 TOTAL PRIZES MORE THAN QAR 8 MILLION OPEN AL DANA ACCOUNT! THE BIGGEST  MEGA PRIZE QAR 2.5 MILLION Offer valid from 5th of March 2020 to 31st January 2021 INDIVIDUAL PRIZE IN QATAR!  2 WINNERS QAR 1 MILLION EACH  457 LUCKY WINNERS

QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune ThurSdAy AprIL 16, 2020 ShA`BAAN 23, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 4922 QR 2

Fajr: 3:52 am Dhuhr: 11:34 am Asr: 3:03 pm Maghrib: 5:58 pm Isha: 7:28 pm

Business 8 Sports 11 IMF, WB leaders Haydos, Hassan, Rawi THunDEr-sTOrMs hIGh : 26°C praise G20 debt and others take pay cuts, LoW : 20°C relief initiative show solidarity

14,000 beds by month-end for Cabinet extends COVID-19 measures ings using modern technology. COVID-19 care, Preventive measures will be in BATTLE 5: Suspending home cleaning AGAINST services provided by cleaning and says Kuwari place for two more weeks hospitality companies. COVID-19 6: Limiting the number of em- QNA take the appropriate decision. ployees transferred by bus to half TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha The decision was made after the 2: Limiting the number of em- the capacity of the vehicle, while Doha Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister ployees present at the headquar- adhering to the necessary precau- THE Cabinet has extended the and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh ters of private-sector organisa- tionary measures. FIVe hospitals have been allocated preventive and precautionary Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz tions. 7: Continuing intensified in- to treat patients with coronavirus measures to limit the spread of al Thani on Wednesday through a 3: Public and Private-sector spection visits made by the Minis- (CoVID-19) infection and the combined the coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- video conference, was briefed by employees work for six hours a try of Commerce and Industry to bed-capacity of these hospitals will rise demic for another two weeks. Minister of Public Health HE Dr day, from 7 am to 1 pm. supermarkets and restaurants to to 14,000 by the end of april, Minister of Beginning on Thursday (April Hanan Mohamed al Kuwari on the cisions on the following: 4: All meetings held between ensure they adhere to the health Public health he Dr hanan Mohamed al 16), the measures will remain in latest developments of efforts to 1: Limiting the number of em- employees of the public and pri- conditions and precautions, in- Kuwari said on Wednesday. force for two weeks, during which contain COVID-19. ployees present at the headquar- vate sectors present at their place cluding safe distancing measures “these hospitals provide the high- a re-evaluation will be made to Then the Cabinet extended de- ters of governmental institutions. of work should be distanced meet- between shoppers. PAGE 2 est levels of healthcare to the patients,” Kuwari said in a series of videos posted on the Ministry of Public health’s twitter handle. She said Qatar is pursuing a four- pronged healthcare strategy -- raising 283 more test positive awareness, prolific testing, tracing trans- mission chains and increasing hospital capacity -- to beat the virus. for virus as 33 recover Kuwari said it is too early to predict a timeline for the decline in the number of daily coronavirus cases. adherence to preventive measures would certainly help the national healthcare machinery to prevail over the virus as soon as pos- sible, she added.

Qatar on Wednesday reported 283 new coronavirus (CoV- ID-19) cases as 33 more patients recovered from the dis- ease, the Ministry of Public health (MoPh) has announced. QFCA slaps QR1 mn In a statement, the MoPh said some of the new cases are due to people being in contact with existing cases, and a fine on HCW for failing number of new cases are among migrant workers in differ- ent areas. “Some cases were discovered among citizens to comply with rules and residents who contacted health authorities after experi- the Qatar Financial Centre authority (QFCa) Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al Kuwari meets two COVID-19 survivors — Faisal al Athba, a Qatari encing symptoms of inflammation in the respiratory system. has fined horizon Crescent Wealth (hCW) national, and Juan Micau, a bank worker from the Philippines — at HMC’s Ambulatory Care Center on Wednesday. the new infected cases have been placed under complete over Qar 1 million for contraventions of isolation and they are receiving necessary medical care,” provisions of the QFCa rules. the statement said. With 33 people having recover from QFCa had recently imposed financial the virus in the last 24 hours, the total number of people penalties on the company for failings regard- Two COVID-19 survivors share recovered has reached 406. (TNN) ing anti-Money Laundering and Combating terrorist Financing rules 2010. hCW is a QFC firm which is licensed to perform admin- their experiences with minister istration of trusts, and as such is required to comply with its legal obligations in line with TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to discuss his recent experience who is receiving treatment. the QFCa rules. Doha of having COVID-19 and to hear The donated blood contains hCW’s violations are evident in its firsthand from him about his antibodies built up in the recov- failure to comply with the General rules HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al Ku- treatment journey. ered patient’s plasma that can and Licensed Firm assets rules, in the wari, Minister of Public Health, Athba said he has fully recov- help patients undergoing treat- QFCa rules, especially when handling Client on Wednesday met two patients, ered from the virus and was one of ment to improve their resistance Money. hCW’s contraventions have been who have recently recovered from the first patients to donate blood and recovery from the virus. documented in an investigation undertaken COVID-19, at Hamad Medical plasma at the new clinic at the Kuwari also met Juan Micau, by the Monitoring and enforcement Depart- Corporation’s Ambulatory Care Communicable Disease Center. a 39-year-old bank worker from ment between March and June 2018. Center. Athba was full of appreciation the Philippines. Micau explained the QFCa issued a Decision Notice During the meetings, the pa- for the care he received while ad- to the minister that he might have in october 2019 and imposed a financial tients shared their experiences of mitted to the CDC and for the new contracted COVID-19 while on penalty of over Qr1 million on hCW. hCW having COVID-19 and undergoing donation service which enables vacation in the Philippines at the appealed this decision to the QFC regulatory treatment at HMC. plasma to be collected from the beginning of March. tribunal, and on March 9, 2020 the tribunal Kuwari met Faisal al Athba, recovered patients and then trans- QMC launches Twitter handle upheld the QFC authority’s decision. (TNN) a 40-year-old Qatari national, fused into a COVID-19 patient Continued on page 2  to provide COVID-19 info TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK a live interactive platform for Doha community outreach and the publication of the latest recom- Gang behind fleeing QP starts drilling campaign the Qatar Media Corpora- mendations, medical advice, tion (QMC) has launched an and other important informa- maids busted, 7 held for North Field East Project account on twitter -- tion to the public. the al Shamal Security Department has busted @covid19qatar -- for the new account posted a seven-member gang that allegedly operated Qatar Petroleum has started the spreading awareness about a video clip showing the lat- an illegal domestic workers supply service. the development of drilling campaign the coronavirus (CoVD-19) est epidemiological updates accused were allegedly running the service with for the North Field east Project, epidemic and publishing lat- and statistics in Qatar as of the maids they helped flee from the homes of or NFe. the first of 80 NFe est developments relating to april 15, showing the total the workers’ sponsors, the Ministry of Interior development wells was spudded the virus. number of people examined, said in a series of tweets. the gang, consisting on March 29 by the jack-up rig the new account will be the number of positive cases, of nationals from asian and african countries, “GulfDrill Lovanda”, which is man- an important source of reli- the number of active cases, harboured the fled workers in different loca- aged and operated by GulfDrill, a able and official news about and the number of new cases tions in Qatar and then sent them to new joint venture between the Qatar- the CoVID-19 epidemic, confirmed on april 15, the total homes as domestic workers. all the accused based drilling champion, Gulf which will contribute to fight- number of people recovered, have been referred to judicial authorities for Drilling International, and Seadrill ing rumours and fake news. and the total number of further legal action. (TNN) Limited. PAGE 8 the account will also be deaths. 02 Thursday, April 16, 2020

Contact US: Qatar Tribune I EDITORIAL I Phone: 40002222 I ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING I Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

Cabinet approves QATAr provIdES ASSISTANcE To GAzA pEopLE IN QuArANTINE Qatar water security, strategy draft policy

QNA Doha

THE Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al Thani through video conference on Wednesday, approved a draft policy for water security and water strategy in Qatar. Following the meeting, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Dr Issa bin Saad al Jafali al Nuaimi said the Cabinet also approved a draft cabinet decision to amend exemp- tions to some documents stated in the Electronic The Qatar Committee for the reconstruction of Gaza, in coordination with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), has provided aid to hundreds of people in coronavirus quarantine centres in Transactions and Commerce Law issued in Decree Gaza, as part of the $150 million grant by the Amir His Highness sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. (tNN) Law No 16 of 2010. The draft decision aims to enhance electronic ser- vices and activate the e-cheque service. The Cabinet also approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) in youth and sports between Qatar and Spain, and a draft memorandum of under- Awqaf to deliver 3,015 food baskets standing (MoU) between Qatar’s Ministry of Munici- pality and Environment and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture on cooperation in the agricultural field. The Cabinet reviewed and took the appropri- to 1,035 families in three months ate decision on report 45 on the work of the Qatari National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons ASHRAF SIDDIQUI mad al Anzi, educationist; and a (NCPW) from September 1 to December 31, 2019 and Doha group of media personalities. the outcomes of the extraordinary meeting of GCC Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Muham- commerce ministers. THE General Administration of mad al Thani, director-general of Endowments at the Ministry of the Department of Endowment at Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic commenced a campaign to de- Affairs, said: “This initiative by liver food baskets to 1,035 needy the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Patient discharged after families for three months. Affairs as part of its efforts to com- The families are registered bat the coronavirus (COVID-19) two weeks in hospital under the ministry’s Families and will be providing 3,015 food bas- Childhood Care Fund campaign. kets with a variety of contents to Continued from page 1  The three-month campaign 1,035 families.” team includes Talal Mansour, He said the endowment divi- AFTER arriving in Qatar on March 11, Micau began to fastest runner in Asia and Board sion is successfully meeting the experience the symptoms, including a sore throat and member at Qatar Athletic Federa- objectives of the Fund towards cough. Following instruction from his employer, Mi- tion; Abdul Rah- cau visited the Al Khor Hospital for a COVID-19 test. man al Khulaifi, On receiving his positive test result, he was admit- member of ted to Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital for treatment Central Mu- The families are registered under the ministry’s Families and Childhood Care Fund campaign. and monitoring. Micau stayed in the hospital for two nicipal Coun- weeks and was discharged after making a full recovery on cil; Maryam the existing registered families. Youssef al Khulaifi, Public and the ministry in helping the March 29. al Hammadi, The doors of the Fund are open Relations Officer at the Fund, needy members of the society, Athba and Micau are two of the 406 people to director of Qa- to needy families to contact it thanked the donors for their valu- especially during the present situ- have recovered from COVID-19 in Qatar, a number tar Authors Fo- through telephone line 66011160, able support and generosity to ation caused by the COVID-19 which continues to increase every day. rum; Dr Muham- Picture Blessing Van he added. enable the endowment division pandemic.

Minister participates in MADLSA urges employees and workers to agree on new contract extraordinary meeting QNA other allowances, such as food ployers and workers cannot agree riod and paying all outstanding end of these force majeure con- Doha and housing, as per their con- to cancel these benefits. benefits, including the return ditions. The ministry said it will of GCC labour ministers tract in sectors, activities and ser-  In cases where employers ticket. take all legal measures against THE Ministry of Administra- vices whose businesses have not offer food and / or housing allow-  During this period and even companies that violate these pro- QNA tive Development, Labour and stopped due to the precautionary ances, they must continue to pro- in cases where workers contracts cedures. Doha Social Affairs (MADLSA) has af- measures to combat COVID-19. vide these allowances, and em- are terminated, employers are The ministry has also es- firmed the importance of coop- Second: For the sectors, ac- ployers and workers cannot agree required to provide workers with tablished a dedicated hotline MINISTER of Administrative Development, eration between employers and tivities and services suspended to reduce these allowances. adequate food and housing free of (40280660) to receive reports of Labour and Social Affairs Yousuf bin Mohamed workers during the coronavirus due to the precautionary meas-  All workers who are iso- charge, or equivalent cash allow- any workplace or accommoda- al Othman Fakhroo took part in a special meet- (COVID-19) crisis to mitigate so- ures, employers and workers can lated or quarantined and who are ances, until the workers repatria- tion violations. Workers can also ing of the Labour Ministers of the GCC coun- cial and economic damage. This agree that workers take unpaid receiving treatment shall receive tion procedures are secured at the submit any labour-related com- tries on Wednesday, via video call. will benefit both employers and leave, apply their annual leave, their basic salary and allowances employer’s expense. plaints via text message through The meeting dealt with a number of top- workers alike, and the long-term reduce working hours, or agree to regardless of whether they are en- The MADLSA has called upon the labour complaints service, ics related to the outbreak of the coronavirus sustainability of businesses and temporarily reduce the salaries, titled for sick leave or not. employers and workers to coor- which is available 24 hours a day (COVID-19) in parts of the world, including business relationship, added the as follows:  Employers may terminate dinate and cooperate with each in several languages. The worker the GCC, and the consequent precaution- ministry.  In cases where employers employment contracts based on other during this period, and find can send a text message to 92727 ary measures taken by the GCC countries to The ministry called on both provide food and / or housing the contract concluded between appropriate solutions that guar- with the number 5, followed by protect citizens and residents from infection sides to follow these instructions: directly, they must continue to them and in full compliance with antee the interests of both parties their personal number, or their with the virus, and the impact of the pandemic First: Workers continue to provide adequate food and hous- the provisions of the Labour Law, in a way that benefits them in the visa number and it will be acted on the labour market, business owners and receive their basic salaries and ing free of charge to workers. Em- while adhering to the notice pe- near and medium term, until the upon immediately. workers.

MME cELEBrATES FAMILy dAy IN QATAr

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment on Wednesday participated in the celebrations of Family Day in Qatar, which is celebrated by the Family Consultation Center on April 15 every year. The ministry placed a billboard with the slogan for this year’s celebration in front of its headquarters in the Corniche. The main building and a number of its main buildings have been lit in green. The ministry also published on its official website and social media accounts information to publicise the celebra- tion and to emphasise the importance of family and its cohesion. (tNN) Nation Thursday, April 16, 2020 03 Online platform launched to provide social support to workers in Qatar

fit and healthy, and virtual tions, as it complements the members. to COVID-19 is of great im- The interactive platform offers COVID-19 information, learning of Arabic and Eng- ongoing work of the Govern- By facilitating communi- portance to the multiple lish languages. Through live ment to address the pandemic. ty-to-community links, the stakeholders involved in the advice on staying fit and virtual learning of languages one-on-one chats, conversa- The volunteers, specially project aims to build bridges Connecting For Care project. tions will take place in Eng- chosen from the vast ROTA between different members People may find themselves TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatar, offering members supported by trained volun- lish, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, database, undergo intensive of society, improve literacy vulnerable to heightened Doha the opportunity to speak to teers who will engage in mul- Nepali, Bengali, Malayalam, online and virtual training to through training tools and stress during this time, and someone in their own lan- tilingual conversations with Sinhala, Tamil and Tagalog remotely deliver the service contribute to the social well- therefore this initiative aims CONNECTING For Care, guage on community-related workers and provide gov- languages. from within their homes, being of all parties. not only to support people an interactive online plat- topics, by logging on to www. ernment-approved informa- The initiative is endorsed ensuring that physical dis- Providing a useful and in the midst of the current form, was officially launched cfc.qa. tion on preventive measures by the Ministry of Public tancing standards are main- meaningful link to physical health crisis, but also to re- to provide social support The interactive Connect- against COVID-19, includ- Health and the Ministry of tained at all times between health and language learning duce anxiety and fear during to quarantined workers in ing For Care website will be ing useful advice on staying Transport and Communica- volunteers and community in the public health response this challenging time. QC provides food items to 300 Ethiopian households Qatar Charity has delivered food

The celebration highlighted Italy’s excellence in scientific research and consignments to stressed the importance of scientific research in human development. 30 embassies CATHERINE W GICHUKI Italy looking to Doha QATAR Charity (QC) has delivered a consignment of boost research food items to the Ethiopian Embassy to feed about 300 households in the Ethiopian community in the wake of ties with Qatar, coronavirus pandemic. The packages consist of sugar, cooking oil, rice, salt, says its envoy rice, flour, pasta and other items. Speaking to Qatar Trib- Italian Embassy celebrates Italian Research Day une on Wednesday, Ethio- pian Ambassador to Qatar ASHRAF SIDDIQUI the first country in the world HE Samia Zekaria said they Doha to adopt tough measures such received the food items from as lockdown of the entire na- Qatar Charity some10 days THE Italian Embassy in Doha tional territory, thanks to the ago and since then they have Ethiopian Ambassador to Qatar HE samia Zekaria receives food packages from Qatar Charity official Abdulaziz Jassim A J Haji. on Wednesday celebrated the accurate analysis made by sci- been distributing the pack- Italian Research Day, which is entists. Now, it’s time to think ages to needy families. munity leaders, they are able them, we wouldn’t have been 25,000 Ethiopians working livered food to 30 embassies marked on April 15 every year about the future. Researchers, “We are trying to identify to identify the needy persons. able to handle all these needy and living in Qatar. and will continue to deliver to by the country’s diplomatic healthcare professionals and those who are really in need The ambassador ex- cases. The number of those Meanwhile, Qatar Char- more. missions across the world. physicians around the world in the community. There are pressed her gratitude to Qatar in need keeps on growing as ity Customer Service Man- He said Qatar Charity has The day was earmarked by need to work together to de- people who don’t even know Charity for its efforts in sup- days go by. Qatar Charity has ager, Communication and also started a link whereby the Italian Ministry of Educa- velop treatments and find a who their sponsors are,” she porting the community. really given us big help,” she Resource, Development Sec- people can register their in- tion, University and Research vaccine to defeat COVID-19,” said. “Qatar Charity is doing said. tor, Abdulaziz Jassim A J Haji formation in case they are in in partnership with the Minis- he says. With the help of the com- a great job. If it were not for Currently, there are about said that so far, they have de- need. try of Foreign Affairs and the On the occasion, with Ministry of Health, to mark the reference the cooperation be- birth anniversary of Leonardo tween Italy and Qatar, Ambas- Da Vinci. sador HE Alessandro Prunas This year, as the world is commented, “Scientific diplo- fighting the coronavirus (COV- macy plays a growing role in ID-19) pandemic, the celebra- our strategic partnership with QC assistance helped 844,334 people in Qatar in 2019 tion reflected the importance Qatar and we look forward to of scientific collaboration in the broadening collaboration be- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK In social welfare, some 5,771 or- search of a cure. tween our universities and re- Doha phans and widows benefited from Qa- On the occasion, the Ital- search centres.” tar Charity’s projects and assistance. ian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Referring to COVID-19 A total of 844,334 people benefited in As part of its ‘Future’s Leaders’ launched a communication pandemic, he said, “At this projects worth more than QR130 mil- project, Qatar Charity sponsored 450 campaign to highlight Italy’s challenging time, it is key to lion implemented by Qatar Charity orphans, who received monthly aid, excellence in scientific research team up in the search for a (QC) in Qatar in 2019. education and health services, and and to stress the importance of cure. I am pleased that Ital- The projects covered social wel- Eid gifts. scientific research in human ian and Qatari universities fare programmes and assistance to In appreciation of the efforts of development. and medical institutions have support families with low incomes, the workers in the field of construc- The campaign, which is be- already started joint research those in debts, workers and others. tion and development of the country, ing promoted in Qatar through on the genomics of patients The projects come as part of the Qatar Charity, with the support of Twitter and Facebook accounts severely affected by the virus. ‘Charity Starts at Home’ campaign benefactors in Qatar, has provided of the Embassy of Italy in Doha, Qatar Foundation Research, launched by Qatar Charity. aid to 630,420 workers, in coopera- starts with a video message of Development and Innova- Qatar Charity thanked the phi- tion with several government and pri- the Counsellor of the Minister of tion’s (QF-RDI) research- lanthropists, benefactors and donors vate agencies, voluntary initiatives, Health for Italy’s Relations with ers are in contact with major in Qatar for their continuous support schools and universities. The assis- International Health Organisa- Italian genetists to study data for Qatar. tance included food baskets, clothes tions, Prof Walter Ricciardi. and verify if there are genetic The cost of domestic aid provided bags, entertainment activities and Speaking on the situation patterns in the COVID-19 by Qatar Charity in 2019 amounted The projects covered social welfare programmes and assistance to support families various programmes and projects. in Italy, Prof Ricciardi explains pandemic. to more than QR84 million, which with low incomes, those in debt, workers and others. In line with Qatar’s directives to that Italy’s science and tech- “Qatar Foundation Hospi- was allocated for families with low people to stay at home during the nology sector, as well as the tal Mater Olbia in Sardinia is incomes, those in debt, patients, wid- Month of Ramadan and Eids. tended helping hands to 5,000 fami- coronavirus, in March, Qatar Charity National Health Service and working with Hamad Medi- ows, divorced women, people with The aid also covered 503 medi- lies as some 307 families with limited decided to automatically renew the the Public Health System, re- cal Corporation to explore if special needs, the elderly, students cal cases in 2019 to conduct medical income, widows and divorced women monthly aid disbursement to all of acted strongly to the COVID-19 plasma from recovered pa- and others within Qatar. examinations and provide treatment benefited from monthly financial as- its registered beneficiaries, including emergency. tients can be used as part of Last year, QC spent QR60.5 mil- for patients, while more than 19,611 sistance valued at over QR10.7 mil- families with limited income, widows “The Italian Government new therapies. These forms of lion to settle the debts of 110 per- students benefited from the QC’s as- lion, while others received lump sum and divorced women, for the next decided to put research and cooperation pave the way for sons in Qatar to bring social stability sistance. aid to address the exceptional circum- three months without the need to ap- science at the heart of the deci- new important opportunities to them, especially before the Holy During the year, Qatar Charity ex- stances they found themselves. pear in person. sion-making process. Italy was with mutual benefits.” Qatar Islamic Bank holds blood donation campaign for staff

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ees to visit HMC’s Blood Donating blood is a simple, Doha Center to donate to enrich the noble act that plays a big role blood bank’s supply to ensure in saving lives.” AS part of the efforts of Qa- that Qatar does not face any The campaign showcases tar’s healthcare authorities shortages in the near future. the bank’s continued com- to secure the country’s blood Commenting on the ini- mitment to engage with the supply, Qatar Islamic Bank tiative, Bassel Gamal, QIB’s community and strengthen (QIB) organised a blood do- Group CEO, said: “At QIB, we its involvement in initiatives nation campaign in asso- have always made it a priority that benefit the Qatari society. ciation with Hamad Medical to commit to initiatives that Hamad Medical Corpora- Corporation’s (HMC) Blood benefit the Qatari society, tion’s (HMC) Blood Donor Donor Center. such as blood donations. We Center is in urgent need of The campaign comes as create campaigns, whether many blood types. They an- part of QIB’s commitment to its internally among our em- being of our people.” help the cause. We wanted to nounced that they are in need support the efforts led by the ployees or externally for the He added, “As the country find a way to contribute and of blood types O+, O-, A-, B- country in its fight against wider community, to engage fights the spread of the COV- therefore raised awareness and AB-. Those who can do- the spread of the COVID-19 and encourage individuals to ID-19, healthcare authorities of the need among our em- nate can visit the Blood Do- The campaign was part of QIB’s commitment to supporting the coun- virus. take the necessary steps that have requested that citizens ployees. We are very proud nor Center, located close to try’s fight against COVID-19. QIB urged all its employ- will enhance the overall well- and residents donate blood to of their generous response. Hamad General Hospital. 04 Thursday, April 16, 2020 Middle East / Gulf / Africa

News Afghan artist in brief produces 500 Iran says coronavirus deaths free face masks chad to try 58 suspected Boko per day haram militants DPA N’DJaMeNa Fifty-eight KAbUL suspected Islamists who below 100 for second day were rounded up in a Chad- AN amateur artist in the Afghan ian operation against boko AFP TA, on the stock market. capital Kabul is sewing masks haram will be heard by a tehraN The Tehran Stock Ex- and donating them to people in criminal court from thursday, change’s website put the hold- a bid to prevent the spread of Justice Minister Djimet arabi IRAN on Wednesday said new ing’s market capitalisation at the novel coronavirus. told aFP. President Idriss deaths from the novel coro- 688 trillion rials ($4.3 billion) Amanullah Kaliwaal, 30, Deby Itno asserted that boko navirus remained in double for the offered eight billion lives in Kabul where he gets up haram militants were chased figures for the second day in shares. every morning to produce face out of the country in the op- a row, as the country gradu- SHASTA is Iran’s biggest masks using his small sewing eration carried out between ally reopens its sanctions-hit holding company with stakes machine. March 31 and april 8. economy. in industries as diverse as Masks and protective cloth- a Chadian army spokes- Health ministry spokes- construction and pharmaceu- ing are in short supply in Af- man said at least 52 man Kianoush Jahanpour ticals. ghanistan, which has been suf- soldiers and 1,000 jihadists said 94 deaths from the COV- The offering is expected fering from a lack of medical were killed during the opera- ID-19 disease were recorded to raise a significant amount care after four decades of war tion, which was launched in the past 24 hours, bringing of cash for the government, and crisis. after a massive attack on an the overall toll to 4,777. without it giving up control to Kaliwaal produces up to 500 army base near Lake Chad Another 1,512 people test- appoint managers and board masks each day and donates that claimed the lives of ed positive for the illness. members. them to people who can hardly around 100 soldiers. (AFP) That took the total num- While Iran had forecast afford to invest in personnel ber of infections to 76,389, that its economy would con- hygiene. So far, he has nearly Ethnic fighting Jahanpour said, noting that Iranian President Hassan rouhani chairs a cabinet session in Tehran. Iran said new deaths from the novel tract by 7.2 percent in the year sewed a total of 5,000 masks. leaves 19 dead in 49,933 of those hospitalised coronavirus remained in double figures for the second day in a row, as the country gradually reopens.(aFP) to March 21, the country’s After the coronavirus outbreak had recovered and been dis- stock market has risen over was reported in Kabul, Kaliwaal northwest Nigeria charged. 187 percent during the same visited several stores to buy KaNo at least 19 peo- The government of Presi- World learning US ‘kills people’ after WHO move: Iran period. masks and distribute them to ple were killed in fighting dent Hassan Rouhani has Since then, the Tehran people. However, he found that between ethnic groups in struggled to contain the TehrAn iran said on Wednes- Tuesday ordered that payments Trump unilaterally withdrew Stock Exchange’s main index, there weren’t enough, so he be- northwest nigeria’s Taraba outbreak that emerged two day the world is learning that amounting to $400 million be from a nuclear deal. the TEDPIX, has climbed by gan making his own. state over ownership of a months ago. the United states “kills peo- halted pending a review. “The shameful defunding another 20 percent despite With the increase of Cov- fishing lake, police said on It shut schools and univer- ple”, after President donald The death toll from the of Who amid a pandemic will the COVID-19 outbreak. id-19 cases in Afghanistan, the Wednesday. sities, postponed major events Trump suspended Us funding CoVid-19 pandemic has topped live in infamy,” Zarif wrote on This is while Iran has prices of masks, hand sanitiz- The fighting erupted on and imposed a range of other for the World health organi- 125,000 around the world. Twitter. faced rising inflation and a ers and food supplies have monday between the shomo restrictions, but it has stopped zation amid the coronavirus iran’s Foreign minister “The world is learning what sharp decline in the value of sky-rocketed. According to Ka- and jole ethnic groups in short of ordering lockdowns. pandemic. mohammad javad Zarif likened iran has known & experienced its national currency. liwaal, producing 100 masks the district of Lau. Iran allowed small busi- Trump has accused the Un the funding freeze to the United all along,” he said. Iran has requested a $5 only costs him 2.6 dollars and “nineteen people were nesses outside Tehran to reo- body of covering up the serious- states’ “maximum pressure” “Us regime’s bullying, billion emergency loan from in turn, he is able to help people confirmed dead,” state pen on Saturday and is set ness of the CoVid-19 outbreak campaign against his country. threatening & vainglorious the International Monetary to protect themselves. police spokesman david to extend the measure to the in China before it spread The United states reim- blathering isn’t just an addic- Fund to battle the coronavirus “I enjoy helping people this misal told AFP. “Around 100 capital next week. around the world. posed crippling sanctions tion: it kills people,” added outbreak. way,” he told dpa. houses were burned and The move has faced criti- The Us president on against iran in 2018 after Zarif. (AFP) But the United States, Overall, Afghanistan has several people were also cism from health experts and which effectively holds a veto recorded 784 coronavirus cases injured.” (AFP) even some authorities. at the IMF, has signalled it has and 26 deaths. The real num- Rouhani and other top of- enues coupled with US sanc- the same time,” Rouhani told the sale of a 10 percent stake no intention of allowing the bers could be higher, however, Saudi Arabia says ficials have argued that the tions on the country. a cabinet meeting on Wednes- in Social Security Organisa- loan, alleging that Iran would as the capacity for testing still security forces economy must reopen amid “We have to fight both the day. tion’s investment arm, known use the money to fund “terror remains low with only about shot dead ‘wanted’ diminishing oil and tax rev- disease and unemployment at The president announced by its Persian acronym SHAS- abroad”. 5,000 tests carried out so far. man in Tabuk riyAdh saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that secu- rity forces had shot dead African Union chief says Trump decision on WHO ‘deeply regrettable’ a “wanted” man in the UN alarmed over Libya’s northern province of Tabuk, AFP world depends on WHO’s lead- would be frozen pending a where the disease broke out although critics had said the aDDIS ababa ership to steer the global #Cov- review of the WHO’s role in late last year. escalating violence, man was protesting against id_19 pandemic response. Our “severely mismanaging and Africa has so far not been the development of a megac- THE decision by US President collective responsibility to en- covering up the spread of the hit by the coronavirus as hard ity project. Donald Trump to freeze fund- sure WHO can fully carry out coronavirus” and accused the as other regions, but experts acts of revenge The man, identified as ing to the World Health Organ- its mandate, has never been Geneva-based body of putting worry that weak health systems DPA demned Haftar’s loyalists Abdul-rahim al-howeiti, was ization (WHO) amid the coro- more urgent,” Faki said in a “political correctness above could quickly become over- CaIro for what it called “indis- killed during a security raid on navirus pandemic is “deeply Twitter post. Trump on Tues- life-saving measures.” whelmed by an influx of cases. criminate” bombardment his house on monday, a secu- regrettable,” Moussa Faki Ma- day announced that he would Trump charged that the As of mid-Wednesday, THE United Nations on of Tripoli, the target of a rity spokesman was quoted hamat, the chairman of the Af- halt payments to the UN body outbreak could have been con- there were 16,215 COVID-19 Wednesday said it was year-long campaign by the as saying by the official saudi rican Union Commission, said that amounted to $400 million tained “with very little death” cases across all of Africa, re- alarmed over escalating 76-year-old general. Press Agency. (DPA) on Wednesday. (366 million euros) last year. if the WHO had accurately as- sulting in 869 deaths, accord- violence in strife-torn Libya “UNSMIL warns that “Today more than ever, the He said the payments sessed the situation in China, ing to a toll compiled by AFP. and blamed the country’s acts of revenge will further warring sides. escalate the conflict, and On Monday, Libya’s lead to a cycle of revenge UN-backed Government that threatens the social of National Accord (NGA) fabric in Libya,” it added in Israeli drone hits Hezbollah said its forces had recap- a statement. tured two strategic cities In April last year, Haftar car in Syria near Lebanon west of the capital Tripoli ordered his forces to seize from rival troops led by Tripoli from the rival GNA. AFP were no casualties. commander Khalifa Haftar. The offensive has since trig- beirUT The Britain-based Syrian Obser- There have since been gered mass displacements vatory for Human Rights said “the reports about alleged acts from the city’s flashpoint AN Israeli drone targeted a car of Israeli aircraft targeted a vehicle near of retribution in the seized outskirts. the Lebanese Hezbollah movement the Jdaidit Yabous crossing” with cities including attacks on Libya has been in tur- just inside Syria near the border with Lebanon that is closed due to the civilians, looting and van- moil since the 2011 over- Lebanon on Wednesday, without coronavirus epidemic. dalizing of properties. throw of dictator Moamer casualties, a source from the Shiite Syrian state news agency SANA The UN Support Mis- Gaddafi and has become a armed group said. reported material damage to a “ci- sion in Libya (UNSMIL) battleground for rival proxy “An Israeli drone first struck near vilian car” in the same area, without said on Wednesday that forces. a car transporting Hezbollah mem- mentioning what party had hit it. if the alleged attacks were The oil-rich country has bers,” the source said, asking for ano- There was no comment from the verified, they would “con- two competing administra- nymity because he was not author- Israeli authorities. Iran-backed Hez- stitute grave violations of tions: the GNA in Tripoli ised to speak to the press. bollah has been officially fighting in international human rights and the Haftar-allied gov- “The passengers got out before Syria to support the Damascus re- and humanitarian law.” ernment based in the east- it was then directly hit in a second gime since 2013, helping the regime The mission also con- ern city of Tobruk. strike,” the source said, but there regain key parts of the country. Enforcing Nigerian agents have killed more than virus: Commission DPA and April 13, when many parts of LaGoS Nigeria were under lockdown. There were numerous reports NIGERIA’S National Human within the period of security Rights Commission says the agents shooting people dead be- country has recorded more cause they did not adhere to the deaths at the hands of security lockdown order. agents enforcing an anti-corona- Human rights organizations virus lockdown than those killed have in the past blamed Nige- by the virus itself. rian security agents of carrying “Whereas Covid-19 has led out extrajudicial killings in the to the death of about 11 patients course of their work. to date, law enforcement agents Nigeria has a large population have extrajudicially executed 18 of people who do menial jobs for persons to enforce the regula- a living. Many of them say they tions,” the government agency cannot survive the lockdown. which monitors human rights President Muhammadu Bu- abuses in the country said in a re- hari on Monday extended the port issued on Wednesday. measures in the capital Abuja The human rights commis- A nigerian police officer flags down a vehicle at a checkpoint to enforce - and in the city of Lagos and sion identified the Nigeria Cor- the extended lockdown in Lagos. (AFP) neighbouring state of Ogun, rectional Service, the Nigeria which together account for half Police Force, the Army and the id-19, as the security agencies be- The commission said the kill- the Covid-19 cases in Nigeria - by Ebonyi State Task Force on Cov- hind the killings. ings occurred between March 30 another two weeks. Asia / World Thursday, April 16, 2020 05

New Zealand South Koreans back Moon in pandemic poll PM takes pay AFP pandemic began, and a raft of Voters in obligatory masks distance and everyone is wear- cut as virus hits seoUL safety measures were in place lined up at least one metre apart ing gloves.” around the vote. outside polling stations and had For a time, South Korea economy SOUTH Korean voters turned Turnout was the highest for their temperatures checked be- had the world’s second-largest out in force on Wednesday to a generation, and an exit poll fore being allowed in. outbreak, before it was largely AFP back President Moon Jae-in’s by national broadcaster KBS All had to clean their hands brought under control through WeLLingTon handling of the coronavirus ep- projected the ruling Demo- with sanitiser and don plastic widespread testing and a contact- idemic, putting on compulsory cratic party and a sister organi- gloves, while those with fevers tracing drive, along with widely NEW Zealand Prime Minister face masks and gloves to give sation would take between 155 cast their ballots in separate observed social distancing. Jacinda Ardern announced on his Democratic party a parlia- and 178 places in the 300-seat booths that were disinfected Those self-quarantining at Wednesday she will take a 20 mentary majority according to National Assembly. after each use. home who showed no symp- percent pay cut in a symbolic exit polls. It predicted the main op- “It is done very well,” said toms were allowed to vote im- act of solidarity with people South Korea was among position United Front Party 80-year-old voter Kim Gwang- mediately after the polls closed, struggling financially during the first countries with a major (UFP) and its sister grouping woo. although those showing coro- the coronavirus pandemic. south Korean election officials sort voting papers for ballot counting virus outbreak to hold a na- would take between 107 and “Because of the coronavi- navirus symptoms were effec- Ardern said her personal in the parliamentary elections in seoul on Wednesday. (AFP) tional election since the global 130 seats. rus, people are keeping their tively disenfranchised. salary, those of her fellow ministers and of top public servants would be slashed by a fifth for six months. The move will see Ardern’s Pakistan’s annual pay fall from around NZ$470,000 to NZ$376,000, leaders urge costing her about NZ$47,000 clerics not to Russia coronavirus cases over the six-month period. “While it in itself won’t defy lockdown shift the government’s overall fiscal position, it is about lead- extension ership,” she told reporters. rise exponentially in 2 weeks “This was always just go- DPA ing to be an acknowledgement isLAmAbAd DPA of the hit that many New Zea- mosCoW Russia slams ‘selfish’ landers will be taking at the PAKISTANI leaders on US move to halt moment.” Wednesday urged influential RUSSIA’S coronavirus case- New Zealand is in the Islamic clerics to go back on load rose on Wednesday by WHO funding midst of a four-week COV- their plan to resume congre- more than 3,300, another do- ID-19 lockdown that has para- gational prayers at mosque de- mestic daily record, to reach mosCoW Us President lysed the economy, with thou- spite a decision to extend a a total of nearly 24,500 cases donald Trump’s freeze on sands of jobs losses already coronavirus lockdown. following two weeks of expo- funding for the World health announced. Prime Minister Imran nential growth. organization is a selfish Khan and President Arif Alvi Russia’s recorded case- response to the global are planning to hold sepa- load has increased about 800 pandemic, a senior russian rate meetings with clerics this per cent since the start of the official said Wednesday. Taiwan virus aid week in order to convince month. Federal authorities re- “We see yesterday’s an- them to take back the decision, ported that there were about nouncement by Washington sparks calls to a government spokesman said. 2,700 registered cases in the on freezing funding of the Islamic leaders and head country on April 1. Who as most concerning. it rename China of seminaries threatened to About 130,000 people in is a sign of the very selfish resume congregational prayers Russia were under medical approach of the Us authori- Airlines in defiance of a government observation on Wednesday on ties to what is happening AFP decision on Tuesday to extend suspicion that they could have in the world due to the TAiPei the lockdown until April 30. contracted the virus, a federal pandemic,” deputy foreign “We will reopen mosques monitoring service reported minister sergei ryabkov TAIWAN’S aid shipments to ahead of (the Muslim holy in its daily statistics. told state news agency countries battling the coro- month of) Ramadan,” said Russian officials have been Traffic police check IDs and passes of drivers and passengers in cars entering Moscow on Wednesday TAss. (AFP) navirus have sparked a fierce Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman, an racing in the past two weeks after the city introduced a mandatory permit system. (AFP) debate on the island about influential Islamic leader. to impose lockdown quaran- whether it should rebrand its Muslims across the world tine measures throughout the top doctor with whom he had national carrier China Air- are set to begin the fasting country, following the lead of Russian state will pay $162 wage at virus-hit firms: Putin recently shaken hands tested lines. month of Ramadan in 10 days. the capital and largest city, positive for the virus. The self-ruled island has At that time, mosques are usu- Moscow, which has recorded mosCoW President Vladimir be able to apply from may 1 aid will be $162 per member of That doctor, Denis Prot- been held up as a model for ally at capacity with thousands the most cases. Putin on Wednesday said small and this should involve the staff per month. Last year the senko, who heads the corona- tackling the virus with fewer of worshippers. Russian President and medium-sized businesses minimum of red tape. average monthly salary in rus- virus treatment operations at than 400 confirmed cases de- “We fear the pandemic’s Vladimir Putin warned this will receive direct government aid Putin has ordered a period sia was $636 according to the Moscow’s Kommunarka hos- spite its proximity to China. spread will accelerate by week that the coronavirus out- to pay staff a wage equivalent to of “non-working days” until the state statistics agency. pital, announced on Wednes- In recent weeks it has do- holding large congregational break in the country was “not $162 during the virus lockdown. end of April, to reduce the virus The government aid is a day that he had recovered nated millions of face masks prayers,” said Nadeem Afzal getting better.” Putin made the announce- spread, during which people quarter of this. it is the same from the virus. and other medical supplies Gondal, a spokesman for Putin demanded that offi- ment during a televised con- are supposed to be paid while as the top amount of unem- “Two negative tests. Isola- overseas. Khan. cials prepare for a worst-case ference call with government staying at home. ployment benefit for russia tion is done,” Protsenko said in Much of that aid has been Around a third of the more scenario. He said Russia’s mil- ministers. however many companies as a whole, while moscow has a statement, saying he would ferried on China Airlines jets, than 6,000 infected people itary could become involved The “direct non-repayable are struggling to do this during hiked unemployment benefit to have a “full working day.” sparking some confusion on in Pakistan are members of a in further response measures. financial aid” will help busi- the shutdown and have cut pay 19,500 rubles. To be eligible, Moscow this week has arrival -- and online -- over religious group who attended Russia had been initially nesses pay staff for April and or forced employees to take companies need to have re- tightened its lockdown policy, whether the largesse has come a huge Islamic gathering last quick to respond as the epi- may, Putin said. unpaid leave. tained 90 percent of their staff allowing residents to travel from Taiwan or China. month. demic was emerging in neigh- he said companies should Putin said the government as of April 1. (AFP) around the city only after ob- “Our people feel proud of Congregational prayers bouring China, with Russia taining permission from the exporting the masks but they have been banned across the closing the border in January. behind other European coun- over two weeks ago, with the option, Putin, who has been municipal authorities. are being mistaken as coming Muslim world including at Is- Russian officials also con- tries in imposing domestic public told to remain in their working remotely, said in na- Police checks at several from the country where the lam’s two holiest mosques in ducted extensive quarantine measures. homes unless absolutely nec- tionally televised comments metro stations on Wednesday outbreak emerged,” transport Saudi Arabia as a precaution to measures for people arriving Now most of the country essary, in an effort to prevent last week. led to long, crowded lines, in minister Lin Chia-lung told control the spread of the coro- from other countries during is under lockdown, a measure a further spread of the virus. Putin began working re- violation of the city’s social lawmakers on Wednesday dur- navirus. that time, but Russia lagged first imposed in Moscow just Self-isolation is the only motely earlier this month as a distancing efforts. ing a parliamentary debate.

China ‘seriously concerned’ by US Malaysia’s daily increase in COVID-19 News suspending funding for WHO in brief DPA demic situation is grim and at a cases drops below 100 beijing critical moment,” said spokes- DPA ID-19 were discharged from over the previous week. Beijing calls for controversial hong man Zhao Lijian. KUALA LUmPUr hospital on Wednesday, Ma- The restrictions, which are Kong national security laws CHINA said it was “seriously “The US’ decision will weak- laysia’s total recoveries in- enforced by police and army concerned” about the United en WHO’s capacity and under- MALAYSIA’S Ministry of creased to 2,647, or 52 percent checkpoints, will remain in hoNG Kong beijing’s highest official in hong Kong has called States’ decision to suspend mine international cooperation Health reported on Wednesday of all COVID-19 cases reported place until April 28. for the territory to enact national security laws “as soon as funding for the World Health in the fight against epidemics.” that new cases of COVID-19 since the first positive diagno- Malaysia’s police stated on possible,” in a move many see as a direct threat to rights. Organization, whom Wash- China urges the US to fulfill its dropped below 100 for the first sis on January 25. Malaysia Wednesday that almost 15,000 hong Kong’s beijing Liaison office chief Luo huining said ington accuses of failing in its responsibilities toward WHO day since March 14. remains in lockdown, with bor- people have been arrested for the laws need to be introduced in order to stem “radical response to the coronavirus and commits to supporting the Eighty-five new cases of ders closed and people told to alleged breaches of the lock- violence, foreign interference and pro-independence [rheto- pandemic. global body, Zhao added. COVID-19 were reported by stay at home unless shopping down, with over 5,000 cases ric],” speaking in a video shared by news outlet rThK on A Chinese Foreign Ministry US President Donald the ministry, taking Malaysia’s for essentials or commuting to gone to court. Wednesday. spokesman said Wednesday Trump on Tuesday announced total to 5,072. Eighty-three work, though many business Health Ministry director- in the video marking China’s national security education the WHO plays an “irreplace- he was halting funding for the people have died in the country remain closed. general Noor Hisham Abdullah day, Luo urged the government to invoke Article 23, a con- able” role in responding to pub- WHO and accused the organi- after being infected. The lockdown was imposed said during a Wednesday even- troversial part of hong Kong’s constitution that requires the lic health crises. zation, alleging failures by the After 169 people who had on March 18 after COVID-19 ing press conference that the government to pass laws that reinforce national security. “The current global epi- world health body. previously contracted COV- cases spiked from 129 to 790 lockdown appears to be working. The article states that hong Kong “shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People’s government” and “prohibit political organizations or bodies of the region from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bod- India to ease lockdown in rural areas from next week ies.” (DPA) DPA where there were no COVID-19 social distancing and any viola- neW deLhi containment zones or hotspots, tion would result in penalties, Bangladesh reports first coronavirus the Home Ministry said in a the ministry said. death of physician INDIA will permit some activi- statement. Food production and pro- ties in rural areas starting next So far 170 hotspots and 260 cessing; construction of roads, dhAKA bangladesh has reported the first death of a physician week, including manufacturing potential hotspots had been buildings and industrial pro- from the novel coronavirus as the national Covid-19 fatality and infrastructure projects, to identified across the country, jects; farming and marketing toll rose to 50, health officials said on Wednesday. provide relief to workers im- Health Ministry spokesman of agricultural and horticultural health minister Zahid maleque said moin Uddin, 50, a pacted by the COVID-19 lock- Lav Agarwal said at a daily brief- produce; animal husbandry; heart specialist, died in dhaka. he was diagnosed positive down, the government said ing. and tea, coffee and rubber plan- on April 4. it is assumed he contracted the virus through his Wednesday. Hotspots are areas where tations in these areas will be al- work at sylhet osmani medical College and hospital. The Home Ministry guide- the number of cases are high or lowed to operate. by Wednesday morning officials from different parts of the lines came a day after Prime exponentially increasing. Thousands of migrant country reported four more deaths, including that of the doc- Minister Narendra Modi ex- According to government Migrant labourers stuck in the city during a government-imposed workers in India’s bigger cities tor, in the last 24 hours, raising the Covid-19 death toll to 50, tended a nationwide lockdown data, 11,933 people have tested nationwide lockdown gather to demand transportation to go back to have been struggling to make the minister said. to May 3. positive for COVID-19 in India, their homes. (AFP) ends meet as a result the lock- he added fresh infections were reported among 209 The easing of the lockdown and 392 of them have died. down. Many of them are daily people during this period, making the total number of patients would start next Monday and Financial hub Mumbai and worst-affected. Monday would have to be car- wage workers and support fam- to 1,238. (DPA) take place only in rural areas national capital Delhi are the The activities allowed from ried out under strict norms of ilies in rural areas. 06 Thursday, April 16, 2020

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 opinion HamaD bIn SUHaIm al tHanI CHAIRMAN aDEl alI bIn alI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HaSSan mOHammED al anSaRI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COVID-19 Offers Tech A Chance Are Anti-Malaria Drugs The Answer To Improve Its Image In the Battle Against COVID-19? Big tech firms must tighten privacy and consumer protection measures during the pandemic and gain the public trust Clinical trials for Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine drugs have shown

MERICANS’ reliance on tech has Meanwhile, tech firms are working good results in viral clearance from COVID-19 patients, especially Asoared since people began sheltering overtime to eliminate misinformation when used in conjunction with Azithromycin (Zithromax) in place. The industry should rise to from search and social networking sites the moment, doing everything possible and prominently displaying links to the during the crisis to restore confidence in Centers for Disease Control and World technology’s ability to be a force for good Health Organization. But there are still in the world. glaring examples of misconduct. Some companies, including Google, Zoom’s widespread security issues Cisco and Facebook, have made gener- are the direct result of taking shortcuts, ous contributions to support struggling bypassing steps that could have better businesses, organisations and health protected user’s privacy. The firm’s vide- care workers. Apple and other tech firms oconferencing app, which has surged have donated millions of masks they had in popularity from 10 million users in stockpiled during the California wildfires December to 200 million in March, has to US health care workers. been beset by privacy problems. More That’s appreciated. But this is about a than 500,000 Zoom accounts have re- more fundamental change in the indus- portedly been sold on hacker forums, try, which has been and will continue to and the Pentagon, Google and multiple be a critical part of the nation’s corona- schools have banned employees from us- DR FOUAD ALSHABAN the bark of a tree known as cinchona. They are also being used by Hamad virus response. It’s time for tech leaders ing the company’s technology. Doha Hydroxychloroquine is a derivative of Medical Corporation as a therapeutic to embrace privacy and consumer protec- Price gouging in the sale of personal chloroquine and was developed to combat protocol in conjunction with Zithromax. tions they have so long resisted. protection equipment on social media S the world continues to self-isolate strains of malaria that are resistant to chlo- These drugs have been used for a For starters, they can websites also has been a and fight both health and economic roquine, and it therefore has greater poten- very long time in the treatment and withdraw their long- recurring problem. Fa- battles against the coronavirus (COV- cy. Sold under the brand name Plaquenil prevention of malaria, and have a safe- standing opposition to Rebuilding trust must be cebook, for example, an- AID-19), the race to find a drug that can among others, it was approved for medical ty record. There are some side effects fundamental online user a priority for the tech nounced on March 6 that be effective against the virus is prov- use in the United States in 1955 and is also just like with any other medications, safeguards, including the industry if it hopes to it would temporarily ban ing to be a marathon rather than a sprint. on the WHO Essential Medicines list. the main one being on the retina of the Internet Bill of Rights be- maintain its long-term commerce listings and The death toll from COVID-19 has al- Taken in tablet form, chloroquine and eye and also on the heart which can ing developed by US Rep growth, both at home advertisements for medi- ready surpassed 125,000, so there is under- hydroxychloroquine have been extremely result in arrhythmia - a problem with Ro Khanna (D-California). cal face masks during the standable pressure to find an effective vac- effective against malaria. They enter the the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat - in Privacy guarantees are and abroad COVID-19 crisis. cine as fast as possible, but with so much at red blood cells, which is where the malaria certain cases. emerging as a major issue But reports of ads pop- stake can the world’s scientists really afford parasite usually lives and multiplies during However, these drugs should only in the effort to develop an exit strategy ping up on Facebook continue, with sell- to take shortcuts? infection, and they kill the parasite as well be taken if prescribed. People must not from the pandemic. Aggressive contact ers then using WhatsApp’s encrypted Before vaccines are fully approved, they as preventing its multiplication. self-medicate as that can be extremely tracing will be essential to identifying and technology to make the actual sale with- usually go through three phases of clinical dangerous. My advice is not to take the tracking individuals with COVID-19 and out traceable accountability. It’s one tests, which is why it has been suggested it medication without a physician’s ap- determining who they may have put at thing for Facebook to struggle with con- could be at least a year until we have an ac- the drugs have an antiviral effect as proval, but I do recommend it to be used risk for infection. Guarantees need to be trolling individuals’ inappropriate media cepted vaccine that has been proven to be they inhibit nucleic acid synthesis by medical staff who are in contact with in place that ensure individuals’ privacy posts, but it’s inexcusable for the com- effective against COVID-19. and they have been used in the COVID-19 patients to reduce the risk of rights will not be trampled in the process. pany to not better manage its ad listings. Prophylaxis (treatment given or action treatment of certain viral infections them also becoming infected. The Bay Area’s biggest companies are Practicing responsible business be- taken to prevent disease) is critical if we like SaRS and hepatitis among Companies all over the world are largely modelling good behaviour. Goog- haviour isn’t just the right thing to do. are to break the spread and rapid rate of working day and night to produce a very le and Apple are teaming up to develop a It’s also good business. Rebuilding trust increase of COVID-19. Specifically, chemo- others, which is why some physicians large quantity of these drugs, which are contact tracing app that would use Blue- must be a priority for the industry if it prophylaxis - the use of drugs to prevent and centres have tried it in the now available in millions, and the good tooth technology, potentially eliminating hopes to maintain its long-term growth, disease - is required. treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic news is they are among the cheapest med- many of the privacy concerns. While they both at home and abroad. The pandemic Pre-exposure and post-exposure proph- ications available in pharmacies, with a talk about privacy concerns, we will soon response provides technology firms the ylaxis are both required, and vaccines that bottle of 30 tablets costing just $2-3. see if they back that up in the develop- chance to prove the nation’s and world’s are currently used to tackle malaria, HIV, The drugs have an antiviral effect as they As I mentioned in my recently pub- ment of these critical new products. trust in them is not misplaced. influenza and lung inflammation are among inhibit nucleic acid synthesis and they have lished paper ‘A recommendation for the hundreds being tested. been used in the treatment of certain viral the use of Chloroquine, Hydroxychlo- Anti-malarial agents chloroquine and infections like SARS and hepatitis among roquine, Primaquine, or Tafenoquine hydroxychloroquine are among those being others, which is why some physicians and for Prophylaxis Against the 2019 Novel considered for the treatment of the virus, centres have tried it in the treatment of the Coronavirus’, these drugs can pre- having already been used in the treatment COVID-19 pandemic. vent the spread of this disease as they of viral infections such as Severe Acute Res- Clinical trials in China, where COV- proved to be very effective in the pre- piratory Syndrome (SARS) and hepatitis ID-19 was first detected at the end of 2019, vention of malaria. among others. have suggested that chloroquine shortens COVID-19 resulted from the SARS- the course of the virus, improves lung func- (Dr Fouad Alshaban is a Senior CoV-2 virus, which is a mutated form of the tion, inhibits exacerbation of pneumonia, Scientist at Qatar Biomedical Re- original SARS coronavirus of 2003, and as and promotes virus clearance. search Institute, part of Hamad Bin these drugs were effective in treating the Although testing is ongoing, clinical tri- Khalifa University, w here he leads previous SARS virus, they are now being als for both drugs have shown good results the Autism Epidemiology Research tried on the new mutated one. in viral clearance from patients affected, Team w ithin the Neurological Dis- Chloroquine has been used to treat and especially when used in conjunction with orders Research Center.) prevent malaria since 1934 and is on the Azithromycin (Zithromax). World Health Organization (WHO)’s Model The Food and Drug Administration (This article is submitted on List of Essential Medicines, which contains (FDA) has already issued an Emergency behalf of the author by the HBKU the medications considered to be most ef- Use Authorization that will allow patients Communications Directorate. The fective and safe to meet the most important suffering from COVID-19 to be treated us- view s expressed are the author’s needs in a health system. It is synthesized ing chloroquine phosphate and hydroxy- ow n and do not necessarily reflect (Tribune News Service) from quinine which has been isolated from chloroquine sulfate. the University’s official stance)

On Its Second Anniversary, Qatar National Library Continues To Support The Nation Amid COVID-19 pandemic, QNL remains fully committed to bringing knowledge to people’s homes via its digital resources

ABEER AL KUWARI services, programmes and events have valuable bank of learning and entertain- ing care of the well-being of our fellow Doha expanded to reach all our communities ment resources. citizens, our librarians are continuing to here in Qatar and across the world. We Reading an enthralling novel can work online to bring knowledge to peo- PRIL 15 marks two years since the had the pleasure of welcoming more distract us from the current reality, and ple’s homes via our digital resources. Agrand opening of Qatar National than 1.3 million visitors since our of- we have a huge selection of fiction eb- The Library has been a central part Library. In those two years, it has ficial opening, while over 170,000 new ooks online free of any cost. Audiobooks of our lives now for two years, and in grown to become a beacon of knowledge members have registered. These num- are also there for those in need of a dis- that short time, the community has re- for the nation and a vast resource of bers are a clear testament to our full traction while doing house chores, and ally taken us into their hearts. Rest as- learning for the world’s online commu- evolution into a modern hub of creative, a useful information guide on COVID-19 sured, we will always be here for you. So, nity. Meanwhile, for those of us who are educational and social activities. is available for those looking to cut at this time of coming together for rea- privileged enough to call the Library our With our building unavoidably closed through the noise of disinformation and sons none of us could have ever imag- place of work, the ambitious project’s to the public for the time being, our digi- seek reliable sources. ined, we urge you not to miss out on the continued development represents an tal offerings are coming to the forefront. This situation is certainly pushing unique opportunities that we offer. Join enormous source of pride for us all. Families in Qatar, forced to stay home as our librarians to find new ways of sup- us—it’s easy to register for membership At a time when we should be gather- we all fight to contain the coronavirus, groups and interests—ready and willing porting communities, and is making all online, and it’s free. Come and be part ing to celebrate our second birthday, we are now accessing our online features, to assist everyone here in Qatar as they of us more flexible in what we consider of our story. Visit us online to see what are instead confined to our homes. With using this unprecedented period to add continue their educational journeys in the new normal. we can do to support and entertain you, the COVID-19 pandemic having turned to their knowledge and skillsets. the safety of their homes. Speaking of our librarians, I also must your family and your friends at this dif- everyday life upside down, this is a time Even though the building itself is With schools closed, some of us have pay tribute and give a very special thank ficult time. for us to count our blessings and look physically closed, we remain digitally had to become teachers to our children. you to our talented team, all of whom are out for each other. open to support this quest for enlighten- In this difficult period, we are still mak- united in their important role during this (Abeer Al Kuw ari, Director of We have had so much to celebrate ment. We are still working as a team to ing contributions to the lives of many crisis. At a time when our courageous Research and Learning Services, across our two years of existence. Our support lifelong learning across all age parents and children alike through our health workers on the front line are tak- Qatar National Library)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Europe / united States Thursday, April 16, 2020 07

Pompeo calls for China cooperation Trump under fire over WHO funding as coronavirus tensions renew AFP freeze amid coronavirus pandemic WAshingTon US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday called AFP ever, the world depends on for coronavirus cooperation PAris WHO’s leadership to steer the in talks with a top Chinese of- global #Covid_19 pandemic ficial, signaling a bid to keep a THE US decision to freeze response. Our collective re- lid on renewing tensions. funding ro the World Health sponsibility to ensure WHO President Donald Trump’s Organization over what Presi- can fully carry out its mandate, administration has berated dent Donald Trump said was has never been more urgent.” China for not sharing data its “mismanaging” of the glob- ‘Blaming others won’t more quickly and said Tues- al coronavirus pandemic trig- help’ “Blaming others won’t day it was freezing funds to the gered anger and concern on help. The virus knows no bor- World Health Organization Wednesday. ders” -- German Foreign Min- for not challenging Beijing. Trump announced on ister Heiko Maas on Twitter. Pompeo renewed his push Tuesday that the United “One of the best investments for “full transparency” in a call States would halt payments to is to strengthen the UN, Wednesday with senior Chi- the UN body that amounted to above all the under-financed nese official Yang Jiechi, but $400 million last year. WHO... in the development the State Department’s tone Here are some of the reac- and distribution of tests and was unusually positive. tions from across the world to vaccines.” Pompeo “noted the aid the Trump’s move: ‘Selfish approach’ “It is American people delivered to ‘No time to waste’ “We re- a sign of the very selfish ap- the people of China in January gret the decision of the presi- proach of the US authorities -- and continue to offer -- and dent of the United States to to what is happening in the the high importance we attach order a halt in funding to the world due to the pandemic” -- to China’s facilitation of medi- World Health Organization” Russian deputy foreign min- cal supply exports to meet -- WHO director-general ister Sergei Ryabkov. “Such a critical demand in the United Tedros Adhanom Ghebreye- blow to this organisation just States,” the State Department sus in a virtual news confer- when the international com- said. ence. “There is no time to munity is looking towards it... “The two sides confirmed waste. WHO’s singular focus is a step worthy of condemna- their commitment to defeat is on working to serve all peo- President Donald Trump during the daily briefing on COVID-19, in the rose Garden of the White House in Washington on Wednesday.(AFP) tion and every reproach.” the COVID-19 outbreak and ple to save lives and stop the ‘US kills people’ “The restore global health and pros- COVID-19 pandemic” he said the epidemic.” shameful defunding of WHO perity,” it said. earlier on Twitter. G7 to discuss coronavirus pandemic today: White House ‘No justification’ “Deeply amid a pandemic will live in China is a vital source of ‘Critical to war against vi- regret US decision to suspend infamy” -- Iranian Foreign masks and other supplies des- rus’ “(It is) not the time to re- WAshingTon Us President donald Trump and other g7 leaders will discuss international coordination funding to WHO” -- EU for- Minister Mohammad Javad perately needed by the United duce the resources for the op- of the coronavirus response by video conference on Thursday, the White house said. eign policy chief Josep Bor- Zarif on Twitter. “The world is States, which has the highest erations of the World Health The remote meeting convened by Trump follows up on another virtual summit held last month and rell on Twitter. “There is no learning what Iran has known number both of infections and Organization or any other comes as the leading world economies remain under lockdown due to the pandemic. reason justifying this move at & experienced all along. “US deaths from the virus. humanitarian organization Trump convened the meeting for “Thursday morning to coordinate national responses to the coro- a moment when their efforts regime’s bullying, threaten- Trump and Chinese Presi- in the fight against the virus” navirus pandemic,” White house spokesman judd deere said. are needed more than ever to ing & vainglorious blathering dent Xi Jinping had appeared -- UN Secretary General An- “Working together, the g7 is taking a whole-of-society approach to tackle the crisis across multiple help contain and mitigate the isn’t just an addiction: it kills to reach a truce in a phone call tonio Guterres. “It is my belief areas, including health, finance, humanitarian assistance, and science and technology,” deere said. coronavirus pandemic. Only people.” late last month, with Trump that the World Health Organi- The g7 is made up of britain, Canada, France, germany, italy, japan and the United states, which by joining forces can we over- ‘Weakening central insti- and Pompeo afterward end- zation must be supported, as this year holds the group’s presidency. come this crisis that knows no tution’ “The last thing we need ing the provocative use of the it is absolutely critical to the The White house has said that the traditional annual summit, due to have been staged near borders.” now is to attack the WHO” terms “Chinese virus” and world’s efforts to win the war Washington in june, will instead also take place by video link. ‘Deeply regrettable’ “The -- former WHO director-gen- “Wuhan virus.” Even if the against COVID-19.” on Tuesday, Trump spoke by phone with French President emmanuel macron on “efforts to defeat US govt decision to suspend eral Gro Harlem Brundtland rhetoric is more civil, Defense ‘Undermining interna- the coronavirus pandemic and reopen world economies,” the White house said. (AFP) funding to @WHO is deeply in a statement to AFP. “This Secretary Mark Esper said tional cooperation’ “China regrettable” -- African Un- means weakening our central Wednesday that China should is seriously concerned about World Health Organization” current global epidemic situ- will weaken WHO’s capaci- ion Commission chairman global institution,” said the provide more information on the US announcement to -- Chinese foreign ministry ation is grim. It is at a criti- ties and undermine the inter- Moussa Faki Mahamat on 71-year-old doctor and former the virus that originated in its suspend funding for the spokesman Zhao Lijian. “The cal moment. This US decision national cooperation against Twitter. “Today more than Norwegian prime minister. metropolis of Wuhan.

News UK govt urged to set out lockdown exit plan as toll climbs in brief AFP Party, said it would support day showed that 12,868 people Labour leader earlier this In a letter to the govern- erly prepare for the outbreak. London the government’s expected de- have died from the coronavi- month, called on ministers to ment, he also warned: “We Medical staff and care hungary to expel 14 cision on Thursday to renew a rus, a rise of 761 over the previ- explain within a week their cannot repeat mistakes that homes still complain of a lack Iranians amid virus THE British government was stay-at-home order imposed ous day. plan for easing restrictions, have already been made on of protective equipment, while under pressure on Wednes- three weeks ago to stem the The number of people both to reassure the public and testing and access to protective testing for coronavirus re- ‘show trial’ claim day to set out its plans to end spread of COVID-19. who have tested positive for to give lawmakers time scruti- equipment.” mains limited. bUDaPeSt: hungary said on the coronavirus lockdown, as He said this was necessary COVID-19 has now reached nise it properly. Prime Minister Boris The government has prom- Wednesday it would expel the country’s death toll ap- while the UK death toll kept 98,476, making Britain one of “People need hope, they Johnson’s Conservative gov- ised 100,000 tests a day by the 14 Iranian citizens for violat- proached 13,000. rising. the worst affected countries in need to know there’s light at ernment has been criticised for end of the month, but Starm- ing coronavirus quarantine Keir Starmer, the new lead- Figures announced by the the global pandemic. the end of the tunnel,” Starmer not introducing the lockdown er noted it was only at about rules, despite protests from er of the opposition Labour health ministry on Wednes- Starmer, who was elected told BBC radio. earlier, and for failing to prop- 15,000 a day now. tehran and a rights group that called the decision a ‘politically motivated show trial’. Police lieutenant colonel Germany to keep most coronavirus Spain’s daily virus toll falls again with 523 dead robert Kiss told a news briefing in budapest that 11 AFP number of cases since April 9. by freezing all non-essential of the group, all students, lockdown measures until early May mAdrid Health authorities say activities like construction and were to be expelled on DPA bours in the Schengen free- Spain has overcome the peak manufacturing for two weeks Thursday, and another three berLin travel zone are to remain in SPAIN recorded 523 deaths of the coronavirus, after reg- in a so-called “economic hiber- on April 23. The iranians place for another 20 days, the from the coronavirus on istering its highest daily death nation” -- a measure that was “displayed blatantly anti- THE German federal govern- Interior Ministry in Berlin an- Wednesday, a decline from the toll of 950 people on April 2, lifted on Monday. social, violent behaviour” ment and states have agreed to nounced. previous day, but the number but warn against relaxing re- “We adopted difficult while under quarantine in extend anti-coronavirus social Merkel warned on Wednes- of new daily confirmed cases strictions on the movement of measures which are effective, a budapest hospital last distancing measures until May day that the country had was the highest in six days. people to curb the spread of which protect and save lives,” month, said Kiss. 3, and will allow a gradual reo- achieved a “fragile, partial suc- The new deaths reported the virus. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro The expulsions follow a pening of schools from the day cess” against the coronavirus by the health ministry take the Spain on March 14 imposed Sanchez said Wednesday dur- campaign against iranians after, DPA has learnt. outbreak, and asked citizens to total number of fatalities to one of the tightest lockdowns ing a debate in parliament. spearheaded by hungary’s Chancellor Angela Merkel German Chancellor Angela Merkel keep to the anti-virus measures 18,579 -- officially third in the in Europe, with people in the “As a result of this con- nationalist Prime minister and premiers of the country’s imposed by the government. world behind the United States nation of around 47 million finement, I am convinced that Viktor orban’s government 16 states agreed the measures tres are to be allowed to reo- Hospitals, doctors and and Italy. people allowed outside only to Spaniards will shortly recover and waged by pro-orban during a video conference pen from Monday, but major health-care workers had not Spain recorded 567 deaths go to work when they can’t do a bit of normality...a new nor- media outlets. (AFP) held on Wednesday afternoon, public events, including sports been overwhelmed, she pointed from COVID-19 on Tuesday. so from home, buy food, seek mality because nothing will sources told DPA. events, are to be banned up to out. Germans should still exer- The number of new con- medical care and briefly walk be the same until a vaccine is danish schools Also agreed at the meet- August 31. cise “extreme caution” Merkel firmed infections rose by 5,092, their dog. found,” he added in response reopen after ing are that shops with a sales Controls along Germany’s said, noting that there was still or three percent, to 177,633, The government tightened to criticism from the right over month-long closure area of up to 800 square me- land borders with its neigh- no vaccine against the virus. the biggest daily increase in the the restrictions on March 30 his handling of the pandemic. to curb virus CoPenhAgen: denmark began reopening schools for younger children on Italy reports 578 new virus deaths, Macron hails Notre Dame restoration as symbol of resilience Wednesday after a month- but contagion keeps slowing long closure to combat the DPA Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo novel coronavirus, becoming DPA February. PAris said the city and national gov- the first country in europe rome The overall death toll from ernments were working to reo- to do so. Covid-19, the respiratory dis- THE reconstruction of Notre pen the square in front of the nurseries, kindergar- ITALY’S Civil Protection ease caused by the novel coro- Dame Cathedral is a “symbol of 12th-century Gothic cathedral tens and primary schools Agency on Wednesday an- navirus, rose by 2.7 per cent our people’s resilience,” French to the public as soon as possible. were restarting after they nounced 578 more deaths and to 21,645, the second-highest President Emmanuel Macron The fire had touched “the were officially closed on an increase in the national figure in the world after the said on Wednesday as a Paris geographical, spiritual and cul- march 17 in an effort to tally of novel coronavirus in- United States. under coronavirus lockdown tural heart of Paris, the sym- curb the CoVid-19 epidem- fections to more than 165,000. The number of people who marked the anniversary of last bolic heart of our country,” Hi- ic, though many had shut However, the daily in- have recovered from the dis- year’s devastating fire. This combination of two pictures shows (left) the spire of the notre- dalgo wrote on Twitter. before then. crease in infections - 2,667, ease rose by 962, to 38,092, The cathedral, now roof- Dame Cathedral in central Paris collapsing as a major fire broke out The cathedral’s largest bell however classes are bringing the total to 165,155 - and the number of patients in less and windowless, has at the landmark on April 15, 2019, and (right) the same view of the would toll at 8 pm (1800 GMT) only resuming in about half was the lowest in more than a intensive care fell for the 12th stood silent and fenced-off cathedral one year after, on April 13, 2020. (AFP) to mark the anniversary of the of denmark’s municipalities month, offering more evidence day in a row, by 107 to 3,079. by the bank of the Seine river fire, she announced. and in about 35 percent of of a slowing rate of contagion. Italy is facing the worst since mid-March, when the companions, for a brief cere- of its builders, raised up this The cathedral is still topped Copenhagen’s schools, as The infection count was up outbreak of the novel corona- lockdown forced construction mony broadcast by video to the lacework of stone and glass,” by a part-melted scaffolding others have requested more by 1.6 per cent compared to virus in Europe, but according works to end. faithful. Aupetit wrote on Twitter on erected for planned restora- time to adjust to health Tuesday. This was the lowest to experts, the country’s infec- Only on Good Friday was “Its stones bear witness the anniversary, repeating his tion work on its 93-metre-high protocols. All are expected daily percentage change since tion curve has been flattening Archbishop Michel Aupetit al- to the invincible hope that, words from the day after the spire, which collapsed into the to reopen by April 20. (AFP) the start of the outbreak in late since late March. lowed to enter, with just six through the genius and faith blaze. flames on April 15 last year. Barwa mulls new projects, expects occupancy to rise pAGE 10

ThurSdAy, AprIL 16, 2020

DOW23,483.25 QE 8,851.78 SENSEX 30,379.81 GOLD 1,714.02 Woqod reports net profit of −466.51 PTS -77.88 PTS −310.21 PTS -0.75% QR226 million in Q1 2020 pAGE 9 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 15.71 BRENT 27.99 -5.44% WTI 19.91 -0.99% SILVER -3.86% QNB first international bank in Sudan to be granted Visa licence QNB’s customers in Sudan will soon be able to get access to fast, secure, and innovative digital payment products including e-commerce transactions

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK digital payment products that are will contribute to the economic create entirely new ways to pay Doha accepted both domestically and growth of the country.” and be paid, bringing the bene- globally, including e-commerce Visa General Manager for fits of security, convenience, and QNB Group, the largest financial transactions. North Africa Ahmed Gaber said, global acceptance to Sudanese institution in the Middle East QNB Group Retail General “This is an important milestone consumers and local merchants.” and Africa, on Wednesday an- Manager Heba al Tamimi said, in the regional partnership we Strategically located in ma- nounced that it has become the “We are pleased to be working already enjoy with QNB, and jor cities in Sudan, the bank’s first foreign bank to obtain a li- with the Sudanese regulators and we are delighted to partner with branches provide personal, cor- cense in Sudan from global pay- Visa to launch a series of pay- them to help drive financial in- porate and Islamic banking ser- ments technology leader Visa. ment products and services that clusion and economic growth in vices. QNB Group’s presence The licence will allow QNB to will allow our Sudanese custom- Sudan. We will work with QNB through its subsidiaries and asso- provide Visa payment solutions ers to have access to the award- to enable their digital expansion ciate companies extends to more in the country. winning QNB payment products and diversify their product of- than 31 countries across three QNB’s customers in Sudan and solutions. We are committed fering in Sudan, and introduce continents, providing a compre- will soon be able to get access to investing and growing the pay- Visa’s world-class payment tech- hensive range of advanced prod- The QnB headquarters in Doha to fast, secure, and innovative ments landscape in Sudan, which nology in the country, which will ucts and services. Qp begins drilling campaign QIB posts profit of QR687.5 mn for North Field East project in first quarter An important milestone in Qatar’s plans to raise its LNG production capacity, says Kaabi Total assets rise 6.9% to reach TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK QR166.1 billion in first quarter Doha LnG output

QATAR Petroleum on increase TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ter of 2020 with strict cost Wednesday announced the this phase of the North Doha controls supporting higher start of the drilling campaign operating revenues enabled for the development of the Field expansion project QATAR Islamic Bank (QIB), further enhancement of North Field East (NFE) Pro- will increase Qatar’s LNG Qatar’s leading Islamic efficiency and further de- ject, previously known as the production capacity from Bank, on Wednesday an- creased the cost to income North Field Expansion Pro- 77 mtpa to 110 mtpa. the nounced that it posted a net ratio to 22.7 percent in the ject. second phase of the North profit of QR 687.5 million in same quarter, the bank said. The first of 80 NFE de- Field LNG expansion Project the first quarter of 2020, in QIB was able to main- velopment wells was spud- called the North Field South line with the same quarter tain the ratio of non-per- ded on March 29 by the jack- Project will further increase last year. forming financing assets to up rig ‘GulfDrill Lovanda’, the country’s LNG produc- Total assets of the bank total financing assets at 1.3 which is managed and oper- tion capacity to 126 mtpa increased by 6.9 percent percent reflecting the qual- ated by GulfDrill, a joint ven- compared to March 2019 ity of the bank’s financing ture between Qatar-based and 1.5 percent compared assets portfolio. QIB contin- Gulf Drilling International drilling of 80 development to December 2019 and now ues to pursue the conserva- and Seadrill Limited. wells for the NFE. stands at QR 166.1 billion. tive impairment provision- This phase of the North The installation of the The increase in assts was ing policy with the coverage Field expansion project will first four Offshore Jackets driven by the continued ratio for non-performing increase Qatar’s liquefied in Qatari waters is under- growth in the financing financing assets at 100 per- natural gas (LNG) produc- way and is expected to be and investing activities, the cent as of March 2020. tion capacity from 77 million completed by the end of this bank said in. QIB’s efficient risk man- tonnes per annum (mtpa) to month. Financing activities agement framework has en- 110 mtpa. The second phase Kaabi said, “I would like reached QR114 billion hav- sured that the results for the of the North Field LNG Ex- to take this opportunity to ing grown by 7.2 percent first quarter have not been pansion Project called the Minister of state for Energy Affairs and Qatar Petroleum President and CEO HE saad sherida al Kaabi express my gratitude to the compared to the same pe- materially impacted by the North Field South Project widest spectrum of the en- riod last year. events related to Covid-19. (NFS) will further increase Kaabi said, “The start of the the making of substantial in- and teams for this important ergy sector in Qatar that is Customer deposits of the However, the bank pru- Qatar’s LNG production ca- development drilling cam- vestments is proof that the achievement and for making working with great dedica- bank now stand at QR110.2 dently took impairment pacity from 110 mtpa to 126 paign for NFE represents an NFE remains on top of our sure that every component tion and commitment during billion, registering a growth charge of QR276 Million mtpa. important milestone to deliv- priorities and demonstrates of the project is delivered the current circumstances to of 2.3 percent compared to in the first quarter, repre- Commenting on the an- er on our strategy to grow our our commitment to execut- safely.” ensure that Qatar lives up to March, 2019. senting an increment of QR nouncement, Minister of LNG production capacity. ing this mega-project.” Qatar Petroleum had its reputation as a trustwor- Total income in the 74 million over the same State for Energy Affairs and The continued achievement Kaabi said, “I would like earlier awarded a number of thy and reliable energy pro- first quarter of 2020 was period in 2019. The bank Qatar Petroleum President of milestones, the dedication to thank Qatar Petroleum contracts for jack-up drill- ducer at all times and under QR1.944 billion, registering continues to take necessary and CEO HE Saad Sherida al of significant resources and and Qatargas management ing rigs to be utilised for the all circumstances.” a 5.1 percent growth com- precautionary measures to pared to QR 1.84 million ensure that its employees, for the same period in 2019. customers and shareholders Income from financing and are safe and protected. investing activities has reg- Total shareholders’ eq- istered a growth of 3.1 per- uity of the bank reached IMF, WB leaders praise G20 debt relief initiative cent to reach QR1.72 billion QR16.3 billion. Total capital in the first quarter of 2020 adequacy of the bank AGENCIES are facing the heaviest bur- when compared to QR1.67 under Basel III guide- WaShINGtoN den since they do not have the billion for the same period lines is 18.9 percent as of spending power to deal with in 2019, reflecting a healthy March 2020, higher than INTERNATIONAL Monetary treatment and the economic growth in the bank’s core the minimum regulatory Fund (IMF) Managing Direc- fallout caused by widespread operating activities. requirements prescribed by tor Kristalina Georgieva and Big relief lockdowns of their economies Total expenses of QR Qatar Central Bank and Ba- World Bank President Da- imposed to contain the virus. 271 million in the first quar- sel Committee. vid Malpass on Wednesday With the global economy The G20 finance ministers praised a new G20 debt relief plunged into the worst and central bankers endorsed agreement that suspends bi- recession in a century, the “a time-bound suspension of lateral debt service payments Group of 20 nations on debt service payments for the by poor countries. Wednesday announced a poorest countries,” and in the A source familiar with a one-year debt standstill for the communique following their G20 meeting of finance min- world’s poorest nations as virtual meeting, said “All bilat- isters and central bank gov- they struggle to deal with the eral official creditors will par- ernors said the debt service coronavirus pandemic ticipate in this initiative.” suspension would run from The initiative will “provide May 1 through Dec. 31, with an north of $20 billion of imme- option for renewal in 2021. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva diate liquidity” for poor coun- Georgieva, in a statement pledge to deploy “all available tries to use “for their health to a meeting of G20 leaders, the use of special drawing standstill for the world’s poor- policy tools” to deal with the system and support their peo- also said the IMF was “ur- rights could aid this effort. est nations as they struggle to health and economic crisis ple facing COVID-19. The G20 gently” seeking some $18 bil- With the global economy deal with the coronavirus pan- caused by COVID-19. officials “put our money where lion in new resources for the plunged into the worst reces- demic. With over two million cas- our mouth is, and commit to Fund’s Poverty Reduction and sion in a century, the Group The G20, which brings es and fatalities approaching further support the world as it Growth Trust for poor coun- of 20 nations on Wednesday together the world’s largest 130,000 worldwide, many of faces this pandemic,” G20 said The QIB building in Doha tries and was exploring how announced a one-year debt economies, also reiterated the the less developed countries in a statement. Economy & Business Thursday, April 16, 2020 09 QIIB launches round-the-clock corporate cash deposit cards

alternative channels that are keen to facilitate customers’ the new card allows the card holder to constantly being enhanced. access to the cash deposit directly deposit cash in the atm We hope that our customers card by following simple, use the card and the other ser- easy and fast procedures at vices that we provide through QIIB Corporate Branch at TRIBUNE NEWS NEWTORK The new card is linked to alternative channels, especially the Grand Hamad Street, af- Doha the company’s account with in today’s circumstances that ter they have filled in the pre- the QIIB and allows the card require concerted efforts from scribed form available on the QATAR International Islamic holder to directly deposit the bank and its customers. bank’s website”. Bank (QIIB) has launched cash in the ATM without the “This is in order to achieve It should be noted that corporate cash deposit cards need to visit the branch. everyone’s interest and at the in February, QIIB launched that allow the bank’s corpo- As the card is exclusively same time keep the highest its upgraded version of the rate customers to make cash used for cash deposits, and levels of safety, which defi- corporate online banking deposits round the clock in in order to eliminate all risks nitely necessitate, the use of platform with innovative specific ATMs across the related thereto, the cardhold- alternative channels in the features. The upgraded plat- country, the bank announced er cannot inquire about the field of banking, instead of form opens up new horizons in a statement on Wednesday. account balance or carry out QIIB Deputy CEO Jamal Abdullah visiting branches to avoid for the bank’s corporate cus- QIIB has urged its cor- any withdrawals or transfers. now provide various options the need to visit the branches. al Jamal gatherings. Gathering is no tomers who can benefit from porate customers to use the QIIB Deputy CEO Jamal to our corporate and individu- These are the new generation longer required with the alter- exceptional banking services various alternative channels Abdullah al Jamal, stated, al customers. In fact, our cus- services that we worked on to He said, “The corporate native solutions that we pro- that meet their aspirations provided by the bank for “We have efficiently invested tomers can now benefit from provide to various categories cash deposit card is a qualita- vide, including this new card”. in terms of various business making cash deposits. in alternative channels that most banking services without of our customers”. tive addition to our corporate Jamal stressed, “QIIB is solutions. US retail sales plunge 8.7% in March on coronavirus

AFP health and personal care stores WaShINGtoN also reported growth of 4.3 percent. US retail spending took a dive Online retailers saw sales in March as the coronavirus rise 3.1 percent. forced businesses to close and Compared to a year ago, shoppers to stay home, fall- total retail sales fell of 6.2 per- ing 8.7 percent from the prior cent. month, the Commerce Depart- A separate report from the ment reported on Wednesday. Federal Reserve Bank of New The result was slightly bet- York showed business activity ter than expected but shows plummeting by more than ever the rapid deterioration from in the state, which is the site of the 0.4 percent decline in Feb- the worst coronavirus outbreak ruary, with sales plunging in in the country. sectors including clothing, fur- The Empire State Manufac- niture and motor vehicles and turing Survey fell by 57 points parts dealers. to -78.2, its lowest level ever The changes reflect the ef- recorded. The index hit -34.3 forts to contain the pandemic, during the global financial cri- which has forced lockdowns sis. and causing people to avoid A whopping 85 percent of Woqod’s premium gasoline sales increased by 0.9 percent in the quarter shopping malls and restau- manufacturing firms reported rants and remain at home. business conditions had wors- The most damaging hit was ened while just seven percent in motor vehicles where sales reported improvement, and collapsed by 25.6 percent. Ex- the survey showed declines in Woqod reports net profit of cluding car sales, total retail employment, new orders, ship- sales would have declined only ments and inventories. 4.5 percent, the report said. “Severely depressed de- Food service and drinking mand, supply disruptions and places saw sales plunge 26.5 extremely high uncertainty will Qr226 million in Q1 2020 percent compared to February, keep manufacturing on an ex- while gasoline stations, buffet- tremely weak trajectory in the ed by low oil prices and restric- near term,” Oxford Econom- lPG and natural gas sales were higher by 3.1% and 22.8% respectively driven by market demand tions on movement in states, ics wrote in a note. While pre- saw a decline of 17.2 percent. dicting a recovery in New York TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK meeting was held remotely cent driven by the reduced respectively driven by mar- However, food and bev- manufacturing in the third Doha via video call. operations of Qatar Airways ket demand, he added. erage stores reported sales quarter, they warned “the risk The decrease in net prof- and partial operations of pri- Muhannadi said Woqod surged 25.6 percent amid a of an extended lockdown could QATAR Fuel Company (Wo- its and earning per share for vate airlines. Bitumen sales has been working closely with rush of panic buying as fami- make for a very slow and uneven qod) has reported a net profit the period were partly attrib- has decreased by 65 percent its partners and stakeholders lies rushed to stock up, while recovery.” of QR226 million for the first uted to the market slowdown Virus factor driven by market situations to coordinate the implemen- quarter of 2020, a decrease prompted by COVID-19 and the completion of the tation all the government di- of 31 percent compared to spread and partly to supply the decrease in net profits consuming projects.” rectives issued in combating the same period of 2019, the and demand factors, where were partly attributed to the On the other hand Mu- the spread of COVID-19 and company announced in a the completion of many pro- market slowdown prompted by hannadi said premium at the same time, being the statement on Wednesday. jects that consume fuel had CoVid-19 spread and partly to gasoline sales increased by sole downstream oil and gas The company’s earn- brought in a pro rata de- supply and demand factors, 0.9 percent, retail non-fuel company responsible for se- ing per share for the period crease in the overall fuel de- where the completion of many revenue and fuel retail sales curing a continuous and sus- amounted to QR0.23 com- mand, the statement said. projects that consume fuel increased by 5.8 percent and tainable supply of petroleum pared to QR0.33 for the With regard to the com- had brought in a pro rata 3.5 percent respectively as products and gas to all sec- same period of last year. pany’s operations, Woqod decrease in the overall fuel compared to the same period tors within the State of Qa- Woqod announced the re- MD and CEO Saad Rashid al demand of the last year driven by the tar, the company has issued sults during its board meet- Muhannadi explained that opening of new stations and and implemented a suitable, ing held under the chairman- the company’s overall sales higher footfall in C-stores. elastic and resilient business ship of Ahmed Saif al Sulaiti. decreased by 6 percent as HFO offtake increased by continuity plan that could ef- In order to comply with compared to the same pe- per gasoline sales decreased 39.5 percent driven by mar- fectively secure a persistent the government’s restric- riod of last year driven by the by 8 percent and 7.4 percent ket demand, LPG and natu- nonstop countrywide distri- shoppers social distance themselves as they wait in line to get into tions issued to combat the COVID-19 impact. respectively, jet fuel vol- ral gas sales were higher by bution of these vital energy Costco in Washington recently. (aFP) spread of COVID-19, the He said, “Diesel and su- umes decreased by 6.4 per- 3.1 percent and 22.8 percent products. Mideast debt, unemployment to spike in virus recession: IMF

Arab governments’ debt system, the IMF said. arab governments’ debt will rise by 15% or will rise by 15 percent or $190 “Governments could con- billion this year to reach $1.46 sider reorienting spending $190 bn this year to reach $1.46 tn trillion, according to the IMF priorities, for example by re- data, as the cost of borrowing ducing or delaying non-essen- AFP causing significant economic jumps due to tightening finan- tial expenditures, or seeking DUbaI turmoil in the region ... the im- cial conditions. external financing support or pact could be long lasting,” the Oil prices at these lev- aid,” it said. DEBT levels, unemployment International Monetary Fund els could result in more than “A mishandling of the out- and budget deficits will spike said in its Regional Economic $230 billion in lost annual break could elevate distrust as the Middle East endures a Outlook for April. revenue by Arab oil exporters in local governments, sowing coronavirus-led recession, pil- “While there is consider- plus Iran, it said. seeds for further social unrest ing pain on economies already able uncertainty around the The fiscal deficit for the re- and adding to regional uncer- hit by conflicts and an oil price depth and duration of the cri- gion is expected to deteriorate tainty.” slump, the IMF said Wednes- sis, this pandemic will com- from 2.8 percent of gross do- Arab countries ravaged day. pound the region’s unemploy- mestic product in 2019 to 10 by years of bloody conflicts, Almost all countries in the ment problem and worsen the percent of GDP this year. including Syria, Yemen, Iraq Middle East and North Africa already high public and exter- To mitigate the impact, re- and Libya, have already seen will see their economies con- nal debt.” Almost all countries in the Middle East and north Africa will see their economies contract as they lose gional nations should bolster their economies battered, tract as they lose hundreds of In its World Economic hundreds of billions of dollars in revenues, the IMF said. (aFP) social safety nets, and provide leading to widespread poverty. billions of dollars in revenues, Outlook released on Tuesday, temporary and targeted tax re- The economies of these the global lender said. the IMF projected the MENA slump in four decades. oil prices will shave off $323 $259 billion of that from the lief and subsidies, while mon- countries are expected to be “The COVID-19 pandemic economy to contract by 3.3 It said the combined billion, or 12 percent, of the energy-dependent Gulf states etary and financial policies hit particularly hard by the and the plunge in oil prices are percent in 2020, the biggest shocks of the virus and low Arab world’s economy -- alone. should ensure liquidity in the pandemic, the IMF said. 10 Thursday, April 16, 2020 Economy & Business IEA predicts ‘worst year in the history’ Barwa mulls new projects, of oil sector expects occupancy to rise AFP once the impact of the pro- ParIS duction cuts from the OPEC+ agreement and non-OPEC THE coronavirus outbreak producers start to bite, we Phase three of Barwa Al Baraha, Barwa City, Umm Shaharian warehouses expansion on the cards will slash global oil demand start to see a recovery in the in 2020 to erase a decade of second half of the year,” Neil TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK growth and set up “the worst Atkinson, head of the agency’s Doha year in the history” of the sec- oil division, told the briefing. tor, the International Energy “But obviously there’s still BARWA Real Estate Company Agency (IEA) said Wednesday. a long way to go before we will continue to study a num- Demand is projected to reach that point.” ber of investment opportuni- plummet by a record 9.3 mil- In total, producers have ties including phase three of lion barrels per day (mbd) for undertaken to cut supply by Barwa Al Baraha and phase the year as a whole, with 29 about 12 million barrels a day three of Barwa City, as well as mbd in the month of April, in May, Atkinson said, includ- the expansion of Umm Sha- and 26 mbd in May -- “stag- ing 9.7 million mbd pledged by harian warehouses, preparing gering numbers”, according to the OPEC+ group. a detailed study to determine the agency’s executive director G20 countries have agreed the feasibility of the proposed Fatih Birol. to support the OPEC+ cuts. design ideas and accomplish “I believe in a few years’ The combined effort “takes the best use and return for the time, when you look at 2020 us right back to below 90 mbd project, the company’s chair- we may well see that it was a day which is a level of pro- man said on Wednesday. the worst year in the history duction for the world which Addressing sharehold- of global oil markets,” he told we haven’t seen since back in ers at the company’s ordinary reporters on a teleconference. 2011,” said Atkinson. general assembly meeting “During this terrible year, On Tuesday, the Interna- held online, Barwa Real Estate the second quarter may very tional Monetary Fund (IMF) Company Salah bin Ghanem said the coronavirus pandemic al Ali said that Barwa aims to was pushing the world into its work on various aspects that Demand is projected to deepest recession in a century, the group considers being the plummet by a record 9.3 with economic output expect- pillars of its business during mbd for the year as a whole, ed to shrink three percent. the year 2020. with 29 mbd in the month This means that “COV- “Increase in revenue is one Board members of Barwa real Estate at the company’s annual general assembly meeting in Doha on Wednesday. of april, and 26 mbd in may ID-19 results in one year of of those aspects, which achieve growth lost of the global econ- sustainable growth for Barwa able land bank, which will give return of 6.5 percent on the omy and almost a decade of revenues and returns for its 20% cash dividend the group a good advantage in share price. well be the worst of the lot growth lost in global oil mar- shareholders, through achiev- developing new projects in the Pointing out Barwa’s per- and... April may very well be kets,” said Birol. ing a balanced mix of opera- Barwa General Assembly approves distribution of future.” formance and accomplish- the worst month.” “The volatility we are see- tional projects that meets the 20 percent cash dividends Studying a number of ments during the year 2019, The projected figures for ing in oil markets is detrimen- needs of the real estate market ● promising investment op- the chairman said, “Through- this month were last seen in tal to the global economy at a in Qatar, and lower the poten- barwa real estate portfolio expanded to include 8,129 portunities that go beyond out 2019, Barwa Real Estate 1995, said Birol, describing time that we can least afford tial of risks linked to it,” he residential units, 37,340 residential rooms for workers, the common framework for focused its efforts on the de- this as “Black April in the his- it.” said. 335,981 square meters of commercial units, showrooms, existing projects, focusing on velopmental projects that tory of the oil industry.” Oil prices extended their “Barwa expects an im- and offices, as well as 445,779 square meters of workshops investments in educational, support the Qatari economy. The global economy has slump Wednesday, with WTI provement in occupancy levels and storages in 2019 healthcare and hospitality sec- These include the start of been hard hit by the corona- hitting the lowest level since in its investment portfolio in tors is also on the cards, he leasing activities of Mukaynis virus outbreak, with many in- 2002 as the output cuts were the short to medium term with ● barwa has a land bank of 7.7 million square meters, of said. Compound with occupancy dustries brought to their knees deemed not enough. the FIFA World Cup 2022 which 5.2 million square meters are in Qatar This year’s general as- rates reaching 84 percent in and air, rail and road traffic The benchmark WTI con- approaching. As for the long sembly meeting witnessed the first phase of the project, slashed as non-essential busi- tract tumbled to $19.20 per term, Barwa believes in the ● barwa has a 3.6 million square meters in built-up area under the elections of Barwa Real equivalent to 29 percent of the nesses were closed and hun- barrel, it lowest level in 18 Qatar National Vision 2030, operation, offering residential projects, workers accommoda- Estate Board of Directors, total project to date.” dreds of millions of people years. The IEA report said which is the main driver of tion, warehouses, retail showrooms, and office spaces where shareholders voted for “Accomplishments in 2019 around the world placed in the OPEC+ and G20 actions long-term growth,” he said. the candidates at Barwa head- also included Completion of lockdown. “won’t rebalance the market “Reducing cost is another quarters. The shareholders the construction works of Al The epidemic has killed immediately. aspect of focus for Barwa in social initiatives as well as public and private sectors,” he were then given the link to at- Baraha Workshops and Stor- more than 123,000 people “But by lowering the peak 2020, by reviewing opera- raising the efficiency of the or- said. tend the meeting remotely. ages with the rental rate reach- since it first emerged in China of the supply overhang and tional and administrative and ganisational and administra- Highlighting other major In cooperation with the ing 97 percent f the workshops in December. flattening the curve of the financing costs in order to tive structure, he said. works to be done in the near Ministry of Trade and Indus- and 58% of the storages. Com- The IEA said measures build-up in stocks, they help ensure maximum benefit and During 2020, he said, Bar- future, he said, “Complete try - Companies Control, an pletion of the construction taken by the OPEC+ group a complex system absorb the reduce cost without affecting wa will enhance the strategic projects under development, online voting mechanism was works of the second phase of and other oil producing na- worst of this crisis, whose con- the quality of the projects and partnership with the govern- including the additional works developed for the sharehold- Al Khor Workers Sports Com- tions to cut output should al- sequences for the oil market services provided,” he said. ment of Qatar to address mar- in Mukynis Compound and ers in order to enable them to plex and achieving 3.2 mil- low demand to start exceeding remain very uncertain in the Barwa will work on raising ket needs. the car service center as part vote on and approve the items lion working hours without supply again by the second short term.” the brand value of the group “Barwa participated in of the third phase of Madinat of the agenda of the Ordinary accidents in the project. It is half of 2020, assuming popu- Birol said the oil price and activating the corporate tenders offered by the Public Mawater. Put together a pro- General Assembly. planned to obtain all neces- lation lockdowns to curb virus crash would likely to cause a system by improving share- Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ to posal for the development of A cash dividend proposal sary permits and start operat- spread are lifted. “huge decline” in global emis- holder and customer satisfac- develop various real estate Lusail Land, formerly known of 20 percent amounting to ing and leasing the project in “Once the declines in oil sions of planet-warming car- tion with Barwa performance, projects according to the part- as Lusail Golf, being a distinct 20 dirhams per share was ap- the first quarter of 2020,” he demand start to reduce and bon emissions this year. contributing to national and nership model between the addition to the group’s avail- proved, achieving a rate of said.

Cash-strapped Thais sell PwC releases COVID-19 jewellery as gold glitters CFO Pulse Survey AFP The survey shows how Middle East chief financial baNGKoK officers and finance leaders plan to react to COVID-19 THAIS are flocking to Bang- kok’s Chinatown to sell TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK make changes to their supply global counterparts to con- their gold jewellery as the Doha chain. These results provide sider changing their supply price of the precious metal a clear indication of the likely chains. spikes and the economy RELEASED on Wednesday focus areas post COVID-19. “Meanwhile, with In- tanks due to the coronavirus by PwC, the first Middle East  Over half of Middle Country Value programmes pandemic. edition of the COVID-19 East CFOs plan to take ad- already in place to localise Gold surged to a seven- CFO Pulse Survey reveals vantage of government sup- spending across a number year high on Tuesday to how chief financial officers port programmes, but this of countries in the region, $1,731.25 an ounce, follow- (CFOs) and finance execu- varies greatly by country. there is already widespread ing global moves led by the tives in the region plan to Despite their concerns, a focus on reassessing supply US to reinflate economies react to the COVID-19 out- majority of CFOs in the Mid- chains, and this looks set to with trillions of dollars of break, and what business dle East believe that if COV- continue in the current cir- stimulus measures. and economic impacts they ID-19 were to end immedi- cumstances.” That has boosted the anticipate in the coming ately, their company could Despite their concerns, price of gold across the weeks and months. get back to “business as usu- CFOs in the Middle East are world, tempting many to sell al” within three months. expecting to get back to nor- their stocks of the precious Top Middle East findings The survey also revealed mal sooner rather than later; metal at a time of economic 67% of CFOs believe that 83% of CFOs across the pausing or delaying invest- hardship without recent that COVID-19 has the po- region are deferring invest- ments instead of cancelling precedent. tential to significantly impact ments by firstly reviewing them altogether. In fact, the Many Thais buy gold jew- their business. their capital expenditure, majority expect their busi- ellery as an investment in  The primary concern followed closely by business ness to return to business as times of plenty, to be sold for Middle East CFOs is fi- operations and workforce. usual within three months if when prices rise or belts nancial impact, with 78% Such measures will free up COVID-19 were to end today. tighten. expecting a decrease in rev- some reserves, giving CFOs Stephen Anderson, Mid- In Bangkok, where a vir- People wearing face masks sell their jewellery in a gold shop in Bangkok’s Chinatown on Wednesday. (aFP) enue as a result of the pan- some breathing space as the dle East Markets and Strate- tual lockdown has taken root demic. CFOs looking to cut situation continues to de- gy Leader, said : “Businesses for a fortnight, hundreds 39-year-old street vendor whose revenue has been than five percent this year costs are most likely to con- velop. all around the world are ad- flocked to Yaowarat, Bang- told AFP. strangled by the lockdown after the virus shuttered bor- sider cost containment and Bassam Hajhamad, justing to working remotely, kok’s Chinatown, to trade Traders have bought tens are being forced to sell their ders -- killing the cash cow deferral or cancelation of Country Senior Partner at and although they are pri- bracelets, necklaces and of millions of dollars worth gold savings. tourist industry -- leaving investments particularly on PwC Qatar said, “Since COV- oritising financial security rings for cash as local gold of gold since Tuesday, ac- “Their businesses are in millions unemployed. capital expenditure. ID-19 first emerged, global in the short term, CFOs still prices jumped more than 20 cording to Jitti Tangsitpakdi, bad shape; better to sell gold “I don’t have any income,  Investments in digital supply chains have been test- have an eye on the likely ac- percent. a chairman of a trade asso- and keep cash,” he added. only expenses,” said 43-year- transformation, customer ed as the pandemic grows. As celeration of transformation “I don’t have any sav- ciation. “In over 60 years and I old Aumporn Pansa as he experience and cybersecurity one of their top three areas in areas such as customer ings so I decided to sell the “One shop bought 200 never seen people queue like sold his jewellery. are most likely to be protect- of concern, finance leaders experience, digital and cyber gold I have for cash to keep million baht ($6.1 million) this to sell their gold.” “I have kids to take care ed and, as a result of COV- in the Middle East appear security in the post COV- me afloat during this time,” of ornaments and bars,” he Thailand’s economy is of as well as monthly bills, so ID-19, 55% of CFOs expect to to be more likely than their ID-19 era.” Thanakorn Promyuyen, a said, explaining businesses forecast to contract by more I had to come here and sell.” Let’s be patient, says Al Gharafa star Sofiane hanni pAGE 12 ThurSdAy, AprIL 16, 2020

Haydos, Hassan, Rawi and others take pay cuts, show solidarity

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha Hassan al Haydos

QATAR’S football stars have stepped forward and an- nounced that they would be taking pay cuts as a gesture of solidarity in dealing with the coronavirus crisis. Qatar’s national team and Al Sadd captain Hassan al Haydos, 2018 AFC Player of the Year Abdelkarim Hassan, and defender Bassem al Rawi, who plays for Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, are among the star players who have an- nounced their decisions. The others following suit include the national team and Al Sadd goalkeeper Saad al Sheeb, Al Duhail SC midfielder Abdelkarim Assim Madibo and Al Gharafa Hassan defender Almahdi Ali besides Bassem al rawi many others. Meanwhile, Al Sadd play- ers are continuing their daily training under the supervision they aim to be on top of their Players are directly monitored fitness coach Evan Torres. The club also announced ons League match against Iran’s the 2019-20 QNB Stars League of their Spanish coach Xavi fitness when action returns via electronic devices in order Xavi expressed complete that Hassan al Haydos has re- Sepahan on February 18. after Week 17 with 32 points, Hernandez. Xavi is keenly fol- following the stoppage of ac- to ensure they have responded satisfaction with the players’ covered from the injury he suf- It may be noted that Al behind Al Rayyan (38) and Al lowing up on the players as tivities due to coronavirus. to the training programme by commitment to the training. fered during their AFC Champi- Sadd occupy the third place in Duhail (42). ‘Asian football tourneys Light at the end of tunnel to go ahead this year’

AFP due to the virus. KUALA LUmPUr The Champions League, as rescheduled Tour de the region’s premier club ASIA’S top football competi- competition, and the sec- tions will go ahead this year de- ond-tier AFC Cup were both spite the coronavirus pandem- halted in March as the pan- ic, a senior official told AFP, demic’s spread forced gov- France unveiled although games may have to ernments to impose strict be played behind closed doors. travel restrictions. can be more easily put up in ho- Windsor John, general Both tournaments are on Tour de France to be tels outside August. secretary of the Asian Foot- an increasingly tight schedule, With the Tokyo Games and ball Confederation (AFC), said with the 32-team Champions raced from August 29 football’s Euro 2020 both de- he was confident that the AFC League needing to complete to September 20 layed by a year, the Tour is the Champions League and AFC four rounds of group-stage last major event remaining on Cup would both be completed. matches in July before the AFP the summer sports calendar. Both tournaments, featur- postponed knock-out phase ParIS Elite cycling will breathe ing teams from throughout begins in August. a huge sigh of relief as the Asia, Central Asia and the The group phase of the THE Tour de France will Tour accounts for most of its Middle East, are on hold until AFC Cup will also have to be raced from August 29 to earnings. at least the end of June after be completed in a rush once September 20, organisers “The Tour represents COVID-19 shuttered profes- matches resume. announced on Wednesday, around 60 percent of earn- sional sport worldwide. The finals for both tourna- postponing cycling’s flagship ings in a season,” French team “Both will be played this ments -- which traditionally event originally slated to start AG2R boss Vincent Lavenu year. We still have time,” John take a break in July, to avoid on June 27 due to the corona- said last week. told AFP, adding that new the worst of the Asian summer virus lockdown. The Tour will provide a dates for the competitions may heat -- are scheduled to take The new dates follow daily fix for deprived sports ad- be known by the end of April. place in November. French President Emmanuel dicts the world over, with mil- However, John did not Domestic leagues remain Macron’s extension of a ban lions of armchair fans able to rule out matches being played on hold around the world, in- on large public gatherings until tune in daily, including those without fans “if that’s what the cluding in China where the mid-July. still working from home. health authorities need”. virus first emerged, but where The news comes as a relief The new date gives the The AFC is determined football shows no sign of re- to professional cycling teams ASO time to stage the warm- for both tournaments to go turning despite optimism the and fans with four-times Tour up Criterium du Dauphine ahead “for sporting reasons outbreak is under control. winner Chris Froome welcom- The 2020 Tour de France will be pushed back by two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. (aFP) -- held annually ahead of the and to fulfil commercial obli- Asia’s extended shutdown, ing “light at the end of the tun- Tour but postponed this year as gations”, he said. announced on Tuesday, also nel” for those suffering under the spring cycling season was His comments came af- affects the two-legged wom- COVID-19 lockdown. swept aside by the coronavirus. ter the AFC on Tuesday an- en’s Olympic qualifying play- The decision moves the Five stages to look forward to Cycling’s governing body nounced the indefinite post- off between China and South three-week race out of its the UCI has said that May’s ponement of all matches Korea, which had already been traditional slot in the sum- AFP fore has a stage started on one island and finished postponed Giro d’Italia would scheduled for May and June moved to June 1 and 9. mer holidays where roadside ParIS on another as this Atlantic coast extravaganza does. be raced after the Tour de crowds of around 12 million The organisers are hoping for wind on the day to France, and the Vuelta a espana would be expected to gather the 2020 tour de France has been rescheduled create breaks in the peloton as it weaves through after that, with dates to be an- in festive spirit. from its traditional summer dates to begin on the narrow roads of the coastal marshes. nounced in May. It will now finish on the august 29 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the lat- stage 17: grenoble-meribel col de la Loze - Germany delays decision on same day the postponed French est start date in the race’s history. 168kmThis summit that has nev- HealtH comes first Open championships starts, here’s a looks at five key er figured before culminates with With the Giro and the To- Bundesliga ‘ghost games’ plan September 20, giving a wor- stages to watch over the course an old ski piste maintenance kyo Olympic road race in late rying indication of a potential of the three weeks: road converted into a 7km bike July on Mount Fuji both post- AFP topic of discussion today. The autumn fixture pile-up as more stage 2: nice-nice - 187km- track. it has flat sections and 20 poned, the Tour de France will berLin league itself is working on se- sports seek to reschedule sus- seeking to emulate the thrill of percent inclines that would never be more competitive than ever curity concepts and it will defi- pended events. the 2019 Tour, organisers have have featured on a real road. as the whole spectrum of elite LARGE-SCALE public events nitely be something to be talked Tour director Christian lit the fuse of the 2020 route The peak stands at 2300m cyclists focus on the one race. such as football matches will about soon: whether and in Prudhomme told AFP the new with bonus seconds up for grabs where an idyllic 360 degree view “The Tour de France is remain banned in Germany what form games behind closed start was based on a double ra- on the penultimate climb and offers fans the chance of a snap 3,000km of smiles,” race di- until August 31 due to the doors will be possible,” said tionale. at the finish line. it is hoped with mont blanc. rector Christian Prudhomme coronavirus crisis, Berlin said Soeder. “We wanted to be as far someone of the ilk of julian stage 20: Lure-La Planche des has repeated many times in the on Wednesday, though it did The German top-flight is away from the pandemic as Alaphilippe will attack from belles Filles - 36km individual past in reference to the Tour not rule out allowing Bundes- currently suspended until April possible,” he said. distance and seize both the initiative and the time trialright in French hero Thibaut Pinot’s back- and its fans. liga games to continue behind 30, though most teams re- “The president put a July 14 yellow jersey in the low Alps behind nice, thereby yard Tour organisers have placed the only time trial But he has also stressed that closed doors. sumed training in small groups date on public gatherings, but it establishing an attacking mindset. of the event, saying they prefer shoulder-to-shoulder health comes first as France “Big events play a large role last week. seemed more reasonable to us stage 9: Pau-Laruns - 154kmThis second Pyrenean racing. The run up to the hugely popular Planche battles the coronavirus crisis. in the infection dynamic, and The German Football to allow the riders time to get stage is possibly the toughest on the Tour with an des belles Filles in the jura starts out flat and has France has been under will therefore remain forbidden League (DFL) is set to meet on into peak condition.” 11km climb at over nine percent of the Col de la a long incline before a final 6km ascent that rounds lockdown since March 17 in an until August 31,” German lead- April 23 to discuss next steps, While the dates have hourcere, just the first of four climbs and a treach- off the action of the 2020 Tour, making it clearly a attempt to slow the spread of ers said in a statement after An- and is determined to finish the changed the original route re- erous, winding descent to the finish line. decisive moment and which saw champion egan the virus which has claimed the gela Merkel met with regional season by June 30 to ensure its mains intact, starting in Nice stage 10: ile de oleron-ile de re - 170kmnever be- bernal’s jaw drop in admiration when unveiled. lives of over 15,700 people in state premiers to discuss relax- clubs do not lose out on crucial and finishing in Paris. the country. ing restrictions on Wednesday. TV rights revenue. “The Tour is still the Tour. The epic race will now em- The decision means sup- Yet the current plan to re- All the challenges we set remain “It’s the news we have all bike racing is not important in race could never take place on bark from Nice on the Medi- porters will not be allowed sume with weekly games behind intact,” he said of the hotly an- been waiting for, some light at the greater scheme of things. the original dates. terranean coast on August 29 into German stadiums until at closed doors from early May has ticipated climb-laden route the end of the tunnel,” said the “But let’s take hope in that Rescheduling means top and culminate over three weeks least September, though Ba- been met with criticism. that rarely strays far from the Ineos rider. we may return to some sort of cycling teams will survive eco- later on Paris’s celebrated varian state premier Markus Fan groups and medical ex- mountains. “I’m seeing a lot of nega- normality in the near future.” nomically, social distancing Champs Elysees on September Soeder insisted games behind perts have slammed the plan, Britain’s Froome said the tivity and despondency on my The new date solves a series will be easier without massive 20, where the traditional yellow closed doors -- known as “ghost pointing out it would rely on in- news came as a boost for all lov- timeline, I know this period of problems after organisers crowds, and the 4,500 strong jersey is awarded to the winner games” -- were still an option. demand testing capacities being ers of the sport. has been tough on all of us, and faced up to the reality that the Tour de France rolling caravan beneath the Arc de Triomphe. “The Bundesliga was not a diverted to footballers. 12 Thursday, April 16, 2020 Sports Let’s be patient, says

Omar Al Gharafa star hanni Yahya In his first QSL season, the Algerian players speaks about the competition, break

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK before the league took a break due to and kids, and individual training in order to keep Doha the coronavirus… my fitness. Omar Yahya Yes, it’s a positive result so far if we ALGERIAN star and Al Gharafa player Sofiane Hanni compare with the last season. We know In what all ways do you stay fit? has underlined on the importance of staying at home the importance of being in the top four. In a normal way, I run daily with the joins Umm Salal as part of measures being taken to prevent the spread We have five games remaining, we individual programme I received from our of coronavirus. He also expressed his hope to return must fight for this position or to get a fitness coach. So I’ve two sessions daily, as to action soon. higher spot. Unfortunately, we lost per a specific programme. In an exclusive interview with qsl.qa, Hanni many points due to some mistakes. training remotely spoke on a variety of topics. Are you involved in any stay-at- Excerpts: How do you assess the team’s home games to keep yourself men- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Umm Salal goalkeepers performance this season? tally and physically fit? Doha are also doing fitness training How has been your first season in Qatar I think we’ve progressed well with With two kids at home, I’ve to play with under the supervision of their so far? the work we had been doing right from them. When they watch TV, I try to change UMM Salal player Omar Yahya coach on a daily basis. Generally, it has been positive for me. Of course, the first day. We created a good team. games and refresh myself mentally. has joined his team’s training Team Manager Nasser al I want to give more, but because it’s my first season, I Our first few games were strong, after completing his physical Fadalah praised the commit- can be satisfied. But I always want to be better, espe- but we were found wanting in What’s your general message therapy sessions that followed ment and discipline shown cially since the season hasn’t finished yet. As a team, other games. It wasn’t ac- you give other players and his knee surgery done a month by all players in the training we are fourth now, so we can be satisfied. But we feel ceptable. We’ve to work fans? ago at the Aspetar hospital. programme designed for them sad having dropped many points. more in order to be- Stay at home, pro- The technical staff, led by the technical staff and the come better. tect yourselves and by Moroccan coach Aziz Ben physical condition of each How competitive is the QNB Stars League? your family. I know Askar and fitness trainer, player is being examined. It has been a new competition for me and I am How do you we all want to come developed a training pro- He pointed out that it was discovering more. It’s not an easy competition, as utilise the pre- back and play foot- gramme for Omar to regain difficult to conduct group ex- some people say before coming here. As I always sent break? ball. Let’s be patient, his fitness as he trained re- ercises on the field because of say, if you come with an idea that things will be easy During this we’re living in a spe- motely at home. precautionary measures taken without work, you’ll lose. So we’ve to prepare well break, we don’t cial situation, but I Meanwhile, Umm Salal for the health and safety of all. and must’ve extra focus in order to win games in this have many know better days are players resume their training He confirmed that all league that includes many good players. choices. I stay coming, keep work- at their homes on Wednesday, Umm Salal players would be at home with ing, and see you following a rest period. ready by the time the league Al Gharafa are presently fourth in the table my family sofiane Hanni soon on the field. Ben Askar will communi- resumes. cate with the players via video “We’ll only need two weeks to follow up on their training, to be ready for the matches. I fitness rate and how to main- hope the QNB Stars League tain them in anticipation of returns at the earliest oppor- the resumption of matches tunity after the present crisis McLaren team boss says Austria ready to and the QNB Stars League. ends,” said Al Fadalah. allow closed-door crisis a warning for F1 football, F1 events Two Juve footballers beat COVID-19 DPA as doctors set rules for restart berLIN DPA door matches, including ath- VIeNNa letes, their support teams, jour- MCLAREN team chief Andre- nalists and security staff. DPA lan, Atalanta, Fiorentina and as Seidl sees the coronavirus THE Austrian government will The Green politician also roMe Verona also reporting cases. crisis as a final warning for not stand in the way of top- said that he has no plans to The Serie A was halted on Formula One on the need to league football matches and the block the annual Formula One JUVENTUS footballers Dan- March 9 with 12 rounds re- reduce spending. Austrian Formula One Grand race in Spielberg, which was iele Rugani and Blaise Matuidi maining as the country went In a video conference Prix, as long as they are held be- scheduled for July 5 and has not have had negative tests that into a lockdown that is to last at Wednesday, the 44-year-old hind closed doors, Vice Chan- been cancelled. confirmed their recovery from least until May 3. German said that in the Formu- cellor and Sports Minister Wer- Kogler cautioned, however, COVID-19. FIGC has worked with a la One bubble it was sometimes McLaren ner Kogler said on Wednesday. that a Grand Prix race involves The Italian champions gave team of medical experts at a easy to ignore what was going team chief Austrian Bundesliga players far more people than a football the announcement Wednes- tentative restart in late May. It outside the motor racing series. Andreas seidl will be allowed to train in small match, even without spectators. day as the Italian football fed- is believed that games will be “We urgently have to groups starting on Monday. The government also cau- eration (FIGC) met with medi- played without spectators. change things,” he said. While it will be up to the tioned that current travel curbs cal spots experts to define a “To have a safe restart of Seidl approved a decision country’s football association could pose a major obstacle to safety protocol for the possible football it is crucial at this time to delay a major regulation Earlier this month, McLar- the public that sporting events to come up with a new match the race. restart of the season. to prepare the best procedures change by a year to 2022, forc- en became the first F1 team to happen again, even if it is just schedule, Kogler made it clear “We currently have very Rugani was the first Serie A in order to resume activity ing teams to run this year’s cars furlough some staff because on TV,” he said. that various health safety meas- strict immigration policies in player to test positive for Sars- when the whole country will do again in 2021. of the coronavirus crisis, with “But there are a lot of dif- ures must be in place before the Austria, and they will remain in CoV-2 on March 11. His team- it,” FIGC president Gabriele It was important now to their drivers, Lando Norris and ferent aspects that need to be season can continue. place for the time being,” Inte- mate Paulo Dybala also suffered Gravina said. agree on a lower figure for a Carlos Sainz, and management considered.” The first nine Clubs must organize virus rior Minister Karl Nehammer contagion and was reportedly Experts have indicated budget cap from 2021. taking a pay cut. races of the season up to and tests for players and coaches said. awaiting swab test results as he that teams will be expected Teams have already There was a risk F1 could including the Canadian Grand shortly before matches. While training facilities will is also said to have recovered. to remain at fully sanitized agreed to lower the figure lose teams through the crisis, Prix, which was scheduled for Kogler also repeatedly re- reopen for 600 Austrian top A total of 16 footballers were training camps in the weeks from 175 million dollars to with F1 facing a “difficult” deci- June 14 have been called off. ferred to rules that were drawn athletes in various sports on infected in Italy’s top flight, leading to the restart, and un- 150 million, and Seidl said sion on when racing can start One of them - the Monaco up by the German Bundesliga, Monday, the national doping Sampdoria being the most hit dergo a series of tests chosen McLaren would like to see it later this year, Seidl said. Grand Prix - was cancelled and which reportedly plans to allow watchdog NADA said it would with seven cases, with AC Mi- by the federation. reduced to 100 million. “There is a big desire from the others postponed. a total of 239 people in closed- also ramp up its controls.

Ronaldinho enjoys ‘golden cell’ in locked-down Paraguay capital

AFP phone calls that have been exam- aSUNCIoN (ParaGUay) ined there was a certain conver- sation with the brother Roberto WITH Paraguay’s capital in lock- in which the documents were down, former Brazil soccer star discussed,” before they arrived in Ronaldinho is spending his sec- Paraguay, Saprizia said. ond week under house arrest in Although prosecutors believe an exclusive hotel in Asuncion, his brother Roberto bears more where a ballroom has been set up responsibility in the case, Sap- to allow him to keep us his soccer riza says: “Ronaldinho could not skills, as he awaits trial for en- be unaware. He cannot claim to tering the country under a false have been acting in good faith.” passport. Ronaldinho and his brother The 40-year-old World Cup left for Asuncion on March 4 with winner and his business-manag- their own Brazilian passports but er brother Roberto are occupying showed the Paraguayan pass- two $350-a-night suites at the ports on arrival. otherwise deserted Colonial-style Mobbed on arrival by 2,000 Palmaroga hotel, just a couple kids wearing T-shirts bearing his of blocks from the government Brazilian former football star ronaldinho on his arrival at a hotel in Asuncion View of a courtyard at the hotel where ronaldinho Gaucho and his brother are photo, he had travelled to Para- headquarters. on April 7. (aFP) keeping house arrest in Asuncion. (aFP) guay to open a casino owned by “Yesterday they brought him a Brazilian businessman and his a regulation football. We set up a halls of the 6,000 square-meter beard grown fuller in that time hotel under Paraguay’s protocols behaved like a troublemaker was agenda included attending an room -- about 30 meters by 15 - (64,000 square-foot) building, -- and his brother a taste of Para- against the coronavirus, which on the pitch,” he told a Madrid event organized by a children’s for him to be able to practice his refurbished in 2019. guayan prison conditions, before officially has 161 infections to newspaper. charity. juggling skills,” hotel manager a court ordered them released date, with eight deaths. “One thing is being stupid, as Prosecutors are expected to Emilio Yegros told AFP. luncH witH ‘ronHi’ into house arrest at the Palmaro- his lawyer called him, and anoth- limit the charges to using docu- “He seems like a good sort. Ronaldinho and his brother ga early this month. ‘aBusive and illegal’ er thing is being a criminal.” ments with “false content” and He always has a smile, like his are among 16 suspects in an ex- Ronaldinho’s Brazilian law- But public prosecutor Alicia the pair will likely be released on brother,” said Yegros. tensive anti-corruption investi- Bail was set at $1.6 million. yer Sergio Queiroz says there Sapriza is sure. “They knew,” she bail when court activity resumes “His face has changed from gation. Arrested on March 6 for The fact that the hotel is are no legal grounds for his de- told AFP. following the lockdown, judicial his first day here. When he ar- using falsified Paraguayan pass- owned by the Spain-based Bar- tention. “It’s illegal, abusive,” he What investigators are trying sources told AFP. rived he was tense and visibly ports to enter the country from celona Group, which has con- said. “They did not know that the to determine is if the former star A key part of Brazil’s 2002 stressed,” the hotel manager said. neighbouring Brazil, they face struction projects in Paraguay, is documents they had were illegal.” was being used as cover in the World Cup winning side, Ronald- The former Barcelona star up to five years in prison if con- “pure coincidence” and has noth- “Leave Ronaldinho alone,” plot or whether he willingly lent inho made club 529 appearances spends his days working out in victed. ing to do with the star’s former said former Argentine World Cup himself to an alleged money laun- over his 17-year playing career, the hotel gym, practicing his leg- Being held in a police cell club, said Yegros. winner Jorge Valdano, now a dering and contraband operation turning out for top European endary juggling skills with the for the first 30 days of their de- The former player is prevent- coach in Spain. to dispel possible suspicion. clubs, including Barcelona, AC ball, and wandering the echoing tention gave Ronaldinho -- his ed from receiving visitors in the “The only place Ronaldinho “From the contents of his Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. Sports Thursday, April 16, 2020 13 Spotlight on Salman al Khater, Abdulla al Khelaifi in QORC Race 6

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK STANDINGS (AFTER FIVE RACES) Doha GROUP A SPAIN’S famed Circuit De # CN Driver R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts Barcelona Catalunya, in Mont- 1 8 Ahmad Kholy 40 40 40 36 33 189 melo, Catalonia has been cho- 2 42 rashid al Lebdah 36 31 33 40 36 176 sen to host the sixth and final 3 26 Khalid al Abdulla 30 33 31 30 40 164 qualifying round of the Qatar 4 10 sheikh soud al Thani 31 36 30 31 31 159 Online Racing Championship 5 31 mansour dbeissy 29 30 36 28 29 152 on Thursday. 6 20 hade Ahmed 27 27 29 29 27 139 The 4.655-km FIA Grade 1 7 16 darren de jager 26 25 26 26 28 131 track with 16 turns is certainly 8 12 Ali al Zubairi 24 26 28 27 25 130 going to be a big test of nerves 9 28 Khalid al maraghi 33 29 0 33 30 125 for Salman al Khater and Ab- 10 6 Ahmad al hamdan 25 24 27 25 24 125 dulla al Khelaifi, who will be 11 45 Zaid al bany 28 28 0 0 26 82 bidding to gain maximum pos- 12 37 mohammed Khatib 22 22 25 0 0 69 sible points to stay in the online 13 33 mohammad Fakhroo 23 23 0 0 0 46 challenge, organised by the Qa- tar Motor and Motorcycle Fed- GROUP B eration to keep its drivers safe, 1 27 Khalid al Kuwari 40 40 40 40 40 200 active and healthy during the 2 36 mohammed emadadhi 31 28 33 33 33 158 COVID-19 pandemi. 3 15 basil sholy 33 29 30 31 28 151 Both Khater and Khelaifi 4 23 ibrahim al muntafeky 30 31 31 28 29 149 are occupying the fifth place in 5 4 Abdulla al Khelaifi 36 36 36 0 36 144 their respective groups. They 6 13 Ali emadadhi 25 33 28 30 27 143 had to skip the fourth round 7 24 Ibrahim Ali al Abdulghani 28 30 26 29 30 143 at the Laguna Seca, the USA The Group B race in the Qatar Online racing 8 41 osama al emadi 29 26 27 27 26 135 due to personal reasons. Their Championship is in progress at the Fuji 9 44 salman Khalaf 26 24 23 25 23 121 DNS (did not score) have put International speedway in Japan on sunday. 10 18 ghanim al Ali 0 27 29 36 24 116 pressure on them as the par- (CoUrTesy KhALid Abdeen) 11 38 mohammed sajad 24 0 25 26 31 106 ticipants enter the final round 12 9 Ahmed al Abbasi 0 23 22 0 25 70 with an aim to secure best possible finish. GROUP C Only 15 drivers with maxi- 1 22 hamad al sulaiti 36 40 40 40 40 196 mum points across the three sence in the fourth round has row, Abdeen has 145 points on, is also likely to continue The pool A looks a closed 2 5 Abdulla shaikhan 33 31 33 36 29 162 groups will advance to the pushed him down to the fifth and is just three points behind his good run and make it to contest. Ahmad Kholy, after vic- 3 29 Khalid saadon 30 33 31 29 33 156 three-race finals and the best spot. Between the two are Ab- Khater in the sixth spot. the finals. tories in the first three rounds, 4 17 Faesal al yafei 31 30 29 33 31 154 five will be rewarded for their dulla Shaikhan (162 points), Just like Khater, Khelaifi Second-placed Moham- leads with 189 points. Rashid 5 43 salman al Khater 40 36 36 0 36 148 efforts by the QMMF. So in this Khalid Saadon (156 points) (144 points) has been smooth med Emadadhi (158) is fol- Lebdah (176 points) and Khalid 6 25 Khalid Abdeen 26 29 30 30 30 145 light of facts, the sixth and last and Faesal al Yafei (154 and productive in the Group lowed by Basil Sholy (151) and al Abdulla (164 points) are in 7 40 omran yahya Karama 25 24 28 28 28 133 race has become very crucial for points). Given Khater’s con- B. He has managed four sec- Ibrahim al Muntafeky (149) the second and third spots, re- 8 1 Aaron sturm 23 25 26 31 26 131 Khater and Khelaifi. sistency and aggression, he is ond-place finishes to Khalid in the pool, while Khelaifi is spectively, after winning one 9 32 mohamed elsanousy 27 28 24 27 23 129 Khater has collected 148 likely to do well and beat the al Kuwari, who has been un- chased by Ali Emadadhi and race each. Sheikh Soud al Tha- 10 14 Antoine baaklini 21 21 23 25 25 115 points, including three run- cut. But he will have to be cau- beaten in all the five rounds Ibrahim Ali al Abdulghani, ni, who has 159 points) is fourth 11 3 Abdulla al Abbasi 22 22 27 0 27 98 ner-up finishes to Group C tious about the drivers who so far and is the only driver the QTCC 2K class runner-up. and Mansour Dbeissy, with 152 12 39 nadim Ziade 28 27 0 0 24 79 leader Hamad al Sulaiti (196 are narrowly ahead of him, with 200 points. Khelaifi, the Both Ali and Ibrahim have 143 points) are likely to figure in the 13 11 Ahmed Assad 24 23 0 0 0 47 points). He had beaten him in but also Khalid Abdeen. With Qatar Touring Car Champi- points and are capable of put- top five finishers again, barring 14 30 mahmoud eladgham 20 20 0 0 0 40 the opening race but his ab- three fifth-place finishes in a onship M240 Class champi- ting heat on the rivals. a big upset. Officials ‘fully prepared’ for PGA IpL 2020 postponed Championship without fans

AFP indefinitely after Los AngeLes PGA of America Chief Ex- ecutive Seth Waugh said on Tuesday that organisers are considering multiple scenar- lockdown extension ios for the US PGA Cham- pionship now scheduled for AFP preventing players from trav- August 6-9 in San Francisco. NeW DeLhI elling and Indian restrictions Waugh, in an interview ruling out new visas, the tour- on SiriusXM radio, said the THE Indian Premier League, nament cannot be held in first option would be to play the world’s richest cricket coming weeks. the tournament as currently tournament, has been indefi- Cricketers turned pundits, scheduled at Harding Park. nitely postponed because of including England’s Kevin Pi- A second option would be the coronavirus pandemic, etersen, have suggested the to hold the first major cham- a team official told AFP ON glitzy tournament be short- pionship of the year there Wednesday. ened from its normal eight- but without spectators and a Though India’s cricket week duration and played be- potential third option would normally as possible, with ticipate having crowds at board made no official an- hind closed doors. be to move it to another loca- fans, obviously, and have a sporting events in the state nouncement, the further delay The league is a huge reve- tion should play in California fairly normal PGA Cham- this year. of the Twenty20 tournament, nue-earner for the BCCI and prove impossible. pionship at Harding Park,” Waugh said that if Cali- which draws top players from is estimated to generate more The tournament has al- Waugh said. fornia or San Francisco City around the world, was inevi- than $11 billion a year for the ready been postponed from “If the safest way, and/ or authorities decide the tourna- table after the government ex- Indian economy. May as the coronavirus pan- the only way to do it is without ment can’t be held at Harding tended a three-week lockdown The participation of the demic up-ended the golfing fans, we’re fully prepared to do Park, the PGA could try to until at least May 3. The IPL trophy. world’s top cricketers has at- calendar along with the rest that. We believe that having it find an alternate venue. In line with other sports tracted big money, such as of the sports world. as a television event is worth “It makes it simpler if events worldwide, the IPL they will find a window in the Sourav Ganguly earlier sought Chinese mobile phone maker Under the revamped doing regardless of whether there aren’t any fans to think had already been pushed back later end of the year to do it.” to dampen hopes of a quick re- Vivo putting up $330 million plans agreed by golf’s gov- there’s fans there or not. about things like that,” he from its original start date of Media reports said all eight sumption of sport. to be the league’s top sponsor erning bodies, the US PGA “Obviously, that’ll change said. “We don’t certainly March 29 to April 15. IPL teams were told Wednes- “Practically speaking, for 2018-2022. Championship in August the experience, but we think have a plan C right now, but “Yes, they have informed day of the new postponement. when life has come to a stand- Australian pace bowler Pat would be followed by the US the world is starved for some we’d be prepared to think us that the IPL stands sus- The reports said the BCCI may still everywhere in the world, Cummins was to be the most Open in September and the entertainment, and particu- about that if that became a pended for the moment,” a aim for a tournament in Sep- where does sport have a future expensive overseas star this Masters at Augusta National larly in sports.” possibility. team official told AFP on con- tember-October. in this?” he said at the week- year with Kolkata Knight Rid- in November. The British California Governor “We’re going to do every- dition of anonymity. Board of Control for Crick- end. ers agreeing a $2.17 million fee Open has been cancelled. Gavin Newsom said this thing we can to play the PGA “However it is said that et in India (BCCI) President With the global shutdown for his services in December. “The plan is to do it as month that he does not an- Championship this year.”

Quick read IPL 2020 can set the tone for T20 World Cup: Laxman pcB worried about Asia cup AGENCIES to May 3 to combat the spread ing it’s “too premature” to talk add to the team, which gives comments as “ridiculous”. neW deLhi of the novel coronavirus. about the window, given the in- them desired results by winning Srikkanth, who was part of KaraChI: Pakistan Cricket board (PCb) chief ehsan Mani said he has “I think some of the cricket creasing concerns surrounding matches/tournaments. These the 1983 World Cup winning heard speculations about asia Cup being scrapped in order to make THE Indian Premier League boards will be encouraging the the Covid-19 crisis. are the kind of players who get Indian team, said matches are way for IPL 2020 in September and said the cricket board wouldn’t 2020 has been indefinitely fact that IPL is a big tourna- Laxman also took a jibe at IPL contracts. So just being nice not won by sledging. agree to such a move. “I have read and heard about these speculations postponed due to the exten- ment, and everyone acknowl- Michael Clarke for his recent to someone will not earn you a “You do not win matches but right now just remember that having or not having the asia Cup is sion of Covid-19 lockdown in edges that,” Laxman told Star claims that Australian cricket- spot in the IPL.” just by sledging. Aussie’s loss is not a decision between Pakistan and India it involves other countries as India but VVS Laxman feels the Sports. ers “sucked up” to India captain Laxman, a veteran of 134 a loss, his statement was ridicu- well,” ehsan Mani said. Pakistan have the hosting rights to the tourna- cash-rich league can kick off the “And just before the World Virat Kohli for protecting their Tests, said as a mentor when lous I would say,” said 60-year- ment which was proposed to be held in Dubai. “It is important to have cricket calendar once normalcy Cup it will set the tone for a IPL contracts, saying just being he is on the auction table, those old Srikkanth. the asia Cup if cricket activities resume by then because development returns after the ongoing pan- hectic cricket season. But I just nice to someone doesn’t guar- players are looked at who do ex- Srikkanth, himself an ag- of asian cricket depends on funding from the tournament. It is impor- demic ends. hope that everything is nor- antee a spot in the cash-rich ceptionally well for their coun- gressive player, said that sledg- tant for many countries who are members of the asian Cricket Council,” The IPL 2020 will be a mal, and no one is in danger. tournament. try. “If you’re friendly with any ing cannot help in any way. Mani said. (AGENCIES) perfect curtain-raiser for the And once that happens, I am Clarke, a former Australian Indian player it doesn’t mean “If you ask Nasser Hussain cricket season and it will set sure the IPL should kick off the captain, raised several eyebrows that you are getting IPL con- or Sir Vivian Richards who are ATp freezes men’s tennis world rankings the tone before the T20 World cricket calendar.” after he claimed that there was tract. As a mentor, I’m on the experienced players, you can Cup, scheduled for October- Speculations are a phase when Australian crick- auction table and we select play- never score runs or get wickets ParIS: the atP has frozen the tennis world rankings for the duration November in Australia, ac- rife that IPL might eters were so keen on protect- ers, those international players through sledging. You need to of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by the French cording to the batting great. take place at a later ing their IPL deals that they that have played exceptionally play good cricket and showcase newspaper L’equipe on tuesday. Novak Djokovic’s corresponding The 13th edition of IPL, date, especially in felt “scared” of sledging India well for their country and can determination. Sledging cannot weeks at the top of the rankings will not now be counted towards the which was scheduled to get September-October. skipper Kohli and his team- add value to the franchise. help in any way according to my Serbian. the aTP has not yet officially made its decision. djokovic underway from March 29, was Nonetheless, BCCI mates and instead “sucked up” “Friendship with any In- opinion,” he said. thus remains at 282 weeks as number one in the world rankings. in initially suspended until Treasurer to them. “Just by being nice to dian player doesn’t ensure en- Australian Test skipper Tim the all-time leader board, the serb is third behind switzerland’s roger April 15. However, Arun Dhu- someone doesn’t get you a place try into the IPL,” Laxman, who Paine had earlier hit back at Federer, at 310 weeks, and Pete sampras of the United states on the tournament mal had in IPL,” said Laxman, who also amassed 8,781 Test runs, said Clarke, saying his team avoided 286 weeks. The ATP published the last world rankings on march 16. was postponed rub- mentors IPL team Sunrisers without mincing any words. provoking “any fight” with Kohli Tennis matches have been suspended at least until july 13 due to further after bished Hyderabad. Former India opener as part of its strategy to keep the the coronavirus. The ATP and WTA are working on what the world rank- India extended VVs Laxman them, “Any franchise will look at Krishnamachari Srikkanth also Indian captain’s bat quiet, not a ings should look like when the games can be resumed. (DPA) its lockdown say- the player’s caliber and value shot back at Clarke, terming his ploy to save IPL contracts. 14 Thursday, April 16, 2020 The Last Word Work as one family to fight COVID-19, WHO official urges world leaders

AILYN AGONIA Dr Nabarro also urged all international level to combat pandemic, I think we are look- Doha governments, including differ- not only COVID 19 but other ing at accelerating develop- ent political parties, to work to- reemerging diseases,” said Dr ment of vaccines within 12 to 18 WORLD Health Organiza- gether as a coalition to respond Marri. months.” tion (WHO) Special Envoy on quickly and make shift policies The event, moderated by Dr Kim added, “We really COVID-19 Dr David Nabarro to rapidly contain outbreaks. journalist and documentary- need to do research urgently and has urged countries to work as He emphasised the need maker Mishal Husain, also ethically if we want to develop a “one family” in the fight against for all governments to treat the heard from Rossella Miccio, vaccine and reduce the suffer- the coronavirus, stressing that ongoing COVID-19 pandemic president of EMERGENCY ing and death from COVID-19. world leaders “will not be forgiv- as a national emergency that re- NGO, whose teams are on the The emphasis has to be on a en” if they fail to work together quires a united approach among Dr Hsiu-Hung Wang Dr David nabarro Dr salih Ali al Marri frontline of Italy’s efforts to global effort, and not just shar- to defeat the virus. decision makers. combat COVID-19. ing data. As countries emerge Dr Nabarro made the re- “When cases arrive in a Miccio said, “We have a from COVID-19, we have to see marks during a special online community, don’t hold back. regional system in Italy. Each how other countries are suffer- edition of Qatar Foundation’s Respond rapidly, respond ro- region is trying to put its own ing and what the gaps are in care Education City Speaker Series bustly. And then you will be able opinion into the discussion. I and treatment. As long as we held in collaboration with the to contain this virus and hold it think in this particular situation, have unchecked epidemics, all World Innovation Summit for at bay. This is the new normal a centralised decision-making of us are at risk of exposure. Un- Health (WISH) on Wednesday. we all have to get used to. We process is what we really need less we get together and control In the wake of the US an- might as well get used to it now. because if you think in consid- this pandemic together, it will nouncing it will halt funding for We owe it not only to our peo- eration of what has happened continue to threaten countries the WHO, Dr Nabarro stressed ple in our nations but with the in Italy and how differently re- around the world.” the need to work in solidarity. people of the world. We are one Dr Jerome Kim Dr Matshidiso Moeti Dr Ahmed al Mandhari gions have been impacted, you The vital role of nurses in the He said, “This is a global family,” said the official. can see that we really need one global fight against COVID-19 pandemic and we must not Further describing the situ- overlooked the need to invest advisory groups to come out Qatar’s Minister for Health very clear message that has to was emphasised by Dr Hsiu- spend time looking backwards. ation as “a new normal”, Dr in “basic health measures that with an evidence-based recom- Affairs at the Ministry of Public govern.” Hung Wang, president of the That can be done later when Nabarro urged nations to be on have saved many lives”. mendation link with scholars’ Health Dr Salih al Marri under- Dr Jerome Kim, director- Taiwan Nurses Association dur- history is written. We need to defensive mode. “At a community level, recommendations to guide our lined Qatar’s willingness to par- general of the International Vac- ing the webinar. work in solidarity, at a com- He said, “Being on the de- COVID-19 will definitely change community, especially during ticipate in international vaccine cine Institute in South Korea, She said, “Their efforts munity level, and within and fensive makes us strong. From people’s habits and behaviours. the Holy Month of Ramadan in trials. said despite the global clamour should be recognised broadly between countries. Without now on, we’ve got to develop a It will make people more con- which we are used to have a lot He reiterated the need to for a vaccine, issuing an unap- and at the highest level of soci- solidarity, we will not win. We whole new way of living to be scious of their own health and of gatherings during the prayers strengthen public health, ex- proved vaccine would be diffi- ety, and in the long run, we need plead with everyone to look for- able to coexist with this virus. It that of others, and I hope it will and during the breaking the plore expansion and be pre- cult “because you don’t know if to provide them with mental ward, focus on the epic struggle would mean changes to the way bring governments, different fast.” pared for the worse scenario. it will actually work”. and social support that is spe- that is taking place right now we socialise and to the way we sectors, partners and donors Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO On getting message across He said, “It needs to be a cifically designed for them.” and leave the recriminations work. I have great belief in in- together to face a pandemic that Regional Director for Africa, all nationals and residents in vaccine that we know will work She also emphasised that until later.” genuity of humanity and we will we have never experienced in said the continent’s COVID-19 Qatar, he acknowledged the around the world. That is why Taiwan’s experience of the “Every single person in the find ways to do this.” the past,” he said. challenges range from testing challenges they are facing in everyone needs to participate in SARS virus had helped its pre- world is a public health worker Dr Ahmed al Mandhari, Dr Mandhari said the forth- capacity outside capital cities engaging a community with clinical trials – it must work for paredness for COVID-19. right now. Everyone is making WHO’s Regional Director for coming Holy Month of Rama- and the ‘weakness’ of its health- diverse cultures but expressed everyone.” “It raised public awareness sacrifices, taking responsibility the Eastern Mediterranean – an dan poses a real challenge for care systems, to a shortage of confidence in the country’s Commenting on availabil- and promoted active pandemic and getting involved. We look area which includes Gulf Coop- them, adding that the WHO has critical supplies and “the fact communication platforms in the ity of vaccines for COVID-19, response policies, while Taiwan- global leaders straight in the eye eration Council nations, said been working with different or- that while governments are do- time of crisis. he said, “Under normal circum- ese medical institutions have and say: the future of our world governments must “rebuild, re- ganisations on the matter. ing a lot of work to inform peo- He said Qatar trust its com- stances, developing a vaccine provided the appropriate per- is in your hands, you must work establish, redevelop and rethink He said, “It is a real chal- ple about what they need to do munity in abiding by the neces- takes five to 10 years with an sonal protective equipment and together, otherwise you will not how they are running health- lenge that we are going to face in to protect themselves, in some sary measures that have been average cost of billion dollars. training, and allocated sufficient be forgiven if you don’t,” he care systems”, saying that, over two weeks’ time. But WHO has settings people do not have ac- put in place. However, under the unusual staffing to ensure nurse and pa- added. the years, many countries have been working with other Islamic cess to running water”. “I think we need to unite at circumstances with the covid19 tient safety.” QU-CPH conducts final year OSCE ‘Create new activities to exam online amid COVID-19 crisis TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha engage autistic children’ QATAR University’s College of Pharmacy (QU-CPH) success- fully conducted its first online Objective Structured Clinical Sidra Medicine offers advice and tips for parents during COVID-19 Examination (OSCE) using one of its distance education TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK daily activities will be sequenced. For platforms due to suspension Qu-CPH students during the online OsCE exam. Qatar example, days for school work and week- of classes as a precautionary ends can be clearly marked with differ- measure to prevent the spread as part of their final cumula- coordinator, said, “It was WITH schools closed and the guidance ent colours. This may help children to of the coronavirus (COV- tive assessment prior to gradu- quite challenging to change to work from home in order to limit the predict what to expect day by day and ID-19). ation. the whole format of the OSCE spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), is particularly helpful for children with The college implemented In addition, students’ and execute it online in such many parents find themselves strug- communication needs. the ‘Telehealth’ concept, with grades were cross-assessed by a short period of time given gling while confined at home with their  If possible, set up a corner of a the participation of 22 final two faculty members to ensure the uncertain circumstances children. room as a school space. Involve your year BSc Pharmacy students fair evaluation of students and we are facing. But with the Dr Fatima Janjua, division chief child/ children in organising this corner, and 11 faculty members. inter-rater reliability. Some of support of faculty members of Developmental Paediatrics at Sidra provided you remain in control of what The exam, for which all stu- the important skills assessed along with the dedication and Medicine, said: “Staying at home for should and should not be allowed. dents appear simultaneously, as part of the exam included: perseverance of our final year days on end can be challenging at the  Allow plenty of breaks for physi- assesses the clinical skills of Promotion of public health students, we made it happen best of times, but it is harder for par- cal exercise and short periods of self- prospective pharmacists and is awareness , demonstration of successfully.” ents of young children. The need to keep chosen activities in between others that currently the ‘exit from degree’ managerial leadership skills, Bassant Amr, fourth year children entertained while juggling require compliance and concentration assessment used in pharmacy maintenance of the code of eth- pharmacy student and QU- working from home and household from the child. Again, if the sequence is programmes in many countries ics while dealing with difficult CPH public relation officer, chores can leave parents exhausted and visually displayed, compliance and your across the world like the US. patients, communication and said: “Having the OSCE exam stressed, with little time for themselves child’s engagement will be much easier “Usually, simulated pa- collaboration with other health- online was one of a kind, ex- individually or as a couple. For parents to achieve. tients (SPs) play the role of care team members to provide citing and definitely unforget- of children and young people with Au- 2. ENGAGE IN FAMILY-BASED SOCIAL real-life patients in the OSCE. optimal care to hospitalised table experience; a challenge tism, the situation can be even more Dr Fatima Janjua AND SENSORY ACTIVITIES However, due to the pan- patients, and counselling pa- we faced and decided to rise to. complex.”  Family-based social activities are a demic, the structure and the tients about their medications The idea of having it online was The Developmental Paediatrics De- turn will have a more positive impact fun way to engage the whole family. If you regular flow of the OSCE were with trusted information taking stressful for both students and partment at Sidra Medicine, a member of in their interaction with their children,” have a small garden or open space, try to changed, with faculty mem- into account their specific char- the faculty, but with the col- Qatar Foundation (QF), advises parents continued Dr Janjua. set up physical activities or treasure hunts bers playing the SP role while acteristics while dispensing the laboration and preparation, we to create new routines and consider fam- inside the house or in the garden; play ‘I having a video conference with medication safely. made it happen successfully.” ily-based social and sensory activities for The department has offered tips for Spy’ while you walk outside or go for bike each student who in turn role- Dr Maguy El Hajj, CPH as- Sara Thiab, fourth year children with Autism. families with one or more children with ride, if safe. played the pharmacist,” ex- sociate professor and head of pharmacy student, said: “This “We recommend that parents try to Autism:  For very young children, sensory ac- plained a press statement from Clinical Pharmacy and Prac- specific OSCE did not treat us stay calm when talking to their children 1. MAKE A NEW ROUTINE tivities are a fun and relaxing way to keep the college. tice Department, said, “Due to as dispensing pharmacists. It or guiding them through their sched-  Try to develop a modified version them entertained. For example, playing The exam consisted of four COVID-19 pandemic, health highlighted advanced phar- ule. Even children with communication of your child’s typical nursery or school with sand, water, play dough, dried beans different case-scenarios over consultations in Qatar and in macist role in the provision of needs may pick up on your tone of voice routine that can be adapted to the home or Lego. two days that simulated the the world are being delivered pharmaceutical care. In addi- or levels of stress. Where possible, take environment. The routine might also 3. CHECK OUT ONLINE RESOURCES real work of a pharmacist in through telehealth. It was tion to allowing us to showcase turns as a parent or a close relative in involve other siblings if appropriate, or  A lot of support services and insti- community, hospital and pri- amazing to have OSCE con- how a community pharmacist child care. In these intense and confined they may get together at some points in tutions have moved online. Visit credible mary care settings. Students ducted virtually with our final or a clinical pharmacist would situations, each adult will need some the day, such as meal times, breaks or for sites such as www.autism.org.uk; autism- were graded based on their year pharmacy students.” act, more importantly, we were self-care time to relax with a favourite physical activities. speaks.org; sensorysouk.com; affirm.fpg. ability to demonstrate profes- DrZiad Nasr, CPH clinical able to play leadership and activity or book, or just to rest. This in  Create a visual schedule of how unc.edu; for tips and guidance. sional pharmacy practice skills assistant professor and course public health educator roles.”

MADLSA, ASHGHAL TEAMS INSpECT WORKERS’ ACCOMMODATIONS IN INDuSTRIAL AREA AND ABu NAKHLA

As part of the inspection campaigns aimed at protecting workers at the Public Works Authority’s (Ashghal) projects from coronavirus, the Health and safety Team from Ashghal’s roads Projects Department and the Labour Inspection Department Team from the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and social Affairs (MADLsA), visited workers’ accommodations in Industrial Area and Abu nakhla. (tNN)