1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

Minister Al Kaabi Tsitsipas discusses energy, makes 4th climate change round in the with COP26 absence of President Big 3

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MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 16 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8576 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

22% of population given PM attends Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar at least one vaccine dose

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health 145,309 (MoPH) in its weekly update of Doses have been administered COVID-19 Vaccination in the last seven days Programme has said that one in five adults in the country has 740,309 received at least one dose of the Total doses have been vaccine. administered since the start The Ministry on its Twitter 50+ of the programme. account said that 21.9 percent The present priority of total population (16 years and group for vaccination above) has received at least one dose of the vaccine. 71.6% include people aged 50 According to the report, People over 60 years of age years and above 145,309 doses have been have received at least one regardless of their administered in the last seven dose of the vaccine. health conditions days and a total of 740,309 doses administered since the start of the programme. years of age, 72 percent have people aged 50 years of age and According to last week’s received at least one dose while above regardless of their health update issued on March 21, one 71.6 percent of people above the conditions, people with mod- in six adults in the country had age of 80 years have received erate chronic medical conditions received at least one dose of the at least one dose of the vaccine. at any age, additional healthcare COVID-19 vaccine. Also the COVID-19 Vaccination Pro- professionals and other key percentage of total population gramme was launched in Qatar workers in different ministries (16 years and above) having on December 23, 2020. Cur- and government institutions, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani attended the received at least one dose of the rently Pfizer and BioNTech, and including teachers and admin- closing of the Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar, the first round of the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship, vaccine has increased by 3.7 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines istration staff in education held at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. H E the Prime Minister and Interior Minister also percent from 18.2 percent last have been approved for emer- sector. paid a visit to Qatar Motorsports Academy where he was briefed about the various programmes of week to 21.9 percent now. gency use by the Department People who are eligible for the Academy and the simulators equipped with the latest technology to host digital motor sports. At present, 71.6 percent of of Pharmacy and Pharmaceu- the vaccine at this stage will be The event was attended by Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, President of people over 60 years of age have tical Control in the MoPH. contacted directly by Primary the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) H E Jorge Viegas and other officials, amid COVID-19 received at least one dose of the At present the priority groups Health Care Corporation precautionary measures. vaccine. Among those over 70 for COVID-19 vaccinations are, (PHCC). `P2 Over 1,800 COVID-19 Qatar's dugong population patients treated with reaches highest convalescent plasma in 30 years SIDI MOHAMED THE PENINSULA FAZEENA SALEEM virus infection to help others THE PENINSULA recover. Qatar’s dugongs have reached “Blood donated by people about 840 animals, said to be Hamad Medical Corporation who have recovered from the largest gathering of these (HMC) has treated 1,883 COVID-19 has antibodies to the animals in Qatari waters in 30 COVID-19 patients with conva- virus that causes it. The donated years. This success was due to lescent plasma in Qatar, said blood is processed to remove a partnership between author- Medical Director of Communi- blood cells, leaving behind ities concerned in the Ministry cable Disease Center, Dr. Muna liquid (plasma) and antibodies. of Municipality and Envi- Al Maslamani adding that the These can be given to people ronment (MME), Qatar therapy may help people with COVID-19 to boost their University (QU), and Exxon- recover from COVID-19. ability to fight the virus,” said Dr. Mobil Research Qatar (EMRQ). “It may lessen the severity Al Maslamani. The Ministry, represented or shorten length of the disease,” According to Dr. Al by the natural reserves she told The Peninsula. Dr. Al Maslamani, evidence from department, is committed to Maslamani also indicated that clinical trials supports the protecting dugongs, frequently FM, COP26 President discuss environment issues administrating convalescent practice of administering con- visit areas where dugongs plasma early in the course of valescent plasma early in the gather, and conduct research Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al disease has shown improved disease course and using plasma related to them. Thani met yesterday with President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) survival and that the success with higher levels of SARS-CoV- Qatar’s dugongs (commonly H E Alok Sharma, during his current visit to the country. They reviewed cooperation relations between level of convalescent plasma 2-specific antibodies. known as “sea cows”) are part the State of Qatar and the United Nations, as well as climate matters. H E the Deputy Prime Minister therapy for COVID-19 patients “Early administration, good of a larger group found in the and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s gratitude to the United Nations for is varied from one patient to titer – randomised trials using Arabian Gulf – which is around hosting the 26th conference for the parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate another. convalescent plasma early in 6,000 to 7,000 – and the second Change (UNFCCC), and for its long-term efforts to confront climate change. He affirmed that the UN’s Convalescent plasma the course of disease have largest group in the world, Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030 represent the basic foundation of therapy uses blood from people shown improved survival,” said second only to Australia. Qatar’s Sustainability Strategy. who have recovered from the Dr. Al Maslamani. `P2 “The largest group of dugongs recorded was of the Qatari dugong – about 840 animals were found in the sam- QA Holidays offers quarantine-free holiday to Athens and Mykonos pling that we took in 2020 with Qatar University (QU) and Exx- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Attica peninsula, or visit Mykonos, capital will enjoy their stay at onMobil Research Qatar the island synonymous with fun 5-star NJV Athens Plaza. Trav- Qatar Airways Holidays offers three-night (EMRQ). The first gathering in Qatar Airways Holidays, the and entertainment and indulge in ellers can benefit from the packages with the option to extend and include Qatari waters was observed 30 leisure division of Qatar beautiful pristine beaches and pic- custom-designed packages, years ago by a research group Airways Group, announced the turesque views. saving up to 40 per cent off the daily breakfast, transfers and local assistance — consisting of more than 670 launch of quarantine-free Qatar Airways Holidays normal price at the two popular for sightseeing and excursions. individuals,” Saleh Hassan Al holiday packages to Athens and offers three-night packages with destinations. Kuwari, Director of Natural Mykonos. the option to extend and include Qatar Airways Group Chief Quarantine-free holiday packages start at Reserves at the MME told The Qatari citizens and residents daily breakfast, transfers and Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, QR4,372 per person and available from travel Peninsula. who have completed the local assistance for sightseeing said: “I am hugely excited to between May 14 to September 30. He also said that Qatar’s COVID-19 vaccination will have and excursions. Guests visiting announce the launch of the first dugong population is believed an opportunity to travel safely Mykonos can select their chosen quarantine-free holiday to have made its first and experience Greece’s accommodation from one of packages for citizens and resi- appearance in the Arabian Gulf splendid summer. four hotels: three high-end, dents who completed their around 7,500 years ago. Still, the Travellers can choose to 5-star properties - Myconian COVID-19 vaccination. Last history of the species it belongs spend summer holidays in Athens, Ambassador, Myconian Kyma summer, due to the current to, the Sirenia family (Latin for exploring unique archaeological and Myconian Villas Collection; global pandemic, international lifting of restrictions, Qatar packages for a much-awaited ‘bride of the sea’), dates back areas, scenic neighbourhoods and and the 4-star Petasos Beach. travel was limited, and many Airways Holidays provide our summer vacation in two popular nearly 60 million years, first beautiful beaches around the Those holidaying in Greece’s stayed home. With the gradual customers with fantastic Greek destinations.” `P3 appearing in Africa. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021

Deputy PM attends conclusion of Al Adheed exercise OFFICIAL NEWS THE PENINSULA — DOHA Prime Minister The Al Adheed exercise meets FIM President Under the patronage and comes as part of the plan to presence of Deputy Prime DOHA: Prime Minister and Minis- Minister and Minister of State secure the 2022 World ter of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Cup, and aims to raise the Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani met Khalid bin Mohammed Al combat efficiency of the yesterday evening with President Attiyah, and in the presence of Qatari Armed Forces, using of the International Motorcycling Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed modern command and Federation (FIM) H E Jorge Vie- Forces H E Lieutenant General gas, on the occasion of his visit to (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al control systems. the country to attended the events Ghanim, the Military Forces of Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar. The have concluded Al Adheed meeting reviewed aspects of coop- exercise 2021. secure the 2022 World Cup, and eration between the State of Qatar The exercise continued for aims to raise the combat effi- and the International Motorcycling two months with the partici- ciency of the Qatari Armed Federation and ways of promot- pation of all sectors of the armed Forces, using modern command ing and developing them. — QNA forces, and by the participation and control systems. of Amiri Guard, Ministry of The conclusion of the Qatar condemns Interior, Lekhwiya, Turkish exercise was attended by a forces, US forces, in addition of number of senior officers in the church explosion in the Ministry of Transport and armed forces, the Amiri Guard, Indonesia Communications, Ministry of the Ministry of Interior, Public Health and Civil Aviation Lekhwiya Force, Turkish forces DOHA: The State of Qatar has Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Authority. and US forces, in addition to expressed its strong condemnation Attiyah, and Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen The Al Adheed exercise representatives from ministries, and denunciation of the explosion comes as part of the plan to institutions and civil bodies. Al Ghanim at the conclusion of the Al Adheed military exercise 2021. that occurred in a Catholic church in the city of Makassar, Indonesia, which led to a number of injuries. In a statement issued yesterday, Qatar Olympic Committee to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s conduct Gender Equality Review firm stance on rejecting violence and terrorism regardless of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA balance at governance level by creating motives and causes, and stressed clear pathways for women to move into the State of Qatar’s total rejection The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) leadership positions through tailored of targeting places of worship and yesterday announced that it will career development plans. terrorizing innocents. The State of undertake a comprehensive Gender QOC President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Qatar wishes for a speedy recov- Equality Review to determine how Qatari Hamad Al Thani said: “Promoting gender ery for the wounded, the statement sport can build on recent progress and equality has been, and remains, a long- added. — QNA where further advancements can be term commitment for the QOC. We are made. proud of the progress that we have made, Promoting gender equality across which is reflected in the ever-growing Qatar’s dugong Qatari sport has been a central element diversity of our athletes and sports offi- of the QOC’s long-term strategy. Working cials. However, we recognise that there population in partnership with the Qatar Women’s is plenty of room for improvement. Sport Committee since 2001, the QOC “Before we can improve we must reaches highest has made significant advancements in identify our shortcomings so that we can women’s participation in sport and sports develop tailored policies and pro- in 30 years administration. grammes to address them. That is why FROM PAGE 1 Female Qatari athletes have com- we have launched this Gender Equality peted at every Olympic Games since Review because we want to use its Dr. Mehsin Al Yafei from DR Congo President arrives in Doha London 2012 and within the QOC itself, findings to create a Gender Equality Qatar University noted that more than 37% of employees are women. Policy which enshrines gender equality dugongs contribute to main- President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, H E Felix Tshisekedi, arrived However, the QOC is committed to within Qatari sport and delivers mean- taining healthy seagrass in Doha yesterday evening on an official visit to the country. H E the President and making further advancements and ingful action. In sport, as in society, we meadows, which are essential the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International ensuring that there are equal opportu- are strongest when we embrace the for fish and crustaceans nurs- Airport by Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti. nities for women and men to build variety of perspectives, insights and eries also as a food source for careers in sport, whether as athletes, experiences of women and men.” sea turtles. They help ensure coaches, officials or sports QOC Director of Marketing and Com- vegetative balance and play an Forum on educational challenges from tomorrow administrators. munications Sheikha Asma Al-Thani important role in maintaining The Gender Equality Review will said: “Women’s participation in sport in a healthy ecosystem. QNA — DOHA Chairman of the Board of Directors of evaluate progress across five focus areas Qatar has developed significantly over “Dugongs are a valuable the Qitaf Educational Company, Buthaina of the IOC Gender Equality and Inclusion the last 20 years and we are seeing an resource in our ecosystem, and The activities of the “Educational Chal- Abdullah Abdul Ghani Al Abdul Ghani, objectives for 2021-2024 — Participation, increasing number of women pursue they are listed as vulnerable lenges for Educational Leaders” forum, said that the forum aims to motivate indi- Leadership, Safe Sport, Portrayal and careers in sport outside of competition. by the International Union for organized by Qitaf Educational viduals and societies to adopt good Resource Allocation. However, we are committed to creating Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Company, will kick off tomorrow. morals and apply them, highlight human- The findings of the review will be clearer pathways so that more women which suggests that they are To be held via video conferencing itarian and societal role of all those who used to develop a first-of-its-kind have the opportunity to move into lead- facing a high risk of extinction technology, the forum will be attended spreads moral advancement, which com- Gender Equality Policy which will ensure ership positions. Gender equality across in the wild in the medium term by Assistant Undersecretary for Educa- bines between true idealism and sincere the promotion of gender parity at all sport is the ultimate outcome, but to get future,” he added. tional Affairs at the Ministry of Education motivation, and come up with essential levels of Qatari sport, not just within the there we need to focus on gender equity Al Yafei said dugongs are and Higher Education Fawzia Abdulaziz recommendations to face the crises and QOC but also within Qatari National and providing equal opportunities for being studied to learn more Al Khater, and a group of specialists and challenges affecting the educational Federations. men and women to inspire the next about their population in experts from inside and outside of Qatar. process’. The QOC will aim to increase gender generation.” Qatar, to educate citizens and residents of their existence and their importance to the eco- system, and to ensure their QU, Qatar Charity to enhance long-term protection. Commenting on why dugongs face the risk of cooperation in humanitarian work extinction, Al Yafei said, “There are several reasons THE PENINSULA — DOHA both parties. The two parties memorandum comes within why dugongs are facing affirmed their endeavour by the framework of Qatar Uni- extinction. Firstly, their sea- Qatar University (QU) and signing this agreement to versity’s constant endeavour to grass food sources are being Qatar Charity (QC) have signed achieve the following objec- cooperate with all institutions threatened by coastal devel- a memorandum of under- tives: educating students about interested in supporting the opment or industrial activities standing (MoU) for cooperation Qatar Charity’s work, preparing university’s march towards the contributing to water pol- in the development and students to volunteer, pro- betterment of the Qatari com- lution. If there isn’t enough humanitarian work. moting the values of solidarity munity. This MoU seeks to seagrass for them to eat, then The MoU was signed by Dr. and social work among uni- organise and develop distin- dugongs can’t live and breed Hassan Al Derham, President versity students, and sup- guished relations between normally. Another reason is of QU, and Yousef bin Ahmed porting students. Organising Qatar University and Qatar that they often become victims Al Kuwari, CEO of QC. special events to serve the Charity in many areas.” Dr. Hassan Al Derham (right), President of QU; and Yousef bin Ahmed of bycatch – which is acci- The MoU emphasised the common goals of both parties, CEO of QC Yousef bin Al Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, signing the MoU. dental entanglement in fishing cooperation and collaboration exchanging information and Ahmed Al Kuwari said, “This nets.” Ismail Al Shaikh, Tech- methods between the two experiences, jointly attending agreement will play a funda- nical Research Supervisor entities, especially in the fields conferences and events related mental role in developing and as a volunteer for their volunteering for humanitarian from ExxonMobil Research of development and humani- to the areas of the agreement. enhancing community partic- community.” work. Students will be engaged Qatar, said the oil and gas giant tarian work and utilisation of Commenting on the ipation towards Qatar National He said this agreement in charitable initiatives, is invested in protecting the cooperation in other possible occasion, Dr. Al Derham said, Vision 2030. This agreement would contribute to spreading enhancing their expertise and dugong population. fields of mutual interest for “The signing of this encourages students to work awareness about the culture of capabilities in this field. “We wanted to help develop detailed research, education, and conservation One arrested for programme to understand Over 1,800 virus patients treated with convalescent plasma Qatar’s dugong population FROM PAGE 1 violating home better, and also find ways we “As the disease progresses, recovered from the disease and of sleep is advised before one could help protect it. From Early administration, insuf- severe manifestations may be that you have not had any comes to donate. quarantine there, we signed a tri-party ficient titer is a randomised trial more strongly associated with symptoms for 14 days after Any person eligible to agreement between EMRQ, from India with moderate the inflammatory response to leaving the health isolation or donate plasma for COVID-19 QNA — DOHA Texas A&M University, and QU, disease who were randomly the virus rather than the virus after the last negative result of patients can contact the team and have since continued our assigned to receive usual care itself,” she added. the PCR testing from nose and from Communicable Disease The designated authorities work with the support of the with or without two units of The US Food and Drug throat, or after 28 days after Center on 4025400. arrested yesterday one person Private Engineering Office convalescent plasma did not Administration (FDA) contracting the disease,” she Dr. Al Maslamani also urged for violating home quarantine (PEO) and MME.” show a benefit in a composite authorised convalescent plasma said. In addition to the basic cri- the public to stay safe. “With requirements he committed to “EMRQ has been collecting outcome of survival or disease therapy for people with teria and conditions plasma increasing number of cases following. The arrest of the dugong samples since 2014, improvement/stabilisation. COVID-19. The FDA is allowing donors should have been please stay safe; it’s important violator came in implemen- mainly from the west coast of Dr. Al Maslamani said that its use during the pandemic infected and cured with to remember that most people tation of the precautionary Qatar. In June 2018, we agreed there are two potential reasons because there’s no approved COVID-19 virus, only men who have COVID-19 recover measures in force in the with QU to publish a Genomic that late administration is less treatment for COVID-19. above the age of 18 years, body quickly. But the potentially long- country, approved by health Landscape of Dugongs in the likely to be effective. Explaining about the eligi- weight not less than 50 kg, lasting problems from COVID-19 authorities represented in the Arabian Gulf Region study. The “Most individuals will have bility to donate plasma, Dr. Al those who have received two make it even more important to Ministry of Public Health, to study is a joint effort between begun to mount their own Maslamani said that a person doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, reduce the spread of the disease curb the spread of the EMRQ and QU’s Biomedical antibody response by 8 to 10 can donate plasma when he/she can donate. Donors can donate by following precautions such COVID-19. The violator, who Research Center (BRC), and the days after initial infection, and complete the two-week period a second time if they are willing as wearing masks over nose and is currently being referred to latest in collaborative research donor plasma may not boost after discharge from hospital or to do so, be in good health on mouth, maintaining social dis- the designate prosecution, is efforts since the 2014 antibody levels above the isolation. “You must make sure the day of the donation, tancing, avoiding crowds and Saeed Mohammed Ali Saeed agreement to study Qatar’s endogenous response,” she said. that you have completely physical rest and getting plenty keeping hands clean,” she said. Abu Shareb. dugong population,” he added. MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 HOME 03 Minister of Municipality meets President of 26th UN Climate Change Conference

QNA — DOHA

Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, met yesterday with President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) H E Alok Sharma, which will be hosted in Glasgow, UK, in November. They reviewed ways of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the President of the Climate Conference against the effects of climate change and its economic, envi- Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki ronmental and social dimen- Al Subaie, meeting President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference sions on all countries of the Minister of Education meets envoy world, which require con- (COP26) H E Alok Sharma, in Doha, yesterday. certed efforts to confront it and of Bosnia and Herzegovina limit its repercussions. many measures to develop technologies contribution of $100m to support small The State of Qatar plays an that are sensitive to climate change, island developing states and least Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al active role in the international encourage and promote green investment developed countries to deal with climate Hammadi, met yesterday at his office with Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina community to confront the activity, and adopt low-carbon economic change, natural hazards and environ- to Qatar, H E Haris Lukovac. During the meeting, they discussed areas of educational phenomenon of climate growth. mental challenges, and to build capacity cooperation and ways to support and enhance them. (QNA) change. Additionally, it took In 2019, Qatar also announced a to counter their devastating effects. Minimum wage law will benefit over 400,000 workers: Envoy 566 referred to prosecution for QNA — BERLIN series of historic reforms of the government bodies, experts, country’s labor laws. workers and employers. Covid violations Ambassador of the State of In a press release, the Ambassador Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani says The Ambassador noted that Qatar to the Federal Republic Ambassador said that the new to ensure the strict compliance with the minimum wage, the International Labour QNA — DOHA of Germany, H E Sheikh law will apply to all workers of the government is enhancing the detection of violations, Organization (ILO) Office in Abdullah bin Mohammed Al all nationalities and in all enacting swifter penalties and increasing the number of Qatar welcomed the entry into The designated authorities Thani, has affirmed that the sectors, including domestic surprise inspection visits. force of the new law, stressing yesterday referred 566 people minimum wage law will directly workers. He added that to that the law was issued after a to the Public Prosecution for benefit more than 400,000 ensure the strict compliance comprehensive study con- violating the preventive and workers and their families with the minimum wage, the ducted by the State of Qatar and precautionary measures abroad, making Qatar the first government is enhancing the inspection visits. will ensure the application of ILO in consultation with local enforced by the country to country in the region to detection of violations, enacting He pointed out that the law the minimum wage, and and international experts, curb the spread of the novel introduce a non-discriminatory swifter penalties and increasing also stipulated the formation of propose adjustments, in con- workers and employers from coronavirus disease (COVID- minimum wage, as part of a the number of surprise a specialised commission that sultation with different various economic sectors. 19). Among them, 507 people were referred to the Public QA Holidays offers Prosecution for not wearing QSRSN organises workshop on importance of art masks in places where they quarantine-free are mandatory, 51 for not QNA — DOHA of art on human life and its role adhering to social distancing, holiday to Athens in refining behavior and and 8 for not downloading the and Mykonos The Qatar Society for Rehabil- improving mental health, espe- Ehteraz app. itation of Special Needs cially for persons with The measure are in line FROM PAGE 1 (QSRSN) organised a workshop disabilities. with the Cabinet decision, on the importance of art in our Chairman of Qatar Society Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on Al Baker added: “Also, we lives, in which a group of people for Rehabilitation of Special infectious diseases, and the are delighted to resume three with disabilities, media profes- Needs Sheikh Thani bin precautionary measures in weekly flights to Mykonos. sionals, community activists Abdullah Al Thani praised the force in the country to contain Due to the global pandemic, and special education distinguished attendance and the spread of COVID-19. last year we had to suspend specialists participated. the great interaction with the The designated authorities this route, which since 2018 The workshop, which was workshop, which comes within called on the public to adhere proved very popular with our held via video conference tech- the activities of the foundation’s to the precautionary measures customers. It is great to return nology, focused on a set of axes, awareness and rehabilitation in place to ensure their safety to Mykonos and help com- including the definition of art held virtually in compliance and the safety of others. pliment Greece’s efforts to and its impact on society, and with the precautionary and pre- Several new COVID-19 Chairman of Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs, restart tourism. We know the its importance in children’s ventive measures set by the restrictions came into effect on Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani authorities in Greece are lives, and dealt with the impact State to combat COVID-19. Friday. taking precautions to ensure public safety, and visitors will be required to adhere to public health measures put in place QF unveils vision for higher education to meet Qatar’s future needs given the pandemic.” The news has been wel- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar. CEO of Qatar Foundation. is guided by the needs of Qatar comed by the Greek Minister The implementation of the “Trends, dynamics, and and the world today, and in the for Tourism, Harry Theoharis, Qatar Foundation has unveiled strategy will be steered by QF’s demands are constantly future.” QF’s new higher edu- who said: “I’m proud to a new vision for its higher new Office of Higher Education, shifting, and the pace of global cation strategy will open up welcome Qatar Airways back education ecosystem — to be led by global education socioeconomic change has only new pathways for its interna- to Mykonos. It’s very pleasing designed to make it more inno- expert Francisco Marmolejo, been accelerated by the tional partner universities to for us to have our luxury des- vative, collaborative, and who has been appointed as the COVID-19 pandemic. Education integrate and collaborate with tination, including in the equipped to ensure Qatar’s organisation’s President of faces a choice between other elements of its ecosystem, planning of the airline’s new youth have the skills to succeed Higher Education. Previously remaining static and risking supporting their research activ- summer programme. In this in the jobs of the future. QF’s Education Advisor, his 30 stagnation, or flowing contin- ities and capacity to test new difficult time, this devel- The student-focused years of experience in the field uously toward the pursuit of educational approaches and opment comes when all of our strategy for higher education of education have seen him knowledge. With our new vision ideas; and strengthen HBKU’s efforts have been put into the developed by Qatar Foundation work on projects with univer- for higher education, QF is position as a hub of innovation safe opening of Greek tourism. (QF) represents the next chapter sities, governments, and inter- choosing the latter. in education. ‘All you want is Greece’ is our in the story of its globally Francisco Marmolejo, President national associations in over 90 “We aim to build on every- As the strategy is imple- new motto, and with this, we unique learning environment, of Higher Education at Qatar countries. thing we have achieved and mented, a series of flagship ini- invite friends of Qatar Airways, which includes its homegrown Foundation “While we are proud of the learned to renew our ecosystem tiatives will be introduced by from all over the world, to visit Hamad Bin Khalifa University education ecosystem we have of education, with students at QF, pioneering new ways of us.” Quarantine-free holiday (HBKU) and seven international before; and intertwine QF’s created at QF over the past 25 the core of our strategy. I am blending academic and cog- packages start at QR4,372 per partner universities. higher education institutions years, and its success in nur- delighted that this strategy will nitive skills, fostering interdis- person and available from It aims to drive a new era of with its portfolio of schools and turing the talent that Qatar be spearheaded by Francisco ciplinary learning, and devel- travel between May 14 to Sep- disruptive, transformative edu- research and innovation centers needs, we recognize that the Marmolejo, one of the world’s oping skills based on future tember 30. For more infor- cation at QF; make the learning – maximizing the benefit that world does not stand still – and leading disruptive thinkers on labor market needs, while also mation, please visit www. experience that students at Edu- students and faculty gain from neither can education,” said H education, whose vast expe- providing more opportunities qatarairwaysholidays.com/ cation City receive more indi- this ecosystem, and the subse- E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al rience will be invaluable in ena- for Qatari nationals to become summer-in-greece vidually tailored than ever quent benefit they generate for Thani, Vice Chairperson and bling us to realize a vision that university faculty. CHSSA holds virtual workshop on blood donation MoPH: 639 new COVID-19 cases THE PENINSULA — DOHA number of vaccine doses THE PENINSULA — DOHA diseases in blood products. administered since the start of These efforts are an alternative solution The Ministry of Public Health the vaccination campaign is Qatar University’s (QU) College of Health to the annual awareness trips halted in light (MoPH) reported 639 new cases 740,309. “Every day, hundreds Sciences Student Association (CHSSA) of the current crisis due to the COVID-19 of COVID-19 yesterday. Among of people are becoming sick recently held a virtual workshop entitled pandemic. them 100 were travellers due to the COVID-19 with many “Donate Blood, Save Lives.” Jawaher Al Emadi, President of CHSSA, returning from abroad. requiring admission to hospital The virtual workshop was presented expressed her gratitude for the workshop’s A total of 355 people to manage their symptoms. by Dr. Sapha Shibeeb, an Associate Pro- success and thanked all participants who recovered from COVID-19 yes- Since 1 February, the number fessor from the Department of Biomedical made this workshop successful. terday, bringing the total of people with COVID-19 Sciences at QU. He discussed the impor- She also conveyed her thanks and number of people recovered in admitted to hospital has tance of blood donation and its role in appreciation to HMC Blood Donor Center Qatar to 162,910. The total doubled,” said the Ministry in society. for their participation in the successful number of positive COVID-19 its daily COVID-19 report. He also explained the various concepts delivery of this workshop through their val- cases recorded in Qatar is “Qatar’s strict quarantine about blood banks and how to donate, sep- uable cooperation. Al Emadi thanked the 177,774 and there are 14,580 policy for returning travelers A demonstration of how donating blood arating blood products and the preparation Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. active cases under treatment. enabled us to delay the intro- works during workshop. from the donor to the recipient, and the Hanan Abdul Rahim, for her immense There are 200 cases of hos- duction of new variants into importance of proper blood storage. support. Through this virtual workshop, pital admissions in the last 24 this country for several months The attendees exchanged and discussed video in partnership with HMC Blood Donor CHSSA anticipated spreading awareness hours taking the total number but we are now seeing positive various questions about blood donation. Center to clarify the correct process for in a manner that protects students’ safety of patients in the hospital to COVID-19 cases in the region The CHSSA plays a great role in donating blood and familiarising the latest and health. CHSSA strives to find alternative 1393. A total of 19,073 doses of and in Qatar with the new var- spreading awareness among members of analysers in blood donor centres to test solutions that are suitable for unusual COVID-19 vaccines adminis- iants from the UK,” the Ministry the community. The CHSSA composed a blood and ensure the absence of infectious situations. tered in 24 hours. The total added. 04 HOME MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021

Minister of Culture and Sports honours Mall of Qatar turns off lights to celebrate Earth Hour University Theater Festival winners THE PENINSULA – DOHA Reiterating its commitment to protect the environment, Mall of Qatar marked Earth Hour on Saturday from 8:30pm to 9:30pm by turning off external streetlights, the façade and the Mall’s logo, while internal and external water features and fountains were also paused for an hour. Mall of Qatar is committed to sustainable environmental prac- tices that help reduce climate changes and protect our planet. Qatar and the world celebrate Earth Hour on the last Saturday of March every year to symbolize committing to the planet, raising awareness on climate change, and protecting the environment. Lulu Hypermarket marks Earth Hour

Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali honours participants of the University Theater Festival.

QNA - DOHA Rasheed, and Dr. Marzouq theater since its establishment Basheer. He also honoured uni- four years ago to encourage the Minister of Culture and Sports versity students who mod- formation of theater teams. He H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali erated panel discussions, and stressed that the center has honored Saturday the winners recognised Moussa Zainel and managed, thanks to the support of the University Theater Mousa Abdulrahman for their of the ministry, in holding more Festival, which was organized illustrious careers. than 18 plays in cooperation by the Theater Affairs Center Director of the Theater with several bodies including recently. Affairs Center Salah Al Mulla the Ministry of Education and The Minister honoured the said that the center is cele- Higher Education. He noted that Lulu Hypermarket outlets observed Earth Hour by switching off the external lights marking support jury chaired by director Hamad brating the success of the more than 100,000 have to the annual Earth Hour global initiative. Al Rumaihi, critics Dr. Hassan Culture and Sports’ strategy for attended the plays. QRCS secures winterization needs of MoTC's virtual forum Syrians in northern Syria and Turkey for SMEs begins today

THE PENINSULA – DOHA over 1,700 IDP families. 9,771 THE PENINSULA – DOHA food parcels to meet the needs The forum features four The representation mission of of target families. The Ministry of Transport sessions on ‘Cloud Qatar Red Crescent Society The project has a great and Communications’ fifth Services’, ‘Advancement (QRCS) in Turkey has imple- impact on the lives of over virtual forum dedicated for in Technology & Impact mented a Warm Winter 15,900 Syrian families in hard- SMEs starts today. project, with a view to to-access areas, Syrian ref- Titled ‘The Digitization of on Business Growth: providing winterization and ugees, and host communities. SMEs: An Alternative to Cloud Computing and food aid for the Syrians in By virtue of the winterization Survive’, the two-day event Data Driven mountain, cold, and inacces- and food items provided, they aims to introduce SMEs in Intelligence’, sible areas of northern Syria, could go through the winter Qatar to the era of digital as well as the Syrian refugees safely and with dignity. transformation. ‘Blockchain Benefits for in Kilis Province, southern The UN Humanitarian Held in collaboration SMEs’ and ‘Fintech & Turkey. Response Plan 2020 shows with Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- Blockchain: Applications The purpose of the multi- that much of the displaced and versity (HBKU), the forum & Use Cases for SME sector project is to secure life- host populations largely suffer will review some of the best saving heaters, heating during the winter from the regional and international Business Innovation’. charcoal, blankets, carpets, frost and limited shelter, food, digital transformation prac- and food parcels, enabling the clothes, and other resources. tices, featuring expert Syrian internally displaced As indicated by the Syrian speakers from MOTC and The purpose of the multi-sector project is to secure the necessary people (IDPs) and refugees to Arab Republic Humanitarian HBKU, a member of Qatar Intelligence’, ‘Blockchain utilities to enable the Syrian internally displaced people (IDPs) withstand the too cold Needs Overview (HNO), 11.06 Foundation for Education, Benefits for SMEs’ and weather both at camps and and refugees to withstand the cold weather. million persons in dire need Science, and Community ‘Fintech & Blockchain: Appli- beyond, as well as protecting for aid, including 4.4 million Development. cations & Use Cases for SME them against the COVID-19 beneficiaries. and refugee families, as well as inside Syria, where there are The forum features four Business Innovation’. pandemic. Here are the list of items the host community, in both serious shortages in the basic sessions on ‘Cloud Services’, The day one of the forum As a result, the $1,661,579 provided under the project: 900 Syria and Turkey, in addition to living nonfood items, partic- ‘Advancement in Technology focuses on using cloud project has reached out to charcoal heaters for those with coronavirus protective supplies ularly that which address sea- & Impact on Business services in business. Dr. 14,521 vulnerable families, or no heaters. 1,600 tons of like masks, gloves, and sani- sonal needs of the winter, such Growth: Cloud Computing Aiman Erbad, Associate Pro- over 72,000 direct charcoal for 4,430 displaced tizers. Blankets and carpets for as fuel and warm clothes. and Data Driven fessor, CSE, HBKU, will explain how has ‘Everything as a Service’ (EaaS) revolu- tionized the startups and how can traditional enter- prises compete? He will also highlight a success story from Qatar in this regard. AlHasan AlSammarraie, Founding Partner and General Manager, AppLab, will talk about cloud com- puting and the tremendous scalability advantages to companies that allow them keep their focus on growing their businesses rather than constantly being limited with their infrastructure. The second day of the event focuses on the potential applications of Blockchain in business. Dr. Mohamed Abdallah, Asso- ciate Professor, CSE, HBKU, will explain how SMEs can benefit from Blockchain technologies through enhanced transparency and traceability in the form of easier payment solutions, smart contracts, decen- tralized cloud storage, logistic and supply chain traceability. Prof. Roberto Di Pietro, Professor, College of Science & Engineering, HBKU, will shed light on applications and use cases of fintech technologies and Blockchain and how such new technol- ogies could be a game- changer for SMEs, in addition to the advantages, challenges and opportunities for eco- nomic development that fintech technologies rep- resent for SMEs. MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 Ooredoo, QRDI Council ink MoU HBKU’s international conference to boost innovation in Qatar discusses pandemic's impact THE PENINSULA - DOHA on translation, interpretation Ooredoo and Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council have announced THE PENINSULA - DOHA focused on COVID-19’s impact demic: A Focus on Qatar”. the signing of a Memorandum on the workplace, on T&I Following closing remarks of Understanding (MoU) to Reflecting on COVID-19’s learning; and localization, by Dr. Hendrik Kockaert, leverage the innovation capa- impact within the broader social media, and audiovisual Director of Translation and bilities of Qatar’s leading tele- framework of an evolving translation. Interpreting Studies communications provider. professional landscape, the The panels were chaired by Department, TII, the conference The MoU was signed yes- Translation and Interpreting Dr. Ali Almanna, Associate Pro- wrapped up with a workshop- terday by Deputy Group Chief Institute (TII), part of the fessor of Linguistics and Trans- style webinar, “Introduction to Executive Officer and Chief College of Humanities and lation; Dr. Ahmed Alaoui, the World of Interpreting.” Executive Officer of Ooredoo Social Sciences (CHSS) at Assistant Professor of Trans- Commenting on the focus Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa University lation Studies; and Dr. Amer Al of this year’s event, Dr. Amal Al Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al (HBKU), held its 11th Interna- Adwan, Assistant Professor of Malki said: “In its 11th edition, Thani, and Secretary-General tional Translation Conference TII’s International Translation of QRDI Council, Omar Ali Al online recently. Conference has facilitated dis- Ansari. Dr. Amal Al Malki, Founding cussions that frame the impact Under the agreement, the Dean of CHSS, HBKU, intro- of the pandemic, which has parties will collaborate to Officials at the signing ceremony. duced this year’s theme, seen TII playing a major role in explore mechanisms to expand “COVID-19 and Current societal advancement and and leverage Ooredoo’s inno- scout for the best innovation Mohammed Bin Abdulla Bin Changes in Translation and being used in several innovative vation capabilities, to create talent. Mohammed Al Thani, said, “We Interpreting Studies”, linking to ways, for example on social opportunities for start-ups, At the same time, QRDI are delighted to partner with the ramp-up of digitized work- media. accelerators, and technology Council will also facilitate QRDI Council, as we continue places, artificial intelligence- "This shift also highlighted companies - both local and support towards new inno- to drive innovation in our based machine translation, col- that there may be as yet unex- international - to establish busi- vation-driven private sector digital portfolios and make sure laborative translation platforms plored opportunities stemming nesses in Qatar and collaborate entities by creating linkages our customers have access to and blended learning since the from accelerated digitalization on innovative solutions. with Qatar’s existing knowledge the latest digital services." pandemic outbreak. that would also benefit from This will support Qatar’s institutions, which can provide Innovation is a key part of Keynote speeches by Dr. Amal Al Malki newer approaches to academic economic diversification efforts specialized and technical our corporate strategy. It is in leading scholars delved into and training programs in line by enabling the growth of new know-how and state-of-the- line with our unwavering human-machine relationships Audiovisual Translation. with the principles of access, private sector-led product art infrastructure. support for Qatar National in translation; how translation HBKU faculty also con- equity, diversity, and inclusion. development activities in Qatar. Commenting on the MoU, Vision 2030, which is why we has become a way to (re) tributed their interdisciplinary The discussions certainly pro- The MoU is one of several Secretary-General, QRDI welcome partnerships such as connect during uncertain times; expertise, with Dr. Julie Boéri, vided much to reflect on as we initiatives the QRDI Council has Council, Eng. Omar Ali Al Ansari this one, which will drive our and the role and training of pro- Assistant Professor in Trans- continue our research at TII and planned for 2021 and falls in said: “This partnership is a progress in this regard. We look fessional translators lation Studies at TII, and Dr. academic institutions around line with the vision set out in prime example of how we can forward to a long, mutually post-pandemic. Deborah Giustini, Visiting Pro- the world, and we look forward Qatar’s national RDI strategy, leverage the strengths of large beneficial relationship with Panel discussions featuring fessor at CHSS, presenting a to our next international QRDI 2030. local enterprises in Qatar, such QRDI and to enhancing our academics and practitioners paper titled “Interpreters’ Nar- biennial gathering in 2023," she The 10-year strategy works as Ooredoo, to create new contribution to our country’s from more than 10 countries ratives of the COVID-19 Pan- added. toward the greater goal of opportunities for the next wave development," building a knowledge-based of innovative private sector QRDI Council’s ten-year economy, as called for in the entities. strategy, QRDI 2030, aims to Qatar National Vision 2030. This approach can help enhance Qatar’s resilience The initiative is an example boost global competitiveness through locally empowered and of QRDI Council’s ongoing while also developing exciting globally connected Research, efforts to work closely with job opportunities for the next Development, and Innovation. large local enterprises to lev- generation of talent in Qatar.” QRDI 2030 outlines a roadmap erage innovation by attracting For his part, Deputy Group towards building a vibrant and other private sector entities to Chief Executive Officer and integrated national system by co-develop and pilot innovative Chief Executive Officer of connecting Qatar’s RDI efforts technologies and grow and Ooredoo Qatar, Sheikh to its national imperatives. Msheireb Properties celebrates Earth Hour HBKU's 11th International Translation Conference held online. Msheireb Properties, were turned off, to spread awareness on protecting our environment, preserving natural resources, and reducing the consumption of energy. Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of the smartest and most sustainable cities in the world, is a symbolic development of the friendly-environment and sustainable projects. Qatar and the world celebrte the Earth Hour on the last Saturday of March every year as a symbol of com- mitment to the planet, and to encourage individuals, com- munities, and businesses to - DOHA THE PENINSULA celebrated the Earth Hour on turn off non-essential electric Saturday night. lights, for one hour, from Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s Lights at Msheireb Downtown 8:30pm to 9:30pm in each leading sustainable developer, Doha, the flagship project of country. Qatar’s first facility for 3D printing concrete and buildings now operational

THE PENINSULA - DOHA technology will support the in construction of concrete production of sustainable structures, as well as resources Qatar’s first facility for 3D 3D-printable concrete that will to enable the delivery of the printing concrete and buildings have improved properties to research outcomes to the con- is now operating, say withstand Qatar’s environ- struction industry in Qatar. researchers from Texas A&M mental conditions — which will Engr. Mohammed Al University at Qatar — a Qatar mean faster and more sus- Hamayda, JTC’s General Foundation partner university tainable construction. Manager, said, “Concrete 3D — who are focusing on the Experts from Texas A&M at printing is a promising con- manufacturing aspect of struc- Qatar will lead research efforts struction technology; it is cur- tures and developing new in this area and provide rently very effective when it materials for 3D printing. expertise in materials behavior comes to making big objects — In 2020, Texas A&M at and 3D printing of concrete with complex geometry — using Qatar and Al Jaber Trading and using a full-scale 3D printer. Al concrete. The 3D printer in our Contracting (JTC) partnered to Jaber Trading and Contracting facility can print any shape introduce the advanced tech- will support Texas A&M at within minutes, it doesn’t need nology to Qatar to enable 3D Qatar’s research by providing any molds for instance unlike printing of buildings. The technical expertise the conventional precast con- crete technology. After the architect designs the 3D Render of the shape that he/she imagines; the operator inserts the design file in the software, adjust the program and then the robot prints it in full 3D scale using special concrete material.” JTC’s Engr. Al Hamayda also confirmed that Texas A&M at Qatar and JTC operators are now trained and are ready to 3D print any complex object here in Qatar using concrete. “Our ultimate mutual goal is to participate effectively in devel- oping the construction practices in Qatar in line with its National Vision 2030,” Engr. Al Hamayda Officials at the new 3D printing facility. said. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 MSF: Urgent aid needed for Yemen amid virus surge

AL JAZEERA — SANA'A MSF reported a arrive,” said Line Lootens, MSF medical coordinator in Yemen. A surging number of COVID-19 “dramatic influx of “Most patients need very high cases is increasing the pressure critically ill COVID- levels of oxygen and medical on war-torn Yemen’s already treatment. Some patients also strained healthcare system, an 19 patients requiring require mechanical ventilation international medical charity hospitalisation in in the ICU, which is technically has warned. Aden and many difficult and requires a very Doctor Without Borders high level of care.” (MSF) reported a “dramatic other parts of the While experts estimate the influx of critically ill COVID-19 country” and called on real figure to be much higher, patients requiring hospitali- so far the country has reported sation in Aden, Yemen, and humanitarians groups about 3,900 cases and more many other parts of the and international than 830 deaths, according to country” and called on human- data gathered by the John itarians groups and interna- aid donors to Hopkins University. tional aid donors to “immedi- “immediately” scale On Wednesday, the ately” scale up activities and Supreme National Emergency funding. up funding. Committee for Coronavirus “We are urging all medical called on the government to humanitarian organisations including at least 13,000 “declare a [public] health state Iraq administers coronavirus vaccines already present in Yemen to civilians slain in targeted of emergency in all provinces, rapidly scale up their COVID-19 attacks, according to the Armed prepare health centres and hos- A man receives a vaccine against the coronavirus disease in Baghdad, Iraq. emergency response,” said Conflict Location and Event pital, and provide medical staff Raphael Veicht, head of mission Data Project. with personal protective of MSF in Yemen. The conflict has pushed the equipment.” “All aspects of the COVID-19 country to the brink of famine, Meanwhile, the country has Turkey’s daily COVID-19 tally tops 30,000 response are lacking and need with the UN describing the sit- yet to administer a single dose greater international support, uation as the world’s worst of vaccine. ANADOLU — ISTANBUL with 223,214 more done since syndrome and those receiving from public health messaging, to humanitarian crisis. “While some countries have Friday. immunosuppressive treatment vaccinations to oxygen therapy,” Shrinking humanitarian successfully vaccinated half of Turkey on Saturday reported The latest figures show that were identified in the system to Veicht said in a statement on budgets last year forced the their population, Yemen finds over 30,000 new coronavirus the number of COVID-19 for priority vaccine jabs,” Koca Thursday. “Support is needed closure of many programmes, itself at the back of the queue cases, pushing its overall tally patients in critical condition said. “We want to protect our across the board.” Yemen has including health services and for vaccines, highlighting again above 3.17 million. stands at 1,886. most vulnerable citizens as soon been torn by conflict since 2014, food distribution, heaping the global vaccine access ine- As many as 30,021 infec- In a positive development, as possible,” he added. when the Houthi armed group hardship on a country where quality, with no one vaccinated tions, including 1,281 sympto- Health Minister Fahrettin Koca Turkey began a mass took control over large swaths some two-thirds of the popu- in the country to date,” said matic patients, were confirmed said Turkey will start vacci- COVID-19 vaccination drive in of the country, including the lation relies on some form of Veicht. in the last 24 hours, according nating people aged above 60 early January and has admin- capital Sana'a. aid to survive. Yemen is among the coun- to the Health Ministry. years and some risk groups. istered over 14.65 million jabs The war escalated signifi- In early March, the United tries expecting to receive doses With 151 more fatalities, the “( ….) Citizens over the age to date, according to official cantly in March 2015 when a coa- Nations had appealed for from COVAX, an international nationwide COVID-19 death toll of 60 will be able to get vacci- figures. lition of regional countries led by $3.85bn, but only $1.7bn was platform that aims to deliver has reached 30,923. nation by appointment with Over 8.21 million people Saudi Arabia and the United Arab offered in a move that was con- two billion jabs to the world’s As many as 18,892 more their spouses. In addition, some have received their first doses, Emirates intervened in an demned by UN chief Antonio poorest nations this year. patients won the battle against risk groups were included in the while over 6.4 million have attempt to restore the interna- Guterres as a “death The UN-backed facility was the disease, taking the number program,” Koca said on Twitter. completed a two-dose course. tionally recognised government sentence“. hit this week by India’s decision of recoveries past 2.9 million. “Patients with morbid obesity, Since December 2019, the toppled by the Houthis. “Unfortunately, many of the to limit its export of Astra- More than 37.65 million cancer with a malignant tumor, pandemic has claimed over 2.77 At least 130,000 people patients we see are already in Zeneca vaccines, many of coronavirus tests have been and those who receive dialysis, as million lives in 192 countries have been killed in the fighting, a critical condition when they which were destined to COVAX. conducted in Turkey to date, well as people with Down’s and regions. Senior army commander War-torn Syria rations fuel amid Suez Canal closure AL JAZEERA — ANKARA Pending a resolution, “the told state TV the cargo had been and infrastructure in ruins, more than 50 percent, in the killed in ministry is rationing the distri- due to arrive at the port of created shortages of basic goods third increase this year. It also The Syrian government has bution of available oil products” Banias on Friday but that if the and medicines, and left most of raised the price of cooking gas. Yemen clashes started rationing the distri- to ensure the continuity of Suez blockage persisted, the its oil and agricultural resources Prior to the war, Syria bution of fuel in the country essential services, such as bak- ship may re-route around the outside of government control. enjoyed relative energy ANADOLU — SANA'A amid concerns that shipments eries and hospitals, the ministry southern tip of Africa, an Nearly 80 percent of Syrians autonomy, but in the past could be delayed because statement said. expensive detour many com- live in poverty, and 60 percent decade an estimated $91.5bn in A top Yemeni commander was Egypt’s Suez Canal is being The Ever Given container panies have been forced to are food insecure – the worst hydrocarbons revenue has been killed Saturday in clashes with blocked by a giant cargo ship ship has been stuck sideways consider. food security situation ever seen lost, Syria’s oil minister said in Houthi rebels in the eastern that ran aground, according to in the Suez Canal since Tuesday, Meanwhile, the ministry in Syria, according to the United February. Marib province, a military the oil ministry. blocking the crucial waterway “expressed its hope for the Nations. Syrians have been The pandemic restrictions source said. The blockage has held up a in both directions. On Saturday, success” of the operations forced to wait in long lines to have added to pressure on the “Major General Amin Al ship that was carrying fuel and authorities prepared to make under way at the Suez Canal. buy subsidised bread and fuel. economy, compounded by the Waeli was killed at the oil products from Iran, an ally new attempts to free the vessel More than half a million Earlier this year, the Syrian financial crisis in neighbouring Kassara front in the province of the Syrian government, the and reopen a crucial east-west people have been killed in government raised the price of Lebanon, which has been a on Friday evening,” the Syrian oil ministry said on waterway for global shipping. Syria’s 10-year conflict that has fuel, including fuel products bridge to Syria economically source, who preferred not to Saturday. Oil Minister Bassam Tomeh also left the country’s economy that had been subsidised, by and financially. be named said, adding that the commander was killed while on the battlefront northwest of Marib. Iran proposes alternative The Yemeni Ministry of Defence and the General Staff shipping line to Suez Canal in a joint statement praised Al Waeli for his legacy in “the building and development of ANADOLU — ANKARA promoting the trade corridor the military institution” and for north-south that connects India his military roles “confronting Iranian Ambassador to Russia, to Russia passing through Iran, the Houthis in Saada, Amran, Kazem Jalali, proposed acti- arguing that it is a better alter- Marib and Al Jawf” among vating a shipping line that native to the Egyptian Suez Canal. other fronts. passes through Iran as an alter- The Iranian diplomat said Al Waeli led the Sixth Mil- native to Egypt’s Suez Canal. the proposed shipping line itary Region whose centre is The Suez Canal has been “shortens time” and is “cost- Al Jawf province in north- temporarily suspended since saving by 30 percent in com- eastern Yemen. Tuesday when a massive Pan- parison to the Suez Canal” In recent weeks, the amanian container cargo ship, hence making a better option Houthis have stepped up Ever Given, ran aground while to the Red sea route. attacks to take control of Marib passing through the new “The recent incident proves province, one of the most channel in the canal. the need for a less dangerous important strongholds of the According to state news alternative to the Suez Canal legitimate government and is agency Irna, Jalali called for the through which more than one home to the headquarters of acceleration of “the infra- billion tons of goods pass the Yemeni Defence structure and activating the annually,” Jalali said. Ministry. Iran buildings switch off lights to mark Earth Hour north-south corridor” as a result The Suez Canal is con- On February 13, the of “the suspension of maritime sidered one of the most Yemeni army launched a A building is seen after its lights were switched off during the Earth Hour 2021 celebrations in Iran traffic in the Suez Canal”. important canals and straits in large-scale operation against on Saturday, in this still image taken from a video. For years, Iran has been the world. the Houthi rebels on various fronts in Marib. Yemen has been engulfed by violence and instability Vinyl records sales in Turkey reach new heights in pandemic era since 2014, when Iran-aligned Houthi rebels captured much ANADOLU — ISTANBUL working properly, but now we was that record shops that got “I also think first editions of magazine reported that more of the country, including the see that since April 2020, people records from abroad couldn’t albums whose master tapes than 12 million items were sold capital Sana'a. With live concerts out of the started to buy more physical buy them,” he explained. were destroyed or damaged are on the site in 2020, with vinyl Meanwhil, the Saudi-led picture for the last year – and media like CDs and cassettes, “Another reason is that peo- valuable sources for witnessing accounting for nearly three- coalition battling Yemen’s perhaps for months still to come and especially records,” said ple’s travels abroad have been history,” he added. fourths of all sales. Houthi forces has destroyed – more and more Turkish music Bilginer, who is based in the restricted,” he added. But he said the recent boom Like Bilginer, Vedat Ispir, an two explosive-laden boats lovers have turned to old-fash- metropolis Istanbul, also the hub People used to collect in the popularity of records has online record store owner that the Iran-aligned group ioned vinyl to get the richest of the Turkish music industry. records from visits abroad and both an upside and a downside. based in Istanbul, also saw a rise planned to use in an enjoyment from their audio Bilginer is an avid record bring some back to shops in The upside was that with the in record sales. According to “imminent” attack launched experience, say local musicians, collector himself and boasts Turkey, he said, adding that the expanding market, more vinyl Ispir, the hit Turkish drama from the Red Sea port of collectors, and buyers alike. around 1,000 platters in his col- recent rise in exchange rates also was released and this led to better, Ethos on Netflix also helped fuel Hodeidah, Saudi state media Emre Metin Bilginer, the lection, including Queen, Jeff drove up prices, making record deeper listening habits, he said. a leap in sales, as the show reported yesterday. guitarist for Turkish rock band Beck, and many hard rock and collecting a pricier pastime. The downside, he explained, began with a song from Ferdi The coalition in separate Merlyn, said that interest in jazz albums. According to Bilginer, was how very poor-quality Ozbegen, a Turkish singer who statements also said it inter- vinyl platters had grown even Bilginer said finding good record collecting has become pressings and “bad record had his heyday in the ‘80s. cepted and destroyed three more during the epidemic. period vinyl, especially in the an enthusiastic hobby, a way of players, which should definitely He added that his stocks are armed drones launched “In the early days of the epi- domestic market, became quite recapturing a nostalgic feeling. not be listened to, became running low and sales are towards southern Saudi demic, people cut their pur- difficult since the pandemic Well-pressed copies are still widespread.” Citing data by booming. According to Ispir, Arabia, including the city of chases due to fear [of getting the started. considered the best vehicle for Discogs, a website on audio record sales are steadily gaining Khamis Mushait. virus] or international cargo not “The main reason for this top-quality sound, he added. recordings, Vinyl Factory ground. MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Tugs, dredgers still struggle to free stranded ship REUTERS — ISMAILIA At least 369 boats Experts have warned that such a process could be Suez Canal salvage teams were are waiting to transit complex and lengthy. Rabie said alternating between dredging the canal, Rabie said, he hoped it would not be nec- and tugging yesterday to essary, but that Egypt would dislodge a massive container including dozens of take up offers of international ship blocking the busy container ships, bulk assistance if it did switch to that waterway, while two sources carriers, oil tankers strategy. said efforts had been compli- A ballast tank at the bow of cated by rock under the ship’s and liquefied natural the ship has been damaged, and bow. gas or liquefied the vessel will have to be Dredgers working to dis- inspected once it is freed, two lodge the stranded vessel have petroleum gas people familiar with the salvage so far shifted 27,000 cubic vessels. operation said. metres of sand, to a depth of 18 “There are positive indi- metres, and efforts would con- cators from yesterday and the tinue around the clock world’s busiest waterways. day before yesterday,” Rabie according to wind conditions At least 369 boats are told Egyptian state TV. and tides, the Suez Canal waiting to transit the canal, “The rudder was not moving Authority (SCA) said in a Rabie said, including dozens of and it is now moving, the pro- statement. container ships, bulk carriers, peller is working now, there Egypt’s President Abdel oil tankers and liquefied natural was no water underneath the Fattah al-Sisi has ordered prep- gas (LNG) or liquefied bow, and now there is water arations for the possible petroleum gas (LPG) vessels. under it, and yesterday there removal of some of the ship’s Shippers affected by the was a 4-metre deviation in the 18,300 containers, SCA blockage may be offered dis- bow and the stern.” Chairman Osama Rabie told counts, Rabie said, adding that However, two SCA sources A view of the Ever Given container ship in Suez Canal in this Maxar Technologies satellite image taken Egypt’s Extra News. he believed investigations said that a mass of rock had yesterday. Any operation to lighten the would show the canal was not been found at the bow of the ship’s load would not start responsible for grounding the ship, complicating salvage “We believe that is what you are boats in total were being stranded, and the blockage before Monday, an SCA source Ever Given, one of the world’s efforts. going to need in terms of horse deployed. has disrupted global supply said, as salvage teams try to biggest container ships. From the dredging done so power... to have a decent About 15 percent of world chains, threatening costly take advantage of high tides Rescue workers from the far it was still unclear whether attempt, a decent chance of shipping traffic transits the Suez delays for companies already before they recede next week SCA and a team from Dutch firm the ship was stuck on soft sand, trying to float her,” the official Canal, which is a key source of dealing with COVID-19 to manoeuvre the ship free. Smit Salvage have been compact sand or clay, which said. foreign currency revenues for restrictions. The 400-metre long Ever weighing how much tugging will determine how easily it “We’re dividing the day into Egypt. The current stoppage is If the blockage drags on, Given became jammed diago- power they can use on the ship may shift free, said one official two halves, 12 hours for costing the canal $14-15 million shippers may decide to reroute nally across a southern section without risking damage, and involved in the salvage dredgers and 12 hours for tugs, daily. their cargoes around the Cape of the canal in high winds more whether some cargo will need operation. because not all times are Shipping rates for oil of Good Hope, adding about two than five days ago, halting to be removed by crane in order Two more powerful tugs suitable for tugs due to the tide,” product tankers nearly weeks to journeys and extra fuel shipping traffic in one of the to re-float it. are expected to arrive by today. said Rabie, adding that 14 tug doubled after the ship became costs. New COVID-19 Sudan, rebels sign pact on separation of religion, state variant found REUTERS — JUBA peace agreement by guaran- headed by General Abdel Fattah peace agreement with many “No religion shall be in travellers teeing freedom of worship to Al Burhan to reach accords with groups, including from the imposed on anyone and the The Sudanese government and all while separating religion and rebel groups across the country Western region of Darfur. state shall not adopt official from Tanzania a major rebel group from its the state. and end decades of conflicts But a key faction of the religion,” it said, without spec- southern Nuba Mountains The signing is viewed as a that left millions displaced and Sudan People’s Liberation ifying that Sudan would become yesterday signed a document crucial step in efforts by the hundreds of thousands dead. Movement-North (SPLM-N) led a secular state, a controversial ANADOLU — JOHANNESBURG which paves the way for a final power-sharing government Last year Sudan signed a by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, did not issue in the country’s join in last year’s agreement transition. A new COVID-19 variant with because it stuck to its demand Aman Amum, the Sec- the most divergent mutations that Sudan dispenses with retary-General of SPLM-N told has been found in travellers sharia law and becomes a Reuters yesterday that reaching from Tanzania, according to a secular, democratic state. a consensus on the role of scientific research institute Shariah law was first religion in Sudan’s politics was based in South Africa. imposed in Sudan in 1983, and a breakthrough that would now Professor Tulio de Oliveira, maintained by the now deposed accelerate talks towards a final director of Krisp, a research president Omar Al Bashir for the peace settlement. and innovation sequencing duration of his 30-year-long Sudan had now “accepted platform, said the variant had Islamist rule. the separation of religion from been found in travelers The so-called ‘Declaration the state,” Amum said. arriving in Angola from of Principles’ signed yesterday It had been unclear Tanzania. in South Sudan’s capital Juba whether Sudan’s military, “Whilst we have only between Sudan and the rebel which shares power with a detected three cases with this faction means talks on a final civilian executive branch, new VOI, this warrants urgent accord can now begin. would support any such moves investigation as the source The declaration stated that after years of backing country, Tanzania, has a both sides agreed to “the estab- Islamists. largely undocumented epi- lishment of a civil, democratic Civilian prime minister demic and few public health federal state in Sudan, wherein, Abdalla Hamdok signed a measures in place to prevent the freedom of religion, the similar declaration with Al Hilu spread within and out of the freedom of belief and religious last year. country,’’ Oliveira wrote on practices and worship shall be Sudan has been wracked Twitter. guaranteed to all Sudanese by conflicts for decades. After He said the new variant is Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chief General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement people by separating the iden- the oil-rich south seceded in the most diverse a lineage - North Chairman Abdelaziz Al Hilu and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir gesture after signing a tities of culture, religion, eth- 2011, an economic crisis fuelled sequencers ever described. declaration of principles between Sudanese Transitional government and the Sudan People’s Liberation nicity and religion from the protests that led to the over- “We decided to report this as a Movement - North in Juba, South Sudan, yesterday. state.” throw of Bashir in 2019. new VOI given the constellation of mutations with known or suspected biological signifi- cance, specifically resistance Suspects held over killing S Africa plans to vaccinate 200,000 daily to neutralizing antibodies and potentially increased transmis- of militia leader in Libya REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG Johnson & Johnson vaccine 50,000 fatalities. sibility,’’ he said. doses at the end of April, the The vaccination rollout has Tanzania, an East African AL JAZEERA— BENGHAZI in August 2017, accusing him South Africa plans to administer newspaper said. been slow, with only 231,605 nation of almost 60 million of having ordered or personally coronavirus vaccines to up to The Health Ministry did not people, mainly frontline health people, stopped releasing Libyan authorities have carried out seven separate 200,000 people a day respond to telephone calls and workers, inoculated so far. The COVID-19 results almost a announced increased security rounds of executions of 33 beginning around May, the text messages seeking government plans to vaccinate year ago, with 509 cases measures in the second-largest people in 2016 and 2017. Sunday Times newspaper said comment. 40 million people, or two-thirds reported and 21 deaths. The city, Benghazi, and the arrest In July 2018, the ICC issued yesterday, citing Health South Africa has been the of the population. country’s late President John of two suspects in connection a second arrest warrant for al- Minister Zweli Mkhize. hardest hit nation on the con- After pausing the rollout Magufuli who succumbed to a with the killing of a militia Werfalli for his “alleged respon- According to the report, tinent by COVID-19. It has of the AstraZeneca vaccine in heart condition over a week leader wanted by the Interna- sibility for murder as a war more than 2,000 vaccination recorded both the highest February, South Africa started ago had declared his nation tional Criminal Court. crime”. sites will be set up. The plan is number of cases in Africa — inoculating healthcare free of the pandemic. Mahmoud Al Werfalli, a Colonel Ali Madi, the head based on the expected arrival more than 1.5 million — and workers with Johnson & member of forces loyal to of Benghazi’s military prose- of the first batch of 2.8 million of deaths, with more than Johnson shots. Madagascar’s eastern renegade commander cution linked to Haftar, iden- Khalifa Haftar, was shot dead tified the suspects in Al Wer- former President on Wednesday along with his falli’s killing as Mohamad cousin in the city, cradle of the Abdeljalil Saad and Hanine Al Ratsiraka dies country’s 2011 revolution. Abdaly. Security is precarious in The latter is the daughter of ANADOLU — ANKARA Benghazi, eastern Libya, with lawyer and rights activist frequent tit-for-tat violence Hanan al-Barassi, who was Madagascar’s former head of and executions. gunned down in broad daylight state Didier Ignace Ratsiraka It was plunged into chaos last November in Benghazi. died at the age of 84 in the after a Nato-backed uprising in Military authorities in capital Antananarivo, the pres- 2011 and toppled and killed Benghazi said al-Abdaly was ident announced yesterday. longtime strongman Muammar arrested while “threatening a “The Malagasy have lost an Gaddafi. fellow citizen with a handgun”, illustrious patriot. I extend my For years, the country was according to video footage of condolences to his relatives, split and controlled by two com- the alleged incident. Possession to the great family of the army peting administrations: An inter- of the handgun in itself is con- and to all Malagasy citizens,” nationally-recognised gov- sidered a crime, they said. President Andry Rajoelina ernment in the western city of Meanwhile, the head of tweeted. Tripoli and a rival administration security in Benghazi, General The cause of his death has in the east allied with Haftar. Abdelbasit Bougheress, told not yet been made public. Fighting only came to a halt reporters on Saturday that on Ratsiraka was the pres- last year and a formal ceasefire “instructions” from Haftar, all ident of the Indian Ocean in October was followed by the shops must install surveillance Island from 1975 to 1993 and establishment of a unity gov- cameras before tomorrow. Tuberculosis test in South Africa 1997-2002. ernment led by interim Prime Cars with tinted windows He died early morning at Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. will be banned in the city, as Deon Yanga waits to be tested for tuberculosis at a mobile clinic in Gugulethu township near Cape the military hospital of The ICC issued a first well as vehicles without licence Town, South Africa. Soavinandriana. warrant for Al Werfalli’s arrest plates, he added. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 European summer getaways Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI may have to wait until 2022 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] ANDREA FELSTED BLOOMBERG DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI That European summer [email protected] holiday you booked a month ago is looking like wishful thinking. After UK Prime Minister EDITORIAL Boris Johnson raised post- covid hopes with his roadmap for exiting lockdown, the gov- ernment has warned that a Qatar kicks off MotoGP season ban on foreign holidays could be extended beyond its May 17 end date. Germany is also AROUND this time last year, motor racing fans considering a temporary curb Tourists from Germany arriving at Palma de Mallorca Airport following Berlin’s lifted quarantine requirement were looking forward to the start of the 2020 on holidays abroad, after cit- for travellers returning from the Balearic Islands amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. MotoGP World Championship. Just a few days izens rushed to book Easter before the start of the first race of last season, breaks on the Spanish island executive officer of Ryanair citizens to hit the beach. It’s nental Hotels Group Plc. COVID-19 pandemic exploded around the world of Mallorca. These follow Holdings, said on Wednesday easier to continue supporting Yet there will be a silver and put a halt to the international sports calendar. recent setbacks in fighting the that high vaccination rates by one sector - travel and lining from restrictions on One of the affected events was the first round of virus on the continent, with a the peak months of July, tourism - than having to lock international travel: A rise in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship that was lumbering vaccine roll-out August and September in both down the whole economy. staycations will boost to be held at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit and increased restrictions in the UK and Europe would Some holidaymakers are domestic economies. One (LIC). Fast forward to last night, the same iconic Italy and France amid fears of enable trips to popular get- already cancelling or delaying potential winner may be the venue switched on its floodlights and successfully a third wave. aways. Sebastien Bazin, CEO the foreign trips they booked U.K’s hotel and restaurant opened the 2021 MotoGP World Championship This is a big blow to all of the French hotel group just a few weeks ago. company Whitbread Plc. The with routine fanfare. those who were betting on a Accor, said he had seen a Although the majority of sales vast majority of visitors to its Last night’s races in the Moto3, Moto3 and the vaccine rebound in interna- rebound in bookings in the at TUI UK were for July Premier Inn chain in the UK MotoGP classes were a welcome relief for the bike tional travel, including air- past two to three weeks, onward, some are postponing and Germany are domestic fans in the country and in the region. Qatar is the lines, tour operators such as while TUI, the world’s biggest them further - until Sep- travelers. Accor also gen- only regional destination that DORNA - organsiers TUI and countries that package tour operator, said tember, October or even next erates up to two-thirds of its of MotoGP - conducts its event at LIC every year in depend on tourism, such as there was huge pent up May. Up until now, the business from domestic March. The LIC has been hosting the MotoGP round Spain, Greece, Italy and demand in the UK and company has been able to tourism in the UK, Germany since September 2004 when the venue was built in Turkey. The timing is particu- Germany, its biggest markets. count on travelers booking and France. a record time of 9 months. Since then, only 2020 larly unhelpful, as Easter is They may have a point. from Germany, but now that It’s worth noting though was one occasion when the race got cancelled the second biggest period for Vaccination passports, or market is in doubt too. Conse- that there might not be because of the COVID-19 situation. To make up for holiday sales after January. any system that documents quently, the world’s biggest enough lodging to accom- last year’s miss, Qatar - a proud member of DORNA However, some in the whether travelers are inocu- tour operator said on modate all the staycationers, family - have been sanctioned to host two rounds travel market remain con- lated or test negative of the Thursday that it would trim according to analysts at of the 2021 season. vinced that a summer of fun virus, offer one way forward. capacity in the peak summer Bernstein. Lack of space and DORNA CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta on Saturday will happen. It just might look Greece will welcome back season from 80% of 2019’s soaring prices could be a real handed over a special trophy to QMMF President different from what those of visitors starting on May 14, level to 75%. Its shares fell 5%. problem for Brits forced to Abdulrahman Al Mannai and Losail Circuit Sports us in the UK and Europe had as long as they have had a Meanwhile, it’s burning stay home. Other big Club (LCSC) General Manager and Vice President been imagining. vaccination, recovered from through the cash it received exporters of sun-seekers like Khalid Al Remaihi for putting together a fantastic Michael O’Leary, chief the virus or tested negative from three bailouts backed by Germany and Sweden could show to open the season at LIC. Al Mannai said after before flying out. The UK is the German government. The have a similar issue. But if receiving the award: “We are delighted to receive None of this will considering a traffic-light company has been burdened day trips get a boost, venues this award. We are proud members of the MotoGP system, where passengers by €7.2bn ($8.5bn) of net debt like restaurants and family. Qatar has been a home for MotoGP for a make up for another could travel quarantine-free from the support. amusement parks could still long time. Every year it gets more exciting. We are year’s loss of sunny to “green light” low-risk And despite Accor’s benefit - so long as they can proud of this award and we thank you.” summer holidays, countries, while tougher optimism, hotel groups look reopen. At the same venue, the same bunch of riders in restrictions would apply to poised to suffer too. Deloitte None of this will make up the three classes will battle for top honours next but at this point “amber” and “red light” found that 71 percent of for another year’s loss of week also in what would be the second round of the many of us will take regions with more cases. European lodging executives sunny summer holidays, but world’s biggest two-wheel competition. Of course, European gov- surveyed this month expected at this point many of us will In the build-up to the main racing events, the whatever small ernments may still conclude disruption to last beyond take whatever small comforts LIC threw open its gates for the riders and their comforts we can. that the danger of new 2021. US executives may be we can. backroom staff for the pre-season testing also in vaccine-resistant variants is more upbeat. As my Andrea Felsted is a all three classes around three weeks ago. To facil- too great to allow holidays Bloomberg Opinion colleague Bloomberg Opinion columnist itate a smooth conduct of testing and the races, abroad. Leaders will vividly Sarah Halzack has noted, covering the consumer and the Qatari organisers even volunteered to give vis- remember that last autumn’s Americans are ready to travel retail industries. She previ- iting riders and their technical staff COVID-19 second virus wave followed again, which is good news for ously worked at the Financial vaccine if anyone wanted to sign up for it. the brief window allowing groups such as InterConti- Times. Well played, Qatar! Global warming is endangering more than we think. We must adjust.

THE WASHINGTON POST tuned planetary systems, with occurs because warm tropical slower circulation. But pre- consequences that range from water cools and becomes vious research suggests that D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The world’s climate depends predictable to speculative, and saltier as it travels north, the last time the circulation EMAIL: [email protected] on a global aquatic “conveyor what experts know about which makes it denser. This was severely destabilized, belt” system that snakes Earth history offers little dense water eventually sinks some 12,000 years ago, around the oceans, taking comfort for what awaits. to the bottom of the ocean, Europe was slammed with EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 bitter winters and, because of FAX: +974 4455 7758 heat from some places and A group of scientists from then travels south, where it is redistributing it elsewhere. It Britain, Germany and Ireland once again heated in another how the circulation interacts MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 is this system that keeps studying the Atlantic Merid- part of the cycle. Higher with air, severe summer heat Europe relatively warm ional Overturning Circulation rainfall, lower amounts of sea and droughts. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 despite its northern latitudes, - that is, the circulation ice and ice melting on the Climate change is not underpins major fisheries and pattern that warms the North Greenland ice sheet are adding some isolated change in the LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 drives key weather patterns Atlantic - have sought to far more fresh water than air temperature. It encom- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 across continents. compare how it is behaving usual to the system, making passes sea-level rise, heavy Global warming may be now with its recent past. the water up north less salty storms, heat waves, droughts, SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 endangering this crucial circu- Experts only began directly and, thus, less dense and less wildfires, acidifying oceans lation. Scientists are accumu- measuring the pattern in prone to sink, undermining the and disruptions in the sen- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 lating evidence that climate 2004, so they looked for clues circulation. This may account sitive planetary rhythms on email: [email protected] change is disrupting a major in seafloor sediments and for a giant stretch of unusually which human society PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 section of the conveyor belt, ocean temperature patterns, cold water that has stubbornly developed. Scientists know email: [email protected] running from the tropics up to which suggested how the cur- persisted near Greenland and some things for sure - the the North Atlantic and back rents behaved before. The for unusually high water tem- planet will warm because of MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 south, slowing this piece of the clues present a consistent peratures on the US East Coast. greenhouse gas emissions, email: [email protected] system to its weakest pace in picture: The circulation has The study’s authors warn with a variety of negative more than 1,000 years, weakened in a way that is that climate change may results. But they have not cat- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 according to a study published unprecedented in the past further destabilize the Atlantic alogued all the consequences. FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] in the journal Nature Geo- 1,000 years, said Niamh circulation over coming Some are only just coming CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 science. By changing the Cahill, a statistician from Ire- decades. The consequences clearly into view, and some email: [email protected] atmosphere’s chemistry at a land’s Maynooth University. are hard to predict with pre- remain obscure. The longer breakneck pace, humanity is The scientists believe the cision, in part because humans fail to adjust our SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 conducting a massive, unprec- ultimate cause is global warming air might offset some behavior, the worse the con- FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] edented experiment on finely warming. The circulation of the cooling associated with sequences are likely to be.

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+974 6698 6188 MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 OPINION 09 The hidden ideological obstacles to vaccination left many countries without while most low- and middle- anytime soon. The problem is publishing the efficacy results sufficient vaccine doses to income countries have been particularly severe in the from their phase 3 clinical immunise even the most vul- left to watch and wait. West. Nearly four in 10 people trials, which inevitably raised nerable segments of their According to the general in France, more than 25 legitimate concerns, these populations. Certain coun- director of the World Health percent of those in the US, vaccines have since been tries’ efforts to engage in so- Organisation (WHO), Tedros and 23 percent in Germany proven safe and efficient. The called “vaccine diplomacy” Adhanom Ghebreyesus, this say they definitely or probably medical journal The Lancet SANTIAGO ZABALA and use the vaccines they approach is not sustainable will not get vaccinated against published in February results AL JAZEERA produced or acquired as a soft because it permits the virus to COVID-19, according to a from late-stage trials showing power tool further widened spread and mutate in regions survey conducted by Kantar that Sputnik V, the Russian the gap between those who that do not have access to Public in January 2021. vaccine, has an efficacy rate So far, most world govern- have access to vaccines and vaccines, which could This hesitancy is a result of of 91.6 percent. At least ments have managed to those who do not. The distrust undermine the efficacy of the growing lack of trust in twenty-five countries around weather the storm of in scientists and political existing vaccines everywhere. political and scientific elites, as the world, meanwhile, have COVID-19. Countless admin- elites, meanwhile, resulted in Pharmaceutical companies well as cultural backsliding approved and are adminis- istrations that have been a growing wave of vaccine and Western governments caused by social media. Social tering Sinopharm, one of the unable or unwilling to refusal, especially in the West. have blocked proposals to media has tricked many into Chinese vaccines, with seem- implement the necessary If these obstacles to wide- waive patents for the vac- believing that traditional ingly successful results. measures to protect their spread vaccination are not cines, making it even more vectors of authority and legiti- This conviction in Western citizens from the deadly virus rapidly addressed, new variants difficult for many low- and mation are no longer useful in scientific and technological are still in office over a year will continue to emerge and middle-income countries to interpreting facts. Information superiority is so established into the pandemic. This, prolong a health crisis which immunise their citizens. is no longer passing through that it does not seem ideo- however, could soon change already claimed more than 2.7 The rich countries’ ten- trusted filters of mediation logical any longer. The as countries have now million lives and devastated the dency to use their surplus before reaching the public, Western nations have become Initiatives such entered a race to vaccinate global economy. The failure to vaccine doses to reinforce instead, it is being immediately so consumed by their per- as the WHO’s their citizens against reach herd immunity soon can their own foreign policy serviced to the masses through ceived superiority that they COVID-19, reach herd also result in widespread agendas is also hindering social media. Facing a torrent cannot even imagine non- global programme immunity and, finally, leave political instability and the fall of efforts to reach global herd of unverified and un-collabo- Western success in vaccine COVAX – which this unprecedented public several governments who so far immunity through vaccination. rated information in need of development. Moreover, this aims to provide health emergency behind. managed to remain in office Israel, which only recently interpretation, people easily unfounded notion, which has Governments around the despite their many mistakes and started inoculating Pales- fall victim to confirmation its roots in centuries of colo- equitable COVID- world are aware that the missteps. tinians living under its occu- bias, conspiracy theories and nialism and the Cold War, has 19 diagnostics, fastest and least-costly way The “me-first” approach pation, for example, sent thou- fake news in their efforts to also influenced public atti- out of this pandemic is taken by rich and vaccine- sands of doses exclusively to not blindly follow elites who tudes in some non-Western treatments, through widespread vacci- producing countries – which countries that support its they believe have hidden ideo- countries and led to and vaccines to nation and they have been make up only 14 percent of the ongoing bid to have Jerusalem logical agendas. unfounded suspicions about under immense pressure to world population – is not recognised as its capital by the The illusion of ideological the vaccines that are currently poorer countries immunise their populations as simply delaying vaccination international community. Such transparency these technol- available for use there. – cannot succeed quickly as possible since the but also paving the way for the acts of so-called “vaccine ogies provide is responsible for If we are to end this pan- first safe and effective vac- emergence of variants that are diplomacy” do little to expand the distrust espoused by many demic, we must perceive and if the international cines were announced in less susceptible to vaccines. vaccine access to all those in about the efficacy of vaccines confront the hidden ideology community ignores November 2020. Several rich nations, from need and, instead, leave the that have been approved by of Western superiority as a or fails to address However, rapid mass vac- the UK to Canada, have globe’s least politically con- government health agencies crucial obstacle to mass vac- cination has proved elusive hoarded enough doses to vac- nected, and vulnerable, and the WHO. Anti-vacci- cination. We must also these issues. for many countries for mul- cinate their entire populations nations to fend for themselves. nation activism operated at the acknowledge how the tiple reasons – many of them several times over. Of the 225 Meanwhile, vaccine hesi- fringes of political society for a breakdown of the interpre- political or even ideological million vaccine doses that tancy is growing in many long time. But as the pandemic tation of information mar- rather than practical. Injus- have been administered so far, countries and raising serious heightened suspicions and shalled by fringe political tices surrounding vaccine the vast majority have been in questions about their ability fears about the actions of Big actors on social media is production and distribution a handful of rich countries, to reach herd immunity Pharma and political elites, turning the masses against these groups who have long safe and efficient vaccines. been using social media to Initiatives such as the spread their message have WHO’s global programme emerged as important players COVAX – which aims to in the global fight to end the provide equitable COVID-19 pandemic. diagnostics, treatments, and The prejudices against vaccines to poorer countries – vaccines that were developed cannot succeed if the interna- in non-Western countries is tional community ignores or another major obstacle in fails to address these issues. front of global vaccination We can only move beyond efforts. Many across the this pandemic and avoid world, and especially in the further loss of life and eco- West, say they would refuse nomic devastation if we any vaccine that has not been commit to vaccinating as many developed by a Western people as possible, as fast as nation/corporation. This prej- possible, in every corner of the udice is based not only on the world. Political leaders, and authoritarian nature of these especially those from rich and governments, as many vaccine-producing countries, believe, but also the still- need to understand this fact. If prevalent ideology of Western they continue to allow hidden superiority. According to ideologies and social media recent polls, the majority of misinformation campaigns to American and European cit- hinder vaccination efforts, they izens are more inclined to use would be putting at risk the Western vaccines simply health and wellbeing of not because they perceive them only their own citizens but the as superior regardless of sci- entire global community. entific evidence. Santiago Zabala is ICREA Even though China and Research Professor of Phi- People queue to get a dose of the Comirnaty Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as part of the coronavirus disease vaccination campaign Russia started inoculating losophy at the Pompeu Fabra at the indoor Velodrome National of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, southwest of Paris, France, yesterday. their citizens last year before University in Barcelona. The Suez Canal, a chokepoint of history

18,000 containers as a fall- tickled by the seemingly ancient Greek chronicler Hero- the French general dispatched Pasha. Six years later, with back scenario. hapless spectacle of local dotus - who started a massive a team of surveyors to chart Ottoman Egypt saddled with Meanwhile, some 300 authorities struggling to canal-building project in about the course of a canal from the debt, Ismail would sell off his ships attempting the crossing extract such a vast vessel out the late 7th century B.C. “In the Mediterranean Sea to the Red shares in the Suez Canal from Asia to Europe, or vice from its sandy rut. But the digging of this canal, Necos lost Sea. But they incorrectly con- Company to the British gov- versa, are facing delays. They “latest blockage does highlight one hundred and twenty cluded that the latter was 30 ernment, which had gone from are carrying everything from the risks faced by the shipping thousand Egyptians,” wrote feet higher than the former being skeptics of the project to ISHAAN THAROOR oil and cement to consumer industry as more and more Herodotus, who explained that (their elevations are actually its greatest beneficiaries. The THE WASHINGTON POST goods and live animals and vessels transit maritime choke “Necos was stopped by the relatively similar) and that a opening of the canal led to the are trapped in a traffic jam points including the Suez, opposition of an oracle - to wit, canal would risk catastrophic heyday of European empires In our digital age, we can whose trickle-down effects Panama Canal, the Strait of that he was doing work for the flooding in the Nile Delta. in Asia and Africa: Steam- forget how fragile - and could reach every corner of Hormuz and Southeast Asia’s barbarian who would come Decades later, the enter- powered warships and cargo analog - the interconnected the planet. Malacca Strait,” reported after him.” prising former French dip- vessels were able to skip the networks threading our world “The Ever Given, which is Bloomberg News, pointing to Other “barbarians” would lomat Ferdinand de Lesseps lengthy journey around the can be. But then there are operated by Taiwan-based how container-carrying indeed come and apparently secured financing from the Cape of Good Hope. The culti- moments when a faulty cog Evergreen Marine Corp., was capacity on vessels has finish the work, including the French government and the vation of oil fields along the spins loose, the gears moving bound for the Netherlands on doubled over the past decade. Persian emperor Darius I and permission of the Ottoman Persian Gulf in the early 20th the heaving apparatus of the Tuesday when a dust storm It’s also a reminder of the later Ptolemy from the line of viceroyalty in Egypt for his century only underscored the global economy shudder and hit, leading to heavy winds deep and vital history of the Macedonian kings installed Suez Canal Company to begin strategic vitality of the canal we realize how suddenly and poor visibility in the canal. Long before the after the death of Alexander construction of what would for European powers. things can go awry. 120-mile-long passage from modern canal’s construction the Great. But the Red Sea become the Suez Canal in It’s fitting, then, that the That’s what has happened the Red Sea to the Mediter- in the 19th century, the area receded in the centuries 1859. The initial years canal’s dramatic closing in in the Suez Canal, where a ranean,” my Washington Post where it now runs was ripe thereafter and the ancient involved a huge human 1956 is seen now as one of the container ship the size of a colleagues reported. “Exactly for transcontinental crossing. canal, clogged with silt, faded undertaking, as workers death rattles of that age of skyscraper remains what went wrong and led the Fernand Braudel, the great into the desert. From removed and dredged many colonialism. The charismatic marooned. It has choked off a boat to run aground remains French historian of the Medi- medieval times to the end of millions of cubic feet of earth. nationalist President Gamal narrow artery that sees the unclear. ... Both Suez Canal terranean, observed how, the 18th century, schemers, By one account, more than a Abdel Nasser opted to nation- passage of about a tenth of all Authority officials and Ever- thousands of years ago, “the from Arab rulers to Venetian million Egyptian peasants alize the Suez Canal Com- global shipping. A Dutch green Marine have blamed low-lying isthmus of the Suez traders to Ottoman pashas, were forced into the project pany’s holdings and Egyptian salvage company working on winds that reportedly reached ... (had) several times been contemplated or even tried to and tens of thousands per- troops seized its facilities. freeing the ship, the MV Ever up to 30 mph. But that expla- flooded by the sea, turning launch new canal projects, but ished, contracting diseases That prompted an invasion by Given, said it could take nation has garnered some Africa into an island.” their attempts all foundered. like cholera in circumstances a joint expedition of British, “weeks” to pull it loose from skepticism, given that the ship In antiquity, potentates saw The idea of the modern likened to slave labor. French and Israeli forces in a its beached landing - an weighs as much as 220,000 the utility of building a maritime Suez Canal picked up steam Conditions improved after bid to overthrow Nasser. But it unprecedented blockage in tons when fully loaded and link for their oared triremes to after Napoleon Bonaparte’s local authorities intervened turned into a humiliating recent years. As dredgers and was built to withstand much move from the Mediterranean, quixotic invasion of Egypt in and heavy industrial debacle, with the United tugs worked through the stronger gusts.” or at least the Nile River, to the 1798. Dreaming of con- equipment was introduced. In States withholding support weekend, Egyptian author- Whatever the case, the Red Sea. The first was possibly structing a quick passage to 1869, the canal was launched and global public opinion ities ordered preparations for ship’s ordeal has launched the Egyptian pharaoh Necho II - India, already the jewel in a in a grand ceremony hosted by turning decisively against the the unloading of the vessel’s online jokes, with social media identified as Necos by the burgeoning British Empire, the Ottoman Khedive Ismail British and their allies. 10 ASIA MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 Troops fire at funeral as Myanmar mourns worst day since coup REUTERS — YANGON The bloodshed on junta took power and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Myanmar security forces Saturday drew Kyi. opened fire yesterday, renewed Western “We salute our heroes who witnesses said, at people sacrificed lives during this rev- gathered for the funeral of one condemnation. The UN olution and We Must Win This of the 114 people killed the Special Rapporteur REVOLUTION,” one of the main previous day, the bloodiest day for Myanmar said the protest groups, the General of protests since the military Strike Committee of National- coup on February 1. army was carrying out ities (GSCN), posted on There were no immediate “mass murder” and Facebook. reports of casualties in the firing Heavy fighting has also on the funeral in the town of called on the world erupted between the army and Bago, near the commercial to isolate the junta the ethnic armed groups that capital Yangon, according to control swathes of the country. three people who spoke to and halt its access to Military jets killed at least Reuters. weapons. two members of the Karen People mourn as they attend the funeral of Kyaw Win Maung, who was shot and killed during a protest “While we are singing the National Union (KNU) militia against the military coup, in Mandalay, Myanmar, yesterday. revolution song for him, in a bombing raid near security forces just arrived and Armed Forces Day. Funerals Thailand and many civilians media reported. strongly condemned the Rights, Michelle Bachelet called shot at us,” said a woman called were held in many places. fled across the border, said There were no reports of violence. the killings “shameful, cow- Aye, who was at the service for At least six children between David Eubank, founder of the casualties. German Foreign Minister ardly, brutal actions of the mil- Thae Maung Maung, a 20-year- the ages of 10 and 16 were Free Burma Rangers, a relief A junta spokesman did not Heiko Maas said on Twitter: itary and police, who have been old student who was shot on among those killed on Saturday, organisation. answer calls seeking comment “We will not tolerate the mili- filmed shooting at protesters as Saturday. “People, including us, according to news reports and In an air attack by the mil- on the killings or the fighting. tary’s brutal course of action they flee, and who have not run away as they opened fire.” witnesses. Protesters call the itary on Saturday, at least three Senior General Min Aung against the people of Myanmar”. even spared young children”. Three people were killed in victims “Fallen Stars”. civilians were killed in a village Hlaing, the junta leader, said UN Special Rapporteur Tom The top military officer firing yesterday in separate The bloodshed drew controlled by the KNU, a civil during a parade to mark Armed Andrews said the junta should from the United States and incidents elsewhere, witnesses renewed Western condem- society group said. The militia Forces Day that the military be cut off from funding, such as nearly a dozen of his counter- and news reports said. One nation. The UN Special Rap- earlier said it had overrun an would protect the people and oil and gas revenues, and from parts said in a statement that a person was killed when troops porteur for Myanmar said the army post near the border, strive for democracy. access to weapons. professional military must opened fire overnight on a army was carrying out “mass killing 10 people. Saturday’s dead included 40 “Words of condemnation or follow international standards group of protesters near the murder” and called on the Fighting erupted yesterday people in Mandalay and at least concern are frankly ringing for conduct “and is responsible capital Naypyitaw, Myanmar world to isolate the junta and between another armed group, 27 in Yangon, Myanmar Now hollow to the people of Myanmar for protecting - not harming - Now news reported. halt its access to weapons. the Kachin Independence Army, said. The casualties took the while the military junta commits the people it serves”. So far yesterday there were Foreign criticism and sanc- and the military in the jade- overall number of civilians mass murder against them,” he The Myanmar military took no reports of large-scale pro- tions imposed by some Western mining area of Hpakant in the reported killed since the coup said in a statement. power saying that November tests in Yangon or in the coun- nations have failed so far to north. The Kachin forces to more than 440. UN Special Adviser on the elections won by Suu Kyi’s party try’s second city, Mandalay, sway the military leaders, as attacked a police station and the Countries including the Prevention of Genocide Alice were fraudulent, an assertion which bore the brunt of the cas- have almost daily protests military responded with an United States, Britain, Germany Wairimu Nderitu and UN High dismissed by the country’s ualties on Saturday, Myanmar’s around the country since the aerial assault, Kachinwaves and the European Union Commissioner for Human election commission. Australia’s Nine Maharashtra imposes night curfew after record virus spike network hit by REUTERS — MUMBAI/ NEW DELHI curfew rules. the surge, several other states The surge in COVID-19 commercial arrangements. suspected Residential areas with five —Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, cases in India comes amid a The government said last Authorities in India’s western or more reported COVID-19 Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana vital election season, as the week it has decided to focus on cyber attack state of Maharashtra imposed cases in the city have been and Madhya Pradesh — are also eastern state of West Bengal its domestic vaccination pro- night curfews yesterday to ordered to be sealed off. seeing a rise in cases. and Assam started voting for gramme and there will be no REUTERS — SYDNEY tackle a record surge in India recorded 62,714 cases In parts of the country, state assemblies on Saturday. immediate expansion of vaccine COVID-19 cases with the of the coronavirus in the last 24 especially Delhi and Mumbai, The elections will indicate exports. Australian broadcaster Nine financial capital Mumbai hours, the country’s Health Min- authorities have imposed bans how support for Prime Minister More than 40 million Entertainment was unable to reporting 6,123 new cases, the istry said yesterday, the highest or restrictions on the Hindu fes- Narendra Modi is holding up people have received at least air its news bulletin yesterday highest single-day spike since single-day tally since mid- tival of Holi and the Muslim after a year of the pandemic and one dose so far, less than four from its Sydney headquarters March last year. October last year. With 312 “day of forgiveness”, Shab-e- months of mass protests over percent of the 1.35 billion pop- due to “technical difficulties” “We are seeing a higher deaths, single-day fatalities Baraat, which are both observed farm laws his government ulation, according to official which a source with COVID positive rate in high-rise were also at their highest since over this weekend. enacted late last year. figures. knowledge of the matter residential buildings than in Christmas, according to min- Holi is usually celebrated The export of COVID-19 “The vaccination drive has blamed on a suspected cyber slums...to stop the spread only istry data. with large gatherings in which vaccines is facing sharp crit- to be scaled up massively, and attack. essential services will be Several government hos- people smear each other with icism from many Indians. India test and trace and isolation Nine’s Weekend Today allowed (at night),” said Mumbai pitals reported they were colour, while Muslim men typ- is a major producer of vaccines protocols have to be show which runs from 7am to Mayor Kishor Pednekar, adding running out of critical-care beds ically hold large prayer gath- and has supplied 61 million strengthened across the 1pm did not go to air. In a that hotels, pubs and shopping in Mumbai city. erings at mosques on doses to as many as 77 coun- country,” said SK Sinha, a statement, Channel Nine said malls must observe the night While Maharashtra leads Shab-e-Barat. tries as part of both grants and Health Ministry official. it was “responding to technical issues” affecting its live broadcasting. “At this stage we’re working Bangladeshi protesters through the impacts and will provide updates as we resolve the systems.” The network, clash with police which owns the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) and The AP — DHAKA said after the clash two bullet- Age newspapers, did not ridden bodies were recovered confirm the cyber attack. But the Bangladesh security forces from the scene. Local police did source who did not want to be opened fire and used tear gas not answer calls to confirm the identified as he was not allowed yesterday to disperse thou- deaths. to speak to media said Nine sands of protesters who were Security was tight during management had informed staff enforcing a nationwide general yesterday’s strike and traffic that a “malicious” cyber attack strike they called to denounce was thin on Dhaka’s usually was suspected. violence at a previous protest clogged streets. Authorities Nine is now trying to get a over a visit by India’s prime deployed paramilitary border news bulletin out through Mel- minister. guards to Dhaka to keep order. bourne “using a server that At least one man was shot Yesterday’s violence fol- hasn’t been compromised,” the in Sanarpara in Narayanganj lowed days of tension and source said. district after thousands of pro- clashes over a visit by Indian The Australian Financial testers, mostly students from Prime Minister Narendra Modi Review which is also owned by Islamic schools, blocked a that began Friday and ended Nine, also reported that the major highway connecting as scheduled on Saturday. At media house was likely the Dhaka with the southeastern least four people were killed target of a suspected cyber port city of Chattogram, said and scores injured Friday in attack. Mohamamed Zayedul Alam, clashes between protesters and The suspected attack also the area’s police security officials. The clashes disrupted operations at Nine’s Riot of colours as Nepalese celebrate Holi superintendent. continued on Saturday. publishing business, with The man was rushed to the Critics accuse Modi’s Internet access unavailable at People throw coloured powder at each other as they gather to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, Dhaka Medical College Hospital Hindu-nationalist party of its Sydney headquarters. amid the spread of the coronavirus disease in Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday. for treatment, he said. stoking religious polarisation Witnesses said scores of in India and discriminating people were hurt in clashes against minorities, particularly with police, which started after Muslims. In recent weeks, Bangladesh: Air pollution engulfs lives, environment protesters set fire to a number demonstrators in Muslim- of vehicles. majority Bangladesh had ANADOLU — DHAKA situation to trans-boundary air Dr. Shahriar Hossain, an envi- routes,” he described. Mohammed Russel, a duty urged the Indian leader not to pollution, unplanned devel- ronment expert, said. Depending upon the official at the control room of visit and criticized Prime Min- Air pollution has been taking its opment and construction Referring to a recent field heights, air pollutants can travel the Fire Service and Civil ister Sheikh Hasina for inviting toll on Bangladesh for works, an absence of a central study, he said, “Trans-boundary from 200 km to 500 km in a Defence, said by phone that him. successive years, causing lives management system, a lack of movement of air contributes specified area, said Dr. Shahriar, they dispatched several units The Islamist group Hefazat- and economic losses as well as coordination among gov- much of the airborne pollutants who is also secretary-general of the fire fighters after infor- e-Islam, which has a network environmental hazards linked ernment agencies, and lax that travel a long distance and of the Environment and Social mation that some passenger of Islamic schools across Bang- to pollution, making experts monitoring. cause unwanted air quality Development Organisation buses and a truck were torched. ladesh, announced the fearful for the days ahead. Recently the South Asian degradation.” (ESDO). “But our teams could not nationwide general strike for According to available country ranked the most pol- “This is a major concern for “Coal mine particles, those reach the scene as the pro- yesterday, to protest Friday’s studies and research, air pol- luted country globally while its a smaller country like Bang- are coming through trans- testers blocked the approaching events, in which its members lution-related deaths and dis- capital Dhaka became the 2nd ladesh, which is surrounded by boundary including from India, roads,” he said. were blamed for attacking gov- eases have been on the rise in worst polluted city, said World highly polluted countries like are 100 times more pollutant Similar clashes also took ernment structures. recent years, exacerbating peo- Air Quality Index (AQI) Report India and Nepal. Pollutants in and danger to health and envi- place in Sarail in the eastern The main opposition Bang- ple’s plight, particularly published earlier this week. South Asia throughout the dry, ronment. It contributes as much district of Brahmanbaria when ladesh Nationalist Party did not children, women, and the The two major causes of monsoon and winter season are as 40 percent of the total air protesters attacked the security support yesterday’s strike elderly. pollution are domestic and probably transported towards pollution we find in Bangladesh officials, the Bengali-language directly, but said the call for it Experts attribute this trans-boundary air pollution, Dhaka city through different in our studies,” he continued. Prothom Alo daily reported. It was logical. MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11 Suspected suicide bombing at Indonesia church wounds 20 people AP — MAKASSAR, INDONESIA Cathedral in the Philippine Police said both attackers were province of Sulu, Prabowo said. Two attackers believed to be members He said the two attackers of a militant network that pledged alle- killed instantly and evidence were linked to a group of sus- giance to the Islamic State group blew collected at the scene indicated pected militants arrested in themselves up outside a packed Roman one of the two was a woman. The Makassar on January 6, when a Catholic cathedral during a Palm wounded included four guards police counterterrorism squad Sunday Mass on Indonesia’s Sulawesi and several churchgoers. shot and killed two suspected island, wounding at least 20 people, militants and arrested 19 others. police said. Members of the squad were ini- Rev. Wilhelmus Tulak, a priest at tially supposed to arrest the two the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Jemaah Anshorut Daulah, which has slain men for their alleged role Makassar, said he had just finished cel- pledged allegiance to Islamic State in the Philippine suicide ebrating Palm Sunday Mass when a group and was responsible for deadly bombing. Armed police officers stand guard along a closed road following an explosion outside a loud bang shocked his congregation. suicide bombings on Indonesian He said yesterday police Catholic church in Makassar, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, yesterday. He said the blast went off at about churches in 2018. He said one of the arrested four suspected militants 10:30am. attackers was believed to have links believed to have links with the He said security guards at the to a church bombing in the attackers in a raid in Bima, a city on leader of a local affiliate of Jemaah itant network that may be involved. church were suspicious of two men on Philippines. Sumbawa island in East Nusa Tenggara Anshorut Daulah. A video of the scene of the attack a motorcycle who wanted to enter the Indonesia has been battling mili- province. President Joko Widodo condemned obtained by AP showed body parts building and when they went to con- tants since bombings on the resort "We are still searching other yesterday's attack and said it has scattered near a burning motorbike at front them, one of the men detonated island of Bali in 2002 killed 202 people, members of the group and I have nothing to do with any religion as all the gates of the church. his explosives. mostly foreign tourists. Attacks aimed ordered the Densus 88 to pursue their religions would not tolerate any kind At least 20 people were wounded Police later said both attackers at foreigners have been largely movement,” Prabowo said, referring of terrorism. in the attack and had been admitted to were killed instantly and evidence col- replaced in recent years by smaller, to Indonesia’s elite police counterter- "I call on people to remain calm hospitals for treatment, said lected at the scene indicated one of the less deadly strikes targeting the gov- rorism squad. while worshipping because the state Mohammad Mahfud, the coordinating two was a woman. The wounded ernment, police and anti-terrorism Indonesia’s last major attack was guarantees you can worship without minister for political, legal and security included four guards and several forces and people militants consider in May 2018, when two families carried fear,” Widodo said in a televised affairs. churchgoers, police said. as infidels. out a series of suicide bombings on address. Over the past month the country's National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Police have identified one of Sun- churches in the city of Surabaya, killing He offered his prayers to those counterterrorism squad has arrested Sigit Prabowo told reporters when day's attackers only by his initial, L, a dozen people including two young injured and said the government would about 64 suspects, including 19 in he visited the crime scene that the who they believe was connected to a girls whose parents had involved them cover all costs of medical treatment. Makassar, following a tipoff about pos- two attackers are believed to have 2019 suicide attack that killed 23 in one of the attacks. He said he had ordered the national sible attacks against police and places been members of the militant group people at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Police said the father was the police chief to crack down on any mil- of worship. Philippines sends Pakistan bans all gatherings, orders for more Chinese doses fighter aircraft ANADOLU — KARACHI, PAKISTAN take effect from April 5, respectively, which will be health body, has diverted sup- days, the country has reported over Chinese according to a statement. received within a few days. plies to meet domestic over 4,000 daily cases, with Pakistan re-imposed a blanket The government also Several million additional requirements. 4,468 infections on Saturday. vessels in South ban on all kinds of public gath- announced the enforcement of doses are in the pipeline and Pakistan is currently vacci- Infections have been surged China Sea erings across the country expanded lockdowns in worst- will be delivered in April, he nating frontline healthcare in the South Asian country of yesterday, in an effort to curb hit districts (8% positivity per- added. The development came workers and senior citizens over 200 million in recent days, the rise in COVID-19 infections. centage), including Islamabad amid reports that the country’s using Sinopharm doses donated with more than 72,000 reported REUTERS — MANILA The decision was taken at a from today (Monday). already sluggish vaccination by China. Pakistan yesterday in March alone. meeting of the National Meanwhile, Pakistan will campaign is likely to take a recorded 4,767 new COVID-19 Earlier this week, the gov- The Philippine military is Command and Operations receive another batch of over a further hit, following the delay cases, the highest daily spike ernment said existing COVID-19 sending light fighter aircraft to Center, a government agency million COVID-19 vaccine doses in the supply of 17 million doses since last July. This increased restrictions would continue for fly over hundreds of Chinese that deals with the anti-virus from China next week, the of the Oxford-AstraZeneca the overall caseload to 654,591, at least three more weeks. vessels in disputed waters in strategy, in the capital country’s top health official said vaccine being provided by the the Health Ministry said, adding They include “broader lock- the South China Sea, its Islamabad, with Planning Min- yesterday. Dr. Faisal Sultan, the WHO-led COVAX program for that another 57 people died of downs” in high-risk areas, with defence minister said, as he ister Asad Umar in the chair. prime minister’s adviser on developing countries. the disease in the last 24 hours, no movement allowed, except repeated his demand the The ban on social, cultural, health, said in a tweet that the The promised vaccines taking the total to 14,215. for emergencies. Educational flotilla be withdrawn imme- political, sports, and other country has placed orders for were slated to be received by As many as 595,929 patients institutions have also been diately. events is effective immediately, the purchase of 1 million and the end of March. But India’s have recovered so far, with the closed until at least April 11 in International concern is whereas the order on weddings, 60,000 doses of Sinopharm and Serum Institute, which is sup- number of active cases standing districts with high infection growing over what the Philip- both indoor and outdoor, will CanSino vaccines from China plying the doses to the world at 44,447. Over the last few rates. pines has described as a “swarming and threatening presence” of more than 200 Chinese vessels that Manila Sinopharm needs trial believes were manned by maritime militia. results to decide if vaccine The boats were moored at the Whitsun Reef within Manila’s 200-mile exclusive needs booster shot economic zone.. The Philippine military air- REUTERS — BEIJING news conference, citing results craft were sent daily to from lab tests using blood monitor the situation, Defence China National Pharmaceutical samples taken from clinical Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Group (Sinopharm) will need trial participants. Lab testing said in a statement late on to assess results from overseas was ongoing for variants found Saturday. Phase III clinical trials to decide in Brazil and Zimbabwe, Zhang Lorenzana said the mil- whether its two-shot COVID-19 said. The effect of antibodies itary will also beef up its naval vaccine should be followed by induced by Sinovac Biotech’s presence in the South China a booster shot, a company vaccine declined against a Sea to conduct “sovereignty executive said yesterday. variant identified in South patrols” and protect Filipino Regulators and vaccine Africa, while the effect against fishermen. developers are looking at a variant found in Britain “Our air and sea assets are whether booster doses are nec- remained similar to that against ready to protect our sover- essary amid concerns that the older Wuhan variant, Gao eignty and sovereign rights,” emerging variants of the new Qiang, general manager at Lorenzana said. coronavirus might weaken pro- Sinovac unit Sinovac Life Sci- The Chinese Embassy in tection of vaccines designed ences, said during the same Staff members stand near an Air China airplane on the tarmac of Beijing Capital International Airport, Manila did not immediately against older strains. presser. Sinovac is importing which is shrouded in dust as the city is hit by a sandstorm, yesterday. respond to a request for “The preliminary results so the variant from Brazil for comment. far showed that the booster vaccine research and devel- It has said the vessels at vaccination can effectively opment, and work tailored to Whitsun Reef were fishing Beijing enveloped in hazardous sandstorm increase the neutralizing the South Africa variant had boats taking refuge from rough antibody titer and antibody already started, Gao said. seas and that there were no REUTERS — BEIJING index reached a maximum level alert on Friday, warning that a persistence, and also effectively The correlation between militia aboard. of 500 yesterday morning, with sandstorm was spreading from improve the vaccine’s ability to antibody levels and the vac- Philippine President The Chinese capital Beijing floating particles known as Mongolia into northern Chinese resist mutations,” Zhang cine’s efficacy was not imme- Rodrigo Duterte reaffirmed to woke yesterday morning PM10 surpassing 2,000 micro- provinces including Inner Mon- Yuntao, vice president at China diately clear, a Sinovac China’s ambassador, Huang shrouded in thick dust carrying grams per cubic metre in some golia, Shanxi, Liaoning and National Biotec Group (CNBG), spokesman said. Xilian, the Philippines had extremely high levels of districts. Hebei, which surrounds Beijing. an affiliate of Sinopharm, said Sinovac was also testing a won a landmark arbitration hazardous particles, as a second Readings of smaller PM2.5 The meteorological office yesterday. “Is a booster shot third booster shot in a China- case in 2016, which made sandstorm in two weeks hit the particles were above 300 said the recent sandstorms to needed? When will the booster based clinical trial, with partic- clear its sovereign entitle- city due to winds from drought- micrograms per cubic metre, hit Beijing originated from be given? The answer should ipants given a third dose ments amid rival claims by hit Mongolia and northwestern far higher than China’s standard Mongolia, where relatively be based on the results of future around eight months after China, his spokesman said last China. of 35 micrograms. warmer temperature this spring phase III clinical studies,” receiving the second, the week. Visibility in the city was PM2.5 particles are espe- and reduced rain resulted in Zhang said. company said on Tuesday. Brunei, Malaysia, the Phil- reduced, with the tops of some cially harmful because they are larger areas of bare earth, cre- Antibodies triggered by two The South Africa variant ippines, Taiwan, China and skyscrapers obscured by the very tiny and can enter the ating favorable conditions for COVID-19 vaccine products could pose a greater threat Vietnam have competing ter- sandstorm, and pedestrians bloodstream, while PM10 is a sandstorms. from Sinopharm both have based on antibody responses ritorial claims in the South were forced to cover their eyes larger particle that can enter the Beijing might face more “pretty good” neutralising triggered by the vaccine from China Sea, through which at as gusts of dust swept through lungs. sandstorms in April due to the effect on variants found in CanSino Biologics Inc (CanSi- least $3.4 trillion of annual the streets. The China Meteorological unfavourable weather this year, Britain and South Africa as well noBIO), a company executive trade passes. Beijing’s official air quality Administration issued a yellow the meteorological office said. as a few others, Zhang told a said earlier this month. Hong Kong: Initial probe of BioNTech vaccines shows no ‘obvious systemic factors’

REUTERS — HONG KONG week. Authorities on fears of adverse reactions. random testing of intact vials “ascertaining the integrity of the vaccinating residents with doses Wednesday halted the use of a In a statement published delivered to Hong Kong did not intrinsic properties of the rel- from Sinovac in February and Hong Kong’s government said COVID-19 vaccine developed late on Saturday, the city’s gov- uncover any issue of leakage, it evant batches of vaccine, and began offering the one an initial investigation by by BioNTech citing defective ernment said the investigation said. that the batches are safe for developed by BioNTech in Germany’s BioNTech and packaging, triggering confusion results did not rule out that the Both Fosun and BioNTech use.” March. Fosun Industrial into its coro- in inoculation centres across the situation was “caused by envi- considered the vaccines to have The government said it was The BioNTech vaccine is navirus vaccine did not show city. ronmental conditions during no safety risks and people who following up with Fosun and distributed in Hong Kong and any “obvious systemic The suspension came as the the long-haul transport have received them “do not BioNTech to complete the Macau via a partnership with factors” during packaging Asian financial hub has faced a process.” need to worry”, the government investigation within a week to China’s Fosun Pharma, while after use of the vaccine was sluggish take-up of vaccines It was not related to the said. allow for a resumption of sup- BioNTech partners with Pfizer suspended in the city and due to dwindling confidence in cold-chain and logistical man- The remaining part of the plying the vaccines to the in markets outside greater neighbouring Macau this China’s Sinovac vaccine and agement of the vaccine and investigation will focus on public. The city started China. 12 EUROPE MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 UK eases lockdown but nervously eyes European virus surge AP — LONDON Ireland — are taking broadly outweigh the benefits. factories in the bloc unless able to deliver it and we are similar steps. In Wales, thou- More than 30 million While many European drugmakers — notably Anglo- confident that it won’t require Britain is taking another small sands of people poured onto nations are seeing a new surge Swedish firm AstraZeneca — mixing the vaccines,” Dowden step out of lockdown as it looks beaches and mountain spots on people, 57% of all UK in the pandemic, Britain is send more shots to EU nations. told the BBC. nervously at a new virus surge Saturday, after the authorities adults, have already counting on a rapid mass-vac- Some European politicians, Under the government’s inundating its European neigh- lifted travel restrictions that received at least the first cination programme to help it under fire for their slow vaccine "road map” to lifting lockdown, bours. have been in place since dose of a COVID-19 end its lockdown. programs, say Britain has failed shops, hairdressers and outdoor With UK coronavirus vac- December. vaccine. More than 30 million people to export any vaccine doses to dining in England are to reopen cination rates outstripping those Most nonessential busi- — 57% of all UK adults — have the continent, while millions on April 12, followed by indoor of European Union nations, nesses remain closed, along received a first dose of vaccine have gone the other way. Britain venues on May 17. Remaining Prime Minister Boris Johnson is with restaurants, gyms, not mean job done.” so far, the government disputes that characterization, restrictions are to end June 21, easing the stark "stay at home” cinemas, theatres, museums "We’ve made enormous announced yesterday. Almost saying vaccines have complex if the country isn't facing a new message that has curtailed eve- and sports stadiums. Millions of progress that we need to build 7% of adults have had both supply chains and some ingre- virus surge. ryday life — and kept the virus workers have been furloughed, on and not squander the gains doses. dients in Europe’s shots are Anthony Harnden, deputy in check — for almost three with the government paying the we’ve made,” he wrote in the Britain aims to give eve- made in the U.K. chair of Britain’s Joint Com- months. bulk of their wages. Sunday Telegraph newspaper. ryone over 18 a first jab by July, British Culture Secretary mittee on Vaccination and From today (Monday), it will The UK has recorded more The stringent restrictions in with second shots delivered Oliver Dowden said the gov- Immunization, said it was vital be replaced in England with a than 126,000 COVID-19 deaths, business and social life imposed within 12 weeks of the first. ernment was confident it would that people who had received message to stay local. People the highest toll in Europe. during three lockdowns in the Health officials say the hit its vaccination targets. He a vaccine shot remained will be allowed to meet in Stephen Powis, medical past year have had broad public program will slow down in April said the first doses of a vaccine cautious. groups of six outdoors and can director of the National Health support, though they have because of a squeeze on sup- made by US firm Moderna "It’s really important that resume outdoor sports such as Service in England, urged alarmed some lawmakers in plies, in part because of a would arrive in Britain in April, people who are vaccinated can basketball, tennis and golf. people to continue to follow the Johnson’s Conservative Party, delayed order from India. The joining the AstraZeneca and remember that they aren’t com- The other parts of the UK — rules and limit contact with who argue that the economic, EU has also threatened to block Pfizer-BioNTech shots. pletely protected,” he told the Scotland, Wales and Northern others, saying the easing "does democratic and human costs shipments of vaccines from "We’re confident we’ll be BBC. French COVID-19 intensive care patient numbers rise again Slovak crisis may be nearing REUTERS/AP — PARIS spreading coronavirus variants. French President Emmanuel Macron end as PM offers France yesterday recorded a further rise this week defended his decision to not in the number of COVID-19 patients in impose a third full lockdown and to to swap posts intensive care units to a new high for keep schools open, but said further this year, health ministry data showed, restrictions would probably be needed. REUTERS — PRAGUE as doctors warned a third wave of infec- Total deaths in French hospitals tions could soon overwhelm hospitals. linked to the virus reached 68,597 yes- Slovak Prime Minister Igor There were 4,872 ICU patients being terday, up 131 from the previous day, Matovic has offered to swap treated for COVID-19, up from 4,791 on the data showed. roles with Finance Minister Saturday, the data showed. That was The doctors predicted that softer Eduard Heger, a proposal close to a mid-November peak during new restrictions imposed this month on welcomed by the coalition France’s second wave of the virus Paris and some other regions won’t parties and which could though well below a high of about 7,000 quickly bring the resurgent epidemic resolve a month-long in April last year. under control. They warned that hos- government crisis. The overall number of COVID-19 pital resources won’t be able to keep Matovic said he had patients in hospital rose to 27,712 from pace with needs, forcing them to decided to drop all previous 27,259. A group of 41 hospital doctors practice “catastrophe medicine” in the conditions for his resignation. in the Paris region signed an article in coming weeks as cases peak. He and Heger are from the Sunday newspaper Le Journal du “We already know that our capacity ruling coalition’s strongest Dimanche warning they risk having to to offer care will be overwhelmed,” they party, OLANO. start choosing between patients for wrote. “We will be obliged to triage Slovakia has been hit hard emergency treatment. patients in order to save as many lives by the COVID-19 pandemic, Scientists have argued that the gov- as possible. This triage will concern all and the crisis erupted on ernment’s partial lockdown measures patients, with and without COVID, in March 1 after Matovic ordered Crowds of people enjoy the sun on the banks of the Seine river, amid the coronavirus targeting high-infection zones like Paris particular for adult patients’ access to a shipment of Russia’s Sputnik disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Paris, France, yesterday. are inadequate faced with fast- critical care.” V vaccine without his coalition partners’ knowledge. He offered to resign last week but Two people gave a long list of conditions. Virus surge might force Germany into harder lockdown “We won’t insist on killed, 9 missing meeting any of those condi- BLOOMBERG/REUTERS — BERLIN The call with the chief of most dangerous phase of the more than 100, he spoke out in tions... we want to remove any in shipwreck off staff could lay the groundwork pandemic,” Merkel’s chief of favour of additional curbs. obstacle preventing the coa- Germany may come under for a meeting between Merkel staff told the Bild am Sonntag “That’s where regional lition from coming back Spain coast pressure to impose a harder and state leaders, which could newspaper. curfews in the evening and at together,” Matovic said at a tel- lockdown as the infection rate take place tomorrow (Tuesday), “The next few weeks will night can help, because we have evised press conference yes- QNA — MADRID in the nation returns to January the person said. determine whether we can the highest infection rates at terday. “Today at the OLANO levels. Bild newspaper reported foreseeably get the pandemic meetings in people’s homes,” leadership meeting, I also pro- At least two migrants were The topic was expected to yesterday that such an emer- under control.” he said. posed a swap between me and killed and nine others went be front and centre during gency meeting may decide on If the number of infections Coronavirus infections have Eduard Heger as finance min- missing after an illegal immi- Chancellor Angela Merkel's stricter limits to check the rises rapidly again there is a risen sharply in Germany in ister,” he said. gration boat sank off the interview on the Anne Will spread of the virus. growing danger that the next recent weeks, driven by a more Coalition party Sme rodina Spanish coast. show on German state tele- Merkel last week made a virus mutation will become transmissible variant of the chairman Boris Kollar pledged The administration of the vision, which was scheduled for rare public apology after she resistant to the vaccine, Braun virus and moves to ease some his support for Heger as prime Region of Murcia (southeast of later yesterday. was forced to abandon a five- said. “Then we would need new restrictions. minister at the press briefing. Spain) stated, in a statement German cases topped day hard lockdown over Easter vaccines, then we would have On Saturday, the number of Za ludi party chairwoman yesterday, that Coast Guard 28,000 on Saturday, more than just 33 hours after announcing to start vaccinating all over confirmed coronavirus death Veronika Remisova said her teams have recovered the three times the rate at the start it, throwing her government’s again,” he added. toll rose by 157, according to party backed Heger too for the bodies of two immigrants and of the month, underscoring the management of the pandemic After a popular backlash data from the Robert Koch top government post. rescued three others following challenge facing authorities as further into disarray. and legal hurdles, Merkel was Institute for infectious SaS, whose leader Richard the sinking of a boat carrying they attempt to curb the pan- Meanwhile, Braun has said forced to ditch plans for an diseases. Sulik has been Matovic’s most illegal immigrants in the Med- demic’s spread. that Germany must bring down extended Easter holiday Braun said he expected the vocal opponent in the past iterranean, adding that the fate Merkel’s chief of staff Helge coronavirus infections in the intended to try to break a third infection situation to ease in weeks, also welcomed the pro- of nine other immigrants is still Braun will probably hold a call next few weeks or risk new wave of COVID-19, but Braun May, helped by the impact of posal. Heger, 44, is a trained unknown. with the offices of the heads of virus mutations that are said it remained imperative to vaccinations and the onset of economist who worked in The statement indicated Germany’s 16 states today resistant to vaccines, and reduce the number of warmer weather. various managerial posts that these migrants were (Monday), according to a person should impose night-time infections. “By Whitsun (May 23) we before being elected in 2016 trying to reach Spain before familiar with the situation who curfews in regions with high In regions where the will see the first positive effects on OLANO’s ticket to par- their boat capsized on Sat- spoke under the condition of caseloads. number of cases per 100,000 — provided the situation doesn’t liament, where he served as urday night off the coast of the anonymity. “We are in the people in the last seven days is get out of hand by then.” the caucus chief. town of Matharon, stressing that the Coast Guard had been searching since morning to find the missing migrants. Merkel’s bloc dips in polls 6 Migrants often drown in this region of the western months before German vote Mediterranean, as 330 people were killed last year and 58 AP — BERLIN Bavaria-only Christian Social since the beginning of this Union, which won almost 33% year, according to the toll of A leading figure in Chancellor of the vote in 2017, has been hit the International Organization Angela Merkel’s centre-right by a scandal over lawmakers’ for Migration (IOM), which Union bloc has warned that allegedly profiting from mask confirmed the arrival of about there is a growing “mood for procurement deals and frus- 4,377 migrants to Spain by sea change” in Germany, as surveys tration over Germany’s sluggish since January 2021. show voters losing faith in the coronavirus vaccination More than 2,200 people long-time leader’s party six campaign. perished at sea trying to reach months before a national By Friday, just over 10% of Europe last year, more than a election. the population had received at third on the increasingly busy An opinion poll published least one shot of COVID-19 route to Spain's Canary yesterday by weekly Bild am vaccine, while 4.5 % had Islands, the UN migration Sonntage put the Union bloc’s received both doses. agency has said. support at 25%, just ahead of Meanwhile, Germany’s In all, 2,276 migrants are Tributes for victims of Myanmar coup violence the environmentalist Greens disease control agency reported known to have drowned while with 23%. The centre-left Social 17,176 newly confirmed cases A person looks at tributes and protest signs outside the Embassy of Myanmar, in London, yesterday. 86,448 arrived by sea in Democrats placed third, with and 90 deaths over the past Myanmar's embassy in London, which is under the control of junta opponents, said on Facebook that Europe in 2020, IOM said in a 17%, according to the poll of day. report. the ambassador met Suu Kyi's son there on Thursday. 1,447 voters with a margin of “A mood for change is error of up to 3 percentage arising in the country,” Soeder points. was quoted as saying. “The “The situation is very Union needs to show that it’s Italy reports 297 coronavirus deaths, 19,611 new cases serious,” Markus Soeder, the still got strength and ideas, and governor of Bavaria and a pos- isn’t exhausted and worn out.” REUTERS — MILAN tests were carried out in the second-highest toll in Europe — stood at 28,701 yesterday, sible contender to succeed Soeder is trying to position space of 24 hours, compared after Britain and the seventh- slightly up from 28,621 a day Merkel in September, told Bild himself ahead of Armin Italy reported 297 coronavirus- with a previous 357,154, the highest in the world. It has earlier. There were 217 new am Sonntag. Laschet, the governor of North related deaths yesterday against health ministry said. reported 3.53 million cases to admissions to intensive care “The corona numbers are Rhine-Westphalia state, in the 380 the day before, while the Italy has registered 107,933 date. units, down from 264 on Sat- rising and the Union’s ratings race to lead the Union bloc into daily tally of new infections fell deaths linked to COVID-19 The number of patients in urday. The total number of are falling.” The grouping of the September 26 election. to 19,611 from 23,839. since its outbreak emerged in hospital with COVID-19 — not intensive care patients rose by Merkel’s Christian Democratic Merkel has said she won’t Some 272,630 coronavirus February last year, the including those in intensive care 44 to 3,679. Union and Soeder’s run for a fifth term. MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13

Albania starts mass Putin felt minor vaccinations before side effects from tourist season AP — TIRANA vaccine: Report Albania started a mass inoculation campaign yesterday ahead of the summer tourism season after acquiring 192,000 REUTERS — MOSCOW doses of Chinese coronavirus vaccine Sinovac earlier this week. Russian President Vladimir Hundreds of people age 70 and above Putin (pictured) said yesterday gathered at Tirana’s main Skanderbeg he had experienced minor side Square to get a jab in two big tents. effects from the coronavirus Liri Bizhiti, 76, one of those waiting in (COVID-19) vaccine after line, was happy to receive the vaccine after receiving the first shot on a year of isolation, and on the same day as Tuesday, the Interfax news her husband. agency reported, citing a TV “Thank God it came,” she told AP while interview. accompanied by her daughter. “We are so “I woke up the next happy.” morning after the vaccination Vaccination has proceeded slowly in and it seemed to me I felt slight the Balkan country since mid-January Elderly people wait in line to get the Chinese Sinovac coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pain in muscles. I took a ther- Russia has registered before the arrival of the Sinovac vaccine, vaccine during a mass vaccination programme at Skanderbeg Square, in Tirana, yesterday. mometer... my temperature over 4.5 million with Albania receiving less than 100,000 was normal,” he told the state Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sputnik V doses. 192,000 Sinovac doses. The remainder of the minister said. Rossiya 1 TV channel. coronavirus infections The country has inoculated 65,000 medical the 500,000 Sinovac doses Albania is due The government aims to make the He said he also had an to date. Putin said he personnel, people age 80 and over, and to receive will come in two months. country ready to welcome tourists this uncomfortable feeling on the schoolteachers so far. Rama also said Sinovac would build a summer. In the years before the virus out- site of the injection. expected Russia to Albania, which has a population of 2.8 factory in Albania to produce different break, tourism became a significant Putin did not reveal which reach herd immunity million, has signed contracts for a total of vaccines. industry in the country’s economy. of three Russian vaccines he about 2.5 million vaccine doses from Pfizer, Albania aims to give at least 10,000 “I believe that this tourist season will had taken, saying only the and lift pandemic- AstraZeneca, Sputnik V and Sinovac. The shots a day and to complete 500,000 jabs be more relaxed as a result of the attacks doctor who inoculated him related restrictions by government is continuing to work on by June, Health Minister Ogerta Manastirliu against the chain of infections,” Rama told knows that. the end of summer. securing new vaccine contracts so the entire said. journalists after touring the vaccination The Kremlin announced population can be fully vaccinated by early “This process will not stop and our center at the square. Putin’s decision to get immu- 2022. ambitious plan of vaccination aims that in Foreign tourists coming to Albania nised against the coronavirus million out of 144 million Rus- Earlier this week, Prime Minister Edi 14 months we complete it (for the entire won’t be required to show proof that they’ve in December and the pres- sians had so far got two shots Rama went to Turkey and brought back the population) and achieve immunization,” been inoculated with a coronavirus vaccine. ident said that the delay was of a vaccine. due to a need to combine it Russia has registered over with other vaccines he 4.5 million coronavirus infec- planned to receive. tions to date. EU to block export of AstraZeneca shots until pledge met Putin said that all three Putin said he expected Russian vaccines, the most Russia to reach herd immunity BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS Breton, the EU’s internal sometimes closures of venues 40 percent of the 180 million well-known and widely- and lift pandemic-related markets commissioner, said on such as restaurants, museums doses produced on its soil, available of which is Sputnik V, restrictions by the end of The European Union will block RTL radio and LCI television. and schools as they grapple including about 20 million were almost equal. summer. exports of AstraZeneca Plc “If there are surpluses, they will with a third wave of infections doses to the UK, according to Nearly two-thirds of Rus- Herd immunity refers to a coronavirus vaccines if the go elsewhere.” in the pandemic that’s killed Breton. If it can, the bloc will sians are not willing to receive situation where enough people company fails to deliver the The EU, which has faced hundreds of thousands of help Britain, which may the Sputnik V vaccine, in a population have immunity doses bought by the region on vaccine shortages while people on the continent in the struggle to get enough doses for according to independent to an infection to be able to time, according to the EU exporting doses, has been crit- past year. those who need two jabs quick pollster Levada Center, as of effectively stop the disease commissioner in charge of icised for its much slower AstraZeneca has pledged to enough, he said. March 1, with most respondents from spreading. fixing the bloc’s vaccination rollout than in the US and the deliver 70 million doses to the The EU will produce 420 citing side effects as the main With the new coronavirus drive. UK, which have mostly EU in the second quarter, million doses by mid-July, reason. outbreak, some scientists hope “As long as AstraZeneca refrained from exports. Breton said. So far, it met about enough to reach herd immunity Russia started its vacci- that herd immunity would kick doesn’t make good on its obli- The lag has forced govern- 30 percent of its commitment for its population, Breton said. nation campaign against the in when between 50 percent gations, everything that’s pro- ments across the continent to to the EU versus 100 percent to He defined herd immunity as coronavirus in December. Last and 70 percent of a population duced on European soil is dis- extend or tighten costly travel the UK, he said. vaccinating about 70 percent Monday Putin said that 4.3 is immune. tributed to Europeans,” Thierry restrictions, lockdowns and The EU has exported about of adults. Sweden says will not meet vaccine Detained Navalny asks target due to for painkiller injections delay in deliveries REUTERS — MOSCOW The commission did not say if Navalny received the REUTERS — STOCKHOLM Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei painkiller injections he asked Navalny asked for help from a for. Sweden’s vaccine coordinator public commission to get access “We... made sure that his said yesterday repeated delays to painkiller injections for request had been recorded offi- of COVID-19 vaccine deliveries severe pain in his leg, the head cially,” Kulikov said. meant Sweden would not be of the commission said in a A spokeswoman for a able to meet the target of statement published late regional department of Russia’s having all adults vaccinated by Saturday. prison authority declined any June 30. Navalny was jailed last immediate comment. Sweden, which has month for two and a half Diclofenac is a medicine rejected lockdowns years on charges he called that reduces inflammation and throughout the pandemic, is politically motivated. He was pain and is used to treat rushing to get its population arrested as he returned to problems with joints, muscles vaccinated amid a third wave Russia from Germany in and bones, information on Brit- of the pandemic. It registered January, where he had been ain’s National Health Service its highest number of new recovering from what doctors website said. cases since the end of last year said was a nerve agent Navalny has said that his on Thursday, although deaths poisoning. only treatment was two Ibu- remain at a relatively low The 44-year old opposition profen pills per day and his level. politician has said in a diagnosis was unclear. “It will take a bit longer statement that his request for Navalny’s lawyer Vadim A woman is led away by Belarusian law enforcement officers, as opposition supporters gather for a before everyone is fully vac- treatment by a civilian doctor Kobzev, who visited the poli- rally against President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus , on Saturday. cinated, but maybe five million had been rejected and that he tician the day before the public people will be fully vaccinated was being woken up by a guard monitors, said he was not by the end of the first half of every hour during the night in aware of his request for the the year, June 30,” vaccine Over 100 anti-govt protesters arrested in Belarus a deliberate attempt to painkiller injection. coordinator Richard Berg- undermine his health. Two dozen Russian medics strom told Swedish Television. AP — KIEV more than 200 people were been characterized as Europe’s Members of a local Public said in a open letter published “It will take maybe a couple of detained Thursday. last dictator, has strongly Monitoring Commission, a online yesterday that Navalny weeks into July before eve- Police in the capital of Belarus Five journalists were among repressed opposition and inde- semi-official body with access may be suffering from conse- ryone has had two shots,” he arrested more than 100 people those arrested. Four were later pendent news media during 26 to Russian prisons, visited quences of the poisoning or said. who assembled for a protest released, but it was not clear if years in power. Navalny in his penal colony 100 from a new illness caused by Bergstrom did not imme- march on Saturday to call for the fifth, the editor of the The post-election protests km (60 miles) east of Moscow incomplete recovery. diately respond to a request for the resignation of the country’s popular newspaper Nasha were the largest and most per- on Friday. “We are afraid of the comment. authoritarian president. Niva, faced charges. sistent show of opposition the “From a conversation worst. Leaving a patient in this Sweden, with a total pop- The planned event in Minsk Some journalists arrested former Soviet republic has seen (with Navalny) we learned condition without help, may ulation of 10 million, has so far indicated that supporters of the while covering last year’s pro- in that time, with some of them that he feels pain in his leg be even surgical, may lead to vaccinated over a million political opposition seek to tests were sentenced to two attracting as many as 200,000 and he asked for help in severe consequences, people with one dose and revive the wave of mass pro- years in prison. people. getting injections of including an irreversible, full 450,000 people with two tests that gripped Belarus for Protests broke out in August More than 33,000 people Diclofenac to reduce pain. He or partial loss of lower limb doses. months last year but were after a disputed election that were arrested during the anti- is still able to walk,” said functions,” the doctors said in The country has more than dormant during the winter. gave President Alexander government protests in Belarus, Vyacheslav Kulikov, the head the letter, published by 13,000 deaths from During the first sizable anti- Lukashenko a sixth term in and many of them were beaten of the commission, in an Russian media outlet The COVID-19. government protests of 2021, office. Lukashenko, who has by police. online statement. Insider. British govt to end Green Home grants, add funds for energy upgrades

BLOOMBERG — LONDON programme, which faced a tepid Johnson is working on a major elsewhere, while the premier hoped the grants would help funding that will be channeled uptake partly because of the overhaul of the programme, one wants to design a successor upgrade 600,000 homes and through local authorities in The UK government will end a coronavirus pandemic. The pro- of the government’s most programme, the people said. support more than 100,000 England to help low-income key programme to improve gramme, which provided important climate change pol- The voucher programme jobs, fueling the economic households upgrade the energy home energy efficiency, while vouchers for homeowners to help icies, after it failed to deliver, was launched in September recovery from the pandemic. efficiency of their homes. The boosting funding for efforts to pay for insulating their properties people familiar with the matter with a budget of 2 billion The government didn’t provide additional financing will take help households cut greenhouse and switch to low carbon heating, said earlier this month. Johnson pounds ($2.8bn) and was figures on how many people total government funding for emissions and save on power will be terminated on March 31, is now in talks with finance designed to be a temporary applied for vouchers. energy efficiency and low- bills. the government said in an minister Rishi Sunak over what stimulus measure as part of its The government also carbon heating in 2021-2021 to The government will end its emailed statement. comes next. The Treasury is broader climate change effort. announced yesterday an addi- 1.3 billion pounds, the statement Green Home Grant voucher UK Prime Minister Boris seeking to redirect funds Officials had originally tional 300 million pounds in said. 14 AMERICAS MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021

Mexico: COVID-19 Venezuela accuses deaths likely 60% Facebook of ‘digital higher than confirmed toll totalitarianism’ REUTERS — MEXICO CITY

REUTERS — CARACAS Mexico’s death toll from the coronavirus pandemic is likely Venezuela’s government Venezuela’s at least 60% higher than the yesterday accused Facebook government accused confirmed number, putting it Inc of “digital totalitarianism” Facebook Inc of in excess of 300,000, after it froze President Nicolas “digital according to government data. Maduro’s page for 30 days for totalitarianism” after Updated figures https:// violating policies against coronavirus.gob.mx/exceso- spreading misinformation it froze President de-mortalidad-en-mexico on about COVID-19. Nicolas Maduro’s page excess mortality in a table Facebook told Reuters this for 30 days for published by Mexico’s health weekend it had also taken violating policies ministry showed that by the down a video in which Maduro against spreading end of the sixth week of this promoted Carvativir, a Vene- year, 294,287 fatalities “asso- zuelan-made remedy he misinformation about ciated with COVID-19” had Fleeing for safety claims, without evidence, can COVID-19. been registered on death cer- cure the disease. Facebook said tificates in Mexico. Venezuelan migrants arriving in canoes on the banks of the Arauca river on the Colombian side it followed guidance from the That was 61.4% higher than carrying their belongings after fleeing their country due to military operations, according to the World Health Organization the confirmed death toll of Colombian migration agency, in Arauquita, Colombia, yesterday. (WHO) that there is currently derived from thyme, an herb 182,301 given as a comparison no medication that can cure the that has been used for centuries in the same table. virus. in traditional medicine. That figure did not Venezuelan In a statement yesterday, Maduro, who has overseen coincide precisely with a spe- One killed, 5 injured in Venezuela’s information min- an economic collapse since cific day from the health min- opposition leader istry said Facebook was going taking office in 2013 and is istry’s daily bulletins, but more Canada stabbing attack after “content geared towards labeled a dictator by Wash- than 25,000 COVID-19-re- Juan Guaido combating the pandemic” and ington and many other Western lated deaths have been QNA — OTTAWA tested positive described Carvativir as a ret- nations, said in a tweet on reported since mid-February. roviral of “national production Sunday that he would As of Saturday, the ministry’s Canadian police announced yesterday the killing of one person for COVID-19 and engineering.” broadcast his daily coronavirus confirmed toll stood at and the wounding of at least five others in a stabbing attack inside “We are witnessing a digital briefing on the Facebook 201,429. a library in Vancouver, western Canada. REUTERS — CARACAS totalitarianism exercised by account of his wife, first lady The Mexican government Police said that one suspect had been arrested, pointing out supranational companies who Cilia Flores. has long said that the coun- that there was no longer a constant threat to the public. Venezuelan opposition leader want to impose their law on the The South American try’s real number of COVID-19 CBC said, according to a spokeswoman, that six people had Juan Guaido said on Saturday countries of the world,” the country has reported 155,663 deaths was likely significantly been taken to hospitals, but she refused to give details about their that he has tested positive for ministry said. cases of the novel coronavirus higher than the confirmed toll, health condition. the coronavirus and has mild Facebook did not immedi- and 1,555 deaths. Those which is the third-highest in Eyewitness told CBC that the attacker was arrested and trans- symptoms. ately respond to a request for figures are below the levels of the world. ported to another place by ambulance. Guaido said on his Twitter comment. many regional peers, but the Total excess deaths in CTV broadcasted a video clip showing the arrest of the suspect, account that he is in isolation Venezuelan doctors have political opposition says the Mexico during the pandemic who appeared to have stabbed himself in the leg before collapsing and expressed concern about warned that Carvativir’s effect true number of cases is likely stood at 417,002 by the sixth and was arrested by police officers. the number of infections in the on coronavirus has not been far higher due to a lack of week of 2021, according to the In April of last year, 23 people were killed in a shooting incident country. established. The treatment is testing. data. by a gunman wearing police uniform in Nova Scotia, Canada. “I want to express my sol- idarity with the thousands of Venezuelans suffering during Argentina advances bill exempting the pandemic,” Guaido wrote Cubans stage caravan protest on Twitter. “Today we all have 1.3 million from income tax a relative or acquaintance affected by COVID-19.” BLOOMBERG — BUENOS AIRES against US sanctions Dozens of countries have backed Guaido as interim Argentina’s lawmakers have taken a major step in REUTERS — HAVANA sizes and vintages. contributing to worsening food president of Venezuela fol- exempting about 1.3 million citizens from paying income “We are here for the end of and medicine shortages. lowing Maduro’s re-election taxes.After a marathon debate, Hundreds of Cubans took to the blockade, for the end of the The Biden administration says in 2018 in a vote Western gov- Argentina’s lower house of Congress passed a bill yes- Havana’s famous seaside drive sanctions,” protester Felix Moya it is reviewing US policy on Cuba ernments called a sham. terday to double the minimal taxable income to 150,000 yesterday in a colorful caravan of said.Former US President Donald but has not indicated when it will The opposition leader pesos a month ($1,633) from the current level of about cars, motorcycles and bicycles to Trump’s administration took act or what it will do, nor whether added that he considered the 75,000 pesos for a single person. demand the United States lift its more than 200 initiatives to Biden will fully revert to the his- arrival of COVID-19 vaccines The reform, pushed by the chamber’s leader Sergio 60-year-old embargo on the tighten the decades-old trade toric detente between Washington to Venezuela urgent. Massa ahead of mid-term elections in October, passed Caribbean island nation. embargo on Cuba over four and Havana that was initiated by Venezuela has received unopposed after a rare Saturday legislative session. The The caravan was part of a years, citing concerns about a Democratic former President 700,000 doses, of which measure now goes to the Senate. weekend of small protests and lack of democracy and Havana’s Barack Obama. Biden served as 500,000 were donated by Massa and other Peronist leaders have sold the bill caravans in more than 50 cities support for Venezuela’s socialist Obama’s vice-president. China’s Sinopharm and the rest as a way to boost Argentina’s economic recovery from around the world, including in the government. “We are demanding the end of are Russia’s Sputnik V. Oppo- the pandemic. They argue it’ll incentivize consumer United States, supported by local Biden, a Democrat, vowed the blockade,” Foreign Minister sition leaders are separately spending, which will translate into more revenue from authorities in hopes of influencing during his 2020 presidential cam- Bruno Rodriguez, the highest- negotiating to buy vaccines via sales taxes. the Biden administration to paign to reverse Trump’s policy ranking official present at the the COVAX program using To help plug the gap of lost income tax revenue, change US policy and to counter shifts that “have inflicted harm on protest and a member of the Com- funds frozen in the United Argentina is targeting rich citizens. The nation’s wealthy a campaign by Cuban exiles to the Cuban people and done munist Party’s Politburo, told States. have until April 16 to pay a one-time “extraordinary con- keep the embargo in place. nothing to advance democracy media. Venezuela’s official figures tribution” derided by business chambers as anti-com- Horns blared, Cuban flags and human rights.” “The opportunistic tight- as of Saturday showed 155,663 petitive. A judge recently ruled in favor of one citizen fluttered and masked protesters The tightening of the trade ening of the blockade during cases of coronavirus and 1,555 seeking to avoid the tax. Argentina’s government set a yelled “down with the blockade” embargo under Trump, a Repub- the Trump government, in the deaths, though opposition primary fiscal deficit target of 4.5% of gross domestic as they passed the US embassy lican, has inflicted further pain midst of the COVID-19 pan- critics say the actual figure is product for this year. It expects to finance most of the situated along the drive, known on the communist-run island’s demic, makes it even more gen- likely higher due to limited spending gap by printing money. as the Malecon, in vehicles of all ailing state-controlled economy, ocidal,” he added. testing. Expelled from US at night, migrant families weigh next steps

AP — REYNOSA, MEXICO bilateral agreements that limit border crossing at sunrise Sat- deportations to daytime hours urday, many bitter about the In one of Mexico’s most noto- and the largest crossings. But experience and scared to rious cities for organised crime, under pandemic authority, venture into the city. Several migrants are expelled from the Mexicans and citizens of Gua- said they left Central America United States throughout the temala, El Salvador and Hon- in the past two months because night, exhausted from the duras can be expelled to Mexico they could finally afford it, but journey, disillusioned about not throughout the night and in information about President Joe getting a chance to seek asylum smaller towns. Biden’s more immigrant- and at a crossroads about where Border Patrol Chief Rodney friendly policies contributed to to go next. Scott acknowledged in an their decisions. Some reported Marisela Ramirez, who was interview last year that agree- paying smugglers as much as returned to Reynosa about 4 am ments limiting hours and loca- $10,000 a person to reach US on Thursday, brought her tions for deportations are sus- soil. 14-year-old son and left five other pended “on paper” but said U.S. Michel Maeco, who sold his children — one only 8 months old authorities try to accommodate land in Guatemala to pay — in Guatemala because she wishes of Mexican officials. The smugglers $35,000 to bring his couldn’t afford to pay smugglers US also coordinates with non- family of five, including more money. Now, facing another governmental organizations. children aged 15, 11 and 7, said agonizing choice, she leaned “I would never sit here and he was going home after a towards sending her son across look at you and say Tijuana is not 25-day journey. He left Gua- the border alone to settle with a dangerous, Juarez is not dan- temala after hearing “on the sister in Missouri, aware that the gerous, Tamaulipas (state) is not news” that Biden would allow Bags belonging to migrants from Honduras are placed in a queue outside the migrant shelter La 72 United States is allowing unac- dangerous,” Scott said. “However, families to enter the United to reserve their space in advance of their entry to the facility where the migrants rest for the night companied children to pursue a lot of it is like any other U.S. city. States. Maeco’s family was before continuing their journey to the United States, in Tenosique, Tabasco, Mexico, yesterday. asylum. There are certain U.S. cities that expelled to the streets of “We’re in God’s hands,” there are pockets of it that are Reynosa at 3 am on Saturday. Ramirez, 30, said in a barren US to send an older daughter to pursue asylum while nearly all Reynosa, a city of 700,000 very dangerous and there are “Supposedly (Biden) was park with dying grass and a medical school. A friend in New single adults are expelled to people, is where many migrants pockets of it that aren’t.” going to help migrants, but I see large gazebo in the center that York encouraged her to try Mexico under pandemic-era are returned after being Tamaulipas, which includes nothing,” said Maeco, 36. serves as shelter for migrants. again. “I would love to go, but a rules that deny them a chance expelled from Texas’ Rio Reynosa, is among five Mexican Underscoring the dangers, the Lesdny Suyapa Castillo, 35, mother doesn’t want to see her to seek humanitarian Grande Valley, the busiest cor- states that the U.S. State Border Patrol said Friday that said through tears that she child in this condition,” she said protection. ridor for illegal crossings. The Department says American cit- a 9-year-old Mexican girl died would return to Honduras with after being dropped in Reynosa Families with children Border Patrol has said the vast izens shouldn’t visit. A U.S. crossing the Rio Grande near her 8-year-old daughter, who at 10 p.m. younger than 7 are being majority of migrants are travel advisory says heavily the city of Eagle Pass. lay under the gazebo breathing The decisions unfold amid allowed to remain in the US to expelled to Mexico after less armed criminal groups patrol Mexico’s migrant protection heavily with her eyes partly what Border Patrol officials say pursue asylum, according to a than two hours in the United Reynosa in marked and agency, Grupos Beta, persuaded open and flies circling her face. is an extraordinarily high Border Patrol official speaking States to limit the spread of unmarked vehicles. many overnight arrivals to be After not getting paid for three 30-day average of 5,000 daily to reporters Friday on condition COVID-19, which means many More than 100 fathers, bused to a distant shelter. months’ work as a nurse in encounters with migrants. of anonymity. Others in fam- arrive when it’s dark. mothers and children who were Crowds at the nearby park had Honduras during the pandemic, Children traveling alone are ilies - only 300 out of 2,200 on In normal times, migrants expelled overnight waited in a thinned from a few hundred she wants steady work in the allowed to remain in the U.S. to Thursday - are expelled. are returned to Mexico under plaza outside the Mexican migrants days earlier. MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15 Colorado massacre spurs calls for state action on gun deaths

AP — SALT LAKE CITY President Joe Biden called Colorado has a law requiring back- Senate Majority Leader Stephen Colorado should create a waiting for action on gun reform after ground checks on almost all gun sales. Fenberg is drafting a bill to repeal that period. Both Colorado and Georgia, like For the second time in less than a week, The suspect had a misdemeanor assault law. It could also be paired with other the majority of states, allow people to a 21-year-old man used a gun the two mass shootings, and conviction from high school, but it didn’t new legislation. get a gun right away. In the Atlanta purchased legally in the United States US Rep. Joe Neguse, who prevent him from buying a gun from a “There’s not one answer to this area, the shooting happened just hours to massacre people simply working or represents Boulder, asked shop near his suburban Denver home problem. It has to be a complex and after the purchase. Supporters say a visiting a business. The mass shootings because most misdemeanors don’t block comprehensive set of policies because waiting period could allow time for in Colorado and Georgia are giving new Biden to ban imported semi- people from legal firearm purchases. every tragedy is different,” he said. people to cool off if they’re considering urgency to state efforts to enact gun automatic weapons and The state also has a so-called red David Kopel with the libertarian hurting themselves or others, though restrictions, even while showing how high-capacity magazines. But flag law that allows families to ask a think tank Independence Institute in Kopel argued it would also unfairly hard it can be to prevent a tragedy. judge to remove guns from people who Colorado questioned the effort to affect gun-show sales. A gunman opened fire on Monday legislation in Congress faces could be dangerous. Alissa’s family had repeal the law. Allowing communities Waiting-period legislation is at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, an uphill climb, and it’s been concerns about his mental health and to pass their own rules could mean that already in the works in Colorado, and with a weapon that resembles an AR-15 more than two decades since a sister-in-law had seen him with the law-abiding gun owners have a Georgia Democrats plan to introduce rifle, killing 10 people before he was weapon, police said. But the law patchwork of rules to follow in every a measure that would require people captured. He bought the Ruger AR-556 any major federal gun control requires evidence that a person poses town they drive through, he said. to wait five days between buying a gun pistol on March 16, the same day laws have passed. a significant risk in the near future. It’s “Almost all law ultimately depends and getting it, state Rep. David Wilk- another 21-year-old man on the other unclear whether anyone close to him on voluntary compliance. You get more erson has said. And with gun sales side of the country killed eight people, was concerned enough to begin the compliance when you have a uniform nationwide having surged to record six of them women of Asian descent, including Colorado, where lawmakers court process in the six days between set of laws that everyone can know,” levels last year amid pandemic-related at Atlanta-area massage businesses. have passed gun control laws in recent the gun purchase and the shooting, but Kopel said. Some Colorado commu- uncertainty, lawmakers in at least four President Joe Biden called for years. But the suspect in the supermarket general concerns about someone’s nities want to go the other way and other states have proposed creating or action on gun reform after the two shooting, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, still behavior aren’t typically enough to have looser gun laws than those at the expanding waiting periods. mass shootings, and US Rep. Joe could legally buy a firearm, keep it persuade a judge to order that weapons state level, he said. Boulder community activist Caden Neguse, who represents Boulder, asked despite concerns about his mental state to be removed, said Jacob Charles, Instead of passing new laws, Kopel McGhie, a 21-year-old college student, Biden to ban imported semi-automatic and open fire in a town that had tried to executive director of the Firearms Law argued, the state should increase supported the idea in Colorado. weapons and high-capacity magazines. ban assault-style weapons. Center at Duke University. funding for mental health treatment. Growing up after the 1999 Columbine But legislation in Congress faces an That’s led to calls for stronger action Meanwhile, a ordinance in the city In Alissa’s case, authorities have said High School massacre, he had night- uphill climb, and it’s been more than from the state, and Democratic leaders of Boulder that banned assault-style his family was concerned about his mares from active shooter drills at two decades since any major federal are listening. Still, support for gun rights weapons was struck down in court just mental health and defense attorneys school. “The real goal in all of this is to gun control laws have passed. is strong in parts of Colorado, and Second days before the shooting because of a are asking for an evaluation. show people there is something you That means most significant gun leg- Amendment advocates argue new state law that bars local leaders from To keep guns away from people in can do. You’re not entirely powerless,” islation has been left to the states, restrictions are not the answer. making their own gun rules. Now, state crisis, gun control activists say McGhie said. Key players in trial Biden economic plan to focus 1st of ex-officer charged on infrastructure in Floyd’s death this week AP — WASHINGTON AP — MINNEAPOLIS in 1984 and worked for 10 years as a prosecutor, serving as top President Joe Biden will lay out Opening statements are set for advisor to US Sen. Amy the first part of his multitrillion- today in the trial of a former Klobuchar when she was the dollar economic recovery Minneapolis police officer county’s head prosecutor. package this week, focusing on charged with murder and Cahill has been a judge since rebuilding roads, bridges and manslaughter in George Floyd’s 2007. He’s known for being other infrastructure, followed by death. Derek Chauvin’s trial is decisive and direct, and he held a separate plan later in April expected to last about four weeks firm on his decision to allow addressing child and health care. and it will be streamed online. video cameras over the state’s White House press sec- Floyd, who was Black, was objections, and to start the trial retary Jen Psaki confirmed the declared dead on May 25 after in March despite prosecutors’ administration’s plans to split Chauvin, who is white, pressed pandemic concerns. He reversed the package into two legis- his knee on Floyd’s neck for himself and reinstated a third- lative proposals, part of an about nine minutes while Floyd degree murder charge. He also effort to get support from con- was handcuffed and pleading denied defense requests to delay gressional Republicans. But that he couldn’t breathe. or move the trial out of Hennepin The George Floyd Square is seen the day before open statements in the trial of former police Derek Chauvin, she adds that “we’ll work with Precautions to guard against County after the city of Minne- who is facing murder charges in the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, yesterday. the Senate and House to see the spread of COVID-19 have apolis reached a $27 million set- how it should move forward.” limited courtroom space, leading tlement with Floyd’s family. Minnesota woman who got life working for the Minneapolis probation, but a judge gave her Biden will release details the judge to try Chauvin before Days after Floyd’s death, in prison without parole for Police Department in 2001, 41 months in prison. in a speech Wednesday in three other fired officers charged Minnesota’s governor killing her husband in 2018. Riess making him by far the most Nelson also has tried Pittsburgh about his proposal with aiding and abetting. The announced that Attorney- became notorious after she fled experienced of the four officers murder cases. He helped win for federal investments in pandemic all but wiped out the General Keith Ellison would Minnesota, killed a woman in involved in Floyd’s arrest. an acquittal for a Minnesota physical infrastructure, an possibility of public seating, so take the lead on prosecuting the Florida, and assumed her identity He was fired soon after man who was charged with issue that has drawn Repub- the judge is allowing the trial to case. This was a win for local before she was captured. bystander video emerged. He fatally shooting his unarmed lican support despite wariness be broadcast and livestreamed civil rights advocates who said Also on board are: Jerry was charged days later, and neighbor in 2017. He also won over a pricey package so soon — a rare occurrence in a state longtime Hennepin County Blackwell, who last year won a moved to a state prison for an acquittal for a Wisconsin after passage of the $1.9 trillion that doesn’t usually allow Attorney Mike Freeman didn’t posthumous pardon for a Black security reasons. He posted $1 man who testified that he feared COVID-19 relief plan. cameras in court. have the trust of the Black man wrongly convicted of rape million bond in October and for his safety when he fatally Democrats, meanwhile, Barbed and razor wire and community. before the infamous Duluth was allowed to live out of state stabbed a man who confronted have been aiming for a concrete barriers surround the Ellison, the state’s first African lynchings of 1920; and Steven due to safety concerns. him in 2015. Nelson has not said broader package that could courthouse, and strict security American elected attorney- Schleicher, a former federal His attorney, Eric Nelson, is whether Chauvin will testify. include policy changes on is in place. City and state leaders general, previously served in prosecutor who led the prose- among several attorneys in Min- Floyd, 46, moved to Minne- green energy, immigration and want to avoid a repeat of last Congress and worked as a cution of the man who in 1989 nesota who often represent apolis from Houston several other issues - as well as make year’s rioting that destroyed defense attorney. He was a fre- kidnapped and killed Jacob police officers. One of his bigger years before his death in hopes permanent some of the just- dozens of businesses and a quent presence in the courtroom Wetterling, whose death helped cases involved Amy Senser, the of finding work but had lost his passed COVID-19 assistance police station. during jury selection, though he inspire a 1994 federal law wife of former Minnesota job as a restaurant bouncer due such as child tax credits. Many Hennepin County Judge did not question jurors. requiring states to establish sex Vikings tight end Joe Senser, to COVID-19. On May 25, an are ready to bypass Repub- Peter Cahill is respected and has His team includes Matthew offender registries. Schleicher who was convicted in the 2011 employee at a Minneapolis licans, if they have to. Psaki told a reputation as a no-nonsense, Frank, an experienced attorney took the lead for the prose- hit-and-run death of a Minne- grocery store called the police “Fox News Sunday” the White fair judge. He started in the who recently won a guilty plea cution in jury selection. apolis chef. Nelson argued that saying Floyd tried to pass a House had yet to settle on its county public defender’s office in the case of Lois Riess, a Chauvin, 45, started Senser should be sentenced to counterfeit $20 bill. legislative strategy, “but I will say that I don’t think Repub- licans in this country think we US religious-rights official says she is should be 13th in the world as it Court fight against Georgia voting relates to infrastructure.” flattered to be target of China sanctions Record rains cause faces uncertain road ahead REUTERS — WASHINGTON flash flooding in AP — WASHINGTON President Joe Biden became the predict. “Many of the things that A US religious-rights official said she was “flattered” to be the Tennessee; 4 dead first Democratic presidential the bill does are in line with target of Chinese government sanctions stemming from a dispute Court challenges to Republican- candidate to carry the state what other states already do, between the two countries over Beijing’s treatment of Uighur AP — NASHVILLE led election restrictions in since 1992. so the question is whether a Muslims, which Washington has described as a genocide. Georgia and elsewhere face an It is one of a wave of GOP- contraction of voting rights for The United States on Saturday condemned China’s sanctions against Heavy rains across Tennessee uncertain road in a legal system backed election bills introduced bad purposes is illegal, even if two Americans and a Canadian lawmaker, which followed those flooded homes and roads, that has grown more conserv- in states around the country the contraction does not go as imposed by the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada prompting officials to rescue ative in recent years. after former President Donald far as some other states (or that last week for what they say are violations of the rights of Uighurs and dozens of people from houses, National legislation favoured Trump stoked false claims that Georgia considered),” Hasen other ethnic minorities China’s western region of Xinjiang. apartments and vehicles. by Democrats could counteract fraud led to his 2020 election wrote in an email. Beijing sanctioned the chair and vice chair of the US Com- Authorities said four bodies some state restrictions, but that defeat. Georgia became a focus Courts have made it harder mission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Gayle were found yesterday in the too is no sure thing in a closely of the election and its aftermath to prove intentional racial dis- Manchin and Tony Perkins, banning them from entering the flood’s aftermath. divided Congress. with two recounts and ongoing crimination, and “a partisan Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. It also prohibited A flash flood emergency was Groups opposed to Georgia’s investigation into whether intent, even if it overlaps with Chinese citizens and institutions from doing business or having declared overnight by the sweeping overhaul of election Trump and his allies acted ille- race, may well not be enough,” any exchanges with them. National Weather Service in laws filed suit in federal court gally in their efforts to try to Hasen said. State and federal “I feel flattered to be recognized by Communist China for calling Nashville for the city, as well as in Atlanta on Thursday, a few overturn the result. courts, including judges out genocidal crimes against religious and ethnic minorities in the Brentwood, Franklin and Mt. hours after Gov. Brian Kemp Stacey Abrams, the 2018 appointed by Trump, widely country,” Manchin told Reuters in a statement late on Saturday. “While Juliet. “Major flash flooding is signed the new law. Democratic nominee for gov- rejected lawsuits brought by the I don’t have plans to travel to China this summer, I won’t stop speaking occurring with numerous roads, They say restrictions on ernor in Georgia, wrote on former president and his sup- out when egregious violations of religious freedom are taking place interstates, and homes flooded voting in person or by mail, Twitter that the new law sig- porters challenging the election as they are in China,” said Manchin, who is married to Democratic with water rescues ongoing!” including a requirement to have naled Republican “capitulation results. US senator from West Virginia Joe Manchin. the agency tweeted. “Please stay voter identification to cast an to lies over truth. To fear over But Republican-led states USCIRF last year recommended that the US government and home and do not travel!” absentee ballot, violate the con- fairness. To suppression over have fared better in federal its partners sanction China for abuses in Xinjiang. US Secretary The Nashville Fire stitutional rights of all Geor- participation.” court over other election issues, of State Antony Blinken has said the Chinese government sanc- Department said it rescued at gians and also disproportion- Jason Snead, a conservative most notably a ruling last year tions only draw more international scrutiny to the “ongoing gen- least 130 people from cars, ately affect voters of color in supporter of the law, called it that forced Florida felons to pay ocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang”. apartments and homes, while violation of the seminal Voting “a pretty reasonable set of pro- off fines and fees before In an interview that aired on CNN yesterday Blinken said he about 40 dogs were moved Rights Act of 1965. posals” that will “continue the regaining their right to vote. In sees “increasingly adversarial” aspects to the United States’ rela- from a Nashville boarding The Georgia law was tradition of keeping it easy to that case, the 11th US Circuit tionship with China. Activists and UN rights experts say at least kennel, Camp Bow Wow, to enacted less than three months vote and hard to cheat.” Court of Appeals divided on a million Muslims have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. They, another location. To the south after the state elected two Dem- Richard Hasen, an election ideological lines, with five and some Western politicians, accuse China of using torture, forced in Williamson County, over 34 ocrats to the Senate, handing law expert at the University of Trump appointees among the labor and sterilizations. China has repeatedly denied all accusa- swift water rescues were the party control of the California at Irvine law school, six conservatives in the tions of abuse and says its camps offer vocational training and carried out, said county Emer- chamber. In November, said the outcome is hard to majority. are needed to fight extremism. gency Management Agency. MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021 16

Romanian woman, 104, says vaccine only PRAYER way to end pandemic TIMINGS PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING AP — BUCHAREST close relatives, “I missed very much my FAJR 04.11 am A 104-year-old Romanian great-grandson, I want to see SUNRISE 05.29 am woman has received her second him growing up. I’ve not been COVID-19 vaccination shot, able to be with my grand- DHUHR 11.39 am becoming the oldest person in children because I stayed iso- ASR 03.07 pm Romania’s capital of Bucharest lated from them until now in MAGHRIB 05.51 pm to be fully inoculated against the order to not risk catching the ISHA 07.21 pm disease. virus. Everyone in the family is Accompanied by relatives vaccinated now we can now who helped her into Bucharest’s spend the holidays together,” Children’s Palace, Zoea Baltag, she said. born in 1916, welcomed her Baltag, who was born two second dose of the Pfizer years before the Spanish Flu vaccine yesterday and declared pandemic, appeared sharp of it the only way to combat the mind and did not report any pandemic. side effects after receiving her “A vaccine is the only way first Pfizer shot. Zoea Baltag receiving her second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Bucharest, Romania, to get rid of this virus,” she said. Asked if she would like to yesterday. The 104-year-old woman became the oldest person in Romanian capital Bucharest to be WEATHER fully inoculated against the disease. TODAY The pandemic had forced send a message to other Roma- the centenarian—whose nians, Baltag replied: “It’s time granddaughter is a doctor and to get vaccinated, this is the only orate her vaccination. Yesterday, the country hit a more than 19 million—has convinced her to get vacci- way.” Like many countries in record number of patients being administered more than 2.8 nated — to spend a year phys- Local authorities presented Europe, Romania is now bat- treated in intensive care units. million vaccine doses and seen ically distancing from her her with a plaque to commem- tling a third surge of the virus. Romania—a country of 23,114 virus-related deaths. 21oC 29oC Pedal power: Pioneering Indian Minimum Maximum In Brazil, moms are bearing Moderate temperature daytime and slight dust to blowing dust at places city ditches cars for clean air at times, relatively cold by night. the brunt of pandemic’s blow THOMSON REUTERS example for my students.” — CHENNAI The cost of inaction is steep. W ALRUWAIS : 21o → 24o FOUNDATION Bad air was linked to 1.24 million W ALKHOR : 19o → 27o AP — RIO DE JANEIRO “All these pre-existing inequalities only got Every Saturday, Shankar Yadav deaths, or one in eight of those W DUKHAN : 20o → 25o stronger during the pandemic,” said Gonçalves. dusts off an old bike and pedals who died, in India’s latest W WAKRAH : 21o → 30o When Sao Paulo city officials put out a call last “In a recession, lower-skilled employees are the to work, reliving his carefree nationwide pollution study. month for 4,500 public school cleaning jobs, first to be made redundant.” schooldays and hoping fellow Ranchi, the captial of W MESAIEED : 21o → 30o targeting Brazilian mothers affected by the raging During the pandemic, more than 6.5 million Indians will join him in ditching eastern Jharkhand state with W ABUSAMRA : 20o → 25o pandemic, they were unprepared for the ensuing Brazilian women exited the workforce, dropping cars to protect the planet. an urban population of 1.5 tsunami. More than 90,000 women applied in their participation rate below 48% - the lowest In one of India’s most ambi- million, has ambient air pol- HIGH TIDE just two days. in more than a decade, according to official data tious such plans, Ranchi city’s ‘har lution levels that are seven 4:38– 16:51 “It exceeded our expectations, by far,” said published this month. shanviar, no car’— every Saturday, times higher than World Health Armando Junior, who helped create the initiative, Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, coordinator of no car — campaign goes well Organization (WHO) recom- LOW TIDE 12:21 – 0:00 aimed at trying to alleviate skyrocketing unem- a group that offers help to informal sector beyond other towns that have mended standards, according ployment among women and helping schools workers in Rio de Janeiro, says more people have banned cars from a few lanes for to studies. It has also been comply with new COVID-19 protocols for keeping been seeking assistance after losing their jobs. set hours of the weekend, but identified by the National Clean classrooms hygienic and taking students’ As for herself, after 26 years selling women’s risked nothing more. Air Programme as one of 122 Auschwitz temperatures. clothing on the street in the city’s once-bustling “We are a small city and “non-attainment cities” that The overwhelming response offers a glimpse center, do Carmo decided last year to pack up studies have shown that most consistently fall short of museum slams at how Brazilian women — particularly mothers her things and wait for brighter days. residents live within a 5-km national standards. — have been disproportionally sidelined by the “I haven’t been back since,” do Carmo said. radius of their workplace, “It is a welcome move and New Yorker crisis. Worldwide, as schools remain closed, many “Business is too weak. The street is empty.” school or markets,” Yadav, a heartening to know that mothers juggle fewer work hours with home- The virus has slammed hospitals, which unex- deputy commissioner with the smaller cities are starting these Holocaust piece schooling and household duties. Others put their pectedly cost nurse Thassy Cruz, a 26-year-old Ranchi Municipal Corporation, initiatives,” said Sarika Panda, on Poland careers on hold entirely, or were laid off. single mom, her job at one of Sao Paulo’s most said. “Though there is no law who set up the country’s first Brazil is battling a brutal resurgence in prestigious medical facilities when it began to implement this idea, we are lasting car-free initiative in AP — WARSAW COVID-19 cases, making it one of the hardest- treating only COVID-19 patients. Her 8-year-old hoping that people will 2013. “This is a good time to hit countries in the world. Latin America’s largest daughter Alice suffers from asthmatic bronchitis, embrace it because it is very push for this switch as people The Auschwitz-Birkenau state nation accounts for less than 3% of the global putting her at greater risk if she caught the virus, doable here. Barring the are more aware and under- museum has sharply denounced population, but with an average of 2,400 deaths so Cruz quit her job rather than work with elderly, our analysis shows that stand the need to reduce their an article in the New Yorker that each day, it accounts for a quarter of daily COVID-19 infected patients. Now Cruz is homeschooling most people can easily switch carbon footprint.” looks at Holocaust scholarship fatalities worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins her daughter five days a week, still has no job to a bicycle or walk.” Ahead of launch, Ranchi in Poland, accusing the University data. Economists say the nation’s wors- and has emptied her savings account. The scheme kicked off this built 50 bike stands where res- magazine of publishing lies and ening health and economic crises are further “I feel hopeless, everything went downhill,” month, a small-city initiative idents can rent wheels by the distortions of Poland’s role delaying the return of women to the workforce. Cruz said. “Not working goes far beyond not being in a vast country that faces hour. Cycle tracks are due to during World War II. “This job fell from the sky for me,” said Marilene able to pay your bills. It’s about the difficulty of ever-worsening pollution. follow. While the city is The Auschwitz museum is Paixão, one of the mothers selected for the cleaning facing the world without having an activity to go Ranchi is among many compact, urban planners located in southern Poland, jobs. But just a month after Sao Paulo hired the to every day. It’s about feeling useful to yourself, Indian cities trying new ways welcome even these small and which was under German women in mid-February, the city closed its schools and being part of a society.” to tackle this worsening air “symbolic gesture” as they occupation during the war. again on March 15. Working women worldwide have paid a high quality - be it with pop-up cycle foster awareness and force Today it is a Polish state insti- Starting in the 1950s, the participation of price during the pandemic. Even among the tracks, free cycle repair clinics authorities to improve facilities tution that acts as the cus- women in Brazil’s workforce increased expo- world’s richest nations, a Pricewaterhouse- or pedestrian-only streets. for walkers and cyclists. todian of the remains of Nazi nentially, but the pace began to slow in the early Coopers survey this month found COVID-19 Akanksha, a first-time rider Citing Shimla in northern Germany’s most notorious 2000s and plateaued from 2010 onwards. Even threatened to reverse the important gains women in Ranchi, said she enjoyed the Himachal Pradesh, home to one death camp. It is known to before the pandemic hit, only 53% of women were made over the last decade with “lasting, or even ride and was “quite excited” by of India’s oldest pedestrian-only denounce cases of Holocaust in the labor market, compared to 71% of men. permanent” damage. In Latin America and the the eco-rationale, too. streets, researchers say both denial and revisionism. This is partly due to Brazilian women facing Caribbean, the impact stands to be worse. More “I did have to deal with the momentum and longevity are It spoke out sharply on worse labor choices or requiring flexible hours people in the region work in sectors requiring city traffic and the pollution, key to clean air in the long term. Saturday after the New Yorker to raise their children, particularly since public close physical proximity, and fewer can work but am hoping as the idea “Any intervention that cuts air on Friday published an article schools provide only half days of classes. As a remotely, according to an International Mon- catches on, these problems will pollution is good but if there are by Masha Gessen, which looks result, a greater proportion of women work in etary Fund paper. In Brazil, average earnings get addressed,” said the music many exceptions to the rule than at the case of two Polish histo- Brazil’s large informal sector or perform low- dropped 6.2% for women in 2020 from the prior teacher, who goes by just one there will be no benefits,” said rians of the Holocaust who were paying manual work like housemaids, according year compared to 3.4% for men, according to name. “I think cycling with a Sarath Guttikunda, director of recently found guilty by a Polish to Solange Gonçalves, an economist and pro- Marcelo Neri, director of the social policy center guitar might be difficult - but I UrbanEmissions.Info, an inde- court of defaming a deceased fessor at the Federal University of Sao Paulo. at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. definitely wanted to set an pendent research body. wartime village official. The key points of contention surround a subtitle that says: “To exon- erate the nation of the murders Relief in Gibraltar as face masks come off outside from today of three million Jews, the Polish government will go as far as to REUTERS — GIBRALTAR the numbers down,” said Peter prosecute scholars for defa- Maund, 45. Masks are no longer mation.” That idea is repeated Gibraltarians heaved a sigh of required along in Gibraltar’s in article’s text. relief yesterday when finally Main Street and surroundings, Some 3 million Polish Jews they were allowed to move although their use remains were killed during the Holo- around their outside public compulsory on public transport caust, but the vast majority spaces without face masks, six and in shops. were directly murdered by months after they were made Paul Anthony, walking Adolf Hitler’s occupying Nazi compulsory. maskless with wife Catherine, forces in Poland. A Polish Gibraltar’s government said praised Gibraltar’s achievement underground army resisted the last week mask wearing rules of vaccinating almost its entire Germans, and the Polish state, would be eased because most adult population. unlike other occupied nations, of the adult population in the “Workers are coming back never collaborated. British territory had been vac- over the border which is The issue that is up for cinated and the number of excellent, so let’s move on and debate, however, surrounds coronavirus cases was we can be a test case for the rest the degree to which Poles extremely low. of the community and either helped Jews, acted as As of yesterday, there were worldwide,” he said. bystanders or abetted the 10 active coronavirus cases in But not everyone had hung German killings in tens of Gibraltar, the government up their masks yesterday, thousands of cases of Jews said. The death toll in the including Spanish tourist Desire who managed to escape the British territory, which has a Gimenez, 27. ghettos. It is a hugely sensitive 33,700-strong population, “The truth is I don’t feel issue in Poland, with the stood at 94. completely safe,” she said. “We Poland’s nationalist authorities “It’s nice getting back to haven’t got used to it.. Even keen to stress Polish heroism normal... and just seeing people A worker removes a sign that reads “You must wear a mask in this area” in Main street as from today though I know they’ve been and discourage explorations enjoying themselves again and the British territory eases mask usage outdoors after its successful vaccination campaign against vaccinated, I at least will con- of Polish wrongdoing. hopefully safely so we can keep the coronavirus disease, in Gibraltar, yesterday. tinue to wear a mask.”