BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 20 QP to postpone start of output from new gas facilities QF highlights benefi ts until 2025 of reading in isolation published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11512 April 8, 2020 Sha’ban 15, 1441 AH GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir directs to send medical aid to Italy MoCI fi xes marketing, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has directed sending medical aid to Italy to support the eff orts of friends in that country to combat and contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic (Covid-19). delivery service charges The aid includes sending two Qatar Amiri Air Force aircraft loaded with two field hospitals, which are sched- uled to arrive today. zQR10 set as maximum charge that can be collected from consumer for delivery The area of the first field hospital is about 5,200sq m, and the second hospital is about 4,000sq m, with a ca- he Ministry of Commerce and any individual with whom s/he is doing z The maximum service price is pacity of 1,000 beds for both hospitals. The hospitals are Industry (MoCI) has said QR10 business or otherwise contracted to. 19% of the order value imposed by equipped with modern technical devices and equipment Tis the maximum charge that The decision identifi es the supplier marketing and delivery platforms on for the treatment of people with coronavirus. can be levied on consumers for deliv- as the party that provides marketing the supplier when it comes to mar- Also the aid includes sending two additional military ery services. and delivery services using techno- keting and delivery services. aircraft tomorrow, as another part of the Qatari medical This is among the various stipula- logical or electronic systems and ap- z The maximum service price is assistance that the Amir has directed to provide to the tions mentioned in the decision of the plications. Marketing and delivery 10% of the order value imposed by friendly Italian Republic. Committee Tasked with Determining platforms, however, are defi ned as marketing and delivery platforms on Meanwhile, Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas, Maximum Prices and Profi t Ratios, those companies and commercial in- the supplier when it comes to mar- along with Italy’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs Luigi Di (No 3 of 2020), to set the maximum stitutions involved in the marketing keting services only. Maio, has expressed gratitude to Qatar for sending medi- charges for e-marketing and product and delivery of products using tech- The decision also stipulates that cal assistance to Italy to support its eff orts in the fight delivery services, which the MoCI nological systems and applications. the maximum delivery charge for against Covid-19. announced yesterday. The decision identifi es service consumers is QR10 for delivery serv- “I would like to join the Italian Minister of Foreign Aff airs, The issuance of this decision “falls charges as the percentages, com- ices only. Luigi Di Maio, in his expression of gratitude to the State in line with the ministry’s keenness missions or sums that are collected According to the decision, mar- of Qatar for its timely and generous donation of two field to crack down on the unjustifi ed rise by product dealers in markets in line keting and delivery platforms must hospitals with a capacity of 500 beds each,” the envoy in e-marketing and product delivery with those signed contracts. maintain the percentages and sums said in a statement yesterday. “It is a tangible gesture of charges, deter monopolistic practices The target market is defi ned as the collected from suppliers and con- friendship between the Italian and Qatari people and a and commercial fraud, and ensure marketing and product delivery mar- sumers prior to the date which ap- strong support for Italy’s eff orts to fight the pandemic.” the consumer’s right to obtain these ket that employs technological sys- pears on the notifi cation letters sent He continued, “Moreover, this donation embodies the services at aff ordable prices”, the tems and applications. to them by the ministry’s Competi- close bonds of co-operation between our armed forces. ministry said in a statement. Further, the decision outlines tion Protection and Anti-Monop- At a time when Italy and Qatar are co-operating in the The decision defi nes the concepts to the maximum service charges to be olistic Practices Committee, cor- context of so many joint training programmes ,we are which the provisions apply. The con- imposed by marketing and deliv- responding to Wednesday, May 22, moved to see that the Qatari Amiri Air Force will trans- sumer is identifi ed as any party that ery platforms on the supplier and 2019, in order to reconcile their status port this donation to Italy and that our women and men obtains goods or services, either for consumer to market or deliver their should these percentages be less than of the armed forces will work together once again for free or for a fee, in order to meet his/her products according to the following the maximum percentage referred to the installation of the field hospitals. own personal needs, those of others, or type of services: in Article 3. To Page 20

Amir holds phone talk PM participates in GCC ministers’ meeting with Turkish president Amir wishes Johnson speedy recovery His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim QFZA, QSTP sign MoU bin Hamad al-Thani held a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on strategic to support R&D, bilateral relations and the means to enhance them. The call also discussed international eff orts to contain the entrepreneurship coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, particularly enhancing co-operation His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim and exchanging expertise in that field. bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday wished he Qatar Free Zones Authority joint promotion events to strengthen Qatar issues $10bn British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, (QFZA) and Qatar Science & the investment sector. who is battling the coronavirus in TTechnology Park (QSTP) have Qatar Foundation Vice Chairper- bonds in debt markets intensive care, a speedy recovery. signed a memorandum of under- son and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Following is an unoff icial translation of standing (MoU) to oversee, regulate, Hamad al-Thani said, “I am excited Qatar has issued $10bn in bonds His Highness the Amir’s tweet in Arabic and support research development to see the new startups and ventures in tranches of 5, 10, and 30 years in this regard: “My best wishes for a and entrepreneurship eff orts to fos- that will come out of this partnership. yesterday, thus becoming the first speedy recovery for my friend, Prime ter the establishment of a sustainable Providing access and building up the sovereign from the GCC region Minister Boris Johnson. I express my knowledge-based economy in Qatar. capabilities of our homegrown talent to successfully return to the solidarity to you and the Qatari people The collaborative programme will is even more critical in this current international debt markets. The are with you, as well as the friendly enable QFZA and QSTP - which is climate. We must continue to explore State of Qatar (Aa3/AA-/AA-) has British people, at such a diff icult time.” part of Qatar Foundation Research, new ways of thinking and innovate in thus reopened the capital markets Development and Innovation - to order to build a truly sustainable and for the region, post the recent British premier ‘stable’ support research, development, in- resilient nation.” global disruptions. Qatar priced a British Prime Minister Boris Johnson novation, and entrepreneurship HE the Minister of State and QFZA $10bn triple tranche off ering (144A/ was battling the coronavirus in within their respective areas based on chairman Ahmad bin Mohamed al- Regulation S bonds), split across $2bn intensive care yesterday, raising identifi ed and prioritised segments Sayed said, “We are pleased to sign in the 5-year, $3bn in the 10-year and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin serious concerns about his health that will have a positive contribution this agreement with QSTP, which is $5bn in the 30-year tenor sector. The Abdulaziz al-Thani participated in the emergency meeting of Interior Ministers as the country recorded its highest to the number of innovators, special- in line with the directives of HE the transaction generated an aggregate of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, which was held yesterday via daily death toll. “The prime minister ised workforce, businesses, and the Prime Minister and Interior Min- order book peaking at approximately video conferencing. During the meeting, they discussed several topics on the has been stable overnight and startup environment. ister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin $45bn, “attracting strong interest” agenda related to enhancing security co-operation between the GCC countries remains in good spirits,” his off icial The agreement will include a Abdulaziz al-Thani on aligning the globally, with many investors from and coordinating eff orts to combat the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and limit spokesman told reporters. Page 9 mechanism for training programmes eff orts of the concerned investment Asia, Europe, the United States and its spread. - QNA and information sharing, as well as entities. To Page 20 the Middle East and North African region. Business Page 1 Qatar adhered to all rules Supermoon of 2020 for 2022 bid, says SC 225 new virus cases, 19 more Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) strongly denied yesterday the allegations contained within the court papers recoveries, 2 deaths: MoPH made public in the US yesterday. “They are part of a long-standing case, the subject of which is not the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup bidding he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) number of tests to 41,818. This is owing to ed with the coronavirus, and despite being process, it said in a statement. yesterday announced 225 new con- the use of new laboratory techniques that given the necessary treatment and care, The SC pointed out that despite Tfi rmed cases of Covid-19 in Qatar as are helping to increase the number of tests his condition deteriorated, which led to his years of false claims, evidence well as 19 more cases of recovery, taking the as well as the expansion of the central lab- death yesterday morning. has never been produced to total number of recovered patients to 150. oratory’s capacity, the report states. In addition, the MoPH announced that a demonstrate that Qatar won the “Sadly, in addition, it was also con- Meanwhile, 19 more cases of recovery 59-year-old resident - who was suff ering rights to host the 2022 FIFA World fi rmed (yesterday) that two patients have were recorded yesterday, taking the total from chronic disease - had also sadly died. Cup unethically or by means that died,” the offi cial Qatar News Agency number of recovered patients in the coun- He was hospitalised in an advanced state of contravened FIFA’s strict bidding (QNA) reported. try to 150. The ministry announced the the disease. rules. The SC maintains that it strictly Some new cases are related to travellers death of a 74-year-old resident who was The ministry has extended its “sincere adhered to all rules and regulations who came to Qatar while others pertain to suff ering from chronic diseases. He was condolences and great sympathy to the for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup contacts, including citizens and residents. admitted to intensive care upon his arrival families of the deceased”. bidding process and said any claim The new cases have been put in quarantine at the hospital last Sunday because of his The MoPH continues to urge all mem- to the contrary is baseless and will and are receiving the necessary medical care. deteriorating health condition as a result bers of society to take the necessary pre- be fiercely contested. The MoPH tested 3,710 people for the of severe kidney failure. cautions to stay safe, including maintain- coronavirus yesterday, taking the total Further tests showed that he was infect- ing social and physical distancing. WhatsApp bid to curb virus misinformation New York state’s death toll rises by 731 to 5,489 WhatsApp yesterday placed new New York state, the US epicentre of the States experienced its deadliest single state’s death toll rose by 731 to 5,489 limits on message forwarding as coronavirus pandemic, is seeing some day since the crisis began, the US surgeon over the past day, Cuomo said, though he part of an eff ort to curb the spread of levelling out in the number of hospital general said the pandemic may kill fewer called that a “lagging indicator” illustrating misinformation about the coronavirus patients, Governor Andrew Cuomo said Americans than had been projected. past trends. Deaths from Covid-19, the The biggest and brightest supermoon of the year, seen from Al pandemic. The new policy limits users yesterday, a hopeful sign even as deaths Authorities also provided data showing respiratory disease caused by the virus, Wakra, with the Pearl Monument in the foreground, last night. to forwarding certain messages to there and in neighbouring New Jersey the pandemic having a disproportionate occur days or weeks after a person Supermoons occur when the moon is within 90% of perigee - which one “chat” at a time. hit single-day highs. While the United impact on African Americans. New York becomes infected. is its closest approach to Earth in orbit. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 QATAR

NHRC expresses satisfaction with Covid-19 precautionary measures

QNA the government and society importance of awareness cam- steps within the framework of importance of ensuring access tion with the relevant authori- the spirit of solidarity between Doha to give priority to the right to paigns by the Ministry of Public expanding the response to face to food, water and basic goods, ties, to carry out fi eld visits to civil society institutions, the health for all and respect for Health and the Ministry of Inte- this epidemic, and see that these providing healthcare and servic- places designated for quaran- private sector and other stake- human rights without discrim- rior, and other relevant authori- measures are consistent with es for all without discrimination, tine, places of detention, and holders, and those involved in he National Human ination. ties to educate the population human rights standards and and strengthening measures to workers’ housing, to ensure that awareness and preventive ef- Rights Committee The NHRC said in a statement on the importance of staying at commensurate with the size of protect the most vulnerable in they are in line with internation- forts. T(NHRC) has expressed on Monday that it is follow- their homes, preventing gather- the risks to community health. this exceptional circumstances, al human rights standards. The NHRC thanked the medi- its satisfaction with the pre- ing the government’s extensive ings in public places, and other The National Human Rights especially for people suff ering The National Human Rights cal staff as well as the Supreme cautionary measures taken by steps to strengthen preventive measures aimed at providing ad- Committee cautioned that from chronic diseases, the eld- Committee praised societal Committee for Crisis Manage- Qatar to face the outbreak of measures and protect the soci- equate means to limit the spread these restrictions are excep- erly and people with disabilities, awareness and the wide re- ment and all relevant govern- the coronavirus (Covid-19) ety from possible repercussions, of this epidemic. tional measures that are taken as well as migrant workers. sponse by citizens and residents ment and civil society organisa- pandemic, and stressed the since the fi rst cases were record- The NHRC also urged the only when they are justifi ed and The NHRC stressed that it will to precautionary measures, and tions for their eff orts to confront need for concerted efforts by ed, stressing in this regard the competent authorities to take necessary, while stressing the intensify its work in co-ordina- emphasised the strengthening of the coronavirus. Minister holds meeting with Tribute to health workers govt school principals’ panel

QNA Doha

E the Minister of Edu- cation and Higher Ed- Hucation Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi met via video conference with members of the Advisory Com- mittee for Government School Principals. The minister praised the progress of the electoral process for selecting the members of the committee and the transparency of its results, calling on them to be the voice that refl ects the condi- tions of the school community, especially by defi ning the chal- lenges they face as school lead- ers, as well as the challenges their fellow teachers face, stressing the HE Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi holding a meeting via video-conference with members of enhancement of communication the Advisory Committee for Government School Principals. to receive all opinions to develop the educational system and the issues facing the school commu- during this emergency health Rashid al-Rabiah al-Kuwari, as performance of schools. nity, noting the importance of condition. its chairman, and the principal The minister called on the employing electronic work in the The committee elected the of Al Wajba Preparatory School, elected members to set an agen- upcoming meetings, in line with principal of Hassan Bin Thabit Mariam Mohamed Abdulla al- da for the next stage to study the the precautionary measures Secondary School, Abdulla Ali Neama as vice-chairperson. Qatar Airways expresses solidarity with health workers

Qatar Airways has expressed solidarity with health workers on the occasion of World Health Day. “Thank you for all your courage, we stand behind you. On #WorldHealthDay, we like to pay tribute to the doctors, nurses and paramedics at @ HIAQatar working 24/7 on HE the Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management Lolwah bint Rashid bin screening passengers and Mohamed AlKhater yesterday tweeted a message as a tribute to health workers on the occasion of crew and keeping us safe,” World Health Day and in recognition of their eff orts in the fight against Covid-19. “Thank you is not the airline tweeted yesterday. enough,” the English message reads.

Qatar condemns World Health Day honours nurses and midwives bombing of Tripoli 970,000 residents QNA wives, believing in their pivotal Covid-19 hospital Doha role in improving healthcare. register for In her statement on this oc- casion, the minister added atar yesterday con- he Ministry of Public that the nursing cadres play a demned Haftar forces’ Health (MoPH) partici- vital role with their counter- Qbombing of a hospital National Address Tpates in the events to mark parts in the medical staff who that treats coronavirus (Cov- the World Health Day, which are in the frontline of the fight id-19) patients in Tripoli, Libya. falls on April 7 every year. against the novel coronavirus The Ministry of Foreign Aff airs This year’s slogan to mark the (Covid-19) at the international said in a statement yesterday that s many as 970,000 Qa- tration for national address is occasion is ‘Support Nurses and level. the bombing of the hospital rep- tar residents registered available only through Metrash Midwives’, and this in conjunc- The minister expressed grati- resents a severe violation of inter- Atheir national address 2 and the Ministry of Interior tion with the observance of the tude to all health personnel national humanitarian law. as per the law since the start of (MoI) website. International Year of the Nurse working on fi ghting this pan- The ministry stressed on the the process, Lt Col Dr Abdal- Lt Col al-Sahli pointed out and Midwife. demic. importance of guaranteeing the lah Zayed al-Sahli, head of the that 90% of the registrations The vital role that nurses and There are a total of 23,660 safety of patients and medical National Address Section at the were conducted through Met- midwives play in maintaining nurses and midwives working teams, especially during a time Public Security Department, rash 2. health is highlighted, as well as in Qatar in the governmental, when the entire world is fight- announced. He also expected that the their signifi cant role in universal semi-governmental and private ing off the coronavirus pan- He told local Arabic daily number of registrations would health coverage, maternal and health sectors. demic. Arrayah that 163,000 Qa- cross 1mn within next week. newborn health, including men- According to the World Health The statement stressed that taris, 807,000 expatriates and The official stressed that in tal health, emergency prepared- Organisation (WHO), nurses and bombing the hospital requires 26,000 companies have regis- case of any change to the reg- ness and response, patient safety midwives represent more than an urgent international inves- tered so far. Due to the precau- istered address, the person and integrated care. 50% of the health workforce in tigation that would present the tionary and preventive meas- concerned should modify it HE Minister of Public Health the world, and constitute more WHO estimates that the world WHO seeks to improve the perpetrators to justice, calling ures currently in place to fight accordingly through Metrash2 Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari than 50% of the current defi cit needs 9mn additional nurses and contributions of nurses and mid- on the international community the spread of the novel coro- or the MoI website as soon as said that Qatar attaches great in the number of health workers midwives in order to achieve uni- wives to raise the level of health to move swiftly to protect civil- navirus (Covid-19), the regis- possible. importance to nurses and mid- worldwide. versal health coverage by 2030. and well-being for all. ian targets. - QNA

Qatar condemns attack on military base in Mali QU centre launches distance learning support campaign

Qatar has strongly condemned the attack that targeted a atar University’s Nation- Through its multiple plat- “The centre will increase the young generation that learning students, teachers, and par- military base in northern Mali, al Centre for Educational forms, in addition to online dis- provision of its services and di- will never end even in the dark- ents,” he added. killing a number of soldiers. QDevelopment launched cussion services similar to the versity according to the need. est conditions. The distance learning expe- In a statement, the Ministry its educational campaign ‘Sa- “hotline” to provide various ed- Depending on increase of de- “Despite the great efforts rience is a rich experience for of Foreign Affairs reiterated nid’, to support parents, students ucational consultations and di- mand until the end of the aca- made by the Ministry of Edu- everyone and becomes a future Qatar’s firm stance rejecting and teachers in distance learning rect answer to questions related demic year or till the crisis end, cation and Higher Education choice after a while regardless violence and terrorism, processes. to technological or educational God willing.” with all its forces, we at the Na- of the end of the crisis or its whatever the motives and The campaign started from challenges that students, their Dr Abu-Tineh noted that tional Centre for Educational continuation. In his presenta- reasons. The statement April 5 to support parents, stu- relatives or teachers may face the Ministry of Education and Development at Qatar Univer- tion, Dr Abu-Tineh said that it expressed condolences of dents and teachers to assist them during this period. Higher Education’s keenness sity have found it necessary for is general in all subjects and for Qatar to the victims’ families in distance learning by providing Dr Abdullah Abu-Tineh, di- to continue to educational us to stand with the state and all educational levels from the and the government and people workshops, instructions and rector of National Centre for process in the current situa- the Ministry of Education and university to the diff erent edu- of Mali. - QNA skills. Educational Development, said: tion conveys a clear message to Higher Education to support cational stages. Dr Abdullah Abu-Tineh Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 3 QATAR ‘DIY’ haircut in the Vodafone Qatar launches wireless time of Covid-19 voice service

Demand for hair clippers, odafone Qatar has trimmers and shavers launched the next-gen- surged since the temporary Veration wireless voice closure of barbershops and service - VoLTE or voice over salons LTE - that enables high defi - nition (HD+) voice calling on By Joey Aguilar its GigaNet cellular network Staff Reporter and simultaneous use of voice and data. Vodafone VoLTE will let cus- s barber shops across Qa- tomers use 4G data seamlessly tar stay closed as part of to browse the internet and use Athe preventive measures data-driven apps without in- announced by the government terruption even while on a against the novel coronavirus voice call, with no need to end (Covid-19) outbreak, many male the call to use the internet. keep our busy lives on track with increased service quality, residents have resorted to either Customers can also look for- - reaching out to friends and Vodafone Qatar’s customers “Do It Yourself (DIY)” haircut or ward to superior voice qual- colleagues, even while we shop, can look forward to even more entrusted the job to their wife ity compared to 3G voice and order food or send messages. innovations from VoLTE capa- while staying at home. overall quicker call connection. VoLTE is a major step towards bilities in the near future. “I bought a new hair clipper Handsets that support video enhancing customers’ calling Vodafone customers with and did it myself, but it didn’t calling will benefi t from video experience, with the ability to a VoLTE-compatible handset look good so I asked my wife to calling over LTE. use voice and data at the same can enable the service through fi x it. The back part is still thick Vodafone Qatar’s chief oper- time, HD+ quality voice calls, their smartphone settings, if it so I’ll probably ask a friend later ating offi cer, Diego Camberos, and faster call set-up.” is not automatically enabled. to trim it,” Filipino expatriate said: “There could not be a bet- VoLTE is an optimised mo- Vodafone is working closely Hernan Sunga told Gulf Times. Abbas Moussa is passionate about hair cutting ter time to introduce VoLTE bile-only technology that al- with its smartphone partners He said that a compatriot Mark Bacsafra gets a hair cut from his wife Cakes and applies his skill on his son Mohamed at as yet another addition to our lows cellular voice calls over to enable VoLTE on an even shared him the same experi- at home. home. world-class GigaNet network. a 4G Long-Term Evolution wider range of smartphone ence and failed to cut his side- We are all social distancing re- (LTE) network and fully in- models. VoLTE is charged in burns properly, and might also told his wife Cakes to trim his sponsibly and having to rely on tegrates voice and data for a the same way as all other voice be seeking another person’s help hair lightly. Asked how he felt technology to multitask and better experience. Beginning calls. to repair it. about it, he said: “No words can A Nepali expatriate also explain.” “gave in” to such trend saying Other residents may not be Call 16000, not 999, he always prefers to have short keen to apply the DIY approach, for Covid-19 info: HMC hair like his colleagues, which especially for those who visit the he fi nds stylish and easy to barber shop often like Lebanese Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Nedina broadens maintain. expatriate Abbas Moussa. He has reminded people to call 16000, However, he said the result somehow managed “to do sim- and not 999, for information on or turned out to be otherwise and ple things” such as trimming medical assistance for the novel has to wear a cap temporarily. only the sideburns and a little coronavirus disease (Covid-19). online shopping “I just laughed at it since it’s higher, as well as his mustache “For all questions and enquiries re- my own fault. I hope everything and beard. lated to Covid-19, members of the will go back to normal so I can Having a skill in hair-cutting, public should call the Ministry of have this disaster be fi xed right he also enjoys doing it while at Public Health’s dedicated hotline platform to benefi t away,” he said. “Good thing is I home with his two sons, 8-year- on 16000,” HMC said in an advi- saved money for that.” old Ali and 12-year-old Moham- sory on social media yesterday. For Deniel Sulit and Mark ed, who normally visit the shop The advisory reiterated that Bacsafra, Filipino expatriates in every month. 999 is for “medical emergencies buyers, partners Doha, entrusting one’s haircut For a mother like Milan Deniel Sulit got his hair cut by his wife. requiring immediate medical to a wife for the fi rst time is “a Murillo, cutting her son’s hair attention and transfer to an unique experience” and might is a good precautionary measure “Then I decided to leave my demand for hair clippers, trim- emergency department”. edina, Qatar’s home- be a better option than DIY. against Covid-19. “The more the hair grow. For me, having a very mers and shavers in Doha surged “The Ambulance Service’s grown online market- “It took her three hours to fi n- hair grows longer, you will likely long hair has never been a choice since the temporary closure of medical dispatchers receive Nplace with a wide range ish it. I was ready for what’s go- touch your face (as you fi x or so I’m planning to go to the fi rst barber shops and salons. hundreds of 999 calls each day of products from electronics to ing to happen if it will not look push your hair back).” barber shop once they are back According to LuLu regional from members of the public fashion, has announced via an good, I will ask her to trim eve- Some residents have thought, to work. But for the time be- manager Shanavas P M, many with urgent medical conditions, online press conference that it rything,” he said. His advice to while others have tried, cut- ing I’m trying to leave it as it is,” people have been looking for and the 999 number must be has established new partner- others: “You just have to trust ting or trimming their hair but said Moroccan expatriate Oualid these kinds of items at LuLu prioritised for these life-threat- ships with leading hypermarkets your wife.” then realised they cannot do it Bakkas. stores across the country in the ening situations,” it stressed. in Doha to meet the increas- Bacsafra, on the other hand, properly. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the past few weeks. ing demand in Qatar for online shopping. From today, Nedina’s cus- tomers will be able to buy their groceries online after Nedina’s partnership with Family Food HBKU Press invites entries about Centre (FFC), Retail Mart, Indi- an Supermarket, and New Grand Mart. ruption to our services to an life in confi nement due to Covid-19 Commenting on this ini- absolute minimum. tiative, an offi cial spokesper- “It is our responsibility to amad Bin Khalifa Uni- by the community experiencing ing job, being house-bound with son from Nedina said: “We adhere to the social distanc- versity Press (HBKU it,” explained Rima Ismail, out- family or separated from loved are pleased to inform Nedina’s ing rules that the government HPress) has invited sub- reach and special projects man- ones, having to change major customers that we are putting has set to encounter the coro- missions for any literary and/or ager at HBKU Press. “Our entire life plans, the shifts in attitude measures in place to facilitate navirus pandemic and to set an artistic works inspired by life in publishing house has shifted or worldview, the experience of the contactless delivery of prod- example by quickly adapting to confi nement due to the global to working remotely but de- contracting the disease or know- ucts to our customers.” the fast-changing situation and Covid-19 pandemic and person- spite this challenge, we are still ing someone who has, etc. or an- The spokesperson added: so do all we can to mitigate the al changes that have occurred as looking to promote literacy and ything related to how people are “All delivery personnel will risks posed by the pandemic. a result of the world in crisis. learning through this activity feeling, coping and adapting to follow the social distancing We are constantly aiming to ex- HBKU Press will begin ac- open to both the local and global the global pandemic. If the sub- protocols to ensure the safety pand our product off erings and cepting submissions until May community.” mission is chosen, it will be in- of themselves and of our cus- to provide our customers with a 6 in Arabic, English and French, The call for submissions looks cluded in a published book ten- tomers. Further initiatives smooth online experience when where applicable. For more de- to collate refl ective pieces, any- tatively titled, Together…Apart. that we are implementing they buy essential goods such as tails on the requirements and thing from personal essays, nar- “What we hope to achieve at during these unprecedented groceries, electronics, and fash- terms and conditions, interested rative fi rst-person writing piec- the end of this is a global snap- times include providing IT ion brands. We are all striving to participants may visit https:// es; illustrations and drawings, shot full of candid moments support and free online train- ensure a stronger and safer Qatar hbkupress.com/en/2020-hb- photographs, or original memes; about this time. We want to doc- ing to businesses to smooth after this crisis.” ku-press-call-submissions-0 poetry or any combination of ument revelations, inspirations their transition to e-com- Nedina.com is off ering all where you will fi nd the applica- the mediums listed above that as well as challenges and diffi cult The bottom line is, as a global Only full application packages, merce and enable them to use local businesses the opportu- tion form and more details about come as a reaction to the changes truths,” Ismail added. “The call community we are all in this to- which include a completed ap- our platform, and using Ne- nity to set up online shops on its the submission process. that the coronavirus has thrust for submissions is open to any- gether. We hope that the pro- plication form, a short descrip- dina’s partnership with global website free of charge, as well “History is unfolding right upon us. one of any age because if we’ve posed book will refl ect the spirit tive rationale, a brief biography CRM providers to facilitate a as providing various payment now, and this is a unique op- Pieces should refl ect experi- learned anything from the virus, of cultural exchange that is es- and the submission piece will be smooth transition to ‘working options to ensure hassle-free portunity to document it as told ence of working from home, los- it’s that it does not discriminate. sential to HBKU Press’s mission.” considered for publication. from home’, so keeping dis- online payments.

Toyota Fortuner, Innova, Camry, Lexus models of ‘360 With You’ programme working on 2017-2018 recalled

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co-operation more episodes to raise virus awareness with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co, announced the recall of Toyota Fortuner, Innova and Camry, and Lexus LC500/500H he team of ‘360 With social changes imposed by the of the Ministry of Culture and noting that the centres and serves the continuation of the opinion and work to provide and LS500/500H Models of 2017- You’ programme is work- coronavirus (Covid-19). Sports, and in-charge of the bodies affi liated with the min- daily life of members of society guidance that will raise the 2018, due to possible fuel pump Ting on producing more Presented by the journal- programme team, termed the istry are working and focusing as normal. awareness of society and help malfunction that may cause the episodes that meet rules of ist Khaled al-Jumaily, the pro- programme as purposeful, say- during the current period on Al-Jumaily said that the cur- use the time correctly. vehicles to stop working. social media platforms in line gramme, which is the result ing that the team has fi nished the need to enhance communi- rent period during which peo- It also aims to shed light on The ministry confirmed the recall with the emerging conditions, of co-operation between the fi lming of 14 episodes so far, cation and interaction with so- ple use social media in order to the many positive initiatives campaign comes within the and answer the questions of the Ministry of Culture and Sports while work is being done to ciety through the Internet and receive information, one fi nds in society in order to stimulate framework of its ongoing eff orts current stage. and Doha 360, presents a chan- produce more. virtual interaction. that more rumours and mis- their wider dissemination. to protect consumers. The programme, which nel of communication between In these episodes, the focus is She added that the pro- information are spread across He added that work is under- The ministry has said that it will its fi rst episodes broadcast the public and the authorities on highlighting diff erent angles gramme focuses at this stage these platforms. way to produce more episodes co-ordinate with the dealer to recently on the ‘Doha 360’ concerned in the country. and hosting a number of actors on the developments of the cri- This is why it was important and talk about the develop- follow up on the maintenance platforms, focuses on provid- It is also a channel of com- to interact with them on the sis, stressing that work is car- to produce such a programme to ments taking place, pointing and repair works. ing a positive experience for munication between members crisis of the coronavirus. ried out in accordance with the contribute to directing people out that one of the most impor- It urges all customers to report citizens and residents in light of society and reviews the ex- Al-Badr stressed that the criteria that bans gathering, as to seek information from their tant goals of the programme is any violations to its Consumer of measures urging them to periences and initiatives at the programme comes within the such events are conducted on- reliable sources, he said. to provide educational content Protection and Anti-Commercial stay at home by delivering community level. framework of the Ministry of line within the framework of Al-Jumaily noted that the in addition to being an educa- Fraud Department, which awareness messages, and al- Jawaher al-Badr, head of Culture and Sports’ plan to en- enhancing community commu- programme aims to present tional means that works to re- processes complaints, inquiries lowing its guest to share their the culture section of the De- hance awareness in order to nication under the current cir- the most frequently discussed fute rumours and communicate and suggestions. ideas on current issues and partment of Culture and Arts reduce the spread of the virus, cumstances, and in a way that topics of interest to the public correct information. (QNA) Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD US, Iraq to hold talks on future of troop presence

AFP coming a proxy battleground, pandemic raging and plum- presence of the United States nent general, Qassem Soleimani, Adnan Zurfi, who is con- they are vulnerable to attack, Washington President Donald Trump has meting oil revenues threatening forces in that country and how in a drone attack at the Baghdad sidered pro-Western, was last but said it was responding to refused to pull the 5,200 US an Iraqi economic collapse, it’s best to support an independ- airport. Iraqi paramilitary forc- month given 30 days to pull risks from the coronavirus troops and earlier even threat- important that our two govern- ent and sovereign Iraq,” Pompeo es have been blamed for more together a cabinet. Pompeo pandemic. The United States he United States will hold ened sanctions on Baghdad if it ments work together to stop any said. than two dozen rocket attacks said the United States would invaded Iraq in 2003 to top- talks with Iraq in June moved forward. reversal of the gains we’ve made The United States will be rep- since October against bases support any Iraqi leader who ple dictator Saddam Hus- Ton the future of its troop But Pompeo, without signal- in our eff orts to defeat ISIS and resented by David Hale, the top housing US troops and foreign moves “away from the old sec- sein, starting a disastrous war presence in the country, whose ling a decision on troop levels, stabilise the country,” Pompeo career diplomat at the State De- embassies. tarian model that ended up that wreaked havoc across the parliament has voted to expel said the military presence would told reporters. partment. Weakening Iraq’s clout, its with terror and corruption.” country. them, Secretary of State Mike be on the table in a “strategic di- “All strategic issues between Iraq’s government was furi- government has been in chaos US Central Command re- US troops returned in 2014 as Pompeo said yesterday. alogue” scheduled for mid-June. our two countries will be on the ous in January when the United since the eruption of major cently pulled back troops from part of a coalition to fight the With Iraq increasingly be- “With the global Covid-19 agenda, including the future States killed Iran’s most promi- protests last year. smaller bases in Iraq, where Islamic State extremist group. Tehran reopens its parliament as coronavirus cases

Expatriates in lockdown at a quarantined building, receive food from a Kuwaiti charity in Farwaniya. drop for seventh day

AFP The body said two-thirds of Tehran public servants must go to work Kuwait reports 78 and the rest could do so from home. ran’s parliament convened It also said newspaper and yesterday for the fi rst time magazine publishers could Isince the coronavirus out- resume their print editions from new infections break forced its doors to close, Saturday, after being barred for a as the country reported a drop week. in new infections for the seventh Authorities are yet to de- straight day. fi ne what low-risk businesses QNA/Reuters The Kuwaiti health minister health minister said yesterday, More than two-thirds of the are and have been criticised for Kuwait said that lab tests and analyses urging the public to adhere legislature’s 290 members gath- sending mixed signals by relax- had shown the recovery of the more closely to state directives ered in the absence of speaker ing social distancing measures. patients, Kuwait News Agency against mixing and movement, and veteran politician Ali Lari- “We’re seeing a duality in he Kuwaiti Ministry of (Kuna) reported. Reuters reported. jani, who tested positive for senior offi cials’ remarks,” ISNA Health announced yes- The recovered patients will The country of some 30mn Covid-19 last week. quoted the head of Tehran’s city Tterday that 78 people be discharged from hospital has so far reported 2,795 cases At least 31 members of the council as saying. were infected by the corona- within two days’ time, the min- and 41 deaths, the highest in parliament, or Majles, which “On one hand, there’s the virus (Covid-19) in the last 24 ister added. the six-nation Gulf Co-oper- had been shut since February 25, health ministry asking for more hours, bringing the total to 743. OMAN REVEALS 40 ation Council (GCC), despite have contracted the disease. Windows of residential buildings are lit at nighttime as people stay at stringent measures, and on the Regarding those infected, NEW VIRUS CASES halting all passenger fl ights, State television footage of the home during the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, in the Iranian capital other economic offi cials decide 69 cases were in contact with The Omani Ministry of suspending most commercial opening session showed some Tehran, yesterday. things that make people feel the a coronavirus case, and nine Health reported 40 new posi- activities and imposing a 24- MPs huddling together despite coronavirus is not so dangerous cases are under epidemical in- tive cases of coronavirus in the hour curfew in major cities in- guidelines on social distancing cision, as history will judge us,” increased and a total of 27,039 after all,” said Mohsen Hasehmi. vestigation, said Health Min- Sultanate, bringing the total cluding the capital Riyadh. to stop the spread of the virus. he said. people had left hospital. A taskforce member said any- istry spokesman Dr Abdullah of infections to 371 with two “We stand today at a decisive Parliament debated and even- TOTAL DEATHS Iran is by far the worst hit by one going back to work could al-Sanad at a daily briefi ng. deaths, QNA reported. moment as a society in raising tually blocked an urgent bill to REACH 3,872 the pandemic in the Middle East, become a virus “cluster bomb” He added that that 23 pa- The Omani Ministry of our sense of responsibility and totally lock down the country Health ministry spokesman according to offi cial tolls. as many of those infected were tients were in intensive care; Health also pointed out that contributing together with de- for a month, with those against Kianoush Jahanpour reported There has been speculation asymptomatic. including 17 stable cases and 67 cases have recovered, Oman termination to stop the spread arguing it would damage the 133 new coronavirus deaths, abroad that the real number of “I don’t know what’s the rea- six in critical condition. News Agency (ONA) reported. of this pandemic,” Health Min- economy. saying the overall fatalities had deaths and infections could be soning for such a decision,” state Those currently receiving In its statement, the minis- ister Tawfi q al-Rabiah said in a “This plan is against jobs and reached 3,872. higher, however. news agency IRNA quoted Ha- treatment at hospitals reached try called upon all to strictly rare televised address. growing productivity. Another 2,089 infections were In a bid to halt Covid-19, mid Souri as saying Monday. 673 patients, said the spokes- adhere to quarantine measures, Dubai, the commercial hub Who’s going to pay for imple- recorded nationwide, bringing Iran has ordered the closure of Offi cials said the reopening of man, adding that 911 individu- social distancing instructions, of the United Arab Emirates, menting it?” MP Shadmehr Ka- the total to 62,589. non-essential businesses and businesses was meant to save the als have completed quarantine. health habits as well as staying has extended the closure of zemzadeh said, according to the Iran announced its fi rst Cov- imposed inter-city travel bans, economy. Kuwaiti Minister of Health at home and not going out, un- commercial activities until semi-offi cial news agency ISNA. id-19 cases on February 19, when while refraining from a lock- “We cannot shut down in- Sheikh Dr Basel al-Sabah also less necessary. April 18 as part of eff orts to But Abdolkarim Hosseinza- it said two people had died from down. But its taskforce to bat- dustries and production” at a announced the recovery of two The new coronavirus could contain coronavirus, the Dubai deh, who drafted the bill, said the illness. tle the virus said “low-risk” time of “economic war” amid people from Covid-19, raising eventually infect between Economic Department said in a Iran had been “confused” about Jahanpour said that while businesses would be allowed to crippling US sanctions, Health the country’s total recoveries 10,000 and 200,000 people in statement on Twitter, Reuters how to contain the virus. 3,987 patients were in criti- reopen from Saturday, while ob- Minister Saeid Namaki told to 105. Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s reported. “We must urgently make a de- cal condition, recoveries had serving health protocols. parliament.

CONFLICT Entertainment amid West Bank curbs Troops arrest Clowns perform two Palestinians to entertain in Jerusalem Palestinian children during The Israeli occupation forces de- a home- tained two Palestinians after raid- confinement ing the town of Abu Dis, east of order amid occupied Jerusalem, yesterday. concerns about Local sources said that the two the spread of detainees were former prison- the coronavirus ers who spent time in Israeli jails disease for resisting occupation, QNA (Covid-19), in reported from Jerusalem. Hebron in the One of the prisoners aged 40, occupied West served 15 years in Israeli jails and Bank. the second aged 35, spent six years behind bars, Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported. The forces also destroyed their homes during the arrest, said the sources.

Seek help, say women’s groups as domestic violence surges

Thomson Reuters Foundation terres to call for urgent government Domestic violence cases are up role in Tunisia, where authorities Amman/Cairo action. But the situation in the Mid- about 20% since the lockdown say cases increased fi ve-fold under a dle East is particularly worrying, say started in March, Anani told the strict curfew that is being enforced women’s rights activists, because Thomson Reuters Foundation from by the army and has been extended oronavirus lockdowns have governments have recently stepped Lebanon, where authorities have until April 19. brought a surge in reports up protections for those at risk. closed all but essential businesses. The government has allocated Cof domestic violence in the Some fear those fragile gains are The lockdown has exacerbat- eight shelters for victims and their Middle East, women’s groups have being jeopardised by restrictions on ed the diffi culties faced by many children with additional facilities said, warning hard-won gains in movement to curb the spread of the households in Lebanon, where a fi - planned, said Tigris al-Qatiri, who protection for victims are at risk. coronavirus that have forced women nancial crisis led to a mass uprising heads Tunisia’s department for In Lebanon, calls to a government behind closed doors. in October 2019, with money wor- combating violence against women. domestic violence hotline have “We’re seeing the nature of the ries a common factor in domestic The Association of Tunisian doubled; in Tunisia, authorities violence become more severe and violence. Women for Research and Develop- say cases have increased fi ve-fold, there are more death threats,” said ABAAD is running Skype coun- ment, a women’s group, started a while in Jordan, a video of a victim Ghida Anani, founder and director selling sessions both for victims and solidarity and awareness campaign tearfully describing her abuse under of ABAAD, which runs shelters for for men with a history of violence. under the slogan “you are not alone” lockdown has gone viral. women in Lebanon. The group has also teamed up with in an eff ort to reach isolated victims. Countries all over the world have “With the cases that are turning the government to distribute family Across the region, women’s reported increases in domestic vio- up at the shelters right now, we’re aid kits containing household es- groups are desperately trying to get lence as families are cooped up to- seeing a violence more severe than sentials, family support brochures the message out to victims in isola- gether at home, prompting the head before the fi nancial crisis and even and helpline contacts, Anani said. tion, with governments’ attention of the United Nations Antonio Gu- during the revolution.” Authorities are also playing a key diverted by the coronavirus crisis. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 5 AFRICA Lockdowns: Saving lives, but ruining livelihoods

By Alexis Akwagyiram and tor, which accounts for more than Lockdowns, initially slated to The government says it has be- piled more pressure on the Nige- But no support has been of- who was selling spinach at a Mfuneko Toyana, Reuters 85% of employment across the last 14 days, began in Lagos and gun making cash transfers to the rian government’s fi nances at a fered so far to the informal econ- quieter-than-usual market in Lagos/Johannesburg continent and will be largely by- the capital, Abuja, on March 30. country’s poorest households, time when it was already strug- omy, which provides employ- the crowded township of Sowe- passed by meagre economic sup- The government of Africa’s but many hawkers and other in- gling with a slump in the price of ment to 25-30% of South African to one day last week. port measures that cash-strapped most populous country has an- formal traders do not have bank oil, the mainstay of the economy. workers, according to the World “If I didn’t come, I would not n a dark ground-fl oor room in governments are rolling out. nounced a repayment morato- or mobile money accounts to pay Even South Africa, the conti- Bank. have had money for these two Lagos, dressmaker Kemi Ade- The International Monetary rium for government loans made into even if they were eligible. nent’s most developed economy, For many, all they can do is loaves of bread.” Ipoju gazes at a pile of dresses Fund said in a blog on the out- to small businesses ranging from Some 60% of Nigerians do not has not been able to promise a hunker down for a 21-day na- Malimele has sold fruit and she has made but which cannot break’s impact on Africa last market traders to farmers, and have a bank account, according massive fi scal stimulus to cush- tional lockdown to end, and hope vegetables at the Kliptown mar- be collected due to the lockdown month that “social distancing” has said it will off er similar relief to the World Bank. ion the coronavirus blow, with business will pick up again. ket since 1983, relying on the in force to slow the spread of the was not realistic for the most to large companies. There is a danger that gov- the economy already in recession “I work in a public space, trade to feed her family, including new coronavirus. vulnerable, and the notion of Muda Yusuf, director general ernment support will not reach and unemployment hovering which puts me at risk,” said Na- eight grandchildren. “This lockdown came upon us working from home was only of the Lagos Chamber of Com- those who need it most, said around 30%. tasha Mbayo, a hairdresser in Jo- “These kids don’t have par- suddenly. I used all my money possible for the few. merce, said the self-employed Tunde Ajileye, a partner at risk It has announced tax relief hannesburg’s inner city. “Once ents, but I can’t just leave them. I to buy fabric. If I had known, I “The very measures that are in cities would not benefi t from consultancy SBM Intelligence. for small businesses worth 500 everything is fi ne, I can get back have to make a plan to feed them,” would have...used it to buy food crucial to slowing the spread of these measures because they “Until people can be found and rand ($26.50) per month for each to earning money.” said Malimele, who on a good day instead,” said the mother-of- the virus will have a direct cost are aimed mainly at rural areas tracked centrally and matched worker for four months, and will Others are defying the lock- before the lockdown could earn two, who runs her business from on local economies,” it said. “The and no relief has been off ered on to their fi nancial records, op- permit businesses with revenue down to survive. up to 300 rand. a room she rents in the Iwaya disruption to people’s daily lives commercial loan repayments. erations like these will at best be of 50mn rand ($2.66mn) or less “I know I am not supposed “I can’t tell whether the gov- suburb of Nigeria’s largest city. means less paid work, less in- “These measures are not likely informed guesswork and fraught to delay paying 20% of their em- to be sitting here selling, but ernment is wrong or right to do Like millions in Africa, Ade- come, less spending, and fewer to trickle down to people in the with corruption,” he said. ployee tax liabilities over four I don’t have a choice,” said this, but it seems like only those poju works in the informal sec- jobs.” informal sector,” he said. The coronavirus crisis has months. 69-year-old Lucy Malimele, who have money will survive.” 6 killed in Disinfection drive quarantined DRC region

AFP DR Congo’s border province with was a “dire shortage” of ventila- Johannesburg/Kinshasa Uganda, during the Congo Wars of tors, oxygen tanks, biohazard suits the 1990s and N95 facemasks. Zimbabwe has so far recorded 10 ive men and a child were cases of infection, including one killed in an overnight attack Malawi reports first fatality. Fblamed on the Allied Demo- coronavirus death A hearing date is yet to be set. cratic Forces (ADF) militia near The health ministry could not the eastern DR Congo city of Beni, Malawi yesterday announced be immediately reached for com- A worker dressed in full body gear disinfects a car in Abobo, a suburb of Abidjan, during a cleaning and disinfecting campaign cut off because of the coronavirus its fi rst coronavirus death as well ment. launched by Ivory Coast’s Ministry of Sanitation and Hygiene, as a preventive measure against the spread of the Covid-19. pandemic, local sources said yes- as three additional cases, bringing terday. the tally of infections to eight in The attack occurred in Halun- one of the last countries in Africa Ramaphosa raps gupa, some 30km from Beni in to report the disease. cabinet minister North Kivu province, local offi cial Health Minister Jappie Mhango John Kambale Sibendire told AFP. said the victim was a 51-year-old South African President Cyril The local police chief confi rmed woman who had recently travelled Ramaphosa has said he has sum- Habre victims’ Cameroon ruling party the attack. to Britain and had an underlying moned a minister who was pho- In a measure aimed at curb- medical condition. tographed lunching at a friend’s ing the spread of Covid-19, the She died in Blantyre, Malawi’s house at the weekend in breach of lawyer warns of sweeps by-elections in region’s main three cities of Beni, second city and political capital. the coronavirus lockdown. Goma and Butembo have been cut “Our fi fth patient to test posi- Ramaphosa last month ordered off from the rest of North Kivu. tive from Covid-19 has sadly a three-week national lockdown ‘disguised release’ anglophone regions The region, torn by armed passed on in the early hours of this to try to slow the spread of the confl ict for the past 25 years, has morning,” Mhango told reporters. coronavirus, which has infected fought an Ebola epidemic — the Malawi is one of the poorest 1,686 and killed 12 in the country. AFP AFP lence as armed separatists cam- DR Congo’s 10th — since August countries in the world. But a picture posted on Insta- Dakar Yaounde paign for independence from the 2018. gram showing Communications rest of Cameroon, which is ma- If no further Ebola cases emerge, Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abra- jority French-speaking. the epidemic is set to be declared Zimbabwe doctors hams having lunch with fi ve other ictims of Chad’s former dictator Hissene Habre ameroon’s ruling party has The confl ict has killed more over on April 12, after claiming go to court people at the home of a former fear that his recently granted prison furlough could swept all 13 seats in parlia- than 3,000 people and displaced more than 2,200 lives. deputy minister has sparked an Vset the stage for a full release, one of their lawyers Cmentary by-elections held nearly 700,000 in less than three Of the 180 cases of coronavirus Zimbabwean doctors have fi led outcry on social media. said yesterday. late last month in the confl ict- years, according to humanitarian recorded in the DR Congo so far, a lawsuit aimed at compelling the “It was great to host a former The 78-year-old was jailed in Senegal in 2016 over wracked anglophone west of the organisations. including 18 deaths, at least one government to beef up coronavi- colleague and dear sister Cde Stel- abuses committed during years of iron-fi sted rule in country, the constitutional coun- Separatist fi ghters had called case was detected in Beni. rus protection for public hospitals la Ndabeni-Abrahams on her way Chad, but his supporters have stepped up a campaign for cil announced yesterday. on people in the two regions to Attacks on civilians by the ADF, and healthcare workers. back from executing critical and his release over the past year. Long-ruling President Paul boycott nationwide municipal accused of having massacred more In an application fi led to the essential services, required for the On Monday, a judge in Senegal’s capital Dakar granted Biya’s People’s Democratic and legislative elections on Feb- than 1,000 civilians since Octo- High Court on Sunday, the doc- eff ective functioning of our coun- Habre two months of prison leave over coronavirus fears, Movement (RDPC) won all 13 ruary 9, issuing threats to anyone ber 2014, have decreased in recent tors said the government had try during lockdown,” read the sparking concerns about an eventual release. seats at stake in 11 constituencies who planned to vote. weeks. failed to set in place “measures to caption accompanying the since Yesterday, one of the lawyers who represented Habre’s in the North-West and South- Several NGOs including Am- November last year saw an up- ensure that health practitioners deleted post. victims told AFP that the ex-dictator’s supporters had for West regions of the central Afri- nesty International reported surge of attacks, with ADF fi ght- across the country, who include The picture appeared on the In- the past year waged a concerted campaign to secure his can country. multiple clashes between the ers killing civilians in reprisal for nurses, nurse aides and pharma- stagram timeline of former dep- full release. “The concern is that this could be a disguised The RDPC “ran the table” in separatists and the army ahead army operations launched against cists among others, are adequately uty education minister Mduduzi release,” said Reed Brody, the human rights lawyer. 10 North-West districts and one of the polling, though only one them in October. protected”. Manana, who resigned in 2017 While the government has “stated very clearly” that in the South-West, state broad- incident — in the North-West Experts say nearly 400 have The case is being led by the after pleading guilty to assaulting Habre will return to prison, Brody added, the fear is that caster CRTV reported. region — was reported on elec- been killed since then. Zimbabwe Association of Doctors three women in a nightclub after the ex-dictator could use his wealth to up the ante in his The wins reinforced the party’s tion day itself. The ADF began as an Islamist- for Human Rights (ZADHR). they referred to him as gay. release campaign. massive majority in the 180-mem- The constitutional council said rooted rebel group in Uganda that The doctors, according to a Ramaphosa said he has asked Chadian Justice Minister Djimet Arabi declined to com- ber parliament to 152 seats. on February 25 that the vote would opposed President Yoweri Museveni. statement yesterday by country’s the communications minister to ment on Habre’s temporary release when contacted by The two anglophone regions have to be rerun in several parts of It then fell back to North Kivu, human rights lawyers, said there explain herself. AFP yesterday. have been rocked by deadly vio- the two anglophone regions. Under coronavirus lockdown, Rwandans remember genocide from home

By Clement Uwiringiyimana, dren sent me messages, told ternational passenger travel. This year, Rwanda started the Reuters me on a WhatsApp group that Kenya has done likewise. week-long commemorations Kigali we must remain strong despite President Paul Kagame said with families under lockdown tough times in a bid to honour in a recorded speech carried on and radio stations and television their dad,” she told Reuters by the state-run broadcaster that channels airing programmes and alerie Mukabayire lost phone about the conversation Rwanda had to remember the songs to remember the victims. her husband in Rwanda’s between her, her two daughters genocide despite the coronavirus “This year’s commemoration Vgenocide. Now she and and her son. outbreak. is therefore especially challeng- her family know they need to stay “We survived the genocide and Some 800,000 ethnic Tutsis ing for survivors and families strong to honour his memory now we must ensure that Cov- and politically moderate ethnic and for the country, because we as they join the country’s fi ght id-19 does not kill us,” said Mu- Hutus were killed in the violence cannot be together physically to against the coronavirus. kabayire, a former teacher who that began on April 6, 1994, af- comfort one another. It is not an Government orders to stay in- heads AVEGA Agahozo, an asso- ter then-president Juvenal Hab- easy thing to do,” Kagame said. doors to curb the spread of the ciation of widows that supports yarimana and his counterpart He laid a wreath and lit the disease have prevented them hold- 19,000 women countrywide. Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi Flame of Hope at the Gisozi me- ing a family gathering to remem- Rwanda has 105 confi rmed — both Hutus — died when their morial site, where more than a ber Sylivestre Shumbusho, who cases of Covid-19, the disease plane was shot down over the quarter a million people were was a teacher in Kigali, one of the caused by the coronavirus. Rwandan capital. buried. 800,000 people killed in 1994. Last month it closed its bor- The attackers have never been Authorities are still exhuming The 64-year-old and her three ders as a part of a broader lock- identifi ed. the bodies of those killed. children — who were aged 12, 10 down designed to curb its spread. For last year’s 25th anniversa- “We will keep searching for and nine when their father was It has ordered its citizens to ry, thousands of people marched more bodies as people tell us that killed — would usually visit a stay indoors and only go out for from parliament to the national they are sure the bodies were memorial site. essential activities, and restrict- soccer stadium. dumped there during the geno- This year they will watch on ed movement between towns and After they entered, the lights cide,” Fred Mufuluke, the gov- television as the country marks other regions. were extinguished and the dark- ernor of Kayonza province, told President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeanette Kagame light the genocide flame of hope, known as the the 100 days of slaughter. Neighbouring Uganda has im- ness was broken by a sea of fl ick- Reuters by phone after fi nding 15 Kwibuka (Remembering), to commemorate the 1994 genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali. “Even this morning my chil- posed curfews and suspended in- ering candles as survivors spoke. buried in a dam. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 AMERICAS Wisconsin votes amid lockdown

Reuters Americans’ daily lives and Commission on Monday to ask Republicans for quashing a bid to Beloit, Wisconsin plunged the economy into an ap- for advice. postpone the election. “We felt it parent recession. “They said my ballot could still was important.” A fl urry of 11th-hour legal come today and my best bet was The last-minute legal ma- isconsin voters yester- wrangling on Monday failed to getting that in the mail, or, better noeuvring over the election day faced long lines at stop the balloting, despite warn- luck at the next election,” Gles- overshadowed the Democratic Wlimited polling loca- ings from Democratic offi cials son said. presidential primary in Wis- tions as the Midwestern state’s that thousands of voters would “I don’t, at this point, have a consin, the first nominating presidential primary and local be forced to choose between their way to vote. It’s really despicable contest held since March 17 in elections moved ahead despite safety and their rights. and voter suppression at its fi n- the race to pick a challenger mounting fears about the coro- In deciding separate lawsuits est.” to Republican President Don- navirus outbreak. brought by Republicans, the state Some Wisconsin cities resort- ald Trump for the November 3 Outside Riverside High School Supreme Court blocked Demo- ed to “drive-through” voting. election. in Milwaukee — where offi cials cratic Governor Tony Evers’ or- In Beloit, a city of about 37,000 The outbreak has pushed were forced to close 175 of 180 der to delay the election until people along the Illinois border, front-runner Joe Biden and rival normal voting sites due to a lack June and the US Supreme Court poll workers brought ballots to Bernie Sanders off the campaign of poll workers — masked voters overturned a federal judge’s de- drivers’ windows after verifying trail. stood several feet apart in a line cision extending absentee vot- photo identifi cation and resi- Former vice president Biden that stretched for several blocks ing, instead ruling ballots must dency, then returned the fi lled- has built a nearly insurmount- as polls opened yesterday morn- be postmarked by Tuesday to be out paperwork to a counting ma- able lead over Senator Sanders ing, according to videos and pho- counted. chine. in the delegates who will pick the tos posted on Twitter. The latter ruling left voters like Phillip Thomas, 70, and his nominee at the national conven- More than half of Wisconsin’s Hannah Glesson, a 34-year-old wife Kathy Thomas, 65, had fi lled tion this summer. municipalities reported shortag- healthcare worker in a long-term out absentee ballots — but as new The convention, scheduled to es of poll workers, prompting the care facility, out of luck. Wisconsin residents, they were be held in Milwaukee, has been state to call up 2,400 National Glesson, pregnant with her unclear on how to handle the postponed to August from July Guard troops to assist. fi rst child, tested positive for the witness requirement. by the pandemic. The election took place even coronavirus and is self-quar- They were relieved to learn that After a late-night meeting on An election volunteer collects a completed ballot from a voter in Beloit, Wisconsin. though Wisconsin, like most US antining at home with her hus- Beloit was doing a drive-through Monday, the Wisconsin Elections states, has imposed a stay-at- band. system and brought their ballots Commission said no results from post yesterday morning that no bers were stationed, clerk Felicia tape on the ground to encourage home order on its residents. She requested an absentee bal- to the polling site to make sure yesterday’s voting would be re- county had reported any prob- Germaine said turnout appeared social distancing. “It’s almost More than a dozen other states lot last week but has yet to receive they were counted. leased until April 13, the deadline lems, including any polling plac- to be signifi cantly lower than like a big game of adult hop- have postponed their elections it, as offi cials struggle to respond “We were afraid we were go- for absentee ballots postmarked es that were unable to open. usual. scotch,” said Cherie Link, a state in the face of the Covid-19 pan- to a deluge of applications. ing to have to vote in person,” by yesterday to be received. In the village of Somerset, Voters gave one another space Senate candidate who was vol- demic, which has transformed She called the state’s Elections said Thomas, who blamed state The commission said in a blog where two National Guard mem- while waiting, thanks to strips of unteering as a poll worker.

Need to do more to Trump lashes out at health Body of missing Kennedy ensure fl ow of US watchdog for ‘fake dossier’ family member found supplies: Trudeau AFP McKean’s body was found more Reuters 374,329 cases, 12,064 deaths Washington than 3km from the waterfront home Washington of her mother, Kathleen Kennedy By David Ljunggren, Reuters The US Centers for Disease Control and Townsend, where the family had been Ottawa Prevention (CDC) yesterday reported 374,329 he body of John F Kennedy’s staying to isolate themselves during resident Donald Trump yesterday accused cases of coronavirus, an increase of 43,438 grand-niece who disappeared the coronavirus outbreak, the Post the US Health Department’s inspector cases from its previous count, and said that Tduring a canoe trip with her said. anada needs to do more to persuade Washington Pgeneral of having produced a “fake dos- the number of deaths had risen by 3,154 to young son was recovered on Monday, She and Gideon had gone to retrieve not to block medical supplies from fl owing across sier” on American hospitals suff ering shortages 12,064. US media reported yesterday. a ball that had fallen into the water, it Cthe border, even though US offi cials have allowed on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. The CDC reported its tally of cases of the Maeve Kennedy McKean, 40, and said, citing relatives and police. the export of 500,000 masks, Prime Minister Justin Tru- The president, taking aim at yet another fed- respiratory illness known as Covid-19, caused her eight-year-old son Gideon went They appeared to have been swept deau said yesterday. eral agency watchdog, did not provide any rea- by a new coronavirus, as of 4pm ET on April 6 missing Thursday while canoeing in away in strong currents and winds. Trudeau told a briefi ng that the N95 surgical masks son for questioning the health department in- compared to its count a day ago. the vast Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. A search team using aviation and from Saint Paul, Minnesota-based 3M Co — part of a spector general’s report on critical shortages. The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect The search for Gideon was to underwater imaging sonar technology batch of four mn ordered by the province of Ontario to The fi ndings confi rmed what governors, mayors cases reported by individual states. resume yesterday, the Washington located her body. help fi ght the coronavirus — should arrive today. and local health offi cials have been saying for weeks: Post reported, citing Maryland Natural Kennedy Townsend, 68, is a former Canadian offi cials pressed their US counterparts after that hospitals nationwide had insuffi cient capacity Resources Police. Maryland lieutenant governor, and Ontario complained the shipment had been blocked. US to handle the surge of coronavirus patients. death toll was starting to level off in New York The family said on Saturday that the daughter of Robert F Kennedy, President Donald Trump signed an order last week to stop But Trump suggested the inspector general and other hot spots. mother and son were presumed dead. the onetime US attorney general in his personal protective equipment from being exported. was politically motivated and asked why she had US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said yes- It is the latest chapter of heartbreak brother’s administration. “We have had constructive and productive conversa- not spoken to admirals, generals, the vice presi- terday he concurred with the director of the for the Kennedy political dynasty that RFK was himself assassinated in tions that have assured that this particular shipment dent or others in charge before doing the report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that has suff ered multiple tragedies since 1968 as he campaigned for presi- comes through but we recognise there is still more work “Another Fake Dossier,” he wrote on Twitter. some research models have projected death to- President Kennedy was assassinated dent five years after his brother’s to do,” Trudeau said. “We are going to continue to high- The US Department of Health and Human tals that may prove too high, though neither in Dallas in 1963. death. light to the American administration the point to which Services’s Offi ce of the Inspector General is led would off er an alternate estimate. healthcare supplies and services go back and forth across by Christi Grimm, the principal deputy inspector The White House coronavirus task force pro- that border,” he continued. general, who has served in the offi ce since 1999. jected a death toll of 100,000 to 240,000 a week 3M said late on Monday that it had reached a deal with The offi ce did not return a request for com- ago, saying containing deaths to that range was the Trump administration allowing exports to Canada to ment on Trump’s tweet. possible if strict social distances measures were continue. With the November election approaching as respected, implying it could go even higher. Boeing to redo test fl ight of The Canadian death toll from the outbreak rose to 345 the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc on the Adams yesterday told ABC that he was en- from 293 on Monday, chief medical offi cer Theresa Tam US economy, Trump has bristled at perceived couraged by recent data showing a possible told a daily briefi ng. The total number of cases is 17,063, criticism of his handling of the response to the “fl attening” of the outbreak in some areas, re- uncrewed Starliner spaceship compared to 15,822 a day earlier. virus. ferring to the shape of the curve when deaths are Tam said she was worried that the disease was spread- In the US government’s fi rst review of hos- shown on a graph. ing quickly among vulnerable sectors such as seniors’ pitals’ ability to cope with the coronavirus Asked if he believed the death toll would come AFP will allow us to complete all fl ight test homes, prisons and remote aboriginal communities, outbreak, investigators found on Monday that in below the dire White House task force projec- Washington objectives and evaluate the perform- where healthcare resources are already stretched. facilities nationwide faced “substantial chal- tion, Adams said, “That’s absolutely my expec- ance of the second Starliner vehicle at Ontario, the most populous of Canada’s 10 provinces, lenges,” including medical equipment shortages tation.” no cost to the taxpayer. says it is running out of personal protection equipment. and staffi ng. “I feel a lot more optimistic, again, because oeing will relaunch an uncrewed “We will then proceed to the tre- Canadian offi cials complain the market for medical Hospitals reported major challenges in testing I’m seeing mitigation work,” he said, adding that test fl ight of its Starliner space- mendous responsibility and privilege equipment is like the “Wild West,” and say they cannot and treating patients, and in having suffi cient he agreed with CDC director Robert Redfi eld Bship, the company said on Mon- of fl ying astronauts to the Interna- guarantee the masks, gowns and gloves they have ordered capacity to handle the surge in needed care, the that deaths could fall short of totals that some day, after an earlier mission failed due tional Space Station.” will arrive. HHS inspector general said in the report, based computer models showed. to multiple glitches. The aim of Star- A Boeing spokeswoman was quoted Procurement Minister Anita Anand said Canada had on 323 hospitals surveyed between March 23-27. The governors of New York, New Jersey and liner is to take US astronauts to the In- by CBS News as saying the company commitments to companies around the world to buy Hospitals reported that widespread shortages Louisiana pointed to tentative signs on Monday ternational Space Station. hopes to fl y the mission “in the fall of more than 230mn face masks, of which more than 16mn personal protective equipment put staff and pa- that the coronavirus outbreak may be starting to A test run in December was ended 2020.” Starliner’s fi rst crewed fl ight had been delivered. tients at risk, HHS inspectors said. plateau but warned against complacency. early when the spacecraft failed to had been scheduled for early 2020. It has also ordered 75mn N95 surgical masks and ex- Trump fi rst expressed irritation over the re- American hospitals have been overwhelmed, engage its thrusters on time. Another The delay puts the Starliner mission pects to have 2.3mn by end of the week. port during Monday night’s coronavirus brief- reporting shortages of personnel, protective problem was intermittent space-to- further behind tech entrepreneur Elon “We will not rest until these supplies are in Canada,” ing, asking who the HHS inspector general was. garments and other supplies while patients ago- ground communications, imped- Musk’s SpaceX, which Nasa said last she told the briefi ng, adding that offi cials were being ag- “Where did he come from, the inspector gen- nize alone, prohibited from receiving guests. ing the fl ight control team’s ability to month was preparing to send astro- gressive as they tracked down potential suppliers. eral?” Trump snapped. “What’s his name?” Even so, rates of growth and hospitalisations command and control the vehicle. nauts to the ISS in May. The provinces are also worried about a lack of ventila- Separately, two senior health offi cials have were slowing, possibly signalling a peak was at “We have chosen to refl y our Orbital Nasa has committed to pay $8bn to tors. said they now believe the coronavirus outbreak hand in three US epicentres of the pandemic, the Flight Test to demonstrate the quality Boeing and SpaceX, which will deliver Trudeau said Ottawa was working with domestic fi rms may kill fewer Americans than some recent governors of New York and New Jersey said on of the Starliner system,” Boeing said. six trips carrying four astronauts each to produce up to 30,000 ventilators. projections, pointing to tentative signs that the Monday. “Flying another uncrewed fl ight from now to 2024. Coronavirus leaves bitter taste for Canada maple sugar shacks

By Jacques Lemieux, AFP north of Montreal, is deserted. “But there are cabins in worse cabins in the province of Que- the equivalent of 10,500 full- Montreal On weekends around this time shape than mine,” he points out. bec, explains Helene Normandin, time jobs. of year, diners normally rotate in A similar scenario is playing spokeswoman for the federation Quebec had a record season and out every two hours. out in the neighbouring village of of Quebec Maple Syrup Produc- last year, harvesting more than nder a dazzling sky, with Lanoue had to close his dining Saint-Esprit, at the Constantin ers. 72,000 tonnes of syrup, with 80% spring in the air, syrup is room in mid-March, barely two Gregoire sugar shack. “It’s a catastrophic situation,” of it exported to 60 countries. Ufl owing in a maple grove weeks after the start of “maple “It is generally full every- she says. “This year 2020 is com- The United States, Germany near the village of Saint-Alexis. sugar time.” where,” owner Denise Gregoire pletely lost for (owners).” and Britain are the largest foreign With a mallet in hand, feet An annual tradition that runs says in one of the three grand But Covid-19 or not, the pro- buyers. braced in deep snow, Simon until the end of April, Quebecers dining rooms, where moose ant- duction of syrup continues, the The current season prom- Lanoue pounds plastic tubing and visitors fl ock to rustic sugar lers hang over a large fi replace. industry having been designated ises to be “normal,” according to into one tree after another to shacks to feast on spiced sausag- “On March 15, we closed our “essential” by the provincial Normandin, projecting a slightly drain their sap, weaving a vast es, sticky baked beans and fl uff y doors, and we will not be able to government. more modest harvest. spider web in the forest. omelets — all layered with golden reopen this year, it will go to next Canada produces 92% of the “I think we are going to have a As the sweet liquid drips maple syrup. year,” says Gregoire, who had to world’s maple syrup, largely good year, and the syrup again is slowly from the trees, Lanoue la- It’s topped off with a dessert lay off about 20 employees. thanks to Quebec (72%), with the excellent,” Lanoue says. ments his losses due to Quebec of maple “taff y,” made of thick Nevertheless, Jacqueline, a cli- rest coming from American bor- And no shortage is anticipat- province’s measures to slow the hot syrup spread over snow and ent, wants to come “buy maple der states. ed, as the federation maintains a spread of the new coronavirus. A worker is filling a barrel with freshly-made maple syrup at the rolled around a popsicle stick. syrup, like every year. Usually we Quebec has more than 11,000 strategic reserve of “blond gold” “For me, this represents a Constantin Gregoire Sugar shack in Saint-Esprit, Quebec. Usually, “catering represents come to eat at the cabin. But this producers grouped into 7,400 to ensure price stability: more shortfall of between $80,000 and from 75% to 80%” of revenues, year, because of the virus, it’s not companies, most of them arti- than 45,000 tonnes of syrup $100,000,” he said. essential tasks, closed eat-in res- The 140-seat dining hall in but this year Lanoue will have to be possible.” sanal, which contribute annually stored in barrels in a padlocked Quebec has ordered all resi- taurants and even limited travel Lanoue’s Osias sugar shack, lo- content with the sale of his syrup, There are more than 200 of up to C$600mn (US$422mn) to warehouse as large as fi ve foot- dents to stay home except for in the province. cated in an old barn about 60km “which does not represent much.” these so-called “commercial” the local economy, supporting ball fi elds. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 7 ASIA Jakarta to close schools, Bangladesh captures offi ces to curb virus spread fugitive killer Reuters Jakarta of country’s uthorities in the Indone- sian capital Jakarta will Aimpose large-scale social restrictions including closures of schools and workplaces to founder curb the spread of the new coro- navirus in the hardest hit area of the country. DPA of West Bengal, for at least the President Joko Widodo has Dhaka last 21 years. sought to limit transmission of He returned to Dhaka late the highly contagious Covid-19 angladesh police yes- last month, the lawyer said. respiratory disease through so- terday arrested a retired Bangladesh’s Home Minis- cial-distancing policies but has Barmy offi cer handed the ter Asaduzzaman Khan said, resisted general lockdown meas- death penalty by a court 21 “We hope we will soon be able ures adopted in many countries. years ago for the 1975 assassi- to execute the killer as per the But a large proportion of In- nation of the country’s founder court’s direction.” donesia’s confi rmed 2,738 cases Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The government has also of coronavirus, with 221 deaths, Retried captain Abdul Ma- been trying to track down fi ve have occurred in the densely jed was captured in the early other convicted killers, who populated capital of about 10mn hours of yesterday at a home went into hiding after the trail people, and a low level of testing in Dhaka’s Mirpur neigh- began in the assassination case, as well as data showing a spike in bourhood, police spokesman to ensure justice, he added. funerals there suggest the true Masudur Rahman said. Mujibur, who led Bangla- toll could be much higher. He was taken to court, the desh’s war of independence Yesterday, Health Minister spokesman said. in 1971, was killed along with Terawan Agus Putranto signed a Majed had been a fugitive most of his family by a group central government order allow- since a trial court in 1998 con- of disgruntled army offi cers in ing Jakarta’s administration to victed him and 14 others and a putsch which overthrew the introduce restrictions on pub- sentenced them to death by elected government. lic life tougher than in the rest fi ring squad for the killing. The assassins were not of Indonesia, the world’s fourth A soldier disinfects a school as he walks past students sitting apart to maintain social distancing as they listen to an off icer speaking about how The Supreme Court in 2009 pursued by subsequent most populous country. to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, at a boarding school in Banda Aceh yesterday. confi rmed the death penalty governments. The restrictions to take ef- for 12 of them, acquitting the A murder case was fi led only fect for an extendable two weeks ence on Tuesday evening that the to enforce compliance. that makes it look offi cial.” There are also growing fears three others. after Mujibur’s eldest daugh- include closures of schools mandatory restrictions would “We will do everything strict- There has been friction be- that the annual exodus of tens Prosecution lawyer He- ter, Sheikh Hasina, became and workplaces and limits on start on Friday with workplaces ly,” Baswedan said. “Our inter- tween Indonesia’s central and of millions of people to homes mayet Uddin said Majed was prime minister in 1996; fi ve religious events and cultural closing except for eight sectors est is to control the spread of local governments over social- across the nation’s archipelago ordered to prison, and pro- of the convicts were executed activities. such as health, energy, food, and (Covid-19).” distancing measures, with some for the Muslim Ramadan holiday duced before the trial court to in early 2010 after Hasina as- Jakarta had already taken fi nance, including the capital He said he was still fi nalising regional leaders attempting would accelerate the outbreak. follow the next course of action sumed offi ce for a second term. some steps to restrict public life market. details of the restrictions and to lock down provincial bor- Indonesian authorities said to execute the verdict. Seven others went into exile after declaring a state of emer- Public transport hours and would spell them out in the com- ders to stem the spread of the last week cash handouts would “He has no other legal op- in various countries. gency that runs until April 19, passenger capacity will also be ing days. coronavirus. go to poor families to persuade tions to defend himself but to The Foreign Ministry found but most were voluntary and Ja- cut to reduce the risk of people Pandu Riono, a public health Hundreds of thousands of Ja- them to stay in Jakarta, but the seek presidential clemency,” that one of the fugitives died in karta Governor Anies Baswedan passing on the virus. Groups expert at the University of In- karta residents have left in recent government rejected calls for a Uddin said, adding the con- Zimbabwe in 2002, while the oth- pushed for authority to take of more than fi ve people in donesia, said that with some weeks for their home villages to ban on the “mudik”, as the tra- vict told him in court that he ers have been residing in diff erent tougher action against Covid-19. public spaces will be banned of the restrictions already fi nd a safe haven, or after losing ditional Ramadan migration is had been hiding in Kolkata, parts of the world, including the Baswedan told a news confer- and police patrols increased in place “this is just a stamp their jobs, offi cials said. called locally. the capital of the Indian state United States and Canada.

Thailand reports 38 new coronavirus cases Vietnam’s Covid-19 Since the outbreak in the country’s fi nancial systems. Reuters/DPA January, Thailand’s Bangkok Prime Minister Prayut Chan- tally stands at 2,258 o-cha yesterday offi cially added cases rise infections and 27 deaths. the coronavirus pandemic to the hailand reported 38 while 824 patients have national agenda. new coronavirus infec- recovered and gone The cabinet meeting also re- to 249; no Ttions and the death of a home solved to postpone the reopen- 54-year-old man yesterday, a ing of schools from May 16 to spokesman for a government coronavirus pandemic. July 1, government spokeswom- deaths agency said. Finance Minister Uttama Sa- an Narumon Pinyosinwat said. In addition to 16 new cases, vanayana said yesterday after a Thailand has been under a including imported ones, there cabinet meeting that it has ap- state of emergency since March Reuters are 17 patients linked to previous proved measures for the Finance 26 which will last until at least Hanoi cases and fi ve people who tested Ministry to borrow 1tn baht, April 30. positive but await investigation which will be used to help the A nationwide daily curfew be- into how they caught the dis- health-care sector and revive the tween 10pm and 4am (1500 to ietnam’s Health Minis- ease, said Taweesin Wisanuyo- economy. 2100 GMT) started on Friday. try reported four more thin, a spokesman of the Uttama said the ministry will Bangkok and other major Vconfi rmed coronavirus Center for Covid-19 Situation borrow mostly from domestic provinces have closed most cases yesterday, bringing the Administration. sources using the Thai currency places where people meet country’s total to 249, with no Since the outbreak in January, but added that the measures such as malls, sports clubs deaths. Thailand’s tally stands at 2,258 do not forbid borrowing from and bars. More than 94,000 coro- infections and 27 deaths. Eight foreign currencies. Restaurants are only allowed to navirus tests have been car- hundred twenty four patients Yesterday’s measures also di- off er take-away and deliveries. ried out in Vietnam, it said, have recovered and gone home. rect Thailand’s central bank to On Monday, Thailand’s avia- and 122 patients have been The government has ap- utilise an around 900bn-baht tion body extended a ban on discharged. proved a 1.9tn-baht ($58bn) plan ($27bn) budget to issue soft loans all incoming international An employee disinfects carts at a supermarket in a shopping mall, closed to combat the spread of the Yesterday, Vietnam donat- to help in the fi ght against the and maintain stability among passenger fl ights until April 18. Covid-19 novel coronavirus, in Bangkok yesterday. ed 550,000 face masks to fi ve European countries to sup- port their fi ght against the coronavirus that has killed more than 75,000 people worldwide. Cambodia cancels Prisoners dread coronavirus The masks, made of antimi- crobial fabric, were handed to the ambassadors of France, Ger- many, Italy, Spain and Britain in Khmer New Year Hanoi, the Foreign Ministry said outbreak in race against time in a statement. Vietnam said it has also do- nated masks and other medical celebrations AFP to enforce, leaving authorities health advice is non-existent. ready in poor health and care equipment to other countries, Jakarta with tough choices. “The majority of the people facilities are less effi cient than in including China, Cambodia and DPA gatherings banned and most ven- And panic is proving have no idea about basic hy- general society. Laos. Phnom Penh ues that could host large groups especially dangerous inside. giene, plenty of people are blow- Pakistan is already struggling The Southeast Asian coun- shut due to the global pandemic, leeping shoulder-to- In Thailand unrest led to a ing their nose onto the fl oor and to contain a small cluster of 49 try last week asked its mask revellers were expected to cel- shoulder on the fl oor of a group of inmates escaping after spitting everywhere,” he said. confi rmed cases at a Lahore jail, producers to step up their pro- ambodia has cancelled ebrate the festival at home. Scrumbling, windowless rumours a fellow prisoner had “If they can’t manage on the out- where a prisoner arriving from duction to make 5mn masks a one of its most widely “The government wants to re- room, prisoners in Indonesia tested positive, while 23 died side, how will they manage when it Italy tested positive in March. day. Ccelebrated public holi- duce the travelling of people to fear an outbreak of the deadly in riots at a Colombian facility gets into the prison system?” Rabia knows only too well the The Ministry of Industry and days, Khmer New Year, which prevent the spread of infection coronavirus inside its walls is a amid tensions over the virus. Nearly 1,800 people have been dangerous health risks posed in Trade has asked the govern- was set for next week, to limit from one place to another,” Hun “disaster waiting to happen”. US jails confi ned all detain- infected and 170 have died in In- Pakistan’s overcrowded pris- ment to resume rice exports, the spread of Covid-19, local Sen said during a press confer- “It will be a breeding ground ees to their cells, with most donesia, but rates of testing are ons. Her son Sajjad, who is serv- but limit the volume to 800,000 media reported yesterday. ence yesterday, as cited by the for the virus, should it get into any visits and transfers cancelled, low and experts fear the true fi g- ing a sentence in Lahore, is now tonnes for April and May, the Prime Minister Hun Sen said Khmer Times. prison,” said Brett Savage, locked after dozens were infected with ures are far higher in the country paraplegic after contracting life- government said in a statement the four-day holiday, beginning He said the measure was to inside Kerobokan prison known as Covid-19, while a string of states of more than 260mn people. threatening meningitis after poor yesterday. on Monday, would be pushed back prevent people from contracting “Hotel K” - on the Indonesian is- have planned to release non- The country has released treatment by prison medical staff . The volume will be 40% to a later date while employees of the virus. land of Bali, where 1,500 prisoners violent prisoners. more than 30,000 inmates, In Afghanistan, the president lower than in the correspond- government institutions and pri- “The most safe places are at occupy blocks built for 350 people. Rights groups have warned of a amounting to some 10% of the ordered 10,000 women, young ing period last year, the gov- vate companies that remain open working places,” he added. Overcrowding, poor ventila- race against time to protect inmates, country’s prison population, and off enders, critically ill patients ernment said, adding that should work as usual, the Khmer Cambodia and neighbour- tion and defi cient health, hy- calling on all countries to relieve the was quick to ban relatives from and older inmates released to 400,000 tonnes would be ex- Times reported. ing countries have restricted giene and sanitation conditions pressure on packed prisons through visiting during the crisis. “safeguard the health of people”. ported in April. During Khmer New Year festiv- cross-border travel, while the will favour the rapid spread early release rulings. But even a release on this scale So far only a few thousand The plan is waiting for ap- ities, Cambodians typically travel Southeast Asian nation has also of infectious diseases - mak- Savage, a South African nine leaves prisons still operating have been freed. proval from the government, to their home provinces to visit closed schools, bars, cinemas, ing prisons around the world a years into a 20-year sentence over capacity. India has already released which announced on March and share meals with family and museums and, other venues. fl ashpoint for the new disease. for traffi cking crystal meth, de- The International Commit- thousands of inmates, after the 25 a ban on signing new rice friends, while also visiting Bud- As of yesterday, Cambodia has Prevention measures used in scribed an environment where tee of the Red Cross has warned Supreme Court advised pris- export contracts to ensure dhist pagodas to make off erings reported 115 infections since Jan- wider society - such as social masks are unavailable for pris- prisons are likely to see a higher ons to free those awaiting trial suffi cient domestic supplies and pay their respects to monks. uary, with about half of those who distancing and frequent hand oners, contractors are still reg- mortality rate from an outbreak for crimes with punishments of to cope with the coronavirus But this year, with religious tested positive having recovered. washing - are often impossible ularly allowed free access and because inmates are often al- seven years or less. outbreak. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Bondi Beach drive-through testing Swimmer killed by shark amid corona curbs

AFP Sydney

23-year-old man was killed by a shark while swimming with Afriends near the Great Barrier Reef off eastern Australia, police said yesterday. The man sustained serious injuries to his leg, hand and arm and died late Monday after being fl own to a hospital in Queensland state, they said. Police said the shark attacked at around 5:30pm Monday as the man swam near a charter boat off North West Island, part of a chain of islands in the southern Great Barrier Reef. The attack came as Australia was under strict rules Medical personnel administer tests for the coronavirus disease at the Bondi Beach drive-through testing centre in Sydney, Australia. that prohibit group activities as part of eff orts to stem the spread of Covid-19.

‘No need for panic buying’

Japan sought to reassure people yesterday there was no need for panic buying as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced a state of Japan declares state of emergency to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Taku Eto called on shoppers to stay calm. “We are asking citizens to buy only what they need when they need it as there is suff icient food supply and no suspension is planned at food factories,” he told reporters, adding there was no sign of disruption in the import of grains on which Japan depends heavily. The ministry has been calling on people to avoid hoarding emergency over virus since a plea by Tokyo’s governor on March 25 to residents to avoid non-essential journeys prompted panic buying and emptied supermarket shelves of some items such as rice and pasta. It also emphasised ample reserves of key staples, including 3.7mn tonnes AFP Pressure to of rice, or 185 days of supply, as well as 930,000 tonnes of wheat. Tokyo A surge in working at home has driven up food sales, particularly declare an frozen and ready-made meals, according to food industry off icials. emergency grew The industry associations, including the Japan Frozen Food apan yesterday declared a Association, Japan-Pasta Association and Japan Dairy Association, month-long state of emer- after several days all say that normal production is continuing and inventories are Jgency over a spike in coro- of record new suff icient. Japan depends on grains and other foods from the United navirus cases, ramping up ef- States, Canada, Australia, Brazil and Argentina. forts to contain infections but infections stopping short of the strict in Tokyo lockdowns seen in other parts of the world. overseas,” Abe said, pledging The government has come public transport would run as under mounting pressure to normal and roads would not be tackle an outbreak that remains blocked. But he urged people to small by global standards but take the declaration seriously, has raised concerns among telling citizens “everything will Japanese medical experts, with depend on your actions.” And warnings that local health- he warned that people would care systems are already over- have to reduce contacts by 70- stretched. 80% if the emergency was to be Announcing the measures, lifted in a month. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Pressure to declare an emer- urged the Japanese people to gency grew after several days draw on the sense of together- of record new infections in To- ness seen after the country’s kyo, though the numbers are far devastating earthquake, tsu- smaller than in many parts of nami and nuclear meltdown in the world, with around 80 cases People cross a street in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district yesterday. 2011. reported on Tuesday. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wearing a face mask attends a “We are again facing a great Tokyo Governor Yuriko life, but I call for everyone’s worth around $1tn, or 20% of treat those in serious condi- press conference at the prime minister’s off icial residence in Tokyo. difficulty. However, if we work Koike has already asked resi- co-operation because lives are gross domestic product. Ja- tion. The measures are rela- together once again with hope, dents to avoid unnecessary at stake,” Koike told reporters pan has so far been spared the tively relaxed compared to oth- we will rise to the challenge and outings and work from home, earlier. sort of virus outbreak seen in er parts of the world, a function move forward,” he said. but had pushed for an emer- The measure also allows parts of Europe and the Unit- of Japan’s legal system, which “We will beat the virus, we gency declaration to give her governors to commandeer ed States, with close to 4,000 restricts the government’s will defeat the virus and we requests legal strength. property for medical purposes confirmed infections and 80 ability to limit the movement of can overcome the ordeal of this Seven regions are covered and close public facilities like deaths. citizens. state of emergency.” The move by the month-long declara- schools, many of which have In a bid to ease the pressure In the capital, people ex- allows governors in seven af- tion: Tokyo, neighbouring already shut down. on hospitals, those with mild pressed support, with some fected regions including Tokyo Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama, The economic impacts of the symptoms will be treated in saying they felt it should have to ask people to stay indoors the western hub of Osaka and declaration and the broader hotels and other facilities – in- been declared sooner. and request that businesses neighbouring Hyogo, and the global pandemic have raised cluding some that were to be “When you see on TV what’s close, but there are no enforce- southwestern region of Fuku- concern of a recession in Japan, used for this year’s now-post- going on in New York with the ment mechanisms and no pen- oka. with Abe saying Tuesday that poned Olympic Games, Abe cases doubling within three, alties for those who fail to com- The measure will last through the domestic and global econ- said. four days, it really sends chills ply. to the end of the Golden Week omy face their “biggest crisis The government has also down my spine,” 76-year-old “Although a state of emer- holiday, one of the country’s since World War Two.” pledged to step up testing ca- Mitsuo Oshiyama told AFP. gency is declared, it won’t biggest travel periods. “It may His cabinet earlier approved pacity and the number of beds “I don’t understand why the mean a city lockdown as seen cause inconvenience in daily plans for a stimulus package and ventilators available to government waited so long.” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.

NZ demotes minister for China reports no new virus deaths lockdown Cyclone tears through Vanuatu breach Reuters waterways, highways and buses asymptomatic cases, 18 were in town, no casualties reported yet Beijing will resume. Hubei. By the end of Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister But zero new cases do not 1,033 asymptomatic patients Jacinda Ardern said yesterday mean zero risks, the provincial were under medical observa- she had rejected her health AFP satellite phone and she estimated casualties yet,” she told AFP. A ainland China reported counter-epidemic authority tion. Overseas arrivals made minister’s off er to resign for Port Vila, Vanuatu about 50% of dwellings have massive international aid eff ort yesterday no coronavi- said in a statement. up all 32 of the new cases with breaching nationwide lockdown been signifi cantly damaged, the was launched after Cyclone Pam Mrus deaths for the fi rst Wuhan residents are urged symptoms, down from 38 a day rules as doing so would World Vision offi ce has lost its in 2015 fl attened Port Vila, killed time since the pandemic began not to leave their neighbour- earlier. Total imported infec- jeopardise plans to slow the deadly cyclone destroyed roof,” she told AFP. 11 people and wiped out almost and a drop in new cases, a day hood, their city and even the tions stand at 983, the commis- spread of the new coronavirus. much of Vanuatu’s sec- “She mentioned that she has two-thirds of the country’s eco- before the central city of Wu- province unless necessary, ac- sion said. Health Minister David Clark drove Aond-largest town but heard no reports of casualties or nomic capacity. han, where the virus emerged cording to the statement. China faces the “dual risks” of his family to the beach in the early warnings appeared to have any signifi cant injuries at this Gates Derousseau said a simi- late in December, was set to lift Zhejiang, a populous province imported infections and domes- early stages of the lockdown, prevented mass casualties in the time,” the Port Vila-based aid lar operation was unlikely in Ha- its lockdown. in the east, will conduct all the tic cluster outbreaks, a commis- flouting social distancing rules, Pacifi c nation, with some resi- worker added. rold’s wake because Vanuatu was China had 32 new infections necessary tests on people arriv- sion spokesman told a briefi ng the prime minister said. dents sheltered in caves to stay Communications remain determined to remain one of the by Monday, down from 39 a ing from Wuhan over the next 14 on Tuesday. “Under normal conditions I would safe, aid workers said yesterday. down across much of the coun- world’s few places with no con- day earlier, the National Health days. The northeast province of sack the minister of health. What Tropical Cyclone Harold, try and Gates Derousseau said fi rmed Covid-19 cases. Commission said. For the fi rst The move aims to step up tar- Heilongjiang reported 20 new he did was wrong, and there which claimed 27 lives when it the scale of the disaster would She said allowing an infl ux of time since the commission be- geted screening of asymptomat- cases, all in Chinese citizens are no excuses,” Ardern said swept through the Solomon Is- remain unclear until remote international aid workers risked gan publishing nationwide data ic infections, the Zhejiang pro- returning from neighbouring in Wellington. Instead, Ardern lands last week, lashed Vanuatu’s island communities, such as inadvertently importing the vi- in late January, Hubei’s provin- vincial government told a media Russia. It had reported 20 new said she had demoted Clark to northern provinces overnight as southern Pentecost, had been rus, so Vanuatu’s international cial capital of Wuhan saw no briefi ng on Tuesday. infections on Sunday, all also the bottom of cabinet rankings a scale-topping category fi ve su- contacted. “They were directly borders would remain closed to new deaths, joining the rest of With mainland China well cases imported from Russia. and stripped him of his role as perstorm. in the eye (of the cyclone) and new arrivals. mainland China, which has re- past February’s peak of infec- Yesterday, the Chinese consu- associate finance minister. The town of Luganville, popu- they have very few concrete “It (the aid eff ort) has to be lo- corded none since March 31. tions, authorities have turned late in the Russian city of Vladi- “I expect better, and so does New lation 16,500, took a direct hit buildings, they shelter in tra- cally led, locally driven, working Wuhan, a city of 11mn that their attention to imported cas- vostok near the border with Zealand,” she said. as winds of 235km per hour (145 ditional thatch dwellings or with humanitarian partners who reported only two new infec- es and asymptomatic patients, China said it strongly reminded Clark said in a statement that miles per hour) brought down caves,” she said. are currently in-country. “There tions in the past fortnight, is due who show no symptoms but can Chinese nationals not to return he had been “an idiot, and I buildings and caused fl ash fl ood- Red Cross Vanuatu secretary are already large stockpiles of to allow residents to leave the still pass on the virus. home through the border port of understand why people will be ing. World Vision’s Vanuatu di- general Jacqueline de Gaillande supplies in place, which is a les- city on Wednesday for the fi rst Total infections in mainland Suifenhe, which is to be closed angry with me”. New Zealand, rector Kendra Gates Derousseau said the communications issues son we learned from Pam, so we time since it was locked down China stood at 81,740 on Mon- to all arrivals. with a population of nearly 5mn said the charity’s local manager meant that the most recent up- can get to work fairly quickly.” on Jan 23 to curb the spread of day with 3,331 deaths, the com- China has shut its borders to people, in late March started a told her the damage was com- dates she received were social She said replacement supplies the virus. From midnight, traffi c mission said. foreigners as the virus spread four-week national lockdown parable to the last category fi ve media posts from the charity’s could be brought in from over- control checkpoints in Wuhan It reported 30 new asymp- globally, though most imported by closing schools, restaurants, monster to hit the country, Cy- local staff ers on Monday evening. seas once the stockpiles ran out, will be dismantled, and normal tomatic cases, nine involving cases have involved Chinese na- cafes and gyms and shutting its clone Pam in 2015. “They showed a lot of dam- but they would be disinfected to operation of railways, airports, incoming travellers. Of the new tionals returning from overseas. borders to most foreign nationals. “I managed to speak to her on a age but we have no numbers of ensure they were virus-free. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 9 BRITAIN Britain set for 66,000 Covid-19 deaths, warns study

AFP of Medicine showed that ap- virus spread. More than 5,000 country basis. A key considera- “It seems likely the number of from getting a handle on its death distancing measures in place, Paris proximately 151,680 people were people have died from Covid-19 tion was an individual nation’s deaths will exceed our projec- toll as intensive care capacity is but it had held off implement- likely to die from the virus across in Britain, fewer than in Spain, intensive care bed capacity. tions for the US.” overwhelmed. Peak demand was ing them even as the outbreak the continent. Italy and France. It found that Britain could On Sunday the institute pre- forecast to see more than 100,000 surged in Europe. ritain could see as many as While the novel coronavi- But Britain’s epidemic lags experience 66,000 Covid-19 dicted just over 80,000 US hospital beds needed versus the The IHME models include the 66,000 Covid-19 deaths rus emerged in China and was behind the rest of the continent deaths by July, far more than Covid-19 deaths during the pan- 17,765 currently available. predicted eff ect of social dis- Bduring the fi rst wave of the initially focused in east Asia, the by several days, and its death toll Italy, the next most severely im- demic’s fi rst wave. “The peak for Europe as a tancing, and Murray said it was current pandemic, new research World Health Organisation now trajectory is already steeper than pacted, with around 20,000. The modelling suggests that whole is expected in the third vital that measures are not re- showed yesterday, making the says the pandemic is centred other nations. Spain and France were next, outbreaks in Italy and Spain, week of April,” said Murray. laxed too suddenly once coun- outbreak there by far the deadli- in western Europe, with Spain, Using local and international with 19,000 and 15,000 predict- where hundreds of deaths have Prime Minister Boris Johnson, tries pass their mortality peak. est in Europe. Italy and France experiencing data on case numbers, as well as ed deaths, respectively. been reported daily for weeks, who is currently in intensive care “It is unequivocally evident that Modelling conducted by the devastating death tolls. age mortality breakdowns from “We are expecting a forebod- may be past their peak. with Covid-19, came in for criti- social distancing can, when well Institute for Health Metrics and Most European nations have Italy, China and the US, the team ing few weeks for people in many Daily deaths in both countries cism for his government’s slow implemented and maintained, Evaluation (IHME) at the Uni- introduced strict social distanc- at IHME modelled the expected parts of Europe,” said IHME have declined for several days. response to the pandemic. control the epidemic, leading to versity of Washington’s School ing measures to try to stem the death toll on a country-by- director Christopher Murray. But Britain is likely weeks away Britain now has strict social declining death rates,” Murray said. Ministers, medics PM ‘stable clash over lockdown in intensive

Daily Mail London

inisters are looking at care, not how lockdown restric- Mtions could be eased to allow more people back to work – possibly within weeks. Rules could be relaxed so more of the population can return to their jobs as long as social dis- on ventilator’ tancing is respected. A special unit has been estab- lished in Downing Street to de- vise an exit strategy. AFP through this crisis in short order”. ers in Europe, India, Canada and Ministers want to lift restric- London, Despite the record daily death Australia urged his swift recovery. tions gradually to limit the dam- toll, there was more encourag- Russian President Vladimir Pu- age to the economy. ing news with the number of tin said Johnson’s “energy, opti- But they faced warnings from rime Minister Boris John- new daily cases remaining at a mism and sense of humour” would medical offi cials that it was too son was yesterday battling roughly stable 3,643. help him get better. For some, the early. Housing Secretary Robert Pthe coronavirus in intensive In a round of broadcast inter- prime minister’s larger-than-life Jenrick said the measures would care, raising deep concerns about views, senior minister Michael personality has made his hospitali- only be relaxed if the ‘excess his health as the country recorded Gove insisted the “work of gov- sation all the more shocking. capacity’ in NHS intensive care its highest daily death toll. ernment goes on”. He later said His biographer Andrew Gimson units can be maintained. “The prime minister has been he was now staying at home after said Johnson always made him feel He told the BBC: “If we can stable overnight and remains in a family member displayed mild upbeat, and “now here he is the do that then we can look in the good spirits,” his offi cial spokes- coronavirus symptoms. stricken one”. “This is an enor- weeks to come to begin to very man told reporters. Raab chaired the daily coro- mous shock, completely unfamil- carefully... lift some of those He said the 55-year-old Con- navirus meeting in the prime iar territory for all those who know measures. But an exit strategy servative leader was receiving minister’s place yesterday, and is him,” he told BBC radio. that’s sustainable will also have “standard oxygen treatment and now offi cially in charge. Experts said it was not un- to be accompanied by much breathing without any other as- “There is a clear plan...the common for coronavirus pa- greater testing and tracing than sistance” and had not required a government and the cabinet are tients to move to intensive care, we are able to do today. ventilator. working together to implement but said it showed Johnson’s “There is work going on in gov- Johnson is the most high-pro- that plan,” Johnson’s spokesman condition was serious. ernment departments including fi le government leader to become said when asked if there was a “There is no doubt this turn of my own to analyse how eff ective infected with Covid-19 and mes- power vacuum in Britain. events means Johnson is extreme- the measures have been, to moni- sages of support fl ooded in from The country does not have ly sick,” said Derek Hill, professor tor compliance and to consider across Britain and the world. a formal constitutional role of of Medical Imaging at University when the time is right. He was admitted to intensive deputy prime minister, and ex- College London (UCL). “Clearly we will have to do this care on Monday evening and perts said Raab would need the The government was criti- on the basis of expert medical asked Foreign Secretary Dominic support of the rest of the cabinet cised for initially refusing to fol- and scientifi c opinion – how one Raab to deputise for him “where to make any big decisions. low other European countries in might start to ease those measures necessary”, eff ectively putting The most pressing issue is a requiring people to stay home as in a way that works in terms of him in charge. review expected next week on the virus spread rapidly across public health and for the economy. Johnson had already spent whether to continue the na- the globe. “But at the moment we are Sunday night at a London hos- tionwide lockdown introduced Johnson himself said in early reaching the peak of the virus, so pital following concerns he on March 23 to try to stem the March that he was still shaking this is not the time to take our foot still had a cough and high tem- spread of Covid-19. hands with people. off the pedal. All of us at this mo- perature 10 days after being Johnson announced on March Two weeks ago he ordered a ment in time should be adhering to diagnosed with Covid-19. His 27 that he had coronavirus and nationwide lockdown, but par- the measures as much as we can. transfer to intensive care is un- went into self-isolation in a fl at liament continued to sit for sev- Government sources said a precedented for a prime minister above his Downing Street offi ce. eral days after, and Westminster unit was established in Down- during a national emergency. Offi cials initially said he was became a hotspot for the virus. ing Street last month to exam- For many people it brought only suff ering mild symptoms, Health Secretary Matt Han- ine possible ways of ending the home the seriousness of the dis- and the prime minister posted cock and the heir to the throne, lockdown. ease that has so far seen 6,159 regular videos online giving up- Prince Charles, have both been The cross-departmental body deaths in Britain, with a record dates on the government’s work. infected, although they have includes representatives from 786 more reported in a daily up- But in the evening he was since recovered. the Treasury, the department of date yesterday. moved to intensive care in Lon- Queen Elizabeth II, 93, made health, the business department Raab backed his boss to beat the don’s St Thomas’ hospital after a rare public address on Sun- and ministry of housing, com- virus, telling the daily press brief- his condition worsened. day, evoking the spirit of World munities and local government, A Royal Signals soldier practices skills acquired during training, as the army trains 60 soldiers to prepare ing that “if there’s one thing I know US President Donald Trump War II and urging Britons to stay as well as the Cabinet Offi ce, to support the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust (WAST) in the battle against the coronavirus disease, about this prime minister he’s a sent his “best wishes to a very united in a broadcast watched by which has a co-ordination role. in Wales, Britain, yesterday. fi ghter and he’ll be back, leading us good friend of mine”, while lead- 23mn people. Criteria for antibody Queen thanks tests to be revealed health workers Reuters “In testing times, we often London observe that the best of the hu- man spirit comes to the fore; the Reuters could not get as far as a formal what accuracy level would be ac- dedication to service of count- London trial as she had received no de- cepted by regulators. ueen Elizabeth yesterday less nurses, midwives and other tails of the approval criteria. Doris-Ann Williams, chief ex- sent a message of “en- health workers, in these most “How they fail tests when ecutive of the British In Vitro Di- Qduring appreciation and challenging of circumstances, is ritish regulators will this there is no specifi cation, I liter- agnostic Association, said that good wishes” to health work- an example to us all,” she said. week reveal approval cri- ally have no idea. We have been clarity would be coming soon. ers around the world for World “My family and I send our en- Bteria for fi rms off ering begging to be told what to do. We “There will be specifi ca- Health Day. during appreciation and good new coronavirus antibody tests, have a test ready to submit,” she tions released for tests this week “I want to thank all those work- wishes,” the Queen said. The touted by governments in Britain said. by MHRA (the medicines and ing in the healthcare profession 93-year-old monarch is staying and elsewhere as critical to eas- “We need to get our test ap- healthcare products regulatory for your selfl ess commitment and at her Windsor Castle home with ing nationwide lockdowns with- proved, and they’re not giving agency) which will help com- diligence as you undertake vitally her husband Prince Philip, 98. out helping the virus to spread. us an option of how to get it ap- panies understand the technical important roles to protect and im- On Sunday, in a rare televised Antibody tests show whether proved.” performance expected for their prove the health and well-being of address, the Queen told the Brit- people have been infected with BioSure has been producing kits,” she said in an e-mail. people,” the Queen said. ish people that they would over- the novel coronavirus and de- an at-home HIV test since 2015, The MHRA itself said it was The Queen’s words were come the coronavirus outbreak if veloped immunity — potentially and Bard met Prime Minister developing the specifi cations shown on a video released by they stayed resolute in the face of allowing them to return to their Boris Johnson in March to dis- but declined to give a timeline. the royal family’s Twitter ac- lockdown and self-isolation. places of work. cuss her Covid-19 test. Once criteria were estab- count, which featured images of She invoked the wartime spirit The government has provi- At-home tests, in this case lished, Bard said the trials would the Queen and other members of by saying “we will meet again” — sionally ordered 17.5mn of them, of blood obtained by pricking take one or two weeks, and then her family visiting hospitals and a direct reference to the most fa- but Health Minister Matt Han- a fi nger, are designed to be read BioSure could begin production, meeting healthcare workers. mous British song from the war cock has said some of those al- by the person taking the test, subject to approval, with the aim Included in the video were three years of the 1940s. ready being trialled work poorly, whereas others need results to be of making 1mn tests a month. of the Queen’s children: Prince Prince Charles, 71, has recov- and that one test even missed read in a lab. “If our test fails the valida- Charles and his wife Camilla, ered after suff ering mild symp- three out of four cases. Bard said laboratory trials tion, then it’s not fi t to go to Princess Anne, and Prince Ed- toms of the virus and opened Brigette Bard, chief executive were producing good data, but market,” she said. “I’m happy to ward. The Queen’s grandson a new fi eld hospital in London of the diagnostics fi rm BioSure, that the fi rm needed to know go through whatever validation A homeless person wearing a protective face mask and gloves is Prince William and his wife Kate via video link from his home in said that her fi rm’s at-home test what size and scope of trial and they want us to go through.” seen in Sparkhill, Birmingham. Middleton were also pictured. Scotland on Friday. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 BRITAIN Councils face lawsuits over access to education in lockdown

Guardian News and Media cess to tablets, laptops or adequate against them to ensure that they cess they might have had through children attend state schools in headteacher of Charles Dickens schools where the work is more London broadband. are doing so,” Jolyon Maugham, schools, libraries or cafes has the area, arguing that it has failed primary school in Southwark, said interactive, these children really It says it will sue local authori- the Good Law Project’s founder, been cut off by the coronavirus to meet its legal obligations. she supported the legal action. She need to use a laptop and in many ties to try to push the government told the Guardian. crisis. “I have sympathy for the posi- has been concerned at how many cases they can’t,” Buchanan said. he government must en- into action. “Remember that the govern- Research published by Ofcom in tion of local authorities, who have children at her school and others Buchanan said her school of sure pupils from poor back- The move could lead to courts ment hasn’t closed schools down, 2018 suggested that as many as a found themselves landed with a are struggling to get appropriate 500 pupils had about 150 eligi- Tgrounds have computers forcing the government to ensure and because they are still teaching million children and their families new set of legal responsibilities to access to technology for learning, ble for free school meals, and its and Internet connections during the provision of adequate Internet online then children who can’t ac- did not have adequate access to a educate children remotely with- often because the lockdown has multi-academy trust, the Char- the coronavirus lockdown or face connections and IT equipment to cess that teaching are missing out device or connectivity. out matching funding from cen- meant children having to share ter Schools Education Trust, was legal action for depriving children hundreds of thousands of children and likely to fall behind their peers. The Good Law Project, which tral government,” Maugham said. limited equipment with adults lending out computers to sec- of their education, according to a from poor or vulnerable back- And that’s what we want to stop has won recent court victories “Southwark is an inner-city local working from home. ondary school pupils and asking group of legal activists. grounds while the lockdown con- happening.” against Uber that could lead to authority with a high percentage “We know from our own ex- parent to donate laptops or tab- The Good Law Project argues tinues and schools remain closed. In many families, children are the ride-hailing service being of children eligible for free school perience that for many families lets that could also be loaned out. that the widespread reliance on “Local authorities in England sharing a tablet or laptop with held liable for £1.5bn in unpaid meals who we know to be unable their only online access is via a “It’s more complex than just online learning during the lock- have a clear obligation to ensure siblings and working parents tax, is to back legal action against to eff ectively access education on- parent’s phone. And we’ve de- giving everyone access to a com- down is illegally disadvantaging that all children can access teach- or have access only to mobile the London borough of South- line.” signed our learning material to puter; they also have to access to state school pupils who lack ac- ing, so there’s a very strong claim phones, while the Internet ac- wark on behalf of parents whose Cassie Buchanan, the cope with that. But in secondary broadband as well,” she said. Cancer charity Staying healthy to cut funding for research

Guardian News and Media edented measures to control the London global Covid-19 pandemic have had a huge impact on both our researchers’ ability to carry on he UK’s biggest cancer in the lab, and on our ability to charity is cutting re- fundraise. Tsearch funding by £44mn “Faced with a predicted loss because of a sharp fall in income of 20%-25% of fundraising in- and has acknowledged that the come, we are forced to look for move could set back the fi ght savings across our current port- against the disease for many folio. years. “Cancer Research UK funds Cancer Research UK (CRUK), nearly 50% of the cancer re- which funds nearly half of the search in the UK and making cuts cancer research in the country, to research funding is the most said it was the most diffi cult de- diffi cult decision we have had cision it had ever taken but ex- to make. We don’t do so lightly. plained that it believed limiting We have worked hard to ensure spending now would enable it to the cuts are limited and give our continue to support life-saving researchers fl exibility in how to research in the long-run. make them. The charity pointed out that a “We are hopeful that limiting great deal of research into can- our spending now will enable us cer had been halted because of to continue funding life-saving the Covid-19 pandemic, but research in the long run.” People walk and jog along the South Bank, by the River Thames, as their daily exercise in central London yesterday. fl agged up that its scientists and Foulkes said the charity was laboratories were being repur- proud that its researchers were posed to help tackle the virus. using their skills and equipment It said its shops had closed, to help tackle Covid-19. mass fundraising events had “Cancer doesn’t go away dur- stopped and legacies had re- ing or after Covid-19, but we’re duced, meaning it expected its incredibly proud of our com- fundraising income to fall by at munity of researchers who have Gas fi rms ‘unlikely’ to pass least 20%–25% in the next fi - been very quick to respond to nancial year as a direct result of the crisis, using their kit, skills the pandemic – a reduction of and talent to support the NHS around £120mn. and the Covid-19 response,” he It announced that it would said. cut funding to its existing grants The charity receives no fund- on wholesale price cuts and institutes by up to 10% and ing from the government but re- its national network of centres lies on donations from the pub- by around 20%. This works out lic. as a £44mn cut to its research It supports research into all holesale gas prices yet to follow with any signifi cant prices have fallen to a 10-year crisis to households with pre- tomers with pre-payment me- portfolio across the year. aspects of cancer through the have fallen to a 10- cuts. low of below 17p a therm. payment meters, and are cur- ters, they are sending out keys The charity is also reducing work of more than 4,000 scien- Wyear low, but while The wholesale price for gas Wholesale costs make up rently banned from cutting off with credit top-ups worth £50, its operational costs as much as tists, doctors and nurses. challenger energy companies has plummeted in recent months about 40% of an overall energy supply to struggling consumers and the reality is that they will possible and freezing recruit- In an open letter to research- have begun to pass on the re- partly because of coronavirus- bill. who may be unable to pay. probably have to write off those ment. ers, the charity acknowledged ductions, households have been induced reductions in industrial Igloo’s chief executive, Matt Joe Malinowski of switch- sums. Its executive board has taken that people with cancer were warned that the UK’s “big six” and commercial demand, and Clemow, said: “The impact of ing service TheEnergyShop. “They are also not allowed to a 20% pay cut and it is entering doubly vulnerable, at risk of con- providers are unlikely to follow. partly as a result of the oil price Covid-19 has been signifi cant, com said he was usually criti- cut off customers with stand- consultation with staff to apply tracting the virus and enduring Igloo cut its prices yesterday war between Saudi Arabia and reducing global natural gas pric- cal of companies failing to pass ard meters, so they will proba- a similar reduction to their sala- a disruption to their standard of by up to 30%, pledging that its Russia. es dramatically, and is changing on price falls in the wholesale bly be thumped with a massive ries and to enrol “a substantial care. 92,000 customers would pay an “Day Ahead” contracts for the way customers use energy market, but added that the big bill for bad debts further down number of people” on to the gov- But it said the work of its re- average of £320 less a year for gas delivery were already falling at home, so we’re taking action players were facing challenging the line. ernment’s furlough scheme. searchers and clinicians had been “dual fuel” (gas and electricity) fast before coronavirus struck early to pass on these signifi cant times. “The big companies have ac- Iain Foulkes, the executive severely aff ected. than the standard tariff s at the – down from 58p a therm in savings as any good supplier “Companies like Centrica tually behaved remarkably well director of research and innova- “Universities have closed, lab- larger energy companies, which January 2019 to 28p at the start should.” (owner of British Gas) in the during this period, and in these tion at the charity, said: “Cov- oratories have wound down their are typically around £1,100 a of this year, according to Ofgem But the big providers are ham- current lockdown environment circumstances I wouldn’t expect id-19 has left the whole world in activities, experiments have year. fi gures. strung by the cost of providing have to ensure they look after them to be doing much to cut uncharted waters. The unprec- stopped,” it said. But the big six companies have Since then in chaotic trading, eff ectively free energy during the vulnerable customers. For cus- standard bills as well.”

Harry, Meghan reveal 1960s Bond girl Blackman dies at 94 name of new charity cated work ethic”. Blackman also AFP London became well-known in Britain for playing the character Cathy Reuters last month they had fi led exten- er that “evokes the deep resourc- Gale in the popular 1960s TV spy London sive trademark requests in the es we each must draw upon.” onor Blackman, one of series The Avengers alongside US. “We look forward to launch- the most memorable co- Patrick Macnee as the bowler- ing Archewell when the time is Hstars of the early James hatted John Steed. rince Harry and his wife The couple said the name right,” they said. Bond fi lms, has died at the age of She learned judo for her role Meghan, who have recently Archewell combined an Queen Elizabeth’s grandson 94, her family said. as the leather-clad Gale and her Pmoved to the Los Angeles ancient word for strength Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, a The actress shot to fame in her martial arts skills helped land her area after stepping down from and action, with another former actress who starred in TV late 30s after playing the Bond the Bond fi lm role. royal duties, said they were look- that “evokes the deep legal drama Suits, married in a girl in the 1964 movie Goldfi nger, “Today we mark the passing ing to set up a new charitable or- resources we each must glittering ceremony in May 2018 starring alongside Sean Connery. of a fi lm icon, Honor Blackman ganisation called Archewell. draw upon” and Archie was born a year later. It was only the third instalment who shall forever be remembered The Duke and Duchess of Sus- But relations with the media in the spy franchise, and received for her role in Goldfi nger,” Bond sex, whose baby son is named “Like you, our focus is on sup- and with Harry’s elder brother critical acclaim and box offi ce producers Michael G Wilson and Archie, gave up their jobs as porting eff orts to tackle the glo- Prince William became increas- success. Barbara Broccoli said in a state- working royals at the end of last bal Covid-19 pandemic but faced ingly strained, and in January “It’s with great sadness that ment on Twitter. month, allowing them to forge with this information coming to they announced plans to step we have to announce the death “She was an extraordinary tal- new careers, earn their own light, we felt compelled to share back from their royal roles. of Honor Blackman aged 94,” the ent and a beloved member of the money and spend most of their the story of how this came to be,” The move provoked a cri- family said in a statement. Bond family. Our thoughts are time in North America. the couple said in statement. sis, and in a subsequent deal “She died peacefully of natural with her family at this time.” In their last message be- “Before SussexRoyal, came thrashed out with the Queen, her causes at home in Lewes, Sussex, Blackman also starred in the fore stepping down, Harry and the idea of ‘Arche’ — the Greek son and heir Prince Charles and surrounded by her family. As well 1963 fi lm Jason and the Ar- Meghan said they would focus word meaning ‘source of action.’ William, they agreed the couple as being a much adored mother gonauts and appeared in Bridget on their family for the next few We connected to this concept for would have to give up their royal and grandmother, Honor was an Jones’s Diary. On television, she months while developing a new the charitable organisation we jobs altogether. actor of hugely prolifi c creative had guest appearances on Doctor future non-profi t organisa- hoped to build one day, and it be- Since the fallout, the couple talent.” Who, Colombo and Coronation tion, having been forced to give came the inspiration for our son’s have spent most of their time in Her family added she pos- Street. Her long and success- up their previous SussexRoyal name.” Canada but recently moved to sessed “an extraordinary com- ful career also included theatre brand. They said the name Archewell the Los Angeles area where Meg- bination of beauty, brains and roles in productions such as The The Daily Telegraph newspa- combined an ancient word for han was raised and where her physical prowess, along with Sound Of Music, My Fair Lady per reported late on Monday that strength and action, with anoth- mother still lives. Honor Blackman: ‘hugely prolific creative talent’ her unique voice and a dedi- and Cabaret. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 11 EUROPE

Neutral Switzerland Spain’s death toll nears drafts in the army to battle virus 14,000 as pace ticks up

Reuters Government to speed up cies, adding that latest data in- mass, quick antibody tests in La Mancha, around 2,000 more to introduce a universal basic in- ing the income would focus on Zurich roll-out of basic income due cluded some delayed notifi ca- coming days. people died than usual between come to help people cope with struggling families. to virus tions from the weekend. Cadena Ser radio said that March 15 and April 3, but fewer the economic fallout from the Top-selling daily newspaper Total cases rose to 140,510 – about 62,000 people would be than 1,000 coronavirus deaths pandemic. El Pais, citing unnamed govern- n the Swiss Army’s biggest Reuters/AFP the highest in Europe and sec- tested twice with an interval of 21 were registered during those While no amount for the hand- ment sources, said the plan was call-up since World War II, Madrid ond in the world after the United days to see the eff ect of any eas- three weeks. out has been unveiled, offi cials to introduce a monthly basic in- Ithousands of soldiers have States. ing of measures on contagion. Care homes for the elderly have said the measure will only come payment of €440 ($475) in been sent to help health workers As offi cials worked on a plan to Some Spanish media have have been among the worst-hit apply to part of the population a country where the minimum in the fi ght against the coronavi- pain’s pace of coronavi- lift some of the tough restrictions reported in recent days that in- by the pandemic, accounting for in a country which saw a record wage stands at €950 a month. rus, but the mobilisation has not rus deaths ticked up for in place that have shut down suffi cient testing means the real an estimated 33% of all deaths. 302,265 people fi le for jobless The coalition deal reached late been without problems. Sthe fi rst time in fi ve days non-core fi rms, the Spanish unit death toll could be much higher. Not all were the source of bad claims last month. last year between Prime Minister Hundreds of soldiers have yesterday, with 743 people suc- of Germany’s Volkswagen said it Asked about that, govern- news. “There is a huge consensus” Pedro Sanchez’s Socialists and been confi ned to barracks after cumbing overnight, but there may partially reopen a plant in ment spokeswoman Maria Jesus In the northern Basque city within the government “to put hard-left party Podemos called potential exposure to the virus. was still hope the national lock- Navarra region on April 20. Montero told a news conference of Guernica, relatives, neigh- in place this measure”, Consumer for the creation of a universal ba- And while around 80-90% down might be eased soon. Employment rules for farms it was possible there could be bours and the local fi re brigade Protection Minister Alberto Gar- sic income but did not set a time- of those who got their marching Yesterday’s toll from the health were eased to bring in temporar- time lags between the report of applauded care staff at the Juan zon said during an interview with frame for its adoption. orders on March 16 answered the ministry compared to 637 deaths ily up to 80,000 migrants and a death and its attribution to the Calzado nursing home, dancing Spanish public radio. Podemos leader Pablo Igle- call of duty, more than 200 could registered during the previous 24 jobless people to cover a shortfall virus, but that she had no further to the sound of loud pop music In a separate interview on Sun- sias, who is also deputy prime face military justice for failing to hours, taking the total to 13,798, of foreign seasonal labourers. information. played via loudspeakers. day night with private television minister responsible for social report to their units, said army the second highest in the world That, offi cials hope, will pre- Thirteen of Spain’s 17 regions The staff decided to move in La Sexta, Economy Minister Na- rights, said the measure was al- Brigadier Raymond Droz. after Italy. vent food shortages and preserve have registered more deaths with its virus-free residents for dia Calvino said the government ready needed before the corona- In total, some 5,000 soldiers Still, the proportional daily in- Spain’s status as the European than usual, and in 11 of those, the 15 days so as not to expose them was working to roll out a univer- virus pandemic given that 30% including members of medical crease of 5.7% was about half that Union’s biggest exporter of fruit number of extra fatalities is high- to contagion from the outside, sal basic income in the nation of of children in Spain are at risk of battalions are supporting civil reported a week ago. and vegetables. er than the number confi rmed to Reuters footage showed. around 47mn people “as soon as poverty. personnel. “It is normal to have some os- For lockdown restrictions to be have died from the coronavirus, “I am staying home, with my possible”. “With this crisis, the risks for They have been particularly cillations ... what matters is to lifted, offi cials say testing has to according to Reuters calculations other family!” said home director The goal is for this measure to many people multiply ... there active in Ticino, the Italian- see the trend and the cumula- be widened, to fi nd carriers who based on data collected by the Visi Garcia. “stay forever, that it become a are people who lost their jobs, speaking canton on the border tive data,” said Maria Jose Sierra, may have mild or no symptoms. health and justice ministries. Yesterday the government said structural instrument, a perma- who struggle to pay their rent,” with Italy where many of Swit- deputy chief of health emergen- The government is planning In the central region of Castilla that it plans to speed up its plans nent instrument”, she said, add- he added. zerland’s 22,000 infected and 641 dead are from. Switzerland is mobilising up to 8,000 members of the mili- Life under lockdown tary, not only for medical service Paris institutes but to help seal its borders, assist with logistics and provide secu- rity support during the crisis. Currently, 728 military per- sonnel are in quarantine, Droz ban on jogging said, with 49 in isolation. A total of 172 soldiers have tested positive, many of them at a school for recruits in Ticino. Only one Swiss soldier has during the day tested positive during active coronavirus duty. Some have raised concerns that the soldiers have had little France the fourth country to ment eff ort”. to do, and have spent their time pass the 10,000 death toll And yesterday France offi cially in hospital waiting rooms rather registered more than 10,000 than actively helping. AFP/Reuters deaths from coronavirus infec- Speaking at a news confer- Paris tions, becoming the fourth coun- ence in Bern, Droz said the army try to go beyond that threshold planned to address that, keep- after Italy, Spain and the United ing only those soldiers who are aris offi cials announced States, while the rate of increase needed for duty and sending yesterday that they would of fatalities is up for the second others home “for the necessary Pban daytime jogging to day running. rest and recuperation”. keep people from bending anti- During a news conference Jer- Meanwhile, around 240 sol- coronavirus lockdown rules, af- ome Salomon, head of the public diers did not obey their march- ter France recorded its biggest health authority, said that the ing orders, which were delivered daily jump in the death toll from number of people who died from via text message, Droz said. the outbreak. the disease in French hospitals “When everything has been Under nationwide stay-at- had risen by 9% in a day to a cu- cleared up – because in some in- home orders that came into force mulative total of 7,091, versus stances, people have gotten dis- on March 17, people can leave 10% on Monday. pensations – these people will be their homes only for essential However, he added that in- reported to the military justice,” purposes, which until now in- cluding partial data about the he said. cluded a solo walk or run within number of people who have died a 1km (0.6-mile) radius of home. in nursing homes, the total death Russia’s caseload Soldiers are seen on the streets of Valencia yesterday during a However, amid a spell of sun- toll from the disease rose to national lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. ny spring weather, large groups 10,328 from 8,911 on Monday, a jumps by 1,100 of Parisians were seen running, rise of 16%, versus 10% on Mon- walking and congregating over day and 7% on Sunday. Russia’s reported coronavirus the weekend, even as police Meanwhile, like many other caseload jumped by 1,154 stepped up patrols and issued nations, France debated the mer- yesterday, the second record in fi nes for lockdown violations. its of encouraging, or compel- as many days for the country, Starting today, Paris will en- ling, people to wear face masks much of which is undergoing force a ban on individual out- to prevent asymptomatic virus- mass quarantine measures. door sports between the hours of carriers from passing it on to Russia has reported a total of 10am and 7pm. others. almost 7,500 cases and at least Offi cials worry that confi ne- 58 deaths, according to the ment violations could further Paris mayor Hidalgo has off icial statistics. burden hospitals already over- said that she would not Another 185,000 people are fl owing with Covid-19 patients, oblige face mask use under medical observation in and Interior Minister Christophe for now, though she did the country on suspicion that Castaner on Monday urged mu- encourage people to cover they could have contracted the nicipal offi cials to toughen re- their faces in public new coronavirus, a federal health strictions if necessary. monitoring service said in a The coronavirus causes the Health Minister Veran said statement. Covid-19 respiratory disease. yesterday that it remained an About 800,000 tests for the “Every excursion avoided aids “open question” that required new coronavirus have been This picture shows employees of a Chinese bar in downtown Rome A man jogs near the Eiff el tower in Paris. The city authorities are the fi ght against the epidemic,” further scientifi c investigation. conducted in the country, the that is giving away free masks. banning daytime jogging from today. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and France’s Academy of Medi- statement said. police chief Didier Lallement cine, which advises the govern- said in a statement. ment on epidemics, has advo- Also yesterday, the Atlantic cated mask-wearing as an aid coastal resort city of Biarritz lim- in curbing the outbreak, but ited the period people can sit on international bodies, including Doctors denounce failings in Lombardy Covid-19 response benches or in other public areas the World Health Organisation to two minutes maximum, saying (WHO) disagree. confi nement meant that “daw- But Hidalgo said in a radio in- Reuters population might have played a There was no immediate com- der care had passed away. serious, rigorous work we have dling is prohibited”. terview yesterday that she would Rome part. ment from Lombardy offi cials. Italy’s health ministry an- carried out,” he said on Facebook. Paris, Biarritz and other cities not oblige face mask use for now, However, a letter signed by The medics bemoaned an “ab- nounced yesterday that it was He did not refer to the doctors’ have already closed public parks though she did encourage people leading doctors, including the sence of strategies” in tackling sending inspectors to Milan’s letter. and gardens as part of the na- to cover their faces in public. octors in Lombardy, the heads of 11 provincial health au- the crisis, a lack of good data largest nursing home, Pio Al- Italy’s healthcare system is de- tionwide lockdown that requires France’s fi nance ministry, Italian region hardest hit thorities within Lombardy, sug- and limited testing as the virus bergo Trivulzio, where more centralised with regions having people to carry a document jus- meanwhile, said dozens of com- Dby the coronavirus epi- gested failures within the local spread. than 100 people have died since control over the money that goes tifying any excursion from the panies have produced 3.9mn fab- demic, have criticised local of- health system contributed to This “greatly underestimated March. to hospitals within their own home. ric masks for non-medical pro- fi cials for their handling of the the greatest emergency Italy has the number of patients and, to A photograph of nine bod- borders. Those caught without the fessional use in the past week, crisis and said the mistakes they faced since World War II. a lesser extent, the number of ies in the home’s mortuary was Lombardy has focused on de- document risk a fi ne starting at and will produce 6.6mn more in made should be a lesson for all. Amongst the failings they dead”, they wrote. published on the front page of La veloping a dual private-public €135 ($147). the days to come. More than 16,500 people have highlighted were a lack of pro- While the neighbouring region Repubblica newspaper yesterday, network of high-performing In the north of France, the The country’s Order of Phar- died from the Covid-19 disease tective clothing for medical staff of Veneto engaged in widespread with another showing its chapel hospitals, but critics say this was mayor of Marcq-en-Baroeul has macists and two labour unions caused by the coronavirus in Ita- – a regular source of anger since testing in a known coronavirus full of coffi ns. done at the expense of grassroots made spitting in public, cough- urged the government, mean- ly, the biggest death count in the the outbreak emerged on Febru- hotspot, Lombardy only tested Lombardy’s top health offi cial, medical care. ing or sneezing without cover- while, to allow pharmacies to sell world, with Lombardy account- ary 21. the seriously ill arriving for treat- Giulio Gallera, rejected media al- “Public health and on-the- ing one’s face, and throwing used “alternative” non-medical grade ing for 55% of the tally. “This determined the death of ment in hospital, saying they did legations that the region had al- ground medicine have been ne- masks and gloves in the street masks to members of the public The region also accounts for many colleagues, the illness of not have the capacity for wider lowed hospitals to send infected glected and weakened in our re- punishable by a fi ne of €68. as an added protection. 39% of the country’s 135,586 many of them and the probable checks. patients to local care homes gion for many years,” the doctors The tougher rules came after The WHO said on Monday confi rmed cases. and involuntary spread of the The letter took aim at the without proper protection in an said. Health Minister Olivier Veran that asking the general public to The particularly large death contagion, especially in the early management of nursing homes, eff ort to free up badly needed “It is going to be diffi cult to announced on Monday a record wear face masks could be justi- toll in Lombardy, the wealthiest stages of the epidemic,” said the where hundreds of people have space in packed wards. recover from this situation at daily coronavirus death toll of fi ed in areas where hand-wash- region in Italy, has raised eye- letter, which was posted on the died without ever being tested. “We always acted for the good the moment,” the wrote, adding 833 people in 24 hours. ing and physical distancing were brows, with local offi cials sug- website of the national federa- The doctors said that in the of everyone in a extraordinary that as a starting point, the re- “It is not over,” the minister diffi cult, but warned that masks gesting that both the high urban tion of doctors, surgeons and or- province of Bergamo alone, some emergency and we will not let gion should undertake large scale said, urging people to “stay at alone could not stop the pan- density and considerable elderly thodontists. 600 of the 6,000 pensioners un- anyone cast aspersions on the testing of health workers. home and continue this confi ne- demic. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 EUROPE

Germany falls victim to mask fraud scheme Authorities in Germany have Germany debates easing fallen victim to a multi-million- euro fraud involving masks much needed in the coronavirus pandemic, prosecutors said yesterday. North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state and one of the hardest hit, restrictions after Easter paid €14.7mn for some 10mn masks in March only to discover they did not exist, according to prosecutors in Traunstein, DPA state is one of the worst-aff ected by the ease control and prevention released yes- Bavaria. Berlin coronavirus in Germany, said he expects re- terday a new smartwatch app that it hopes The German managing director strictions to be eased gradually. will provide more insight into the spread of of two distribution companies He thinks an obligation for people to the coronavirus. based in Zurich and Hamburg erman politicians continued to wear face masks is “highly likely” to be put The use of the app, called “Corona-Dat- raised the alarm after realising he debate yesterday whether strin- in place. enspende” (corona data donation), will be had been tricked. Ggent measures taken to contain the The German Ethics Council welcomed voluntary, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) According to the man’s police spread of the novel coronavirus should start the debate about the coronavirus restric- stressed. report, he received an off er from being loosened after Easter, as cases in the tions. It will have access to data on fi tness companies allegedly based in country surpassed 100,000. “It is too early to now undertake open- tracking devices such as Fitbits and smart- Asia in mid-March to supply Chancellor Angela Merkel said last week ings. But it is never too early to think about watches, which can record things like their the masks and subsequently that it would be “irresponsible” to give a criteria for openings,” the head of the ad- users’ resting pulse rate, sleep and level of attracted the large order from date for when restrictions on public life and visory body, the theologian Peter Dabrock, activity. North Rhine-Westphalia. social-distancing measures should end. said. “In case of an acute respiratory disease, State authorities transferred The current measures are due to remain The leaders of the liberal Free Democratic these vital signs in most cases change sig- €14.7mn to the company, which in place until April 19. Party (FDP) and far-right Alternative for nifi cantly. Typical Covid-19 symptoms then made a €2.4mn down- Health Minister Jens Spahn rejected the Germany (AfD) called on the government to such as fever could thus also be recognized payment. idea of a complete return to normality after develop a concept or timetable for the loos- by the app,” the institute said, referring to According to the Bavarian the Easter holiday this weekend. ening of the restrictions. the potentially deadly disease caused by the investigators, 52 vehicles had “Things will not all immediately be like By afternoon yesterday, at least 101,700 new coronavirus. been lined up to pick up the before,” he said in the city of Stuttgart, re- coronavirus infections had been recorded in The app is not meant to track people who coveted masks in the Netherlands ferring instead to “a gradual return to eve- Germany, giving it one of the world’s high- come into contact with Covid-19 patients, and deliver them under police ryday life”. est confi rmed national caseloads. but rather to help better understand the key protection. “The situation remains serious,” he add- At least 1,747 deaths have also been re- aspects of the infection, according to the The distribution company has ed. ported, according to a DPA tally based on RKI. refunded €12.3mn to the state German government and state repre- state data – this makes for a fatality rate Personal data such as the name or address authorities. sentatives will discuss how to proceed on that is relatively low compared to other of the app user would not be accessible. However, it remains unclear April 15, according to Saxony-Anhalt state countries, with widespread testing thought The agency hopes that 10% of Germany’s A screenshot shows the app launched by Germany’s public health whether the remaining €2.4mn premier Reiner Haseloff . to be partly responsible for the trend. 10mn owners of such watches will use the authority in partnership with healthtech startup Thryve to help monitor can be recovered. Bavarian premier Markus Soeder, whose Germany’s government agency for dis- app. the spread the coronavirus. Masks and other protective medical gear have become hot commodities worldwide. Bulgaria recalls Health workers embassy off icial over illegal ‘tax’ stage protest over A senior off icial at the Bulgarian embassy in The Hague has been recalled for illegally collecting what he called a coronavirus tax work conditions from visitors seeking consular assistance, Bulgaria’s foreign ministry said yesterday. AFP of Thessaloniki and in Larissa The ministry said that the head Athens in central Greece, according to of the consular section in the television reports. Dutch city had been collecting Despina Tossonidou, presi- €5 ($5.45) from Bulgarian visitors undreds of Greek dent of the doctors’ union at to the embassy as well as a €10 healthcare workers Voula hospital in southern tax from visitors from other Hdemonstrated yester- Athens, said that in addition countries. day against working conditions to hiring more medical staff, “Such behaviour is completely and manpower and equipment intensive care units in private incompatible with the Bulgarian shortages in public hospitals clinics should be requisitioned diplomatic service and cannot fighting the coronavirus pan- “to overcome the shortcomings be tolerated in any way,” Foreign demic. of the public sector” during the Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva said The demonstrations coin- virus crisis. in a statement. cided with World Health Day, Healthcare in Greece was hit The ministry said that disciplinary according to the federation of badly by the country’s 2010-2018 proceedings would be initiated hospital personnel. fi nancial crisis and the tough against the off icial, adding “You only saw us when we austerity measures demanded by that explanations have also covered our faces,” proclaimed creditors in exchange for massive been sought from Bulgaria’s a poster printed by hospital debt bailouts. ambassador to Netherlands. trade unions, bearing a picture As part of measures to deal The embassy did not respond to of doctors wearing anti-coro- with the pandemic, the govern- calls seeking comment. navirus masks. ment has offered clinics €30mn The ministry statement did not Greek President Katerina ($32.6mn) and announced the give details about what services Sakellaropoulou said that the hiring on short-term contracts Police off icers watch as health workers take part in a protest, in front of Evangelismos hospital in central Athens, to denounce poor work the visitors had been seeking country was dedicating World of 2,000 doctors and 2,000 conditions and the lack of human resources and equipment in the public health sector. help with. Health Day to medical staff nursing staff. battling on the coronavirus “These measures are just a front line. drop in the ocean,” said Tosso- “We shall dedicate this day nidou, a radiologist. to Greek scientists, researchers, “The hospital system needs Austria’s coronavirus ‘ground doctors, carers and ambulance 30,000 additional permanent drivers who have joined the doctors,” she said, also citing battle against the coronavirus the lack of personal protective in Greece and abroad. We are equipment and Covid-19 test- zero’ province lifts restrictions proud of them and thank them,” ing in hospitals. she tweeted. The coronavirus causes the Despite her support, feelings Covid-19 respiratory disease. Reuters less than 5% and this trend is Austria’s public health au- are running high among under “The majority of tests are Vienna holding,” Tyrol’s conservative thority has concluded Ischgl’s pressure health workers even currently carried out in private Governor Guenther Platter told a outbreak began in early February, if Greece, a country of some hospitals at costs ranging from news conference. even though the fi rst positive test 10.7mn people, has suffered €150 to €300 ($163-326),” said ustria’s Alpine province of Tyrol’s decision to loosen its there was a month later. relatively less than other Euro- Tossonidou. Tyrol has lifted the quar- measures and align itself with The fi rst action taken was to pean nations in the pandemic, “During the crisis the private Aantine order that it placed the rest of the country came order the closure of a bar with an recording 81 deaths out of 1,755 sector has been called upon to on its towns and villages to com- hours after Chancellor Sebastian infected staff er on March 9. cases. replace a shattered public sec- bat the spread of the novel coro- Kurz on Monday outlined plans Tyrol’s government has dis- Demonstrators at the large tor,” said Magda Nalbadoudi, navirus, though several particu- to start reopening non-essential missed the fi nding that Ischgl’s Evangelismos hospital in cen- an assistant radiologist with 19 larly hard-hit ski resorts remain shops after Easter. outbreak began in early February tral Athens held up signs de- years’ experience in the private sealed off . Tyrol reported Austria’s fi rst as “not serious”. manding more staff, virus test- sector. The coronavirus causes the coronavirus cases – a couple in- Prosecutors have asked the ing and hospital equipment. “But currently it is the least Covid-19 respiratory disease. fected in Italy – on February 25. police to investigate whether Police tried to enter the hos- well-off hospitals who are be- The province, wedged between It still leads the country in in- there was a failure to declare an pital courtyard where the rally ing leaned on to deal with Italy and Germany, was the fi rst fections, with 2,835 of Austria’s infection after a German media was taking place before being the health crisis. The private, to report cases of the new coro- more than 12,500 cases. report of a positive test in late forced back by demonstrators, mainly for-profit ones, don’t navirus in Austria and became its Local authorities in Tyrol have February. an AFP photographer said. have experience of dealing with A man enjoys the sunny weather alone on the Bellevuewiese in most infected region. come under fi re for their ap- Tyrol is planning extra tests in Similar protests were held at extraordinary situations,” Nal- Vienna, during a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the On March 19 local authorities parently slow response to out- the coming days in Ischgl and its hospitals in the northern city badoudi said. coronavirus. placed every town under quar- breaks in ski resorts where the surroundings as well as at the re- antine, ordering people to stay virus found a breeding ground in sorts of St Anton am Arlberg and in their community and banning crowded apres-ski bars, infect- Soelden, which remain under outdoor exercise, even stricter ing hundreds of tourists from quarantine. measures than a national lock- across Europe. “Experts will carry out an down introduced days earlier. The resort town of Ischgl, analysis and clear things up, then “We have lifted the quarantine where a quarantine remains in in agreement with the Health Pope prays for the unfairly judged on communities ... the reason place, is at the origin of the coun- Ministry we will decide what to was that we have stable infec- try’s biggest cluster of infections. do next from April 14, but we will tion growth numbers. The rate Just over 600 cases in Austria announce this decision at the DPA it in for them,” the Pope’s tweet ways expressed confi dence in abuse against minors”. of (daily) infection increases was can be traced back to that area. weekend,” Platter said. Rome read. the Australian judicial author- Pell enjoys close ties with the The Vatican later officially ity, welcomes the High Court’s Pope, who had appointed him as Germany, Luxembourg taking in children from Greek camps welcomed Pell’s acquittal, a unanimous decision concerning the Vatican’s top treasurer prior ope Francis said yester- surprise judgment handed Cardinal George Pell,” the Vati- to the legal saga. Amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus Greece and Luxembourg have agreed on the transfer day that he was praying down by the Australian High can said in a short offi cial state- However, Pell is no longer and overcrowding in refugee centres, Germany is to of 12 unaccompanied minors within the plan to Pfor those who have been Court, which overturned the ment. part of the Pontiff ’s council of take in 50 unaccompanied minors from camps on distribute refugees across the European Union, unfairly judged, in an apparent 78-year-old’s conviction “Entrusting his case to the cardinal advisers and his future the Greek islands next week, DPA has learned. Greek Migration Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos reference to Australia’s Cardi- and freed him from jail af- court’s justice, Cardinal Pell remains uncertain. The Hanover state government said the minors may said earlier yesterday. nal George Pell, whose child sex ter around 13 months behind has always maintained his in- He is not expected to return to spend the mandatory two-week quarantine period “This was agreed in a phone conversation with abuse conviction has been over- bars. nocence, and has waited for the his role as treasurer. required due to the coronavirus in Lower Saxony Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn,” turned. High Court judges said the truth to be ascertained,” the The Vatican had insisted on before being sent to diff erent states throughout the Komoutskas said in a statement. “It is a positive “Let us pray together today trial jury had not considered all Vatican added. waiting until Pell’s options for country. example for other EU countries which have for all those persons who suf- of the evidence in convicting The Vatican also reaffirmed appeal were exhausted before According to reports, Germany is organising a expressed the wish to take in minors.” fer due to an unjust sentence him. “its commitment to prevent- deciding on the cardinal’s fate charter flight together with Luxembourg, which The 12 children are presently on the Greek islands of because of someone [who] had “The Holy See, which has al- ing and pursuing all cases of within the church. plans to take in 12 young people. Lesbos and Chios. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 13 INDIA Home garment workers fear losing out on coronavirus aid

Reuters healthcare from employers. Janhavi Dave, international co- by the University of California. “Initially, he answered and told ety for Labour and Development. gasamy in a struggle to survive. Chennai Lacking proof of employment, ordinator for HomeNet South About 85% of home workers me to wait,” Nandakuamr said by “In this situation, homework- The mother-of-one was home workers could struggle to Asia, a network of home-based exclusively work in supply chains phone from her home in Ambur, a ers are not a priority for brands or awaiting a payment of Rs1,000 access support pledged for the worker organisations. that export to the United States town in Tamil Nadu where home manufacturers, who may only try and fresh work when the virus illions of “hidden” country’s poorest during its 21- “There is no focus on them in and European Union, it found. working is particularly prevalent. and sustain factory workers. The struck, and does not even have a home-based garment day Covid-19 lockdown, accord- this crisis and they remain hid- India’s garment factories “Now he has stopped taking rules for aid need to be relaxed to ration card to receive free grocer- Mworkers in India who help ing to two workers’ rights groups. den,” she added. closed suddenly last month af- the calls.” include them.” ies from the state. prop up the global fashion indus- India has pledged a $23bn “The sense of fear among the ter the government announced a Despite the poor pay and long The central Labour Ministry “I can’t even take an ad- try risk missing out on aid during stimulus to provide food and cash workers has been growing. Many lockdown to run until April hours, several women said they was not available for comment vance (on wages) because I am the coronavirus pandemic, labour to millions of its poorest citizens, have not been paid since February 14, and offi cials have hinted at had seen little choice but to work but a senior offi cial last year said not a factory worker,” she told rights campaigners said. along with $4bn drawn from a wel- and they are not expecting work an extension until the end of the from home as their familal re- exploitation of home garment the Thomson Reuters Founda- From cutting sleeves and fare fund for construction workers. for at least six more months.” month. sponsibilities meant they were workers was “rampant” and that tion from her home in Tirupur, stitching shoes to putting the fi n- It has also asked companies India’s garment sector employs Home worker Anitha Nanda- unable to travel to a factory. the government planned to pro- a garment manufacturing hub in ishing touches on clothes, home not to fi re workers or cut pay. at least 12mn people in factories, kumar has been calling her fac- For those who were widowed vide them with benefi ts and as- Tamil Nadu. workers are increasingly being “Home workers are last in but millions more work from home tory agent every other day to fi nd or had a sick husband, the work sistance by the end of 2019. “I am unable to feed my child used by factories to sub-contract line to benefit from any help be- - mostly women and girls from out when she will be paid for the provided the family’s only source Yet such aid has yet to ma- properly,” she added. work but have no right to a mini- ing provided by brands, manu- minority or marginalised commu- work she completed in February of income, said Sonia Wazed, terialise, leaving home workers “If this continues, we will not mum wage, social security or facturers or governments,” said nities - according to a 2019 study stitching leather shoe uppers. head of programme for the Soci- like 18-year-old Indumathi Ran- be able to live.” TikTok, Facebook asked to remove users spreading misinformation

Reuters fort being made by the Indian gov- New Delhi ernment for containing the coro- navirus,” the letter added. In a statement, TikTok said it ndia has told Facebook and was “actively working with the Chinese video app TikTok government to support” their ef- Ito remove users found to be forts to fi ght misinformation, spreading misinformation about while proactively working towards the coronavirus following concern elevating credible information re- about videos intended to mislead lated to Covid-19 on its platform. Muslims, according to a govern- Facebook told Reuters it was tak- ment source and a letter seen by ing “aggressive steps to stop mis- Reuters. information and harmful content The move follows a report by from spreading on our platforms”. Delhi-based digital analytics fi rm It said it will remove misin- Voyager Infosec which identifi ed a formation about Covid-19, the pattern of targeted disinformation respiratory disease caused by the in many social media videos that coronavirus, that could contribute appeared to be aimed at Muslims, to imminent physical harm. A man rides a three-wheeler cart loaded with gas cylinders as he crosses a road covered with paintings about precautions to follow during a government-imposed nationwide with some using religious beliefs The coronavirus crisis has been lockdown, in Kolkata yesterday. to justifying defi ance of health ad- accompanied by what the World visories over the virus. Health Organisation has called an In one video reviewed by Reu- “infodemic” of misinformation. ters yesterday, a TikTok user says Globally, platforms such as Fa- he is not scared of the coronavirus. cebook have responded by barring In another, a young man throws users from posting misleading in- away a face mask - of the kind being formation about the coronavirus, Govt eases drug export commonly used during the coro- including denials of expert guid- navirus outbreak - to put on a skull ance and encouragement of fake cap, and makes a gesture of praying. treatments. Concerns about such content The government has been issu- forced India’s IT ministry to write ing Twitter posts cautioning peo- to TikTok and Facebook on April 5, ple against misinformation and the government source said. debunking fake news. ban after Trump threat The letter, seen by Reuters yes- The Uttar Pradesh government terday, asks companies to remove also raised concerns about “fake users who are spreading misinfor- news” social media posts yester- mation and “preserve” their de- day, saying its cyber cell was re- Agencies “If he doesn’t allow it to come hydroxychloroquine as a corona- Opposition parties said the Trump’s remarks that ‘India has tails for sharing with law enforce- viewing at least one Facebook and New Delhi out, he doesn’t allow it to come virus treatment although many government must prioritise do- been taking advantage of US trade ment when requested. six TikTok videos. out, that would be okay, but of scientists are urging caution un- mestic needs. for years’ and ‘there may be retali- “You need to ensure that such It gave no further details. course, there may be retaliation, til larger trials show whether it is “Friendship isn’t about retali- ation if India does not supply hy- rogue messages do not go viral,” “We will defi nitely take action... ndia announced yesterday a why wouldn’t there be?” Trump safe and eff ective. ation. India must help all nations droxychloroquine’ proves that US said the IT ministry’s letter. We are also sending details to the partial lifting of a fresh export said on Monday. Hydroxychloroquine and an- in their hour of need but lifesav- views relationship with India as “(Such messages) have the po- Indian government from our end,” Iban on a malaria drug seen as The External Aff airs Ministry other drug, chloroquine, have ing medicines should be made transactional and neither “How- tential for creating panic...this a senior state offi cial, Avanish Ku- a potential coronavirus treat- swiftly backtracked and yester- been used for decades against available to Indians in ample dyModi” nor “Namaste Trump” eff ectively weakens the all-out ef- mar Awasthi, told reporters. ment, after US President Donald day said it would now license malaria but they have potentially quantities fi rst,” Congress leader make us all-weather friends.” Trump hinted at “retaliation”. the export of the drug and pa- serious side eff ects, especially in Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter. Foreign ministry spokesman Citing domestic needs, India racetamol - exports of which high doses or administered with Other party leaders includ- Srivastava denied the partial ban banned on Saturday exports of were restricted in March - “in other medications. ing Shashi Tharoor and Jaiveer was lifted because of Trump’s hydroxychloroquine which has appropriate quantities to all our The European Medicine Agen- Shergill slammed Trump’s al- threat. shown early promise against neighbouring countries who are cy warned last week that the two leged threat. These were “attempts by sec- Covid-19 in small-scale studies dependent on our capabilities.” drugs should not be used to treat “Never in my decades of ex- tion of the media to create un- in France and China. “We will also be supplying Covid-19 cases, except for clini- perience in world aff airs have I necessary controversy,” he said. India is the world’s largest pro- these essential drugs to some na- cal trials or in the event of a “na- heard of a Head of State or gov- “Like any responsible govern- ducer and exporter of the drug, tions who have been particularly tional emergency”. ernment openly threatening an- ment, our fi rst obligation is to en- according to media reports. badly aff ected by the pandemic,” The Times of India reported other like this,” Tharoor tweeted. sure that there are adequate stocks Global stocks are however lim- ministry spokesman Anurag that New Delhi had also come “What makes Indian hydrox- of medicine for the requirement of ited and Trump said that he had Srivastava said in a statement. under pressure from Australian ychloroquine ‘our supply’, Mr our own people,” he said adding pressed Prime Minister Narendra He added that they would be Prime Minister Scott Morrison President? It only becomes your the restrictions had been largely Modi this weekend to expedite “kept in a licensed category and and from other countries includ- supply when India decides to sell lifted after availability of medi- A laboratory technician from Dr Dangs Lab demonstrates a coronavirus shipments, hinting at conse- continuously monitored.” ing Britain, France, Germany and it to you,” said Tharoor. cines for all possible contingencies testing procedure for a drive-through service in New Delhi yesterday. quences otherwise. Trump has strongly touted Brazil over pharma exports. Shergill said: “President had been confi rmed. Pandemic sees huge rise Kerala court helps man, in country’s cybercrimes averts a ‘CATastrophe’ Agencies down, the judges ruled in favour Thiruvananthapuram of Prakash and said he should be Reuters fake versions of the fl agship ‘PM off ering discounted services at a allowed to buy the biscuits. Ahmedabad CARES Fund’ payments interface time when over 1.3bn people were “We have been called upon to that look deceptively similar to forced to live indoors for 21 days to Kerala court said yester- respond to the desperate purrs the original and many Indians and prevent the spread of the corona- day it wanted to avoid “a of three felines,” Justice A K Ja- olice have lodged a case Non-Residents Indians (NRIs) virus. ACATastrophe” by allow- yasankaran Nambiar wrote in his against an unknown online have fallen prey. Offi cials at Netfl ix and Jio de- ing a man to break a coronavirus judgment. Pfraudster who tried selling “We have received over 8,300 clined to comment on the fraud lockdown to buy food for his furry “We might observe, in a lighter the world’s largest statue for $4bn, complaints from individuals conducted under their company’s felines. vein, that while we are happy to claiming the proceeds would be across India and NRIs who have name. The pun was included in a rul- have come to the aid of the fe- used to help the Gujarat state gov- donated thousands of dollars into CERT-In, the Indian Computer ing by the Kerala High Court on a lines in this case, we are also cer- ernment fund its fi ght against the fake accounts,” said a senior home Emergency Response Team and petition brought by N Prakash, a tain that our directions will help coronavirus. ministry offi cial, adding the re- ReBIT, the technology arm of Re- Kochi-based owner of three cats, avert a ‘CATastrophe’ in the pe- While the plot to sell the ‘Stat- trieval process is a complex task. serve Bank of India recently issued who said he was denied a pass by titioner’s home.” ue of Unity’, a monument that is “We have already blocked all warnings about online threats and police to leave his home. The same judge last month re- nearly twice the height of New handles with permutations and scams and asked fi nancial institu- Prakash told the court he was a jected a petition which demanded York’s Statue of Liberty, is among combinations of the ‘PM Cares tions to be aware. vegetarian and the cats, as carni- home delivery of and slapped the the most brazen cases, police say Fund’ that were illegitimate and “The US Secret Service has also vores, couldn’t do without a spe- petitioner with a Rs50,000 fi ne. cybercrimes have surged since the we are being watchful and ensur- warned nations that during time of cial brand of biscuits. “It is distressing to note that health scare gripped the country. ing that the handles for donations uncertainty and increased online The lockdown was imposed from notwithstanding the clear in- With scams ranging from free get verifi ed,” said Dilip Asbe, CEO activity, cyber criminals are ac- March 25 for 21 days, with residents structions given with a view to mobile recharges, to off ers of free of National Payments Corporation tively working to exploit the current permitted to leave their homes only attaining the objectives of the Netfl ix subscriptions, federal of India, an umbrella organisation Covid-19 story with attacks aimed for essential services such as buying Health Department, writ petitions home ministry offi cials say there for retail payments. at taking advantage of the situa- groceries and medicine. have been indiscriminately fi led has been 86% rise in cybercrime in Police have registered cases tion,” said Nitin Bhatnagar, a senior Citing India’s animal protection before this court,” Nambiar said. the past four weeks. against fake off ers that Reliance offi cial at PCI Security Standards laws and the government’s inclu- He slammed the “reckless, in- Police and internal security of- Industries telecom arm Jio and Council, a global standards body for Migrant workers eat their dinner inside a shopping mall turned into a sion of animal feed as essential sensitive and insolent action” of fi cials said scammers have created streaming service Netfl ix Inc were the payment card industry. shelter in Ahmedabad yesterday. items permitted under the lock- the petitioner. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 INDIA How Modi govt is running the country from home

IANS trusted person of Prime Minister since the nationwide shutdown He is known to be a wide user He also briefs the media on Paswan has not been entirely very few ministers regularly New Delhi Narendra Modi in the cabinet, was imposed. of Zoom video. cabinet decisions. functioning through home. He visiting his ministry despite the Shah’s core team has been sig- Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba However all government in- A source said that Javadekar has been visiting his ministry shutdown. nifi cantly slashed. and Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla teractions take place through se- starts his day with yoga to stay regularly. He is also the rural develop- he government has en- In normal time, he has a core brief Shah on a regular basis cured video transmission lines. focused amid juggling many While home, Paswan prefers ment and panchayat raj minister forced strict social dis- team of around 40-42 offi cers about the steps needed to con- On a heavy work day, he holds roles. to co-ordinate with his offi cials - ministries that aff ect millions. Ttancing norms and work- working for him at the North tain the spread of Covid-19. nine to ten video conferences a zRam Vilas Paswan, food & through phone. Tomar prefers to be in touch from-home policy for a month to Block. zRajnath Singh, defence day, while on a lean day that can public distribution minister: zNarendra Tomar, agriculture with his offi cials through text tackle the coronavirus outbreak. But now, he has limited his minister: be one. At a time when 1.3bn people & farmer welfare minister: services and sometimes calls as While 1.3bn Indians remain visits to the ministry and re- Singh has been one of the sin- Prakash Javedekar, informa- are locked inside, the one minis- With 70% of rural households well. locked down inside and most of tained less than one-fourth of cerest followers of work from tion and broadcasting minister: try apart from health that is ex- still dependent primarily on ag- His day ends at 1am every day, the urban workforce are working his workforce. home. Javadekar has been one of the tremely vital is that of food and riculture for their livelihood and said a source. from home, how is the govern- Since the lockdown, his of- One of his aides says: “He can busiest ministers having to take public distribution. about 83.3 crore people living It is not just the urban salaried ment of India and its top minis- fi cial residence has been turned go to South Block. But that will decisions of three key ministries Paswan also heads the con- in rural areas, Tomar’s role be- class or the corporate honchos ters running the show from their into a temporary offi ce. mean coming in contact with at that come under his purview - sumer aff airs ministry and has to comes extremely crucial when who wake up, eat breakfast and home themselves? All real time updates from dif- least a dozen people everyday, Information & Broadcasting; ensure that essential food items the farmers are confi ned to their start working from their home, zAmit Shah, home minister: ferent departments are sent to at the bare minimum. When you Environment, Forest & Climate like rice, wheat and pulses are homes while their harvest is left switching on their laptop web- Number two in the govern- this offi ce. Shah has visited the have the technology available to Change; and Heavy Industries & available aplenty and reaches unattended in fi elds. cams - Modi’s cabinet is pretty ment and considered the most Home Ministry four to fi ve times avoid that, why not use it?” Public Enterprises. each Indian, not hoarders. Tomar has been one of the much doing the same. State leaders hesitate to end lockdown as cases surge

Agencies or allow only restricted entry The government has to decide New Delhi while they dealt with the infec- between loss of livelihood and People walk in an area with circles marked on the floor for social distancing as they buy groceries at a temporary market set up at a bus stand tions. loss of life. in Chennai yesterday. “As and when the lockdown However, a decision will ndia’s 21-day lockdown is set is withdrawn, we have to regu- come after Modi’s meeting with to end next week but several late those wanting to come to fl oor leaders and chief ministers Istate leaders have called for Assam,” said Health Minister where a common exit plan is to an extension or only a partial Himanta Biswa Sarma. be discussed. Govt must take care of mental lifting of restrictions, saying this Madhya Pradesh Chief Minis- The prime minister is believed is the only way to avoid a coro- ter Shivraj Singh Chouhan also to have told chief ministers in his navirus epidemic that will be indicated that the lockdown last conference that it is a ‘long- diffi cult to tackle. should be extended. drawn battle.’ The country has so far escaped “The lives of people are more Government sources said the health of people, say experts a big surge in cases after Prime important, a decision will taken situation got more complicated Minister Narendra Modi asked after assessment of the situa- after the Tablighi Jamaat con- 1.3bn people to stay indoors in tion,” he said. gregation in Delhi led to a steep the world’s biggest lockdown “We will bear the pain of lock- rise in coronavirus infections. IANS of people outside digital media increase India’s disease burden “With this, we would be able to last month that authorities have down and also take care of the Meanwhile, in Thiruvanan- New Delhi through volunteers, as these are manifold,” he said. control the epidemic,” he added. enforced tightly. economy later but if the people thapuram Kerala Chief Minister the people who need a lot of re- The experts also said couples However, the Bhilwara Model But shuttering down the die, then we cannot bring their Pinarayi Vijayan said mobile re- assurance.” can use the lockdown period cannot be replicated in Delhi due $2.9tn economy has left mil- lives back,” he said. charge shops, automobile work- ental health experts have He said there is an urgent need to redefi ne their relationships, to “high density population,” ac- lions of people without work and Chouhan also said that look- shops and spare parts shops will urged people forced to to democratise mental health which was aff ected by a busy cording to Aam Aadmi Party MP forced those who live on daily ing at the present situation in be partially reopened. Mstay indoors due to the and make everyone a part of it. work-life schedule. Sushil Gupta. wages to fl ee to their homes in Bhopal and Indore, “we need to “The government has also de- lockdown to be positive and not “I hope that states will make Those living with their elderly “Isolation is the solution,” he the countryside for food and stay more alert and take precau- cided to give permission to elec- resort to self-harm, domestic vio- arrangements so that medicines parents should enjoy the prox- told IANS. shelter. tions”. tricians and those repairing air lence or substance abuse. are available. General practi- imity to strengthen their bond, The Rajya Sabha MP of Delhi’s Telangana Chief Minister K “And if required it (lockdown) conditioners to restart business.” To shed light on the surge in tioners can use telemedicine.” they said. ruling party said that only more Chandrasekhar Rao whose state will be extended. The lives of Asked about the demand to anxiety and depression dur- Dr Rajiv Mehta, who is the Meanwhile in Jaipur, Rajas- tests can save more people, but has been hit by a rash of cases people are of utmost importance reopen barber shops, he said, ing the nationwide shutdown, a vice chairperson of Sir Ganga than Health Minister Raghu the central government has not tied to a religious gathering in to me. “we will look into it.” virtual summit on mental health Ram Hospital’s Institute of Psy- Sharma said a rise in coronavi- been able to provide testing kits. Delhi said the country could take However, Rajasthan Chief z A legislator in Assam was care was organised by the In- chiatry and Behavioural Sci- rus cases in the state would be Nor are the personal protective the hit to the economy and that Minister Ashok Gehlot has arrested yesterday for “con- tegrated Health and Wellbeing ence, said that “higher-up in the controlled on the basis of the equipment kits provided as per it was more important to save called for a phased withdrawal of troversial comments about the (IHW) Council. government need to talk about ‘Bhilwara Model’. the demand of the state govern- lives. the lockdown. situations of quarantine facili- According to experts, the una- mental health issues, what af- The state government was ments. “I am for the lockdown of the “After the video conference ties and hospitals for corona- bated destruction caused by the fects mental health and the signs taking all measures to prevent “There are thousands of pa- country further more after April with PM, I have constituted two virus patients,” in the state, pandemic across the globe and and symptoms of mental health”. the community spread of Cov- tients in each state, but they are 15. Because, we can recover from task forces as life is important,” police said. All India United the growing concerns on life Kamal Narayan, CEO of IHW id-19, he added. In Bhilwara, the not detected due to lack of test- the economic problem. But, we he tweeted. Democratic Front (AIUDF) leg- and livelihood can severely im- Council, said the pandemic has administration applied a sys- ing kits,” said Gupta. cannot get back lives,” Rao told “We have set up a task force islator Aminul Islam allegedly pact the mental health of people thrown everyone into a com- tematic multi-phased approach But the Delhi government is reporters. to see the lockdown issue which said the conditions in the quar- which may further aggravate due pletely uncharted and hostile to tackle the coronavirus infec- prepared for any eventuality and z Modi, who has faced should be exited in a phased antine facilities were “worse to the sense of confi nement dur- territory and the inevitable lock- tion and was successful in con- has announced that the state is criticism for ordering the lock- manner.” than in detention centres for ing the lockdown. down has caused diff erent hard- taining its spread, Sharma said. ready to treat at least 30,000 pa- down with barely four hours’ A group of federal ministers the people”. Dr B N Gangadhar, director of ships to diff erent people. He said the Covid-19 pre- tients. notice is due to make a decision yesterday met at Defence min- The legislator, known for in- the National Institute of Mental “While daily wage labour- ventive action was being taken The state government has al- this week about whether to ex- ister Rajnath Singh’s residence cendiary remarks in the past Health and Neurosciences, said, ers are concerned about their in consultation with local rep- ready asked private hospitals to tend it. where the issue of post-shut- too, also had earlier accused the “This is an extraordinary and livelihood, students are wor- resentatives, senior doctors, be on standby and hotels and The leaders of Assam and down scenario came up but no Bharatiya Janata Party govern- unusual situation. We need to ried about their future. Unless epidemiologists and offi cials of banquets are also being short- Chhattigarh said they would like decision was taken on when to ment in Assam of “conspiring reach out to these large number addressed on time, this could various departments. listed. to keep the state borders closed end it, sources said. against Muslims”. Walk-in kiosk for swab Indian-American scribe collection ready in Kochi dies of Covid-19 in NY IANS New York IANS cation, healthcare, life expect- occasion and launched a frontal Kochi ancy, low infant mortality and attack on the infection. low birth rate, Kerala’s achieve- The challenge was also huge ndian-American journalist ments have been comparable because a large population of Brahm Kanchibotla (pic- walk-in kiosk for swab with developed countries, that Keralites live abroad and in other Itured) has died of Covid-19 collection for Covid-19 too despite low levels of eco- states. that is ravaging New York, the Ais now ready in Kochi, a nomic development. On a normal day around epicentre of the pandemic in the health offi cial said yesterday. It was termed the Kerala mod- 80,000 people, it is estimated, US. “It was launched on Monday el in the Seventies by renowned arrive at the four airports and The journalist died on Mon- and we were busy setting it up economist K N Raj, who was over 200,000 travel by trains in day morning after nine days in for the past couple of days. This instrumental in setting up the the state. hospital, his son Sudama said. “We have not set a date and it facility has been developed as a Centre for Development Studies Chief Minister Pinarayi Vi- Kanchibotla, 66, was a cor- will have to be a very small gath- preparatory step for community in the state capital. jayan said the state is facing the respondent for United News of ering because only ten people are testing, if the need arises,” the The child mortality rate challenge despite the diffi culties. India. allowed at funerals,” he said. offi cial said. in Kerala is 2 against 9 in the Praising the eff orts of dedi- During his 28-year career Kanchibotla showed Covid-19 “It can be carried from one country, under 5 mortality rate cated and agile health authori- in the US, he had worked for symptoms on March 23. place to another, depending on 12 (against 33), birth rate 14.2 ties, Vijayan said, “We can’t rest 11 years as a content editor for When his conditions wors- the need. Once swabs are col- (against 20.2), infant mortal- as the fear of community spread Medical staff collect samples from people at a new Walk-In Sample Merger Markets, a fi nancial pub- ened, he was admitted to a hos- lected, they would be sent to the ity rate 10 (against 33), child sex stays. Also, we will have to chalk Kiosk (WISK) to test for the Covid-19 coronavirus at Ernakulam lication, and also did a stint with pital on Long Island on March testing centre, which will open ratio 964 (against 919) and life out foolproof plans to tackle Medical College in Kerala. News India-Times weekly news- 28 and given an oxygen mask, in a few days,” the offi cial added. expectancy at birth is 74 years things when the lockdown is paper. Sudama said. Meanwhile, Kerala continues against the national average of lifted.” health department and its per- handling the Nipah outbreak He migrated to the US in 1992 On March 31, he was put on to lead states in terms of health 63.50. An economist, who has fect coordination with the local in 2018, it proved it can handle after earlier working for several ventilator and on Monday he had parameters, offi cials said as the When Kerala reported the fi rst worked in the health and lo- bodies. even more and that’s what one publications in India. a cardiac arrest. state observed the World Health Covid-19 case - also the fi rst in cal bodies sector, said the state “No other state can boast of is seeing now,” said the econo- Sudama said the family was Besides Sudama, Kanchibotla Day yesterday. the country - on January 30, the was able to take on coronavirus this. This system has undergone mist, who didn’t wish to be not sure of the last rites because is survived by his wife Anjana On social indicators like edu- state’s health sector rose to the because of a well-structured a few tests in the past and after identified. of the restrictions in New York. and daughter Siujana. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 15

LATIN AMERICA Australians to be fl own home from virus-stricken ship

AFP — jumped from 81 to 128 yester- be managed in alignment with The 341-foot state-of-the- boarded the plane home. of the doctors who boarded the they will develop symptoms is Sydney day with a medical fl ight for the current Covid-19 protocol to art cruise ship, built in 2019, was “We won’t count our chickens ship in Uruguay said the high extremely high.” around 100 Australians onboard ensure the health and safety of on a voyage to Antarctica and until then,” McKinnon said. “We infection rate could be due to Yancev said the initial source expected as early as tomorrow. all onboard,” the company said. South Georgia organised by the think they’ll both be positive...it asymptomatic people being iso- of contagion was likely the port ustralian and New Zea- While fl ights for other pas- The aircraft, which will carry Australian tour company, leav- seems to have just slowly crept lated among the healthy. of Ushuaia, a starting point for land passengers on a sengers were still being ar- passengers who test both posi- ing the Argentine port of Ush- through the boat.” “When we opened the doors many Antarctic cruises, where Acruise ship off the Uru- ranged, negotiations were un- tive and negative for the virus, uaia on March 15. The passengers are mostly of the cabins we had people who the ship’s crew had shore leave. guay coast will be fl own home derway to allow New Zealanders will head to Melbourne where Anxious families were happy from Australia, Britain and New were negative with patients who “It seems the crew in Ushuaia this week after coronavirus cas- to fl y with the Australians, tour the arrivals will be quarantined to hear fl ights had been organ- Zealand. were positive,” Sebastian Yancev had a break. They themselves es on the liner jumped to 128, the operator Aurora Expeditions for 14 days. ised for those onboard, with the Earlier Karina Rando, a doctor told Uruguay’s Canal 4 TV. presume it could have been at vessel’s operator said yesterday. said in a statement. Six passengers who were daughter of two passengers, Jean told reporters “there are many Given the closed environment that time, because in Ushuaia Confi rmed Covid-19 cases on “The plane going to Australia brought ashore in serious condi- McKinnon, telling public broad- patients over the age of 70, some of the cabins, “we already as- there is a lot of transfer of pas- the MV Greg Mortimer — cur- is set up with medical facilities tion were now stable in Uruguay, caster SBS she was remaining of them have comorbidities, sumed that although these peo- sengers of diff erent nationalities rently anchored off Montevideo for this type of situation and will the operator said. apprehensive until they had heart and lung diseases.” One ple were negative, the possibility to diff erent ships.” Water woes undermine Latin America’s virus battle

Reuters to United Nations national data, Port-au-Prince but many countries are still facing diffi culties. While Haiti’s water system has very day, Fontus Pierre always been underdeveloped, Raymond wakes up at the that of the once-prosperous Ecrack of dawn to get in line nearby Venezuela has crumbled to fi ll buckets of water at the com- in tandem with the economy, fol- munal tap in his densely-packed lowing years of underinvestment Port-au-Prince shantytown so and widespread allegations that that his mother and seven young- offi cials stole public funds. er siblings can wash before work Theoretically, most homes in and school. Venezuela receive piped water. Often, though, it runs dry and In practice, the pipes often run the 24-year-old has to trudge dry. further to a cistern with dirtier “We can spend months with- water. out (running) water,” said Maria So he wonders how he is sup- Dolores, a pensioner wearing a posed to follow the recommended face mask and plastic gloves as hygiene measures to stave off the she lined up to fi ll buckets with deadly new coronavirus, like fre- water from a street hydrant in a quently washing hands and social working-class neighbourhood of distancing. Caracas. Millions across Latin America In middle-class neighbour- face a similar dilemma. hoods, many homes have tanks A brigade of volunteers await an assignment to sanitise an area amid the coronavirus outbreak, in El Alto, on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia, yesterday. While underinvestment in in- that store water when it sporadi- frastructure has long been a prob- cally comes in through the pipes. lem in certain parts of the region, Even then, it often is not the spread of the highly conta- enough. gious disease makes poor access “I have a tank at home that to water a matter of life or death. holds 500-600 litres and already The situation in Haiti, the that’s not enough when there’s no Bukele warns tougher action poorest country in the Americas, running water for three weeks,” is the most dire by far. said Ivan Mersly, fi lling up con- Most homes do not receive tainers with water at a local cis- piped water and rely instead on tern and carrying it home on a communal taps, water trucks or skateboard. Meanwhile in Cuba, against quarantine violations often contaminated springs. authorities say below-average Less than a quarter of house- rains this year are exacerbating holds have basic handwashing existing water supply problems facilities with water and soap, ac- such as leaks that cause it to lose Reuters/AFP temporarily ban the carrying of Bukele also outlined a plan to Sao Paulo, the teeming indus- Without containment meas- cording to data compiled by the as much as 50% of the water San Salvador fi rearms for everyone except those track down people who are carri- trial hub where the new coronavi- ures, Sao Paulo — whose capi- United Nations. pumped from its reservoirs. transporting, food, cargo and oth- ers of the virus and place them in rus fi rst appeared in Latin Ameri- tal is the mega-city of the same “Since they announced the Some countries are innovating er goods deemed essential during observation. ca, has confi rmed 4,620 cases and name — would register 270,000 pandemic (in Haiti two weeks stop-gap measures to alleviate he president of El Salvador the health crisis. Meanwhile, the epicentre of 275 deaths so far. deaths in the next six months, ago), the tap has had water twice,” their water woes in view of the warned that security forces Bukele, said he had instructed the coronavirus outbreak in Latin Governor Joao Doria, who said the head of the state’s public said Mimose Pierre Raymond, pandemic. Thad been ordered to enforce his security and defence ministers America, Brazil’s Sao Paulo state, closed non-essential businesses health research institute, Dimas 44, Fontus’ mother.”But we can Cash-strapped Haitian au- quarantine orders more rigorously to take fi rmer action enforcing said it expects 111,000 deaths in on March 24 and advised people Covas. spend weeks without water.” thorities have installed some to prevent the spread of the coro- quarantine measures in the coun- the next six months, and extended to stay home, said containment Brazil has been the Latin Ameri- Haiti has only confi rmed 18 handwashing points in public navirus, confi ning off enders to try, which has confi rmed 78 cases its stay-at-home measures an- measures would be needed for at can country hit hardest by the new cases to date, but experts fear squares, markets and state insti- “containment centres” and con- of the virus, with four deaths so far. other two weeks. The forecast - an least two more weeks or the situa- coronavirus, with 553 deaths and the Covid-19 respiratory dis- tutions, although many neigh- fi scating their cars. “The restric- In addition to having their cars offi cial projection, the state gov- tion would get far worse. more than 12,000 confi rmed cases ease caused by the virus would bourhoods like Pierre Raymond’s tions are the same, but we are go- confi scated, those who violate the ernment said - would appear to “If we continue seeing people in so far. be more deadly there than other have to rely on private initiatives. ing to be much tougher to enforce quarantine orders will also be tak- put Brazil on track to become one the streets and gathering unneces- Sao Paulo, a state whose popu- countries if it took hold given the Other countries like Cuba, them,” President Nayib Bukele said en to “containment centres” for 30 of the worst-hit countries in the sarily, we will go to more restrictive lation of 46mn makes it about the widespread malnutrition and its which has confi rmed 269 cases of in a televised address to the central days, Bukele said. world. measures,” he told a news confer- size as Spain, has seen more infec- overburdened healthcare system. the new virus so far, say they are American nation of around 6mn He added that national quaran- The global death toll from the ence. tions and deaths than any other. Water supply coverage is, on speeding up planned infrastruc- people. tine measures would be extended virus currently stands at 70,000, Police are already authorised to The state is probably facing an- average, better in Latin America ture projects like the installation In neighbouring Honduras, the by 15 days, without specifying the according to a tally compiled by break up crowds by force if neces- other 1,300 deaths this week, Co- than in Africa and Asia, according of desalination plants. security ministry said it would precise date when they would end. AFP. sary, he said. vas said. Colombia govt extends Animal lovers rush coronavirus lockdown to aid abandoned pets Reuters more or less 150 WhatsApp mes- Bogota sages a day,” Padilla said. Requests for animal food and More than 1,500 people have Infection numbers are lower stores, banks and on public trans- reports of abandonment have been confirmed infected with than initially expected, Health port, and restaurants are only al- ctivists in Latin America doubled during the quarantine, the coronavirus in Colombia Minister Fernando Ruiz said dur- lowed to provide deliveries. are scrambling to house she added. and 46 have died ing the broadcast. Until the end of May, schools Aand feed animals aban- Blanca Rodriguez, who runs an are suspended and the elderly are doned by owners who misguid- animal shelter in the city’s Usme “This isolation - which required to stay in their homes. edly fear their pets will infect neighbourhood, is now caring for Reuters seeks the best of all of us - Bogota Like many places around the them with the coronavirus or two dozen cats and up to 60 dogs is exactly so we can keep world where informal labour is who are unable to feed animals after taking in an additional 10 an- saving lives, breaking the common, the quarantine has cre- amid lockdowns that have caused imals since the quarantine began. olombia will extend a na- exponential growth of this ated deep hardship for some Co- increased unemployment. “In my area I have seen an ex- tionwide quarantine meant pandemic” lombians and for many Venezue- Latin American governments plosion of abandoned animals,” Cto stem the transmission lan migrants, though authorities have moved aggressively to con- Rodriguez said over a cacophony of the coronavirus until April 27, “There is a very big diff erence have handed out food, opened tain the virus by closing borders of barking.”They have raised the President Ivan Duque said. between what we thought we were shelters and increased welfare and imposing quarantines. price of pet food too much. You The lockdown was originally set going to have and the reality,” he payments. Animal advocates in Colombia can still get hold of it, but now it to last 19 days, ending just before said. Some migrants have even begun say the national quarantine that is more diffi cult.” midnight on April 13. The country expected to have a long journey home to Venezuela, started in March and will run until Rodriguez — who usually The Andean country announced over 5,700 cases by Saturday, Ruiz which is in deep economic crisis, April 27 is sparking pet desertions. feeds her animals with a combi- its nationwide quarantine meas- said, but had reached just over because in their home country “Due to fake news and panic nation of donations and money ures last month, before its infec- 1,400 by that day. they do not pay for rent or public caused by misinformation, there she receives from adoptions — tions passed 200. Colombia closed its borders, services. are people who are abandoning received 43kgs of pet food via a “This isolation - which seeks shuttered schools and halted in- Colombia has set up multiple their pets,” said Andrea Padilla, private initiative run by Padilla. the best of all of us - is exactly so ternational passenger fl ights last large-scale fi eld hospitals meant who was elected as the councillor “At least I’m going to sleep we can keep saving lives, break- month as travellers who had visit- to serve milder Covid-19 patients for animal rights in Bogota. well tonight because I know I ing the exponential growth of this ed Europe and the US brought the so intensive care wards can remain Some social media users cir- have food to give them tomor- pandemic,” Duque said during a disease home with them. available for those who require culated rumours that pets can row,” she said. live television broadcast. Under the rules of the quar- ventilators. infect humans with Covid-19, In Bolivia, Sergio Flores, who More than 1,500 people have antine, one person per family is Businesses aff ected by the lock- prompting Colombia’s health owns an animal shelter just out- been confi rmed infected with the allowed out to shop for essential down will benefi t from up to 12tn ministry to say there is not suf- side of La Paz, says the quaran- coronavirus in Colombia and 46 items or carry out fi nancial trans- pesos ($2.9bn) in credits, the fi - Tatiana Aguayo, 35, animal rights activist, feeds stray dogs, amid the fi cient evidence for the claims. tine is bringing “animals from all have died. actions, masks are required in nance ministry has said. coronavirus outbreak in Bogota, Colombia. “Right now I am responding to over the place.” Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 PAKISTAN

Vow of Supreme Court overturns strict action against judicial orders on inmates profi teers

Apex court concerned about Dozens contract Covid-19 in Lahore prison extended to persons otherwise plan to contain the spread of the take a briefi ng in his personal Internews government’s coronavirus suff ering from ailments or phys- novel coronavirus as more cases chamber. Islamabad plan Dozens of prisoners in a jail have contracted the novel coronavirus, ical or mental disability; were reported in the country. “What will you tell us there off icials have said, with more than 150 additional inmates potentially „ The benefi t shall be ex- Chief Justice Ahmed ques- that we don’t already know,” Internews infected as cases of the Covid-19 respiratory disease, caused by the tended to under-trial prisoners tioned the state’s prepared- Chief Justice Ahmed remarked. he government will take Islamabad coronavirus, continue to soar in the impoverished country. (UTPs) who are 55 years of age or ness in dealing with the crisis, The top judge also questioned strict action against those At least 49 inmates at a jail in Lahore have tested positive, according to older, and then other male UTPs including what Dr Zafar Mirza, the health minister Mirza’s Tinvolved in creating the a tweet by the Punjab chief minister late on Monday. – provided there is no history of the special assistant to the prime qualifi cations: “Zafar Mirza only wheat and sugar crisis, following he Supreme Court of Pa- The outbreak is believed to have stemmed from an inmate who was ar- past convictions; and minister on health, had in mind. comes on the television for pro- the release of the commission of kistan has overturned the rested for smuggling narcotics and had returned from Italy last month. „ The benefi t shall be extend- “What sort of an emergency jections. We are not ‘coronolo- inquiry’s report, which is slated Thigh court decisions to He was diagnosed on March 23. ed to all women/juvenile UTPs. has been imposed in the coun- gists’. We just want to make sure for April 25. release under-trial prisoners en “Health department off icials are coming every day to monitor the situ- During the hearing, the coun- try, where all the hospitals in the the public is getting their basic This was stated by Special masse in a bid to stem the coro- ation and the conditions of the patients,” Amir Rauf Khawaja, a public try’s top judge remarked that the country have been closed?” he rights.” Assistant to the Prime Minis- navirus outbreak in the country, relations off icer for the Lahore jail authority, told AFP yesterday. court could not release under- remarked. “Private clinics in the On Saturday the government ter on Information and Broad- stating that the high courts did He said the test results for an additional 154 prisoners were still pend- trial prisoners en masse. country have also been closed.” submitted a report to the apex casting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan not have the power to take suo ing and authorities had set up a quarantine area inside the facility for “The government needs to “No one knows what is hap- court on its national action plan while briefi ng journalists about motu notices on the matter as inmates that had tested positive for the coronavirus. fi nd a way around this. Those pening on the ground,” he add- for combating the coronavirus the federal cabinet’s decisions, they had done, and also that the According to a 2019 government report, there are more than 70,000 who have the virus will infect ed. “Is this how we will deal with pandemic. which met in Islamabad yester- law could not be upended under people currently incarcerated in 114 diff erent facilities across Pakistan, others as well. The government this pandemic? The Centre has In the report, the government day, chaired by Prime Minister any circumstances. many of which are stretched beyond their intended capacity. needs to impose precaution- ‘nothing’. and they are doing detailed the situation arising in Imran Khan. However, the apex court did Ali Haider Habib from the advocacy group Justice Project Pakistan ary measures in prisons,” he had nothing as well.” the wake of the pandemic and She said that the government allow exceptions to the rule, af- called the outbreak a cause for “great alarm”, saying that “drastic meas- said. To this, Attorney-General the severity of suspected cases. machinery is fully active to en- ter curtailing the list of possible ures” – including releasing vulnerable prisoners – needed to be taken The court had also ordered Khalid Javed Khan informed the “By April 25, the number of sure the availability of quality benefi ciaries of such a relief on immediately. that better facilities be set up at court that they have submitted a the coronavirus cases are feared edibles at aff ordable prices, and the attorney-general’s recom- the Taftan border to screen pil- report in this regard. to reach 50,000,” the report stat- that no negligence would be tol- mendations. grims and to keep them in isola- “The federal government is ed at one point. erated in this regard. The decision was announced Court should be re-arrested,” granted only to those accused tion. taking all the necessary steps,” The government’s report not- Awan said that the prime min- by a fi ve-member larger bench the apex court announced. persons who have been charged “Proper quarantine centres he said. ed that confi rmed coronavirus ister has also warned that strict headed by Chief Justice of Paki- The Supreme Court also for off ences under non-prohib- and isolation wards should be However, the top judge fur- cases are expected to be lower action will be taken against those stan Gulzar Ahmed. cancelled bails that have been itory clauses or under vagrancy set up at Taftan, Torkhan and ther said: “The public has been than that of some countries in found involved in issuing threats The apex court said that it was granted to those incarcerated for law or off ences which carry a Chaman borders. A quarantine left on their own. The provin- Europe, and assures that the – implied or expressed – against overturning the verdicts given serious crimes. punishment of less than three centre should be set up within cial governments keep talking government is trying to maxim- the commission of inquiry. by the Islamabad and Sindh Simultaneously, the court ap- years in jail, subject to the fol- the next two-weeks. Each per- about distribution of rations and ise its testing capacity. She said that Prime Minister High Courts regarding the re- proved the recommendation put lowing terms: son should have a separate room, funds, and the chief ministers The federal government has Khan has also directed that the lease of prisoners, and directed forward by the attorney-general „ The benefi t shall not ex- bathroom and good food,” Chief keep issuing orders from their said that it has put in place issues being faced by growers that all those released be re-ar- to give the relief to vulnerable tend in cases involving abuse/ Justice Ahmed said. homes. Nobody knows about the an emergency plan costing and farmers be resolved. rested. prisoners who pose a minimal violent acts against children and During the hearing, the Su- ground realities.” $366mn, and guidelines have The Prime Minister’s Special “The 519 under-trial prison- threat to society. women; preme Court expressed con- To this, the attorney-general been prepared in consultation Assistant on Accountability, ers released by the Sindh High The relief will therefore be „ The benefi t shall fi rst be cerns over the government’s requested that the chief justice from the medical experts. Shahzad Akbar, presented a re- port to the cabinet on the short- age of sugar and wheat in the country. The cabinet approved pro- Doctors strike over coronavirus protection Kashmir PM urges posals regarding revamping, reconstructing and reorganis- ing the Evacuee Trust Property Pakistan to provide expatriates to avoid Board, granting permission for protective gear to medics on its properties to be utilised in for priority basis: PM the health, education, and hous- travel to hometowns ing sectors. Reuters/Internews Special Assistant on National Quetta/Islamabad Health Services, Dr Zafar Mirza, Internews cases reported in districts of briefed to the cabinet about on- Islamabad Mirpur and Bhimber had a his- going coronavirus cases. octors went on strike at tory of foreign travel. The cabinet was told that two hospitals in Quetta “We completely understand 39,000 personal protective kits Dyesterday, a day after po- zad Jammu Kashmir your suff erings, as you wanted have been dispatched to all prov- lice used force to break up and (AJK) Prime Minis- to meet your loved ones. We, inces for the protection of para- detain medics protesting a lack Ater Raja Farooq Haider for time being, will request medical staff who are treating of gear to protect them against Khan has appealed in a video you not to travel to the state for Covid-19 patients. the coronavirus. message to expatriate Kash- the safety of your families,” he The coronavirus causes the Hundreds of doctors and para- miris living in Europe, the UK, said. Covid-19 respiratory disease. medics protested on Monday the US and other parts of the Khan added that the state Special Assistant on Youth against what they said was fail- world to avoid unnecessary government is taking solid Aff airs Usman Dar informed ure by the government to deliver travel to Pakistan, particularly steps to ensure the safety of the the cabinet that 7,17,119 youth promised supplies. to Kashmir. lives of its citizens, and assured have so far been registered with At least 30 doctors were de- As the most of the positive expatriates that the govern- the Corona Relief Tigers Force, tained by riot police for defying a coronavirus cases in the state’s ment is taking all possible care which is working at the district, ban on public gatherings during a southern districts have been of their loved ones. tehsil and Union Council levels lockdown introduced to fi ght the found to have foreign travel He also urged Prime Min- across the country. spread of the virus, which causes history, the premier called ister Imran Khan to delay the Special Assistant on Social the Covid-19 respiratory disease. upon the diaspora to stay in international fl ights for at- Protection Dr Sania Nishtar gave “We are on strike for the pro- their present residential coun- least two more weeks so that detailed briefi ng to the cabinet tection of our doctors and para- tries and strictly follow their the government can make ar- on the Ehsaas Emergency Cash medics,” one of the detained This picture taken on Monday shows doctors and paramedics scuff ling with police off icers during a respective laws. rangements to tackle the ex- Programme. doctors, Hanif Luni, a leader of protest in Quetta. Khan said that the positive traordinary situation. The cabinet was told that the the association that arranged federal government is providing the protest, told Reuters on the other medical workers had been “Our fi rst priority is to cater stop the spread of the disease. Confirmed cases surges to 4,004 cash assistance worth Rs12,000 phone from his police holding infected by the virus in the prov- to frontline doctors and staff ,” The meeting was apprised that to 12mn families under the cell. ince. spokesman Saqib Mumtaz told 49,500 protective kits have al- The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country Ehsaas Emergency Cash Pro- He said that doctors stayed on The provincial government Reuters, adding that those not ready been dispatched to various have reached to 4,004. gramme, to ease the burden of duty in the cardiac and gynae- says that doctors working with on coronavirus duty had also provincial hospitals and that the These are 2,004 cases in Punjab, 986 in Sindh, 500 in Khyber measures to curb the pandemic. cology departments for emer- coronavirus patients had been been given what they needed and delivery of more kits would be Pakhtunkhwa, 202 in Baluchistan, 211 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 83 in the The deserving families would gencies, adding that the strike provided with protective gear would get more. completed this week. Islamabad Capital Territory ICT), and 18 in Azad Jammu Kashmir get this cash assistance after had spread to other parts of the and that the protesting doctors “We’re not short of gear,” he Khan also directed that the (AJK). biometric verifi cation through province of Baluchistan, of which were not dealing with infected said. benefi ts of the already-an- According to the National Command and Operation Centre over 18,065 sale points or retail Quetta is the capital. patients. During a meeting to review nounced comprehensive pack- yesterday, 577 new coronavirus cases were detected in last 24 shops of Habib Bank Limited Pakistan has reported close to The spokesman for the Na- the coronavirus situation, Prime age for the construction sector hours. and Bank Al-Falah across the 4,000 coronavirus cases, includ- tional Disaster Management Minister Imran Khan expressed should reach the lower strata of Fifty-four people have died of coronavirus since its outbreak in country. ing 54 deaths, of which over 200 Authority (NDMA), which is the government’s resolve to pro- society, especially labourers. Pakistan: 17 in Sindh, 15 in Punjab, 17 in KP, one in Baluchistan, one in The cabinet also approved the cases are in under-developed steering the country-wide eff ort vide protective gear to health The prime minister said that the ICT, and three in Gilgit-Baltistan. provision of broadband Internet Baluchistan. to combat the virus, said Balu- professionals in their fi ght funds of the Public Sector De- A total of 429 people have recovered, and 1,311 patients have been service through the Universal An offi cial with Baluchistan’s chistan was given more safety against the pandemic. velopment Programme should be hospitalised, with 28 of them in critical condition. Service Fund to 62 districts of health department, Dr Wasim kits than it needed for its front- He said doctors and medical spent on projects associated with The government has also enhanced testing facilities, with a total of the country. Baig, said that 14 doctors and 10 line medical staff . staff are acting as vanguard to small and medium industries. 39,183 tests so far conducted. Pakistan hails statement on Indian-administered Hundreds of abandoned animals die at pet markets Kashmir by international human rights bodies AFP kistan’s major cities were plunged into lock- Karachi down, forcing many shops to close. Pakistan has welcomed the joint statement by Only stalls selling essential goods such as six international human rights organisations, food and medicine were allowed to continue calling on India to immediately release all bandoned when Pakistan’s largest cities operating. arbitrarily detained prisoners and restore went into lockdown, hundreds of caged That left pet shop owners blocked from their full high speed Internet access in Indian- Acats, dogs and rabbits have been found businesses, with some resorting to sneaking in administered Kashmir. dead inside pet markets hurriedly shuttered as at night to feed the animals. In a tweet yesterday, Foreign Off ice the coronavirus spread. After the desperate rescue, Chundrigar has spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said the joint Survivors from the specialist corner of Kara- now convinced the Karachi authorities to allow statement rightly underlines that measures chi’s sprawling Empress Market were only res- pet shop owners and her team daily access to to combat the coronavirus pandemic must cued after activists appealed to the authorities the animals. respect the human rights of every individual. for access. In Lahore, animals met with a similar fate. Urgent release of political prisoners, human Two weeks into the shutdown, Ayesha The bodies of about 20 dogs were found rights defenders and all those arrested in Chundrigar could hear the cries of the pets dumped in a sewer near Tollinton Market, a Indian-administered Kashmir after August 5, from outside the shops, which together housed hub for pet businesses which had closed leav- 2019, is therefore imperative. up to 1,000 animals. ing animals to starve. Farooqui said that the statement expressed “When we got inside, the majority of them Kiran Maheen was able to rescue more than concern on the isolation of inmates from were dead, about 70%. Their bodies were ly- two dozen dogs, rabbits and cats after convinc- the outside world due to a communication ing on the ground,” Chundrigar, who runs ACF ing offi cials at the market to let her in, but a blackout and ban on prison visits, Animal Rescue, told AFP. “It was so horrifi c, I large number had already died. underscoring that the allegations of torture can’t tell you.” “When the police opened up the shutters, a against Kashmiri prisoners as part of a Starving in cages with no light or ventilation, lot of animals were already lying dead inside,” decades-long pattern of abuses have been the survivors sat amongst the dead, trembling. Maheen told AFP, adding that many had suff o- repeatedly denounced by human rights and As the coronavirus pandemic worsened, Pa- cated from the lack of air. This photo taken on April 1 shows a vendor closing his shop in Karachi after feeding his animals. UN bodies. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 17 PHILIPPINES

Illegal Govt extends lockdown on overseas workers main island until month-end urged to avail DPA The extension would give the confi rmed cases of Covid-19 Manila government time to boost the in the Philippines, bringing the country’s capacity to test for the country’s total to 3,764. amnesty virus and isolate those who are Fourteen additional deaths he Philippine govern- sick, Nograles said during his were also recorded, pushing the ment yesterday extended morning briefi ng. death toll to 177, while 84 pa- By Bernadette Tamayo Ta lockdown imposed on “So that is the game plan.We tients have recovered. Manila Times the country’s most populous have to push (the peak in infec- Four out of fi ve infected pa- island for two more weeks, in a tions) because we have not seen tients were from the capital of bid to delay a peak in coronavi- the peak yet,” he said. Manila, while only a few cases he Philippine embassy in rus infections. Extending the lockdown were reported from the is- Kuwait has appealed to The lockdown on the island of would also allow the public to lands of Visayas and Mindanao, Tall undocumented Filipi- Luzon, where the capital Manila “transition to the new normal,” Health Secretary Francisco Du- nos and those with absconding is located, was supposed to be Nograles continued. que said. cases to come home and avail of eff ective until April 14 but has He added that even at the end Nograles said authorities the amnesty programme being been extended until April 30. of April, the lockdown would were also closely monitoring the off ered by the Kuwaiti govern- Luzon is home to some 57mn not really be lifted, it would be number of cases IN other parts ment. people, more than half of the more of a relaxation of the “en- of the country to determine if The embassy made the appeal country’s entire population, hanced community quarantine” the lockdown would need to be following the Kuwaiti govern- making it the fourth-most by April 30. expanded in those areas. ment’s announcement of an am- densely populated island in the “Social distancing still has to “Right now, there is no need nesty programme on April 1 to world. happen. Testing still has to hap- for an enhanced communi- further control the spread of the President Rodrigo Duterte pen, and isolation also has to ty quarantine in Visayas and coronavirus disease 2019 (Cov- approved the lockdown exten- happen.” Mindanao, but we are continu- id-19) pandemic in the kingdom. sion after recommendations 104 NEW CASES, 14 ously monitoring the situation Philippine Consul General from an inter-agency Covid-19 DEATHS REPORTED and are co-ordinating with to Kuwait Mohamed Noordin task force, government offi cial The Department of Health the local government units,” A worker manning a disinfectant truck sprays vehicles in Barangay Pasong Tamo in Quezon City as the Pendosina Lomondot said that Karlo Nograles said. reported yesterday, 104 new he said. government reported 104 new coronavirus cases. the month-long amnesty pro- gramme “shows not only the Ku- waiti government’s seriousness in fi ghting the Covid-19, but also the Kuwaiti spirit of generosity to its more than 3mn expatriates Senator set to face Health workers to receive during these trying times.” “I hope that Filipinos with expired residence visas and ab- criminal charges over sconding cases will take advan- tage of the amnesty programme special risk allowance of the Kuwaiti government, quarantine breach similar to how more than 5,000 of our kababayan (fellowmen) availed themselves of amnesty in By Jomar Canlas By Ma RL Tolentino 2018,” Lomondot said in a state- Manila Times Manila Times ment. The Department of Foreign Aff airs (DFA) said 303 dis- riminal charges were fi led resident Rodrigo Duterte tressed overseas Filipino workers before the Department has signed an adminis- (OFWs) returned from Kuwait on Cof Justice (DoJ) against Ptrative order authorising Sunday midnight. Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” the grant of special risk allow- “The Kuwaiti government ex- Pimentel 3rd for violating Cov- ance (SRA) to frontline public tended amnesty to them to give id-19 quarantine protocols. health workers during the en- them a chance to reunite with Former University of Makati hanced community quaran- their families during this time of College of Law dean Rico Qui- tine period. the global pandemic,” the DFA cho fi led the complaint against Under Administrative Order said. The Philippine embassy in Pimentel via e-mail before the 28, national government agen- Kuwait said over 500 amnesty Offi ce of Secretary Menardo cies, government-owned or grantees have arrived in the Phil- Guevarra. -controlled corporations and ippines since April 1. DoJ Prosecutor General Ben local government units “are Charge d’Aff aires, and Vice Malcontento told Manila Times authorised to grant a one-time Consul Charleson Hermosu- that the prosecutor to handle the Covid-19 SRA, equivalent to a ra said that amnesty grantees preliminary investigation would Aquilino Pimentel: facing action maximum of 25% of monthly would be allowed to leave Kuwait be named soon. basic salary/pay, to Public without paying any penalty or Sought for comment on Qui- around 200,000 signatures. We Health Workers (PHWs) who fi ne, and will be given the chance cho’s complaint, Pimentel re- are one with the Filipino peo- have great exposure to health to return to Kuwait anytime. plied through a text message: “(I) ple in condemning negligent risks and physical hardships in “I wish to commend the haven’t read it. I just hope, to be and reckless acts which expose the line of duty, in light of the government of Kuwait, par- fair to me, he furnishes me with the public, especially our health Covid-19 pandemic.” ticularly the Ministry of Inte- a copy; so, I can answer/respond workers, to unnecessary risks.” PHWs are defi ned as “medi- rior (MoI), for coming up with a to it.” “As a lawyer and advocate of cal, allied medical, and other well thought out amnesty pro- He said he was not familiar the rule of law, I cannot in good necessary personnel assigned gramme wherein the amnesty with the procedure for fi ling a conscience allow the reckless in hospitals and healthcare The grant of the allowance shall be pro-rated, based on the number of days that public health grantees will be given temporary complaint through e-mail. actions of Senator Koko Pimen- facilities and who are directly workers physically report for work. shelter, with food and medical On March 26, the senator tel to be brushed aside so easily,” catering to or in contact with provisions, and one-way Kuwait apologised to the Makati Medi- he said. Covid-19 patients, persons PHWs physically report for work), 50% (8-12 days), 75% or part-time positions; and Airways tickets to the Philip- cal Center (MMC) if he breached Quicho said Pimentel “bla- under investigation or persons work. (13-17 days) and 100% (18 or workers engaged through pines — all at the Kuwaiti gov- its safety protocols for the coro- tantly violated laws, which put under monitoring.” The percentage of the in- more). contract of service or job ernment’s expense,” Hermosura navirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) the lives and health of frontlin- The grant of the allow- centive are as follows: Covered workers are either order, including barangay said. Once their applications when he went to the hospital ers and even ordinary citizens at ance shall be pro-rated based 25% (three to seven days civilian employees occupying health workers regardless of are approved, amnesty grant- despite being infected with the grave risk.” on the number of days that physically reporting for regular, contractual, casual the nature of engagement. ees will not be allowed to leave virus. “He has categorically admit- the processing centre, and will He said that a day earlier he ted his breach without remorse. be sent straight to a MoI-des- tested positive for Covid-19, and And yet because of his position, ignated shelter where they will he was not aware of it when he he is still not being made ac- wait for their flight back to the brought his wife Kathryna to the countable,” Quicho said. Philippines. hospital on March 24. He said he hoped the Health Doctor dies of coronavirus Food and medical provisions “I never intended to breach department “will swiftly act are available at the shelter near any protocol, but I realise now and pursue legal actions against Kuwait International Airport. that my presence in MMC un- Senator Koko Pimentel. We trust A total of 5,085 overseas Fili- necessarily caused additional that DoJ will be true to its com- By John E Mendoza of the Department of Emer- hospital in a statement. Lim pinos, including 148 infants, anguish and concern to the cou- mitment to the Filipino people Manila Times gency Medicine and Quality joined the growing number availed themselves of the Ku- rageous frontline health workers to uphold the rule of law without Management Department, of medical practitioners who waiti government’s amnesty we all depend on. I was simply fear or favour.” died on duty while fi ghting died of the new coronavirus. programme from February to there to be with my wife during A high-end supermarket had doctor of the Asian the novel coronavirus, the Philippine Medical As- April 2018. the birth of our daughter,” Pi- also reported that Pimentel had Hospital and Medical hospital confi rmed. sociation President Dr Os- With its 240,000-strong mentel said in a statement. shopped at its branch at the ACenter succumbed to “We have lost a remark- car Tinio told US radio net- Filipino community, the Phil- Quicho said his complaint Bonifacio Global City several the coronavirus disease 2019 able doctor, a good friend work NPR that as of April 3, ippines is the third largest ex- “references the online change. days before he visited Makati on Monday. and mentor to our budding 14 doctors have died of the patriate community in Kuwait, org petition that gathered Medical. Dr Mary Grace Lim, 40, health care workers,” said the virus. Dr Mary Grace Lim behind India and Egypt. Veteran broadcast journalist wins battle against Covid-19

By Iza Iglesias survivor.“Since the pandemic is rosy where quarantine can be his team of doctors who formed continuing crisis–be they pa- fected, Severino requested, Manila Times far from over, many more will be forever,” Severino added. a Viber group to discuss his case tients like him or not. “When reaching out to Covid-19 infected and confi ned. Some will “One of my fellow Covid pa- and treatment–specifi cally, the “Transparency is an obli- patients, do so with more than not make it. Those of us among tients in the hospital can’t go use of the “experimental drug gation. While there are good get well messages. Share family MA News and Public Af- the pioneers — I’m Patient 2828 home because his condo build- chloroquine” that cured pa- reasons to keep this condition news, your playlists, jokes and fairs veteran broadcast in the lower part of the curve ing won’t let him move back, tients in other countries and that under wraps — there are even memes, anything that can off er Gjournalist Howie Sev- — have a responsibility to talk despite already testing negative which worked on him as well. privacy laws that can justify it a respite from the constant re- erino revealed yesterday he had about this experience in a way for the virus. I am one of the From his experience, albeit — it’s not fair to anyone who has minders of our condition. We do tested positive for coronavirus that will enable the public to un- lucky ones who have been able the physical and mental anguish had close contact with you,” he not need more pity.” disease (Covid-19), while shar- derstand it, lessen the fear, and to go home, resume a semblance he endured, Severino declared started on his list. Last but not the least, he ing his experience in battling the create compassion for those who of my former life, and live to tell that Covid-19 need not be a “This disease need not be so praised the frontliners whom he deadly virus toward recovery. survived Covid-19,” he wrote. the tale.” death sentence. lonely. You’re in isolation in a regarded as “true heroes.” Severino, 58, wrote a lengthy “I know of a few others, all CURED BY CHLOROQUINE “I am living proof. A combi- hospital or at home, with no “It will be hard to pay them fi rst person essay published on attempting to return to low- “It’s a tale of long painful nee- nation of good fortune, physical visitors except frontliners in PPE back, but one can pay it forward. GMA News Online referring profi le lives in a fearful world, dles that couldn’t fi nd a vein in fi tness and competent medical spacesuits. You can’t see their If it’s true that I will have anti- himself as “Patient 2828.” but most choose to remain in- my hands, the swabs down my treatment probably saved my faces and tell them apart aside bodies in my blood that can help The “I-Witness” documenta- visible. There are strong reasons throat that made me gag, the life,” he stressed. from their body shapes. That others fi ght off infection, I’ll be rist said that after spending nine for this anonymity. This disease torture of long sleep depriva- Severino further wrote his doesn’t mean you need to feel glad to donate this accidental days in hospital with “a bout of is one of the most stigmatised tion,“ Severino said, recalling takeaways as a Covid-19 survi- alone,” he noted. gift. It’s a small price for all sur- Howie Severino: winning fight pneumonia and a major scare,” and loneliest in human history, his Covid battle. vor, in the hopes they will help To those whose family mem- vivors to pay for the chance to against pandemic he can now be called a Covid-19 perhaps comparable only to lep- Nevertheless, he is grateful to others do what is right amid the bers or friends have been in- see the sun again.” Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Virus is no good reason for global food supply shocks

Across the world, about 1.2bn people live in extreme poverty, on less than $1 per day, according to a 2018 World Health Organisation report. At least 17mn children suffer from severe acute malnutrition around the world, which is the direct cause of death of 2mn children every year. The Covid-19 pandemic has once again turned the spotlight on the fundamental problem the humanity faces, especially in the developing world: How to acquire such basic necessities of life as food, cloth and Internationalising the crisis shelter. Risks, for sure, are now rising for the world’s complex By Joseph E Stiglitz surprisingly, global investment fl ows the international community should rolling defaults. In many developing and New York are also plummeting, as are commodity have a tool for assisting the neediest emerging economies, the government’s food supply networks as more countries bring down the prices, indicating a tough road ahead for countries without requiring national only choice is either to funnel more shutters to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease. natural-resource exporters. budgets to take a hit. income to foreign creditors or allow more Lockdowns could bring about snarl-ups in processing s it spread from one country to These developments are already A standard SDR issuance – with some of its citizens to die. Obviously, the latter and transport, leading to price spikes for many fresh another, the novel coronavirus being refl ected in the yield spreads 40% of the SDRs going to developing will be unacceptable to most countries, paid no attention to national on developing countries’ sovereign and emerging economies – would make so the real choice for the international goods, even if farms in developed markets can keep Afrontiers or “big, beautiful” debt. Many governments will fi nd an enormous diff erence. But it would community, then, is between an orderly or working through the outbreak. border walls. Nor were the ensuing it exceedingly diffi cult to roll over be even better if advanced economies a disorderly stay, with the latter scenario But, as a matter of fact, there is no good reason for the economic eff ects contained. As has been the debts coming due this year on like the United States donated or lent inevitably resulting in severe turbulence obvious since the outset, the Covid-19 reasonable terms, if at all. (on concessionary terms) their SDRs to and far-reaching costs to the global Covid-19 pandemic to cause global food shortages, at pandemic is a global problem that de- Moreover, developing countries have a trust fund dedicated to helping poorer economy. least of wheat, rice, or other staples. mands a global solution. fewer and harder choices about how to countries. One might expect that the Of course, it would be even better if While the virus isn’t foodborne, plenty of food still In the world’s advanced economies, confront the pandemic. When people countries providing this assistance will we had an institutionalised mechanism compassion should be suffi cient are living hand to mouth in the absence attach conditions, in particular, that the for restructuring sovereign debt. The continues to be produced, processed, and delivered motivation to support a multilateral of adequate social protections, a loss money not go to bailing out creditors. international community tried to achieve despite illnesses and lockdowns, and the world’s appetite response. But global action is also a of income could mean starvation. Yet It’s also crucial that creditor that in 2015, when the United Nations hasn’t abruptly increased. matter of self-interest. As long as the these countries cannot replicate the US countries help by announcing a stay on General Assembly adopted a set of shared pandemic is still raging anywhere, it will response, which features (so far) a $2tn developing and emerging economies’ principles with overwhelming support. There is, however, one pose a threat – both epidemiological economic package that will blow up the debt service. To understand why this is Unfortunately, that framework lacked The world loses bad reason for shortages: and economic – everywhere. fi scal defi cit by some 10% of GDP (on so important, consider the US economy. the necessary buy-in from key creditor about $400bn hoarding. If some people The impact of Covid-19 on developing top of a pre-pandemic defi cit of 5%). Last month, the US Department of countries. It is probably too late to needlessly buy too much and emerging economies has only begun Following a virtual emergency Housing and Urban Development establish such a system now for use in the to reveal itself. There are good reasons summit on March 26, G20 leaders issued announced that there would be no current crisis. But there will inevitably be of food before food, or sell too little of to believe that these countries will be a communiqué committing “to do foreclosures on federally insured more crises down the line, which means it even gets their production out of ravaged far more by the pandemic than whatever it takes and to use all available mortgages for 60 days. In essence, this that sovereign-debt restructuring should concern that there won’t the advanced economies have been. After policy tools to minimise the economic policy is part of a broader “stay” on the be high on the agenda for the post- all, people in lower-income countries and social damage from the pandemic, entire US economy as a response to the pandemic reckoning. delivered to be enough, others will tend to live in closer proximity to one restore global growth, maintain market Covid-19 crisis. Workers are staying In John Donne’s immortal words, lose out. another. A higher share of the population stability, and strengthen resilience.” home, restaurants are staying closed, “No man is an island …” Nor is any stores: UN On a global scale, suff ers from pre-existing health problems To that end, at least two things can be and airlines are all but shut down. Why country – as the Covid-19 crisis has made that render them more vulnerable to done about the dire state of aff airs in should creditors be allowed to continue abundantly clear. If only the international stocks of corn, wheat, the disease. And these countries’ health emerging and developing economies. racking up returns, especially when community would get its head out of the soybeans and rice are healthier than before previous systems are even less prepared to manage First, full use must be made of the the interest rates they charge should sand. – Project Syndicate periods of food infl ation. While some prices have been an epidemic than those of the advanced International Monetary Fund’s Special have already created a suffi cient risk heading higher, increases aren’t across the board. economies (which have hardly functioned Drawing Rights, a form of “global cushion? Unless creditors grant such z Joseph E Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate smoothly). money” that the institution was a stay, many debtors will emerge from in economics, is University Professor The US Department of Agriculture expects global wheat A March 30 report from the United authorised to create at its founding. the crisis owing more than they can at Columbia University and Chief production to rise almost 5% this year, while rice is seen Nations Conference on Trade and The SDR is an essential ingredient in possibly repay. Economist at the Roosevelt Institute. as stable. Development off ers an early glimpse the international monetary order that Such stays are just as important A paperback version of his most recent of what lies in store for emerging and John Maynard Keynes advocated during internationally as they are domestically. book, People, Power, and Profi ts: Yet with infection rates rising across the world, there developing economies. The most the Bretton Woods Conference of 1944. Under current conditions, many Progressive Capitalism for an Age of are worrying signs. Kazakhstan has banned exports of successful of them rely on export-led The idea is that, because all countries countries simply cannot service their Discontent, will be published by W.W. buckwheat and wheat fl our to preserve domestic supplies. growth, which will now collapse as will obviously want to protect their own debts, which, in the absence of a global Norton in the US and by Penguin/Allen citizens and economies during crises, stay on repayment, could lead to massive, Lane in the UK. Russia, the world’s top wheat shipper, could limit some the global economy contracts. Not sales overseas, a threat that has already pushed up prices. During the 2006-08 spike, such behaviour accounted for 45% of the increase in rice prices, and almost a third for wheat, according to a study published by the World Bank. While prices are still well below 2008 or 2011, there are glimpses of how quickly the situation could change. Chinese food prices surged more than a fi fth in January from a year earlier as the epidemic took hold. One thing Covid-19 has made clear is how fi nely tuned global food supply chains are. Make no mistake, the great global food divide has been widening even before the virus outbreak. The world loses about $400bn of food before it even gets delivered to stores, according to the United Nations. An estimated 14% of global food production is wasted every year and around 45% of all child deaths worldwide are from causes related to undernutrition, says the WHO. Hunger is a biting reality and societies tend to unravel when people are starving.

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© 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Full use must be made of the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights, a form of “global money” that the institution was authorised to create at its founding. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 8, 2020 19 COMMENT Navigating the pandemic trilemma

By Harold James seems to have been more eff ective than organising an eff ective coordinated Princeton that of any other country. response, not just to this pandemic Does this mean that if one wants to but also to similar challenges in the have a democracy, one must choose future. It is also clear that the response he coronavirus crisis between a healthy economy and a to the crisis absolutely must include is forcing a dramatic healthy population, whereas if one widespread testing and contact reassessment of how wants a healthy economy, one must tracing, which entails a partial – but Tgovernment and the economy choose political liberty or physical certainly not a complete – loss of function. As Matthew M Kavanagh of well-being? In macroeconomics, privacy. Georgetown University argues in The this kind of choice is known as the As for the economic implications Lancet, the pandemic has revealed a trilemma. of the pandemic, far from delivering trilemma: it is impossible to have a Such trilemmas (or “impossible a long-term blow to growth, the medically healthy society, a healthy trinities”) are not new to virus’s severe short-term shock has economy, and a healthy democracy at macroeconomists. In the early actually generated new opportunities. the same time. 1960s, economists Robert Mundell Consider the domain of telemedicine, The implication is that if we want and John Fleming pointed out that which allows for virtual doctor visits, airlines to keep fl ying and restaurants fi xed exchange rates are compatible self-administered blood tests, and and pubs to stay busy, more people with free capital movement or an many forms of remote monitoring. will have to get sick and die. On the independent monetary policy, but The medical profession has stood other hand, if we shut down these not with both at the same time. And, in the way of these innovations, activities, the economic downturn more recently, Dani Rodrik of Harvard insisting on physical examinations and will be much more severe than the University has applied the idea of a other artefacts of a bygone era. Now, 2008 global fi nancial crisis, with rates trilemma to globalisation, arguing that medicine and many other industries of unemployment similar to those of “democracy, national sovereignty, are fi nally exploring the opportunities the Great Depression – and possibly and global economic integration off ered by twenty-fi rst-century much higher. Many of the businesses are mutually incompatible: we can information and communication – especially small shops, restaurants, combine any two of the three, but technologies. It is easy to imagine and service providers – that are closed never have all three simultaneously many companies and sectors sticking “temporarily” will in fact never reopen. and in full.” with the new practices they’ve In thinking about the nature of the Fortunately, on closer inspection, developed during the pandemic after it current crisis, one can also imagine this thinking about impossible choices has passed. a rigorous and intrusive system for turns out to be erroneous. Modern Crises, by defi nition, always force a identifying infected individuals and economists reject the idea of the choice. One’s response can be short- immediately tracing their contacts. classic macro trilemma, because it sighted, panicky, and destructive, With modern surveillance technology, turns out that fl exible exchange rates or it can be radical, innovative, and it is possible to determine who sat next actually do not aff ord much more constructive. It is worth remembering to you on the bus, or who handed you room for monetary policymaking. that in addition to China, South a receipt when you went to the store. Moreover, none of the points in the Korea has also managed to control the But while such information can be triangle is absolute: there is no such epidemic, and it has done so without enormously valuable in containing thing as completely fi xed exchange abandoning its democracy. There is infections, collecting it implies an rates, because even the tightest fi x Telemedicine allows for virtual doctor visits, self-administered blood tests, and many forms of remote monitoring. no reason to think that the choices we equally enormous loss of privacy. (including a currency union) can be make in response to this crisis cannot At the moment, the only society broken. Likewise, capital never moves debate. No country ever has complete or delegated to representative bodies. absolute; rather, they are negotiable, or result in longer-term dynamism and that comes remotely close to realising completely freely, as there is always sovereignty, because external and By the same token, we will never have even illusory. In the case of Covid-19, resilience. - Project Syndicate this surveillance-state scenario is a domestic bias. And even in a closed global events will always aff ect how complete globalisation, because people we must protect public health while China, under whose “social credit economy, monetary policy would be governments make choices. Nor and their governments always will also preserving the social and political z Harold James is Professor of system” every action is monitored and subject to external signals. can a country or a people ever have make special allowances for the local fabric of our lives. To that end, it is History and International Aff airs at then “graded” by the state. Indeed, as Proponents of more recent complete democracy, because some or domestic setting. already clear that the release and Princeton University and a senior many commentators have pointed out, trilemmas should heed the lessons level of decision-making will always be The upshot is that in the real world, sharing of medical information fellow at the Center for International China’s response to the Covid-19 crisis of the original macroeconomic subordinated to the wishes of others, apparent trade-off s are not always across borders will be necessary for Governance Innovation. Saving the economy from the coronavirus Three-day forecast forms of lockdowns governments fi nancial strain on them, allowing the marginal propensity to consume TODAY have implemented has practically them to stay afl oat during months when analysing such policies Maximum Temperature : 390c halted revenue streams in the lodging, of uncertainty. This is particularly (i.e.: how much of the increase Minimum Temperature : 260c restaurant and airline industries important for small fi rms with less in disposable income individuals THURSDAY in many countries. One concern is access to credit. Maintaining open destine to consumption). In general, Maximum Temperature : 350c that unlike other types of industries businesses is crucial in order to during times of crisis the marginal Minimum Temperature : 260c that tend to recover some of the lost reduce the number of layoff s. This propensity to consume is low. For FRIDAY revenue once the crisis is over — those not only has a direct benefi t on these those individuals not in need, the Maximum Temperature : 370c who decide against buying a new car employees, but it also has a spillover one-time transfer has a negligible Minimum Temperature : 280c during the recession might do so once eff ect on the rest of the economy. effect. On the other hand, while Fisherman's forecast the crisis is over — revenues from a These workers will continue spending the transfer helps alleviate some restaurant meal not consumed today part of their income on groceries and of the psychological stress for WARNING or a forgone haircut are lost forever. other goods, thus sustaining revenue those in need, people tend to save Inshore : Nil To make matters worse, a clash for other businesses that in turn will a large share of this cash given the Offshore : Expected thunder rain between Russia and Saudi Arabia over not feel the need to lay off workers uncertainty. Thus, the transfer does at north areas associ- an oil price strategy has sunk the price themselves. not flow into the economy. ated with strong wind and high sea of oil to roughly $20 a barrel, which Nonetheless, other governments WEATHER Agustín Indaco, Assistant Teaching represents the lowest level in nearly Agustín Indaco: “The could perhaps consider an improved Inshore : Hot daytime with two decades. These two circumstances version of this policy to complement scattered clouds and Professor of Economics at Qatar chance of rain at some Foundation’s partner university are particularly relevant for a country level of uncertainty the fi nancial package already in place. places, slight dust at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, like Qatar: hydrocarbon represents a While targeting businesses alleviates times. third of GDP and deliberate eff orts in workers in the formal sector, it only WIND speaks about how service industries gripping the world Inshore : Southeasterly-South- are being impacted by the pandemic the past years to diversify its economy indirectly aff ects workers under other westerly 08-18/24 KT and why the role of governments is has increased its reliance on the has aff ected nearly forms of labour. Individuals working in Offshore : Southeasterly-Easterly crucial in salvaging workers in need service and tourism industry. the gig-economy, freelancers, hourly Faced with this two-headed all the areas of workers, delivery and cab services 10-20/26 KT monster, Qatar has enacted policies have also seen a sudden plunge in their Visibility : 4-8 KM everal governments and inter- to contain the socio-economic our daily lives. As income. But they are currently not national organisations around ramifi cations. The government acted contemplated under the announced Offshore : 2-4/8 FT swiftly by injecting QR75bn ($20.6bn) confi dence wanes, measures. Creating a targeted cash- the world have announced Around the region that, at the moment, the only into the private economy, together transfer program for these workers S so does expenditure Weather Weather remedy we have to contain Covid-19 with a series of other fi nancial relief would dramatically alleviate their tomorrow is avoiding all forms of social gather- measures. These policies, aimed at situation. today Max/min Max/min and consumption” M Sunny ings. This policy will hopefully limit protecting businesses, were a welcome The level of uncertainty gripping the Baghdad M Cloudy 31/17 31/16 P Cloudy the spread of the virus. But one of its step in the right direction. The The US, in contrast, is looking at world has aff ected nearly all the areas Kuwait City P Cloudy 30/22 31/24 P Cloudy undesired side-eff ects is that it may government has exempted small and another route. They are considering of our daily lives. As confi dence wanes, Manama M Sunny 35/26 35/25 Sunny damage the economy in the long-term medium-sized businesses of their rent channelling money directly to so does expenditure and consumption. Muscat Sunny 34/26 34/27 Rain as well. obligations and exempted fi rms in the consumers instead of businesses, A sharp V-shaped recovery would Tehran Showers 12/05 10/08 The pandemic has already plunged service industry of their electricity by indiscriminately sending $1,000 require a drastic change in confi dence, the world economy into uncharted and water fees for six months. checks to every adult. Although this which seems unlikely given the waters. While recent recessions began These measures will have two clearly makes everyone better off, circumstances. This is why the role of in the manufacturing or fi nancial positive eff ects. Given the sudden evidence from previous financial governments is crucial in salvaging the industries, this one seems to start halt in revenues, relieving fi rms from crises has shown that this measure economy and its workers, especially in the service sector. The various some of their fi xed costs lessens the is inefficient. Economists point to targeting those in need. Live issues

Children need more screen time right now, professor says Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min By Godwin Kelly things that will face all of us right now, a chance to communicate with their “You can put screens into diff erent Athens Cloudy 14/09 P Cloudy 17/10 The News-Journal whether it’s the kids or adults, is social friends, which they would normally boxes,” he said. “Obviously, kids are Beirut M Sunny 18/13 Showers 18/14 isolation. see at school or other social functions. going to be spending a lot of time on Bangkok M Sunny 35/28 P Cloudy 34/28 “We can’t spend face time with “We want to make sure that kids are screens for school and that should not Berlin Sunny 22/08 P Cloudy 19/03 uring this time of social friends or with community groups getting some time to exercise, that kids count. That’s school and should not Cairo M Sunny 24/14 M Sunny 23/13 distancing and stay-at- or go to parties. We know that type get their school work done and they get count as recreational screen time. Cape Town P Cloudy 23/12 P Cloudy 22/13 home government mandates of isolation can actually have some adequate sleep every night,” he said. “Parents might need to relax a bit Colombo P Cloudy 31/26 M Sunny 31/26 Dto slow the spread of the negative mental health consequences.” “Children need eight to 10 hours of and accept their kids are probably Dhaka P Cloudy 38/25 P Cloudy 37/24 coronavirus, many children of all ages Social media screen time, which has sleep at night. We don’t want screen going to spend more time on screens Hong Kong P Cloudy 19/17 M Sunny 20/18 have increased their daily screen time. been cursed in the past by experts in time dominating their lives, but in now than they might during a normal Istanbul Cloudy 11/07 P Cloudy 13/04 Not to worry, says Chris Ferguson, the fi eld, now has become something terms of limiting kids to one or two period of our history.” Jakarta T Storms 32/24 S T Storms 32/25 a professor of psychology at Stetson of a Godsend for the mental health of hours of screens at this point is pretty Ferguson said the eff ects of the Karachi Sunny 33/23 Sunny 33/22 University and an expert in media children, especially those in the pre- far down the list of things parents Covid-19 pandemic will likely change London P Cloudy 23/09 M Sunny 22/09 eff ects, such as video gaming and teen and teenager categories. should be worried about.” social behaviour in years to come. Manila P Cloudy 34/26 S T Storms 33/26 virtual reality. “One of the ways for kids to alleviate They also need exercise. People will likely avoid large crowds Moscow S Showers 12/01 M Cloudy 15/06 Ferguson said during this strange that isolation and maintain their According to the Kaiser Family and favour smaller gatherings of folks New Delhi Sunny 33/18 M Sunny 33/21 period in history that additional screen friendships in social relationships Foundation children ages 8-18, they know. New York S Showers 17/09 Rain 13/04 time for children is healthy so they is through screens, such as playing before the pandemic, were spending “We don’t really know what this Paris P Cloudy 23/11 Sunny 25/11 may maintain their social contacts and with other kids through video games an average of 7.5 hours in front of a virus is going to do to our society yet,” Sao Paulo Cloudy 20/14 M Sunny 23/14 interact with their peer groups. online, interact with their smart phone screen daily, just for entertainment, he said. “I think we can reasonably Seoul Sunny 15/02 M Sunny 16/02 “As long as it is kept in balance with social media,” Ferguson said. according to a report on cdc.gov. suggest it’s going to change things and Singapore S T Storms 32/27 S T Storms 32/26 with other activities that kids need Ferguson said he is not The CDC recommends kids get at we’ll do things diff erently. We just Sydney Showers 19/16 Showers 20/16 to do,” Ferguson said in an interview recommending “unmitigated screen least 60 minutes of physical activity don’t know what.” - Tribune News Tokyo Clear 20/08 Cloudy 15/10 from his home in Orlando. “One of the time” for children, but giving them each day. Service Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 QATAR Covid-19: Ashghal, MADLSA launch health drives for labour compliance

he Public Works Au- Precautionary measures and sterilisation at work sites, thority (Ashghal), in Ashghal has implemented accommodation, buses, bath- Tco-ordination with the precautionary measures based rooms, kitchens, canteens and Ministry of Administrative De- on the directives of MADLSA other places used by labourers. velopment, Labour and Social and these include setting the Disposable wipes are given Aff airs (MADLSA), has launched working hours of construction in order to help them wipe out stringent inspection campaigns workers to six hours a day, rais- commonly used surfaces such at workplaces and labour ac- ing awareness and exchanging as door handles, keyboards, re- commodations. information in the languages mote controls and offi ces before These are carried out in or- of workers as well as reducing each use. Use of shared spaces der to confi rm the compliance of gatherings in the workplace and (such as shared dining areas and contracting companies in imple- accommodation. changing rooms) has been lim- menting the precautionary and Ashghal has also verifi ed the ited while population density preventive measures taken by Ash- implementation of a risk assess- has been reduced in the work- ghal based on the directives of the ment procedure to protect work- place and personal meetings and MADLSA and as part of the eff orts ers and worked with the authori- training programmes suspended. exerted to protect workers (from ties to develop a plan to properly Ashghal has also chalked out a Covid-19) involved in Ashghal identify and manage suspected plan to check labourers’ tem- projects. cases. Mental health issues such perature prior to boarding buses Engineer Abdulla Qassim, an Ashghal, in co-ordination with off icials of Labour Ministry, have Ashghal has also verified the implementation of a risk assessment as anxiety concerning job secu- to and from workplace. offi cial of the Khalifa Avenue launched stringent health inspections at workplaces and labour procedure to protect workers and worked with the authorities to rity and income or concern about These are in addition to pro- project of the Highway Projects accommodations. develop a plan to properly identify and manage suspected cases. infection are also handled. viding additional preventive Department of Ashghal, said The preventive and occupa- measures for workers who are regular inspection tours are aware of the seriousness of the gathering and maintaining social place and another at the work while food is served in six dining tional safety measures by Ash- most susceptible to getting sick initiated at the workplace while issue and they make the workers distance. site. Emergency isolation rooms halls ensuring social distance”. ghal include measuring body such as those with chronic dis- instructions are followed by aware of all preventive measures Labour accommodation have also been set up in order to Nasser al-Hajri from the Inspec- temperature, monitoring and re- eases such as diabetes, heart, companies to maintain safety of and procedures to prevent Cov- The Ashghal offi cial said that timely communicate with MoPH tion Department, MADLSA, said porting symptoms of the respi- respiratory disease and other workers at work sites. id-19 spread without aff ecting all precautions are taken for the seeking necessary action. visits are carried out in co-or- ratory system as well as stressing diseases. He explained that the vital the workfl ow. project workers in the housing “Labour accommodation is lo- dination with Ashghal to assess the importance of good personal Ashghal also determined the project with 7,000 workers has These measures include regu- and daily checks are made to cated on a land area of 142,724sq the welfare measures in work and hygiene, covering the mouth maximum number of labourers achieved 79mn working hours lar and comprehensive wash- ensure their health and safety. m and only a small number of accommodation sites. He noted with the arm in case of cough- at project sites and on buses and without work time injuries. Ash- ing of hands, making sterilisa- There is a clinic, licensed by workers are allowed in each room. that it was ensured that all con- ing or sneezing and avoiding ensure the use of masks and pro- ghal has ensured that the project tion dispensers available, strict the Ministry of Public Health Kitchen services that follow ISO tractors complied with the direc- touching their faces. Ashghal has vide hand sanitisers and gloves implementing companies are compliance with prevention of (MoPH), in the accommodation 22000 standards are available tives of the ministry. also intensifi ed routine cleaning at the workplace. MoCI fi xes marketing, delivery service charges

From Page 1 keting and delivery platforms lished in the Offi cial Gazette. affi liated with national compa- The MoCI has stressed that The decision of the Commit- nies and businesses operating it will intensify its inspec- tee Tasked with Determining in the fi eld of product market- tion campaigns to ensure the Maximum Prices and Profi t Ra- ing and delivery. compliance of suppliers and tios, No 3 of 2020, outlines the z Marketing and delivery merchants with the decision following conditions: platforms subject to the provi- of the Committee Tasked with z Marketing and delivery sions of this decision must also Determining Maximum Prices platforms are prohibited from reconcile their status accord- and Profi t Ratios, No 3 of 2020, imposing discriminatory con- ingly and commit to adding an in order to determine e-mar- ditions, refusing to deal with appendix of the service charges keting and product delivery Qatar Reads initiative suggests that reading can help alleviate stress and anxiety especially during Covid-19 times. or placing restrictions upon the for valid contracts in accord- charges, to ensure the compli- supplier, or imposing any other ance with the provisions of this ance of those concerned with percentages or sums on suppli- decision. their stipulated obligations and ers and consumers through any z Marketing and delivery to crack down on any violations means or under any label in or- platforms are compelled to in this regard. Qatar Foundation highlights the der to collect additional charg- provide copies of the valid con- The ministry has urged citi- es in violation of the provisions tracts for which an appendix zens and residents to report of this decision. of service charges and price any violations or infringements z Marketing and delivery lists by the contracted supplier through the following commu- benefi ts of reading in isolation platforms shall not increase was added within a month of nication channels: call centre: charges for the services out- the decision’s issuance. The 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. lined in the decision before ob- competent authorities are also qa, Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, taining the prior approval of the compelled to implement the Instagram: MOCIQATAR, and eading can help alleviate “And all kinds of reading is ben- measures set out by the Ministry novel you’ve had your eye on for committee. decision and abide by the deci- the ministry’s application on stress and anxiety espe- efi cial – not just textbooks. of Public Health. Additionally, a while, or fi nd something com- z The supplier should give sion from the date of its issu- iPhone and Android devices: Rcially during Covid-19 From non-fi ction books such its Mommy to Be programme is pletely new to read. Maybe even priority to dealing with mar- ance. The decision will be pub- MOCIQATAR times, a Qatar Foundation (QF) as biographies, autobiographies, to launch in the coming weeks, start a reading list. offi cial noted. Al-Jazi al-hen- handbooks, and memoirs, to which will – to start with – exist Alternatively, involve the zab, project manager of Qatar fi ction books with genres like in the digital sphere only. whole family by initiating group Reads, says, “Reading isn’t tied crime, drama, mystery, and fan- Alternatively, the Qatar Reads reading time – either by read- to a physical place, a specifi c tasy. Short attention span? Read team suggests creating online ing to your children or asking time, or mandatory format – a haiku.” book clubs, using digital video your children to read aloud to QFZA, QSTP sign MoU to wherever there are words, there The Qatar Foundation ini- platforms to discuss ideas and the whole family.” Qatar Reads are stories and learning oppor- tiative is also working to provide themes. “In quarantine it may be is trying to make reading as tunities.” learning opportunities to the lo- hard to fi nd new conversations, so accessible as possible, post- support R&D, entrepreneurship And there are many benefi ts cal community during this time. show your children that reading a ing content and material to its to reading. “It improves mem- Parents with children are en- book is a way they can continue Instagram account, with live ory, expands vocabulary, and couraged to sign up for the Fam- to connect with their friends. “As storytelling sessions to launch From Page 1 plore all that Qatar Free Zones vested in research, develop- keeps the mind sharp. It can also ily Reading Programme, which children tend to emulate their in the coming weeks. Qatar Na- and QSTP have to off er .” ment, and innovation activities have an incredibly calming ef- sees members receive monthly parents, it’s about what you do tional Library also off ers a large “The MoU will allow us to go Since its establishment in by international companies reg- fect on the reader, while lower- books, activity sheets, and instead of what you say,” al-Jazi selection of online resources, further in our continued sup- October 2018, Qatar Free Zones istered at QSTP. The technol- ing stress levels. And of course comics delivered via a specially explains. “One of the best ways to and Scholastic – the partner of port of Qatar’s technology and has approved projects worth a ogy, innovation, and entrepre- it can also provide people with constructed mailbox outside encourage your children to read is the Family Reading Programme innovation sectors, and en- total of more than QR3bn from neurship hub is currently home an escape, which is needed now homes, with the team adhering for you to read in front of them. – is providing free online read- hance the growing technology a wide range of leading local and to over 50 companies, including more than ever,” says al-Jazi. to the strictest health and safety “Use this time to fi nish the ing material to users. ecosystem within Qatar.” global companies focused on the 20 multinational companies, He added: “We look forward new economy, sustainability, and has incubated 22 technol- to welcoming innovative inter- IT, communications, transport, ogy-focused Qatari startups. national businesses, small and logistics, medical services, avia- Since 2008, more than 1,000 medium-sized enterprises, en- tion, cybersecurity, and agritech. people have participated in its Qatar Executive records trepreneurs, and startups to ex- Over QR4.3bn has been in- innovation programmes. increase in flying hours Health control tours

Qatar Executive saw a 26% increase in the number of hours flown in March 2020 vs March last year, with demand fuelled by people who want to get back to their loved ones, Qatar Airways said in a tweet yesterday. “Our friends at Qatar Executive have been Al Shamal Municipality’s health control section has conducted 21 inspection tours on the food and working alongside Qatar Airways to take people home safely,” the sweets shops and outlets to ensure that they strictly follow the food health regulations and conditions. Al Meera Consumer Goods Co has announced the signing of an national carrier stressed. In March, Qatar Executive’s 19-strong In the meantime, eight carcasses of slaughtered livestock were checked at Al Shamal Slaughterhouse, agreement with the Rafeeq app to off er delivery services from fleet was mostly operating ultra-long-range flights for passengers in addition to the veterinary inspection of 1,417kg of fish. The section also conducted an inspection and today. In a post on social media yesterday, Al Meera also said its looking to reach home from another continent. The average flight awareness campaign for food safety. Al Shamal Municipality has issued an administrative decision to Muaither branch will service online deliveries all over Doha. “This time on its Gulfstream Aero G650ER was seven hours and 20 shut a bakery for 14 days for preparing foodstuff in non-hygienic conditions that violate law No 8 for 2014 initiative is part of a wider delivery plan set by Al Meera to be minutes, it added. on the regulation of human food control. launched soon,” it added.