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SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 19 RAMADAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8609 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Qatar to have 4 ferry terminals with parking spaces

IRFAN BUKHARI improve overall air and climate construction works,” the Ministry THE PENINSULA quality in Qatar are other objec- said. Under Qatar’s public transit program, ferry tives of the program. Four Bus Depots’ construction terminals and parking spaces to be built Under Qatar’s public transit Regarding ‘Park and Ride’, the is under the program’s fifth program, ferry terminals and MoTC said that the project belongs package and they are being built in Lusail, Port, Hamad International parking spaces to be built in to the first package projects of the in Lusail, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra and Airport and The Pearl. Lusail, Doha Port, Hamad Inter- program. Park and Ride sites at New . Main facil- national Airport and The Pearl. and Al Wakra were ities at these bus depots include The project has been sub- inaugurated for the public in bus parking spaces fully equipped The Public Bus Infrastructure Program has four main projects mitted to start construction works, January 2020 while sites in Lusail with an infrastructure supportive to support switching to clean energy including ‘Park and Ride’, according to details recently and Education City are near 100% of e-bus charging; bus care ‘Bus Terminals’, ‘Ferry Terminals’ and ‘Bus Depots’. shared by the Ministry of completion and are ready to open centers; residential, recreational Transport and Communications soon. facilities and mosques; and through a detailed infographic Under the program, 7 bus ter- control center. Park and Ride sites in Works on bus terminal sites in Lusail, posted on its Twitter account. minals are being built in the According to information Lusail and Education Al Wakra, Al Sudan, Education City and The Public Bus Infrastructure country and this project is within shared by the Ministry, Lusail Bus City are near 100% Industrial Area are 68% complete and Program in Qatar has four main the second and third packages of Depot is the first depot in the completion and are would be fully complete during Q3 of projects to support switching to the program. region to depend on solar energy ready to open soon. 2021. clean energy including ‘Park and Works on bus terminal sites as a renewable source of clean Ride’, ‘Bus Terminals’, ‘Ferry Ter- in Lusail, Al Wakra, Al Sudan, energy in line with highest minals’ and ‘Bus Depots’. Education City and Industrial Area standards and specifications. Lusail Bus Depot is the The main objectives of the are 68% complete and would be It will have solar panels program are to achieve inte- fully complete during Q3 of 2021. totaling 10, 720 units to generate first in the region to gration between public transit According to MoTC’s infographic, four megawatts per day plus the depend on solar energy systems; support transit opera- works on bus terminal sites in power station to provide the nec- as a renewable source Works on bus terminal sites in Msheireb tions during FIFA World Cup Msheireb and Al Gharafa are 31% essary energy for operating of clean energy in line and Al Gharafa are 31% complete Qatar 2022; enhance Qatar’s complete and would be fully electric charging devices and the with highest standards and would be fully delivered during Q1 position as a leading country in delivered during Q1 of 2022. project at large; five 300 kilowatt and specifications. of 2022. using eco-friendly electric The ‘Ferry Terminals’ project fast bus electric charging devices; vehicles; increase public transit is under the fourth package of the 217 150 kilowatt dual bus charging ridership in the next few years. program. The project consists of devices; and 474 bus parking Also to offer high quality establishing ferry terminals and spaces. Lusail Bus Depot will have solar panels totaling service and facilities with world parking spaces (water taxi) in Establishing the bus parking 10, 720 units to generate four megawatts per best technologies and specifica- Lusail, Doha Port, Hamad Inter- spaces and solar panel canopies day, five 300 kilowatt fast bus electric charging tions that reflect Qatar’s national Airport and The Pearl are scheduled to complete in Q4 devices, over two hundred 150 kilowatt dual bus advanced public transit sector and also establishing a bus ter- of 2021 while the bus depot in charging devices, and 474 bus parking spaces. and to reduce carbon emissions minal in the . “It has Lusail is expected to complete in of fossil fuel vehicles and been submitted to start Q1 of 2022. MoPH: Around 44% of eligible people Midmac, Industrial Area flyovers to receive at least one dose of vaccine THE PENINSULA — DOHA be upgraded to decongest traffic population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine. 85.7% of over The Ministry of Public Health yesterday 60s (the most vulnerable population SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Al Shawi was replying to a provide services to 32,000 land announced the registration of 676 new group) have been vaccinated with at THE PENINSULA question about the opening of the plots in citizens’ sub-divisions,” confirmed cases of COVID-19. Among them least one dose, while 75.1% have street which has been witnessing said Assistant Director of Road Pro- 220 are from travellers returning from received both doses. The Public Works Authority the development works for many jectors Department at Ashghal. abroad. “Every day, hundreds of people are (Ashghal) has planned to upgrade years. Earlier, Ashghal had announced Also 1,593 people recovered from the becoming sick due to the COVID-19 with two major flyovers of the country “Muaither street is receiving a the commencement of works on virus bringing the total number of cases many requiring admission to hospital to — Midmac Flyover on Salwa Road comprehensive development the Roads and Infrastructure recovered in Qatar to 189,544. In addition, manage their symptoms. Since February 1, and Industrial Area Flyover to ease works including main lanes serving Project in South Al Meshaf (Package the Ministry announced eight new deaths, the number of people with COVID-19 traffic flow. to the area. The main lane has been 9) which is part of Ashghal’s plan aged 33, 44, 50, 56, 57, 59,61 and 77 years, admitted to hospital has doubled. “Midmac Flyover and Industrial completed. During coming months, to implement infrastructure five of which had a history of chronic Qatar’s strict quarantine policy for Area Flyover will be upgraded in a the remaining works will be com- projects for citizens’ subdivisions disease and all were receiving the necessary returning travelers enabled us to delay the big way similar to the Passport pleted and by the end of this year in the southern regions of the medical care. introduction of new variants into this Office Flyover (commonly known the project will be finished,” said country. According to Ministry’s released country for several months but we are now as Jawazat Flyover). The round- Al Shawi. On completion, the project will data, 1,556,203 COVID-19 vaccine doses seeing positive COVID-19 cases in the region about under both flyovers will be Speaking about providing develop a 23km-long network of have been administered since the start and in Qatar with the new variants from closed and the traffic signals will services to land plots in citizens’ internal streets in the area and a of the program. 43.9% of the eligible South Africa.” be upgraded. Entry and exit points sub-divisions, Al Shawi said that 9.5km pedestrian and cycle track, This new variant, the Ministry said, is of intersections will be expanded,” Ashghal provided services to equipped with road safety features much more contagious and spread more said Assistant Director of Road Pro- 39,000 land plots in 14 areas across and street lighting as well as road easily between people than the existing jectors Department at Ashghal, Eng. the country. signs and marks, to regulate the strain and may be associated with increased Salem Al Shawi. He said that the services include traffic flow and enhance safety on Ramadan Timing severity of disease. Speaking in a Qatar TV pro- a complete infrastructure devel- the roads. “The good news is that the Pfizer/ gramme ‘Al Ghabqa’, Al Shawi said opment like road, drainage, lighting This is in addition to upgrading Today's Iftar: 6:07pm BioNTech and Moderna vaccines being used that the development works of and other services. infrastructure facilities to respond Tomorrow's Imsak: 03:24am in our vaccination program are effective Muaither street will be completed “The Public Works Authority is to residents’ needs and urban against the new variants.” by the end of this year. now implementing 34 projects to growth in the future. welcoming visitors with precautionary measures ELISSA DARWISH accordance with the recent san- FUEL PRICE THE PENINSULA itary measures. While the new restrictions Souq Waqif, the traditional affect the restaurant industry of market which is a historic the Souq, one can still order remnant of the previous takeouts of their favourite tradi- century’s commerce in the Gulf, tional dishes. As for the cultural Qatar Petroleum announced the fuel prices for the remains vibrant during Ramadan products found in the market, the month of May 2021. despite the pandemic. Due to demand on them varies from COVID-19 related restrictions, it sector to sector. remains open only on weekdays The Souq saw an influx in QR1.85 with precautionary measures in customers right before the place. Garangao celebration that took Price of super grade At 9.30pm, visitors, both of place in the middle of Ramadan. petrol for a litre local and foreign origins, begin For this event, the kids, clad to swarm the main streets of the in cultural garments, venture out QR1.80 Souq. Most are middle-aged, but to sing in their neighbourhoods, Price of premium grade a few youths hang around coffee in exchange for sweets and treats. petrol for a litre shops, enjoying their evening Hence, the Souq, with its refreshments. impressive selection of candies, QR1.65 Such visits of Souq Waqif are traditional desserts and nuts, is A picture of Souq Waqif taken last week. PIC: ELISSA DARWISH frequent, despite the removal of often a first choice when it comes Price of diesel for a litre. all outdoor sitting areas in to the Garangao shopping. `P2 02 HOME SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 Global journal names QU professor 'Sociologist of the Month'

THE PENINSULA — DOHA August 2020. While speaking whole family’s life and pre- medical education settings in about her published article, she Qatar University and the vents them from living in all the MENA. Qatar University’s (QU) said, “This research shed light College of Medicine have aspects of life. The study Commenting on the role of Assistant Professor of Behav- on the issue of withholding and explains how in colonised QU and the College of Medicine, PRAYER an important role in all ioral Sciences at College of freezing the bodies of dead Pal- my achievements by zones, despite its dead status, she said, “The success of any TIMINGS Medicine, Dr. Suhad Daher- estinians that Israel practiced the dead body has an active researcher begins with their PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Nashif, has been named Soci- during ‘Al-Quds Uprising’ in creating a strong culture role in reshaping the colo- passion for their studies, and ologist of the Month for 2015. The study presents how of high standard nised-coloniser relationship empowered by the support February 2021 by Current Soci- withholding and freezing the and has a role in reshaping the from family and workplace. FAJR 03.35 am academic and scientific ology, the Journal of the Inter- dead influence the Palestinian research. Palestinian collective national Qatar University and the SUNRISE 04.58 am national Sociology Association. families politically, psycholog- discourse.” College of Medicine have an DHUHR 11.31 am Dr. Suhad heads the Well- ically, and socially. This study Dr. Suhad also discussed important role in all my Dr. Suhad Daher-Nashif ASR 03.00 pm being Committee at the College is part of my postdoctoral her research interests and said, achievements by creating a and heads the Mental Health research that the Arab Council Assistant Professor, QU “My main research passion is strong culture of high standard MAGHRIB 06.07 pm Research Group at awarded for Social Sciences, to dismantle the intersection- academic and scientific ISHA 07.37 pm QU-Health. and part of a bigger study on ality between science, society, research. I could have all kinds This selection came based forensic medicine and death most of the studies focus on the and politics in medical and cul- of support when I needed it and on the new knowledge and the practices in the Palestinian rights of living humans. Fur- tural contexts, and how this asked for it. Despite the unique analytical contributions context I conducted in 2016.” thermore, the paper presents intersectionality is inscribed COVID-19 challenges, my hard she made in her article On the importance of the families’ voices and their over the dead and the living.” work combined with the “Colonial Management of choosing this research, Dr. experiences and explains how In addition to her studies support from my family and QU death: to be or not to be dead Suhad added, “This study high- freezing the body and pre- on forensic medicine, she enabled me to publish more in Palestine,” published in the lights the rights of the dead venting it from dying (Biolog- recently analyzes this intersec- than ten scientific manuscripts journal Current Sociology in rights as human rights, while ically and socially) freezes the tionality in mental health and since the beginning of 2020.”

WEATHER TODAY British Council, QNRF launch FameLab contest 27oC 36oC Minimum Maximum for sixth year in Qatar — DOHA Relatively hot daytime, mild by night THE PENINSULA FameLab Masterclass — an advanced science communication training course Applications for FameLab 2021 are now delivered by one of the leading com- W ALRUWAIS : 26o → 34o open and the British Council in part- municators in the UK during Sep- W ALKHOR : 24o → 34o nership with Qatar National Research tember 2021. This course will help par- Fund (QNRF) and the Ministry of ticipants for the national final W DUKHAN : 26o → 36o Education and Higher Education are that will take place online during the → W WAKRAH : 22o 37o looking for enthusiastic students and same month. W MESAIEED : 22o → 37o early-career researchers with a passion Sam Ayton, British Council Country W ABUSAMRA : 20o → 38o for public engagement to present their Director, said : “As the British Council, science work at FameLab Qatar. The we exist to bring people together and FameLab is a key activity in support of Qatar National Vision 2030’s aim of raising the winner of the adult category will go on science is the embodiment of interna- level of participation in science and research by developing science communication HIGH TIDE to represent Qatar in the online inter- tional collaboration at its very best. You 6:22– 20:26 national FameLab finals at the Chel- only have to look at the UK’s great skills of students and faculty in schools and universities in Qatar. LOW TIDE 2:54 – 14:04 tenham Science Festival in the UK. research universities to find talent and FameLab is the world’s leading commitment from all over the world opportunities. The performance of succeeded and achieved my goal of science communication competition. working together in the pursuit of Qatari finalists in previous editions of becoming the National Qatar Finalist It aims to find and mentor young knowledge and innovation. FameLab has proven that the thriving for 2019/2020 thanks to FameLab.” science, technology, engineering, and While FameLab allows us to ignite research and innovation infrastructure Student category national winner, mathematics (STEM) researchers who conversations around science, it is the in Qatar is producing exceptional Ahmed Walid said, “My FameLab journey MoI books 339 want to share their stories with the skills of science communication that talent, and we aim to continue on this was a war which I fought with passion world. we aim to nurture and advance each path by offering more opportunities not weapons. I never thought about for violating Participants of FameLab are year. More than ever we need scientists for new cohorts of talented scientists being a FameLab winner; but my heart expected to deliver an entertaining and who can communicate accessibly and and researchers to raise the flag of has always been beating with enthu- COVID-19 original three-minute talk about any attractively — people who can take Qatar around the world.” siasm towards cardiology. I can now say scientific topic without using Power- complex ideas and make them simple FameLab empowers researchers that FameLab truly revealed my ardour.” guidelines Point or other electronic presentation and compelling for all. We are delighted to speak about their work, opens doors FameLab is a key activity in support tools and with limited use of props. The to be working with our partners QNRF to global opportunities in science com- of Qatar National Vision 2030’s aim of talk must be scientifically accurate and and the MoEHE to help young scientists munication and provides contestants raising the level of participation in THE PENINSULA — DOHA engaging to a non-scientific audience. in Qatar develop these skills.” with expert training. Ahmed Al Maani, science and research by developing To prepare for the competition, the Dr. Abdul Sattar Al Taie, QNRF FameLab national winner for 2020 in science communication skills of stu- Ministry of Interior (MoI) offi- participants will receive online science Executive Director, said, “Competitions the adult category, said on his journey, dents and faculty in schools and uni- cials have intensified efforts communication skills training in Arabic like the FameLab not only help put “The FameLab experience is one of versities in Qatar. The British Council to take action against indi- and English, which will be delivered Qatar on the global map of scientific the most beautiful in my life, I made and QNRF intend to build a culture that viduals violating various by science communication trainers and research and innovation but also new friends, learned a plethora of understands and supports the positive COVID-19 precautionary will run for a week during June 2021. provide an opportunity for our talented unique information, and most impor- role science plays in economic and measures in the country and After the auditions that will take students and young researchers to tantly I learned a key lesson in life, social growth, and provide a platform have reported 339 violations place during July 2021, 20 contestants pursue their scientific passion and which is you have to persevere and try for students and young scientists to in the country. will make it to the second stage and build their skills through focused to reach your goals. I participated for present and share their ideas in a clear As many as 310 people will be invited to attend a two-day training and public engagement three years in a row and finally and simple way. were booked for not wearing masks in public. The Ministry officials also referred 22 people for not Birla Public School holds maintaining safe physical dis- tancing and one for not virtual art workshops installing the Ehteraz application. THE PENINSULA — DOHA The workshop started with The Ministry also referred good wishes and words of six people for not complying Birla Public School's encouragement from Rajesh with quarantine requirements. Department of Art has Pillai, Vice Principal The officials referred them to conducted interesting and (Co-Scholastic). the Public Prosecution for entertaining art workshops. The workshop was very violations. The event is part of co- exciting for the students as they Till now the ministry has scholastic activities at the revolved around practicing referred thousands of people school. The Department of Art speed sketching. During the to the Public Prosecution for scheduled a series of art work- workshop, children got the violating the Covid-19 precau- shops for Grade III-V and opportunity to see the usage of tionary measures in the Grade VI-XII. This series of art different mediums such as country. workshops helped the children pencils, pens, soft pastels in “In line with the cabinet develop creativity as well as rapid sketching. decision based on Law No. 17 their aesthetic senses. The second art workshop of 1990 regarding infectious Adapting to the new situ- was conducted by Ravikumar diseases, the competent ation in this academic year, the Chatti, art teacher for Grade authorities referred several first workshops were con- III–V. All the participants people to the Prosecution for ducted through webinars. The enjoyed and painted their can- violating COVID19 preventive The Mall intersection opens to traffic art workshop for the academic vases with the guidance of the and precautionary measures year 2021-22 was conducted teacher. It imbibed in the stu- The Mall intersection on D-Ring Road has been opened to traffic after its upgradation by the Public in force,” Ministry said in a on April 21, 2021 in the evening, dents the love of creation and Works Authority (Ashghal). PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA statement. through a webinar. expressing oneself. “The competent author- ities call on the public to adhere to the precautionary and preventive decisions in Souq Waqif welcoming visitors with precautionary measures force to protect them and FROM PAGE 1 others from the spread of the Garangao, and finally, right end of the stick. While some fra- the country’s temporary vis- Coronavirus in society,” the One Qatari customer shared before Eid.” grance shops managed to itors, according to one vendor. statement added. her experience of frequenting But those who do not par- Souq Waqif continues upkeep their revenues and cus- He claims that the transit pas- MoI and health authorities Souq Waqif for the occasion: ticipate in the Ramadan welcoming shopaholics, tomers, others suffer from a sengers visit the Souq to get have been continuously “We came here a few days shopping also appear in the food lovers and culture considerable lack of demand. acquainted with the local warning the public to follow before, searching for things to trade districts. Customers taste enthusiasts. Its Art “Sometimes, I only have one to culture, while awaiting their precautionary measures like put in the kids’ baskets for the the colorful spices and marvel Center still remains two customers daily!” lamented onward flight from the Hamad wearing masks, following festival of Garangao.” She also at the Arabic designs of the a perfume vendor. International Airport. , and expanded on her regular visits national garments on display. accessible for visits. The However, the vendors also Souq Waqif continues wel- restricting the number of of the market: “I often buy “I come here every day, I love Souq’s shops are open partially ascribe such decrease coming shopaholics, food lovers people in vehicles to fight the sweets, clothes, food and spices the Souq!” gushed Olga Ortiz from Sunday to in sales to the season, claiming and culture enthusiasts. COVID-19 pandemic from here.” from Puerto Rico, as she Thursday, between that the demand on their Its Art Center still remains spreading. “The sales depend on the admires a camel-pattern scarf 10am and 1pm and from products usually rises in winter. accessible for visits, while little MoI and health authorities period”, weighed in one grocer, at a garment shop. One source believes that the attractions, such as moon have urged the public to keep “During Sha’ban (the Islamic Generally, the clothing 7pm to midnight. number of total visits of Souq spotting could also be found on following all the preventive lunar calendar month before retailers, spice shops and gro- Waqif has been cut in half, fol- its grounds. The Souq’s shops measures against the pan- Ramadan), there are a lot of ceries still benefit from a good lowing the outbreak of the san- are open from Sunday to demic. People who have been customers, since they stock up number of buyers, despite inev- It is the perfumeries, jew- itary crisis. Thursday, between 10am and vaccinated should also observe for Ramadan. Then, the sales itably having been affected by ellery and accessory stores that Nonetheless, there are still 1pm and after Iftar, from 7pm all the precautions. rise again in the days preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. seem to have gotten the short some revenues coming in from to midnight. SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 HOME 03 Cancer survival rate in Qatar one of the highest, data show THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Muhammad bin Hamad [CIGB] at the Ministry of Public Al Thani, Vice-President of the Health, indicated that the data The Qatar National Cancer Latest figures released National Cancer Committee at collected from all health Registry of the National Cancer by the Qatar National the Ministry of Public Health, service providers for cancer Program at the Ministry of Cancer Registry show stated that the Qatar National patients go under several pro- Public Health (MoPH) has Cancer Registry represents an cedures to ensure their quality released recent data on cancer cancer survival rates excellent model for effective and suitability for use in scien- incidence rates in Qatar. reaching 88% for breast partnership and continuous tific research, decision-making, A total of 1,960 new cancer cancer in women and cooperation between all insti- and the development and mon- cases were diagnosed during nearly 82% for tutions working in the field of itoring of national health 2018. Cases were distributed colorectal cancer. cancer, most notably the programs. by 20% among Qataris, 80% Hamad Medical Corporation, Within this context, Amid among residents, 46% among the Primary Health Care Cor- Abu Hmaidan, Manager of the females and 54% among males. poration, Sidra Medicine, and Qatar National Cancer Registry, Dr. Muhammad bin Hamad Al Thani (left) and Dr. Al Hareth Muhammad The most common cancer for 39.15% of all female cancer the Qatar Cancer Society. He stated that the State of Qatar Al Khater among all nationalities was cases, followed by thyroid also stated that the Qatar has a national cancer screening breast cancer, accounting for cancer. While in males, color- National Cancer Registry is an program for breast and bowel 16.58% of all cancer cases, fol- ectal cancer was the most distribution was 33% among 13.04% of all cancer case of important achievement and a cancers, through which women lowed by colorectal cancer at common, accounting for Qataris, 67% among residents, children. vital source of information for of the age group 45-69 are 9.44%. 10.93% of all male cancer cases, and 63% among females com- With regards to survival policymakers and researchers examined periodically to Thyroid cancer was the followed by prostate cancer, at pared to 37% among males. rates, it was found to be one of who should benefit from this ensure that they are free from third most common cancer, at 9.52%. Leukemia was the most the highest compared to other data and support its continuous breast cancer, as well as the 6.33% of all cancer cases. As for children aged 0-14 common cancer, accounting countries, reaching 88% for development. case for people from Age group Among females of all years old, of all nationalities, for 32.61% of all childhood breast cancer in women and Dr. Al Hareth Muhammad 50-74 to examine and ensure nationalities, breast cancer was 46 new cases of cancer were cancers, followed by brain nearly 82% for colorectal Al Khater, Chair of the Cancer that they are free from bowel the most common, accounting diagnosed during 2018, and the cancer, which accounted for cancer. Information Governance Board cancer. Green Tent calls for uniting efforts to avoid COVID-19 crisis QU’s Biomedical Science students QNA — DOHA Dr. Saif bin Ali Al Hajri. these enterprises more capable considering that this pandemic educational institutions for this Al Hajri said that working of production and competition, has painful and costly aspects, type of education, the tests and present projects Arab experts and specialists remotely in such a compelling as the companies that invested and has another positive aspect, regulation of absence and participating in the activities of circumstance is one of the in their technological infra- which must be used to position attendance process, and the THE PENINSULA — DOHA the Green Tent affiliated with effective measures to deal with structure, before the outbreak it in a place that qualifies for amendment of some of fol- “A Flower Each Spring” the pandemic and limit its of the epidemic, gained great resilience and minimizing the lowed policies. Qatar University’s (QU) Thirteen programme have stressed the spread, especially in light of clo- advantages during this period, negative effects. Speakers during the con- Biomedical Science students need to coordinate and unify sures and precautionary and had the ability to keep up For their part, the speakers ference also focused on the presented eight different international, regional and local measures, pointing out that with remote work faster. at the conference explained that lessons learned from adminis- research projects recently efforts to avoid the Coronavirus most institutions, regardless of Dr. Al Hajri pointed to the the pandemic imposed a trative policies and regulations online in light of the COVID-19 crisis. their activities, have used the continuing challenges facing the number of challenges that and the impact of the pandemic, pandemic. These presentations This came during the online pandemic to bring about productive sectors, such as accompanied the process of and highlighted the impact of were the fruitful conclusion of conference held, within the changes in management pol- those related to infrastructure, transition from traditional edu- the new regulations on the eco- four years of undergraduate activities of the Green Tent, icies and regulations to adapt health, public and university cation to distance education, nomic sector, the public and studies. moderated by the Head of A to the situation. education, and the education of and related to the extent of the university education sector, and Three students, Asmaa Flower Each Spring programme He added that this made people with disabilities, readiness of people with disabilities. Allouch, Tara Fathi, and Asma Hassan, conducted two different studies focusing on the effect of Six arrested for different substances against HBKU to develop comprehensive source on Islamic reform human breast and colorectal violating home cancer cells under the super- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Akel Kahera (pictured), Pro- Muhammad Modassir Ali, senior vision of Professor Ahmad quarantine fessor of Islamic Architecture researcher at CIS’ Muhammad Malki, the associate dean of aca- The College of Islamic Studies and Urbanism and the lead bin Hamad Al Thani Center for demic affairs at Health Sciences QNA — DOHA (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa focal point for the project at CIS, Muslim Contribution to Civili- College. University (HBKU) has launched HBKU, said: “Our intent through zation (CMCC), will produce a The studies were in collab- The designated authorities a new mega-project to produce this major project is to educate bibliographical guide including oration with Professor Ala Eddin have arrested six people who a comprehensive source on and inform scholars, students, key reformist contributions and Moustafa from the College of violated the requirements of Islamic reform. and the general public on the develop a spatial and chrono- Medicine and Professor Ashraf the home quarantine, they In keeping with CIS’ intent trajectories of Islamic reform logical digital inventory of Khalil from the College of committed to following, which to lead in contemporary and throughout Muslim history. We Islamic reformers. Pharmacy. Another study was they are legally accountable applied Islamic studies, the see it as important to demon- The second task force will supervised by Dr. Hatem Zayed, for, in accordance with the compilation will aim to high- strate the relevance of Islamic identify major pressing themes the associate professor at Bio- procedures of the health light major Islamic reformers, traditions and Muslim thought in the contemporary world. Dr. medical Sciences, focusing on authorities in the country. reform themes, movements, to contemporary global chal- lence in research.” Akel Kahera, professor of signalling cascades of multiple The arrest of the violators and contemporary reform lenges. In this regard, the CIS has put together two architecture and urbanism; Dr. myeloma cells treated with came in implementation of the issues. The project outcomes project reflects CIS’ aim of pro- task forces with several of its Ibrahim Mohamed Zain, pro- pristimerin. precautionary measures in will include a bibliographic ducing reform-oriented future senior faculty members to fessor of Islamic studies and This study was conducted force in the country, approved guide as well as a spatial and generations that can make tan- undertake the mammoth comparative religion; Dr. Alex- by the two students, Rehab Elk- by health authorities repre- chronological digital inventory gible contributions to humanity. project, which will require andre Caeiro, associate pro- ardawy and Heba Almaghrbi, sented in the Ministry of Public of Islamic reformers. CIS’ “The project will serve the meticulous research and schol- fessor of Islamic studies, and using a bioinformatics approach Health, to curb the spread of objective is to leverage the wider academic community, by arship. The first task force will Dr. Joseph Lumbard, associate and accepted for publication in the COVID-19. The violators, compilation to reshape the aca- shedding light on issues of con- begin by collecting all scholarly professor of Quranic Studies, a peer-review scientific journal. being referred to the prose- demic teaching of Islamic siderable importance to Islamic works in the field of Islamic will focus on topics such as This study was in collaboration cution, were identified as studies, but also to rekindle the scholarship. For our part, we reform. Dr. Emad El Din Shahin, social justice, environmen- with the translation research Pinoud Sarma; Paralad Josai; spirit of reform in Muslim soci- will also work toward inte- founding dean of CIS; Dr. Louay talism, political accountability, institute at HMC and the College Munther Daham Al Turki; eties and contribute meaning- grating Islamic reform contri- Safi, professor of political human dignity, and gender of Pharmacy at QU, and the Mohsen Khan Mohammed fully to designing a better butions into teaching and aca- science and Islamic thought; Dr. equality, identifying Islamic School of BioSciences and Tech- Arshad; Jisam Walter; and humanity. demic courses, in keeping with Dheen Mohammed, professor reform contributions to these nology in India. Nasereldin Tampailipi. Explaining the overall aims, HBKU’s commitment to excel- of comparative religion; and Dr. debates. A study titled “profile of oxi- dative stress genes in response to obesity treatment” was IDEB Qatar Chapter holds webinar supervised by Dr. Nasser Rizk, NU-Q professor’s documentary the associate professor of Bio- for COVID-19 awareness medical Science at Qatar Uni- versity. This study was con- premieres at international film fest THE PENINSULA — DOHA the Bangladeshis living in Qatar ducted by the two students, to create public awareness Amira Mohemd and Huda THE PENINSULA — DOHA Institution of Diploma Engi- through individuals or organ- Farah, and found using mice neers Bangladesh (IDEB Qatar isations to address the pan- models that decreasing oxi- A new documentary film about Chapter) organised a webinar demic situation and gave direc- dative stress damage in skeletal the grim reality of slavery and on precautionary measures to tions in this regard. He insisted muscles through the NrF2 the diamond industry in Africa, address COVID-19 infections that, Bangladeshi expats should pathway would be a potential directed by Northwestern in Qatar and on contemporary cooperate Qatar Government anti-obesity drug. University in Qatar (NU-Q) guidance on expatriate Bang- in addressing the increased Another project was under Professor João Queiroga, will ladeshis travelling in the infections of coronavirus. the supervision of Dr. Nahla have its world premiere at the country. One way of such cooper- Omer, the Research Associate Hot Docs International Docu- The webinar was attended ation could be to prevent of the Biomedical Research mentary Festival in Toronto. by Dr. Muhammad Mustafizur themselves from coronavirus Center. In this project, the two The film — Digging for Life Rahaman, Counselor (Labour), infections by following the students, Hanin Nizar and — tells the true story of Adiang Embassy of Bangladesh, Doha. precautionary measures set by Noora Shams compared dif- Assuoe Thomas Germain HOC Counsellor Mahbubur the Ministry of Public Health, ferent methods to investigate A still from NU-Q Professor João Queiroga’s new film 'Digging for Life' (Tommy) who leaves his home Rahman, Counselor (Political) Qatar. He also worked tire- the in vitro activity of colistin in Cameroon for post-apartheid participated and Jahedul Islam, lessly to create awareness against various gram-negative South Africa, hoping to start a actions, advocate ideals, and The team behind the film President of IDEB Qatar among Bangladeshi workers bacilli. Using the Zebrafish new chapter of his life, but finds promote human rights.” includes several Northwestern Chapter, presided over the in Doha. model in the research field was himself trapped as a slave Creating the film was a alums, including Kevin Patrick webinar. During the question-and- the dominant feature of three digging for diamonds in Angola. grounding and profound expe- Gorey ‘16 and Jesseca Ynez The programme started answer session, Adviser different studies. The first one Hot Docs International rience for Queiroga who said Simmons ‘16 from the Evanston with the recitation of the Quran Khandaker Abu Raihan was supervised by Dr. Huseyin Documentary Festival is the he found himself reflecting on campus as producers, and by Hasmat Ali, Member EC expressed his best wishes, good Yalcin, the assistant professor largest documentary festival in the repercussions of his Portu- Northwestern Qatar students Committee. Accordingly, Billal health and gratitude to Dr. at the biomedical research North America. Digging for guese heritage on the lives of Nur Munawarah ‘21 and Hossain, Joint General Sec- Mustafizur Rahaman for being center, and conducted by the Life will premiere at the fes- Black Africans, “a heritage that Aljawhara Al-Adba ‘21 as retary of IDEB Qatar Chapter, by the side of the expatriates two students, Nabila Moulana tival on April 29. Queiroga and planted the seeds of racism and assistant editors, as well as presented a paper titled with various assistance by and Sara Suleiman, to develop Germain, who produced and oppression in Angola. The alumni Nouf Al-Sulaiti ‘18 as a ‘COVID-19 Precautionary taking risk of his life in the face a vasoconstriction hypertension acted in the film, hope that by making of this film is a consulting producer and Reem Measures and Awareness’ of this pandemic situation. model in Zebrafish. sharing this story they will give reminder of the work that Al-Ahmad ‘20 as social media which was lauded by the Dr. Mustafizur Rahaman The second one was super- a voice to the many who remain remains to be done,” he said. coordinator. attendees including the requested everyone to dis- vised by Dr. Gheyath Nasrallah, enslaved and invisible. “Storytelling is a powerful Alongside the film’s world Embassy officials. courage all Bangladeshi expa- the associate professor of “As a filmmaker, it was par- tool that could inspire change premiere at the Hot Docs Fes- Counsellor Mahbubur triates from travelling to Bang- Immunology at Qatar Uni- ticularly important to me to and help one process their tival, Queiroga said he is working Rahman exchanged views on ladesh at this time without any versity, where the student, work collaboratively with healing individually and collec- with local producers to arrange coronavirus pandemic during urgent need. Aldana Al-Dosari, evaluated the Tommy, to allow him to take tively.” He added, “While I’m for screenings in Cameroon and his recent visit to Bangladesh. In his concluding remarks, toxicity of AEO surfactant. The ownership of his story and not able to speak for Tommy, I Angola. “Beyond shining light on He urged the Bangladeshi President Engineer Jahedul third study was supervised by inherent film depiction,” Que- understand that the making of the journey of our main char- expatriates in Qatar to follow Islam thanked everyone for Dr. Maha Alasmakh to evaluate iroga said. “We combined my this film was a cathartic expe- acter through the film, we hope the precautionary measures participating in seminar and the toxic effect of water-pipe technical ability with his rience for him that allows us to the film can start a conversation issued by Qatar Government to requested them to work more smoking on the embryonic genuine and authentic desire reconcile with our own pain. If among local Cameroonians that curb the pandemic. collectively to create awareness development of zebrafish. This to share his story with the world Tommy is able to free himself can ultimately save human lives,” Dr. Mustafizur Rahaman in among all Bangladeshi com- study was conducted by Shima to create a film that can create from his past, so can we!” Queiroga said. his detailed discussion urged munity in Qatar. Aladawi. 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 Stampede at Israel religious festival kills 45

REUTERS — MOUNT MERON, ISRAEL Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox investigators would look into whether Jews had thronged to the Galilee there had been any police misconduct At least 45 people were crushed to tomb of 2nd-century sage Rabbi connected to the tragedy. death at an overcrowded religious A police spokesman said overall festival in Israel, with some asphyx- Shimon Bar Yochai for annual Lag capacity at Mount Meron was similar iated or trampled victims going unno- B’Omer commemorations that include to previous years but that this time ticed until the PA system sounded an all-night prayer, mystical songs and bonfire areas were partitioned off as appeal to disperse. a COVID-19 precaution. That may have Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox dance. Witnesses said many of the created unexpected choke-points on Jews had thronged to the Galilee tomb dead were caught in a tightly packed foot traffic, Israeli media said. of 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shimon Bar A pilgrim who gave his name as Yochai for annual Lag B’Omer commem- passageway around 3 meters (yards) Yitzhak told Channel 12 TV: “We orations that include all-night prayer, wide after crowds packed the slopes thought maybe there was a (bomb) mystical songs and dance. of Mount Meron in northern Israel in alert over a suspicious package. No one Witnesses said many of the dead imagined that this could happen here. were caught in a tightly packed pas- defiance of warnings to maintain Rejoicing became mourning, a great sageway around 3 meters (yards) wide social distancing against COVID-19. light became a deep darkness.” after crowds packed the slopes of Prime Minister Benjamin Mount Meron in northern Israel in A view of Mount Meron where fatalities were reported among thousands of ultra- Netanyahu, while visiting the site, defiance of warnings to maintain social Orthodox Jews, who gathered at the tomb of a second-century sage for annual people in the front of the surging crowd called it one of the “heaviest disasters” distancing against COVID-19. commemorations, yesterday. simply collapsed. in Israel’s history and promised a Medics said there had been a “A pyramid of one on top of another thorough investigation to ensure it did stampede in the men’s section of the showed ultra-Orthodox men clam- stretchers,” said 19-year-old festival- was formed. People were piling up one not recur. He called for a national day gender-segregated festival. Casualties bering desperately through gaps in goer Hayim Cohen. on top of the other. I was in the second of mourning tomorrow. The United included children. sheets of torn corrugated iron to escape “We were going to go inside for the row. The people in the first row - I saw States and European Union offered Many of the dead had yet to be the crush. Bodies lay on stretchers in dancing and stuff and all of a sudden people die in front of my eyes,” he said. condolences. Helicopters ferried identified and police asked family a corridor, covered in foil blankets. we saw paramedics from (ambulance People who stayed on the scene injured people to hospitals and the mil- members to provide pictures and per- “There was some kind of mess, service) MDA running by, like mid-CPR through the night questioned how the itary said search-and-rescue troops sonal information of those who police, screaming, a big mess, and after on kids,” 36-year-old pilgrim Shlomo situation so quickly spiralled out of were scrambled. With the site cleared, attended the festival and were still half an hour it looked like a scene of a Katz said. An injured man lying on a control, though there had been concern rescue workers collapsed against missing to help with the process. suicide bombing attack, numerous hospital bed described to reporters for years about safety risks at the railings, some weeping as their col- Videos posted on social media people coming out from there on how the crush began when a line of annual event. The Justice Ministry said leagues comforted them. Lebanon opens probe into Abbas delays central bank Palestinian elections; governor, brother

REUTERS — BEIRUT Hamas slams ‘coup’ Lebanon’s public prosecutor has launched an investigation AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM elections and has enforced a into central bank governor ban on Palestinian Authority Riad Salameh, a judicial source President Mahmoud Abbas activities, including campaign said, after a Swiss legal request announced early yesterday that events. alleged that more than $300m the first Palestinian elections in “Faced with this difficult sit- had been embezzled from the 15 years will be delayed, citing uation, we decided to postpone bank through a company a dispute with Israel to call off the date of holding legislative owned by his brother. a vote in which his fractured elections until the participation The senior judicial source Fatah party was expected to of Jerusalem and its people in said the offices of Salameh’s suffer another embarrassing these elections is guaranteed,” younger brother Raja had been defeat to the Hamas. Abbas said. “There will be no sealed off, with computers and Hamas slammed the move concession on Jerusalem and no files confiscated in the course as a “coup.” But the indefinite concession on our people in of the investigation. The public postponement will be quietly Jerusalem exercising their dem- A picture taken with a drone shows Hamas supporters taking part in a protest against Palestinian prosecutor had no comment. welcomed by Israel and ocratic rights.” President Mahmoud Abbas’ decision to postpone planned parliamentary elections, in the northern Riad Salameh, who denies Western countries, which are The fate of east Jerusalem, any wrongdoing, had no concerned about the growing home to holy sites sacred to Gaza Strip, yesterday. comment when asked by strength of Islamist Hamas. Jews, Christians and Muslims, Reuters about the opening of For ordinary Palestinians, is one of the most sensitive Israel on Thursday saying it explore ways of “forcing the “The exercise of democratic the investigation, the sealing the delay leaves a long- issues in the decades-long could not take a position on the elections in Jerusalem without elections is a matter for the Pal- of his brother’s office and the entrenched political leadership Israeli-Palestinian conflict. elections because it does not yet the permission of or coordi- estinian people and for the Pal- confiscation of the files. in place that has failed to But delaying the elections have a government following nation with the occupation.” estinian leadership to The central bank also advance their hopes for over Jerusalem could also be its own elections last month — Israel has not said whether determine,” spokesman Ned declined to comment, or to statehood, heal the bitter rift seen as a pretext, because only the fourth in two years. it will allow voting in east Jeru- Price told reporters in Wash- provide contact details for Raja between Fatah and Hamas or a small number of voters in the Hamas had been expected salem but has expressed ington. “We believe in an Salameh, and Reuters was not lift the blockade on the Gaza city would actually require to perform well in the May 22 concern about Hamas’ growing inclusive political process.” immediately able to ask him Strip, and which is seen as Israel’s permission. Abbas’ parliamentary elections strength. Israel and Western Israel captured east Jeru- for comment. The Swiss increasingly corrupt and rivals had suggested worka- because of widening divisions countries would likely boycott salem, along with the West attorney general’s office said authoritarian. Presidential elec- rounds so as not to give Israel within Fatah, which split into any Palestinian government Bank and Gaza, in the 1967 war, in January that it had tions planned for July also an effective veto over three rival lists. Hamas con- that includes the group. territories the Palestinians want requested legal assistance appeared to be on hold. elections. demned the delay, saying the The day after President Joe for their future state. Israel from Lebanon in investigating Abbas insisted elections Abbas said the Palestinian decision “doesn’t agree with the Biden exhorted Americans to annexed east Jerusalem in a “aggravated money laun- could not be held without the Authority has repeatedly sought national consensus and popular “prove that democracy still move not recognized interna- dering” and possible embez- full participation of Palestinians assurances from Israel and has support and is a coup.” works” in an address to Con- tionally and views the entire zlement relating to the Leb- in east Jerusalem. Israel has yet called on the European Union Prior to the announcement, gress, his State Department dis- city as its capital, barring the anese central bank, the to say whether it would allow to exert pressure, to no avail. He Hamas had issued a statement tanced itself from the Pales- Palestinian Authority from Banque du Liban. voting by mail there as in past said it received a letter from saying the Palestinians should tinian vote. operating there. Saudi reports 1,056 new virus cases, 11 deaths

AGENCIES — RIYADH

The Saudi Ministry of Health reported yesterday 1,056 new confirmed cases of the Corona- virus and 11 more deaths during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number to 417,363. Of the new cases, 446 were recorded in Riyadh, 253 in Makkah, 136 in the the Eastern Province, 52 in Asir, 33 in Madinah, 28 in Jazan, 20 in Hail, 15 in Tabuk, 14 in the Northern Borders region, 15 in Najran, and six in Al Jouf. Land mine kills 3 children in Yemen

AP — SANA'A

A land mine explosion near Yemen’s strategic port city of Hodeida killed three children and wounded another three and their mother, officials said yesterday. The mine exploded on Thursday in a rural area in the Al Marawiah district, where clashes between Yemen’s Iran- backed rebels and Saudi-allied government forces recently flared up.The wounded were taken to hospital in critical condition, the officials added, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Tunisia to seek expects more $4bn IMF loan: Prime Minister COVID-19 vaccine

REUTERS — TUNIS supplies soon: Erdogan

ISTANBUL Tunisia will seek a $4 billion REUTERS — population, having received at loan programme from the least one dose. International Monetary Fund Turkey has enough doses of “I don’t accept that we will (IMF) in talks starting next COVID-19 vaccine at the have any issues with vaccine week, Prime Minister Hichem moment and will not have procurement,” Erdogan said. Mechichi told Reuters on issues with procurement, Pres- “With the talks we are carrying Friday, saying politicians faced ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan out with Russia now, the a “last opportunity” to save the said yesterday, adding he would Sputnik V vaccine is on its way,” economy. discuss more supplies with he said, adding he would speak Mechichi said he expected Russian and Chinese leaders. to Russian President Vladimir talks to last about two months Speaking two days after Putin about the procurement if and had “confidence” Tunisia his health minister warned necessary. Turkish medical could secure financial support that vaccines would be more authorities said yesterday they to help it through an economic scarce in the next two months, had granted emergency use crisis that has been aggravated Erdogan said Turkey expected authorization to Sputnik V. by the COVID-19 pandemic. to receive a “serious” amount Erdogan said he would A police officer stops a motorist to check her documents during a nationwide “full closure” imposed “All efforts must be unified of vaccines from Moscow and discuss vaccine supply in the first to slow the rate of the coronavirus contagion in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. in Tunisia because we consider Beijing. half of May with Chinese Pres- that we have reached the last Turkey has so far been using ident Xi Jinping, and that more opportunity and we must use vaccines developed by China’s doses would also be delivered by Turkey had signed a deal for 50 said a Turkish firm would also Russia on May 12 to discuss the it to save the economy,” he Sinovac Biotech Ltd and by BioNTech and Pfizer. “God million doses of Sputnik V that produce the shot at its plants. vaccines and tourism, after said in an interview. Pfizer and BioNTech. willing, I believe it will be a mag- will start arriving in May and Turkish state broadcaster Moscow said it restricted flights He said he wanted a It has carried out nearly 23 nificent situation.” should help address a short- TRT Haber reported on Friday to and from Turkey until June 1 three-year loan programme million inoculations, with 13.7 On Wednesday, Health term fall in supply. The Russian that Koca and Foreign Minister due to a rise in COVID-19 and added that details of an million people, or 16% of the Minister Fahrettin Koca said Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Mevlut Cavusoglu would visit infections. agreement with powerful labour unions, seen as vital to unlock foreign funding, were still being finalised. Hundreds arrested after anti-govt protests in Chad He said Tunisia would rationalise rather than cut sub- sidies and said it was consid- AP — N’DJAMENA In the country’s north, there were conflicting Streets remained calm but military issued a communique ering sales of minority stock it reports over whether the military or rebel forces heavily patrolled by military saying that armed rebels had holds in some businesses in More than 700 people have been yesterday, as many of been repelled on Thursday. order to finance investment in arrested in Chad following this controlled the town of Nokou. Rebels from the N’Djamena’s residents flocked The rebels — who are the most important publicly week’s demonstrations against armed group known as the Front for Change and to mosques for prayers during known by their French owned companies. the new military government led the third week of Ramadan. acronym, FACT - also claimed The IMF has previously by the son of slain President Idriss Concord in Chad said they held the town, but the In the country’s north, there to have shot down a Chadian said Tunisia should target Deby Itno, the United Nations military issued a communique saying that armed were conflicting reports over military helicopter on Thursday urgent reforms of state-owned said yesterday. whether the military or rebel but the government later said enterprises, subsidies and the Civil society groups are rebels had been repelled on Thursday. forces controlled the town of the aircraft had crashed due to large public sector wage bill. renewing calls for more protests Nokou. Rebels from the armed a mechanical issue. over the weekend in the Central group known as the Front for Chad, a key player in the Zulu regent African country, where tensions disputed that the anti-government crowd killed a retired police Change and Concord in Chad international fight against have mounted in the aftermath protests were peaceful, saying one officer amid the unrest. said they held the town, but the Islamic extremism in Africa, Queen Dlamini of Deby’s killing that was was rocked by the April 20 blamed on a rebel group now death of Deby, who had been Zulu dies at 65 threatening to overthrow the in power for more than three interim government. decades. The military formed a REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG UN human rights office transitional government with spokeswoman Marta Hurtado his son Mahamat at the helm South Africa’s Zulu regent said it was not known how before announcing the longtime Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi many of the people arrested leader’s death on national Dlamini Zulu has died at 65, after Tuesday’s demonstrations television. officials said, just over a month are still being detained. The military has blamed his after she took the role following “As further protests and death on the Chadian rebels the death of her husband, King general strikes have been called from FACT, who were based in Goodwill Zwelithini. to take place in the coming neighboring Libya and crossed “It is with deepest shock days, we stress that Chad back into Chad on election day and distress that the Royal remains bound by its obliga- earlier this month as Deby Family announces the unex- tions under international sought a sixth term in office. The pected passing of her Majesty human rights law to protect and rebels have repeatedly Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi respect human rights, including threatened to march on the Dlamini Zulu, regent of the the right to life, and to facilitate capital and depose the interim Zulu nation,” said a statement the exercise of the right to leader, though are still believed issued by Prince Mangosutho freedom of peaceful assembly,” to be some 300km from Buthelezi, founder of the she said in Geneva. N’Djamena. The political oppo- Inkatha Freedom Party and Witnesses say that security sition also has called for interim traditional prime minister to forces fired live ammunition at military government to step the Zulu monarch. Tuesday’s demonstrations, which down, saying that power should He did not refer to a cause took place in Chad’s two largest have been ceded to the National of death. Some South African cities, N’Djamena and Moundou. Brahim Ben Said, secretary-general of the free confederation of Chadian workers (CLTT), talks to Assembly president in the media have reported that she A military spokesman has men who said they lost jobs years ago outside the CLTT office in N’djamena, Chad. aftermath of Deby’s killing. had been ill but have not released details of her medical condition. “This has taken us Uganda introduces 12% internet data levy In Uganda, by surprise and left us utterly Ramaphosa foe refuses bereft. On behalf of the royal REUTERS — KAMPALA remote islands family, I wish to assure the nation that while we are all Uganda says it has introduced a 12% tax on internet data, poten- to vacate South African test delivery of rightly grief-stricken, there will tially hiking prices for online access in the east African country be no leadership vacuum in the where consumers are already paying some of the world’s highest vaccines Zulu nation,” Buthelezi said. internet costs. Data costs in African countries are high relative ruling party post In a statement, President to other regions, a fact blamed for slow internet penetration and AP — KABALE, UGANDA Cyril Ramaphosa extended his limited use even for those connected, according to digital advocacy BLOOMBERG — JOHANNESBURG “thoughts, prayers and hearts group the World Wide Web Foundation. party is due to contest Remote islands in Uganda have once more to the royal family”. Uganda’s Parliament tweeted late on Thursday that lawmakers Ace Magashule, the secretary- municipal elections on Oct. 27 tested the efforts of health offi- The Zulu are South Africa’s had passed the ‘Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2021’ which intro- general of South Africa’s and is seeking to regain cials delivering COVID-19 vaccine largest ethnic group, duced the 12% duty on internet data. The levy is among a raft of new ruling African National control of several towns it lost doses as global efforts to access accounting for around a fifth taxes the government is introducing in the financial year due to start Congress, faces suspension to opposition coalitions five hard-to-reach areas continue. of the country’s population, in July to help boost revenues and pay a ballooning public debt. from the party’s ranks after he years ago. On a recent day Edward most living in the coastal Many Ugandans have criticised the move, saying it will further ignored an ultimatum from its Magashule didn’t answer a Arineitwe, assistant district province of KwaZulu-Natal. impede access to the internet at a time when the COVID-19 pan- top leadership to vacate his call to his mobile-phone on health officer for Kabale dis- The monarch has no formal demic has made online services even more crucial for sections post while he stands trial on Friday or respond to a request trict, sat in a motor boat with government powers but of the economy, like education. Dorothy Mukasa, chief executive graft charges. for comment sent by text his hands folded on top of a upholds Zulu tradition and of Unwanted Witness, a digital communications rights watchdog The ANC has been strug- message. cooler carrying doses of the controls millions of hectares said the tax measure would make internet in Uganda unaffordable, gling to salvage its reputation ANC spokesman Pule vaccine. The boat puttered of land through a trust. in addition to it being notoriously slow. in the wake of Jacob Zuma’s Mabe didn’t respond to a across Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s nine-year rule, which saw bil- request for comment sent by second deepest lake, in lions of rand looted from state text message. western Uganda into an area coffers. The party forced Several other Zuma allies dotted with islands that are Zuma to quit in 2018 and who are facing criminal home to some 2,500 people. replaced him with President charges have also sought to The COVID-19 pandemic Cyril Ramaphosa, but his force the party’s hand by has complicated life for island authority and efforts to tackle defying a resolution to step residents who rely on tourism corruption have been under- aside from ANC and gov- as a major source of income. mined by Magashule — a ernment posts while they try Due to the area’s Zuma ally. to clear their names. They remoteness, many residents In November, Magashule include Zandile Gumede, the had not yet been vaccinated was charged with corruption, ANC’s former chairperson in against COVID-19. And a fraud and money-laundering the eastern KwaZulu-Natal Unicef spokeswoman, Cath- relating to an audit contract province, and Bongani Bongo, erine Ntabade, said funds had issued when he was premier of a ex-state security minister. not been available for vacci- the central Free State province. On April 28, Supra Mahu- nation workers to travel to and While he proclaimed his inno- mapelo, a former premier of the from the islands until now. cence, the ANC’s National Exec- North West province who was Some 300 people received utive Committee on March 29 also aligned to Zuma, was sus- vaccine doses on the first day instructed him to step down pended from the ANC for five of the drive. The goal is to within 30 days. His trial is due years for sowing division in the reach 1,000 of the islands’ to resume in the High Court on party’s ranks. most vulnerable residents. August 11. He’s likely to appeal the Uganda started its corona- Shoping amid COVID-19 The ANC has yet to specify sanction, which was handed virus vaccination campaign in when Magashule is likely to be down by a local interim mid-March, targeting more People walk in the center of Tunis, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Tunisia, suspended, but his fate is likely structure and not the party’s than 20 million people at the yesterday. to be discussed at an NEC official disciplinary highest risk of infection meeting next month. The committee. including health workers. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 Overwhelmed India running short of COVID-19 vaccines REUTERS — NEW DELHI/MUMBAI centres were closing for three days, while Delhi’s chief min- Several states in India have run India has reported more ister Arvind Kejriwal told cit- out of vaccines against than 300,000 new cases izens not to show up for vacci- COVID-19, exacerbating a dire daily for nine days in a nations on Saturday as doses second wave of infections that row, hitting another had not yet arrived. has left hospitals and morgues global record of 386,452 Karnataka state, home to overflowing while families tech hub Bengaluru, postponed scramble for increasingly scarce yesterday. its new vaccination drive for medicines and oxygen. adults that was to start on Sat- Second only to the United urday. However, officials in States in total infections, India spaces in hospitals while oxygen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s has reported more than tanks are scarce and prized. western home state of Gujarat 300,000 new cases daily for Despite being the world’s said vaccinations for those aged nine days in a row, hitting biggest producer of vaccines, between 18 and 45 would begin US army personnel prepare to unload coronavirus disease (COVID-19) relief supplies from the United another global record of India now does not have on Saturday in worst-hit States at the Indira Gandhi International Airport cargo terminal in New Delhi, India, yesterday. 386,452 yesterday. enough for itself — undermining districts. Total deaths have surpassed a plan to ramp up and widen And contradicting some of 200,000 and cases are nearing inoculation from Saturday. the local governments, the - as staff fall ill or take care of assistance to India in its time of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine was 19 million - nearly 8 million Only about 9% of its 1.4 national health ministry said relatives - international aid has need,” US Secretary of State due on Saturday. On the streets, since February alone as virulent billion people have had a dose. states had 10 million vaccines begun pouring in. Antony Blinken tweeted. Indians were hoarding supplies. new strains have combined India has struggled to stockpiled and 2 million more A first US aid flight with Washington is sending more Medicines were starting to run with “super-spreader” events increase capacity beyond 80 coming in the next three days. oxygen cylinders, regulators, than $100 million worth of sup- short in some parts. such as political rallies and reli- million doses a month due to Modi met on Friday with his rapid diagnostic kits, masks and plies and has redirected its own Bringing some hope to the gious festivals. lack of raw materials and a fire cabinet, which recognised a pulse oximeters arrived. order of AstraZeneca vaccines crisis, a team of scientists Medical experts say real at the Serum Institute, which “once in a century” crisis in “Just as India came to our to India, providing another 20 advising India’s government numbers may be five to 10 times makes the AstraZeneca vaccine. India. With India’s health aid early in the pandemic, the million doses. Britain, Ireland said cases may peak next week higher than the official tally. Authorities in the financial system reeling and absenteeism United States is committed to and Romania have also sent between May 3-5 — earlier than Patients have been begging for capital Mumbai said inoculation from the workplace soaring working urgently to provide help, and a first batch of initially forecast.

Indonesia okays Virus surge, vaccine shortages spread beyond India’s borders Sinopharm vaccine AP — DHAKA, BANGLADESH The surge in India has Institute of Epidemiology, shuttering markets, offices and practice many people slip created huge worries for Bang- Disease Control and Research. schools. through undetected and travel for emergency use India has tried to fight skyrock- ladesh, which shares a land “That concern has prompted the Hospital beds were already to their villages. eting coronavirus infections by border stretching 4,000 km government to suspend all scarce and medical resources For many weeks, the REUTERS — JAKARTA increasing its production of (2,500 miles) with India and cross-border movement of stretched as the country entered number of daily COVID-19 vaccines and banning their where infections and deaths people.” With India imposing a the new wave trying to recover infections in the island nation Indonesia’s drug regulator export, cutting off supplies to have surged in recent weeks. ban on the export of Astra- from an economic hit from a of Sri Lanka stood below 200. yesterday approved the neighbours such as Bangladesh The Muslim-majority Zeneca vaccines made by its nearly four-month lockdown But last week, the figure sud- COVID-19 vaccine of China’s and Nepal as they struggle with country of 160 million people Serum Institute of India, Bang- last year. Nepal’s latest concern denly surged and reached 1,466 Sinopharm, which it will use infection surges of their own. is under a lockdown lasting ladesh is attempting to obtain has been the 1,800km open on Thursday, the highest in a private immunisation These nations have imposed through May 5, which author- technology from Russia and border the Himalayan nation amount in a single day since the scheme where companies buy lockdowns as residents of big ities say could be extended. China to produce their vaccines shares with India. Tens of thou- start of the pandemic. government-procured cities flee to the countryside Bangladesh officials fear locally. sands of Nepalese migrant Government and health vaccines to inoculate their seeking safety. They are also that new variants circulating in An infection surge in Nepal workers have been returning to officials say the rising numbers staff. After Sinovac Biotech and turning to China and Russia for India could bring devastation. has prompted the government Nepal across this border as are party driven by celebrations AstraZeneca, Sinopharm is the vaccines in a desperate effort “This is a matter of serious to impose new lockdowns in India’s health system breaks and shopping surrounding the third company to have its to deal with a pandemic that is concern for us,” said Dr. A.S.M. major cities and towns, down. The government has traditional New Year’s festival vaccine approved by Indo- becoming bigger and deadlier Alamgir, principal scientific restricting the movement of ordered tests and quarantines that fell on April 14 - and they nesia, which is seeking to inoc- across South Asia. officer of the government’s people and vehicles and for those arriving, but in warn the worst is yet to come. ulate 181.5 million people by January 2022. It has suffered one of the Thailand to get worst COVID-19 outbreaks in Thai protest leader hospitalised after 46-day hunger strike Asia, with 1.66 million infec- 3.5 million more tions and more than 45,000 REUTERS — BANGKOK law. “I am just a mother who deaths reported. Penny K. doses of Sinovac loves her child. My son did not Lukito, chief of Indonesia’s A Thai anti-government protest do anything wrong, he only has food and drug agency, said vaccine in May leader held in pre-trial a different opinion. He has not Sinopharm vaccine recipients detention on charges of received justice,” she said. had reported higher antibody REUTERS — BANGKOK insulting the country’s The court set a bail hearing rates and rare side effects, monarchy has been hospitalised for May 6, which his lawyer such as swelling or diarrhea. Thailand will this month following 46 days of hunger Krisadang Nutcharat said was “Based on the evaluation receive another 3.5 million strike, the corrections a positive sign because the court and the benefits or risks con- doses of Sinovac Biotech’s department said yesterday. previously did not set hearing sideration... BPOM has issued coronavirus vaccine, a senior Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak dates. an emergency use authori- health official said yesterday, has lost more than 12 kg (26.5 Parit emerged as a leader in sation (for Sinopharm),” she as the country seeks to lb) and now weighs 94.5 kg, the last year’s youth-led protests told a news conference. shore-up supplies amid its department said in a statement, against the government of Over 482,000 ready-to- biggest outbreak so far. adding he was admitted over retired general Prayuth Chan- use doses of the Sinopharm One million doses will concerns he could go into shock ocha, who seized power from vaccine arrived yesterday. arrive on May 6 and two if his condition worsened and an elected government in a The country received 6 Anti-government protesters attend a demonstration at the criminal million more are due by the require specialised care. 2014 coup and stayed on as million doses of the Sinovac court in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. end of May, said Witoon Dan- His hospitalisation comes a prime minister after a 2019 Biotech vaccine in bulk yes- wiboon, head of the Gov- day after the department had election. Protest leaders have terday. It has also received 3.85 ernment Pharmaceutical said his condition was normal. media. She sought bail for her bail request, saying its previous also called for reform of the million ready-to-use doses of Organization (GPO). Parit’s mother, Sureerat son yesterday, the 10th such reasons still applied. monarchy and abolition of the the AstraZeneca vaccine this An additional 500,000 Chiwarak, had on Thursday said request, and shaved her head Each perceived insult of lese majeste law. Legal action week and Budi said 10 million doses would be donated by the his condition was worsening. in front of the court to protest Thailand’s monarchy can be is being pursued against dozens to 15 million additional Sinovac Chinese government, he told His health was a top trending what she said was injustice. On punishable by up to 15 years in of demonstrators over those vaccine doses would be a briefing. Thailand’s latest issue on Thailand’s social Thursday the court rejected a prison under its lese majeste calls. received in the next few weeks. coronavirus outbreak, which includes the highly transmis- sible B.1.1.7 variant, has Families of accounted for about half of its Singapore warns of overall cases and deaths Indonesia’s during the pandemic, with 36,290 infections and 109 sunken sub crew ‘tougher action’ if fatalities in April alone. Health authorities reported 1,583 new pay tribute at sea infections spread wider cases and 15 more deaths on Friday and said 250 patients REUTERS — ABOARD KRI DR. REUTERS — SINGAPORE coming days, then we will not were on ventilators. SOEHARSO, INDONESIA hesitate to take tougher action,” Thailand has yet to start its Singapore urged its people to said , a min- mass vaccination drive but has Crying out the names of their reduce social interactions and ister who co-heads Singapore’s been administering the 2.5 loved ones as they scattered warned of tougher action coronavirus taskforce. million doses of the Sinovac flower petals into the ocean, yesterday if coronavirus infec- There are 13 cases now vaccine it has received so far relatives of the 53 Indonesian tions rise further, a day after linked to Tan Tock Seng Hos- mainly to health workers or navy crew members who died reporting its highest number of pital, which includes four staff people deemed at risk of in a sunken submarine paid domestically transmitted cases members who had been vac- exposure. The mass vaccina- tribute at a ceremony at sea in about seven months. cinated but have had no or mild tions will rely heavily on 61 yesterday. It confirmed nine new local symptoms. million shots of AstraZeneca’s Servicemen in white navy cases yesterday, following 16 Authorities have isolated vaccine to be produced locally uniforms holding ceremonial the day before, including a four wards of the hospital, from June. swords saluted in unison on the growing cluster at a hospital. banned visitors and were con- Families and colleagues of the sunken KRI Nanggala-402 submarine’s Drug distributor, Zuellig deck of the multi-purpose hos- Though those are only a ducting mass-testing following crew members visit the site of its last reported dive to pay their Pharma, has submitted a pital ship KRI Dr. Soeharso, in fraction of the number being the cluster, which is the first in request for emergency use a mark of respect to the victims tribute, on the deck of Indonesian Navy’s KRI Dr. Soeharso ship in reported among Singapore’s a Singapore hospital. authorisation and to import at the location where the sub- the northern waters off the island of Bali, Indonesia, yesterday. Southeast Asian neighbours, a The city-state has reported the Moderna vaccine to marine was last seen. jump in infections would be a more than 61,000 COVID-19 Thailand, a health ministry The KRI Nanggala-402 was international search teams, as bringing the submarine to the setback for the Asian business cases since the pandemic hit source told Reuters. discovered at a depth of nearly authorities struggle to figure out surface will be a huge challenge hub, which has successfully last year, the vast majority of If approved, it would be the 840 metres (2,756 ft) on how to lift the wreckage. requiring specialised salvage contained its earlier those in dormitories housing fourth vaccine authorised for Sunday, broken into at least “The position of the KRI equipment. The Nanggala was outbreaks. low-wage foreign workers. It use in Thailand. The Thai gov- three parts, four days after it Nanggala has remained in the one of five submarines operated Health authorities yes- has recorded 30 deaths. ernment has also started dis- lost contact while preparing to area with no movement by Indonesia — two German- terday said the scale of social Most of its subsequent cases cussions with representatives conduct a torpedo drill. detected,” Navy Chief of Staff built Type 209s and three interactions should be reduced have been imported. of Sinopharm about its vaccine, Around 150 family Yudo Margono told reporters. newer South Korean vessels. and more crowd control Singapore’s immunisation Health Minister Anutin Charn- members attended the “We are looking at experi- The military has been measures would be imposed programme is in full swing, virakul said. Thailand has also memorial aboard the ship. ences of other countries, such seeking to modernise its over the next two weeks. using vaccines of Pfizer- approached India’s Bharat Some wept and tried to console as lifting using special ropes or defence capabilities but some “We have to be mentally BioNTech and Moderna. Biotech and Johnson & Johnson, each other. Retrieval operations using air balloons. We still don’t of its equipment is old and there prepared that if the situation It is on track to inoculate its Pfizer’s and the makers of Rus- are still ongoing for German- know which approach to use,” have been fatal accidents in does not improve, and instead population of 5.7 million by sia’s Sputnik V. built submarine, with help from Yudo said. Experts have said recent years. continues to worsen over the year-end. SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 ASIA 07

Suicide truck China’s Xi offers bomber hits more help to India Afghan guest house, killing 14 in message to Modi AP — KABUL

AP — BEIJING A powerful suicide truck Chinese media said Beijing bombing struck a guest house Chinese leader Xi Jinping has already shipped 5,000 in eastern Afghanistan yesterday offered additional ventilators and 21,000 yesterday, killing at least 14 assistance to India in battling oxygen generators to people and wounding as many the coronavirus outbreak as 90, the Interior Ministry ravaging the country, putting India. said. No one immediately aside a simmering rivalry and claimed responsibility for the tensions along their disputed Earlier, Foreign Ministry bombing in Pul-e-Alam, the border. spokesperson Wang Wenbin capital of Logar province, and State media reported that said the Chinese public, the there was no indication as to Xi told Prime Minister Narendra Chinese Red Cross, local gov- why the guest house was Modi in a personal message of ernments, NGOs and enter- targeted. In Afghanistan, guest condolence yesterday that he prises have all “taken actions houses are lodgings often was “very concerned about the and managed to raise much- provided for free by the Members of the media take photographs of South Korean fishing boats taking part in a marine protest recent situation” in India with needed anti-epidemic supplies government, usually for the at the sea off Incheon, South Korea, yesterday. the COVID-19 outbreak. for the Indian side and send poor, travellers and students. He said China is willing to them to the Indian people as The attack came on the eve provide additional support and soon as possible.” Along with of the official date set for the assistance because “Mankind the ventilators and oxygen con- South Korean fishermen hold boat start of the final withdrawal of is a community of common centrators, more than 15,000 US and Nato troops from destiny sharing weal and woe sets of monitors and nearly Afghanistan. The Taliban, who and only through unity and 3,800 tons of medical supplies protests against Japan nuclear plans had demanded that all US cooperation can the nations of and medications have been troops pull out of Afghanistan the world ultimately overcome shipped to India, Wang said. REUTERS — HWASEONG, SOUTH chanted slogans such as Japan said this month it will by May 1, have not offered any the pandemic.” “Under the Chinese manufactures of KOREA “Withdraw Japan’s decision” release more than 1 million guarantees for the safety of the leadership of the Indian gov- anti-epidemic materials and and “Condemn irresponsible tonnes of contaminated water departing troops. ernment, the people of India medical equipment are Hundreds of South Korean fish- nuclear attack”. Twenty fishing into the sea from the plant There was no indication will certainly overcome the “working at full capacity to ermen across the country held boats with banners denouncing crippled by an earthquake and the bombing was connected pandemic,” Xi added. speed up production,” Wang protests yesterday calling on Japan’s decision sailed near the tsunami in 2011 after filtering to the pullout and there are no Wang said China would said. Wang also said Chinese Japan to reverse its decision to port. it to remove harmful US or Nato troops in Logar. ensure that all the required airlines are operating cargo release contaminated water “My father bequeathed this isotopes. Rasool Gul Samar, head of materials flow to Indian entities flights to India and authorities from its crippled Fukushima sea to me and I’m going to pass The plan drew immediate the Logar provincial health without any delay, the are accelerating customs nuclear plant into the sea. it on to my son, who is also opposition from its neighbours department, said five bodies statement said. clearance and transport for About 800 fishermen par- fishing,” said Park Re-seung, South Korea, China and were brought to the hospital Chinese media said a first supplies such as liquid oxygen ticipated in rallies at ports in chief of Yongdu-ri fishing Taiwan. “For us, this issue is in Pul-e-Alam. He said that batch of 25,000 oxygen con- storage tanks and oxygen gen- nine cities, according to South village, who has worked in the about making our living,” Park among the dozens of wounded, centrators pledged to India has erators from several Chinese Korea’s National Federation of fishing industry for 38 years. added. “If the customers con- 12 people who were in critical arrived in the country. The cities. “China will continue to Fisheries Cooperatives. “Why is Japan doing this? How tinue to see the news of the condition were transferred to reports said China has already maintain smooth export At one port, at Gungpyeong could they do such a bad thing water release, they wouldn’t be the capital, Kabul, for shipped 5,000 ventilators and channels for materials to on the west coast, fishermen against the sea? Don’t they eat even buying fishes that we treatment. Hasib Stanikzai, 21,000 oxygen generators. India,” Wang said. held anti-Japan banners and fish?” caught here.” head of the Logar provincial council, said the death toll could climb further. At the Cambodia police time of the attack, he said, a Pakistan, Hungary warn of watchdog’s political use group of local policemen were general among 3 staying at the guest house, ANADOLU — ISLAMABAD technical forum and the status with the EU. role in the Afghan peace process waiting for transportation jailed for violating objective of this forum ought to Last year, the EU extended and said the EU should support home. Other rooms were COVID-19 curbs Pakistan and Hungary agreed be checking money laundering Pakistan’s GSP-Plus status, ena- Islamabad’s anti-terror efforts, occupied by students from yesterday that the Financial and terror financing, and it bling the country to continue to especially after the decision of more remote districts who had REUTERS — PHNOM PENH Action Task Force (FATF), a should not be used as a political benefit from preferential export Nato to pull out the Resolute come to the provincial capital global money-laundering tool,” Qureshi said, adding that duties for the next two years. Support mission from for university entrance exams. A Cambodian court has jailed watchdog, should be seen as a this was “often” how the body During the delegation-level Afghanistan. Interior Ministry three people, including a top technical body rather than a was used. talks, both countries’ foreign “We have to recognise and spokesman Tariq Arian said police general, for more than political tool to be used against Qureshi was referring to an ministers agreed to enhance value a very important role the attack was under investi- a year for violating COVID-19 others. FATF decision to keep his bilateral trade and cooperation Pakistan played in the Doha gation and that the roof of the restrictions by attending a Speaking at a joint news country on its radar since June in all sectors, including edu- negotiations between the US guesthouse had collapsed in party, a court official said conference in Islamabad, Paki- 2018, when it was placed on the cation and agriculture. and the Taliban,” Szijjarto told the bombing. There were fears yesterday. stan’s Foreign Minister Shah “grey list” for alleged terrorist Szijjarto announced an Qureshi during the news bodies could be trapped Major General Ung Chan- Mahmood Qureshi said he and financing and money-laun- $84m credit line to support the conference. beneath the rubble, he said. thuok, deputy chief of staff of his Hungarian counterpart dering risks. Despite progress expansion of business-to- After Nato’s withdrawal Starting on Saturday, the the national police, was sen- Peter Szijjarto discussed the on all items of an action plan to business cooperation between from Afghanistan, he urged EU last remaining 2,500 to 3,500 tenced on Thursday to 12 FATF and both were agreed that prevent such actions and largely the two countries’ companies, members not to allow the American troops will begin months in prison over a party this forum should not be used addressing 24 of the total 27 as well as another $50 million country to become a safe haven leaving the country, to be fully he organised earlier this month, as a political tool against points, the watchdog recently for projects in Pakistan’s agri- for terrorism and radical ideol- out by September 11 at the latest. while two other attendees anyone. kept Pakistan on its watchlist culture, water, industry, and ogies, adding: “We [EU] need to received 18-month terms. Ung Szijjarto arrived in until June this year. food processing sectors. stabilise Pakistan’s role in this Chanthuok was sacked after his Islamabad yesterday morning Qureshi also thanked Hun- He also announced the region.” The visiting Hungarian German military arrest. Kuch Kimlong, deputy at Qureshi’s invitation. He is gary’s government for opening of a new consulate in foreign minister also prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Hungary’s first foreign minister endorsing his country’s appli- Karachi, Pakistan’s southern announced increased university wraps up Municipal Court, said all three to visit the country since 2006. cation for GSP (Generalized port city. student scholarships for Paki- were also fined $1,250 each. “We both agree that it’s a System of Preferences)-Plus Szijjarto praised Pakistan’s stani students. training mission The sentences were among the toughest so far under a strict in Afghanistan law passed in March this year by Cambodia’s parliament, Japan luxury cruise halted REUTERS — BERLIN which prescribes punishments that include jail terms of three after COVID-19 case The German military in years for quarantine breaches Afghanistan will finish training and 10 years for leaving REUTERS — TOKYO round of tests at its boarding local forces on Friday and turn treatment facilities while reception on Thursday, she said. its attention to withdrawing infected, or intentionally Japan’s Nippon Yusen The infected passenger is from the country, as the United spreading COVID-19. subsidiary NYK Cruises Co said stable and recovering in a cabin States and Nato wrap up their Cambodia is fighting a surge yesterday that its luxury cruise that has been isolated, NYK said mission after almost two in coronavirus infections that has ship “Asuka II” was returning in a statement, adding that only decades, the defence ministry seen its case total jump from to port after a passenger tested one other person had been in in Berlin said. about 500 to 12,641 since late positive for the coronavirus. close contact. US President Joe Biden and February, including all 91 of its The ship’s 295 passengers The ship had been the Western military alliance deaths. Its capital is on a tough and 425 crew members will scheduled to stop at Aomori and announced in mid-April that lockdown, with residents reach Yokohama, just south of Hokkaido prefectures and they will pull out the roughly A file photo shows Japanese luxury cruise ship ‘Asuka II’ anchored banned from leaving their Tokyo, around Saturday noon, return to port on May 5. 10,000 foreign troops still in at Yokohama port in Yokohama, Japan, on November 2, 2020. homes. Some have complained an NYK Cruises spokeswoman In February last year, about Afghanistan by Sept. 11. of hunger from lack of income said. All passengers tested neg- 3,700 passengers were quar- Germany has the second- and inadequate food aid ative prior to the cruise, but the antined aboard the Diamond liner, for nearly a month, off passengers tested positive and largest military contingent distribution. company conducted another Princess, a Carnival Corp cruise Japan. More than 700 14 died. with about 1,100 troops. Berlin had deployed more than 100,000 soldiers to Afghanistan over the past two Hong Kong to test all foreign helpers after variant found decades, many of them serving more than one tour in the BLOOMBERG — HONG KONG to helpers who have completed The building was locked also transmitted to one of the Chung, talked about the country. two vaccine doses at least 14 down starting Thursday night. family members, we think the lockdown. Fifty-nine German troops Hong Kong will quarantine resi- days prior. All residents were required to situation is very grim,” Lam “It’s very well managed but died in Afghanistan, with 35 of dents of a roughly 400-unit Domestic helpers will be take Covid tests, and will be said. “We have to conduct a at the same time it’s very con- them killed in combat or as a apartment building for 21 days required to be vaccinated in taken to serve their three-week series of measures for pre- tradictory,” she said. “The pro- result of militant attacks, and test all of the city’s foreign order to renew their contracts, quarantine in government vention and control.” tocols for testing were amazing. making it Germany’s deadliest domestic helpers after finding officials said. centres even if they test The lockdown of an entire The booths were set up and the military mission since World the first locally acquired case of “The reason is not to have negative. building could fuel frustration fences put up, but we were all War 2. a COVID-19 variant. any prejudice against any par- Ronald Lam, controller of with Hong Kong’s erratic Covid herded, literately hundreds of Wrapping up the oper- The infected person was a ticular group, the whole con- the government’s Centre for response, with business owners us -- I was sort of backing into ation, Germany will have to 39-year-old domestic helper sideration is about risk,” said Health Protection, said and residents alike angered by someone’s back.” Gurung said redeploy the equivalent of living in a building in the Car- Secretary for Labor and Welfare Thursday night that the source inconsistent and confusing she was fully vaccinated and around 800 containers of ibbean Coast complex in the Law Chi-kwong. “The nature of of the person’s infection measures, including the had received her second dose equipment such as armoured Tung Chung neighborhood, the their work is looking after remained unknown, and that stopping and starting of in- more than two weeks ago. vehicles, helicopters, weapons government said. A 10-month- family members, and many of preliminary test results showed person school classes and byz- “What’s the point of getting vac- and ammunition. old baby who lived with her was them are very elderly. Also the variant N501Y, which was antine new rules for restaurants cinated? Why couldn’t they The multinational camp in also infected, it said. because of them staying in first found in South Africa, and that can stay open later if staff done a home quarantine?” she northern Mazar-i-Sharif led by All foreign domestic helpers Hong Kong, during the rest day, a mutation, E484K, which may and patrons have been said. Germany has been reinforced in Hong Kong will need to be they have to meet friends, take help the pathogen resist vac- immunised. The city is working to incen- with troops and mortars, tested for Covid by May 9, Food a break but then that may cause cines and antibody treatments. Kabeeta Gurung, 49, a res- tivise vaccinations, but its ramping up security for the and Health Secretary Sophia a risk of cross-family infection, “Given it is the first locally ident of the building in Car- rollout is being hampered by a duration of the withdrawal to Chan said at a Friday evening so the whole consideration is a infected case in the community ibbean Coast who runs an inter- perceived lack of urgency amid guard the base against attacks briefing. Exemptions will apply matter of risk.” involving mutant strains and it national kindergarten in Tung low daily caseloads. by the Taliban. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 For a safer and more resilient world, put Established in 1996 people before runaway military spending CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI IZUMI NAKAMITSU & PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGUCKA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI For all of us, but especially [email protected] women, the pandemic is a reminder that traditional notions of “security” that fuel ACTING MANAGING EDITOR the weapons industry cannot MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED protect us from dangers and [email protected] challenges we routinely face. Before the pandemic, women were already over- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR represented in vulnerable MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI economic sectors and bore [email protected] the brunt of unpaid care and domestic work. When COVID-19 hit, the women who make up 70 per cent of the global health care work- EDITORIAL force found themselves on the frontlines of the response— even as countless other Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs (left), and Phumzile Mlambo- Aiding global efforts against pandemic women lost their livelihoods Ngucka, Executive Director of UN Women. and took on greater QATAR has always been at the forefront in helping dif- household burdens. economic security, including the cold war. But in the years Second, the voices calling ferent nations across the globe in their difficult times The pandemic will push through stronger investments since, relatively few voiced for an end to rampant milita- whether they are facing natural calamities or other chal- 47 million more women and in health, education, and alarm as military outlays rization need to be taken lenges. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, girls into extreme poverty. social protection systems that more than doubled. Military seriously. Many women’s Qatar has provided generous medical assistance to Rates of intimate partner vio- advance gender equality. expenditures in 2020 reached organizations have been around 100 countries around the globe. lence—mainly perpetrated by But the safety and well- USD 1,981 billion, which pushing back against Now when a friendly country India is facing a huge men against women—have being of everyday people has translates to approximately runaway military spending challenge posed by second wave of COVID-19, Qatar skyrocketed, in a horrifying historically taken a backseat 252 USD per person in one for more than a century, has become part of global efforts to address the chal- “shadow pandemic” of all to a narrower and militarized year. In comparison, only while feminist movements lenge for the relief of millions of people. forms of violence against idea of “security”, one that USD 115.95 per person was have been key to critically Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held women and girls. Millions of still leads decision-makers to spent on bilateral aid on examining whether our gov- on April 27 a conversation via telephone with H E Prime women now face greater risks spend vast amounts of money average in 2018, out of which ernments’ investments in Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, during of female genital mutilation, to build overflowing arsenals a meagre 0.2 per cent went strengthening security have which they discussed the two countries latest efforts child marriage or preventable of weapons. The United directly to women’s rights actually had the opposite in containing the novel coronavirus pandemic. His maternal death. Nations Secretary-General organizations – a percentage effect. They are part of a Highness also expressed the State of Qatar’s solidarity In short, the virus revealed called for a global ceasefire at that has not changed in a multi-generational, multi- with the Indian people, in the efforts India is exerting in that gender divides not only the beginning of the pan- decade. sectoral drive for change. facing a new wave of the virus, expressing condolences persist but are worsening, demic, but most conflict The pandemic has offered We must hear these mes- on the victims, and wishing the injured a swift recovery. threatening decades of parties kept fighting, and the us a rare chance to “reset” our sages loud and clear, and On Thursday, Qatar Airways announced that it would progress, especially if women international arms trade approach to security in a way create conditions to include be supporting international efforts to tackle the second continue to be excluded from remained as active as at that also advances gender them in policy-making. COVID-19 surge in India by shipping medical aid and shaping the response to the almost any point since the equality. As two United Third, we need action by equipment to the country free of charge from global pandemic. cold war. Nations leaders working for our elected officials to stop suppliers. Recovering from the pan- Yet, all these weapons disarmament and gender spending so much money on The airline intends to transport 300 tonnes of aid demic must mean strength- have not brought us closer to equality, we believe three weapons. If our leaders from across its global network to Doha where it will be ening women’s social and peace. They have only sown things need to happen. instead prioritize investments flown in a three-flight cargo aircraft convoy directly to distrust, eroded relations First, we must refuse to in social protections, like destinations in India where it is most desperately The pandemic will between countries, and shy away from hard ques- equal access to quality health needed. push 47 million more increased global tensions. tions. Whose security is pro- care and education for all, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Moving forward will tected by modernizing or they can bring us closer to Al Baker said: “The State of Qatar has a long and women and girls into require embracing a expanding weapons, like achieving Global Goals, special relationship with India, and we have watched extreme poverty. Rates broader vision of security— nuclear bombs, that would including on gender equality. with great sorrow as COVID-19 has once again caused one that reduces reliance on result in a human catas- Such investments must be a significant challenge to the country. As one of the of intimate partner military armaments, trophe, with disproportionate seen for what they are: down world air cargo leaders, with an extensive international violence—mainly accounts for our common impact on women and girls, payments to make our soci- network, we stand ready to provide humanitarian perpetrated by men humanity and recognizes if used? To end our global eties more resilient, equal and support by transporting these much-needed supplies, women’s empowerment as arms addiction, decision- secure. and help the country fight back against this appalling against women—have a critical driver of sus- makers need to take a more From April 10 to May 17, virus.” skyrocketed, in a tainable peace and human-centred approach to we will mark the tenth annual According to recent information shared by the Gov- development. security, recognizing how Global Days of Action on Mil- ernment Communications Office (GCO), Qatar has so horrifying “shadow These ideas are not new. countries have pursued dis- itary Spending. To seize this far provided medical and humanitarian assistance to pandemic” of all forms For instance, the United armament for centuries as a moment, our governments nearly 100 countries since the start of the global Nations has made reducing way to protect themselves, should take a stand by sharing outbreak. of violence against military budgets a core look out for each other and concrete commitments to Aid from government and non-government entities women and girls. objective since its founding. prevent needless human suf- begin redirecting resources stands at over $256m, and has been offered to around Nonetheless, attention to fering. This will require towards a more peaceful and 88 countries, the GCO had said in a tweet. the problem has dwindled in political will and a revitali- secure future that benefits us In April 2021, Qatar Red Crescent Society also recent decades. Bloated mil- zation of diplomacy over all. launched an international campaign to raise $100m in itary budgets held the global investment in huge This is not a utopian ideal, donations for COVID-19 vaccines for more than three spotlight throughout much of militaries. but an achievable necessity. million refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants across 20 countries. Will digital vaccination certificates be a shot in the arm for travel?

JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI. been strictly restricted side effects. A number of there has been a split among EU member states countries have also put off between states actively using D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The introduction of digital amid the pandemic, coun- inoculating young people as certificates and those EMAIL: [email protected] certificates to show one’s tries relying heavily on they are regarded as having a opposing the introduction of record of vaccination against tourism, such as Greece, have low risk of developing the certificates, arguing that the novel coronavirus has strongly urged the EU to serious COVID-19 symptoms. they infringe upon personal EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 freedoms. FAX: +974 4455 7758 been spreading, mainly in introduce such a certificate Measures are needed to Western countries. scheme as soon as possible. prevent people who have not People who have MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 While hopes are high for With the summer tourist been vaccinated from suf- received at least one such a certificate system to season approaching, these fering major disadvantages. COVID-19 vaccine dose DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 be used to resume cross- countries evidently aim at A system should remain in account for about 50% of border travel, consideration revitalizing their economies, place to allow the unvacci- the total population in LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 for people who have not while preventing the spread nated to enter countries Britain, about 40% in the BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 been vaccinated is also likely of the virus. through procedures such as United States and about to be called for. Britain is also considering presenting negative PCR test 20% in the EU region, while SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 The European Union introducing a vaccine certif- certificates, even after Japan lags far behind. The plans to introduce vaccine icate system with an eye to vaccine certificates have pressing task for Japan is ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 certificates by summer to gradually lifting a ban on its become commonplace. carrying out its vaccination email: [email protected] facilitate free movement people traveling overseas. In particular, the use of program more quickly PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 within the bloc. There is no sign of the such certificates to remove rather than introducing email: [email protected] The system is said to pandemic being brought restrictions on participating vaccine certificates. enable certificates of vacci- under control anytime soon. in events and activities in However, if Japan is left MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 nations and PCR test results Vaccine certificates would one’s own country could lead behind in this international email: [email protected] to be saved on smartphones surely be effective in easing to discrimination and friction trend, it could raise a barrier and other devices and travel restrictions in a safe against those who have not for travelers from Japan to ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 checked at immigration and smooth manner. been inoculated. Careful dis- destinations abroad. The Jap- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] control. Some countries are However, it should not be cussions are essential. anese government must put CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 considering exempting forgotten that vaccinations Regarding the domestic the digitization of inoculation email: [email protected] travelers who have cleared are voluntary. Many people use of vaccine certificates, records on track in case the checks from undergoing refrain from taking the shots the EU leaves decisions to the travelers are asked to present SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 testing and quarantine. for various reasons, such as discretion of each member vaccine certificates in the FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] As the flow of people has allergies and concerns about state. In the United States, future.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar The Central Mediterranean continues to be one of /ThePeninsulaQatar the deadliest and most dangerous migration routes in the world. at least 350 people, including children /Peninsula_Qatar and women, have drowned or gone missing in the Mediterranean since January. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Ted Chaiban, Unicef Regional Director for the Middle East and +974 6698 6188 North Africa SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 EUROPE 09 Macron bets vaccines will kick in soon in rush to reopen France

BLOOMBERG — PARIS pledged that all willing adults will be vaccinated by the end of the President Emmanuel Macron is With presidential summer. But he’s relying on an betting an acceleration in elections in just a year, increase in supplies over the next France’s COVID-19 vaccination and polls suggesting a few months to achieve that. campaign will offer enough relief tight race between Bloomberg’s Vaccine Tracker in the coming weeks to allow for projects that at the current pace a progressive return to normal Macron and far-right his goal won’t be reached for life, starting with the opening of leader Marine Le Pen, another seven months. terraces of bars and restaurants the president’s ability to Hospitals across France, and and businesses on May 19. reopen the economy is especially in the worst-hit areas With presidential elections in likely to play a key role like the Paris region of Ile-de- just a year, and polls suggesting France and Provence in the French President Emmanuel Macron meets with Labour Union representatives in preparation for the a tight race between Macron and in shaping his political south, are still struggling. Almost Porto European summit, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on Thursday. far-right leader Marine Le Pen, future. 6,000 patients are currently in the president’s ability to reopen need of critical care — before the the economy is likely to play a pandemic, there were only about moment for Macron, who refused tighten curbs in hot spots before government once said that an key role in shaping his political 5,000 ICU beds in the whole to shutter the country for a third finally announcing a month-long incidence rate above 50 was future. But his plan to lift all French military defeat. While the country. Officials have managed time in January despite calls to closure mid-March. Though alarming, before placing that restrictions by June 30 comes campaign has picked up, France to temporarily increase capacity, do so from the medical com- fatalities have been falling by threshold, more recently, at 400. with risks. still trails the UK and Germany but only by postponing surgeries munity and the government’s about 20% over the past two The number of daily positive The inoculation drive got off in the number of doses adminis- or reallocating resources. own scientific advisory weeks, around 285 deaths related cases is dropping but amounted to a slow start, drawing fierce tered. Less than 10% of the pop- France became the eighth committee. to COVID-19 are still being reg- to 29,000/day in the past week, criticism from Le Pen — she ulation has received both jabs, country to record more than He argued it would be a last istered daily. down 11% amid a nationwide called it a “vaccination Waterloo,” and around 22% have received 100,000 deaths earlier this resort given the human and The spread of the virus curfew in place from 7pm and referencing a famous at least one shot. Macron has month. It was a humbling financial cost, opting instead to remains high in France — the 6am and a ban on travels. Post-vaccine infections, deaths rare: UK study Johnson’s phone number was REUTERS — LONDON “It’s mostly occurring in the just over 52,000 hospitalised COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in online for 15 years: Report group which are most at risk of COVID-19 patients studied, 526 the world — with more than A very small number of mainly severe disease anyway, which had been vaccinated with a first 33.8 million first doses given so AP — LONDON public domain. Treasury chief frail, elderly COVID-19 patients is the elderly. These people are dose of either the AstraZeneca far and a quarter of adults Rishi Sunak said that “as far as are being hospitalised and very frail and very elderly,” said or Pfizer shot at least three receiving two doses. The British government down- I’m aware, all security pro- dying even after having a first Calum Semple, a University of weeks earlier. Of those, 113 died. Earlier this month, Public played allegations yesterday of tocols have been followed.” dose of Pfizer’s or AstraZeneca’s Liverpool professor of child The vast majority of the Health England said the rollout a security risk after it was “Part of what makes the vaccines, but this does not mean health and outbreak medicine, post-vaccination COVID-19 had prevented more than 10,000 reported that Prime Minister prime minister special is that the shots aren’t working, UK who co-led the research. cases and fatalities were among deaths of people aged 60 and Boris Johnson’s cellphone he is an incredibly researchers said yesterday. “We’re not saying the vulnerable, elderly people, the older by the end of March. number was openly available approachable individual,” Presenting real-world data on vaccine doesn’t work,” he told researchers said. AstraZeneca’s Peter English, a specialist in on the internet for 15 years. Sunak said. a subset of hospitalised COVID-19 a briefing. COVID-19 vaccine has been communicable disease control, Celebrity website Popbitch But former National patients in the UK, the researchers “In fact this is good real- shown in clinical trials to be 76% said the findings released yes- revealed that the number was Security Adviser Peter Ricketts said the findings showed some world evidence of it working. effective against severe disease, terday confirmed “that the on a think tank press release said that if the number was level of “vaccine failure” — in But it also shows that the vaccine while trials of the Pfizer shot vaccine is not 100% effective” from 2006, when Johnson was widely available, it could be other words cases where vacci- isn’t perfect.” The data, pub- found more than 90%efficacy. and were consistent with other an opposition lawmaker and used for eavesdropping by nated people still become infected lished as a preprint yesterday Using first the Pfizer and data showing the overall pos- the Conservative Party’s higher hostile nations “and possibly and get sick — but that this was without having been peer- then also AstraZeneca vaccines, itive impact of Britain’s vacci- education spokesman. other non-state actors as well, “not unexpected.” reviewed, showed that among Britain has one of the fastest nation programme. Callers to the number yes- like sophisticated criminal terday heard an automated gangs.” Johnson is already message saying the phone was facing questions about his text UK ex-police “switched off” and telling them and WhatsApp message to try later or to send a text. exchanges with business officer jailed for The government denied leaders and lobbyists. there was a security lapse. He has denied doing any- belonging to Home Office minister Victoria thing wrong when he Atkins insisted that the prime exchanged text messages with neo-Nazi group minister “knows his responsi- industrialist James Dyson last bilities when it comes to yaer and promised he would REUTERS — LONDON national security.” and she crit- “fix” the tax rules for Dyson if icised media for revealing the he agreed to make ventilators The first police officer in fact that the number was in the for the National Health Service. Britain to be convicted of a terrorism offence was jailed for more than four years Germany to decide on how to lift yesterday for belonging to a banned neo-Nazi group and possessing extremist material. curbs from vaccinated people Benjamin Hannam, 22, who had worked as a proba- REUTERS — BERLIN reach a decision by the end of tionary police constable with next week,” he said. the London Metropolitan The German government could The justice ministry has Police, was found guilty earlier reach agreement on how to proposed exempting people this month of belonging to exempt people who have been who have been fully vaccinated National Action. fully vaccinated or recovered or recovered from COVID-19 The group was outlawed from COVID-19 restrictions by from restrictions, such as night- after it praised the murder of the end of next week, Health time curfews and strict limits Madrid regional government leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso waves to supporters upon arriving by motorbike Jo Cox, a female member of Minister Jens Spahn said on private gatherings, which to an electoral event ahead of upcoming regional elections in Valdemoro, Spain. parliament who was killed in yesterday. were introduced to try and a street attack in 2016 by a “It can be done within contain a third wave of the Nazi-obsessed loner. days,” Spahn told a news con- virus. Relaxed COVID-19 rules take Hanman was also con- ference during a visit to a Giving special freedoms to victed of lying on his police vaccine factory in Reinbek, the vaccinated is a thorny issue, application forms and owning north of Hamburg, which will with some ministers fearing it centre-stage in Madrid region poll terrorism documents. He had start producing BioNTech’s could lead to social tensions at previously admitted pos- COVID-19 shot. a time when not everyone has REUTERS — MADRID “Ayuso did well with the were allowed to reopen... But sessing indecent images of a He said initial talks with the had the opportunity to get vac- issue of the clubs, giving more (Ayuso) has gone too far leaving child. lower and upper house of par- cinated, as well as make it Voters in the Madrid region look freedom and preventing (eco- so many things open”, said Isabel Hanman, who was dis- liament about the proposals, harder for regions to enforce set to back their conservative nomic) chaos,” said student Villalba, a 67-year-old pensioner, missed from the force after his which would govern restric- the curbs. governor in an election on Lucas Oliveira, 21, enjoying a who said she would vote for the conviction, was sentenced tions within Germany, were As of Thursday, some 6.4 Tuesday after she defied pressure drink at an outdoor terrace. He Socialists. But the Madrid region, yesterday to four years and already under way. “And if we million people, or 7.7% of the from Spain’s leftist central considers himself apolitical but Spain’s wealthiest, has avoided four months in jail at London’s can reach a consensus very German population, were fully government to lock down the will vote for the PP candidate. a full-blown health crisis, and Old Bailey court. quickly, then we can certainly vaccinated against COVID-19. economy and let clubs and shops Posters saying “Thanks for Ayuso’s PP is projected to win stay open despite the COVID-19 taking care of us” have blos- more than 40% of the vote, pandemic. somed in clubs and restaurants, potentially doubling its seats in The decision of Isabel Diaz allowed to stay open since the the regional assembly from the Italy hits daily vaccination target Ayuso, from the opposition Peo- end of a tough national lockdown last election in 2019. ple’s Party (PP), to prioritise the last summer, highlighting the Though unlikely to be suffi- REUTERS — ROME had been carried out, with 5.8 had forecast it would receive economy and social life over popularity of Ayuso’s policy in cient to allow the PP to govern million people having received some 57.2 million doses in the keeping a tight rein on COVID the crucial hospitality sector. alone, such a result would be Italy has hit its target of admin- their full vaccine cycle - just second quarter of the year, but has pleased many Madrilenos, Gyms, cinemas, theatres and noteworthy in a country long istering 500,000 COVID-19 under 10% of the total Villa said current figures sug- known for their sociability and museums have also remained bedevilled by political fragmen- vaccinations in a single day, population. gested that it would receive just love of eating and drinking out. open, and people can even eat tation and would boost Ayuso’s Health Minister Roberto The figures are in line with 36 million. “This election is a refer- indoors in restaurants.Spain’s prospects as a potential future Speranza said yesterday. the European Union average. Pfizer looked set to deliver endum on the COVID restric- regional administrations are rival for both her party leader The milestone was reached Matteo Villa, an analyst who 25.3 million of these, far more tions,” said the head of pollster responsible for issues such as Pablo Casado and Spain’s Socialist on Thursday. Officials had orig- has been tracking Italy’s than it had originally pledged, GAD3, Narciso Michavila. health and education. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. inally hoped to pass it mid- vaccine campaign, said it would Villa said. By contrast, the other Ayuso, 42 and a maverick The Madrid region, home to Opinion polls suggests Ayuso is month but had to push this back be extremely hard to keep on manufacturers, AstraZeneca, even within her PP, has the word some seven million of Spain’s 47 likely to need the support of the mainly because of supply hitting a daily total of half a Johnson & Johnson and “Freedom” emblazoned on cam- million people, recorded 388 far-right Vox party, which had delays and persisting doubts million inoculations in the next Moderna, all looked set to paign posters as she seeks to COVID-19 cases per 100,000 in also backed the region’s outgoing over shots produced by Astra- few weeks because of con- provide far fewer doses than project an image of Madrid as a the last 14 days against a national centre-right coalition. Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson. tinued shortages. first hoped. liberal haven, luring tourists from average of 230. Occupancy of If Vox fares poorly and Ayuso “Vaccines are the real way “We probably won’t be German biotech firm other European countries which intensive care units is also the cannot find support elsewhere, out of these very difficult doing 500,000 jabs each day CureVac had been expected to have been locked down for highest in Spain, at about 44%. there is a slim chance that left- months,” Speranza wrote on until the end of May,” said Villa, send 5.4 million doses of its new months — though this has come For some voters, that price is wing parties could jointly garner Twitter. The Italian government a researcher with the ISPI vaccine this quarter, but it has at a price of higher COVID too high. “For the economy I enough votes to clinch a surprise said that as of early yesterday, think-tank. not yet won approval from infections. thought it was good that the clubs victory. some 19.4 million vaccinations At the start of the year, Italy European regulators. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 Russia charges lawyer defending Navalny’s group

REUTERS — MOSCOW cally motivated. scheduled for May 17. In another setback for Nav- The offence Pavlov is Russia filed criminal charges Security forces searched alny’s team, Russia’s financial accused of is punishable by up yesterday against one of the and briefly detained monitoring agency said yes- to three months in jail, Pavlov’s country’s top human rights Ivan Pavlov yesterday terday it had added his network legal team said. lawyers who is defending jailed morning. He was later of campaign offices to a list of “Of course, this is an Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny’s organisations involved in “ter- element of pressure because if Anti-Corruption Foundation charged with disclosing rorism and extremism”. he’s found guilty of committing (FBK) in an extremism case. classified information on “A search was carried out a deliberate crime he would be Security forces searched an investigation, and now and my lawyer documents deprived of his lawyer status and briefly detained Ivan summoned to appear in were illegally seized,” Pavlov and therefore would not be Pavlov yesterday morning. a Moscow court, his legal told reporters outside a able to continue his profes- He was later charged with Moscow hotel. He said he was sional activity,” said Dmitry disclosing classified infor- team said. being investigated over an Katchev, one of Safronov’s mation on an investigation, and ongoing case against one of his lawyers. summoned to appear in a clients, former journalist Ivan Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Moscow court, his legal team The investigation into him Ivan Pavlov, lawyer of a former journalist and an aide to the head Safronov. Peskov said: “We don’t have said. follows mounting official of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, Ivan Safronov. Russia’s Investigative Com- any information, we don’t Pavlov, 50, is well known pressure on the FBK, a mittee declined comment. know the reason for the arrest inside Russia for taking on high Navalny-linked organisation Pavlov was due to lead a and how it happened, what this profile and often politically that has produced a slew of findings. It comes at a time Navalny, President Vladimir legal team representing the lawyer is accused of.” sensitive cases in which he high profile and sometimes when Navalny’s movement and Putin’s fiercest political rival, is FBK in a court hearing consid- Russian security forces also finds himself representing embarrassing investigations network of political campaign serving a 2-1/2 year jail sen- ering a request from the raided Pavlov’s wife home and people accused by the Russian into official corruption. Some offices across Russia is under tence for parole violations on Moscow prosecutor to declare the office of his legal team in state of everything from of the targets of its exposes unprecedented pressure an earlier embezzlement con- the group an extremist organ- St Petersburg, his colleagues treason to espionage. have sued it and disputed its designed to end its activities. viction that he says was politi- isation. The main hearing is said on social media. Sweden pushes Moscow decries ‘unfriendly actions’ as US ends visa services for most Russians forward COVID-19 REUTERS — MOSCOW a new Russian law imposed pointed out that Russian consu- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry obvious that the precursor to all vaccination target limits on how many local staff lates in the United States were Peskov said the embassy’s of this is the unfriendly actions The Kremlin accused Wash- can work at foreign diplomatic still issuing visas within 10 days decision would have little prac- of the United States.” He said REUTERS — STOCKHOLM ington yesterday of fuelling missions. despite suffering diplomatic cut- tical impact because, he said, Russia had “expected better” of tension with “unfriendly actions” That means Russians, who backs themselves and said there Russians have already been the first 100 days of Joe Biden’s Sweden has pushed forward its after the US embassy in Moscow are not diplomats or green card was nothing to stop Washington struggling to get US visas. US presidency. COVID-19 vaccination target by said it was cutting staff and seekers, will no longer be able from topping up staff by bringing “You know, here one has to He welcomed moves to three weeks, the government stopping processing visas for to apply inside their own country in US nationals. look at the root cause of the extend the New START nuclear said yesterday, as the decision most Russians. for visas to visit the United States It said the US diplomatic staff tense situation that is developing arms treaty. “But this positive to not use Johnson & Johnson The embassy said it was for tourism and other purposes. quota in Russia stood at 455, but in our bilateral relations,” baggage is still small in com- vaccine meant supplies were cutting consular staff by 75% and They will have to make such that there were only 280 Peskov told reporters. parison with the load of nega- insufficient to offer all adults a that from May 12 it would stop applications in third countries accredited employees, giving “If you unravel the knot of tivity that we have accumulated first shot by mid-August. processing non-immigrant visas instead if they need to. Washington ample room to top unfriendly steps in the opposite over these 100 days. This load Sweden has told the for non-diplomatic travel after The Russian foreign ministry up staff numbers. direction, then it becomes unfortunately prevails,” he said. European Union it will not have any need of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Health Authority has said it will not rec- Belgium cultural venues ommend the vaccine for people under 65 because of reports of rare but serious side effects defying indoor ban while Sweden already had enough shipments from other AP — BRUSSELS their workers a solid green light producers for people over 65. to reopen. The federal gov- “All adults will be offered at Dozens of cinemas, theatres and ernment has said indoor cul- least one dose vaccine by Sep- other venues in Belgium are tural events can resume starting tember 5, not August 15,” Min- defying government orders and May 8 with a maximum of 50 ister for Health and Social reopening their doors yesterday mask-wearing people in Affairs Lena Hallengren said to protest the country’s ongoing attendance. It has said audi- yesterday. shutdown of cultural activities. ences will be allowed to grow Around 30% of adult After more than six months to a maximum of 200 in June Swedes have now received at without revenue, venue owners only if the pace of infections least one dose and the vacci- say Belgium’s ongoing ban on slows down. nation roll-out has been indoor cultural events is proof But Still Standing for Culture credited for deaths having been of “an unacceptable inequality said some venues plan to reopen among the lowest per capita in of treatment” their industry has starting yesterday while fol- Europe in recent months, experienced during the coro- lowing the health protocols despite soaring infections rates. navirus pandemic. issued by federal authorities to With the spread of the virus “There is no evidence that guarantee the safety of artists and still high and the healthcare culture should take second place attendees. system under severe pressure, to supermarkets, zoos or any “The cultural spring has Hallengren urged Swedes to other activity that generates finally arrived,” the collective follow the voluntary social contact,” owners partici- said. guidelines. pating in Still Standing For Despite reopening illegally, “The spread must come Culture, an activism collective, the venues involved in the col- Police officers patrol Brussels international airport premises amid the coronavirus disease outbreak down now,” she told a news said. lective action will keep receiving in Zaventem, Belgium. conference. “The health situation does aid subsidies. The owners, Unlike most European not explain why the fate of cul- however, could be fined by last month. A sequel has been department and the prosecu- statement warned. countries, Sweden has spurned tural venues has been system- police. Belgian authorities are advertised for Saturday by a tor’s office urged potential The coronavirus has lockdowns throughout the pan- atically ignored for months, nor also worried by an unau- group called the Abyss. party-goers to stay away from severely hit Belgium. The demic, relying on mostly vol- why new conditions are pulled thorized gathering planned for The Brussels prosecutor’s the event and to respect health country of 11.5 million residents untary recommendations about out of the government’s hat this weekend in one of Brussels’ office announced that anyone measures limiting social has reported 24,185 virus- social distancing and targeted when their reopening is finally biggest parks. An April Fools’ breaching COVID-19 restric- gatherings. related deaths so far, although restrictions on venues such as discussed.” Belgian authorities party drew thousands of people tions could face charges. In a “If necessary, the police will new confirmed cases and hos- shopping malls and are organizing test events but to the Bois de la Cambre park joint statement, the local gov- intervene, You risk a fine or pitalizations for COVID-19 restaurants. have not yet given venues and and ended in clashes with police ernment, the city’s police administrative arrest,” the decreased over the past week.

Hungary to ease virus curbs as vaccine rollout progresses AstraZeneca’s Soriot: We didn’t

REUTERS — BUDAPEST overpromise on vaccine supplies

Hungary’s Prime Minister REUTERS — LONDON delivering the quantity of Viktor Orban yesterday said vaccine it was hoping to parts of the service economy AstraZeneca Chief Executive deliver to Europe. will reopen as scheduled on Pascal Soriot said yesterday AstraZeneca will have Saturday as the country’s the drugmaker had not over- delivered 50 million doses COVID-19 vaccination rate promised on the supply of to the EU by the end of April, surpasses 40%, adding he COVID-19 vaccines around he said. By the end of March, would slowly refocus on kick- the world, as he defended big AstraZeneca had delivered starting economic growth. cuts in deliveries that only a quarter of what it had Hungary has the highest prompted a lawsuit by the committed to the EU. cumulative per capita corona- European Union. The company has said it virus death toll in the world, The European Com- plans to ship a total of 100 according to worldometers.info, mission has launched legal million doses to the bloc by but the third wave of its epi- proceedings against the the end of June, instead of demic is slowly receding. Anglo-Swedish drugmaker 300 million foreseen in the The range of services reo- for not respecting its con- contract. pening will include hotels, tract for the supply of But he pointed to the sit- indoor restaurants, theatres, COVID-19 vaccines, and for uation in India, which is cinemas, gyms, sports venues, not having a “reliable” plan experiencing a devastating swimming pools, museums, to ensure timely deliveries. wave of COVID-19 infec- libraries and zoos, Orban said, Soriot said the company tions, where AstraZeneca’s confirming earlier plans. did its best to deliver as vaccine makes up 90% of Orban who, to criticism from much as it could to the EU, the shots available. Brussels and from domestic Guests enjoy the sunny weather as they sit in front of a restaurant after the Hungarian government and while he was disap- “Imagine without our political opponents, has imported allowed to reopen outdoor terraces as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues in Budapest, pointed it could not have vaccine what India would vaccines from China and Russia Hungary. delivered more, he was look like. Imagine if we had that have yet to receive EU proud of the company’s not stepped up, imagine if approval, told public radio there work on the vaccine and we had said no,” Soriot said. were enough shots in the country suffered a deep recession in all of 4.3% this year and over 5% rollout to try to shore up his was “totally committed” to AstraZeneca said 300 to inoculate everyone who has of 2020, and Orban said he in 2022. support base. increasing supply. million doses of the shot had registered for them. would insist on an expansionary “We cannot produce a In March, more than 16,000 “We never over- been made available in 165 “Vaccines are like a bullet- budget for 2022. smaller budget deficit (in died in the nation of 10 million, promised, we communi- countries thus far. proof vest,” the premier told “I think we will reach pre- 2022)... It is a restarting budget.” a 40% annual increase and the cated what we thought we “We don’t regret any- state radio. “We now have one pandemic economic levels The premier, who faces his first highest figure for that month would achieve at the time,” thing because... we have for everybody, please come and faster than some may think,” tight election race in 2022 since since a deadly flu outbreak in he told journalists, adding made an enormous dif- suit up so the virus has no one said Orban, whose government assuming power a decade ago, 1983, central statistics office the company was not ference,” he said. to attack.” The economy currently projects a growth rate has leveraged the rapid vaccine KSH said yesterday. SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 AMERICAS 11

Canada to get Brazil tops 400,000 virus deaths Pfizer vaccines from the US AP — SAO PAULO AP — TORONTO Brazil on Thursday became the Local health experts second country to officially top have celebrated the Canada will start getting Pfizer 400,000 COVID-19 deaths, COVID-19 vaccines from the losing another 100,000 lives in recent decline of cases United States next week, a just one month, as some health and deaths, plus the company spokesperson said experts warn there may be eased pressure on the yesterday, in what will be the gruesome days ahead when the Brazilian health care first time the US has allowed that Southern Hemisphere enters system — but only company’s vaccine exported to winter. Canada. April was Brazil’s deadliest modestly. They are Despite Canada’s tightly month of the pandemic, with apprehensive of another woven commercial ties with the thousands of people losing their wave of the disease, like US, it has been getting Pfizer’s lives daily at crowded those seen in some vaccines from Belgium until hospitals. European nations. now because US authorities had The country’s Health Min- kept supplies made in the US for istry registered more than domestic use. 4,000 deaths on two days early Prime Minister Justin in the month, and its seven-day against COVID-19, according to Trudeau repeated yesterday that average topped out at above Our World in Data, an online starting next week, Canada will 3,100. That figure has tilted research site. President Jair Bol- be receiving 2 million doses a downward in the last two sonaro, who is now being inves- week from Pfizer alone. weeks, to less than 2,400 deaths tigated by a Senate panel over Vaccinations have ramped per day, though on Thursday his administration’s handling of up in Canada in recent months. the Health Ministry announced the crisis, has repeated he will Every adult in Quebec will be another 3,001 deaths, bringing be the last to get a shot and he Activists from NGO Rio de Paz carry a Brazilian flag as they display plastic bags, representing dead eligible to make a vaccine Brazil’s total to 401,186. has attacked mayors and gov- bodies, during a protest against Jair Bolsonaro’s COVID-19 policies, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. appointment on May 14 and in Local health experts have ernors who enforce restrictions Ontario, Canada’s largest celebrated the recent decline of to control the virus’ spread. are more common even in the recommendations and partial falling ill in far greater numbers province, every adult can book cases and deaths, plus the eased Epidemiologist Wanderson tropical nation. shutdowns even in the throes as a more transmissible variant an appointment starting May 24. pressure on the Brazilian health Oliveira, one of the Health Min- “Our vaccination is such of the pandemic’s peak. circulates in Brazil. Trade-dependent Canada care system — but only mod- istry’s top officials at the start that in 2022 maybe we will Brazil’s vaccination Adding to concerns, Brazil’s previously lagged on vaccinating estly. They are apprehensive of of the pandemic, said he expects have a much less tragic summer program, though a far cry from Health Ministry has repeatedly its population of 38 million another wave of the disease, a third wave to hit by mid-June. than we did now,” he said, its triumphant campaigns of cut its outlook for vaccines in because it lacks the facilities to like those seen in some He told radio station CBN on referring to the last few months. decades past, has slowed the the short term. The country’s manufacture the vaccine itself. European nations, due to a pre- Tuesday that the country’s He added he expects limited pace of deaths among the two biggest laboratories are Trudeau’s government bet mature resumption of activity immunization effort won’t help from local leaders’ partial nation’s elderly, according to facing supply constraints for on seven different vaccines in states and cities combined prevent a new surge because shutdowns, which have yielded death certificate data published imports from producers in manufactured elsewhere and with slow vaccination rollout. many people won’t receive weaker results than European- on Monday. China and India, which has secured advance purchase Less than 6% of Brazilians shots before winter, when style lockdowns. Many Bra- Younger people remain become the pandemic’s global agreements — enough to get 10 have been fully vaccinated indoor gatherings and activities zilians flouted social distancing unprotected, and have begun epicentre. doses for each Canadian. Flooding and Former VP Pence makes first public appearance since January mudslides add to REUTERS — WASHINGTON Joe Biden and Vice President upon us to take that winning protesters stormed the US served at Trump’s side over the St. Vincent’s Kamala Harris on January 20. agenda to the American people.” Capitol and delayed the past four years, a nod to the Former Vice President Mike Pence appeared in good While he said nothing about certification. powerful role Trump retains in volcano woes Pence emerged from seclusion health at the event, just a few whether he would seek high Pence attended Biden’s the Republican Party. on Thursday for his first public weeks after he underwent a sur- office again, the speech inauguration while Trump “Thank you for the privilege KINGSTOWN AP — appearance since leaving office gical procedure to implant a appeared to signal Pence’s refused to do so. of serving as your vice president and offered a road map for pacemaker in his chest. intention to remain in the Trump advisers say Trump and the privilege of serving Heavy rains poured down on Republicans to win back the Pence outlined how Repub- Republican conversation as the remains disappointed in Pence alongside President Donald the island of St. Vincent and White House in 2024 without licans took control of the US party tries to rebound from over the vote certification issue. Trump. It’s the greatest honor of the Grenadines on Thursday, saying whether he would be a House of Representatives in losing the White House and the Earlier on Thursday, Trump my life,” he said. causing flooding and candidate. 2010 after two years of Dem- US Senate in 2020 elections. told Fox Business Network that Pence offered heavy crit- mudslides that damaged some Pence spoke for a half hour ocrat Barack Obama’s Pence and Trump had a he would consider Florida Gov- icism of Biden’s agenda and homes and further battered in Columbia, South Carolina, to presidency. bitter ending at the White House ernor Ron DeSantis as a spoke fondly of the Trump- areas already burdened by the Palmetto Family Council, a “We’re going to do it again after Pence refused Trump’s potential 2024 running mate Pence administration’s record heavy ashfall from eruptions religious conservative group. It in the next four years,” said entreaties to try to block the cer- should he make another run for on national security and on the of La Soufriere volcano. was his first speech since he and Pence. tification in Congress of Biden’s president. For his part, Pence US economy before the corona- Authorities said there were then-President Donald Trump “We have the winning Electoral College win on January declared to the South Carolina virus pandemic threw the United no reports of deaths or injuries handed over power to President agenda and now it’s incumbent 6. That same day pro-Trump group that he was proud to have States into recession. as the storm deluged the Car- ibbean nation for hours, with some areas receiving from 3 inches (7.5 centimetres) to 5 Peru’s Castillo returns inches (12.5 centimetres) of rain. Forecasters warned that an additional 2 inches (5 cen- to campaign trail timetres) were possible over the next 24 hours. There were reports of after health blip caved-in roofs and some struc- tures wrecked by landslides REUTERS — LIMA paigning in northern Peru. and flooding in rural areas, and The leftist candidate had authorities said bridges also The front-runner in Peru’s pres- stretched his lead to 20 points sustained damage. Problems in idential race, left-winger Pedro ahead of right-wing Fujimori Kingstown, the capital, were Castillo, returned to the five days ago but the latest poll confined to high water. campaign trail yesterday, a day suggests that has now narrowed after he was rushed to a clinic with just over a month to go until in the capital Lima for treatment the election in the world’s Costa Rica to for a respiratory illness, he told second-largest copper supporters in a tweet. producer. close non-essential Castillo said doctors diag- Datum International said on businesses nosed a throat infection and that Friday that Fujimori, the he would return to active cam- daughter of the jailed ex-pres- REUTERS — SAN JOSE paigning as well as participating ident Alberto Fujimori, bolstered in his first debate on Saturday her support by eight percentage Costa Rica will for the next with rival in the June run-off, points to 34%, while Castillo’s Peru’s presidential candidate Pedro Castillo of Peru Libre party, who will compete head-to-head with week close non-essential busi- Keiko Fujimori. approval grew only three per- right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori in a second-round ballot in June, speaks during a rally in Lima. nesses, including restaurants “Nothing will stop us in our centage points to 44%. and bars, across the centre of march with the people towards The poll, published in financial the country due to a sharp a shared dream of justice and daily Gestion, showed the number support firmed to 65% from 54% in the country’s poorer areas the campaign trail, according to increase in new cases of freedom,” he wrote. of undecided voters shrank to 22% in southern mining regions, the while Fujimori, who has Refinitiv data, following sharp COVID-19 and hospitalisa- Castillo, a 51-year-old from 33% previously. Fujimori’s survey said. promised to shield Peru’s free- drops earlier in the week. tions, the government said on primary school teacher, fell ill support grew most notably in Castillo, who has pledged to market model, polls stronger in The new study was carried Thursday. shortly after arriving to hold Lima, home to nearly a third of draft a new constitution to give wealthier areas. Bond prices out between April 27 and 29 on From May 3-9, restaurants, rallies in Lima on Thursday fol- the country’s population, rising to the state more control over the ticked higher on Friday even as 1,200 people and has a margin bars, department stores, lowing several days of cam- 50% from 34%, while Castillo’s economy, also remains on top Castillo returned to of error of +/- 2.8%. beauty salons, gyms and churches must close in 45 municipalities in central Costa Rica, where almost half the Chile studies ‘green card’ to incentivise coronavirus inoculation population lives and over two- thirds of new cases have been REUTERS — SANTIAGO international travel “green vaccinating 80% of its target Paris said the ministry had was not yet a timetable for registered. passport,” perks aimed to incen- population, 15 million people, by yet to determine what kinds of rolling them out. “We are in an unprece- Chile, a global leader in vacci- tivize participation in the drive, July to be able to attain herd perks might be associated with Countries around the world dented situation, and many nation, is considering issuing a officials said. immunity. the green cards, and said there are looking at ways to show that people are going to die,” “green card” to those inoculated “We are looking at it and I people have COVID-19 Health Minister Daniel Salas against the coronavirus in an think it could be a very immunity and can travel, said after announcing 2,781 effort to encourage younger important stimulus for people although airports, border new daily infections, a record adults who may be reluctant to to get vaccinated,” Health Min- agencies and airlines are number. “There are already turn out for their shots, health ister Enrique Paris told reporters, worried there will be no clear waiting lists to enter intensive officials said on Thursday. adding the effort was important global standard that will be care.” The government will Chile’s vaccination drive is to “maintain our campaign.” accepted at all borders. also impose travel restrictions the fastest in Latin America thus Chile began vaccinating in Paris said Chile believed the during the week. far, and among the top five glo- December, inoculating health issue should be overseen by Costa Rica has so far bally in terms of percentage of workers, teachers, civil servants, international health reported almost 249,000 cases its population with at least one journalists, and age groups pro- organizations. of COVID-19 and some 3,200 shot, according to a tabulation. gressively — at present, people “It must be studied at the fatalities. But a recent slowdown in in their 40s. Latin American or world level,” Some 10.5% of the popu- the pace of vaccination has But health officials have Paris said, adding that “hopefully lation had been vaccinated as prompted health officials to fast- repeatedly warned that young, the World Health Organization of Thursday, most of them track a possible rollout of two healthy adults have been slower will be the one to lead this issue over the age of 58, official data government-issued ID cards: a to turn out than the elderly, A man receives a dose of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at a sport with respect to the validity of show. domestic “green card” and an potentially imperiling its goal of stadium in Villa Alemana, Chile. vaccines to international level.” 12 AMERICAS SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 Around 100 million Americans fully vaccinated against virus

AP — NEW YORK As of yesterday morning, more than 99 million Americans, Disneyland reopened yesterday or over 38% of all adults, had and New York’s mayor predicted Visitors cheered and been fully vaccinated, according the big city will be up and running screamed with delight to the Centers for Disease Control again at full strength by July 1, as as the Southern and Prevention. About 55% of the number of Americans fully California theme park adults had received at least one vaccinated against COVID-19 swung open its gates for dose. closed in on 100 million. However, about 8% of those Visitors cheered and the first time in 13 who have gotten one dose of screamed with delight as the months in a powerful either the Pfizer or Moderna Southern California theme park symbol of the US vaccine have not returned for swung open its gates for the first rebound, even though their second shot, officials said. time in 13 months in a powerful the self-proclaimed Dr. , the nation’s symbol of the US rebound, even top infectious disease expert, said though the self-proclaimed Hap- Happiest Place on Earth it is important to complete the piest Place on Earth is allowing is allowing only in-state course to gain maximum pro- only in-state guests for now and guests for now and tection against the coronavirus. operating at just 25% capacity. operating at just 25% “Make sure you get that People walk outside Disneyland Park on its reopening day amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in The reopening and similar capacity. second dose,” he said at a White Anaheim, California, US, yesterday. steps elsewhere around the House briefing. country reflect increasing CDC officials also reported optimism as COVID-19 deaths Friday that it was anxiety - not a and a few had racing hearts, chest and decreasing throughout the crisis that such tumble and the ranks of the vac- problem with the shots - that pain or other symptoms. None hospitalisations. decisions are his alone, and he cinated grow — a stark contrast lives lost to COVID-19 in the US caused reactions in dozens of got seriously ill. “We are ready for stores to said Thursday that he would like to the worsening disaster in India has eclipsed 575,000, deaths people at vaccine clinics in five In New York, Mayor Bill de open, for businesses to open, to lift restrictions even sooner if and Brazil and the scant availa- have plummeted to an average states in early April. Blasio said Thursday he expects offices, theatres, full strength,” he possible. “I don’t want to wait that bility of vaccines in many poor of about 670 per day from a peak Many of the 64 people fainted to see COVID-19 restrictions lifted said on MSNBC. long. I think if we do what we parts of the world. of around 3,400 in or reported dizziness. Some and the city “fully reopen” by July However, New York Gov. have to do, we can be reopened While the overall number of mid-January. became nauseated or vomited, 1. He cited rising vaccination rates Andrew Cuomo has maintained earlier,” he said. Bipartisan police reform talks open in Congress after Biden speech Biden bans travel from India as REUTERS — WASHINGTON said. Lawmakers who attended officials on Thursday. over policing and systemic said his approach relied too the meeting said they were “They listened intently. It racism. much on incentives and too virus cases surge A bipartisan group of US hopeful. was emotional and it was very The bill has not yet been little on mandating changes. lawmakers on Thursday started “Nothing happened in the engaging,” said Ben Crump, the taken up by the Senate, where Scott has proposed making BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK talks on a police reform bill, the meeting that deters me from lawyer for Floyd’s family and it faces steep odds of getting it easier for victims of police day after Democratic President being optimistic that we can get other victims of police violence, the bipartisan support it would violence to sue law President Joe Biden banned Joe Biden urged senators and there,” Scott told reporters, outside the White House. need to pass the upper enforcement agencies, rather most travel to the US from representatives to act before the though he rebuffed questions “They committed to these chamber. Democrats effec- than the officers themselves. India beginning from Tuesday May 25 anniversary of George about whether lawmakers families that they were com- tively control 50 of the cham- Bass has said it is important for as the country struggles to Floyd’s murder by a Minne- could meet Biden’s deadline. mitted to getting some mean- ber’s 100 seats, but most leg- victims to be able to sue indi- combat the worst surge of apolis policeman. Durbin said the meeting was ingful legislation presented.” islation requires 60 votes to vidual officers as well as police, coronavirus cases in the world. Republican Senators Tim “very constructive.” The House of Representa- pass. sheriff’s and other White House Press Sec- Scott and Lindsey Graham, “There’s trust in that room, tives passed the George Floyd Police unions have opposed departments. retary Jen Psaki said that the Democratic Senators Dick and it’s important to see it Justice in Policing Act, named changes made in the House’s Asked about qualified US Centers for Disease Control Durbin and Cory Booker and through,” Durbin said. for the African-American man bill to qualified immunity, immunity, Scott said they now and Prevention recommended Democratic Representative A group of relatives of killed when Derek Chauvin, which they say will further have more information that the ban, which won’t apply to Karen Bass were among those victims of police violence, then a policeman, kneeled on open the door to lawsuits allows them to work towards US citizens or permanent tasked with reaching a con- including Philonise Floyd, the Floyd’s neck for more than alleging excessive force. a result, which he said is pos- residents. sensus, Senate Democratic brother of George Floyd, met nine minutes. Scott also introduced a itive. Bass said the issue of “The policy will be imple- leader Chuck Schumer and two with lawmakers, including Floyd’s death sparked a policing bill last year, but it was qualified immunity was among mented in light of extraordi- Democratic legislative aides Schumer, and with White House summer of nationwide protests blocked by Democrats who the unresolved issues. narily high COVID-19 caseloads and multiple var- iants circulating in the India,” Psaki said in a statement. ‘US aid to Venezuela was India recorded 387,000 new infections on Thursday, a not aligned with record high, and nearly 3,500 deaths, according to data com- piled by Johns Hopkins humanitarian principles’ University. The US is sending aid to REUTERS — CARACAS audit concluded. The report, India to fight its surge, and the originally released on April 16, travel restriction underscores A US-backed effort to send aid was first reported by the Asso- the risk that new mutations of to Venezuela in 2019 that ciated Press. the virus pose even to coun- ended in a violent standoff on The border standoff took tries with high vaccination the Colombian border was not place weeks after the Trump levels. The travel restrictions planned in alignment with administration recognised also don’t apply to aid workers. humanitarian principles, Guaido as Venezuela’s legit- Biden has also said he’ll according to an audit by the imate president and backed send vaccines to India, though Washington-based aid agency Guaido’s creation of an interim hasn’t yet done so. The shots, involved in the operation. government that was meant to produced by AstraZeneca Plc The US Agency for Interna- advance a political transition but not yet authorized for use tional Development (USAID) in Venezuela. During the aid in the US, need first to be sent aid material to the effort, USAID leaders instructed reviewed by US regulators. Colombian border region in officials to align decisions Virus Variants Friday’s February 2019 amid chronic “toward reinforcing the Interim move is the latest in a series of shortages of food and medicine Government’s credibility,” the COVID-related travel restric- A file photo of former guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia participate in a and rising malnutrition in report says. tions imposed by the Biden protest called “Pilgrimage for Life and Peace” demanding security guarantees and compliance with Venezuela. It adds that USAID’s lead- administration and the Trump the peace agreements signed with the government, in Bogota, Colombia. The Trump administration ership directed officials to administration before it. had planned for the supplies to minimize funding to United Variants of the virus be carried across the Nations agencies, even though emerge typically in places Former FARC rebels accept Colombian border into Vene- they had infrastructure in Ven- where it’s spreading rapidly, zuela by allies of Venezuelan ezuela to deliver such goods, and can prove more conta- opposition leader Juan Guaido. because it believed they were gious, more harmful and more responsibility for kidnappings But the aid convoys were sympathetic to Maduro’s deadly as a result. blocked by troops loyal to Pres- government. Rochelle Walensky, ident Nicolas Maduro - who “The Boliviarian gov- director of the US Centers for REUTERS — BOGOTA group turned in an official called the operation a violation ernment in February 2019 Disease Control and Pre- response to the JEP, which in of the nation’s sovereignty. warned about the fraudulence vention, said earlier yesterday Leaders from the now-demo- The FARC “clearly January accused eight FARC “(The) directive to pre- of the supposed humanitarian that the US continues to work bilised FARC rebels yesterday assumes responsibility leaders of responsibility for war position humanitarian com- aid from the US in Cucuta,” to track the spread of variants, accepted responsibility for tens crimes connected to modities was not driven by tweeted Venezuelan Foreign and is supporting similar work of thousands of kidnappings for kidnappings which kidnappings. technical expertise or fully Minister Jorge Arreaza, in ref- in other countries, including during their group’s part in took place and explicitly It was official FARC policy aligned with the Office of erence to the Colombian India. Colombia’s long internal recognises the suffering to take hostages in order to Inspector General, US Agency border city where much of the “The more virus and viral conflict. inflicted unjustifiably on raise funds through ransom, for International Devel- aid was sent. replication, the virus has more Some 13,000 members of victims...their families, pressure the government to opment... principles of neu- “Today, @USAID itself rec- chances to mutate, and this the Revolutionary Armed conduct hostage exchanges, trality, independence, and ognises that it was part of a means additional opportu- Forces of Colombia (FARC) friends and of course all control territory and gain being based on needs assess- political operation meant to nities for variants to evolve,” demobilised under a 2016 of Colombian society,” advantages by capturing ments,” the USAID change a government.” she said. peace deal with the gov- Comunes official Carlos security force members, Lozada ernment. The group became a Antonio Lozada told a said. political party called Comunes. virtual news conference. Some victims suffered ‘Mystery illness attacks on US diplomats increasing’ Under the accord, former sexual violence at the hands of rebels must provide infor- FARC captors, Lozada acknowl- REUTERS — WASHINGTON been aware for nearly five years and are known as “Havana mation to the Special Juris- edged, though he said mis- of the mysterious attacks on US syndrome.” diction for Peace (JEP) tribunal and of course all of Colombian treatment was officially The Democratic and Repub- government personnel in One last year was near the about crimes committed during society,” Comunes official banned. lican leaders of the US Senate Havana, Cuba and elsewhere White House, CNN said, and the conflict, including murders, Carlos Antonio Lozada told a The group will continue to Intelligence Committee said around the world. another, previously reported by kidnappings, sexual violence virtual news conference. Hos- give information to help find yesterday incidents similar to “This pattern of attacking GQ magazine, sickened a White and forced evictions. tages suffered “precarious and remains of hostages who died suspected “directed” radio our fellow citizens serving our House official in a nearby Vir- Acknowledgement of difficult” conditions, added captive, he added. frequency attacks on US government appears to be ginia suburb in 2019. crimes can lead to lesser Lozada, who serves in the Former rebels who give full diplomats appear to be increasing. The Senate Intelli- A US government report in sentences. senate in a seat guaranteed by information about crimes to the increasing and the committee gence Committee intends to get December said “directed” radio The FARC “clearly assumes the peace deal. tribunal may eventually face was investigating. to the bottom of this,” they said. frequency was the most plau- responsibility for kidnappings Between 1990 and 2015, restrictions on their freedom for In a statement, Senators CNN on Thursday reported sible explanation for the which took place and explicitly 21,396 people were kidnapped five to eight years. Those who Mark Warner, the committee’s that US agencies were investi- symptoms. recognises the suffering or taken hostage by the FARC, do not or who lie could be sen- Democratic chairman, and gating two possible incidents In February, the State inflicted unjustifiably on according to tribunal figures. tenced for up to 20 years in Marco Rubio, its Republican that appeared similar to ill- Department said an investi- victims...their families, friends The comments came as the prison. vice chairman, said they have nesses that affected diplomats gation was still ongoing.