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THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 16 JUMADA I- 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8488 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Build your own plan! Terms & Conditions Apply Amir receives invitation , Kuwait from Saudi King to affirm solid fraternal ties attend GCC Summit QNA —

QNA — DOHA The 41st session of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the Supreme Council Hamad Al Thani has received Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin a written message from the Hamad Al Thani received a of GCC will take Amir of the State of Kuwait H written message from the place in Riyadh on H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Custodian of the Two Holy Jaber Al Sabah, pertaining to Mosques King Salman bin January 5. the solid fraternal ties between Abdulaziz Al Saud of the sisterly the two countries and the Kingdom of , January 5. The message was prospects for enhancing and inviting H H the Amir to attend handed over by GCC Secretary- developing them, in addition the 41st session of the Supreme General H E Dr. Nayef bin Falah to a number of issues of Council of the Cooperation Al Hajraf during a meeting with mutual interest. Council for the Arab States of H H the Amir at the Amiri The message was handed the Gulf (GCC), to be held in Diwan office yesterday Amir H H Sheikh with GCC Secretary-General H E Dr. Nayef bin Falah Al over by Kuwaiti Foreign Min- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on morning. Hajraf, at the Amiri Diwan, yesterday. ister H E Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah, during his meeting with H H the Amir at the Amiri Katara Hospitality to establish 60 hotels by 2030 Diwan office yesterday morning. QNA — DOHA Katara Hospitality terms of the number of different appropriate timing of At the outset of the currently has 42 hotels within Qatar, and to investment and its great impor- meeting, H E the Kuwaiti Chairman of Katara Hospitality, hotels and more than quickly assume a major role tance for any investor. Foreign Minister conveyed the Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin 25,000 rooms. with many distinctive hotels He noted that one of the greetings of H H the Amir of Jabor Al Thani, has said that the under its management or assets. most important elements in the State of Kuwait to H H the company has a huge plan to It has the highest He expressed his pride that Qatar National Vision 2030 is Amir, wishing H H the Amir establish nearly 60 hotels by number of rooms and Katara Hospitality was number the tourism aspect, which the good health and happiness and 2030. revenue in the Middle one in the number of rooms in state focuses on, adding that the Qatari people further He explained that Katara East and North Africa the Middle East and North Katara Hospitality adopts the progress and prosperity. Hospitality now has 42 hotels region. Africa region, and 25th globally, strategy on how to improve this For his part, H H the Amir and more than 25,000 rooms, as well as number one in terms industry. entrusted H E Kuwait’s Foreign Globally, Katara Hos- It was established in while in 2000 it had about of revenue in the Middle East It is noteworthy that the Minister to convey his pitality is ranked 1970 as Qatar National 4,000 rooms, considering that and North Africa, and 14th company has witnessed a series greetings to H H Sheikh Nawaf 25th in the number Hotels with only one a huge progressive rate in the globally. of first steps, over the years, Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, of rooms, and 14th in hotel under its company’s development, and “We have a close team since its inception to manage wishing him good health and terms of revenue. management. stressing that it will never stop which is very important in our the Gulf Hotel — the Gulf Mar- the Kuwaiti people further expanding. success. We now have very riott Hotel in Doha now — progress and prosperity. This came in a speech by since, it has adopted a pio- of developing a group of unique good Qatari candidates who can which is the first five-star hotel Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin neering approach to develop properties that celebrate hos- indeed be leaders in the future,” in the country, and with the Jabor Al Thani yesterday at the the hospitality scene in the pitality icons around the world. he added, noting that the capi- opening of the Sheraton Doha Cabinet approves celebration of Katara Hospi- country, noting that the The Chairman reviewed, in talist side is not the most Resort and the Convention tality, formerly known as Qatar company was renamed in 2012 his speech, the development of important today, stressing in Hotel in 1982, the company 2 more customs National Hotels, on the occasion as Katara Hospitality to reflect the company since its inception. this context that investment introduced the first Qatari hotel of the 50th anniversary of its its heritage and international When it started, it had only one cannot be made without expe- to carry an international brand. departments establishment in 1970. Ever expansion plans, with the aim hotel. Later it developed in rience, in addition to the `P2 QNA — DOHA

The Cabinet has approved the COVID-19 hotline draft decision of the Minister of Finance to establish two customs departments in Ras Bufontas and Umm Al Houl receives 1.7 million areas in its regular meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Umm Lekhba is the largest interchange in Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Qatar with a length of 11 kilometres. calls since March Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. The Cabi- It consists of four levels. QNA — DOHA The hotline, which operates net’s regular meeting was held around the clock seven days a at its seat at the Amiri Diwan The free hotline 16000, dedi- week, received more than yesterday. cated to COVID-19 inquiries, 552,000 calls about infor- A customs department will received about 1.7 million calls mation or services related to be established for each of the since it was launched by the COVID-19. following two areas: The First Ministry of Public Health While the rest of the calls Economic Zone (Ras Bufontas) (MoPH) in March. were distributed to the other and The Third Economic Zone The hotline was launched services provided by the line. (Umm Al Houl). with the aim of answering the A number of people with Following the Cabinet public’s questions and inquiries COVID-19 were able to contact meeting, Minister of Justice related to COVID-19, in addition the hotline to obtain urgent and and Acting Minister of State for At a height of 30 metres, the new bridge is the second highest flyover in Qatar after Umm Besher to enabling the public and quick care, which helped Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Interchange flyover. Consisting of one lane, it can accommodate about 2,000 vehicles per hour. healthcare staff to access main during the peak of the pan- Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi issued healthcare services provided by demic to facilitate the process the following statement: Hamad Medical Corporation of classifying cases and At the beginning of the Ashghal to open 7th bridge at Umm (HMC) and Primary Health Care directing them to home quar- meeting, the Cabinet listened Corporation (PHCC). antine or isolation facilities. to the explanation provided by It also helped in tracking H E Minister of Public Health Lekhba Interchange tomorrow contacts to identify potential on the latest developments to new cases and thus slowing limit the spread of COVID-19, THE PENINSULA — DOHA travel time for road users from new opening on Umm Lekhba down the rate of infection and the Cabinet affirmed the the north in the direction of Al Interchange will provide a free spread among the population continuation of work with The Public Works Authority Markhiya street without the traffic flow from the North in the State of Qatar. regard to the precautionary (Ashghal) will open the seventh need to use the towards Al Markhiya, which The hotline provided callers measures that have been taken bridge at Umm Lekhba Inter- intersection (Immigration). will significantly reduce traffic with the option to speak in in order to combat this pan- change (Landmark), with a Ashghal also opened pedes- pressure on Al Shamal Road (22 Arabic or English with demic. The Cabinet reassured length of one kilometre, as part trian and bicycle paths and February Street) especially on employees and to obtain the the progress of the first phase of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor beautification elements on the Al Gharrafa Interchange necessary information about of the vaccination campaign 552,000 callers sought project tomorrow, providing east side of the new Al Hatim (known as the Immigration the current situation of the pan- against COVID-19. `P2 information about or free flow traffic for road users Street in Al Gharrafa area, with Interchange) as road users demic in Qatar, as well as the services related to coming from Al Shamal Road a length of about 6 km, on an coming from Al Shamal and symptoms and signs of COVID-19. towards Al Markhiya Street. area of about 70 thousand heading towards Al Markhiya COVID-19 infection, including The new bridge is the square metres, where about will now have direct access The hotline played procedures that need to be highest bridge in this vital inter- 800 trees and 80 thousand instead of making a U-turn at crucial role in managing taken in the event of suspected Public Health SPONSORS PHCC reports no Neurosurgery side effects Centre at Al-Ahli change, and the second highest square meter of shrubs and Immigration Interchange. the quarantine cases infection and the rules of quar- from COVID-19 Hospital provides vaccine world-class treatment flyover in Qatar after Umm ground covers were planted. In “The interchange is 96% and contact tracing. antine, in addition to general PAGE | 2 PAGES | 4-5 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 Besher Interchange flyover, as addition, 22 bicycle racks and complete, and the two It provided urgent advice on travel to countries it is located at a height of about 18 benches have been provided remaining bridges will open by medical consultation where the virus is spreading. Included with today’s 30 meters, and consists of one along the street. Q1, 2021”, he added services to more than The hotline provided urgent edition is a lane to accommodate about Project Engineer of Umm Lekhba is the largest 220,000 patients. medical consultation services 2,000 vehicles per hour, which Highway Project Department, interchange in Qatar with a provided by HMC to more than special supplement will significantly reduce the Eng. Ali Saeed Ibrahim said the length of 11 kilometres. `P2 220,000 cases. `P2 02 HOME THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020

Ashghal to open seventh bridge at Qatar strongly Amir receives message from Kuwait Amir condemns explosion Umm Lekhba Interchange tomorrow at Aden airport FROM PAGE 1 The interchange is located in a QNA — DOHA The interchange consists of four densely populated area and a levels and is the first of its kind in vibrant commercial activity where The State of Qatar voiced Qatar. It contains nine bridges that there are many government strong condemnation and provide free traffic flow in all entities, educational and health denunciation of the directions. The interchange facilities as well as complexes and explosion which targeted accommodates more than 20,000 commercial markets. The inter- Aden airport in Yemen, vehicles per hour. Five bridges change will ease the pressure on Al leaving several killed and consist of two lanes in one Shamal Road, especially at the Al scores injured. The direction, while the other four Gharrafa interchange and Al Duhail Ministry of Foreign Affairs bridges include one lane in one intersections. It will also achieve a reiterated the firm position direction. The interchange is the great traffic flow in front of those of Qatar on rejecting second highest interchange in Qatar coming from Doha Corniche, violence and terrorism after the interchange of Umm Bishr Markhiya, Madinat Khalifa and regardless of motives and on the G-Ring Road where it is Duhail in the direction of Al Shamal reasons. The statement located at an altitude of 35 metres, Road, Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, Al affirmed Qatar’s firm while the height of the highest Gharrafa and Gharrafat stance calling for resolving bridge reaches 36 metres. areas to Al luqta and Al Rayyan. the crisis in Yemen through Umm Lekhba Interchange is Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will negotiations between considered to be the northern gate extend for approximately 25km Yemenis, to fulfill the aspi- of Doha and a ‘distribution point’ due from Hamad International Airport rations of the brotherly to its strategic location. The inter- to Umm Lekhba Interchange on Yemeni people for security, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a written message from the Amir of the change is located at the northern gate Al Shamal Road. In addition, stability and prosperity. State of Kuwait H H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, pertaining to the solid fraternal ties of Doha, where there is heavy traffic Ashghal will enhance 12km of The Ministry expressed the between the two countries and the prospects for enhancing and developing them, in addition to a to and from Doha via Al Shamal. It is local and peripheral roads inter- condolences of the State of number of issues of mutual interest. The message was handed over by the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister located in an important spot where secting with the Corridor. The Qatar to the families of the H E Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah, during his meeting with H H the Amir at the Al Shamal Road intersects with Sabah total road works of the project is victims, wishing the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Al Ahmad Corridor. approximately 37km. injured a speedy recovery.

COVID-19 hotline receives Deputy PM meets Iran Deputy Foreign Minister OFFICIAL NEWS 1.7 million calls since March Shura Council FROM PAGE 1 committee studies These 220,000 callers were able to speak with a doctor and obtain draft law on medical advice remotely using phone or video calls and were commercial firms prescribed the appropriate drugs. With regard to patients who needed pharmacy services, the hotline allowed them to benefit Doha: The Financial and Economic from home delivery of medicines by requesting that medicines Affairs Committee of the Shura be delivered to their homes by mail or dispensing medicines from Council held a meeting yesterday, the nearest health centre to them. presided over by its Rapporteur H As of December 3, the number of patients who had medicines delivered E Ali bin Abdullatif Al Misnad Al to them at home reached 252,433 patients, while the number of medi- Muhannadi. During the meeting, cines dispensed to these patients reached 860,64 medicines. The hotline the Committee studied a draft law provided patients with the National Mental Health Helpline, which amending some provisions of the has so far received more than 15,000 calls from people in need of Commercial Companies Law issued support, especially those suffering from psychological pressures and by Law No. 11 of 2015, and decided anxiety due to the pandemic through a team of specialised mental to complete its study during its next health cadres to provide support and evaluation to callers who are meeting. -QNA classified into four main categories, namely: children and their parents, adults, the elderly, and frontline healthcare personnel. 91 people referred to Deputy Chief of Quality Sector at HMC and Director of Hamad Public Prosecution for Healthcare Quality Institute Nasser Al Naimi said the allocation of a hotline for COVID-19 and other urgent services contributed to ena- not wearing masks bling health sector partners in Qatar to provide immediate care to Doha: The designated authorities the infected and limit the spread of the virus by providing clear referred 91 people to the Public pathways to track contacts through incoming calls to the hotline. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Prosecution for not wearing masks He added that HMC’s specialised team, in cooperation with Thani, met yesterday with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Abbas Araghchi, in places where they are manda- other partners who are healthcare providers, was able to develop who is currently visiting the country. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation and tory. -QNA an information base that can be used to assist the call centre staff issues of joint interest. in responding effectively to all public inquiries. Katara Hospitality to establish 60 hotels by 2030

FROM PAGE 1 important role in the strategic Katara Hospitality portfolio development witnessed by the includes a unique group of glit- State of Qatar, and as the leading tering edifices in distinctive and institution for the hospitality prestigious locations in the sector in the country, it invests in State of Qatar and abroad, at a the best international hotels ever, time when it has reached great as its portfolio currently includes levels of cash flow that its assets many international hotels, while generate, and has invested it continues to expand its port- wisely to ensure that these folio of famous hotels for assets continue to meet the investment and development of requirements of a highly a group of the unmatched hotels competitive market. in the most important global Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Katara Hospitality plays an destinations. Al Thani Cabinet approves 2 more customs departments FROM PAGE 1 Children’s Fund (Unicef); and a State for Cabinet Affairs The vaccination campaign is draft agreement between the regarding the results of the (30) being carried out successfully, government of the State of meeting of the Ministers of according to the set plan, as Qatar and the government of Justice in the countries of the part of the State’s continuous the Republic of Peru regarding Cooperation Council for the efforts to address this pandemic the exemption from short-stay Arab States of the Gulf, and the and return to normal life. visas. report of H E the Minister of The Cabinet also gave The Cabinet also reviewed Justice and Acting Minister of approval to a draft MoU in the following topics and took State for Cabinet Affairs childhood between the gov- the appropriate decisions: The regarding the results of the (36) ernment of the State of Qatar report of H E the Minister of session of the Council of Arab and the United Nations Justice and Acting Minister of Justice Ministers.

Amiri Air Force conducts aerial refuelling exercise with US Air Force

Qatar Amiri Air Force conducted an aerial refuelling exercise with the US Air Force. The Rafale aircraft of the Amiri Air Force were refuelled in the air by the US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft. This is the first aerial refuelling exercise conducted between the two friendly countries, and it reflects the practical side of the strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and the United States. THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Deputy PM meets GCC Secretary-General QRCS delivers second batch of virus control medical aid shipment to Sudan

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Also, there are ongoing relief supplies was delivered to and development operations by Sudan. It was handed over to Qatar Red Crescent Society QRCS, where aid is purchased Siddiq Tawer, a member of (QRCS) has delivered the from the local market for the Sudan’s Sovereign Council and second batch of medical aid to benefit of vulnerable chairman of the Higher Com- support the Sudanese Red communities. mittee for Health Emergencies, Crescent Society (SRCS) in the Late in November, a first as well as top officials from the fight against the coronavirus. shipment of coronavirus control two partnering organizations. Under the joint response by QRCS and the Turkish Red Crescent, the shipment con- tained 6 tonnes of medications, medical equipment, and mis- cellaneous supplies. It was received by repre- sentatives of QRCS’s represen- tation office in Sudan, SRCS, and Director of the Turkish Red Crescent’s office in Sudan. This is the 8th aid shipment sent in 2020. QRCS supported its Sudanese counterpart with over eight cargos for different reasons, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al including enhancement of the Thani met yesterday with GCC Secretary-General H E Dr. Nayef Falah Al Hajraf, who is currently visiting health system, response to flash Representatives of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Sudanese the country. The meeting dealt with exchanging views on the work of the Cooperation Council for floods, Coronavirus control, and Red Crescent Society (SRCS), and Turkish Red Crescent office in the Arab States of the Gulf, developments of the GCC crisis, in addition to issues of joint interest. assistance for Ethiopian refugees. Sudan with the shipment. Ten people 70% need to get COVID-19 vaccine for community protection arrested for FAZEENA SALEEM Head of Vaccination at MoPH, Dr. Soha Al Bayat, Al Bayat also emphasized on that at the injection site, which is violating home THE PENINSULA clinical trials for the Pfizer- commonly seen with other vac- stressed the need for about 70% of the population BioNTech vaccine did not include cines,” said Dr. Al Bayat. quarantine rules A senior official at the Ministry of to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure that either pregnant or lactating Qatar started the roll-out by Public Health (MoPH) has clar- women and children below the vaccinating people of over 70 QNA — DOHA ified many queries raised by the enough people have antibodies and public can go age of 16, and available data is so age and some healthcare staff public during a live question and back to normal life without restrictions. far insufficient to determine any on December 23. In the first The competent authorities answer session hosted on risks to them posed by the phase of vaccination preference arrested yesterday ten people Instagram, yesterday. vaccine. will be given to people over 70 who violated the require- Head of Vaccination at how long it will be effective. dual-injection immunization are “No pregnant women were years old, adults in chronic care ments of the home quarantine MoPH, Dr. Soha Al Bayat, said Research is still ongoing into how taken, three weeks apart, they included in the trial but no sig- and home care facilities, they committed to following, that people will need to continue strong that protection is and how are about 95% effective. nificant contra indications are healthcare personnel most at which they are legally taking precautions against the long it lasts. But clinical trials Answering a question if a shown at this at this stage… Tech- risk of infection and people over accountable for, in accordance spread of COVID-19 despite show that it can be effective for person can get COVID-19 pos- nically speaking it should be safe 16 years of age with severe with the procedures of the taking first dose of the vaccine. minimum of four to five months itive in-between the two doses but there is no scientific evi- chronic diseases. The first phase health authorities in the country. She said sufficient antibodies will hopefully it will be more. Follow of vaccine, Dr. Al Bayat said that dence,” said Dr. Al Bayat. of vaccination will continue until It is in implementation of develop against COVID-19 virus up is being done with people who it is possible because a sufficient Dr. Al Bayat who recently January 31. “When we receive the precautionary measures in after taking second dose of the are vaccinated,” she said. time is needed to develop anti- received first dose of COVID-19 the next batches of the COVID-19 force in the country, approved vaccination. Dr. Al Bayat also stressed the bodies in the immune system. vaccine ruled out of any serious vaccine we will gradually by health authorities repre- According to Dr. Al Bayat, the need for about 70%of the popu- “About 95% people who side effects caused. “So far about include every category of the sented in the Ministry of Public Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 lation to be vaccinated against received both doses of the Pfizer- 2 million people have received population. The vaccine is given Health (MOPH), to ensure the vaccine at present being admin- COVID-19 to ensure that enough BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the COVID-19 vaccine in the US, free and to everyone regardless achievement of public safety istrated in Qatar can be effective people have antibodies and have developed antibodies. Each more than a million in the UK and of their nationality,” said Dr. Al and to curb the spread of the for a minimum of four to five public can go back to normal life person’s body responds different many others around the world Bayat. She also highlighted that coronavirus. months according to initial without restrictions. The clinical to vaccines and illnesses. Even if including in Qatar. Some have the vaccine is not mandatory in The arrested persons clinical trials. trial data for the Pfizer-BioNTech you don’t develop enough anti- shown very modest side effects Qatar but encouraged everyone being referred to the com- “The COVID-19 vaccine is COVID-19 vaccine show that bodies and get the infection, the including mild fever, mild to get vaccinated against petent prosecution are new; it’s very difficult to say for when both shots of the effect will be mild,” she said. Dr. headache, fatigue and soreness COVID-19. Mohammed Elias Khan Abdul- rashid Khan; Ali Ahmed Dhafar; Dhaker Hussien Tufail Ahmed; Fahad Said Mastoor MoPH reports 153 more Al Sharif Al Qahtani; Ali Bakhit Salim Ajij Al Snaid; Faisal recoveries from COVID-19 Mohammed Fahad Farraj Al Dosari; Mohammed Salman THE PENINSULA — DOHA Mohammed Ishtaq; Bawdi Mulan; Mohammed Saleh The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday announced the Rashid Al Behaih Al Marri and registration of 206 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. Among them Said Ahmed Dereh Juleed. 45 were travellers returning from abroad. The concerned authorities Also 153 people have recovered from the virus, bringing the called on citizens and residents total number of recovered cases in Qatar to 141,300. All new cases who are subject to quarantine to have been introduced to isolation and are receiving necessary fully adhere to the requirements healthcare according to their health status. set by the Ministry of Public The total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar Health to ensure their safety and is 143,621 and there are 2,076 active cases under treatment. the safety of others. They warned The Ministry further said that measures to tackle COVID-19 that anyone who violates these in Qatar have succeeded in flattening the curve and limiting the conditions will be subject to the spread of the virus. Also Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing penalties stipulated in of suspected cases has enabled us to identify a high number of accordance with the provisions positive cases in the community. of Article 253 of the Penal Code The Ministry asked people to be careful and protect the most No. 11 of 2004, and the provi- vulnerable, while COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted. sions of Law No. 17 of 1990 “Unless we follow all precautionary measures, we may expe- regarding the prevention of rience a second wave of the virus and see numbers increasing – infectious diseases, and Law there are already signs of this happening in other countries around No. 17 of 2002 on the pro- the world. Now more than ever, we must be careful and protect tection of society. the most vulnerable,” it added. MME official holds virtual meeting with IOFS Director-General

THE PENINSULA — DOHA and participate in the first session of the General Director of the Food Assembly of the Islamic Security Department and Organization for Food Acting Assistant Undersec- Security. retary for Fisheries Affairs The Director-General at the Ministry of Munici- also expressed the organi- pality and Environment zation’s plan to participate (MME), Masoud Jarallah Al in a pavilion in the next Marri held yesterday a Qatari agricultural exhi- virtual coordination meeting bition if it is held, in with Director-General of the addition to his intention to Islamic Organization for visit the State of Qatar Food Security (IOFS), Yerlan during the month of March Baidaulet. in order to consolidate and During the meeting, Director of the Food Security Department, enhance cooperation the two sides discussed the between the two parties Masoud Jarallah Al Marri, and Director- most important projects, and inform the Qatari side General of IOFS, Yerlan Baidaulet during programmes and action of more details of pro- virtual meeting. plans of the Islamic Organ- grammes and projects of ization for Food Security the organization. aimed at developing and pro- due to its distinguished efforts At the end of the meeting, moting food security and sus- in the areas of food security, as the two sides stressed the tainable development among well as its achievement of need for continued cooper- the member states. advanced ranks in Arab and ation and coordination on The Director-General of International levels in the common issues in a way that IOFS affirmed the organiza- Global Food Security Index. serves the interests of both tion’s desire to enhance the In addition, the State of parties, especially in the field means of developing bilateral Qatar is one of the countries to of supporting and enhancing relations with the State of Qatar ratify the articles of association food security. 04 HOME THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 HBKU’s CSE team wins first place in Middle East and Africa in AI competition

THE PENINSULA – DOHA practitioners based on an ESRA app is very encouraging. analysis of their drawings. The In particular, the tool recognizes The College of Science and app saves the well-being the impact on children and ado- This prestigious win for Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin responses to enable the emo- lescents in times when access the ESRA tool is a Khalifa University (HBKU) tional status of the child to be to traditional mental health tremendous and recently highlighted the signif- tracked over time. ESRA can be consultation is missing. Not only icant positive impact of their used as a tool to monitor a does this award encourage us noteworthy achievement work in the field of artificial number of mental health con- as researchers to see our work by the team at the global intelligence when a team won ditions while also encouraging having an impact on driving level. It is a testament to first place in the Middle East and family bonding. sustainable development across the significance of CSE’s Africa at the AI for Development The AI4Dev Challenge was the region, but it also highlights research and world (AI4Dev) Challenge for the ESRA launched by the International the real-world application of AI, Application. Telecommunications Union which is ultimately an standing in providing The team led by Dr. Mowafa (ITU) to identify innovative and important goal of our research novel solutions to the UN Househ, associate professor at impactful Artificial Intelligence work at HBKU.” SDGs and the exceptional CSE, Dr. Alaa Abd-alrazaq, post- (AI) solutions that would help Commenting on the opportunities. doc; Dr. Zubair Shah, assistant achieve four Sustainable Devel- success, founding dean at CSE, professor; Dr. Younns Ait Mou, opment Goals (SDGs) in Arab Dr. Mounir Hamdi, said: “This software engineer and research and African states. The compe- prestigious win for the ESRA Dr. Mounir Hamdi fellow; and Shaymaa Khalifa, tition was coordinated by the tool is a tremendous and note- Founding Dean at CSE software engineer. Nile Pioneers initiative and held worthy achievement by the The CSE team began devel- in partnership with the United team at the global level. It is a oping the Emotion Sensing Rec- Nations Development Pro- cash prizes for the top four The competition’s jury testament to the significance Challenge provided a platform ognition App (ESRA) to help gramme (UNDP), the World teams, the winners will receive selected ESRA as a winner of the of CSE’s research and world for participants to apply ITU’s address the potential negative Health Organization (WHO), mentorship, training, and challenge based on six core cri- standing in providing novel Machine Learning Toolkit in impact of the COVID-19 pan- United Nations Educational, guidance on developing proto- teria, which included problem solutions to the UN SDGs and solving practical problem state- demic on the mental health of Scientific and Cultural Organi- types, in keeping with the initi- relevance, solution urgency, the exceptional opportunities ments. The ITU Challenge families, especially children. zation (UNESCO), Nile Uni- ative’s aim to build the capacity solution scalability, team we provide for impactful allowed participants to connect The algorithm was built with the versity, , and other local of new innovators in emerging requirements, use of AI, and research that advances devel- with new partners in the ITU help of an art therapist and AI and international organizations. technologies and support their data acquisition.Dr. Househ opment needs.” community — and new tools technology. ESRA provides The challenge attracted over entry into the market, while said, “Our participation in the The ITU quotes Chaesub and data resources — to achieve feedback on a child’s emotional 200 entrants, with participants encouraging new partnerships, AI4Dev Challenge highlighted Lee, Director, ITU Telecommu- goals set out by problem state- state and well-being to parents, from 17 countries and 25 dif- collaboration, and our aim at CSE to serve societal nication Standardization ments contributed by industry teachers and mental health ferent nationalities. Along with cooperation. needs and the recognition of our Bureau, as having said: “The ITU and academia.” 4th Qatari Youth Forum in February Alwadi Hotel MGallery launches THE PENINSULA – DOHA faced to reach their desired effort to achieve an effective goals. response to the aspirations of The Ministry of Culture and Spaces will also be allocated Qatari youth, where six issues special offers on December 31 Sports is organizing the fourth for young people who wish to will be selected based on the edition of the Qatari Youth display their distinct and unique highest votes. THE PENINSULA – DOHA Forum from February 15 to 17 achievements and The issues which will be (2021). innovations. chosen will be discussed in the Alwadi Hotel MGallery is This year’s forum includes The Ministry of Culture forum. kicking off 2021 with glitz and platforms and mechanisms for and Sports called youth, The third Qatari Youth sparkle with special offers for promoting and empowering through its official accounts Forum witnessed a large guests to welcome the New youth, the most important of on social media platforms and turnout of young people, during Year on December 31. which is the “Tamkeen on its website, to participate which the first elections for the The unique poolside setting Platform”, which is a real in the “Tamkeen Platform” by Minister’s Youth Advisory Com- of O’Glacee is the perfectly opportunity for youth to filling out the participation mittee were held. chilled but also lively spot to showcase their talent, in form. It was held over two days ring in the New Year with addition to being a platform The Ministry also called on in the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah family and friends. With views to display inspiring experi- youth to participate in the poll Arena under the supervision of of Msheireb Downtown and a ences for young people and to know the main issues of the Ministry of Culture and laidback vibe, guests can enjoy review the challenges they concern to the youth, in an Sports. the culinary team’s Mediter- ranean-inspired interactive seafood buffet for five hours. Packages start from QR299 Registration open for Qatar’s Strongest for beverages. You can enjoy the last minutes of 2020 and Man competition on January 22 welcome 2021 while also enjoying Doha’s beautiful and the nearby historic Souq THE PENINSULA – DOHA Challenges include a 200kg deadlift, a farmer’s winter while dining al fresco Waqif. The Winter Delight 20m walk while carrying 120 kg in each arm, from 7pm to 12am. afternoon tea is QR175 for two Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) has announced and a giant 160kg tire flip. The qualifications For those wanting sky high people. Alwadi Hotel MGallery that registration is now open to strength athletics rounds would be held on January 8 and 15 from views and a sparkling expe- General Manager Hani Akkari for Qatar’s Strongest Man (QSM). The event will 4:00 pm-6:00 pm on both days. AZF will also rience to remember, the Night said the Hotel had put together take place on January 22. Interested athletes can organise a technical meeting to familiarize partic- of Sparkle New Year’s Eve at some very special experiences register on the Aspire Zone website. The partic- ipants with the rules of the competition. Infinity Rooftop Lounge is and opportunities for guests to ipant must complete the physical requirement Considering the coronavirus pandemic, AZF waiting to welcome you and enjoy the New Year before proceeding to the actual competition. will take all precautionary measures by setting your friends. Enjoy five hours celebrations. up checkpoints for Ehteraz App, take the tem- of a specially crafted platter of “It’s been a difficult year in perature of participants and the audience and gourmet bites and beverages so many ways, so we wanted ensure everyone wears a face mask. from 8pm to 1am for QR699 per to ensure our guests had some- person. With views across to the where unique to mark the start iconic West Bay skyline, the Alwadi Hotel MGallery General of 2021. location and ambience of Manager Hani Akkari “Our team has worked hard Infinity are unrivalled. to create truly unique menus Bookings for both O’Glacee and experiences to get 2021 off and the Night of Sparkle are the hotel’s tea lounge – AtT- the best start possible. We want recommended and can be EAtude, with its alfresco terrace to thank our loyal guests for made by calling +974 4009 and menu of bespoke cakes and their support in 2020 and look 9999 or Whatsapp +974 3075 other treats, is also the perfect forward to surprising and 8211. For something more fam- location to experience the buzz delighting them yet again in ily-oriented but just as special, of New Year’s Eve in Msheireb 2021,” said Akkari. Qatar celebrates GCC Wildlife Day

QNA – DOHA

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality and The celebration of Gulf Environment (MME), celebrated Wildlife Day 2020 comes yesterday the Gulf Cooperation within the framework of Council (GCC) Wildlife Day 2020, which falls on December 30. the efforts made by the The celebration of Gulf Wildlife State of Qatar to support Day 2020 comes within the and activate the role of framework of the efforts made by local communities, and the State of Qatar to support and environmental awareness activate the role of local commu- nities, and environmental in preserving wildlife, by awareness in preserving wildlife, by shedding light on the sites of wild plants and nature reserves in the GCC countries.

shedding light on the sites of wild plants and nature reserves in the GCC countries, as well as the efforts made to enhance their biodiversity without negatively affecting their natural components. This celebration also comes with the aim of contributing to programs to rehabilitate components of the natural environment, and to create and develop programs and activ- ities that would enhance and protect their biodiversity and environ- mental balance. DOHA TODAY

05 THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 SESRI: The shining light of Qatar University on research

AYENI OLUSEGUN the face-to-face and 45-50% for the THE PENINSULA telephone surveys. These rates are still higher than those seen in the US and In a rapidly changing world, the impor- Europe. To address this, we do our tance of research and data collation best to inform the public, researchers, cannot be overemphasized. The and decision-makers about our primary purpose of research is to studies’ utility by disseminating and inform action, prove a theory, and sharing our study results. When the contribute to developing knowledge public is informed about the utility of in a field of study. these surveys, we have better chances On the other hand, data will help of boosting cooperation and partici- you improve the quality of life for pation, which will allow us to increase people. It also helps make informed or maintain our response rates,” Prof. decisions, find solutions to problems, Diop said. strategy, adequate use and access to The coronavirus pandemic has also resources, and keep track of the hindered the progress of researches, process. but it has also created another means Research and data collation play a of conducting interviews. significant role in the government’s “We recently faced the restric- implementation of productive initia- tions associated with the Corona- tives for developing countries, espe- virus COVID-19 pandemic. These cially as the world gears towards a restrictions affected our data col- more global and digital approach with lection capabilities, especially with sustainability at its core. face-to-face interviews. The One such agency in Qatar that Institute has initiated and has carries out valuable research pro- already implemented direct dialing grammes in several disciplines is the pillars at the university level under Administrative Development, Labor from home for a distributed Com- Social & Economic Survey Research Qatar University Research priorities, and Social Affairs (MADLSA) and the puter Assisted Telephone Inter- Institute (SESRI). The Qatar University including Information and Communi- International Labor Organization (ILO) viewing (CATI) remote workspace. scientific research institute was estab- cation Technology, Energy and Envi- Qatar Office.” With this capability, interviewers lished in October 2008 with a mission ronment, Health and Biomedical Sci- According to Prof. Diop, SESRI is can safely call respondents from to provide sound and reliable data to ences, and Social Sciences and currently working on several projects. home while being remotely moni- guide policy formulation, priority- Humanities. Some of these projects are long-term tored by a supervisor. This allowed setting, and evidence-based planning Since its establishment, SESRI has projects, spanning multiple years, the Institute to conduct data col- in the social and economic sectors. conducted several significant studies while others are executed over a much lection via phone while still “SESRI is very significant to both and surveys to provide baseline infor- shorter period. These projects include respecting the social distancing Qatar University and Qatar as a whole. mation and subsequent trends analysis the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Project, measures. Accordingly, we adapted The Institute has been an important on Qatar’s social, economic, and cul- the World Mental Health Project some of our face-to-face surveys to tool for research and capacity building tural attitudes, values, and beliefs. (WMH), Qatar Education Studies (QES), telephone interviewing,” he noted. for Qatari nationals in survey research These studies have been funded either and “Qatar’s Labour Law methodology. Additionally, SESRI is a by Qatar University, through institu- Changes and Workers’ platform for Qatar University faculty tional grants (Qatar Foundation/QNRF, Welfare: Attitudes & Per- and students to conduct their research. Qatar University Internal Grants), or ceptions for a Sustainable Along these lines, the Institute also commissioned projects by some gov- Future (QLL).” offers training in survey research spe- ernmental and non-governmental Prof. Abdoulaye Diop While research and cializing on topics of interest to the organizations. studies influence public academic community and Qatari Prof. Diop noted that as a uni- project,” Prof. Diop said. and private sectors’ pol- society. It provides a weekly free con- versity-based research Institute, SESRI In turn, these results are then icies, this process still sultancy in survey research known as draws resources from all schools and implemented in critical areas of faces a host of challenges the Survey Clinic,” Prof. Abdoulaye departments at Qatar University. society. ranging from response Diop, Manager, Research Department Besides, under the commissioned “Decision and policymakers are rate, geography, interest, at SESRI, told The Peninsula. projects, the Institute collaborates with using results from the Institute’s ignorance, and “SESRI also makes a significant various governmental and non-gov- studies,” Prof Diop said to a question illiteracy. contribution to Qatar National Vision ernmental organisations. about how SESRI’s research is being “The rate of response Ultra-modern operating 2030 (QNV2030) with a dedicated pro- At the international level, he added used. is a concern facing all fessional staff of researchers and that SESRI collaborates with various “From previous research, I can survey research organi- theaters faculty with an extensive background universities and organizations like the mention the Ministry of Health, zations worldwide. in survey research and knowledge of University of Michigan (USA), the Uni- National Human Rights Committee Though we enjoy better Qatari culture and society,” he added. versity of Denver (USA), the University (NHRC), Qatar Tourism Authority response rates than For Qatar, achieving a knowledge- of Florida (USA), the University of Man- (QTA), and other organizations that other research bodies, based society is one of the core com- chester (UK), the European University have commissioned studies and imple- especially in the West, ponents of the Qatar National Vision. Institute (Italy), and Utrecht University mented the research results/outcomes. we are also facing With the recent strides and Qatar’s (Netherlands). Lately, relevant authorities who deter- declining response rates development over the past decade, it’s “At this very moment, we are col- mined Qatar’s minimum wage have both with our face-to- safe to say it is on track to achieve such laborating with Harvard University used results from the Institute’s Guest face and telephone a feat. (USA), the University of Cambridge Workers’ Welfare Index. Because of its surveys. When we The Institute’s research is guided (UK), the World Health Organization studies in the areas of labor and labor started data collection in by Qatar’s national needs, aligned with (WHO), and the University of Michigan migration, SESRI has been a member 2010, our response rates Qatar National Development Strategy in one of our current projects funded of the minimum wage committee set were in the 70% range, 2 (QNDS-2; 2018-2022) and QNV 2030. by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) by the government along with other but now they are down State-of-the-art ambulance These needs translate to four research – the World Mental Health (WMH) organizations such as the Ministry of to 50-55% for fleet DMIS student secures Rank 1 in SIS hosts ‘Makeover 21’ training

SOF science olympiad exams THE PENINSULA - DOHA Head teacher (Middle Section), Matthew and team shared the objec- THE PENINSULA - DOHA Teachers of Shantiniketan Indian tives and importance of Value and Art School (SIS) reaped rich from Makeover Integration in classroom to make A grade 2 student of Doha 21 – The Professional Development learning more joyful and valuable. Modern Indian School (DMIS), Programme of SIS. Senior Head Teacher, Mehjabeen with Ayesha Shakeel Shaikh, has The two-day session on the topic: her team, threw valuable light on the secured International Rank 1 in ‘Understanding Self Appraisal Rubrics’ importance of Correction of Students’ SOF National Science Olympiad was aimed at helping teachers to Work and Feedback for creating a pos- exams conducted during strengthen their resourcefulness in itive environment of learning in 2019-20. order to place themselves better in school. Highly-advanced patient She has been awarded with classroom and in their professional Head Teacher (Secondary Section), information systems International Gold Medal and achievements. Bushara and her team, shared the Certificate of Outstanding Per- Vice Principal of SIS, Dudley importance and effective use of the formance for topping in O’Connor and his team enlightened the innovatively designed E-Learning, National Science Olympiad teachers with his session on Teacher E-Training and SIS Learn Platform and exam. Resourcefulness, Lesson Planning, help teachers guide students to make This is indeed a very com- Classroom and Remote Teaching. effective use of the digital content mendable performance con- Head Teacher (Secondary Section), made available to them through the sidering that over 56,000 Syed Meraj Ali and team took up the teamwork of SIS. schools from 1,400 cities remedial practices at SIS by helping the Principal of SIS, Dr. Subhash in his spread across 32 countries reg- Ayesha Shakeel Shaikh posing teachers with understanding the objec- closing address urged to teachers to istered for the world’s biggest with her certificate. tives and best practices that can be be happy in order to make so many Olympiad exam and millions adopted for achieveing better outcome children happier. He expressed hap- of students appeared in the six Foundation (SOF) is an edu- in their Academic Support Programme piness at the enthusiasm and spirit exams. cationalorganization popular- (ASP); Academic Achievement and shown by the teachers in this two-day The other achievements of izing academic competition Enhancement Programme (AAEP; and highly interactive and mind-sharing Ayesha include International and assisting the devel- Personalised Guidance Programme (PGP). session. Cutting-edge treatments for Rank 7 in International English opment of competitive spirit Olympiad. among school children, cancer She has been awarded according to the website of International Bronze medal and SOF. certificate of zonal excellence SOF was established by At Hamad Medical Corporation we for her exceptional leading academicians, scien- are utilizing advanced technology and performance. tists and media personalities She also obtained School with the aim of promoting innovative systems to deliver the highest Gold medal of excellence for Science, Mathematics, Com- quality care to Qatar’s population. International Maths Olympiad. puter Education, English, Speaking about her future General Knowledge and pro- career plan, seven-year-old fessional courses. Ayesha said that she wanted SOF has been striving for www.hamad.qa to be a doctor to serve the close to 25 years to promote community. scientific attitude and temper- The hobbies of the little girl ament through innovative are drawing and painting. activities and use of IT in She is also memoriasing learning process that involve Holy Quran. school students across the The Science Olympiad globe. 06 HOME THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 07 Taking nation to new heights QATAR 2020

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Highness saluted the champions of the delegations. times of medical staff and all the staff of On September 30, H H the Amir par- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Al Thani visited a number of countries the teams working on the frontline ticipated in the funeral prayer of H H against the COVID-19 pandemic, during Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al attended the 2020 National Day Parade, which and received prominent world an online celebration broadcast by beIN Sabah at Bilal bin Rabah Mosque. Also Sports. participating in the prayer were Their was held on Doha Corniche on December 18. leaders in Qatar during 2020. H H the On July 3, H H the Amir made an Excellencies Sheikhs and ministers inspection visit to the Salwa Beach members of the official delegation Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Amir also issued a number of Resort, located in the southwest of the accompanying H H the Amir. Thani also attended the National Parade. country on an area of 3.2 million square On October 1, Amir H H Sheikh important laws and decisions. The meters, during which His Highness was Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy briefed on the developments and stages Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Peninsula takes a glimpse of the deci- of the project progress. Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Min- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin sions and visits made by the Amir Al Thani met at his office in Al Bahr Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent Palace on July 8, with the President of cables of congratulations to Amir of the during the year 2020. the 75th session of the General Assembly sisterly State of Kuwait H H Sheikh H E Volkan Bozkir and the accompa- Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah on nying delegation on the occasion of their the occasion of taking the oath as the visit to the country. Amir of the State of Kuwait, wishing him mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin (QRDI 2030) that was developed by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani H H the Amir, a member of the Inter- success, and the brotherly Kuwaiti Hamad Al Thani on Qatar Research, Development and Inno- brothers in Lebanon to combat the national Olympic Committee (IOC), par- people further progress and January 11 mourned the vation (QRDI) Council in alignment with announced on November 3 that the elections for COVID-19 pandemic. ticipated in the 136th IOC session, which prosperity. death of H M Sultan Qatar National Vision 2030 on February H H the Amir issued an Amiri gesture was held via video conference on July H H the Amir met with President of the Qaboos bin Said bin 21. Shura Council advisory will be held in October pardoning a number of prisoners in con- 17. The session was chaired by IOC Pres- Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H E Dr. Taimur of the Sultanate of On February 24, H H the Amir 2021. “This is an important step towards sideration of the health and humani- ident H E Dr Thomas Bach and attended Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, at the Amiri Oman.A H H the Amir stressed, in a arrived in Amman, for a two-day official tarian conditions in light of the current by members of the Executive Board, Diwan on October 7. statement, that Sultan Qaboos bin Said visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of strengthening Qatari advisory traditions,” H H the situation in the country as a result of the bin Taimur was a great leader charac- Jordan. H H the Amir was welcomed Amir said addressing the opening of the Shura novel coronavirus pandemic on April terized by wisdom, moderation, and upon arrival at Queen Alia International 22. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani dis- long-term vision. On January 12, the Airport by H M King Abdullah II bin Al Council. H H the Amir visited the Research Amir offered condolences to H M Sultan Hussein and other dignitaries. and Development Center at Barzan cussed with President of the Republic of Turkey Haitham bin Tariq Al Said on the death H H the Amir and President of the Holding Company affiliated to the Min- of Sultan Qaboos at Al Alam Palace in Republic of Tunisia, H E Kais Saied held istry of Defence at their headquarters in H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan the strategic bilateral Muscat. an official talks session at Carthage Pres- of Pakistan, H E Imran Khan, discussed On March 16, H H the Amir directed the Qatar Science and Technology Park cooperation in all fields, particularly the political, On January 13, Amir H H Sheikh idential Palace in Tunis on February 25. bilateral relations and the means to the State’s officials to provide the nec- to view the production lines for the man- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in an official On February 26, Amir H H Sheikh enhance them, in addition to a number essary services to citizens and residents, ufacturing of the (Savr-Q) ventilators on economic, investment, defence, energy, edu- visit to Iran held talks session with the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Pres- of issues of joint interest. foremost of which is to provide safety April 29. President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and protection for them from the new cation, transport, and sports fields. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, and also met with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic ensure continuing their normal life. This Republic of Iran, H E Ali Khamenei. came during H H the Amir presiding over H H the Amir and President of Italy the meeting of the Supreme Committee H E Sergio Mattarella held a session of for Crisis Management to combat the official talks at the Amiri Diwan on COVID-19 to determine the efforts made January 21. The session discussed the by the competent authorities in the State close bilateral relations between the two to prevent this epidemic, as the author- friendly countries and means of devel- ities presented to His Highness “the oping them in different fields. national executive plan to confront the On January 24, H H the Amir pat- COVID-19. ronised the graduation ceremony of the The same day, the Supreme Com- second batch of candidate students of mittee for Crisis Management (to combat the Ministry of Interior’s Police College COVID-19), presided by H H the Amir, at its headquarters in . decided to provide a whopping QR75bn H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al stimulus package to the private sector. Thani issued Amiri Order No. 2 for the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad year 2020 to appoint H E Sheikh Khalid Al Thani directed on March 23 to provide bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani as financial support to Palestinians Prime Minister on January 28. brethren in the Gaza Strip with amount The Amir patronised on January 30 of $150m over a period of six months, in the graduation ceremony of the 7th order to complement the efforts of the batch of students of Al Zaeem (Leader) State of Qatar to alleviate the suffering Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Air of the brotherly Palestinian people, and College at its headquarters in Al Udeid in support of the United Nations relief Air Base. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in an and humanitarian programmes in the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Gaza Strip. Al Thani patronised the graduation cer- official visit to Iran held talks session with the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad emony of the 15th batch of students of President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Al Thani wished hospitalised British Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College Prime Minister Boris Johnson speedy at its headquarters on January 31. Hassan Rouhani on January 13 and also met with recovery on Twitter on April 7. H H the Amir participated in the the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of On April 8, H H the Amir directed activities of the Qatar National Sport Day sending medical aid to the Italian along with citizens and residents on Feb- Iran, H E Ali Khamenei. Republic to support the efforts of friends ruary 11. H H the Amir walked and jogged in Italy to combat and contain the out- along with Qatari world champions, break of the novel coronavirus On May 28, H H the Amir held via members of the IOC, and heads of Inter- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad the means to enhance them in all fields Olympic athletes, Qatari Women’s Sports epidemic. telephone a conversation with President national Federations and the National Al Thani discussed with President of the on October 7. Committee players and Aspire Academy ident of the People’s Democratic Republic H H the Amir donated QR50m to the On April 17, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim of the Russian Federation H E Vladimir Olympic Committees. Republic of Turkey H E Recep Tayyip On October 21, Amir H H Sheikh students at Lusail Promenade. of Algeria, H E Abdelmadjid Tebboune held ‘Haqq Al Sham’ campaign on February bin Hamad Al Thani directed sending Putin. During the call, the strategic rela- On August 8, H H the Amir donated Erdogan bilateral strategic relations and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani paid a visit H H the Amir awarded the Hamad an official talks session at El Mouradia 28. This was announced by H E Sheikh urgent medical aid to the Lebanese tions between the two friendly coun- QR50m to the ‘Lebanon in Our Hearts’ to Katara International Hunting and bin Khalifa Sash to H E Sheikh Abdullah Presidential Palace in Algiers. Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani, CEO Republic to support the efforts of the tries were reviewed, in addition to ways campaign which raised over QR65.2m Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2020), at the bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani in rec- On February 28, Amir H H Sheikh of the Qatar Media Foundation, through of supporting and enhancing them in during a two-hour live transmission on Wisdom Square of the Cultural Village ognition of his sincere efforts and val- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the his official account on Twitter. the fields of investment, military, Qatar TV. H H the Amir partici- Foundation— Katara. uable services for the country during a Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic On February 29, H H the Amir met defense, health and sports cooperation, On September 12, Amir H H Sheikh pated in the funeral Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad meeting at the Amiri Diwan on February at Al Bahr Palace with Head of the especially the exchange of experiences Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has Al Thani announced on November 3 that 14. Political Office of Afghan Taliban, Mullah On January 12, the in the field of organizing FIFA World Cup donated QR50m to ‘Peace for Sudan’ prayer of late Kuwait the elections for Shura Council advisory On February 19, H H the Amir visited Abdul Ghani Baradar and his accompa- Amir offered condo- Qatar 2022. campaign to support the flood victims will be held in October 2021. “This is an the site of the development of central H H the Amir and nying delegation on the occasion of their On June 4, H H the Amir addressed in Sudan during a fund raising trans- Amir H H Sheikh Sabah important step towards strengthening lences to H M Doha and Al Corniche Street project, President of Italy visit to the country to participate in the the World Vaccine Summit 2020 in mission on Qatar TV which raised over Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Qatari advisory traditions,” HH the Amir carried out by the Public Works signing of a peace agreement between Sultan Haitham bin London through video conferencing and QR89.6m. said addressing the opening of the Shura Authority (Ashghal). H E Sergio Matta- the US and the Afghan Taliban. The same pledged $20m aid for the summit, which On September 23, H H the Amir took Sabah. The Amir also Council. Amir reviewed the Qatar Research, day, H H the Amir met with the US Sec- Tariq Al Said on the aimed to mobilise $ 7.4bn to protect the part in the opening session of the General On November 5, H H the Amir Development and Innovation Strategy rella held a session retary of State H E Mike Pompeo and his next generation with vaccines, reduce Debate of the 75th Session of the United condoled with the new patronized the opening ceremony of the death of Sultan of official talks at accompanying delegation at His disease inequality and create a healthier, Nations General Assembly, which was Kuwait Amir H H Sheikh Military Police Forces Command’s camp. Highness’ office in Al Bahr Palace, on Qaboos at Al Alam safer and more prosperous world. held via video-conference from the UN H H the Amir sent a cable of con- the Amiri Diwan on the occasion of their visit to the country H H the Amir gave a speech on June headquarters in New York, with the par- Nawaf Al Ahmad Al gratulations to H E Joe Biden on the to attend the signing ceremony of the Palace in Muscat. 15 to mark the completion of Education ticipation of a number of Their Majesties, Jaber Al Sabah. occasion of his victory in the presi- January 21. Afghanistan peace agreement. City Stadium, the third venue for the Highnesses and Excellencies leaders of dential elections in the United States of On March 1, H H the Amir attended World Cup 2022, during which His countries and heads of governments and America, wishing him success and the final of the WTA Qatar Total Open, further development and prosperity in which was held at the presidential palace which took place at the Khalifa Interna- the friendship between the two coun- in Ankara on November 26, also tional Tennis and Squash Complex. The tries on November 9. H H Sheikh Tamim bin reviewed the outcomes of previous match ended with Belarus’ Aryna On November 15, H H the Amir met Hamad Al Thani meetings, and ways to enhance the com- Sabalenka defeating Czech Petra Kvitova with President of the Republic of Tunisia mittee’s work to advance the interest of 6-3, 6-3. H E Kais Saied at the Amiri Diwan. issued Amiri Order No. the two peoples. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad During the talks, the Amir and the On December 10, H H the Amir Al Thani held a telephone conversation Tunisian President discussed cooper- 2 for the year 2020 to issued Law No. 22 of 2020 approving on March 4 with President of the United ation relations between the two coun- appoint H E Sheikh the state’s general budget for the fiscal States of America H E Donald Trump, tries and the prospects of developing and year 2021. during which they reviewed the stra- advancing these relations in all spheres, Khalid bin Khalifa bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad tegic relations between the two coun- especially in politics, economic devel- Abdulaziz Al Thani as Al Thani attended the 2020 National Day tries and ways to support and enhance opment, investment, health and Parade, which was held on Doha Cor- them in various fields. education. the Prime Minister on niche on December 18. Father Amir H H Also on March 4, H H the Amir hon- H H the Amir met at the Amiri Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani also oured 83 winners of the Education Diwan with President of the Interna- January 28. attended the National Parade. Excellence Award, who are master and tional Federation of Association Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad doctorate’s degree holders, university Football (FIFA) HE Gianni Infantino, on Al Thani was joined by FIFA President and high schools graduates and out- the occasion of his visit to the country Gianni Infantino on December 18, retired standing primary and preparatory edu- on November 23. cooperation in all fields, particularly the soccer stars and national sports heroes cation students, in addition to the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad political, economic, investment, defence, as Qatar unveiled Ahmad Bin Ali winners in the categories of an out- Al Thani discussed with President of the energy, education, transport, and sports Stadium, its fourth World Cup venue standing teacher and school and scien- Republic of Turkey H E Recep Tayyip fields. The sixth meeting of the Qatar- with a grand football clash broadcast tific research. Erdogan the strategic bilateral Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee, around the world. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

The sports achievements QATAR 2020 Slick show all the way as Qatar hosts events, unveils stadiums

RIZWAN REHMAT capital’s city second European Tour THE PENINSULA golf venue. On Qatar’s National Day, the Australian football great Tim Supreme Committee for Two football giants. Twevlve Cahill said at the time: “Although I Delivery & Legacy (SC) unveiled thousand screaming fans. One would have much preferred to be the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the magnificent stadium. there in person, I was still honoured fourth stadium of the 2022 The setting could not have been and excited to take part virtually more alluring for a sports fan in when the completion of Education FIFA World Cup to be Qatar. On Qatar’s National Day, the City Stadium – the third tour- inaugurated in Qatar. Supreme Committee for Delivery nament-ready venue for the next The 40,000-seater marked the & Legacy (SC) unveiled the Ahmad FIFA World Cup – was marked in special occasion with the Amir Bin Ali Stadium, the fourth stadium Doha, Qatar. Having been there for Cup final between Al Sadd and of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be the opening of Al Janoub Stadium, inaugurated in Qatar. in May 2019, I can vouch that there Al Arabi, watched by the Amir The 40,000-seater marked the is nothing like seeing these stunning H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad special occasion with a final buildings up close – however the Al Thani, FIFA President Gianni between Al Sadd and Al Arabi. The digital launch of Infantino, UEFA President two football clubs with the largest Stadium, dedicated to frontline Aleksander Ceferin and the AFC fan bases in Qatar battled for the workers, was a fitting tribute con- chief Shaikh Salman bin Amir Cup title - which was won by sidering the challenges the world Al Sadd - after a match that was has faced throughout 2020.” Ebrahim Al Khalifa along with The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and President of Qatar Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hands over the trophy to Al Sadd skipper Hassan Al Haydoswatched by the Amir H H Sheikh In another key sporting scores of dignitaries. Olympic Committee and Chairman of Doha 2030, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, receivie a document from OCA President SheikhWorld No.1 Ali Farag lifts the trophy in the presence of Qatar Olympic after the 2020Amir Cup final played at the brand new Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in this December Tamim18 bin Hamad Al Thani, FIFA moment to remember from this Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah during the 39th Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly Meeting in Muscat, where Doha was announcedCommittee President, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and President file photo. Al Sadd beat Al Arabi 2-1 in the Amir Cup final. President Gianni Infantino, UEFA year includes Qatar hosting two as the host of the 2030 Asian Games. of Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation Nasser bin Ghanim President Aleksander Ceferin and month-long football events - the Al Khelaifi after winning the Qatar Classic Squash Championship 2020 in this November 7 file photo. FIFA President Gianni Infantino duringthe AFC chief Shaikh Salman bin matches of the East and West Zones Tonight (December 18, a visit to the under-construction Ebrahim Al Khalifa along with of the 2020 AFC Champions Doha wins Lusail Stadium, the venue of the scores of dignitaries. League. Both events - hosted in 2020) was an 2022 FIFA World Cup final. A spectacular fireworks show Sept-Oct and Nov-Dec windows - immensely proud added glitter to a memorable were completed by creating 2030 Asian occasion for Qatar and the occasion as coach Xavi’s Al Sadd bubble-to-bubble environment people of Al Rayyan. It was celebrated winning the Amir Cup around the team hotels, training a culmination of a rigorous title for the 17th time in the club’s facilities and the match venues. history. For Al Arabi’s coach Heimir Statistics released by SC show a Games bid race effort taken by multiple Hallgrimson and his players, it was total of 48,323 COVID-19 tests were stakeholders across several a day to cherish as they reached carried out across the AFC Cham- months, beginning with the RIZWAN REHMAT the title clash of Qatar’s most pions League matches and the Amir THE PENINSULA AFC Champions League, popular football tournament after Cup final. With expert help and until tonight where we saw 27 years. guidelines coming from the Min- On December1 16,6, 2020, 2020, ThereThere wawass a wwholehole tteameam thousands of fans safely And yes, a little away from the istry of Public Health (MOPH), the 2030 Asiann GamesGames thathatt wworkedorked harhardd iinsidenside match intensity, the world approv- Qatar won praise from far and wide were awardedd to to Do Dohaha anandd ououtsidetside thethe enjoying the spectacle. We ingly celebrated the inauguration as the region struggled to complete after the Qatariri cacapitalpital are looking forward to of the stadium two years ahead of sports events that were put on hold - also knownn as tthehe comcommittee.mittee. II tthankhank HHisis hosting more safe and schedule. in March. More than 900 players sports capitalal of ththee HiHighnessghness the Amir Sheikh secure events in the coming FIFA President Infantino, who and backroom staff from 30 teams region - wwonon tthehe Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani months, and we sincerely has made a series of visits to Qatar played in a total of 76 matches. The Olympic Counciluncil of and everyoneeveryone who Al Duhail emerged QNB Stars League 2019-2020 hope that the world will in the last four months, was partic- SC said it ‘constituted the largest feeling,” the World No. 1 added. Asia (OCA) votee in in a a bid bid ssupportedupported our bid ffileile -- champions on August 21 with a record of 16 wins, ularly thrilled with the fourth 2022 bubble-to-bubble sporting event On September 26, Doha race with SauSaudidi from the Ministry of 4 losses and 2 draws. quickly overcome the World Cup venue getting match since the outbreak of the COVID-19 created a bio-secure environment candidate cityy RiyaRiyadh.dh. from the Ministry of pandemic and resume life ready. pandemic’. for the last round of the 2020 The long-awaitedawaited Foreign AAffairsffairs and alalll and sports as we’ve always “Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a AFC President Shaikh Salman Diamond League. The final meet announcementent wwasas ambassadors abroad. It ambassadors abroad. It Pole Vault world record Over the last three months, Qatar has shown the world how wonderful venue for football. The in a statement posted on the AFC attracted 27 World and Olympic made by OCAA PresPres-- was a long and arduous enjoyed them: was a long and arduous holder Armand ((Mondo)Mondo) Nasser Al football can continue to be played and fans remain engaged atmosphere is incredible, with the website said: “On behalf of the medallists. Thrilling performances ident SheikhAhm Ahmadad A All campaicampaign.gn. II ggiveive tthankshanks toto DuplantisDuplantis comcompletedpleted Khater,hater, CEO,CEO, FIFA WorWorldld seats extremely close to the pitch. Asian football family, I want to on the track and field provided a Fahad Al Sabahabah ooff despite the COVID-19 pandemic that we are all facing. The God that we will be an unbeaten seasseason,on, Cupup QatarQatar Even with a socially-distanced underline our gratitude once again fitting end to the coronavirus- Kuwait after ccountingounting God that we will be Amir Cup Final 2020, which helped inaugurate the fourth hosting the Asian Games edgingedging AAmericanmerican worworldld 2022 LLC crowd, I could feel the passion for to the Qatar Football Association, affected season. World record of votes was heldeld at at J WJW hosting the Asian Games 022 LLC FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium, as well as the AFC Champions championchampion SSamam KendricksKendricks the game. I am sure this will be a the Qatar Authorities and all our holder Armand (Mondo) Duplantis, Marriot Hotelel in the aagain.gain. Qatar has become aa League Final, welcomed more than 10,000 fans back into the perfect football arena in 2022 when participating clubs. It was an World champion Hellen Obiri and Omani capital.l. sign of Asia’s confidence: onon SeSeptemberptember26 26 in in a a bio- bio- sign of Asia’s confidence: secure environment durinduringg stands for each match. I was present for both matches and it hosts matches during the World incredible team effort that show- double Olympic champion Elaine “I can now Doha 20302030 BiBidd Cup. I would like to congratulate cased the unity and solidarity of Thompson-Herah clinched vic- announce... tthathat tthehe thethe last round of the 2020 saw first-hand the seamless health and safety protocols put CCommitteeommittee CChairmanhairman HH EE DiamondDiamond LLeagueeague wwhichhich in place by Qatar and the Local Organising Committee, which Qatar on the completion of this Asian football. I must also thank our tories as the 2020 Diamond League city who hhadad the latest World Cup project. The broadcast partners, our loyal concluded with a grand one-day highest vote aandnd will SSheikhheikh Joaan bin attracted 2727 World World and and ensured players and fans could confidently compete and country is very well prepared for sponsors as well as the media and event at the Qatar Sports Club host 2030 is Doha,”oha,” the the Hamad Al Thani OlympicOlympic medallists at the watch the matches. Qatar has set a benchmark for the safe the next World Cup and on track our passionate fans, so many of Stadium in Doha. OCA Presidentent sasaidid QatarQatarS SportsportsC lubClub Stadium Stadium resumption of football in the COVID-19 world: to host a memorable version of the whom continue to be engaged in Duplantis, who broke Sergey raising a pplacardlacard in DDoha.oha. FIFA President Gianni Infantino tournament – the first in the Middle record numbers. And finally, but Bubka’s 26-year-old outdoor showing Dohaa printed East and Arab world, and the most importantly, to the medical world record of 6.14 metres in on it. second in Asia,” Infantino said. team in Qatar, our doctors, and Rome in September, finished the This is willl bebe thethe secosecondnd ttimeime that that Doh Dohaawia wi willll g getet t oto COVID-19 has had such a huge impact on football this year In what could be termed as a front-liners as well as the dele- 2020 season undefeated edging host the Asiann Games.Games. InIn DecemberDecember 2006,2006, DohaDoha stastagedged QatarQatar major accomplishment in trying gation in Qatar. Our achievements American world champion Sam the then ‘biggestest and and best’ best’ Asian Asian Games Games bringing bringing togethe togetherr and nothing has demonstrated that more so than teams hosted two circumstances, Qatar unveiled its would not have been possible Kendricks, the last man to beat more than 10,000000 athlete athletes,s, o officialsfficials and and media media folks folks for for hosted two playing in empty stadiums and fans being restricted from month-long On behalf of the Asian third World Cup stadium - ready without you, and this success is a him, and London 2012 gold med- the two-weekk gatgathering.thihering. month-long football family and the watching the game they love. Watching the Amir Cup final footballfootball eventsevents for match use - earlier this year. To tribute to all of you who have allist Renaud Lavillenie of France. The Doha 22030030 Bid Bid Committee, Committee, headed headed by by Chair Chairmanman - the matches of Asian Football 2020 in Qatar and seeing the country’s fourth FIFA World honour the health workers in Qatar shown great resolve and trophy in the club’s history. Junior Ahmed Al Thani formally handing Duplantis, 20, won all 16 of his H E Sheikh Joaanaan bin Hamad Al Thani, was ppresentresent in in - the matches of thethe EastEast andand WestWest Confederation, I want to Cup™ venue inaugurated was a special moment for me and and around the world, the SC put commitment.” Negrao scored twice, helping Ulsan the country’s bid book to AFC Pres- meetings in 2020 as well as twice Muscat wheree the entire OCA familfamilyy jjoinedoined inin forfor thethe Zones of the 2020 together a digital ceremony After watching the AFC Cham- have a strong comeback from a 1-0 ident Sheikh Salman. breaking the world record and pro- OCA voting procedure.rocedure. Zones of the 2020 underline our gratitude also another special moment for the recovery of football AFCAFC ChampionsChampions marking the opening of the Edu- pions League final hosted in Doha deficit in the thrilling final. Not just in football, Qatar also ducing the best-ever outdoor jump “There wasas aa wholewhole teamteam thatthat workedworked hardhard insideinside League. Both once again to the Qatar worldwide, as we witnessed fans once again singing in the League. Both cation City Stadium in June this on December 19, the AFC President After the pulsating final, the successfully organised other major of 6.15 metres. and outside thee committee.committee. II thankthank HisHis HiHighnessghness the the events - hosted events - hosted Football Association, the stands. Qatar managed to welcome these fans safely thanks year, three months after the congratulated Korean giants Ulsan AFC President said: “On behalf of competitions during the pandemic- “It’s been a fantastic season Amir Sheikh TaTamimmim bibinn HHamadamad Al Al T Thanihani and and e eve-ve- in Sept-Oct and in Sept-Octand Qatari authorities and all to the COVID-19 prevention measures put in place. We COVID-19 pandemic around the Hyundai for their winning run in the AFC and Asian football family, ravaged sports season. and I enjoyed sharing the moment ryone who supportedpported our bid file - from theMin Min-- Nov-Dec windows Nov-Dec windows welcome these measures but are all hopeful we can get back globe pulled the brakes on the an event that did not look like fin- I would like to congratulate both On November 7, after a week tonight with the guys. I enjoyed the istry of Foreignign Affairs and all ambassadors - were completed our Member Associations - were completed and their participating to normal competition and fan attendance as soon as sports calendar. The Education City ishing when COVID-19 pandemic Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai for of intense battles, World No.1 Ali jump and the rivalry with Sam. It’s abroad,” Sheikhikh Joaan told media after the by creating Stadium is no ordinary football forced cancellation of events earlier producing a memorable night of Farag retained the Qatar Classic been fun with him as we have announcement.nt. bubble-to-bubbleby creating clubs for the successful possible: UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin venue. The 40,000-seater is sur- in the year. Ulsan Hyundai beat spectacular football. Ulsan Squash Championship title by always got back at each other,” said “It was a longong and arduous campaicampaign.gn. II bubbenvironmentle-to-bubble completion of the AFC rounded by leading universities and Iranian giants Persepolis 2-1 in the Hyundai deserve our praise for beating New Zealand’s Paul Coll Duplantis after his win in Doha. give thanks to GGodod tthathat wewe wwillill be be hhostingosting aroundenv theironm teament Champions League. It was the Education City Golf Course, the final, winning its second ACL showcasing outstanding quality, in an absorbing final at the Khalifa “It’s been a roller-coaster year the Asian Gameses agai again.n. Q Qataratar has has become become arouhotels,nd t hetraining team an incredible team effort and I would like to congratulate International & Squash Complex. sort of. I broke the indoor world a sign of Asia’s confidence,”confidence,” hehe addedadded.. facilitieshotels, andtraining the everyone, from the players, offi- Egypt’s Farag, who won his first record earlier in the year and I was facimatchlities venues.and the that showcased the unity cials as well as the backroom staff, Qatar Classic title in 2018, managed enjoying the season but, all of a match venues. venues. and solidarity of Asian all of those working behind the a 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 victory after sudden, the pandemic came and conducted onlinenline eeventsvents fforor football. My thanks also go scenes for their resilience and 61 minutes of top-notch action in everything shut down and no one national driversrs aandnd riridersders a andnd to the medical team in commitment. Today, we celebrate the final watched by Qatar Olympic knew what will happen next. It’s for those fromom overseasoverseas,, Qatar, our doctors, and the best of Asian club football, but Committee (QOC) President, H E great back and I hope things keep bringing togetherether some we also salute your remarkable Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, improving,” he added. much-needed cocomfortmfort fforor front liners as well as the spirit and sacrifice.” and President of Qatar Tennis, On the domestic front, the motorsport lovers.vers. delegation in Qatar. Our In August 2020, QFA officially Squash and Badminton Federation Qatar Stars League (QSL) in late The Qatar BBasketballasketball achievements would not announced that it is bidding to host Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi. July resumed matches that were Federation, thehe QataQatarr have been possible without the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The Qatar “The first time I couldn’t put on hold in March. Volleyball Association,ociation, bid file - presented in four phases believe it and this time around I QSL’s 2019-20 season was the Qatar Table TennisTennis you and this success is a as per AFC directives - showcases can’t believe it even more,” said completed in August and the Association andd Q Qataratar tribute to all of you who Qatar’s desire to host the conti- Farag, who collected over $26,000 2020-21 season successfully Handball Associationiation have shown great resolve nent’s biggest football event for the for his title win in the $175,000 kicked off in September. The also wrapped uupp and commitment: third time having staged it in 1988 PSA’s Platinum event. Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Fed- their incompleteete AFC and 2011. “When I was younger, I used eration (QMMF) also smoothly events in the lastast President, Shaikh Salman During the break in the Amir to watch the Qatar Classic and see wrapped all of its postponed three months. bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Cup final on December 18, 2020, all the great names of our sport events in three months starting the Qatar bid logo was also lifting that trophy and I could only in October. unveiled with the QFA President imagine standing there one day. In the summer - when there Al Sadd players and officials celebrate after winning the Amir Cup final. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin To do it twice is an amazing was no sports activity - QMMF 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 You think 2020 was the worst Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI year ever? Think again

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI DR. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA [email protected] Despite most people describe 2020 as the worst year, it is EDITORIAL very positive to say that this year increased our appreci- ation for science, family and other beautiful things in our Safer schools life. Perhaps from here some things became more Seniors and first responders wait in line to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Lakes Regional Library THE Ministry of Education and Higher Education has important and some less yesterday in Fort Myers, Florida. issued a new plan for all public and private schools and important after this year… Can preschools, allowing the schools to operate at 50 I really declare 2020 not the percent of their total student capacity. The Ministry said worst year? scientific societies working surrounding the pandemic! assumption. If I were that the blended learning system introduced to safe- While we are close to the together to accelerate safe Without a doubt, we have thinking, for instance about guard the pupils, teachers and staff from the corona- end of the year, I follow the and fully tested COVID- 19 learned what is important and how much I wanted to go to virus pandemic will continue. Under the new plan, 50 feelings of people who assert vaccines. Hence, it is difficult we have played different football matches, I wouldn’t percent students will attend the classes in-person, with that 2020 has been their to classify 2020 as the worst games with our children and remember the times my team the other half continuing studies through distance worst year. It is true, you have year when we were only one we have already spoken and lost, so we judge the past by learning. The two groups will rotate on a weekly basis. suffered from sadness and year ago, we did not know listened to them. All these its greatest successes, but we Institutions are also allowed, after getting approval fatigue and perhaps we all anything about the Corona things are good things, but do judge the present based on all from the department concerned, to run two daily shifts share that list of reasons for virus and now we are close or we capture that delicate we have! of classes, provided no shift exceeds 50 percent of the declaring that 2020 was not a even started getting the texture of what our lives have What I want to point out is school’s total student capacity. All facility surfaces must good year but rather a tiring vaccine to end this pandemic. been like this year in our vil- how do we change the men- also be sanitised properly during the intervals between year. Interestingly and here On the one hand, this year lages and cities? When we are tality (worst year ever)? How the shifts. Teachers and school staff can attend in full let me remind you that it was may also have been the worst told that we shouldn’t go out do we water something that capacity while observing all the COVID-19 precautionary not like the year 1918 for for some, but in one way or at all except for occasional will grow well? Every measures. instance, when the epidemic another it affected us all and exercise, walking in the sun- morning you wake up with Specialised, technical, and special needs institu- claimed millions of lives, or as therefore without a doubt our shine becomes the thing we the sunrise, is it not a great tions, as well as schools in remote villages or private it was in the 1940s, when lives loss, grief and anger will be cling to. How lucky we were gift from God! ... Some yawn schools with low density, will operate with 100 percent were lost as a result of the collective. And I might go to be able to do that, at least! or get upset on their way to students attending the classes in-person. All schools Second World War! right here and say when we In the lanes or suburbs of life and do not even realize will also ensure that number of students in a classroom Despite all the sur- say worst what we really town, our restrictive what is the chance of being does not exceed 15 and that every two pupils are 1.5 rounding conditions with mean is weird! In fact, this is measures opened up new here? metres apart. Schools are also directed to ensure there closing schools, business a very strange year as it is avenues for creativity: we At the end, I think that 2020 is no crowding at the entrance and exit points of their decline, restrictions imposed frightening not to know it. might turn out of our way to was the year of change in eve- premises. on many activities previously However, most of us can look witness spectacular sunsets or rything and it was not the worst Schools in the country reopened on September 1 and people’s tendency to around on most days and find finally treat the hiking trail year. Most probably we learned following a months-long closure due to the coronavirus believe that their lives have fun and beauty differently differently as we set out to a lot from this year and during pandemic. Health and education authorities have worked reached stagnation in 2020. from the word (worse) like explore it. the coronavirus pandemic and hard from day one to ensure continuity of education in Nevertheless, it is nice to sunrise and sunset, for After all, I think here - if at the very least, there is an a safe environment. Stringent health safety measures search for positivity in our example. you agree with me - that if we ongoing increase in awareness have been put in place to protect the students, edu- life, so that life continues and Of course it is important to feel that any year is the worst, of health and interest in healthy cators and staff from the COVID-19 infection. The looks forward to the hope of realize what we learned from it is mostly because our minds habits. authorities have also successfully implemented the pre- restoring it as it might have the year that is about to end tend to judge the present Dr.Yousuf Ali Al Mulla, scribed safety procedures at all educational facilities, been before 2020. now? Not just to stop com- more harshly. Unrestrained Physician, Medical Innovator and conducted the examinations under strict health Therefore, if we look at plaining, because bad things - media consumption of news and writer. For any queries safety arrangements. 2020 in terms of the devel- and worse - have happened distorts our perception and it regarding the continents of The increase in the limit of students attending classes opment of science and tech- to better people. The truth is becomes easy to slide into the article, he can be con- came after the government launched a nationwide nology, we will see that 2020 that we are still here despite unhealthy patterns of thinking tacted at: dryusufalmulla@ COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Thousands of people is a positive year creating all the dangers and fears and we may feel that gmail.com have already received the first shot of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. The number of new coronavirus cases has also significantly fallen in recent months, thanks to the effective preventive and precau- The pandemic doesn’t have to hurt women most tionary measures in place. A mandatory one-week hotel quarantine for all arrivals from high-risk countries has ELISA MARTINUZZI the 1,300 or so social-pro- between the first and second to families. Measures such as also helped in limiting the spread of the virus. BLOOMBERG tection and labor-market quarters. these, which prevented The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has measures adopted by about The gaps were widest in centers from closing and said that it places the health and safety of students, It was one of the most widely 200 countries, fewer than one some of Europe’s leading econ- ensured families could afford teachers, and administrative staff at the top of its pri- telegraphed risks at the onset in five were “gender sensitive,” omies. In Germany, the 8.6% care, helped women keep orities and will continue to monitor the situation and of the pandemic: Women, meaning they considered decline in women’s wages in their jobs, according to a take steps accordingly. who seemed to suffer less women’s economic security the first half of this year was study by the Peterson Institute from the COVID-19 disease, and responsibility for unpaid almost twice that for men. In for International Economics. would probably pay a steeper care. The consequences of this the UK, women saw earnings Given the high price of economic price than men. The have been clear. decline by 12.9%, nearly double childcare for preschool clues were hiding in plain Look at the European the drop for men. children, offering subsidies D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR sight. Women make up a Union. Notwithstanding the Perhaps most concerning was particularly useful as the pandemic hit incomes. EMAIL: [email protected] larger share of workers in hundreds of billions of dollars is the rate at which women industries that ground to a in stimulus - equivalent to have been dropping out of the UK retail, hospitality and halt, and they typically more than 10% of annual GDP labor force altogether. Several leisure businesses were also EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 shoulder more of the unpaid in the bigger economies advanced economies - eligible for cash grants of as FAX: +974 4455 7758 labour at home. It would be a - employment dropped sig- including the US, Canada and much as 25,000 pounds greater challenge for them to nificantly in the retail, Japan - have seen the gap ($34,000) in the spring, which MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 both keep their jobs and carry tourism and hospitality widen between active men helped companies retain staff. on working. sectors, where women make and women in the labor force. Financial support has since DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Although this “she- up more than 60% of the One survey in Europe found been extended to help busi- cession” has been very real, workforce. Female unem- that 4% of women who lost nesses weather recent LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 there’s reason to be hopeful. ployment in the bloc now their jobs during the pan- lockdowns. Some countries were more stands at 8.1%, whereas for demic stopped looking for In Australia, where 16 of BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 successful than others in men it’s 7.2%. work, compared with just 1% the 36 policy measures taken keeping women employed, Even when women were of men. Previous crises have were gender sensitive, the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 shedding light on the effec- able to keep their jobs, many shown that once someone government also provided tiveness of policies such as were forced to cut back on steps out of the job market, it free childcare to about 1 ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 making childcare affordable their hours because of an can take years before they get million families. (It suspended email: [email protected] and targeting support to hard- increase in caregiving and back in. the program in July, a move hit sectors. If policy makers schooling responsibilities. The silver lining to all this that’s attracted significant PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 want to hasten a COVID Analysis by the International is that some governments did criticism.) And Norway email: [email protected] recovery, they’ll need to Labour Organization, which step up, directing support to doubled paid time off for expand some of these efforts. has studied monthly wages childcare and female-domi- taking care of small children ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 According to the United across 28 European countries, nated sectors and helping to 20 days. The country saw FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Nations, which has been mon- shows that even with earnings women maintain paid work. its gender gap in labor force itoring government responses subsidies, women on average In the UK, childcare participation decline during CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 to the crisis in its COVID-19 suffered a 6.9% decline in centers were exempted from the pandemic. Meanwhile, email: [email protected] Global Gender Response wages as a result of working paying property taxes through Canada has vowed to present Tracker, few policies specifi- fewer hours, compared with a 2021, and the government a national childcare plan in SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 cally targeted women. Out of 4.7% decline in men’s wages granted childcare tax credits next year’s budget. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar I ask everyone to make an effort, put aside ideology, put aside emotional reactions, and let’s perform /Peninsula_Qatar an act of solidarity, if we don’t want to call it love, toward the entire national community. Let’s take the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper vaccine. +974 6698 6188 Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of Italy THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 22 dead, 50 wounded in attack on Aden Airport

AP — SANA’A, YEMEN Yemeni state and our great Footage at the airport people.” A large explosion struck the Mohammed Al Roubid, airport in the southern Yemeni showed members of the deputy head of Aden’s health city of Aden yesterday, shortly government delegation office, said at least 16 people after a plane carrying the newly disembarking as the were killed in the explosion and formed Cabinet landed there, blast shook the grounds. 60 were wounded. security officials said. At least Later, the Interior Ministry 22 people were killed and 50 Many ministers rushed raised the casualty toll to at least were wounded in the blast. back inside the plane or 22 dead and 50 wounded. The source of the explosion ran down the stairs, Images shared on social was not immediately clear and seeking shelter. media from the scene showed no group claimed responsibility rubble and broken glass strewn for attacking the airport. No one about near the airport building on the government plane was and at least two lifeless bodies, People are seen on the tarmac during an attack on Aden airport moments after a plane landed carrying hurt. Minister Naguib Al Awg, who one of them charred, lying on a newly formed Cabinet for government-held parts of Yemen, in Aden, yesterday. Officials later reported was also on the plane, said he the ground. In another image, another explosion close to a heard two explosions, sug- a man was trying to help known. There were no imme- deal with rival southern sepa- insisted. palace in the city where the gesting they were drone attacks. another man whose clothes diate reports of fatalities and ratists. Yemen’s internationally Yemen’s embattled Pres- Cabinet members were trans- Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen were torn to get up from the the officials said the Cabinet recognised government has ident Abed Rabbo Mansour ferred following the airport Abdulmalik Saeed and the ground. members arrived safely. worked mostly from self- Hadi, in exile in Saudi Arabia, attack. others were quickly whisked According to one Yemeni UN special envoy for imposed exile in Riyadh during announced a Cabinet reshuffle Footage from the scene at from the airport to Mashiq security official, three Red Cross Yemen, Martin Griffiths, con- the country’s years-long civil earlier this month. the airport showed members of Palace in the city. workers were among the demned the explosion as an war. The reshuffle was seen as the government delegation dis- Military and security forces wounded, though it was not “unacceptable act of violence.” The Saudi ambassador to a major step toward closing a embarking as the blast shook sealed off the area around the clear if they were Yemenis or He said in a tweet that it was Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber, dangerous rift between Hadi’s the grounds. Many ministers palace. of other nationalities. “a tragic reminder of the described the attack as a “cow- government and southern sep- rushed back inside the plane or “It would have been a dis- Officials said another importance of bringing ardly terrorist act targeting the aratists. The government is at ran down the stairs, seeking aster if the plane was bombed,” explosion hit close to the #Yemen urgently back on the Yemeni people, their security war with Houthi rebels, who shelter. Al Awg said, insisting the plane heavily fortified Mashiq Palace, path towards peace.” and stability.” control most of northern Thick smoke rose into the was the target of the attack as where the Cabinet members The Arab League also con- Despite “the disap- Yemen as well as the country’s air from near the terminal it was supposed to land earlier. were taken following the demned the attacks. pointment and confusion capital, Sanaa. building. Officials at the scene Saeed tweeted that he and explosion at the airport. The The ministers were caused by those who create Naming a new government said they saw bodies lying on his cabinet were safe and source of that blast and returning to Aden from the death and destruction,” the was part of a power-sharing the tarmac and elsewhere at the unhurt. He called the explosions whether it occurred before or Saudi capital, Riyadh, after peace agreement between the deal between Hadi and the sep- airport. a “cowardly terrorist act” that after the Cabinet members’ being sworn in last week as government and southern sep- aratist Southern Transitional Yemeni Communication was part of the war on “the arrival were not immediately part of a reshuffle following a aratists “will go forward,” he Council. Turkey, US to discuss Turkey receives first shipment of Sinovac vaccine Algeria President REUTERS — ANKARA returns after sanctions: Minister Turkey received its first virus treatment shipment of COVID-19 vaccines AP — ANKARA, TURKEY jailing of American citizens and from China’s Sinovac early in Germany local consular staff, US support yesterday, Reuters television Turkey and the United States for Syrian Kurdish fighters con- footage showed, almost a week AFP — ALGIERS are engaged in talks to form a sidered to be terrorists by after Ankara said the vaccine joint working group that would Turkey and the continued US was safe and effective, based President Abdelmadjid take up the issue of sanctions residence of a Muslim cleric on interim Phase III trial results. Tebboune returned to Algeria that Washington imposed on accused of masterminding the The shipment of 3 million on Tuesday after a two-month its ally over its purchase of an 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. doses, part of a deal for a total absence in Germany, where he advanced Russian air defense The US had previously of 50 million, was initially set received treatment for system, Turkey’s foreign removed Turkey from its F-35 to arrive on December 11 but COVID-19, ending a period of minister said yesterday. stealth jet programme, saying faced setbacks. uncertainty in a country facing In a year-end news con- their use alongside the Russian The first batch of vaccines a health, political and ference assessing Turkish technology would jeopardise was loaded from airplanes on economic crises. foreign policy, Mevlut Cavu- the safety of the fighter jets. to trucks at the capital’s “It is hard to be far from Workers unload a shipment containing boxes of China’s Sinovac soglu also told journalists that Washington also says the Esenboga Airport before being one’s country and even harder COVID-19 vaccine at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. Turkey wants “healthier” rela- Russian system would not be taken to the storage facilities of for someone who has a lot of tions with the United States interoperable with Nato the health ministry. responsibility,” Tebboune said, under President-elect Joe systems. On Twitter, Health Minister and suffering at least one Sinovac trial results to prove according to footage broadcast Biden’s administration. “In 2020, our ties with the Fahrettin Koca said authorities chronic illness, in addition to decisive, since the sample size after he arrived from Berlin. The US announced sanc- United States were over- would begin inoculations after those in specific sectors or high- needed to grow. Seemingly in good health, tions earlier this month to shadowed by existing testing the vaccines, a process risk environments. The vaccine is likely to be Tebboune, who looked to have penalise Turkey over its pro- problems,” Cavusoglu said. “In that will take 14 days. The third group will include as effective for the elderly as it regained weight since his last curement of Russia’s advanced 2021, we are prepared to lead Turkey has reported more young adults and sectors not is for other adults, a senior television appearance over S-400 system, under a US law our relations with the new than 2.1 million COVID-19 cases included in prior groups. A official at the Brazilian bio- two weeks ago, was greeted known as CAATSA which aims administration in a healthier since March, while more than fourth group covers all the rest medical institute conducting by several senior Algerian offi- to push back on Russian manner and we are prepared 20,000 people have died. not listed. Last week, Turkish late-stage trials told Reuters on cials, including Prime Minister influence. It was the first time to take steps to overcome A recent surge in new cases, researchers said interim Tuesday. Abdelaziz Djerad and army that CAATSA had been used to existing problems.” which placed the country analysis showed the vaccine Sinovac is seeking to con- chief of staff Said Chengriha. penalise a US ally. Cavusoglu said the pro- among those with the highest was 91.25% effective. solidate data from global trials The president spoke The sanctions target Tur- posal to set up the Turkish-US number of daily cases for Although, at the time, Koca in countries such as Brazil, briefly, wishing “a happy new key’s Presidency of Defence working group came from the several weeks, led the gov- said authorities were certain Chile, Indonesia and Turkey. year to all Algerians”, “much Industries, the head of the pres- American side. He said tech- ernment to impose weekend the vaccine was effective and Separately, Turkey has better than 2020”, and idency and three other senior nical talks aimed at creating lockdowns and weekday safe, the trial data, based on 29 agreed with Pfizer and implying that he was almost officials. They also include a the working group have curfews. Daily cases have since infections, was seen as too BioNTech to supply 4.5 million cured of the virus. ban on most export licenses, started. come down to around 15,000. limited for final approvals. doses of their vaccine, while The prime minister said he loans and credits to the agency. Earlier this month, Cavu- Ankara plans first doses for This week, two Turkish working to develop its own at was “happy to see the pres- Ties between the allies have soglu had said Turkey was con- health workers and those older doctors told Reuters that at home. It also aims to produce ident of the republic back in been plagued by numerous sidering possible steps to recip- than 65, the ministry has said, least a couple more weeks were Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 his homeland to convalesce” other disputes, including the rocate against the sanctions. followed by those older than 50 probably needed for the vaccine domestically. and “eager to continue the work to achieve the objectives of the ‘new Algeria’.” Teb- boune made his last televised Opposition coalition in CAR demands elections be scrapped appearance on December 13, looking visibly thinner after AFP — BANGUI people’s will.” Condemning an then president, Francois Bozize, because of the lack of security. “credible, committed and weeks in treatment, saying he “electoral farce”, it claimed who had himself seized power Of a total of 71 sub-prefec- popular”. “Certain people have was “on the road to recovery”. A powerful opposition coalition widespread ballot stuffing and a decade earlier, was over- tures, only 29 voted, the min- been saying that these elections Aged 75, he was hospi- in Central African Republic complained of a lack of turned by a mostly Muslim coa- ister for territorial adminis- should not have taken place and talised in Germany on October yesterday called for the “cancel- observers in remote areas. lition called the Seleka. tration Augustin Yangana- that everything should be done 28, and Algerian authorities lation, pure and simple” of the The vote, for the presidency Militia groups that emerged Yahote told journalists on to scare and discourage Central later announced he had the first round of elections last and legislature, has been seen from a bloody civil conflict Monday. Africans,” he said. “Despite that, COVID-19 illness. weekend that was troubled by as a key stability test for the today control two-thirds of the Six other sub-prefectures Central Africans showed their He had finished his armed groups. CAR, one of the world’s poorest territory, hampering the organ- managed only a partial vote, firm will to go and vote, despite treatment and left hospital at In a statement, the Demo- and most volatile countries. isation of the elections and Theophile Momokoama, the the dangers.” The frontrunner the end of November, but cratic Opposition Coalition The landlocked nation has intimidating voters, according general rapporteur for the in the crowded field of candi- extended his stay in Germany (COD-2020), an alliance of experienced a string of coups to local leaders and UN workers National Election Authority dates is President Faustin for a period of political and other groups, said and wars since gaining inde- who asked not to be named. (ANE), said. Despite this, gov- Archange Touadera, who was convalescence. Sunday’s elections “were not pendence from France in 1960. Thousands of people were ernment spokesman Ange elected in 2016 after a turbulent His prolonged absence had fair and inclusive and are in no In 2013, it spiralled once prevented from voting or never Maxime Kazagui said on transition period following the sparked concerns of an insti- way the expression of the more into bloodshed when the received their voting cards Tuesday the elections were 2013 coup. tutional crisis, after voters in November approved a revised constitution on record low Syria says Israeli strike kills soldier turnout in a referendum widely seen as a manoeuvre AP — DAMASCUS, SYRIA jets bombed targets in the to neutralise a long-running central Syrian town of Masyaf protest movement. Israeli jets fired missiles on on Thursday. Tebboune has been unable targets near Damascus early A Britain-based war moni- to sign the revised constitution yesterday, killing one Syrian toring group, the Syrian Observ- into law because he must be soldier and wounding three, atory for Human Rights, said the on Algerian soil to do so. Syria’s military said. Israeli strikes targeted a His absence came as The after-midnight attack in weapons and rocket warehouse Algeria faces a sharp recession the Zabadani region in the used by Lebanese Hezbollah due to the novel coronavirus Damascus countryside targeted group and other militias. pandemic and a gaping budget a Syrian air defence unit and The Observatory also said deficit due to low crude prices also caused material damage, an the strikes hit a Syrian air that have slashed the country’s unnamed Syrian military official defense unit in the area as it vital oil revenues. was quoted as saying by the attempted to respond to the Tebboune won last year’s official SANA news agency. incoming missiles, killing one December 12 presidential It was the second reported soldier and wounding five election, following months of Israeli military vehicles are seen during a military drill in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, yesterday. attack in the past week. Israeli others. mass protests. 12 ASIA THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 India: Protesting farmers, govt reach partial accord

AP — NEW DELHI earlier meetings. He said he was confident of Representatives of the Indian a positive outcome during next government and tens of thou- Agriculture Minister week’s talks, but that the sands of protesting farmers held Narendra Singh Tomar farmers will continue their talks yesterday after a hiatus of said he and the leaders blockade until all of their three weeks and reached of 40 farmers’ groups demands are met. agreement on two of the four Tomar said the two sides issues that caused the farmers agreed to meet again on agreed yesterday that the gov- to blockade highways near the January 4 to resolve the ernment would continue its capital, officials said. remaining two key subsidy of electricity for irri- Agriculture Minister issues — the farmers’ gating farms and that farmers Narendra Singh Tomar said he demands that three new would not be punished for and the leaders of 40 farmers’ burning crop residues, a cause groups agreed to meet again on agriculture reform laws of air pollution. January 4 to resolve the be repealed and that the Farmers fear the gov- remaining two key issues — the government maintain a ernment will stop buying grain farmers’ demands that three guaranteed minimum at minimum guaranteed prices new agriculture reform laws be price for wheat, rice and and that corporations will then repealed and that the gov- push prices down under the ernment maintain a guaranteed some other crops. new laws. The government said minimum price for wheat, rice it is willing to pledge that guar- and some other crops. anteed prices will continue. Tomar said he appealed to The farmers say the new the farmers to immediately end dealing a blow to manufac- laws will lead to the their blockade of the highways turing and businesses in the cartelization and commercial- Farmers burn SIM cards of Reliance Jio to protest against corporate businesses during a demonstration but their leaders declined. north. ization of agriculture and make against the central government’s recent agricultural reforms, on the outskirts of Amritsar, Punjab, Ignoring the coronavirus Paramjit Singh, a leader of farmers vulnerable to corporate pandemic, the farmers have the farmers, said there was a greed. yesterday. been blockading highways con- positive shift in the govern- Indian media reports said necting New Delhi to northern ment’s attitude toward their protesters in northern Punjab telecom equipment belonging they say will benefit from the farmers not to damage India for nearly five weeks, demands in the more than five state damaged more than 1,000 to Reliance Industries Ltd., a new laws. equipment, saying it causes obstructing transportation and hours of talks Wednesday from mobile phone towers and private conglomerate, which Tomar appealed to the hardship to people.

Indian state bans India races to find UK arrivals to halt new virus strain Islamic schools, AFP — NEW DELHI people tested positive for the ministry said Tuesday, referring flights per day take hundreds enter the country in the last new, more virulent strain — up to those who flew between of people from London to New month, more than 130 people drawing criticism Indian authorities were trying by 14 cases since Tuesday. November 25 and December 23, Delhi and Mumbai. have tested positive for coro- yesterday to track down tens of India also extended yes- when Delhi suspended air links More than 30 countries navirus. The cases have been REUTERS — GUWAHATI thousands of people who terday the ban on flights to and with Britain. It remains unclear have suspended air links with reported across India, but most entered the country from from Britain by a week to how many arrivals from Britain Britain over the new strain, are in Delhi and Bangalore. An Indian state ruled by Prime Britain in recent weeks as cases January 7 in a bid to combat the it has traced so far. which British medical officials India has the world’s second Minister Narendra Modi’s of a new and fast-spreading new strain that British author- Delhi wants to learn about have said is “out of control”. highest coronavirus caseload Hindu nationalist party coronavirus strain more than ities say is no more deadly, but their movements in order to Indian Civil Aviation Min- behind the United States, with yesterday passed a law abol- doubled in 24 hours. which spreads more easily. prevent a wider outbreak in a ister Hardeep Singh Puri said more than 10 million infections ishing all Islamic schools, They have launched efforts “Comprehensive contact country combatting the world’s any resumption of flights to and and 145,000 deaths. The Indian saying they provided sub- to locate around 33,000 people tracing has been initiated for second highest COVID-19 tally. from Britain would be “strictly government has yet to approve standard education. who flew to India in the last co-travellers, family contacts Britain is home to a huge regulated”. any vaccines but hopes to start Opposition politicians crit- month from the UK after 20 and others,” the Indian health Indian community and several Of the 33,000 passengers to immunisations early next year. icised the move and said it reflected the government’s anti-Muslim attitude in the Hindu-majority country. Thailand bans year-end gatherings Indonesia bans hardline More than 700 of the schools, known as madrasas, REUTERS — BANGKOK number of confirmed daily included closures of malls, res- group over virus protocols in northeastern Assam will be cases since a big outbreak taurants and entertainment shut by April, the state’s edu- Thailand imposed a ban found nearly two weeks ago areas and restrictions on inter- AFP — JAKARTA he added. The move sparked an cation minister Himanta Biswa yesterday on large gatherings that was the country’s largest national travel, caused the angry reaction from the Islamist Sarma told the local assembly. and events across the country yet. tourism-reliant economy to Indonesia has banned an influ- group, which vowed to carry on “We need more doctors, in an effort to contain its worst “Today’s figures made me contract the most in 22 years in ential hardline Islamic group as despite the ban. police officers, bureaucrats, coronavirus epidemic yet nervous... what we don’t want the second quarter. police held its leader in custody “They can ban FPI but they and teachers, from the during New Year, with active to see is a second or third New clusters have emerged over allegations he violated virus cannot stop our struggle to minority Muslim community cases in over half of its prov- lockdown,” COVID-19 taskforce in the wake of a big outbreak protocols by holding mass gath- defend the country and religion,” rather than Imams for inces. spokesman Taweesin this month at a seafood market erings, the country’s chief said group spokesman Novel mosques,” said Sarma, a rising Authorities have asked the Wisanuyothin told a briefing. near Bangkok, among mainly security minister said yesterday. Bamukmin. star in Modi’s Bharatiya Janata public to avoid travel and have “If the situation can’t be migrant workers from The order bans the Islamic “If we want, we can declare Party (BJP). imposed tighter control controlled, rather than count Myanmar, with cases since Defender’s Front (FPI) from a new Islamic organisation this The government would measures in some areas, down to the New Year, we may reported in 48 provinces. holding activities or using its afternoon. If it’s banned again, convert them to regular including entertainment busi- count up (the number of cases)”. Though low in comparison name in public, effectively we will do it again... We’re here schools as education provided nesses. Targeted lockdowns Taweesin on Tuesday said to many countries, the sharp yanking its ability to legally to stay,” he added. in the madrasas could not have been imposed in some more aggressive restrictions increase in Thailand’s daily operate. Police arrested the FPI’s fire- prepare anyone for “the tem- provincial districts. like those seen earlier in the cases is a setback for its efforts The politically powerful brand leader Rizieq Shihab two poral world and its earthly The health ministry con- year may need to be imposed to keep the virus at bay, having group was long-notorious in the weeks ago over allegations he concerns”, he said. firmed 250 new infections yes- if the spread is not contained. recorded just 6,690 infections world’s most populous Muslim breached coronavirus restric- Opposition politicians said terday, among the largest Those measures, which and 61 deaths overall. majority nation for targeting tions after holding a series of the move was an attack on night clubs and other establish- sermons with tens of thousands Muslims. ments it deemed “immoral”. of followers. “The idea is to wipe out It has also attacked minority ‘Moral revolution’ The arrest Muslims,” said Wajed Ali Muslim sects it considers came just days after Jakarta Choudhury, a lawmaker from “deviant”. police shot dead six FPI followers the opposition Congress party. “The government prohibits in a highway shootout. More than 100 retired and will stop any FPI activities If found guilty, Shihab could senior civil servants and dip- because they do not have legal face up to six years behind bars. lomats on Tuesday urged the standing as a mass organisation,” Shihab was among the main BJP government in India’s chief security minister Mahfud figures behind mass rallies in largest state of Uttar Pradesh MD told reporters in Jakarta yes- 2016 against the then governor to repeal a new law criminal- terday. The group’s license to of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja ising forced religious con- operate had expired last year but Purnama, over allegations that version of brides, which is seen it continued activities illegally, he insulted the Qur'an. as aimed against Muslims. Papua New Guinea landslide buries 15 people REUTERS — SYDNEY when the landslide, dragging Only two bodies have been trees and logs with it, buried the recovered so far, with locals A landslide in a remote region hut in the Goilala district of working with shovels and of Papua New Guinea has PNG’s Central Province early pitchforks to dig through the buried 15 people including three on Monday. debris. The recovery effort has children, all feared dead, a “Unfortunately, there are no been hampered by heavy rains, government spokesman said survivors, from what we hear,” which may have triggered the yesterday. Goilala’s member of parliament landslide, and the remote The people were asleep in William Samb, who flew to the location, reachable only by hel- Volunteers hand over protective face masks and hand sanitiser to people in passing vehicles in a long house near a mine where site, told the Australian Broad- icopter or a two-hour walk, a Bangkok, yesterday, after recent outbreak of coronavirus cases in Thailand. they had been panning for gold, casting Corp. spokesman for Samb said. Philippine President’s guards used Taiwan to buy AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine; detects virus variant ‘smuggled’ COVID-19 vaccines REUTERS — TAIPEI Epidemic Command Centre said being jointly developed with around the world. Chen said apart from AstraZeneca, it had Oxford University, shortly after authorities had confirmed Tai- Taiwan has agreed to buy agreed to buy 4.76 million doses Taiwan’s announcement. wan’s first case of a new coro- REUTERS — MANILA vaccines and no set timeline for almost 20 million doses of from global vaccine programme Taiwan plans to get a total of navirus variant discovered in when health workers would COVID-19 vaccine, including 10 COVAX and was in talks with 30 million vaccine doses to Britain. The Philippine defence minister receive one. million from AstraZeneca Plc, another company it did not cover about 65% of its popu- The victim was in hospital in said yesterday that unapproved Defence Secretary Delfin the government said yesterday, identify. lation, with medical staff to get stable condition after having COVID-19 vaccines given to Lorenzana said members of the adding that it had confirmed the The first vaccines are priority, the centre added. arrived back on Sunday from President Rodrigo Duterte’s Presidential Security Group island’s first case of the new expected to arrive in March at Health Minister Chen Shih- Britain and confirmed to have military security detail had (PSG) obtained the vaccine British variant of the disease. the earliest, it said. chung told reporters he “really been infected, Chen told been smuggled into the without government authori- Taiwan has kept the pan- Taiwan, which has yet to hoped” there would be a reporters. From Friday, the gov- country, but called the move sation and had administered demic well under control in the give formal regulatory “vaccine passport” system put ernment would further tighten “justified”. them without his knowledge. community thanks to early and approval for any vaccine, is in place to ease international entry curbs, suspending arrivals News of the special troop “Yes smuggled, because effective prevention and strict also trying to develop travel for those who have had of all foreigners without resi- unit being inoculated as early they were not authorised, only quarantine of all arrivals, with COVID-19 vaccines the shot. dence permits, he said, though as September has caused a stir the government can authorise,” imported cases accounting for domestically. “This is something we are exceptions will be made on among activists, with the Food he told reporters when asked almost all of its tally of 798 Britain’s regulator yes- proactively considering,” he humanitarian grounds. Some and Drug Administration (FDA) if the vaccine was smuggled cases, including seven deaths. terday announced the approval said. Taiwan has watched New Year’s events have also yet to approve any COVID-19 into the country. The island’s Central of the AstraZeneca vaccine, nervously as cases shoot up been scaled back or cancelled. THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 ASIA 13 China jails detained HK activists for up to 3 years

AFP — HONG KONG so-called “Hong Kong 12”, aged 17 and 18, were returned to the A Chinese court yesterday jailed Two minors from the city yesterday after they 10 Hong Kong democracy so-called “Hong Kong admitted wrongdoing, Chinese activists for up to three years 12”, aged 17 and 18, officials said. The court said it over a bid to flee the city by were returned to the would not pursue its case speedboat to Taiwan, as a city yesterday after they against them. crackdown on dissent in the In Hong Kong, the 18-year- territory intensifies. admitted wrongdoing, old faces charges of conspiracy The group were arrested by Chinese officials said. to commit arson, while the the Chinese coastguard on The court said it would 17-year-old faces charges of August 23 en route to the self- not pursue its case attempted arson and possession ruled island, which has quietly against them. of offensive weapons. opened its doors to Hong- Barrister Chow Hang-tung, kongers seeking sanctuary. from the “Save 12” concern The court in the southern fled the city for overseas and group, condemned the city of Shenzhen sentenced political organisations have mainland legal process as Tang Kai-yin to three years in shuttered their doors as Beijing “utterly unjust” as their families Hong Kong Acting Chief Superintendent of the Commercial Crime Bureau, Cheng Lai Ki (centre, left), jail and Quinn Moon to two seeks to keep a lid on unrest and lawyers had been kept in speaks to the media after the release of the two young members of the so-called “Hong Kong 12”, in years for organising an illegal that rocked the financial hub for the dark. border crossing. months last year. “According to the state Hong Kong yesterday. The eight others were sen- A total of 12 people were media’s report, the defendants tenced to seven months behind caught on the boat and have even praised the mainland’s Families of the accused allegation of organising a while Quinn Moon was respon- bars for illegally crossing the been held in custody for more justice system, which is very were only notified three days border crossing was not sible for communicating with border. The 10 were also fined than four months on the absurd,” Chow said. before the hearing and were substantiated. the rest of the group, urging up to 20,000 yuan ($3,060) in mainland. “We can’t imagine what unable to attend due to the short “I think no matter he was them to tell the coastguard they addition to their jail terms. The group were facing pros- kind of treatment they have got notice and Covid-19 restrictions. sentenced to one day or seven were going fishing if caught. The sentencing follows the ecution in Hong Kong related in the detention centre.” The 10 Their lawyers were barred from months, every single day is They all pleaded guilty to imposition of a sweeping new to last year’s protests before adults first appeared before the meeting the detainees, with unjust,” said the father of jailed the crime and signed confession security law in Hong Kong this attempting their escape. Shenzhen court on Monday, but authorities instead appointing activist Cheng Tsz-ho. papers in the presence of year that has given the gov- They will likely face further the trial -- like many in China’s state-approved legal According to mainland lawyers, said the Southern ernment broad powers to pros- charges in the city after serving opaque legal system -- was not representation. Chinese media, Tang bought the Daily, a mouthpiece of the ecute political dissidents. their mainland sentences. open to foreign reporters or The lawyers said the sen- boat in August and learnt basic Guangdong provincial Com- A number of activists have Two minors from the diplomats. tences were too heavy and the driving skills for the escape, munist Party committee.

Virus death toll in Pakistan Virus cases in Wuhan may have been 10 times higher: Study AFP — BEIJING China has faced a barrage not tested or were not tested percent of the population in 4,634 deaths, according to data rises to 10,047 of criticism at home and accurately for COVID-19,” central Hubei province outside from the National Health Com- The number of coronavirus abroad over its initial handling Huang Yanzhong, a senior of Wuhan exhibited antibodies mission yesterday. INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD cases in the Chinese city where of the virus, including attempts fellow for global health at the for the virus, suggesting that China has largely curbed the pathogen was first detected to silence whistle-blowers and Council on Foreign Relations the 77-day lockdown on the the virus at home, and was the Pakistan’s coronavirus death may have been 10 times higher not reporting any cases for (CFR), told AFP. city may have helped prevent only major economy to report toll crossed 10,000 yesterday than official figures suggest, days in early January amid Qin Ying, a serological the spread of the disease. positive economic growth this after 55 people lost their lives according to a study by health high-level political expert from the CDC said yes- The findings of the survey year as restrictions on busi- to the virus. authorities in Wuhan. consultations. terday that disparities in data of more than 34,000 people nesses and internal travel were In the last 24 hours, the About 4.4 percent of the On Monday, citizen jour- were not unique to China. across the country conducted lifted. novel virus claimed the lives of city’s 11 million residents had nalist Zhang Zhan was jailed “Several countries have in April was only released late Even in Wuhan the “rate is 55 more people across the developed antibodies against for four years for reporting on already published similar sero- Monday. not as high as that in New York country taking the total the virus causing COVID-19 by conditions inside Wuhan logical surveys and... in most China does not include City (23 percent by September), number of deaths to 10,047. April, the report by the Chinese during the height of the instances the number of people asymptomatic cases in its which may suggest the 36,390 people were tested for Centre for Disease Control outbreak. with antibodies against the official tally, which could also (Chinese) government con- the virus across the country, (CDC) said. The discrepancy revealed coronavirus was several times explain the discrepancy tainment efforts were speedy taking the number of total tests That correlates to around by the CDC’s data may “point higher than the confirmed case between the total confirmed and effective”, Huang said. conducted to 6,656,373. 480,000 infections in Wuhan to potential underreporting count,” Qin said. cases and the actual number Officials have also rushed Out of these, 2,155 people by April, nearly 10 times the due to the chaos in late January “So this kind of disparity is infected. to test tens of millions of tested positive, taking the official tally to date of 50,000 and early February, when a a widespread phenomenon.” The country’s total number people to squash local nationwide tally to 477,240. cases in the city. large number of people were The CDC added that only 0.44 of cases stands at 87,027 with mini-outbreaks. Out of these, Sindh reported 1100 new cases, Punjab reported 626, Balochistan 19 and KP reported 236 cases. South Korea tries to contain Meanwhile, Islamabad reported 166, Gilgit-Baltistan virus outbreak in prison 2, while Jammu and Kashmir reported 6 new COVID-19 REUTERS — SEOUL Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae cases. on Tuesday visited the prison There are 37,080 active South Korean authorities and ordered the separation of cases in the country. scrambled to contain a cluster infected inmates from those On Tuesday, Pakistan of coronavirus infections in a who were not and the expansion reported its first confirmed Seoul prison as inmates waved of granting parole to exemplary cases of a new coronavirus signs through barred windows prisoners, the ministry said in a strain detected in the United pleading for help. statement. Kingdom. There were 1,050 new cases Meanwhile, media displayed In a statement, the Sindh nationally as of Tuesday mid- pictures of the inmates holding health department said that 12 night, the Korea Disease Control up signs reading, “Please save samples of UK returnees were and Prevention Agency (KDCA) us.” The KDCA had said an taken for genotyping out of said yesterday, bringing the total inmate with underlying condi- which six were positive and pandemic tally to 59,773 with tions had died this week from three showed the new variant 879 people having died. COVID-19. of the coronavirus virus in the A prison in southeastern Authorities could further first phase. Seoul had 771 inmates and 21 tighten social distancing rules Later, the National Staff of National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) waiting to receive COVID-19 vaccine at the staff infected, bringing the total this weekend as year-end Command and Operation NCID Day Treatment Centre in Singapore, yesterday. number of infections linked to travels increased the risk of Centre (NCOC) also released a the facility to 792, Yonhap news more confirmed cases, Prime statement, saying that two agency reported, citing the Minister Chung Sye-kyun told more patients admitted to the Singapore begins COVID-19 vaccinations justice ministry. a government meeting. National Institute of Health in Islamabad also showed the REUTERS — SINGAPORE said. They will return for the being developed by Moderna new variant second dose of the vaccine on and Sinovac. Singapore began vaccinating January 20. It expects to have enough healthcare workers with Pfizer- “Vaccines have managed to vaccine doses for all its 5.7 Tokyo governor BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine bring pandemics down to their million people by the third warns of increase yesterday, kicking off one of knees before. So I am hopeful quarter of 2021. Asia’s first inoculation that this vaccine will do the Singapore hopes to com- in new infections programmes against a same,” Marimuthu said in plete vaccination coverage by pandemic that has killed more recorded remarks provided by the end of next year, health REUTERS — TOKYO than 1.7 million people globally. the health ministry. minister Gan Kim Yong said. Sarah Lim, a 46-year-old Singapore is the first “Our priority over the next Tokyo’s coronavirus outbreak nurse, and 43-year-old infec- country in Asia to approve the few months is to ensure that the is severe and could explode in tious diseases doctor Kalisvar Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines that we use are safe the coming days just as Japan Marimuthu were among the vaccine. It has also signed and effective, and we are able begins its New Year’s holiday more than 30 staff at the advance purchase agreements to roll out this programme to period, the city’s governor said National Centre for Infectious and made early down-pay- the whole population smoothly yesterday. Diseases who were vaccinated ments on several other vaccine and in an orderly manner,” he A medical staff member takes a swab sample from a visitor to test The capital recorded 944 yesterday, the health ministry candidates, including those said. for COVID-19, at a testing site in Seoul, South Korea. new coronavirus cases yes- terday, just under the record 949 recorded on Saturday, and medical experts warned that Sydney tightens curbs amid new cluster of cases unless the outbreak is checked the city could soon see over REUTERS — SYDNEY allowed to gather in public in biggest daily increase in a week, The outbreaks in Sydney have been cancelled and the mid- 1,000 new patients a day. Sydney was capped at 30. Resi- with nine of them part of an out- have dampened plans for the night session has been cut to “Please emphasise life over Authorities restricted movement dential care facilities were closed break in the city’s northern city’s New Year’s Eve harbour seven minutes. fun,” Governor Yuriko Koike and tightened curbs on gath- to visitors. beaches that has grown to more fireworks display, an event tele- In the state of Victoria, after told a news conference, calling erings in Australia’s biggest city “We don’t want New Year’s than 100 people over the past vised around the world. two months of no locally on people to stay at home as yesterday, hoping to avoid a Eve to be the cause of a super- week. NSW Chief Health Officer In addition to the new restric- acquired cases, the health much as possible over the coronavirus “super spreader” spreader,” New South Wales state Kerry Chant said a new cluster tions, authorities have imposed department late yesterday said holiday. event during New Year’s Eve Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in the city’s inner west, which a “green zone” in key vantage three new cases had been diag- “The situation is extremely celebrations after finding a new as she announced the restrictions includes six members of an spots around the harbour that nosed outside hotel quarantine. severe, we are facing up to a cluster of infections. were take effect from midnight extended family living in three will be restricted to residents and Australia has reported just huge wave of virus cases we Household gatherings were yesterday until further notice. different households, is expected people with confirmed bookings over 28,300 COVID-19 cases and have not seen before,” she limited to five people while the Berejiklian reported 18 new to grow as members had joined who get a permit. 909 deaths since the pandemic added. maximum number of people coronavirus cases yesterday, the Christmas gatherings. The usual 9pm fireworks began, mostly in Victoria. 14 EUROPE THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 UK lawmakers approve post-Brexit trade deal with EU

AP — LONDON European Commission the EU as sovereign equals.” It has been 4 1/2 years since Britain’s House of Commons President Ursula Britain voted 52 percent to 48 voted resoundingly yesterday von der Leyen and percent to leave the bloc it had to approve a trade deal with the joined in 1973. Brexit started on European Union, paving the European Council January 31 of this year, but the way for an orderly break with President Charles real repercussions of that the bloc that will finally Michel signed the decision have yet to be felt, since complete the UK’s years-long the UK’s economic relationship Brexit journey. agreement in Brussels with the EU remained unchanged With just a day to spare, yesterday morning. during the 11-month transition lawmakers voted 521-73 in period that ends December 31. favor of the agreement sealed The documents were That will change on New between the UK government then being flown by Year’s Day. The agreement, and the EU last week. hammered out after more than It will become British law Royal Air Force plane nine months of tense negotia- once is passes through the une- to London for Johnson tions and sealed on Christmas lected House of Lords later in to add his signature. Eve, will ensure Britain and the the day and gets formal royal 27-nation EU can continue to assent from Queen Elizabeth II. trade in goods without tariffs or The UK left the EU almost a has displayed an unprecedented quotas. That should help protect year ago, but remained within level of unity,” Michel said. "It the £660bn ($894bn) in annual the bloc’s economic embrace is a fair and balanced agreement trade between the two sides, during a transition period that that fully protects the funda- and the hundreds of thousands ends at midnight Brussels time mental interests of the of jobs that rely on it. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson waves as he returns to Downing Street, in London yesterday. — 11pm in London — today. European Union and creates But the end to Britain’s mem- European Commission stability and predictability for bership in the EU’s vast single President Ursula von der Leyen citizens and companies.” market and customs union will and European Council President The European Parliament still bring inconvenience and new half-hearted, sometimes about being given only five longshot goal of taking Britain out Charles Michel signed the also must sign off on the expense for both individuals and obstructive member of the EU” into hours in Parliament to scrutinize of the EU, has backed the deal. agreement during a brief cer- agreement, but is not expected businesses - from the need for "a friendly neighbor — the best a 1,200-page deal that will mean The strongly pro-EU emony in Brussels on yesterday to do so for several weeks. tourists to have travel insurance friend and ally the EU could have.” profound changes for Britain’s Scottish National Party and morning. The documents were Just after the EU’s top offi- to the millions of new customs He said Britain would now economy and society. But it is Liberal Democrats voted against then being flown by Royal Air cials formally signed the hard- declarations that firms will have "trade and cooperate with our highly likely to get backing from the bill. But the main opposition Force plane to London for won agreement in Brussels, to fill out. European neighbors on the the House of Commons, where Labour Party, which had sought Johnson to add his signature. British Prime Minister Boris Brexit supporters, including closest terms of friendship and Johnson’s Conservative Party a closer relationship with the "The agreement that we Johnson urged legislators in the Johnson, say any short-term goodwill, whilst retaining sov- has a large majority. bloc, said it would vote for the signed today is the result of House of Commons to back a pain will be worth it. ereign control of our laws and The party’s powerful agreement because even a thin months of intense negotiations deal that he said heralded "a new Johnson said the Brexit deal our national destiny.” euroskeptic wing, which fought deal was better than a chaotic in which the European Union relationship between Britain and would turn Britain from "a Some lawmakers grumbled for years for the seemingly no-deal rupture. Migrants from Bosnia camp Britain approves low-cost Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine AFP — LONDON vaccine for general use, and another surge in the virus, with introduce even tougher restric- government’s Joint Committee kept in buses as some 800,000 people have a record 53,135 daily cases tions, including delaying the on Vaccination and Immuni- Britain yesterday became the received a first dose in the reported on Tuesday, heaping return to school next week. sation, said efficacy at that point relocation halted first country in the world to country’s biggest ever vacci- fresh pressure on health Health Secretary Matt was around 70 percent. approve AstraZeneca and nation drive. services during their busiest Hancock said approval of the The Oxford/AstraZeneca AP — BIHAC Oxford University’s low-cost But as daily COVID-19 winter months. new vaccine was a “way out of vaccine is based on a weakened COVID-19 vaccine, raising infection rates hit record highs, More than 71,000 people the pandemic”, adding: “Now version of a common cold virus Hundreds of migrants from a hopes it will help tackle surging the government is pinning its testing positive for the disease we need to hold our nerve while (adenovirus) in chimpanzees burned-out tent camp in cases and ease pressure on hopes on the Oxford/Astra- have now died — one of the we get through this together.” which has been genetically northwest Bosnia yesterday creaking health services. Zeneca jab, which is cheaper to worst tolls in the world. Britain has ordered 100 million changed to stop COVID-19 rep- remained packed in buses The independent Medicines produce, and easier to store and But doctors say many doses and the Department of licating in humans. where they had spent the night and Healthcare products and transport. frontline healthcare workers Health expects four million It delivers genetic cargo into after an attempt to relocate Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech have been struck down with a doses to be ready by the end of cells, giving them instructions them failed, reflecting the vaccine “met its strict vaccine, it does not require new, potentially more conta- the year, and 40 million by the how to fight SARS-CoV-2. confusion in the Balkan coun- standards of safety, quality and ultra-low freezing temperatures gious variant of the virus, which end of March. The vaccine costs about try’s handling of the crisis. effectiveness”, and a roll-out and can use normal refrigerated is thought to be behind the surge. Regulators have advised £2.50 ($3.40) per dose — a Bosnian authorities sent was set for January 4. supply chains, making it a more More than 24 million each person receive two doses, fraction of the price of the buses on Tuesday to transfer Prime Minister Boris attractive proposition globally. people, or 43 percent of England two to four weeks apart. Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech the migrants from the much- Johnson, who spent several days The partners, who have billed alone, are already living under It begins to provide drugs. criticized Lipa camp to an in intensive care with COVID-19 it as a “vaccine for the world”, strict stay-at-home measures, immunity 22 days after the first On Sunday, AstraZeneca army barracks in central earlier this year, called it “truly have also promised to provide it with restaurants and enter- dose, said Munir Pirmohamed, chief executive Pascal Soriot Bosnia. The mass move was fantastic news” and “a triumph not-for-profit to developing tainment closed. chairman of the Commission on said the vaccine would provide canceled after local residents for British science”. nations, and hope to make up to The government is under Human Medicine Expert “100 percent protection” organized protests to prevent Britain has already three billion doses in 2021. pressure to follow other Working Group. against severe Covid disease the relocation. Yesterday approved the Pfizer/BioNTech Britain is struggling with European countries and Wei Shen Lim, who heads the requiring hospitalisation. morning and later in the day, migrants were still inside the buses, local media reported. Russia summons The Lipa camp near Bos- 21 missing after landslide in Norway residential area nia’s border with Croatia was British envoy, demolished in a fire last week REUTERS — OSLO and lacked basic facilities such expands list as running water or heating. Ten people were injured, one Some 1,000 migrants were of them critically, and 21 people of visa ban stranded there for days during remained unaccounted for after a spate of snowy and windy a landslide in southern Norway REUTERS — MOSCOW winter weather that followed swept away more than a dozen the fire. buildings in the early hours of Russia said yesterday it had The situation has yesterday, police said. summoned Britain’s ambas- prompted EU officials and aid The landslide struck a res- sador to tell her it was groups to warn of a looming idential area in the municipality expanding the number of humanitarian disaster and of Gjerdrum, about 30km north British citizens banned from increased pressure on Bosnia of the capital Oslo. entry in response to London to act to move the migrants Photos of the site showed a sanctioning Russian officials away from the camp. large crater with destroyed over the poisoning of Kremlin The troubled Balkan buildings at the bottom of it. critic Alexei Navalny. country that went through a Other buildings hung on the Navalny is convalescing in devastating war in the 1990s edges of the crater, with one Germany after being poisoned has been struggling with the house seen collapsing, TV in Russia with a Novichok nerve influx of thousands of people footage showed. agent, an attack about which seeking to reach Western Helicopters hovered over Britain and other Western Europe. Bickering among Bos- the area, at times lowering A team of Red Cross volunteers prepare to search for people being reported missing trapped after countries have said Russia, nia’s ethnically divided emergency responders towards several houses were taken by a landslide in the town of Ask, Gjerdrum county, some 40km northeast which denies wrongdoing, has authorities has prevented an the debris of collapsed houses. of Oslo in Norway, yesterday. serious questions to answer. organized response to the About 700 people have been The Kremlin has said it has crisis, leaving some 3,000 evacuated from the area so far, to evacuate, so I woke up my “It is a catastrophe,” Prime “This could take days,” she yet to see evidence that migrants sleeping rough or in police said. “There were two three grandchildren and told Minister Erna Solberg told said. “The situation is still so Navalny was poisoned and makeshift tents. massive tremors that lasted for them to get dressed quickly.” reporters after visiting the site. unstable that it is impossible to President Vladimir Putin has The head mufti of the Islamic a long while and I assumed it was The missing people were from “There could be people do any (rescue) effort other than suggested the way the incident Community of Bosnia, Husein snow being cleared or something homes in the innermost area of trapped... but at the same time from helicopters.” The area has been presented in the West Kavazovic, called yesterday for like that,” Oeystein Gjerdrum, 68, the landslide but it was not clear we can’t be sure because it is the remains unstable for now and is part of a US-backed plot to better treatment of migrants, told broadcaster NRK. whether they had been trapped New Year’s holiday which means can only be accessed by heli- try to discredit him. describing the situation as “Then the power suddenly in their houses, were away at people could be elsewhere,” she copter, said Roger Pettersen, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign “shameful” for both the country went out, and a neighbour came the time or had managed to said, warning that rescue oper- head of the police operation at Affairs said in a statement on and the rest of Europe. to the door and said we needed escape, the police said. ations could take a long time. the site. Wednesday it had been forced to respond to what it called unfriendly and unconstructive steps by Britain in October. It said Germany not to ease lockdown as deaths from virus rise it had handed Deborah Bronnert, Britain’s ambassador to Russia, AP — BERLIN shut restaurants, bars, sports and “We have to lament 1,129 expectation is that the lockdown Lothar Wieler, said “the most a note explaining its position. leisure facilities on November 2. deaths this morning alone - will continue, because we must plausible explanation” for the Britain and the European German officials made clear That partial shutdown halted a 1,129 families will be in not take any further risks. The spike in reported deaths was Union imposed sanctions on yesterday that they won’t be fast increase in new infections mourning this new year,” hospitals... are at their limits,” said delayed reporting of cases over top Russian officials close to able to relax lockdown restric- for a while but failed to bring Health Minister Jens Spahn said the governor of Germany’s most the Christmas holiday, following Putin in October in a response tions in early January as the them down, prompting author- at a news conference. populous state, Armin Laschet. relatively low figures over to Navalny’s poisoning. country recorded more than ities to impose a fuller lockdown “These figures show how The deaths reported to Ger- several days. Moscow yesterday called 1,000 deaths in one day for the from December 16, shutting brutally this virus is still striking. many’s national disease control However, the figure fits into those sanctions unacceptable first time. nonessential shops and schools. But the numbers of deaths and center, the Robert Koch a recent pattern of high and unjustified. It did not pub- That figure was likely Those measures run infections also show that we are Institute, over the past 24 hours numbers of deaths. licly name the British officials, swollen by delayed reporting through January 10. Chancellor a very long way from the nor- exceeded the previous record Germany had a relatively politicians and individuals it was but underlined the severity of Angela Merkel and the gov- mality we would like,” he added. set a week ago of 962 and low death rate in the first phase banning, but said they were the situation. ernors of Germany’s 16 states “So in this situation, I don’t see brought Germany’s total death of the pandemic but has seen united by the fact that they had Germany, the European will consult Tuesday on how to how we can return to the pre- toll to 32,107. hundreds of deaths per day in been complicit in whipping up Union’s most populous country, proceed. lockdown mode.” “My The institute’s chairman, recent weeks. anti-Russian sanctions. THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 US Congress inches closer to Trump veto override REUTERS — WASHINGTON Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the week or over the weekend. checks to a vote as soon as occur given the number of Late on Tuesday, McConnell possible. Senate Republicans who back The US Senate could pave the leading Republican in Congress, on Tuesday introduced a bill that combined “This $2,000 will go a long higher payments. way for Congress to override blocked a quick vote on the checks and urged the $2,000 checks with provi- way, not only to sustain the Barring an agreement President Donald Trump’s veto sions scrapping the social media financial security of America’s between lawmakers, the of a defense spending bill with lawmakers to override Trump’s veto of the company protections and calling working families but will help support of 60 senators would a procedural vote yesterday, defense bill. If successful, the veto override would for a study of election security, small business to thrive as well,” be necessary under the cham- further raising tensions between be the first such congressional rebuke of Trump. a major issue for Trump, who she told a news briefing. ber’s rules to move the measure the outgoing Republican pres- claims without evidence that “It’s amazing to see the to a final vote on passage. ident and party leaders. fraud robbed him of victory in patience that some people have A growing number of Trump has ramped up payments from $600 to $2,000 McConnell, the leading Repub- the November election. with other people suffering. These Republican senators support the pressure on fellow Republicans and scrap the legal protections lican in Congress, on Tuesday Since most Democrats do Republicans in the Senate seem payments, including David to support his veto because it for social media companies. blocked a quick vote on the not support the second two to have an endless tolerance for Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, who does not repeal certain unrelated The cracks in Trump’s rela- checks and urged lawmakers to measures, the manoeuvre looks other people’s sadness.” are running in next week’s legal protections for tech giants tionship with Republican Party override Trump’s veto of the set to kill off prospects for all Senate Democratic leader Georgia runoff elections that and to back $2,000 onetime leaders come three weeks before defense bill. If successful, the veto three. The Senate has little time Chuck Schumer said he was will determine which party con- COVID-19 stimulus checks for Trump hands power to Dem- override would be the first such to act, with the new Congress, confident a stand-alone checks trols the Senate under Biden’s struggling Americans. ocrat Joe Biden on January 20. congressional rebuke of Trump. elected in November, set to be bill that the House passed on incoming administration. “$2000 ASAP!” Trump Congressional Republicans The House of Representa- seated on Sunday. Monday would pass the Senate Any attempt by the Senate tweeted early yesterday. have largely stuck with Trump tives overturned Trump’s veto Democrat Nancy Pelosi, — if McConnell allowed it to to deviate from Monday’s stand- On Tuesday the president through four turbulent years, on Monday, and the Senate is speaker of the Democratic-led come to the floor. alone payment measure would attacked Republican leaders as but the president is angry that expected to hold a procedural House of Representatives, “I believe it will get to 60 require the House to pass new “pathetic” and accused the they have not fully backed his vote on Wednesday evening. accused McConnell of votes,” Schumer told reporters, legislation, an unlikely scenario party of having a “death wish” claims of election fraud. Final Senate passage of the obstruction and urged him to adding that he had “some real given Democratic opposition if it did not back raising the Senate Majority Leader Mitch override could come later in the bring the issue of the $2,000 hope” that a floor vote would and the tight timeline. Trump, Biden headline final push in Georgia Senate runoff

AP — ATLANTA individual voter contacts urging text messages. early voting, which ends Roshan Mody is the co- Campaigns and outside groups Thursday, to last-minute cam- founder of Plus1Vote, which are making a final push to turn paign stops from national head- focuses on getting young people out election-weary Georgians liners trying to boost Election out to vote on climate change, whose votes will determine Day turnout. The Democrats’ social justice and voting rights. control of the US Senate, from campaigns announced He told progressive activists a crush of text messages and Wednesday that Biden would Monday during an online television ads to dueling visits campaign Monday in Atlanta briefing that it’s going to come from President-elect Joe Biden with Ossoff and Warnock. down to turnout. and outgoing President Donald Trump already had “All the signs are good,” he Trump. announced plans to rally said of Democrats’ chances. More than 2.5 million people Monday evening, just hours “But a blowout is less likely than — about half the turnout of last before polls open, with the us kind of going over the edge month’s presidential election - Republican senators in the by 10-20,000 votes.” In the had already cast their ballots north Georgia town of Dalton. nearly two months since the early, in person or by absentee Vice President-elect Kamala general election in November, US President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic at the Queen ballot, by yesterday morning. Harris, meanwhile, will come Georgians have been inundated Theater in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. With margins in the to Savannah on Sunday. by radio and television adver- Januiary 5 runoffs expected to “We want to run through the tisements, mailings, calls, text last decade or so. But in this than the early turnout at the of younger voters is a good sign be tight, the campaigns for tape. We don’t want to leave messages and even hand- unique election - with national same point before the general for the Democrats. Republican US Senators David anything for granted,” said written notes from out-of-state attention, money pouring in and election, though missed days “These are the numbers that Perdue and Kelly Loeffler and Jessica Anderson, executive residents urging them to vote. control of the Senate at stake - over Christmas make a direct the Democrats need in order to Democratic challengers Jon director of Heritage Action, a Runoff elections historically the normal rules don’t seem to comparison difficult. Experts be able to win the election,” said Ossoff and Raphael Warnock grassroots conservative organ- draw a much lower turnout apply. who track early voting data say Michael McDonald, a University are all focused on mobilizing ization that has volunteers and than general elections, and in Rather than dropping dra- the high turnout, particularly of Florida professor who tracks voters. staffers knocking on doors, Georgia they have favored matically, early voting for the among African American voters, vote counts for the US Elections That means everything from making phone calls and sending Republican candidates in the runoff is only about 20% lower and the continued engagement Project. Four dead in Missouri senator to contest Houston domestic violence shooting Biden Electoral College win AP — WASHINGTON of voter fraud and adopt AP — HOUSTON measures to secure the integrity Senator Josh Hawley, says he of our elections,” Hawley said Four people were killed at a will raise objections next week in a statement Wednesday. Houston home yesterday in when the Congress meets to Asked about Hawley’s what authorities said was affirm President-elect Joe announcement, House Speaker likely a domestic violence Biden’s victory in the election, Nancy Pelosi, said: “I have no shooting that included a man forcing House and Senate votes doubt that on next Wednesday, firing at police before turning that are likely to delay — but in a week from today, that Joe a gun on himself. no way alter — the final certi- Biden will be confirmed by the Officers went to a home in fication of Biden’s win. acceptance of the vote of the the city’s northeast around President Donald Trump electoral college as the 46th 3.15am after receiving a call has, without evidence, claimed president of the United States.” saying a woman had been there was widespread fraud in When Congress convenes shot, Harris County Sheriff Ed the election. He has pushed to certify the Electoral College Gonzalez said at a news con- Republican senators to pursue results, any lawmaker can ference. The officers were met his unfounded charges even object to a state’s votes on any with gunfire and a SWAT team though the Electoral College grounds. But the objection is from the sheriff’s office was this month cemented Biden’s not taken up unless it is in then dispatched to the home. 306-232 victory and multiple writing and signed by both a Gonzalez said the SWAT legal efforts to challenge the member of the House and a team was eventually able to results have failed. member of the Senate. negotiate with the man to A group of Republicans in the When there is such a enter the home, but as team Democratic-majority House have request, then the joint session members were going inside already said they will object on suspends and the House and they heard “a final gunshot.” Trump’s behalf during the Senate go into separate ses- In the house, the officers found January 6 count of electoral votes, sions to consider it. For the two dead women and two and they had needed just a single objection to be sustained, both dead men, including a senator to go along with them to chambers must agree to it by a 49-year-old man who shot force votes in both chambers. simple majority vote. If they himself, he said. Without giving specifics or disagree, the original electoral Gonzalez said he believes evidence, Hawley said he would votes are counted. the 49-year-old was the boy- object because “some states, The last time such an friend of one of the women including notably Pennsylvania” objection was considered was and that the other woman and did not follow their own election 2005, when Stephanie Tubbs man were her adult children. laws. Lawsuits challenging Jones of Ohio and Barbara He also said one of the women Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania Boxer of California, both Dem- who was ultimately shot is have been unsuccessful. ocrats, objected to Ohio’s elec- likely the person who called “At the very least, Congress toral votes by claiming there police. should investigate allegations were voting irregularities. Brazil to weigh approval for AstraZeneca vaccine REUTERS — SAO PAULO/BRASILIA file for emergency use authori- rollout, as regional peers Mexico, zation, without saying when. Chile and Argentina have Brazil will soon weigh emer- Britain became the first already begun immunizations. gency-use approval for Astra- country in the world to give full In theory, Brazil’s emer- Zeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine regulatory approval to the gency use authorization allows after Britain gave the green light coronavirus vaccine developed for fast-track usage of a yesterday, as Latin America’s by Oxford University and Astra- COVID-19 vaccine among largest country rushes to catch Zeneca. The UK approval offers certain high-risk patients. It is up with immunization hope to Brazil, which has made a slimmed down version of a programs underway around the the cheap and sturdy British full regulatory approval for hard-hit region. vaccine a cornerstone of its nationwide rollout. Brazil’s health regulator widely criticized vaccine plan. However, Pfizer Inc has Anvisa met with AstraZeneca Plc President Jair Bolsonaro, a complained that Brazil’s emer- representatives in the morning prominent coronavirus sceptic gency use application is espe- and said the company’s local who has said he will not take cially onerous, leading critics to partners, federally-funded bio- any COVID-19 vaccine, is under decry bureaucratic hurdles just medical institute Fiocruz, will pressure to speed up Brazil’s as the virus roars back to life. THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 16

Katara Hospitality partially opens one of the largest theme parks in Mideast You Ask, officials answer PRAYER TIMINGS PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Learn the Signs, Act Early — Child Development - Part 4 FAJR 04.56 am SUNRISE 06.19 am Why movement is DHUHR 11.37 am important in child ASR 02.35 pm development? MAGHRIB 04.56 pm It’s very important for 06.26 pm parents to know the ISHA importance of movement for with a few minutes at a time child development. Movement and build up to longer sessions. is essential for babies to grow How often should I do healthily because children tummy time? communicate through Start with small movement. Movement allows increments of a few them to relate to their minutes at a time, several times environment and grow both a day. Eventually, try to do Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park at the Salwa Beach Resort and Villas. physically and mentally. longer tummy time sessions, What are the eventually building up to a full QNA — DOHA WEATHER Water & Adventure Park international standards, the neurological reasons hour. TODAY provide a mixture of enter- resort encourages families to behind the movement? At what age should Katara Hospitality yesterday tainment and adventure spirit, return for a weekend break, Movement wires up baby stop tummy time? partially opened the Desert and a unique experience for all or to stay longer at Salwa the neural pathways in the Once the baby Falls Water & Adventure Park family members. The Park also Beach Resort. Salwa Beach brain, it encourages kinesthetic begins crawling, around located within Salwa Beach includes 18 entertainment des- Resort and Villas is located memory and spatial 7-9 months, they will be getting Resort and Villas, which is one tinations, 56 rides and slopes, 84km from Doha, owned by orientation. It also supports the developmental benefits of of the largest theme parks in the including the famous “Cobra Katara Hospitality and balance, coordination, and tummy time while moving, and o o Middle East. King” game. managed by Hilton Hotels and strength and it encourages it is not as essential to have 17 C 24 C The facilities of Desert Falls Designed to the highest Resorts. children to express their them do tummy time. However, Minimum Maximum emotions. it still beneficial to have the Misty at places at first becomes What to do for my baby spend some time in the Moderate temperature daytime WHO chief urges fair distribution Nasa approves child’s healthy tummy time position (also with some clouds, relatively cold development? known as prone position) by night. of COVID-19 vaccine to all 2 missions to The first and most during play. W ALRUWAIS : 19o → 23o important thing you can do is What if my child has W ALKHOR : 17o → 23o REUTERS — GENEVA middle-income countries through explore Sun, — Put your baby on the floor — crossed that age but the COVAX vaccine facility. to encourage floor play and had missed/delayed W DUKHAN 17o → 22o : The head of the World Health “This is the challenge we Earth’s aurora tummy time. Tummy time and developmental W WAKRAH : 12o → 24o Organization, marking a year must rise to in the New Year,” floor play are both important milestones? W MESAIEED : 12o → 24o since the first cases of the novel Tedros said in a video message for physical development. Give them the gift of a IANS — WASHINGTON W ABUSAMRA : 15o → 22o coronavirus were reported by issued a day before the first anni- Why does my baby second chance. If we repeat China, urged countries yesterday versary of China reporting the need tummy time? the early childhood movement to ensure that vaccines are made first cases of pneumonia of Nasa has approved two To develop the core patterns that they either available to people at risk every- unknown origin to the UN health missions to explore the Sun muscles of the neck, missed out on or did not do HIGH TIDE where, not just in rich nations. agency. and the system that drives back, and shoulder muscles, to enough of, for whatever 05:46 – 16:11 Tedros Adhanom Ghe- “To protect the world, we space weather near Earth. meet developmental reason, the child’s brain still LOW TIDE 13:19 – 23:35 breyesus, WHO director-general, must ensure that all people at risk These two missions are milestones and to possibly help will develop new pathways. appealed for $4bn to buy everywhere — not just in coun- Extreme Ultraviolet High- prevent early motor delays and Try the following COVID-19 vaccines for distri- tries who can afford vaccines — Throughput Spectroscopic Tel- conditions, such as flat head developmental activities on a bution in lower and are immunised,” he said. escope Epsilon Mission, or syndrome (positional daily basis at home. EUVST, and the Electrojet plagiocephaly) and twisted Rolling like a log, Rocking Zeeman Imaging Explorer, or neck (positional torticollis). on all fours, creeping like a EZIE. When should my baby soldier (army crawl), Together, Nasa’s contri- start tummy time? Crawling, side sitting, cross bution to the missions will help As a newborn baby, leg sitting, straight leg sitting, us understand the Sun and as soon as they come kneeling, half kneeling, Earth as an interconnected home from the hospital. walking, etc. system, the US space agency How long should I do said on Tuesday. tummy time? (If you have any queries, “We are very pleased to Aim to achieve at you can send it to add these new missions to the least an hour of tummy time [email protected]) growing fleet of satellites,” total per day by 3 months of Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate age. Answers provided by: Administrator for Science at This hour of tummy time Sathish Chandra Segar, MSc, Nasa headquarters in Wash- can be broken up into smaller OT — Clinical Director, ington, said in a statement. parts. From newborn age, start QISH, Doha Next-generation ‘AirPods Pro’ may come in two sizes IANS — SAN FRANCISCO shared new part images for the would still contain Apple’s W2 “AirPods Pro 2”. The images chip rather than a new W3 chip. Apple is expected to debut its shown depict different sized SoC With second generation second generation ‘AirPods Pro’ housing for the H1 Processor ‘AirPods Pro’, the tech giant earbuds in 2021 with a new which could indicate different could go for a “less ambitious” report claiming that it would sized earbuds in the future design than it hopes for ‘AirPods come in two sizes. model, reports AppleInsider. Pro 2’ due to the difficulty in Leaker Mr. White, who in the Based on the components, packing antennas, ANC and past has shared accurate details the next version of ‘AirPods Pro’ mics in a more compact form of Apple’s product plans, has might come in multiple sizes but factor. Superstar DJ David Guetta upbeat for 2021 AP — PARIS

Superstar DJ David Guetta has been brought back to Earth by the coronavirus pandemic and says his music has benefitted as a result. Back in his native Paris to record a New Year’s Eve show, the composer of ear-worm dance hits said he has produced “tons of new music” while hunkering down during the pandemic. The French DJ says he spent much of 2020 in Miami. By bringing the clubbing industry to French DJ David Guetta poses in front of the Louvre Pyramid, in a halt, the virus has been bad for Paris, France. his business of globe-trotting from party to party. have money on the side, I didn’t Guetta’s show will be But Guetta says being stuck need to stress about how am I streamed on multiple platforms, at home got creative juices going to eat next week or next part of pandemic-altered New flowing. month,” he said. Year’s festivities this year. “I realised how my lifestyle “But I have to say, as an artist, Like night owls everywhere, is not healthy, the fact that I am it was incredibly creative.” With Guetta is hoping 2021 will be constantly on a plane, being jet- lights and lasers slicing through better, with a victory over the lagged and all of this, you know? the darkness of Paris, but with virus that would allow for the Just to be able to wake every day no crowds because of a virus reopening of dance venues and at the same time, in the same bed, curfew, Guetta recorded his “the craziest party ever.” and go make music after my hour-long show in front of the “I told my kids already, I’m breakfast, that was kind of crazy. futuristic glass pyramid that like: ‘Listen, guys, enjoy while I I haven’t done this for 20 years,” covers the main entrance to the am here because when they Guetta said before recording his Louvre, home to the “Mona Lisa” open, I’m gone.’ I’m going to play show at Paris’ Louvre Museum and the world’s most-visited every single day,” he said. on Tuesday night. museum before virus lockdowns “People are going to party like “I am one of the lucky ones. I closed its doors this year. they have never partied before.”