www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 4 August 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8339 14 Dhul-Hijja - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 11 SPORT | 16 Trump sets It’s good to be September 15 back in deadline for action: says TikTok sale Al Sulaiti

Wishing you a warm and blessed Eid Qatar supports QNTC launches exciting summer offerings Kyrgyzstan in — DOHA THE PENINSULA Qatar Staycation (https://www. The Qatar Summer Programme will be offered in collaboration with QNTC’s partners, qatarstaycation.com), which facing COVID-19 Qatar National Tourism Council will be updated regularly with including hospitality, Qatar Museums and United Development Company, among others. pandemic (QNTC) has launched a vibrant the latest offers. Wide range of staycation packages and other hospitality deals at more than 40 programme of offers and activ- As Qatar’s renowned cultural establishments across the country. ities for residents to enjoy institutions open their doors QNA — BISHKEK during the summer holidays, as once again, residents will be able Residents can avail of a 20 percent discount on select Culture Pass memberships the country prepares to to avail of a 20 percent discount including Culture Pass Plus and Culture Pass Family. The State of Qatar presented welcome back the world. on select Culture Pass member- Residents will get a glimpse of the latest style trends with a virtual fashion show medical aid to the Kyrgyz A host of exciting hospitality ships including Culture Pass Plus Republic in support of its deals, outdoor experiences and and Culture Pass Family, enti- featuring local designers. efforts to contain the corona- activities centred around tling pass holders to exclusive A variety of outdoor excursions will be introduced to satiate any thrill-seeker. virus (COVID-19). fashion, arts and culture are in privileges at all Qatar Museums The Qatari medical aid store for people of all ages and entities, such as free admission shipment, which was provided interests. at museums and galleries, VIP by Qatar Charity, included The Qatar Summer Pro- invites to tours, talks and work- ventilators. gramme will be offered in col- shops, and discounts at museum The shipment was received laboration with QNTC’s partners cafes, restaurants and gift shops. by the Deputy Health Minister from across the public and For more details please visit: in the attendance of a repre- private sectors, including hos- http://www.qm.org.qa/en/ sentative from the Foreign pitality, Qatar Museums and culturepass Ministry of Kyrgyzstan, and United Development Company Later this summer, residents Qatar’s Acting Charge (UDC), among others. will get a glimpse of the latest d’affaires to Kyrgyzstan Jassim To celebrate summer, QNTC style trends with a virtual Saleh Al Jaber. has partnered with hotels to fashion show featuring local The Kyrgyz Deputy bring residents a wide range of designers. The first of its kind, Health Minister thanked the staycation packages and other the show will be broadcast live State of Qatar for providing hospitality deals at more than from QNTC social media the sand dunes. Tour operator promotions and activations to riences Qatar has to offer. medical aid that includes 420 40 establishments across the accounts including Instagram, 365 Adventures will draw res- strengthen the tourism industry In preparation for wel- Oxygen delivery devices that country. These include dis- Facebook and YouTube Live. idents to Qatar’s stunning and ancillary sectors such as coming back the community, will help save the lives of counts of up to 50 percent on For those more inclined to coastline with special promo- retail, culture and hospitality, QNTC recently launched the coronavirus (COVID-19) room bookings, hotel packages adventure, a variety of outdoor tions on kayaking and fishing working to deliver a vibrant cal- Qatar Clean programme in part- patients. with an additional free night excursions will be introduced trips, paratriking and scuba endar of events throughout the nership with the Ministry of For his part, the Acting stay, beach and pool packages, to satiate any thrill-seeker. Res- diving, speed boat and yacht year that reinforce Qatar’s Public Health, which sets strict Charge d’affaires said that as well as special food and bev- idents can reconnect with rentals, in addition to sunrise position as a preferred tourist standards for sterilisation and the initiative aims to support erage (F&B) promotions. nature on a camping and desert and full-day desert safari destination for families. This disinfection that all hotel estab- the medical sector in the QNTC will feature the offers safari at the Inland Sea’s Al packages. year’s summer programme lishments must adhere to, Kyrgyz Republic to face the on Facebook, Instagram and Bahar Beach Camp, enjoy a bar- Through fruitful collabo- presents ample choices for cit- ensuring guests can enjoy a impacts of the coronavirus YouTube, as well as through its beque lunch or dinner, or rent ration with its stakeholders, izens and residents to explore worry-free experience this pandemic and enhance dedicated website, a 4x4 for exhilarating rides over QNTC is developing attractive and rediscover the unique expe- summer and beyond. bilateral ties.

Over 400 computers to be provided for Better Connections program is raising awareness electronically about the self-isolation residences in labour cities COVID-19 for 1.5 million migrant workers through a IRFAN BUKHARI plan objectives, the tweet said program is also contributing to workers native languages to government portal in five THE PENINSULA that over 400 computers will nationwide efforts to raise Hotline 16000 are among other languages. be provided at self-isolation workers’ awareness of corona- steps taken to raise workers’ To play more effective role in residences at labour cities. virus in multiple languages. awareness about COVID-19. Under future plan objectives creating awareness about According to the Ministry, Under the efforts, 1.5 million According to information some 50,000 workers will be COVID-19 among migrant the program has already workers are being educated from the MoTC website, the trained to deliver knowledge workers, Better Connections achieved many milestones about coronavirus online. The Digital Society Development to other workers. program of the Ministry of including 1,692 ICT-equipped program is providing a contin- department at MoTC establishes Transport and Communications facilities; 19,000 computers ually-updated multilingual and executes programs to The program is providing (MoTC) will provide over 400 donated for the program and 5 awareness webpage on achieve digital inclusion and computers at self-isolation resi- languages for awareness via workers’ Hukoomi Portal and increase ICT access rates among updated multilingual dences in labour cities. workers’ Hukoomi Portal. also sending awareness-raising various sectors of Qatari society. awareness webpage on The Better Connections Under Better Connections’ electronic content and multi- The department provides ICT workers’ Hukoomi Portal. program is raising awareness future plan objectives as many media materials to workers in tools, technologies and infra- electronically about the coro- as 50,000 workers will be their native languages. structure to bridge the digital The Digital Society navirus (COVID-19) for 1.5 trained to deliver knowledge to Sending over a million SMSs divide, and develops appro- Development department at million migrant workers other workers. Providing 1,000 with awareness hyperlinks to priate programs to encourage MoTC executes programs through a government portal in content pages on workers’ workers and providing Internet all members of the public to use to achieve digital inclusion five languages, and by text mes- Hukoomi Portal and providing connectivity at self-isolation government e-services. and increase ICT access sages and informational video 400+ computers at self-isolation buildings at labour cities are Better Connections is a rates among various materials, the MoTC tweeted residences at labour cities are part of nationwide efforts. Do’s groundbreaking social inte- yesterday. also included in the future plans. and Don’ts posters on buildings gration initiative for migrant sectors of Qatari society. Regarding program’s future The Better Connections at labour cities and adding workers in Qatar. `P2 215 new COVID-19 cases, Schools urged to get ready for back-to-school plan

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH 2020 under ‘3-Phases Back-to- one-third of students attend a phases. Phase one will be from 223 recoveries recorded THE PENINSULA School Plan’ for 2020-21 day during first three days (Sep- September 1 to 3. Attendance will academic year. tember 1 to 3, 2020), the Min- be limited to one-third of total stu- THE PENINSULA — DOHA result of Qatar’s young popu- The Ministry of Education and Schools have the flexibility istry tweeted yesterday. dents in all grades. lation, proactive testing to identify Higher Education has reminded to organise the attendance of The opening of all public and The second phase will be The Ministry of Public Health cases early, expanding hospital the schools to ensure that only the students according to private schools, including kinder- two weeks from September 6 (MoPH) yesterday announced capacity, especially intensive 30 percent students attend the number of divisions at each gartens, for the 2020-21 academic to 17 using the mixed learning the registration of 215 new care, protecting the elderly and schools from September 1 to 3, class level to ensure that only year will take place in three model. The maximum confirmed cases of COVID-19 those with chronic diseases. attendance in public and private in the country. Another 223 However, the Ministry has schools will be 50 percent. people have recovered from emphasized on the importance Students will be split into two the virus, bringing the total of taking precautions against groups and rotated over a course number of recovered cases in COVID-19. “Even though of two weeks. Group 1, 50 percent Qatar to 108,002. restrictions are being lifted, and students will attend in-person in All new cases have been numbers are declining, this does the first week and study by dis- introduced to isolation and are not mean that the COVID-19 tance learning in the second week. receiving necessary healthcare pandemic is finished in Qatar – Group 2 will study by distance according to their health status. every day between 50 and 100 learning in the first week and The MoPH further said that people are admitted to hospital attend school in the second week. measures to tackle COVID-19 with moderate to severe Students attendance Students attendance Students attendance Attendance for grade 12 stu- in Qatar have succeeded in flat- symptoms,” the Ministry said. dents 66 percent is mandatory tening the curve and limiting “Unless we follow all precau- From because it is a crucial year for the spread of the virus. The tionary measures, we may expe- them. As much as 100 percent number of daily new cases and rience a second wave of the virus September September September students will attend schools hospital admissions have grad- and see numbers increasing – Schools have the flexibility to Group 1 (50%) will attend in-person in the first week Precautionary measures continue from September 20, 2020. ually declined over the past few there are already signs of this organize the attendance of students and study by distance learning in the second week. throughout all phases. The preventive and pre- according to the number of divisions Group 2 will study by distance learning in the first weeks. happening in other countries in each class level to ensure that week and attend school in the second week. cautionary measures to curb The MoPH added that Qatar around the world. Now more only one-third of students attend Attendance for Grade 12 students (66%) is manda- the spread of COVID-19 will has one of the lowest COVID-19 than ever, we must be careful and a day. tory because it's a crucial year for them. continue throughout all death rates in the world, as a protect the most vulnerable.” phases. `P2 02 HOME TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.39 am SUNRISE 05.02 am o o Very hot daytime with some clouds and slight dust to 34 C 46 C blowing dust at places at times. ZUHR 11.40 am ASR 03.08 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 03:54 – 17:26 LOW TIDE 00:45–11:17 MAGHRIB 06.19 pm ISHA 07.49 pm W ALRUWAIS: 33o↗38o W ALKHOR: 30o↗46o W DUKHAN: 33o↗40o W WAKRAH: 33o↗46o W MESAIEED 33o↗46o W ABUSAMRA 32o↗40o

OFFICIAL NEWS Katara concludes Eid Al Adha celebrations Qatar strongly condemns attack on THE PENINSULA — DOHA Katara inaugurated a 50-metre- long mural (Jedariya) in its main Afghanistan prison Katara Cultural Village entrance from the southern DOHA: The State of Qatar expressed concluded yesterday its activ- side, in which 12 Qatari artists yesterday its strong condemnation ities for Eid Al Adha celebra- participated, under the title, and denunciation of the attack that tions, which attracted a large "Katara thanks the medical targeted a prison in Jalalabad city number of visitors, during the teams in Qatar" in appreciation in eastern Afghanistan and caused four-day of Eid. of their efforts for the safety and deaths and injuries. The distribution of Eid gifts health of the society. In a statement, the Ministry of aimed to bring smile on the Al Marri appreciated to all Foreign Affairs reiterated the State faces of children, who visited audio and visual media, which of Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting Katara accompanied by their was keen on following up and violence and terrorism regardless of parents, said Katara in a covering Katara celebrations of motives and causes. statement. Eid Al Adha and supporting The statement expressed the Katara held an array of through its various coverage. State of Qatar’s condolences to the activities to celebrate Eid Al Representatives from families of victims, the government Adha according to the current Katara's distributed gifts to and people of Afghanistan, wishing the situation following the pre- children during the ‘Your Eid in wounded a speedy recovery. - QNA ventive and precautionary Your Car’ activity, which runs measures to curb the spread of from 5pm until 9 pm throughout Qatar condemns two coronavirus (COVID-19), Salem the holidays. attacks in central Mali Mabkhout Al Marri, Director of As for virtual fireworks, Public Relations and Commu- Katara presented them on two DOHA: The State of Qatar expressed nication at Katara, said. parts, first at 8pm and then at yesterday its strong condemnation He added that all efforts 9pm on its website, in a way and denunciation of the two attacks were made to provide safety that corresponds to what it pro- Representatives from Katara Cultural Village distributing gifts to children as part of its activities to that occurred in central Mali and measures enabling large vided from fireworks in the past celebrate Eid Al Adha. caused deaths and injuries among number of children to get Eid holidays. children for the most beautiful participating child, where competition, either for the soldiers. gifts safely. In addition to the cele- dress was launched, by sending Katara has allocated prizes to photo or video. In a statement, the Ministry of As part of the celebrations, bration, an Eid competition for a photo or video of the top five winners of each Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting violence and terrorism regardless Schools urged to get ready for back-to-school plan Over 400 computers to be of motives and causes. FROM PAGE 1 The statement expressed the break will start right after the provided guidance on State of Qatar’s condolences to A recess period of 25 2nd period for some divisions, attendance to the public and provided for self-isolation the families of victims, the govern- minutes will be given to stu- after the 3rd period for other private schools nationwide ment and people of Mali, wishing the dents during the school day. divisions and after the 4th including specialized and wounded a speedy recovery. -QNA The school hours are from period for the rest of divisions. special education schools. residences in labour cities Qatar strongly 7.15am to 12.30pm. Schools will rearrange and Schools and pre-schools FROM PAGE 1 The class period schedule space out desks to ensure social will need to notify parents, via they can become part of the condemns explosion will be organised in a way that distancing is maintained. different means communi- The program is a public- information society, allowing in Mogadishu allows for three different The school theatre and gym cation, of the attendance mech- private partnership between the them to communicate with timings for the recess period in may be used to provide more anism for the first three school Ministry of Transport and Com- friends and family in their home DOHA: The State of Qatar has order to reduce the number of space for student seating.The days. The importance of stu- munications (MoTC); the Ministry countries, access government expressed its strong condemnation students in each period. Educational Affairs Sector and dents’ attendance should also of Administrative Development, online services, learn about their and denunciation of the explosion For example, the recess Private Education Sector be stressed. Labor and Social Affairs, and rights and responsibilities and that occurred in the Somali capi- committed partners. return to their countries with tal, Mogadishu, and left two people It provides access to tech- enhanced IT skills. killed and one wounded. DPS–MIS students interact with Yashaswee Raman nology and develops the skills of The Better Connections In a statement issued yesterday, migrant workers in the use of program sets up fully func- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiter- THE PENINSULA — DOHA with a hearty welcome by the interviewing various esteemed ICT, in order to improve their tioning ICT facilities at workers’ ated the State of Qatar’s firm stance principal of DPS – MIS Asna personalities of different field. quality of life and to integrate accommodation sites equipped on rejecting violence and terrorism Yashaswee Raman from batch Nafees, vice-principals Soma Currently persuing his MBA them into the digital community with refurbished donated regardless of motives and causes. 2015-16 interacted with the Bhattacharjee and Mary Cruz. at AMnipal, Yashaswee excep- and wider society. hardware, software licenses, The statement expressed the students of VII and VIII of DPS Yashaswee enlightened the tionally explained the signifi- This program provides free Internet connectivity, access to State of Qatar’s condolences to the – MIS in the session named audience by endorsing his cance of the right balance of access to refurbished computers tailored training content, as families of victims as well as the Cricket with Yashaswee on July views on cricket and com- academics and sports in one’s and the Internet as well as well as training sessions con- government and people of Soma- 26 via Zoom. mentary. He further shared his life thus illuminating young training for workers in their ducted by the program’s lia, wishing the wounded a speedy The session commenced experiences in meeting and minds. place of accommodation so that volunteers. recovery. -QNA MME seizes illegal food Virtual AMU Alumni International Mushaira 2020 'a great success' outlets in Al Sheehaniya THE PENINSULA — DOHA Basir Sultan Kazmi (Sadr-e- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Mushaira, famous Poet and writer) Over 3,000 people attended the and Shahabuddin Ahmad, The Health Monitoring Section of Al Sheehaniya Virtual AMU Alumni International Chairman, Bazm-e-Sadaf Interna- Municipality has seized a number of food outlets Mushaira 2020 (poetic evening) tional, pointed out that the online for running without licences in Umm Al Zubar. organised by Aligarh Muslim event has managed to maintain the The action was taken during in inspection University Alumni Association ambience of classical Mushaira campaign following the Law No. 8 of 1990 for regu- Qatar (AMUAAQ) an associate gatherings. lating food items, said the Ministry of Municipality organisation (AO) of ICBF under the The events’s anchor and and Environment (MME) in a statement. aegis of the Embassy of India-Qatar renowned AMU alumnus Dr. Nadeem The legal actions were taken against the & supported by Bazm e Sadaf inter- Zafar Jilani conducted the event violators. national. deftly. He began with his own poetry. The event was held on July 23, Mohammed Farman Khan (GS- 2020 via Zoom Meeting Appli- AMUAAQ) started the programme cation, said AMUAAQ in a statement. with the recitation of Verses from The coronavirus pandemic has Holy Quran while COVID-19 forced people to stay indoors, but awareness precautionary measures AMUAAQ made sure that poets briefed by Dr. Ashna Nusrat,Chief recite their metrical compositions coordinator-AMUAAQ. through a virtual Mushaira (poetic In the welcome address, Jawed symposium). A view of the virtual AMU Alumni International Mushaira 2020 organised Ahmad, President, AMUAAQ said Attending the online Mushaira by AMUAAQ. that it is important to use tech- as the Chief Guest, Aligarh Muslim nology for continuing our literary University (AMU) Vice Chancellor, become the new norm till the virus happiness to be part of the event. activities as people may be Prof Tariq Mansoor said that poetic fades away,” added the Vice Professor Najmul Islam, Hony. observing physical distancing but symposiums are cultural events Chancellor. Secretary, AMU Teachers Associ- they are virtually together. with mannerism and decorum, He also thanked the alumni ation, and Dr. M Kalimullah, Joint About 3,000 people attended which teach the language and craft groups for generously supporting Secretary, AMUTA, spoke on the the online Mushaira (Via Zoom and of poetry to the younger the development work in the mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Facebook live stream) in which well generations. University. and on the importance of cultural known poets like Basir Sultan “The COVID-19 outbreak has Professor M M Sufyan Beg, activities. Kazmi; Hasan Kazmi; Safdar Imam disrupted regular gatherings and Chairman, AMU Alumni Affairs Dr. MS Bukhari, Chief Patron, Quadri; Javed Danish; Iftekhar events but people have turned to Committee, requested the alumni AMUAAQ, requested all AMU Ahmad; Saif Babar; Maqsood Anwer the digital world to stay connected to give their details for the ‘AMU alumni to work towards the benefit and Ahmad Ashfaque extended the A view of the eized outlet in Al Sheehaniya. and these online events have Alumni Directory’, while expressing of their alma mater. vote of thanks. Qatar Debate Center’s virtual workshop highlights importance of Arabic language

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Qatar Debate Center continues to work debate issues and how to language as individuals from happiness to learn new con- with the aim of rooting and encouraging the employ them in a correct way. different countries of the world cepts related to the art of debate The Qatar Debate Center, a It focuses on the various try to learn it. Not only that, but in the Arabic language, and Member of the Qatar Foun- art of debating locally and internationally, methods of analysis and the they also want to debate by it asked for more workshops to dation has organised a virtual as a guide to engage young people in logical tasks of the two teams within and express their thoughts and be held in the future. training workshop aimed at the debate through applications opinions through it.” The Qatar Debate Center supporting and enhancing discussion on issues. that enhanced the theoretical As for the students, their continues to work with the aim debate skills for students of Dar content of building the position response and enthusiasm for of rooting and encouraging the Al Huda Islamic University in of the parties and the argument the debate broke the barrier of art of debating locally and inter- India, recently. of the centre’s plans to train stu- participants, as the trainees and the steps of refutation. lack of mastery of the language nationally, as a guide to engage The “Debate Skills” was held dents on the basics of debating were divided into two groups, Lutfi Baraka said, “What as its natives, as they were young people in logical dis- via Zoom online platform to and raising the level of debaters supervised by the trainers of the distinguishes the workshops making great efforts to partic- cussion on issues that are follow COVID-19 precautionary at Dar Al Huda Islamic Uni- Center Lotfi Baraka and Gaber that are offered to students in ipate and express their opinions, subject to controversy and measures. versity and its colleges in the Abu Hemid. the Arabic language as it is a and this gave the workshop a debate in order to reach an A group of 47 young people, state of Kerala, in India. The agenda of the workshop second or third language is that distinctive atmosphere. accordant vision after pre- ages 17 to 23 years old, partic- The programme takes into included a number of skills and it gives us a glimpse of the At the end of the workshop, senting convincing arguments ipated in the workshop as part account the varying levels of training activities on various importance of the Arabic the students expressed their and clear proofs. TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 HOME 03 Quarantined nursing mothers advised to continue breastfeeding

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Muna Salah Bakrawi minimising stress and anxiety to encourage citizens and resi- oranges, kiwis, strawberries, pointed out that, as that can affect the milk flow,” dents of Qatar to take own- mandarins and lemons, are also The Primary Health Care said Bakrawi. ership of their health and well- very beneficial. Centre (PHCC) has advised according to the World Mothers were encouraged being by raising awareness of a “And remember to stay nursing mothers who are under Health Organization, to contact a physician or healthy lifestyle, Bakrawi sug- hydrated with regular intake of coronavirus (COVID-19) quar- midwife by calling the 16000 gested activities such as yoga, water and healthy fluids, espe- antine to continue breast- breastfeeding helped call centre hotline set up by the slow breathing or walking, cially given that Qatar has feeding their babies, despite protect newborns Ministry of Public Health, if they when possible, for nursing entered the hot summer the stressful nature of their felt stressed or anxious for their mothers — but not at the months, as this is imperative to circumstances. against diseases that or their baby’s health. They expense of ample sleep and rest. increase the milk supply.” Speaking during World lasted throughout could also be referred, if And food choice was very Bakrawi reminded mothers Breastfeeding Week 2020, infancy and childhood. required, to mental health important. to follow the Ministry of Public Muna Salah Bakrawi (pictured), support services. Bakrawi said, “Nursing Health (MoPH) COVID-19 health Maternal and Child Health Bakrawi has emphasised mothers should maintain a bal- guidelines while nursing, Counsellor at PHCC’s Umm Slal breastfeeding helped protect against contagious diseases, as that it was also important for anced and healthy diet as it including, wearing a mask when Health Centre, said breast milk newborns against diseases that it strengthened the immune both young and nursing helps increase the milk supply. in close contact with the baby; was an ideal food for babies, lasted throughout infancy and system by supplying antibodies mothers, and pregnant women, Your diet should include leafy routine hand hygiene such as and provided all the essential childhood. directly from the mother to the to communicate with family vegetables, oats, carrots, nuts, washing with soap or using a nutrients required for healthy Amid the COVID-19 pan- baby. and friends on a daily basis to protein-rich food, and fruits and sanitiser before touching the growth. She pointed out that, demic, it was important to “Hence it is very important maintain a positive frame of vegetables that are rich in baby; and ensuring that all sur- according to the World Health remember that breast milk to continue breastfeeding mind during quarantine. Vitamin C. Fruits which boost faces were regularly cleaned Organization (WHO), could be especially effective during quarantine, whilst In line with PHCC’s mission the immune system, such as and sanitised. Hoyas for Each Other program HBKU faculty member brings staff and students elected to prestigious together to build community biology council THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA — DOHA more than the academics of university — DOHA life. Georgetown’s commitment to Despite the great hardships caused Cura Personalis, caring for the entire Hamad Bin by the ongoing global pandemic, the person, inspired a host of creative Khalifa health crisis has also brought out the ways for the campus community to University best in individuals, institutions, and stay connected and supported in the (HBKU) has communities. wake of the crisis. announced that At Georgetown University in One of these projects is the Dr. Omar Khan Qatar (GU-Q), the crisis put the uni- Hoyas for Each Other programme, (pictured), an versity’s foundational values, such where faculty and staff volunteers A screen grab from Hoyas For Each Other program webinar. assistant as Women and Men for Others, to organised workshops for GU-Q stu- professor at the the test, as students, faculty and staff dents in a variety of entertainment Dean for students at GU-Q, said, “This GU-Q students. So through both pro- College of Health found themselves physically apart, and educational topics. summer programme was created as grams, we have really come full circle and Life Sciences while needing to stay connected and Organised by staff volunteers, a way to keep students engaged this with engagement this summer.” (CHLS), has been engaged in the shared academic, the sessions were, Photography, The summer. And our students have really Student Development Coordi- elected to the Royal Society of Biology research, and service missions of the Improv Talk, German Roundtable enjoyed getting to know staff and nator Eman Thowfeek, who helps Council as a recognition for his contribu- university. Discussion, Yoga, Doha on a Budget, faculty on a different level.” support student enrichment pro- tions in the field of protein post-translational Taking the work of the university Reclaim Your Space, and Healthy This summer, there were also grammes, adds that as the pandemic modifications and their impact on health and online proved a successful transition. Lifestyle. Students had the choice to classes taught by GU-Q student vol- continues to run its course, “Our disease. Courses were taught online, public sign up for any combination of unteers, who offered a variety of community will continue to find Established in 2009, the Society acts as events gathered local and global audi- classes they prefer, to learn a new enrichment opportunities for the ways to maintain safe physical dis- a single unified voice for biology and repre- ences in online webinars, and the skill while getting the chance to chat children of faculty and staff. “The Hoy- tancing measures, while ensuring sents a diverse membership of individuals, countless communications supporting with friends and university com- acation Program involved GU-Q stu- that every member of the com- societies and other organisations. the university’s ongoing operations munity members in a casual, stress dents teaching staff and faculty’s munity is extended the support, By joining the Royal Society of Biology continued without interruption. But free setting. children and Hoyas for Other Program resources, and engagement, needed Council, Dr. Khan will act as a Trustee of the the transition online encompassed Brendan Hill, Senior Associate involved staff and faculty teaching during these challenging times.” Society. PISQ student bags 2nd rank in HSSC-II Annual Examination 2020 in Pakistan

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Said Ali, a student of Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) has made his alma mater proud by grabbing 2nd position in all Federal Board affiliated institutions in Pakistan and abroad in the commerce group of HSSC Annual Examination 2020. Besides the 2nd rank in Federal Board, PISQ once again leads all Pakistani schools in Doha with top 10 positions in FROM LEFT: Said Ali; Dania Imshad; Maheen Malik; Eiman Amir Latif and Usman Khan the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) Annual 1016/1100 marks; Hamda Hassan and Muhammad Munyb secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd posi- star of the year, Said Ali who has achieving second position in all Examination 2020 of Federal Qadeer secured 2nd position Jamal secured first, second and tions by obtaining 849, 830 and really made us prouder with his Federal Board inland and Board of Intermediate and Sec- with 1015/1100 and Ruhmaa third positions with 912, 861 and 794 marks respectively. second rank in all Federal Board abroad institutions. I am quite ondary Education (FBISE), Shahid with 1005/1100 marks 807 marks respectively in the Nargis Raza Otho, Principal institutions.” satisfied and happy to hear that Islamabad. grabbed 3rd position in the Pre-Engineering Group. of PISQ, congratulated students, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan International School The result was announced school as well as in all Doha- Usman Khan stood first with parents and teachers on the Qatar Syed Ahsan Raza Shah has produced 100 percent by Federal Board Islamabad on based Pakistani schools. 876 marks, Abdullah Javed and excellent results of HSSC Annual also congratulated the school results and majority of the stu- July 30, 2020. A total of 142 stu- In the Commerce Group, Fahad Shah shared 2nd position Examination 2020. She principal, teachers, students and dents have achieved A1 and A dents of PISQ were registered Said Ali stood first in the school with 846 marks each whereas remarked, “This year, our results their parents on the brilliant grades in the SSC and HSSC for the HSSC-II Annual Exami- and 2nd in Federal Board with Muhammad Ali secured 3rd overall have been outstanding. performance of the students in Annual Examinations 2020. I nation 2020 and all of them 983 marks; Mariya Nasser Khan position with 840 marks in the I could not be but proud of all the Federal Board wish bright future for all the were declared successful, got second position with 950 school in the Science General our students and teachers who Examinations. students and urge them equip marking 100 percent pass ratio marks while Saliha Nasser Khan Group. have worked hard even during “I extend my heartiest con- themselves with education to with 23 A1, 38 A and 43 B grades. achieved third position in the In the Humanities Group, these difficult and challenging gratulations to all the successful become civilized and respon- In the Pre-Medical Group, school with 940 marks. Dania Imshad, Alveena Imshad times. Everyone deserves to be students of PISQ in general and sible citizens of Pakistan,” the Eman Amir Latif stood first with Maheen Malik, Ahmad and Sana Atta Ur Rehman congratulated, especially our Said Ali in particular on Ambassador said. QRCS, RACA hold workshops on humanitarian risk reduction

THE PENINSULA — DOHA According to him, RACA seeks As a keynote speaker, Dr. effective communication with Hossam Elsharkawi, Regional Representatives of Qatar Red humanitarian and nonprofit Director of the International Crescent Society (QRCS) foreign organizations, to boost the Federation of the Red Cross and offices and Regulatory Authority leading position of Qatar’s Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – for Charitable Activities (RACA) humanitarian sector. MENA Region, valued the experts held workshops on Eng. Ibrahim Abdullah meeting and called for closer governance, transparency, AlMaliki, Chief Executive communication and coordi- financial procedures, and the Director of QRCS and Acting nation with components of the regulatory guides and guide- Director of Relief and Interna- Movement to control the impact lines to reduce humanitarian tional Development commended of emergencies, particularly the risks. fruitful discussions among the coronavirus pandemic. QRCS has concluded its 3rd participants. He urged the Mohammed Mukhier, IFRC annual meeting of foreign enforcement of updated regu- Deputy Regional Director – Asia offices via videoconference latory guides and formulation of Pacific, said, “QRCS is an out- QRCS and RACA officials during the virtual workshop. technology. The five-day event clear recommendations to standing National Society that was extended for extra two overcome challenges and represents the spirit of the discussions. In his remarks, he Another session was held by other quarantine facilities, days, to engage other partners improve performance. International Red Cross and Red emphasised the importance of Dr. Abdul Salam Al Qahtani, ambulance service, and in the discussions. Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Crescent Movement in human- centering humanitarian action board member and General Workers’ Health Centers. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Secretary-General of QRCS, and itarian action in Qatar and glo- around the ultimate goal of alle- Director of the Medical Affairs Al Hammadi and Eng. Al Dehaimi, General Manager of Eng. Al Maliki participated on bally, as manifested in direct viating the suffering of the vul- Division, who talked about the Maliki discussed with the par- RACA took part in coordination fifth day of the sessions, which cooperation in many nerable and serving those in best medical and relief prac- ticipating heads of foreign meetings. He praised the event discussed international rela- countries”. need. “We are entrusted with tices, reviewing the Coronavirus offices the results and recom- as an opportunity to build the tions and enhancement of Dr. Mohamed bin Ghanem the humanitarian message and response in partnership with mendations to be implemented capacity of foreign personnel mutual cooperation with com- Al Ali Al Maadheed, President action, which requires effective the Ministry of Public Health towards better work at all and develop institutional work. ponents of the Movement. of QRCS, participated in the and professional efforts”. (MoPH), such as Mekaines and levels. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 Lebanon FM quits over slow reforms; Aoun adviser takes over

REUTERS — BEIRUT In his resignation statement, Hitti cited “the absence of an effective will to achieve Lebanon named the president’s diplomatic adviser as new foreign structural, comprehensive reform”. President minister yesterday after Nassif Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Hassan Hitti quit the post, blaming a lack of political will to enact reforms Diab accepted the resignation and appointed to halt a financial meltdown Charbel Wehbe, Aoun’s diplomatic adviser which he warned could turn since 2017, as foreign minister. Lebanon into a failed state. Foreign donors have made clear there will be no aid until In his resignation statement, the support of the Iran-backed Beirut makes changes to tackle Hitti cited “the absence of an Hezbollah movement and its state waste and corruption, effective will to achieve struc- allies. which are behind the crisis that tural, comprehensive reform”. “I took part in this gov- is the biggest threat to Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun and ernment to work for one boss stability since a 1975-1990 civil Prime Minister Hassan Diab called Lebanon, then I found in Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti (right) is seen as he arrives to submit his resignation to Prime war. accepted the resignation and my country multiple bosses and Minister Hassan Diab at his office in Beirut, yesterday. “Will this cry of deep frus- appointed Charbel Wehbe, contradictory interests,” Hitti tration move Lebanon to finally Aoun’s diplomatic adviser since said. work on reforms, on measures 2017, as foreign minister. “If they do not come together being sidelined, sources close to A spokesperson for Diab’s the heavily indebted state taking care of the Lebanese, Wehbe, 67, is a former sec- in the interest of rescuing the the ministry said. Diab appeared office said the cabinet was entered in May after a sovereign sinking every day deeper into retary general of the ministry. Lebanese people, God forbid, the to criticise France’s foreign min- focused on moving ahead with default, are on hold due to a row poverty and desperation?” Hitti, a former ambassador ship will sink with everyone on ister for tying aid to reforms and a forensic audit of the central over the scale of vast financial tweeted United Nations special to the Arab League, was it.” a deal with the International bank and “a wide range of other losses between the government, coordinator for Lebanon, Jan appointed in January when Hitti also had differences Monetary Fund (IMF) when vis- reforms”. the banking sector and law- Kubis. Diab’s cabinet took office with with Diab and was frustrated at iting Beirut last month. Talks with the IMF, which makers from the main parties. Hariri murder tribunal to give verdict on August 7 Suicide attack in Mogadishu kills 2 ANATOLIA — MOGADISHU AFP — THE HAGUE an event that changed the face $600 million since it opened its pandemic, the judgment “will be of the Middle East, with Hariri’s doors in 2009 following a UN delivered from the courtroom At least two people were killed and several others wounded when A UN-backed tribunal will give assassination triggering a wave Security Council resolution. with partial virtual participation” a suicide bomber targeted a busy restaurant in Mogadishu’s Hamar its verdict on Friday on the 2005 of demonstrations that pushed But the tribunal faces doubts at 0900 GMT on Friday. Jajab neighbourhood yesterday. murder of former Lebanese Syrian forces out of Lebanon over its credibility with Hez- The four defendants went on Ismail Mukhtar Oronjo, the Somali government spokesman premier Rafic Hariri, but ques- after 30 years. bollah chief Hassan Nasrallah trial in 2014 on charges including said over the phone that a suicide bomber wearing suicide vests tions will remain over a long and “Even though Lebanon has a refusing to hand over the the “intentional homicide” of blew himself up at the gate of a busy restaurant called Lul Yamani costly trial whose suspects long history of political assassi- defendants, and the case relying Hariri and 21 others, attempted in Mogadishu, killing at least two and wounding several others. remain at large. nations, this particular assassi- almost entirely on mobile phone homicide of 226 people wounded “The attacker wanted to enter the restaurant but one of the Four alleged members of the nation was quite an earthquake records. in the bombing, and conspiracy security guards stopped him before entering. His main goal was Shiite Muslim fundamentalist in 2005,” Karim Bitar, a professor And while Hariri’s son Saad to commit a terrorist act. to kill many people during the lunch time,” Oronjo said. group Hezbollah are on trial in of international relations in Paris looked forward to a “day of truth The alleged mastermind of absentia at the court in the Neth- and Beirut said ahead of the and justice”, many Lebanese the bombing, Hezbollah com- erlands over the huge Beirut verdict. people are meanwhile more pre- mander Mustafa Badreddine, Iran warns against US move suicide bombing that killed Sunni The court is billed as the occupied with the country’s eco- was indicted by the court but is billionaire Hariri and 21 other world’s first international tri- nomic crisis, the worst since the believed to have died while people. bunal set up to probe terrorist 1975-1990 civil war. fighting with the Syrian regime seeking UN embargo extension The judgment harks back to crimes, and it has cost at least Due to the coronavirus in May 2016. ANATOLIA — TEHRAN negotiated between Iran and P5+1 countries — the US, UK, The issue of UN arms embargo France, China, Russia, and One person dying from on Iran is increasingly becoming Germany — in 2015. a new bone of contention Mahmoud Vaezi, Iranian between Tehran and Wash- president’s chief of staff, said the COVID-19 every ington, with latter vigorously attempt by US officials to seeking its extension and former “impose their will” upon the UN warning against it. Security Council members to seven minutes in Iran In recent weeks, with calls extend arms embargo on Iran growing in the US for extension violates the “most basic rules REUTERS — DUBAI Some experts have doubted the of the 13-year embargo on Iran, approved by the international accuracy of Iran’s official coro- which expires on October 18, top community” and is an “insult to One person is dying from navirus tolls. A report by the Iranian officials have warned of its independence of opinion and COVID-19 every seven minutes Iranian parliament’s research “serious consequences”. political will.” Vaezi, who is con- in Iran, state television said centre in April suggested that US Secretary of State Mike sidered the most trusted aide of yesterday, as the Health the coronavirus tolls might be Pompeo, in an interview on Hasan Rouhani, said lifting the Ministry reported 215 new almost twice as many as those Sunday, said the US government arms embargo on Iran is one of deaths from the disease and announced by the health will introduce a UN Security the main obligations of the state media warned of a lack of ministry. A man and his son wearing protective face masks as he walks in Council resolution in “next JCPOA, “without which it will not proper social distancing. The report said that Iran’s a street, in Tehran. handful of days” to prevent the continue”. Health Ministry spokesman official coronavirus figures embargo from expiring. The US had warned that if Sima Sadat Lari was quoted by were based only on the number denied the report and said there spaces has been mandatory. “It will allow the Chinese and the embargo on Iran was lifted, the state TV as saying the 215 of deaths in hospitals and those had been no cover-up. Iran’s National Coronavirus the Russians to sell weapons the US would invoke a provision deaths in the past 24 hours took who had already tested positive With COVID-19 deaths Combat Taskforce was systems to Iran and then allow of the JCPOA to reimpose all UN the combined death toll to for the coronavirus. surging since restrictions were expected to announce later yes- Iran to sell those weapons sanctions against Iran. Iran, 17,405 in Iran, and the number British broadcaster BBC eased in mid-April, Iranian terday whether nationwide uni- systems and other arms around however, maintains that the US of confirmed cases rose by reported yesterday that, based authorities have said measures versity entrance examinations, the world as well,” he warned. is “incapable” of triggering 2,598 to 312,035. on data from an anonymous to curb the spread of COVID-19 with over 1 million participants, Iranian officials say the move snapback, since it failed to meet State television showed source, the number of deaths will be reimposed if health reg- will take place in August. Many will be in violation of the provi- the obligations under the UN several Iranians in a busy in Iran might be three times ulations are not observed. Since Iranians have called on social sions of the joint comprehensive Security Council Resolution 2231 Tehran street without wearing higher than officially reported. last month, wearing face masks media for the examinations to plan of action (JCPOA), also withdrawing from the JCPOA in face masks or social distancing. Iranian health authorities in public places and covered be postponed. known as Iran nuclear deal, May 2018. Yemen Houthi rebels claim fighters Ethiopians celebrate progress in building dam on Nile River shot down US-made drone AP — ADDIS ABABA scores of people who gathered AP — CAIRO at a hall in the capital. “We Ethiopians are celebrating want the construction to com- Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim they shot down a US-made drone over progress in the construction of plete soon and began solving the country’s northern border with Saudi Arabia. Brig Gen Yehia the country’s dam on the Nile our problems once and for all.” Sarie, a Houthi military spokesman, said in a statement their air River, which has caused Hashtags like #ItsMyDam, defences downed an AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma drone on Sunday regional controversy over its #EthiopiaNileRights and over the district of Harad in Yemen’s northern Hajjah province. filling. #GERD are also trending Footage later aired by the Houthi’s Al-Masirah satellite channel In joyful demonstrations among Ethiopian social media showed fighters gathered around the hand-launched drone, which urged by posts on social media users. Ethiopians around the appeared to have bullet holes in it. The battery-powered drone had and apparently endorsed by world contributed to the fes- a camera, also apparently struck by a bullet. the government, tens of thou- tivities on social media. The Saudi military, which has been fighting the Houthis since sands of residents flooded the Sunday’s celebration, 2015, is not known to operate this drone. A Saudi military spokesman streets of the capital Addis called “One voice for our dam,” did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ababa on Sunday afternoon, came after Ethiopian officials waving Ethiopia’s flag and announced on July 22 that the holding up posters. People in first stage of filling the Grand Israeli army says killed four cars honked their horns, others Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s Ethiopian citizens celebrate the successful filling of the Grand whistled, played loud music, reservoir was achieved due to Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as the dam’s first two turbines’ planting bombs at Syria border and danced in public spaces to heavy rains. Officials in the electricity production was tested, in Addis Ababa, on Sunday. mark the occasion. Similar East African nation say they AFP — JERUSALEM events were held in other cities hope the $4.6 billion dam, fully and help them out of poverty. its access to the Nile waters. in Ethiopia. financed by Ethiopia itself, will The dam should also make Negotiators have said key The Israeli army said yesterday it had killed four men laying explo- Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime reach full power generating Ethiopia a major power questions remain about how sives at a security fence along the Israeli-occupied sector of the Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, capacity in 2023. exporter. Downstream Egypt, much water Ethiopia will Golan Heights, adjacent to Syrian-controlled territory. called on the public to rally With 74 percent of the con- which depends on the Nile release downstream if a mul- “They were inside Israeli territory but beyond the fence,” mil- behind the dam and support struction completed, the dam River to supply its farmers and tiyear drought occurs and how itary spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus told jour- the completion of its has been contentious for years booming population of 100 the countries will resolve any nalists in a telephone briefing. construction. and raised tensions with neigh- million people with fresh future disputes. Negotiations He said an Israeli commando unit lying in wait attacked the “Today is a date in which boring countries. water, asserts that the dam to resolve the differences have intruders shortly after 11pm on Sunday (2000 GMT) with assault we celebrate the beginning of Ethiopia says the dam will poses an existential threat. broken down several times, but rifles and sniper fire backed by air strikes. the final chapter in our dam’s provide electricity to millions Sudan, between the two coun- now appear to be making “Our estimate is that all four were killed,” Conricus said in construction,” Demeke told of its nearly 110 million citizens tries, is also concerned about progress. English, adding that there were no Israeli casualties. TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 05 Melbourne clamps down in frantic race to curb virus

REUTERS — MELBOURNE From tomorrow which makes up a quarter of the night, Melbourne, national economy, has scup- Australia’s second-biggest city, pered hopes for a quick rebound Melbourne, already under night the capital of from Australia’s first recession curfew, announced fresh Victoria state, will in nearly three decades. restrictions on industries Andrews announced including retail and close retail, some A$5,000 payments for affected construction yesterday in a bid manufacturing businesses and flagged more to contain a resurgence of the and administrative announcements about pen- coronavirus. alties, enforcement and edu- From tomorrow night, Mel- businesses as cation today. bourne, the capital of Victoria part of a six-week The national government state, will close retail, some also announced pandemic leave manufacturing and adminis- lockdown. disaster payments for people trative businesses as part of a who have run out of sick leave six-week lockdown. and have to self-isolate for 14 The new measures are close down places of days, paying A$1,500 to ensure expected to double the number employment... that is what we those with COVID-19 symptoms of jobs affected by coronavirus have to do in order to stop the stop going to work. restrictions to around 500,000 spread of this wildly infectious “What we’re dealing with and along with those working virus,” Andrews told a news here is a disaster,” Prime Min- from home will keep 1 million conference. ister Scott Morrison said at a people from moving around for “Otherwise, we are not in media conference. work, Victoria state premier for six weeks of restrictions - Restrictions announced on Daniel Andrews said. we’ll be in for a six-month Sunday included a curfew from Pedestrians wearing face masks are seen outside Flinders Street Station, in Melbourne, Australia, Having already imposed the stint.” The latest moves in Vic- 8pm to 5am for six weeks, yesterday, as the city operates under lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus. strictest restrictions on toria meant production at meat- barring the city’s nearly five movement, Victoria declared a works would be cut by one- million people from leaving “state of disaster” on Sunday. third, construction activities and their homes except for work or new infections on Sunday, but cases, reduced home gatherings travel was no community trans- Australia has fared better staffing at distribution centres to receive or give care. 13 more deaths was the second to a maximum of 10 people mission for 28 days. than many countries, with 18,361 would also be scaled back and “The idea that, in this highest daily death toll. from 50 previously. “That is going to take a long coronavirus cases and 221 all schools would return to country, we’d be living at a time States bordering Victoria The surge in new cases time for Australia... so that will deaths from a population of 25 remote learning. where there would be a night also took precautionary steps. means an Australia-New be on the backburner for some million, but the surge in com- Supermarkets will remain curfew on an entire city of the New South Wales, which Zealand travel bubble will be time,” she told New Zealand’s munity transmissions in Victoria open along with restaurant size of Melbourne was had 13 new infections, strongly indefinitely delayed, New network Three. raised fears that the infection takeaway and delivery, but unthinkable,” Morrison said. recommended the use of masks Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Both countries had hoped rate could blow out of control. many other retail outlets will Victoria reported 429 new in all indoor venues, while Arden said, as the criteria for travel between the two could “As heartbreaking as it is to shut. The outbreak in Victoria, cases yesterday, down from 671 South Australia, with two fresh places with quarantine-free restart as soon as September. India issues guidelines for reopening of gyms from tomorrow Thai minister

IANS — NEW DELHI advised not to use gyms in avoid spitting and use Aarogya range of 24-30 degree Celsius, are tailored to include only threatens closed spaces. Setu application. and relative humidity at 40-70 exercises that do not require From maintaining a distance of “Spas, Sauna, Steam Bath The government also listed per cent, and ensuring adequate physical contact between the Facebook with six feet, using visor rather than and Swimming Pool shall out specific measures for people cross ventilation. trainer and the clients including mask, following respiratory remain closed,” the guidelines to follow in a bid to reduce the The government asked the setup and use of equipment. legal action etiquette, the Ministry of Health stated. Those visiting Yoga insti- risk of spread of coronavirus. gym and yoga institute owners Limit the number of clients per and Family Welfare yesterday tutes and gymnasiums are Before opening the yoga to limit the number of staff and session and ensure adequate REUTERS — BANGKOK issued guidelines for re-opening advised to use face covers or institute and gymnasium, the members within the general spacing amongst all clients,” the of gyms and yoga centres as a masks at all times within the owners have been directed to gymnasium floor, specific guidelines added. Thailand’s digital minister has part of the third phase of easing premises. redesign the premises including workout areas and change The gym and yoga institute threatened legal action against of lockdown. “However, during yoga proper placement of equipment. rooms and cover dustbins and has been directed to provide Facebook and accused the Yoga institutes and gymna- exercise or exercising in gym- “Plan yoga, gymnasiums trash cans. The ministry added, personal protection gears like social media giant of not siums are slated to open from nasiums, as far as possible only floor area based on four metre “The practice of Yogic Kriya(s) face covers, masks, visors, hand complying with government August 5. The guidelines aim to a visor may be used. Use of square per person, place may be avoided for the time sanitisers to the members, vis- requests to restrict content minimise possible physical con- masks [in particular N-95 equipment six feet apart, utilize being. Even if it is to be prac- itors and staff. “Ensure availa- deemed illegal, including tacts between staff, members masks] during exercise may outdoor space by relocating ticed essentially, it may be done bility of pulse oximeters to perceived insults to the coun- and visitors and maintain social cause difficulty in breathing,” equipment, create specific in open spaces.” record oxygen saturation of try’s monarchy. distancing, other preventive and the Health Ministry said in the pathways for entering and Besides this, owners have members prior to the exercise.” The latest threat came safety measures in context of statement. exiting exercise areas using been asked to keep staggering As per the rules, common after Facebook’s auto-trans- COVID-19. People have also been asked floor or wall markings,” the class session times and allow a exercise mats should be avoided lation tool mistranslated a According to the guidelines, to maintain a minimum dis- ministry directed. minimum of 15-30 minutes and members should preferably message in a Thai broad- those above 65 years of age, tance of six feet as far as fea- It also includes ensuring between classes to avoid bring their own exercise mats, caster’s post live-streaming persons with co-morbidities, sible, practice hand washing queue management, promoting overlap between members shouting and laughter yoga King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s pregnant women and children with soap, use hand sanitisers, contactless payment, setting the arriving and leaving. exercise should not be allowed birthday ceremony last week. below the age of ten years are follow respiratory etiquettes, air-conditioning devices in the “Ensure sessions by the institutes. Facebook has apologised and temporarily disabled English-to-Thai auto-trans- lation. The incident sparked a Vietnam says early flurry of complaints by Puttipong Punnakanta, Thai- land’s Minister of Digital August ‘decisive’ in Economy and Society, that Facebook was not responding fast enough to the Thai gov- containing coronavirus ernment’s requests to restrict content. He also vowed REUTERS — HANOI Authorities yesterday stronger action against the reported 22 new cases linked to company. He did not Vietnam is in the midst of a Danang, in central Vietnam and elaborate. “decisive” fight against the novel a tourism hot spot where the coronavirus, its premier said country’s first domestically trans- yesterday, focusing on the city of mitted case in 100 days was Rains trigger Danang where infections have detected on July 25. appeared in four factories with a The source of the new out- landslides in combined workforce of 3,700. break is unclear but it has spread Vietnam, widely praised for to at least 10 places, including the Nepal, 10 dead its mitigation efforts since the capital Hanoi in the north and the coronavirus appeared in late business hub of Ho Chi Minh City REUTERS — KATHMANDU January, is battling several new in the south, infecting almost 200 clusters of infection linked to people and killing six. Heavy rain in Nepal triggered Danang after going more than Four cases were found at fac- landslides yesterday that killed three months without detecting tories in different industrial parks eight labourers at a construction any domestic transmission. in Danang that collectively site and two members of a Medical specialists take testing samples from local residents in a residential area amid the spread “We have to deploy full force employ 77,000 people, the Lao family, taking the toll in floods of the coronavirus disease in Danang, Vietnam, yesterday. to curb all known epicentres, Dong newspaper said. and landslides to 177 since late especially those in Danang,” Vietnam does not plan to May. official broadcaster Vietnam Tel- introduce a widespread The government said on Vietnam’s coffee-growing Phuc said the new outbreak Elsewhere in South Asia, the evision quoted Prime Minister lockdown beyond areas con- Saturday it planned to test Dan- Central Highlands region, was could have a more critical annual rainy season brought Nguyen Xuan Phuc telling gov- sidered to be epicentres of the ang’s entire population of 1.1 also placed under lockdown on impact than previous waves of more misery with at least 135 ernment officials. current outbreak, a government million people, part of “unprec- Monday, state media reported. infection. people killed in Bangladesh “Early August will be the spokesman said yesterday, “If edented measures” to fight the Twenty-three percent of the Authorities said on Sunday since late June in the longest- decisive time within which to there’s an infection in a hamlet, outbreak. Danang imposed a latest infections are asympto- the strain of virus detected in running floods there in more stop the virus from spreading on we will lock down that hamlet lockdown last week, banning matic, the government said, Danang was a more contagious than two decades, while floods a large scale.” The Southeast only, not the whole district or the movement in and out of the meaning people infected with one, and that each infected have killed nearly 120 people Asian country of 96 million has whole province,” government coastal city and closing enter- the virus do not show symptoms person could infect 5-6 people, and displaced millions in the confirmed at least 642 infections, spokesman Mai Tien Dung told tainment venues. of the COVID-19 respiratory compared with 1.8-2.2 for infec- Indian states of Assam and Bihar with six deaths. a monthly news conference. Buon Ma Thuot, a city in sickness it causes. tions earlier in the year. .Nepali government official Murari Wasti said that the labourers were sleeping in a tin- roofed shelter near the capital, Cambodia activists urge release of unionist British woman jailed for Kathmandu, when the landslide hit. “Rescuers dug through the REUTERS — PHNOM PENH commit a felony or cause social trouble, according to his lawyer. husband’s death in Malaysia mud and took out all eight unrest, which could see him It was his third arrest, the first AP — ALOR SETAR after the defence appealed to the bodies,” Wasti said. One injured Scores of activist groups in jailed for two years if time in 2005 over a border issue attorney-general’s office. labourer had been taken to Cambodia urged the convicted. and again in 2014 after a protest. A British woman accused of “I was scared, and he was so hospital. government yesterday to release The government’s border “After more than a decade stabbing her husband to death angry,” Kaur quoted Jones as A second landslide nearby and drop charges against a affair committee said Rong of harassment by authorities, at their Malaysian resort home telling the court as she sought a killed a woman and her prominent union leader, who Chhun had made a false July 20 this latest arrest of a respected avoided the gallows and was lighter penalty before sentencing. husband. Wasti said 57 people was arrested last week and statement that Cambodian union leader is a direct threat to sentenced to 42 months in jail “I miss him terribly. What I did were missing and 111 injured in accused of falsely claiming that farmers had lost land to Vietnam every Cambodian who exercises yesterday after she pleaded that night was unintended. I tried floods or landslides caused by land had been ceded to neigh- in a recent border post demar- their constitutional right to guilty to a lesser charge. to stop him, I did not know it the May-September monsoon bouring Vietnam. cation, and that Vietnamese freely express their beliefs Lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo would happen like this.” In rains. The Himalayan kingdom Rong Chhun, a border authorities had evicted Cam- without having to fear a mid- said prosecutors reduced the addition to the 42-month jail of Bhutan has also been hit with activist and top trade union bodian villagers. night visit by police and years murder charge against Samantha sentence, Kaur said Jones was four soldiers killed there last leader, was arrested on Friday Rong Chhun denied making lost in prison,” said a statement Jones, 51, to culpable homicide, also fined 10,000 ringgit month while rescuing villagers and charged with incitement to the remarks or stirring up by 141 civil society groups. which is murder without intent, ($2,368). trapped in floods, officials said. 06 ASIA TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 Afghan troops retake prison attacked by IS group; 29 killed AP — JALALABAD The 29 dead included laden with explosives up to the prison’s main gate, detonating Afghan forces said they retook civilians, prisoners, the bomb. Islamic State mili- a prison in the country’s east guards and Afghan tants opened fire on the prison’s yesterday afternoon, following security forces, guards and poured in through an hours-long battle a day after the breach. the facility was targeted by the said Attaullah The IS affiliate in Afghan- Islamic State group in an attack Khogyani, the istan, known as IS in Khorasan that killed 29 people. The prison province and headquartered in is believed to be holding provincial governor’s Nangarhar province, later hundreds of IS members. spokesman. The claimed responsibility for the The attack highlighted the attack. challenges ahead for Afghan- fighting also left at Some of the 1,500 prisoners istan, even as US and Nato least 50 wounded. held at the prison in Jalalabad forces begin to withdraw fol- escaped during the fighting. lowing America striking a peace Khyogyani said about 1,000 Afghan security forces keep watch near the site of an attack on a jail compound in Jalalabad, deal with the Taliban. provincial governor’s office. prisoners who earlier escaped Afghanistan, yesterday. Defence Ministry As security forces swept had been found by security spokesman Fawad Aman said through the prison, they found forces across the city. It wasn’t has continued fighting in between the Taliban and the deal with the Taliban. the prison was taken back in the the bodies of two Taliban pris- immediately clear if any pris- Afghanistan. The extremists also political leadership in Kabul has “We have a cease-fire and afternoon. The fighting also left oners apparently killed by the oners were still at large. have battled the Taliban in the yet to start. are not involved in any of these at least 50 wounded. Islamic State group, showing the The attack came a day after country, whom the US over- The Taliban had declared a attacks anywhere in the Even as Afghan troops seized tensions between the two mil- authorities said Afghan special threw following the 2001 Amer- three-day cease-fire starting country,” Shaheen said. the prison in Jalalabad, the itant factions battling each other forces killed a senior Islamic ican-led invasion after the Sep- last Friday for the major Muslim The Taliban also had denied capital of Nangarhar province, in eastern Afghanistan. State commander near Jala- tember 11 attacks. holiday of Eid Al Adha. The being involved in a suicide some 115km east of Kabul, IS The 29 dead included labad. Several hundred pris- The Taliban’s political cease-fire expired at 12am yes- bombing in eastern Logar militants continued to fire on civilians, prisoners, guards and oners in Jalalabad are believed spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, terday, though it wasn’t imme- province late on Thursday that Afghan security forces from a Afghan security forces, said to be Islamic State members. told The Associated Press that diately clear if it would be killed at least nine people and nearby neighbourhood. Attaullah Khogyani, the pro- While the Islamic State his group was not involved in extended as the US pushes for wounded 40. Sporadic gunfire rang out vincial governor’s spokesman. group has seen its so-called the Jalalabad attack. The US an early start to intra-Afghan Afghanistan has seen a from nearby residential The attack began on caliphate stretching across Iraq struck a peace deal with the negotiations that have recent spike in violence, with buildings in central Jalalabad, Sunday, when an Islamic State and Syria eliminated after a Taliban in February. A second, repeatedly been delayed since most attacks claimed by the an area of high security near the suicide bomber drove a car years-long campaign, the group crucial round of negotiations Washington signed the peace local IS affiliate. HK govt’s decision to delay election ‘may be unlawful’ Manila and five other

REUTERS — HONG KONG terrorism and collusion with pro-democracy candidates “to override the relevant pro- foreign forces, with punishment were disqualified from running visions” of its mini-constitution provinces in lockdown The Hong Kong government’s of up to life in prison. for perceived subversive inten- and local laws “to circumvent decision to postpone an election Electoral rules in Hong tions and opposition to the possible legal challenges,” the for the city’s legislature by a Kong only allow votes to be security law, prompting ques- Bar Association said. as virus cases surge year, by invoking emergency postponed for 14 days, but tions among many about “This is contrary to the prin- legislation after a spike in coro- colonial-era laws give the gov- whether the pandemic was the ciples of legality and legal cer- AP — MANILA between home and work. navirus cases, may be unlawful, ernment broad powers in case real reason for the delay. tainty and degrades the rule of Workers can travel by bike, the city’s bar association said. of threats to public safety. The pro-democracy oppo- law in Hong Kong.” Washington The Philippine president has motorcycle and private car, but Hong Kong’s leader Carrie In a statement on Sunday, sition was hoping to win a his- has also condemned the post- agreed to place the capital and mass transit will be closed. Lam on Friday postponed the the Hong Kong Bar Association toric majority in the legislature ponement, with Secretary of outlying provinces back under Many expressed support for election for the Legislative said the electoral law was more after an overwhelming win in State Mike Pompeo saying it a lockdown after medical the medical workers but reac- Council, or Legco, citing public recent and more specific when lower level district council polls was likely that “Hong Kong will groups warned that the country tions were mixed on the lock- health dangers in the Chinese- it comes to public health last year. never again be able to vote - for was waging “a losing battle” down’s return. Allan Espanola, ruled city, but said there were hazards at election time and Lam said the local gov- anything or anyone.” against the coronavirus amid a 33-year-old jobless man, said political considerations. “generally” should take prece- ernment was seeking help from President Donald Trump on an alarming surge in infections. it will bring more burdens to The poll would have been dence over older legislation. the Chinese parliament’s top Thursday raised the possibility Presidential spokesman the people. “We’ll suffer more. the former British colony’s first Invoking emergency legis- decision making body to resolve of delaying the November 3 US Harry Roque said yesterday It’s like we’re going to square official vote since Beijing lation to delay the scheduled the legislative vacuum created by presidential election, but the that metropolitan Manila, the one again,” he said. imposed a sweeping security vote “may turn out to be the expiring mandate of the Legco. Constitution bestows that capital region of more than 12 “Any lockdown is not law to tackle what China broadly unlawful,” it said. The Hong Kong government power on Congress, not the million people, and five densely effective on its own. It should defines as secession, subversion, The delay came after 12 “is effectively inviting” Beijing president. populated provinces will revert be accompanied by a strong to stricter quarantine restric- health response,” opposition tions for two weeks starting Senator Risa Hontiveros said. Court told NAB today. Businesses in the capital The move, which economic and outlying regions comprise arrested Sharif officials oppose, will again pro- about 67 percent of the national hibit non-essential travel economy and the Duterte Group’s CFO on outside of homes. administration has walked a President Rodrigo Duterte tightrope between public health ‘solid evidence’ relaxed the country’s lockdown and economic revival. on June 1 in an effort to restart The economy contracted INTERNEWS — LAHORE the stalled economy. slightly in the first quarter but Under the new restrictions, is likely facing a deep recession The National Accountability police checkpoints will return from the massive business clo- Bureau (NAB) of Pakistan has to ensure only authorized sures that started when Duterte said it arrested Mohammad people, including medical per- declared a strict lockdown in Usman, the Chief Financial sonnel and workers in vital mid-March. Officer of the Sharif Group of companies, venture out of their Leaders of nearly 100 Companies, over alleged homes, Interior Secretary medical organizations held a evidence and in light of Eduardo Ano said. rare online news conference witnesses’ statements relating Other businesses previously Saturday and warned that the to money laundering activities. allowed to partly reopen, health system has been over- The remarks were made including barbershops, Internet whelmed by infection spikes by NAB Prosecutor Waris Ali cafes, gyms, dine-in restau- and may collapse as health Janjua during the hearing of a rants, massage and tattoo workers fall ill or resign from plea yesterday filed by Usman. shops, drive-in cinemas and exhaustion and fear. The NAB prosecutor told tourist destinations, will again They asked Duterte to the court that the CFO had be closed. reimpose a tight lockdown in been arrested based on state- Authorised companies the capital to allow the gov- ments of suspects who were Heavy rain hits South Korea's central regions including banks, health and ernment to give health workers arrested previously on money food processing firms can “a time out” and allow the gov- laundering charges. A general view of the flooding over a submerged park beside the Han river in Seoul, yesterday. Heavy operate partly but need to ernment to recalibrate its “Mohammad Usman used rain hit South Korea’s central regions causing flooded houses and roads. shuttle their employees response to the pandemic. to launder money for the Sharif family,” the prosecutor told the court. To this, the court asked Flooding threatens Karachi China accuses US of harassing Janjua if the suspect had been told on what grounds he had as more rains forecast been arrested. To this, the NAB Chinese students, researchers prosecutor said that the reasons INTERNEWS — KARACHI managing and dealing with the were properly conveyed. urban flooding crisis in Karachi. When the court asked The Met Office (Meteorological According to the Inter- AP — BEIJING region and on two officials for making presumptions of guilt Usman regarding his arrest, the Department) has issued a Services Public Relations alleged human rights abuses against Chinese researchers,” suspect said that he was trav- warning that Karachi and lower (ISPR), the “Army [was] called China yesterday accused the against ethnic and religious Wang said. elling on Multan Road two days Sindh can suffer from urban to assist civil administration for United States of “monitoring, minorities. “The US actions have seri- ago, when his arrest was made. flooding in the days to come, managing the urban flooding harassing and willfully Wang said China had no ously violated the legitimate “The NAB officials told me as the fourth looming monsoon situation in Karachi”. detaining” Chinese students and intention of helping Juan Tang rights and interests of Chinese the reasons behind [my] arrest spell may wreak more havoc National Disaster Man- researchers in the US. escape from the United States, citizens and severely disrupted last night,” he told the court. in the province than the earlier agement Authority (NDMA) Foreign ministry spokes- but did not otherwise comment the normal cultural and per- He further appealed to the three spells. Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad person Wang Wenbin’s com- directly on the accusations sonnel exchanges between court that he is a patient of high The institution predicted Afzal, while addressing a press ments follow the denial of a bail against her. China and the US, which blood pressure and should be that the fourth spell of monsoon conference, had said that Kara- request in California for a uni- However, he said China amounts to outright political allowed home-cooked meals. rain in Karachi, which is chi’s stormwater drains have versity researcher accused of urges the US to “handle the case persecution,” he said. Usman’s lawyer, however, forecast from August 7-8, can “too many encroachments” on lying about her ties to China’s fairly in accordance with the In denying bail, US Magis- told the court that his client result in more rain than the them. military and governing Com- law and ensure the safety and trate Judge Deborah Barnes said was arrested on a “political previous three spells. A low He said that daily, as much munist Party to gain access to legitimate rights and interests” Tang, 37, would have reason to basis”. “Mohammad Usman is lying pressure system, formed as 20,000 tonnes of solid waste the United States. due to Tang. leave the country if released. a chartered accountant and a in the Bay of Bengal, is expected is generated in Karachi. “The Wang also criticized the “For some time, the US, Tang has been held without bail very qualified individual,” the to enter Sindh on August 6. widths of most of the nullahs Trump administration for with ideological prejudice, since July 23 when she was lawyer told the court, stressing Last week, the Pakistan have been narrowed from 400 imposing sanctions on a major keeps monitoring, harassing arrested after she left the Chinese that the arrest was not Army was called in to help the metres to three to four metres,” paramilitary organization in the and willfully detaining Chinese Consulate in San Francisco to justified. local administration in the NDMA chairman had said. country’s western Xinjiang students and researchers, and seek medical care for her asthma. TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE 07 France urged ‘not to let down guard’ in fight against virus

AFP — LILLE, FRANCE “I call on every French person to Prime Minister Jean Castex (pictured) yesterday urged remain very vigilant. France “not to let down its The fight against guard” in the fight against the the virus depends of coronavirus in order to prevent a new national course on the state, lockdown, as concern grows local communities, over a surge in cases. institutions, but also A view of the new San Giorgio bridge on the inauguration day in Genoa yesterday. The new high-tech “The virus has not gone on structure will have four maintenance robots running along its length to spot weathering or erosion, holiday and neither have we,” on each of us,” Prime as well as a special dehumidification system to limit corrosion. the Premier said on a visit to Minister Jean Castex the northeastern city of Lille. “We need to protect ourselves minister last month in a cabinet said. against this virus, without reshuffle by President Genoa has new bridge 2 years putting a stop to our economic Emmanuel Macron. Before his and social life, in other words appointment, Castex master- announced yesterday that masks avoiding the risk of a new gen- minded the plan that took would be obligatory on some eralised lockdown.” France out of lockdown. streets, including the busiest ones after span’s deadly collapse The country has emerged He faces a delicate August by the Mediterranean Sea. relatively swiftly from a two- in the frontline of the health Asked how long the AP — GENOA, ITALY national anthem and a reci- Prosecutors are probing month lockdown imposed to crisis, with Macron decamped measure would remain in force, tation of the names of the dead. what caused Morandi Bridge to combat the virus, but this has for his annual holiday at the he replied: “Until someone tells Italy’s President and other dig- The families of the dead collapse on Aug. 14, 2018, on the come with the risk of an Fort de Bregancon presidential me that the virus is not circu- nitaries inaugurated a agreed to meet with President eve of Italy’s biggest summer increase in cases. retreat in the south of France. lating.” Police were already out replacement bridge yesterday Sergio Mattarella privately holiday. Riccardo Morandi, the France, which has regis- The city of Lille, a bustling on the streets of Nice to enforce in Genoa, but the families of before the event but announced engineer who designed the tered over 30,000 deaths from hub close to the Belgian border, the new rule, but fines for not those killed when the Morandi they were skipping the cer- bridge that was built in the the COVID-19 epidemic, has been the subject of par- wearing masks — which can go Bridge collapsed boycotted the emony. They’re angry not with 1960s, had recommended con- recorded thousands of new ticular concern with the prev- as high as €135 ($158) — will event along with the firefighters him but upset that the company tinual maintenance to remove confirmed infections last week, alence of the virus doubling to only be imposed from who pulled many of the 43 dead which maintained Morandi rust. Prosecutors have said they prompting some regions to 38 people per 100,000 in just tomorrow. The French gov- from smashed cars and trucks. Bridge will still run the new are investigating to see if proper reimpose local restrictions. two weeks. ernment has encouraged cit- Two years ago this month, bridge for a while more, since maintenance was consistently “We are seeing an increase In parts of the city it is now izens to go on holiday this year, a stretch of the Morandi Bridge poor maintenance is being carried out over the years on in the figures for the epidemic obligatory to wear masks outside especially within the country, suddenly gave way in a violent investigated as a possible cause the heavily used span. which should make us more to limit contagion, a move that in the hope of giving some help rainstorm, sending vehicles of the collapse. Designing the new span was attentive than ever,” Castex local authorities in France can to an economy that contracted plunging to the dry riverbed “No one can give us back our Genoa native, Renzo Piano, a said. “I call on every French decide themselves. Outdoor by a whopping 13.8 percent in below. The new bridge — a key dead,’’ Egle Possetti, who leads renowned architect. The design person to remain very vigilant. mask-wearing has also been the second quarter. artery for the northwestern an association of the bridge aims to evoke a ship’s bow to The fight against the virus made mandatory in parts of the But officials are keenly Italian port city — was erected victims’ families, told Sky TG24. honor the city’s proud sea- depends of course on the state, northern region of Mayenne, as aware that opening up brings thanks to round-the-clock con- Possetti, who lost a sister and faring history and has 43 lamps local communities, institutions, well as the popular coastal risks, and the government has struction, even during the other family members in the col- in memory of the dead. but also on each of us,” he holiday destinations of Biarritz, been troubled by scenes espe- COVID-19 pandemic. lapse, said she hoped attention Traffic will start crossing added. Saint-Malo and Le Touquet. cially of young people partying Rain drenched the new would stay focused on the the new San Giorgio Bridge, Castex, a right-wing tech- The mayor of the southern at close quarters outdoors in bridge just before the cer- ongoing criminal investigation named after St. George, nocrat, was named prime city of Nice, Christian Estrosi, holiday spots. emony, which started with into the collapse. tomorrow. Irish Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume dies aged 83 UK to roll out millions of rapid AFP — LONDON decades of strife in Northern process that culminated in the John Hume’s life”. “He was one Ireland between the largely landmark 1998 deal reached by of the towering figures of Irish COVID-19 tests John Hume (pictured), the Catholic nationalist community Belfast, Dublin and London. public life of the last century. Northern Irish politician who who want to reunify with Ireland Tributes poured in for Hume His vision and tenacity saved after criticism won the Nobel Peace Prize in and Protestant unionists who from across the political this country,” he said. 1998 for his pivotal role in want to remain part of Britain. spectrum. “John Hume was a Northern Ireland’s First REUTERS — LONDON ending decades of violence in “We are deeply saddened to political titan; a visionary who Minister Arlene Foster, leader the British province, has died announce that John passed refused to believe the future had of the pro-British Democratic Millions of COVID-19 tests able aged 83, his family announced away peacefully in the early to be the same as the past,” said Unionist Party, called Hume “a to detect the virus within 90 yesterday. hours of the morning after a former British prime minister giant in Irish nationalism”. minutes will be rolled out in Hume, the former leader of short illness,” Hume’s family Tony Blair, who helped craft the “In our darkest days he rec- Britain, the country’s health the mainly Catholic Social Dem- said in a statement. Good Friday Agreement. ognised that violence was the minister said yesterday, after ocratic and Labour Party “John was a husband, a and had been in the care of a “His contribution to peace wrong path (and) worked stead- criticism there has not been (SDLP), shared the Nobel with father, a grandfather, a great- nursing home in Londonderry, in Northern Ireland was epic fastly to promote democratic enough testing especially in David Trimble of the Ulster grandfather and a brother. He where he was born. and he will rightly be remem- politics,” she added. Hume’s nursing homes. Unionist Party after the pair was very much loved, and his A consistently moderate bered for it.” Irish Prime Min- own party, the SDLP, said: “We Last week, one of Britain’s helped forge the 1998 Good loss will be deeply felt by all his voice during a conflict that killed ister Micheal Martin said it was all live in the Ireland he largest care home providers Friday peace agreement. extended family.” Hume had almost 3,600 people, he helped “impossible to properly express imagined — at peace and free CareUK said the government It helped to end three been suffering from dementia lead the cross-community peace the scale and significance of to decide our own destiny.” is unable to meet its promise to regularly test staff and res- idents in care homes after problems were discovered German children start with the kits currently being used. Capacity will be boosted at new school year hospitals, care homes and lab- oratories starting from next AFP — ROSTOCK, GERMANY age groups are being taught week, the government said on separately, so that if a pupil Monday, comprising 5.8 Lunchbox, books, pencil case — tests positive, only one class million tests using DNA and masks? Thousands of children will have to go into quarantine 450,000 swab tests. Neither in northern Germany became and the rest of the school can will need to be administered the first in Europe to begin a new remain open. by a health professional. school year yesterday after Masks must be worn in the “The fact these tests can months of curtailed hours over corridors, classrooms regularly detect flu as well as COVID-19 the coronavirus pandemic. ventilated and pupils are urged will be hugely beneficial as we The rest of the country was to wash their hands regularly head into winter, so patients watching anxiously as 150,000 and respect social distancing. can follow the right advice to children returned to school in Not all went entirely to plan protect themselves and Mecklenburg-Western on Monday morning, however, others,” said Health Minister Pomerania, Germany’s first as students excited to see their Matt Hancock. state to restart full-time classes friends again after so long “We are on track to deliver after the summer holidays, with couldn’t resist a few hugs in the half a million tests a day by the infection numbers on the rise playground. “We hope every- end of October,” he said. again. thing will go well. We just don’t Separately, the National Education ministers of Ger- know where they’ve been on Health Service said it would many’s 16 states had agreed for holiday,” Kaestner confessed. Ocean Shield naval exercise be offering “COVID-friendly” schools to reopen full-time CJD has 1,350 students aged treatments to cancer patients, Russian marines disembark from a Kamov Ka-27PS military helicopter during the Ocean Shield after the summer break, after 9-18. Only two are missing, a including drugs that do not 2020 naval exercise at the Khmelevka firing ground on the Baltic Sea coast in Kaliningrad Region, offering only partial hours in decision by their parents, “who have a big impact on the the weeks when the lockdown belong to a risk group,” said the Russia, yesterday. immune system. was eased. headteacher, but all the With children in Hamburg teachers are present. to also return to school later Mecklenburg-Western this week and Berlin to follow Pomerania has so far been rel- Public anger over graft hits support for Bulgarian govt next week, a debate is now atively unaffected by the coro- growing over whether full-time navirus, with only 20 deaths REUTERS — SOFIA down from 21.7% in December, European Union’s poorest say they support the anti-graft school is realistic as infection out of a total 9,200 in Germany while nearly 46% of Bulgarians country cannot afford political protests but remain divided on numbers rise above 500 per since the beginning of the crisis. Weeks of anti-government pro- said they were undecided or “chaos” ahead of a looming whether the government should day again. But officials warn Authorities have therefore tests in Bulgaria have eroded would not vote, up from 27.3% coronavirus economic crisis. resign. Some 40% say they want that children cannot afford to decided to stick to basic public support for the centre- seven months earlier. Despite the protests, GERB snap polls, while about 37% think miss more school. “The hygiene measures agreed in right GERB government of Prime Thousands of Bulgarians has held to its fragile top Borissov’s government should children need to be present in mid-July by Germany’s 16 Minister Boyko Borissov, with have been rallying since early position among political carry out its full four-year term. school because we have to states. These include main- opinion polls showing deepening July, demanding the resignation groupings in Bulgaria, followed Over a decade after joining prevent more lost time,” Steffen taining a minimum distance of political fragmentation amid of three-time premier Borissov by opposition Socialists, who the EU, Bulgaria ranks as its most Kaestner, headteacher of the 1.5 metres between pupils concerns over corruption. over his failure to combat also had their support plunge corrupt member, according to CJD Jugenddorf-Christophorus outside classrooms, excluding A new poll by Alpha endemic graft. He has refused to 10.4% from 18.2% last Transparency International. It school in Rostock, said. pupils with symptoms and free Research yesterday showed to step down until regular elec- December, the poll showed. has yet to jail a senior gov- At the CJD school, different testing for teachers. GERB’s public support at 14.5%, tions next March, saying the About 60% of the Bulgarians ernment official for graft. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL Laura Gross looks out from her balcony in Fort Lee, New Jersey, US, yesterday.

Strengthening tourism industry COVID-19 long-term toll signals QATAR is embarking on tourism drive once again. Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has launched a vibrant billions in healthcare costs ahead array of offers and activities for residents to enjoy during the summer holidays. Through fruitful collaboration with its stakeholders, CAROLINE HUMER, NICK BROWN ature,” she said. COVID-19’s long-term Dr. Marco Rizzi in QNTC is developing attractive promotions and activa- AND EMILIO PARODI — REUTERS Studies of COVID-19 impacts. An international Bergamo, Italy, an early epi- tions to strengthen the tourism industry and ancillary patients keep uncovering new panel of doctors will suggest center of the pandemic, said sectors such as retail, culture and hospitality, working complications associated with standards for mid- and long- the Giovanni XXIII Hospital to deliver a vibrant calendar of events throughout the Late in March, Laura Gross, the disease. term care of recovered has seen close to 600 year that reinforce Qatar’s position as a preferred tourist 72, was recovering from gall With mounting evidence patients to the World Health COVID-19 patients for follow- destination for families. The Qatar Summer Programme bladder surgery in her Fort that some COVID-19 sur- Organization (WHO) in up. About 30% have lung will be offered in collaboration with QNTC’s partners Lee, New Jersey, home when vivors face months, or pos- August. issues, 10% have neurological from across the public and private sectors, including she became sick again. sibly years, of debilitating More than 17 million problems, 10% have heart hospitality, Qatar Museums and United Development Her throat, head and eyes complications, healthcare people have been infected by issues and about 9% have lin- Company (UDC), among others. A host of exciting hos- hurt, her muscles and joints experts are beginning to study the new coronavirus gering motor skill problems. pitality deals, outdoor experiences and activities centred ached and she felt like she possible long-term costs. worldwide, about a quarter of He co-chairs the WHO panel around fashion, arts and culture are in store for people was in a fog. Her diagnosis Bruce Lee of the City Uni- them in the United States. that will recommend long- of all ages and interests. was COVID-19. Four months versity of New York (CUNY) Healthcare experts say it term follow-up for patients. To celebrate summer, QNTC has partnered with hotels later, these symptoms remain. Public School of Health esti- will be years before the costs “On a global level, nobody to bring residents a wide range of staycation packages Gross sees a primary care mated that if 20% of the US for those who have knows how many will still and other hospitality deals at more than 40 establishments doctor and specialists population contracts the recovered can be fully calcu- need checks and treatment in across the country. Late last month, Qatar National Tourism including a cardiologist, pul- virus, the one-year post-hos- lated, not unlike the slow three months, six months, a Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, monologist, endocrinologist, pitalization costs would be at recognition of HIV, or the year,” Rizzi said, adding that launched the first phase of the “Qatar Clean” program in neurologist, and least $50 billion, before fac- health impacts to first even those with mild all hotels across the country. The first stage focuses on gastroenterologist. toring in longer-term care for responders of the Sept. 11, COVID-19 “may have conse- protecting the safety of hospitality workers and guests by “I’ve had a headache since lingering health problems. 2001 attacks on the World quences in the future.” Milan’s setting standards for sterilization and disinfection that all April. I’ve never stopped Without a vaccine, if 80% of Trade Center in New York. San Raffaele Hospital has hotel establishments must adhere to. running a low-grade temper- the population became They stem from COV- seen more than 1,000 It complies with MoPH guidelines on reducing the infected, that cost would ID-19’s toll on multiple COVID-19 patients for follow- spread of COVID-19 and further complements inde- Some countries balloon to $204 billion. organs, including heart, lung up. While major cardiology pendent measures already being undertaken by hotels. Some countries hit hard by and kidney damage that will problems there were few, Hotels meeting the requirements will be certified “Qatar hit hard by the the new coronavirus - likely require costly care, such about 30% to 40% of patients Clean”, assuring the public that they are able to provide new coronavirus including the United States, as regular scans and ultra- have neurological problems a safe experience for guests. — including the Britain and Italy - are consid- sounds, as well as neuro- and at least half suffer from QNTC Secretary-General and Group Chief Exec- ering whether these long-term logical deficits that are not yet respiratory conditions, utive of Qatar Airways, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “We United States, effects can be considered a fully understood. according to Dr. Moreno are pleased to launch the Qatar Clean program and Britain and Italy “post-COVID syndrome,” A JAMA Cardiology study Tresoldi. delighted by the support we have received from the according to Reuters inter- found that in one group of Some of these long-term Ministry of Public Health. We are confident that this will — are considering views with about a dozen COVID-19 patients in effects have only recently engender trust in safe tourism in Qatar. The Qatar Clean whether these long- doctors and health economists. Germany aged 45 to 53, more emerged, too soon for health program is one of many initiatives by QNTC, in collab- Some US and Italian hos- than 75% suffered from heart economists to study medical oration with our partners, to help the sector welcome term effects can be pitals have created centers inflammation, raising the pos- claims and make accurate back visitors; first from Qatar, and when conditions considered a post- devoted to the care of these sibility of future heart failure. estimates of costs. allow, from the rest of the world.” patients and are standard- A Kidney International In Britain and Italy, those During the Doha Forum Plenary session in December COVID syndrome. izing follow-up measures. study found that over a third costs would be borne by their last year, H E Al Baker had stated: “Tourism is an important Britain’s Department of of COVID-19 patients in a respective governments, sector not only in terms of tangible economic impact, but Health and the US Centers for New York medical system which have committed to also for building bridges of understanding between peoples Disease Control and Pre- developed acute kidney funding COVID-19 treatments and changing deeply-rooted misperceptions. We are proud vention are each leading injury, and nearly 15% but have offered few details of the role tourism and aviation has played in creating national studies of required dialysis. on how much may be needed. more awareness and understanding of our country, and of the policy of openness which has made us the most welcoming country in the Middle East.” Hire laid-off oil and gas workers to fight climate change

MICHAEL R BLOOMBERG The bankruptcies have also idea that appeals to environ- enough to appeal to Repub- BLOOMBERG left scars on the environment, mental groups, fossil fuel licans, many of whom rep- in the form of abandoned oil dependent states, and even resent states such as Texas D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR As Congress debates how to and gas wells. Some 3 million some fossil-fuel industry and Oklahoma that would see EMAIL: [email protected] address the economic such sites are scattered across leaders. immediate job benefits. calamity we are facing, we the country, according to the Former Vice President Joe The bill would also make a have an unprecedented Environmental Protection Biden has included the idea as start on mending the broken EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 opportunity to put people to Agency, and most are leaking part of his green energy cam- system for funding well FAX: +974 4455 7758 work addressing the climate copious amounts of methane, paign platform. I’ve spoken cleanups. Polluters should be crisis - and we should start by a powerful greenhouse gas. with him about it, and I know held accountable for cleaning MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 hiring laid-off oil and gas But the US could meet how strongly he supports it. up their own messes. They’re workers to help lead the way. both challenges in one stroke It’s a perfect example of how legally required to, and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 The fact is, the US oil and - by paying laid-off energy growing the economy and besides, that’s what corporate gas sector was in trouble even workers to clean up aban- fighting climate change go responsibility is all about. But LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 before the pandemic struck. doned wells. hand in hand. Joe gets it, and many try to use bankruptcy to Last year more than three Plugging a single aban- this is the kind of practical escape their obligations to BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 dozen producers declared doned well can cut its policy - that helps hard-hit workers and shift their bankruptcy, hobbled by methane emissions by 99%, communities while also pro- cleanup responsibilities to SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 declining energy prices and according to the EPA, and the tecting the environment - that taxpayers. The bill that rising debt. The pace of filings work requires skills that oil he would lead as president. Speaker Nancy Pelosi shep- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 has quickened with the and gas workers already However, we need these herded through the House email: [email protected] spread of the coronavirus, possess. Yet despite the best jobs right now, and the infra- would address this, by and even after the virus threat efforts of state regulators, structure stimulus bill passed requiring firms to set aside PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 subsides - which is unlikely to most abandoned wells - more by the House would create a enough money to retire wells email: [email protected] be anytime soon - cheap than 2 million - remain federal well-plugging before they drill them. At the renewables will drive more unplugged. A federal program program. While it could stand moment, states can try to ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 firms under. to plug so-called orphan wells to be more ambitious - it attract business by mini- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] This turmoil has hurt oil could create as many as would plug about 60,000 mizing that financial and gas workers - some 120,000 well-paying jobs, wells, far less than the requirement, which is how CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 100,000 have been laid off while preventing hundreds of 500,000 that experts have we’ve ended up in this mess. email: [email protected] this year alone - and commu- thousands of tons of green- proposed - it’s a step in the We need a national standard nities that depend on fossil house gases from escaping right direction. Its $2 billion to prevent it from happening SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 fuel extraction are suffering. into the atmosphere. It’s an price tag should be modest again. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar We all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from /Peninsula_Qatar infection. However, there’s no silver bullet at the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper moment -- and there might never be. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General +974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 09 Anxious WHO implores world to ‘do it all’ in long war on COVID-19

REUTERS — GENEVA WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO emergencies head Mike The World Health Organisation warned yesterday that there Ryan exhorted nations to rigorously enforce might never be a “silver bullet” health measures such as mask-wearing, social for COVID-19 in the form of a perfect vaccine and that the distancing, hand-washing and testing. “The road to normality would be message to people and governments is clear: long, with some countries requiring a reset of strategy. ‘Do it all’,” Tedros told a virtual news briefing More than 18.14 million from the UN body’s headquarters in Geneva. people around the world are reported to have been infected with the disease and 688,080 briefing from the UN body’s since the early 20th century, the A file photo of Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have died, according to a tally, headquarters in Geneva. He international scramble for a speaking during a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland. with some nations that thought said face masks should become vaccine was also they were over the worst expe- a symbol of solidarity round the “unprecedented”. “The way out is long and coronavirus experts say is the United States which plans riencing a resurgence. world. But he underscored uncer- requires a sustained com- entering a “new phase”, he said to leave the body next year, WHO Director-General “A number of vaccines are tainties. “There are concerns mitment,” he said, calling for a officials seemed to have set out accusing it of being too acqui- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus now in phase three clinical trials that we may not have a vaccine “reset” of approach in some the “right path” and it was not escent to C hina. and WHO emergencies head and we all hope to have a that may work, or its protection places. the WHO’s job to do so. A larger, WHO-led team of Mike Ryan exhorted nations to number of effective vaccines could be for just a few months, “Some countries are really The WHO officials said an Chinese and international rigorously enforce health that can help prevent people not more. But until we finish the going to have to take a step back advance investigation team had experts is planned next, measures such as mask- from infection. However, clinical trials, we will not now and really take a look at concluded its China mission and including in the city of Wuhan, wearing, social distancing, there’s no silver bullet at the know.” how they are addressing the laid out the groundwork for although the timing and com- hand-washing and testing. moment — and there might Ryan said countries with pandemic within their national further efforts to identify the position of that was unclear. “The message to people and never be.” The WHO head said high transmission rates, borders,” he added. origins of the virus. Ryan said China had already governments is clear: ‘Do it all’,” that, while the coronavirus was including Brazil and India, Asked about the US out- The study is one of the given some information but Tedros told a virtual news the biggest health emergency needed to brace for a big battle: break, which White House demands made by top donor knowledge gaps remained. Poland’s top court rules election result valid Russia aims to AFP — WARSAW “The Supreme Court con- It upheld only 93 of the Observers from the OSCE’s firms the validity of the election complaints, but said this was Office for Democratic Institu- Poland’s Supreme Court of Andrzej Sebastian Duda to not sufficient to affect the final tions and Human Rights earlier produce ‘millions’ yesterday approved the result the Polish presidency,” judge result of the vote. said the vote was “tarnished” of last month’s hotly contested Ewa Stefanska said in her ruling Duda is due to be formally by biased coverage on public presidential election but said yesterday. sworn in today. television. of vaccine doses there had been dozens of irreg- The opposition had asked The election was originally “The incumbent’s campaign ularities. for the result to be declared scheduled for May at a time and coverage by the public President Andrzej Duda, invalid, complaining in par- when Duda was riding high in broadcaster were marked by who is backed by the ruling ticular that the state television the opinion polls, but it had to homophobic, xenophobic and by next year populist right-wing Law and network TVP had favoured the be delayed because of the coro- anti-Semitic rhetoric,” they also Justice (PiS) party, narrowly incumbent. navirus pandemic. said in a statement. AFP — MOSCOW the needed immune response won re-election on July 12 with The Supreme Court Duda’s support fell consid- During the campaign, Duda into cells. 51 percent. received more than 5,800 com- erably — also because of the accused his rival of failing to Russia said yesterday it aims to Gamaleya’s vaccine is based His rival, Warsaw mayor plaints, mainly related to voter fallout from the virus which is rule out Jewish wartime com- launch mass production of a on the adenovirus, a similar Rafal Trzaskowski from the registration, failure to receive pushing Poland into its first pensation claims which the coronavirus vaccine next month technology to the coronavirus Civic Platform party, came a ballots in time and problems recession since the end of com- government says should be and turn out “several million” vaccine prototype developed by close second with 49 percent. with voting abroad. munism in 1989. addressed to Germany. doses per month by next year. China’s CanSino, currently in the The country is pushing advanced stage of clinical trials. ahead with several vaccine pro- The state-run Gamaleya totypes and one trialled by the institute came under fire after Virus cases in Belgium's Gamaleya institute in Moscow researchers and its director has reached advanced stages of injected themselves with the development and is about to prototype several months ago, intensive care units pass state registration, officials with specialists criticising the said. move as an unorthodox and double in a month “We are very much counting rushed way of starting human on starting mass production in trials. September,” Industry Minister Vitaly Zverev, laboratory AFP — BRUSSELS rise,” federal virus taskforce Denis Manturov said in an chief at the Mechnikov Research spokeswoman Frederique Jacobs interview published by state Institute of Vaccines and Sera, The number of coronavirus said. news agency TASS. said it was too early to register patients admitted to Belgium’s “There are no less than 13 “We will be able to ensure a vaccine. intensive care units has doubled municipalities in which more production volumes of several “I believe a vaccine that is in a month and the epidemic is than 100 people per 100,000 hundred thousand a month, not properly checked must not spreading “intensively”, health inhabitants have tested positive, with an eventual increase to be registered, no matter in what officials warned yesterday. that’s one person in 1,000 Citizens wear medical masks to protect themselves from the novel several million by the start of country,” he said. Belgium suffered one of the infected as of last week.” On coronavirus pandemic at a street in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. next year,” he said, adding that “It is impossible to ensure the highest per capita rates of average 2.7 people died of one developer is preparing pro- vaccine’s safety in the time that infection at the height of COV- COVID-19 every day in Belgium of infections are among young The theatre has not hosted a live duction technology at three has passed since the beginning ID-19’s progress through Europe in the last week of July, up by adults, but nevertheless, Jacobs concert since March and under locations in central Russia. of this pandemic,” he said. but began easing lockdown about a third from two in the pre- said, “The number of people current anti-virus rules when it The head of the Russian “You can make anything, measures in May after the disease vious seven days. At least 9,845 admitted to intensive care has reopens in September its 1,000- Direct Investment Fund, which but who is going to buy it?” peaked. have died since the epidemic doubled since the beginning of seater hall will be limited to 100 finances the trials, said he Zverev added that the three Now, cases are climbing once arrived. July.” suitably distanced expects official registration of firms named as future pro- again and the country of 11 The rate of daily new cases Separately, the economic ticket-holders. the vaccine to be complete ducers of Russia’s vaccines are million has postponed plans to climbed 68 percent between the damage caused by the epidemic “That’s not workable for us,” “within ten days.” well-known pharmaceutical further ease anti-virus measures, two weeks, and the daily continued to cut a swathe interim director Marc Vrebos “If this happens in the next firms that do not normally make while imposing tougher controls number of hospitalisations by through Belgium’s cultural said, explaining the hall had ten days, we will be ahead not vaccines, let alone high-tech in the port city of Antwerp. more than a third. In total sector, with the historic written to security, cleaning, just of the United States but ones using DNA technology. “We can see that the virus is 69,849 cases have been detected Ancienne Belgique music hall technical and hospitality workers other countries too, it will be the “No adenovirus-based circulating intensively in our ter- in the country, although most letting go 200 “external to warn them not to count on first registered coronavirus vaccine has been proven ritory. The numbers continue to recover. Most of the new wave workers”, freelance contractors. getting new shifts. vaccine,” RDIF chief Kirill effective before,” he said. “How Dmitriev said in televised are they going to grow it? remarks. Nobody explains this.” Moscow Another vaccine, developed has dismissed allegations from Opposition candidate Ali sworn in as Guyana’s President by Siberia-based Vektor lab, is the UK, the United States and currently undergoing clinical Canada that a hacking group trials and two more will begin linked to Russian intelligence AFP — GEORGETOWN Irfaan Ali, 40, of the People’s Progressive Party Guyana’s most densely popu- human testing within the next services tried to steal infor- was named the top vote-getter by Guyana lated electoral district had been two months, Health Minister mation about a coronavirus Guyana’s opposition candidate Elections Commission chief Claudette Singh inflated in favour of the Mikhail Murashko said on vaccine from labs in the West. was sworn in as President on incumbent. International Saturday. At more than 850,000 Sunday, hours after being 154 days after the poll, following a recount, parties including the Organi- Gamaleya’s vaccine is a so- infections, Russia’s coronavirus declared winner of the disputed court battles and allegations of fraud. zation of American States (OAS), called viral vector vaccine, caseload is currently fourth in March 2 general election in the Caribbean Community meaning it employs another the world after the United oil-rich, cash-poor South (CARICOM), European Union, virus to carry the DNA encoding States, Brazil and India. American nation. Ali called for national unity winner will be in control of a US, Britain and Canada had Irfaan Ali, 40, of the Peo- in this former British colony coming oil boom. called for recount figures to be ple’s Progressive Party (PPP) whose population is almost Last December, ExxonMobil used to declare the winner. was named the top vote-getter evenly split among ethnic lines, began commercial exploitation On July 1, US Secretary of by Guyana Elections Com- with descendants of Indian of a huge 2016 oil discovery off State Mike Pompeo had said mission chief Claudette Singh indentured labourers supporting the coast, and production is Guyana needed to “get on with” 154 days after the poll, following the PPP and descendants of expected to grow from 52,000 a transition of power, and two a recount, court battles and African slaves backing Granger’s barrels per day to 750,000 from weeks later imposed visa sanc- allegations of fraud. coalition. 2025. tions on members of Granger’s Outgoing leader David “There is only one future and The declaration of Ali, a administration “responsible for, Granger, 74, said his coalition that future requires a united former housing minister, as or complicit in, undermining “respects the lawful conse- Guyana, that future requires a winner brings to an end five democracy in Guyana.” Under quences of the ‘declaration’” by strong Guyana,” Ali said. months of court cases by Guyana’s proportional repre- the elections commission, but The election in Guyana, a Granger’s Partnership for sentation electoral system, the also said claims of electoral country of 750,000 bordered National Unity and Alliance for PPP won 33 of the 65 seats in fraud and other irregularities by Brazil, Venezuela and Change (ANPU-AFC) over the National Assembly with would be taken to the High Suriname, was being watched results from a national vote 233,336 votes. The APNU-AFC Court. Granger appealed to his more closely than might ordi- recount, after international earned 31 seats with 217,920 People wearing protective face masks inside a Moscow subway supporters to be peaceful. narily be the case because the observers said initial results in votes. train, yesterday. 10 AMERICAS TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 Nevada lawmakers okay mailing voters ballots, Trump slams move

AP – CARSON CITY The bill now heads to Governor Steve Sisolak, a Democrat. If he signs it as expected, Nevada state lawmakers passed a bill on Sunday that would add Nevada will join seven states that plan on the state to a growing list of US automatically sending voters mail ballots, states that will mail active including California and Vermont, which voters ballots ahead of the November election amid the moved earlier this summer to adopt automatic coronavirus pandemic. mail ballot policies. The bill now heads to Gov- ernor Steve Sisolak, a Dem- ocrat. If he signs it as expected, The US Center for Disease to accommodate a greater Nevada will join seven states Control has issued election number of absentee ballots. that plan on automatically guidance to provide a wide Cegavske, the state’s top sending voters mail ballots, variety of voting options and election official and only including California and limit crowds at polling places. Republican to hold statewide 'Hiring American' event Vermont, which moved earlier In the June primary, all office, opposed the revised pro- US President Donald Trump laughs as he speaks during an executive order signing event with Vice- this summer to adopt automatic Nevada counties had one polling cedures. She blasted the Dem- President Mike Pence and others on “hiring American” in a darkened Cabinet Room of the White mail ballot policies. place except for Clark County, ocratic-controlled Legislature President Donald Trump which had three in the Las Vegas for excluding her from discus- House, with curtains drawn and the lights low, in Washington, DC, yesterday. called the bill’s passage “an area. The bill requires at least 140 sions and said she saw a draft illegal late night coup” in a polling places throughout the of the bill only a day before the tweet yesterday morning. He state in November, including 100 vote in the state Assembly. accused Sisolak of exploiting in Clark County, which had 179 “We were not involved in White House, Congress face tough COVID-19 to ensure votes in in the November 2018 election. this bill’s writing at all... I wish Nevada would favor Democrats. Christine Saunders of the somebody would have asked “Nevada’s clubhouse Governor Progressive Leadership Alliance us about because we could have week of coronavirus aid talks made it impossible for Repub- of Nevada said the long waits told you what we had planned,” licans to win the state. Post Office in the June primary demon- she said on Friday. REUTERS — WASHINGTON unemployment benefits has included in legislation passed could never handle the Traffic of strated why Nevada needs both To bypass Cegavske and proved to be a major stumbling by the Democratic-led House Mail-In Votes without prepa- mail and in-person voting enact the changes, the bill gives Congressional Democrats and block in the talks, and a top of Representatives in May. ration... See you in court!” opportunities. the governor the power to Trump administration officials Federal Reserve official warned Republicans favouring a Trump has claimed the mail In states such as Colorado command the Secretary of State faced increasing pressure to that failure to secure some form reduction in the unemployment ballots would lead to fraud and and Oregon, which have mailed to adjust election procedures come up an agreement on coro- of extension would result in a aid have said it is a disincentive compromise the integrity of the all voters ballots for years, the during a declared state of emer- navirus aid legislation yes- weaker economy. for people to work. election. The consensus among procedure is cheaper than gency. It passed on a party-line terday, after missing a vital Democrats are holding fast However, Dallas Federal experts is that all forms of voter holding an in-person election. vote through both the state deadline to extend relief ben- to their demand that Congress Reserve Bank President Robert fraud are rare. But Cegavske said the Senate and Assembly, with efits to tens of millions of renew those benefits that Kaplan said yesterday that eco- Nevada Secretary of State equipment, education, printing Democrats in favor and Repub- jobless Americans. expired on Friday — a lifeline nomic data does not show the Barbara Cegavske told law- and postage would cost the licans opposed. Republicans Top Democrats in Congress for the millions of Americans $600-a-week benefit hurts the makers on Friday that she Nevada Secretary of State’s were particularly distressed and top representatives of Pres- who have lost work during the overall job market. wasn’t aware of any fraud in the office an additional $3m, not with provisions of the bill that ident Donald Trump met in the pandemic — and are continuing House Speaker Nancy June primary, when Nevada including costs to counties, expand who is allowed collect US Capitol for talks aimed at to press for about $1 trillion in Pelosi, the nation’s top elected mailed all active voters which distribute and tabulate and hand in ballots. breaking the deadlock, after aid to state and local Democrat, on Sunday accused absentee ballots and only ballots. In the June 2020 election, reporting progress over the governments. the White House and Trump’s opened a limited number of Nevada spent more than all voters were mailed ballots weekend. But the two sides The White House and fellow Republicans on Capitol polling places to prevent the $4m in federal relief dollars in and 1.6% voted in-person on remained far apart, with top Republicans on Capitol Hill Hill of thinking too small to spread of coronavirus. the June primary, most of it fun- Election Day, a tiny share com- Republican lawmakers on the want to trim the weekly jobless confront a health crisis that has Limited polling places in neled to counties. More than pared to the 34.2% in the state sidelines of the negotiations. aid, and have rejected as too killed more than 150,000 Reno and Las Vegas resulted in $1m went toward leasing who voted in-person in the The extension of enhanced costly the state and local people in the country and left lines of up to eight hours. counting and sorting machines November 2018 election. $600 per week federal assistance package that was tens of millions out of work.

As federal troops withdraw, Portland US East Coast braces protesters dig in for threatening storm AFP — PORTLAND

Amid the partial withdrawal after Florida escapes of controversial federal troops from Portland, protesters in AFP — MIAMI dangerous conditions,” the the Oregon city said over the National Hurricane Center said. weekend they were digging in Tropical Storm Isaias was set In the hurricane warning for a much longer fight. to regain hurricane strength zone, “preparations to protect Sierra Boyne, a 19-year- before slamming into the US life and property should be old African American first-aid eastern seaboard, bringing life- rushed to completion,” it added. provider wearing a vest with threatening storm surges to The Carolinas have seen a a red cross, said protests were North and South Carolina. recent surge in coronavirus not about to wane. The storm, currently 145km cases as the US struggles to “Seeing the energy,” she off the coast of Georgia, was curb the spread of the poten- said, looking around at a packing sustained winds of 70 tially fatal illness. “We in North crowd of hundreds, “the miles per hour, with wind Carolina mostly know what to Inmate firefighters arrive at the scene of the Water fire, a new start about 20 miles from the Apple movement will not stop until speeds predicted to increase do,” the state’s governor, Roy fire in Whitewater, California. More than 1,300 firefighters were battling a blaze that was burning out there is a definitive change.” during the day. Cooper, said on Sunday. The scene outside the recently of control in southern California, threatening thousands of people and homes east of Los Angeles. Isaias is forecast to “make “You pack your emergency embattled federal courthouse landfall tonight as a hurricane... kit, follow local evacuation was mostly peaceful Saturday expected to bring strong winds orders, stay in a safe place and and early Sunday, though Southern California wildfire rages and heavy rainfall,” the never drive through flooded police elsewhere in the Oregon National Hurricane Center said, roadways. “But this time, pack city clashed with a crowd AP — BANNING precautions made for added people from coming together adding the storm would likely your masks and hand sanitizers hurling bottles. stress at an evacuation center, to assist each other. “Everyone hit close to the border between in your kit and remember to After days of fury A huge wildfire in mountains said John Medina an American seemed to be wearing masks North and South Carolina. social distance.” prompted in part by the east of Los Angeles that is Red Cross spokesman. and such, so that type of pre- Storm surges could gen- Up to 150 National Guard presence of the federal troops Southern California’s biggest Volunteers used to “close caution was still going on,” erate water three to five feet soldiers have been activated to deployed by President Donald blaze so far this year was still contact” with evacuees have Boehm told the news station. above ground level. The storm help prepare for the storm and Trump, the scent of tear gas raging yesterday, with thou- had to adjust their approach Investigators are trying to will then track up the East assist in the aftermath if nec- lingered in some areas. sands of people forced to during a time of social dis- determine the cause of the Coast, with heavy rainfall essary, Cooper said. Much of the tension earlier evacuate their homes. tancing, Medina said. blaze that began as two expected to cause flash flooding Isaias was earlier down- filling the air was gone, but The blaze in Riverside “I mean, that’s part of the adjacent fires in Cherry Valley, through the mid-Atlantic states graded from a Category 1 hur- several protesters, echoing County, among several wildfires recovery of a disaster, is that a rural area near the city of and bringing storm-force winds ricane after brushing past Boyne, said they were not across California, had consumed you have to show warmth and Beaumont, about 137km east of to Washington, Philadelphia Florida, leaving it relatively about to stand down. more than 41 square miles of dry love and caring. And that’s hard downtown Los Angeles. and New York today. unscathed. Some coronavirus Several demonstrators brush and timber since it broke when you’re standing six feet Flames raced along brushy Residents in flood-prone testing centers — many housed in insisted that the gradual out on Friday, according to the away. So that’s the biggest chal- ridge tops and came close to areas “should take all necessary tents — were closed last week in departure of the camouflage- California Department of For- lenge,” Medina told KESQ-TV. houses while firefighters actions to protect life and the Sunshine State as the storm wearing federal troops, some- estry and Fire Protection. Bill Boehm helped his attacked from the ground and property from rising water and approached. They have now times operating out of unmarked As of yesterday morning, it mother evacuate her home with air. One home and two out- the potential for other begun to reopen gradually. vans, would not end protests was just 5% contained and the her three horses and said the buildings were destroyed, Cal- against systemic racism. fire along with coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped ifornia fire officials said. Teachers protest over re-opening schools in pandemic

REUTERS — CHICAGO of counselors and nurses, torium on evictions and fore- new phase of the outbreak with according to a website set up closures and cash assistance. infections in rural areas as well Teachers and support staff at for the demonstrations. President Donald Trump has as cities, Deborah Birx, the more than 35 school districts On Twitter, the Milwaukee made school re-openings for coordinator of Trump’s coro- across the United States yes- Teachers’ Education Associ- classroom instruction, as they navirus task force, said on terday were protesting the re- ation showed protesters making normally would in August and Sunday. “What we are seeing opening of schools while fake gravestones that said September, part of his re-election today is different from March COVID-19 is surging in many “Here lies a third grade student campaign. The Republican pres- and April. It is extraordinarily parts of the country. from Green Bay who caught ident is trailing in opinion polls widespread,” Birx said on CNN’s They were demanding in- COVID at school” and “RIP against Democratic candidate Joe “State of the Union” program. person classes not be held until Grandma caught COVID helping Biden ahead of the November 3 Trump lashed out at Birx for scientific data supports it, safety grand kids with homework.” election. “Cases up because of BIG her comments. Trump accused protocols such as lower class Teachers are also demanding Testing! Much of our Country is Birx of capitulating to criticism A worker helps prepare a hydro-dam to prevent storm surge from sizes and virus testing are financial help for parents in doing very well. Open the Schools!” from Democrats that the federal Tropical Storm Isaias in the lower Manhattan area of New York established, and schools are need, including rent and Trump tweeted yesterday. government’s response to the staffed with adequate numbers mortgage assistance, a mora- The United States is in a pandemic has been ineffective. City, yesterday.