SHAABAN 7, 1441 AH TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020
20 Pages Max 28º Min 15º 150 Fils Established 1961
ISSUE NO: 18094 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net
Govt mulls locking down expat-dominated areas
parents and children, widowed or 11 new coronavirus cases in Kuwait, including 8 Indians MoI details divorced women who were married to Kuwaiti citizens with custody of chil- amnesty dren and domestic helpers who have • Kuwaiti banks offer 6-month loan repayment relief (Page 3) been in Kuwait since March 1, 2020. In addition, the decision explained Private schools • Oil prices at 17-yr lows as virus ravages world (Page 9) procedures that special sites have been allocated to accommodate violators who final- By A Saleh ize their papers pending departure, By B Izzak heavily populated expat areas like continue e-learning and these sites will be provided with Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Shuwaikh KUWAIT: The interior ministry’s PR all living comforts and free means of KUWAIT: Authorities are seriously Industrial Area, over fears they could despite directive and security media department sustenance. The decision notes that considering the possibility of impos- become centers of spreading the announced that Deputy PM and ing a lockdown on a number of resi- deadly disease. The lawmaker said he violators desiring to leave during the By Faten Omar Interior Minister Anas Al-Saleh has amnesty will be received in special dential areas dominated by expatri- will not blame the government for issued an amnesty decision allowing ates amid a rise in the number of expanding its measures aimed at con- centers in Farwaniya to file and regis- KUWAIT: The Cabinet’s decision to suspend all residency violators to leave the coun- ter their applications in the period of public and private schools until the fall is not being expatriate coronavirus cases and calls taining the spread of the virus. try without paying any fines or airfare April 1 to 30 as follows: fully applied in many private schools. Teachers by MPs to isolate those areas, law- Meanwhile, parliamentary sources with a chance to return to Kuwait lat- continue teaching online and students are sup- makers said yesterday. Although the said that a mini-Cabinet meeting was er. The ministry added that this • Male violators will be received at posed to attend online classes and complete number of expats infected with held late Sunday that studied recom- amnesty was issued in view of the cir- COVID-19 remains a small portion of mendations calling to intensify meas- Al-Muthanna primary school for assigned work. Parents are left confused and cumstances the country is currently the cases announced, it has been on ures to implement the partial curfew boys, Farwaniya, block 1, street 122 uncertain. Will children in private schools graduate going through and as part of the pre- the rise for the past few days and the and make people stay at home and • Female violators will be received in June and start a new year in the fall? Will all the cautionary measures taken to fight source of infection of a number of not venture out unless for extreme at Farwaniya primary school for girls work being done now via e-learning be repeated? COVID-19, especially since fines had Will parents still be required to pay tuition for the them is still under investigation, necessity. The recommendations in Farwaniya, block 1, street 76. according to the health ministry. called for searching for alternatives to been accumulating against violators. spring semester and again in the fall? The decision explained that indi- The Cabinet directive made it clear that the MP Mohammad Al-Dallal said yes- force people to stay at home most of •Violators will be received from 8 terday all options like a total curfew or the time. viduals desiring to procure valid resi- am till 2 pm according to the follow- academic year will be suspended and continue dencies in Kuwait and are willing to in August/October, so why e-learning is keeping lockdown of a number of residential A number of MPs called for impos- ing dates and nationalities: pay the fines without being subjected on when students will relearn it all in areas are on the table of the Cabinet ing a lockdown on several expat resi- Philippines April 1-5, 2020 to investigations will be allowed to pay August/October? There are many outstanding for a decision. Expanding restrictions dential areas to prevent the spread of Egypt April 6-10, 2020 the fines and legalize their status if questions and no answers from the ministry of has become a necessity, Dallal said, coronavirus. MP Safa Al-Hashem India April 11-15, 2020 they meet the required conditions. The education or the private education department because of practices by some that called for a lockdown on Jleeb Al- Bangladesh April 16-20, 2020 within the ministry. clearly undermine the effectiveness of Shuyoukh, Shuwaikh Industrial Area, decision explained that this exemption Sri Lanka April 21-25, 2020 Continued on Page 16 the partial curfew in place for the past Mahboula and Khaitan, where at least includes Kuwaiti citizens’ spouses, Other nationalities April 26-30, 2020 several days. He said the focus is on Continued on Page 16 2 Established 1961 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Local Kuwait reports 11 new cases, five recoveries from COVID-19 Thirteen in intensive care; three in critical condition
Firemen begin home delivery of medicine KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Service Direc- torate (KFSD) said it began Sunday na- tionwide home deliveries of medicines for patients with chronic diseases, a move conducted in cooperation with Ministry of Health amidst spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The ob- jective of home deliveries is preserving safety and wellbeing of patients, KFSD said in a statement, and to lessen crowds in hospitals thus guaranteeing distanc- ing. The MoH announced yesterday launch of home delivery of medicines through KFSD vehicles. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of the recovery of the five new infections Health announced yesterday that 11 peo- with COVID-19. The already-treated pa- ple were infected by the novel coron- tients will be admitted to a rehabilitation avirus, also known as COVID-19, in the ward before discharging them from hos- last 24 hours. This brings the country’s pital within a couple of days’ time, the tally of confirmed virus cases up to 266, minister added. In addition, 194 virus pa- the ministry’s spokesman Dr Abdullah tients are still receiving necessary treat- Al-Sanad said in a daily news briefing. ment, while 13 others are in intensive Earlier yesterday, Kuwaiti Minister of care units; including three in a critical Health Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah an- condition. The spokesman; once again, nounced the recovery of five additional urged citizens and residents alike to fol- people from the novel coronavirus, rais- low the guidelines and instructions of ing the country’s total recoveries to 72. Kuwaiti health authorities and World The fresh recoveries include three Health Organization, primarily maintain- Kuwaiti women and two female resi- ing social distancing and home quaran- dents, the minister said, adding that nec- tine in order to curb the spread of the essary lab tests and analyses had shown virus. — KUNA
Curfew Diaries Youth Authority places resources Good vs evil under ‘health’ disposal
KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Youth (PAY) is placing its resources and capabilities under the dis- posal of health authorities to help them contain spread of coronavirus, Minister of Information Mo- By Jamie Etheridge hammad Al-Jabri said Sunday. PAY set up a call cen- ter to facilitate the mission of the volunteering KUWAIT: Minister of Information Mohammad Al-Jabri speaks during a Public Authority for Youth meeting. — KUNA committee which consists of government and non- government agencies, Jabri, also Minister of State for fore distributing them on appropriate places. PAY, General Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi called on impor- [email protected] Youth, said in a statement after chairing a board said Jabri, was carrying out awareness campaigns on tance of compliance with all preventive measures of meeting of PAY. He said the call center classified the its social media platforms to urge the public to abide the government and health ministry to guarantee volunteers according to their specialties and ages be- by the regulations of health authorities. PAY Director safety of volunteers. — KUNA uwait’s banks have announced that all clients - citizens and expats - would Khave their installment and credit card payments deferred for six months with no inter- 4- Automobile repair, maintenance and spare est, fines or penalties. The announcement sent Coronavirus in parts. • 24970967 (24/7 hotline) shockwaves through the expatriate community, 5- Money exchangers. • 51575591 (Capital Educational Zone) many of whom have recently lost their jobs, had 6- Pharmacies. • 51576117 (Hawally Educational Zone) their salaries cut or otherwise lost the income Kuwait: What we 7- Various types of restaurants. • 51576576 (Farwaniya Educational Zone) that provides for themselves and their families. 8- Optical shops. • 51577055 (Jahra Educational Zone) Unfortunately, almost immediately, criminals know so far 9- Administrative offices. • 51577655 (Ahmadi Educational Zone) saw the announcement as a potential opportu- 10- Cooking gas branches. • 51577951 (Mubarak Al-Kabeer Educational nity to exploit and started calling and sending 11- Co-ops’ family needs branches. Zone) messages randomly to people asking for bank- KUWAIT: Kuwait has so far recorded 266 cases in- 12- Feed shops. • 51578171 (Religious Studies Department) ing details, including their PIN codes and other fected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). With Meanwhile, the following industrial and craft ac- • 51588599 (Private Education Department) information. Thankfully, the Kuwait Banking As- the exception of thirteen cases in intensive care in- tivities, which are licensed by the Public Authority • 51592515 (Services Department) sociation sent an urgent warning to all clients cluding three in critical condition, all cases are in sta- for Industry (PAI), are allowed to open: • 51594544 (Public Relations Department) reminding them that banks will never call clients ble condition and are recovering in quarantined 1- Food. and ask for such information. locations designated by the government for this pur- 2- Petrochemicals. The generosity and communal spirit of pose, while 910 have been discharged from quaran- 3- Gases. Medicine delivery Kuwait - especially in times of crisis and hard- tine after exhibiting no symptoms during their 4- Plastic. Kuwait’s Ministry of Health (MOH) launched a ship - is remarkable. Already people and organ- 14-day quarantine period, the Ministry of Health 5- Cardboard and paper. new medicine delivery service for people in Kuwait, izations across the country have volunteered or confirmed. Meanwhile, 72 people have recovered which they can use to order medications to be de- are engaged with charities to help those in fi- completely after previously being infected with the Precautions livered during curfew hours. The medications will be nancial difficulties. I’ve personally seen neigh- virus, the ministry said. There are 194 people receiv- All arrivals to Kuwait from all countries are to be delivered within 72 hours after the order is submit- bors offer other neighbors without cars rides to ing treatment as of yesterday, and 1,231 quarantined placed under compulsory institutional quarantine for ted. To place an order, patients should send a What- the co-op or pharmacy to help them get gro- as of yesterday. Kuwait is taking measures to test 14 days, during which the person is monitored, and sApp to the numbers for the hospitals and medical ceries and needed medicines. Kuwaitis coming from infected areas for potential prescribed health procedures are applied, the health centers as listed below. The patient should include At the same time, we’ve seen profiteers hik- infection, as it has already tested thousands of peo- ministry said. Kuwait halted all commercial flights their name, Civil ID number, hospital or clinic file ing prices of basic commodities like onions in ple. Meanwhile, Kuwait requires all expatriates who until further notice. Authorities also announced a number, mobile phone number and the medicine order to take advantage of temporary shortages arrived from travel on March 1 and beyond to visit public holiday in the country from March 12 to April needed to the following numbers: and exploit the circumstances. Kuwait International Fairground where the Ministry 9, with work resuming on April 12, while entities pro- • Amiri Hospital: 50880699 I like to think that on balance, the good will of Health has set up a center at Hall 6 to test people viding vital services will remain open. • Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital: 50880755 win out. That profiteers and criminals may exist for possible infection. State departments have been on high alert to take • Farwaniya Hospital: 50880852 and try to exploit the situation, but that enough precautions against the potential spread of the virus. • Adan Hospital: 50880908 good people will come together to help those in Curfew The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has taken • Jahra Hospital: 50881066 need, and that it is the working together, the Kuwait enforced a country-wide curfew as of measures to make sure that facial masks, hand san- • Sabah Hospital: 97632660 selfless contribution of the many over the selfish Sunday from 5:00 pm to 4:00 am until further notice. itizers and other goods remain accessible to the • Jaber Hospital: 96992079 exploits of the few that will define this pandemic Earlier, the government decided to close all shopping public. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has • Ibn Sina Hospital: 99613948 and our future survival. malls, beauty salons and barber shops as part of its suspended classes for March at all public and private • Chest Hospital: 99258749 Mr Rogers, the famous American children’s measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. schools (for both students and teaching staffs); first • Razi Hospital: 97633487 TV show host, said that during bad times, al- The government also allowed restaurants to host a from March 1 to March 12, and later extended it until • Kuwait Cancer Control Center: 96735242 ways look for the helpers. I used to think he maximum of five people at a time and in case there March 29, before eventually suspending schools until • Psychiatric Hospital: 97350113 meant only the doctors and firemen, the police are lines, the distance must be at least one meter be- August for grade 12 and October for other stages. • Physiotherapy Hospital: 99824037 officers and paramedics, the frontline heroes tween people. Kuwait suspended issuing entry permits and visas • Maternity Hospital: 98559531 fighting this pandemic daily. We should look to unless those issued through diplomatic missions. • As’ad Al-Hamad Dermatology Center: the helpers - they are role models and worthy Operating businesses 98514508 of our thanks. The following activities are allowed to operate Hotlines • Zain Hospital: 97552031 We can also look to ourselves and each other outside of the curfew period between 5:00 am and • The Ministry of Health has set the following hot- • NBK Hospital: 96931761 because we are also all capable of helping 4:00 pm: lines to receive inquiries about the coronavirus 24/7: • Al-Rashed Allergy Hospital: 94162470 someone, of doing something positive and up- 1- Various types of foodstuff and supplies stores 24970967 - 96049698 - 99048619. • Infectious Diseases Hospital: 96989164 lifting. We can overcome the ‘evildoers’ by valu- an markets. • The Education Ministry set the following hot- • Palliative Care Hospital: 94024786 ing and emulating the good we see in our 2- Laundromats. lines to receive inquiries on school closures related • Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center: 90952469 community, by doing good deeds ourselves. 3- Various type of repair shops. to the anti-coronavirus measures: • KFH Addiction Treatment Center: 94169363 3 Local Tuesday, March 31, 2020 First phase of Kuwaitis’ repatriation from COVID-19-hit countries concludes Amir followed up repatriation on daily basis: FM
KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem meets with For- KUWAIT: Health ministry workers, wearing protective outfits, wait on the tarmac of the Kuwait international Airport to receive Kuwaitis eign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah.— KUNA photo returning from Frankfurt on March 26, 2020, to be taken to a hospital for novel coronavirus checkups. — AFP photo
KUWAIT: A plane carrying Kuwaiti citizens from Britain and Italy repatriated citizens on Friday; a day Daily follow up avirus. “I conveyed to the speaker and members of London arrived in Kuwait International Airport Sun- after nationals were brought Meanwhile, Foreign Minister parliament that His Highness the Amir was closely and day, the last aircraft of the first phase of a plan to back from Frankfurt, London Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mo- daily following up the conditions of our sons abroad, repatriate nationals from countries hit by the coro- and Abu Dhabi. The first repa- hammad Al-Sabah said that His as well as follow up of His Highness the Prime Minister navirus (COVID-19). The repatriation is part of an triation day started last In line with Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah,” Sheikh operation conducted jointly by the foreign, health Wednesday when Kuwait Air- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Ahmad said in a statement. He said they discussed and interior ministries, custom and fire departments ways operated flights from WHO followed up the repatriation of conditions of Kuwaiti citizens and the repatriation and in coordination with Kuwait Airways, Direc- Lebanon, Egypt and Bahrain. Kuwaiti citizens on a daily basis. process, as well as explaining the short and medium- torate General for Civil Aviation said on its Twitter The first phase of the repatria- criteria He made the remarks after a term repatriation plans. Sheikh Dr Ahmad commended account. Three planes - two from Tehran and one tion plan, which meets criteria of meeting with parliament speaker the “national and responsible” role of the speaker and from Paris - returned home earlier Sunday. Two the health authorities and the Marzouq Al-Ghanem and more members of parliament in supporting the govern- planes returned Saturday; one from New York and World Health Organization than 20 MPs at the speaker’s of- ment’s measures to confront spread of coronavirus as another from London. Three aircrafts from Spain, (WHO), ended Sunday. fice, to discuss latest developments related to coron- well as ensuring safety of the citizens. — KUNA
$30 million raised to back efforts against COVID-19
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Af- Hajri indicated that the campaign fairs said that a campaign launched was launched by the ministry to allow by 41 Kuwaiti charities has raised a charities to contribute to the govern- total of KD 9.169 million (about $30 ment efforts to combat the spread of million) in one day with a view to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). supporting the government efforts The diversity of the participating and help people who were affected charities has given an opportunity to by the novel coronavirus outbreak. In all segments of the society to donate a press statement on Sunday, Assis- for the campaign aiming to help in the tant Undersecretary for Social De- logistical support to health centers velopment Hanaa Al-Hajri said the and quarantine facilities as well as to campaign was conducted under the support those affected outbreak supervision of the ministry and ramifications especially low-income through a digital link it had created people and workers. Separately, the for this purpose. She estimated the ministry denied news about allocat- number of peoples who contributed ing a specific online link to coron- to the campaign, which lasted only avirus outbreak affected people to one day, at 198,227. register for aid.
Banks offer 6-month loan repayment relief
KUWAIT: Major banks in Kuwait Meanwhile, Kuwait Banks Associ- announced that they are postpon- ation (KBA) urged all bank clients to ing repayment of loan and credit ignore calls or text messages asking card installments for six months of them to reveal any information or all clients due to the current cir- data related to their personal bank cumstances in Kuwait in light of the accounts, such as the account num- exceptional government proce- ber, pin code, OTP, etc. This comes dures to curb the spread of the after many clients reportedly re- coronavirus (COVID-19). Interest ceived scam calls from people ask- and fees accrued during this period ing them for their personal will also be waived, a number of information to allegedly process banks including Gulf Bank, the Na- transactions for postponement of in- tional Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait Fi- stallment payments. Banks have not nance House, Warba Bank and made any such calls or sent similar others said in statements posted on messages to clients, nor do they plan their social media accounts. to do so, KBA said in a statement.
Barcodes replace ID cards for curfew waiving
KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry curfew time as of Thursday. The announced Sunday that tomorrow ministry said the move aims to stop will be last day for accepting the rigging and misuse of the permits. recently issued cards for moving On March 21, the Kuwaiti govern- during curfew time for eligible peo- ment imposed an indefinite curfew ple, a move aimed at preventing from 5:00 pm until 4:00 am as part misuse. Instead, the ministry will of the efforts to contain the spread use a digital barcode system to of the novel coronavirus (Covid- grant waivers to those meeting the 19). It has also warned that anyone conditions, it clarified in a press caught breaching the curfew will be statement. It stated that a barcode jailed for up to three years and will be sent to mobile phones of the fined KD 10,000 in pursuant to eligible people to use during the Civil Defense Law. — KUNA 4 Established 1961 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Local Volunteers organize co-op shoppers’ entrance
KUWAIT: Volunteers helped organize the process of customers’ entry to a Salmiya Co-operative Society branch yesterday, which largely helped limit crowding. Kuwait announced that clients are only allowed to shop in co-op society branches located in their respective areas of residence. Shoppers are asked to show their Civil IDs before entering co-ops for address verification. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh 5 Local Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Amiri Hospital unit to host suspected COVID-19 cases Patient transferred to specialized hospital once tested positive
By A Saleh tensive care, adding that the building protocols are applied, and once the in- against a Kuwaiti accused of circulating them by KD 5,000 each for operating had been provided with all the needed fection is confirmed, the case is trans- fake news about digging 50 isolated unlicensed news accounts. The case KUWAIT: The Capital health zone di- medical, nursing, technical and admin- ferred to the specialized hospital. graves for COVID-19 victims and the goes back to arresting a bedoon - the rector Dr Afrah Al-Sarraf announced al- istrative staff. fourth filed against a Kuwaiti who had main suspect - for slandering Kuwait in locating the gastrointestinal unit Amiri Hospital Manager Dr Ali Al- Court hearings accused Egypt of deliberately transfer- relation to its handling of the bedoon building at Amiri Hospital for cases sus- Alandah said a special service has been The criminal court set a special hear- ring the virus to Kuwait by sending issue, slandering officials in the central pected to be infected by the novel provided to categorize hospitalized ing to be held on Thursday to review thousands of Egyptians to Kuwait with- apparatuses for illegal residents and coronavirus (COVID-19). Speaking on cases and transfer those suspected to be four state security cases, including one out subjecting them to medical tests. calling to assault the apparatus’ chair- sidelines of touring the building used infected with COVID-19 to the specified filed against an Egyptian who had Meanwhile, the court of appeal ac- man Saleh Al-Fadhalah. Notably, the for suspected COVID-19 cases, Sarraf building. Alandah added that in case of posted a video slandering Kuwaiti peo- quitted defendants involved in a state blogger was in contact with other ac- said the building includes 80 beds in- suspecting a case to be infected with ple. The second is filed against a Kuwaiti security case filed against a blogger counts outside the country dedicated to cluding 30 for recovery and 10 for in- COVID-19, all internationally-approved who slandered HH the Amir, the third known as ‘Ateej Al-Mesayyan’, and fined slandering Kuwait.
Motorist dead in King Fahd Road crash Two warehouses closed in Hawally
By Meshaal Al-Enezi
KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality said Hawally inspec- tors toured various shops in the governorate to make sure its decisions made in view of the precautionary measures ordered by the Cabinet to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are fully in practice. Hawally emergency team leader Ibrahim Al-Saban said the tour resulted in closing two unlicensed building base- ments used to store shoes, accessories and cosmetics. Separately, the ministry of social affairs strongly denied any connections to a social media campaign launched under the title “Kuwaitis without Salaries.” The ministry refuted allegations that it had called on people affected by the coronavirus outbreak to reg- ister through a certain link, noting that it has nothing to do with such calls. The ministry urged citizens to refer to official news sources and ignore fake reports circulated to create chaos. “Such news is usually an- By Hanan Al-Saadoun rific accident on King Fahd Road on Sunday, Kuwait tal. Mangaf and Technical Rescue teams responded nounced by reliable government sources,” the min- Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) said. The accident and handed the body to paramedics. An investigation istry underlined. KUWAIT: A woman in her 30s was killed in a hor- involved three vehicles and a truck near Adan Hospi- was opened to reveal the cause of the accident.
Firemen battle Farwaniya building blaze
By Hanan Al-Saadoun
KUWAIT: Firemen from the Farwaniya and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh fire stations responded to a fire in a fifth-floor flat in a Farwaniya building. The fire spread to a sixth-floor flat. The building was evacuated and A fireman extinguishes flames in cars parked in a municipal vehicle impound- the fire put out before spreading further. No injuries ment area. were reported. Separately, Shaqaya fire station men Flames engulf vehicles parked in a municipal vehicle impoundment area. put out a blaze that engulfed 15 vehicles parked in a municipal vehicle impoundment area. No injuries were reported.
Curfew violators The Interior Ministry said 14 people were arrested for breaking the partial curfew on Sunday. The cases include one in the Capital governorate, five in Hawally, four in Jahra, three in Mubarak Al-Kabeer and one in Al-Ahmadi. Among the detainees are 11 Kuwaitis and three expats.
Child abuse Firemen extinguishes flames in vehicles parked in a municipal vehicle im- Police arrested a woman for child abuse after she poundment area. was seen assaulting her child physically and verbally in a video that went viral on social media, the Interior Ministry announced Sunday. The arrest happened at KUWAIT: Fire engines seen outside a Farwaniya building where a fire was the suspect’s house where police headed with a war- reported. rant in hand after detectives identified her. She was taken to the police station where a misdemeanor case and investigation was opened. Meanwhile, her children were taken to the health ministry’s child protection of- fice for medical checkups, the Interior Ministry said.
Kuwait-based fund approves Jordan grant
AMMAN: Kuwait-based Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) approved a $3.2 million grant to help Jordan cover huge expenses of A fire engine parked outside a Farwaniya building where a fire was reported. fighting spread of coronavirus, the Jordanian gov- ernment said Sunday. The Jordanian government has been holding video-conference meetings with donor countries to seek urgent funding to forestall spread of the virus in health, educational and trans- port sectors, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Wessam Rabadhi said in a statement. He thanked AFESD for its “constructive” support of development in Jordan. Meanwhile, Jordan’s Central Bank said it would allow banks and currency ex- change bureaus to reopen during curfew hours as of yesterday. The bank’s governor Ziad Fraiz said banks and currency exchange bureaus could open between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm but they should allow the minimum amount of employees. The gov- ernment imposed a full curfew on March 21, but re- duce it to between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm to allow people buy necessary needs. — KUNA Heavy damage left by a fire inside the Farwaniya building flat. InternationalEstablished 1961 TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 Trump ditches hopes of quick virus Mafia primed to feast on Italy’s virus devastation bounce-back Page 8 Page 8
WUHAN: Staff members spray disinfectant at a shopping mall as it prepares to reopen to the public after closing due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in China’s central Hubei province. — AFP China’s Hubei cremates coronavirus dead
‘No farewells, no ceremonies’
JINGZHOU: Ten unclaimed urns sit in the cremato- afterlife: all-night vigils, white mourning clothes, vis- days and we would carry out our work after,” said are asked to do a quick pickup, he said. “Maybe it’s rium in Jingzhou, a city in central China’s Hubei itors paying their last respects around the carefully Sheng, a red China flag pin in the lapel of his white something to do with the air, we don’t know why.” province hard-hit by coronavirus. Not only are fu- dressed body in the coffin, perhaps Taoist or Bud- lab coat. “But now when the person dies, the hospital China has reported more than 81,000 coronavirus in- nerals banned across China, in places like Jingzhou dhist prayers. will carry out the disinfection and the cremation will fections and 3,300 deaths, mostly in Wuhan, where bereaved relatives who are stuck in their homes must A funeral home in Jingzhou was quiet. Hazmat suits happen right after.” the virus is thought to have first infected people at a wait even to retrieve the remains of their loved ones. hung outside a room where workers who carry bod- Staff at the facility where Sheng has worked for seafood market. The ashes of the dead “are under our care for now ies from the hospital to the crematorium were nap- 29 years now take shifts around the clock, in case a Jingzhou, a transportation and tourism hub of 6 because their family members are in quarantine, or ping. For families in call comes from the hospi- million people 220 km west of Wuhan, is Hubei’s they’re away and can’t come back yet,” said the di- quarantine, it is lonelier still, tal in the middle of the sixth-worst-hit city, with 1,580 infections and 52 rector of the Jingzhou crematorium, who gave only as they cannot even honor night to collect the body of deaths - half of those bodies were cremated at his surname, Sheng, as he was not permitted to speak the ashes of the dead. a coronavirus victim, he Sheng’s facility, he says. Recently, China’s locally to the media. “What did we do to de- Bereaved said. Previously, they cre- transmitted infections have fallen sharply, the govern- “No farewells, no ceremonies are allowed,” Sheng serve such punishment?” mated bodies in the morn- ment says - Wuhan has reported only one new coro- told Reuters matter-of-factly in his office in the bare, Wang Wenjun in Hubei’s relatives stuck ing. “The hospital workers navirus case in the last 10 days. The United States off-white building. The coronavirus has infected provincial capital Wuhan are working very hard but now has more cases than China, and Italy and Spain more than half a million people and killed some told Reuters last month, in their homes so are the funeral workers,” higher death tolls. 25,000 in more than 200 countries. In China, where after her family had to wait he said. Easing the burden The sharp slowdown has given Beijing confi- it began, the virus has upended not only daily life but 15 days for the ashes of her somewhat of late has been dence to start easing the draconian lockdowns and also how the dead are given a send-off, due to its uncle, who died from the slowdown in domestic travel restrictions put in place to curb the virus. highly contagious nature. COVID-19, the pneumo- virus cases and a drop in Hubei began letting residents leave the province on Whatever the cause of death, China’s bereaved nia-like disease caused by the new coronavirus. traffic deaths as harsh restrictions on movement cur- Tuesday, although people are not yet allowed in. families have not been able to hold funerals since Feb. Without funerals Sheng’s staff, like crematorium tail driving. Sheng has yet to receive official notice when life 1, even as the nation’s outbreak eases, including in workers across much of China, get right to work, Of the crematorium’s eight furnaces, one is dedi- might return to normal at the Jingzhou crematorium. Hubei where the virus erupted in December. For the some in full surgical outfits with blue coveralls and cated to coronavirus victims, whose families may not Possibly by the end of April, he says. For now, quar- families, none of the complex and comforting rituals, hair covers like blue shower caps. “In the past, before see the body before it is cremated. For people who antines remain in place and the simple, state-sup- full of filial piety, to ensure a peaceful journey to the the epidemic, there would be a vigil of up to three die of the disease at home, staff in full protective gear plied urns sit. — Reuters Arab, Jewish Virus lockdowns give medics together Europe cities cleaner air on frontline of BRUSSELS: Air pollution has decreased in urban areas across Israel’s virus fight Europe during lockdowns to combat the coronavirus, new satellite images showed yesterday, but campaigners warned city-dwellers were still more vulnerable to the epidemic. Cities including Brus- JERUSALEM: In Israel, Jewish and Arab doc- sels, Paris, Madrid, Milan and Frankfurt showed a reduction in av- tors have worked side by side on the frontlines erage levels of noxious nitrogen dioxide over March 5-25, of the novel coronavirus fight, also battling en- compared with the same period last year, according to the Sen- trenched schisms between their communities tinel-5 satellite images. and stressing their unity in the face of the cri- That coincides with lockdowns in many European countries sis. Israel’s Sheba Medical Center, near the city which have curbed road transport - the largest source of nitrogen of Tel Aviv, is ranked among the best in the oxides - and slowed output at gas-emitting factories. The new im- world and its directors say its standing is ages, released by the European Space Agency (ESA) and analysed thanks to a team of Arab and Jewish caregivers by the non-profit European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), show working together in a society otherwise the changing density of nitrogen dioxide, which can cause respi- marked by divisions. BEERSHEBA: Two paramedics pray outside an ambulance of the American Friends of Magen ratory problems and cancer, like heat maps. “We work together with Arab medical staff David Adom (AFMDA): a Jew from Beersheba facing Jerusalem, and an Arab from Rahat fac- Daily weather events can influence atmospheric pollution, so everywhere and not just in the time of coron- ing Makkah. — AFP the satellite pictures took a 20-day average and excluded readings avirus. There is no difference between us,” where cloud cover reduced the quality of the data. Data from the Sheba deputy director emeritus, Rafi Walden European Environment Agency (EEA) showed a similar trend over the Magen David Adom, as “inspiring” and un- unabashedly,” Walden said. Recently, nearly said. “Without them, the Israeli medical system March 16-22. In Madrid, average nitrogen dioxide levels decreased derscored the need for unity in a crisis. Others 700 Israeli medical professionals, roughly half would collapse.” Israel’s Arab minority are the by 56% week-on-week after the Spanish government banned took the opportunity to highlight the inequali- of them Arab and half Jewish, signed a petition descendants of Palestinians who stayed on non-essential travel on March 14. ties faced by the Arab minority. According to a calling on Netanyahu to stop sowing division their land after the creation of Israel in 1948. The EPHA said people living in polluted cities may be more at 2017 study by the Taub Center for Social Policy during a public health crisis. More than 3,800 They make up around 20 percent of the pop- risk from COVID-19, because prolonged exposure to bad air can Studies in Israel, poverty rates are far higher in cases of the novel coronavirus have been re- ulation, but slightly more of the country’s weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infection. Arab neighborhoods, where the average life ported by Israel as of Sunday, and 12 people health care workers. “That connection is very likely,” Zoltan Massay-Kosubek, policy expectancy is also four years lower than among have died. The community regularly says it faces social manager for clean air at EPHA, told Reuters. “But because the dis- Jewish Israelis. After more than a year of political turmoil discrimination and denounces a law that en- ease is new, it still has to be demonstrated.” Air pollution can cause marked by three inconclusive general elections, shrines the Jewish character of Israel. But as the or exacerbate lung cancer, pulmonary disease and strokes. ‘In the trenches together’ Netanyahu is expected to remain in power and Jewish state struggles against the deadly novel China also recorded a drop in nitrogen dioxide pollution in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has form an “emergency government” to manage coronavirus, the crisis is highlighting the col- cities during February, when the government imposed draconian long faced accusations of racism towards the the virus outbreak after a surprise agreement laborative nature of its health service. A photo lockdown measures to contain the raging epidemic. In some re- Arab minority and of inciting hatred against by his rival Benny Gantz to work with the pre- shared widely on social media this week gions of Poland, however, nitrogen dioxide levels remained rela- members of Arab political parties. He has de- mier. “Our goal, both Arabs and Jews, is to pro- showed two medics pausing to pray in front of tively high during the period despite its lockdown, perhaps due to scribed them as a “threat” to the country and tect humanity, and we call for an end to their ambulance. One was Jewish - standing the prevalence of coal-based heating. Countries that went into one of his ministers has called them “terrorists incitement to hatred. We’re in the trenches to- and praying in the direction of Jerusalem - and lockdown later - such as Britain, which did so on March 23 - look in suits”. gether working to stop the coronavirus epi- the other a Muslim, who laid out his prayer rug set for a pollution reprieve in coming weeks, EPHA said. Air pol- “Netanyahu knows the role of Arabs in the demic,” said Shukri Awawda, a senior doctor in and knelt facing towards Mecca. lution causes around 400,000 premature deaths each year in Eu- health service and in other sectors and he con- the Arab city of Nazareth and one of those who Some internet users praised the image pub- rope, EEA data show. — Reuters lished by Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross, tinues to spread hatred against Arabs and to lie spearheaded the petition. — AFP Established 1961 7 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 International UAE opens drive-through coronavirus ‘testing site’ Couple to run Dubai balcony marathon to beat virus blues
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates said it has flights, closed its borders to foreigners and asked launched a drive-through coronavirus testing facil- people to go outdoors only if necessary. UAE ity as part of the Gulf state’s efforts to fight the Attorney General Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi has disease. The facility, inaugurated by Abu Dhabi issued a list of fines ranging from $272 to $13,600 Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, will for those violating regulations imposed to contain provide screenings within five minutes, using the virus. state-of-the-art equipment and a medical team, the Abu Dhabi government’s media office said. Dubai balcony marathon “A new drive-through testing facility for In another development, a South African cou- COVID-19 has launched ... to offer safe testing ple are to run a marathon on their Dubai balcony procedures,” the office to be streamed online said Saturday on as an example of how Twitter. According to to beat the coronavirus official state news blues under lockdown. agency WAM, the Collin Allin, 41, and wife facility can serve 600 For the wider Hilda aim to cover the people a day, with pri- community for 42.2-kilometre (26- ority given to senior mile) distance on their citizens, pregnant reassurance only 19-metre (yard) long women and those with balcony from 6:00 am chronic illnesses. The on Saturday, a chal- media office said peo- lenge they expect to ple should book an take between seven and appointment in advance. Tests “for the wider eight hours. “This is about giving people some- community for reassurance only” would cost 370 thing else to think about,” he told AFP. “It’s about dirhams ($100), according to government advice getting people to connect, as everyone is worried DUBAI: A picture shows a deserted street in the Emirate city of Dubai amid the COVID-19 coronavirus on Twitter. about the impact of coronavirus.” outbreak. —AFP The UAE, which on Sunday had 570 officially Their 10-year-old daughter Geena will be in declared COVID-19 cases, including three deaths, charge of providing her parents with water and has imposed restrictions on night movements and snacks as well as music to drive the runners. The lockdown to allow for outdoors and public trans- deaths, it has also been promoting a “stay home” taken steps to sanitize outdoor areas and public United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a mem- port sanitation operations. With more than 330 campaign, a message lit up on top of Dubai’s Burj transport. The Gulf state has halted passenger ber, has imposed a Thursday to Sunday nightime declared cases of the novel coronavirus and two Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. —Agencies
thing like it. Even as rockets rained down during the At standstill over conflict, the shops would not remain shut for long, he says. “I don’t know how we’re going to live without work,” lamented the tradesman, who sup- virus, Damascus ports a family of four including himself. Japan to ban Europe, Eighty percent of Syrians already live under the dreads new foe poverty line, according to the United Nations. China, US travelers as Syria’s conflict has killed more than 380,000 people DAMASCUS: On a deserted street in the old city of and displaced millions from their homes since start- coronavirus spread Damascus, the new coronavirus has forced sales- ing in 2011 with anti-government protests. It has also men like Ahmad to close up shop indefinitely for ravaged the economy and laid waste to much of the TOKYO: Japan will step up its efforts to stop the the first time in Syria’s war. “We’ve lived through country’s infrastructure, including the health sector. spread of coronavirus by banning the entry of for- some tough times during the war,” says the 59- eign citizens travelling from the United States, China, year-old, sitting on a chair on the pavement outside ‘War of a different kind’ South Korea and most of Europe, the Asahi newspa- his textiles shop. But “never in my life have I seen Even with just a handful of cases so far, DAMASCUS: An old market in Syria’s capital per reported yesterday. Non-Japanese citizens who the markets and shops close for days on end like Damascus has been increasingly taking precautions Damascus stands deserted after measures were tak- have been in any of these areas in the past two weeks will be barred, the paper said. Tokyo may also ban now”. All around him, businesses have pulled down across the 70 percent of Syria that it controls. It en by the authorities to fight the novel coronavirus has closed the border with Lebanon, issued the first pandemic. —AFP travel to and from some countries in Southeast Asia their metal blinds or covered up their stands. and Africa, it said, citing unidentified government The scene is the same across much of the Syrian night-time curfew ever in the conflict, and sus- closed its gates. Nearby, shops have also slammed sources. capital, with squares and markets once thronging pended transport between provinces. Schools and At present, Japan only bans entry of citizens from their wooden shutters closed in Hamidiya market. with people even during the war now almost entirely universities have closed, as have parks, restaurants, some parts of South Korea, China as well as numer- empty. In the century-old covered bazaar of coffee shops and other non-essential businesses. Apart from the men in jumpsuits spraying shutters ous European nations, with a request for a two-week Hamidiya, workers in orange jumpsuits and face “At the end of 2011, I felt we were heading into with watered-down disinfectant, barely a handful of self-quarantine for those entering from the United masks spray down wooden doors bolted shut with the unknown,” Ahmad says. The guns largely fell people walk through. Among them, engineering stu- States, China and South Korea. Government officials padlocks. Five cases of COVID-19 have been report- silent around Damascus in 2018, after government dent Mustafa is on his way to a pharmacy to stock weren’t immediately available to comment. While ed in the country since Sunday, and the authorities forces expelled rebels and jihadists from its edges. up on supplies. Wearing a pale blue surgical mask Japanese nationals would not be affected, the travel have ordered all non-essential businesses closed. But today, “we might be heading into a war of a dif- and plastic gloves, the 24-year-old surveys the emp- ban would come as a surge in the number of infec- Ahmad this week called in his employees to give ferent kind,” Ahmad says, against a “hidden enemy”. ty street. For years, “Damascus bustled on energeti- tions in Japan stokes fears that Prime Minister Shinzo them their monthly wages and ask them all to go In another neighborhood, the city’s world-renowned cally - despite the death, the shelling and the stray Abe may shift from considering to declaring a home. The shopkeeper says he’s never known any- Omayyad Mosque has for the first time in years bullets,” he says. —AFP national state of emergency - a step that could pave the way for a lockdown of its capital Tokyo. “We’re in a critical stage” on state of emergency who breached his mandatory quarantine period, deliberations, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Asia virus latest: Modi the latest example of the city-state’s strict Suga told a news conference on Monday. Any lock- enforcement of social distancing measures. The down in Japan would look different to mandatory apologizes, Australia 53-year-old man had been ordered to stay at measures imposed in some parts of Europe and the home for 14 days after returning to Singapore United States: By law, local authorities are only per- from neighboring Indonesia, a rule he then broke mitted to issue requests for people to stay home that are not legally binding. limits gatherings by making a further trip over the border. But analysts said such a move would inflict huge HONG KONG: Here are the latest developments Singapore, which has imposed tough measures to damage to an economy already on the cusp of reces- from Asia related to the novel coronavirus pan- slow the spread of the virus - including the threat sion due to the widening fallout from the pandemic, demic: of six months in jail for people who intentionally which has derailed Tokyo’s plans to stage Olympic stand close to someone else - reported its third Games this summer, disrupted supply chains and Modi asks Indians for forgiveness COVID-19 death on Sunday. cooled consumption via event cancellations and shop India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi apolo- shut-downs. “I think the possibility of a lockdown of Australia limits gatherings the Tokyo metropolitan area is rising,” said Hideo gized to citizens for the sweeping 21-day lock- MUMBAI: Vegetable vendors set up their stalls main- down that has brought the country of 1.3 billion Gatherings were restricted to just two people Kumano, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research in Australia from yesterday - down from the cur- taining social distance in an open field during a gov- Institute. —Reuters people to a halt, leaving many migrant workers ernment-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preven- jobless and penniless. “I believe that you will for- rent limit of 10 - and playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks will be closed across the country. tive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coro- give me... I had to take some decisions which have navirus in Mumbai yesterday. —AFP inconvenienced you in various ways, especially my Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all over-70s poor brothers and sisters,” he said Sunday in a as well as indigenous people over 50, who are more susceptible to diseases, are now being weekly radio address, arguing there was “no other sounded the alarm over fears of an increase in Virus fears spark strongly advised to self-isolate at home. This way” to fight the virus. cases, as the stress caused by social isolation came as hundreds of cruise ship passengers were Meanwhile Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal exacerbates tensions. Thai prison riot appealed to rural migrants not to go home after a due to board flights for Germany after spending days stranded at sea off the Western Australian massive exodus began from cities, with many China reports imported cases BANGKOK: Dozens of prisoners broke furniture coast in a stand-off with authorities. Australia workers making the long journeys on foot. “Stay China reported 45 new coronavirus infec- and torched buildings during a riot in a Thai jail on has recorded almost 4,000 cases of COVID-19, where you are. Because there is a risk of corona tions on Sunday, all but one of them imported Sunday sparked by fears of a coronavirus out- with the death toll reaching 16 on Sunday. spreading in such a big crowd,” he tweeted. The from abroad. That compares with 54 cases the break in the facility. During the violence some Meanwhile New Zealand reported its first novel government ordered all of India’s states and terri- previous day, all imported. After taking dracon- convicts escaped from the Buriram prison where coronavirus death. tories to seal their borders to reduce the move- ian steps to bring the virus spread under con- more than 2,000 are held, the justice ministry ment of people, and said funds were available trol domestically, China is now doing the same said. Seven have been arrested. Australia domestic violence within each state to arrange food and shelter for to prevent imported infections. It announced Local media showed footage of black smoke Australia announced a nearly US$100 million migrants at their places of work. this week it would drastically reduce the num- billowing from the prison’s multiple blocks in the boost in funding to tackle domestic violence after ber of international flights into the country and support services reported a spike in coronavirus- country’s northeast, and a Corrections Singapore cancels man’s passport banned foreigners from entering beginning related family abuse. Associations around the Department official said drones were deployed to Singapore cancelled the passport of a citizen Saturday. —AFP world that help victims of domestic violence have investigate what weapons the prisoners were using. “There was a group of prisoners trying to escape and were creating chaos... which included official, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP that ed for those who had escaped, it added. SDF spokesman burning down some facilities inside,” said Narat Riot, break-out at Islamic State members in the prison had revolted. Mustafa Bali, posting on Twitter, said prisoners had bro- Sawetana, director general of the Corrections “Some of them managed to get out into the prison ken walls and torn off internal doors. “The situation is still Department. courtyard,” the source added. “Security forces are on tense inside the prison,” he said, adding that reinforce- He added later that six prisoners had been Syria jail holding high alert. International coalition planes are flying over ments were on the way to try to regain control. injured in the melee by broken glass. More than the prison and the region.” Coalition military A year after having declared victory against the 1,500 prisoners had to be evacuated before the Jihadists spokesman Colonel Myles Caggins III said: “The Islamic State in Syria, Kurdish forces are still holding rioting could be stopped. Justice Minister Somsak Coalition is assisting our Syrian Democratic Forces around 12,000 IS fighters in the northeast of the coun- Thepsutin confirmed that a group of inmates sen- BEIRUT: Prisoners at a Syrian jail run by Kurdish forces partners with aerial surveillance as they quell an insur- try, according to their own figures. They include tenced to life had started “agitating” other prison- holding suspected Islamic State members rioted and rection” at the prison. But only low-level prisoners Syrians, Iraqis and between 2,500 and 3,000 foreign ers with rumors of a virus outbreak. “The fact is some escaped Sunday, said Kurdish sources and the were kept at the jail, he added. nationals from some 50 countries. While they have that none of the prisoners in Buriram were infect- Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A senior member The London-based Observatory, which has an exten- called on those countries to take back their nationals, ed-they only started this rumor to find some sup- of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) running sive network of contacts inside Syria, said at least four they are also resigned to the prospect of putting them porters,” the minister said, adding that the cafete- Ghouiran prison in the northeast Syria city of Hassakeh people had escaped from the prison. Members of the on trial, given the reluctance of several western gov- ria and visiting areas were among the facilities acknowledged that an uprising had taken place. The Islamic State had led the uprising and a search has start- ernments have their nationals repatriated. —AFP torched. —AFP 8 Established 1961 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 International Trump ditches hopes of quick virus bounce-back Spain announces record 838 virus deaths in 24 hours
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has extended huge chunks of the US economy grind to a halt were emergency coronavirus restrictions for the United States, playing out at food banks, where organizers say demand where his top scientist warned up to 200,000 people has exploded. “Before, there were 1.2 million people in could die, as the Russian capital and Africa’s biggest city New York who needed help for food. Now, there are three readied to go into lockdown yesterday. The reassessment times as many,” said Eric Ripert of City Harvest, a food by Trump, who had previously said he wanted the country rescue organization. back to work in mid-April, came as Britain and hard-hit Italy warned measures to prevent the spread of the dis- Six months ease would be in place for months to come. Trump’s re-evaluation of a back-to-normal timeline COVID-19 has already killed more than 33,000 people came as Europe’s situation continued to worsen. Spain worldwide, with the number of confirmed cases nearing logged 838 deaths in a 24-hour period, the third con- 700,000. As of Sunday, more than 3.38 billion people secutive day it has seen a rise. “My ICU (intensive care were asked or ordered to follow confinement measures, unit) is completely full,” said Eduardo Fernandez, a according to an AFP database, as the virus infects every nurse at Infanta Sofia hospital in Madrid, where authori- sphere of life-wiping out millions of jobs, postponing ties have set up a 5,500-bed field hospital and trans- elections and clearing the formed an ice rink into a sporting calendar. Trump morgue. “If it is not a com- warned that the US crisis, plete collapse, we are on the which has seen a doubling of verge,” he added. British offi- infections in only two days, Up to 200,000 cials said life may not return would continue to get worse. people to usual for six months, with “The modelling estimates Deputy Chief Medical that the peak in death rate is could die, Officer Jenny Harries saying likely to hit in two weeks,” he scientist warns it would be several weeks said, announcing an exten- before doctors could tell if NEW YORK: An elderly man is transported from Lenox Health Medical Pavilion to an ambulance in sion of social distancing the current lockdown had New York City. A senior US scientist issued a cautious prediction that the novel coronavirus could guidelines until April 30. slowed the spread of the dis- claim 100,000 to 200,000 lives in the United States. —AFP “Nothing would be worse ease. Measures would be than declaring victory before the victory is won.” The reviewed every three weeks, “probably over the next six president was speaking after Anthony Fauci, who leads months” or even longer, she said. leave their homes in a medical emergency, to travel to Enforcing a total lockdown will be a mammoth chal- research into infectious diseases at the National Institutes In Italy, which has logged a third of global deaths, the jobs judged essential by the authorities, and to shop for lenge for authorities in a country where tens of mil- of Health, said he believed 100,000 to 200,000 government warned citizens should be ready for a lengthy food or medicines. They will, however, be allowed to lions live in poverty and rely on their daily earnings to Americans could die from the disease, and millions could lockdown that would only be lifted gradually. “We are in a walk their dogs within a 100-metre radius of their survive. be infected. very long battle,” said government medical adviser Luca homes. Africa’s biggest city, Lagos, was due to join the The same holds true for large parts of Africa. In The US health system is groaning under the weight of Richeldi. “Through our behavior, we save lives.” Yet the global stay-at-home from yesterday, with Nigerian Benin, President Patrice Talon said his country could not new cases. On Sunday a charity began setting up a field strains on Italian society imposed by measures that might President Muhammadu Buhari ordering a two-week enforce public confinement because it lacks the “means hospital in New York’s Central Park to help take some of have seemed unimaginable just weeks ago are gradually lockdown for its 20 million people. of rich countries.” Aid groups have warned that the the strain off the city’s overwhelmed institutions. “There’s starting to show. The starkest example came when armed The measures also apply to the capital Abuja. coronavirus toll in the developed world could pale com- lots of cases here in New York and a lot of people that police began guarding entrances to supermarkets in Sicily Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with some 190 pared with the devastation it wreaks on defenseless need help,” said Elliott Tenpenny, a doctor and team after reports of looting by people who could no longer million people, has so far registered just 97 confirmed populations in poor states and war zones such as Syria leader for Samaritan’s Purse COVID-19 Response Team. afford food. infections and one death from COVID-19, but testing and Yemen. Three billion people around the world lack “The hospitals all over the city are filling up and they Global divide has been limited. Officials have warned that the coun- access to running water and soap, the most basic need as much help as they can get. That’s why we’re here.” Moscow became the latest European city to tell try risks seeing an “exponential” rise in cases unless weapons of protection against the virus, according to The human consequences of a shutdown that has seen people to stay indoors. Citizens will only be allowed to contacts of suspected carriers are tracked down faster. UN experts. —AFP
mafias, to see how much they can earn News in brief Mafia primed to from this pandemic,” Italian anti-mafia author Roberto Saviano said in an Saudi seizes hoarded masks feast on Italy’s interview in the Repubblica daily this week. “Where have they invested the RIYADH: Saudi authorities have seized more than five mil- last few decades? Multi-service com- lion medical masks that were illegally stockpiled amid the virus devastation panies (canteens, cleaning, disinfec- coronavirus outbreak, state media reported Sunday, as the ROME: As Italy mourns thousands of tion), waste recycling, transportation, death toll in the kingdom doubled. The commerce ministry funeral homes, oil and food distribu- seized 1.17 million masks from a private store in Hail, north- coronavirus dead, and survivors brace tion. That’s how they’ll make money. west of the capital, after authorities Wednesday confiscat- for life in an economic wasteland, one ed more than four million masks stored in a facility in the rung of society looks to win big: “The mafias know what you have, and western city of Jeddah in violation of commercial regula- organized crime. “The Italian mafia will need, and they give it, and will tions, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. The min- can turn threats into opportunities,” give it, on their own terms.” istry said people behind such activities would be prosecut- top government anti-mafia investiga- Saviano pointed to the last big epi- ed, and that the confiscated masks would be redistributed tor Giuseppe Governale said. Over demic in Italy, the 1884 Cholera out- to the open market. Pharmacies in the oil-rich kingdom 10,000 people have died in Italy of break in Naples, which killed more have reported shortages of masks amid panic buying, as the flu-like disease, which has forced than half of the city’s inhabitants. The authorities warned against hoarding and price hikes. Saudi the country into a lockdown that is government paid out vast sums for a Arabia is scrambling to limit the spread of the deadly dis- devastating the eurozone’s third clean-up - which went straight into ease at home. —AFP largest economy. the pockets of the Camorra. The mafia VERDUNO: Nurses work to prepare the Intensive care unit in the new From the historic Cosa Nostra in “is already carefully planning ahead to Covid-19 Hospital in Verduno, near Alba, Northwestern Italy on the eve of Sicily, to the immensely powerful when the economy will start to be its official opening, as part of the measures taken to fight against the Mass prison break in Iran ‘Ndrangheta in Calabria and trigger- rebuilt,” said Governale, who heads spread of the novel coronavirus. The hospital have seven beds of intensive happy Camorra in Naples, Italy’s up Italy’s anti-mafia investigation care and fifty beds for patients infected by the COVID-19. —AFP TEHRAN: Iranian security forces are searching for 54 mafias were “caught on the back foot directorate (DIA). “There will be a lot escaped inmates following a prison break over which four of money going around.” guards were arrested, Iran’s state news agency reported (by the virus), but are now organising ‘Real danger’ ly on in the epidemic, with prisoners The 62-year old Sicilian said his yesterday. “Some prison guards were summoned and four themselves,” Governale said. The The redirection of police resources fearful of catching the disease in over- of them were arrested and others released on bail,” Economist Intelligence Unit said team was preparing a plan to combat over the crisis could also contribute to crowded facilities demanding early Mojtaba Shirouzbozorgi, a judicial official in Kurdistan Thursday it expected Italy’s GDP to mafia infiltration. “They will be look- the mafia blossoming, as officers release. “Very worryingly, some with province, told IRNA. According to the agency, 74 inmates contract by a colossal seven percent ing for loopholes in the system. We’ll “already weighed down by new roles lighter sentences are being allowed escaped from Saqqez city’s prison on Friday, 20 of whom for the year. Italian experts say some have to keep our eyes open for... sus- may have to face public order prob- out,” Nicola Gratteri, a leading pros- have so far either turned themselves in or been captured. 65 percent of Italian small and medi- picious operations, the creation of lems,” he said. According to the Stampa ecutor in the ‘Ndrangheta stronghold On March 19, 23 prisoners escaped from another jail in the um businesses are at risk of bank- new companies, dummy corpora- daily, Italy’s secret service has warned of Calabria said. Rights group western city of Khorramabad, the capital of Lorestan ruptcy. That is music to the ears of tions.” Giuseppe Pignatone, a former the government of potential riots in Antigone said over 2,500 prisoners province, hours before the start of Iran’s New Year cele- the country’s mobs, who use extor- mafia-hunter in Reggio Calabria, said southern Italy - fomented by organized had been released since February 29 brations, IRNA said. They reportedly escaped during the tion and usuary to feast on ailing the epidemic would “inevitably make crime groups - should the virus epicen- to ease overcrowding. “People linked night while guards were making preparations for a New businesses. the judiciary’s job more difficult over ter move from north to south. to the ‘Ndrangheta have already Year amnesty. The escapees had been serving a maximum the coming weeks and years”. The tri- Mobsters were believed by some been released and put under house of one-year sentences, the agency said, denying that dan- ‘On their terms’ als of hundreds of defendants have crime experts to have orchestrated arrest,” he said. “That presents a real gerous criminals were at large. —AFP “Just look at the portfolio of the ground to a halt. revolts in jails across the country ear- danger”. —AFP
Egypt shuts several hospitals to stay positive, though. “At least I’m spending time Spanish. The pandemic has had an “enormous” with my kids... I am the teacher, I am the mom - I am effect on her household, she said. Her husband and CAIRO: Egypt has shuttered several hospitals and quaran- Demand explodes tined villages in an attempt to halt the rising infection rate everything.” “We are alive, we are healthy, we just oldest daughter lost their jobs. Her youngest daugh- of new coronavirus in the most populous Arab state. A need to pray.” ter, just eight years old, is “anxious” and can’t keep Cairo hospital was closed for sterilization late Saturday for New York It took the single mother a week to register for still. “I try to save as much as possible, especially for after two COVID-19 cases were confirmed. An official at unemployment — the service flooded, pointing to the rent, bills like electricity, cable, food and all Al-Salam hospital told AFP on Sunday: “We are currently food banks much worse unemployment numbers than those those things,” she said. She is also impatiently wait- disinfecting the hospital for the safety of everyone con- announced by the federal government on Thursday. ing for her federal check. cerned. One patient had come in tested positive and a But on Friday, “I did it, finally,” Alba said, relieved. City Harvest employee Geraldine Fermin has member of our staff was infected after”. He said no date NEW YORK: New York food banks have become The benefits should start arriving in three weeks. heard stories like this a lot since most New York was yet set for re-opening the facility. Other hospitals have inundated with newcomers deprived of income Alba also hopes to receive soon at least $1,200 City business closed down two weeks ago. “It’s also been closed in the last week after recording cases of since the near-total halt of business in the United from the federal government, thanks to a historic aid heartbreaking that it has to be like that for a lot of the virus, including the Alexandria University Hospital and States’ economic capital. Sacks of oranges, sweet package passed last week by Congress. “It’s not people,” she said. “People that were poor are now Al-Shorouk hospital in Cairo. Health ministry spokesperson potatoes and onions are spread over three tables at gonna be enough,” but “you’re gonna appreciate poorer, and people that had decent jobs, that could Khaled Megahed also announced that villages in up to 10 an open-air market in Washington Heights, a neigh- anything right now,” she said, noting that “a lot of get by, now are poor too.” “Before, there were 1.2 governorates have been quarantined. —AFP borhood in the north of Manhattan. Sterilized milk people” need help. “It is the whole entire city.” million people in New York who needed help for and cans of tuna and salmon cover three others. food. Now, there are three times as many, that’s Hundreds of people came over the weekend to Millions need help more than three million New Yorkers,” said City Libya frees over 450 inmates restock at the distribution center, one of many run Jose Neri, 51, is one of many Hispanic employees Harvest vice president Eric Ripert. by City Harvest, a major New York-based charity. who worked in now-closed New York restaurants. Ripert also owns the famous restaurant Le TRIPOLI: Libya’s justice ministry announced Sunday over There are no long lines reminiscent of the soup He also came to a food bank for the first time. There Bernardin, closed due to the coronavirus. Speaking 450 prisoners were being freed in a bid to protect against kitchens of the 1930s. Instead, people trickle in, are five people in his family. “We’re using our sav- in French, Ripert said that City Harvest, which in the spread of coronavirus in the wake of the war-torn often wearing masks for protection and keeping ings to survive,” he said in Spanish, wearing a mask addition to its markets also supplies food to some country’s first declared infections. Judicial officials decided their distance from each other under the direction to “free 466 detainees from correctional facilities” in and gloves in an effort to prevent himself from 400 homeless shelters, does not currently have of market volunteers. catching the virus. “We’ve got what we need to hold any supply problems. But it needs funds to buy Tripoli, according to a statement by the Tripoli-based Among the customers is Lina Alba, 40, a single Government of National Accord’s justice ministry. The it together for now,” he said. He is also counting on more food, and so it is teaming up with other mother with five children aged between 11 and 23. detainees were in pretrial detention or had qualified for the federal government’s promised assistance to organizations to create a united front against “a conditional release, the statement added. Authorities She worked as a maid in a Manhattan hotel until it low-income workers. Jhordana Ramirez, 39, has to situation that will get worse.” “We got through announced five new coronavirus cases in the western city closed two weeks ago. Her two oldest children also keep working, despite the high risk of infection in a September 11, the great recession of 2008-2009, of Misrata on Sunday, bringing the tally of infections con- lost their jobs. “It is my first time,” she said. “We city that has recorded tens of thousands of cases. we got through a lot of things, but none of that is firmed in Libya to eight. —Reuters need the help now. This is crazy. So we don’t know She’s a home caregiver for senior citizens, who comparable to this catastrophe that we’re living what’s gonna happen in a few weeks.” She’s trying “depend 100 percent” on her, she explained in through,” Ripert said. —AFP Established 1961
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020
Red-tapes and shattered hopes: Jazeera Airways agrees new measures to Global shares suffer virus 10Uganda still waiting for oil riches 11 protect airline from COVID-19 challenges 11 chills, CBs offer cold comfort
WUHAN: People wearing face masks walk past a mall in Wuhan, in China’s central Hubei province yesterday. — AFP China unexpectedly cuts reverse repo rate Easing steps come as analysts predict steep Q1 GDP contraction SHANGHAI: China’s central bank unexpectedly cut Global policymakers have rolled out unprecedented over $5 trillion into the global economy to limit job and Loan Prime Rate (LPR) will be cut at the same pace the rate on reverse repurchase agreements by 20 basis stimulus measures in the past few weeks, cutting rates income losses from the coronavirus, which has so far this month. We believe this cut is a signal to urge all points yesterday, the largest in nearly five years, as au- sharply and injecting trillions of dollars to backstop infected more than 700,000 people and killed nearly loans to refer LPR as the benchmark so that the PBOC thorities ramped up steps to relieve pressure on an their economies as many countries have been put 34,000 worldwide. can improve the effectiveness of monetary policy economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. under tight lockdowns to contain the pandemic. Earlier in the day, the PBOC injected 50 billion yuan transmission,” he said. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) announced on Yan Se, chief economist ($7 billion) into money mar- At Friday’s meeting, the politburo said the govern- its website that it was lowering the 7-day reverse repo at Founder Securities in kets through seven-day re- ment will step up policy measures and tighten enforce- rate to 2.20 percent from 2.40 percent, but it did not Beijing, said the rate cut was verse repos, breaking a ment in a bid to achieve full-year economic and social give a reason for the move. Ma Jun, a central bank ad- China’s commitment to a Seven-day hiatus of 29 trading days development targets. The coronavirus hit the Chinese viser told state media that China still has ample room pledge it made during the with no fresh fund injec- economy just as it was starting to show some signs of for monetary policy adjustment and the rate decision Group of 20 major reverse repo tions. Chinese 10-year gov- stabilizing after growth cooled last year to its slowest took into consideration the return of Chinese compa- economies meeting last ernment bond futures pace in nearly 30 years amid a trade war with the nies to work, the global virus situation and a deterio- week to combat the coron- at 2.20% vs initially responded posi- United States. Analysts expect China’s economy to ration in the external economic environment. avirus and stabilize financial 2.40% previously tively to the cut, with the contract sharply in the first quarter due to widespread It was the third cut in the 7-day rate since Novem- markets. “China was the most-traded contract for disruptions to business and consumer activity caused ber, and comes as the coronavirus infections in China only major economy that June delivery rising as much by the virus as authorities put in place tough public - where the outbreak originated late last year - has had not yet implemented as 0.23 percent, before measures to contain the pandemic. Nomura has low- slowed from a peak in February. The country has so far large-scale easing meas- pulling back to last trade ered its annual GDP growth forecast for China to 1.0 reported 3,304 deaths from 81,470 infections. In a note ures” Yan said, noting that many other nations have im- down 0.1 percent. Xing Zhaopeng, markets economist percent this year, from 1.5 percent previously, and ad- to clients, Capital Economics said “a lot more easing plemented more drastic steps such as quantitative at ANZ in Shanghai, said the latest cut follows the rul- justed quarterly GDP forecasts to a 9.0 percent annual will be needed, especially on the fiscal front, to help easing and deeper cuts to benchmark rates. ing Communist Party’s Politburo meeting last Friday. contraction, from an earlier prediction of 0.9 percent the economy return to its pre-virus trend.” Leaders of the G20 pledged on Thursday to inject “The medium-term lending facility (MLF) rate and contraction. — Reuters
weeks as lockdowns and travel re- Singapore eases Oil prices at strictions imposed by governments worldwide to fight the virus strangle demand. Even as demand falls, supply monetary policy 17-yr lows as has increased dramatically after top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia virus ravages engage in a price war following a row SINGAPORE: Singapore’s central bank about whether to cut output to sup- eased monetary policy yesterday as the port prices. city-state, seen as a bellwether for the SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended At the end of last week, Riyadh said health of global trade, heads for a deep re- losses in Asian trade yesterday and lan- it had not been in touch with Moscow cession due to the coronavirus pandemic. guished at 17-year lows, with the coro- about potential output cuts while Rus- The easing echoes moves made by navirus crisis escalating around the sia’s deputy energy minister said oil at other countries and comes after data last world and no end in sight to a vicious $25 a barrel was not a catastrophe for week showed the city-state suffered its price war. US benchmark West Texas the country’s producers-signalling the sharpest contraction in the first quarter Intermediate fell 5.3 percent to trade at two sides are still far apart. “Demand since the global financial crisis. $20 a barrel, while international bench- concerns are critical but well known, The Monetary Authority of Singapore mark Brent crude was off 6.5 percent what really took the market down said it had flattened the slope of the band at $23. The falls came after the death were the signals we got from Saudi at which the local dollar is allowed to move toll from the pandemic surged past Arabia and Russia that they intend to against a basket of currencies of its major 30,000 at the weekend as cases in continue their current path,” Vivek trading partners-effectively weakening the hard-hit Europe and the United States Dhar, a commodities analyst at Com- local unit. Instead of using interest rates, SINGAPORE: People buying vegetables at a market in Singapore. —AFP showed no sign of letting up. monwealth Bank of Australia, told trade-reliant Singapore manages monetary Senior US scientist Anthony Fauci es- Bloomberg News. policy by letting the local dollar rise or fall timated the virus could possibly result in “Market hopes of a deal have come against a currency basket of its trading The financial hub is one of the world’s four percent this year. With global demand 100,000 to 200,000 deaths in the United undone.” There are fears the commod- partners. most open economies, and is usually hit hammered by business closures, a halt in air States, while President Donald Trump ex- ity could fall further as storage tanks “Major uncertainty remains. The recov- hardest and earliest during any global travel and other measures to contain the tended “social distancing” guidelines until around the globe approach full capac- ery in the global economy will depend on shock. Gross domestic product (GDP) virus, Singapore’s easing is more to reflect April 30. The president also said he ex- ity. “When the storage capacity is the epidemiological course of the pan- shrank by 2.2 percent in the first quarter the current economic climate than to sup- pected the country to “be well on our filled, we should probably expect a re- demic and the efficacy of policy re- compared with the previous year-the worst port exports, said CIMB Private Banking re- way to recovery” by June 1 — dropping sponse from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and sponses,” the central bank said. decline since the 2009 financial crisis, ac- gional economist Song Seng Wun. his previous target of mid-April. other essential oil producers,” Axi- MAS was supposed to issue its next cording to advance estimates released last “You cannot have a strong Singapore The virus has infected more than Corp’s Stephen Innes said, though he policy statement in April but brought it for- week by the trade ministry. dollar when regional economies and the 140,000 in the world’s top economy warned “the longer their response ward as the country reels from the eco- The ministry has downgraded its growth global economy are in deep recession,” he and left more than 2,400 dead. takes, the higher the risk of another nomic impact of the virus. forecast, projecting GDP will fall by up to said. —AFP Oil markets have been plunging for steep decline in oil prices”. — AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Red-tapes and shattered hopes: Uganda still waiting for oil riches 14 years after oil discovery, country could not extract a drop
BULIISA, Uganda: It was the promise of oil-billions metre (99-mile) long body of water separating of barrels of black gold, discovered locked beneath Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Albert-and the riches to follow that brought elec- have yet to materialize. tricity to Buliisa. Roads, piped water, and other The planned projects are co-managed by French oil unthinkable luxuries came next, as the poor farming company Total, British outfit Tullow and China’s village on the great lake’s northern shores transformed CNOOC. But optimism ebbed as the ambitious proj- into a booming frontier town, and Uganda braced for ects ran again and again into obstacles and, almost a newfound prosperity as an African oil giant. decade and at least $3 billion later, progress has But those fortunes never transpired. The wells were ground to a halt. never dug at Buliisa, the refineries never built and taps “When you discover reserves, you hope to start never turned. Fourteen years after the discovery of production seven to 10 years later,” says Pierre Jessua, sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth-largest oil reserves, not a managing director of E&P Total Uganda, a subsidiary drop has been extracted. of Total. Bureaucratic delays and contract disputes have “So we have encountered a number of delays.” ground progress to a halt. And allegations of environ- Uganda has been slow to acquire technical expertise mental damage and human rights abuses surrounding and legislate the necessary regulations. Initially it said the oil fields have raised questions about resource it would build a pipeline through Kenya, before chang- exploration in one of Africa’s great wildernesses. ing its mind and deciding on a 1,443-km pipeline from Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga for export. Most recently, in August, Tullow abandoned plans to sell part of its stake in the fields and projects to CNOOC and Total due to a tax dispute with the Ugandan government. Total official “A lot of preparatory work has been done. The remains projects are technically ready. But some of the com- mercial negotiations are still ongoing,” said Gloria optimistic Sebikari, an official of the Uganda Petroleum Authority. A boy stands next to a globe statue of the world at the Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is now aiming for the remaining hurdles to northwest Uganda. When exploitable crude oil deposits were discovered in 2006 in the Lake be resolved allowing for the crucial Final Investment Albert region, Uganda began to imagine itself as a new oil Eldorado. — AFP Decision (FID) to be struck with partners this year, paving the way for production to start by 2023. “The beginning was bad, and we foresee that the oil “There’s a real desire, a real commitment on both “We are cultivating it, but with that fear. Because at in a basin ecosystem home to half of Africa’s bird will come, and make matters worse,” said Mpangire sides. I’m quite optimistic that these discussions will any time, you don’t know what could happen.” species and more than a third of its mammals. Blasio Korokoni, who was evicted from his land at be fruitful,” Jessua, of Total, said. Total and its subcontractor Atacama Consulting The impact on Murchison Falls National Park, in Kasenyi, a village near Buliisa, to make way for the oil “Now, on the timetable, I think we have to be cau- have been accused by civil rights groups of making particular, has caused grave concern. This green jew- project. But Uganda is not giving up on its oil dreams, tious,” he added however. Uganda is relying on oil rev- late or below-value compensation payments to 600 el is home to a wide array of species and the spec- and the country is still banking on production starting enue to repay state debt that stood equivalent to 42 people who were tossed from their homes around tacular waterfalls of the same name, as well as pro- by 2023. percent of GDP in 2018 — a share that could rise to Kasenyi, where the company plans to build a plant for tected wetlands and the White Nile, under which an 50 percent of GDP by early 2021. processing crude. oil pipeline will pass. Isaac Ntujju, from Uganda’s High hopes Total denies the allegations, saying it is “limiting national environment authority NEMA, said the The discovery at Lake Albert in 2006 sparked high Living in fear relocations and providing support to those con- companies involved “do recognise that... the envi- hopes in Uganda, where one in five of the country’s 42 The oil projects have proven controversial beyond cerned”. Six Ugandan and French non-governmental ronment is very sensitive” and the need to be careful. million people live in abject poverty. Beneath the lake the boardroom. Some 7,000 people were forced from organisations have filed a lawsuit in France against The government is expected to grant explo- waters fed by the White Nile are an estimated 6.5 bil- their land in 2012 in Kabaale, about 150 km south of Total, accusing it of not undertaking a “duty of vigi- ration licenses to five further oil blocks in lion barrels of crude, about 1.4 billion of which were Buliisa, to make way for a refinery and international lance” when considering the impact on local people. A Uganda, including one which crosses into Queen extractable. airport related to one of the projects. The airport is court near Paris declared on January 30 that it could Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO listed bios- The reserves are expected to last up to 30 years, the only site where construction has begun and is due not try the case, referring it instead to a commercial phere. “You are going to destroy a lot of biodiver- with production peaking at 230,000 barrels a day. for completion in 2023. tribunal. sity, a lot of wetlands, a lot of forests... These are The government forecasts earnings of $1.5 billion a Some of those expelled opted for land in return, but impacts we haven’t seen yet,” warned Frank year, a windfall that could have driven GDP per capi- waited six years for lots they still don’t have title deeds Wilderness fears Muramuzi, executive director of the Uganda- ta from $630 a year to more than $1,000. However for. “We don’t own this land legally,” said Innocent The lawsuit also raised apprehensions about the based activist group Nape, one of the signatories plans to tap the oil at Lake Albert, a vast, 160-kilo- Tumwebaze, 30, one of those dispossessed. long-term ecological consequences of mining for oil to the French lawsuit. — AFP Outrage in Germany as Adidas, H&M stop rent payments US package is FRANKFURT: Global retailers including financially strong firms now just stop pay- Adidas and H&M sparked outrage in ing their rents,” she said in Berlin on biggest ever, but Germany on Sunday after announcing Saturday. German sportswear maker they planned to stop paying rent on stores Adidas, which made a net profit of nearly that have been forced to close over the two billion euros ($2.2 billion) in 2019, has may not be enough coronavirus outbreak. been hard hit by a slump in Chinese sales The Federal Reserve Finance Minister Olaf Scholz urged and massive store closures. The company, BOSTON/WASHINGTON: has offered more than $3 trillion in loans and asset leading companies to refrain from taking one of Germany’s best-known brands, told purchases in recent weeks to stop the US financial rash action that could hurt property own- DPA news agency that it was “temporarily system from seizing up, but it has not yet directly ers. “It’s irritating when large companies suspending rental payments, just like many PITTSBURGH, PA: Jets are parked on runway 28 at the Pittsburgh helped large swaths of the real economy: companies, International Airport in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. — AFP simply announce a halt on paying rent,” other companies”. German Transport municipalities and other borrowers with less than Scholz told the Bild daily, urging retailers Minister Andreas Scheuer said he was perfect credit. to reach out to landlords to find solutions. “disappointed by Adidas”, pointing out That is partly because America’s central bank is Some of these companies may need “Now is the time to work together,” he that many small landlords would be left out more significant help and we may be tak- not allowed to take much credit risk itself, and loans US could take said. The move comes after the German of pocket. to lower-rated borrowers have a higher chance of ing warrants or equity as well as that. government unveiled a major rescue pack- German MEP Katarina Barley tweeted “The president wants to make sure losses. The risk is exacerbated by efforts to stop the equity shares in age to protect companies and jobs from that she had bought her last pair of spread of coronavirus which have brought econom- the American taxpayers are compensat- the economic impact of the pandemic. It Adidas trainers, in a post that received ed. This is not a bailout.” ic activity to a screeching halt. includes a provision that temporarily over 9,000 likes. But the Bavarian giant To alleviate that constraint, the US Treasury - Mnuchin said any such transactions virus-hit airlines shields tenants from being kicked out of hit back, with CEO Kasper Rorsted telling whose job is to manage the government’s finances would take the form of warrants, a type their homes or business premises if they the Monday edition of the Frankfurter and help the Fed keep the economy steady - has WASHINGTON: The US government of security that gives its holder the right experience financial hardship over the Allgemeine daily that the bulk of Adidas’s taken on some of the risk that Fed loans will not be could take equity shares in airlines and to buy or sell an asset at a certain price coronavirus measures. But Justice Minister German landlords were “large real estate other troubled but vital American corpo- paid back. It has contributed about $50 billion from up to a certain date determined when it Christine Lambrecht warned company companies and insurance firms” who had a pool of money called the Exchange Stabilization rations as it moves to stabilize an econo- is emitted. Warrants can thus be convert- bosses not to take advantage of the meas- “mostly shown understanding” for the my amid the new coronavirus pandemic, Fund. That money will be used to absorb losses from ed into shares. The massive financial res- ure. “It is indecent and unacceptable if rent freeze decision.—AFP Fed loans that go bad. Assuming only a fraction of top US officials said Sunday. White cue plan passed by the US Congress House economics adviser Larry Kudlow loans will default, the Treasury contribution has designates $50 billion for the airline allowed the Fed to lend much more without taking said the government should get a stake in industry. Half that sum would take the companies that receive direct cash on additional risk. form of loan guarantees, and the rest On Friday, the Treasury got about $450 billion grants from the federal government. direct cash payments. Invoking their more from Congress as part of a $2.2 trillion U.S. “I think in return for direct cash importance to the economy and the stimulus package, greatly increasing its ability to grants, which is what the airlines have social risks if they fail, Boeing and the US support the economy. Before the bill passed, the sta- asked for, I see no reason why the airlines have demanded an unprecedent- bilization fund had about $93 billion in assets as of American taxpayer shouldn’t get a ed government bailout. Air transportation the end of February. piece,” he said on “Fox News Sunday.” has been one of the hardest hit sectors Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, by the COVID-19 epidemic. Most News on Sunday he believed the additional funds speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation” talk transatlantic flights by US airlines have could help the Fed and Treasury provide about $4 show, also said the government could been suspended, as have 40 to 70 per- trillion in loans. But investors and economists said take equity positions in return for infu- cent of domestic flights. Bailouts using even this additional money may be insufficient, and sions of taxpayer money. taxpayer money in the form of direct Congress will likely need to pony up trillions of dol- “As the president said, we’ll look at financial infusions or loans guaranteed by lars more before the Fed and Treasury can make a BERLIN: One of German sporting goods company Adidas outlets is pictured in each one of these situations,” he said. the federal government would follow a significant dent in the real economy. If it does not, “Some of them are very good companies decade of growth in which the airlines Berlin on Sunday. Major retailers in Germany say they plan to stop paying rent for stores that were told to close in order to slow the pandemic. — AFP many US companies and local governments are at that just need liquidity and will get loans. made billions of dollars. —AFP risk of defaulting on debt or even going under. That is because of the sheer size of the world’s capitalize on a slowdown in the growth rate of new Economists expect the country’s A$2 trillion ($1.23 largest economy, the unprecedented scale of eco- Australia to infections nationally. Officials in several states will trillion) economy to slip into its first recession in nomic disruption caused by attempts to contain the bring in penalties from midnight including fines of up almost three decades because of the pandemic. Two virus and higher credit losses if the government has to step in to support weaker borrowers, according to A$1,600 and the potential of a six month jail term sources with knowledge of the package to be to these experts. Scott Minerd, chief investment offer wage for anybody found breaching the new rules. announced yesterday said it would provide funds for officer of Guggenheim Partners and member of an “That stabilization of numbers is what we are look- six months. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg investor committee that advises the New York subsidies ing to do, that flattening of the curve so that we can declined to provide specifics ahead of the official Federal Reserve on financial markets, told Reuters SYDNEY: The Australian government will promise to have enough hospital and intensive care resources to announcement but said it would accelerate the coun- he believes the government needs to give the subsidize employee wages for up to six months, two use over the coming weeks if indeed we need those,” try’s economic rebound. “It is about providing addi- Treasury about $2 trillion to help prop up the sources familiar with the plan said, as it seeks to shel- Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said. “But this tional income support and keeping employees con- economy. Using expected losses from companies ter the country’s economy from the impact of the glob- is not a time to take the foot off the brake.” While the nected to their employer, because once we get to the in the lowest tier of investment grade, Minerd esti- al coronavirus pandemic. Australia has ramped up social distancing measures appear to have helped slow other side of this we want the recovery as speedy as mates that the money approved last week might be social distancing measures in recent days, restricting the spread of the virus, the shutdown of businesses possible,” Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting only enough to absorb losses on loans of about public gatherings to just two people and shutting across the country has led to swiftly rising unemploy- Corp, which reported the package will pay businesses $900 billion.—Reuters down clubs, gyms, beaches and parks, as it seeks to ment and sharply falling consumer spending. A$1,500 every fortnight per employee.—Reuters Established 1961 11 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Business Jazeera Airways agrees new measures to protect airline from COVID-19 challenges Airline’s medical facility at Kuwait Airport is now equipped for virus screening
KUWAIT: The Board of Directors of Jazeera Airways responsibility to ensure our business continuity. met virtually on March 19, 2020 to discuss the sus- Therefore, we have implemented decisive measures pension of flights and present conditions in light of to safeguard our financial position caused by the the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 pandemic, including the suspension of the The airline’s Board agreed to suspend its previous 2019 dividend payment and activating the drawdown recommendation to distribute dividends to sharehold- of bank facilities, that were not previously tapped, to ers for the financial year ending December 31, 2019. support Jazeera’s ongoing liquidity through the com- The suspension comes as part of measures taken by ing months. We have always taken prudent and piv- the airline to enable it to weather through current otal actions in difficult circumstances. In such times, challenges and protect the business in the long-term. placing our employees and customers first is our pri- ority by ensuring they are not affected in the long- run. We are committed to our role as a Kuwaiti national carrier and will continue to perform our part to ensure we can support the economy and uphold our national duty.” Board of In a statement, the International Air Transport Directors Association (IATA), said that over 16,000 passenger flights have been cancelled in the Middle East and the meets virtually number is expected to increase exponentially with the additional measures in different countries. special medical facility - Kuwait Passenger Reception and equipment needed. The airline has always placed International bookings in the Middle East are down Centre (KPRC) - in coordination with the Directorate its fleet at the service of Kuwait in times of crisis and 40 percent year-over-year in March and April, as of General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of continues to do so as part of its national duty. March 19, 2020. IATA’s statement revealed that Health at Kuwait International Airport, to screen all Boodai concluded: “Jazeera Airways has faced Middle East airlines had lost $7.2 billion in revenue as inbound passengers and test them for Coronavirus previous challenges in its history and is confident Commenting on the decision taken by the Board of at March 11, 2020, while ticket refunds have increased before entering the arrival hall. The new facility is a that the underlying position of the airline is capable Directors, Chairman Marwan Boodai, said: “On behalf by 75 percent in 2020 compared to the same period remote extension of the Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5) and to successfully manage this current period. We of everyone at Jazeera Airways, I take this opportuni- in 2019 (February 1 to March 11). will be ready when the Kuwaiti Government plans the believe the situation is temporary and the aviation ty to first extend our deepest gratitude to Kuwait’s In Kuwait alone, IATA added that consistent with reopening of Kuwait International Airport to passen- market as well as Kuwait economy will stabilize and Government, and in particularly the Ministry of Health, the ‘Extensive Spread’ Scenario published on March ger traffic. return to growth, as a result of the joint efforts for the immediate measures taken to limit a spread of 5, the disruptions from COVID-19 could result in 2.9 The airline had announced placing its fleet of 14 between the government of the State of Kuwait and the virus in the State of Kuwait. We are honored to million loss in passenger volumes and $547 million aircraft at the disposal of the State of Kuwait to sup- the private sector, under the patronage of His support their efforts in every way possible. loss in base revenues. port its efforts to return Kuwaiti citizens to the coun- Highness the Amir of the country, may God protect “As a private sector company, we are taking full Jazeera Airways is building a dedicated auxiliary try as well as serve for transporting medical products him and His Highness the Crown Prince. How to keep your team focused during uncertain times
By Omer Saleem description: goal-setting. Upon setting peri- Communication odic goals managers can set up strategies Big businesses incorporate technology to ig businesses grow and expand as the that optimize the work of employees within maintain communication, a process that must market environment changes, and do the departments. stay open between any two employees regard- Bso even more rapidly now than ever For individuals less of their positions in the company. Open with the accelerating tech growth of today. the same goes; how physical spaces and open virtual channels With this growth and expansion comes a will you approach allow for this communication to happen, and new requirement for corporate positions to business as usual? cancel out intimidation and hesitation. It also evolve with the corporation itself, and it has How will your per- helps inspire everyone to work efficiently and become critical for the overall success that formance lead the productively. Email updates regarding various every position is filled by an employee business to achiev- situations must be in place. Today’s COVID-19 whose workload is role-based and goal-ori- ing its annual goals? crisis is an example of this; if it is acknowl- ented, the goal being overall success. Tasks will automati- edged, addressed and updated regularly, Today’s COVID-19 debacle is a prime exam- cally take long-term employees will sense care and feel reassured. ple of how well-functioning corporations and short-term face surprise twists that can make or break a forms, and business Technical Support business, and that goes for every one of tools will document Your business cannot function without the TOKYO: Pedestrians wearing face masks walk past a quotation board your business’s departments as much as it these and set timelines and deadlines for proper tools. If one employee faces a techni- displaying the share price numbers on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in goes to your business itself. them. As a result, the following processes cal malfunction, be it with the computer Tokyo yesterday. — AFP Productivity is synonymous with getting will become key to assessing productivity: mouse or in communicating with a client, this things done.. Whatever scale your business failure must be addressed quickly. These performs at, a structural understanding of Management scenarios become structured in your busi- the business and a clear yet fluid job desig- Managers connect the base of the compa- ness in the long run, and the reactions to Global shares suffer virus nation must be in place. In a corporate set- ny pyramid to its vertex; they communicate them become automatic. However, these up, productivity works its way from a the large-scales goals and transform them reactions must be updated in the form of departmental direction; is the administrative into tasks. An open approach will help policies and regulations. If a policy for work- chills, CBs offer cold comfort department managing its daily, weekly, employees determine these tasks’ impor- ing from home is in place, then a virus out- SYDNEY/HONG KONG: Asian China yesterday became the latest monthly...etc. workload efficiently? Is the tance, priority, duration and outcome. It break becomes easier to deal with as shares slid yesterday as fears mounted to add stimulus with a cut of 20 basis marketing department targeting the right comes down to a simple to-do list, and with employees can just set up offices at home, that the global coronavirus shutdown points in a key repo rate, the largest in audience at the right time? These are all every check mark indicating completion, your update their management boards regularly could last for months although markets nearly five years. Singapore also eased questions that once answered, can deter- business comes closer to its goals and your and stay in contact with their managers for regained some lost ground late in the as the city-state’s bellwether economy mine the level of productivity your business assessment of productivity becomes easier. new priority tasks or completed tasks that session with Australia posting a stand- braced for a deep recession, while New is performing at. need adjustment or discussion. out jump. European stocks slid further Zealand’s central bank said it would Internal operations must not revolve Human Resources It can take a business years to make a in early trading yesterday as coron- take corporate debt as collateral for around one department’s work in favor of Employees are a business’s most valu- mark. While there are traditional methods to avirus-fuelled volatility gripped global loans. Rodrigo Catril, a senior FX the other. When managers start to feel like able asset. Working in engaging work- achieving success, maintaining it can take equities and other financial markets, strategist at NAB, said the main ques- their departments are useless, they will feel spaces affects the well-being of an some tailoring to fit every business’s unique with oil prices plunging. London slid tion for markets was whether all the the same way about their jobs and their sub- employee which ultimately equates to the goals and processes. In all cases, however, 1.6 percent, Frankfurt lost 1.0 percent, stimulus would be enough to help the ordinates will get that impression as well. As bottom line. Lack of wellness drives up employees are a business’s most valuable Paris shed 1.9 percent, Milan tumbled global economy withstand the shock. a business, your number one mission is prof- costs of healthcare, leads to more sick- asset, which must be valued. — Omer Saleem 2.0 percent and Madrid retreated 2.4 “To answer this question, one needs it and success, which entails your job days, and loss of productivity. is Director and Deputy CEO of Proven percent. to know the magnitude of the contain- European stock markets had ment measures and for how long they slumped on Friday as investors banked will be implemented,” he added. “This profits from last week’s rally sparked is the big unknown and it suggests Lloyd’s underwriters adapt to by massive government and central markets are likely to remain volatile bank action to protect economies from until this uncertainty is resolved.” home working amid lockdown the pandemic. Australia’s benchmark ASX200 saw Dollar not done yet LONDON: Thousands of London’s under- Hive Aero, who has worked in the Lloyd’s many brokers and underwriters had resisted, a late surge, closing up 7 percent after Bond investors looked to be bracing writers took their stamps and fountain pens market for more than 30 years. arguing complex transactions were more Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled for a long haul with yields at the very home last week, which they use to sign insur- “The speed of trade should be far quicker easily handled face to face. a $130 billion ($79.86 billion) package short end of the Treasury curve turning ance contracts, but they won’t need them. than someone traipsing around the market- The shutdown highlights how the coron- to help save jobs. negative and those on 10-year notes Working at home due to the coronavirus place in leather shoes.” avirus crisis is putting a brake on centuries- Most other markets were down but dropping a steep 26 basis points last lockdown, they have abandoned the normal old traditions. Lloyd’s was focused on ship- trimmed earlier losses. Japan’s Nikkei week to last stand at 0.68 percent. That tools of their trade and are turning to email Goodbye to all that? ping when it started 332 years ago and, until dropped 1.57 percent, Shanghai blue drop has combined with efforts by the and other electronic systems to agree terms Lloyd’s runs a market of more than 90 the closure, a bell still rang on the under- chips were down 0.94 percent, and Federal Reserve to pump more US dol- with the brokers who put business their way. underwriting firms, who price specialist risks writing floor when a ship sank at sea, and there were sharper drops in Southeast lars into markets, and dragged the cur- It’s a huge change from a normal day at from ships to sculptures. Hundreds of marine insurers recorded the shipwrecks in Lloyd’s of London in the heart of the capi- broking firms arrange insurance deals a loss book with quill pens. The bell was Asia, with Singapore’ benchmark index rency off recent highs. tal’s financial district, where underwriters between their corporate clients and the rung last week to mark the shutting of the down 2.95 percent. That left MSCI’s Against the yen, the dollar was receive queues of brokers at their desks to Lloyd’s underwriters. Lloyd’s already had a so-called “underwriting room” in response broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares pinned at 107.74, well off the recent haggle over terms, before sealing the deals plan to move to electronic exchanges, but to the pandemic.—Reuters outside Japan nearly flat. high of 111.71. The euro edged back to with an old-fashioned company stamp and “Markets in Asia are reacting to $1.083, after rallying more than 4 per- an ink signature. concerns about the knock-on econom- cent last week. “Ultimately, we expect Each deal can require up to 20 signatures ic impact of the coronavirus situation in the USD will soon reassert itself as one and stamps. With the closure of the under- Europe and North America, rather than of the strongest currencies,” argued writers’ floor, the world’s leading commercial Asian case numbers,” said Suresh analysts at CBA, noting the dollar’s role insurance market, Lloyd’s - which started life Tantia senior investment strategist at as the world’s reserve currency made it in Edward Lloyd’s’ coffee house in 1688 - has Credit Suisse. JPMorgan now predicts a countercyclical hedge for investors. gone fully online for the first time. that global GDP could contract at a “This means the dollar can rise The lockdown could prove a watershed 10.5 percent annualized rate in the first because of the deteriorating global eco- moment. If the shift goes off without any half of the year. nomic outlook, irrespective of the high major hitches, it will likely smooth the way “We continue to mark down 1H20 likelihood the US is also in recession.” for the market to go far more digital, under- global GDP forecasts as our assess- The dollar’s retreat had provided a fillip writers and brokers said. ment of both the global pandemic’s for gold, but fresh selling emerged yes- So the mass working from home is reach and the damage related to nec- terday as investors were forced to liqui- effectively a test of the business’s essary containment policies has date profitable positions to cover losses prospects for long-term survival as it looks increased,” said JPMorgan economist elsewhere. The metal was last off 0.23 to cut costs and modernize in the face of Bruce Kasman. As a result, central percent at $1,613.6 an ounce. overseas competition. banks have mounted an all-out effort to Oil prices were again under water as “Edward Lloyd’s coffee shop was a social bolster activity with rate cuts and mas- Saudi Arabia and Russia showed no environment where merchant traders could sive asset-buying campaigns, which signs of backing down in their price gather - today you have the internet, you have at least eased liquidity strains in war even as global transport restric- have mobile phones,” said Bruce Carman, markets. tions hammered demand. — Reuters chief underwriting officer of insurance firm 12 Established 1961 Health & Science Tuesday, March 31, 2020 India women seaweed divers swim against the tide of climate change Rise in sea temperature and salinity hit seaweed growth RAMANATHAPURAM: In a blue plastic barrel, home before dawn, board a boat and go to work har- traders for 400 rupees ($5) per five kilos to domestic harvesting, they ply their trade only about 12 days a Meenakshi Mookupori packed her belongings for a vesting in the Gulf of Mannar. The shallow bay with a industry buyers. “We only take what we need from the month and ensure they rotate between islands. None five-day stay on an island in the Indian Ocean, off the 365-kilometre coastline is known for its coral reefs sea, which is seaweed,” Raniamma said. “The anti- of them harvest between April and June, the main Coromandal coast of south India. Besides her clothes, and is home to endangered species such as dugongs, a poaching officers don’t understand. We live off the sea breeding season for fish. But their biggest push to toothbrush and soap, she included her diving gear - a marine mammal related to the manatee. In 1986, the and we are also its guardians. What we see down protect the ecosystem and their livelihoods has been worn-out pair of black socks, a locally made pair of region was declared a national biodiversity park under there is precious and we know it,” she said. to begin cultivating - as well as harvesting - seaweed. goggles, cheap plastic slippers, cloth gloves, a round India’s Wildlife Protection Act and collecting natural In additional to wild harvesting, the women now metallic plate with straps - and pain killers. resource there was prohibited. A Tamil Nadu govern- Local knowledge grow seaweed on bamboo rafts, as part of an effort Mookupori, 56, is one of nearly 2,000 women in ment report noted at the time that the major environ- The women of Bharathinagar in Ramanathapuram promoted by the Tamil Nadu government. But set-up Tamil Nadu state who dive to collect seaweed used in mental threat to the gulf region was quarrying of coral district, who have waded into the waters of India’s costs are significant and harvests unpredictable, the making agar, a gelatinous substance that becomes a for production of calcium carbide and lime. southeast coast for decades, possess a wealth of women say. Still, “there are more than 600 women thickener in food and medicines. “I started accompa- But creation of the marine park meant restrictions knowledge about the gulf waters. Now 60-year-old who have shifted to cultivating seaweed and that has nying my mother and grandmother to sea when I was on accessing the bay’s 21 uninhabited islands to fish - Mariamma Masanam, her fingers gnarled after years helped the ecosystem tremendously,” said Eswaran. eight or 10,” she said, as she helped load cans of or to collect seaweed - for 125 local villages. “It was of harvests, can see conditions shifting. “We feel the Growing seaweed also has helped the women get a drinking water onto the boat. like they were declared thieves in their own backyard,” changes. The waters are rougher and we have to harvest in summer months when wild harvesting is “Those days, the seaweed collection was huge. We said Venugopal, the program head for the non-profit spend longer hours underwater to fill our bags. We are harder as higher temperatures and disease outbreaks would bring back bags full. Now the quantity has International Collective in Support of Fishworkers also travelling farther from the coast then we did earli- cut seaweed growth, he said. reduced. The number of days we harvest the seaweed (ICSF) Trust. “The national park excluded them from er,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. has also reduced. The sea has changed and we also that space, making it challenging for the women to Ramanathapuram district wildlife warden AS The last generation? had to.” Rising sea levels, hotter temperatures and earn a livelihood, instead of giving them rights to the Marimuthu has also seen the changes, and said he was Mookupori and Raniamma, however, consider stronger currents along this coast - considered one of sea and including them in the conservation program.” looking for ways to collaborate with the women. “They themselves likely to be the last generation of seaweed the best for commercial seaweed cultivation - are However, with few other options to earn a living, the have never been a big problem for us but we hope harvesters along this cost. All of the six women on the some of the changes Mookupori is seeing. gulf’s seaweed collectors have continued to illegally they will play a bigger role in managing the marine boat with Mookupori are over 50, with deeply tanned Scientists say they are caused by climate change. ply their trade. Raniamma, 50, one of the harvesters reserve with us.” Under a United Nations skin, greying hair and wrinkled faces. The women talk “With the rise in sea temperature and salinity, seaweed who works with Mookupori, said she always keeps an Development Program initiative, for instance, eco- about the harsh conditions of the sea, the rising tides growth has declined in the last decade,” said K. eye out for anti-poaching officials when she and other development committees have been set-up in fishing and the great physical strength required to hold one’s Eswaran, a scientist who heads the field research unit seaweed harvesters sail to the islands for a harvest. villages, with women educated on conservation and breath and go down to the depths. But with every of the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Being caught there can carry a fine. “But if we don’t given training for alternative careers to reduce their passing year, yields are falling and fines for wild har- Institute in Ramanathapuram district. “Women who camp on the island, we are unable to collect enough dependence on the sea. vesting increasing, they said, making their work an harvest seaweed have definitely been impacted, with seaweed to sell,” she said, rolling up her sari and slip- For now, to deal with the changing conditions and unattractive job option for their children. “Our children their incomes coming down by at least 20%,” he said. ping into leggings and socks held up by rubber bands. protect their seaweed beds, the women have cut the would never do this,” Mookupori said. “In fact, some- For each five kilograms of wet seaweed she col- numbers of days they harvest and discarded the metal times we take them to the islands just for a picnic and Down under lects, Raniamma earns 75 Indian rupees (about $1). scrapers they once used, now gathering the seaweed show them a little of what we do. But when we stop Mookupori grew up watching her mother leave Once the seaweed is dried and cleaned, it is sold by with their hands instead. To counter charges of over- diving, there will be no one else.” — Reuters 13
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Lifestyle Gossip
om Hanks and Rita Wilson will contin- lation in Australia before flying home and Tom were tested for the coronavirus, and were found T ue “sheltering in place and social dis- was reportedly spotted doing a celebratory to be positive.” And the following day, Tom gave tancing” after their return to the dance at the airport after landing. Tom and Rita his fans an update on his health. He wrote: “Hello United States. The Hollywood couple, were in Australia for pre-production of Biz folks. @ritawilson and I want to thank everyone both 63, were diagnosed with Covid-19 earlier Lurhmann’s Elvis Presley biopic, in which Tom here Down Under who are taking such good this month while in Australia and after being will play Colonel Tom Parker, Presley manager, care of us. We have Covid-19 and are in isolation treated for the virus there, they flew back to Los when they discovered they had both tested posi- so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are Angeles via private jet this week. Tom tweeted: tive for the virus. Earlier this month, Tom con- those for whom it could lead to a very serious ill- “Hey, Folks... We’re home now and, like the rest firmed he and Rita were Covid-19 positive when ness. “We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There of America, we carry on with sheltering in place he took to Instagram to explain their symptoms. are things we can all do to get through this by and social distancing. Many, many thanks to The ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ actor wrote at the time: following the advice of experts and taking care everyone in Australia who looked after us. Their “Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, care and guidance made possible our return to Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, despite all the current events, there is no crying the USA. And many thanks to all of you who and some body aches. Rita had some chills that in baseball. (sic)” reached out with well wishes. Rita and I so came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things appreciate it. Hanx.” The pair spent weeks in iso- right, as is needed in the world right now, we
he star - who died in April 2016, at the age have spent “considerable time and investment in busi- rely “solely on their pension, social security, personal T of 57, from a fentanyl overdose at his ness matters related to the Estate. Unlike others, who savings and loans from friends to cover the costs Paisley Park estate - left all his assets to his have performed services for the Prince Estate, SNJ needed to support the Prince Estate despite the mil- six siblings in his will and now his sisters has not received any financial sums for numerous and lions paid to advisors, attorneys and others approved Sharon and Norrine and brother John Nelson have repeated services they have contributed to the by the Court. “ As this Court is aware, the Estate has filed a legal claim seeking “payment for services and Estate.” They also allege that although they have not now been on-going for over three years. In this time, efforts provided to the estate”. According to court received any money, others have been paid “millions”. millions have been paid to the Personal papers obtained by TheBlast.com, the trio say they The court documents added that they have had to Representatives, their accountants, attorneys, and legal advisors.” Meanwhile, Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson previously revealed that she predicted he was going to pass away as he told her he had “done everything he’s come to do” in an emotional chat in 2014. Sharing their conversation, she said: “I was at McDonalds and I got a phone call from an unknown number. He said, ‘Is this Tyka? It’s Prince here’, and I said, ‘After all this time I know your voice, I know who you are.’ We were just walking and talking and he said, ‘I think I’ve done everything I’ve come to do’, so that was him telling me it was time. “I thought I’m going to buy earrings for his funeral, I’m buying a necklace for his funeral and I’m planning this, I’m telling all my relatives Prince is passing, and so it took an actual three years from the time I got the call at McDonalds. So when I got the call that he had passed, I knew immediately what they meant because I was just kind of waiting for that day. I don’t know if it’s Native American history - we do sense things as a people.”
ady Gaga’s father has been slammed for L asking the public for $50,000 to pay his restaurant staff. Joe Germanotta shared on hloe Kardashian clapped back at a fan for where I have repeatedly stated how I have forgiven Twitter that he has had to let 30 employ- ouise Redknapp is struggling to cope K blasting her treatment of Jordyn Woods. both parties and I want both parties to be in peace. ees of his New York business Joanne Trattoria go due L with the Covid-19 lockdown. The 45- Jordyn was the best friend of Khloe’s And this is for everyone’s mental well being (sic).” to the Covid-19 pandemic and a GoFundMe page year-old singer and her family are younger sister Kylie Jenner, 22, until she Meanwhile, Khloe recently praised Tristan’s parenting seeking donations to pay his staff has been set up. adhering to the UK government’s admitted to sharing a kiss with Khloe’s ex Tristan in skills, hailing him as a “great person”. The reality star Although his daughter is worth an estimated $275mil- guidelines on social distancing in a bid to slow February 2019 but fans have not been please to see shared: “I know her dad is a great person. I know lion, Joe tweeted: “I’m doing the best I can but we the spread of the virus but Louise admitted try- Khloe, 35, forgive Tristan but cut ties with Jordyn. how much he loves her and cares about her. So I want had to close Joanne for the month. Our staff needs ing to keep her eldest son Charley, 15, at home Jordyn, 22, claimed during an episode of Jada Pinkett- him to be there.” Khloe and Tristan, 29, are deter- some help financial. Any help for our employees will is tough. Louise’s former husband Jamie Smith’s ‘Red Table Talk’ that Tristan - who is the mined to do their best for their daughter, even though be appreciated.” He then shared a link to the Redknapp, 46, recently revealed that while father of Khloe’s 23-month-old daughter True - they’re no longer together. And Khloe previously GoFundMe, which stated: “”In the uncertain time of Charley is in lockdown with Louise, their son kissed her without her consent. One fan wrote on admitted she picked up tips on how to co-parent by this pandemic, the Upper West Side favorite local Beau, 11, is with him. Speaking to Rylan Clark- Twitter: “So they all forgave tristan for cheating on watching her own parents, Kris Jenner and the late institution - Joanne Trattoria - has had to lay off Neal on his BBC Radio 2 show, she said: “I’m in khloe, so they must forgive jordyn too since he kissed Robert Kardashian, navigate the challenge of raising almost 30 employees until we are able to reopen our the same situation as everyone else of course, her without her consent! I love all woman’s in this their children. Khloe said: “I always remember doors.” “Our amazing staff is made up of primarily but actually all good, the family are all good so family but I can’t agree with hypocrisy (sic).” though, how amazing [they were]. “I’m sure now that hourly workers who depend on our payroll, and who that’s the main thing. “Do you know what, if I’m However, Khloe hit back and wrote: “We have forgiv- I have gone through it myself trying to co-parent that overwhelmingly live paycheck to paycheck.” Our goal really honest, I’m really bad at staying in all the en both parties! And the noncosent thing is near say. they were so seamless with it. I never, ever heard my of $50,000 would cover our typical payroll for time and I’ve obviously got a teenager and try- The entire story is hearsay but I’ll let you guys run parents talk disrespectfully about the other one.” approximately 2 weeks, and 100 per cent of the prof- ing to keep a teenager indoors is equally tough, with whatever you want to run with. “If you are a true its would go to our hourly workers to provide those but I’m actually just trying to look at it as time fan then you would have followed my Insta stories necessary items like food, childcare, and medical to spend with the family which I don’t always expenses. “We’re asking our Joanne Trattoria com- get to do if I’m working so I’m trying to make it munity of neighbors, friends, family and fans: If positive but it’s tough, it’s really tough.” you’ve enjoyed us in the past, have had a friendly However, Louise acknowledged that there are encounter with someone on our incredible service people who are having a much tougher time staff, or even if you hope to enjoy us in the future, than she is and she praised medical personnel we’d be so appreciative if you would consider donat- for their hard work. She said: “And, you know, I ing to our staff to help them through this difficult time know there are lot of people going through a (sic).” Many people were horrified that the public was lot worse. Our NHS staff are doing incredible being asked to help, when Gaga has the money to so I’m just trying to keep up with what’s going assist the staff. Blogger Perez Hilton tweeted: “Lady on and abide by the rules really.” Louise also GaGa is worth hundreds of millions of dollars AND is spoke about her album ‘Heavy Love’, which was part owner in her family’s restaurant. “Yet her also released in January, and said she was pleasantly wealthy father has just taken to Twitter to ask the surprised by how it was received. She said: “I public to help financially the workers they have loved doing it, I loved making it. It’s quite a per- stopped paying.” Joe’s tweet has since been deleted sonal album. I actually had no expectations. I and the GoFundMe page has been taken down. just put it out thinking it would be great if it does ok, but do you know what’s been really nice for me, it’s had great reviews, and it’s been quite critically acclaimed in the pop world and, for me, I’ve never had an album that’s done that before so I’m kind of proud of that because I wrote it. Yes, so I’m really excited about it.”
ustin Timberlake blamed his The 39-year-old singer previously tre aesthetic and we just want to con- J double denim fashion fail on worked with denim company Levi’s. tinue to play up on that ... I like to mix being “young and in love”. Speaking back in 2019, he said: “When things up always.” And Justin loves how The ‘Sexy Back’ hitmaker you work with such an institution like denim can be adapted to suit any style. famously sported the outfit to match Levi’s, you don’t want them to be any- He shared: “I get to travel to a lot of dif- with his then-girlfriend Britney Spears thing but Levi’s. And so it’s just a little ferent places and I think the biggest as they walked the red carpet at the bit of a swerve here and there on fit or part of it, to be honest, is to create 2001 American Music Awards, but he cut or wash or texture and that’s it. And something that you feel could be worn has insisted he did it because he fell for then saying, wouldn’t it be fun to make a in Paris, could be worn in New York, her badly. Speaking to former *NSYNC workman’s vest, for instance, or could be worn In Stockholm, could be bandmate Lance Bass’ podcast, The wouldn’t it be fun to throw a hoodie on worn in L.A. and could be worn in Daily Popcast, he said: “You do a lot of a trucker jacket? For the first two sea- Memphis, Tennessee.” things when you’re young and in love.” sons, we created a bit of a left-of-cen- Established 1961 15 Lifestyle Features Tuesday, March 31, 2020
This handout picture released by the Calanques National Park (Parc national des Calanques) shows a group of dolphins swim- This handout picture released by the Calanques National Park (Parc national des Calanques) shows shows shearwater birds ming in the Mediterranean Sea at the Calanques National Park, off the coast of southeastern France, on March 19, 2020, after a on the Mediterranean Sea at the Calanques National Park. strict lockdown came into effect in France on March 17 aimed of stopping the spread of COVID-19.—AFP photos
s humans retreat into their homes as quickly. When a place becomes quiet, they’re suburbs, unmowed lawns will be a source of he told his new-found followers. However, Amore and more countries go under coro- straight in there.” “bounty for bees, bumble bees and butterflies”, there are also down sides to the lockdown for navirus lockdown, wild animals are slip- Julliard added. But for him, the biggest change nature. ping cover to explore the empty streets of Animals ‘spring of love’ is the effect this is having on humans. “The Work to limit invasive species has been all some of our biggest cities. Wild boar have Animals and birds that normally live in urban most important phenomenon perhaps is our but halted, cautioned Loic Obled of the OFB, descended from the hills around Barcelona parks, like sparrows and pigeons are also more relationship with nature changing — with peo- as well as that to help endangered species. while sika deer are nosing their way around the likely to venture beyond their usual territories, ple locked up in their homes realising how And when the lockdown finally ends, Rieffel deserted metro stations of Nara, Japan. Indian Julliard said, “freeing a space for other ani- much they miss nature,” he said. warned that “people will have a need of social media has gone wild about footage of a mals”. While the dawn and dusk choruses have stag scampering through Dehradun, the capital been bringing comfort to many quarantined city dwellers, the museum’s acoustics specialist Jerome Sueur said that doesn’t mean there are more urban birds than before. It is more that with reduced traffic noise we can hear them better. Some, however, “stop singing when there is noise, so now they are letting themselves go.” “Animals are shaking off human noise pollution,” Sueur said. And the timing could not have been better time as they embark on their mating season. With the hunt- ing season suspended in several European countries, this promises to be a spring and pos- sibly a summer of love for the animal kingdom. It is certainly great news for species like the common toad and the spotted salamander. The amorous amphibians are being spared from being “crushed crossing busy roads” in their haste to find a mate, said Jean-Noel Rieffel, of the French biodiversity office (OFB). With few dog walkers to disturb them, baby fawns are Picture released by Aton of the northern state of Uttarakhand. Gangs of also getting an idyllic start to life while birds Chile showing an approxi- wild turkeys have been strutting the streets of like Mediterranean gulls who nest along the mately one-year-old puma Oakland, California, while a puma turned up in sandy banks of rivers are being left undis- in the streets of Santiago on the centre of the Chilean capital Santiago, turbed. In the Calanques National Park over- March 24, 2020 which which is under curfew. looking the Mediterranean near France’s sec- according to the Agricultural “This is the habitat they once had and that ond city of Marseille, wildlife “is reclaiming its and Livestock Service (SAG) we’ve taken away from them,” said Marcelo natural habitat with surprising speed”, said the Aerial view of empty Plaza de Armas square in Santiago, Chile. came down from the nearby Giagnoni, the head of Chile’s agricultural and park’s president, Didier Reault. With walkers mountains in search for food livestock service that helped police capture the and boating banned, “the puffins who used to Stuck indoors, with their worlds reduced to nature and there is a risk of too many visitors as less people are seen in curious big cat. While sightings of dolphins in stay on the islets in the highest protected areas a few square meters (yards), confined urbanites (to natural parks), which won’t be good for the streets due to the coron- Venice’s canals turned out to be fanciful, they are not gathering on the sea,” he said. have suddenly become avid birdwatchers. the flora and fauna.” The birds which have avirus, COVID-19, pandemic. have been popping up in ports elsewhere in the British ornithologist David Lindo, who is known nested in the yard of an abandoned school or Mediterranean as emboldened wildlife takes Birdwatching to stay sane as the “Urban Birder”, has been tweeting and factory will find themselves disturbed, he “free rein to wander our cities and towns”, said And it is the same for plants. Wild orchids live streaming birds he spots from the roof of warned. Nature’s respite from man may be Romain Julliard, head of research at the French — which are supposed to be protected — are the building in Spain where he has been quar- rather short-lived.—AFP Natural History Museum. He told AFP that fox- often picked by walkers when they blossom in antined. “The sky is a great arena, anything can es were at the vanguard of the new urban late April and May, said Rieffel. This year they fly past and, at the very least, it will give you explorers. “They change their behaviour very will be spared that fate. And in the cities and peace. My message is simple: keep looking up,”
oe Diffie, a Grammy award-winning country olish composer and conductor not shy away from unconventional Jmusic singer who had several chart-topping hits PKrzysztof Penderecki, who blazed a effects: He used sheet metal, whistles, in the 1990s, has died of coronavirus. He was 61. trail in classical music with innova- pieces of glass and metal rubbed with a Diffie’s death was announced on his Facebook page, tive religious and symphonic works, died file, rattles, electric sounds, saws, type- which said he died on Sunday “from complications of aged 86 on Sunday in his home city of writers or alarm bells to add sonic texture coronavirus.” His death came just two days after he Krakow after a long illness, his family told to compositions. He also invented music had announced that he had tested positive for the local media. Venerated as one of the 20th notation symbols to match his original virus and was receiving medical care. “My family and Century’s most influential composers, means of expression. I are asking for privacy at this time,” he said. “We Penderecki worked with symphony want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigi- orchestras across the world and won fans lant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.” among top film directors including Diffie, who was from Oklahoma, had several hit Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese and songs during the 1990s including “Pickup Man,” David Lynch who commissioned film People take part in a mass round of applause to show their appreciation for the nurses and “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die)” and scores. frontline healthcare staff during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in the Lebanese capi- “John Deere Green.” His first album, “A Thousand His music appears in Kubrick’s The tal Beirut.—AFP Winding Roads,” was released in 1990 and including Shining, Scorcese’s Shutter Island, his hit song “Home.” Nearly 137,000 people have Lynch’s Twin Peaks and, more recently, in heering erupted from balconies the street performances online. Similar tested positive for coronavirus in the United States an episode of TV show Black Mirror. A Cand windows in Lebanon on initiatives have gained attention from and there have been more than 2,400 deaths.—AFP key figure of the 1960s avant-garde, Sunday evening, as the country’s Italy to France but they have remained Penderecki remained respectful of great This file photo shows Polish composer citizens celebrated their “heroic” med- rare in the Arab world. Lebanon has religious and symphonic traditions while Krzysztof Penderecki applauding during the ical workers battling the coronavirus reported 438 COVID-19 cases to date, blazing a trail in contemporary classical opening of the Krzysztof Penderecki pandemic. The initiative spread online with 10 deaths. To try to contain the music. Thanks to a temporary political European Centre for Music in Luslawice, with the Arabic hashtag “a cheer for spread of the virus, Lebanon has thaw in Poland’s communist regime at the southeastern Poland.—AFP the heroes”, shared by public figures imposed isolation measures on its pop- time, Penderecki’s works managed to including journalists, actors and the ulation until April 12, with a nighttime break through the Iron Curtain and Later, Penderecki gradually aban- Arab pop star Ragheb Alama. In one curfew in effect. Schools, universities, achieve swift international success. doned his avant-garde sound. Beirut neighborhood, a woman draped restaurants and bars are closed. Many The composer made use of unusual Criticized by some in the musical com- in a Lebanese flag sang the national fear the country’s healthcare system intervals, tone clusters and glissandi and munity for backtracking, this evolution anthem as her neighbors drummed on could be overwhelmed by cases.—AFP used the timbres of instruments in inno- won him applause among non-special- pots and pans, an AFP journalist said. In this file photo Musician Joe Diffie performs during vative ways. Such techniques featured in ists. He returned to neo-tonal, post- Elsewhere, Lebanese played drums Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge 54th Birthday Bash at Tootsie’s “Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima”, a Romantic writing, with content and and blew vuvuzelas, sharing videos of Orchid Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee.—AFP 1960 work for large string orchestra that form more readily accessible to a larg- won much recognition. Penderecki did er audience.—AFP
resident Donald Trump said Sunday that the sent the British monarchy and to pursue a new, inde- Los Angeles, where she could now restart her career. PUnited States would not pay security costs for pendent life. “I am a great friend and admirer of the Disney announced on Thursday that she will narrate a Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, appearing to Queen & the United Kingdom,” Trump tweeted. new film about a family of African elephants. Harry was confirm that the royal couple have moved to live in “It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left reportedly caught in a hoax telephone call recently in California. They reportedly flew by private jet from the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. which he attacked Trump for his stance on climate Canada to Los Angeles before the border between the Now they have left Canada for the US however, the US change. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will formally two countries closed because of the deadly coron- will not pay for their security protection. They must step back from royal duties on March 31.—AFP In this file photo Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (left), avirus outbreak. The couple, who had been living in pay!” Meghan grew up in Los Angeles and her mother, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave after attending the Canada for several months, rocked the royal family Doria Ragland, still lives in the city. The one-time Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House in London.—AFP earlier this year with their decision to no longer repre- actress has a network of friends and work contacts in 16 News Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Gulf’s massive expatriate workforce fears virus limbo
DOHA: Millions of migrant workers across the Gulf “Gulf countries should go above and beyond in lowed by Kuwait with 2.8 million. In Kuwait, Um they have flooded the area with medical resources face uncertainty as host countries lock down, introducing measures to prevent the spread of the Sabrine, an Egyptian beauty salon manager, said and pledged to pay missed salaries. employers withhold wages or mull redundancies, virus in migrant accommodations and migrant she would not be paid because of the government’s and strict coronavirus containment measures lead detention centers.” closure of non-essential businesses. While she plans ‘I’m scared’ to deportations and confinement. “We’ve been in With the region so far reporting 3,200 cases of to sue her employer, many in the region are reluc- The International Labor Organization’s Doha lockdown for the last eight to 10 days, we don’t the disease, Amnesty said that workers “trapped in tant to speak out for fear of reprisals. Others believe office said several employers had transferred staff know when it will end,” said a 27-year-old Pakistani camps” are particularly vulnerable, enduring condi- the health situation is worse in their home countries. to more spacious lodgings over fears cramped engineer in Qatar beginning a second week under tions that make social distancing impossible. conditions could incubate the virus, while others mandatory quarantine. “The basic issue we are fac- Foreign workers in the oil-rich Gulf region, predom- World Cup rolls on have improved hygiene. A Sri Lankan supermarket ing now is groceries. The government is providing inantly from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan, Gas-rich Qatar’s record on migrant labor has worker, 23, said his communal villa was sanitized us with food but only after some days - and little account for around 10 percent of all migrants been under the spotlight since it won the right to and cleaned in response to COVID-19, but anxiety things only.” worldwide. Many who spoke to AFP say they now host the 2022 World Cup, with seven new football persisted. “I’m homesick - my mother keeps asking He is among tens of thousands of workers strictly fear for their health and job security. stadiums as well as towering skyscrapers to be built me to come back.” One Turkish salesman, 49, told confined to Doha’s Industrial Area after dozens in by an army of foreign workers. Ninety percent of AFP he was self-isolating as a precaution and was the blue-collar district tested positive for the Saudis receive paid leave Qatar’s 2.75 million people are expats. Many are on unpaid leave. “I’m scared to get infected,” said COVID-19 virus. Advocacy groups including Human Some laborers in Saudi Arabia, home to 10 mil- from developing countries and working on projects the man who, like many Gulf expats, is ineligible Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty warn that lion expat workers, complained that they were linked to the tournament - stadium construction has for sick pay. cramped accommodation and inadequate sanitation required by bosses to work while Saudis were per- continued even as other businesses have shuttered. endanger migrant workers across the Gulf, who may mitted paid quarantine leave. One said he was told Rights groups have previously criticized labor At least 20 Nepalese migrant laborers were not have access to healthcare. They also face to accept unpaid leave if he felt unwell, but opted to practices in Qatar, which has responded with initia- deported by Qatar for ignoring containment rules, salaries going unpaid and arbitrary dismissal or continue working. “Many workers in the private tives to enhance worker welfare. But the lockdown Nepalese officials told AFP, even though deportation - an outcome that could spell disaster sector are suffering due to the closure of most sec- of the densely populated Industrial Area has drawn Kathmandu has sought to block returnees. The ILO for families at home dependent on their income. tors, as many owners force the workers to sit in scrutiny. “They identified a ground-zero and it was questioned how long companies could continue their homes without a salary,” an Arab diplomat very easy for them to shut it down quickly,” said paying workers as the crisis continues, chilling Gulf ‘Already disadvantaged’ based in Riyadh told AFP. “And despite the king- one Western diplomat. “Would they have done it if economies which have been blindsided by the “Migrant workers in the Gulf are already disad- dom’s compensation to the private sector, the own- it had been somewhere in the Pearl? I don’t know,” plunge in oil prices. Mass redundancies, avoided so vantaged (under) a labor governance system that ers use it to cover their losses due to the closure she added, referring to an artificial island popular far, would do huge economic damage to countries gives employers excessive powers over migrant without caring for the workers.” with wealthy expatriates. Qatari officials insisted sending labor to the region, said the head of the workers and drives their abuse and exploitation,” After Saudi Arabia, the UAE hosts the Gulf’s sec- last week’s sealing of the area, now ringed by ILO’s Qatar office, Houtan Homayounpour. “The HRW’s Gulf researcher Hiba Zayadin told AFP. ond largest migrant labor force with 8.7 million, fol- police, was essential to save lives. They also say impact is disastrous.” — AFP
There is no scientific evidence yet that it could No resting place spread via corpses, according to Iraqi health min- istry spokesman Seif Al-Badr. He said the govern- ment was taking all possible precautions when for coronavirus burying bodies, including wrapping them in bags, disinfecting them and placing them in special dead in Iraq coffins. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the country’s top Shiite cleric, has said those who lost their lives to the disease must be wrapped in three shrouds BAGHDAD: For Saad Malik, losing his father to the and insisted authorities facilitate burials. novel coronavirus was only the beginning of his But rejections of burials have continued, includ- nightmare. For over a week, cemeteries across Iraq ing in the two shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf, refused to allow the elderly man’s burial. Fearing the where one of the world’s largest cemeteries is locat- respiratory illness could somehow spread from the ed. An Iraqi medic in Najaf told AFP the health min- corpses to nearby population centers, Iraqi reli- istry had tried to intervene directly to convince gious authorities, tribes and townspeople have sent Najaf authorities to allow burials of COVID-19 vic- the bodies of COVID-19 victims back to hospital tims, to no avail. The medic, who spoke on condition morgues, where they are piling up. of anonymity, said he had witnessed one widower “We couldn’t hold a funeral for him and haven’t beg authorities to release his wife’s body. “Just give been able to bury his body, even though it’s been me the body and I’ll bury her in my own home,” the more than a week since he died,” Malik told AFP, his heartbroken husband had said. “This is the situation voice laced with bitterness. Armed men claiming to after just 40 deaths. What happens if it gets worse? be tribal leaders threatened Malik, his family and his Where will we put the bodies?” the medic asked. friends, saying they would set fire to his car if they Many in Iraq have been bracing themselves for a DUBAI: Men wait to cross a street on March 28, 2020 as the emirate tries to stem the spread of the tried to bury the body in their area. “Can you imagine rise in cases in the weeks ahead, but the country’s COVID-19. — AFP that across this huge country Iraq, there aren’t a few hospitals are ill-prepared to deal with large num- square meters to bury a small number of bodies?” bers. They have been ravaged by decades of con- In Islam, a person must be buried as soon as flict and have received little investment in recent The ministry of health yesterday announced 11 possible after death, usually within 24 hours. years, leaving them woefully bereft of medicine and Govt mulls locking new coronavirus cases that include eight Indians, Cremation is strictly prohibited. Iraq has confirmed equipment. Doctors, too, have been threatened, kid- one Saudi and two Kuwaitis. The ministry’s more than 500 COVID-19 cases and 42 deaths from napped and even killed in recent years over ran- down expat... spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the 11 new the respiratory disease, but the real numbers are soms or under pressure from relatives of patients. cases include a Kuwaiti who had travelled to the likely much higher as few of the country’s 40 million According to the WHO, there are only 14 hospital United Kingdom and a Saudi who had travelled to people have been tested. Authorities have declared beds in Iraq for every 10,000 people. By way of Continued from Page 1 Saudi Arabia. Eight cases of contact infection were a countrywide lockdown until April 11, urging citi- comparison, France - currently overwhelmed by the
recorded - a Kuwaiti in contact with a case related zens to stay at home and adopt rigorous hygiene spreading virus - has 60 beds for every 10,000 one million expats, a majority of them blue-collar to travel to France and Switzerland, seven Indians in routines to forestall the spread of the virus. people. To try to fill the gap, Iraqis are stepping up workers, are residing. She said the lockdown has contact with confirmed cases and an Indian whose with inventions of their own. Medical engineer become necessary to resolve the problem of not ‘Where will we put bodies?’ Moqtada Al-Zubaidi has created a hospital bed knowing the source of the disease. case is under epidemiological investigation. On Sunday, the ministry reported 20 cases that But in some areas, local powers are getting even encased in plexiglass, which includes a respirator MP Khalil Al-Saleh said he called the ministers of stricter. Northeast of the capital Baghdad this week, with oxygen tanks, an air conditioning unit, a bell to interior and health and asked them to convince included nine Indians, three Bangladeshis and one tribal figures prevented a team of health ministry ring nurses and a flat-screen television. authorities to lock down some areas like Jleeb Al- Filipina, in addition to seven Kuwaitis. The new cas- officials from burying four bodies in a cemetery the “It’s an invention with humanitarian purposes. Shuyoukh and Mahboula, saying this has become es raise the total to 266, of whom 73 have recovered state had specifically designated for COVID-19 vic- We proposed the name ‘the bed of life’ because it inevitable because several workers have contracted after the ministry announced five new recoveries yesterday. The spokesman said 194 cases are tims. When the delegation tried to take the bodies provides security and reassurance to people who the disease from unknown sources. A number of to another burial ground southeast of Baghdad, receiving treatment, 13 of whom are in the intensive are sick,” he said. Zubaidi is awaiting approval from MPs urged the government to utilize the current dozens of local townspeople turned out in protest. care unit. As many as 910 people have been dis- the health ministry to produce more beds, which period and adjust the demographic structure in the Ultimately, the bodies were returned to the country, which is titled in favor of expatriates. charged from quarantine. cost $4,000 each. But for many fellow Iraqis dis- morgue. One Iraqi living near Baghdad told AFP heartened by the rising death toll, such measures “we decided to block any burials in our area”. “We may be too little, too late. Salem Al-Shummary, different subjects. They cannot cope with the pres- panicked over (the health of) our children and fami- Malik’s cousin, had tried to help Malik bury his sure from school, but teachers are doing it out of lies.” According to the World Health Organization father and was left scarred by the experience. Private schools (WHO), which is leading the global response to the fear of the management because the school has “We’re not fazed by death anymore. We just have pandemic, coronavirus is transmitted through fired teachers unjustly before and is threatening one dream: to bury our dead,” he said. — AFP continue... teachers with non-renewal of contracts,” another droplets and surface contact. teacher told Kuwait Times. Continued from Page 1 There are parents who want e-learning to con- tinue and are willing to pay the fees as well. But “We know that the IGCSE exams were canceled there are outstanding questions for these parents as by Cambridge, so why are the schools forcing well. If children continue e-learning, will they finish teachers to continue teaching live online? They the school year in June as normal or will they have have not told us when we will start in August and to repeat the last part of the year in the fall as the are just waiting for the ministry to resolve the fee ministry has said? uncertainty faced by many schools,” explained a Some private schools are abiding by the educa- teacher working in a private British-curriculum tion ministry and Cabinet decisions. But now those school. None of the teachers and parents Kuwait decisions have been muddied by additional Times spoke with wanted to be named for fear of announcements from the education ministry. Last repercussions from schools. School administrations Sunday, the education ministry announced on its approached by Kuwait Times did not respond to official Instagram account that the second stage of requests for interviews. the operational plan was launched to activate e- Some schools have cancelled the planned spring learning at the ministry, which includes the new break - it’s unclear with or without ministry Kuwait educational portal that will allow teachers to approval - and are having teachers expand online provide lessons directly through virtual classes with learning. “The psychological impact on most of the various interactive tools such as interactive books teachers is dreadful. When the ministry announce- and interactive videos. The application will be avail- ment was made, the school had plans to put on able on tablets and smartphones. more live Zoom teaching lessons on its timetable But Education Minister Saud Al-Harbi said dur- and increase the workload,” the teacher noted. ing an interview with Al-Rai TV on March 23 that The reason, teachers contend, that private private schools must not count on e-learning in the schools are continuing with e-learning is that this present time because the ministry of education is will justify schools’ requirement for the final committed to the decision of the Council of installment of tuition fees. But it’s unclear how Ministers, which was clear on suspending studies at effective or organized the e-learning is across all public and private schools, universities and educa- private schools, and also what e-learning will mean tional institutions, including e-learning, until Aug 4, for students in the fall. Will they repeat everything and any school that continues e-learning is going they are doing now via e-learning? Or does con- against the Cabinet’s decision. tinuation of e-learning mean they can complete the Regarding tuition fees in private schools, he said: year in June and move on to the next grade? “This matter is between the parents and the school, Parents want to know. but I believe that private schools have completed “Teachers are struggling mentally, and parents about 60 percent of the academic year and they will feel frustrated with the sheer madness of the complete the rest of the year in August, which is a BASRA: This picture taken on March 27, 2020 shows a view of a purpose-built sealed hospital bed built by a amount of new material constantly sent to them of fair and legal way to earn their fees.” resident to isolate coronavirus patients. — AFP Classifieds Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Sabah Hospital 24812000 NOTICE Amiri Hospital 22450005 March 26, 2020 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Mr. Willbold Bensley Gomes son of late Mr. Diogo Gomes, resident of H No 977,, Belsur ST, Matias Divar Tiswadi, North Goa, Pin: Chest Hospital 24849400 403403, Goa and Ms. Alria Antonette Dias daughter of Mr. Sebastiao Carma Dias, resident of H NOO: 53/9 ST Francis Vaddo, Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Colvale Bardez, North Goa, Pin: 403513, Goa, both Indian Adan Hospital 23940620 nationals presently residing in Kuwait have given notice of intended marriage between them under the Foreign Marriage Act, Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 1969. If anyone has any objection to the proposed marriage, `]]''k`] eYq Úd] l`] kYe] oal` l`] mf\]jka_f]\ Y[[gj\af_ lg l`] Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 procedure laid down under the Act/Rule within thirty days from the Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 date of publication of this notice. Communications in this regard can be made by Email ( [email protected]) / letters/ telephonic calls (00965-225333 15, 00965 - 22533125).
Kaizen center 25716707 (Ranveer(Ranveer BharBharti)ti) Second Secretary (Cons) Embassy of India, Kuwait. Rawda 22517733 Yf\ EYjjaY_] G^Ú[]j& Email: [email protected] Adaliya 22517144 Khaldiya 24848075 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 Shuwaikh 24814507 Airlines Abdullah Salem 22549134 Nuzha 22526804 Kuwait Airways 171 Jazeera Airways 177 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Turkish Airlines 1884918 Qadsiya 22515088 FlyDubai 22414400 Qatar Airways 22423888 Dasmah 22532265 KLM 22425747 Royal Jordanian 22418064/5/6 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 British Airways 22425635 Shaab 22518752 Air France 22430224 Emirates 22921555 Qibla 22459381 Air India 22456700 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Air India EXPRESS 22438185/4 Sri Lanka Airlines 22424444 Mirqab 22456536 Egypt Air 22421578 Sharq 22465401 Swiss Air 22421516 Saudia 22426306 Salmiya 25746401
Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution STAR TRACK
Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Today’s planetary configuration will give you a Business might be going very well for you, Libra, strong urge to be out and about, Aries, but responsibilities but intense changes on the job could have you feeling could keep you at home or the office. Perhaps you’re waiting stressed. Delays in starting new projects could prove frustrat- for a delivery or an important phone call or visitor. This could ing. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this is going to be a be boring and rather tedious for you today. Find something to trend. All should be brought back into focus tomorrow. Go to do that engrosses you, even if it’s only reading or catching up the gym tonight and work off some frustration. You’ll be fresh on paperwork. There’s no point in just twiddling your thumbs! in the morning. Hang in there!
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Are your views about certain intellectual or spiritu- Have you been planning a vacation to a distant al matters slowly changing, Taurus? If so, you may not be all that place, Scorpio? Unexpected, discouraging glitches could comfortable with the changes. Traditional values and ideas interfere with your plans, which could have you thinking that could seem especially attractive to you today, so your resistance you’ll just cancel the trip. You might be tempted to pick up could be greater than normal. Yet you know you can’t stay the the phone and do it. Take no action today. The entire situa- same way forever. Give yourself a break today. Tomorrow you’ll tion should be straightened out by tomorrow, and you’ll look Find the way be back in the groove and on your way to transforming. forward to your trip again. Stay focused and don’t do any- thing rash.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Business success may have come your way, Money matters could have you descending into Gemini, but today you could find yourself feeling a a state of pure gloom, Sagittarius. On the surface little sad and wondering why, since there’s no real reason to feel it might seem like you’ll never be able to sort through all the this way. What’s going on is probably, first of all, a letdown, since paperwork, but you will. Don’t give up. Stay focused on the task your brain is no longer churning out the endorphins. Second, and take one step at a time. Before you know it, your efficiency you may be wondering where you go from here. Only you can and practicality should have it sorted out and behind you. Cheer up, and plan a great evening! decide that. Set a new goal and move on.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Today you could feel torn between the desire to Is your sweetheart out of town, Capricorn? If so, get a little exercise and a powerful inclination to curl up in you’re probably feeling a bit lonely and insecure. You need to your favorite chair and catch up on some reading, Cancer. ignore those fantasies of your beloved out on the town hav- There isn’t any reason why you can’t do both. Go out for a ing a great time with lots of glamorous people. Your friend is brisk walk and then reach for a favorite book when you return. most likely as bored as you are, either transacting business or The key isn’t giving up on one, but attaining a balance fulfilling family obligations. Relax, find something to do, and between the two. the time will pass before you know it.
Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Do you have the uncomfortable feeling that You probably won’t feel like working today, you’ve forgotten something but you have no idea what it is, Aquarius. You may not be tired, but you’re probably bored, Leo? Are you haunted by the memory of a seemingly insignifi- restless, and unable to focus. It’s best to concentrate on rou- cant past event, but can’t figure out why? It isn’t a good idea to tines or mundane chores you can do automatically on days like this. Put on your headphones. Take a long, leisurely obsess over either. You’ll remember whatever it is eventually. lunch or perhaps brunch with friends. It’s important to have You’ll soon realize the significance of the memory. Your subcon- some fun. Think of it as an exercise to balance your usually scious is trying to tell you something. You can’t rush it, so relax! serious self!
Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20)
If you’ve been thinking about starting a new cre- Love matters could appear to be moving far ative project, Virgo, don’t try to do it today. Friends and family more slowly than you’d like, Pisces. Both you and your could vie for your attention and distract you. Other responsibili- romantic interest may be overloaded with responsibilities ties could interfere with your desire to get going on it now. now and unable to see each other much. It’s frustrating, but Don’t hesitate to try to come up with ideas, but you might have you’ll get through it. In the meantime, don’t let your insecuri- to wait until tomorrow to start the work. Tomorrow you should ties get the better of you. Just because your friend is busy be raring to go. Be patient! doesn’t mean that your relationship is on the rocks. 18 Established 1961 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Sports Rugby Australia posts big losses, warns of ‘significant cuts’ Players complain of being locked out of critical talks about their future
SYDNEY: Rugby Australia’s alarming financial state with rugby on hold indefinitely after the Australian heading into the coronavirus shutdown was government put tough restrictions on public gather- revealed yesterday with the organisation posting a ings as it battles to contain the coronavirus. near Aus$10 million (US$6.0 million) deficit, not The country has so far confirmed more than helped by a hefty payment to the sacked Israel 4,000 coronavirus cases, with 18 fatalities. Rugby Folau. Australia chairman Paul McLean said “significant The 2019 numbers were released as the govern- cuts across the business” would be needed to keep ing body struggles to navigate a way through the the sport financially viable in the short term. COVID-19-enforced halt to sport, and with players Specific action was not outlined, although talks complaining of being locked out of critical talks are underway to tap funds from the government and about their future. World Rugby. RA said it was unable to produce a set of audited financial accounts due to EXECUTIVE PAY uncertainty surrounding SLASHED its business into the 2020 Whether players will season and beyond as need to take pay cuts has revenues dry up because Significant yet to be decided, but of the pandemic. chief executive Raelene But after its annual cuts across Castle’s salary has been general meeting it report- the business halved and other senior ed a provisional Aus$9.4 executives are taking a 30 million operating deficit, percent cut. “To put it compared to a Aus$5.4 simply, there is no way of Rugby Australia chairman Paul McLean million profit in 2018. knowing what damage this Revenues are ordinarily crisis will have on our hit in a World Cup year, with fewer home Tests, but game, or for how long it will continue to impact us,” Tests against Ireland and Fiji in July will take place. Harrison. expenditure also increased by Aus$6.6 million. said McLean. Ahead of the AGM, the Rugby Union Players’ Castle said talks would begin with players today. Part of the extra spend was the undisclosed set- “It has forced us to make some extremely diffi- Association (RUPA) slammed the governing body “I understand from their point of view that there is a tlement with Folau, an ardent Christian and former cult decisions, and there will be even harder deci- for sidelining it on discussions about the future, level of frustration that they haven’t had a deeper poster boy of Australian rugby who was fired over sions to come as we continue to navigate the impli- complaining about “a vacuum of information”. engagement earlier,” she said. homophobic social media posts. The two parties cations of the virus on the game’s finances.” The “While our colleagues in the other major football “But the reality is Rugby Australia didn’t want to avoided a costly court battle over the legality of the organisation is set to lose broadcast rights money codes across Australia have been meeting with their enter into those conversations until it had the sacking by reaching a mediated agreement in imminently with a proposed domestic tournament to governing bodies for weeks, RA has refused to chance to give them accurate information so we December. replace the suspended Super Rugby competition share any information about the future financial could enter into a solution-based scenario for the The governing body’s perilous position comes shelved, and serious doubts about whether home direction of the game,” said RUPA chief Justin next three months.” —AFP
Kovalev for the Russian’s cruiserweight people stay at home,” Yarde wrote on everyone at Queensberry Promotions British fighter world title last year, said his father had Instagram. “My dad passed away from would like to express sincere condo- been “fit with no health issues”. this virus yesterday and he was fit with lences to Anthony Yarde and his family Like many parts of the world, Britain no health issues. The more people go out after the untimely passing of his father. Yarde’s father is under a lockdown in a bid to stop the and mingle the longer this isolation will “Coronavirus is an issue affecting all Cash-strapped NZ spread of the pandemic. There have last and the more it will spread. of us, but that doesn’t make the individ- dies of virus been over 17,000 confirmed cases in “I’m not a doctor but I do know if ual casualties any less tragic. “We hope cancels lower Britain and Yarde, 28, called on people you stay home you are less likely to that his fans listen to Anthony’s heartfelt LONDON: British boxer Anthony Yarde to respect the situation and stay at catch it or pass it on. It’s seriously not plea for people to take the government’s urged the public to stay at home after home. worth the risk.” advice seriously so we can try and min- tier competitions revealing his father has died of the coro- “I’m a very private person and tbh A statement from Yarde’s promoter imise the suffering of others.” —AFP I’m still in shock but maybe this can help Frank Warren said: “Frank Warren and WELLINGTON: Rugby powerhouse New navirus. Yarde, who fought Sergey Zealand cancelled a string of this season’s lower tier provincial competitions yesterday “to help secure the future of the sport” after the coron- avirus lockdown. Kuwaiti champion All rugby in New Zealand has been called off indefinitely because of the government measures put in place to halt the spread of the virus, which thrives on fitness has infected 589 and killed one person in the KUWAIT: World Champion and Kuwaiti watersport island nation. athlete Mohammed Burbayea is inspired by his own New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief Mark lifestyle, and his home country. In his over a decade Robinson said last week the game was “fighting presence in the sport, it appears in everything he for survival” after the intercontinental Super achieves. Rugby competition was brought a halt and plans Along with practice on the jet ski, his main focus to put on a domestic tournament in its place were remains on his weekly fitness routine. “The biggest scuppered. challenge is endurance and cardio capabilities.” Starved of match day revenue and television Said Mohammed Burbayea, which is vital to his money, as well as facing the possible cancellation sport. He maintains a high level throughout the year, of the money-spinning July tests against Wales and and averages 4 to 6 workouts a week. He continued Scotland, NZR has cancelled all provincial compe- by saying, “Riding a jet ski is one thing, and pro rac- titions below the national championships for men ing is a whole other thing. It requires a lot of effort and women. and high energy levels.” The Heartland Championship, which features Professional jet ski athlete Mohammed Burbayea the 12 weakest provinces, the Jock Hobbs improves his cardio by running. He attributes his Memorial national under-19 tournament, the success to his devotion to the sport. Rarely is there National Sevens Tournament and all other a time where he isn’t trying to learn and improve. He “Provincial Union representative rugby tourna- actively trains in one aspect or another, to keep his ments” have been axed. fitness race ready. “It’s surreal how much this has impacted every- His commitment to cardiovascular training one in just seven days and we’ve needed to act doesn’t stop within the limitation of being indoors. swiftly, decisively and together,” Robinson said in a Burbayea continues to exercise on the treadmill, statement. “We are united in what we want to bike, rowing machine or even by using the jump achieve and that’s to secure the future of rugby. rope. “These decisions have all been about ensuring Mohammed is looking forward to competition when the time comes our communities can be up season returning so he can continue to challenge and running club, community and school rugby as himself to do better and be at the top of his dis- quickly as possible.” cipline. A decision on whether to hold the national During his training season, should his motivation provincial championships would be made at a later dwindle, he remembers the bigger picture and looks date, the statement said. Rugby is New Zealand’s to other great athletes for a boost. He advises young national sport but even with the huge success over athletes to do the same. By adding athletic bench- the years of the All Blacks national team, a relative- marks, motivation is refreshed, and training can ly small domestic market means the game has often continue once more. had to survive on a shoestring. He explains, “I always make sure to have some- All Blacks coach Ian Foster and his staff have one I look up to who has achieved success. They taken pay cuts and twice World Player of the Year serve as my motivator and benchmark to the level I Beauden Barrett confirmed at the weekend that the want to achieve. It is essential to keep in mind that we are constantly evolving and in order to continu- top players would soon be following suit. ously grow and improve, you need to provide your- “As an employee of New Zealand Rugby, self with the time for development.” we’re all facing some tough times and we’re all in Having begun his foray into the sport at age 5, this together,” the All Blacks back told Newstalk he has since shattered world records, including the ZB radio. number of total championships for a watersport “As players we’re working through that with ... moto-athlete. He hopes to continue to do what is the Players’ Association. That will come out in due required of him to elevate the sport and Kuwaiti course, but yes we will be at some stage,” he said athletics on the world stage for as long as he is of pay cuts. —Reuters able to.
the season on July 1. The NRL kicked off a fort- between April and October, paid for by the NRL optimistic that the season will restart as quickly as Australian rugby night ago, making it through just two rounds — slashing its staffing levels by 95 percent, cutting possible, ideally by July 1. “If that isn’t possible, one behind closed doors — before becoming one the governing body’s own expenses by half. then we need to be prepared for that option as league rolls out of the last professional sports worldwide to suc- Executives will take a 25 percent salary cut. well and are making the tough financial decisions cumb to the pandemic. The funding is separate to player payments, which now to reduce costs to ensure we get through this rescue package There were concerns that some clubs would are still under discussion. “We have a consolidated crisis.” not survive the loss of revenue, with many plan and working with the clubs and the players, Rugby league is considered part of Australia’s SYDNEY: Australia’s National Rugby League already forced to send staff home, often without are united in our efforts to do all we can to pro- social fabric and the sport’s bosses had previ- rolled out an emergency rescue package yester- pay. But after lengthy talks, funding was agreed tect rugby league,” said Australian Rugby League ously warned closing down the season could day to ensure all 16 clubs can stay afloat during that will see each team get an extra Aus$2.5 mil- Commission chairman Peter V’landys. “We had no bankrupt the sport, with lucrative broadcast con- the coronavirus shutdown, with plans to resume lion (US$1.5 million) to cover operational costs option but to stop the competition ... but remain tracts at stake. —AFP Established 1961 19 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Sports Serie A hits back Photo of the Day over ‘bubble’ remark
ROME: Italy’s Serie A league has hit back at the country’s sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora after he said the country’s top clubs were living in a bubble and criticised the millionaire salaries of some players. The exchange came with Serie A, like football around the rest of the world, at a standstill because of the coronavirus pandemic. Italy is Europe’s worst-affected country with 10,779 deaths and a total of 97,689 confirmed cases. In an interview with the Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica on Sunday, Spadafora said that sport was not just about football and that he would propose spending 400 million euros ($443 million) to develop grass roots sport around the country. “The big clubs are living in a bubble, beyond their means, starting with the millionaire salaries of the players. They must understand that noth- ing after this crisis will ever be the same again,” he said. In reply, Serie A said in a statement that football in Italy employs 300,000 people and accounts for one percent of gross domestic product. Serie A “has always played a recognised role as the loco- motive of the sector”, directly generating 3 billion euros of revenue each year, it said. The league noted that its solidarity payments to develop facilities and youth football outside the top flight had increased from 93 million euros in 2010 to 130 million euros this year. “This is not the time to make controversy,” said Paolo Dal Pino, the president of Serie A. “The num- bers above speak for themselves and there is no need to add anything else to highlight the role of the Lega Serie A in support of grassroots football WADI RUM: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Ahmad Daham perform at Wadi Rum, Jordan. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com and, indirectly, of all Italian sport.” — Reuters African football date-juggling looms amid coronavirus pandemic African Nations Championship postponed due to coronavirus
JOHANNESBURG: The May semi-finals and finals tween October 5, 2020, and October 12, 2021, with birth, has been postponed due to the coronavirus. Wydad against Cairo outfits Zamalek and Al Ahly of the two annual African club competitions are the table-toppers paired in five two-leg showdowns With no foreign-based stars involved, the tourna- respectively, raising the possibility of a first final likely to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic to decide who represents Africa. Group dates this ment does not have to fit into a FIFA international between clubs from the same country. While a sweeping the continent. October and November may have to accommodate window, creating flexibility when it comes to finding May 29 conclusion seems unlikely, the matches can After two-leg semi-finals in the competitions be- delayed 2021 Cup of Nations qualifiers instead, but new dates. Apart from the football, the Nations be staged until September 6, with the last-32 first tween May 1 and 10, the Champions League final is there are sufficient international windows next year legs of the 2020/2021 season scheduled to kick off set for May 29 in Douala, five days after Rabat hosts to catch up. five days later. The competition could also be the Confederation Cup title decider. But the post- shortened by turning the semi-finals into single ponement of both competitions seems inevitable as AFRICA CUP OF matches in Douala, the Cameroon port city chosen the full impact of the COVID-19 disease has still to NATIONS to host the final. be felt in the continent with the most fragile public Qualifiers for the 24-nation tournament in Fragile public health systems. Cameroon from January 9 to February 6 2021 have CAF CONFEDERATION CUP Already, two rounds of 2021 Africa Cup of Na- fallen two rounds behind after fixtures scheduled for health systems The semi-finals in the African equivalent of tions qualifiers and the African Nations Champi- this month were cancelled. It is hard to imagine the the UEFA Europa League will see Pyramids of onship in Cameroon have been postponed due to single round set for June 1-9 taking place and there Egypt meet Horoya of Guinea and Renaissance the killer COVID-19 disease. Here, AFP Sport con- must also be doubts about matches planned for Au- Berkane face fellow Moroccans Hassania Agadir. siders the date-juggling options in the major African gust 31-September 8. CAF will hope they can stage Like the Champions League, the semi-finals are national team and club competitions: double matchdays between October 5-13 and No- due to be home-and-away affairs, followed by a vember 9-17 — dates currently allocated to World Championship offers Cameroon an opportunity to single-match final in Rabat, giving Berkane or WORLD CUP Cup group games — and complete qualifying. test whether they are ready for a much more de- Agadir a distinct advantage. CAF will likely seek Home and away preliminary round ties last Sep- manding task — staging the 2021 Cup of Nations. new dates, and possibly reduce the semi-finals tember reduced the number of contenders from 54 AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP to single matches, between June and September to 40 for five places at the 2022 World Cup in The April 4-25 tournament in Cameroon, which is CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 6, five days before the 2000/2021 season gets Qatar. Next comes 10 six-matchday groups be- restricted to footballers playing in their country of The semi-finals pit Casablanca clubs Raja and into full swing. — AFP
part. The seven-time world champion said Xavi wants ‘total Coronavirus may this week he was “cheering on the people of Brescia and Bergamo, those who usually cheer me on. It looks like a war zone,” he harmony’ to return prove virtual said of his coronavirus-stricken region. “I have seen very bad images, we must to Barcelona sports changer hold on,” he told Sky Italia, who will also broadcast the virtual race.
MADRID: Xavi Hernandez has reiterated his desire to coach PARIS: With an unprecedented captive ‘AND HE’S BACK FROM Barcelona in the future but suggests he will not return until a audience of three billion people in coron- THE DEAD HERE’ different board brings a new sense of direction to the club. avirus lockdown virtual sports events are Formula One chiefs have also galvanised Hernandez is in charge of Al-Sadd in Qatar and turned down wooing fans after traditional live sports some of their drivers to grab their gaming an approach in January after Barca sacked Ernesto Valverde, Xavi Hernandez were shut down and public gatherings controllers, racing a Virtual Bahrain Grand which led to the surprise appointment of Quique Setien. banned in many countries. Prix which was abbreviated because of In an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia pub- be a deal-breaker, Xavi said: “It wouldn’t be definitive but I in- Horse-racing, boxing, cycling, football technical difficulties. Boxing legend lished on Sunday, Xavi said Neymar would be a “spectacular sist I would like to have total harmony. I don’t know if that can and motor-racing chiefs are desperate to Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016, was even signing”, and singled out former Spain defender Carles Puyol happen... I have nothing against anyone and I don’t have a bad maintain their fanbase and are scrambling back in action, beating Sonny Liston again and the one-time Dutch winger Jordi Cruyff as people he relationship with Bartomeu. Xavi mentioned the likes of Puyol, to provide a fix and maintain revenues. on Friday in a virtual bout with 35,000 would like to work with. whom he played with under Pep Guardiola, and Cruyff, son of With stadiums closed and events such YouTube viewers. Yet the relationship between Barcelona’s board, led by pres- Johan and former Barca and Manchester United winger, as the as the Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020 Ali will now meet the long retired Mike ident Josep Maria Bartomeu, and the players has remained kind of people he would like to work alongside. postponed, organisers are generating ad- Tyson after he beat up George Foreman on tense, with Lionel Messi’s public criticism of technical secretary “I would like to work with people in whom I have confidence, vertising revenue by streaming virtual Saturday. Racing-mad Britain comes to a Eric Abidal among a number of off-field controversies. with whom there is loyalty,” said Xavi. “We are talking about sports on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch standstill each year for the Grand National “I am clear that I want to return to Barca, I am very excited,” Carles Puyol, who was captain of Barca, and Jordi Cruyff, a very or even broadcasting them on traditional and with the courses all closed, broadcaster said Xavi, who was asked if a change of board would be needed good businessman with a lot of experience as a technical sec- television platforms. ITV will show a virtual race on April 4. for it to happen. “Obviously I would like to be in tune with retary.” He also said Neymar, whom the Catalans tried and failed Sports is where the numbers are and The real race can be a dangerous lottery everyone,” he said. “In the dressing room there can’t be a neg- to sign from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, would be a “spec- fans denied real games are turning to live with horses and riders potentially suffering ative or toxic atmosphere.” “Everything has to fit,” Xavi added. tacular signing”. “Most of the squad seems extraordinary,” Xavi streaming, watching people play games, serious injuries in the many falls, but it “I would like to come in with people from my environment that said. “The base is very good. I would sign forwards, like Neymar. and taking part in those video games them- makes millions for the bookies, who this could form a good team.” I don’t know if he would fit in a social sense but in football terms selves. Italy’s Mugello motorcycling circuit, time will run online betting for the field of Pushed on whether working with the current board would I have no doubt he would be a spectacular signing.” — AFP which would have attracted 200,000 peo- 40 runners. ple for its MotoGP weekend on Sunday, “We use the latest CGI technology and may just have pulverised that figure with a algorithms and were ready to go ahead as Korean government guidelines. live-streamed virtual race promoted as a forerunner to the big race,” said execu- Son returns to Son had already spent two weeks in self-isolation in Britain “The stay at home GP”. tive producer Rob McLoughlin. after returning from South Korea at the end of February, having Honda’s world champion Marc Marquez As with the boxing, there will also be South Korea travelled home for surgery. came fifth as the globe’s top riders sat un- a race of champions pitting the late Red He will take part in Tottenham’s remote training programme, comfortably on their sofas livestreaming Rum, who won the National three times in which is set to begin via video call on Monday. Son was not ex- from their living rooms. Alex Rins looked the 1970s, against defending champion LONDON: Tottenham forward Son Heung-min has been al- pected to return from injury this season, but the pandemic has bored playing with his pet dog on his knee. Tiger Roll. Baseball staged a four-player lowed to fly home to South Korea for “personal reasons”. postponed English football until at least April 30. Alex Marquez, younger brother of the video-game tournament called “MLB The Although Britain is on lockdown due to the coronavirus, the Meanwhile, Son’s Tottenham team-mate Steven Bergwijn has world champion, won the race and asked Show” on Friday. It also suffered some Premier League club on Sunday said Son has been given per- travelled to the Netherlands ahead of the impending birth of his jokingly “will the points count to the cham- technical problems before it was won by mission to return to Asia. child. “The club has given permission for both Heung-Min Son pionship?”. Millions of fans, credit cards at Amir Garrett, a Cincinnati Reds pitcher, The 27-year-old has been recovering after suffering a frac- and Steven Bergwijn to return to their home countries,” a state- the ready, are expected to copy them after who played at home wearing his team tured arm during Tottenham’s win at Aston Villa on February ment on Tottenham’s website said. downloading the app. uniform. “A win’s a win,” said Garrett but 16. It was reported Son and his parents arrived in Seoul on Sun- “Both players will continue their individual rehabilitation and Old-school purists will be heartened by he also said: “You’ve got to realise it’s a day and will spend two weeks in quarantine in line with South training programmes during their time away.” — AFP veteran Valentino Rossi’s refusal to take video game.” — AFP Established 1961 Sport
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020
Rugby Australia posts big losses, Kuwaiti champion Xavi wants ‘total harmony’ 18warns of ‘significant cuts’ 18 thrives on fitness 19 to return to Barcelona
New Olympic date likely ‘this week’
TOKYO: In this file photo taken on March 11, 2020 a woman wearing a face mask walks in the tunnel of a metro station with a poster of Miraitowa, official mascot of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. — AFP
TOKYO: New dates for the delayed Tokyo 2020 at the height of summer. But given the ongoing pan- to make way for the rescheduled Olympics and there the coronavirus, the announcement coming quickly Olympics will likely be revealed this week, organisers demic and need for preparation time, the most likely is still uncertainty about whether ticket-holders will after the Canada Olympic and Paralympic committees said yesterday after the coronavirus forced the his- plan would be for the Games to begin on July 23, get refunded. confirmed they would not send athletes. toric decision to postpone the Games until next year. 2021, public broadcaster NHK said over the weekend, Another thorny issue is the athletes’ village, which The double-withdrawal prompted speculation that Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori told reporters they citing sources within the organising panel. was due to be converted into luxury apartments after the two national Olympic committees may have acted were weighing the pros and cons of a summer and The postponement has handed organisers the “un- the Games, some of which have already found buyers. in concert with the IOC to give the global body lever- spring Games and he expected a decision from the precedented” task of rearrang- The Japanese government had age to postpone Tokyo. International Olympic Committee (IOC) soon. ing an event seven years in the touted the Games as the “Re- Canada on Friday denied any such arrangement, “I think perhaps there will be some kind of com- making, and Tokyo 2020 CEO covery Olympics”, designed to and the AOC followed suit yesterday. “Any assertions munication from (IOC) President (Thomas) Bach this Toshiro Muto has admitted the Additional show how the country had that a decision by the Australian Olympic Committee week,” Mori told reporters. The Tokyo 2020 additional costs will be “mas- bounced back from the 2011 (AOC) to tell its athletes to plan for a Tokyo Olympic Olympics were due to open on July 24 and run for 16 sive”. According to the latest costs will be triple disaster of the earth- Games in 2021 was done in concert with either the days, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the first budget, the Games were due to quake, tsunami and nuclear International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the Cana- peace-time postponement of the Games. cost $12.6 billion, shared be- ‘massive’ meltdown in the northeastern dian Olympic Committee (COC) are completely in- The IOC and Japan had for weeks insisted the tween the organising commit- Fukushima region. The Games correct,” the AOC said in a statement emailed to show could go on but the rapid spread of COVID-19 tee, the government of Japan are now being billed as the ex- Reuters. prompted growing disquiet among athletes and and Tokyo city. However, that pression of humanity’s triumph The AOC said its decision followed a sequence of sporting federations. The Olympics was the highest- number is hotly contested with a much-publicised over the coronavirus. “We are embarking on an un- events, which included the IOC’s announcement that profile sporting casualty of the coronavirus that has government audit suggesting the central government precedented challenge,” said Mori. “But I believe it is the global body was conducting “scenario planning” wiped out fixtures worldwide and all but halted pro- was spending several times that amount — on items the mission of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee for Tokyo, with postponement among the options. fessional sport. organisers claim are only tangentially related to the to hold the Olympics and Paralympics next year as a The IOC’s announcement came a day after Aus- There was some speculation that Japanese organ- Olympics. proof of mankind’s victory” against the virus. tralian authorities announced a slew of measures isers could take advantage of the blank canvas to shift The postponement affects every aspect of the or- Meanwhile, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) aimed at containing the coronavirus, including travel the Games to spring, avoiding the heat of the Tokyo ganisation — hotels, ticketing, venues and transport has said its decision to pull out of the 2020 Tokyo curbs and quarantine requirements at national and summer that had been their main concern before being among the major headaches. Hotels have had Games was unilateral and made without the knowl- state borders. “This meant our athletes could not con- coronavirus struck. to cancel bookings, dealing them a bitter blow at a edge of Canada or the International Olympic Com- tinue their training programs,” the AOC said. The ef- Due to the heat, the marathon has been moved to time when tourism is already being hammered by the mittee (IOC). fect of the government measures and the IOC’s Sapporo, a city some 800 kilometres (500 miles) to coronavirus. Some venues that had booked events The AOC said last Monday it could not assemble scenario planning prompted a special meeting of the the north of Tokyo where the weather is cooler even years in advance will potentially have to scrap them a team for 2020 because of complications brought by AOC’s executive board last Monday.—Agencies
Wednesday. There is no doubt about it. This is nec- The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs Wimbledon will essary in the current situation. women’s tournaments, require their players to partic- Table tennis “It is completely unrealistic to imagine that with ipate at the four Grand Slams, but the new French the travel restrictions that we currently have an inter- Open dates are yet to feature on the calendars of ei- be cancelled national tennis tournament where hundreds of thou- ther association. shelved until June sands of people from all over the world would travel. “The unilateral behaviour of the organizers has LONDON: Wimbledon organisers will announce the That is unthinkable.” been criticized by everyone and I can simply predict cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week The AELTC did not respond to a request for com- that the French Open will not be relocated as it was due to virus due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis ment. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics intended,” Hordorff said. Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has opened up a two-week window in the tennis calendar He said either the FFT would go ahead with the PARIS: Table tennis tournaments will be shelved until told Sky Sports. in July/August but it is less likely that it will be feasi- new dates and feel the wrath of the entire tennis June 30 at the earliest due to the coronavirus pandemic All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) officials ble for Wimbledon, which has only two covered world or they have the option to start working with and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, officials earlier said the June 29-July 12 event would not be courts and cannot be held past late summer. others to draw up a plan that makes sense for said. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) played behind closed doors and postponement was French Open organisers stunned the tennis world everyone. also announced rankings will be frozen as of March 20. not without significant risk and difficulty. by unilaterally postponing the claycourt Grand Slam “They will be deprived of the points and they “The ITTF has also been working hard to manage the “Wimbledon has stated that they will have a board at Roland Garros from May until late September be- will degenerate into a chaos event,” he said. “Even 2020 finances with the executive committee agreeing to meeting next Wednesday and will make the final de- cause of the pandemic. those there have understood that and they are reduce their expenses and senior staff offering to take a salary reduction, as the ITTF looks into other areas to cision there,” Hordorff told Sky Sports Germany. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) came under slowly crawling back. Solidarity is the order of the save overall costs,” said a statement. The coronavirus heavy fire from tennis players around the world at the day, it is a matter of being together and not going “I am also involved in the bodies of the ATP and pandemic, which has killed more than 31,000 people WTA. The necessary decisions have already been lack of communication as the new dates clashed with it alone, as the president of the French Tennis As- worldwide, prompted the postponement last week of the made there and Wimbledon will decide to cancel next several other events already featuring on the calendar. sociation did.” — Reuters Tokyo Olympics until 2021. — AFP