ensure the The examinations of the end of exams being held in 149 centres. assistance to The Republic of their LNG ship construction reliable supply of additional clean the second semester of the of Ghana in this field. capacity for Qatar Petroleum energy to the world at a time when general and specialised Special COVID-19 preventive measures taken through the year 2027. investments to meet these Secondary School Certificate for include ensuring distance between the candi- The agreements were requirements are most needed. the academic year 2019/2020 Over 1.6 million signed by H E Saad Sherida Al These agreements will ensure our started yesterday. The exami- dates as well as reducing the number of Kaabi, Minister of State for ability to meet our future LNG fleet nations will continue for a questions and the overall exam time. workers benefit Energy Affairs, and the Pres- requirements to support our period of two weeks, ending on ident and CEO of QP, in a virtual expanding LNG production on June 13. personnel during the epidemic in the new high school from ‘Better signing ceremony attended by capacity and long-term fleet As many as 11,500 students examinations. certificate committees. H E Sung Yun-mo, Minister of replacement requirements.” are taking the exams being held He noted in this regard that H E the Minster praised the Connections’ Trade, Industry and Energy of H E Al Kaabi, added: “With in 149 centres. The Ministry of the Ministry had set standards close and constructive cooper- the Republic of Korea. Sheikh the conclusion of these mile- Education and Higher Education and requirements for safety in ation between the Ministry and programme Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO stones agreements, we have eve- has allocated about 6,100 terms of the safe distance the other Ministries and depart- of Qatargas, also attended the rything in place to commence the employees to work as monitors between students, providing a ments concerned in the State, in THE PENINSULA — DOHA ceremony. largest LNG shipbuilding program and steering committees. safe and healthy environment order to secure the examina- Also in attendance were the in history. We have secured Minister of Education and to take the examinations, taking tions and take all precautions, The “Better Connections” CEOs of the Korean shipyards, approximately 60 percent of the Higher Education, H E Dr. into account the current condi- which made them go smoothly programme, a nationwide initi- senior representatives from global LNG shipbuilding capacity Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al tions and reducing exams time and quietly. ative targeted at improving the Korea’s Ministry of Trade, through 2027 to cater for our LNG Hammadi, affirmed that the and the number of questions H E the Minister expressed wellbeing of expatriate workers Industry and Energy, as well as carrier fleet requirements in the Ministry had taken — within the included in each examination. thanks to the teaching and in Qatar, has surpassed its executives from Qatar Petroleum, next 7-8 years, which could reach measures taken by the State to This came during his visit administrative bodies that carry pre-set target of 1.5 million Qatargas, and the three Korean 100+ new vessels with a program curb the outbreak of the new yesterday to Doha Preparatory out their work with all sincerity beneficiaries by providing shipyards. value in excess of QR70bn.” coronavirus epidemic — all pre- and Secondary Schools for Boys and responsibility, whether in digital inclusion opportunities, On the Korean side, the H E the Minister highlighted cautionary and preventive to check on the proper func- developing examinations, mon- to 1,679,000 beneficiaries, agreement with DSME was Korea’s position as a key and measures that will ensure the tioning of the exams, and the itoring or marking, wishing within a five year time-frame signed by Sung Geun Lee, Pres- strategic energy partner with health and safety of male and precautionary measures to curb success to all male and female since its launch. ident and CEO of DSME, the Qatar. `P2 female students, and all school the outbreak of the corona students. Better Connections was launched in 2014 under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transport and Communica- Government schools to be disinfected every week tions (MoTC) to enhance the social wellbeing of expatriate THE PENINSULA —DOHA has residual effect. It is the first 217 schools will be disinfected on a regular control treatments, and this workers in Qatar by facilitating step in a planned extensive pre- why the Ministry of Education and promoting digital inclusion. Qatar’s Ministry of Education caution and prevention control basis with a 100 percent biodegradable and Higher Education has put With the support of MoTC, Min- and Higher Education has programme being implemented disinfectant that is non-toxic and non- its trust in Boecker to provide istry Administrative Devel- awarded a contract to Boecker, by the Ministry to safeguard the utmost safety and disinfection opment, Labour and Social the Middle East and Central safety of all pupils, faculty, and corrosive. It is part of an extensive procedures in the country’s Affairs (MADLSA), Reach Out Africa’s public health pioneer, staff throughout the country’s programme to ensure safety of pupils, government schools. to Asia (ROTA), a program to disinfect government schools education system. The contract has been under Education Above All, and throughout the country which The Ministry said this pro- faculty and schools' staff. awarded to Boecker under the other stakeholders, the number have been closed since the cedure is aimed at ensuring the supervision of Macro Qatar, the of participating companies and middle of March. wellbeing of students, faculty, the disinfection in the schools front-line of defending public facilities services managing beneficiaries has significantly The contract will see and staff members during the to international safety standards safety during the COVID 19 pan- agent which supports the Min- grown bolstering the success Boecker disinfect 217 gov- COVID-19 outbreak. wearing appropriate personal demic and has provided more istry in creating and main- of the programme. ernment schools on a weekly Boecker, which has 23 protective equipment (PPE) and than 400 tonnes of sanitising taining a safe and secure envi- Phase I of the programme, basis over the next 10 weeks years’ experience in the disin- using the latest misting and and disinfecting products in 12 ronment through best-in-class which ran from April 2015 to with a 100 percent biode- fection of private and public spraying technology. countries on three continents facilities management, service December 2017, focused on gradable disinfectant that is places has dedicated highly Since February 15 this year, and has carried out more than delivery practices and modern resourcing and delivering the non-toxic, non-corrosive and trained technicians to carry out the company was in the 356,000 manhours of infection technology. outlined objectives, by pro- viding expatriate workers with access to the Internet, com- puters, online services, and Ooredoo among top brands in Qatar to QATAR UPDATES training at their accommo- C VID-19 ON 01 JUNE 2020 dation. As an active partner of support fight against COVID-19: Poll “Better Connections”, ROTA contributed significantly THE PENINSULA — DOHA NEWNEW TOTALTOTAL NEWNEW CCASESASES ACTIVEACTIVE towards this goal by recruiting, RECOVERRECOVERIESIES RECOVERIESRECOVERIES ANNOUNCEDANNOUNCED CASES training and managing volun- Ooredoo’s efforts to support the government of 3,147 33,437 1,523 24,956 teers, to help companies set up Qatar in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 computer labs at the have been recognised by Qatari citizens and resi- Qatar which entities and organisations they con- accommodations. dents as among the best in the country, according sidered had contributed most significantly and Volunteers also provided to a poll conducted by Ipsos, one of the world’s effectively to the fight against the pandemic. training to workers on digital largest market research organisations. The top 10 were then listed as Ooredoo, Min- literacy, bringing Better Con- The telecommunications leader was named istry of Public Health, Qatar Charity, Qatar Red nections’ ambitious plans to NEW C VID-19 in a list of the top 10 companies in Qatar for Crescent, Al Meera, Qatar National Bank, Doha DEATHS GLOBALLY success. Following the positive their efforts in managing the coronavirus situ- Bank, Qatar Airways, Qatar Foundation and outcomes from the first Phase, ation, following a survey of Qatari citizens and Qatar Petroleum. 2 6,242,065 374,260 2,687,591 MoTC and MADLSA resident who were asked a series of questions The result of the survey reflects the overall TOTAL DEATHS announced Phase II to scale up TOTAL TOTALTOTO AL TOTTOTALO AL about their experiences of various entities in satisfaction with the significant efforts Ooredoo implementation starting in July POSITIVE DDEATHSEATHS RRECOVEREDECOVERED Qatar since the beginning of the coronavirus has been making to combat the spread of the 40 2017 till the end of February outbreak. Ipsos asked survey participants in virus. `P3 2020. `P3 02 HOME TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.15 am SUNRISE 04.43 am o o Very hot daytime with slight dust at times and relatively hot 30 C 44 C by night. ZUHR 11.32 am ASR 02.56 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 00:31–14:56 LOW TIDE 08:31 – 20:28 MAGHRIB 06.22 pm ISHA 07.52 pm W ALRUWAIS: 28o↗37o W ALKHOR: 23o↗43o W DUKHAN: 29o↗41o W WAKRAH: 28o↗46o W MESAIEED 28o↗46o W ABUSAMRA 28o↗43o Public-private sector partnership law translates wise leadership’s confidence in private sector: Al Kuwari QNA — DOHA for cooperation between the public and His Excellency noted that State of Qatar and identifying priority private sectors to implement devel- sectors for partnership projects and the The Minister of Commerce and opment projects that entrench the eco- the law is an important readiness of government agencies and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari nomic diversity of the state, and on the step to expand investment private sector institutions to enter into (pictured), has praised the law regu- other hand provides a legislative partnerships to implement these lating the partnership between the framework that contributes to raising prospects in Qatar and projects, in addition to discussing ways public and private sectors, which was the efficiency of project governance, provide more opportunities to raise the challenges facing the two issued by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin distribution and management of risks, for cooperation between sectors in this field, inventory current Hamad Al Thani, stressing that the law reducing costs and encouraging com- laws, legislations and policies, analyse translates the belief and confidence of petition and innovation to allow the the public and private their performance in the field of part- the wise leadership in the ability of the state to implement a greater number sectors to implement nership between the two parties, as Qatari private sector to participate of projects that support the national well as study the capabilities and effectively in the economic devel- economy. development projects. expertise available on both sides. opment of Qatar. His Excellency pointed out that the The Ministry noted that the issued His Excellency said in a press state has sought for several years to law includes institutional and con- statement, that the issuance of this law adopt the principle of partnership The Ministry stated that this law tractual arrangements through the culminates in the process the fruitful between the public and private sectors aims to develop the capabilities of contract between the government and constructive cooperation between in the implementation of many major Qatari private sector companies, agency and the private sector and the the public and private sectors, which development projects, in coordination encourage competition, enhance its distribution and sharing of risks and contributed to the consolidation of the with all government agencies and role and contribution to economic The Ministry of Commerce and roles through the regulatory and con- strength of the Qatari economy despite private sector companies and institu- development, and direct government Industry stated that this law was pre- tractual frameworks, according to the various regional and global tions, either directly or through gov- agencies to take a new direction and pared in the light of studies conducted model and method of partnership challenges. ernment committees affiliated with a modern vision to manage national by the Ministry in coordination with adopted by the two parties in His Excellency also noted that the them, such as food security projects, projects in a manner that supports the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and all accordance with the project policy and law is an important step to expand building educational and health facil- efficiency and effectiveness of their relevant government agencies with the the goals that the contracting authority investment prospects in the State of ities, central markets, logistics areas implementation and enhances their aim of studying the current situation (government agency) aspires to Qatar and provide more opportunities and low-cost warehouses. sustainability at the lowest costs. of the business environment in the achieve. Labor Ministry QP signs largest LNG shipbuilding agreements launches Digital FROM PAGE 1 Excellency Minister Al Kaabi.” enhance Qatar’s global reputation Authentication H E Al Kaabi thanked H E Sung Yun-mo also expressed his as the World’s Premier LNG Sup- Minister Sung Yun-mo and the commitment to enhance eco- plier and effectively contribute to System Korean companies for their role nomic cooperation with Qatar by the increasing global market THE PENINSULA — DOHA in supporting the strong Qatar- adding, “I will not spare any effort demand for cleaner energy of the Korean business relations and to further strengthen our bilateral future. To this end, we will join The Ministry of Administrative hoped that this milestone will take cooperation in energy and ship- forces with Qatar Petroleum and Development, Labor & Social the relationship with Korean building, as well as diversify our Qatargas with the highest Affairs has launched Digital business partners to greater and cooperation across various fields standards of excellence for the Authentication System for wider horizons. including ICT, healthcare, plant successful construction and Multi-lingual Employment Al Kaabi said: “The new LNG construction and more.“ delivery of vessels that are more Contract, which aims to offer vessels will be equipped with the Sung Geun Lee, said: “I would efficient and eco-friendly than an integrated digital alter- latest generation slow speed dual like to express our sincere appre- ever.” Joon Ou Nam, said, “I am native for authenticating fuel engines, utilising LNG as a ciation to Qatar Petroleum for deeply grateful for the signing of employment contracts in fuel. This will ensure the most effi- choosing DSME as a partner for this agreement between Qatar companies. cient performance and com- this historic Mega LNG project in Petroleum and Samsung Heavy It enables companies to pliance with the latest global Qatar. I have no doubt that Qatar Industries. SHI promises to deliver use the service electronically emission and environmental reg- will reinforce its position as the the best quality LNG carriers with as an alternative to direct ulations. We will continue world’s leading LNG exporter on-time delivery. Particularly, we visits, said the Ministry on its working on reducing emissions through this great project. As the will build the best LNG carriers for official website. The new from our fleet to protect the world’s first-class shipbuilding Qatar Petroleum in terms of effi- system eases the process for regional and global environment and maritime specialists, DSME ciency, reliability and HSE through companies to conclude con- in line with the environmental is delighted to contribute to this the technology and workmanship tracts between the company objectives of the Qatar National project with our cutting-edge LNG developed within our company. and workers subject to labour Vision 2030.” “I would like to take technologies together with our I hope that today’s event will law via website without the this opportunity to thank the H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and eco-friendly and smart ship provide momentum to further need for a direct visit to the DSME, HHI and SHI teams for all the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, signing the agreements. expertise. In the same manner as strengthen our cooperative eco- Ministry’s headquarters or the the hard work to bring these a decade ago for the previous nomic relationship between Qatar Government Services agreements to fruition during unusual circumstances the world Delivering his congratulations Qatar project, we will soon invite and Korea.” Qatar Petroleum’s Complex. The launch is a con- these challenging times. I would is currently facing. I am also very on the signing ceremony, Minister you to witness our production in LNG carrier fleet program is the tinuation of the Ministry’s also like to express my great grateful to Sheikh Khalid bin H E Sung Yun-mo said: “Despite person at our advanced Okpo largest of its kind in the history of efforts to update and offer appreciation to Your Excellency Khalifa Al Thani, the CEO of the recent difficulties facing the shipyard.” the LNG industry, and will play a various electronic services tar- Sung, for your leadership and Qatargas, and to the Qatar international community, today’s On his part, Sam H Ka, said: pivotal role in meeting the geting the beneficiary groups, great support to this effort in line Petroleum and Qatargas teams, signing was made possible by the “We are very proud and excited shipping requirements of Qatar especially with the increased with our mutual desire to build whose dedicated efforts were long-standing mutual trust to work with Qatar Petroleum for Petroleum’s local and interna- demand of users who seek to upon the already excellent rela- instrumental in realizing this between Korea and Qatar as well this unprecedented, and the tional LNG projects, as well as complete applications via the tions between Korea and Qatar, agreement,” H E Al Kaabi as the outstanding risk man- world’s largest, LNG project. It is replacing part of Qatar’s existing website and Amerni appli- especially during the concluded. agement capability of His our firm belief that this project will LNG fleet. cation during the last period. MoPH: 3,147 more recover; 1,523 new cases

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health reported 1,523 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,147 people having recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recovered people in Qatar to 33,437, yesterday. The Ministry also announced two deaths due to the virus. The total number of pos- itive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar till now stands at 58,433 and there are 24,956 active cases under treatment. So far, 40 people died from coronavirus in Qatar. The Min- istry has tested 3,850 people yesterday, taking the total tests done so far to 225,919 tests. The Ministry stated that the two new deaths recorded are people aged 50 and 58, who had received the necessary medical care in intensive care. The Ministry offered sincere condolences and great sym- pathy to the families of the deceased. The Ministry also said that 22 new patients were admitted to intensive care, bringing the total number of cases currently in intensive care to 240. The Ministry states that Qatar is still in the peak phase of the outbreak, which is seeing a rise in the number of infections recorded daily. TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 HOME 03

NCED initiative to High-level Qatari participation expected at promote culture Global Vaccine Summit, says UK envoy of independent learning FAZEENA SALEEM combat COVID-19,” he added. THE PENINSULA Qatar Airways (QA) has helped THE PENINSULA — DOHA thousands of stranded travellers A high-level delegation from Qatar The summit helps return home in these challenging Qatar University’s National Center for is likely to join the Global Vaccine circumstances. Educational Development (NCED) has Summit virtually to be hosted by the weaker health sectors “We really appreciate the role of announced its new interactive initi- UK on June 4 as countries across the Qatar Airways to repatriate British ative “Your Summer with NCED”, globe pledge to develop vaccines to across the country. We nationals by operating transit flights, which aims to cultivate the culture of fight coronavirus, said Jonathan hope for a high-level in a time when many airlines have independent learning and continuous Wilks, the new British Ambassador. stopped their operations,” said learning among students. This initi- “The summit helps weaker health delegation from Qatar Wilks. ative encourages students to invest sectors across the country. We hope to participate in the He stressed that despite the their spare time during the annual for a high-level delegation from COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar and the vacation period in educational work Qatar to participate in the summit. summit. We also hope UK continue their cooperation in that is useful and fun. We also hope Qatar will make strong Qatar will make strong several areas including trade, security At the societal level, family and financial contribution,” he said and regional issues. Wilks is opti- friendship relations between speaking to media persons during a financial contribution. mistic about building on existing members of the same family are virtual press conference held partnerships between Qatar and UK strengthened through participation yesterday. in different areas. in targeted activities. It also con- According to Wilks, effective vac- Jonathan Wilks, new British Ambassador “We seek to be the premier tributes to finding ways to enhance cination is always vital to public partner of Qatar in hosting FIFA social separation and stay at home to health and the summit will play a key 2022. Our discussions to support prevent the spread of the global role in helping to move beyond this important milestone in securing Wilks took up his posting to Doha Qatar for the 2022 World Cup con- epidemic. unprecedented global pandemic. support to immunise 300 million in March. He was previously Ambas- tinues and hopefully an agreement The initiative is divided into three The UK will host Gavi, the Vaccine children and save up to eight million sador to the Republic of Iraq, Oman for cooperation will be signed sub-initiatives: “I complete the story” Alliance’s third donor pledging con- lives by 2025. and Yemen. He was also the UK Syria soon,” he said. In reply to a and “I discover the solution (I am ference to mobilise at least $7.4bn in The summit will virtually bring Envoy and Regional Arabic question about the ongoing unjust thinking)” and “I am designing my additional resources to protect the together political leaders, civil Spokesman, when he was a regular blockade imposed on Qatar, Wilks project”. The first initiative includes next generation with vaccines as well society, public and private donors, guest in Doha of Al Jazeera. said, “The UK has great relationship the presentation of heritage or global as to reduce disease inequality and vaccine manufacturers and govern- “In the past three months, several with all the Gulf states. We do the stories dealing with various questions create a healthier, safer and more ments to support the global vacci- high level telephonic discussions best we can to resolve the dispute, that enhance students’ three main prosperous world. It will also nation body Gavi. were held between Qatar and UK, including by supporting Kuwaiti skills, namely reading, writing, encourage the international com- In addition to the Global Vaccine related to COVID-19 and other mediation. We encourage countries numerical competence and other munity to come together to support Summit, Wilks also emphasised on issues,” he said. to take small steps to defuse the sub-skills. the development of a COVID-19 UK-Qatar bilateral relation and coop- “UK has medical research coop- tension.” In trade, Qatari The second and third initiatives vaccine. eration with Qatar in the fight against eration with Qatar before COVID-19. investment into the UK, is estimated will include cooperation with and The summit, Wilks said, is an COVID-19. But now the focus is more in how to over £37bn. participation of family members. The second requires discovering the correct solutions to various intelli- Over 1.6 million workers gence puzzles and games. The last ini- Ooredoo among top brands in Qatar to tiative is to produce and photograph benefit from ‘Better various projects in a fun and enter- taining way that will give them new support fight against COVID-19: Poll Connections’ programme and useful skills and knowledge. The Center has announced that FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 those wishing to participate can send Efforts include large-scale answers to story questions or project awareness campaigns via SMS and During this phase, ROTA played a key role videos with their data and personal social media; encouraging community in the monitoring and evaluation of the program. photos to the e-mail address members to stay at home with a range This included designing data collection tools, [email protected] for a specialised of free offers and service upgrades on training volunteers to collect data, and analyzing committee to review the validity of the home and mobile internet services; dou- and reporting on project progress and results. answers and the suitability of the bling internet speeds for schools and Maryam Majareh, Project Manager from videos and agree to publish them on universities at no extra cost, effectively ROTA, commented on the achievements of the the Center’s multiple platforms, as well contributing to distance education; and program stating, “Through all of our combined as announcing the names and pub- adding new dedicated educational efforts, we have provided transforming oppor- lishing photos of the participants who channels to the Ooredoo tv service. tunities for workers who used technology to stay come up with correct answers to the Ooredoo has also exempted its cus- in touch with their families and friends, learn questions of the stories and producing tomers from download fees and data develop new skills, and benefit from a variety quality videos on the Center’s multiple charges for the use of the Ehteraz app. of online services and platforms like Hukoomi. platforms. The winners will be invited In order to ensure awareness We thank all who have been part of this process, to honour them at a special ceremony campaigns and support reached as was launched with the aim of pro- comprehensive plan to support the especially our volunteers whose dedication is a that the Center will hold in the first many sectors of the community as moting community cohesion and sol- efforts of official entities as they manage testament to the kindness of the community that semester of the academic year possible, the telco leader distributed idarity with the people of Qatar the impact of the pandemic. Our focus we live in. People who were digitally excluded 2020-2021. awareness leaflets about COVID-19 affected by the pandemic. The initi- has been on raising awareness of how have been empowered by Better Connections It is worth noting that this initiative in industrial zones and, in collabo- ative included the provision of best to avoid transmission of the virus, so that they too can benefit from the numerous comes in line with the “Support for ration with the Qatar Red Crescent, 50,000 food baskets containing as well as supporting our communities advantages of the Internet.” Qatar” campaign and the “Aid for distributed recharge cards to many basic supplies, and coronavirus in various ways as they follow gov- Results across Phase II of the program exhibit Qatar” campaign that the Center labourers so they could communicate prevention materials such as gloves, ernment guidelines to stay home; its success in providing professional and per- launched earlier this year, and the suc- with their families and friends. masks and sanitising gel. Ooredoo whether by introducing valuable offers sonal development opportunities to workers, cesses they achieved in supporting the The company has also played a also distributed data and calling cards on telecommunications services, by especially those who may have had limited distance learning process, and in pivotal role in encouraging indi- to the beneficiaries of the providing additional services or by schooling in their own countries. response to the requests received by viduals to volunteer and participate campaign. enhancing other services at no addi- Beneficiaries reported improvements in the Center to continue to introduce in the Ministry of Public Health’s Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Director tional cost. We intend to continue our happiness, wellbeing, and confidence. Overall, new initiatives in light of the corona- efforts to combat the virus. PR at Ooredoo, said: “The coronavirus efforts and launch new initiatives in the they indicated they are better able to commu- virus pandemic. Ooredoo was a prominent con- outbreak poses an unusual challenge near future to maximise our contribu- nicate, to learn independently using ICT’s and It also aims to contribute to tributor to the Let’s Celebrate Eid to the whole world, so from the outset tions to our communities until life Internet, and expressed satisfaction with the investing in children and family time Together initiative in Qatar, which we have been keen to develop a returns to normal.” program. during the quarantine period. Online QFCRA internship puts Georgetown students at QF on path to career success

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The QFCRA, the independent regulator Nine undergraduate students at QF partner Georgetown University in for the Qatar Financial Qatar (GU-Q) were chosen to pilot Centre, developed a six-week long online internship the virtual internship program at the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority prior to the pandemic, (QFCRA), gaining valuable hands-on quickly becoming a work experience without ever timely model initiative setting foot in an office. The QFCRA, which is the independent regulator when the crisis hit. for the Qatar Financial Centre, developed the virtual internship prior to the pandemic, quickly progress and to provide feedback. Abdul Rehmaan Qayyum, a GU-Q becoming a timely model initiative Third year International Eco- student and an intern at QFCRA when the crisis hit. nomics major Abdul Rehmaan When the pandemic crisis Qayyum decided to sign up for the created a shift to work from home Enforcement division, and Dr. Alexis internship to gain experience for a to prevent the spread of the virus, Antoniades, Director and Chair of future career in finance. “This the student interns were already International Economics at Geor- internship was the right fit for me working online. Head of Interna- getown, who connected the QFCRA because it required an interest in tional Cooperation at QFCRA with students enrolled in his eco- finance, and working knowledge of Maryam Mohammed, who managed nomics course. “For our future policy economics and politics, fields that the project, said “At the Regulatory makers, lawyers, bankers, analysts, are the focus of my degree. And I was Authority, internships that train and researchers, this internship sure I would receive unparalleled future leaders in the finance sector opportunity was an excellent way mentorship from QFCRA. It was a are an important effort in developing to gain valuable professional skills great experience that taught me a Qatar’s economy and a key driver and job training at an institution that lot in terms of skills and knowledge.” of Qatar’s national development. plays a complex and critical eco- Prior to this innovative program, Through the launch of our first nomic role both domestically and the two institutions have jointly col- online internship, we wanted to internationally,” explained Dr. laborated on several in-person expand those opportunities, and to Antoniades. internships for highly qualified stu- let high achieving students know The nine students, working in a dents. All QFCRA internships are that they can begin building their total of four cohorts, conducted supported by the Authority’s Al careers from anywhere.” research and analysed the economic, Masar (“The Path) Program, an The first-of-its-kind internship political, and regulatory jurisdictions award-winning, five-stage devel- was the result of a collaboration of QFC’s global business partners. opment program that focuses on between Prue Morris, Managing Maryam connected online with each developing talent within the Director of the Policy and team weekly, to review their organisation. 04 HOME TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 QRCS restores 14 water wells for 12,250 beneficiaries in Yemen THE PENINSULA — DOHA Serving up to 1,750 project: “We are very opti- families (12,250 mistic. Our problem is pol- The representation mission of luted and scarce water at Qatar Red Crescent Society persons), this is part times of drought. It has been (QRCS) in Yemen has begun the of a larger project a long-awaited moment for civil and construction works for to rehabilitate water us to find some clean water digging and deepening water to drink without too much dif- wells in the Al Marawi’ah and projects in Taiz ficulty. Until this day, we still Al Sukhnah districts of Al and Al Hudaydah in get water manually (with Hudaydah Governorate. Yemen with a total buckets). Our kids are at risk Serving up to 1,750 families of falling down into the wells. (12,250 persons), this is part of budget of $399,999. In our village, there are no a larger project to rehabilitate wells, so we have to bring water projects in Taiz and Al water from neighboring Hudaydah, with a total budget communities, who used to bring villages”. of $399,999. water from remote areas, He thanked QRCS for The sites of wells were carried by donkeys, women, or reaching out to such a remote handed over by the municipal- children. This was too village, hoping for more ities of the two districts, in the exhausting and unhealthy. assistance. “We are badly in presence of representatives of “It is an important project need of a water supply system. Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) officials at the site of a water well in Yemen. Yemen’s Supreme Council for that serves those in need. We This is our greatest dream,” he Management and Coordination hope that QRCS would expand added. “We are so grateful to of Humanitarian Affairs and “The wells will be dug, tanks, so that water is supplied representative of SCMCHA in Al their projects, especially water the donors. May Allah bless International Cooperation deepened, and maintained to through pumping pipelines, Sukhnah, Mohamed Al Moafa, and artesian wells. Many wells them”. (SCMCHA), municipal officials, give access to more water. Then, making it easier for the inhab- stated, “QRCS is most welcome. are out of service due to lack of The districts covered by and the public. the wells will be lined with con- itants to get clean water safely. They had previously imple- fuel, and water supply networks QRCS interventions are des- Eng. Abdul Baset Mohamed, crete blocks and raised above “In Phase 2, submerged solar mented a shelter project in the and pumping stations are titute and underserved. representative of QRCS, said the ground level for protection pumps will be installed, with a district. Now, they are providing required in many villages,” he Women and children have to they would work on 14 water against pollution. The outer whole solar power system. The clean water for the poorest concluded. walk for hours to bring water wells – five in Al-Marawi’ah openings will have concrete planned timeline is five families”. The locals were happy to from far places. The available and nine in Al-Sukhnah. “Phase covers”. months,” Eng. Mohamed The project, he expected, see their suffering come to an water wells are obsolete, and 1 involves the civil and con- Other works include revealed. would largely meet the water end. Ahmed Ali, a chieftain, the manual pumps are struction works,” he explained. installing taps with plastic At the handover site, needs of the target spoke hopefully about the damaged.

QF scientists aim to understand how HBKU strengthens commitment to coronavirus affects different populations learner success THE PENINSULA — DOHA Led by its Chairperson, Professor Asmaa THE PENINSULA — DOHA Al Thani, QGP is investing its resources in Scientists around the world In line with its ambition to continue to study the coronavirus using the data it has obtained on the Qatari remove barriers to success and its nature, but Qatar Foun- genome, as well as continually collecting for its online learners, dation’s Qatar Genome Program more data with the aim of supporting efforts Hamad Bin Khalifa (QGP) has chosen to look at it to determine how and why the coronavirus University (HBKU) has joined from a different perspective. Quality Matters (QM) — the Led by its Chairperson, Pro- has a different effect on different people international leader for fessor Asmaa Al Thani, QGP is and populations. quality assurance in online investing its resources in using and innovative digital A researcher working at QGP laboratory. the data it has obtained on the teaching and learning envi- Qatari genome, as well as con- ronments. tinually collecting more data with were previously limited to Medicine-Qatar. Her work allows for a deeper study of convergent study on how the virus Membership of QM pro- the aim of supporting efforts to Qataris in order to build a includes supporting efforts to tracing infection, as well as the is affecting different populations vides HBKU with access to a determine how and why the genome database for the popu- increase local capacity in discovery of mutations that might from a genomics perspective, the comprehensive research- coronavirus has a different effect lation, the range has now been responding to viral outbreaks, cause some people to be affected topic of the PhD research of Maria supported quality assurance on different people and widened to include residents of and, as director of the Biomedical more severely than others. If Samati, a student of HBKU,” said process to design and populations. Qatar — a nation with a hugely Research Center at Qatar Uni- mutations like these are dis- Professor Al Thani. develop accessible and “In a certain few countries, diverse population spanning a versity (BRC), she leads the only covered, scientists at QGP can Genomic and viral surveil- engaging online courses. young people seem to be more wide range of nationalities Biosafety level 3 laboratory for inform clinicians to closely lance is a significant part of pre- Additional tools and susceptible to contracting the including children. research in Qatar, which is cur- monitor patients for severe paredness when it comes to viral resources allow HBKU to virus and becoming critically ill Infection rates among rently used to help the Ministry symptoms. outbreaks like COVID-19. evaluate course and program from it, while other places have children are low, and observing of Public Health face the Since genetic variations According to Professor Al Thani, design to ensure that the higher rates among their older their genomes might help in pandemic. among different populations may the SARS outbreak led to consid- needs of today’s online population,” said Professor Al understanding why. “We’re also Student research plays an be responsible for the severity of erable international research learners are being met. Thani. “Age is definitely a factor, seeking consent from patients integral role as well. Dr. Al Thani infection rates and illness in investments in the field in the QM’s professional devel- but these variances all point suffering from COVID-19 to is supervising several PhD and certain parts of the world, QGP years 2003 and 2004, but unfor- opment opportunities towards the importance of inves- sequence their genomes. That Master’s students in this field, aims to compare outcomes of tunately, once the situation eased, provide faculty and staff with tigating the underlying genetics will be a key factor in allowing including research at QF member Qatar’s genome sequencing with these efforts were withdrawn. a pathway to develop and of these populations and relating us to determine how this virus Hamad Bin Khalifa University that of other countries. Collabo- “A lack of qualified personnel strengthen key online design them to the virus sequences cir- manifests itself differently in with Dr. Hadi Yassine, Faculty at rations with Genomics England globally is one of the primary and delivery skills. “Joining culating in those communities.” patients,” Professor Al Thani said. BRC, on genetic susceptibility to and Tor Vergata University of reasons why we have a huge gap the QM community — a com- Having already sequenced In her academic and research infectious diseases. Rome, Italy, with its rector and in understanding this virus and munity that puts learners first over 18,000 Qatari genomes, role, Dr. Al Thani — who holds a QGP has also established a world-renowned medical genet- potentially preventing mutations, – aligns perfectly with the QGP is well-positioned to PhD in medical virology — is a new platform with Oxford Nan- icist Professor Giuseppe Novelli, as well as a lack of funding for goals of HBKUx to develop conduct this kind of research. professor of virology at Qatar opore Technologies, which are already underway to find if research into infectious diseases quality online and blended While samples collected by Qatar University and Adjunct Virology enables whole genome viral outcomes are different and and emerging outbreaks either programs,” said Dr. Ala Al- Biobank, also a member of Qatar professor at QF partner uni- sequencing to be conducted why. “We’re also hoping to in humans or animals.” she Fuqaha, Acting Associate Foundation, and studied by QGP versity Weill Cornell within just eight hours. This conduct a comprehensive explained. Provost for Teaching and Learning. “There is significant Inspectors from movement towards online HMC provides innovative solutions to give engagement as it equips MME's wildlife learners with the skills protection dept required to work in an physiotherapy services during COVID-19 pandemic increasingly digital world. nab wild Learners who were previ- QNA — DOHA listening to them talk about what ously classified as ‘non-tra- reptile hunters causes their pain, and this can be ditional’ now make up the Each year the Physiotherapy done very effectively virtually. largest number of student THE PENINSULA — DOHA Department at Hamad Medical Technology is allowing our enrolments worldwide and Corporation (HMC) provides physical therapists to demonstrate this is uniquely the case at The municipal physical therapy to patients during a series of exercises, ask the HBKU being a graduate uni- inspectors on patrolling more than 270,000 outpatient patient to perform them, and then versity. Working adults who from the Department of visits. Public health measures put determine what is and isnt pos- seek to reskill and upskill are Protection and Wildlife in place to contain and curb the sible by having the patient a huge market for online at the Ministry of spread of COVID-19 have meant describe whether the pain learning. These workforce Municipality and Envi- that many treatments and increases or decreases with the changes present a unique ronment (MME) have hands-on therapies are only motion,” said Zaaror. opportunity for agile univer- caught some individuals available for the most critical of Zaaror says while a virtual sities to find creative ways to hunting wild reptiles to cases and the physiotherapy team system is not ideal in every situ- equip millions of workers to protect environment of at HMC has responded by imple- ation, most patients have adapted transition into new jobs and the country. menting a number of creative well. He says a surprise benefit to provide ongoing training to The action was solutions to ensure their patients the launch of the telemedicine help individuals keep pace taken following the Law continue to receive the specialist service has been the realization with the new world of work.” No. 4 of 2002 regulating care they need. that having greater control over Dr. Yaping Gao, Senior the hunting of wild Chief of Physiotherapy at their rehabilitation can lead to a Academic Director of Member A doctor at the HMC assisting a patient via video call. animals, birds, and rep- HMC, Noora Al Mudahka said the better outcome for some patients, Services and Partnerships for tiles, the Ministry has COVID-19 pandemic has changed and he noted that there are plans Quality Matters, said, “Quality tweeted. every aspect of how healthcare is Around 80 percent of HMCs their last outpatient appointment. to further expand the service. Matters continues to engage The ministry said delivered, and she says her team regular outpatient services are They assessed what tools and “Through our telemedicine with the global education com- that the necessary has worked hard to ensure now being provided through tele- exercise equipment patients had service, we are currently caring munity, ensuring a streamlined legal measures are patients are continuing to have medicine, with clinical teams in their home and began working for over 3,000 patients who are digital learning experience. being taken against access to physiotherapy services. across all specialties providing on individualized treatment plans recovering from a range of ill- Our current membership com- violators to preserve “We immediately started care during more than 27,000 tel- that allowed patients to safely nesses and injuries. We are also prises more than 1,250 institu- the environment of the planning to adapt our treatment ephone consultations each week. continue their rehabilitation from continuing to expand the services tions across 19 countries country. programs so that physical therapy With male, female, and pedi- their own home,” said Al Mudahka. we provide and are developing spanning six continents. It is an The patrols of the services were not interrupted and atric physiotherapy clinics at Qatar Acting Male Outpatient Super- interventional exercise videos spe- honor to welcome HBKU on Department of Pro- that the progress of our patients Rehabilitation Institute, Rumailah visor and Physical Therapy Spe- cific to various clinical conditions, board as the first member tection and Wildlife also was not compromised. Hospital, Bin Omran Physio- cialist Kamel Zaaror said if the such as stroke, traumatic brain institution in Qatar. Our col- seized a violation of At any given time, we have therapy Center, Al Wakra Hospital, patient has a computer, tablet, or injury, post-operative, and guiding laboration underpins quality transporting mud (clay) hundreds of patients under our and Al Khor Hospital, Al Mudahka smartphone with a camera, his mothers in the care of babies who assurance in education excel- without a permit and care and as a team, we were said the first step in launching the team can continue caring for had been ventilated. Each video lence in Qatar and beyond, caused damage to the determined to ensure these virtual service for the Physio- them, even though they are not in will be customized for the various and is one which enables plant environment, patients continued to have access therapy Department involved the treatment facility. phases of recovery. We plan to both institutions to learn from where the necessary to the physical therapy interven- consulting with each patient by “A big proportion of physio- deliver this service through a link and support each other as we legal measures were tions they required while also telephone. therapy involves hands-on shared with patients through SMS strive to positively impact the taken against the vio- ensuring their potential exposure “Our teams called each patient treatment, but physical therapy is and will monitor the progress of online learning experience lator to preserve the to the COVID-19 virus was to determine if there were any also about observing and assessing our patients through virtual con- across the globe.” environment of Qatar. reduced,” she said. changes in their condition since someone’s movement and sultations,” added Zaaror. TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 MIDDLE EAST 05 Poverty in West Bank may double as annexation looms

AFP — RAMALLAH Official Palestinian news agency Wafa said

Poverty in the occupied West yesterday that Prime Minister Mohammed Bank may double as Pales- Shtayyeh would hold a videoconference today tinians are hit by the corona- with donors from 40 countries to present virus, the World Bank warned yesterday, just weeks before a report on the economic situation in the Israel aims to kick-start plans Palestinian territories. to annex parts of the territory. The United Nations has warned that such a move by on healthcare and other areas, are adopting 5G. Prime Minister Benjamin the World Bank said in a report. While the PA has taken Netanyahu’s government would The fallout is expected to steps to manage the economic stifle financial and aid flows to see the number of households blow brought by coronavirus, Palestinians carrying the coffin of Eyad Hallaq, who was shot dead by Israeli police, during his funeral the Palestinians and “most living below the poverty line the World Bank said its in Jerusalem late on Sunday. likely trigger conflict”. rise this year from 14 to 30 financial gap “could increase Israel may start the annex- percent in the West Bank, largely alarmingly” from $800m last ation process as soon as July 1 due to Palestinians being unable year to $1.5bn this year. with the support of US Pres- to cross into Israel for work. The “At this point, it is not pos- Palestinians bury autistic, unarmed ident Donald Trump, who in PA last week announced an end sible to say how long it will take January published a peace plan to the lockdown it had imposed for the economy to recover that was roundly rejected by the in early March across the West from the current containment youth shot dead by Israeli police Palestinians. Bank after a virus outbreak in the measures,” the bank said. The UN warned in a report city of Bethlehem, a major tourist The Palestinian gov- AGENCIES — The Israeli Broadcasting Process condemned the killing that, without improved rela- site. The easing allowed more ernment relies heavily on donor OCCUPIED JERUSALEM Corporation stated that the of an unarmed, disabled Pales- tions between the two sides and than 63,000 Palestinians to support to function as it is medical autopsy of Eyad Hallaq’s tinian man by Israeli police in if annexation goes ahead, “the pass through checkpoints for unable to implement stimulus Hundreds of Palestinians have body showed that he was shot Jerusalem over the weekend. achievements of the Palestinian work on Sunday, according to measures used by countries bid farewell to a mentally twice in the abdomen. Eyad Hallaq, 32, a resident government over the last the Israeli military branch han- elsewhere, such as lowering disabled Palestinian, who was The UN Special Coordinator of the Wadi Joz neighbourhood quarter century will fade. dling civilian affairs in the Pal- interest rates or accessing inter- killed by Israeli forces in for the Middle East Peace Process of East Jerusalem with special “The peace and security sit- estinian territories. national capital markets. occupied East Jerusalem on Nickolay Mladenov offered his needs, was shot near the Old uation will worsen, and a The borders of the Hamas- Despite the increased Saturday. Eyad Hallaq was condolences to the family of City of Jerusalem,. hardened and more extremist run Gaza Strip, which has been financial needs, support for this fatally shot by Israeli forces Hallaq. “My heartfelt condolences politics on both sides will inev- under a crippling Israeli year’s PA budget is the lowest after they suspected he had a He said the incident was “a to the family of Eyad Hallaq, itably result,” it said. blockade since 2007, remain in two decades, according to the gun, according to Israeli tragedy that should and could an unarmed Palestinian shot The annexation plans loom closed to all but a few returning World Bank. Last month, an media. have been avoided”, going on to and killed yesterday in Jeru- weeks after Netanyahu forged Gazans, who are quarantined Israeli official said an 800m Funeral prayer took place call on the Israeli authorities to salem. A tragedy that should a unity government following on arrival. The poverty rate was shekel ($228m) loan had been late on Sunday at Jerusalem’s Al “swiftly investigate and make and could have been avoided!” more than a year of political already 53 percent in Gaza approved for the PA, to help Aqsa Mosque after the body was sure such incidents are not Nickolay Mladenov, the UN deadlock, and as both Israel and before the pandemic and the make up for revenues lost transferred from Makassed Hos- allowed to happen”. Special Coordinator for the the Palestinian territories are World Bank forecast it would during coronavirus. While pital, where Israeli authorities The UN Special Coordinator Middle East Peace Process said assessing the impact of the pan- jump to 64 percent this year. humanitarian and development held his body for over 36 hours. for the Middle East Peace Twitter on Sunday. demic. The Palestinian terri- Overall, the Palestinian aid remains important, the tories have seen low infection economy is set to shrink United Nations said, “different rates after acting quickly to between 7.6 and 11 percent, the and bolder action is required to 125 civilians killed in Syria in May: Watchdog curtail the spread of COVID-19, global body said, a severe avert economic collapse”. with three deaths out of 450 downturn after one percent Official Palestinian news ANATOLIA — ANKARA a report released by the Syrian Network for cases registered among some growth in 2019. agency Wafa said yesterday Human Rights (SNHR). Meanwhile, seven five million residents in Gaza The report recommended that Prime Minister Mohammed A total of 125 civilians, including 26 children and civilians, including two children, were killed in and the West Bank. investing in mobile networks Shtayyeh would hold a video- six women, were killed in Syria this May, mostly the attacks carried out by the YPG/PKK terrorist But the Palestinian Author- to boost the economy. Pales- conference today with donors as a result of bombings, a rights group said organization, the report said. Some three civilians ity’s (PA’s) financial situation is tinians rely on 2G and 3G from 40 countries to present a yesterday. were killed at the hands of anti-regime armed “expected to become increas- mobile data networks in Gaza report on the economic situ- Of these fatalities, the Syrian regime forces groups, and seven civilians, including two ingly difficult” due to loss of and the West Bank respectively, ation in the Palestinian killed 10 civilians, including two women, while children and one woman, were killed by the fac- income and increased spending at a time when some countries territories. Russian forces killed one civilian, according to tions of the armed opposition, it said. Turkey’s Grand Bazaar reopens along with restaurants Iran: Scientist jailed in US to AFP — ISTANBUL some shop owners were eager to get business back on track, return soon Turkey reopened restaurants, though acknowledged it could cafes and Istanbul’s iconic 15th take time for the crowds to AFP — TEHRAN century Grand Bazaar market return. “I cannot say business yesterday as the government is good for the time being but Tehran said yesterday that further eased coronavirus God willing it will gradually be scientist Sirous Asgari, one of restrictions. soon,” said carpet vendor Ali more than a dozen Iranians Many other facilities Amac. behind bars in the United including parks, beaches, Turkey, with a population States, is set to return to the libraries and museums reo- of 83 million, has recorded over Islamic republic within days. pened across the country, 4,500 virus-related deaths. Asgari was accused by a while millions of public The government has US court in 2016 of stealing sector employees returned to boasted of its success in han- trade secrets while on an aca- work. dling the outbreak and avoiding demic visit to Ohio. At Istanbul’s landmark becoming a virus hotspot such But the 59-year-old sci- Grand Bazaar, traders were as Italy or the United Kingdom. entist from Tehran’s Sharif dusting the shelves and tidying Officials say the pandemic University of Technology was their shops while janitors is now under control, but have acquitted in November. scrubbed floors as the world- repeatedly warned citizens to The academic told British famous site welcomed visitors respect social distancing rules newspaper The Guardian in again. People wearing protective facemasks walk on the street in Ankara, yesterday. Turkey reopened and wear masks outside. March that the Immigration The bazaar on the historic restaurants and cafes as the government further eased coronavirus restrictions. Domestic flights also and Customs Enforcement peninsula, also home to tourist resumed between a limited agency was keeping him in a sites such as the Hagia Sophia number of cities as an inter- detention centre in Louisiana museum and the Blue Mosque, 550-year-old history that did Bae, who runs a steak res- waiting for everyone,” he said. city travel ban was lifted, with without basic sanitation and was closed on March 23 to not involve fires or earthquakes. taurant in the bazaar. Diners at his popular eatery national carrier Turkish Air- refusing to let him return to stem the spread of the Its reopening was a symbolic “Istanbul is the capital of are encouraged to read the lines taking its first trip since Iran despite his exoneration. coronavirus. move not only for Turkey, but the world and the (Grand menu on their phones instead early April. International “Dr. Sirous Asgari’s case It was the market’s longest for the world, said celebrity chef Bazaar) is the first shopping of looking at menus. flights remain suspended until has been closed in America closure in its more than Nusret Gokce, nicknamed Salt mall of the world. We are Elsewhere at the market, June 10. and he will probably return to the country in the next two or three days,” said Iran’s foreign 786 new COVID-19 cases in Oman; half ministry spokesman Abbas Iran reports 81 new virus deaths; risks Mousavi. “That is, if no issues of government staff resume work or obstacles come up,” he said, second wave if people ignore restrictions quoted by semi-official news AGENCIES — MUSCAT agency Isna. Iran’s foreign REUTERS & AFP — DUBAI/BEIRUT yesterday, an increase of 2,979 need to stay alert and we are ministry said last month that The Omani Ministry of Health said yesterday that it registered from the previous day. taking measures in all regions,” Asgari had contracted the 786 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country. Among Iran could face a second, It also reported 81 new Hamad Hassan said. novel coronavirus while in US those, 488 new cases were of expats and 298 were citizens. stronger wave of novel coro- deaths, taking the toll to 7,878. The country of six million custody. If he returns to Iran, The total cases in the country has now reached 12,223, with navirus infections if people Government employees has recorded a remarkably low the scientist would become 50 deaths and 2682 recoveries. ignore guidance and social went back to work and number of cases and the official one of the few detainees held Government officials resumed work on Sunday as authorities distancing rules, health minister mosques resumed daily prayers death toll is around 10 times by either side not to have been allowed half of the public workforce to return to offices. Saeed Namaki said yesterday. on Saturday as part of the relax- lower than some countries with released in a prisoner The Supreme Committee tasked with dealing with the novel The Islamic Republic, one ation of the lockdown. roughly the same population exchange. coronavirus pandemic allowed earlier this week 50% attendance of the worst-hit countries in the But authorities had to such as Israel, Norway or the Both Iran and the United in government offices starting May 31. region, started easing its reimpose restrictions in the United Arab Emirates. States hold a number of each It also lifted lockdown measures across the Muscat gover- lockdown in April after a drop southern provinces of Khuz- According to figures pro- other’s nationals and they have norate on May 29, which were in place since early April to slow in deaths. estan and Sistan Baluchestan vided by the health ministry, recently called for them to be the spread of the virus. The committee, however, reminded that But May saw an uptick in in mid-May after an uptick of Lebanon has recorded 1,233 released amid the COVID-19 the loosening of restrictions did not mean the end of the outbreak, the rate of reported infections cases there. “There is still a long COVID-19 cases since the start pandemic. Iran is battling urging the public to adhere to precautionary and protective compared with mid to late April way ahead of us in our fight of the pandemic and only 27 what is the Middle East’s dead- measures such as wearing face masks “in order to protect yourself - an acceleration the gov- against this virus... All the health deaths. After weeks of liest outbreak of the virus, and your loved ones.” ernment put down to increased protocols should be respected,” lockdown, the government while the US has reported the Omani Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Saidi, testing. “The outbreak is not Namaki said. announced on Sunday that highest total number of deaths said that the coronavirus is still very dangerous and widespread. over yet and at any moment it Meanwhile, Lebanon’s restrictions would be eased this worldwide from the disease. Al Saidi added, in a statement to the Sultanate of Oman TV, and may come back stronger than health minister said yesterday week, including a curfew which Iran is holding at least five relayed by the Oman News Agency (ONA), that the number of before,” Saeed Namaki said in that the worst of the corona- is pushed back from 7pm to Americans and the US has 19 people in hospitals is 199, of whom 43 percent are in intensive a news conference broadcast virus pandemic has passed but midnight. Iranians in detention. Ten- care, and many of them exceeded their stay in intensive care for on state TV. “If our people fail declaring victory against the “It’s still early to announce sions between the two arch four weeks. He said that reducing the recovery period to less than to respect the health protocols... disease would be premature, a victory but we have scored enemies escalated in 2018, 14 days in some Gulf countries led to a high rate of recovery for we must prepare ourselves for as the country gradually opened points against the virus and we after President Donald Trump them, pointing out that one of the biggest challenges in facing the the worst situation.” up. “I think the worst-case sce- won’t relinquish our lead,” unilaterally withdrew the US coronavirus is expatriate labor, stressing at the same time that Iran has reported a total of nario has passed and is behind Hassan said speaking from his from a landmark nuclear the epidemiological investigation is active. 154,445 infections as of us, but at the same time we home in the city of Baalbek. agreement. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020

Kenya President Haftar’s forces seeks constitution changes to end retake district poll violence south of Tripoli BLOOMBERG — NAIROBI AFP — TRIPOLI “Units of the armed Kenya needs to amend its forces were able to constitution to enable the East Libyan military strongman African nation to end “senseless Khalifa Haftar’s forces said seize the Al Assabia cycles of violence” that have they retook a district south of area this morning after plagued elections for the past Tripoli yesterday, after a series a string of air strikes” two decades, President Uhuru of losses to pro-unity on forces backing Kenyatta said. government troops. The comments are the “Units of the armed forces the Government of latest signal the president may were able to seize the Al National Accord, said a call for a referendum on Assabia area this morning after spokesman for Haftar’s changes to governance a string of air strikes” on forces forces. structures. backing the Government of A panel picked by Kenyatta National Accord, said Ahmad and Raila Odinga, his biggest Deserted street in Baghdad Al Mesmari, a spokesman for plunged Libya into years of rival in elections in 2017, have Haftar’s forces. Images and chaos, with two rival adminis- proposed reforms to end Closed shops are seen in Baghdad yesterday as Iraq announced a one-week curfew from Sunday videos on social media and trations and scores of militias Kenya’s winner-takes-all due to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Libyan television appeared to struggling for power. political system. show Haftar’s troops entering Haftar, who controls much The 2010 constitution was the area, some 40 kilometres of eastern and southern Libya, drafted in response to the dis- (25 miles) south of Tripoli. launched an offensive last puted 2007 vote that led to the Nigeria to relax coronavirus curbs Pro-GNA forces said spring to seize Tripoli from the death of more than 1,100 Monday they had escalated United Nations-recognised people, and was meant to their own air raids in Al- GNA. Foreign support for the decentralize power, create Assabia, without confirming warring parties has added to accountable government and on places of worship from today they had lost the district. the fighting, with Haftar share resources more “The air force targeted receiving Emirati and Russian equitably. REUTERS — ABUJA also said a lockdown in the be shortened to 10 pm -4 am three military vehicles (an support while Turkey has This is “not a moment to northern city of Kano would be from today, from the current 8 Emirati Tiger armoured increasingly backed the GNA replace the 2010 constitution, Nigeria will relax coronavirus eased, one of a number of pm-6 am order. vehicle, an ammunition truck with drones and air defence but one to improve on it,” Ken- restrictions on places of changes over four weeks from Nigeria’s financial sector and a truck mounted with a systems. yatta, the son of the nation’s worship from today, the today. will also be able to resume 14.5 anti-aircraft gun), on the The offensive quickly first president, said in a speech chairman of the presidential “Nigeria has not reached normal working hours, said edges of Al Assabia, spokesman stalled on the edges of the to mark Independence Day. task force for COVID-19 said. the peak of confirmed cases,” Sani Aliyu, the national coordi- Mohamad Gnunu said. capital, and in recent weeks “A moment that we right Nigeria, Africa’s most pop- Mustapha told reporters. nator of the task force. He said pro-GNA forces GNA forces have taken back a what we didn’t get correct in ulous country where Christianity Another official said the Other curbs remain in had been ordered to “crush the string of towns and districts 2010.” and Islam are widely practised, aviation industry had been place, such as a ban on inter- rebels... without mercy or pity”. around the capital including The National Assembly is has recorded 10,162 confirmed asked to prepare for the pos- state travel, with a few excep- The 2011 uprising that key coastal cities further west due to consider a proposed cases and 287 deaths. sible resumption of domestic tions, such as for essential toppled and killed longtime and the strategic airbase of Al law on referendums this Boss Mustapha, the coun- flights from June 21. He added workers. And face masks must dictator Muammar Gaddafi Watiya. month. try’s most senior civil servant, that a national curfew would still be worn in public. Zimbabwe summons US envoy over remarks on Floyd protests Burkina Faso aid convoy BLOOMBERG — HARARE identified Zimbabwe, China and George Floyd, he’ll be investi- Nichols highlighted the state’s including the USA,” said Man- Iran among America’s gated, he’ll be prosecuted, he’ll failure to bring to justice those gwana in a statement on his Zimbabwe summoned the US adversaries. receive a fair trial,” O’Brien said responsible for the disap- official Twitter account. attack toll up ambassador over a White Protests erupted across the in an interview with broad- pearance of opposition activists George Charamba, a House official’s remarks US at the weekend demanding caster ABC. including Patrick Nabanyama spokesman for President AFP — OUAGADOUGOU suggesting the southern justice for Floyd, who died after “The American people that and Itai Dzamara. Emmerson Mnangagwa, African nation is exploiting a Minneapolis police officer want to go out and protest Nick Mangwana, a declined to comment. The death toll from a weekend protests over the killing of knelt on his neck for more than peacefully, they’re going to be spokesman for Zimbabwe’s O’Brien said the foreign attack on an aid convoy in George Floyd. eight minutes during an arrest allowed to seek redress from government, said the nation adversaries will face repercus- Burkina Faso rose to 13 After Senator Marco Rubio for an alleged counterfeit $20 their government, they’re not doesn’t consider itself an sions, without specifying what yesterday, the regional said on Twitter that at least bill. going to be thrown in jail for adversary of the US gov- they’ll be. governor said, blaming “armed three unidentified “foreign “I want to tell our foreign peaceful protesting.” ernment. The US is Zimbabwe’s “There’ll be a response and terrorists groups” for the adversaries” used social media adversaries, whether it’s a Zim- In a statement issued after biggest aid donor. it’ll be proportional, but this is ambush. to stoke and promote violence babwe or a China, that the dif- he met Foreign Minister “We prefer having friends not something that our adver- “The (death) toll is seven in the US, National Security ference between us and you is Sibusiso Moyo yesterday, US and allies to having unhelpful saries are going to get away police and six civilians,” Adviser Robert O’Brien later that that officer who killed Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian adversity with any other nation with for free,” he said. Centre-North regional gov- ernor Casimir Segueda told media after visiting survivors in hospital following the attack. Tanzania reopens varsities Burkina Faso has suffered from increasingly frequent and despite virus concerns deadly attacks attributed to a number of militant groups— AFP — DAR ES SALAAM “Next time, if you don’t often referred to as “armed wear a mask you will not get terrorist groups”— including Universities in Tanzania access to my class,” the lecturer the Group to Support Islam and reopened yesterday, despite a warned. Muslims (GSIM) and Islamic lack of clarity on the spread of Student Aisha Abdul said it State in the Greater Sahara. coronavirus after the was impossible to follow “Six other police officers government decided to stop hygiene guidance. are missing,” following the updating figures in April. “It’s difficult to sit a attack near the northern town As students entered metre apart because the of Barsalogho, he added. dozens of campuses across course has a lot of students Barsalogho mayor Tanzania for the first time and that means the space is Abdoulaye Pafadnam con- since mid-March, there were not enough to comply with firmed the fatalities toll, only cursory efforts to impose social distancing principles,” adding that more than 40 measures preventing the she said. people had been hospitalised spread of COVID-19. Tanzania’s President in the town with seven of the New hand-washing stations John Magufuli has consist- more seriously injured taken were spottily used while ently downplayed the seri- to a regional clinic at nearby crowded lecture halls made a ousness of the coronavirus Kaya. mockery of social distancing, pandemic, and his gov- An earlier provisional toll leaving some students ernment has not released had listed ten dead—five concerned. official infection figures since civilians and five gendarmes. “My parents were not April 29, when a total of 480 Students of Al Haramain secondary school learn social studies as they attend their first day of reopened The humanitarian convoy happy to allow me back to the cases and 16 deaths had been school in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, yesterday. had been returning from the college, but there’s no way since recorded. northern town of Foube after it’s the government order to A government spokes- should they worry to give us chance to see friends and get Tanzania for hiding making a food delivery. resume classes,” said Chris- person said figures were not hope?” “We are forced to out of their homes. information. At least 53 people have topher Andrew, one of around being released to avoid believe that COVID-19 cases “I was bored staying home. “It’s important we get com- been killed in a string of 6,000 students at Dar es Salaam panic. have dropped,” he said, adding This is the moment I have been plete and regular information attacks in recent days in the University College of “Absence of data is actually that despite the uncertainty, waiting for!” said Salha Juma, so that we know the direction west African country. Education. my biggest worry,” said one “I need to finish my degree, so adding that he would “take and can take relevant deci- An attack on a livestock In one lecture hall, a concerned student, who did not there’s no way I can dodge precautions”. sions,” said Onesmo Ole-Ngu- market in the east of the teacher admonished students want to be named. classes.” The political opposition, rumwa, national coordinator of country earlier Saturday after most removed their masks “If the trend shows Others, however, wel- foreign governments and the Tanzania Human Rights claimed at least 25 lives -- 30 as they sat down. decreasing cases then why comed the reopening as a activists have all criticised Defenders Coalition. according to local people. Uganda detains two MPs for leading COVID-19 protest DR Congo confirms new Ebola case ANATOLIA — KIGALI ANATOLIA — KAMPALA by truckers who arrive in the social distance protocol during town for two weeks in order to country through the Elegu which we potentially risk control infections currently The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed a new case of Ebola Ugandan police yesterday border point with South Sudan, getting more infections,” he was stemming from there and in the western province of Equateur, the health minister said. arrested two lawmakers for according to the Daily Monitor quoted as saying. spreading across Acholi region.” The new case was confirmed in the Mbandaka area, over allegedly mobilising protesters news website. Protestors, meanwhile, Gilbert Olanya, another 1,000km from the ongoing outbreak in the country’s east, Eteni in order to demand the closure A police spokesman said the expressed the urgent need to protestor, expressed similar Longondo told reporters in the capital Kinshasa. of a border town with South politicians were arrested close the border town to avoid sentiments. “There could be He added that a team of health experts is being dispatched Sudan amid a rise in corona- because they did not seek per- more virus cases. cases of the virus in the com- to Mbandaka to support response teams. In 2018, the Bikoro area virus cases, local media mission from the police. An “The government is munity since the truck drivers of the Equateur province experienced an Ebola outbreak which reported. army official, meanwhile, said reluctant to close Elegu border have interacted freely with the killed 33 people. Since the August 2018 outbreak in the provinces The two MPs from Kilak all means will be used against so that they keep us in community,” he said. of North Kivu and Ituri, Ebola has claimed nearly 2,300 lives. county, Gilbert Olanya and the protestors to prevent them lockdown, yet the people are As many as 450 COVID-19 The new outbreak in Mbandaka represents a challenge, but Samuel Odonga Otto, were from assembling. starving,” Tony Oboma, one of cases have been reported in the it is one we are ready to tackle, Matshidiso Moeti, World Health arrested near Cerellenu, a “We shall use every means the protestors, said. East African country thus far, Organization regional director for Africa, said in a tweet. suburb of Gulu town. we have including force not to “Our interest is that the gov- with no virus-linked deaths, Citing a strengthened capacity to respond to outbreaks, she The demonstrators said give way for such meaningless ernment shuts down Elegu according to figures compiled said that with each experience the response is faster and more Ugandans were getting infected demonstrations... they break the border and lock down the entire by Johns Hopkins University. effective. TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 ASIA 07 India cautiously opens up despite upward trend in new infections

AGENCIES — NEW DELHI In New Delhi, 1, will restrict curbs to con- tainment zones — areas that More states opened up and authorities announced have been isolated due to coro- crowds of commuters trickled the reopening of navirus outbreaks. It gives onto the roads in many of states more power to decide India’s cities yesterday as a all industries and and strategise lockdown imple- three-phase plan to lift the salons, while keeping mentations locally. nationwide coronavirus the borders sealed More than 60 percent of the lockdown began despite an country’s virus fatalities have upward trend in new infections. until June 8 to try to been reported in only two states Businesses and shops reo- prevent a spike in new — Maharashtra and neigh- pened in many states and the bouring Gujarat. The new cases railways announced 200 more virus cases. are largely concentrated in six special passenger trains. Some states, including New Delhi. Vehicles queue in a long traffic jam at Delhi-Gurugram border after few restrictions were lifted during an states also opened their borders, Critics fear that the extended nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease, in New Delhi, yesterday. allowing vehicular traffic. lockdown rules. In Prayagraj, a lockdown, which started over The coastal state of Mahar- city in northern India’s Uttar two months ago, is being eased Rail services, apart from the railway ministry said. he said. Modi’s government has ashtra, home to the financial Pradesh state, hundreds of too soon. There are concerns movement of some essential Railway police in the stressed that restrictions are hub of Mumbai and Bollywood, Hindu devotees took a dip in the that the virus may be spreading cargo, were abruptly halted in southern city of Secunderabad being eased to focus on pro- allowed the resumption of film sacred Ganges river even through India’s villages as mil- late March ahead of efforts to organised passengers into two moting economic activity, production with some restric- though congregations at reli- lions of jobless migrant workers contain the virus that froze 500-metre long queues outside which has been severely hit by tions in place. In New Delhi, the gious venues remain barred. return home from big cities. almost all economic activity, the station under the sizzling the lockdown. capital, authorities announced But as India eases more Experts warn that the pan- putting millions out of work summer sun. India implemented the the reopening of all industries restrictions, it continues to demic has yet to peak in India, overnight. At New Delhi railway lockdown - one of the world’s and salons, while keeping the report a rise in infections. and many states have begun to At least 149,000 passengers station, some people waiting strictest - on March 25, ordering borders sealed until June 8 to India yesterday climbed to identify more high-risk zones were expected to board trains outside were unable to get a everyone to stay inside, except try to prevent a spike in new the seventh spot in countries where coronavirus lockdowns yesterday as Indian Railways sought-after ticket. for emergencies and essential virus cases. worst hit by the virus, passing will continue until June 30. But ramped up the number of In a radio address to the services, leading to a sudden Although social distancing Germany and France, as its con- restaurants, malls and religious journeys from 30 to 200. nation on Sunday, Prime Min- halt to the economy. The and the wearing of masks in firmed cases rose to more than venues are permitted to reopen Almost 2.6 million people ister Narendra Modi cautioned lockdown was brutally devas- public are still mandatory 190,000, including over 5,400 elsewhere on June 8. are booked to travel in June on citizens and asked them to tating for daily laborers and across India, some people were deaths. Meanwhile, long queues interstate trains -- a network remain vigilant. migrant workers, who fled cities seen forgoing both in many The first phase of the easing stretched outside railway sta- which normally carries over 20 “Becoming careless or lack- on foot for their family homes places. Others violated of the lockdown, called Unlock tions in major cities yesterday. million passengers a day, the adaisical cannot be an option,” in the countryside. Cyclone to cross Maharashtra, Gujarat coasts in 2 days Australia relaxes curbs

IANS — NEW DELHI “It is very likely to move depression in the early hours 125km per hour at 5.30pm on nearly northwards initially till on Monday morning. June 3. According to the IMD, it further and intensifies The India Meteorological June 2 morning and then A low pressure area and a again will weaken into a cyclonic Department (IMD) yesterday said recurve north-northeastwards depression are the first two storm with wind speed of 60-70, that the depression in the Arabian and cross north Maharashtra levels on the IMD’s eight-cat- gusting to 80 kilometre per hour recovery efforts Sea is slated to further intensify and south Gujarat coasts egory scale used to classify at 5.30pm on June 4. into a cyclonic storm ‘Nisarga’ between Harihareshwar cyclones based on their intensity. IMD’s cyclone track shows REUTERS — SYDNEY for the first time in several and cross north Maharashtra and (Raigad, Maharashtra) and The depression is likely to that Nisarga will cross very months, authorities have said Gujarat coasts between Hari- Daman during evening or night intensify into a deep depression close to the Mumbai coast while Several Australian states eased there will be limits on the hareshwar in Raigard district and of June 3,” Das stated. by Monday evening. It will entering the land. social distancing restrictions number of people allowed to Daman tomorrow. Harihareshwar town is over further become furious and turn Maharashtra and Gujarat further yesterday, allowing enter in a bid to ensure there is According to IMD’s scientist 200km from both Mumbai and into a cyclonic storm in the wee are on pre-cyclone alert as very restaurants to host more people no second wave of infections. Ananda Kumar Das, the Pune, and is over 360km from hours of the morning on June 2 heavy to extremely heavy and public attractions to Each site will need to depression is located about 370 Daman. and then into a severe cyclonic rainfall is expected in parts of reopen, as the government ensure a social distancing norm kilometres southwest of Goa’s The well-marked low- storm by evening or night of the states on June 3 and June 4. moves to revive an ailing of 1.5 metres between visitors Panjim, 690km south- pressure area over the south- June 3. Fishermen are advised not to economy through accelerated is observed at all time. southwest of Mumbai and 920 east and adjoining east-central When it becomes a severe venture into t he sea for the next infrastructure spending. In Victoria state, which has kilometres south-south-west of Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep cyclonic storm, it will have a few days as it is expected to be Australia has recorded taken the most cautious Gujarat’s Surat. area had concentrated into a wind speed of 105-115, gusting to very rough. about 7,200 coronavirus cases approach to reopening, restau- and 103 deaths. And, with new rants and cafes reopened yes- infections now largely under terday. However, patrons are US anti-racism control, the government has restricted to a maximum of 20 embarked on a three-step plan people. protests stretch to remove the bulk of curbs by Australia hopes removing July. restrictions will boost eco- to distant In Australia’s most pop- nomic growth, though Prime ulous state, New South Wales Minister Scott Morrison said New Zealand (NSW), a maximum of 50 yesterday that additional, tar- people are now allowed to sit geted stimulus would be AFP — WELLINGTON down for a meal in a cafe or needed. restaurants, while 20 can Australia’s government and Protests sweeping the United attend a funeral. The previous central bank has pledged about States over the death of George limits were set at 10. A$250bn ($167bn) in stimulus, Floyd reverberated on the Public attractions, such as though the bulk of this is other side of the globe art galleries, museums, and expected to end by September. yesterday when thousands libraries and zoos were also The government is consid- marched in solidarity on the allowed to reopen. ering a plan to offer home- streets of New Zealand. “It’s pretty crazy being back owners one-off grants for ren- The rallies were peaceful out into society and we’re super ovations, while federal infra- in contrast to the days of some- excited to get to the zoo,” Eliz- structure projects will be times violent protests in the US abeth Conlon, who took her bought forward, Morrison said. after Floyd, an African- two kids to Sydney’s Taronga He added that the gov- American, died while hand- Zoo, said. ernment plans to spend another cuffed and as a white police “They were very excited A$5.25bn to extend a train officer, who has since been this morning, getting up and route to a airport being con- charged with third-degree knowing that it was a zoo day. structed in the west of Sydney. murder, knelt on his neck. Swab test in Sri Lanka We used to come to the zoo all “A big part of coming out of In Auckland, about 2,000 the time as well, so it’s very the COVID-19 crisis is our A medical professional (left) uses a swab to collect a sample from a man for a COVID-19 test, in people marched to the US Con- exciting to get back here.” infrastructure spending,” Mor- Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday. sulate chanting “no justice, no While reopening public spaces rison told 2GB Radio. peace” and “black lives matter”. Another 500 gathered in Christchurch, with a similar Singapore to overhaul worker dorms after virus outbreak number standing in the rain at an evening vigil at Parliament BLOOMBERG — SINGAPORE CITY some dormitories will inevi- These improved standards Authorities say specifications for the new in Wellington where they were tably be located closer to resi- that will be piloted at new quick facilities will look into their design, facilities, presented with hundreds of Singapore, which has been dential areas,” the ministries build dormitories may include names said to be Americans coping with an outbreak of said in the statement. less than 10 beds per room, and management and regulation, as well as factor in who have died due to racial coronavirus infections among “Singaporeans must at least one toilet, bathroom and social interaction and disease-response needs. injustice. its foreign workers living in therefore do our part too. We sink to five beds, according to Nigerian-New Zealand tightly spaced dormitories, must reject the Not in My the government. musician, Mazbou Q, who plans to build additional facil- Backyard mind-set and instead The announcement comes among such workers. typically leaves a gap between organised the protest, said the ities with better standards. They appreciate these workers who as Singapore today enters the Face Masks, Shields Sepa- the face shield and the face.” gatherings were not just about will not come cheap, and some keep Singapore going.” first of three phases to ease rately on Monday, authorities There will be some exceptions the death of Floyd. will be located closer to resi- The new facilities may be partial lockdown measures that said masks would be required to the must-have mask rule, “The... persecution of the dential areas in the tiny island developed on a different model have been in place since the as a default for those going out, allowing some groups to go on black community is an nation, the government compared to the present beginning of April. With the end as Singapore moves into the using face shields. These include ongoing phenomenon. The cautioned. system, where currently land is of the so-called “circuit first of its phased reopening. children twelve years and same white supremacy which The country plans to create released for the commercial breaker,” more businesses and Previously during the partial below; people who have has led to disproportionate extra space to house around operators to bid, build or schools will be allowed to open, lockdown, face shields had also breathing or other medical dif- killings of black people in the 60,000 workers by the end of operate, the statement said. The while about a third of been permitted along with ficulties when using a mask; US exists here in New this year, the ministries of additional and improved employees will be able to masks. and those speaking to a group Zealand,” he told the crowd in national development and housing arrangements will also resume work on site. “With the re-opening of our in a classroom or lecture-style Auckland. manpower said on Monday in come at a cost. As of Monday at noon, the economy and society, we can setting. “We pride ourselves on a joint statement. Longer term, Authorities say specifica- city-state confirmed 408 new expect more activities and close Singapore, with a popu- being a nation of empathy, there will also be new purpose- tions for the new facilities will Covid-19 infections, all of whom contact amongst people, lation of just 5.7 million, has the kindness and love. But the built dormitories to house up to look into their design, facilities, were among migrant workers including on public transport. highest number of reported silence from the government 100,000 workers to replace the management and regulation, as living in often cramped dormi- So masks will now be required cases in Southeast Asia followed and the media does not reflect short to medium-term housing, well as factor in social inter- tories. That brings the total as the default,” the Ministry of by Indonesia, which as of that at all. In fact, it makes us they said. action and disease-response figure up to over 35,000, more Health said in a statement. Monday had nearly 27,000 con- complicit.” “Given our land constraints, needs. than 90 percent of which are “The design of face shields firmed infections. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020

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CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

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DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL Medical workers watch the ‘Blue-Impulse’ aerobatic team of Japan Air Self-Defense Force as they fly over the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital to salute the medical workers at the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus disease in Tokyo. Lifting nation’s pride What if we can avoid a second wave? A LEARNING society is really an asset for global pros- perity and it plays a key role in the overall development of In France, the government too. More social distancing, contain “super-spreader” any nation. This is the sole reason why the State of Qatar is forging ahead with the reo- more hand-washing and events than at the beginning of gives prime importance to the promotion of education, pening of bars, restaurants, more tools such testing and the epidemic, when the virus not just at national level but internationally too. The nation museums, parks and cross- contact tracing are proving thrived below the calls for relentless, meritorious and hassle-free edu- country travel after the first their worth. surface. Earlier this cation process across the globe even during calam- phase of “deconfinement” Whatever the reason, month, more than 100 infec- ities, conflicts and other disturbances. went much better than doctors are increasingly tions were traced to a service in Cognizant of the significance of education in sus- LIONEL LAURENT expected. The daily increase voicing relief and optimism. a German church, which closed tainable development, Qatar has also kept education as BLOOMBERG in cases here averaged “Of course, we shouldn’t lower its doors as a result. one among the eight pillars of development with economic around 0.5% last week, our guard...But right now, it’s And economic activity is diversification, environment sustainability, healthcare, social according to Bloomberg data, as if the epidemic was behind recovering, as captured by the protection, public safety and security, culture and sports, The story of COVID-19 has and the virus’s basic repro- me,” French medical professor quite rational rally in financial and international technical cooperation. The nation firmly been pretty bleak, from the duction rate is below 1, Frederic Adnet said last week. markets. Bank of America believes that sustainable development can only be scale of the novel coronavi- according to the French gov- On Friday, Christian Drosten, a analysts expect key indicators realised when there is social progress, economic growth rus’s death toll to the pain of ernment and other estimates virologist at the Charite Uni- to point to an expanding and environmental change and has been committed to draconian lockdowns based on hospitalizations. versity Hospital in Berlin, told euro-zone economy by Sep- achieving sustainable development since 1971. imposed by, in many Elsewhere, Italy, Germany Der Spiegel he was confident tember at the latest. The adoption of the proposal made by H H Sheikha cases, unprepared and under- and Spain have also avoided the outbreak could be kept If infections from the Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All resourced governments. serious flare-ups in cases and under control without another novel coronavirus or another and member of the UN Sustainable Development Goals’ But several weeks after deaths as restrictions are lockdown: “There is theoreti- one like it do spike again, we Advocates, by United Nations General Assembly puts the tentative lifting of tough eased. It’s similar in Austria cally a possibility that we can will have had more time to spotlight on Qatar’s huge strides towards the cause and stay-at-home restrictions in and Denmark, which lifted forego a second wave.” keep researching existing is really a recognition of the efforts Qatar has been taking several major European lockdowns back in April. None of this means that drugs for possible treatments, on global level for the promotion of education. countries, there are reasons to Weekly confirmed cases show the virus has disappeared. as well as working on the The proposal calls for the allocation of September be optimistic about the risk of the continuation of a declining Areas such as Latin America more distant goal of a 9 as “International Day to Protect Education from a second wave of cases - with trend. That’s despite people are still being hit hard. The vaccine. The extra resources Attacks”, a resolution advocated and led by Qatar to a dose of appropriate caution. going out and about once World Health Organization being poured into testing, mobilise international support in order to ensure again, albeit with face masks says the strength of the virus medical research and hos- accountability for the persistent and deliberate attacks Pandemics usually and hand gel, and a stay in the developing world indi- pitals should help us avoid the on education and the armed violence from which end when there aren’t on big-crowd events for now. cates we are globally still in worst of both worlds - high children around the world are suffering. enough people left Retail and recreational the first wave, rather than excess deaths and blanket, According to the Minister of Education and Higher Edu- footfall in these countries, past it. economy-killing lockdown cation, H E Dr. Mohamed bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi, to infect, or when which was near zero during Nor does it make sense for measures - even if cases this reaffirms the fact that Qatar is proving education is its human intervention - the lockdown, has all countries to lift restric- climb. strategic choice that it has taken over two decades ago recovered to around 50% tions to the same extent. Sci- The scenario of this virus under the supervision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint through vaccines, or below the pre-crisis baseline, entists in the U.K., where daily simply disappearing, perhaps Nasser. “The adoption of the draft resolution came during brute-force measures according to Google data. In case growth has been higher in the way the 2003 SARS the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, which had a profound parks and public spaces, than in neighboring countries, disease did, remains a impact on all aspects of life to emphasise the importance such as isolation or it’s back to normal. Con- have expressed concern about dream. Pandemics usually of education and schools as a safe haven for children against quarantine - scores a sumers are even booking curbs being eased too fast. It’s end when there aren’t enough any attack, especially during armed conflicts targeting edu- flights again. Visions of a radi- pretty unlikely we are any- people left to infect, or when cational institutions.” decisive victory. We’re cally new society emerging where near herd immunity, human intervention - through Even during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the not there yet. But from the rubble of COVID-19 and if the virus is a seasonal vaccines, or brute-force nation was taking all possible and effective measures to the feeling of getting may have to be rethought. one, a return in the winter measures such as isolation or ensure the safety of students and all government organ- There’s no consensus yet months can’t be ruled out. quarantine - scores a decisive isations worked hand-in-hand to avoid any disruption in closer is palpable, and on why things are going rela- Still, countries in Europe victory. We’re not there education. By launching virtual classrooms and creating worth relishing. tively well. Some experts say are proving they can return to yet. But the feeling of getting an atmosphere conducive for learning during the pan- the virus itself may have some semblance of normal life closer is palpable, and worth demic, Qatar showed once again its unique mettle and changed, possibly weakened while containing the virus’s relishing. determination in leading students further braving all odds. by the summer heat or spread, and this is a very pos- Lionel Laurent is a This is a prestigious moment for the whole nation as it mutating into a more benign itive development. We’re far Bloomberg Opinion columnist added one more golden feather on Qatar’s crown and the form. Society has changed, better prepared to covering Brussels. nation owes much to H H Sheikha Moza for lifting nation’s pride to new horizons through this proposal. The trauma of the pandemic can inspire personal growth

JAMIL ZAKI generally safe; traumas such known as post-traumatic conversations that led to THE WASHINGTON POST D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR as war and assault shatter growth, or PTG. Though less decreased loneliness and those assumptions and make famous than post-traumatic increased solidarity. Surveys EMAIL: [email protected] What if pandemic trauma it difficult for survivors to stress disorder (PTSD), post- of war-torn communities could inspire personal growth regain a sense of normalcy. traumatic growth appears across the world have found EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 around the world? A trauma lens offers useful common. A 2019 meta-study evidence of noticeably FAX: +974 4455 7758 The psychological toll of perspective for understanding found that more than half of increased civic engagement COVID-19 is still evolving but how the pandemic affects the 10,000-plus trauma sur- and altruism. TEL: 4462 7505 MANAGING EDITOR: already staggering. Calls to mental and emotional health vivors surveyed reported at For all its horrors, the mental health and suicide and, surprisingly, some hope least some growth. COVID-19 pandemic has DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 crisis hotlines have soared, for how we all might grow Crises can produce a col- unearthed wells of empathy LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 and anxiety and depression through it. When an earth- lective version of post-trau- and togetherness. People in have more than tripled com- quake topples a building, archi- matic growth. More than 60 many countries have created BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 pared with early 2019. The tects are unlikely to rebuild years of research demon- “mutual aid” forms to help vul- pandemic is a slow, ambient exactly what was there as strates that after bombings, nerable neighbors. Social dis- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 tragedy that chips away at before. Elevators might have tsunamis, earthquakes and tancing is a global act of social stability. Outside our homes, been too small, hallways too hurricanes, people tend to cooperation, one in which ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 safety is never assured. Tradi- gloomy. Reconstruction offers work together, act selflessly people are more willing to email: [email protected] tional places of refuge, a chance to build back better. and care more deeply for one engage when it is framed as an including schools and houses Trauma survivors often do another. After the Sept. 11, act of kindness rather than self- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 of worship, are a threat. Eco- something similar. They 2001, terrorist attacks, volun- preservation. Post-traumatic email: [email protected] nomic and social systems are might change careers to teering and charitable dona- growth differs from recovery. It collapsing underneath us. better fit their values or seek tions shot up across the is not a return to “normal” but ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Sudden awareness of how out estranged relatives. Many United States. Likewise, psy- the creation of a stronger new FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] little we control is reminiscent report greater purpose, spirit- chologists’ surveys after the normal. And while, of course, of how researchers describe uality, empathy and appreci- 2004 bombings in Madrid no one wanted a pandemic, the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 traumas: as seismic psycho- ation of life, as well as found that the attacks socially United States could in many email: [email protected] logical events. People tend to strengthened relationships. magnetized Spaniards - cre- ways benefit from cultural believe that the world is These positive changes are ating a flurry of emotional shifts. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar If G7 takes place in an expanded and face-to- face format this year, it will be a milestone in /Peninsula_Qatar preparations for the post-coronavirus era. It will also herald that the world is returning to a normal /ThePeninsulaNewspaper life and economy. +974 6698 6188 Moon Jae-in, President of South Korea TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 ASIA 09 Overseas Pakistanis irked at Minister’s remark on flight costs

INTERNEWS — LONDON The Federal Minister Pakistanis for granted and for Aviation, Ghulam noted that they were always The statement by Federal ready to serve their country. He Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, said that said that overseas Pakistanis Sarwar Khan that overseas overseas Pakistanis were “not sheep or voiceless Pakistanis who cannot pay the people”. extra costs incurred for special who cannot pay extra “Most countries in the world People wearing face masks buy mobile phones at a shop in a market in Rawalpindi, yesterday. flights should stay where they costs incurred for repatriated their citizens free are, instead of returning to special flights should of cost or at subsidised rates Pakistan, has drawn criticism due to the COVID-19 pan- from overseas Pakistanis stay where they are, demic,” said former Punjab Pakistan PM defends decision including members of the instead of returning to Assembly member, Dr Ashraf Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chohan. “The way the aviation as well. Pakistan. minister is saying that people to lift lockdown; cases surge “People are not happy in should pay extra shows that he any condition. If an empty plane is unable to do anything for the AFP — ISLAMABAD and residential area of any town lockdown occurred, that was is sent to the US and it returns second thought, but fail to plight of overseas Pakistanis (in the Lahore region) is disease- very painful for our lower class,” with 50 percent occupancy who receive due consideration from and shows that his government Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran free,” the report notes. Khan said, adding that the will bear the expenses,” the avi- Islamabad when they them- can’t do anything for them.” Khan announced yesterday his Officially, about 72,000 lockdown had affected the coun- ation minister had said during selves are in trouble. Commenting on the situ- government would end several people have tested positive, with try’s tax-revenue collections. a press conference, referring to Previously, an issue was ation, Solicitor Sheikh Asif months of coronavirus restric- 1,543 deaths, across all of He defended his decision to overseas Pakistanis. “Obviously, raised when overseas Paki- Salam, said: “Pakistan has tions, even as it emerged cases Pakistan. The daily rate of new reopen, arguing lockdowns don’t the ones who are coming will stanis stuck in Pakistan were always been highly dependent of the disease are likely many cases is accelerating. stop the virus. “You will have to bear them. If they can’t afford unable to return to their coun- on foreign remittances and times higher than previously The report by Punjab health understand this coronavirus, it’s it, they shouldn’t come.” tries due to the ban on interna- arguments like the one from the thought. In a televised address, officials, cited limited random- not going to go unless a vaccine The minister went on to say tional air travel in Pakistan. aviation minister justifying Khan said impoverished Pakistan sample tests finding that in some is discovered. We have to live that such a policy was abso- Many overseas Pakistanis exorbitant fares for those being cannot afford to keep businesses parts of the city of about 11 with the coronavirus. The entire lutely justifiable and was not bought a ticket multiple times brought back to the country in closed and said almost all sectors million people, almost 15 percent world has reached this con- unfair because if overseas Paki- but were unable to go back to the pandemic is deplorable.” — including domestic tourism — of the population are positive. “I clusion,” Khan said, pointing to stanis wanted to return to their their country. “If there is an extraordinary would re-open. request you all to please follow eased restrictions in US states. country in urgency, then they Senior PTI UK official and situation, the state should His announcement came SOPs (standard operating pro- “Today, America, the richest would have to pay the extra cost Punjab Overseas Commission provide relief to us without shortly after an alarming gov- cedures), as we are opening eve- country in the world, where for it. Advisory Board member, Asif expecting extraordinary costs.” ernment report was leaked to the rything on the conditions of these 100,000 people have died The statement has been Khan, ‘strongly condemned’ the The aviation minister issued media that showed cases of novel SOPs,” Khan said in his address, because of corona, they too have criticised by various overseas statement by the Sarwar. He a clarification and said that his coronavirus in the eastern city of warning people will suffer if they decided that their economy Pakistanis, who say they donate said that the government comments were twisted and Lahore are estimated to be at do not take precautions. would collapse if they (continue) to causes in Pakistan without a should not take overseas used against him. about 670,800. “No workplace “Unfortunately, the way a lockdown,” Khan said.

Pakistan condemns US ‘interference’ in Hong Kong bound to fail: China India’s declaring of diplomats as ANATOLIA — ANKARA also came after local gov- tame the virus nor save lives”. ernment in Hong Kong said the “We persuade those US pol- persona non grata China yesterday termed US’ specially administered region iticians who are busy politicizing move to end some trading priv- was “an inalienable part of coronavirus to focus on the anti- INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD ileges for Hong Kong “a violation China”. The Hong Kong admin- epidemic works,” Zhao said. of international law,” saying istration led by Carrie Lam Coronavirus was first reported Pakistan has strongly such attempts will fail. expressed “deep regret” that the in China’s Wuhan city in last condemned the Indian At a news briefing in Beijing, US government continued to December and spread to more government’s decision to China’s Foreign Ministry “smear and demonise the legit- than 188 countries and regions, declare two officials of spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said: imate rights” and duty of China affecting nearly 6.19 million Pakistan High Commission in “The US interference in China’s towards Hong Kong. people. Over 372,000 people New Delhi as persona non national security legislation for Trump had said that Beijing, have died due to the infection. grata, requiring them to leave Hong Kong has completely vio- by instituting the controversial On China’s border conflict India within 24 hours. lated basic principles of inter- law, “unilaterally imposed with India, Zhao said: “Situation Foreign Office spokes- national law and international control over Hong Kong’s on China-India border is gen- person Aisha Farooqui in a relations and is bound to fail,” security.” The Chinese Foreign erally stable and under control statement said the Indian daily Global Times reported. Ministry spokesman said passing and the two sides are keeping A pro-democracy demonstrator wearing a face mask waves the action has been accompanied On Friday, Trump ordered the buck to China over diplomatic and military commu- British colonial Hong Kong flag during a protest against new national by a negative pre-planned and his administration to halt Hong COVID-19 “can neither help to nication lines open.” security legislation in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. orchestrated media campaign, Kong’s preferential treatment which is a part of persistent under US law in retaliation for anti-Pakistan propaganda. China’s decision to apply a HK blocks Tiananmen vigil; rush on for UK passports She said the two staff national security law to the members of Pakistan High semi-autonomous territory. AP — HONG KONG held in Hong Kong. The vigil could curtail free speech and management and waited in line Commission in New Delhi China’s National People’s commemorates China’s deadly opposition political activities. for more than two hours. Chan were lifted by Indian author- Congress, the country’s top leg- Hong Kong police rejected an military crackdown on pro- Throngs of people lined up said he was worried about ities yesterday on false and islative body, formally passed application yesterday by organ- democracy protesters in yesterday at DHL courier outlets political and security issues in unsubstantiated charges. They the Hong Kong security legis- isers for an annual candlelight Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on across the city, many to send Hong Kong stemming from the were, however, released on lation on Thursday. Activists fear vigil marking the anniversary June 4, 1989. documents to the UK to apply national security law as well as intervention by the High it will be used by Beijing to quash this week of the 1989 Tiananmen The decision follows a vote for or renew what is known as a push by the territory’s legis- Commission. dissent in the territory. Square crackdown, as residents by China’s ceremonial par- a British National (Overseas) lature to enact a bill that would Hong Kong, a semi-auton- rushed to apply for passports liament to bypass Hong Kong’s passport. make it illegal to insult the omous region under China since that could allow them to move legislature and enact national “My BNO passport expired Chinese national anthem. Even North Korea to 1997, last year witnessed months to the United Kingdom It would security legislation for the semi- in 2004, but at the time I didn’t though there is rising anti-immi- of protests against a move to be the first time in 30 years that autonomous territory. renew it because I trusted grant and anti-Asian sentiment reopen schools legalise extradition to mainland the vigil, which draws a huge Democracy activists and many China,” said 40-year-old Peter in the UK, “it’s still better than China. The Beijing statement crowd to an outdoor space, is not legal experts worry that the law Chan, who works in asset Hong Kong,” he said. as fears ease AFP — SEOUL

North Korea will reopen Black boxes from crashed Manila reopens despite jump in virus cases schools this month after shut- tering them over the corona- Pakistan jet head to AFP — MANILA strict home quarantine. Most testing means the true figures virus pandemic, reports said businesses have been allowed are likely much higher. yesterday. Manila emerged yesterday from to reopen in the city, but There has been a roughly 30 Pyongyang has not con- France for analysis one of the world’s longest coro- schools, dine-in restaurants all percent jump in new cases in firmed a single infection but navirus lockdowns as the Phil- remain shuttered. the past week, which health has imposed strict rules, REUTERS — PARIS/KARACHI crashed short of the runway on ippines seeks to repair its badly “The virus is frightening but officials said was mainly due to including closing its borders May 22, killing 97 people on damaged economy even as the it’s either you die from the virus efforts to clear backlogs from and putting thousands of its Air crash investigators were en board after the pilots reported number of new infections or you die from hunger,” laboratories as they boost people into isolation. route from Pakistan to France the loss of both engines. surges. salesman Himmler Gaston, 59, testing. The new school term – ini- yesterday with two ‘black box’ Two passengers survived Streets in the capital were said as he entered the train Quarantine measures to tially scheduled to start early flight recorders of a Pakistani and there were no reports of choked with traffic and limited station where commuters had contain the virus vary across April — has been repeatedly airliner that crashed in a resi- casualties on the ground. The public transport resumed as their temperatures checked. the Philippines, but the strictest postponed, although some dential area while trying to land crash site remained sealed off commuters flooded back to The Philippines has so far and longest lockdown has been universities and high schools in the port city of Karachi last on Monday. work in the city of 12 million reported 18,638 cases and 960 in Manila, the centre of the were allowed to resume month, airport officials said. BEA experts are expected after nearly three months of deaths, but experts fear limited country’s outbreak. classes in mid-April. An Airbus test plane, unu- to open and download infor- sually commissioned to mation from the boxes - one transport the boxes because of containing cockpit voice disruption from the corona- recordings and the other air- Fireworks displays cheer up virus-weary public across Japan virus crisis, was due to arrive craft data - on Tuesday, subject yesterday afternoon at Le to the recording chips being AFP — TOKYO the synchronised shows were craftsman Kouhei Ogatsu, 38, whose family has run a fire- Bourget near Paris where intact inside their crash- designed to be long enough for said. works business in Tokyo since France’s BEA air accident resistant shells. Dozens of fireworks displays people to rush to balconies or “In the business we have 1864. Artisans need to keep agency was standing by to open Initial reports suggested the erupted simultaneously across doorsteps to see them but too been discussing what we can making fireworks in order to them. jetliner scraped its engines Japan yesterday to cheer up the short for people to race to the do in this society that has been maintain their skills. But they The French agency is along the runway on a first public, urge the gods to end the launch sites. changed so much by the coro- can only keep a certain amount involved in the Pakistan-led attempt to land following what coronavirus pandemic and With traditional summer navirus,” and decided to hold of gunpowder by law, forcing probe because the crashed appeared to be an unstable provide practice for struggling festivals cancelled due to the shows nationwide to cheer up them to search for ways to use A320 was designed by France- approach, arriving steep and pyrotechnic artisans. coronavirus, fireworks artisans the public, he said. their stock but avoid encour- based Airbus, and is addi- fast. More than 160 manufac- said they wanted to bring light The pandemic has been aging crowds. tionally carrying out the crucial Investigators will analyse turers launched their displays to the skies during these dark particularly harsh for fireworks Even before the coronavirus task of decoding the recorders the cockpit data to try to under- at precisely 8pm at secret loca- times. “Historically fireworks producers who spend all year spelled the end for many because it has state-of-the-art stand whether damage to the tions across the country for a in Japan have been launched to making and testing their crafts summer festivals, several fire- equipment. engines from the first landing five-minute display called pray for the eradication of and now are unable to sell them works displays had been The A320 operated by attempt caused them to cut out “Cheer up Hanabi” (fireworks). plagues and to console the because summer festivals have rescheduled or cancelled due Pakistan International Airlines before the second attempt. In an era of social distancing, spirits of the deceased,” Tokyo been called off, said Ogatsu, to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 10 EUROPE TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 2 million pupils return to school in England as restrictions ease AFP — LONDON Health Secretary A survey conducted by the Matt Hancock said National Foundation for Edu- Younger children went back to cational Research found that schools in England yesterday as Britain was making primary school leaders expect Britain began to stir back to life, “significant progress” about half the families to keep while the government reported their children home. the lowest coronavirus death against the virus after Principal Claire Syms at the toll since the start of the its daily toll dropped Halley House School in east national lockdown in late London said children who do March. to 111 — the lowest turn up need to feel comfortable Outdoor markets also since the stay-at- in an unfamiliar setting where swung open their gates and car the desks are spaced out and showrooms tried to lure back home order was many around them wear masks. customers and recoup losses issued on March 23. “We’ve been really con- suffered since Britain effectively scious about keeping things as People buy food from a stall in Portobello Market in west London yesterday, following the easing of shut down for business to ward normal and as consistent as we the lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic. off a disease that has now offi- in the north of the capital. can for our children,” Syms said. cially claimed 39,045 lives in “It’s still pretty slow. It looks “We’re really mindful of the country. like the market is basically their wellbeing and their mental 0.9 — was still dangerously Marsh said current rules such social distancing measures a Health Secretary Matt waking up.” health.” The UK government close to the 1.0 figure above as those allowing people to week ago that they were serious Hancock said Britain was Prime Minister Boris has been encouraged by the which the virus’ spread gather in groups of six in about sanctioning those who making “significant progress” Johnson has set out a timeline positive experience of other grows. England were unenforceable. gather in large groups. against the virus after its daily that allows two million younger European countries that have Scientists and lawmakers “I don’t think the public are But some London parks toll dropped to 111 — the lowest children in England to return to started to return to something are not the only ones to express taking much notice of what is looked like one giant party on since the stay-at-home order school on Monday and older resembling normal life. concern that the government’s laid down in front of them,” Sunday and police issued just a was issued on March 23. ones from June 15. The House of Commons will “cautious and phased” reo- Marsh told The Daily Telegraph. tiny fraction of the fines they Reporting of virus cases and The devolved governments debate a government push to pening is moving too quickly. “They are doing it how they had handed out before people fatalities is often lower after a in Scotland and Northern get everyone to start voting in “We’re only able to take want to do it.” English parks and were allowed to leave their weekend and many people still Ireland are eyeing a return in person instead of remotely these steps because of what we beaches have been inundated homes more freely on May 13. appeared hesitant to start using August and September, while when parliament returns from have achieved together so far,” with people over two successive “Policing have told the gov- public transport or shop. Wales is still weighing the ben- a break today. finance minister Rishi Sunak May weekends that came on the ernment that unless it’s a huge “It’s very different from efits of human contact against But critics of the easing said as he toured Tachbrook sunniest month ever recorded gathering, it’s pretty much usual,” Danish Londoner John the dangers of children catching believe the so-called R rate Market in central London. in Britain. unenforceable now,” a senior Jellesmark said on a visit to the the disease and bringing it of transmission — estimated London’s Metropolitan Police had warned after police source told The Daily usually bustling Camden Market home. nationally at between 0.7 and Police Federation chairman Ken seeing growing numbers ignore Telegraph. Guggenheim becomes Spain’s Italian doctor’s claim virus ‘no longer exists’ sparks row AFP — ROME 33,000 lives in the country. interview on RAI television on Dr. Oscar MacLean, of the was “baffled” by Zangrillo’s first big museum It has urged people to abide Sunday. MRC-University of Glasgow comments. A claim by a leading Italian by social distancing rules and “Someone has to take Centre for Virus Research, said “It’s enough to look at the to reopen doctor that the new coronavirus wear masks to prevent the virus responsibility for terrorising the Zangrillo’s claims were “not number of new positive cases “no longer exists” in the country from spreading once again. country”. supported by anything in the confirmed every day to see the AFP — MADRID sparked a furore yestgerday, “In reality, the virus clini- That prompted cries of dis- scientific literature, and also persistent circulation in Italy of with the government urging cally no longer exists in Italy,” belief from other experts, who seem fairly implausible on the new coronavirus,” he said. Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum caution. said Alberto Zangrillo, head of said Zangrillo may have mis- genetic grounds”. The director of the pres- was Spain’s first large museum Italy is preparing this week the San Raffaele Hospital in taken a higher detection rate of The government also said it tigious Spallazani infectious dis- to reopen its doors as the for the next big step in easing a Milan, the capital of the asymptomatic cases for dimin- was too early to celebrate. eases institute in Rome, country further loosened its national lockdown imposed northern Lombardy region, ished potency of the virus. “Pending scientific evidence Giuseppe Ippolito, also said lockdown yesterday, with 70 three months ago. From which has been the worst-hit “In a situation where the to support the thesis that the there was no scientific proof the percent of the country Wednesday, foreign tourists will by the pandemic. numbers of severe cases are falling, virus has disappeared, I would virus had mutated or changed enjoying beaches and restau- be able to enter the country “The swabs performed over there may be time to start invite those who say they are in potency. rants. again and people will be able to the past 10 days have showed a observing people with less severe sure of it not to confuse A contact-tracing app to The titanium-clad move between regions. viral load that is absolutely symptoms — giving the impression Italians,” health ministry under- help the country avoid a virus museum, a landmark in the But the government has infinitesimal in quantitative that the virus is changing,” said secretary Sandra Zampa said in relapse was being launched Basque city due to its curvy insisted this is one of the most terms compared to those Martin Hibberd, a professor at the a statement. Monday in four of the country’s exterior designed by architect dangerous phases of a pan- carried out a month or two London School of Hygiene and National Health Council 20 regions, with others soon to Frank Gehry, was opened on demic that has claimed over months ago,” he said in an Tropical Medicine. head Franco Locatelli said he follow. a reduced schedule of five hours which will continue throughout June, its website said. Hydroxychloroquine: A drug All museums across Spain have been shuttered since the government declared a state of emergency in mid-March dividing opinion worldwide to slow the spread of the virus, which has claimed more than AFP — PARIS Organisation to suspend clinical spokesperson. 27,000 lives in the country. trials of hydroxychloroquine, Even before the study some With the numbers of new Banned in some countries, but dozens of scientists have countries had stopped using cases and deaths slowing, promoted in others — the drug since raised concerns over the hydroxychloroquine for Spain began a gradual, staged hydroxychloroquine as a study’s methodology. COVID-19 patients. transition out of the lockdown potential treatment for the new The Lancet corrected part Sweden had used the drug which Prime Minister Pedro coronavirus is dividing opinion of the data, but researchers in the early phases of the pan- Sanchez hopes will be com- worldwide. have stood by their demic to treat patients with pleted by July 1. Scientists looking to find conclusions. severe symptoms, but halted its During the rollback period, licenced medicines that could Countries worldwide vary on use in April after the European museums can reopen to vis- be repurposed as a treatment their own policies. The study Medicines Agency recom- itors at between 30 to 50 for COVID-19 had started tests prompts several countries to halt mended it only be used in percent of their normal of hydroxychloroquine, nor- the use of hydroxychloroquine. clinical trials. capacity. mally used to treat arthritis, and France does so on May 27, Germany too had judged But some of the biggest chloroquine, an anti-malarial. days after controversial French that the current studies did not museums, such as Madrid’s Both drugs can produce doctor Didier Raoult — whose allow for the drug to be used on Prado and the Reina Sofia, potentially serious side effects, own methodology has been individual COVID-19 patients have delayed their reopening particularly heart arrhythmia, questioned — rejected the study and it could only be used in until June 6. leading many experts to warn and stood by his belief the drug clinical trials. By yesterday, much of the against their use outside of can help patients recover from Several countries continue population was enjoying the clinical trials. the virus. to promote the use hydroxy- second phase of the rollback But that has not stopped Other countries including chloroquine in the fight against under which beaches and res- prominent figures like US Pres- Italy, Egypt, Tunisia, Colombia, the virus. taurants could open, along ident Donald Trump endorsing Chile, El Salvador, Cape Verde, These include Brazil, with cinemas, theatres and hydroxychloroquine despite a Albania, and Bosnia and Herze- Algeria, Morocco, Turkey, shopping centres, although lack of evidence of its efficacy. govina also ban the use of the Jordan, Romania, Portugal, with limited capacity. Escalating the debate, The drug for COVID-19 patients, Kenya, Senegal, Chad and the Also yesterday, several Lancet on May 22 published a though in Italy it remains pos- Republic of Congo. smaller islands in the study of nearly 100,000 coro- sible in clinical trials. Russia, Bahrain, Oman and Canaries and the Balearics French gyms gearing up for reopening navirus patients that showed no Hungary meanwhile does the United Arab Emirates have entered the third and final benefit in treating them with not use the drug “for newly not yet suspended the use of the phase during which bars the two drugs — and even diagnosed patients” but con- drug either, and in Iran recent A worker disinfects a weight bench at the “Body Staff Gym” fitness could fully reopen along with increased the likelihood of tinues to do so “for patients who social media posts of prescrip- centre in Artigues-pres-Bordeaux, southwestern France, as part of casinos, zoos and other them dying in hospital. already started taking it”, tions show virus patients are entertainment venues. safety measures on the eve of the reopening of the gym. This led the World Health according to a government still receiving it there. Wildlife groups increase pressure on drug makers to curb crab blood use

REUTERS — ZURICH and Asia before their prized organisation the Horseshoe a leader in the field, said good The wildlife groups pledged copper-rich blood has helped milky-blue blood is drained for Crab Recovery Coalition. stewardship had led to “stable to to target legislators and regu- the species survive for 450 Wildlife advocates are pushing use in medical safety tests that They say this shift could increasing” populations. lators to spur action. million years — and made it a drug makers to curb their use detect bacterial contamination save 100,000 horseshoe crabs Regulatory hurdles to rFC “It is unfortunate that bio- source of one of the drug indus- of horseshoe crab blood by in intravenous drugs and annually on the US East Coast also remain, with a US standards medical research still relies on try’s most unusual raw mate- switching to a synthetic alter- implants. alone and help threatened group last week cancelling plans the harvesting of a vulnerable rials because it clots in the native for safety tests, including The National Audubon migratory birds that depend on to put the synthetic test on equal wild animal population when presence of bacterial those needed before a Society, Defenders of Wildlife crab eggs for survival. footing with industry-standard there is a simple, effective, sus- endotoxins. COVID-19 vaccine can be used and other groups called for However the testing indus- crab blood trials. tainable replacement,” said Drained from live crabs, the for humans. greater use of a man-made try’s impact on the US crab pop- So far, just two drugs, both Ryan Phelan, a campaigner with blood has long been the Every year, fishermen net option, called recombinant ulation is disputed, with varying from Eli Lily, have been California-based conservation standard to detect contami- hundreds of thousands of the Factor C (rFC), in a statement estimates for post-bleeding mor- approved after relying on rFC group Revive & Restore. nation in shots, infusions and creatures off the US East Coast released yesterday by umbrella tality. Swiss biotech firm Lonza, for final endotoxin tests. Horseshoe crabs’ medical devices. TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Moscow eases 9-week lockdown despite high cases

AFP — MOSCOW Russia continues to record a significant number of coronavirus cases — with 9,035 Moscow residents ventured out to exercise, stroll and shop new infections yesterday bringing its total to yesterday as the city eased a 414,878, behind only the United States and strict nine-week lockdown, but millions remained largely Brazil in the global tally. Another 2,297 cases confined to their homes as were recorded in Moscow, the epicentre of the Russia recorded thousands crisis in Russia. more coronavirus cases. President Vladimir Putin has ordered officials to begin easing restrictions despite numbers are the result of large- in shops and on public Russia having the world’s third- scale testing and that a steady transport. At her shop selling highest number of confirmed decline in new infections and a handbags and jewellery in infections, and was due yes- low reported death toll of 4,855 central Moscow, Olga said she terday to be presented with an mean Russia can ease restric- was happy to be serving cus- ambitious economic recovery tions. Critics have accused tomers again. plan. Putin said last week that authorities of under-reporting “We opened two hours ago Russia had passed the peak of deaths and of putting people at but we already have a few its epidemic and is anxious to risk by moving too quickly to clients. I’m pretty optimistic, I get the country moving again, lift the most severe lockdown think people will come back especially in Moscow where he measures. little by little.” announced plans for huge mil- With more than half of the But millions of the city’s res- itary parade on June 24. recorded cases in Moscow and idents were still required to Russia continues to record the surrounding region, author- spend most of their time in their People walk during rain on a street in downtown Moscow as residents venture out to exercise, stroll a significant number of coro- ities in the city of more than 12 homes, with those allowed to and shop as the city eased a strict nine-week lockdown, yesterday. navirus cases — with 9,035 new million have been cautious in work required to obtain official infections yesterday bringing its lifting restrictions in place since passes. total to 414,878, behind only the March 30. As a two-week test The convoluted system — fiction such as the novels of and Sobyanin discuss a United States and Brazil in the Yesterday, retail shops and measure, Mayor Sergei Sob- which allows walks between Aldous Huxley and Yevgeny “breathing schedule” for global tally. shopping malls were allowed yanin said residents will be 9am and 9pm no more than Zamyatin. Moscow residents. Another 2,297 cases were to re-open and residents were allowed to take walks within three times a week — has drawn Popular comedian Maxim Restaurants, cafes and recorded in Moscow, the epi- able to exercise outdoors before two kilometres of their homes ridicule, with some quipping Galkin, who has nearly eight cinemas were to remain closed centre of the crisis in Russia. 9am, but with masks required according to a staggered that life in Moscow was million followers on Instagram, and no mass gatherings would Officials say the high at all times and gloves needed schedule based on their address. beginning to imitate dystopian released a sketch in which Putin be allowed until at least June 14. Belarus jails Russia to vote on July 1 on reforms that could extend Putin’s rule opposition leader REUTERS — MOSCOW Russia’s Constitutional Court, the coronavirus situation. after rallies would reset Putin’s presi- “Let everyone get infected, AFP — MINSK Russia will hold a nationwide dential term tally to zero, just so long as the granddad in vote on constitutional reforms allowing him to serve two the Kremlin is satisfied?” she Belarus opposition leader on July 1, President Vladimir more back-to-back six-year wrote on Twitter. Mikola Statkevich was Putin said yesterday, setting terms until 2036 if The Kremlin has said sentenced to 15 days in police the stage for a delayed ballot re-elected. authorities will take all nec- detention yesterday, as dozens that could extend his rule until “I really hope the country’s essary measures to ensure of activists were held by the 2036. citizens will take part actively voters’ safety. Russia’s authorities after rallies Putin postponed the in the vote on the amendments economy has been hit hard in throughout the country. original vote, which had been to the constitution,” Putin, the last two months, both by Tensions in ex-Soviet set for April 22, because of the whose current term ends in lower oil prices and a lockdown Belarus have ratcheted up coronavirus outbreak, saying 2024, told a televised gov- that has stoked resentment since authorities announced the health and safety of cit- ernment meeting. among some business owners. presidential elections would izens was his top priority as Critics have dismissed the Putin’s approval rating, be held August 9. the global coronavirus pan- vote as a constitutional coup though still high, has slipped Alexander Lukashenko, demic worsened. which they fear will be rigged to its lowest level in more than who has ruled the country But he says the situation Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting via teleconference and urged voters to stay away two decades though support with an iron fist since 1994, has has now broadly stabilised and call at Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, yesterday. or to reject the proposed for his plan to change the con- confirmed he will run again. the number of coronavirus changes. stitution rose to 47 percent in Statkevich, who was infections in Moscow has capital to start easing some Russians will vote on, already One critic, Lyubov Sobol, April, an opinion poll showed detained on Sunday, was dropped sharply, allowing the restrictions. The changes that approved by parliament and said July 1 was too early, given last month. found guilty of organising an unauthorised rally in the capital Minsk on May 24, his wife Marina Adamovich said. Peru and Chile Lukashenko yesterday Greece lifts lockdown on hotels, pools slammed opposition activists record sharp rise as “bands of criminals” who AP — ATHENS want to disrupt the upcoming in virus cases ballot. The country’s strongman AFP — LIMA Greece lifted lockdown restric- leader said he was ready to tions yesterday for hotels, “face them alone, if nec- Peru on Sunday reported 8,800 open-air cinemas, golf courses essary.” Rights groups new COVID-19 infections, and public swimming pools as denounced what they setting a new daily record for a the country ramped up prepara- described as the political per- country that already has the tions for the crucial summer secution of popular video second highest number of novel tourism season to start in two blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky, coronavirus cases in Latin weeks. Primary school children who was arrested and accused America after Brazil. also returned to class. of using violence against a The death toll is now at Strict public safety measures police officer at a rally on 4,506, the third highest in the have kept Greece’s COVID-19 Friday. region — itself the new hotspot infection rate low. The country Advocacy group Viasna of the deadly disease — after has seen only 175 virus-related said some 50 people have Brazil and Mexico, with Pres- deaths, according to Health Min- been detained at the demon- ident Martin Vizcarra warning istry data. stration in Grodno in the west the country is only halfway International flights with of the country and at gath- through the crisis. screening procedures will return erings in other cities. Infections have jumped in to Athens and Greece’s second- Footage from the rally, Peru despite a months-long largest city of Thessaloniki where Tikhanovsky’s wife mandatory lockdown and a starting on June 15 and will be Svetlana was collecting signa- nightime curfew and the gov- expanded to the rest of the tures for her presidential cam- ernment ordering international country on July 1. paign, showed a police officer borders to be closed. Screening for arriving pas- Students stand in line respecing the social distancing rules at a primary school in Thessaloniki, falling, and authorities The spike is concentrated sengers will be based on an yesterday, as Greece eases some coronavirus measures. launched a probe into police around the capital Lima, where assessment by a European Union violence. More people who one third of the population lives, flight safety authority, with countries that are improving in travel business and three hotels ancient Acropolis. gathered to support Svetlana and put tremendous strain on arrivals from low-infection their infection curve and remain in Athens, decided to reopen yes- “We can’t compare the Tikhanovskaya’s candidacy Peru’s economy and healthcare countries being subjected only to vigilant in the event of any terday, arguing that it would be season to last year. We were at were detained on Sunday. system. random testing. deterioration.” easier to gradually increase 95 percent capacity. Our aim now During a campaign event Four out of every ten Peru- “Greece is continuously mon- Year-round hotels were capacity. is to hang in there till 2021,” he on Friday Lukashenko dis- vians lost their source of income itoring epidemiological data, in allowed to reopen yesterday but “Today, we opened two said. missed the possibility of a when the lockdown began, collaboration with experts and many chose to remain closed rooms and tomorrow three. It’s Other businesses in Greece female president in Belarus. according to one study, and last European and international until closer to the start of the like building an anthill,” Betis said were allowed to restart yes- “We’ll have a man for week Peru secured a two-year, organisations,” government tourism season, citing low as employees wearing face terday, including campsites, president. I’m certain of it,” he $11bn credit line from the Inter- spokesman Stelios Petsas said. bookings. masks tidied a rooftop restaurant wedding reception services and said in a speech to factory national Monetary Fund. “We will receive visitors from Panos Betis, who runs a and cleaned a window facing the parlours. workers. Neighbouring Chile on Sunday reported 57 more fatal- ities in the past 24 hours, a new record that brings the country’s Armenian PM, family test positive as virus cases surge COVID-19 death toll to 1,054. “We are facing the largest AFP — YEREVAN of my ability”, Pashinyan added 32 are empty and those would He told a cabinet meeting believed disinformation and so pandemic of the past 100 years,” in the clip he recorded himself. soon be filled. Russian President several days ago that “false didn’t “take the threat said Deputy Health Minister Armenian Prime Minister Nikol The ex-Soviet republic with Vladimir Putin called Pashinyan rumours that the pandemic is a seriously.” Paula Daza, as she announced Pashinyan, who turned 45 a population of around three to congratulate him on his fiction” were to blame for wide- An investigation by the UK- the latest figures. yesterday, said he and his family million people has registered birthday and to offer “words of spread quarantine violations. based website openDemocracy “It is a tremendous chal- had tested positive for the new 9,492 coronavirus cases and 139 support” for a speedy recovery, “People don’t believe that the revealed that controversial local lenge; we are living very difficult coronavirus and that he would deaths. COVID-19 patients have the Kremlin said. virus exists, because 70 percent news portal Medmedia.am had times in our country.” In San- be working from home. overwhelmed hospitals and Pashinyan’s announcement of cases are asymptomatic,” he been spreading “incredibly dan- tiago, where the 80 percent of Pashinyan, said in video health officials last week said that came nearly one month after said. Analysts said conspiracy gerous” virus disinformation. the virus cases were reported, message posted on Facebook that intensive care beds could be soon Armenia lifted a state of emer- theories and disinformation on Medmedia.am reported the 96 percent of the emergency his “coronavirus test was positive reserved for patients with the best gency imposed in March to slow social media had undermined pandemic was fake and falsely room beds were taken, officials yesterday” and that his wife and chance of survival. the spread of the coronavirus. government efforts to fight the claimed that a local morgue said. four children were also infected. Health Minister Arsen He has acknowledged failings outbreak. offered money to a dead patient’s Officials reported a sharp He did not have any “visible Torosyan has said that out of 186 in his government’s coronavirus “Quarantine didn’t work in relatives to sign documents increase in cases over the past symptoms” and would be intensive care units in the country response including efforts to Armenia,” virologist Nuneh saying the death was caused by two weeks. working from home “to the best reserved for virus patients, only enforce anti-virus measures. Bakunts said, because people the virus, openDemocracy said. 12 AMERICAS TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 US cities brace for more fury as officer’s hearing postponed

AFP — WASHINGTON Violence erupted outside the White House for the third straight night on Sunday with police US cities braced yesterday for more fury on the streets as a firing tear gas and protesters setting nearby hearing was postponed for a structures ablaze, as inside Donald Trump Minneapolis police officer over the killing of an unarmed black refrained from delivering the sort of unifying man that ignited the country’ national message historically associated with most sweeping unrest in decades. US presidents. Violence erupted outside the White House for the third straight night on Sunday with police firing for nearly nine minutes. criminal cases in the United Policemen stand guard during a violent protest near White House over the death of George Floyd, tear gas and protesters setting “We are tired of this hap- States. Minnesota has made clear in Washington, yesterday. nearby structures ablaze, as pening. This generation is not that it seeks to punish Chauvin inside Donald Trump refrained having it. We are tired of and has tasked the prosecution from delivering the sort of uni- oppression,” said Muna Abdi, a personally with the state’s police brutality, but consecutive of black motorist Rodney King. Louisville Courier Journal, which fying national message histori- 31-year-old African-American attorney general, Keith Ellison, a evenings have descended into But unlike in Los Angeles, the quoted his nephew. cally associated with US woman at a peaceful demon- prominent former US clashes with officers and wide- latest unrest has primarily tar- Louisville, the home of presidents. stration at the Minnesota capitol congressman. spread looting. geted property, although both Muhammad Ali and Kentucky Some 40 US cities including in St Paul on Sunday. But protesters have also Washington’s mayor, Muriel protesters and police have Fried Chicken, has seen espe- Chicago, Los Angeles, Phila- Pointing to her three-year- demanded the arrest of three Browser, said a curfew will start reported non-life-threatening cially passionate protests due to delphia and Washington have old son, she said: “I want to make police officers who stood by and yesterday at an unusually early injuries. the police killing in March of an imposed rare nighttime curfews sure he stays alive.” shielded Chauvin from outsiders 7pm in hopes of preventing a One person was killed, African American woman, in hopes of quelling unrest, which Chauvin, who had remained as Floyd pleaded for his life. repeat of the destruction in the however, in Kentucky’s largest Breonna Taylor, in her own included a death overnight in in the police force despite per- St Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, US capital — which included a city Louisville. Police chief Steve apartment. Louisville, Kentucky. sistent complaints about his an African-American and son of fire at St John’s, the two-century- Conrad said officers and the The 26-year-old emergency Protests, initially peaceful, behaviour, had been due to a police officer, supported old “church of the presidents” National Guard “returned fire” room technician was shot dead erupted after the killing a week appear in court yesterday but the arresting the trio, saying all police across from the White House. just after midnight after being after police barged into her home, ago of George Floyd, a black man judiciary said the initial hearing had a duty to intervene. It was the most widespread shot at as they dispersed a crowd alleging that drug dealers had in Minneapolis who was accused had been postponed to June 8. “That is an incredible insult unrest in the United States in a parking lot. used the apartment to receive of buying cigarettes with a coun- The news immediately trig- to our humanity,” he told CNN of since 1968, when cities went Governor Andy Beshear said packages. terfeit bill. gered a storm on social media, a the three officers who apparently up in flames over the slaying he was ordering an independent While presidents traditionally In shocking final moments major organising ground for pro- abetted Chauvin. of civil rights icon Martin investigation “given the seri- seek to bridge national divides captured on video, Floyd pleaded tests, with outraged activists The overwhelming number Luther King Jr and rekindled ousness of the situation.” The during tumult, Trump was again for his life and said he could not vowing to keep up pressure over of protesters have been peaceful, memories of 1992 riots in Los dead man was David McAtee, the holed up at the White House breathe as a white police officer, the coming week. with multiracial marches seeking Angeles after police were owner of a popular barbecue tweeting attacks on his political Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck Such delays are common in an end to racism and acquitted in the brutal beating business, according to the rivals and the media. Biden meets black leaders, promises to earn WHO pushes to keep ties African-American support amid protests with ‘generous’ US REUTERS — WILMINGTON Wilmington. Weeks and others despite Trump’s exit move said the choice of a black Democratic presidential running mate would show REUTERS — LONDON candidate Joe Biden promised Biden’s commitment to one of black community leaders in the Democratic Party’s most The head of the World Health Delaware yesterday he would loyal constituencies. Organisation (WHO) yesterday earn their support amid “A black female will over- praised the United States’ nationwide police brutality whelm and excite and turn the “immense” and “generous” protests, saying he would create heads of these young people contribution to global health in a police oversight board within and everybody out there,” a push to salvage relations after his first 100 days in the White Weeks said. President Donald Trump said House. Biden, who has promised he was severing ties with the UN Biden, who met with more his No 2 will be a woman, told agency. than a dozen black leaders in a the group several black women Accusing it of pandering to church in Wilmington, also said were on his list of potential China and overlooking an ini- he would soon unveil an eco- running mates. tially secretive response to the nomic plan to deal with the dis- Last month, Biden apolo- COVID-19 outbreak, Trump said proportionate toll on the black gized for telling a black radio on Friday he was ending Wash- and Latino communities from host that he “ain’t black” if he ington’s relationship with the the coronavirus outbreak. was still weighing whether to WHO. But WHO chief Tedros “I’ve never taken you for support him or Trump in the Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an granted,” Biden, who visited a November 3 US presidential online media briefing he hoped WHO Director-General Democratic US presidential candidate Joe Biden visits a site of protest site on Sunday, told the election. his organisation could continue Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. the protest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police leaders after sitting quietly and Biden has chafed at being its longstanding collaboration taking note of their concerns. custody, in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Sunday. stuck in his Delaware home with the United States. over racism, another WHO “It has to be earned, earned during the coronavirus out- “The United States’ contri- official, epidemiologist Maria every single time.” structures, the institutional national security officials. break, and a Biden adviser said bution and generosity towards Van Kerkhove, said close Cities across the country racism,” said Biden, who wore The community leaders at there was an internal divide on global health over many contact could heighten the risk awoke from a smoldering a mask as he listened and pulled Wilmington’s Bethel AME whether to get Biden out on the decades has been immense, and of spreading the COVID-19 weekend of violent protests it down to talk. Church urged Biden to pick a trail, with his wife Jill resisting. it has made a great difference disease. At the briefing, chief sci- over race and policing sparked Biden’s appearance was a black vice-presidential running “I can tell you with confi- in public health all around the entist Soumya Swaminathan by the death of a black man, contrast with the approach of mate, and said the protests dence that Joe wants to get out world,” he said. said the WHO should have George Floyd, in Minneapolis Republican President Donald were a reflection of frustration there, Jill doesn’t want him too. Tedros said he only knew enough information in 24 hours police custody last Monday. Trump, who has made no major about the lack of attention and She knows her husband and about the US decision from the to decide whether to continue Biden said his economic public statement to address the resources for African-American it’s impossible for him not media, with no formal commu- suspending trials of plan would include components growing crisis but issued tweets communities. handshake,” the adviser said. nication yet from Trump’s gov- hyrdroxychloroquine. on housing, education and as he remained out of sight in “Young people out there Floyd’s death was the latest ernment. He declined to answer Trump has been one of access to capital in the black the White House. are going mad” from a lack of in a string of similar incidents further questions about the US those promoting the anti- community. He was due yesterday to effort to address their involving unarmed black men stance. malaria drug to help combat the “We’re going to make sure meet his top law enforcement problems, said Bishop Thomas in recent years that have raised Asked about potential health COVID-19 disease, despite that the economic recovery officer and hold a call with gov- Wesley Weeks, pastor at New an outcry over excessive police risks from protests that have medical warnings about asso- deals with the institutional ernors, law enforcement and Destiny Fellowship in force and racism. flared up in the United States ciated risks. Mexico begins reopening Bolsonaro tries to rein in backers as protests shake Brazil after 2-month lockdown REUTERS — BRASILIA probe said the way Bolsonaro was endangering democracy AFP — MEXICO CITY cultural activity to normal.” Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro was comparable to Hitler’s Mexico shut down all but nec- told his supporters yesterday Germany. In rallies in Brasilia, Mexico began gradually essary economic activity on they should put off their Sao Paulo and other big cities reopening its economy yesterday March 23, after Lopez Obrador protests against the country’s on Sunday, his supporters urged after more than two months of had come under intense criticism Supreme Court next weekend the military to intervene and shutdown because of the coro- and bucked the regional trend after counter-demonstrations close down Congress and the navirus pandemic. by resisting calls to impose a triggered violent clashes on Supreme Court. With almost 10,000 lockdown much earlier. Sunday. Anti-Bolsonaro demon- COVID-19 deaths and more than On a visit to Quintana Roo “Leave things alone on strators protesting against what 90,000 confirmed cases, Mexico state, where the popular Cancun Sunday,” the right-wing pres- they said was “fascism” threat- is second only to Brazil in Latin seaside resort is located, Lopez ident said, referring to the pro- ening Brazil’s democratic America for the number of fatal- Obrador also said tourism tests, at the gates of his official system clashed with police in a ities and fourth in the region in activity would be reopened from residence the day after he counter-demonstration on Sao terms of infections. next week. In red zones only greeted supporters on Paulo’s main avenue, hurling “Today we began production “essential” activities such as con- horseback at a rally against the stones at riot police who activities related to the auto- struction and mining can restart, top court. responded with tear gas. Demonstrators take part in a protest in favour of Brazilian President motive industry, mining and the whereas in green zones activities Bolsonaro’s critics blame Bolsonaro said he had no Jair Bolsonaro, in Brasilia, on Sunday. construction industry,” said Pres- in public spaces and even schools him for undermining Brazil’s role in organising the protests that has paralysed Latin Amer- to allow the democratically ident Andres Manuel Lopez can reopen, albeit while democracy by endorsing almost against the Supreme Court. “I ica’s largest economy and elected Bolsonaro to govern the Obrador. respecting social distancing and weekly protests against the top don’t coordinate anything... I raised fears of a military coup. country. “We have to move towards personal hygiene guidelines. court, which authorised an just attend,” he said. In a newspaper interview “Let the guy govern! If he the new normal because it’s nec- The capital Mexico City will investigation into the president The confrontation between published yesterday, Vice-Pres- makes mistakes, as others have essary for our national economy, remain a red zone until at least for allegedly interfering with Bolsonaro and the court thrust ident Hamilton Mourao, a in the past, there are elections our people’s wellbeing; we need June 15, and until hospital bed police appointments for per- Brazil into a political crisis in the retired army general, said there in 2022 and he will be judged to, little by little, return pro- occupancy drops below the sonal motives. midst of the world’s second was no danger of a coup. But he by voters,” the vice-president duction, economic, social and current 65 percent. The judge heading that worst outbreak of coronavirus urged the country’s institutions told Valor Economico.