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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune thurSday aprIl 9, 2020 Sha`Baan 16, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 4916 QR 2

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All shops except food Qatar delivers 2 field outlets & pharmacies to hospitals to Italy remain shut on weekends QNA Doha QNA Doha UPON the directives of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin THE Cabinet has decided to close all shops Hamad al Thani, two military and stop all commercial activities on Fridays aircraft of the Qatari Amiri and Saturdays with the exception of food Air Force, carrying two field and catering shops, pharmacies and restau- hospitals, arrived in Italy on rants with take away facilities. Wednesday in support of the The Ministry of Commerce and Indus- country to confront and contain try (MoCI) shall determine other necessary the outbreak of the coronavirus activities exempt from this decision, until (COVID-19). further notice. The two planes landed at The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Pratica di Mare military air- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE port near the capital, Rome, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al cluding officials, doctors, medical person- and Verona Villafranca Air- Thani through video conference technology. nel and workers. port, loaded with two field At the beginning of the meeting, Minis- It also recognised the efforts made by rel- hospitals. ter of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Moham- evant ministries, institutions and state agen- The area of the first field ed al Kuwari apprised the Cabinet on the lat- cies that have been playing their role effec- hospital is about 5,200 square est developments to reduce the spread of the tively and responsibly to protect citizens and metres, and the second hospi- coronavirus (COVID-19). residents and ensure their health and safety. tal is about 4,000 square me- The Cabinet praised the efforts made The Cabinet called on all citizens and tres, with a capacity of 1,000 by the Ministry of Public Health and its residents to stay at their homes and not go beds for both hospitals. detection teams and all its employees, in- out unless absolutely necessary. PAGE 2 Continued on page 2  Strategic food stock can last

Al Gharaffa, Um Slal more than a year: Minister health centres turn All products are readily available Imports continuing without disruption 28 more recover COVID-19 facilities QNA continuing without disruption. from virus; 153 new al Gharaffa health Centre and Umm Slal Doha Kuwari said retailers can play health Centre will be used as test and a key role in ensuring the stabil- cases detected hold coronavirus (CoVID-19) facilities from QATAR’S strategic reserve of ity of the market by providing the Thursday, the Primary health Care Corpo- food commodities can last for needs of the consumers and con- QaTaR on Wednesday registered 153 ration has said. These two health centres more than a year, Minister of stantly restocking shelves. new coronavirus (CoVID-19) cases, bring the total number of operating test Commerce and Industry HE He stressed that the minis- taking the total cases to 2,210, the and hold CoVID-19 health centres man- Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari said try is addressing any shortcom- Ministry of Public health (MoPh) has aged by PhCC to four that include Muaith- Wednesday. ings as it is constantly monitor- announced. In a statement, the MoPh er and Rawdat al Khail health centres. al He said the state’s import ing the market to ensure the said 28 more people recovered from Gharaffa test and hold health centre will policies continue at the same availability of food and consum- the virus, bringing the total number of operate 24 hours a day while Umm Slal pace without any change. er products in all outlets. There recoveries to 178. centre will operate from 7am to 11pm. all He called on suppliers, out- is strong coordination with sup- The ministry said some of the new registered patients have been notified of lets and local manufacturers pliers to ensure imports contin- cases are among the travellers who the changes. (TNN) to play their role in providing ue normally and the prices have came to Qatar from virus-hit countries. goods in the demanded quanti- been stable, he added. Some are contacts, including citizens ties by consumers. Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari visits The minister stressed that and residents, of those tested positive HMC launches helpline to This came during a visit supermarkets to take stock of the situation on Wednesday. any outlet that tries to take ad- earlier. all the new cases have been made by the minister to a num- vantage of the crisis will face placed under quarantine and are support people experiencing ber of supermarkets to get a ties, and to gain insight into the He said all the products closure and a fine in accordance receiving the necessary medical care, psychological distress (PG 2 ) close look at the strategic stock demand patterns of citizens and of consumer need are read- with consumer protection Law it said. (TNN) of food products and commodi- residents. ily available, as the imports are No 8 of 2008. PAGE 8 QA Cargo ensures supply of vital goods, aid Significant drop in traffic TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK shipments to badly effected regions violations in February Doha over their existing commercial ar- rangements. We are all in this to- QNA 37.5 percent on a monthly basis in QATAR Airways Cargo has in- gether and are glad to be of service Doha February with 10 deaths. creased services around the world, to communities around the world The total number of registered operating freighters and freight- during this difficult time.” QaTaR saw a significant drop in traffic vehicles jumped 19.2 percent on an only passenger aircraft to ensure Additional capacity has been violations in February, according to annual basis to 6,015. Meanwhile, the continuity of global trade and introduced to cities such as Shang- official statistics released by Qatar a total of 7,229 new licences were transportation of essential supplies hai, Guangzhou, Paris, Amsterdam, Planning and Statistics authority on issued in February. to where they are needed during Qatar Airways Group Chief Ex- ments around the world who have Muscat, Kuwait, Delhi, Beijing and Wednesday. Electricity consumption dropped this critical time. ecutive Akbar al Baker said: “Now, helped us increase our services to Melbourne. The report said traffic violations 6.1 percent on a monthly basis to In the past month, the airline more than ever it is important to fulfil the demand for time sensitive “We also continue to work dropped 7.5 percent in February 2701.1 GWh. has transported over 50,000,000kg support global trade that ensures freight. closely with governments across month-on-month. a total of 617 traffic Water consumption was 49541.9, of medical and aid supplies to im- the supply of essential goods and “I also want to thank many the globe to operate freighter char- accidents were registered in February, down 4.9 percent on a monthly basis pacted regions around the globe. vital aid worldwide. I am thankful of our long standing commercial ters to support State efforts to bring a monthly decrease of 11 percent. but up 62 percent compared to Febru- This is equal to roughly 500 fully to the airport authorities, ground customers that have supported us in humanitarian aid and essential Traffic accident deaths dropped ary of 2019. loaded Boeing 777 freighters. handlers, cargo agents and govern- to prioritise humanitarian relief supplies,” he said. 02 Thursday, April 9, 2020

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amir, Moldovan president discuss efforts to contain COVId-19 spread QF, WISh to host global COVId-19 ThE amir hh Sheikh Tamim bin hamad al Thani on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with President of Moldova Igor Dodon to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and the ways of enhancing them. During the call, they reviewed discussion via EC Speaker Series the latest developments related to the coronavirus (CoVID-19) pandemic and the efforts made by both countries to combat it, in addition to cooperation between the two countries to The online event will be bringing together health experts from Qatar and across the world prevent its spread. (QNA) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of Qatar Foundation’s mis- Doha sion, and we are committed to continuing these platforms in HEALTH experts from around online form amid the changes Cabinet issues law to regulate the world will turn interna- that the coronavirus pandemic tional spotlight on the corona- has brought to our lives. medical treatment overseas virus (COVID-19) pandemic “This discussion will look next week, through a special at efforts to combat the pan- PRIME Minister and Minister Trade and Integration, and online edition of Qatar Foun- demic and how it may shape of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid a draft memorandum of un- dation’s (QF) Education City our societies into the future, bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al derstanding between Qatar’s (EC) Speaker Series in partner- Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri Dr. Jerome Kim Dr. David Nabarro through a truly global lens; Thani on Wednesday chaired Ministry of Commerce and In- ship with the World Innovation and demonstrate that, no mat- the Cabinet meeting held dustry and Tajikistan’ Minis- Summit for Health (WISH). This will be the first edition Health Affairs at Qatar’s Min- of WISH’s global community ter what challenges face our through video conference. try of Economic Development The event, titled ‘Flatten- of the Education City Speaker istry of Public Health; Rossella of healthcare experts the op- world, dialogue never stops.” Following the meeting, and Trade. ing the Curve: Global Respons- Series to be held online, with Miccio, president of EMER- portunity to come together, al- The discussion will be Minister of Justice and Acting The Cabinet reviewed the es to COVID-19’ and taking the panellists brought together GENCY NGO; Dr Hsiu-Hung beit virtually, to discuss global moderated by journalist and Minister of State for Cabinet report of the Standing Com- place at 4pm on Wednesday, by WISH and QF. Wang, president of the Taiwan responses to the current pan- documentary-maker Mishal Affairs HE Dr Issa bin Saad mittee of Water Resources on April 15, will see speakers from The oanellists are Dr Nurses Association; and Dr demic,” said Sultana Afdhal, Husain, with its audience hav- al Jafali al Nuaimi said the its work from June 30, 2018 to Qatar, Oman, Italy, South Ko- Ahmed al Mandhari, World Jerome Kim, director-general CEO of WISH. ing the chance to post ques- Cabinet took the necessary December 31, 2019, and took rea, Taiwan and Switzerland Health Organization’s (WHO) of the International Vaccine Noora Ali al Rumaihi, tions to panellists online. measures to issue a draft law the appropriate decision. analysing how different coun- Regional Director for the East- Institute. manager of Public Relations at To watch and participate regulating medical treatment This committee is con- tries are tackling the challeng- ern Mediterranean; Dr David “We are pleased to col- QF, said: “Providing platforms in the discussion, interested abroad, after the Cabinet re- cerned with proposing policies es posed by COVID-19, and Nabarro, WHO COVID-19 laborate with the Education for dialogue, discourse and person can visit www.qf.org. viewed the recommendation and strategies related to water the lessons the pandemic may Special Envoy; Dr Salih Ali al City Speaker Series team on the exchange of knowledge qa/ education-city-speaker- of the Shura Council on the resources, approving plans, hold for the world. Marri, assistant minister for an event that offers members and perspectives is at the core series draft law. programmes and projects re- The Cabinet also approved lated to the management and a draft agreement on exemp- development of water resourc- tion of visa requirements for es, and setting priorities for Hospitals equipped with modern devices treat COVID-19 patients holders of diplomatic and water resources development private passports and service projects, and follow up the im- Continued from page 1  dulaziz bin Ahmed al Malki al it together.” between Qatar and Turkmeni- plementation of programmes Jehni, Qatari Military Attach in There are a total of four stan and a draft memorandum and projects related to water The hospitals are equipped Italy HE General Hilal bin Ali flights with which Qatar will of understanding for legal resources and propose ap- with modern technical devices al Mohannadi and Commander deliver this medical aid: a part cooperation between Qatar’s propriate solutions to address and equipment for the treatment of the Pratica di Mare military of the material will in fact ar- Ministry of Justice and Kyr- wasteful use of different water. of people with coronavirus. airport General Rosso Alberto. rive through two more flights gyz’s Ministry of Justice. The report indicated that The military technical team Upon the arrival of the two expected to land in Italy on The Cabinet approved a the committee discussed a that arrived on the Qatari med- military aircraft, Ambassador Thursday. A fifth aircraft with draft memorandum of under- number of topics, including ical aid plane at Pratica di Mare Malki said, “In a concrete way medical equipment sent in standing in the field of com- water resources policy and the military airport, was received Qatar wants to show that it is collaboration with Qatar Fund merce between Qatar’s Minis- modernisation and develop- by Italian Minister of Foreign close to Italy during this dif- for Development and Qatar try of Commerce and Industry ment of the national water re- Affairs Luigi Di Maio, Ambas- ficult time. We will get out of Armed Forces will arrive on and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of sources strategy in Qatar. (QNA) sador of Qatar to Italy HE Ab- this emergency and we will do Friday.

QC’s committee urges private schools to waive bus fee HMC unveils helpline to assist people TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tant undersecretary of the min- parents with worksheets at the experiencing psychological distress Doha istry, were also present. end of every week, the commit- The meeting discussed the tee noted. QNA with mental health. ing is unprecedented. The QATAR Chamber’s Education reluctance of parents to pay the The attendees pointed out Doha The helpline is staffed by emergence of COVID-19 in Committee has called on private outstanding school fees for the that the closure of education experienced mental health Qatar has forced us to com- schools to exempt the parents current academic year and the centres has caused significant THE Mental Health Service professionals who can provide pletely change many aspects from paying the bus charges closure of education centres and damage, pointing to the centres’ of Hamad Medical Corpora- assessment and support to of how we live our lives and as part of the school fees. If the kindergartens, as well as the demand for state’s support. tion (HMC) on Wedneday callers through four main cat- with this change comes un- schools have already collected challenges in distance learning. The meeting also discussed launched a new helpline to egories: Children and Young certainty, said Chair of the the bus charges, the amount The committee called on problems facing a few kinder- provide support to people ex- People (and parents), Adults, National Taskforce for Men- should be transferred to next the Ministry of Education and gartens that are incapable of periencing stress or psycho- Older People and Frontline tal Health and Wellbeing and year’s fee, the committee pro- Higher Education to ensure Mohamed bin Ahmed bin twar implementing the distance logical distress as a result of Healthcare Workers. HMCs Chief of Continuing posed. communication and coordi- al Kuwari learning properly. The meeting the coronavirus (COVID-19) The staff taking calls at the Care Group Mahmoud Saleh The committee made the nation between parents and proposed that the second term pandemic. helpline speak a range of lan- al Raisi. request during an online meet- schools in this regard. vouchers to ensure financial exams should not be cancelled Working with the Minis- guages and every effort will be He added, “Many people ing held to discuss the obstacles The attendees emphasised flow during the crisis. but be conducted online. try of Public Health and the made to enable callers to com- are understandably worried faced by the private education the right of private schools to The committee also evalu- Nuaimi confirmed the Min- Primary Health Care Corpo- municate in their language of by the current situation and sector in view of the coronavirus collect school fees if they com- ated schools according to their ister of Education and Higher ration, the national initiative choice. may feel frightened, con- crisis. plete the educational process performance in the provision of Education’s follow-up on all will support all sections of the The staff will make an ini- fused, anxious or low. It is The meeting was headed by through the remote system. This distance learning. Some schools measures to overcome the diffi- community. tial assessment of need, may important that people under- the committee’s Chairperson will ensure the school’s ability to received ‘Excellent’ score, while culties faced by the private edu- To access the helpline, offer brief support or refer stand that these feelings are Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar meet its financial obligations some others got only ‘Pass’ for cation sector. He urged private which is available from 7am to for more specialist help when normal and that there is help al Kuwari. such as salaries, they said. their performance. schools to take into account the 10pm every day, members of this is required. An appoint- available for them. This new HE Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh The committee stressed The ministry of education current circumstances and con- the public can call the toll free ment can be made on the line mental health helpline aims al Nuaimi, undersecretary of the importance of the minis- had provided many options for dition of families and parents, number, 16000. The helpline and a tele-consultation can be to provide an easily-accessi- the Ministry of Education and try’s support to private schools private schools in case they fail stressing the ministry’s interest is confidential and users can arranged with a suitable clini- ble support line for people in Higher Education, and Omar through accelerating the dis- to implement the process of dis- to support the schools in their remain anonymous, avoiding cian. need of professional advice bin Abdul Aziz al Nemah, assis- bursement of educational tance learning such as providing development plans. the stigma often associated “The situation we are fac- and care.”

QDC opens Abrouq, Umm Samra roads to Lusail Stadium GCC water, electricity sectors mull QNA easier to move between the Doha neighbourhoods and districts unified efforts to combat COVID-19 of Lusail City, such as Jabal QNA THE Qatari Diar Company Thuaileb, Madinat Al-Yasmin Doha (QDC) has opened Abrouq and right up to the Lusail stadium. Umm Samra roads, which are The Qatari Diar Real Es- QATAR on Wednesday participated in the ex- the main roads leading to the tate Company was established traordinary meeting of the Undersecretaries of Lusail Stadium. as one of the Qatar Invest- the Ministries of Electricity and Water in the THE company has also opened ment Authority companies in GCC member states, which was held via video a number of main entrances to 2005 to support the growing conference to discuss issues related to electric- the stadium, which will host economy of Qatar and to im- ity and water in light of the coronavirus (COV- the opening and final games of plement real estate develop- ID-19) pandemic. the 2022 FIFA World Cup in ment projects both inside and Qatar was represented at the meeting by Qatar. outside the State of Qatar. President of Qatar General Electricity and Wa- The opening of the two Qatari Diar started to ter Corporation (Kahramaa) Engineer Issa bin roads by the Qatari Diar Com- the end of next year. northern areas through a establish Lusail City in the Hilal al Kuwari. Kuwari said Kahramaa had solid emer- pany is part of Lusail City’s The two roads cover 4.9 640-metre-long tunnel that north of Doha in December Kuwari said the meeting was held to ex- gency plans in place and the company suc- preparations to host the 2022 kilometres and they are con- extends under the main com- 2005, which is considered to change views on how the electricity and water ceeded in ensuring that service continues FIFA World Cup, as the work sidered to be the main routes mercial street of Central Lu- be the largest city in the world sectors should deal with the pandemic. The uninterrupted while taking all the precau- of art along the two roads is of Lusail City, as they link sail. to be built according to sus- meeting also discussed exchanging expertise tionary measures to ensure the safety of its expected to be completed by the southern areas with the The roads will make it tainability criteria. and a unified response. employees. nation Thursday, April 9, 2020 03

Vodafone rewards COVID-19 fighters QıCDRC holds first remote hearing online QU’s CCE offers an with unlimited Innovative online hearing links participants remotely during social distancing periods array of free online airtime and data TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK courses for public TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha Doha TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK THE Qatar International Doha VODAFONE Qatar is show- Court and Dispute Resolution ing its deep appreciation for Center (QICDRC) held its first QATAR University’s (QU) the men and women who work fully remote hearing on April Center of Community Ser- tirelessly to keep Qatar safe in 7 and 8, with judges, court vice and Continuing Edu- the midst of the coronavirus officials and lawyers appear- cation (CCE) has been of- (COVID-19) pandemic by en- ing from different locations fering a number of courses suring they have the connectiv- across four different coun- to the public free of charge, ity they need to carry on their tries to ensure that access to in line with the precaution- life-saving work. justice is maintained during ary efforts made by the As a gesture of support the coronavirus (COVID-19) university and the State and as part of its commit- pandemic. to limit the spread of the Dr rajab Abdulla al Esmail, ment to keep Qatar connected, The hearing was lives- coronavirus and ensure director of CCE Vodafone activated Unlim- treamed to allow members of the protection of everyone. ited Local Data and Calls for the public to observe the pro- These courses are part learning in cooperation 30 days free of charge for all ceedings. of the university’s ap- with Cegos Company, one eligible employees of various The QICDRC routinely em- proach to meet the needs of the leading companies entities, namely, the Ministry ploys state-of-the-art technol- of society, individuals and in the field of e-learning. of the Interior, Qatar Armed ogy to ensure effective and cost- institutions. The centre These include more than Forces, Civil Defence, Hamad effective access to justice. Since the hearing was livestreamed in order to allow members of the public to observe the proceedings. strives to develop their 80 training courses in Medical Corporation, Amiri its launch in 2018, the eCourt knowledge multiple languages in vari- Guard, Qatar Airway, Lekh- system has provided users with tive measures of the COVID-19 mote hearing has been a great and send or receive communi- and skills, both at per- ous fields such as man- wiya, State Security Bureau, a paperless e-case management pandemic, the International success and we will continue cations from anywhere in the sonal and professional lev- agement, leadership, cus- schools, the Ministry of Edu- solution that covers the full life Court of Qatar remains com- to rely on the eCourt system world. Available in both English els without leaving their tomer service, finance and cation and Higher Education, of the court process – from the mitted to serving as a platform to keep important channels and Arabic, eCourt is integrated homes during this period, project management. This the Ministry of Public Health filing of cases to the issuance of for timely and important legal of communication open and with the virtual hearing capabil- said a press statement is a special package for and Primary Health Care Cor- a judgement. decisions.” provide seamless legal and ju- ities of the Qatar International from the centre. government and private poration. Commenting on the online “We are well-equipped to dicial services to the homes of Court. Dr Rajab Abdulla al Es- institutions,” Dr Esmail Vodafone Qatar said: “To hearing, Faisal al Sahouti, Chief face up to the current chal- our users, “he added. More information on up- mail, director of CCE said: added. all those working around the Executive Officer of the Inter- lenges and to adapt our digi- The eCourt can be accessed coming hearings can be found “The seven courses offered The centre also offers clock to keep us safe, we say national Court of Qatar, said: tal systems where necessary from any portable electronic on the Court’s website via: will cover several topics IELTS and TOEFL prepara- thank you. They deserve our “As we continue to address the to ensure a full online format device to retrieve case files, at- https://www.qicdrc.gov.qa/ in finance, nutrition, dis- tory courses online at af- deepest gratitude for their unique challenges and preven- for our users. Our first fully re- tend virtual court hearings, upcoming-hearings aster management, crisis fordable charges in cooper- great service to our beloved management, emotional ation with EduSynch USA. Qatar as part of our national intelligence and family The courses qualify students emergency response to the budget. The courses will to obtain admission in uni- coronavirus. In appreciation start from April 12 and versities at undergraduate of their sacrifices, we extend Customs launches electronic platform for distance learning each session will have 2-3 and graduate levels. this small gesture to help keep hour duration. They are The CCE is a link be- them connected over these QNA for the year 2020 online. being offered free of cost tween QU and the com- next days and weeks.” Doha Jamal described the to people who register on munity for the provision Employees belonging to new platform as “an impor- the centre’s website. The of general and specialised the above mentioned enti- CHAIRMAN of the Gen- tant step in upgrading the participants can attend the training programmes that ties will be receiving this of- eral Authority of Customs training provided by the classes through Zoom ap- meet the training needs fer automatically while some Ahmed bin Abdullah al Jamal authority”. plication on their mobiles of the society, in addition employees will be receiving launched a digital platform for He also stressed the need and computers.” to the preparatory pro- an SMS message to activate distance learning and training to develop effective plans to “The Community Ser- grammes for professional the offer. Anyone who has not on Wednesday. take advantage of the platform vice and Continuing Edu- and international certifica- received the message or is not The electronic platform to enhance the experiences of cation Center continues to tion exams as well as ad- a Vodafone customer yet and will allow the General Author- the authority’s employees dur- offer another set of pro- mission exams for univer- would like to activate the offer ity of Customs to conduct its ing in various fields of customs grammes through distance sities of all kinds. may visit www.vodafone.qa/ training workshops planned training. ForQatar. MoQ stores offer ‘Stay Safe & QCAA signs agreement Shop from Home’ service with IBG to boost air TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK traffic growth in Qatar Doha TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK SHOPPERS across Qatar can Doha now benefit from a new set of services offered by the Mall THE Qatar Civil Aviation Authority of Qatar (MoQ), that makes (QCAA) has signed a contract with the shopping experience easier, Swedish International Business Group safer and more flexible. Over 70 measures that the state is un- (IBG), the leading company in the fields of stores have launched the ‘Stay dertaking to limit the spread of aviation management, advisory and train- Safe & Shop from Home’ ser- the coronavirus (COVID-19), ing services, to increase the capacity of vice at the mall, enabling con- we at Mall of Qatar, consider Qatar’s airspace and Hamad International sumers to shop for their favour- the safety of shoppers our top Airport. ite brands and products from priority and are pleased to sup- In a statement, the QCAA said the move the comfort of their own homes. port our tenants with ‘Stay Safe aims to meet the anticipated increase The service is the ideal al- & Shop from Home’ initiative, in operations and number of aircraft in ternative for personal shop- which is a good solution to keep the coming period, and to provide all ping, which has been temporar- business going and meet the the requirements to host the 2022 World ily stopped as a precautionary demands of customers in this Cup in Qatar, by accommodating the larg- measure to prevent and contain current situation.” est possible number of aircraft arriving the spread of COVID-19 due to The service is delivered di- and departing from the airport within the mandatory closure of shops rectly by the Mall of Qatar ten- one hour. at the mall imposed by Qatari ants, and customers can now The contract includes the development authorities. The Mall of Qatar order their products via dif- of an air navigation system and strength- remains committed to comply- ferent platforms. Any outlets ening the efficiency of navigation equip- ing with the instructions given providing the ‘Stay Healthy & ment, in addition to training and develop- by the Qatari authorities to en- Shop from Home’ service can ing the skills of air navigation personnel sure the safety and well-being be accessed on the website of on how to deal with new equipment with of the people and to support Mall of Qatar, accessible via the high efficiency, the QCAA added. initiatives that best meet their link www.mallofqatar.com.qa/ The statement also pointed out that expectations. shop from Home Participat- the IBG was chosen and assigned to these Khaled Sam Hosn, CEO ing retailers and deals will be works, following a thorough examination of MoQ, said: “In light of the posted regularly on the website of the technical presentations made by current situation and the pre- of the mall as more stores enter several leading companies in this field, in ventative and precautionary this service. coordination with the stakeholders.

Korean expats exercise voting rights in Qatar

ASHRAF SIDDIQUI has unveiled guidelines for operat- Doha ing polling station to ensure voters’ health and political rights, urging SOUTH Korean Ambassador to voters to wear face masks, check Qatar HE Chang-mo Kim has ex- their temperature and disinfect pressed his gratitude to Qatari au- their hands with sanitisers. thorities, especially the Ministry of The ambassador added that vot- Interior and the Ministry of Public ers are also required to wear plastic Health, for their support and assis- gloves to cast the ballots. tance in facilitating the process for With 43 million eligible voters, South Korean expatriates to exercise South Korea will hold its general their voting rights in the national parliamentary elections on April general parliamentary elections. HE Chang-mo Kim 15 using 14,300 nationwide polling Talking to Qatar Tribune, Kim stations. The 300-member Nation- said South Korea is preparing for its premises from April 1 to April 3 al Assembly is elected every four the April 15 parliamentary elections for 267 registered voters,” the envoy years. The last legislative elections in the midst of the ongoing corona- said. were held on April 13, 2016. virus pandemic with priority on the He said the ongoing pandemic The National Assembly of South safety of the voters. seemed to cause low turnout of Korea was founded on May 31, 1948. “Overseas Korean nationals had around 50 percent among the 2,000 More than 177,000 overseas the opportunity to exercise their Korean expatriates working in Qa- South Korean nationals had 205 voting rights between April 1 and tar. polling stations in 119 countries, April 6. In Qatar, the Korean em- He said the National Election according to Korean News Agency bassy arranged polling station on Commission of South Korea (NEC) Yonhap’s report. 04 Thursday, April 9, 2020 Middle East / Gulf / africa

half-a-million more Zimbabweans now acutely hungry: WFp Oman locks down capital Muscat to contain coronavirus haRaRE The United nations World Food Programme (WFP) said on Wednesday that hundreds of CaIRo oman on Wednesday said it would shut down its capital Muscat in an effort to curb an nEWS thousands more people had slipped into the severely-hungry category in Zimbabwe, where over outbreak of the new coronavirus in the country. half of the population faces hunger. The lockdown will take effect as of Friday and continue until april 22, the official news In BrIEF It said a recent study revealed that the “number of acutely food insecure Zimbabweans had agency ona reported. The measure was ordered by a state committee in charge of drawing up risen to 4.3 million, from 3.8 million at the end of last year”. oman’s response to the rapid-spreading virus, the report said. In all 7.7 million people, more than half the population were food insecure and needed health authorities on Wednesday confirmed 48 further cases of the virus, bringing to 419 multi-sectoral humanitarian support according to the Un. (AFP) the total number of infections in the country of around 4.6 million. (DPA)

Syria responsible Virus-hit Iran urges IMF to for 2017 chemical approve its loan request attacks: OPCW AFP TEhRan Iran continues work on nuclear AFP programme despite pandemic ThE haGUE IRANIAN President Has- san Rouhani urged the Inter- TEhRan Iran is continuing to including power generation and THE world’s chemical weapons nationalMonetary Fund on develop its nuclear programme medical treatments. watchdog on Wednesday for Wednesday to give the sanc- even as the Covid-19 pan- Salehi said that during the the first time explicitly blamed tions-hit country a $5 billion demic wreaks havoc on the pandemic, which has killed Syria for toxic attacks in the emergency loan to combat its country, the government said more than 3,800 people in the country, saying President novel coronavirus outbreak. on Wednesday. country, the nuclear programme Bashar al-Assad’s regime used The Islamic republic is ali akbar Salehi, who has been used to help manu- sarin and chlorine three times battling one of the world’s heads Iran’s atomic Energy facture medical supplies. in 2017. deadliest coronavirus out- organization, told state televi- according to President The Organisation for the breaks which it says has killed sion that a new generation hassan Rowhani, the Iranian Prohibition of Chemical Weap- more than 3,800 people and of centrifuges would soon nuclear programme is now ons said it “has concluded that infected more than 62,500. come online at the natanz fuel more “advanced” than it was there are reasonable grounds There has been specula- enrichment plant. before the 2015 nuclear deal to believe that the perpetrators tion abroad that the real num- Members of the Iranian government with president Hassan rouhani during a cabinet session in tehran on Iran has long maintained with world powers, especially of the use of sarin as a chemical ber of deaths and infections Wednesday. (aFP) that it uses its nuclear capa- the country’s uranium-enrich- weapon in Lataminah in 2017... could be higher. bilities for peaceful purposes, ment capacity. (DPA) and the use of chlorine... were Iran has said it needs the individuals belonging to the funds to continue fighting the Iran’s president outlines three-phase lifting of COVID-19 lockdown Syrian Arab Air Force”. virus. urgent balance of payments continue to spend money,” The report is the first re- But its arch enemy the TEhRan Iran’s president on Wednesday described returning to their jobs, but only if they are not need”. Pompeo told conservative ra- leased by the Hague-based United States, which effec- how his country will go about lifting coronavirus located in the capital Tehran. “If they do not act on their dio host Hugh Hewitt. watchdog’s new Identification tively holds a veto at the IMF, lockdown measures as the outbreak is slowly In the second phase, the employment restric- duties in this difficult situa- US President Donald and Investigations Team (IIT), is reportedly set to block the brought under control. tions will be lifted in Tehran, the biggest city in Iran tion, the world will judge them Trump’s administration has set up specifically to finger the loan, arguing Iran will use the “of course we don’t want any more corona- and the hotspot of the Covid-19 outbreak in the in a different way,” Rouhani waged a campaign of “maxi- perpetrators of chemical at- funds for military purposes. virus victims; at the same time we don’t want to country. said. mum pressure” on Iran since tacks in Syria’s ongoing nine- “I urge all international let people starve to death,” President hassan at some point, industries considered at high US Secretary of State Mike it withdrew from a landmark year-long civil war. organisations to fulfil their du- Rowhani said in a message on state television, risk will be allowed to re-open, said Rowhani, who Pompeo said in a recent in- nuclear deal in 2018. “Attacks of such a strategic ties,” Rouhani said during a noting that many people have gone two months did not specify which types of businesses can be terview that Iran would use It has since imposed wave nature would have only taken cabinet meeting. without being paid. reopened starting this Saturday and which can not. any economic relief to pursue after wave of crippling sanc- place on the basis of orders “We are a member of the The government plans to relax the regulations Finally, Rowhani said the third phase includes nuclear weapons and back tions that target key sectors from the higher authorities of IMF... if there’s going to be any in three phases, he said. the opening of sport facilities, festival venues, Shiite militias in Iraq that the of Iran’s economy such as oil the Syrian Arab Republic mili- discrimination between Iran The first starts on Saturday, when those who religious sites and hair salons. Friday prayers administration blames for a sales and banking. tary command,” IIT coordina- and others in giving loans, nei- are employed in sectors of the economy con- remain cancelled for the time being, the president wave of attacks on bases used Iran has repeatedly called tor Santiago Onate-Laborde ther we nor world opinion will sidered to have a low risk of infection can begin said. (DPA) by US troops. on the Trump administration said in the OPCW statement. tolerate it.” “You see the way... the re- to reverse its sanctions policy, “Even if authority can be Iran announced on March The country has not re- between 1960 and 1962, ac- website, a Rapid Financial gime is treating their people which has been opposed even delegated, responsibility can- 12 that it had requested the ceived assistance from the IMF cording to IMF figures. Instrument “is available to all in this time of enormous cri- by US allies, particularly since not. In the end, the IIT was un- loan. since a “standby credit” issued According to the IMF’s member countries facing an sis. You see the way that they the COVID-19 pandemic hit. able to identify any other plau- sible explanation,” he said. The report said the attacks were carried out by two SU- 22 jet fighters which dropped Egypt extends night-time curfew two bombs containing sarin on March 24 and 30, 2017, as well as by a Syrian military heli- for two weeks to fight coronavirus copter that dropped a cylinder containing chlorine on a hospi- DPA Madbouli said the curfew will The work of restaurants will tal in the town of Al-Lataminah CaIRo start one hour later at 8 pm (1800 be limited to home delivery. Some on March 25 that year. GMT) until 6 am in order to pre- government services will be sus- Almost two years ago, the EGYPT will extend its night-time vent traffic jams and crowding in pended for the two-week period. Hague-based body confirmed curfew for another two weeks public transportation. The prime minister an- that sarin and chlorine were until April 23, which is aimed at The suspension of interna- nounced that financial aid will be used in two attacks in Al- preventing the spread of the novel tional flights will continue, and paid to irregular workers affected Lataminah, but at the time it coronavirus, the prime minister schools and universities will re- by the crisis, for three months. did not name those responsi- said on Wednesday. main closed, he added. He added that his cabinet ble. Egypt initially imposed the Other measures will remain ministers will have their salaries Another deadly sarin as- nationwide curfew beginning in place, which include the sus- cut by 20 per cent as a contribu- sault took place a few days March 25, among other measures pension of all public and private tion to helping the affected sec- later on April 4 in nearby Khan to limit the gathering of citizens. transportation at night, and the tors. Sheikun, killing more than 80 The Arab world’s most popu- closure of all shops, restaurants He called on citizens to avoid people. lous country has so far reported a and shopping malls between 5 pm public gatherings during religious But the new report stopped total of 1,450 people infected with and 6 am during the two-week celebrations as Muslims gear up short of naming the culprit of the virus, including 94 deaths. curfew; but they will be fully shut for the fasting month of Rama- an alleged 2018 chlorine attack Speaking at a press confer- on Friday and Saturday, the week- dan, which is due to start in two in the Syrian town of Douma in ence, Prime Minister Mostafa end in Egypt. weeks. which at least 40 people died.

Afghan government says 100 Taliban prisoners freed DPA prisoners, who have taken an oath KabUl never to return to the battlefield,” Faisal said in a statement. THE Afghan government said it “The government of the Is- released 100 Taliban prisoners lamic Republic of Afghanistan has on Wednesday ahead of poten- received the same assurance from tial intra-Afghan talks to end the the group’s leadership in Doha,” conflict. he added. The 15 Taliban command- A planned prisoner exchange ers that the militant group had between the Taliban and Afghan demanded be freed were not government has proved a thorny among the 100, National Secu- affair, leading to the delay of peace rity Council spokesperson Javid talks between Afghan parties. Firefighters spray disinfectant on a street during a government-imposed Faisal told dpa. An agreement signed between lockdown on the capital city as a preventive measure against the CoVID-19 Instead, those released were the United States and the Taliban coronavirus, near Qargha lake on the outskirts of Kabul on Wednesday. (aFP) inmates who had been included at the end of February requires on a broader list that the mili- the release of up to 5,000 Taliban tants shared with US officials, he prisoners and up to 1,000 govern- Several killed in tribal conflict in said. The Taliban has yet to con- ment prisoners before the start of east of Afghanistan firm the development. the intra-Afghan peace talks. Faisal said the health condi- It also paves the way for the KabUl Several people died in a local officials said. tion, age and length of remaining gradual withdrawal of interna- tribal clash over disputed land in There were conflicting reports sentence were considered in pick- tional forces from Afghanistan in afghanistan’s eastern nangarhar about the fatalities with some ing the prisoners to release. return for security guarantees by province on Tuesday, local of- saying up to 12 died. He described it as a goodwill the Taliban. ficials said. on Wednesday, local politi- effort on the part of the govern- Wednesday’s prisoner release The fighting erupted between cians mediated between the ment as well as beneficial in con- comes after the Taliban on Tues- two tribes living in Dur baba warring sides to temporarily stop taining the Covid-19 pandemic. day recalled their delegation from district and nazyan district over their fighting for several days There are concerns around the Kabul, calling it a deliberate delay land that residents of both tribes so that the two sides can bury world that jails can become Petri in the exchange process. - Shikhan and hussain Khail - the dead. The hostile parties dishes for the outbreak, prompt- A senior government official dispute; the fighting lasted for were also called on to halt their ing governments to release low- on Monday had said that it cannot hours. fighting for a month due to the risk offenders. release 15 Taliban commanders at least six tribal men were coronavirus pandemic and the “The National Directorate of requested by the militants as they killed and nearly 20 others upcoming religious fasting month Security and the Attorney Gen- had a hand in major bombings in wounded in the armed clashes, of Ramadan. (DPA) eral’s Office thoroughly vetted the the country. asia / World Thursday, April 9, 2020 05

South Korea halts Putin orders bonuses for ‘frontline’ Russia virus medics visa waivers for AFP public to be patient with lock- for monthly bonuses to health only 63 deaths however. “we must be ready to fight for countries with MoSCoW down restrictions to help slow care staff nationwide. Putin also announced the the life of every person in eve- bans on nationals the spread of the virus. Doctors treating corona- allocation of funds for Russian ry region.” RUSSIAN President Vladimir “For most people, to be virus patients would receive regions to provide more hos- As they prepare for a spike DPA Putin on Wednesday an- inside four walls is dreary and an additional 80,000 rubles pital beds and medical equip- in coronavirus cases, Mos- SEoUl nounced bonuses to health miserable,” he acknowledged per month, while nurses, ment. cow authorities are rushing care workers on “the frontline” during a video call with re- ambulance medics and driv- He said 33 billion rubles to complete construction of a SOUTH Korean Prime Min- of the country’s fight against gional governors. ers would get from 25,000 to had been set aside for “special- 500-bed facility for coronavi- ister Chung Sye-kyun on the coronavirus. “A breakthrough in bat- 50,000 rubles. ised, fully equipped” beds in rus patients styled on a hospi- Wednesday temporarily sus- Putin included the pay- tling the infection will depend “These specialists are on hospitals and infection wards. tal built in China. pended visa-free entry and ments among several new on our discipline and respon- the front line,” said Putin, who russian president Vladimir putin Another 13 billion rubles was During his meeting with visa waiver programmes with measures to support Russians sibility.” also ordered an increase in the chairs a meeting in Moscow. (aFP) allocated for equipment in- the heads of Russia’s regions, countries imposing entry bans during the epidemic after The country is realising worker’s state insurance to a cluding ventilators and ambu- which are mostly under strict on its nationals, Yonhap news health officials reported more how crucial the work of nurses level afforded to members of the total to 8,672. The epicen- lances. lockdown, Putin urged the agency reported. than 1,000 new COVID-19 and doctors is “for the first the armed forces. tre of the epidemic is Moscow, Putin said he hoped the governors not to disrupt local The stringent measures cases. time in decades”, said Putin, Russia reported 1,175 new with 5,841 cases. additional capacity would not economies by implementing came as imported cases of the The president urged the promising 10 billion rubles coronavirus cases, bringing So far, Russia has recorded be needed but cautioned that unnecessary measures. novel coronavirus accounted for the bulk of new infections registered on Wednesday. The prime minister said his government is planning to news expand entry restrictions on in brief foreigners travelling for rea- sons that are not essential and Joy, relief as thousands urgent. hong Kong extends “While maintaining the measures to stop basis of openness, the govern- surge in COVId-19 ment will strengthen (entry) cases restrictions in accordance leave China’s Wuhan with reciprocity,” Chung said honG KonG hong Kong will at a pan-government meeting, extend measures prohibiting AFP lowed Wuhan, cutting tens of according to Yonhap. public gatherings of more WUhan millions of people off from the The South Korean news than four people across world. agency reported, citing quar- some industries and two VOICING joy and excitement As the virus spread rapidly antine authorities, 148 coun- additional business sectors, from behind face masks, tens around the globe, many coun- tries - including 41 European the government said in a of thousands of people fled tries imposed similar draconi- nations and 36 countries in statement on Wednesday. Wuhan on Wednesday after an measures that have forced Asia and the Pacific - have hong Kong announced a 76-day travel ban was lifted around half of humanity into imposed entry bans on South the move as it tries to on the Chinese city where the some form of lockdown. Koreans over the coronavirus quell the rising number coronavirus first emerged. But while the pandemic outbreak. of Covid-19 cases, which Previously quiet train and continues to worsen in many The government’s meas- have more than doubled bus stations bustled as an exo- other parts of the world, with ures will be applied to 88 since it implemented meas- dus began from the city of 11 the global death toll surpass- countries. South Korea has ures a fortnight ago. (DPA) million, with some passengers ing 80,000, the quarantine visa-free entry programs with wearing hazmat suits. measures have appeared to 34 countries, including Ger- Hao Mei, a single parent pay off in Wuhan and other many and Canada, and holds Bangladesh locks from the nearby city of Enshi, parts of China. visa waiver treaties with 54 down rohingya said her two children had been Its officially reported num- nations, including France, refugees’ district home alone since she got stuck ber of deaths and overall infec- Russia and Thailand. amid pandemic in Wuhan, where she works in tions has plummeted in recent a school kitchen. weeks. DhaKa bangladesh has “You have no idea! I was China’s ruling Communist imposed a lockdown in a already up around 4 am. I felt Party -- accused of a slow- Philippines slams southern district that hosts so good. My kids are so ex- footed response and an initial more than 1 million Rohing- cited. Mum is finally coming attempt to cover up the out- provocative acts ya Muslims in an attempt home,” the 39-year-old told people arrive at Hankou railway Station in Wuhan, to board one of the first trains leaving the city in break -- has portrayed its sub- to prevent the spread of AFP as she waited to board a China’s central Hubei province early on Wednesday. (aFP) sequent containment efforts in disputed seas the new coronavirus in the train. as a huge success. crowded refugee camps, of- “At the start of the lock- of the city Wednesday morn- said there would be around lockdown on January 23 in a “Wuhan deserves to be amid pandemic ficials said on Wednesday. down, I cried every night. I ing, after barricades on its out- 200 inbound and outbound bid to stop the spread of the called the city of heroes,” DPA “Entry and exit from was really miserable, because skirts were dismantled with flights leaving the city on then-mysterious respiratory blared an announcement on ManIla Cox’s bazar district is my little girl is still young, the ban on outbound travel Wednesday. virus. one of the city’s train station prohibited from now on,” she’s only 10.” being lifted at midnight. A group of medics leav- Chinese disease control of- PA systems on Wednesday. THE Philippines on Wednes- Kamal hossain, chief of Up to 55,000 people are Ferries, trams and taxis ing Wuhan hugged their col- ficials said in January that the “Wuhan has lost a lot in day called on claimants to the the district administration, expected to leave Wuhan on resumed operations and the leagues from the city goodbye virus likely leapt from wildlife this epidemic, and Wuhan disputed South China Sea to said in a statement, after Wednesday just by train, ac- airport also opened again for as they prepared to board to humans at a Wuhan mar- people have paid a big price,” avoid any provacative actions the country reported 218 cording to government esti- domestic flights, with queue- flights home. ket that sold wild animals for a 21-year-old man surnamed that would raise tensions in cases of coronavirus and mates. ing passengers in protective - World-first lockdown food. Yao, who was heading back to the area as the region and the 20 deaths. (DPA) Steady streams of cars wear wheeling cases. -Wuhan led the world with The rest of surrounding his restaurant job in Shanghai, world struggles to cope with were on the roads heading out State news agency Xinhua an unprecedented quarantine Hubei province quickly fol- told AFP. the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement express- Indonesian ferry ing concern for the sinking of passengers jump a Vietnamese fishing boat in ship in panic over the disputed seas on April 3, coronavirus Killer of Bangladesh’s Malaysia’s virus tally passes 4,000 the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said such JaKaRTa Several pas- actions undermine trust and sengers travelling on a founding leader faces but recoveries top new cases friendship among countries, ferry jumped into the sea DPA have much bigger populations which are very crucial at this and swam ashore off execution 45 years on KUala lUMPUR than Malaysia. time. Indonesia’s Flores island Sixty-five people have died “There is never a good time after three people on board AFP Majed is believed to have FOR the second day this week, in Malaysia after contracting to indulge in provocations; showed symptoms of the DhaKa fled to India in 1996. He re- Malaysia’s reported recoveries Covid-19, according to Health they usually end in defeat of new coronavirus, an official turned to Bangladesh last from the new coronavirus have Ministry figures. aggression or a devastating said on Wednesday. A Bangladesh military captain month, a prosecutor told re- exceeded the number of new Malaysia’s rising recovery price of victory,” the statement The ferry’s crew asked arrested after nearly 25 years porters. cases. numbers come ahead of a Fri- said. to dock at Maumere port on the run over the assassina- Acting on a tip-off, coun- The Ministry of Health day government decision on “Covid-19 is a very real in Flores on Tuesday but tion of the country’s founding ter-terrorism police arrested announced on Wednesday Health workers cordon off apart- extending a month-long lock- threat that demands unity and the request was rejected, leader will be executed, offi- Majed on Tuesday as he rode evening that 166 coronavirus ment buildings in Kuala lumpur down aimed at stopping the mutual trust,” it added. prompting the passengers cials said on Wednesday. in a rickshaw in the capital patients had been discharged on Wednesday. (aFP) spread of the pandemic. “In the face of it, neither to jump ship, said Wisnu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Dhaka, said police inspector from hospital over the 24 A rise in the number of fish nor fictional histori- handoko, the Transporta- father of current Prime Min- Johurul Haque. hours up to noon the same day. announced on Monday, which small, new “clusters” of cases cal claims are worth the fuse tion Ministry’s director for ister Sheikh Hasina, was killed “The formalities to execute The ministry stated that was a daily record. of unclear origin is a cause that’s lit by such incidents.” sea navigation. along with most of his family him have already begun,” Jus- 156 new cases of Covid-19, the However Wednesday’s new for concern, Health Ministry A Chinese marine surveil- The ferry, which was in a military coup on August tice Minister Anisul Huq told respiratory disease caused by cases mean Malaysia is the the Director-General Noor Hish- lance ship reportedly chased, sailing from borneo to 15, 1975, nearly four years af- AFP, adding that the former the virus, were diagnosed over first country in South-east Asia am Abdullah said during a hit and sank the Vietnamese Sulawesi island, was ter he led Bangladesh to inde- officer will not be able to ap- the same period. to report more than 4,000 cor- Wednesday press conference. fishing boat when it ventured finally allowed to make port pendence from Pakistan. peal his sentence. Wednesday’s new recover- onavrus infections. “They are all around near the Paracel Islands, and the passengers who In 1998 Abdul Majed was Huq said Majed’s only op- ies take the total to 1,487 out of Testing rates are lower the country, that’s why we known as Xisha in Chinese. jumped were rescued, he sentenced to death along with tion to avoid the gallows was 4,119 cases confirmed since the in neighbouring countries haven’t been able to pick them The Chinese ship then de- said. (DPA) a dozen other army officers to appeal to the president for first was announced on Janu- such as Indonesia and the up, to trace their contacts,” he tained the crew on the nearby over the murders. clemency. ary 25. 236 recoveries were Philippines, both of which said. Woody, or Yongxing, Island.

India sees biggest jump in COVID-19 cases, debate on ending lockdown After ripping through Vanuatu, Cyclone Harold lashes Fiji DPA cisions and we must continue A panel of federal ministers nEW DElhI to remain vigilant,” Modi was has advised extending the clo- DPA Twitter account. quoted as saying. sure of schools and colleges and CanbERRa “Our evacuations centres PRIME Minister Narendra The Indian government an- the banning of religious and are safe, sanitized, and moni- Modi on Wednesday indi- nounced a 21-day lockdown on other gatherings until May 15. CYCLONE Harold lashed the tored to ensure that they do not cated that a complete lifting March 24 to contain a possible Regional governments were Pacific Island state of Fiji on surpass capacity. Those under of a countrywide lockdown on surge of new coronavirus cases in the process of identifying Wednesday, just days after it quarantine due to coronavirus April 15 was unlikely even as in the country of 1.3 billion peo- Covid-19 hotspots and trying ripped through Vanuatu. will not mix with others.” India reported its biggest jump ple. All except those working in to isolate these, federal Health The category 4 tropical cy- “Stay indoors. Do not trav- in Covid-19-related deaths and health care and providing es- Ministry spokesman Lav Agar- clone has damaged homes and el. Stay safe, Fiji,” Bainimara- cases in the past 24 hours. sential services and commodi- wal said. The government of caused widespread flooding ma said. Modi in a video conference ties were asked to stay at home. Uttar Pradesh state, one of the across Fiji, according to me- The cyclone is expected meeting with leaders of major Flights, rail and vehicular worst affected, said it was seal- teorological and disaster au- to hit the main island Viti political parties said several traffic were stopped and bor- ing off 15 districts completely thorities. Levu, where capital Suva is state governments, district ad- ders between states sealed. till April 15. “This afternoon, the eye of located, on Wednesday night, ministrations and health ex- Most experts have advised a Volunteers distribute grocery items to people in need during a govern- “Bank employees, media Category 4 Tropical Cyclone prompting the government to perts had suggested extending phased exit from the lockdown ment-imposed nationwide lockdown in Amritsar on Wednesday. (aFP) persons who are allowed now Harold will arrive at Kadavu impose restrictions on move- the lockdown, a release from to balance health concerns with elsewhere will not be able to bringing the worst of the heavy ment and only allow emergen- his office said. the economic damage it has and sealing Covid-19 hotspots meeting with chief ministers of enter these areas,” the state’s rains, winds and flooding to cy services on the road. “The situation in the coun- caused. are among the strategies being regional governments on Sat- health secretary Amit Mohan Fiji,” Fiji Prime Minister Frank A total of 25 evacuation try is akin to a social emergen- Easing the lockdown in debated, officials said. urday after which a final deci- Prasad said at a briefing in state Bainimarama said on Wednes- centres has been activated cy; it has necessitated tough de- pockets that are not affected Modi is scheduled to hold a sion is expected. capital Lucknow. day in a video posted on his across Fiji. 06 Thursday, April 9, 2020

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Importance Of Social Distancing Lessons From South Korea Social distancing worked against the deadly 1918 flu. It will work against the coronavirus (COVID-19)

EEKS after a mysterious and uncom- lens, the pandemic of 1918 offers illuminat- And Germany Wmonly lethal virus began sweeping ing context about the extreme stress of a city through the world, Los Angeles’ mayor and nation under lockdown — as well as a declared a state of emergency. Though the good measure of hope. It might feel like we’re Germany and South Korea used large scale testing and encouraged people to wear face masks pandemic had yet to affect the city in large in the grip of a never before seen plague, but numbers — only a few confirmed cases had we’re not. Social distancing isn’t some grand right from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak to keep the fatalities low been identified in Southern California — and economically risky experiment under- city and health officials took swift action be- taken by overreacting public officials, but an fore this highly contagious disease could get old response to new contagions. TRUDY RUBIN its hooks established. Even the headlines seem familiar: “Gov- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE That same day, city officials banned ernor urges all to combat epidemic” and “To public gatherings, shut down entertain- mask or not to mask.” S US fatalities from COVID-19 rise, ment venues and closed schools. Infections Another eerie echo from 1918: Some Germany’s death rate from the virus spread nonetheless, and leaders asked An- American cities were more cavalier about is roughly half that of America’s. As gelenos to take more drastic measures — their pandemic response, and their resi- AAmerica’s front-line health workers staying inside and using their phones to buy dents paid dearly for it. still struggle to obtain face masks, groceries and necessities — in a desperate The University of Michigan’s Center for South Korea has a smooth system to dis- attempt to keep people safe. Sadly, many of the History of Medicine created a digital tribute masks to its health workers and its them foolishly ignored the advice. influenza encyclopedia that examined the entire population. In the absence of a vaccine for this new non-pharmaceutical interventions taken Both countries are democracies and viral killer, city and health officials correctly by 50 American cities during the 1918 pan- US allies, not authoritarian regimes like concluded that social distancing policies to demic using official records and contempo- China. So shouldn’t we be looking at what limit crowds were the wisest course of ac- raneous newspaper reports. these countries are doing right, and wheth- tion. They disinfected public places and In the course of the project, researchers er their methods are applicable here? debated whether to require people to wear couldn’t help but notice that cities that used The German case is particularly inter- face masks in public as well. social distancing measures, and adopted esting because relatively few people seem This account is from the fall of 1918, them early in the pandemic, experienced a to be dying. Their fatality rate from virus drawn from historical records and the Los lower mortality rate. cases as of early this week stood less than Angeles Times archives, as the world was Fast-acting cities not only avoided deaths; half the nearly 3% rate in this country. in the grip of the devastating influenza they also protected their economies. In a new Three key factors deserve the cred- pandemic that would ultimately kill some study titled “Pandemics depress the econ- it: strong leadership, early and persis- 675,000 Americans and 50 million to 100 omy, public health interventions do not,” tent testing and a robust health system million people worldwide. researchers at the Federal Reserve and MIT that works. In some respects, comparing the H1N1 concluded that local governments that suf- “Germany is doing more testing than they dropped partisan rhetoric. “They my Kim in the New York Times. By early virus from 1918 to the novel coronavirus fered the greatest number of deaths from the other countries, but still not enough,” I didn’t use this for political show,” Sauer- March, the government was purchasing causing the current pandemic isn’t particu- flu also took a larger hit to their economies. was told by Anna Sauerbrey, deputy edi- brey adds. 80% of the national production of KF-94 larly useful. They are different viruses, and Another lesson from 1918 is to not ease tor-in-chief of Der Tagesspiegel, by phone Equally important, Chancellor Angela masks, the equivalent of the American trying to apply lessons from one to protect social distancing measures too soon. After from Berlin. Merkel _ who had appeared to be fading N95, from the nation’s 130 or so manu- against the other is risky. Scientists have seeing their efforts pay off, American cities Despite President Donald Trump’s before the crisis _ rose to the challenge, facturers (for comparison, think how the had more than a century to unlock the mys- lifted restrictions on the public, only to see false claim that the United States is now inspiring the public and working with US mask crisis might have been avoided if teries of influenza and to develop vaccines, the flu come roaring back to life in another doing more per capita tests than any other state governments. “She did a great job Trump had made robust use of the Defense while scientists are just beginning to inves- deadly wave. country, several countries are doing bet- communicating to the public how dan- Production Act). tigate how the coronavirus is transmitted We got it through it then. And, with the ter. Germany, as of late last week, was test- gerous the virus was and how important The masks were shipped at a dis- and what effects COVID-19 has on the body. help of time-tested social distancing meas- ing one in 90 citizens, compared with one solidarity is,” says Sauerbrey. “Her first counted price, first to hospitals and health However, looking through a cultural ures, we will do so again. in every 273 people in the United States. speech was intense and emotional, and providers, and then to pharmacies all over These numbers enable German offi- people understood the need to change the country. No first responders washing cials to find infections early, even among their behavior.” masks or improvising bandanas in Seoul. asymptomatic patients, isolate them and But lastly, Germany was able to ad- No long queues at pharmacies, and every- contain the disease from spreading. minister tests and avoid overwhelming its one on the street wearing masks (as CDC And only widespread testing will per- health system because that system is so guidance now recommends for the US). mit scientists to amass the data required solid. “What can really drive death rates I asked Alexander Vershbow, former to get a clear picture of the disease, in- is if you don’t have enough intensive care US ambassador to South Korea and distin- cluding how many people have had it and beds,” says Sauerbrey, and Germany had guished visiting fellow at the University of shown no symptoms, which means they them. Germans have a universal health care Pennsylvania’s Perry World House, what can return to work. system, but with private doctors and a dual were the keys to this process. Moreover, widespread testing is vital to public-private system that guarantees cov- “In South Korea,” he replied, there is figuring out the real death rate from COV- erage to all. “In Germany, you don’t have to close trust between the government and the ID-19, and for finding a response to blunt be afraid to call in sick,” says Sauerbrey. chaebols (business conglomerates). Busi- the virus if it returns in a second wave. National and state leadership, a solid nesses are more mindful of the national in- So here are the two key important rea- health system and widespread ongoing terest, so they worked together to bend reg- sons Germany has been able to conduct testing _ unburdened by shortages, par- ulations on tests, and compete to produce widespread testing _ while the United tisan politics and a chaotic health system. the best tests and accelerate production. States has faltered until now. Need I say more? “There was much more of a consensus First, political leadership. “Germany And then there is the case of South on what needed to be done, and almost a and the United States both have federal Korea, which has become the global gold worship of science and innovation. An ed- systems,” says Sauerbrey, “but the polari- standard on testing and keeping COV- ucated public understood that a science- sation is not that great here.” Germany’s ID-19 in check. But what I want to write based approach was needed.” minister presidents (the equivalent of about here is Seoul’s success at solving its What Germany and South Korea elected state governors) come from dif- face mask shortage. have done is totally within the capacity ferent parties, but were “able to cooperate After an initial mask crisis, the central of this country. In theory. If this crisis and create a common set of rules,” she ex- government decided to intervene in pro- forces Americans to face up to why we (Tribune News Service) plains. Despite upcoming state elections, duction and distribution, writes E. Tam- are falling behind. Do Genes Contribute To Susceptibility To COVID-19?

There is a need to conduct studies among all population ethnic groups to identify genetic ariationsv associated with COVID-19 severity. A collaborative study is underway in Qatar that involves researchers from Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar University using infrastructure and genomic data provided by Qatar Genome Project

OMAR ALBAGHA a growing number of critical cases among cause changes in the ACE2 receptor mak- not be applicable to European or Middle Doha younger and relatively healthy patients. ing it more difficult for the virus to penetrate Eastern populations. Accordingly, there is The reasons why some people develop a cells leading to a mild disease. However, if a need to conduct studies among all popu- ITH almost 1 million confirmed cases, more severe form of COVID-19 while others changes in the ACE2 receptor allow more lation ethnic groups. To address this need, WCOVID-19 has now spread to almost present little-to-no symptoms are still un- viruses to enter the lung cells, it can lead to a collaborative study is underway in Qatar every corner of the world. This infec- known. One answer might lie in our genes. more severe symptoms. that involves researchers from Hamad Bin tious disease is caused by a new coronavirus Individuals with certain genetic variations in Another way our genes can determine the Khalifa University and Qatar University us- strain known as SARS-CoV-2, which affects their DNA might be better protected where- severity of COVID-19 is by controlling how ing infrastructure and genomic data provid- the respiratory system leading to severe as others succumb to more harmful effects. our immune system fights the virus. Many ed by Qatar Genome Project. acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Com- Indeed, scientists have identified multiple genes are associated with immune response Identification of genetic variations as- mon symptoms include a dry cough, sore genetic variations associated with the severi- to infection. Variations in these genes can sociated with COVID-19 severity could have throat, fever and difficulty breathing. Symp- ty of many viral infections, such as influenza, either enhance or reduce our ability to fight important clinical applications. They could toms vary from person to person, with some AIDS and the SARS outbreak that originated viruses. Examples of these genes include the be used to identify those who might be pro- showing no or very mild signs of infection in China back in 2002. HLA gene complex which are responsible for tected or expected to develop a mild illness whereas others require medical attention. It is worth mentioning that viruses are death. The newly formed viruses will then regulating our immune system. from those at risk of developing serious According to the World Health Organization not living organisms but are instead made invade more healthy cells and the cycle con- As COVID-19 is caused by a newly symptoms. Doing so can greatly improve the (WHO), approximately 80% of cases are of a small amount of genetic material (DNA tinues. The extent of damage caused is deter- emerged virus, studies are urgently needed efficiency of healthcare facilities. Moreover, mild, 15% of patients require hospitalisation, or RNA) protected by a protein coat. These mined by how efficient our immune system to identify the exact genetic variations that these findings could facilitate the discovery and 5% need intensive care. must penetrate living cells to replicate and is in fighting and clearing the virus. determine clinical outcome. These stud- of treatments by advancing our understand- Data from China and Europe indicates cause infection to the host organism. Viruses The SARS-CoV-2 virus specifically tar- ies should be conducted on an appropri- ing of how this virus infects our cells and that the most severe cases of COVID-19 oc- are also selective and usually target certain gets the cells in our lungs, and this selectiv- ate number of patients to allow conclusive identifying targets for designing new drugs. cur among patients aged 60 years and older, types of cells. This selectivity in turn depends ity comes from protein spikes on its surface findings since preliminary data is based on as well as individuals with underlying medi- on their protein coat, which also acts as a key that recognise specific receptors (known as a small number of patients and requires ad- Omar Albagha is a Professor of cal conditions that reduce their ability to to unlocking specific receptors present on ACE2) present on lung cells. One way our ditional confirmation. Additionally, genetic Genomic and Precision Medicine fight the virus. These include diabetes, as host cells. Once inside, the virus hijacks the genes contribute to the variability in disease variations are known to vary from one pop- at the College of Health and Life well as heart, lung and kidney problems. normal cell machinery and uses it to make severity is through genetic variations in our ulation to another. For example, findings Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin More recent reports nevertheless point to thousands of copies of itself resulting in cell DNA. For example, genetic variations can from studies performed in East Asians may Khalifa University (HBKU)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Europe / united States Thursday, April 9, 2020 07

Eu science chief resigns over coronavirus response poland confirms 5,000 cases of novel coronavirus bRUSSElS: The head of the European Research Council has resigned, the EU confirmed on WaRSaW: The number of patients infected with the novel coronavirus in Poland reached the nEWS Wednesday, reportedly in protest at the bloc’s handling of its coronavirus response. 5,000 mark, the country’s health Ministry said on Wednesday. Mauro Ferrari, who only took over as president of the ERC in January, told the Financial as of Wednesday morning, the country had recorded exactly 5,000 confirmed cases of In BrIEF Times he was “extremely disappointed” by the EU’s response to the pandemic, which has hit infection with CoVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, with 136 fatalities in total. Italy and Spain particularly hard. Tuesday marked the largest daily increase in fatalities - at 22 - and the second-largest daily a spokesman for the European Commission, the bloc’s executive that oversees the ERC, increase in total cases of the coronavirus at 435. Poland has so far tested nearly 100,000 confirmed Ferrari had resigned with immediate effect on Tuesday.(AFP) people. (DPA)

Sweden rejects Trump claims US tops 400,000 COVıD-19 over ‘too soft’ virus strategy cases as Trump threatens AFP SToCKholM

SWEDEN on Wednesday re- jected claims by US President Democratic presidential hopefuls former uS vice president Joe to cut WHO fundings Donald Trump that its ap- Biden (left) and Senator Bernie Sanders at CNN Washington proach to containing the coro- Bureau studio, in Washington, recently. (aFP) navirus was too soft and that COVID-19 has now it was “suffering” more than claimed the lives of others. Bernie Sanders ends Stockholm has not im- over 12,000 in the US posed extraordinary lockdown orders seen elsewhere in Eu- his US presidential bid AFP rope to stem the spread of the WaShInGTon virus, which has killed almost AFP delegates who choose the 700 people in the Scandina- WaShInGTon nominee. THE United States on Wednes- vian nation. Sanders ran an intense, day surpassed 400,000 novel Asked at a White House US Senator Bernie Sanders issue-driven campaign, coronavirus cases, according to briefing on Tuesday what ad- suspended his presidential bringing his liberal ideologi- a tally kept by Johns Hopkins vice he would offer to lead- campaign on Wednesday, cal platform -- including a University. ers who were sceptical of clearing the way for rival Joe call for universal health care The pandemic has now social distancing measures, Biden to win the Democratic and a $15 hourly minimum claimed the lives of at least Trump replied: “There aren’t nomination and challenge wage -- into the mainstream. 12,936 people in the United too many of them... They talk incumbent Donald Trump in States, which leads the world in about Sweden, but Sweden is November. Sanders’ dropping out the number of confirmed infec- suffering very gravely.” “I have concluded that tions with 401,116, by the Balti- Instead of a lockdown, this battle for the Demo- of the race clears way more-based school’s count. Sweden has called on citizens cratic nomination will not for Biden vs Trump in The 300,000-case mile- to take responsibility and fol- be successful,” the leftist November vote stone was passed on Saturday. low social distancing guide- Sanders told supporters in a The US death toll is ap- lines and stay home if they livestream announcing he is “Together we have trans- proaching those of hard-hit It- have symptoms, and has also dropping out. formed American conscious- aly with more than 17,000 and banned gatherings of more “Vice president Biden ness as to what kind of nation Spain with more than 14,500. uS president Donald trump during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, in the Brady Briefing room than 50 people and barred vis- will be the nominee,” the we can become, and have President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington, on Wednesday. (aFP) its to nursing homes. 78-year-old added. taken this country a major on Tuesday threatened to cut But primary schools, “I congratulate Joe step forward in the never- US funding to the World Health UN chief calls for unity after Trump slams WHO the crisis, and on Tuesday he shops, cafes, restaurants and Biden, a very decent man, ending struggle for economic Organization, accusing it of accused the World Health Or- bars remain open. who I will work with to move justice, social justice, racial bias toward China during the nEW YoRK: Un Secretary General antonio Guterres on Wednes- ganization of reacting slowly. Foreign Minister Ann our progressive ideas for- justice, and environmental coronavirus pandemic. day said it was not the time to criticise the early response to He questioned why the WHO Linde pushed back against ward.” justice,” Sanders said. Trump told reporters he was the coronavirus pandemic, after US President Donald Trump had given “such a faulty recom- Trump’s claim Sweden was Sanders, who challenged Several US lawmakers “going to put a very powerful attacked the World health organization. mendation,” apparently refer- not doing enough. Hillary Clinton for the party’s have come out in support hold on” funding to WHO, the “once we finally turn the page on this epidemic there must ring to the UN body’s advice “We are doing about the nomination in 2016, mount- of such prescriptions, and UN body whose biggest fund- be a time to look back fully ... but now it is not that time,” against curtailing international same things that many other ed a formidable challenge to Biden himself has shifted ing source is the United States. Guterres said in a statement. “now is the time for unity, for the travel to stop the virus which countries are doing, but in Biden in the 2020 race, be- leftward to incorporate some “We’re going to put a hold on international community to work together in solidarity to stop first spread from China. a different way,” Linde told coming the frontrunner early Sanders policies, although he money spent to the WHO,” said this virus and its shattering consequences.” “They called it wrong. They broadcaster TV4. this year and earning the has stressed he does not sup- Trump, who pursues an ‘Amer- Guterres said the Who “is on the front lines, supporting really missed the call. They most votes in the first three port Sanders’s Medicare for ica First’ agenda and has previ- member states and their societies, especially the most vul- could have called it months ear- state-wide contests. All plan. ously criticised other UN and nerable among them, with guidance, training, equipment and lier,” he said. But he was soon eclipsed Biden tweeted his thanks multilateral agencies. concrete life-saving services.” (AFP) Trump has been widely crit- Finland discovers by a surging Biden, who won to Sanders, hailing him as He gave no details about icised for initially downplaying the vast majority of the re- “a good man, a great leader, how much money would be ending funding,” he added. lier statement on Twitter in the virus, which he likened to an masks bought maining primaries and now and one of the most power- withheld and minutes later dur- According to Trump, the which he accused the WHO of ordinary flu and said was under holds a commanding lead ful voices for change in our ing the same press conference WHO “seems to be very biased being “very China centric.” control in the United States, be- from China not in the all-important race for country.” he said: “I’m not saying I’m toward China. That’s not right.” President Donald Trump fore later accepting that it was a hospital-safe going to do it.” “We will look at His comments built on an ear- has defended his response to national emergency. AFP hElSInKI

TWO million protective masks Spain plans gradual return to purchased by Finland from UK reports new daily record of 938 China have turned out to be normal from end of April unsuitable for use in hospitals, the Finnish government ad- COVID-19 deaths; PM remains in ICU DPA allowed to go shopping for es- mitted on Wednesday. MaDRID sentials at grocery stores but On Tuesday Finland’s DPA but he is breathing with- are otherwise mostly forbidden Health minister Aino-Kaisa Pe- lonDon out any other assistance, the SPAIN, which has been un- from going outside, even to go konen had tweeted a picture of spokesman added. der a lockdown since March for walks or to play sports. the first shipment of two million BRITAIN reported another The prime minister was 15, could slowly see life return The strict restrictions are surgical masks and 230,000 daily record of 938 coronavi- moved to intensive care late to normal by the end of the having an effect, with the num- respirator masks being un- rus-linked deaths on Wednes- Monday, following his admis- month, according to the gov- ber of new infections appearing loaded at Helsinki airport on a day, taking its total to more sion to hospital on Sunday ernment. to have stabilized in recent days. Finnair flight from Guangzhou than 7,000. for tests after he experienced Finance minister and gov- On Wednesday, 757 new in China, saying they would be The health ministry said “persistent symptoms” of the ernment spokeswoman Maria deaths were recorded over the “checked and tested” before use. the total of confirmed infec- novel coronavirus. He report- Jesus Montero said some so- previous 24 hours along with But by Wednesday, offi- tions rose to nearly 61,000 ed his infection with the virus cial distancing measures put more than 6,00 new infections. cials discovered that the face from 282,000 people tested, on March 27. in place to curtail the spread Spain’s Health Ministry masks did not meet the re- but government experts esti- Foreign Secretary Dominic of the novel coronavirus could said the number of new in- quired standards of protection mate that many hundreds of Raab is deputising for John- begin to be lifted after April fections rose by 4 per cent on against the coronavirus for use thousands of people are in- son. 26, when the country’s state of Wednesday, the same as on in medical environments. fected. Government experts esti- emergency is set to expire. Tuesday. At the beginning of “Of course this was a bit US researchers have fore- A coronavirus letter sent to all uK homes by the uK Government is mate that hundreds of thou- Montero told Spanish TV the crisis, the number of new of a disappointment for us,” cast that Britain is likely to re- pictured in Birkenhead, north west England, on Wednesday. (aFP) sands of people are infected channel Antena 3 that citizens infections was climbing by health ministry permanent cord Europe’s highest number with the novel coronavirus, would gradually “regain their more than 20 per cent a day. secretary Kirsi Varhila told a of coronavirus-linked deaths. lowing his infection with novel spokesman said. “He contin- which can cause the respira- normal life” after this date, al- In total, Spain has reported news conference. Meanwhile, British Prime coronavirus, Downing Street ues to be cared for in the inten- tory disease. A forecast by US though there would be “clear just under 146,700 cases of However she said that it Minister Boris Johnson is “re- said on Wednesday. sive care unit at St Thomas’s researchers suggested that instructions” from the govern- COVID-19, putting it only be- would be possible to use the sponding to treatment” and “The prime minister re- Hospital. He’s in good spirits.” Britain is likely to record Eu- ment on how to interact in pub- hind the United States. Spain masks in residential care fa- remains stable in intensive mains clinically stable and is Johnson is still receiving rope’s highest number of coro- lic spaces. has seen more than 14,500 cilities and for carers making care at a London hospital fol- responding to treatment,” a “standard oxygen treatment” navirus-linked deaths. Spaniards are currently deaths. home visits.

Italy’s daily death count falls under US, Britain warn that hackers increasingly use coronavirus bait 600 as infections near 140,000 AFP subject lines like “2020 Coro- Some use email and SMS trusted entities.... Their goals ments to residents, and saying WaShInGTon DPA navirus updates” or “Coro- subject lines like ‘2020 and targets are consistent to click on a link that is then tection Agency said in its bul- navirus outbreak in your with long-standing priorities used to harvest personal and RoME letin. Italy remains the coun- US and British cybersecurity city(Emergency)”, while oth- Coronavirus updates’ or such as espionage and “hack- banking information. try with the highest number of agencies warned on Wednes- ers might offer an attached file ‘Coronavirus outbreak in and-leak” operations.” In ad- A number of phishing ITALY’S daily death toll from Covid-19 fatalities. day that foreign government- with purported updates on na- your city(Emergency)’, dition, the two cybersecurity emails in multiple languages the novel coronavirus epi- The total infections count backed hacking groups are us- tional policies to deal with the while others might of- agencies said, “cybercriminals pretend to come from the demic fell to 542 on Wednes- rose by 3,836, or 2.8 per cent, ing coronavirus themes to ply pandemic, said an alert jointly fer an attached file with are using the pandemic for World Health Organization. day, while the total number of to 139,422, and confirmed It- their way into computers and issued by the US Cybersecurity purported updates on commercial gain, deploying One sent to Italians pur- infections crept up to nearly aly as the world’s third-most- networks. and Infrastructure Agency and national policies to deal a variety of ransomware and ports to be from a senior WHO 140,000. infected country after the The groups are sending Britain’s national Cyber Secu- with the pandemic other malware.” They released doctor and has an attached It was only the second time United States and Spain. phishing emails and setting up rity Center. 2,500 web addresses tied to document detailing “precau- in nearly three weeks that the The number of recovering websites with COVID-19 virus “APT groups are using gence agencies use for hacking the scams, warning that the tions necessary to fight infec- daily fatalities count fell under patients jumped by more than subjects, aiming to lure users the COVID-19 pandemic as operations tied to govern- situation is “fast-moving” so tion.” The attachment intro- 600. On Tuesday it stood at 2,000 in a day, to 26,491. Civil to click on links that will ex- part of their cyber operations, ments in Russia, China, North that the list is not exhaustive. duces a batch file onto the 604, and it peaked at 969 on Protection Agency chief An- pose their computers to pen- they said, referring to the “Ad- Korea and Iran. They gave examples of an computer which opens the March 27. gelo Borrelli said this was “a etration or introduce malware. vanced Persistent Threat” des- “These cyber threat ac- SMS sent to phones in an- way for a bot to permeate the The overall death toll record” since the start of the Some use email and SMS ignation that Western intelli- tors will often masquerade as nouncing coronavirus pay- user’s computer system. reached 17,669, the Civil Pro- epidemic. Huawei’s P40 Pro is now available in Qatar paGE 09

thurSday, aprIl 9, 2020

DOW23,198.03 QE 9,030.45 SENSEX 29,893.96 GOLD 1,650.85 German economy to shrink by nearly +544.17 PTS +50.96 PTS −173.25PTS +0.19% 10% in Q2: Experts paGE 10 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 15.26 BRENT 32.22 +1.10% WTI 24.35 +3.05% SILVER -1.42%

MInIStEr OF COMMErCE and InduStry InSpECtS MallS, rEtaIl OutlEtS In Qatar

Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari on Wednesday toured a number of malls and retail outlets across the country to closely inspect the strategic stock of food products and commodities, assess consumption dynamics and the availability of goods for consumers, citizens and residents, and to monitor the latest developments. the minister was briefed in detail by managers and operators of malls and outlets on the availability of food products, consumer goods and subsidised supplies.

Ooredoo helps firms build corporate QSE on gaining spree ahead of OPEC+ resilience with digital solutions meet, up 51 points SATYENDRA PATHAK Ooredoo supporting businesses in Qatar to develop remote working capabilities Doha

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tomers in their efforts to work campaign, offering custom- QATARI equities edged up Doha efficiently and effectively, ers free bonus data, increased for the fifth trading session Ooredoo Myanmar is acceler- Internet speeds with no extra in a row on Wednesday AS coronavirus (COVID-19) ating the launch of Cisco We- charge and free Ooredoo con- ahead of an OPEC+ meeting continues to impact communi- bex Teams and a Work-From- tent. on output cuts. ties and businesses around the Home internet solution, while Ooredoo Tunisia renamed The Qatar Stock Ex- world, Ooredoo Group is sup- IndosatOoredoo has designed its network to “Stay Home” and change (QSE) main index porting customers across its a special mobile package for Ooredoo Kuwait is running its gained 50.96 points, or 0.57 global footprint with both digi- businesses. online campaign “Be safe. Be percent when the bourse consumer goods sector also tal solutions and relief meas- In the Maldives, Ooredoo is home. Be online.” In Myanmar, closed trading at 9,030.45 made good gains on the day. ures. providing Supernet Business, the company has launched its points on Wednesday. The rise in QSE index Ooredoo teams are working enabling businesses to connect “Stay calm, stay safe, stay con- The volume of shares was also supported by a 0.6 together to share knowledge their employees via high-speed nected” campaign and has at- traded increased to 194.95 percent rise in Qatar Fuel and experiences internationally broadband to work from home. tractive data and voice packs, million from 178.418 mil- and a 1.2 percent gain in to better serve and support cus- This is in addition to provid- enabling everyone to stay con- lion on Tuesday and the Qatar International Islamic tomers. ing private connections so that nected. value of shares increased Bank. With online activity on the teams can securely access their And to help parents and to QR335.633 million from Qatari stocks are on a rise resulting in a steep surge intranet applications and con- students with homeschooling, QR334.397million in the gaining spree since the start in internet usage, Ooredoo has ferencing services. Indosat Ooredoo, Ooredoo previous session. of this trading week. When significantly optimised network Recognising the challeng- Oman and Ooredoo Pales- The Qatari bourse wit- combined with the gains of performance and enhanced in- ing times that businesses are tine have upgraded internet nessed its capitalisation rise 263 points recorded on the ternet speeds, enabling social facing, Ooredoo has launched subscriptions of educational by more than QR3 billion last trading session of the distancing, seamless home- a relief initiative to help cus- institutions. Ooredoo Algeria to reach QR510.4 billion on previous week, the QSE has schooling and access to home tomers affected by COVID-19 has offered its customers free Wednesday. gained over 830 points in the entertainment. ooredoo Group CEo Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al thani in Palestine, Iraq, and Algeria. educational content through Four out of seven sector last five trading sessions. Engineering teams are The initiative increases pay- IQRAA and Lamsa and is cur- indices closed in the green Qatar sold $10 billion in working around the clock to ment flexibility for business rently in talks with iMadrassa zone on the day that saw bonds in tranches of 5, 10, ensure customers can continue customers in these countries, and educational institutions to 24 out of 47 stocks traded and 30 years on Tuesday, the to enjoy the internet despite enabling them to continue explore ways the company can close in the positive territory. first Gulf state to raise cash significant pressure on the net- providing services and keep- support students during the While 19 stocks declined, in the debt markets against works caused by the boom in ing their businesses running confinement period. there was no change in share a backdrop of low oil prices social media usage and video smoothly. Most importantly, frontline prices of the remaining two and market uncertainty consumption. Ooredoo Group’s compa- workers are being rewarded in companies. caused by the coronavirus Ooredoo is also helping nies are also helping minimise many countries where Ooredoo The insurance sector, pandemic. “The overwhelm- businesses build corporate re- the spread COVID-19 by en- operates. Asiacell in Iraq and which gained 4.2 percent, ing response to Qatar’s bond silience, maintain operations couraging employees to work Ooredoo Tunisia have made was the best performing sec- sale in the international debt and ensure business continuity remotely, practicing social dis- substantial donations to sup- tor index for the day. The market shows the country’s with a range of secure and im- ● ooredoo teams are working together to share knowledge tancing in all outlets and offer- port their governments’ fight gain in the insurance sector solid economic fundamen- mersive digital solutions. and experiences internationally to better serve and support ing online support to custom- against COVID-19. was triggered mainly by over tals,” a financial market ana- The company has also tak- customers ers through all available digital In addition, Ooredoo Tuni- 5 percent increase in its main lyst said. en action to ensure the safety of ● ooredoo companies in the Middle East, north africa, and channels. sia has set up a hotline through constituent Qatar Insurance Meanwhile, FocusEco- its employees in different parts Southeast asia are offering customers an enhanced suite of The Group’s compa- which customers can donate Company. Three of the other nomics has said in its latest of the world, making its innova- remote working and digital business offerings that can nies around the world have easily by sending an SMS. constituents of the sector report that stronger energy tive digital solutions available launched a series of informa- Ooredoo Qatar has gifted front also made good gains. output should help keep to them, as well as to businesses enable business continuity tive videos containing useful line heroes with data and min- The industrial sector, Qatar’s economy afloat. Fo- of all sizes striving to keep their ● ooredoo Kuwait has launched its first eShop for business health and safety tips to raise utes for local calls. Ooredoo Ku- which gained over 1 percent, cusEconomics panelists see teams safe and productive re- customers and is ensuring home delivery for orders awareness on how to stay safe wait has provided government also played a vital role in a growth of 0.2 percent in motely. with COVID-19. Ooredoo Alge- teams with free internet packs supporting the main index. 2020 and 3.1 percent for Qa- Ooredoo Group Chief Ex- ria has given free access to the and is using big data analytics The banking sector and the tar in the next year. ecutive Officer Sheikh Saud bin tions, and digital services.” laboration Solution and Oore- Algerian Ministry of Health’s to provide insights on the situ- Nasser al Thani said, “More Ooredoo companies in the doo Conferencing, with Cisco COVID-19 website to keep cus- ation. than ever, we are conscious of Middle East, North Africa, and WebEx Teamsproviding a sim- tomers informed on the latest And in the Maldives, Oore- the fundamental role that tel- Southeast Asia are offering cus- ple, secure and complete set of news. doo is providing free internet ecom companies and technol- tomers an enhanced suite of re- collaboration tools. In Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, support for government insti- ogy play to keep people safe mote working and digital busi- Ooredoo Kuwait has suc- Algeria, Indonesia, and the tutions and other stakeholders Real estate trade reaches and businesses running. As a ness offerings that can enable cessfully launched its first eS- Maldives, Ooredoo is remind- who are part of the national community-based company, business continuity. hop for business customers ing customers to make all emergency response. QR290 mn in one week supporting employees and cus- In Qatar, Ooredoo’s digital and is ensuring home delivery transactions online or using Sheikh Saud said, “Our ut- tomers sits at the core of our business experts are support- for orders. Also, the company the company’s app. Ooredoo most priority at this time will QNA traded for sale has included culture. This is a responsibility ing a wide range of organisa- is currently developing a vide- Kuwait, Indosat Ooredoo and continue to be focused on the Doha vacant lands, houses, multi- we’re taking seriously as we all tions across the country – from oconferencing solution using Ooredoo Maldivesare provid- health and safety of our em- purpose buildings and resi- work through this uncertain SOHOs and SMEs to large en- WebEx, which will be available ing free delivery for SIM cards ployees, customers, partners THE volume of real estate trad- dential building. Sales were time. In line with our vision of terprises, across the public and in the near future to further purchased online. and the communities we serve. ing in sales contracts at the concentrated in, Al Daayen, Al enhancing people’s digital lives private sectors – to develop support customers. To further encourage peo- We’re doing everything we can Ministry of Justice’s Depart- Wakrah, Doha, AL Rayyan, Al and enabling customers to en- remote working capabilities, Ooredoo Oman has provid- ple to stay at home, a number to continue delivering the con- ment of Real Estate Registra- Khor, Al Dakhira and Al She- joy the benefits of the internet, unified communications, and ed upgrades to its business cus- of Ooredoo companies have nectivity and support our cus- tion reached QR290.273 mil- haniya municipalities. our teams around the world are collaboration. tomers’ data services, encour- boosted their network perfor- tomers need during this chal- lion during the one week period The volume of real estate working together as one to en- The company is already aging them to work remotely mance to provide increased in- lenging time and making sure from March 29 to April 1. trading during the period able the communities we serve seeing strong demand for re- using digital platforms such as ternet speeds to customers. that everyone can stay con- The weekly bulletin issued from March 22 to March 26 by providing much-needed re- mote working solutions, such Skype for Business. Ooredoo Qatar launched nected through our advanced by the department shows that was worth more than QR 251 lief measures, innovative solu- as the Ooredoo Business Col- To support business cus- its #StayAtHomeWithOoredoo networks around the world.” the list of real estate properties million. Economy & Business Thursday, April 9, 2020 09

Workers facing QICCA receives arbitration proceedings electronically

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK bitration proceedings during Center from companies, busi- Sheikh Thani expressed worst crisis since Doha April, noting that the center nesses, transport companies, his hope that the virus that follow other files such as re- contractors, insurance, and hit world countries would end QATAR International Center sponding to inquiries and national and foreign law of- and that the economic activ- WWII amid for Conciliation and Arbi- contacting with parties to fices. ity would return to its usual tration (QICCA) at Qatar settle the existing arbitration Sheikh Thani pointed out pace. Chamber said on Wednesday proceedings the within the that remote communication QICCA would benefit from that all the center’s activities specified time. through video conference this crisis by using electronic pandemic: UN would usually run through He noted that QICCA has matched legal requirements, communication channels and online system as a commit- been using modern technolo- affirming that all proceedings modern technology applica- ment to the instructions of gies such as receiving new ar- are being conducted through tions to record arbitration AFP upper-middle income coun- the Ministry of Health in bitration applications online closed TV channels that en- cases, select arbitrators, form GEnEVa tries. combating COVID-19. through e-mails and conduct- sure confidence, maintain the arbitral tribunal, conduct “This far exceeds the ef- QICCA’s board mem- ing remote arbitration ses- corporate trade secrets, and hearings, exchange notes, SOME 1.25 billion workers fects of the 2008-9 financial ber for international rela- sions. Sheikh thani bin Ali al thani allow for deliberation among make pleadings, and finally are seeing their livelihoods crisis,” it said. tions Sheikh Thani bin Ali al He also said that the cen- arbitration members before issue and send the final award threatened by the COVID-19 And it cautioned that the Thani said in a statement he tre sought to use modern cilitating arbitration services issuing the final arbitration to all parties electronically, he pandemic, the United Na- number of people added to received a myriad of new ar- applications with view to fa- and those working with the award. added. tions said on Tuesday, warn- the world’s unemployment ing it was the “worst global rolls this year due to the pan- crisis” since World War II. demic was now expected to In a fresh study, the Inter- be “significantly higher” than national Labour Organization the 25 million it projected warned that the global spread just two weeks ago. of the new coronavirus and That comes on top of the the drastic measures taken nearly 190 million people Global trade will plunge by to rein in the disease would, registered as jobless in 2019, during the second quarter of prior to the pandemic, it said. 2020 alone, wipe out 6.7 per- “During the past two cent of working hours glob- weeks, the COVID-19 pan- ally. demic has intensified and ex- up to a third in 2020: WtO That is equivalent to 195 panded in terms of its global million full-time workers, the reach, with huge impacts on UN agency pointed out. public health and unprec- ‘COVID-19 has completely upended the global economy and with it international trade’ : WTO chief Roberto Azevedo The study comes as the edented shocks to economies number of cases of the new and labour markets,” the AFP coronavirus, which first study said. GEnEVa emerged in China late last “It is the worst global cri- year, soared past 1.35 million sis since the Second World GLOBAL trade could plum- worldwide, including more War.” met by a third this year due than 75,500 deaths, accord- ILO said that a full 1.25 to the coronavirus pandemic, ing to a tally compiled by AFP billion workers were current- the World Trade Organization from official sources. ly employed in sectors iden- said on Wednesday, warning The report found that tified as being at high risk of the deepest recession “of our the Asia Pacific region would “drastic and devastating” in- lifetimes” could be on the ho- see the greatest loss in hours creases in layoffs and cuts in rizon. worked, with the equivalent wage and working hours. “COVID-19 has completely of 125 million full-time jobs Many of these people “are upended the global econo- obliterated there over the in low-paid, low-skilled jobs, my and with it international next three months. where a sudden loss of in- trade,” WTO chief Roberto “The pandemic is having come is devastating,” it said. Azevedo told reporters in a very serious consequences for At the same time, some virtual briefing from Geneva. the world of work,” ILO chief two billion people worldwide The global trade body was Guy Ryder told reporters in a work in the informal sector, projecting that “trade in 2020 virtual briefing. mainly in poorer countries, will fall steeply in every region “Just over four out of and “are particularly at risk,” of the world, and basically every five workers live in a ILO said. across all sectors of the econ- country where partial or total “Workers and businesses omy,” he said. lockdowns are in operation,” are facing catastrophe, in The WTO acknowledged he pointed out, with a full 81 both developed and develop- that there was huge uncertain- percent of the global work- ing economies,” Ryder said in ty around how the economic force of 3.3 billion people a statement. crisis around the pandemic, now affected. “We have to move fast, which has infected more than The agency said it ex- decisively, and together. 1.4 million people globally and pected there would be “huge The right, urgent, measures, killed nearly 83,000, would losses” across all different could make the difference be- unfold. Vendors take physical distance from one another at the Nakasero market in Kampala, uganda on tuesday. (aFP) income groups, especially in tween survival and collapse.” Stressing that the situa- tion was first and foremost a That outlook points to a by 40 and 36 percent respec- Trade tensions, uncer- China late last year. health crisis, Azevedo warned sharp drop in trade followed tively, while Europe and South tainty and slowing economic The WTO said that while that “the unavoidable de- by a recovery starting in the America could see declines growth weighed on global the global shock might invite clines in trade and output will second half of 2020. of more than 30 percent, the merchandise trade, which reg- comparisons to the financial have painful consequences “If the pandemic is brought WTO said. istered a slight decline of 0.1 crisis of 2008-2009, the situ- for households and business- under control relatively soon, “These numbers are ugly,” percent in 2019 after rising 2.9 ation now was worse. es, on top of the human suf- and the right policies are in Azevedo acknowledged. percent a year earlier. Governments around fering caused by the disease place, trade and output could “There is no way around that.” The dollar value of world the world have taken radical itself.” rebound nearly to their pre- The downturn “may well merchandise exports fell by measures to try to halt the WTO presented two sce- pandemic trajectory as early be the deepest economic re- three percent to $18.89 tril- spread of the deadly virus, narios that it deemed “plau- as 2021, regardless of how cession or downturn of our lion, the WTO said. including closing schools and sible”, depending on how steep the initial fall is,” Azeve- lifetimes”, he said, calling on World commercial servic- public spaces and asking more quickly the pandemic was do said. But he warned that “if governments to “make the es trade fared better last year, than half of humanity to re- conquered and the measures the pandemic is not brought most of all potential drivers of with exports in dollar terms main at home. governments put in place to under control and govern- sustainable growth to reverse rising by two percent to $6.03 “Restrictions on move- dampen the blow. ments fail to implement and this situation.” trillion, but the expansion was ment and social distancing “In an optimistic scenario, coordinate effective policy re- In its main annual fore- far slower than in 2018, when to slow the spread of the dis- our economists see the volume sponses, the decline could be cast, the 164-member WTO services trade increased by ease mean that labour supply, of global merchandise trade 32 percent, or even more.” pointed out that trade had al- nine percent, said the WTO. transport and travel are today people wear face masks as they line up to get their unemployment falling by 13 percent this year North America and Asia ready been slowing in 2019, However, the situation has directly affected in ways they insurance outside the unemployment Funds Administration Society compared to 2019,” Azevedo would be hardest-hit and before the emergence of the taken a dramatic turn since were not during the financial headquarters in Santiago recently. (aFP) said. could see their exports plunge novel coronavirus. COVID-19 first emerged in crisis,” it said.

tOp FEaturES Huawei’s long-awaited P40 Pro smartphone with powerful 5G is now available in Qatar

TRIBUNE NEWS NEWTORK from the rim of a full cup. In speed of 2400Mbps. Meanwhile, the SuperSens- Snap, uses AI algorithms to Doha addition to a borderless look, In terms of the camera, the ing SuperZoom lens system pick the best postures and fa- slim bezels and streamlined Huawei P40 Pro comes with of prism and precision-engi- cial expressions, while AI Re- HUAWEI recently announced round corners also allow for the Ultra-Vision Leica Quad neered zoom components sup- move Passerby and AI Remove the long awaited Huawei P40 a more ergonomic hold. De- Camera setup with the Huawei port 5x optical zoom and 50X Reflection, allow to remove Pro complete with a unique de- sign innovations also include Ultra Vision Wide Camera sen- digital zoom for a more refined unwanted passerby and glare sign, powerful 5G capabilities a refractive matte finish of sil- zooming experience. This is from reflections. and an advanced Ultra Vision ver frost and a glossy finish of The smartphone is available further complemented by OIS The Huawei P40 Pro comes Leica camera system, along black. and AIS stabilization. Addi- with a large capacity battery with features that are built to The Huawei P40 Pro is in black and silver frost tional features also include Ul- of 4200 mAh for all-day per- give an ultimate 5G perfor- powered by the Kirin 990 5G across all Huawei online tra Slow-Motion video at 7680 formance along with support mance for every kind of user. chipset which delivers inte- platforms and certified fps, while the Ultra-Wide Cine for TÜV Rheinland safety-cer- The smartphone is avail- grated 5G connectivity with retailers in Qatar for camera allows for 4K UHD tified Huawei Wired 40W Su- able in black and silver frost comprehensive 5G band sup- QR3,499, Huawei said in a time-lapse videos. perCharge and Huawei’s fast across all Huawei online plat- port along with robust AI statement on Wednesday The front dual camera set- wireless SuperCharge technol- forms and certified retailers performance and power effi- up consists of a 32MP AF Cam- ogy. in Qatar for QR3,499, Huawei ciency. It provides support for era and the depth sensing cam- The Huawei P40 Pro comes said in a statement on Wednes- 2G/ 3G/ 4G and 5G networks sor, measuring 1/ 1.28 inches, era, which is perfect for selfies, with Huawei Mobile Services day. in both 5G Non-Standalone one of the largest smartphone groupfies and even bokeh ef- and Huawei AppGallery. One Equipped with the Huawei (NSA) and Standalone (SA) camera sensors in the indus- fects and can also record 4K of the top 3 app marketplaces Quad-Curve Overflow Display, modes. The Huawei P40 Pro try. The camera setup consists UHD videos with crisp details. globally, it comes with a wide the Huawei P40 Pro is inspired also supports WiFi 6 Plus for of a 50MP Ultra Vision Wide Innovative camera features in- range of global and local apps by the art of motion, curving 160MHz bandwidth and ad- Camera, a 40MP Ultra-Wide clude Audio Zoom that allows and is available in more than the display along all four edges vanced 1024-QAM modulation Cine Camera, a 12MP 5x Op- users to amplify the audio of a 170 countries/ regions with for a shape that is reminiscent to achieve the industry-leading tical Telephoto Camera and a subject by zooming into them 400 million monthly active us- of water almost overflowing peak theoretical transmission ToF Camera. during recording. AI Golden ers globally. 10 Thursday, April 9, 2020 Economy & Business WeWork sues Japan’s SoftBank for backing out of $3 bn deal

AFP up the finances of the strug- the move after it had “received The lawsuit filed in a US The deal also would al- ceed with the share purchase, events at troubled WeWork, WaShInGTon gling sharing-economy giant. most of the benefits” under the court in Delaware came just locate some $450 million to known as a tender offer. once hailed as a shining uni- WeWork’s board of di- deal, including control of We- days after SoftBank said it current or former WeWork “Nothing in the special corn valued at $47 billion. OFFICE-SHARING giant rectors called the SoftBank Work’s board. was backing out of the plan employees who have equity in committee’s filing today credi- Things began to unravel WeWork on Tuesday sued action “a clear breach of its WeWork is asking the to purchase WeWork shares the group. bly refutes SoftBank’s decision last year as WeWork lost cash SoftBank claiming the Japan- contractual obligations” un- court to force SoftBank to live to shore up the finances of A WeWork board special to terminate the tender offer,” and cancelled its share offer- based technology investment der an agreement between the up to the agreement or pay the struggling sharing-econ- committee said it “regrets the a SoftBank spokesperson said ing, with Neumann pushed group breached its contractual two firms last year as well as a damages. fact that SoftBank continues in an email. out -- albeit with a generous obligations by backing out of a breach of SoftBank’s fiduciary Last week, SoftBank said omy giant to put its own interests ahead “Their filing today is a des- package. $3 billion rescue plan. obligations to the firm’s cur- it was terminating the agree- of those of WeWork’s minority perate and misguided attempt The tender offer would The lawsuit filed in a US rent and former employees ment, claiming WeWork failed ing WeWork and its co-found- stockholders.” now to rewrite that agreement have most benefited Neu- court in Delaware came just who were to sell their equity. to live up to its obligations and er Adam Neumann. SoftBank said in a state- and to rewrite the history of mann, his family, and major days after SoftBank said it was The complaint alleges Soft- cited “multiple, new, and sig- Neumann was to have re- ment it would “vigorously the past six months.” institutional stockholders like backing out of the plan to pur- Bank yielded to pressure from nificant pending criminal and ceived an estimated $1 billion defend” its position that it The move by SoftBank Benchmark Capital, SoftBank chase WeWork shares to shore “activist investors” and made civil investigations” surround- from the SoftBank investment. has no legal obligation to pro- marked a dramatic turn of has said.

Samsung expects profit rise on Covid-19 demand AFP point. SEoUl “We are also seeing a hike in demand for lap- SAMSUNG Electronics ex- tops because we have many pects higher first-quarter companies that are not fully profits, it said on Tuesday, ready for working digitally.” as millions of people work- Samsung Electronics ing from home in coronavi- is crucial to South Korea’s rus lockdowns turn to cloud economic health. data services, pushing up It is the flagship subsid- demand for its chips. iary of the giant Samsung The pandemic is wreak- group, by far the largest of ing havoc across the global the family-controlled con- economy -- Samsung itself glomerates known as chae- had operations suspended bols that dominate business at 11 overseas assembly in the world’s 12th-largest lines as of Tuesday -- and is economy. widely expected to cause a Shares in the firm recession. closed up 1.8 percent Tues- Looking forward, ana- day, having fallen nearly 20 lysts expect the firm’s percent from a record high smartphone and consumer in January amid concerns electronics businesses will over the coronavirus pan- be buffeted by the resulting demic and its economic re- falls in consumer demand. percussions. But initially, changing - Global recession -But behaviour patterns among the wider picture for the the vast numbers of peo- firm is more mixed as Fitch ple forced to stay at home Ratings forecast the global around the world have gen- economy to contract 1.9 erated a silver lining for the percent this year, with a 3.3 one of Berlin’s tourist spots, offering balloon rides and trabant (east Germany’s iconic car) rentals looks empty on Wednesday. (aFP) world’s biggest smartphone percent tightening in the and memory chip maker. United States, triggering In the first three layoffs and dampening con- months, operating profits sumer demand. inched up 2.7 percent from Samsung had pinned its 2019 to around 6.4 trillion hopes for 2020 on a rollout German economy to shrink won ($5.2 billion), Sam- of its new 5G and premium sung Electronics forecast in smartphones including its an earnings estimate. new folding Galaxy Z flip The figure was ahead phone, hoping they would of expectations, and was boost purchases. by nearly 10% in Q2: Experts based on sales of 55 trillion But an industry source won, up five percent year- who asked not to be named on-year. said increasing uncertainty “There has been high going into the second quar- The pandemic will trigger a serious recession in Germany, the six think tanks including Ifo, DIW and RWI said demand for memory chips ter would “exacerbate trou- for data servers as an in- bles”. AFP nancial crisis and marks the ple at home, closing schools driver of the country’s growth creasing number of peo- Global smartphone FRanKFURT aM MaIn steepest fall since the insti- and shops and shutting down via domestic consumption. ple are now working from sales dropped 14 percent tutes’ records began in 1970, factories. Unemployment could home due to the outbreak,” in February year-on-year THE German economy, Eu- the report noted. Berlin has unveiled an climb to 5.9 percent report said Tom Kang, an analyst with China seeing nearly rope’s biggest, is expected to Over the full year, Germa- eye-watering 1.1 trillion euro this year, the institutes said. at Hong Kong-based mar- a 40-percent decrease, ac- shrink by nearly 10 percent in ny’s economy is predicted to Shutdown rescue package to cushion The number of workers ket researcher Counter- cording to Counterpoint. the second quarter as the cor- contract by 4.2 percent. the blow for companies and on shorter hours meanwhile onavirus paralyses the coun- Their forecast is in line pain employees, even suspending is expected to hit 2.4 mil- try, leading research insti- with German Economy Min- a constitutional balanced- lion, as giants like Lufthansa, tutes warned on Wednesday. ister Peter Altmaier’s recent Gross domestic product likely budget rule to ramp up its re- Volkswagen, BMW and Puma “The corona pandemic assessment that the economy contracted by 1.9 percent in sponse. The package includes join a slew of companies tak- will trigger a serious reces- would contract by around the first three months of state guarantees for loans to ing up a government scheme sion in Germany,” the six five percent in 2020. 2020, and is set to shrink by businesses, easier access to that tops up the pay of affect- think tanks including Ifo, Germany’s “Wise Men” a whopping 9.8 percent benefits for workers placed ed employees. DIW and RWI said in their council of economic experts year-on-year in the second on reduced hours, and direct Looking ahead, the in- annual spring report. last week issued a similar quarter as companies feel the support for the hardest-hit stitutes said Germany with Gross domestic product forecast, predicting a drop in pain from widespread firms. its bulging state coffers was likely contracted by 1.9 per- GDP of between 2.8 and 5.4 shutdowns But even with the unprec- “well positioned” to cope cent in the first three months percent this year. edented measures, the six with the economic slump and of 2020, and is set to shrink “After 10 years of growth institutes warned that the should bounce back in “the by a whopping 9.8 percent we will experience a reces- movements “for the protec- recession “would leave its medium term”. year-on-year in the second sion this year,” Altmaier said tion of lives and health” can mark” on the job market. For 2021, the institutes quarter as companies feel the in response to Tuesday’s re- be scaled back. Germany has long en- expect Germany to notch up pain from widespread shut- port. Like countries around the joyed record-low unemploy- growth of 5.8 percent. downs. He warned that the pace world, the German govern- ment of around five percent, The German government A man walks past an advertisement for the Samsung Galaxy The second-quarter of the economic recovery ment has taken drastic steps and German workers with will unveil its official pro- S20 5G smartphone in Seoul. (aFP) plunge is twice as big as seen would depend on when the to stem the spread of the vi- their relatively high wages jections for the economy on during the 2008-2009 fi- measures to restrict people’s rus, keeping millions of peo- have for years been a key April 29. EU nations battle to bridge bitter split over ‘coronabonds’

AFP ference dragged on for over would not take for granted that Europe protects them,” said rious response tailored to the bRUSSElS 15 hours from Tuesday into there will be a deal,” a European Centeno, who is also Portugal’s crisis we are living through,” Wednesday, with Italy and source said as dawn broke over finance minister. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe EU finance ministers were Spain pleading for a solidarity Brussels. Ministers must “make a Conte argued on Monday. mired in marathon talks on fund that would be paid for by Berlin and its allies are in- clear commitment for a coor- Influential France backs Wednesday unable to bridge European partners jointly bor- sisting that any European res- dinated and sizable recovery Italy and Spain and insists the differences on how to rebuild rowing money on the financial cue should use the eurozone’s plan,” he said. On Monday, Ger- economic destruction caused their economies after the coro- markets. 410-billion-euro ($443-billion) man Chancellor Angela Merkel by COVID-19 demands a new navirus, with a North versus Sometimes called “coro- bailout fund, as well as wait to reiterated her government’s po- way of thinking in Europe, and South split on burden-sharing nabonds”, this proposal is be- see the effects of the massive sition in favour of activating the wants member countries to for hard-hit countries. ing firmly resisted by Germany, monetary stimulus already un- European Stability Mechanism help each other in unprecedent- The European economy has the Netherlands and other rich leashed by the European Cen- (ESM) bailout fund to help ed ways. been battered by the pandemic countries who see it as an at- tral Bank. countries that need it. Italy is refusing recourse to as national governments im- tempt by the indebted south to Eurogroup chief Mario Cen- A man wearing protective face masks walks in front of the European But she pointedly did not the ESM, which was created in pose strict lockdowns that have unfairly take advantage of the teno is tasked with finding a Commission building in Brussels on Wednesday. (aFP) mention shared borrowing such 2012 during the eurozone debt closed businesses and put nor- north’s fiscal discipline. compromise in a fight that has as coronabonds or eurobonds, crisis when states like Greece no mal life on hold. “All I can say is that there revived the bitter acrimony that zone debt crisis a decade ago. for business as usual policies. angering Rome. longer had access to borrowing The ministers’ video con- is no deal at the moment and I split Europe during the euro- “We all know this is not time We must show our citizens that “Eurobonds represent a se- on the markets. Smith hopes for Ipl action ‘at some stage’ thurSday, aprIl 9, 2020 paGE 13 Qatari football clubs’ coaches following up on players’ training

QNA team’s medical staff. The player had of players.” focused significantly on the physical Doha sustained the injury during Al Sadd’s He expressed hope that the play- aspects in order to help players main- Qatar Clasico against Al Rayyan in ers would be able to resume their tain their fitness during the current REIGNING QNB Stars League Week 17 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars ground training soon as home-based stoppage of tournaments forced by champions Al Sadd have an- League, which the latter won by a 1-0 exercises alone would not be enough. the outbreak of COVID 19. nounced that the club’s Spanish margin. Ali Amin expressed his satisfac- Al Mannai said, “There’s pre- coach Xavi Hernandez was keenly Tarek is expected to be ready tion over Umm Salal’s recent results cise follow-up to the performance of following up on the players as they by next week and undergo the team in the 2019-20 season QNB Stars each player separately and there are train at home in order to maintain training sessions. League before the stoppage. devices that have been distributed to their physical fitness during the QNB Stars League side Umm “Despite the difficult circum- the players to follow them remotely current stoppage of tournaments Salal players also continued their stances that Umm Salal had during according to the instructions of QSL, as part of the measures being taken training at home under the super- the beginning of the season, we are and that training was done regularly by the State of Qatar to limit the vision of Moroccan coach Aziz Ben satisfied with the foreign players and and according to a specific schedule.” spread of coronavirus. Askar and fitness trainer. professionals. We’re also happy with He pointed out that Al Sailiya The club’s official website said Umm Salal players are training the appointment of coach Ben Askar, were suffering from the absence of Xavi had entrusted the team’s physi- at specific times with the help of cus- whom we consider as one of our big- Iranian professional player Karim cal trainer Evan Torres with the task tomised devices as they aim to be on gest gains this season as he has proved Ansari to an injury and that he was of defining a physical programme top of their readiness ahead of the re- his mettle as a coach. now on the path of recovery. for the players, in mornings and eve- sumption of matches. QNB Stars League team Al The Al Sailiya official stressed nings, with an aim to prepare them Umm Salal Sports Club official Sailiya’s Football Director Walid al that it was important for everyone to well in the current period. Ali Amin hailed the commitment Mannai said their players were stay- jointly deal with the current situation Torres communicates with the being shown by all players towards ing fully committed towards the im- by co-operating fully with the Qatar Al Sadd player players on a daily basis as they the training programmes under the plementation of distance training Football Association and QSL for the tarek Salman is on practise individually at their re- supervision of Ben Askar and fit- programme developed for them by safety and health of everyone, espe- road to recovery. spective homes. ness coach. technical staff and fitness coaches in cially since the Football Family is very Meanwhile, defender Tarek Sal- He said, “Everyone is committed co-ordination with the Qatar Stars much part of the society in which we man is recuperating from a knee in- to the measures taken by the Qatar League (QSL). live, and we must do our part towards jury under the supervision of the first Stars League for the health and safety He insisted that such exercises the society. Bundesliga stars glad to train again, even with social distancing

AFP ed post-training snacks in a box Christopher Lenz was just as bERlIn to eat at home. happy to have team-mates to In Wolfsburg, the play- pass to again and “have a real WEARING gloves for hygienic ers trained wearing gloves ball” at his feet. reasons and observing social despite warm spring tem- “I missed the boys. The distancing on the pitch are peratures. PlayStation had been my among the challenges facing “For hygienic reasons, best friend”. Qatar’s high jump world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim on way Bundesliga footballers back in we have to wear gloves, even After weeks of training in- to winning gold during the IAAF Doha Worlds 2019 at the Khalifa training this week amid hopes though it’s 22 degrees (Celsi- dividually, or in online groups International Stadium. the league could resume next us),” said forward Maximilian like Bayern did, most players month. Arnold. were pleased to be back on a World Athletics Championships Most of the 18 clubs in Ger- “Of course it’s necessary, pitch, despite the new hygiene many’s top flight returned to but also a bit funny.” Tackling measures. moved to July 2022 their clubs on Monday, albeit in and close-quarter challenges “It’s a nice feeling” to “play small groups with limited con- for the ball are frowned upon a bit of football and see the col- QNA pionships will conclude. tact to meet health guidelines at all outfits. leagues again,” Fortuna Dues- MonaCo The World Athletics due to the coronavirus. “I would love to tackle, seldorf forward Rouwen Hen- Council said the date had League matches in Germa- but I can’t do that now,” said nings said. THE World Athletics Cham- been agreed after consulta- ny have been suspended since Hoffenheim defender Havard “Of course you can’t put pionships have been resched- tions with Birmingham 2022 March 13. Nordtveit. in hard tackles or challenges, uled for July 14-24 in 2022, organisers, and will “prevent The German Football Previous weeks at home, in but I think it’s quite well regu- narrowly avoiding a clash a direct conflict between any League (DFL) is in talks with Head coach David Wagner of German Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04 many cases filled by hours on lated for the here and now.” In with the Commonwealth of these major events”. the clubs and authorities about watches his players from a platform during a training session at the the PlayStation games console, Gelsenkirchen, Schalke coach Games in Birmingham. “This will be a bonanza the Bundesliga resuming club’s training ground in Gelsenkirchen on tuesday. (aFP) had left a toll. David Wagner said his squad The World Champion- for athletics fans around the on May 2, but with matches were happy to be put through ships in the city of Eugene, world,” said World Athletics played in front of empty ter- the era of social distancing. training pitch. ‘Well regulated’ their paces. Oregon were originally due President Sebastian Coe in a races and fans locked out while Defending champions “It was a very unusual feel- “My ball control was never “The fitness coaches can re- to take place in August next statement. public events remain banned Bayern Munich, who were ing to train in small groups,” perfect, but you can tell that ally let off steam, and the boys year, but have been moved “We would not have in the country. four points clear when the admitted Bayern captain Ma- a few team-mates have not are up for it too,” said the for- due to the postponement of chosen to have three major A decision about when the league was halted, were typi- nuel Neuer with a maximum trained with the ball for three mer Huddersfield boss. 2020 Tokyo Olympics and championships back-to-back competition can resume is ex- cal of sides in holding sessions of five players per group per- weeks,” Nordtveit added. “Anything is better than Paralympics. but it will give us a unique pected on April 17, which could in small groups. mitted at their state-of-the-art “The most important thing, running alone through the The Commonwealth opportunity to promote our make it the first of Europe’s top Contact is kept to a mini- training complex. is to keep working on our fitness forest.” However, players Games are scheduled to start sport and its stars around the leagues to return. mum with hugs of greeting and Like most other clubs, Bay- now and be ready” should the training in small groups offers on 27 July, just three days af- globe over a six-week period.” Meanwhile, the league’s handshakes banned and players ern’s squad members were told season resume. an extra advantage for eagle- ter the World Athletics Cham- Coe added. stars are adjusting to training in staying 1.5m apart, even on the to shower elsewhere and hand- In Berlin, Union defender eyed coaches. Mourinho apologises for breaking beIN SPORTS to air brand new programme world-leading archives to keep living exciting fixtures from the ‘Games Not To Forget’ viewers and fans at home en- biggest tournaments in world social-distancing rules in training to delight viewers with tertained and on the edge of football starting from West most exciting moments their seats with a brand new Germany’s historic win over DPA/AFP paper, watch the internet and of football program “Games Not to For- the Netherlands in 1974 all the lonDon think, well if it’s OK for them, get” – produced using the lat- way to France’s empathic vic- why isn’t it OK for me?” he said. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK est remote production technol- tory in the 2018 FIFA World TOTTENHAM manager Jose I accept that my actions The Premier League has Doha ogy to bring viewers the very Cup in Russia. Mourinho has apologised after been suspended since mid- best content whilst removing Last week, beIN SPORTS he was spotted taking a train- were not in line with March due to the spread of AS families across the region unnecessary risks and keeping announced, for the very first ing session with three first-team government protocol COVID-19. adjust to life at home for the employees safe. time, the chance for viewers players on Tuesday, breaking and we must only have The British government foreseeable future, beIN, the to run the biggest TV network social-distancing rules during contact with members has introduced a strict series of leading global sports and en- in the world by voting for their the Covid-19 pandemic. of our own household measures to prevent the spread tertainment network, will favourite football match from a The Portuguese was pic- of the virus and Tottenham broadcast memorable sport- shortlist curated by beIN stars tured working with Tanguy tottenham Hotspur’s portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho. have reminded players of their ing events and brand new pro- “Games Not to Forget” will such as Mohammed Abutrika. Ndombele, Davinson Sanchez responsibilities. grams for its viewers and fans host beIN guests and analysts Those who want to vote can and Ryan Sessegnon in a Lon- ment advice in order to support “We shall continue to rein- The club said last week they across the Middle East and as they relive incredible match- visit the official beIN SPORTS don park. our heroes in the NHS and save force this message.” would be using the govern- North Africa (MENA). es from the FIFA World Cup, Twitter account (@beINS- “I accept that my actions lives.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan ment’s furlough financial assis- A feast of football will be UEFA Champions League, Afri- PORTS) where a poll will be pre- were not in line with govern- Tottenham had earlier re- told the BBC the players and tance programme for non-play- on offer every Friday and Sat- ca Cup of Nations (AFCON) and pared every day with 4 different ment protocol and we must only minded all its players to respect Mourinho should be leading by ing staff, a move that was seen urday from 20:00 to 20:30 other thrilling tournaments. matches on the daily program have contact with members of social-distancing rules. example. as controversial and attracted a Mecca Time (GMT +3) on beIN On Friday 10 April, beIN “Allo beIN” – and the match our own household,” Mourinho “All of our players have “My concern is people, par- lot of criticism. SPORTS HD1 as star presenter SPORTS HD1 will showcase with the highest vote will be said in a statement cited by UK been reminded to respect social ticularly children, who might All football has been sus- Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari a full day of FIFA World Cup shown on beIN SPORTS HD1 at newspapers. “It is vital we all distancing when exercising out- support Spurs or follow football pended in the UK until at will delve into beIN SPORTS’s historic matches and films: re- 22:30 Mecca Time (GMT +3). play our part and follow govern- doors,” the club said. may see these images, pick up a least May. 12 Thursday, April 9, 2020 Sports Paris Saint-Germain Academy Qatar keeps local football community engaged with remote programme

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK “We totally understand the govern- come this challenge.” About the PSG Doha ment decision. After a few minutes of Academy plan for the upcoming surprise we directly started putting a weeks and months, he said, “Over IN this period of lockdown, the Paris plan to support our 1000 members the next weeks we will continue to Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy Qa- and the youth in Qatar.” On how they enrich our programs, to run our live tar has been working hard to build managed to put together this remote sessions every Thursday and sup- up a high-quality remote program program so quickly, he explained: port the football fans. Every week to give their 1000 players and all the “All the coaches have been mobilised we can see how happy the kids are football fans in Doha the opportunity from day one to build a program by when they reach the football field to stay active. taking into consideration all the pa- and we can imagine how frustrat- Twice a week the Paris Saint-Ger- rameters and constraints such as the ing can be that period for all them. main Academy Qatar release on their space or equipment. So it’s part of our role and mission Youtube channel a 30 to 45 minutes The idea was to come up with a to keep working hard and try to fill program adapted to any ages, skills session easy to implement and open their day with engaging content.” levels and space constraint. to anyone wherever you are and On his advice for all the young From nutrition tips, warm up, whatever is your level. football fans in Doha, Kloseck said, ball mastery to fitness, the partici- We are lucky to be supported in “Stay safe, Stay home and practice pants can enjoy a professional ses- this by the main Paris Saint-Ger- the Paris Saint-Germain Academy sion and keep progressing while stay- main youth academy, as remote program to keep progressing. ing home. well as Didier Domi, a We miss all of you and we hope to see In addition to the remote pro- former Paris Saint- you soon on the field.” gram and to maintain a strong level Germain player Launched in January 2019, the of engagement with the local com- part of our team Paris Saint-Germain Academy Qa- munity, Paris Saint-Germain Acad- paris Saint-Germain Chairman Nasser al Khelaifi with the academy boys during one of his visits. and bringing his tar became in a few month one of emy Qatar delivers a Facebook live experience to over- the biggest football programmes in training session on every Thursday to put our expertise and knowledge coaches’ team for their amazing work or at the office since we Qatar with 1000 players -- boys at 4pm. at the service of the youth during this over the last 3 weeks. are more use to being and girls from 5 to 17 years split Those programmes will be run difficult period. We are here to sup- We will keep working hard in or- on the field but overall over four training locations in at least until end of May and might port the local community by provid- der to continue to deliver our remote everything is fine. It’s the country (Education City – be extended all over the summer ac- ing them with the appropriate tools training programs until the situation a tough time but I’m Lusail – Wakrah – Al Khor). cording to the health situation. to keep their children active. gets better.” sure we will find posi- Fabien Dilem, General Manager I really want to thank Cyril Speaking about their daily work tive impacts in it.” On Cyril Kloseck, technical Direc- of the Paris Saint-Germain Regional Kloseck our Technical Director, Di- is since March 10, Kloseck said, “It’s the decision to close the tor, and Didier Domi, General Office in Doha said: “As a major foot- dier Domi former PSG player and been a bit challenging for the team sports academy due to Manager paris Saint-Germain ball club it is part of our commitment Technical Advisor, and the entire to reorganise work by staying home the pandemic, he said. regional office, Doha.

Leverkusen sign Neymar will always be welcome keeper Grill from Kaiserslautern at Barcelona, says Suarez DPA bERlIn AFP baRCElona BAYER Leverkusen have signed Germany under-21 NEYMAR “will always be wel- goalkeeper Lennart Grill from come” back at Barcelona, the third division Kaiserslautern, Spanish giants’ striker Luis Su- the Bundesliga club said arez told Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday. Wednesday. The 21-year-old moves for Neymar left Barca in a an undisclosed fee and agreed Germany’s former Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber. world record move to Paris a deal to 2024 with Leverkus- Saint-Germain in 2017 but en from next season. has been persistently linked “It is a signing with a [long- German star Kerber to a possible return to the term] perspective, Lennart has Camp Nou. a lot of potential to develop,” Suarez told the paper: said Leverkusen sporting di- can imagine tennis “Everybody knows ‘Ney’, we all rector Simon Rolfes. “We are know the affection we have for very happy that we could con- matches without fans him in the dressing room. vince him to join.” “His ability is indisputable DPA on Wednesday. and he still has so much to bERlIn The coronavirus out- show. He will always be wel- Barcelona break has halted all tennis come in the changing room, we striker luis GERMANY’S former Wim- to at least July 13, forced the appreciate him a lot.” Suarez (right). bledon champion Angelique postponement of the French Suarez, 33, recovering from Kerber could imagine tennis Open and cancellation of right knee surgery, said it was returning from the coronavi- Wimbledon. “complicated” to talk about Lautaro Martinez, the 22-year- tween us, and while we are all that were said that were false, rus crisis with matches being Kerber, 32, is staying fit players joining Barca at this old Argentine whose name also focused on the same objective, like that the players didn’t want played without fans. at her tennis academy in Po- time of crisis with the corona- been associated with a move to that is winning, any players to see their salaries reduced, “For me the fans simply land and using the enforced virus pandemic. Catalonia. who come in to help the team that some were against it. belong there. Tennis match- break to ease a long-term “But I can talk about play- “Lautaro is a player who is achieve its aims will always be “That they (club manage- es without fans is everything thigh problem. ers, and these are huge play- progressing in Italy, he is a flex- welcome.” ment) were saying that with- other than ideal but as a path “I think it is currently dif- ers,” he commented when ible centre-forward, with spec- He then turned to last out being part of the squad to normality we have to dis- ficult even for experts to give asked by the paper to dis- tacular moves and that shows week’s deal with the club to cut was annoying. It annoyed all cuss scenarios that would an an accurate prognosis cuss the rumours linking the what a great a striker he is.” players’ wages by 70%, with the players.” otherwise seem absurd,” she when a return to normality is 28-year-old Neymar with a Questioned about how any Barca captain Lionel Messi ac- Suarez emphasised all the told the Sport Bild magazine possible again,” she said. Barca return. eventual new signings would cusing the club of undermining players were united from the The Uruguayan also had fit in Suarez said: “There will the squad during negotiations. start in wanting to help the club warm words for Inter Milan’s always be a healthy rivalry be- “There were some things as much as possible. Ronaldinho released to house AFP But it is unclear when, or even if, the of people around the world. arrest after bail payment Mane would lonDon season will be completed. “Some people have lost family mem- Asked if he feels like a champion, the bers and that is the more complicated situ- ‘understand’ SADIO Mane says he would understand if 27-year-old Senegal forward told Talk- ation. But for myself, it’s my dream and I Liverpool were denied the Premier League sport that he wanted to win the Premier want to win it this year. if Liverpool title even though they were on the brink League on the pitch. “If that’s not the case, I will accept, it’s of glory when coronavirus forced a shut- “I want to win the games and I want part of life. Hopefully we will win it next were denied down. to get the trophy, it’s what I would love,” year.” Jurgen Klopp’s men were 25 points he said. “But with this situation, whatever UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin Premier clear of Manchester City when football happens I will understand. said this week there was “no way” Liver- came to a halt last month, agonisingly close “It has been difficult for Liverpool, but pool should finish the season without the League title to their first top-flight triumph in 30 years. it has been more difficult for many millions title, even if the campaign is cancelled.

Brazilian retired football player ronaldinho arrives at a hotel in Asuncion German women’s goalie: Female footballers can’t just give up wages where he and his brother will serve house arrest after a judge ordered their release from jail on tuesday. (aFP) DPA “We have declared our us giving up our wages,” she WolFSbURG willingness. We women can- said. DPA Paraguay with a false passports. not simply say everyone is go- There are players “who RIo DE JanEIRo Lawyers are continuing to press FEMALE footballers cannot ing to donate 50,000 euros.” only earn a few hundred eu- for the charges to be dropped, simply donate thousands of the 29-year-old said, speaking ros. If they have to give some FORMER Brazilian football according to the Brazilian por- euros to offset the economic to the Eurosport Extra Time of that up, it’s just not possi- star Ronaldinho has been re- tal Globoesport, but if tried and impact of the coronavirus on podcast. ble.” Players must decide for leased from prison in Paraguay found guilty they could face up clubs, the German women’s The topic of so-called themselves how much they are into house arrest late Tuesday to five years in prison. national goalkeeper Almuth short-time working - the tem- able to give up, Schult added. on bail of $1.6 million. Ronaldinho and his brother Schult said in comments porary reduction of working Schult had already taken a The 2002 World Cup win- entered Paraguay to on the broadcast on Tuesday. hours with a corresponding break before play was paused ner along with his brother and faked documents to attend a Players from Wolfsburg’s reduction in pay - has been due to her pregnancy. manager Roberto Assis could casino opening and various men’s team agreed to a wage broached in the women’s Wolfsburg will talk about were all allowed to leave pris- benefits and promotion work. cut the previous week, but team, she said, but there has where to make cuts or what on, prosecutors said. They will The former Barcelona and Schult, who plays for Wolfs- not been a decision. can be paused “in the next 4 await the continuation of their AC Milan player spent his 40th burg’s women’s team, pointed She warned against hasty to 6 weeks,” she said. case in a hotel in Asuncion. birthday in jail before his lawyer to key economic differences in decisions about foregoing pay. “Then we can decide - what The pair were arrested could finally secure his release how men’s and women’s foot- “If we turn to short-time can we give up or do we also nearly 30 days ago for entering on caution at the third attempt. ball is run. working, it will be difficult for need help?” German women’s national goalkeeper Almuth Schult. Sports Thursday, April 9, 2020 13 Stokes crowned Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world

AFP “First, with a mixture of lonDon outrageous talent and good fortune, he rescued England’s BEN Stokes has ended Virat run-chase in the World Cup Australia’s star cricketer Steve Smith, who is captain of rajasthan Kohli’s three-year reign as final, before helping to hit 15 royals in the Ipl 2020. Wisden’s leading cricketer in off the super over. the world after playing a star- “Then, in the third Ashes ring role in England’s World Test at Headingley, he pro- Smith hopes for IPL Cup win last year. duced one of the great in- The 2020 Wisden Cricket- nings, smashing an unbeaten ers’ Almanack, published on 135 to pinch a one-wicket win. action ‘at some stage’ Thursday, crowns the swash- “Against red ball or white, buckling all-rounder as the he was a force of nature.” AFP big prize: winning a Test series sport’s pre-eminent player. Stokes in January won the nEW DElhI in India. He is the first England International Cricket Coun- “As an Australian crick- player to receive the hon- cil’s player of the year award. AUSTRALIAN cricket star eter, Ashes is always big and our since Andrew Flintoff in England pace bowler Jo- Steve Smith is hoping the In- World Cups are big,” he told 2005. fra Archer, who bowled the dian Premier League will be New Zealand spinner Ish So- The 28-year-old won the super over in the World Cup held “at some stage” as sports dhi in the Royals podcast. man-of-the-match award in final, is among Wisden’s five events around the world re- “But now India is the num- the World Cup final against cricketers of the year. main on hold because of the ber one team in the world, it’s New Zealand at Lord’s and Australians Pat Cummins, coronavirus. a very difficult place to play then produced a remarkable Marnus Labuschagne and El- The cricket calendar has Test cricket, so I’d love to be match-winning innings of 135 lyse Perry have been named been hit hard by the deadly able to win a series there,” not out in the third Ashes Test alongside Archer, as well as pandemic, including India’s added Smith, currently the against Australia. South Africa-born Essex off- lucrative and star-studded IPL top-ranked Test batsman in “Ben Stokes pulled off spinner Simon Harmer. Twenty20 tournament, which the world. the performance of a lifetime Perry also reclaimed the was due to begin on March 29. Australia are not sched- -- twice in the space of a few leading women’s cricketer in The opening match was uled to tour India until 2022. In this file photo taken on July 14, 2019, England’s Ben Stokes runs between the wickets during the 2019 weeks,” said Wisden editor the world title from India’s pushed to April 15 but it is un- Smith, 30, was captain of Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand at lord’s Cricket Ground in london.(aFP) Lawrence Booth. Smriti Mandhana. clear if the this year’s IPL will the Australian Test side before be played at all or cancelled he was punished for his role altogether. in a ball-tampering scandal in “Plenty going on in the 2018 and hit with a two-year news nhl Oilers centre Cave put into coma Misled’ australian fans to get world at present, but hope- leadership ban. after brain bleed refunds for uSa games fully we can get an IPL at some That ban expired last in brief stage,” said Smith, in a pod- month, sparking speculation MonTREal: Edmonton oilers center Colby Cave was placed in a SYDnEY: a sports promoter has promised to refund cast published on Tuesday by that he could return to the russian figure skater medically induced coma and admitted to a hospital critical care fans left disappointed by poor views and a lack of IPL side Rajasthan Royals, helm. Stepanova’s results annulled unit Tuesday after a brain bleed, the nhl club said on Tuesday. big-name nba stars, such as lebron James, at two which he captains. Smith is widely considered over doping The 25-year-old forward was at home in suburban Toronto with australia v USa basketball matches last year. The “The two seasons that I one of the modern-day giants the league season shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic australian Competition and Consumer Commission captained the Royals were of batting, having scored 7,227 MoSCoW: Russian figure skater alexandra when he suffered overnight bleeding on the brain. Cave was (aCCC) said TEG live would refund aus$5 million both half seasons. Shane Wat- runs -- including 26 centuries Stepanova had had all results annulled admitted to Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto after first being taken (US$3 million) to about 5,000 people who bought son gave me the captaincy in -- in 73 Tests. from november 2018 for a doping offence, to hospital in nearby barrie, oilers general manager Ken holland 20,000 tickets to the games in Sydney and Mel- 2015 and then last year out He had narrowly missed Russia’s anti-doping agency RUSaDa said said. “I talked to Colby’s wife (Emily) this morning,” holland said. bourne in august. The aCCC found the promoter had of the blue, I took over at the out on his series dream in on Wednesday. Stepanova, 24, won bronze “over the course of last night, he had some headaches and stuff, made “false or misleading claims” about the views back end of the season,” he 2017 when India edged the with partner Ivan bukin at the European so they got him to the hospital in barrie and determined he had fans would have of the court and which USa stars added. visiting Australians 2-1 in a Championships in Graz, austria in January. some kind of brain bleed, and he was transported to the hospital would be playing. “In our view, TEG live’s conduct “Looking at having a crack bitterly fought campaign. long jumper Dmitriy bobkov has meanwhile in Toronto”. Cave scored one goal in 11 games for the oilers this was unacceptable, and we are pleased around at it full time and the Royals Ricky Ponting remains been suspended for two years from March season, splitting time with the nhl club and its top development 5,000 consumers will receive automatic refunds,” have a pretty good squad.” the only Australian captain to 3 after a positive doping test. (DPA) club in his second season with Edmonton. (AFP) aCCC chair Rod Sims said. (AFP) Aside from the IPL, Smith have won a Test series in India also has his eyes on another -- in 2004-05.

Warriors keeping options open with top-5 NBA draft pick

TCA/DPA ing a deep look at prospects, the draft lottery with a 14 per and handle the ball as a sec- San JoSE (CalIFoRnIa) going beyond the players most cent chance to land the No. 1 ondary playmaker. There are often discussed at the top of pick, a 13.4 percent chance at questions about his motor and SOMETIMES Warriors head the draft. the No. 2 pick, a 12.7 per cent efficiency, but his ceiling is that coach Steve Kerr laughs when As Kerr, general manager chance at the No. 3 pick, a 12 of an All-Star level player. he reads articles grading selec- Bob Myers and the rest of the per cent chance at the No. 4 However, two draft ex- tions of past NBA drafts. Warriors’ front office spend pick and a 47.9 per cent chance perts have recently moved Ball “It’s a tough position to be the hiatus watching film and at the No. 5 pick. ahead of Edwards, citing his in to have to write about these scouting prospects, their fi- Picking that high would transcendent passing and abil- guys and grade teams when nal draft board for their first- position the Warriors to se- ity to play up-tempo. ESPN’s nobody really knows but, after round pick is expected to be lect one of the draft’s widely- draft analyst Mike Schmitz the fact, it’s sort of hilarious,” whittled down to about 15 considered top prospects such said recently that he under- the star-studded line-up for the second MotoGp Virtual Grand prix Kerr said. players by draft night. as Georgia guard Anthony stands the logic of taking Ed- race at the red Bull ring in Spielberg, Austria on Sunday. “Pascal Siakam going 27th Those 15 players will be Edwards, former Memphis wards or Wiseman, but thinks and people complaining about separated by tier: roughly centre James Wiseman, point the Warriors should select Ball the Raptors not knowing what broken up by those worthy of season has been suspended, guard LaMelo Ball, who spent if they get the first pick. Everything set for second they were doing, because so- a top-five selection, top-10 se- said in a phone interview. last season playing for the Illa- “I think he’s the most tal- and-so was available. lection and in the middle of “You can’t limit yourself to warra Hawks of Australia’s Na- ented prospect in the draft,” Are you nuts? If you did the first round. The tiers re- the five or six guys you think tional Basketball League, and Schmitz told SportsCenter’s MotoGP Virtual GP that re-draft, he’d be top- flect not only how the Warri- are clear-cut the best because forward Deni Avdija of Israel’s Scott Van Pelt last week. “I’d five.” The NBA draft lottery is ors value each player, but also the chances are overwhelming Maccabi Tel Aviv. be very interested to see his fit scheduled for May 19, and the where they believe they can be that those five or six guys are Edwards has long been in that style. This is a team that The full lowdown on the second eSports Warriors are poised to select selected. not going to be the best.” With atop many big boards. At likes to get up and down, they event, set to be broadcast on Sunday no later than fifth. However, “You remind yourself that a league-worst record of 15-50 6-foot-3 (192 centimetres), like to shoot 3s, they like to they know the best player in Kawhi Leonard went 15th,” at the time the NBA postponed 225 pounds (102.1 kilograms), play off of instincts.” The Ath- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK winning that just being the fast- the draft could end up being Kerr, who has enjoyed watch- play on March 11 after a player the 18-year-old Edwards pro- letic’s Sam Vecenie also moved Doha est! And remember, there’s no- selected much later. With that ing film of prospects in his San tested positive for the corona- jects as a multi-tool defender Ball up to the top spot on his where to hide – with each rider in mind, the Warriors are tak- Diego home while the NBA virus, the Warriors will enter who can finish at the basket board, supplanting Edwards. FOLLOWING the overwhelm- live on the stream throughout ing success of MotoGP’s first the broadcast. ever Virtual Race, a second The second event will be event was recently announced shown in full on Sunday at and it’s now getting closer – 15:00 (GMT+2), with qualifying with lights out at 15:00 (GMT broadcast before the race. Fans Masters champions dinner ‘quarantine style’ by Woods +2) on Sunday (April 12). can watch on motogp.com and Another cast of premier esport.motogp.com, on selected AFP the edges of the photo but it serts because that was one of class superstars will be lining TV broadcasters, and across MIaMI looked to be the same meal the most great memories -- up, with a few returning from social media platforms includ- Woods said in February that to see Gene Sarazen and Sam the first race – like reigning ing YouTube (via the MotoGP REIGNING Masters cham- he planned to serve at the Snead having milkshakes MotoGP world whampion Marc and MotoGP eSport channels), pion Tiger Woods had a re- Champions Dinner. that night in ‘98.” Marquez – and a few new faces MotoGP eSport Twitter, Insta- laxed dinner with loved ones “Being born and raised With the Masters re- taking on the competition too, gram, and Facebook (via both instead of the Masters Cham- in SoCal (Southern Califor- scheduled for November 12- including the likes of Valentino the MotoGP and MotoGP eS- pions Dinner he was once nia), having fajitas and su- 15, Woods could have the Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha port pages). An Instagram Live scheduled to host on Tues- shi was a part of my entire chance to host a true Cham- MotoGP) and Danilo Petrucci with the winner will debrief fans day at Augusta National. childhood,” Woods said of pions Dinner at Augusta Na- (Ducati Team). As ever, the rid- soon after the race too, at 16:00! The Masters has been his menu plans in a Masters tional on November 12. ers will be playing on the official Broadcasters will include postponed to November by conference call. Woods, 44, has not played MotoGP19 Videogame from SKY Italy, Canal+ in France, the coronavirus pandemic, “I’m going back to what since February, when he fin- videogame developer, publisher DAZN in Spain, Italy and with Woods, a 15-time major I had in 2006. So we’ll have ished 82nd at the Genesis and longstanding partner Mile- DACHS, BT Sport in the UK, winner and five-time Masters steak and chicken fajitas, Invitational at Riviera. He stone, with MotoGP20 set for ServusTV in Austria and Ger- champion, among those stay- and we’ll have sushi and skipped the Players Champi- launch soon on April 23. many, OTE in Greece, SwissTV ing home to try and slow the sashimi out on the deck, and onship due to a back injury. For Race 2, it’s the Red Bull in Switzerland, SportTV in Por- spread of the deadly virus. I hope the guys will enjoy it.” “There are a lot more im- Ring that plays host as the rid- tugal, Sport5 Israel, Sportklub So instead of hosting There was no sign of an- portant things in life than a ers take on the digital rendition in Serbia, MTV Finland, NBC in past Masters winners at Au- Masters defending champion tiger Woods enjoying a dinner with other treat Woods had put on golf tournament right now,” of the stunning Styrian track, the USA, ESPN in Latin Amer- gusta National, Woods had members of his family during quarantine. a prior menu -- milkshakes. Woods tweeted last month with the race length set to 10 ica, Trans TV in Indonesia and a meal at his South Florida He included those in 1998, after the PGA Tour shut laps. Just like in the first event, Fox Asia, amongst others. home and tweeted a photo Dinner quarantine style. round shirt, and the Masters the year after his first Mas- down due to the deadly virus a five-minute qualifying ses- Once again, the riders will of himself with his “guests” Nothing better than being champion’s trophy, a replica ters and major win, to wash outbreak. sion in time-attack mode will each be playing via a private -- girlfriend Erica Herman, with family,” Woods tweeted. of the course’s famed club- down his menu selection of “We need to be safe, decide the grid positions before “Race Direction” lobby, set up his daughter Sam and his son Woods was wearing his house, on the table in front cheeseburgers. smart and do what is best the lights go out, although as we to invite each rider to the event Charlie. Masters green jacket with a of him. “I’m debating whether or for ourselves, our loved ones saw in Race 1 there’s far more to and send them the bike settings. “Masters Champions red shirt, his typical final- Food was only seen at not to have milkshakes as de- and our community.” 14 Thursday, April 9, 2020 the last Word No one was prepared for it: QF alumni at frontline of coronavirus fight in US Three graduates from QF’s medical school recount their experiences of treating coronavirus patients at hospitals in the US IN early March, Diala Steitieh cerns, adding that their medical was working her regular night education and residency experi- shift at the New York-Presby- ence have equipped them to be terian Hospital in Manhattan on the frontline. when she received a patient in ‘The best cure is to not his thirties with severe breath- get it’ ing difficulty and dry coughing. As the coronavirus contin- The man did not have any ues to spread around the world, pre-existing medical conditions, hospitals and medical staff re- but had recently returned from main overburdened. Accord- a trip to Europe. Steitieh and Ali Khairat Siyab panhwar Ali Khairat Diala Steitieh Ali Khairat ing to Panhwar, the public can her colleagues soon realised the help the situation by staying at hospital had received its first So it was a very stark and sud- patient.” tors are changing their ways of “If a physician is exposed Another key challenge for home and reducing the number coronavirus (COVID-19) patient den increase in the number of ‘What makes it easier is working to reduce the number and starts showing symptoms, healthcare workers dealing with of cases — what is referred to as and sprang into action, despite cases,” Steitieh mentioned, add- that you are needed’ of interactions with the COV- and has to be pulled out of the COVID-19 is that it is a novel ‘flattening the curve.’ the fact there was no existing ing that the hospital currently Since the start of the crisis, ID-19 patients. hospital, that’s a huge strain on virus with no set instructions “The best cure is to not get protocol for treatment of the receives over 50 coronavirus the situation in hospitals across “We try to limit the number the system,” he said. “We are regarding treatment or exactly it,” said Panhwar, who has now new disease. patients a day. the US has become more dire. of healthcare providers interact- understaffed and have a lim- how it affects the patient’s body. started documenting his experi- “Everyone was very cau- A few miles north of NewYo- Due to a shortage of personal ing with the patients, so I have ited number of residents; losing “There is no protocol, and ence on social media channels tious. We had at least three rk-Presbyterian, another WCM- protective equipment, health- to go in to see the patient with one senior resident in the team whatever we know changes eve- to highlight the importance of physicians, fully gowned and Q graduate witnessed a similar care professionals no longer everything I need to swab the can be incapacitating to the ry day,” said Panhwar. “In fact, social isolation and other pro- protected to transfer him, with progression of the crisis. Ali have the luxury of following the person, make sure I get the com- department.” it changes every hour. There is tective measures. double gloves, a N95 mask and Khairat, a third-year emergency standard procedure of changing plete medical history, do all the Since the coronavirus out- so much new information that’s “What I am trying to do on an additional mask over that for medicine resident at the NYC masks and gowns for every new physical exams and everything break struck, Khairat, Panhwar coming in. This is something no social media is to promote the protection of the eyes,” recalls Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln saw patient. else that needs to be done hap- and Steitieh have all worked one could have prepared for. fact that if you have to stay at Steitieh, resident physician at his hospital transforming as the “We show up every day for pens in that one single interac- extra hours and given up their Khairat adds: “All the evi- home, stay at home. The public the hospital and a graduate of coronavirus outbreak unfolded work and can only pray that, tion,” he said. days off to meet the demands dence is anecdotal at best. There may not know the seriousness Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar in the city. The rooms for non- this time around, the protective Unfortunately, despite vari- placed on frontline healthcare are a lot of grey areas, which of the issue unless they actu- (WCM-Q), one of Qatar Foun- urgent patients were converted equipment will work,” said Si- ous safety measures, Khairat workers. are never a good thing in medi- ally see it from someone’s per- dation’s (QF) international part- into coronavirus-only wards; yab Panhwar, a WCM-Q alum- was infected with the virus and “At any given day, about 10 cine. We have a responsibility to spective who is treating these ner universities. isolation rooms were activated nus who works as a cardiology tested positive for COVID-19 in physicians might not be able to these patients, and it’s sobering patients.” Shortly after the first pa- and the centre witnessed a huge fellow at Tulane Medical Cen- mid-March. “I started develop- come because they have either and scary to be not able to give “I can’t stress enough the tient, Steitieh found herself in influx of patients with respira- tre in Louisiana, another US ing mild symptoms and was tested positive, have shown mild answers.” importance of social isolation,” the middle of a global pandemic tory problems. state seriously affected by the asked to go home. It took five symptoms, or were unexpect- The pandemic has posed said Khairat. “It’s not just about that would soon transfer New “We have patients coming pandemic. days for my test results to come edly exposed to patients with unprecedented challenges to protecting yourself, it’s about York City into one of the epicen- in with respiratory complaints, “We are humans too, and we back, but by that time thankfully COVID-19,” Steitieh said about healthcare workers around the minimising the transmission to tres of the coronavirus outbreak. asthma, shortness of breath and can also die. The lack of personal I was already feeling better.” her hospital. “But I guess what world, who are risking their lives people who are at most risk. “Over the course of two fever,” said Khairat. “We move protective equipment is not ide- Khairat is currently recov- makes it easier is that you are to fight it. Yet Khairat, Panhwar “Previous generations were weeks, we went from having them to the isolation room, pro- al, but we just hope for the best ering under self-quarantine at needed.” and Steitieh said their commit- called to fight wars. We are one patient in one night to hav- tect ourselves with protective when dealing with patients.” home, but anxiously waiting to ‘Grey areas are never a ment to continue fighting the vi- simply called to stay on our ing multiple patients overnight. gear and start interviewing the According to Khairat, doc- be able to get back to work. good thing in medicine’ rus outweighs any personal con- couches.”

NU-Q students complete internships M7 launches online workshops with global media firms despite crisis

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for aspiring fashion designers Doha THE global pandemic COV- Qatar Museums’ digital initiative supports Qatar’s creative industries during COVID-19 ID-19 has not stopped North- western University in Qatar TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ucts. (NU-Q) students from com- Doha  April 23 and 25 at 6pm, pleting internships as part of ‘VALIDATE’: Oleg Fazulyanow, their undergraduate academic M7, a creative startup hub CEO of Fashion Consult Group programme. dedicated to innovation and Milan, and Tariel Bisharian, The Journalism and Strate- entrepreneurship established CEO of Emerging Talent Milan gic Communication Residency by Qatar Museums (QM) for showroom, will talk about the programme – a requirement Nu-Q student Inaara Gangji is Nu-Q student Saad Ejaz is intern- the nation’s growing fashion business of fashion and how de- for a journalism degree from interning with uSA today ing with the Guardian. and design industry, has an- signers can test if their products Northwestern’s Medill School – nounced a biweekly series of will work in a target market. offers students real-world expe- have taken on new internship series. “I’ve been given a lot of online coaching sessions by  April 30 and May 2 at rience working for international opportunities with media or- room to pitch my ideas and sto- leaders in the field, intended to 6pm, ‘EMPOWER’: Nez Ge- news media and strategic com- ganisations in their country. ries,” Ejaz said. guide and encourage aspiring breel, global brand and talent munications organisations. “I am so proud of how well Gangji is interning with designers. developer and Fashion Trust “Northwestern’s residency our students have handled their USA Today from her home in Although the onset of the Arabia board member, and cre- programme helps our students residencies and the transition to Tanzania. She reports to the COVID-19 pandemic has de- ative director Mirna Naccache begin the transition from being remote work,” said Mary Dedi- digital content editor and re- layed the full inauguration will discuss how designers can a student to working as profes- nsky, professor and director of searches and pitches ideas re- of M7, these exclusive online empower their creative voices. sionals in media and strategic the Journalism and Strategic lating to crime and policing. coaching sessions — live each  May 7 and 9 at 6pm, communications,” said NU-Q Communication Programme. Gangji credits her liberal Thursday and Saturday at 6pm ‘ACCELERATE’: Aysha al Mu- Dean Craig LaMay. “This year, Zia is continuing to work arts classes at NU-Q for having on the M7 Instagram account dahka, director of Strategic that experience means that our with STAT, a media company “taught me to challenge the sta- @M7.qatar — will provide in- when M7’s beautiful facilities public relations. Initiatives and Partnership students are now working – that reports on health, medicine tus quo and think about things spiration and support until nor- are bustling with activity has Each session will reflect one Development at QF and for- alongside other professionals – and scientific discovery, from beyond just crime… One iso- mal activities resume. unfortunately been postponed, of M7’s founding principles: to mer CEO of Qatar Business remotely from their homes.” her apartment in Boston. She lated incident has an impact on A new five-storey, but creativity and innovation in inspire, equip, validate, em- Incubation Centre, and Stefano For students Saad Ejaz, In- has covered an array of scien- the larger society.” 29,000-square-metre facility, Qatar cannot wait. We are mov- power, accelerate, connect and Bellandi, CEO of Cipriani Cou- aara Gangji, Hanmin Kim and tific and health-focused topics Also adjusting to remote M7 is located at the heart of ing ahead to support Qatar’s promote. ture, will share how to build a Amadou Jallow, this has meant that include immunotherapy, work from his home in South Msheireb Downtown Doha, the up-and-coming design industry  April 9 and 11 at 6pm, business plan from concept to leaving New York and Washing- tips to protect the elderly in the Korea is Kim, who is intern- mixed-use development that is hone their skills through these ‘INSPIRE’: Interior designer production. ton, to go back to their homes in time of coronavirus, and the ing at Voice of America, which reviving the city’s historic core online talks, which are certain Chris Wolston and textile  May 14 and 16 at pm, Pakistan, Tanzania, South Ko- relationship between ER visits distributes news and informa- as a sustainable new live-work to benefit emerging talents designer Karl-Artur Korsar ‘CONNECT’: Khalifa al Ha- rea and the Gambia, where they and vocabulary on Facebook. tion in over 40 languages to an neighbourhood. as they explore, collaborate will talk about how they keep roon, founder of ILoveQatar, are continuing to write for top- Zia said, “The number of estimated weekly global audi- M7 serves to advance the and grow into successful entre- themselves inspired with the and Harriet Gyamfuah,founder ranked media outlets includ- new subscribers per week al- ence of 280 million people. He careers of Qataris in creative preneurs.” resources at hand during this of Creatives Amplified, will dis- ing The Guardian, USA Today, most quadrupled in the last has covered the COVID-19 out- industries, especially design Through the online coach- challenging period of the pan- cuss the ways for designers to Voice of America and Widmey- couple of weeks, which I attrib- break, creating 30 to 40-second and fashion; train aspiring en- ing sessions, local and interna- demic, as well as design and stay connected with their cus- er Communications. Other stu- ute to the important need for videos about the coronavirus trepreneurs in creative fields; tional leaders in the industry brand identity. tomers using digital platforms. dents, including Shafaq Zia and trusted news and information for distribution on VOA’s Insta- spark creativity in people of all are giving their insights into  April 16 and 18 at 6pm,  May 21 and 23 at 6pm, Manan Bhavnani, remain in on the virus – good and accu- gram platform. ages and backgrounds through topics such as nurturing crea- ‘EQUIP’: Amir Berbic, dean of ‘PROMOTE’: Bianca Brigitte Boston and Washington, where rate journalism is extremely im- Jallow is interning at Wid- exhibitions, performances, tivity and skills during difficult Virginia Commonwealth Uni- Bonomi, editor-in-chief of they are working remotely with portant today,” she said. meyer Communications, a New films, educational programmes times, making use of technol- versity in Qatar, and Maryam Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, and STAT and the Pulitzer Center Ejaz is reporting for The York-based public affairs firm, and public discussions; and ogy in the fashion business, al Sumait, co-founder of the Kai Margrander, fashion direc- on Crisis Reporting. Guardian’s New York City office from his home in The Gam- help connect Qatar’s innovators testing products in the market, design service agency Makery, tor of Harper’s Bazaar Germa- A handful of other students from his home in Pakistan. Dur- bia. He has helped prepare with the world. developing a business plan and will discuss different applica- ny, will speak about the impact who were interning as multime- ing his time in New York, he re- two strategy documents deal- Maha al Sulaiti, acting di- promoting products through a tions that designers can use to of media placements and pro- dia and video content producers searched and wrote articles for ing with improving educational rector of M7, said, “The day programme of marketing and produce and launch their prod- motion of design. have returned home where they the publication’s ‘Fight to Vote’ performance. QRCS and UNHCR raise awareness about coronavirus in Yemen

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK thousands of beneficiaries under Haythem al Dumaini, the pro- Doha its healthcare project for internally ject’s manager, said the participants displaced persons (IDPs) and other were introduced to the goals and ac- THE representation mission of Qa- diverse projects. tion plan of the project. tar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) “We are happy with this partner- “The registration and verifica- held an introductory workshop on ship,” said Dr Jalood. “We will work tion teams will receive high-stand- the risks and prevention of corona- together with QRCS at all the phases ard field training and all the teams virus (COVID-19) amid public un- of the IDP support project to attain will coordinate together as well as certainty and lack of information the desired goals.” with the competent authorities. We about the disease. Another workshop was held on also reviewed the lessons learnt Held in cooperation with the QRCS’s mission premises in San- from previous similar projects and United Nations High Commis- aa, in preparation for a project to discussed the applicable solutions,” sioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the secure shelter and nonfood items he said. workshop was attended by 50 staff (NFIs) for vulnerable IDPs in the To be implemented in four gov- of QRCS’s mission and health care Introductory workshop was held for shelter project. raising awareness of coronavirus. Qa’atabah, Al-Hussein and Jahaf ernorates - Sa’dah, Taiz, Ibb and providers. It covered many topics Districts of the Dhale Governorate. Dhale - the project has a budget of on the nature of the disease, how it HCR health officer, said: “This dealing with concerns of a coro- and inform the public through field Under the project, 1,000 dis- $882,743, funded by the UN Office spreads and how to prevent it. workshop is important as it seeks navirus spread among healthcare workers.” placed families will have shelter for for the Coordination of Humanitar- Dr Mohamed A al Jalood, in- to protect lives, reassure the par- providers. It is crucial to give infor- He commended QRCS for its six months and NFIs will be distrib- ian Affairs (OCHA) Yemen Humani- structor of the workshop and UN- ticipants and highlight their role in mation about good health practices efforts to raise awareness and help uted to 500 families. tarian Fund (YHF).