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MONDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11594 June 29, 2020 Dhul-Qa’da 8, 1441 AH
GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals
Al Shaqab to participate A magnificent view of Thumama Stadium in 2020 Menton Horse Championship in France Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar All gatherings Foundation, will participate in the 2020 Menton Horse Championship in France on July 4 and 5. The championship is a qualifier for the Arabian Horse World Championship limited to fi ve to be held in Paris. It will be the first European participation of Al Shaqab’s Breeding and Show department in the major championships of purebred Arabian people in Phase horses in 2020. This is the first international championship at the level of purebred Arabian horse beauty since the global outbreak of novel coronavirus which led to 2 of reopening the suspension of various sports activities. Al Shaqab delegation will be led by the Breeding and Show z2nd stage of lifting Covid-19 curbs begins on July 1 Manager HE Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani. Al Shaqab will compete at zMosques will be open for all 5 prayers with limited Menton with 13 horses in one-year capacity foals, one-year-old fillies, 3-year-old fillies, and mares categories. z50% of employees will be allowed at the workplace zParks, beaches, Corniche to be reopened Qatar reports 78,702 zRestaurants will be allowed to reopen with limited total Covid-19 recoveries A view of the under-construction Al Thumama Stadium, as posted by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) on Twitter yesterday. “This incredible design is inspired by the ‘gahfiya’ head cap, which is worn by men in Qatar capacity The Ministry of Public Health and across the region,” the SC said. (MoPH) reported yesterday 750 new confirmed cases of the novel ublic and private gatherings lim- coronavirus (Covid-19), and 1,477 ited to fi ve people only will be “The Supreme Committee recoveries in the last 24 hours, Pallowed in Phase 2 of the gradual for Crisis Management bringing the total number of people lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, and would like to remind the recovered from the disease in Qatar Breakthrough in use of recycled, violators will be subject to the relevant public that transition from to 78,702 cases. The MoPH said off ences and penalties. one phase to the next that, in the last 24 hours, eight cases The number has been reduced from depends on everyone’s co- were admitted to intensive care due 10 to 5 people following the discovery operation and adherence to to health complications resulting local materials in construction of numerous cases among Qatari na- the precautionary measures from the virus, bringing the total of tionals due to Majlis gatherings and outlined by the Council of cases currently receiving intensive family visits, and among white-collar care to 201. Page 2 z Wadi gravel, available sand washing plants, it could provide expatriates due to uncontrolled con- Ministers, including wearing masks when going outside, in various sand deposits high-quality aggregate provided ap- tact with no precautionary measures, Lebanon summons US propriate processing procedures are the Supreme Committee for Crisis downloading the Ehteraz in the southern region of envoy over Hezbollah applied. The project demonstrated Management (SCCM) said in a state- application and practising Qatar, identified for use that processing Wadi gravel using ment yesterday while announcing social distancing” Lebanon’s foreign ministry has as aggregate advanced crushing, screening and its decision to launch Phase 2 of the summoned the US ambassador over washing is essential to minimise gyp- gradual reopening plan, as initially remarks criticising Hezbollah, a day sum deposits adhering to acceptable planned, on July 1. tise social distancing. Play areas will after a judge slapped a controversial research project has identifi ed levels for use in construction. The decision to launch Phase 2 on remain closed. ban on local media covering her the main solid waste streams Wadi gravel is available in various July 1 is based on the available pub- z Sports training in open spaces and statements. Foreign Minister Nassif Ain Qatar for potential use in sand deposits in the southern region lic health data and indicators on the large halls will be permitted for profes- Hitti has summoned US ambassador construction and investigated ad- of Qatar; mainly the areas of Al Khara- spread of Covid-19, including passing sional athletes in groups not exceeding Dorothy Shea for a meeting today vanced technologies for recycling ij, Al Kharara and Mekaines, with the peak stage, fl attening the curve and 10 people. in light of her latest statements”, that could be eff ectively applied in the latter deposit containing 4.5mn reducing the virus’s reproduction rate, z The capacity of private health fa- the state-run National News Agency the country. Dr Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari tonnes alone. the statement notes. cilities will be increased to 60% while reported. In an interview, Shea said the In a statement, the Ministry of Mu- Advanced physical, chemical, me- Other key aspects of Phase 2 are as continuing to provide emergency serv- US had “grave concerns about the role nicipality and Environment (MME) chanical and petrographic analy- follows: ices. of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist said it was awarded the project by sis was conducted on the processed z The restricted opening of mosques z Restaurants will be allowed to reo- organisation which has syphoned off the Qatar National Research Fund Wadi gravel in specialised laborato- will continue for all fi ve prayers with pen with limited capacity; the Ministry billions of dollars that should have (QNRF) regarding the implementa- ries in the UK as well as the Ashghal limited capacity as well as the imple- of Commerce and Industry will issue a gone into government coff ers so that tion of recycled materials in con- research and development facilities. mentation of precautionary require- comprehensive statement on the mat- the government can provide basic struction. The results showed excellent per- ments. ter. services to its people.” Page 7 The three-year project began in formance and compliance with na- z Fifty per cent of public and private z Libraries and museums will reo- 2018 and was led by Dr Mohamed tional and international specifi ca- sector employees will be allowed at the pen with limited capacity and limited Trump deletes racial bin Saif al-Kuwari from the MME; Dr tions for use in concrete and drainage workplace as needed, provided that working hours. tweet after protests Khaled Hassan, managing director applications as a replacement for im- employers meet hygiene requirements, “The Supreme Committee for Cri- of Infrastructure Research & Devel- ported gabbro with positive impacts implement precautionary measures sis Management would like to remind US President Donald Trump opment (IRD) at the Qatar Science & on cost and environment, the MME and continue to protect vulnerable the public that transition from one retweeted a video showing one of Technology Park; Dr Ian Sims, inter- terials in government projects in line stressed. employees by allowing them to work phase to the next depends on every- his supporters in Florida shouting national expert in geology – UK; Dr with the Ashghal ‘recycling roadmap’ As part of the project implemen- remotely. one’s co-operation and adherence to “white power” at protesters of his Murray Reid, expert in geo-technical and the government strategy on sus- tation, the team worked closely with z Families will be allowed to rent the precautionary measures outlined administration, drawing rebukes and ground engineering - UK. It was tainable development, the MME said the Roads Department at Ashghal in boats and yachts in groups not exceed- by the Council of Ministers, including from allies and adversaries as implemented in partnership with the in a statement. using Wadi gravel as a pipe bedding ing 10 people. wearing masks when going outside, protests continue in the aftermath Public Works Authority (Ashghal). Wadi gravel is one of the main re- material in trench soakaways, with an z All parks and beaches as well as downloading the Ehteraz application of George Floyd’s death. The video The project sought to explore the sources identifi ed for use as aggregate estimated 27 tonnes in an infrastruc- the Corniche will be reopened for peo- and practising social distancing,” the on Twitter, which was later deleted wider use of recycled and local ma- in construction. A by-product from ture project in Umm Slal. To Page 3 ple of all ages while continuing to prac- statement adds. Page 5 from the president’s feed, showed Trump protesters and supporters in Florida shouting profanities at each other. Page 8 World-first surgery for a Covid patient UK’s top senior civil servant steps down 737 MAX certifi cation Britain’s most senior civil servant stepped down yesterday after reports of clashes with Prime fl ight tests begin today Minister Boris Johnson’s top political adviser, part of what is expected to be a wider shake up ilots and test crew members from the The grounding of the fast-selling 737 of officials at the heart of power. US Federal Aviation Administration and MAX in March 2019 after two crashes in Johnson’s senior political adviser, PBoeing Co are slated to begin a three- five months killed 346 people in Ethiopia Dominic Cummings, has long been day certifi cation test campaign for the 737 and Indonesia triggered lawsuits, investi- critical of the civil service, saying MAX today, people familiar with the matter gations by Congress and the Department of government is not nimble enough told Reuters. Justice and cut off a key source of Boeing’s to deliver change. The test is a pivotal moment in Boeing’s cash. worst-ever corporate crisis, long since com- The FAA confi rmed to US lawmakers yes- Furore grows in US over pounded by the novel coronavirus pandemic terday that an agency board had completed a that has slashed air travel and jet demand. review of Boeing’s safety system assessment Russian ‘bounty off er’ for the 737 MAX “clearing the way for fl ight President Donald Trump, confronted certifi cation testing to begin. with a damaging report that Russia Flights with FAA test pilots could begin as off ered bounties to Taliban-linked early as tomorrow, evaluating Boeing’s pro- militants to kill American and allied posed changes to the automated fl ight control troops in Afghanistan, declared system on the 737 MAX.” yesterday on Twitter that he was After a prefl ight briefi ng over several hours, never briefed about the finding the crew will board a 737 MAX 7 outfi tted with by US intelligence. Democrats test equipment at Boeing Field near Seattle, including Trump’s prospective one of the people said. presidential rival, Joe Biden, and The crew will run methodically scripted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mid-air scenarios such as steep-banking A team from Hamad Medical Corporation’s Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital has successfully performed sharply criticised Trump’s seeming Boeing 737 Max aircraft are parked in a turns, progressing to more extreme manoeu- a highly advanced surgery to treat a Covid-19 patient with kidney stones. The surgery is thought to be a indiff erence to the explosive report parking lot at Boeing Field in this aerial photo vres on a route primarily over Washington world-first for a Covid-19 patient using the thulium fiber laser, according to HMC. Picture shows the team in Friday’s New York Times. over Seattle, Washington, on June 11, 2020. state. behind the surgery. Page 20 Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 29, 2020 QATAR
Qatar’s envoy Shafallah Centre to launch attends Kenyan Qatar Charity prosthetic FM’s video meeting 4th edition of summer Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Kenya, Raychelle Omamo, held a video conference meeting with programme online on July 1 ambassadors of Middle Eastern countries accredited to Nairobi. eye project brings smile The meeting was attended by QNA A multidisciplinary team Qatar’s ambassador to Kenya, Doha of the centres staff will su- Jaber bin Ali al-Dosari. pervise and follow up on the During the meeting, the Kenyan implementation of the pro- Minister of Foreign Aff airs he Shafallah Centre for gramme by communicating expressed her country’s gratitude to Palestinian faces Persons with Disabili- with people with disabilities and thanks to the countries of Tties, affi liated with Qa- and their parents through the the Middle East for their support tar Foundation for Social Work, Microsoft Teams programme, and vote in favour of Kenya in the ome 20 people, each of announced the launch of the she added. Security Council elections. whom had lost one of fourth edition of its summer She stated that the summer S their eyes because of di- programme on July 1 under the programme also seeks to involve Qatar calls for rect injuries, benefited from a slogan Our Summer is Safe at bodies and institutions in the prosthetic eye project imple- Home, through its online plat- country with diff erent respon- elimination of mented by Qatar Charity (QC) form for all persons with dis- sibilities in contributing to the nuclear arms in co-ordination with the abilities in Qatar. integration of persons with dis- Ministry of Social Develop- The summer programme will abilities through the various ac- Qatar has called for the ment and organisations spe- last for a month and will take tivities and events organised by intensification of international cialised in rehabilitating the place four days a week. the centre, indicating that the eff orts at the legal, political visually impaired in the Gaza The programme aims to raise centre seeks to meet those edu- and popular level in order to Strip. the level of societal awareness cational and rehabilitating needs implement the Comprehensive “The project contributed to of the rights of persons with through this year’s summer pro- Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) as easing the economic burdens disabilities and their right to gramme. soon as possible. on beneficiary families with participate in summer activi- The Executive Director point- In a statement delivered through the visually impaired, in ad- ties by implementing targeted ed out that the centre aspires to video conferencing during the dition to providing them with activities that they can acquire provide a diversifi ed and care- meetings of the 54th Session glass eyes to improve the aes- skills from. fully prepared programme that of the Preparatory Commission thetic shape of their faces due They will be split into diff er- includes a set of activities aimed for the Comprehensive Nuclear- to their inability to purchase ent age and diagnostic groups at rehabilitation and treatment Test-Ban Treaty in Vienna, HE and instal these eyes,” QC said for their benefi t and to develop services, as well as the adapta- the Permanent Representative in a statement. their capabilities within an open tion of these services and con- of Qatar to the United Nations The project also brought environment that is less restric- tinuing to provide them to all and international organisations about a change in the lives of the The project was implemented by QC in co-ordination with the Ministry of Social Development and tive and more vital. persons with disabilities and in Vienna Sultan bin Salmeen visually impaired by improv- organisations specialised in rehabilitating the visually impaired in the Gaza Strip. Executive Director of the Sha- their guardians, by communi- al-Mansouri stressed the ing the aesthetic facial shape. fallah Centre, Laalei Abu Alfain, cating without exception to all importance of eliminating all Besides, the benefi ciaries of delight at getting the prosthet- amination room,” said a female walking down the street due to explained that the online plat- persons with disabilities in the nuclear weapons. this project were also trained to ic eyes installed. “I am very ex- beneficiary of the project while the deformity in my face caused form for the programme will country, in light of the health He spoke about celebrating take care of the glass eyes by the cited to see the reaction of my she was looking at herself in by losing my eyes, but now I am serve for the fi rst time all per- conditions of the emerging the 75th anniversary of the end manufacturer. child and my husband, who are the mirror. ready to go outside without feel- sons with disabilities in Qatar coronavirus pandemic (Cov- of the Second World War this The beneficiaries expressed waiting for me outside the ex- “I used to feel very shy while ing shy,” she added. without exception. id-19). year, which coincided with the beginning of the nuclear age and Labour ministry holds forum on the international warnings of the Mercury to pass between Sun and Earth on Wednesday protecting youth from drug abuse possibility of a nuclear war. Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system, will be at inferior con- orbit around the sun and are inside Earth’s orbit. The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs Qatar condemns junction with the Sun, as it will pass between the Sun and Earth on the Marzouk added that Mercury will pass very close to the Sun during (MADLSA), represented by the Social Aff airs Department, organised Iraq attack morning of Wednesday, July 1, at 5:45am Doha local time, according to superior conjunction. yesterday a forum on ways to protect and rehabilitate the youth from the Qatar Calendar House (QCH). It will pass behind the Sun, in opposite side of Earth, hence it will be drug addiction. Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), Hamad Qatar’s foreign ministry Dr Beshir Marzouk, astronomer at QCH, said the inferior conjunction unobservable for coming several weeks from all world hemisphere. Medical Corporation, and the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement has expressed its strong of Mercury is a very important astronomical phenomenon because it Qatar and Arab countries will be able to observe Mercury over western and Naufar Hospital, participated in the forum which was held through condemnation and denunciation is an indicator to Mercury transition to disappear on an evening sky horizon during last week of July, 2020, approximately, where the dura- video conference. of the attack that targeted a over western horizon after sunset, to appear on the morning sky over tion between the time set of Mercury and sunset time will be increas- The forum addressed a set of major axes related to diagnostic criteria security post east of the Iraqi eastern horizon before sunrise. ing during coming few weeks. The superior conjunction of Mercury for drug addiction, in addition to confidentiality and privacy in treating capital Baghdad, which resulted Moreover, the inferior conjunction phenomenon occurs only for two occurred on February 26, 2020, while the next conjunction will occur youth addiction, interview skills, important ways and stages of in the death of a policeman and planets of our solar system planets (Mercury and Venus) because they on Sunday, October 25, 2020. - QNA therapeutic programmes, as well as ways to contain and protect them the wounding of others. - QNA from addiction. - QNA Qatar reports 78,702 total Covid-19 recoveries
QNA tar since June 15 after the Doha epidemic has receded in the country, does not mean the lax implementation of pre- he Ministry of Public cautionary measures and Health (MoPH) re- steps by community mem- Tported yesterday 750 bers because the virus is still new confi rmed cases of the present in the community. novel coronavirus (Cov- The ministry stressed id-19), and 1,477 recoveries that in the event of a decline in the last 24 hours, bringing in the degree of caution the total number of people among members of society, recovered from the disease it is very likely that the epi- in Qatar to 78,702 cases. demic will return as a new The MoPH said that, in wave of the spread of the vi- the last 24 hours, eight cases rus in society. were admitted to intensive The MoPH added that care due to health compli- through people’s com- cations resulting from the mitment and limiting the virus, bringing the total of spread of the virus, the cases currently receiving transition from one stage intensive care to 201. to another in lifting re- The ministry pointed to strictions can be made as the decrease in the number the matter depends on the of daily cases that re- extent of applying precau- quire intensive care, as the tionary measures while number of daily cases that avoiding family visits as require hospitalisation is much as possible. decreasing, but warned that The ministry has devel- infections may rise again if oped indicators through the community’s commit- which it assesses the current ment to precautions and start of the Covid-19 out- it was in May, despite the situation as a result of the preventive measures re- break is 94,413. decrease in the total daily gradual lifting of restric- laxes. The total number of cur- infections in Qatar. tions on a daily and weekly The MoPH explained rent active cases is 15,601. The MoPH cautioned that basis, and then it submits that the new cases were The total number of people most of the infections in recommendations to the diagnosed through emer- currently under acute hos- these two categories belong Cabinet regarding progress gency departments or dif- pital care is 926, including to members of the same and transition from one ferent health centres based 94 acute hospital admis- family and that the source stage to another of the plan on the symptoms of the sions in the last 24 hours. of the infections is often due to lift restrictions. disease. They were infect- The total number of Cov- to social mixing with friends The MoPH urged anyone ed from people who had id-19 deaths so far in Qatar or other relatives. Care must with symptoms of Covid-19 been previously infected, is 110. be taken not to transmit the should either quickly con- as the ministry continued The MoPH pointed out virus, especially to the eld- tact the 16000 helpline or to conduct investigative that the Covid-19 epidemic erly and those with chronic go directly to one of the and proactive investiga- is gradually declining in diseases. designated health centres tions, which contribute to Qatar due to the precau- In this context, the min- for testing. early detection. tions and preventive meas- istry has advised the com- The ministry said that The new confi rmed cases ures implemented by the munity to be more careful this would be important as have completely isolated state and the commitment than before and to con- the earlier the disease is de- in the various medical fa- of members of the commu- tinue physical distancing, tected the easier it will be to cilities in the country, where nity to them with a recent hand washing, and wear receive the right treatment they are receiving the nec- decrease in the number of a protective facemask as and recover. essary healthcare according infections. This is consid- well as being careful when The main screening to the health status of each ered a reassuring indicator, near elderly family mem- centres include Muaither case. but it does not mean the end bers or those with chronic Health Centre, Rawdat Al According to a tweet of the epidemic as the virus diseases. Khail Health Centre, Umm from the MoPH, with is still present in the com- Also, reduce the number Salal Health Centre, and Al a total of 3,462 people munity. of essential social visits Gharafa Health Centre. tested for Covid-19 in the The ministry indicated and limit them to 15 min- The MoPH recommended last 24 hours, as many as that the number of daily utes while maintaining a visiting its website (covid19. 349,153 have been tested infections among citizens safe distance. moph.gov.qa) regularly to so far in Qatar. The to- and residents (other than The MoPH warned that view the latest information tal number of infected expatriate workers) has in- the gradual lifting of re- and instructions related to people in Qatar since the creased compared to what strictions imposed by Qa- Covid-19. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 3 QATAR MoTC invites QNB launches contactless campaign for cardholders
NB Group has launched an exclu- ments.” Nadia Ghissassi, Qatar Business sive marketing programme that of- Development director, Mastercard, said: applications for Qfers QNB Mastercard cardholders “We’re pleased to collaborate with QNB, a the opportunity to win valuable daily prizes longstanding Mastercard partner, to launch whenever they make contactless transac- another initiative to bring cardholders tions. unique rewards and benefi ts. Throughout the 180 days of the cam- “Contactless technology is making eve- paign, every contactless local or interna- ryday payments faster and easier than ever tional transaction, regardless of its value, before, simplifying the process for consum- World Summit will qualify the cardholder for a chance to ers and merchants alike. win in the prize draw. With more people across MEA turning to The higher the number of transactions, contactless payments for safe, hygienic and the greater the chances of winning valuable fast touchless purchases, we are delighted prizes, including Samsung Galaxy Note 10 to off er them additional benefi ts whenever Plus, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and MacBook Air they tap their card, phone, or smart device.” devices. QNB Group’s presence through its sub- Awards 2020 Heba al-Tamimi, general manager, QNB QNB Head Off ice in Doha. sidiaries and associate companies extends Group Retail, said: “QNB is the forerunner to 31 countries across three continents, pro- he Ministry of Transport in introducing new payment technologies “The contactless payment capabilities viding a comprehensive range of advanced and Communications and a key infl uencer in the Qatar market. We integrated into the current QNB cards in products and services. It has more than T(MoTC) has invited ap- support the vision of a cashless society by the market are a crucial step to full payment 29,000 employees operating through 1,100 plications at the national level providing convenient, safe, and secure pay- digitisation whether on mobile phones or locations, with an ATM network of more for the World Summit Awards ment solutions for our customers. other devices that support contactless pay- than 4,200 machines. (WSA) 2020. “Companies, institutions and individuals across the country can submit their best digital content applications to compete in eight award catego- GU-Q launches innovative course in Arabic ries, with winners representing Qatar at the world level. Appli- cations will be accepted until eorgetown University in days. The global eff ort to combat in literature, philosophy, religion July 16, 2020,” an MoTC state- Qatar (GU-Q), a Qatar the spread of the Covid-19 virus and psychology that deal with ment said. The WSA selects GFoundation partner in- has exposed severe underlying the human condition and its ap- and promotes the world’s best stitution, is off ering an innova- social, political, and economic proach to life. We will be exposed start-ups in digital content and tive course in Arabic, it was an- conditions. Rodolph Boughaba, to some selected texts from Arabic innovative applications that nounced yesterday. associate dean for executive edu- and international works translat- are having a significant impact Participants will be provided cation, notes that these events ed into Arabic.” on improving society. soori, MoTC Assistant Under- that offer useful, high quality, an opportunity to develop Arabic have raised many questions about Participants will also gain criti- Combining an ongoing se- secretary of Digital Society De- innovative digital content such writing and critical thinking skills modern society, and calls for cal Arabic reading and thinking ries of international events and velopment Affairs, will assess as webpages, interactive and while exploring Arabic literature deeper introspection into funda- skills, he said, and “learn how activities with a global net- the submissions and select one SMS-based products. that sheds light on the social, mental morals and values. to extract the intended meaning work of start-ups, social en- qualified project for each cat- Submitted projects should be philosophical and spiritual im- “What we want from this Abdul Rahman Chamseddine from the texts by reading some trepreneurs, mentors, jurors, egory to represent Qatar. real ventures that are already pact of the pandemic on human course is to explore the writings of the most important works that speakers, experts, government The international selection up and running. Incomplete society. of thinkers and writers of litera- GU-Q, Abdul Rahman Chamsed- criticise contemporary consumer leaders, academics and civil process involves four stages trial versions will not be ac- The Executive Education Cer- ture through their life and non- dine, who emphasised the impor- lifestyle.” society, WSA raises aware- from local country selection cepted. tifi cate course titled ‘Literature of materialistic approaches to some tance of providing platforms for The course is open to the pub- ness and gives recognition to to a global shortlist of five All work must be free of of- Being: Possession in the Time of of the existential questions posed discussion of contemporary is- lic and can register at https://epe. the best e-content produced projects per category and fi- fensive or plagiarised content Corona’, will be delivered virtu- by global crises such as the pan- sues that aff ect the region. qatar.georgetown.edu/execu- around the world. nally the announcement of the and may not violate human ally from July 6-29 between 7pm- demic.” The course will be taught “Throughout this course we tive-education before the course The eight award categories winners. Jury panel consists rights as laid out in the UN 8.15pm on Mondays and Wednes- by assistant professor of Arabic at will explore some renowned texts deadline. are: government and citizen of renowned international ex- Declaration of Human Rights. engagement, health and well- perts. Winners will be invited Submissions that encourage being, environment and green to the WSA Global Congress war, violence or discrimination energy, business and com- where they will pitch their will not be accepted. Similarly, MoI tweet merce, learning and education, projects to an international on- submissions that violate inter- The Ministry of Interior (MoI) tweeted Al Daayen encroachments culture and tourism, smart set- site panel. national copyright provisions yesterday that it arrested a person, who tlements and urbanisation, and All submissions must be no will be excluded. was seen throwing QR500 notes on the Al Daayen Municipal- inclusion and empowerment. more than two years old (after Interested candidates are in- street in a video circulated on social me- ity’s Municipal Con- A local jury, chaired by the January 1, 2018) when submit- vited to send detailed informa- dia. He is being referred to the authorities trol Department in official national expert for ted to the competition. And tion on their work to MoTC via concerned for initiating legal proceedings, co-operation with the WSA in Qatar, Reem al-Man- they may include applications e-mail: [email protected]. the MoI tweet added. Mechanical Equip- ment Department and State Property Protection Depart- ment has conducted QU-CPH students organise global webinar a campaign to remove encroach- ments. A building atar University’s College of es. She added, “We were curious outside a farm was Pharmacy (QU-CPH) and about how other future pharmacists removed at Leabaib QQatar Pharmacy Undergrad- around the world coped with this Area within the mu- uate Society (QPhUS) conducted pandemic to continue their educa- nicipality according a webinar titled ‘Covid-19 Creat- tion. Due to Covid-19, we got the to law no 10 for 1987 ing Opportunities from a Crisis for chance to meet other pharmacy stu- with regard to Public Pharmacy Students: Discussion dents and discuss this topic virtual- and Private State from Around the Globe’. ly. It was an exceptional webinar and Property. The event was held via the We- I was impressed with the number of bEx platform with more than 100 attendees and the positive feedback attendees from around the world we received.” and over 300 views on YouTube, QU Kieley said, “I feel as though this said in a statement. Speakers at the webinar has provided me with a glo- event included student leaders and bal perspective and I look forward members of pharmacy associations to bringing the many ideas and tips that are part of the International I have learned back to implement Pharmaceutical Students’ Fed- within CAPSI. This opportunity has eration. They were Hend al-Naimi, opened my eyes to the passion for QPhUS president and CPH fourth healthcare among pharmacy stu- professional year student; Ghulam opening remarks were delivered by to pharmacy students from diff erent dents from around the globe!” Mujtaba, member of the Pakistan CPH assistant dean for Students places around the globe about the Jomha added: “ I really enjoyed Pharmaceutical Students’ Fed- Aff airs Dr Alla El-Awaisi, who said: challenges they faced and how they this informative webinar that ex- eration; Wafa Othman, member “This pandemic has aff ected us all managed to create opportunities posed us to valuable experiences on of the Palestinian Pharmaceutical in so many diff erent ways, but the from this crisis. Well done to our fu- how the Covid-19 pandemic was Students’ Federation - An-Najah beauty is that every crisis contains ture pharmacy leaders for conclud- approached and tackled in diff erent National University; Melissa Kieley, seeds of opportunities. ing their semesters successfully, we countries around the world.” Canadian Association of Pharmacy Sometime during the crisis, it are really proud of you.” The session was moderated by Students and Interns (CAPSI) con- might be diffi cult to think but the Al-Naimi talked about how stu- Bassant Elkattan, BSc pharmacy tact person; and Ismail Jomha, vice- key is to pause and refl ect on what dents at QU, especially College of graduate 2020 and QPhUS contact- president and chairperson of the happened. How do we cope with Pharmacy, succeeded in taking an person, who concluded by saying: Professional Development Com- this crisis then, what are the lessons advantage of the Covid-19 crisis and “The resilience of educational insti- mittee at the Lebanese Pharmacy learned and what opportunities created opportunities. She applaud- tutes and students showed us how a Students’ Association (LPSA). have this crisis created? Also, how ed the “enormous eff ort exerted to wonderful opportunity can be born The webinar aimed to share the would we deal with it if it continued succeed in this challenging semes- from such a devastating crisis. I was diff erent experiences of pharmacy and how can we prepare to respond ter”. She also discussed how this was honoured to be a part of this webi- students around the world and how rapidly and eff ectively?” a good opportunity to practise tel- nar and to be able to see how much they created new stories of success She expressed delight listening to epharmacy and educate pharmacy everyone is striving to do their best despite the unprecedented circum- the diff erent presentations, saying: students on providing a high stand- in these hard times and truly show- stances the world is facing. The “It was really interesting listening ard of care despite the circumstanc- ing that we are all in this together.” Breakthrough in use of recycled, local materials in construction
From Page 1 was monitored in fi ve Ash- knowledge the support ghal projects in the Doha, received from HE Abdul- The monitoring of Wadi Al Wakra, Old Airport and lah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki gravel after 18 months in Izghawa areas, with posi- al-Subaie, Minister of Mu- service showed encourag- tive and encouraging results nicipality & Environment; ing results for wider use in after exposure to traffi c and Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser infrastructure projects. weather conditions. al-Thani, Assistant Under- The project team also “The project team is de- secretary for Agriculture worked with experts and lighted with the outcomes and Fisheries Aff airs; and Dr consultants from Ashghal of the recycling implemen- Saad bin Ahmed al-Mohan- on investigating the use of tation project that support nadi, president of the Public reclaimed asphalt pave- Qatar National Vision 2030 Works Authority, for their ment (RAP) in road con- and the Qatar Second Na- continuous encouragement struction. The monitoring of Wadi gravel showed encouraging results tional Development Strat- for innovation and develop- The technique is based on for wider use in infrastructure projects. egy 2018-2022 on achieving ment. milling old roads and recy- environmental sustainabil- “We are also grateful to cling RAP materials in new has positive impacts on cost gate supply chain and ac- ity and optimising the use QNRF for their funding and asphalt mixtures, with the and the environment, with celerate project completion, of local resources towards care to serve the country to conservative use of gabbro the potential use of 100% the statement notes. self-reliance,” the MME achieve prosperity for the and bitumen. RAP recycling materials to improve aggre- The performance of RAP said. “We would like to ac- society.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 29, 2020 QATAR New programme to nurture eco leaders
new leadership programme has been launched by a Qatar Foundation member and a youth-led en- A vironmental association to foster a group of eco ambassadors, whose mission will be to help create long- lasting sustainable change within their communities - and beyond. The fi rst-of-its-kind in the country, the initiative – titled The Environmental Ambassadors of Qatar – will see 15-20 specially selected individuals take part in a year-long train- ing programme delivered by Qatar Green Building Coun- cil (QGBC) and the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar with the support of QBGC and AYCM, to help raise (AYCM). awareness, reach wider audiences, and spark environ- “Over the last few months, the sustainability movement mental change. has accelerated,” said Shireen Obeidat, events and market- “QGBC has been working for 10 years, and in that time we Some of the houses constructed on land donated by Iqbal. ing specialist, QGBC. “So now is an excellent time to sup- have impacted many diff erent groups, industries, and sec- port and develop leaders who will help promote sustainabil- tors, but we believe that there are still more people who have ity and take environmental action. not been reached,” said Obeidat. “These ambassadors will “Ultimately, the youth are the present and future of Qatar, be our voice to highlight the importance of sustainability and as the biggest sector within the local population it is ex- and environmental action, and drive change across diff erent tremely important to teach them and to equip them with the audiences. 15 Kerala families benefi t from knowledge and skills so they can connect with their peers “Eventually, these eco leaders – once they have gradu- and networks and create a positive impact.” ated from the programme – will be given the opportunity Over the course of the 12-month programme, partici- to represent QGBC and AYCMQ at events and international pants will cover topics such as climate change, air pollution, conferences, and take the lead in national campaigns such as expat businessman’s largesse plastic pollution, terrestrial biodiversity, marine biodiver- Qatar Sustainability Week.” sity, food chains, sustainability in nature and human com- The programme is open to Qatari nationals and Qatar munities, and environmental conservation. Workshops and residents aged 18-35 years. Participants should be passion- By Shafeeq Alingal wiped out by a massive landslide and training sessions will also see members learn how to com- ate about sustainability, and demonstrate enthusiasm and Staff Reporter fl ash fl oods on the night of August 8 municate – through social media, interviews, lectures, and a willingness to learn. Those selected will be expected to last year. blogs – and become eff ective leaders. commit at least 10 -15 hours a month to the programme. The The natural calamity claimed 48 Once the campaign is complete, the eco ambassadors deadline to apply is July 4, with the initiative set to start in t was a day of immense joy and lives while leaving hundreds home- will begin creating and widening their own networks, August 2020. fulfi lment for Qatar-based Indian less. Ibusinessman Ahammed Iqbal who Iqbal, who was in Qatar during the donated 1.5 acres of land in his native deluge, approached the Kerala dis- place to build houses for 15 families left trict administration expressing his homeless by fl oods last year. readiness to extend a helping hand to Karad, a village in Malappuram the victims. district of the southern state of Ker- On behalf of Iqbal, his friend Mu- HBKU Press off ers tips to ala, yesterday witnessed a function jeebu Rahman handed over the docu- where the families received the keys ments to the district administration. to their new homes. “I simply wanted to do my part for “The smiles of gratitude gave me the victims and stand with my people a feeling of delight. I am glad that I Ahammed Iqbal during the tough times. I have suf- authors submitting works could uplift some fl ood victims from fi cient land and my religion allows despair to happiness,” Iqbal told Gulf Iqbal recalled that the district ad- me to take only three pieces of cloth Times. ministration had received several ap- when I depart,” he said, adding that ith the recent infl ux of After the land was handed over to plications from many families whose his parents very often inspire him to authors submitting their the district administration, the 15 houses were washed away in the del- help landless people. Wmanuscripts to the Hamad houses were built with funds contrib- uge. The benefi ciaries were selected Kerala’s Higher Education Minis- Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU uted by M P Ramachandran, chair- after scrutiny and drawing lots. ter K T Jaleel and magician Gopinath Press) for publication, the editorial man of Mumbai-based Jyothy Labo- Most of the benefi ciaries came Muthukad handed over the keys to team has developed guidelines for as- ratories Ltd. from Kavalappara village that was the benefi ciaries. piring authors to ensure that their submission packages are successful, and their manuscript moves on to publication. “It’s defi nitely inspiring to see that a positive outcome of the stay-at- home orders due to Covid-19 have resulted in a marked increase in the number of submissions we have re- ceived lately. This indicates that peo- ple are focusing on nurturing their literary talents in their spare time at home,” said Jameela Sultan al-Mass al-Jassem, Arabic editor at HBKU Press. HBKU Press receives submissions across a wide range of genres, includ- ing fi ction and non-fi ction titles, for HBKU Press receives submissions across a wide range of genres. children, young adults, and adults. In addition, HBKU Press’ academic stand out from the crowd. These in- edge development and human po- department receives peer-reviewed, clude a synopsis to get the editorial tential and as a means to participate scholarly content and research in the committee interested; the author’s fully in the community and wider natural and social sciences that it biography including a self-intro- society. What that means is that if publishes as academic books, open- duction, the motivation for writing you can show us potential through a access reference materials, and con- as well as the target audience of the strong submission package, even if an ference proceedings. writer and a well written copy of the author’s manuscript isn’t quite ready Though the criteria for submis- manuscript. to be published, our team is available sions can be found on the HBKU Press “At HBKU Press, our aim as a to provide feedback and will some- website (www.hbkupress.com), with publisher diff ers from that of other times work with the author to bring the large number of incoming sub- publishing houses, both locally and their level of writing to the standard it missions, there are certain factors globally. We are committed to pro- needs to be at to be published,” con- that make some submission packages moting literacy as the key to knowl- cluded al-Jassem.
QatarDebate Center to host summer camp
QatarDebate Center will organise a summer camp remotely, for high school students with participation from three countries, namely Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.
The summer camp will enhance the participants’ knowledge of issues and help them to debate better by providing a learning environment
Training for the camp participants will be done keeping in mind measures imposed by the authorities to fight the spread of Covid-19. The camp is a newly founded platform and a window for the youth to develop advanced debating skills. The summer camp will enhance the participants’ knowledge of issues and help them to debate better by providing a learning environment and also encouraging discussion between teams. (QNA) Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 5 QATAR
MME joins symposium on wildlife conservation
he Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), rep- Tresented by the Department of Protection and Wildlife, took part in the international online symposium on “Conserving Wildlife after Covid-19: The Katara beach. Lusail Marina Promenade. Challenges and Opportunities in the Arabian Peninsula”. The event was organised by the Qur’an Botanical Garden (QBG), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), in Talib Khaled al-Shahwani partnership with the regional offi ce of the International Union for Conserva- order to reduce environmental degra- tion of Nature Regional Offi ce for West dation and save species from the risk of Asia (IUCN ROWA), a statement from extinction. the MME explained. In his speech, Talib Khaled al- More recreational The symposium dealt with the ef- Shahwani, director of the Department forts for nature protection and the of Protection and Wildlife, said the challenges being faced by institutions MME is ready to co-operate with re- working for protection and conserva- search institutions and private compa- tion of nature. nies in all sectors that serve biological It also highlighted the practical diversity conservation. steps, aspirations and opportunities He expressed his gratitude to the available to those institutions, espe- QBG and the IUCN for their eff orts for facilities reopening cially after following the coronavirus nature preservation. pandemic, for environmental preser- Dr Mohamed El-Sayed Ahmed, ex- Katara beaches 3, 4 and 5 to vation. pert on plant environment in the de- receive visitors from July 1 It discussed the future challenges partment, gave a presentation on the Qatari Diar announces and projects that can be implemented MME’s eff orts for the conservation of reopening of Lusail Marina in the region with regard to the role of fungal species. Promenade with its facilities, botanical gardens and the IUCN for the The symposium came out with im- Crescent Park and Lusail Marina protection of plant species inside and portant recommendations, including Food Arena outside their natural habitats as well as activating the partnership between in- sustainable management of natural re- ternational institutions and public and arious organisations in the sources in light of the global develop- private institutions for environmental country have started announc- ments and climate change. conservation and diversifying the poli- Ving the reopening of recrea- The symposium also stressed the cies followed to enhance environmen- tional and leisure facilities as the sec- urgent need to take concrete steps in tal sustainability. ond phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions is set to begin on July 1. Katara – the Cultural Village Foun- QF leadership programme to promote sustainability dation and Qatari Diar announced this on social media yesterday . Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), in Katara general manager Dr Khalid co-operation with the Arab Youth Climate Movement in Qatar, announced the launch bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti tweeted that of a new leadership programme aimed at empowering a group of environmental Katara beaches 3, 4 and 5 will be ready friends and ambassadors, and helping them to bring about sustainable long-term to receive visitors from July 1. change within societies. Only families will be allowed, he Between 15 and 20 participants, ranging from 18-35 years of age, will be chosen to un- added. dergo a one-year training programme organised by the Qatar Green Building Council, In a related post on Twitter, Katara a member of Qatar Foundation, and the Arab Youth Climate Movement. said that in accordance with directives They will participate in the programme titled “Ambassadors of the Environment in from the government, Katara beaches Qatar”. 3, 4 and 5 will open to the public while The deadline for submission is July 4, with the programme to start in August. taking preventative measures. During the programme, participants will cover many topics such as climate change, The beaches will be open from 3pm- The Lusail Marina Food Arena: open to the public on July 1. air pollution, plastic pollution, land and marine biological diversity, the food chain, 10pm, and swimming will be allowed environmental and societal sustainability, and environmental conservation. in designated areas of beaches 4 and 5 tancing guidelines,” it tweeted. Museums and galleries opening on Picasso’s Studios, organised in part- Participants will also learn in workshops and training courses how to communicate until sunset. A number of parks in the country July 1 include the Museum of Islamic nership with the Musée National Pi- through social media, interviews and lectures, and blogging to become eff ective Further details will be announced, were reopened in Phase 1, with visi- Art (MIA), Mathaf: Arab Museum of casso-Paris, at the Garage Gallery at leaders. Katara said. tors required to follow precautionary Modern Art, and the Garage Gallery at the Doha Fire Station. Once the programme ends, environment ambassadors will start creating and Meanwhile, Qatari Diar announced measures. the Doha Fire Station. QM plans to reopen the remainder expanding their social networks with the support of the Qatar Green Building Council the reopening of the Lusail Marina Recently, Qatar Museums (QM) had Heritage sites that are opening in- of its museums in phases while rolling and the Arab Youth Climate Movement in Qatar to contribute to raising awareness Promenade with its facilities, Crescent announced that a number of museums clude Al Zubarah, Al Jassasiya, and out the new health and safety proto- about the importance of sustainability and climate change. Park and Lusail Marina Food Arena to and heritage sites across Qatar will Barzan Towers. cols, following global standards and The programme is open to Qatar citizens and residents who have a passion for sus- the public from July 1. reopen to the public from July 1, in ac- The permanent collections of the carefully monitoring progress to en- tainability, and to demonstrate a desire and ability to learn. “Visitors must adhere to the pre- cordance with recommendations from MIA and Mathaf will be open to visi- sure the well-being of staff and visi- cautionary measures and social dis- the Ministry of Public Health. tors, as well as the special exhibition tors.
Recall order issued for Porsche, Ford models
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry possible bend in the rear suspension tow (MoCI), in co-operation with Porsche Centre link, which may cause it to fracture and lose Tamuq wraps up online app Doha Al Boraq Automobiles, has announced control of the vehicle. the recall of Porsche Cayenne Turbo and The MoCI has urged all consumers to Turbo S, and Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S report any violations to its Consumer Coupe models of 2018-2020, due to possible Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud malfunctioning in the fuel supply line in the Department through the following channels: development programme engine compartment. Call Centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. The MoCI also recalled, in co-operation with qa, Twitter: @ MOCIQATAR, Instagram: Almana Motors Company, Ford Flex and MOCIQATAR, mobile app for Android and esidents in Qatar may soon Lincoln MKT models of 2013-2016, due to IOS: MOCIQATAR. have a variety of useful new Rapps and fun games to choose from, thanks to students in grades 7-12 who designed them as part of an online STEM programme off ered by Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), a Qatar Foundation part- ner university. “IDEA: Innovate, Design and En- gineer an App” was developed and taught by Dr Mohamed Gharib, a STEM (science, technology, engi- neering and math) expert at Tamuq. The aim was to teach students the fundamentals of programming and mobile app development in the comfort – and safety – of their own homes. The participants learned coding using Java blocks, algorithms and refi ning their ideas for a working mobile phone app through weekly Tamuq’s Dr Mohamed Gharib online training sessions. teaching online STEM programme. They then designed and devel- oped their own apps and presented which the users can choose accord- their ideas to a panel of experts. ingly and play. “Teaching programming within Shordon, by Abaan Shanid, allows one of the most used tools in daily the users to evaluate themselves on life – mobile apps – motivated the a variety of factors, such as intelli- students to rapidly achieve the tar- gence, health, and learning style. get knowledge and the skills,” Ghar- Brain STEM by Ralph Hermo- ib said. genes aims to create interest in Winning apps in the high school programming by guiding the user category included Zeyad Sorour’s through the process of coding sim- sixChat, a user-friendly text app for ple algorithms. anyone trying to do a “social detox”, Fourth and fi fth-place winners to interact only with their family and Amr Sorour and Shishir Vasisht close friends. both designed multi-app applica- Arham Khalid’s App Distrikt has tions. Ruby Abdeldayim working on her app, Listy! eight applications within it, includ- In the primary school category, ing information about social serv- Ruby Abdeldayim won fi rst place Aarav Bedi thanked the STEM enhance their school learning by ices and a diet planner feature that with her app, Listy!, which helps team for providing an opportunity participating in an online extracur- selects food for each user depending shoppers create and curate shopping for learning in an innovative way: ricular programming challenge. on the user’s health reports. lists to avoid missing anything. “Your projects were the best way to “Texas A&M at Qatar is a leader in Al-Mayasa al-Obaidli’s Home Second place went to Erin Kim make someone try the new tricks engineering education and in STEM Workout app won third place, with from Doha College for the all-in- and codes they have learned. This is in Qatar,” he said. “Teaching and Dear Diary by Haya al-Kubaisi and one app, Multi Apps, which has cal- something I will never forget.” learning goes on, even during this Amira Ibrahim’s Beauty Tips app endar, timer and reminders features, Another participant, Gonzalo time of social distancing and remote placing fourth and fi fth. as well as information on the coro- Pascua, said: “I have learned a lot working, if Qatar is to maintain its In the middle school category, navirus, and a few games. of new skills, which I will for sure growth and development. Yousef Altoum’s Orchestralmental Honorees in the primary school apply in the future because I am “These students are future en- app teaches users how to play musi- category were Imaan Ahmed’s My- thinking of making an app.” gineering leaders in Qatar and I’m cal instruments, like the piano, the Offi ce app, Fuad Daloul’s Circles Tamuq dean Dr César Octavio so proud to see the results of the guitar, the violin, and drums. Game, and Yatin Amand’s One Stop Malavé said that IDEA was the fi rst knowledge and skills they have Each instrument has the settings Access app. of its kind for students in Qatar to learned through this programme.” Historic Arese museum opened as Alfa Romeo celebrates its 110th anniversary
o commemorate a milestone that very few automakers can match, Alfa Romeo yesterday celebrated its 110th anniversary, Treopening the doors to its historic museum in Arese, Italy, while following all current health and safety guidelines.
Located in Arese, on the outskirts of Milan, the Alfa Romeo Museum is a true brand center that houses more than 200 historical vehicles, making it the natural venue to celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary.
As a special gift to all the “Alfisti” fans around the world, Alfa Romeo now opens the museum’s previously private collection storage areas to the public, inviting visitors to enjoy an additional 150 cars, plus trophies, artwork, and engines for road, air and marine mobility. The collection is divided into 18 themed zones, ranging from the brand’s earliest cars, such as the 20/30 ES, to Formula racers, with Formula 1 and Formula Indy models among them. Further highlights of the collection include:
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As part of the celebrations, the museum unveils the new “Alfa Romeo in Uniform” section, dedicated to the cars of the carabinieri, the national police force of Italy, as a testament to the historic relationship
between Alfa Romeo and the police force, which has Three exceptional travel the same sporty and glamorous appeal as Alfa in the striking livery created jointly with the long enlisted Alfa Romeo’s most significant models. companions Romeo’s models. 8c]XIfd\f:\ekifJk`c\#k_\YiXe[Êj`e$_flj\ design and construction office. The new limited-edition Giulia GTA, conceived for Jn`jj clolip nXkZ_ ZfdgXep HEALTH Oman reports 1,197 new Covid-19 cases Civilians among over 100 victims of Libya mines: UN The Oman Ministry of Health has registered 1,197 new coronavirus AFP UNSMIL, the UN mission in Libya, said off an off ensive by eastern strongman country’s National Oil Corp said Rus- Haftar’s forces launched an assault cases in Oman yesterday, QNA Tripoli in a statement. Khalifa Haftar. Haftar’s forces have sian and other foreign mercenaries had in April 2019 to wrest control of the reported. Among those, 488 cases It did not give a breakdown of killed been accused by the GNA, the UN and entered the key Al-Sharara oil fi eld the capital Tripoli from the GNA. were those of expats and 709 of or wounded. Human Rights Watch (HRW) of laying previous day. Haftar’s fi ghters withdrew from the Omanis. The total cases in Oman ines have killed or wounded The toll was for casualties since mines in residential southern suburbs Al-Sharara is under the control of southern outskirts of Tripoli and the has now touched 38,150, including more than 100 people, in- early June, it said following a meeting of the capital. forces loyal to Haftar, who is backed entire west of the country earlier this 21,200 recoveries and 163 deaths, Mcluding many civilians, south in Rome between interim UN envoy to HRW said earlier this month that by Russia. Williams said the presence month after a string of battlefi eld de- according to MoH. The ministry of Libya’s capital following deadly Libya Stephanie Williams and Govern- anti-personnel mines discovered in of mercenaries there “threatens” to feats to the Turkish-backed GNA. said in a statement carried by combat between rival forces, the UN ment of National Accord head Fayez May were “of Soviet and Russian ori- transform Libya’s so-called oil crescent On Saturday, Sarraj also held talks Oman News Agency (ONA) that said yesterday. al-Sarraj. gin”. At the Rome meeting, Williams region into a “battlefi eld”.Plunged into in Rome with Italian Prime Minis- 3,292 tests were conducted during “Mines and improvised explosive Earlier this month, the Tripoli-based also expressed concern over reports chaos by the 2011 Nato-backed upris- ter Giuseppe Conte during which he the past 24 hours. devices (planted) in or near homes have GNA recognised by the UN regained claiming that “mercenaries of various ing that toppled and killed its longtime stressed that a solution to the Libyan KUWAIT SEES 551 caused more than 100 victims,” includ- full control of the capital and its sub- nationalities” had been deployed in leader Muammar Gaddafi , oil-rich Lib- confl ict cannot be military, the NEW VIRUS CASES ing civilians and mine disposal experts, urbs after more than a year of fi ghting Libyan oil installations. On Friday, the ya has two rival administrations. GNA said. Meanwhile, the Kuwait Ministry of Health announced yesterday, 551 new infections of the coronavirus (Covid-19), raising the total to 44,942. Deaths reached 348 with Disinfection drive the addition of four fatalities. The ministry’s spokesman, Dr Abdullah al-Sanad, said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Virus-hit Iran says the confirmed cases included patients who had contracted the virus due to mingling with infected persons. masks compulsory TURMOIL Bomb kills two Algerian soldiers in north: ministry from next week Two Algerian soldiers, including an off icer, were killed when a AFP bomb exploded during an army Tehran operation in the north of the country, the defence ministry said A Palestinian worker sprays disinfectants to sanitise a yesterday. Captain Fateh Bensmail ran said yesterday it will street amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak in and Sergeant Zakaria Khaldi were make mask-wearing man- Hebron in the occupied West Bank, yesterday. killed Saturday night, the ministry Idatory in certain areas and said in a statement, after a home- has allowed virus-hit prov- made bomb exploded during a inces to reimpose restrictions, search and sweep operation in as novel coronavirus deaths the province of Medea, south of mounted in the Middle East’s the capital Algiers. The deaths worst-hit country. bring the total number of Algerian The new steps were an- Gaza groups to hold soldiers killed this year to four. nounced as Iran counted 144 One soldier was killed on June 20 new fatalities from the Cov- in a clash with “an armed terrorist id-19 disease, its highest death ‘Day of Rage’ protest group” in the central province of toll for a single day in almost Ain Defla, the ministry announced three months. last Sunday, while another died in The Islamic republic has DPA ment or his cabinet. Talal a February attack in Timiaouine, refrained from enforcing full Gaza City Abu Zarifa, a senior member on the southern border with Mali. lockdowns to stop the pan- of the Democratic Front for demic’s spread, and the use of the Liberation of Palestine masks and protective equip- Pedestrians, some wearing protective masks due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, walk along a street in the alestinian groups in the (DFLP), told reporters a dem- UNREST ment has been optional in most Iranian capital Tehran, yesterday. Gaza Strip said yester- onstration would be held in Turkish soldier areas. Pday that they would hold Gaza City. President Hassan Rouhani of the types of spaces and gath- mandatory. “50% of metro pas- Lari also raised total confi rmed a “Day of Rage” in protest of A decision on whether pro- dies in clash said Iran would have to live with erings deemed high-risk, but sengers wear masks...and even infections to 222,669, with 2,489 Israel’s plan to annex parts of tests would be held at Gaza’s with PKK in Iraq the virus for the “long haul”, as he did not elaborate. fewer in buses,” Mayor Pirouz new cases during the same pe- the occupied West Bank. eastern border with Israel he announced the latest meas- He also did not say what the Hanachi was quoted as say- riod. Offi cial fi gures have shown A joint leafl et issued by reli- had yet to be taken. Turkey’s Defence Ministry yesterday ures to combat it. penalty would be for those who ing by the semi-offi cial ISNA an upward trajectory in new gious and fi ghter groups active An Israeli announcement said that one of the country’s sol- Mask-wearing would be fail to observe the measure. news agency.“We can’t force- confi rmed cases since early May, in coastal enclave called on to annex parts of the West diers had been killed during clashes “obligatory in covered spaces According to deputy health fully confront people without when Iran hit a near two-month Palestinians to attend an event Bank would be “a declaration with fighters from the outlawed where there are gatherings”, he minister Iraj Harirchi, services masks,” he added. low in daily recorded infections. with the participation of all the of war,” the armed wing of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in said during a televised meet- would not be provided to those Iran reported its fi rst Covid-19 Iran closed schools, can- factions and political powers Hamas movement in control northern Iraq. The clashes with the ing of the country’s anti-virus without masks in areas such as cases on February 19 and it has celled public events and banned in the Gaza Strip on July 1. of the Gaza Strip warned. “terrorists” took place as part of taskforce. government organisations and since struggled to contain the movement between its 31 prov- July 1 is the earliest date by “The armed Palestinian Operation Claw-Tiger, the ministry According to him, the meas- shopping malls. outbreak. inces in March, but the gov- which Israeli Prime Minister resistance considers the an- said. Turkey launched the operation ure would come into force as of But implementing the meas- The health ministry yesterday ernment progressively lifted Benjamin Netanyahu — under nexation decision a declara- along with a parallel air off ensive next week, continue until July ure may be diffi cult, as accord- announced 144 virus deaths in restrictions from April to try to his coalition deal with former tion of war on our people,” known as Claw-Eagle against PKK 22 and would be extended if ing to Tehran’s mayor, many do the past 24 hours, its highest for reopen its sanctions-hit econ- rival Benny Gantz — may said Abu Obeida, a spokesman targets in northern Iraq last week. necessary. not wear masks in places like a single day since April 5, raising omy. The economy is starting bring a proposal for annexing for Al-Qassam Brigades, in a The PKK is headquartered in the Rouhani said the health min- the capital’s public transport the total to 10,508. to suff er under the pressures of territory captured in the 1967 video message published on Qandil Mountains near the Iranian istry had devised “a clear list” network, where it is already Spokeswoman Sima Sadat the health crisis. Six-Day War before parlia- social media. border and is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, Europe and the United States. Lebanon summons US ambassador over Hezbollah criticism STRIFE Nine fi ghters killed Lebanon’s foreign ministry has summoned interview with Saudi-owned news channel airing or publishing locally comments by Shea 11 killed in Nigeria the US ambassador over remarks criticising Al-Hadath aired on Friday, Dorothy Shea said for a year because of her remarks on Hezbol- Hezbollah, a day after a judge slapped a the United States had “grave concerns about lah. The Lebanese movement and its allies militant attack ir strikes targeting po- Observatory for Human Rights controversial ban on local media covering the role of Hezbollah”. “It has siphoned off command a majority in parliament and the on civilian convoy sitions of militias in said Israel was “likely respon- her statements, state media said yesterday. billions of dollars that should have gone into cabinet. Judge Mohamad Mazeh said Shea’s Aeastern Syria killed sible” for the strikes near the Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti “has summoned government coff ers so that the government comments incited sectarian strife. Yesterday At least nine Nigerian soldiers and nine fi ghters yesterday in the Iraqi border. They came hours US ambassador Dorothy Shea for a meeting can provide basic services to its people,” afternoon, hundreds of people demonstrat- two members of a civil defence second such raid in 24 hours, after a similar raid killed six tomorrow (Monday) at 15:00 (12:00 GMT) in she said. On Saturday, a judge in the southern ed in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah militia were killed in a militant at- a war monitor said, AFP re- other Tehran-backed fi ghters, light of her latest statements”, the state- city of Tyre issued an order banning local and stronghold, expressing anger at the US and tack on a civilian convoy in north- ported from Beirut. raising the total toll to 15 killed run National News Agency reported. In an foreign media working in the country from support of the judge. east Borno state, security sources The Britain-based Syrian in 24 hours. said yesterday. Several civilians were said to be missing after the ambush. The militant fighters opened fire with heavy guns and rocket-propelled grenades on the convoy of more than a hundred vehicles on Saturday afternoon Malawi’s new president calls for unity after disputed vote re-run outside Komala village near the town of Damboa, 90 kilometres AFP “It is an honour forged in the outbreak that has infected over you...is a confi rmation of their from the regional capital Maid- Lilongwe furnace of your desire and your 1,000 people and killed at least desire for progressive leader- uguri. Damboa lies on the fringes demand for change,” Chakwera 13 — although numbers are ship,” Kenya’s President Uhuru of Boko Haram’s Sambisa forest said after taking his oath of offi ce. widely thought to be underesti- Kenyatta said. enclave from where the group alawi’s newly elected Addressing thousands of mated due to lack of testing. Kenya’s former prime minis- launches attacks on villages and President Lazarus supporters in Lilongwe’s Free- Mutharika, 79, has not yet ter Raila Odinga — who lost to against troops. MChakwera vowed yes- dom Square, the 65-year-old commented on his defeat. the incumbent in the 2017 re- terday to maintain unity in the vowed to restore “faith in the On Saturday, he had argued run — commended Mutharika southern African country after possibility of having a govern- the re-run was fl awed — cit- for facilitating a “peaceful and POLICY quashing the incumbent’s bid ment that serves” and “fi ghts ing violence and intimida- orderly transfer of power”. Former slave for a second term in the re-run for you”. He appealed to those tion against monitors allegedly “The election was followed of a hotly contested election. who did not vote for him, say- “beaten, hacked and abducted”, keenly beyond Malawi and island Goree It was a dramatic twist of ing: “Malawi is home to you and describing the vote as the is a symbol of hope for those renames square fortune for outgoing president too...so long as I am its presi- “worst in Malawi’s history”. who support democracy in Af- Peter Mutharika, whose victory dent, you too will prosper.” The Malawi Electoral Com- rica and around the world,” he Goree, an island off linked closely in a May 2019 ballot was over- Chakwera leads Malawi’s mission dismissed the accusa- tweeted. linked with the African slave trade, turned by the Constitutional oldest party, the Malawi Con- tions and said all complaints South Africa’s President Cyril has decided to rename one of its Court over fraud allegations. gress Party (MCP), which previ- Lazarus Chakwera was yesterday declared winner of this week’s had been “resolved”. But Muth- Ramaphosa, also African Union main squares in response to racist Chakwera, a former evange- ously ruled from 1964 to 1994 presidential election re-run with almost 59% of the vote, according arika’s Democratic Progressive chairman, “congratulated the violence in the world. The municipal list preacher, was declared the under Hastings Banda’s one- to the electoral commission. Party has reiterated calls for the people of Malawi for conduct- council unanimously agreed on winner of the election replay party rule. commission to annul the results ing peaceful elections which Saturday to rename the Place de with almost 59% of the vote, Some 6.8mn Malawians re- vote last year, ahead of Chakw- a key witness in the election of the second vote and declare a have served to deepen democ- l’Europe as Place de la Liberte et according to results announced turned to the polls on Tuesday era’s 35%. “Today is unbeliev- court case, said: “We have made third poll, something political racy,” according to a presidency de la Dignite humaine (Liberty and late Saturday. after the country’s top court able because this feat seemed history and demonstrated how analysts doubt will happen. statement. Human Dignity Square), the mayor Malawi is only the second found the fi rst election had been impossible just a month ago,” much we can achieve as a peo- Mutharika supporter Tay Tanzania’s opposition Al- Augustin Senghor said in a press sub-Saharan African country marred by “grave” and “wide- said Christina Nkosi, a sup- ple. Grin was accepting of the out- liance for Change and Trans- release. The island, situated two to have presidential poll results spread irregularities” — includ- porter of the opposition United “Now the challenge will be to come. parency (ACT Wazalendo) said kilometres off shore from Dakar, was overturned in court, after Kenya ing the use of correction fl uid to Transformation Movement challenge this energy into mov- “Our political choices might Malawi had given a “very clear” the largest slave-trading centre on in 2017. It is also the fi rst time in tamper with result sheets. whose leader Saulos Chilima ing the country forward.” be diff erent but we remain lesson ahead of the east African the African coast between the 15th the region that a vote re-run has Chakwera was pronounced was sworn in as vice president. Around half of landlocked united knowing that friendship country’s own elections in Oc- and 19th century, according to the led to the defeat of an incum- the winner with 2.6mn votes “We have waited too long for Malawi’s 18mn people live be- means much more.” tober. UN’s cultural agency. Unesco, in bent leader. against 1.75mn for Mutharika. this dawn,” echoed 70-year-old low the poverty line. Several African leaders and “Authoritarian and repres- 1978, registered Goree on its World The election was hailed by Turnout was just under 65%. Mary Kaponda, a retired nurse Many rely on subsistence politicians congratulated Chak- sive governments can be beaten Heritage list as “symbol of human leaders across the continent as a In power since 2014, Mutha- sporting MCP garb. farming. The country is also wera. “The mandate our Malawi when the opposition unites,” its exploitation”. peaceful transition of power. rika won 38% of the discredited IT expert Daud Suleman, grappling with a coronavirus brothers and sisters have given leader Zitto Kabwe said. Gulf Times 8 Monday, June 29, 2020 AMERICAS STANDARD FARE CRIME JUSTICE COLOUR CRUNCH Confederate symbol on Shooting at Calif. Walmart 4 charged for bid to pull Trump, Biden release their flag divides Mississippi leaves 2 dead, 4 injured down Jackson statue campaigns’ diversity data Lawmakers in Mississippi will vote on removing A shooting at a Walmart distribution centre in Four men have been charged for attempting to President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden the Confederate battle standard from the flag Red Bluff , California, killed at least two people and remove a statue of former president Andrew have released diversity data for their election of the southern US state, prompted by weeks of injured four others late on Saturday, off icials said. Jackson from outside the White House as part campaign teams as America grapples with a convulsive anti-racism protests drawing attention The incident started around 3.30pm Pacific Time, of anti-racism protests in the United States, simmering racial justice crisis. Just over a third to symbols of the nation’s racist past. The criss- according to the off ice of the local sheriff . Tehama authorities said on Saturday. President Donald of Biden’s full-time staff are people of colour and crossed diagonal stars pattern was used by County’s assistant sheriff said the attacker circled Trump tweeted calls by police Saturday to 53% are women, CNN reported, citing a campaign southern troops during the Civil War and remains the centre’s parking lot four times before crashing identify more than a dozen other demonstrators aide to the presumptive Democratic nominee. a symbol of the legacy of slavery. Mississippi is the his vehicle into the building and opening fire who took part in the action last Monday, when Trump’s team released its numbers shortly only state to incorporate the battle standard on its with a semi-automatic rifle. The shooter killed an a group of protesters attacked the statue of after the Biden campaign on Saturday, showing off icial flag, after Georgia voted for the symbol’s employee before police off icers shot and killed the former president Jackson in Lafayette Park next 25% of the president’s full-time senior staff are removal from their own flag in 2003. Two years attacker. The authorities identified the employee to the White House. Based on video footage, people of colour and just over half are female. before that, Mississippi voted overwhelmingly as Martin Haro-Lozano, 45, of Orland, California. four, aged between 20 and 47, were charged on The disclosures came after Biden was pressed The Mississippi state flag features the to retain its flag, hailed by defenders as a proud Walmart said it was aware of the situation and was Friday with “destruction of federal property,” a to release the data by representatives from the Confederate flag. symbol of southern heritage and history. working with law enforcement authorities. charge punishable by one to 10 years in prison. Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. Trump denies being briefed on Russia-Taliban ‘bounty’ intel By Jim Mannion, AFP inaccuracy of The New York Times Washington story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter,” White House press resident Donald Trump yes- secretary Kayleigh McEnany said. terday denied being briefed John Bolton, Trump’s former Pon intelligence that report- national security adviser and edly showed Russia had off ered now peddling a highly critical bounties to Taliban-linked mili- tell-all book, said if it’s true Rus- tants for killing US soldiers in Af- sia was paying to have US troops ghanistan. killed, “that is a very, very seri- The report by the New York ous matter.” Times sparked renewed questions Speaking on NBC yesterday, about Trump’s reluctance to con- Bolton said, “To me it looks like front Russia over behaviour that, if just another day at the offi ce in the accurate, would represent a serious Trump White House.” national security challenge. “I’ve never recalled a circum- A man raises a flag as demonstrators and counter-protestors clash at a pro-police rally in St Paul, Minnesota, Saturday. Bikers for Trump hosted a Back the Blue Pro-Police In a pair of early-morning stance where the president himself rally at the Governors Mansion, where residents and Minnesota community members demonstrated their opposition to the gathering. tweets, Trump angrily slammed goes out of his way to say he wasn’t the report as “probably just an- briefed on something.” other phony Times hit job, just like Top Democratic lawmaker Nan- their failed Russia Hoax.” cy Pelosi accused Trump of seeking “Nobody briefed or told me, @ to “ignore any allegation against VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @Mark- Russia.” Meadows about the so-called at- “This is totally outrageous. You tacks on our troops in Afghanistan would think that the minute the by Russians, as reported through president heard of it he would want to Trump retweets, then an ‘anonymous source’ by the Fake know more instead of denying that he News @nytimes,” he wrote. knew anything,” she said on ABC. “Everybody is denying it & The Taliban have denied the re- there have not been many attacks port, reiterating that they were on us....” committed to an accord signed “Nobody’s been tougher on with Washington in February that Russia than the Trump Adminis- paves the way for withdrawing all deletes, video of backer tration.” foreign forces from Afghanistan by The Times, citing anonymous next year. offi cials, said Trump was briefed The militants also said home- on the US intelligence fi ndings in made explosives account for most March, but has not decided how to fatalities among US forces. respond. The group, widely believed to According to the report, US in- have received years of support from shouting ‘white power’ telligence had concluded that a Pakistani intelligence, also denied Russian military intelligence unit previous US accusations it was Reuters One dead in shooting at Black Lives Matter rally in Kentucky off ered rewards to Taliban-linked given arms by Russia. Washington militants to kill troops of the US- Russia also denounced the re- One person was killed and another performing life-saving measures on a male Louisville has seen especially passion- led coalition in Afghanistan. port, with its embassy in Wash- wounded in a shooting at a Black Lives who eventually died at the scene,” the ate BLM protests due to the police killing The rewards were purportedly ington tweeting that the “baseless resident Donald Trump yesterday Matter rally in the US state of Kentucky, department said on Twitter. Taylor in her own apartment. incentives to target US forces as and anonymous accusations” in retweeted a video showing one of police said. Soon after another person was shot The 26-year-old emergency room Trump tries to withdraw troops the Times story had “already led to Phis supporters in Florida shouting The incident on Saturday took place at across the street at the city’s Hall of Jus- technician was shot dead after police from the confl ict-torn country — direct threats to the life of employ- “white power” at protesters of his adminis- Jeff erson Square Park in the centre of Lou- tice, police added. barged into her home, alleging that drug one of the militants’ key demands ees” at its embassies in Washing- tration, drawing an immediate rebuke from isville where protestors have gathered for It was unclear if there was more than dealers had used the apartment to receive — and end America’s longest war. ton and London. the only Black Republican in the Senate. weeks over the killing of African American one shooter and authorities have yet to packages. While Trump cast aspersions on The Times said there were diff er- The video on Twitter, which was woman Breonna Taylor. release any details of the victims. The case helped trigger fresh waves of the Times report, neither he nor ent theories on why Russia would later deleted from Trump’s feed, shows Her death in March helped fuel a cam- Louisville mayor Greg Fischer said he anger in the United States over racial injus- other top administration offi cials support Taliban attacks, includ- Trump protesters and supporters shout- paign against racism and police brutality was “deeply saddened by the violence.” tice and police brutality. denied the underlying intelligence ing a desire to keep Washington ing profanities at each other. in the United States that has since spread Before the shooting, Fischer had urged Those protests expanded dramatically conclusion about the Russian ac- bogged down in war. After a protester calls a Trump sup- across the globe. counter-protesters to stay away from the after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, tivities. It said Russia may also be seek- porter a racist, the man responds by Louisville Metro Police Department said park, after local newspaper Louisville Cou- an unarmed black man who died in Min- John Ratcliff e, the new director ing revenge over the US killing raising his fi st and shouting “white off icers were called to the park at around rier Journal reported that “armed patriot neapolis after a white police off icer pinned of national intelligence, issued a of Russian mercenaries in Syria, power.” The slogan is often used by white 9pm. “Calls then came in that Sheriff ’s groups” were planning on confronting the his knee to Floyd’s neck for more than statement late on Saturday denying where Moscow backs President supremacists. Department personnel were in the park demonstrators. eight minutes. Trump or Pence had been briefed Bashar al-Assad. “There’s no question that he should not “on any intelligence alleged by the According to the newspaper, the have retweeted it and he should just take it New York Times in its reporting.” Taliban operation was led by Unit down,” US Senator Tim Scott told CNN. Trump’s hostile response to protests you to the great people of The Villages”, Trump has been accused of rac- He also vouched for an earlier 29155, an arm of Russia’s military White House spokesman Judd Deere against racial injustice engulfi ng the a retirement community in Florida he ism by lawmakers for his tweets in the White House statement that de- intelligence agency GRU, which said the president “is a big fan of The United States following the death of visited last year. past, including for attacks on Black nied Trump had been briefed on has been blamed in numerous in- Villages. He did not hear the one state- George Floyd, an unarmed black man “It was so profanity laced, the entire lawmakers and for telling four con- the matter but left open the possi- ternational incidents including a ment made on the video. What he did who died after a white police offi cer thing was off ensive. Certainly, the com- gresswomen of colour that they should bility that the intelligence existed. 2018 chemical weapons attack in see was tremendous enthusiasm from knelt on his neck for almost nine min- ment about the white power was off ensive,” “go back and help fix the totally broken “This does not speak to the merit Britain that nearly killed Russian- his many supporters.” utes in Minneapolis. the South Carolina Republican added. “It’s and crime infested places from which of the alleged intelligence but to the born double agent Sergei Skripal. The tweet comes on the heels of In the tweet, Trump wrote “Thank indefensible. We should take it down.” they came.” Pandemic anxiety pushes up fatal drug overdoses among Canada homeless By Michel Comte, AFP fering a bloody scrape along the only to answer a few questions “We were already dealing in keeping with new social dis- spotted him lying on the ground in their emotional, psychological Ottawa right side of his face. and certify their veracity. with a lot, with the opioid tancing rules. As a result, some and alerted paramedics. and social well-being during the Addicts and outreach work- “With C$2,000 in their pock- crisis, but we were making people have been using drugs and “They got me back on my feet pandemic. Many have ended up ers say several factors have con- et, people just went on benders,” headway. And then the overdosing in the streets. and sent me on my way. I rested homeless and addicted. homeless Canadian with tributed to a surge in overdoses Laplante said. “They had access pandemic hit and it made An AFP journalist observed up and did more drugs,” he said. “People who were already expe- a drug addiction, Luc La- during the pandemic: physical to quick cash and it killed them.” things worse paramedics responding to several Anne Marie Hopkins of Ot- riencing mental health challenges Aplante has lost three friends isolation amid lockdowns, re- The Ontario coroner estimates “It’s a frightening time for overdoses right outside a safe in- tawa Inner City Health said some and...marginalisation appear to be — Dave, Emily and Pat — to opioid duced access to addiction serv- fatal overdoses have shot up by a lot of people already jection site. of her clients had used payments the hardest hit,” researcher Emily overdoses in the last three months ices such as safe injection sites, 25% in the last three months. suff ering from trauma in Laplante, 37, a bent cigarette to rent hotel rooms and died of an Jenkins said in a statement. of the coronavirus pandemic. and shifts in healthcare resources In British Columbia, deaths their lives” dangling from his lips and with overdose — alone. Hopkins said she fears people Partly to blame, he said, is a gov- from serving addicts to treating increased by 40% over the same dirt wedged beneath his fi nger- “It’s very sad, and devastating with drug addictions could suff er ernment emergency programme Covid-related illnesses. period last year. health offi cer in British Columbia, nails, said he was alone in an for everyone involved,” she told “severe withdrawal eff ects” when that put temptation in the way of The Trudeau government in- “Tragically, other jurisdictions broke down in tears at a recent empty parking lot when he shot AFP. “We were already dealing the government funds run out. users by giving them a sudden cash troduced a monthly C$2,000 across the country are reporting briefi ng while describing a record up last Monday night. with a lot, with the opioid crisis, Some who had used the money infusion with few questions asked. (US$1,500) emergency benefi t in similar trends,” Canada’s chief 170 overdose fatalities in May, He said he was looking to re- but we were making headway. for better housing could be back “People have been applying for March to help Canadians left job- public health offi cer Theresa Tam more than the number of corona- lieve pain in his knee, aggravated And then the pandemic hit and it on the streets. And if people are the government Covid-19 aid, less by the pandemic, as business- said last month. virus deaths in the province. by walking around in poor foot- made things worse.” found to have wrongly tapped into using it to binge on drugs and es were ordered closed to slow the She pointed to “clusters of “Covid-19 is not our only wear while lugging all his worldly A University of British Co- the emergency benefi t, the gov- overdosing,” he said, just hours spread of the coronavirus. overdoses due to unknown or health crisis,” Henry said. possessions in a large backpack. lumbia study released last week ernment might claw it back from after surviving a dangerously The government simplifi ed the unusual mixes of toxic illicit sub- Three safe injection sites in Ot- It was a “stronger batch of found that a disproportionately future fi nancial aid, she said. high dose of fentanyl himself. application process to quickly stances” in several cities, includ- tawa’s Lower Town neighbour- drugs” than he was used to that high number of Canadians with “It’s a frightening time for a lot It left him with a painful re- funnel payments to Canadians ing Toronto and Calgary. hood slashed in half the number did him in, he insisted. mental health issues (59% versus of people already suff ering from minder: he fell while high, suf- in need. Applicants are required Bonnie Henry, the chief public of spaces available to drug users, Luckily for him, a passerby 33%) had experienced a decline trauma in their lives,” she said. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 9 ASIA Widodo UN warns of ‘intensifi ed threatens to reshuffl e cabinet over fi ghting’ in Myanmar state Covid-19 AFP The UN expressed concern Rohingya Muslim population. Yangon yesterday over “reports of in- More than 750,000 Rohingya tensifi ed fi ghting” in northwest fl ed to neighbouring Bangla- response Rakhine state’s Rathedaung desh, carrying accounts of vio- he United Nations called township. lence that has led to charges of Reuters for “urgent measures to The area is home to more genocide against Myanmar at Jakarta Tspare civilians” in Myan- than 10,000 civilians, and local the UN’s top court. mar’s confl ict-wracked north- sources report they are either But Border Aff airs Minister west yesterday, saying fi ght- fl eeing or are trapped by the on- Colonel Min Than said yesterday ndonesian President Joko ing has intensifi ed between the going confl ict, the UN said. the order was “revoked” because Widodo has told his cabinet army and insurgents. Urging both parties to “take the army was only targeting fi ve Ihe is ready to reshuffl e minis- The military has been battling urgent measures to spare civil- villages, including Kyauk Tan, to ters or even disband government the Arakan Army (AA) – a rebel ians”, the UN also called for them fl ush out AA insurgents. agencies that he feels have not group seeking more autonomy to respect international human- “It’s not a ‘clearance opera- done enough to fi ght the corona- for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists – itarian law as well as reiterating tion’, but a ‘military operation,’” virus outbreak, according to his in Myanmar’s Rakhine and Chin the need for a ceasefi re with the Min Than said. offi ce. states since January last year. ongoing global pandemic. The wording changes little for Widodo made the remarks in Scores of civilians have been The statement comes after lo- local residents however. a cabinet meeting on June 18, the killed in the area and tens of cal authorities issued a call last Khaing Kyaw of Kyauk Tan video of which was released by thousands displaced. The two week to residents of more than village said his family had to fl ee his offi ce yesterday. sides have traded allegations of 40 villages to evacuate ahead of their homes. “I see that many of us are abuse. “clearance operations”. “Artillery shells are fi red from working as though things are Under lockdown and with an The term was used in the town and the creeks to our normal. That’s what’s irritat- Internet blackout across much 2017 before the army waged village,” he said. ing me. Don’t you have feelings? of the confl ict zone, reporting a brutal crackdown in Ra- “We are all running and People who fled from Rathedaung Township arrive in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, Myanmar This is a crisis,” Widodo said in from the area is diffi cult to verify. khine state against the having diffi culties with food.” yesterday. the video. “I will take any extraordinary measures for our 267mn people, for the nation. It can be disband- ing agencies, can be a reshuffl e, I have thought of everything,” he said, adding that he may also issue Lanka lifts virus Every Nepal district now more emergency rules if needed. The president also complained to his ministers of slow govern- ment spending in the face of a dire global economic outlook. lockdown, says aff ected by Covid-19 New Covid-19 cases in Indo- nesia continued to rise even as the IANS son at the ministry, said at a surpassed 10,000, the pan- ering the possible infections country eased movement restric- Kathmandu regular press briefi ng yesterday. demic in Nepal has entered the for 30,000,” Sameer Kumar tions and allowed some reopenings On Saturday, the government worst case scenario as defi ned Adhikari, a joint spokesperson of businesses this month. no community reported 554 new cases, taking by the government. at the ministry, said. On Saturday, the country re- he Covid-19 pandemic the total to 12,309, while the During such a scenario, the However, Nepali offi cials said that ported its biggest daily rise in has now spread to all of death toll stands at 28, reports government could declare a the country has not yet seen large- infections with 1,385 new cases, Tthe 77 districts in Ne- Xinhua news agency. health disaster, pull all the con- scale community transmission of and reported another 1,198 yes- pal as cases in the Himalayan Nepal has been witnessing fi rmed mild cases of Covid-19 Covid-19 as cases are largely con- terday, taking the total to 54,010 spread found country has surpassed 12,000, a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases into home isolation and call fi ned among people who came back so far. It has recorded 2,754 a senior Ministry of Health and since May. for enhanced international hu- from abroad and most of them have deaths, the highest in East Asia Population offi cial has said. After the government relaxed manitarian support. been housed in quarantine centres. outside China. AFP/IANS parliamentary elections at the “After nine new cases were the lockdown on June 10, allow- The ministry has submitted a Basudev Pandey, director at Widodo’s government Colombo start of August after they were identifi ed in Rasuwa, the last ing most of the economic activ- proposal to the cabinet to declare Epidemiology and Disease Control has pledged to spend nearly postponed due to the pandemic. unaff ected district, all the dis- ities to resume, the cases nearly a health disaster on which the Division, told at a press meet early $50bn on public health, social Around 2,000 infections includ- tricts of the country have now tripled. Until June 10, Nepal had decision has not been taken yet. this week that 95% of infections protection and relief measures. ri Lanka’s nationwide ing 11 deaths have been recorded in been aff ected by the Covid-19,” only reported 4,364 cases. “We are preparing infra- have taken place among the Nepalis South East Asia’s largest econ- lockdown was lifted yes- the South Asian nation so far, ac- Jageshwor Gautam, spokesper- After the Covid-19 cases structure and test kits consid- who returned home from abroad. omy may fall into a recession this Sterday after a selective cording to government fi gures. year due to the economic fallout curfew a month ago was reim- All museums and other cul- of the coronavirus pandemic, posed during a surge in corona- tural attractions will reopen government offi cials say, sending virus infections, the country’s from July 1 for local tourists, the millions into poverty. president said. Cultural Aff airs Ministry said. Oxygen business The island nation imposed the In a statement yesterday, lockdown on March 20 and lifted the ministry said the decision it gradually over the past two to open on July 1 was aimed at months, although a nighttime helping domestic tourism which curfew remained in place. had been severely hampered due Bangladesh It reintroduced tighter restric- to the coronavirus pandemic and tions in late May and early June to all archaeological sites, monu- curb large gatherings for the funeral ments, national museums and editor sued of a popular government minister other sites would reopen. and for a religious festival. All of these sites will maintain “The curfew has completely limits on the number of visitors for report been lifted eff ective from today,” and the people will have to ad- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s here to Covid 19-guidelines is- offi ce said in a statement. sued by the health department. demanding Health offi cials said new in- On Saturday, Admiral Jay- fections reported since April 30 anath Colombage, additional were from Sri Lankans stranded secretary to President Gotabaya removal of in the Middle East who were Rajapaksa for Foreign Relations, brought home on special fl ights said that about 20 Indian and and quarantined. seven Sri Lankan seafarers who PM’s aide A cluster in a navy camp was arrived from Mumbai had tested controlled with the facility still positive for Covid-19 upon their he editor of a daily news- in lock down, they said. arrival in the island nation. paper in Bangladesh has “There has been no commu- A total of 122 seafarers arrived Tbeen sued under the Dig- nity spread of the virus and the in the country from Mumbai. ital Security Act for publishing infections at the Welisara navy “We fi rst facilitated Sri a column calling on the gov- camp are now contained,” a Lankan seafarers and allowed ernment to remove the prime health offi cial said. others also to use our ports and minister’s political adviser. Air and sea borders remained airports to transfer seafarers, A M M Bahauddin is the editor closed, with international fl ights if they are interested. The 122 of Daily Inquilab founded by his suspended. seafarers had undergone tests in father and late politician Maulana Authorities plan to reopen Sri India which were found nega- Mannan who was accused of war Lanka’s borders on August 1, but the tive for the virus. However, more crimes. The daily’s reporter Stalin date could be reviewed due to the than 20 were tested positive Sarkar was also sued, police said. imported cases, the offi cial added. when they were tested again in A worker refills medical oxygen cylinders at a refill plant in Narayanganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka yesterday. The case against the daily was Sri Lanka will also hold its Sri Lanka,” he said. fi led at Gulshan police station. Duty offi cer Narzul Islam said that lawyer Soumitra Sarkar fi led the case as the daily published a report titled ‘Re- move H T Imam’ on Thursday. The daily published a report against Bangladesh Prime Min- Rescued Rohingya describe high-seas terror ister Sheikh Hasina’s political adviser H T Imam on June 26. AFP They were rescued by fi sher- nuts while relying heavily on Organisation for Migration (IOM). cape via smugglers across the sea dramatic fashion on a beach After Mannan’s death, his son Lhokseumawe, Indonesia men in Indonesia on Wednesday rainwater to survive. A spokesperson for the group each year. in Lhokseumawe on Thursday Bahauddin continued publishing and pulled to shore by locals the “Sometimes we squashed wet told the IOM that one woman About 1,400 Rohingya have when the Rohingya survivors the daily as editor and has been next day, thousands of kilome- clothes and drank the water from had died on the way, leaving be- been stranded at sea this year were pulled to shore by locals accused of publishing off ensive, group of Rohingya says tres south of Bangladesh. them,” he said, adding that those hind her two children. – and at least 130 of those have furious at the refusal of authori- distorted, and derogatory infor- they were beaten by traf- “We suff ered so much on that who died were thrown into the sea. Another three children, two of died, according to IOM fi gures. ties to give them shelter over mation against secular person- Afi ckers and relied on rain- boat,” 50-year-old Rashid Ahmad Korima Bibi said at least two them siblings, and a 10-year-old Last week, a Malaysian coast- Covid-19 fears. alities and intellectuals. water to stay alive on a perilous told AFP at an immigration deten- people died during the voyage and girl were unaccompanied. The guard offi cial said dozens of They had spent the night sev- The column published by the four-month journey at sea until tion centre in Lhokseumawe city that some on board resorted to group also included a pregnant Rohingya were believed to have eral hundred metres off shore, daily was seen as virtually direct- their dramatic rescue near the on Sumatra’s northern coast. drinking urine to stay alive, as oth- woman, according to the IOM. died during a months-long jour- waiting for a decision on wheth- ing the government to remove the Indonesian coast. “They tortured us and cut us. ers got sick from the rough seas. The smugglers were charging ney to that country. er they could land. prime minister’s political adviser. The bedraggled survivors – One of us even died. “We didn’t get enough food each person about $2,300 to get There had originally been more Authorities eventually relent- “I think what has been written about 100 in all, mostly women “There was food at fi rst but or water,” the 20-year-old said, them to Malaysia, the IOM said. than 300 people on board the boat ed – a move cheered as a victory about the administration of Bang- and children – described a high- when it was done they (the traf- “(but) we survived.” Around a million Rohingya that was intercepted by authorities by rights groups. All have since ladesh is a conspiracy to destabi- seas horror story that saw them fi ckers) took us onto another Among the roughly 100 in the live in cramped and squalid refu- this month, with the 269 survivors tested negative for the coronavi- lise the government. The report reduced to throwing the dead boat and then let us fl oat away group were 48 women and 35 gee camps in Bangladesh, where given temporary shelter. rus, local offi cials said. provides extremely off ensive, overboard as their rickety craft alone,” he added. children. human traffi ckers also run lucra- Neighbouring Indonesia has But the group’s fate remains false, distorted, baseless, deroga- drifted thousands of kilometres Another survivor, Habibullah, They set off from the Bal- tive operations promising to fi nd previously allowed Rohingya to uncertain. tory and off ensive information towards Malaysia. said: “They beat everyone badly. ukhali refugee camp in south- them sanctuary abroad. land and many to stay. “As a fellow Muslim I felt about the government, parlia- Two survivors claimed that My ear was cut and I was beaten ern Bangladesh, but were Indonesia and neighbouring But wary offi cials have turned compassion for them, especial- ment and top government offi cials people smugglers paid to trans- on the head.” originally from Myanmar’s Malaysia are favoured destina- them away in recent months, ly because there were so many as part of a conspiracy to destabi- port them had beaten the Ro- Survivor Ziabur Rahman Bin confl ict-torn Rakhine State, ac- tions for Rohingya fl eeing perse- worried they could be carrying children and women – it broke lise the state and create discon- hingya who were later moved to a Safi rullah, 35, said the group got cording to survivors and an ac- cution and violence in Myanmar. the deadly coronavirus. my heart,” said Lhokseumawe tent against the government,” said new boat and abandoned at sea. by on small rations of rice and count given to the International Thousands try a perilous es- That concern played out in resident Saiful Hardi. lawyer Soumitra Sarkar. (IANS) Gulf Times 10 Monday, June 29, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA South Korea records highest daily virus increase since early April Agencies country’s total to 12,715, ac- June 20, 67 new cases were an- mid-June, Yonhap reported. sive “trace, test and treat” pro- South Korea’s sports ministry is half of the population lives. Seoul cording to the Korea Centers for nounced, which was the highest South Korea said Sunday it will gramme while never imposing expected to hold a meeting this Offi cials reimposed some so- Disease Control and Prevention fi gure in a month, news agency begin allowing limited numbers a compulsory lockdown. Social week to discuss the details, Yon- cial distancing measures in late (KCDC). The country’s death Yonhap reported. South Korea of spectators at sports games as distancing rules were relaxed in hap news agency reported, and May following fresh clusters in outh Korean health au- toll did not increase overnight, has seen sporadic cluster infec- it seeks to return to normal after early May and some professional the Korea Baseball Organisation and near Seoul, and most cases thorities yesterday re- and stands at 282, according to tions since it relaxed stricter months of strict social distanc- sports - including baseball and is preparing to fi ll around 30% of reported in the past week have Sported the highest daily the KCDC. social distancing on May 6, with ing rules to combat the corona- soccer - started new seasons al- stands at its games. been domestic infections. increase in novel coronavirus Of the locally transmitted cas- the greater Seoul area account- virus. beit behind closed doors. The move comes despite Of 62 new cases reported on infections in a week, following es, 13 cases were reported in the ing for most of the newly added The country endured one of “We will take phased measures alarm over a second wave of in- Sunday — taking the country’s an outbreak at a distribution Gyeonggi Province surrounding cases this month. the worst early outbreaks of the including allowing spectators at fections in recent weeks, with total to 12,715 — 40 were domes- centre. capital Seoul, 13 in Seoul and six Daily cases imported from disease outside China but ap- sports events,” health minister the South seeing around 35-50 tic infections while 22 were peo- On Saturday, 62 new cases in Daejeon, about 160km south overseas have continued to in- pears to have brought it broadly Park Neung-hoo told reporters new cases a day, mostly in the ple arriving from overseas. were detected, bringing the of Seoul, the KCDC said. On crease by double-digits since under control with an exten- Sunday, without elaborating. Seoul metropolitan area where China’s legislators meet in Beijing on HK security law DPA Beijing Women are arrested and led onto a bus by police during a protest against China’s planned national hina’s top legislative body security law in Hong Kong. met in Beijing yesterday Cfor the fi rst day of a three- day conference that is expected Dozens arrested in Hong Kong protest to expedite the passage of a new national security law for Hong Hong Kong police arrested and charged with unlawful the 1997 handover, citing a Kong. at least 53 people yesterday assembly, adding that earlier ban on large gatherings amid The National People’s Con- after scuff les erupted during some protesters tried to the coronavirus pandemic. gress Standing Committee a relatively peaceful protest blockade roads in the area. China has said the new security (NPCSC) added the law to its against planned national The proposed national security law will target only a small agenda on Sunday as the meeting security legislation to be law has raised concerns among group of troublemakers as it convened, Hong Kong’s i-Cable implemented by the mainland Hong Kong democracy activists tackles separatism, subversion, News reported, citing Hong Kong Chinese government. Armed and some foreign governments terrorism and foreign delegate to the NPC, Ip Kwok- riot police were present as that Beijing is further eroding interference in Hong Kong. him. a crowd of several hundred the extensive autonomy China’s National People’s At the last NPCSC session that moved from Jordan to Mong promised when Britain handed Congress Standing Committee concluded on June 20, the na- Kok in the Kowloon district, the territory back to China in reviewed a draft of the bill on tional security law also did not staging what was intended as 1997. “The governments wants Sunday. Chinese state media appear on the original agenda but a “silent protest” against the to shut us up and to kick us reported that lawmakers was added just as it convened. planned law. out,” one protester, Roy Chan, overwhelmingly supported the The increased secrecy surround- However, chanting and slogans 44, said. “We must stand up draft. The Chinese government ing the Hong Kong bill breaks Riot police ask people to leave to avoid mass gathering during a protest against the looming national were shouted towards police and strike down all those has “unshakable determination with the tradition of publishing security legislation in Hong Kong yesterday. and later scuff les broke out in people who deprive Hong Kong to push ahead with enactment session agendas. Mong Kok, prompting police people’s freedom.” of the security bill and The national security bill was of Hong Kong’s handover from laws will not apply in Hong Kong, Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong’s to use pepper spray to subdue Sunday’s event came a day safeguard national sovereignty reviewed and discussed in small Britain to China on July 1. one article stipulates that excep- sole delegate to the NPCSC, has parts of the crowd. Hong Kong after Hong Kong police refused and interest,” state broadcaster groups, the state-run ‘Global The holiday has been an oc- tions will be made for those laws also suggested that in some cases Police said on Facebook that permission for an annual march CCTV reported, citing a Times’ reported, citing NPC casion for mass pro-democracy listed in an annex. suspects could be extradited to 53 people had been arrested usually held on July 1 to mark government spokesperson. deputy Stanley Ng Chau-pei. protest marches since the Hong This leaves a back door for mainland China, where Com- According to Ng, the discussions Kong government’s unsuccessful Beijing to impose laws on Hong munist Party-controlled courts concluded with a “general con- attempt to introduce a national Kong without having to pass it convict more than 99.9% of de- that she did not know details of whilst a survey of the city’s jour- ping and entertainment district, sensus” regarding the bill. security law in 2003. through the city’s legislature or fendants. the legislation beyond what had nalists put opposition at 98%. many were encircled by police Dissent within the body, which Details of the draft bill issued consult the public. Despite aggressively pushing been reported in the press, and More than 50 people were ar- cordons, where they were round- is subordinate to and control- on June 20 by the Legislative Af- The law will also allow for the law, top Hong Kong leaders said “your guess is as good as rested in Hong Kong on Sunday ed up and searched before being led by the Communist Party, is fairs Commission of the National mainland security agencies to such as Chief Executive Carrie mine” when asked when it would during a “silent march” to pro- loaded into police coaches. Police extremely rare. The draft law, People’s Congress stipulate that operate in Hong Kong, and calls Lam have not seen a draft of the come into force. test the impending law. said they arrested 53 people for intended to crack down on “sub- the law will supersede Hong for the establishment of a new legislation and have been unable A survey by the Public Opin- Protesters were met with a “unlawful assembly.” version, secession, terrorism and Kong’s constitutional document, police force and prosecutor’s to answer questions from those ion Research Institute found heavy presence of armed riot po- Calls for a second protest in collusion with foreign and exter- the Basic Law, which guarantees offi ce to pursue national secu- concerned it will curtail Hong- that 57% of Hong Kong people lice as they gathered at the Jordan Causeway Bay went unheeded as nal powers” in the city is widely fundamental freedoms and the rity cases, which will be tried by kongers’ civil liberties. oppose the law. An earlier poll by metro station in Kowloon. dozens of riot police blanketed expected to be fast-tracked in right to a fair trial. Although the judges hand-picked by the chief Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng the Ming Pao newspaper found As they tried to walk along the the popular shopping area on time for the 23rd anniversary Basic Law states that mainland executive. told reporters earlier this month 64% of residents are against it, pavement to the Mong Kok shop- Hong Kong island. Chinese firm says vaccine candidate Australia’s Victoria shows promise Beijing fi ghts new virus cluster China National Biotec Group state mandates (CNBG) said yesterday that early human test results AFP for a coronavirus vaccine Beijing coronavirus testing candidate suggested it could be safe and eff ective, the second vaccine candidate hina imposed a strict for travellers from the firm to show lockdown on nearly half a encouraging results in a Cmillion people in a prov- clinical trial. The experimental ince surrounding the capital Reuters About 40,000 shot, developed by a Beijing- to contain a fresh coronavirus Melbourne based unit of CNBG, has cluster yesterday, as authorities people have induced high-level antibodies warned the outbreak was still been tested since in all the inoculated “severe and complicated.” ustralia’s Victoria state participants in a Phase 1/2 After China largely brought will implement manda- Friday in Victoria clinical trial involving 1,120 the virus under control, hun- Atory coronavirus tests as health off icials healthy people, according dreds have been infected in Bei- for returning travellers after a to preliminary data of the jing and cases have emerged in sharp spike in infections over increased eff orts trial, CNBG said in a posting neighbouring Hebei province in the past two weeks, the state’s to prevent further on the social media platform recent weeks. premier said yesterday. WeChat, without disclosing Health offi cials said Sun- The country’s second-most spread of virus specific readings. day that Anxin county — about populous state had 49 new Chinese companies and 150km from Beijing — will be cases on Sunday, its highest in People in quarantine will be researchers have been “fully enclosed and controlled”, more than two months and the tested twice, fi rst on day three allowed to test eight vaccine the same strict measures im- 12th consecutive day of double- and then on day 11 of their-two candidates in humans at posed at the height of the pan- digit rises. The rest of Australia week quarantine period. home and abroad, making demic in the city of Wuhan ear- has seen almost no infections. Still refusing testing will be China a major front-runner lier this year. “Much like a bushfi re, required to remain in quaran- in the race to develop a shot Only one person from each People wear masks as they wait in line to undergo coronavirus tests at a test centre in Beijing yesterday. putting this out is challenging,” tine for a further 10 days, An- against the virus that has family will be allowed to go out Victoria Premier Daniel An- drews said. New South Wales, killed nearly 500,000 people once a day to purchase necessi- Nearly a third of the cases so has mass-tested wholesale mar- and complicated,” warning that drews told a press conference, Australia’s largest state by pop- globally. CNBG, aff iliated ties such as food and medicine, far have been linked to one beef ket workers, restaurant workers, the city needed to continue trac- alluding to wildfi res at the end ulation and which on Sunday to the state-owned China the county’s epidemic preven- and mutton section in the mar- residents of medium and high- ing the spread of the virus. City of last year that burnt through recorded only three new cases, National Pharmaceutical tion task force said in a state- ket, where workers are being risk neighbourhoods and deliv- offi cials have urged people not vast swathes of the coun- implemented similar measure Group (Sinopharm), said ment. made to quarantine for a month, ery couriers over the past two to leave Beijing, closed schools try. “Containing it, though, is on Friday. earlier this month that The move comes after another city offi cials said yesterday. Busi- weeks. again and locked down dozens of something that we can do, and About 40,000 people have another vaccine candidate 14 cases of the virus were report- nesses in Anxin county had sup- At a press conference, offi cials residential compounds to stamp test and trace is the most eff ec- been tested since Friday in Vic- produced by its Wuhan-based ed in the past 24 hours in Beijing, plied freshwater fi sh to the Xin- said 8.3mn samples have been out the virus. tive thing to do.” toria as public health offi cials unit also triggered high-level taking the total to 311 since mid- fadi market, state news agency collected so far, of which 7.7mn But Wu Zunyou, chief epide- Victoria’s offi cials said ear- increased eff orts to prevent fur- antibodies safely in clinical June and spurring the testing of Xinhua reported. Some 12 cases have already been tested. miology expert at the Chinese lier this week that some 30% ther spread of the virus. Since trial participants based on millions of residents. The out- of the novel coronavirus were Testing has now expanded Center for Disease Control and of returning travellers refused the start of the year, nearly 12% preliminary results. break was fi rst detected in Bei- found in the county - including to include all employees of the Prevention, told reporters last a Covid-19 test, and Andrews of the state’s population has A vaccine has to prove its jing’s sprawling Xinfadi whole- 11 linked to Xinfadi, the state-run city’s beauty parlours and hair week the new outbreak had been said it will be a mandatory pro- been tested. Despite the spike in eff ectiveness in “Phase 3” sale food market, which supplies Global Times reported. salons, the Global Times said. “brought under control”, and of- cedure. Australia also requires Victoria, Australia’s 7,700 cases human test where thousands much of the city’s fresh produce, The new cases in Beijing have Beijing city offi cial Xu Hejian fi cials lifted a weeks-long lock- all locals who return to quaran- and 104 deaths remain well be- of participants are recruited sparking concerns over the safety prompted fears of a resurgence told reporters that “the epidemic down imposed on seven Beijing tine in hotels for two weeks. low that of many other nations. in order to be cleared for sale. of the food supply chain. of the virus in China. The capital situation in the capital is severe communities on Friday. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 11 BRITAIN Plan to downgrade security cover for junior royals raises concern Daily Mail they are protecting, it adds. ticians, community leaders and Khairi Saadallah, a 25-year-old or serious injury, the most likely tection offi cer relying solely on a for other royals, who the Mail has London The report, seen by the Daily others previously deemed vulner- Libyan who was previously on the weapon of choice would be a knife Taser to neutralise an imminent decided not to name, has also been Mail, accuses police chiefs of able to an attack. radar of MI5, is accused of going on or other pointed or bladed article. threat to life is quite literally play- earmarked for downgrades. putting cost-cutting above the Discussions have also taken a bloody rampage armed only with “Taser, ASP (expandable batons) ing Russian roulette with their life The measures are part of a olice bodyguards who pro- safety of VIPs, the offi cers who place about removing armed cover a knife. or CS spray are not fi t for purpose and the life of their Principal.” wide-ranging reduction of police tect Prince Charles and guard them and the public. for some former leading political The Federation report – also en- to defend against an attack of this Under the plans, which follow a protection for junior royals, politi- PPrince William have ex- It says the lessons of the West- fi gures, sources said. dorsed by offi cers based at Buck- nature. One only has to read the Home Offi ce cost-cutting review, cians and diplomats. pressed grave concerns over moves minster and London Bridge terror Details of the damning report ingham Palace and Windsor Cas- witness testimonies from the Lon- Prince Andrew was due to have his Met Police personal protection to strip junior royals and other attacks – where police were at- by royalty and specialist protec- tle – spells out the dangers facing don Bridge attack inquest relating armed police cover downgraded to offi cers guarding the Queen, Duke VIPs of armed protection, accord- tacked by knife-wielding militants tion offi cers in the Metropolitan those involved in the close protec- to the ‘have-a-go heroes’ struck offi cers carrying just Tasers. of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and ing to a bombshell leaked report. – have been ‘quickly forgotten’ Police Federation – which repre- tion of VIPs or on the frontline. down and murdered by terrorists But he has reportedly been al- Prince William, as well as other roy- Officers who have to rely and that “a reckless trade-off of sents rank and fi le offi cers in the “We are living in times of un- armed with nothing more sophis- lowed to keep his taxpayer-funded als, will continue to carry pistols. ‘solely’ on Tasers to stop some- cost versus safety has taken place”. force – can be disclosed days after precedented uncertainty around ticated than pink ceramic kitchen police protection team, which car- The Royalty and VIP Executive one being attacked are ‘play- The Daily Mail revealed that se- a terror suspect, allegedly acting terrorist threats,” it says. “In a knives, purchased for £4 each from ries fi rearms, after complaining to Committee, a Home Offi ce group, ing Russian roulette’ with their curity measures have been down- alone, stabbed three men to death hostile, premeditated attack on a Lidl, duct-taped to their hands.” the Queen. decides who gets armed protec- lives and those of the people graded for a number of senior poli- in a Reading park. Principal with intent to cause death The report continues: “A pro- It is claimed that armed cover tion. Starmer Black Lives Matter protest overtakes Leicester could Johnson as preferred face lockdown PM: poll Daily Mail London as coronavirus ir Keir Starmer has over- taken Boris Johnson as Sthe nation’s choice of best prime minister, a shock new poll revealed yesterday. cases increase After a week in which the government has been mired in Guardian News and Media sources for the local authority. been included”, he said, as well as a ‘cash-for-access’ row over a London She said: “With local fl are-ups the exact geographical boundaries Tory donor and continued con- it’s right that we have a localised if there is to be a distinction be- cerns over its handling of coro- solution in terms of infection tween a specifi c city and region. navirus, the Labour leader has eicester could be the fi rst control, social distancing, test- “Urban sprawl has allowed taken a two-point lead. place in England to face lo- ing and many of the tools actu- towns and cities to expand result- Sir Keir is now on 37%, with Lcal lockdown measures after ally within the Public Health ing in these areas often joining Johnson on 35%. a rise in coronavirus cases, as the England space that will come other areas who identify diff er- He has gained plaudits for Home Secretary, Priti Patel, con- together to control the virus and ently and do not see themselves as his swift action to remove Re- fi rmed more support for the city. stop the spread.” part of the expanding town or city,” becca Long-Bailey, his lead- Around 650 people were found The prime minister has said he said. ing Corbynista rival, as shadow to have had the illness in the fi rst the government would pursue “Locking down at the regional education secretary for allegedly two weeks of June, a quarter of all “whack-a-mole tactics” to try and level would be seen as unfair or peddling an ‘anti-Semitic con- cases in the city so far. curb the virus in specifi c places as worse as Leicester city has really spiracy theory’. There have been outbreaks at the rest of the country comes out very little to do with rural Lincoln- In contrast, Johnson is con- food production facilities and fi ve of lockdown. shire. tinuing to stand by Housing schools have closed. A report in the Sunday Times “People do not identify with Secretary Robert Jenrick despite The department of health and said the latest outbreak in Leices- their regional boundaries and documents showing the extent social care has deployed four mo- ter followed reports of large many would not actually know to which he tried to help Richard bile testing units to the city and crowds gathering outside takea- where they are.” Desmond, the former Express made thousands of home testing way restaurants. Patel also took aim at the re- owner, avoid tax on a £1bn prop- kits available. Prof Keith Neal, a professor of cent mass gatherings, including erty development. The local authority is asking the epidemiology of infectious the Black Lives Matter demon- Opinium, which carried out people to maintain a physical dis- diseases at the University of Not- strations and celebrations for the poll for the Observer, said tance of 2metres and to wash their tingham, said the messaging on Liverpool FC wining the Premier that while Starmer had been en- hands regularly. local measures needed to be very League. joying a higher approval rating Asked on the BBC’s The Andrew clear. They should not have gone than the prime minister for the Marr Show if Leicester would be People “inside of the lockdown ahead, she said, because they risk past six weeks, it is the fi rst time the fi rst place to have fresh meas- need to understand why they have spreading the virus. the former director of public ures applied, Patel said: “That prosecutions has polled higher is correct. We’ve seen fl are-ups when asked about who would across the country in recent weeks. PM ‘set to launch post-virus spending drive’ make the better PM. “Just in the last three or four Adam Drummond, its head weeks in particular. There was Prime Minister Boris Johnson very well,” he said. “We want to of political polling, said: “Boris the example of a fl are-up in one will this week pledge to spend build our way back to health.” Johnson’s approval rating re- particular hospital over infection billions on infrastructure to Johnson is expected to outline mains narrowly negative, while control. revive the economy in the face plans in a speech tomorrow, Starmer’s remains substantially “That is why we have a new of the coronavirus crisis, media already dubbed “Project Speed”, positive (moving from a net +22 mechanism, a joint biosecurity reports and ministers said with a pledge to build new last week to +27 this week). centre, which is very much geared yesterday. In an interview with roads, schools and hospitals “Politically, the ‘new nor- up and is being developed to ad- the Mail on Sunday newspaper, to revive the flailing economy. mal’ is that for the first time dress local fl are-ups.” Johnson said there would “If Covid was a lightning in over a decade Labour has a “There will be support going be no return to controversial flash, we’re about to have the leader who outperforms their into Leicester.” austerity policies practised by thunderclap of the economic party while the Conservatives She said the Health Secretary, his Conservative Party over the consequences. We’re going have a leader who under per- Activists, some wearing face coverings as a precautionary measure against Covid-19, sit on the Matt Hancock, had been in touch past decade. “This has been a to be ready,” he said. “We are forms theirs, and the crossover green at Parliament Square in central London yesterday as they listen to speakers during a Black with cabinet ministers over the huge, huge shock to the country absolutely not going back to the in preferred prime minister is a Lives Matter protest against racism. weekend to explain additional but we’re going to bounce back austerity of 10 years ago.” reflection of that.” support on testing and more re- Charity initiative Body found in search Headteacher suspended for missing teenager Guardian News and Media seen discarding his clothes and for calling teachers lazy cycling naked. Belfast His family have said those ac- Daily Mail one type. Some teachers are getting childcare. tions were completely out of London coming up with the most im- Wood was told that her com- olice have confi rmed that character and offi cers believe he aginative, amazing things and ments “raised serious concerns the body of missing teen- might have fallen from his bicy- other people do sit at home about your professional con- Pager Noah Donohoe has cle and sustained an injury, caus- highly praised headteach- doing nothing. I won’t defend duct and judgment which po- been recovered in north Belfast. ing him to become disorientated er has been suspended for those people.” tentially brings the school into The Police Service of North- and then remove his clothing. Asaying that some of her When asked whether the lat- disrepute”. ern Ireland (PSNI) said the body He is then believed to have staff are “sitting at home doing ter group included teachers at Reacting to the governors’ de- was found in a storm drain close abandoned his bicycle and con- nothing” during lockdown. her school, Wood said: “Yes, I cision, Wood told Schools Week to the Shore Road area of north tinued on foot. Pauline Wood is now being think it’s time we talked about website: “It is very concern- Belfast. On Friday, police found the investigated by governors after the elephant in the room in some ing that a headteacher can be The 14-year-old was last seen child’s khaki rucksack contain- making the comments to a local of this. Some teachers have been suspended for giving a truthful alive on Sunday evening. ing a copy of the book 12 Rules radio station. in (school), but many have not answer to questions posed by In a statement, the force con- for Life by Jordan Peterson and a She has held her post at Grange been in at any time. Safety is members of the public.” fi rmed it was continuing to pro- Lenovo laptop. Park primary school in Sunder- paramount, but don’t make out An Ofsted report in 2011 said vide support to Donohoe’s family His disappearance brought land for 15 years, transforming its teachers have all been working her relentless pursuit of excel- “at this very diffi cult time” and hundreds out into the streets to Ofsted rating from “inadequate” fl at out.” lence and improvement “has an that enquiries were continuing. search for him across north Bel- to “outstanding”. The governors at Grange extremely positive impact on The PSNI said that at this fast. Speaking on BBC Radio New- Park suspended her after re- pupils”. stage no foul play was suspected. People from all communities castle, she praised some teachers ceiving a complaint that she Wood is due to leave the school At a press conference in Bel- have worked together in search for coming up with “imagina- had made “potentially dispar- in September but is worried that fast earlier superintendent Muir teams since the start of this week tive things” during lockdown but aging comments” about mem- her success there will now be Clark said: “Our thoughts and to try and fi nd him. criticised others for not pulling bers of staff. marred. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, helps to pot plants during sympathies are with Noah family Donahoe was described by his their weight. Primary schools allowed chil- Geoff Barton, the general a visit to The Nook in the village of Framlingham Earl, south and we are continuing to provide school as an “industrious pupil” Asked if parents were right dren who are in reception, year secretary of the Association of of Norwich, eastern England, which is one of the three East support to them at this very dif- who played the cello. to think that not all teachers one and year six to return to class School and College Leaders, said Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH). The duchess is the royal fi cult and heartbreaking time.” Clark said it was still unclear were working hard during the on June 1. that heads should be allowed patron of the charity which off ers care and support for Donohoe, who was from why he was 5km away from home coronavirus lockdown, she Some staff at Grange Park “to give their perspective and children and young people with life-threatening conditions south Belfast and attended St in that part of the city. agreed “to some extent”. She reportedly refused to work on insight to the public via the me- and their families across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Malachy’s College, went miss- Police have recovered his bicy- said: “You can’t lump every- site for three days a week in- dia”. Grange Park has been ap- Suff olk. ing after a solo bicycle ride across cle, black crash helmet, trainers, one together as if they are all stead of two, due to problems proached for comment. the city, during which he was hoodie and mobile phone. Gulf Times 12 Monday, June 29, 2020 EUROPE Low turnout in French local polls Reuters However, more recently, presi- less than 48 hours before Macron clerks wore masks or face shields, mentum they created in 2019’s Paris dential aides have been playing imposed one of Europe’s strictest with some sitting behind plex- European elections. down expectations. coronavirus lockdowns, forcing iglass screens. In Perpignan, Marine Le Pen’s France’s 35,000 mayors set a long delay before the second “It’s better organised than last far-right party may take control eople turned out in low policy on issues from urban round. time,” said pensioner Jean de of its fi rst city with a population numbers and wearing face planning to education and the The pandemic appeared to Nathan. of more than 100,000. Pmasks to vote yesterday in environment and while local fac- have depressed turnout. In the capital, the election’s Macron has said that he will France’s delayed second round of tors typically drive voter choices, By 5pm (1500 GMT) only 35% biggest prize, the sitting social- “reinvent” his presidency and municipal elections, a mid-term they give the electorate an op- of voters had cast a ballot, be- ist mayor Anne Hidalgo is on present a detailed plan next test for President Emmanuel Ma- portunity to support or punish a low the 52% registered at the track for a comfortable win after month for the fi nal two years of cron and his ruling party which president mid-mandate. same time in the last municipal a shambolic campaign by Macron his mandate. could fail to win a single big city. “We have a government that elections in 2014, and political and his La Republique en Marche A government reshuffl e is A year ago the president had is completely disconnected from observers have forecast a record (LREM) party. widely expected. hoped the local elections would reality,” said Naouel, a voter in low. Paris is unlikely to be the only The biggest question mark help anchor his young centrist Paris’s 9th district who said she Polling stations closed at 6pm disappointment for Macron. is over the future of Edouard party in towns and cities across was backing the centre-right op- in towns and small cities but re- The Greens could to do well in Philippe, Macron’s popular France, including Paris, ahead of position candidate. mained open for an additional cities such as Lyon, Marseille and prime minister, who is running an anticipated 2022 re-election France had pressed ahead with two hours in larger cities. Bordeaux, sometimes in alliance for his old job as mayor of Le Ha- President Macron and his wife Brigitte speak yesterday with off icials bid. the fi rst round in mid-March, In polling stations in Paris, with the Left, building on mo- vre. at a polling station in Le Touquet, northern France. Iceland president Poles turn out in large re-elected with 92% numbers for key vote of vote DPA/Reuters/AFP Platform that has dominated an unprecedented legal action AFP Warsaw Polish politics since 2005. against Warsaw following criti- Reykjavik A win for incumbent Andrzej cism Poland is subverting dem- Duda would consolidate the PiS ocratic norms by politicising its oters in Poland’s presi- party’s grip on power at least courts. celand’s President Gudni dential election were not until 2023, when the next gen- Duda is seen as a key Europe- Johannesson has been re- Vdiscouraged by the coro- eral election is scheduled to be an ally by US President Donald Ielected with a whopping 92% navirus pandemic, turning out held. Trump. of the vote, according to fi nal re- yesterday in large numbers to But if Duda fails to secure a “This is a decisive time. A lot sults released yesterday. take part in a ballot likely to de- second fi ve-year term the power will really depend on this de- The former history professor termine the country’s political of the governing party could be cision,” anti-communist icon won his second four-year term in landscape for the coming years. weakened. Lech Walesa said as he cast his the largely symbolic position in Nearly 48% of Poland’s 30mn The party does not command vote in the northern port of Saturday’s vote, the second elec- voters had cast their ballots by a suffi cient majority in the lower Gdansk. tion held by a European country 5pm (1500 GMT), nearly match- house to override a presidential Walesa, who was elected Po- after coronavirus lockdowns ing the total voter turnout from legislative veto. land’s fi rst democratic president were lifted. the 2015 presidential vote (49%), Duda, 48, has vowed to main- after communism’s demise three Since suff ering spectacular the head of the state electoral tain the PiS’ economic pro- decades ago, has been a trench- bank failures in 2008, the vol- commission said during a press grammes, which include gener- ant critic of the current govern- canic North Atlantic island of conference. ous social spending and a pledge ment. 365,000 inhabitants has recov- No candidate is expected to to protect family values in the Yesterday’s vote was organ- ered some economic and po- gain the level of 50%-plus-one predominantly Catholic coun- ised so as to observe precautions litical stability, which worked in vote needed to secure the presi- try. against the spread of the coro- the 52-year-old independent’s dency in the fi rst round, so a “We don’t see the same navirus. favour. run-off vote scheduled for July standard of living as in western Limits were placed on the The fi nal results showed he 12 is likely. Europe and this is what I would number of people entering poll- took 92.2% of the 168,821 votes Incumbent President Andrzej like to achieve,” he said in the ing stations at any one time, cast, crushing right-wing chal- Duda, supported by govern- southwestern town of Rybnik voters were required to observe a People are seen at a polling station in Warsaw during the presidential election. lenger Gudmundur Franklin ing national-conservative party on Friday during one of his last 2m distance between each other, Jonsson. Law and Justice (PiS), is the campaign stops before the elec- to cover their faces, and bring lot. “People are afraid to go out Andrzej Guzik said he would be of the pandemic ... not everyone “I am honoured and proud,” front-runner, but is expected to tion. their own pens. and vote, to run into each and voting for Duda because of his got their (election) package on the president told AFP in Rey- face a strong challenge from lib- His main challenger, centrist Poland’s electoral commis- talk about these elections.” consistency. time,” Poland’s ambassador to kjavik on election night. “This eral Warsaw mayor Rafal Trza- Warsaw mayor Trzaskowski, sion apologised yesterday for the “I voted for Trzaskowski of “Personally I only see Duda Britain Arkady Rzegocki said in result of this election is, to me, skowski from centrist opposi- also 48, seeks to provide a pro- restrictions at polling stations to course! Why? For democracy, as president,” said Guzik, 52, an a tweet. proof of the fact that my fellow tion party Civic Platform. gressive alternative and to end contain the spread of the novel the judiciary and respect for mi- employee at the PGNIG state gas According to Warsaw Uni- Icelanders... have approved of The two politicians are widely Poland’s isolation in the EU after coronavirus. norities,” said Joanna Ugniews- company. versity political scientist Anna how I have approached this of- expected to face each other in a fi ve years of confl ict between the “This election is more impor- ka, 66, after casting her ballot Many Poles abroad seeking a Materska-Sosowska, a win for fi ce.” run-off vote in two weeks’ time. government and Brussels. tant because it is taking place at a polling station in a school in postal ballot said they had not Duda could lead to “a drift to the The dominant win had been Such an outcome would be yet Since the PiS came to power in during a pandemic,” Tadeusz Warsaw city centre. received their voting slips in Budapest model (of Hungary’s predicted by opinion polls, another instance of the political 2015, the European Commission, Kolacin, 90, a retired lecturer, But in Tarnow in southern Po- time to vote. Viktor Orban) – that’s the dan- which had shown the president clash between PiS and the Civic the EU executive, has launched told Reuters after he cast his bal- land, a stronghold for the PiS, “It is a shame that as a result ger”. winning between 90-94%. Voter Hjalmtyr Heiddal told AFP yesterday that he “very Mother drowns trying to save her happy” with the winning mar- gin because “it means that 92% five-year-old son in the Rhine of Icelanders want this type of Mining giant stops waste discharge in Arctic president who does not take A five-year-old boy drowned swimming in Germany’s Rhine river on sides and is simply neutral”. Saturday and his mother drowned trying to save him, police said. Yesterday’s result is the sec- Russian lawmaker says services arrived on the scene. The accident happened in Treburg in the state of Hesse, police said. ond-highest margin of victory water, soil samples from May Norilsk Nickel spokeswoman After the boy disappeared, his mother tried to save him, but she in the history of Iceland’s presi- fuel spill held up at airport Tatiana Egorova confi rmed to also got into trouble and a passer-by pulled her out of the water. dential elections. AFP that the employees of the When she ran into the water a second time, the 30-year-old woman Vigdis Finnbogadottir, the AFP/Reuters factory had pumped “purifi ed drowned, police said. fi rst woman in the world to be Moscow water from the reservoir” and Her 13-year-old daughter had also tried to help her brother in the democratically elected as head of that an internal investigation is river. state, holds the record, winning under way. Water protection authorities brought the girl ashore unharmed. re-election in 1988 with 94.6% ussian mining giant No- A spokeswoman for Russia’s of the vote. rilsk Nickel (Nornickel) natural resources agency said In this parliamentary republic, Rsaid yesterday that it had the decision to remove water Meat industry staff in German state the president is largely symbolic, stopped the discharge of waste- from the reservoir was taken to but he or she does have the pow- water from one of its Arctic avoid an emergency, after heavy be tested for virus twice a week er to veto legislation or submit it facilities, one month after an rains and tests had caused water to a referendum. unprecedented fuel leak nearby levels to increase dramatically. The meat industry in the western German state of North Rhine There are no term limits – Jo- sparked a state of emergency. “To prevent possible emer- This handout photograph taken and released by the Marine Rescue Westphalia will be from July 1 required to test employees at least hannesson’s predecessor Olafur The incident occurred at the gencies due to increasing water Service of Russia earlier this month shows the large diesel spill in twice a week for the coronavirus, the regional health ministry said Ragnar Grimsson served for fi ve Talnakh enrichment plant near levels in the basin, the operating the Ambarnaya River, outside Norilsk. yesterday. terms. the Arctic city of Norilsk, the personnel decided promptly to Abattoirs, meat cutting plants and processing facilities with However, Johannesson has company said, when liquids lower the water level,” Svetlana dependent lab have been held of water and soil without neces- more than 100 employees will be required to regularly test staff said previously that he would used to process minerals were Radionova said. up at the Norilsk airport, a law- sary documents. regardless of whether they are directly employed or through an limit himself to two or three “discharged from a reservoir”. Norilsk Nickel was at the maker and Greenpeace said on He said they were given the agency, the state ministry said in a statement. terms at the most. “Measures were taken to centre of another incident last Saturday. option of leaving the samples at The move comes after a regional lockdown was reintroduced this Turnout for Saturday’s vote stop” the removal of the liquid month when more than 21,000 The company and emergency a temporary baggage storage or week in the wake of a coronavirus outbreak at an abattoir and was 66.9%, dropping from into nearby territory, the com- tonnes of diesel leaked into soil specialists are collecting con- doing the right paperwork. meat-packing plant in the district of Guetersloh in the western 75.7% during Johannesson’s fi rst pany said, adding that there was and rivers after a fuel reservoir taminated soil and fuel from lo- A police serviceman on duty state. election victory in 2016, when he no threat of waste leaking. collapsed at a power plant also cal rivers into containers. at the airport, Sergei Kuzmin, became the country’s youngest A source in the emergencies near Norilsk. Sergei Mitrokhin, a lawmaker told Reuters that the security president since independence in ministry however told the RIA The accident took place at a at Moscow legislature, said he service had not allowed the Greek island to host doctors for free 1944. Novosti news agency that the plant owned by a subsidiary of was trying to fl y out of Norilsk samples to be taken on board The coronavirus pandemic discharge of toxic substances Norilsk Nickel, which said the on Saturday with samples in his due to lack of clearance docu- The Greek island of Kos will host dozens of German doctors for free had not been expected to aff ect could pose a threat to the nearby collapse may have been caused baggage, when the airport se- ments. from today, the tourism ministry said as the country prepared to voting, as the country has been Kharayelakh river. by melting permafrost due to curity held him up on suspicion Mitrokhin was in Norilsk at reopen its regional airports to passenger flights. only mildly infected. The Investigative Committee, climate change. that he was trying to carry com- the request of reporters from The visiting 170 doctors will be hosted for free “in recognition and It has reported 10 deaths, and which probes serious crimes, President Vladimir Putin bustible materials. Novaya Gazeta. gratitude for their contribution in combating the coronavirus in currently has around 11 active said it had received reports of declared an emergency situa- “I had to leave the baggage They shared details of the Germany”, the Greek tourism ministry said. cases. “unauthorised dumping of liq- tion after the accident and the behind. First, they had referred fallout from the spill and handed The flight from Germany will land two days before Greece is Challenger Jonsson is a former uid waste into the tundra” on head of Norilsk Nickel, oligarch to the order of the security serv- over the samples, collected by off icially scheduled to open its regional airports to passenger traff ic Wall Street broker close to Ice- the site of the facility and had Vladimir Potanin, promised to ice of Nornickel, which had to the activists from Greenpeace. on July 1. landic nationalists and a vo- opened an enquiry. pay the costs of the clean-up. clear transportation of all the Greenpeace said the samples, cal fan of US President Donald Independent newspaper No- The Russian authorities said samples,” he told Reuters. “Then collected from the river Pyasina, Trump. vaya Gazeta published videos earlier this month they had they said the police had received “were confi scated” at the No- Three new migrants found infected He campaigned on want- of the scene in a report claim- cleared the spill from the sur- an anonymous call that the bag- rilsk airport. ing Iceland’s president to play ing the factory had deliberately face of a river hit by the massive gage could contain some com- Greenpeace says numerous Three migrants who recently arrived from Turkey have tested a more active role by exercis- discharged the wastewater into diesel spill, but the full clean-up bustible materials.” attempts to get independent positive for coronavirus on the Greek island of Lesbos, off icials said ing the right to veto legislation nearby wildlife areas. could take years. Nornickel, in e-mailed com- data on oil pollution from the on Saturday. campaigns, but struggled to gain Novaya Gazeta journalists Meanwhile, water and soil ments, cited Sergei Erastov, area have been blocked. The migrants were part of a group of more than 30 people picked traction with voters. said Norilsk Nickel employees samples that were taken near deputy head of security at the The company has said the up by a Greek coastguard vessel on June 14, and taken to a “I send my congratulations to had hastily removed pipes when the site of last month’s fuel spill Norilsk airport, as saying that bulk of the spilled fuel has been screening facility far from the island’s overcrowded refugee camps. Gudni and his family,” Jonsson investigators and emergency and prepared for tests at an in- the passengers carried samples cleaned up. That facility has now been placed under two-week quarantine. told public broadcaster RUV. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 13 INDIA Labs can’t reveal Covid test result to patients, says offi cial IANS laboratories should upload the So far, Karnataka has tested According to the chief sec- medical facilities to prevent the institutional quarantine require- “Persons coming from Mahar- Bengaluru details of Covid-19 positive and more than 581,000 samples for retary, such refusals amount to spread of communicable diseases ment for returnees from Delhi ashtra shall be placed in seven- negative cases on the ICMR web- Covid. violating Section 11 of the Karna- and adhere to the Patient’s Charter. and Tamil Nadu. day institutional quarantine, site on a daily basis. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief taka Private Medical Establish- State Health Commissioner “Persons coming from states followed by seven-day home ovid-19 laboratories in The laboratories should also Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar said ment Act, 2017, which mandates Pankaj Kumar Pandey also clari- other than Maharashtra shall quarantine,” Prasad said. Karnataka cannot reveal submit the details of positive re- no private hospital or medical es- that every private medical es- fi ed that no private medical col- be placed in 14-day home quar- Returnees from all other states Cthe test results directly sults to the district surveillance tablishment in the state can turn tablishment should actively par- lege, hospital or similar estab- antine,” N Manjunatha Prasad, will not have institutional quar- to patients but upload the infor- offi cers, Covid surveillance offi c- away or deny treatment to Covid ticipate in the implementation of lishment can deny treatment to principal secretary, Revenue De- antine but a fortnight’s home mation on the Indian Council of ers, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahana- patients. all national and state health pro- Covid patients. partment, said. quarantine. Medical Research (ICMR) portal gara Palike (BBMP) and Bengalu- “Private medical establish- grammes. “Private medical colleges, hos- On June 15, the chief secretary The senior offi cer said quaran- daily, an offi cial said yesterday. ru and state surveillance units. ments in the state shall not deny, “Private medical establish- pitals and establishments cannot ordered the three-day institu- tine surveillance has been aug- “The Covid positive result “If labs deviate from this, they refuse or avoid treatment to pa- ments shall actively participate in deny, refuse or avoid treating tional quarantine, followed by 11- mented through the application status should not be conveyed would be recommended for de- tients with Covid and Covid like the implementation of all national Covid patients and persons with day home quarantine for people of technology and increase in the to the individual (patient) by the recognition by BBMP,” said a symptoms,” he said. and state health programmes in Covid symptoms,” Pandey said. returning from Delhi and Tamil number of surveillance teams. authorities of the government or civic body offi cial. Bhaskar said some private such manner as the state govern- In other developments, Kar- Nadu. Similarly, most of the condi- the private laboratories by any More than 75 laboratories are medical establishments in the ment may notify,” Bhaskar said. nataka has tweaked quarantine However, quarantine require- tions mandated in the June 15 means,” the health offi cial said. testing the virus samples in the state were refusing treatment to The chief secretary said it is also rules for inter-state returnees yet ments for Maharashtra returnees order will continue to remain in All government and private southern state. Covid patients. the statutory duty of all private again, waiving off the three-day remains. force. Delhi getting ‘tremendous’ support from Centre: Sisodia IANS Since then, testing has been in- tweeted this morning, “SIMPLE New Delhi creased by four times. The cen- QUESTION. After 14th of June An employee at Shiva’s Signature hair salon wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suit and face shield attends to a customer in Mumbai yesterday. tral government also provided us meeting in Delhi of Amit Shah, with oxygen cylinders, ITBP (In- testing increased four-fold, test n a departure from the usual do-Tibetan Border Police) doc- prices reduced, bed prices re- politics between the Aam tors and nurses for Radha Swami duced, started mapping at home, IAadmi Party and the Bharati- Covid centre and guidance from made a 10,000-bed centre. If ya Janata Party, Delhi’s Deputy domain experts”. ‘you’ did it all, then why not be- Chief Minister Manish Siso- Striking a note of co-opera- fore 14 June?” India’s Covid tally crosses Gupta said, “After the interven- dia hailed the role played by the tive administration, Sisodia said central government in the battle that Kejriwal believes that battle tion of Modi government, the situ- against the coronavirus pan- against the pandemic is very big ation in Delhi has improved other- demic in the national capital. and no individual or agency can wise the Kejriwal government had He called the Centre’s support deal with it alone. turned its back on the public.” 528,000; death toll 16,095 Meanwhile, even as Prime as “tremendous”. He added that the recovery “Our Chief Minister Arvind rate has increased to 62%. Minister Narendra Modi remind- Agencies eray announced yesterday that a 44,094 have recovered and number of hotspots in the state Kejriwal sought help and sup- “Today more patients are re- ed in his latest ‘Mann ki Baat’ ra- New Delhi partial lockdown would continue 33,216 are active cases. touched 124. port of every agency to battle co- covering in Delhi than those dio address yesterday that there but be gradually eased to enable States with more than 10,000 Andhra Pradesh’s tally also rona in Delhi. We got tremendous who are falling ill, the number of is no room for complacency, the more economic activity. cases include Gujarat with witnessed a massive jump yes- support from the central govern- deaths is coming down, and pos- national capital region seems to ndia reported its largest jump Barber shops and salons in the 30,709 cases and 1,789 deaths, terday, with 813 new cases re- ment, religious organisations like itivity rate is decreasing rapidly.” be not paying enough attention. of 19,906 Covid-19 infec- state started opening yesterday Uttar Pradesh (21,549), Rajas- ported from various parts of the Radha Swami Satsang, Akshard- Sisodia said the coming weeks As Unlock-1 is about to come Itions yesterday as several with various safety measures in than (16,944), Madhya Pradesh state. ham Temple trust, Terapanthi, won’t be “as bleak as it looked as to an end, Delhi-NCR (national states upped testing in eff orts to place. (12,965), West Bengal (16,711), Yesterday’s tally is the highest various hotels, banquets halls, fi rst week of June” when the Del- capital region) seems to be gath- contain the virus. Residents have been requested Haryana (13,427), Karnataka, single-day count of corona cases private hospitals and NGOs like hi government had announced ering on its e-rickshaws, jostling The number of infections to keep within a 2km radius of (11,923), Andhra Pradesh (12,285) reported so far. Doctors for U,” Sisodia said. that there will be 550,000 cases at departmental stores and even countrywide is 528,859, with their homes, a Mumbai police and Telangana (13,436). The update, which includes Recounting the steps it took, in the city by July 31. refusing to wear masks while 16,095 deaths. spokesman said. Kerala recorded 118 new Cov- returnees from other states and the Delhi government said that in Meanwhile, recently, Kejriwal outside. India is now the fourth worst- Movement outside this radius id-19 positive cases and it was the overseas, takes the overall tally to the fi rst week of June, there was claimed his government has fi ve Kanhaiya, who runs a furni- hit nation after the United States, is allowed only for commuters 10th successive day when over 100 13,098 in Andhra Pradesh. a sudden spike in coronavirus tools to win the virus battle in ture shop in Delhi’s Budh Vihar Brazil and Russia. and in the case of medical emer- positive cases were recorded in the The previous single-day high cases. Delhi - beds, testing, oximeter, area, says, “There are times when A total of 231,095 people were gencies. state, the state health department of 796 was reported on Saturday. There was a shortage of beds plasma therapy and survey. four-fi ve people come together. tested for Covid-19 on Saturday, Cases have also spiked in Ben- said yesterday. Odisha meanwhile has report- and testing. However, the BJP is unwilling We have to ask them to enter in the Indian Council of Medical galuru over the past few days. Health Minister K K Shailaja ed three more deaths due to Cov- Kejriwal had then reserved to buy Kejriwal’s logic, with Delhi turns. While some are still ob- Research said - more than dou- No activities except essential said there are 2,015 positive cas- id-19, taking the toll in the state 40% beds in all big private hos- unit chief Adesh Gupta credit- serving the social distancing ble the tests carried out daily a services and supplies would be es, while 2,150 people have been to 21, the health department said. pitals for Covid-19 patients in ing federal Home Minister Amit measures, there are those who month ago. allowed on Sundays from July 5, cured. The deaths were reported from addition to declaring some big Shah for the better infrastructure refuse to pay any heed to it”. Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar the government announced in “Of the new cases, 68 were Ganjam, Cuttack and Khurdha hospitals like GTB hospital as in the national capital. Ajay Kumar, who also runs a Pradesh governments announced new directives. those who came from abroad, 36 districts. Covid dedicated. Many within the BJP and even furniture shop in Budh Vihar, they would further scale up test- Maharashtra has a total of came from within the state and Gujarat reported its highest- Hotels were converted into outside say Kejriwal’s tall claims not far from Kanhaiya’s, is more ing over the coming weeks. 1,59,133 cases, including 7,273 there were 14 local infections,” ever number of coronavirus cas- hospitals and 3,500 beds were set are detached from reality and upfront in accepting the reality, Indian cities have emerged deaths. Shailaja said. es - 615, as a rising number of in- up in hotels which addressed the the ramping up of a deteriorating “Take it from me, there’s abso- as major coronavirus hotspots, The national capital is the sec- She said that at present there fections was reported from Surat shortage of beds. health infrastructure only start- lutely no following of rules on with Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai ond worst hit state with a total are 175,734 people under obser- and other cities across the state. “Today, there is no shortage of ed after Shah took charge of the the streets and markets. People topping the list. of 80,188 cases, including 2,558 vation at home and corona care Gujarat has been witnessing beds in Delhi,” Sisodia said. battle against coronavirus, after can be seen roaming about with- Maharashtra state and its deaths and 49,301 recoveries. centres including 2,611 people around 570-580 new cases of vi- “For increasing testing, we the Delhi government faced se- out a mask.” capital Mumbai are among the Delhi is followed by Tamil who are in hospitals. rus infection everyday. sought the central government’s vere criticism from the Supreme He adds that he doesn’t allow worst-hit. Nadu with 78,335 confi rmed With 13 more hotspots be- Of the new cases, Ahmedabad help and they helped us with Court. more than two customers in is Chief Minister Uddhav Thack- cases, of which, 1,025 have died, ing added yesterday, the total accounted for over a third, at 211. procuring rapid testing kits. BJP MP Gautam Gambhir shop at a time. Need to be careful during W Bengal govt slammed ‘unlock’ period, says Modi over migrant job scheme IANS ernment did not bother to share New Delhi the requisite data with us.” IANS “Some people are saying enable easy access to detect the She alleged that the state gov- New Delhi that 2020 is not auspicious. aff ected people on a larger scale ernment did not want the Centre’s People just want the year to be within a short span of time. inance Minister Nirmala welfare policies to be implemented over, one way or the other. But The ICMR has identifi ed seven Sitharaman has lashed out in West Bengal. rime Minister Narendra historically, India has always tertiary-care hospitals across Fat West Bengal Chief Min- Sitharaman was addressing a Modi yesterday urged peo- emerged brighter and stronger, the country to initiate trials and ister Mamata Banerjee and put the virtual rally of the Bharatiya Janata Pple to to take care to curb ensuring victory over all kinds the PGIMER has been selected blame for the stat’s exclusion from Party. the spread of the coronavirus of disasters and challenges,” as one of the sites to be part of the central government packages The rural scheme was launched pandemic and asked them to be Modi said. this programme for critically-ill to boost employment and liveli- on June 20 by Modi for 116 districts more vigilant during the ‘unlock’ While the number of Covid-19 Covid-19 patients. hood opportunities for migrant in six states including Madhya period. cases in the world are close to Responding to the develop- workers returning to villages on Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh “During this unlock period, crossing the 10mn mark, India ment, PGIMER director Jagat her government. and West Bengal’s neighbours one will have to focus deeply on yesterday witnessed a spike of Ram said, “The availability of This comes after Banerjee’s Jharkhand and Odisha, with an two points - defeating corona more than 19,000 case, bringing antigen-based detection tests is nephew and Trainammol Con- initial funding of Rs50,000 crore. and strengthening the economy the tally to 528,859. very limited all across the world.” gress MP Abhishek Banerjee hit Following West Bengal’s ex- and bolstering it,” Modi in his Meanwhile, the Indian Council “Most of such tests have rela- out at Prime Minister Narendra clusion, Abhishek Banerjee had monthly ‘Mann ki baat’ radio of Medical Research (ICMR) has tively moderate sensitivity but Modi over the exclusion of West tweeted targeting Modi, “Shri @ programme. launched a programme of clinical high specifi city. The test is a Bengal from the Garib Kalyan Ro- narendramodi Ji, why have you “During the unlock period, we trials for rapid antigen detection promising tool to keep a track zgar Abhiyan. blatantly ignored the concerns have to stay more vigilant com- for covid-19 patients. of Covid patients by rapid test- “Six states have shared data on of 11 lakh migrant workers from pared to the lockdown period and The Postgraduate Institute of ing. We are thankful to ICMR for migrant workers, following their #Bengal who’ve recently returned only alertness can save you from Medical Education and Research having entrusted us with the re- return. West Bengal, however, did to their homes. corona,” he said. (PGIMER) hospital is one among sponsibility,” he added. not,” Sitharaman alleged yester- Why has WB been left out of “If you do not wear a mask, them, offi cials said yesterday. On the execution plan, the di- day. the Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan? do not observe the two-yard so- The decision has been made rector said, “A committee will be Pinning the blame squarely Why this apathy towards the peo- cial distancing norm or do not considering the high surge in the constituted to work out the mo- on the state administration, she ple of Bengal?” take other precautions, you are number of Covid patients in the dalities and comprehensive plan claimed, “Our prime minister But now, with the fi nance min- putting others at risk besides last few days. along with timelines to meet launched a scheme that covers ister blaming the West Bengal yourselves, especially the elderly The procedure will not only the desired expectations of the A policeman checks the travel pass from a man after strict lockdown 116 districts across the country. government for its exclusion in the and children at home,” the prime help keep a track on the increas- ICMR and contribute towards norms for weekends and public holidays were imposed in Amritsar However, none from Bengal could fi rst place, it remains to be seen minister cautioned. ing number of patients but also containing the pandemic.” yesterday. be included because the TMC gov- how the TMC responds. Gulf Times 14 Monday, June 29, 2020 INDIA INVESTIGATION TRAGEDY CRIME CONTROVERSY EDUCATION Bollywood casting director Bride dies in midst of College student held over Congress wants PwC deal Punjab postpones exams quizzed over actor’s suicide wedding rituals in UP ‘dare’ in online game inked by Kerala cancelled for university classes Mumbai Police questioned Bollywood’s popular A bride died even before the wedding A crime committed as a part of ‘dare’ on The Congress in Kerala yesterday demanded the Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh yesterday casting director Shanoo Sharma over the alleged rituals could be completed in Kannauj, Uttar an online game ended on Saturday when a immediate cancellation of a consultancy contract announced the postponement of university suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Sharma, Pradesh, police said yesterday. The groom, 20-year-old college student was arrested by given to London-based PricewaterhouseCoopers exams till July 15 due to the coronavirus who is associated with Yash Raj Films (YRF), was Sanjay, arrived with his family members and police in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. A private (PwC) as the party claims it was inked when the pandemic. The final decision will, however, be questioned at Bandra police station,” Abhishek the wedding rituals began on Friday night. school teacher, Harivansh Lal Srivastava, filed company was banned in the country. PwC was subject to the new directions or guidelines of the Trimukhe, deputy commissioner of police said. As the rituals began, 19-year-old bride Vinita a complaint that Rs1mn had been ‘stolen’ from selected by the Kerala government to prepare a University Grants Commission (UGC), he said. “Representatives of some more production suddenly complained of uneasiness and his account between April 10 and May 12. detailed project report of Rs4.5 crore for 3,000 Seeking to allay confusion and uncertainty, the houses are likely to be called by the police in collapsed. Her family members rushed her to Azamgarh Superintendent of Police Triveni e-buses. The contract was given in August 2019. chief minister said the postponement will also the next few days,” said another off icial. Sharma a medical facility that denied her admission Singh monitored the case and tasked the cyber Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the deal give all stakeholders, especially the universities, had worked with Rajput in films Shuddh Desi as she had not been tested for Covid-19. Her cell unit to work upon it. “We worked the case was directly executed by Chief Minister Pinarayi time to adapt and align to the new guidelines that Romance and Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! father rushed her to Kanpur but by then her entirely on electronic evidence and surveillance. Vijayan. “Vijayan has no right to give the contract, will come from the UGC. An off icial spokesperson backed by Aditya Chopra production banner. condition had deteriorated and Vinita passed We traced the mobile phone used to hack when the state cabinet had no clue. We want to said the chief minister felt there was need to Several reports also indicate that the police away. The body was sent for postmortem. Srivastava’s account. The handset was traced to know if the state transport minister ever knew of this. remove confusion from the minds of students, also questioned two former senior off icials of “We will take action, if needed, after the one Sagar Singh,” the police off icer said. During Moreover, this was given after questions were raised teachers and parents about the safe conduct of YRF - Ashish Singh and Ashish Patil. The two postmortem report comes,” said a Kannauj interrogation, Sagar revealed it was actually a by former Law Commission chairman A P Shah, on examinations. Earlier, universities in the state were signatories on the contract that Rajput had police spokesman. She was cremated on part of a ‘dare’ he had completed in order to win why Vijayan was handing over fresh contracts to had taken a decision to conduct exams in July, in signed with YRF in 2012. Saturday evening. a stage in an online game called ‘Fire power’. PwC. Vijayan has to answer these,” said Chennithala. accordance with the guidelines of the UGC. Those who eyed Indian territory given fi tting response: PM DPA, AFP its troops near the Indian bor- New Delhi der with mountain climbers and martial arts fi ghters shortly be- fore the deadly clash. ndia would not shy away Tensions are common be- from giving an appropriate tween the two nuclear-armed Iresponse to any adversary neighbours in the mountainous that eyed its territory, Prime border terrain, but this month’s Minister Narendra Modi said fi ghting was their deadliest en- yesterday, without explicitly counter in over 50 years. naming any country. Five new militia divisions in- India and China are engaged cluding former members of a in a face-off along their disput- Mount Everest Olympic torch ed Himalayan border that saw relay team and fi ghters from a hand-to-hand combat between mixed martial arts club present- soldiers in the eastern Ladakh ed themselves for inspection at A priest consoles family members of Jayaraj and son Bennicks Immanuel, allegedly tortured at the hands of police in Sathankulam, Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, yesterday. region this month that left 20 Lhasa on June 15, offi cial military Indian soldiers dead. newspaper China National De- Citing army sources, Indian fence News reported. media claimed that several Chi- State broadcaster CCTV nese soldiers also died in the showed footage of hundreds of clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, new troops lining up in the Ti- but Beijing has not said anything betan capital. so far. Tibet commander Wang Hai- The two sides, which blame jiang said the Enbo Fight Club CBI to investigate custody each other for the incident, have recruits would “greatly raise the agreed to de-escalate the situa- organisation and mobilisation tion, and the process is under way. strength” of troops and their Both sides remain deployed “rapid response and support in large numbers in the region, ability,” China National Defence while military and diplomatic News reported, although he did contacts are continuing, In- not explicitly confi rm their de- deaths: Tamil Nadu CM dian External Aff airs Ministry ployment was linked to ongoing spokesman Anurag Srivastava border tensions. Agencies up for hearing, the government and angry... the guilty must not Sharing the video, Advani America?” he tweeted. said at a briefi ng. Chinese state media have in Chennai will inform the court about its be allowed to go unpunished,” posted: “Absolutely horrifi c.#J Congress leader Rahul Gan- “Those who cast an evil eye on recent weeks highlighted mili- decision to transfer the probe to tweeted Bollywood star Priya- usticeForJayarajAndFenix.” dhi described it as a “tragedy Indian soil in Ladakh have got a tary activity including high-al- the CBI. nka Chopra Jonas on Saturday. “The cops need to be arrested when our protectors turn into befi tting response. India hon- titude anti-aircraft drills in the amil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayaraj, 58, and Bennicks Im- “Let’s demand for the same for murder charges. This isn’t oppressors”. ours the spirit of friendship...she Tibet region bordering India. Edappadi Palaniswami manuel, 31, were arrested on June justice we did for George Floyd,” torture by cops, this is what Several reports by human is also capable of giving an ap- The new troops were recruited Tsaid yesterday that the 19 and accused of keeping their said actress Krystle D’Souza. rapists do. #JusticeforJayara- rights groups in India have de- propriate response to any adver- with the aim of “strengthening Central Bureau of Investigation store open past permitted hours “Details are scary and gut jAndFenix,” expressed Esha tailed cases of alleged torture sary, without shying away,” Modi the border and stabilising Tibet,” would probe the deaths of a fa- in Sathankulam, in Thoothukudi wrenching,” tweeted Taapsee Gupta. of suspects in custody, with said in his Sunday radio address. China National Defence News said. ther and son from alleged tor- district of Tamil Nadu, which has Pannu. Actor and standup comedian deaths often blamed by police Without naming China or India claims Chinese troops ture at the hands of police. reimposed a lockdown to curb the “Hope this is investigated Vir Das tweeted: “What hap- on suicide or natural causes. various calls for a boycott on ambushed Indian soldiers and The case has sparked outrage spread of coronavirus. thoroughly and justice pre- pened to a father and son at the According to the National Chinese goods, Modi added: forced them down a ridge where across India, with many draw- They died in hospital a few vails,” said Anushka Sharma in hands of those policemen is Human Rights Commission, “A self-reliant India would be a they had gone to remove a Chi- ing parallels with the killing days later, offi cials said, with her Instagram story. wrong at every human level and 3,146 people died in police and tribute to our martyrs in the tru- nese “encroachment”. of George Floyd in the United their family alleging in written “Every single cop involved every single person irrespective judicial custody in 2017-18. est, deepest sense.” A bilateral accord prevents the States. complaints that they were se- in their death needs to pay for of place of origin or political be- “Custodial violence and tor- He referred to a woman who use of guns, but the fi ghting was It has thrown a new spotlight verely abused by police and had this. I cannot imagine the pain lief needs to stand up for them. ture is so rampant in India that had written to him from Assam still fi erce, with rudimentary on police brutality just weeks suff ered rectal bleeding. the father and son went throug It is plain horrifi c and wrong. it has become almost routine,” it state, saying that after what hap- weapons. after the killing of Floyd, an Two policemen involved in the h.#JusticeForJeyarajAndFenix,” DEMAND action.#JusticeforJa said in a report. pened in eastern Ladakh, she had China has in turn accused In- African-American man, by a alleged torture were suspended. Parineeti Chopra said. yarajAndFenix” “It represents the worst form taken a vow to buy only local. dian soldiers of twice crossing white police offi cer in the US led The deaths triggered a pro- Actors Rajkummar Rao, Kriti State politician, social activ- of excesses by public servants Modi said he was receiving the Line of Actual Control, the to worldwide protests. test last week and shopkeep- Kharbanda, Gauhar Khan and ist and lawyer Jignesh Mevani entrusted with the duty of law similar messages from all cor- unoffi cial boundary, provoking Palaniswami said the Ma- ers across Tamil Nadu staged a several others shared a video wrote that the “George Floyds enforcement.” ners of the country. its troops. durai Bench of the Madras High strike on Wednesday. of a radio jockey from Chennai of India are far too many”. Convictions in such cases are Meanwhile, Chinese state me- The two countries fought a Court has taken up the case. “Reeling from what I’m hear- who describes how the father- “Will Indians march on extremely rare, according to ac- dia reported China reinforced war over the border in 1962. He said when the case comes ing. Absolutely stunned, sad son were killed. streets in thousands like in tivists. Wildlife sanctuary fl ooded UP to use drones to help Modi pays tributes to control locust swarms ex-PM Narasimha Rao IANS of an outdated mindset and New Delhi put the country fi rmly on the IANS case scenario,” Jayaprakash said. tracts for anti-coronavirus sani- path of becoming a prosper- Lucknow According to him, there are two tation orders have been complet- ous and self-reliant nation,” he methods of spraying the pesticide ed, the corporate sector has also rime Minister Naren- tweeted. - one by fl ying above the swarm of started using our services. And dra Modi remembered “He had his friends, adver- ttar Pradesh will soon locusts and spraying on them and now the orders are for locust con- Pformer premier Nar- saries and critics, but no one start deploying drones to the other is to spray the pesticide trol operations,” Jayaprakash said. asimha Rao on his 100th birth can doubt his historic contri- Uspray anti-locust pesti- beforehand in areas where the lo- According to him, the Cov- anniversary, calling him a great bution to INDIA.” cide in several parts of the state, custs are expected to land. id-19 pandemic and locust at- scholar. The governments of India, including Noida near Delhi, an Jayaprakash said the Uttar tack have increased the focus on “Shri Narasimha Rao Ji Telengana and Andhra Pradesh offi cial said yesterday. Pradesh government agencies drones and their use. belonged to a humble back- should celebrate his centenary “We have got the order to de- “predict the fl ight path of the lo- Apart from spraying anti-coro- ground. He fought injustice year in a befi tting manner, he ploy fi ve drones for anti-locust custs and give us one to two days navirus disinfectants, drones were from a very young age,” the added. operations from Banda Univer- notices on the location where used by police in Tamil Nadu to prime minister tweeted. “If it were in my power, I sity of Agriculture & Technol- the drones are to be used. Some- monitor lockdown violators. Modi said that Rao de- would name a university (exist- ogy, Uttar Pradesh,” Agnishwar times the notice is very short.” Jayaprakash said Garuda Aer- fi ed Nizam’s order not to sing ing or new) after P V Narasimha Jayaprakash, managing director “Unlike bees that attack an ospace has manufactured and Vande Matram at the age of Rao to focus on the study of of Chennai-based Garuda Aero- adversary, locusts swarm does serviced drones for several gov- 17. “I hope many more Indi- the old PPE, “Politics, Philoso- space, told IANS. not attack drones. Perhaps they ernment departments in Tamil ans will read more about our phy and Economics”, subjects “We will be sending 10 pilots see it as a big bird, their enemy Nadu like forests, electricity, po- former prime minister.” in which the former PM was a for operating the drones. The and avoid. Their main purpose lice, mining, agriculture, Indian Rao was prime minister from scholar and practitioner.” mandate is to deploy the drones is to eat, procreate and fl y,” Jay- Coast Guard and others. 1991-1996 and has been cred- In Hyderabad, Telanga- for a total of 50 hours at the loca- aprakash said. “Already drones are being ited with bringing reform in the na Chief Minister K Chan- tions specifi ed by the university,” Garuda Aerospace has been used for spraying pesticides, country during his leadership. drashekhar Rao inaugurated Jayaprakash said. He said the carrying out drone-based anti- weedicides and liquid ferti- Congress leader and former the centenary celebrations company has already deployed coronavirus sanitation orders liser on farms and is also used Indian one-horned rhinoceroses graze in Pobitora Wildlife fi nance Minister P Chidambar- being organised by his gov- its drones in Rajasthan in locust from several municipal corpora- for monitoring of pipelines and Sanctuary in the flood-affected Morigaon district in the am also remembered Rao. ernment by paying tributes to control operations. tions and smart cities like Vara- surveillance and now for locust northeastern state of Assam yesterday. Pobitora Wildlife “Today is the 99th birthday the late Congress leader at P “This is the fi rst time drones nasi, Rourkela, Raipur, Chennai control operations,” Leo Peter Sanctuary has the highest concentration of Indian rhinos of former PM Shri P V Nar- V Gnana Bhoomi at Necklace are being used in locust control and Hyderabad. Charles, managing director, Jane in the world. asimha Rao. He was the person Road on the banks of Hussain measures in India. It is a new “While the government con- Aerospace Private Ltd told IANS. who boldly pulled INDIA out Sagar lake. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 15 LATIN AMERICA Colombian woman with Covid-19 gives birth in coma AFP The case generated “a lot of Because of her pregnancy, she But, he added, though the helped us survive,” she said, her for several weeks. who go to parties, because they Cali, Colombia shock,” Paula Velasquez, a doc- was kept sitting up at a 45 degree baby remains in an incubator he voice faint. Angela remembers her sis- don’t know anyone (with the vi- tor specialising in internal medi- angle, when those suff ering from quickly started putting on weight She says she doesn’t know how ter screaming: “Don’t let them rus) they don’t realise” how dan- cine at the Versalles clinic in the pneumonia are normally laid and breathing more easily. she contracted the virus and her put me on artificial ventila- gerous it is. iana Angola was fi ghting southeastern city of Cali, said. down fl at to help their breathing. “A human being can sur- family insists she complied rig- tion, get me out of here, I don’t With more than 2,600 deaths for her own life when she “We knew that there were few Jeff erson, though premature, vive from 24 weeks with a good idly with the lockdown, fi rst im- want to die,” after doctors told and 80,000 cases, Colombia is Dgave birth to son Jeff erson. reported cases of survival in a was born without the coronavi- weight, but with a lot of technol- posed on March 25 but which has her what treatment they were the sixth most aff ected country The 36-year-old had been put context as severe as our patient,” rus — but doctors said he strug- ogy and an eff ect on neurological been easing recently. proposing. in Latin America in terms of fa- into a coma having contracted said Velasquez. gled to breathe, and that they had development and the lungs,” said In the hospital corridors, her With Latin America now the talities and fi fth worst for infec- the novel coronavirus, which left Angola, who also has a daugh- to revive him. Velasquez. sister Angela breathes a sigh of epicentre of the coronavirus tions. her lungs barely able cope. ter, was taken to hospital on May “We had to go through the Now recovered from the virus, relief. pandemic, Angela wants her sis- However, the virus is spread- Doctors performed a caesar- 15 with a terrible fever. whole procedure of a critical pa- Angola is desperate to be dis- Hospitals bring back pain- ter and nephew’s case to act as a ing quickly in the country of ian section due to the state of her Three days later she was put tient,” paediatrician Edwin Olivo, charged with her son. ful memories: two years ago her lesson for others. 50mn, with a quarter of those lungs and Jeff erson was born at into an induced coma and kept who was one of the specialists in- “It’s really emotional knowing mother and another sister died in “There are many people who deaths and cases reported just least 14 weeks prematurely. that way until surgery. volved in the birth, said. that we fought, that the doctors intensive care, where Diana was go around without face masks, last week. 3.5% drop in Chile Experts warn of copper output second wave as forecast Reuters Santiago virus spreads to hile’s Mines Minister Baldo Prokurica cited fi g- Cures projecting a decline in the country’s copper output of Brazil’s interior 200,000 tonnes as a result of the growing impact of the new coro- Reuters Bolsonaro has played down the muting patterns. navirus on the industry. Rio de Janeiro severity of the disease, shown in- “The disease is now feeding off Prokurica said the Cochilco diff erence to its rising death toll people’s movement,” said Gonza- copper commission’s projec- and aggressively promoted the lo Vecina Neto, a public health tion, representing around 3.5% of he novel coronavirus, now unproven remedy hydroxychlo- professor at the University of Sao Chile’s total 2019 production, was spreading through the roquine. Paulo. “It goes to the interior with a best guess since the combined Tsmaller towns of Brazil’s As the virus spreads outside of truck drivers, it goes to the inte- impact of the virus and economic interior, risks returning to major Brazil’s cities, doctors are facing rior with people who come to the fallout made it “very diffi cult” to cities in a so-called “boomerang constraints. large cities to buy things to resell predict with certainty. eff ect,” as a lack of specialised Only about 10% of Brazil’s mu- in the interior. He applauded the Thursday medical treatment forces patients nicipalities have intensive care That’s the path.” announcement to suspend work into larger urban centres. units, according to public health The patterns are causing con- at the foundry and refi nery at The impact of a potential sec- institute Fundação Oswaldo Cruz cern about overlapping curves, state-run copper miner Codel- ond wave of new cases in urban (Fiocruz). That means seriously ill as cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de co’s second-largest Chuquica- centres could complicate at- patients need to be transported to Janeiro pass their peaks and fall, mata division to protect workers. tempts to reopen businesses and cities. while smaller cities are still on the “Mining has taken and is will- get the economy going again, ex- “The virus moves into the inte- rise. ing to take all necessary meas- perts said. rior, along the highways, you start Some experts say the spread of ures to protect the life and health “The boomerang of cases that having community transmission, the virus should have been better of the workers who are our main will return to the (state) capitals people fall ill, get worse and return contained at fi rst. capital, and that is what we have will be a tsunami,” said Miguel to the (state) capital to be treated,” Now, one possible mitiga- asked companies to do,” the min- Nicolelis, a leading medical neu- said Nicolelis, describing the “the tion option is to create testing ister said in a statement. roscientist at Duke University boomerang eff ect.” checkpoints along highways, said Prokurica said he was to meet who is co-ordinating a coronavi- At the same time, Brazil’s larg- Christovam Barcellos of the In- the interior ministry’s crime pre- rus task force advising the state est cities are reopening. stitute for Communications, Sci- vention undersecretary to outline governments of Brazil’s north- Sao Paulo’s mayor said it could entifi c Information and Health an audit of the mining industry’s east. reopen restaurants, bars and hair Technology at Fiocruz. anti-coronavirus measures being Brazil, home to the world’s sec- salons as early as July 6. “Identifying the person who is carried out by Chile´s Geology and ond worst coronavirus outbreak Thousands of shops have al- going to take the virus to a place is Mining Service (Sernageomin). behind the US, has over 1.2mn ready reopened, sending work- a positive thing, it’s the least that His statement came as the cases of the virus, which has killed ers back to their regular com- we can do,” Barcellos said. company in an internal memo, nearly 55,000 people. seen by Reuters, confi rmed the On most days, it is spreading death of a fourth Codelco worker. faster in Brazil than in the US, the Govt strikes deal to produce Oxford test vaccine The man, named as Jimmy Ro- top country by cases. jas Mondaca, was the third work- The virus initially came to Bra- Brazil said it had reached a deal produce the vaccine, which is er at Chuquicamata to die, and zil through airports and spread to produce up to 100mn doses being tested in Britain and South one of four staff ers to have died mostly in its largest cities, but of the coronavirus vaccine being Africa, as well as Brazil. Health from Covid-19 so far. since late May it has been spread- developed by Oxford University, ministry executive secretary Elcio The death of a fi fth man, Omar ing faster in the interior of the which the country is helping to Franco said the deal would give test. The vaccine, which Oxford is Brazil a head-start if the vaccine Manosalva, a contractor working country. working on with pharmaceuticals proves eff ective and safe. “The at the Ministro Hales division, Last week, 60% of new cases group AstraZeneca, is one of the transfer of this technology will was also later reported. were registered in smaller cities, most promising of the dozens give us production autonomy,” Chile on Friday confi rmed according to health ministry data. that researchers worldwide are he told a news conference. “Brazil 4,296 new confi rmed virus cases, Deaths are also rising outside of racing to test and bring to market. is trying to avoid situations like taking the total to 263,360, and the major cities, and now account Under the $127mn deal, the the ones that occurred at the 5,068 deaths. for about half of all daily deaths in Brazilian government’s public- start of the pandemic, when Mining, primarily of copper, Brazil. health institute, the Oswaldo Cruz high demand prevented us represents around 10% of Chile’s Brazil’s response to the corona- Foundation (Fiocruz), will acquire from accessing supplies and GDP and 50% of its exports, ac- virus has been criticised by many the technology and supplies to medicine.” cording to government fi gures. People walk at a popular shopping street amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Manaus, Brazil. health experts, as President Jair Bolsonaro govt revives Protest rally Bolivia approves communications ministry schedule for polls AFP take place, albeit “with the ap- La Paz propriate public health protection AFP licose and uncompromising, — 44%, in one recent poll — may measures” given the coronavirus Rio de Janeiro Faria took office last week call- also be linked to his bitter rela- pandemic. ing to “pacify” the country and tionship with much of what he olivia’s Supreme Court has Anez had wanted to delay the proposing a “patriotic armi- calls the “fake news” media. issued a schedule for the election, claiming Bolivia will be s even Brazilian President stice” to get Brazil through the But Bolsonaro appears to have Bcountry’s delayed general in the middle of its health crisis in Jair Bolsonaro himself coronavirus pandemic, which decided it is time to make nice election, including a date for an September. Aadmits, communications has infected and killed more with the other branches of gov- eventual second-round presiden- But after coming under fi re with has not exactly been his admin- people here than any other na- ernment and the press. tial run-off . accusations she was trying to un- istration’s strong suit lately. tion except the US. Communications “is an area Bolivians had been due to head lawfully hold on to power, the con- From downplaying the new The “new” ministry in fact that left a lot to be desired,” he to the polls in May to elect a suc- servative politician relented and coronavirus as a “little fl u” recreates a portfolio that had said in announcing the new min- cessor to Evo Morales, the former signed the bill into law. to fl inging insults in a cabinet been absorbed into the science istry two weeks ago. president who resigned in Novem- With 16.9%, Anez was trail- meeting that was later made and technology ministry in 2016. “The information war is very ber and fl ed the country into exile. ing in third place in the most re- public, the far-right leader has Its revival comes as Bolsonaro important.” Last week, interim President cent election opinion poll, behind generated a long list of awkward is battling on multiple fronts. Bolsonaro has since toned Jeanine Anez signed into law a bill centrist former president Carlos sound bites. A year-and-a-half into his down his rhetoric. But Faria will confi rming September 6 as the Mesa (18.3%) and runaway leader That has exacerbated the trio presidency, there is growing not have an easy job giving the election date. Luis Arce (33.3%), from Morales’s of crises he is facing: public- speculation about whether he administration’s image a make- And the country’s top court has Movement for Socialism party. health, economic and political. will survive to the end of his over. now said any second round run- Morales fl ed the country after Enter his newly created com- four-year term. For one thing, he enters a gov- off would be staged on October 18 three weeks of protests over his munications ministry and the Besides the political cost of ernment that has so far been with the transfer of power to a per- controversial re-election in Octo- charismatic, handsome young the pandemic and the record- known more for polemics than manent president in November. ber in a poll he was constitution- lawmaker tapped to lead it, Fabio shattering 9.1% annual recession public relations. To win outright in September’s ally barred from standing in. Faria. the IMF predicts it will bring, the Exhibit A is the so-called “hate vote, presidential candidates need He had tried to hold on to power Faria, a 42-year-old lawmaker president is also locked in esca- cabinet,” a group of top offi cials at least 40% of the vote plus a 10 but lost the backing of the coun- and son-in-law of a TV mogul, lating struggles with Congress accused of spreading incendi- point lead over the nearest chal- try’s military after an Organisation is about as diff erent as possible and the Supreme Court. ary messages against Bolsonaro’s lenger, otherwise the top two of American States audit found from Bolsonaro when it comes to He faces a series of investiga- opponents on social media. Demonstrators take part in a caravan to protest against the candidates will head to a second clear evidence of election fraud. communication style. tions targeting him and his inner Reportedly led by Bolsonaro’s government of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez round. Morales is currently living in ex- While the far-right presi- circle, and some 30 impeach- son Carlos, the group is under in- Obrador and his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, in The court said that by publish- ile in Argentina and is barred from dent, sometimes called a ment petitions in Congress. vestigation for allegedly running Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico. ing the programme it aimed to standing in the general election, “Tropical Trump,” is blunt, bel- His rising disapproval rating fake-news campaigns. “guarantee” the elections would even as a legislator. Gulf Times 16 Monday, June 29, 2020 PAKISTAN Decision on schools Number of coronavirus reopening to be taken cases passes 200,000 on July 2: DPA/Internews jections suggest the number may They discussed diff erent fac- son would be increased in next and fi eld staff , due to which the The ministry’s spokesperson minister Islamabad go up to 225,000 by June 30. tors such as testing, smart lock- two to three days. number of cases decreased across said that healthcare workers from Offi cials say the country is still down and awareness campaigns The health secretaries of oth- the country. all over the country could regis- at least a month away from the regarding precautionary meas- er provinces also informed the “We need to ensure use of ter themselves for the training Internews he number of coronavirus projected peak of the pandemic. ures that could have contributed meeting that the demand for face masks and social distancing programme through the offi cial Islamabad infections in Pakistan sur- Violations of lockdown guide- to drop in the number of new Covid-19 test had reduced, as so that the deadly virus would website wecare.nhsrc.gov.pk. Tpassed the 200,000 mark lines prompted authorities to seal cases. fewer patients were visiting hos- be controlled. We are ready to “Thousands of healthcare yesterday as authorities imposed markets, shopping malls, and It was observed that the pitals. provide more polymerase chain workers from across the country ducation Minister Shafqat restrictions in major cities across residential areas in several parts number of tests declined by 64% Some experts expressed con- reaction (PCR) machines and have already registered to partic- Mahmood has informed the country in a struggle to con- of the country. in Sindh. cern over the emerging trend that testing kits as per their require- ipate in the training programme, Ethe National Assembly trol the spread of the virus. Virus hotspots in 20 major On June 21, it was observed, people were preferring to isolate ments,” he said. which is being conducted for that private schools have been The number of confi rmed cities have been under a “smart 30,520 tests for the coronavirus themselves at homes rather than Meanwhile, around 30,000 one hour online as per the given pressuring the government to Covid-19 cases rose to 202,944 lockdown” since June 14. were conducted across the coun- go get tested. doctors, nurses and paramed- schedule,” he said. “In the train- reopen schools across the coun- and related deaths reached 4,118. The Pakistan Medical Asso- try. The participants at the meet- ics completed training under ing programme, specialist doc- try. The Covid-19 respiratory dis- ciation (PMA) has advised the Of these, 13,890 tests were ing noted that the number of “WeCare” programme, while tors are providing guidance to The minister, while respond- ease is caused by the coronavirus. government to reimpose a strict conducted in Sindh, 9,598 in patients having Covid-19 symp- 100,000 more healthcare work- healthcare workers on the proper ing to speeches on a cut motion At least 4,072 new cases and 83 lockdown to stem the spread of Punjab, 3,416 in Khyber Pa- toms was on the decline, while ers will be trained to provide use of personal protective equip- relating to his ministry, said that deaths were reported in the last the virus. khtunkhwa (KP), 2,545 in Islam- people’s movement across Pa- treatment to Covid-19 patients ment and ensuring their safety.” so far the federal government 24 hours, health ministry data While Pakistan’s tally of the abad, 707 in Baluchistan, 247 in kistan had been reduced due to and ensure their own safety. The training programme was had not taken any decision to showed yesterday. coronavirus cases crossed the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the 542 lockdowns enforced in 20 According to a statement of launched last month consider- reopen government schools and More than 92,000, or 45%, of 200,000 mark, the National Co- and 117 tests were conducted in cities. the ministry of national health ing that doctors and paramedical other educational institutions, people infected have recovered ordination and Operation Centre Gilgit-Baltistan. Moreover, provincial offi cials services, the programme was staff engaged in the treatment of but is facing pressure from pri- whereas 2,805 are in critical con- (NCOC) met to discuss the rea- On June 26, they noted, also briefed the meeting about launched to protect doctors, coronavirus patients are at high vate schools in this connection. dition at hospitals. sons for a sudden decline in the the number of Covid-19 tests the implementation of precau- nurses, paramedics and support risk of contracting the disease. Mahmood informed the fl oor Pakistan reported its fi rst number of daily tests and new dropped to 21,033 in the country. tionary measures in industries, staff from infection while per- According to the offi cial state- of the House that a decision coronavirus case on February cases in the past week. Of these, 9,353 were conducted markets, transport, courts, gov- forming their duties. ment, the ministry is also ensur- to reopen schools, which were 26 and is now among the top 15 The NCOC meeting, which in Punjab, 5,103 in Sindh, 2,913 ernment offi ces, mosques, and The ministry data indicated ing delivery of safety equipment closed on March 7 as a precau- countries most aff ected. was attended by the chief secre- in KP, 2,463 in Islamabad, 881 in public places. that more than 3,500 healthcare to hospitals and intensive care tionary measure to stem the The numbers of infections taries and health secretaries of all Baluchistan, 286 in AJK, and 34 They claimed that improve- workers from AJK, GB and Islam- units. spread of the coronavirus, would swelled after the government the provinces, compared the tally in Gilgit-Baltistan. ment was observed at most of the abad, 9,700 from KP, 6,500 from In a short period of time, it be taken at the inter-provincial lifted lockdown restrictions last of tests conducted on June 21 and According to an NCOC state- places. Punjab, 8,700 from Sindh, and said, the government success- conference of education minis- month. 26, and found that the number ment, the Sindh health secretary Minister for Planning, Devel- more than 1,600 doctors, para- fully overcame the challenging ters on July 2. More than 100,000 new cases of new cases across the country informed the participants that opment and Special Initiatives medics and support staff from phase of manufacturing and sup- It may be pointed out that were reported during the last 20 dropped by around 40% from the number of tests that declined Asad Umar appreciated the per- Baluchistan have completed the plying personal protective equip- during a recent briefi ng of the days, whereas government pro- 7,000 to 4,000 a day. due to some administrative rea- formance of all the provinces training. ment as per the national demand. National Co-ordination and Operation Centre (NCOC), Prime Minister Imran Khan was informed that cases of Covid-19 – the disease caused by the coro- Karachi’s District East the most coronavirus-aff ected area navirus – would increase in the last two weeks of July. There are reports that the gov- Internews and Korangi, which have a three fi fth most-aff ected area of Ka- ernment, under pressure from Karachi times bigger population than rachi, with 93 deaths by June 26, private school managements, is that of District East.” offi cials said, adding that 5,059 contemplating reopening edu- The offi cial, who requested an- people had been found infected cational institutions from July arachi’s District East has onymity as he was not authorised there. 15. emerged as the most- to speak to the media, said that The District Malir of Karachi, “We are facing heavy pressure Kaff ected coronavirus af- according to the 2017 census, which comprises mostly rural ar- from the private schools’ man- fected area in Sindh, where the population of District East is eas and where most residents are agement to re-open schools, but around 15,669 people have tested 2,907,467, and it comprises areas considered less educated, is the the health of our children is our positive for the virus, the highest like Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan- least-aff ected district in the city, priority,” the minister told the number of cases in any district of e-Jauhar, Jamshaid Road, Meh- offi cials said, adding that only 72 House, adding that any decision Pakistan. moodabad, Bahadurabad, Hasan people had died due to the coro- would be taken after thorough The coronavirus causes the Square, Sachal and Safoora Goth, navirus, with 6,056 people in- consideration. Covid-19 respiratory disease. and Abul Hasan Isphahani Road, fected. He added that it was the inter- “Not just in terms of cases, where the residents are typically Commenting on the situation, ministerial conference which but the District East of Karachi better off fi nancially and more eminent infectious diseases ex- decided to promote students to has recorded the highest number educated. pert Dr Faisal Mehmood said that next grade, but there were also of deaths, which is 311, since “But when we see the statis- normally people of low socio- legal implications of doing so. the fi rst death occurred due to tics, District East has emerged economic status are more likely Speaking about the issue of Covid-19 on March 19, 2020, in as one of the most-aff ected ar- to contract infectious diseases online classes, Mahmood said Sindh,” said a provincial govern- eas. During 24 hours between compared to those who from the that access to the Internet is a ment offi cial. “Nobody knows June 25-26, eight people lost well-off segments of society, as problem. why the number of cases is so their lives, which is the highest they latter tend to take better care “The prime minister will soon high in District East, which is number of deaths in any district of their health due to their level of announce a plan for availability equal to the combined number of the province,” the offi cial add- awareness, education, and better of network and connectivity,” he of Covid-19 cases of the Malir, ed. opportunities and resources. said, adding that in some areas, Korangi and West districts of Ka- Karachi’s District Central is “In the low socio-economic local area networks will be es- rachi.” the second most-aff ected dis- segment of society, people are tablished to facilitate students. A city of 16,051,521 people, as trict in Sindh in terms of deaths, less educated, and their level of Earlier, while speaking on the per the 2017 census, Karachi had with 208 people having died awareness is also low. They live in cut motions, Maulana Abdul recorded 55,459 cases of Cov- due to Covid-19 since March 19, congested localities, with more Akbar Chitrali of the Jamaat-e- id-19, while around 1,000 people Sindh government offi cials said, people in small houses, which is Islami (JI) demanded that there had lost their lives by June 26, the adding that with almost the same A paramedic at a facility in Karachi takes notes of a man’s health history before taking a nose-swab the case in our katchi abadis and should be a uniform system of offi cial said. population (2,971,626) as Dis- sample to be tested for the coronavirus disease. poor areas. education in private and govern- “Twenty-fi ve per cent of the trict East, District Central had “As they can’t enjoy the luxury ment schools. recorded Covid-19 cases and 9,869 cases on the morning of pared to those in other areas of fected with the coronavirus, and “The smaller number of cases of having their separate rooms, He said that parents prefer to deaths in Pakistan have been June 26. Karachi.” 181 people had lost their lives in in the most populated district of they are more likely to get aff ect- get their children admitted to reported in Karachi. It is has “Although District Central Karachi’s District South, which various areas of the district. Sindh could be due to the fewer ed as soon as the fi rst member of private schools because of the emerged as the most-aff ect- has around 5,000 fewer cases as comprises two richest and edu- With 128 deaths, the most number of tests conducted, but their family is infected by Cov- “low standard of education” in ed city of Pakistan, where the compared to District East, it has cated as well as poor and unedu- populated district of Karachi, 128 deaths also indicate that it is id-19,” Dr Mehmood observed. government institutions. number of cases on June 26, 2020, the second-highest number of cated areas of Karachi, i.e. De- West, is the fourth most-af- not as badly-aff ected area as Dis- When asked why more cases The JI lawmaker, who was is 195,745 with 3,962 deaths. deaths in the province. This dis- fence and Clifton on one side and fected district in Sindh, offi cials trict East or District Central,” the were being reported from well- elected from Chitral, questioned “We are trying to fi nd out as trict also comprises areas where Lyari on the other, has emerged said, adding that despite having offi cial said. off areas of the city compared how students could benefi t from to why cases and deaths in this the most educated class of Ka- as the third most-aff ected area, a population of around 3.9mn, With a population of more to the poorer localities, he said online classes when there was no district are more than they are in rachi lives, while people in this offi cials said, adding that so far District West had only 5,434 cas- than 2.4mn as per the 2017 cen- that this could be due to a higher Internet availability in his con- three other districts West, Malir district are also well off as com- 13,372 people had been found in- es of Covid-19 by June 26. sus, the Korangi district is the number of tests in the former. stituency. Mandatory mask wearing ‘can prevent 25,000 deaths’ Internews population health at the IHME. Locally-made ventilators to be handed over to NDMA this week, says minister The IHME has forecast that The forecast is based on the Islamabad The IHME has a long history of the number of coronavirus-re- IHME’s latest model and includes collaboration with the Aga Khan Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad the achievement, he said that three more designs are lated deaths in Pakistan would health system data, such as hos- University (AKU) as well as the Chaudhry has said that the first consignment of the in the last phase of development. continue to rise, and would not pitalisations, intensive care unit he Institute of Health government of Pakistan. ventilators made in Pakistan would be handed over to The minister said that after the manufacture of reach the peak soon. (ICU) admissions, and ventila- Metrics and Evaluation Several Pakistani health offi - the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) these new ventilators, Pakistan will be among those According to the study, the tor needs, as well as infections, T(IHME) at the University cials, including epidemiologists this week. countries that can manufacture complex medical country is expected to record deaths, and antibody prevalence. of Washington has said that Pa- and public health experts, have Congratulating the NRTC (National Radio and Telecom- equipment. 1,430 daily deaths on October 1. Other factors included in the kistan can prevent around 25,000 been trained at the reputable in- munication Corporation, which is normally engaged in Chaudhry said that all these machines will be accord- According to the forecast, model are testing per capita, mo- deaths due to the coronavirus by stitute in Washington. the manufacture of telecommunication equipment) on ing to the European Union standards. Punjab would record 916 deaths bility per capita, social distanc- October 1, if it makes the wearing Dr Mokdad, who has also on October 1, and Sindh 254 ing mandates, mask use, social face masks mandatory in public. served in Pakistan, said over the deaths per day. contact rates and seasonality, the According to the projection phone that in its fi rst projections out of their homes, practising so- pieces of cloths, and this can help reasons, the country could not The IHME’s forecast predicts IHME expert said. made by the institute, while cas- for Pakistan, the IHME had fore- cial distancing and frequent hand prevent them from spreading and aff ord another strict lockdown deaths from the virus if countries Dr Sameen Siddiqi, professor es and deaths from Covid-19 – cast that a total of 42,188 people washing,” he added. contracting the illness. similar to which it had imple- impose social distancing meas- and the community health sci- the respiratory disease caused by would die of the contagious dis- Urging the Pakistan authori- “Otherwise, everybody should mented in the earlier days of the ures for six weeks at the point ences department chairperson the coronavirus – are constantly ease in the country until October ties to promote the use of all wear a mask in public places, outbreak. when the death rate reaches eight at the AKU, endorsed the recom- on the rise in Pakistan at the mo- 1. kinds and types of masks among especially around Eid al-Adha, “A strict lockdown would per 1mn people. mendations of the IHME to re- ment, the number of casualties “Pakistan is on a concerning the people, he said that if a per- when there would be a lot of min- have other serious implications “Pakistan is not predicted to duce deaths due to Covid-19. in the future can be signifi cantly trajectory,” the expert said. “As son could not aff ord an N-95 or gling,” he added. for Pakistan, as it would further reach that threshold before Oc- He emphasised the need for decreased if the people of Paki- per our modelling and estimates, surgical mask, he or she should Responding to a query, Dr aggravate the malnutrition and tober 1,” Dr Mokdad said. wearing masks as it would sig- stan adopt precautionary meas- there would be over 42,000 use hand-made cloth masks, Mokdad said that Pakistan had stunting issue among children. According to the study, the nifi cantly reduce deaths in the ures. deaths in Pakistan if protective adding that the objective is to implemented a strict lockdown “At this moment, the circula- number of deaths due to Cov- country. “Our modelling shows that if measures are not taken. cover the face to prevent the at the start of the outbreak which tion of virus among the popu- id-19 in diff erent regions of the He also stressed that Eid al- all Pakistanis wear a mask when “But a tight lockdown, which wearer and others from contract- prevented the spread of the novel lation is widespread. The only country till October 1 would be Adha is just a month away and going out, as many as 25,000 the country adopted at the start ing the disease, which is spread coronavirus in the general popu- viable option left for Pakistan is 861 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, learning from the experience of lives could be saved. I encourage of the outbreak, is also not the through airborne droplets and lation and slowed the death rate. promoting the mandatory use of 2,188 in Baluchistan, 54 in Gilg- Eid al-Fitr, people should take all to wear a mask to save lives solution. The only option left aerosols. He, however, added that with masks as well as other protective it-Baltistan, 262 in Islamabad, precautions and that the govern- and protect the economy,” Dr Ali for Pakistanis is a behavioural “As it is an Islamic country, the ease in restrictions, the dis- measures, including social dis- 4,894 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ment should create awareness to Mokdad, a senior faculty mem- change, which includes manda- I have observed women in Pa- ease had been spreading like tancing and frequent hand wash- 9,098 in Sindh, and 24,830 in prevent another surge in Cov- ber and chief strategy offi cer for tory use of masks while coming kistan covering their faces with wildfi re and due to economic ing,” Dr Mokdad explained. Punjab. id-19 cases. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 17 PHILIPPINES Coronavirus response gets Foreign dept says OFW repatriation boost as 1mn test kits arrive fund likely to dry By Red Mendoza testing, saying the Covid-19 Manila Times infection rate had not fl attened up by August and Filipinos were growing wea- ry of months-long lockdowns. ith the arrival of 1mn “Testing is the key. The whole By Divina NJD Cruz bring home 2,000 OFWs each more testing kits for testing in the Philippines right Manila Times day of the week. Wthe coronavirus dis- now is at 0.4% and that is very She disclosed that the DFA ease 2019 (Covid-19), the De- far from the 13% standard of the is also considering the capac- partment of Health (DoH) ex- World Health Organisation. epartment of Foreign ity of government agencies to pects to push past its testing We have not tested enough but Aff airs (DFA) Under- handle the surge in returning target. we have the capacity. We have to Dsecretary Sarah Lou OFWs in terms of transport- During a virtual press briefi ng, move our economy and so we Arriola is asking for more ing them to their hometowns National Task Force Covid-19 have to move testing,” he said. funding for the repatriation of to prevent any from being Deputy Chief Implementer Vi- Gordon issued the statement thousands of overseas Filipino stranded in Metro Manila. vencio Dizon said the kits ar- as the PRC opened its biggest workers (OFWs) stranded in Meanwhile, the Overseas rived in the country on June 21 molecular laboratory in the host countries worldwide due Workers Welfare Administra- and would help the government country at its former headquar- to the pandemic. tion (OWWA) is also asking reach the number of patients ters in Port Area, Manila. Arriola told lawmakers for a P5bn supplemental fund tested in the country to 1mn by He said the molecular labora- at the hearing of the House for the accommodation and the end of July. tory is equipped with seven ri- Committee on Public Ac- transportation of repatriated As of June 25, the country had bonucleic acids (RNAs) with 14 counts that the P1bn budget OFWs required to undergo tested 610,052 individuals, with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allocated for repatriation may mandatory quarantine. a daily average of 16,000 tests machines that can test 14,000 dry up by August. OWWA Administrator Hans per day, according to Dr Beverly samples a day. She explained that a char- Leo Cacdac projected hotel Ho, offi cer-in-charge director of “This will really help us ramp tered fl ight that carries 350 expenses to reach P7bn by the the DoH-Health Promotion and up our testing capacity so that passengers costs P13mn to end of the year, draining a sig- Communication Service. more people will get tested all P14mn. nifi cant portion of the agen- The kits will be distributed over the country. “The bigger problem also, cy’s P18.6bn funds. to provinces with the greatest With more testing capacity, your honors, is that we have a Cacdac said they are ask- number of infections, Health we can easily identify those who very high utilisation rate. ing for additional funding, as undersecretary and spokes- are positive and segregate them And if we continue repatri- they wanted to allocate the man Maria Rosario Vergeire said from those who were tested neg- ating aggressively – since we remaining funds for the live- during the Laging Handa public A Philippine Red Cross employee in a hazmat suit raises a tray of blood samples from coronavirus patients at ative,” said Gordon. already only have 30 to 31% of lihood and reintegration of briefi ng. the molecular laboratory of the humanitarian organisation’s headquarters in Manila’s Port Area. The new laboratory in Manila, the remaining P1bn funds for repatriated OFWs rather than Vergeire has made it clear that where the PRC’s Hemodialysis the assistance to our nationals for hotels. the acceleration in testing does they will be subjected to expo- al testing kits, other frontline classifi cations on or before June Centre is also located, received – by the end of August or mid- Meanwhile, the Depart- not mean that the DoH is now sure. Not unless everyone stays workers like food service and 29, Malacanang said. its accreditation from the DoH August, we will not have funds ment of Labour and Employ- embracing mass testing, since at home and exposure won’t security personnel would now be Metro Manila and several oth- as a certifi ed Covid-19 testing for repatriation anymore,” ment (DoLE) is also asking the department still bases its happen,” Vergeire said in an ear- included. er areas are under general com- center on May 15. bared Arriola. for additional funding for testing protocols on the high- lier briefi ng. Vergeire added that media munity quarantine, until June It has tested over 18,000 of the The DFA has brought home the cash assistance under its risk groups. The DoH expanded the test- practitioners would be included 30. Cebu City is under enhanced 149,116 specimen samples that over 56,000 OFWs, which in- “Abot-Kamay ang Pagtu- She said mass testing was a ing subgroups to include front- as well. The community quar- community quarantine while the Red Cross has processed. cluded 31,031 seafarers and long sa OFWs” (AKAP) pro- “one-time event” with no as- liners such as barangay health antine across the country will Talisay City is under modifi ed Other Red Cross testing cen- 25,259 land-based migrant gramme. surance that the person being response emergency teams, per- expire at the end of the month enhanced community quaran- tres are in Mandaluyong City, workers.At present, there are The programme provides tested would not get infected the sonnel manning Covid-19 fa- unless modifi ed by President tine. Pampanga and Zambales. About still 167,000 OFWs stranded in P10,000 cash assistance for next day. cilities and high-risk individuals Rodrigo Duterte. Senator Richard Gordon, 26% of the total tests in the host countries with the larg- each returning OFW. Labour “Even if we test the entire such as pregnant women. The president is expected to chairman of the Philippine Red country were done by the Red est recorded in Saudi Arabia at Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd population today, tomorrow, Dizon said with the addition- announce the new quarantine Cross (PRC), pushed for more Cross. 88,000. said they have already ap- Only 6,342 had been repat- proved 199,697 applications. riated from Saudi Arabia so far. Bello said the DoLE ini- Arriola revealed that the tially estimated only about German arrested DFA is planning to repatriate 150,000 OFWs would avail 37,660 more OFWs in the next the cash assistance, but they for allegedly three to four weeks. received 500,000 applica- killing wife Soldiers’ deployment in Cebu She calculated that this tions instead. would be possible if they were Bello said they have used A German national believed allowed by the Civil Aviation up P1.7 out of the total of to be suffering from mental Authority of the Philippines to P2.5bn allocated for AKAP. illness has been arrested in the to enforce virus protocols’ Philippines for allegedly killing ‘ his Filipino wife, police said yesterday. By Darwin Pesco posed of 150 personnel were The 75-year-old suspect was Manila Times deployed in the city. arrested on Friday while trying Together with other offi - Zamboanga town to flee from their house on a cials, Eleazar visited the city small island off Pagbilao town t Gen. Guillermo Elea- and inspected the security and in Quezon province, 103 kilome- zar assured residents of quarantine measures being police chief arrested tres south-east of Manila, said LCebu City that the de- implemented. Audie Madrideo, the provincial ployment of Special Action Eleazar said that the deploy- police director. Force (SAF) commandos and ment was necessary in ensur- By Al Jacinto fi ce after receiving an initial The decomposing body of his soldiers in Cebu City was not a ing that people would stay at Manila Times P5,000 in marked money he wife, 75, was found covered in form of “militarisation.” home and avoid “unnecessary demanded from Abarca. a blanket outside their house Eleazar, the commander of travels.” by her sister, who went to the the Joint Task Force (JTF) Cov- Moreover, the police offi cial ndercover police ar- Haran Ulah allegedly couple’s house after failing to id, said the deployment was a urged the people to follow the rested the municipal demanded P10,000 reach her on the telephone, a tried-and-tested formula in health protocols to help the Upolice chief of Zam- as protection money police report said. Two days ear- eff ective enforcement of the SAF and soldiers in imple- boanga del Norte’s Godod from treasure lier, the victim called her sister quarantine rules. menting the rules. town, accusing the offi cial of hunter Jose Abarca and told her that she and her “The deployment of police Eleazar said the SAF com- robbery and extortion. husband were fighting, and that commandos and soldiers here mandos and soldiers would re- BGen.Ronald Lee, head of “We have arrested another the suspect had threatened to in Cebu City is not militarisa- spect the rights of the people. the Philippine National Po- police offi cer accused of ex- kill her, it added. The victim, 75, tion as some people would de- “The strong presence of lice Integrity Monitoring and tortion in line with our con- died from multiple stab wounds scribe it, and therefore, is not a policemen and soldiers here Enforcement Group (PNP- tinuing implementation of and a blow to the head, accord- wrong approach,” Eleazar said is neither meant to scare the IMEG), said Cpt. Haran Ulah (PNP Chief) General Archie ing to initial investigation. in a statement. He said this people of Cebu City nor cur- allegedly demanded P10,000 as Francisco Gamboa’s directive The suspect tried to escape on could contain the spread of Armed policemen man a checkpoint along a road in Cebu City, tail their rights. We are here protection money from treasure to go after rogues in uniform, a boat, but was caught by vil- the coronavirus disease 2019 central Philippines after the government tightened quarantine because it is necessary, we hunter Jose Abarca. regardless of their rank and lage watchmen, Madrideo said. (Covid-19), Eleazar said. restrictions amid rising cases of Covid-19 infections in the city. are here to help, we are here Lee said the money was in stature.” “We assure the public The German national appeared The Department of Health to protect as many people of exchange for the unhampered too, that we will immediately to be suffering from mental (DoH) described Cebu as a such areas were still under the deployed, said Eleazar. The Cebu City, and we are here treasure hunting activities of and properly act on all com- illness and was caught naked, Covid “hotspot” as its cases Enhanced Community Quar- number dropped further to to strengthen our frontline Abarca in the village of Raba. plaints against erring police he added. Authorities were pre- have surged in the past weeks. antine (ECQ), Eleazar said. below 1,000 and never went against the spread of Cov- He said Abarca reported the mat- offi cers,” Lee said. paring to file criminal charges The presence of soldiers and From 2,000 to 3,000, the up after, Eleazar added. id-19,” Eleazar said. ter and sought the assistance of He said the police also against the suspect, who had SAF commandos was “proven daily number of quarantine “We are not your enemy. We Interior Secretary Eduardo PNP-IMEG, which drew up a seized Ukah’s weapons — one been living with his wife on the eff ective” in signifi cantly re- violators recorded in Luzon are on the same side in fi ght- Ano recently said that over plan to arrest the town’s police M16 automatic rifl e, one.45- half-hectare island for the past ducing the number of quaran- in April, dropped to “a lit- ing the real enemy which is 2,000 quarantine violators chief. caliber pistol and two cell three decades. tine violators in Metro Manila tle” over 1,000 a few days af- the coronavirus,” Eleazar said. have been apprehended in Ulah was arrested in an en- phones — and recovered the and some parts of Luzon, when ter the SAF and soldiers were Two SAF companies com- Cebu City as of June 21. trapment operation at his of- marked money as well. Energy agency told to prioritise people’s welfare over profi ts By Javier Joe Ismael the electricity rates during the Added to these is the headache tricity bills incurred during the average consumption. Manila Times enhanced community quaran- in understanding the unclear ECQ. Another meeting was then tine (ECQ) when actual meter guidelines regarding payments,” “For three months, we have held on June 3 to discuss the reading was not possible and the he said. barred them from going to work. implementation of earlier sug- enator Christopher Law- refl ected amount in June billings. Go emphasised that while We compelled them to stay at gestions to issue new electricity rence “Bong” Go called on In a statement, ERC chairman Meralco had made eff orts to ex- home. It is only now that busi- bills to consumers. During the Sthe Department of Energy Agnes Devanadera said, “We plain the reason behind the in- nesses are opening up and peo- meeting, Meralco also informed (DoE), Energy Regulatory Com- have been bombarded with com- creased amount of electricity ple going back to work. Let’s not DoE that they would be issuing mission (ERC), and other con- plaints on Meralco’s alleged high bills through their public state- put additional burden on our advisories explaining the May cerned agencies to look into the billings covering the past three ments, further clarifi cations and countrymen,” he added. and June billings, through let- growing complaints regarding months, including this May. We corrective measures were neces- Energy Secretary Alfonso ters, social media posts and print alleged cases of unjust electric- need to look into these consum- sary to give consumers the as- Cusi said that as early as May 15, media notices. ity bills that some consumers ers’ allegations and so we require surance that there was no over- the DoE has written to Meralco The DoE also attended sev- received from power distribu- Meralco to submit to us data or charging. seeking an explanation regard- eral meetings called by the Joint tion utilities, such as the Manila information for us to validate the He pointed out that now, more ing complaints on the spike in Congressional Energy Commis- Electric Co (Meralco). accuracy of their billing calcula- than ever, profi ts should not be their electricity bills. sion and the House of Repre- “Protect the interest and wel- tions.” prioritised over the welfare of On May 26, the DoE called the sentatives’ Committee on En- fare of the ordinary Filipinos The senator, then, urged the the general public. The govern- executives of Meralco so they ergy to discuss the “bill shock” especially at this time when the ERC to investigate the issue fur- ment, he said, should not toler- could personally explain these issue. people are in a diffi cult situation ther and ensure that consumers ate any unfair business practices spikes, which has caused addi- To date, Meralco has re-issued due to the crisis caused by the are charged the right amount at a time when people’s lives are tional worry to consumers, and June billings based on the actual Covid-19,” Go said. without overburdening them in at risk. Go also requested the advised them that they should meter readings with customer- Go asked the concerned agen- this time of pandemic. power companies to defer dis- re-issue the electricity bills specifi c explanations on the cies to further clarify to the “The Filipinos are already connection should some of their based on actual meter readings computation and how it will be Christopher Go: support for citizens’ welfare public the discrepancy between hard up and many have gotten ill. consumers fail to pay their elec- instead of using the estimated paid on instalment basis. Gulf Times 18 Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMENT CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Scientists reveal lasting Covid-19 eff ects on patients It has been six months since the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) started to sweep the globe and healthcare experts and scientists are just beginning to get an idea of a wide range of health problems it causes, especially in the long run. While doctors say they have learned enough about the highly contagious virus to save more lives, some of the health problems left behind by Covid-19 may have lasting eff ects on patients and health systems for years to come. From what was initially thought to be only a respiratory virus, it is now Distance learning and teaching: being learnt that Covid-19 can attack the pancreas, heart, liver, brain, kidney and other organs, as explained by Dr Eric Topol, a cardiologist and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California, US. between need and eff ectiveness It has also been revealed that patients can experience blood clotting disorders leading to strokes, and extreme By Mahmoud Omrah the student can refer back to them whether students are equipped with mended be taken into account. infl ammation that attacks multiple organ systems. The virus GM, Arab International Academy when needed. the necessary learning skills. Students Schools are required to: can also cause neurological complications that range from Another option is to provide need to have an intrinsic motivation to z Plan a light schedule of live sessions headache, dizziness and loss of taste or smell to seizures and detailed lessons on specific online learn as well as the ability to organise, in order not to overload the students or confusion. The most worrying fact is that recovery can be n an attempt to contain the coro- platforms, which include learning ob- manage their time and communi- the parents, especially at the beginning. navirus, many countries around jectives, activities, references, learn- cate effectively. It seems to me that, The schedule can be gradually enriched slow, incomplete and costly, with a huge impact on quality of the world have closed their edu- ing materials and assignments. The regardless of this current situation, to provide students with various digital life. Icational institutions and opted for learners will carry out the assigned we need our students to develop these learning materials and tasks that suit Dr Sadiya Khan, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine distance learning and teaching, relying tasks, each at a time that suits them, skills, which are essential and neces- their learning styles and needs. Stu- in Chicago, believes there will be a huge healthcare on the Internet, in specifi c, and many provided they turn in their assign- sary for their success in studies, work, dents can perform these tasks according expenditure and burden for some individuals who have other means of technology. ments by the due date. family and social life. to their own pace. It is notable that, despite the crisis, Direct and remote meetings often go It may be helpful if every educa- z Organise regular teachers’ meet- survived Covid-19. Patients who were in the intensive care educational institutions have been hand in hand with the previous method, tional institution assesses its students’ ings to exchange expertise and develop unit or on a ventilator for weeks will need to spend extensive quite determined to proceed with the providing teachers with an opportunity acquisition of these skills and designs teaching practices. time in rehab to regain mobility and strength. learning process. This can be attributed to answer questions related to lessons, plans to develop them in the future. z Organise ongoing professional While much of the focus has to their need to ensure the continuity of explain assignments and perhaps review We need to plan learning activities to development training, which aims to been on the minority of patients learning and engage the students with the learning material. develop these skills, just like we do with prepare teachers for planning, teaching The world is benefi cial learning activities, which help Undoubtedly, the successful use of academic skills, and that requires a long and assessing the performance of their who experience severe disease, alleviate the negative psychological and those methods necessitates continu- time and considerable eff ort. students. far from safe doctors increasingly are looking social impact they may face during their ous training programmes for teachers There is no doubt that there exists a z Follow student absences and to the needs of patients who stay at home. to develop the competencies they need wide range of learning needs and abili- discuss with parents the reasons for the from a virus were not sick enough to require Nowhere in the current circum- for using technology, which include ties in this area. Therefore, parents of student’s absences to provide possible hospitalisation, but are still stances is the question, “Which is planning, teaching methods, develop- those students who lack those skills will support and assistance. that continues better: distance or classroom learn- ing appropriate material and assessing. face challenges in helping their children z Set up realistic remote learning suff ering months after first ing?”. The logical question is, “How do Moreover, distance teaching requires a pursue their learning from a distance. objectives. to rage becoming infected. Studies we teach remotely in an eff ective way great deal of precision in determining Moreover, the fact that some of these z Provide students with a variety of are just getting underway that ensures the utmost benefi t for each the learning outcomes and designing students lack intrinsic motivation will activities to choose from and perform to understand the long-term eff ects of infection. While age group and the least burden on all specifi c learning activities that will help leave their parents with no choice but to independently and at their own pace. coronavirus symptoms typically resolve in two or three stakeholders?”. the learner achieve these objectives. monitor them, which would be an extra z Raise students’ awareness of the weeks, an estimated one in 10 experience prolonged There is no doubt that educational Added to that, teachers need to carefully burden on the parents. coronavirus and the lockdown through institutions that had implemented create tasks to assess the perform- Accordingly, I believe that there are purposeful learning activities. symptoms, Dr Helen Salisbury of the University of Oxford e-learning before the crisis will be more ance of the learner and the extent to no standard recipes for educational z Develop organisation, communica- wrote in the British Medical Journal the other day. Salisbury prepared to switch to distance learn- which they could meet those learning institutions to use in distance learning. tion, thinking and research skills. said many of her patients have normal chest X-rays and no ing as their teachers and students are outcomes. In fact, they should consider several z Develop post-crisis plans to meas- sign of infl ammation, but they are still not back to normal. accustomed to using online platforms If we assume that teachers have been factors to determine the method they ure and bridge the learning gaps when Writing in the Annals of Neurology, Dr Igor Koralnik, chief for learning, both inside and outside the able to adapt to the rapid transforma- need to follow. These factors include the school reopens. classroom. tion of teaching methods by developing age, technology infrastructure, readi- Parents are required to: of neuro-infectious diseases at Northwestern Medicine, The first thing to consider when the necessary skills and competencies ness of teachers, z Build a physical space at home in- who reviewed current scientifi c literature, said about half planning distance learning practices to teach remotely, we will still need to students’ learning skills and level tended for learning and involve the child of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 had neurological is the type of digital tools that can be question the readiness of the learner to of parental support at home. It may, in making this decision. complications, such as dizziness, decreased alertness, used to facilitate such a transforma- participate in this learning process and therefore, be appropriate for an edu- z Prepare their children for online diffi culty concentrating, disorders of smell and taste, tion. Of course, these platforms are achieve the desired outcomes. cational institution to implement this lessons. numerous, and the majority of them First, we must bear in mind that our model of learning to proceed normally z Motivate their children to study, do seizures, strokes, weakness and muscle pain. It has to be serve the same purpose. However, it ultimate goal is to ensure that students with the learning/ teaching process. assignments, and assist them in organ- studied if these neurological problems are temporary or is worth noting that in rural regions are learning; therefore, we should not In contrast, another institution may ising their study hours. permanent. that lack technology infrastructure, confuse learning with instruction, as do so to maintain some sort of con- z Communicate directly with the Meanwhile, nearly 30 doctors around the world, from New schools may opt for printed learning teachers may do their best to teach, nection with the students and engage teacher regarding any questions, re- Orleans to London to the Middle East, told Reuters they feel materials. The use of such platforms while students may only manage to them in activities not necessarily marks or suggestions. facilitates direct communication learn very little. linked to the curriculum, but rather to z Remain positive in case their child more prepared should cases surge again in the fall. Despite a between the teacher and the students. In terms of learners’ skills in technol- alleviate the social and psychological fails to meet their educational goals and steady rise in Covid-19 cases, driven to some extent by wider Besides, they provide the former with ogy, there is no reason to worry. Most effects that may result from staying communicate with the teacher in this testing, the daily death toll from the disease is falling in a virtual space to explain lessons and students, young or old, do have these at home. regard to consider implementing sup- some countries, including the US. Doctors say they are more conduct learning activities, allowing skills, and with some simple training, However, in order for this process to plementary activities. confi dent in caring for patients than they were in the chaotic participants to interact collectively they can overcome any diffi culties they achieve its desired benefi ts and not turn z Carry out fun activities with their with one another. It is also possible to may face in this regard. into a nightmare for students, parents, children during the day and arrange fi rst weeks of the pandemic, when they operated on nothing record these direct meetings so that In my opinion, the challenge here is or teachers, the following is recom- online meetings with their friends. but blind instinct. In June, an average of 4,599 people a day died from Covid-19 worldwide, down from 6,375 a day in April, according to Reuters data. To be sure, the world is far from safe from a virus that continues to rage. It is expected to reach two grim milestones in the next several days: 10mn confi rmed global infections and 500,000 deaths. The battle continues as scientists are at least months away from a working vaccine. To Advertise [email protected] Display 44466621 44418811 Classified 44466609 44418811 Subscription [email protected] © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 19 COMMENT China and Qatar are natural partners in Belt and Road co-operation: envoy Interview of Chinese President Xi has drafted a new to developing countries around the advantage of the complementarities ambassador to Qatar Zhou blueprint for Belt and Road co- world. We wish to strengthen co- in supply and demand between our operation, stressing that we will work operation with Qatar to help countries two countries, and explore further Jian on the High-level Video with our partners to make the B&R with weaker health systems to build co-operation in both the upstream Conference on Belt and Road a road to co-operation in fi ghting up their response ability. We will also and downstream field of the entire International Co-operation against the common challenges, a play a leading role along with Qatar industry chain. We could also explore road to healthiness in safeguarding the in co-ordinating global epidemic third-party co-operation in this health and safety of the people, a road response and explores to establish regard. uestion: A few days ago, to recovery in promoting economic regional emergency communication In terms of infrastructure, the China held the High-level and social recovery and a road to mechanisms. Chinese side will complete the Video Conference on Belt development in releasing the potential Fourth is to build a road of construction of major projects with Qand Road International of the world. development. The Belt and Road co- top quality and speed. We will also Co-operation. What is the outcome Furthermore, it has provided a train operation between China and Qatar encourage more Chinese high-tech of this meeting? of thoughts. State Councillor and has brought tangible benefi ts to our enterprises to join QFZ projects, Answer: The conference was Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed peoples. Energy is the cornerstone supporting Qatar’s economic successfully held in Beijing on 18 June. four suggestions to a high-quality of bilateral co-operation. Qatar has development and diversification. As President Xi Jinping sent a written Belt and Road co-operation: The become China’s 2nd largest exporter for financial investment, China will address to the conference. State fi rst is to step up public health co- of LNG products. Two months strengthen financial connections Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang operation, facilitate the assistance and ago, the Chinese side has signed a between our two countries, expand Yi chaired the meeting. Ministers provision of containment supplies $3bn contract in LNG ship project the use of RMB settlement in Qatar, from 25 countries including Pakistan, and the research and production with Qatari counterparts. Chinese and support more Chinese companies Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Kenya, of therapeutics and vaccines, thus companies have undertaken many to invest in Qatar. We also warmly Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, pushing forward the development of a major projects in Qatar, such as the welcome Qatari companies to invest Serbia, Greece and Hungary, Director- “Silk Road of health”. Chinese ambassador Zhou Jian. Lusail Stadium and strategic water in the Chinese market. China will General of World Health Organisation The second is to strengthen reserve. Financial investment and also enhance our high-tech co- Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Under- connectivity. It is important to get key our partners in innovation, joining of production and work. China’s high-tech co-operation are new operation, where we can participate Secretary-General of the United Belt and Road infrastructure projects hands together to promote Silk Road economy is stepping up pace to return growing points. The Bank of China in Qatar’s projects such as 5G, big Nations and Administrator of the restarted as early as possible, so as e-commerce, and advance co- to normal, and the economic vitality (BOC) and Industrial and Commercial data, smart railway, and contribute UNDP Achim Steiner attended the to keep industrial and supply chains operation in areas of smart cities and has been rapidly released. We are also Bank of China (ICBC) are the two China’s wisdom to Qatar in the meeting. The Joint Statement of the secure to provide a solid underpinning green development. pleased to see that under the wise largest fi nancial branches in QFC in development of digital economy and High-level Video Conference on Belt for the economic recovery of all Q: Qatar is an active participant leadership of His Highness the Amir, terms of total assets, providing more smart cities. and Road International co-operation: countries. in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Qatar’s work to combat Covid-19 than 70% of loans to support local Sun rises after thunderstorms. Combating Covid-19 with Solidarity The third is to carry out co- In recent years, co-operation has made positive progress. With the enterprises. Huawei Company has also China fi rmly believes that as long as was issued after the conference. operation in innovation to inject fresh between the two sides has achieved four-phase lifting-up policies, lives of contributed in the fi rst 5G commercial we uphold the principle of building The meeting, held at a time when impetus into sustainable growth. fruitful success. How is the future Qatari people are gradually returning networks in Qatar. a community of shared future, and Covid-19 pandemic is still raging Eff orts will be made to strengthen co- co-operation between China and to normal, production and work are In the long run, we wish to forge ahead on a road of unity, co- around the world and the global operation in 5G, big data, AI and cloud Qatar? being resumed, and the entire society strengthen the integration of “Belt operation and win-win relationship, economy is in recession, has sent a computing, contributing to build a A: China and Qatar are natural revitalised. and Road” initiative with the Qatar’s we can eventually defeat the pandemic clear message of solidarity and win- digital Silk Road. partners in Belt and Road co- In the next stage, China will “2030 National Vision” strategy, together and further enhance our win co-operation to the world. In my The fourth is to fi rmly reject operation. When His Highness the work closely with Qatar to promote forging “four-pillars” of China-Qatar Belt and Road co-operation with high opinion, the conference has achieved unilateralism and protectionism, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad connectivity, together to build a pragmatic co-operation featuring quality outcomes. This will bring four outstanding outcomes: and stay committed to an open world al-Thani visited China in 2014, we “fast track” in personnel exchanges energy, infrastructure, financial China and Qatar endless impetus to Firstly, it has raised a great banner. economy. The multilateral trading signed the MoU for Belt and Road and a “green channel” of bilateral investment, and high-tech. China achieve our development goals and Facing this worst global health system must be defended, trade co-operation, and Qatar has become trade, so as to provide a solid ground will deepen our energy co-operation promote the sustainable development emergency since World War II, how and investment liberalisation and one of the fi rst countries to join the for economic recovery of our two and expand LNG trade, taking full of the world economy. should the international community facilitation must be enhanced, in an “Belt and Road” initiative. Over the countries. We will strengthen policy respond? China’s answer is: by eff ort to foster a more open, inclusive past six years, our co-operation under co-ordination with Qatar and balance building a community of a shared and balanced economic globalisation the “Belt and Road” initiative has been epidemic prevention and control with future for mankind. President Xi noted that benefi ts all. prosperous and fruitful. Trade volume economic and social development, that Covid-19 has made many things Lastly, it has conveyed confi dence. between China and Qatar has been while keeping steady pace of key “Belt clear to mankind. The destinies of all State Councillor and Foreign Minister increasing year by year, reaching $11bn and Road” projects such as the Lusail Wang Yi announced China’s readiness in 2019. Our co-operation has formed Stadium. Meanwhile, China will seek nations are closely connected, and all Three-day forecast human species are in fact a community to provide support to Belt and Road a mature pattern with energy as the innovations in bilateral co-operation with a shared future. Be it in the partners, in combating the pandemic core, infrastructure as the key, fi nance in the fi eld of “non-contact economy” TODAY combat against the pandemic or in and economic recovery in the following and investment as new starting point. such as remote medical service, online Maximum Temperature : 410c Minimum Temperature : 310c economic recovery, the international fi ve key areas: In the next stage, we wish to work education, 5G, big data and other community cannot succeed without First, under the $2bn assistance closer together with our Qatari friends, “infrastructure of new generation”, TUESDAY solidarity, co-operation and pledge announced by President Xi and jointly promote the high-quality and inject new strength into the Maximum Temperature : 410c multilateralism. Jinping, we will support aff ected development of our Belt and Road co- sustainable development of “Belt and Minimum Temperature : 300c operation. Road” co-operation between our two The right approach to tackling partners, developing countries in WEDNESDAY global crises and realising long- particular, in fi ghting Covid-19 First is to build a road of health countries. Maximum Temperature : 390c term development is through and resuming economic and social security. Facing this unprecedented Third is to build a road of co- Minimum Temperature : 300c greater connectivity, openness and development. public health disaster, the co- operation. Since the Covid-19 inclusiveness. This is where Belt and Second, in the development and operation and friendship between outbreak, China has been actively Fisherman's forecast Road co-operation can make a big application of vaccines, we will China and Qatar has become an working to advance international co-operation, sharing experience, WARNING diff erence. China is committed to positively consider the needs of our example of international health co- Inshore : Nil peaceful development and mutually B&R partners, and support technical operation. We will continue to step sending medical teams and supplies to benefi cial co-operation, and will join exchanges and co-operation through up health co-operation in epidemic countries around the world. Qatar has Offshore : Nil all countries for high-quality Belt platforms such as the Alliance of prevention and control. We will to also played an active role in this regard. WEATHER and Road co-operation, together International Science Organisations in continue to provide fast channels for His Highness the Amir has announced Inshore : Hot daytime with slight contributing to a community with a the Belt and Road Region. Qatar to purchase and import medical Qatar’s pledge of $20mn contributions dust at some places shared future for mankind. Third, China is ready to start supplies from China, especially the to support Global Alliance for Vaccines daytime, relatively hot by night. Secondly, it has drafted a blueprint. technical co-ordination with our raw materials that could help Qatar and Immunisation. Qatar has to Since President Xi proposed the partners as soon as possible to discuss to improve production capacity of date provided medical supplies to WIND Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) the establishment of fast-track lanes medical supplies such as masks. more than 20 countries and donated Inshore : Northwesterly-North- easterly 05-15 KT in 2013, thanks to the extensive for cross-border exchanges of people We will also continue to work with $140mn to international platforms, participation and strong support and goods. Qatar in joint prevention and control, and continues to help countries to take Offshore : Northwesterly-North- of all parties, we have worked hard Fourth, we are ready to hold a enhance information sharing, together their citizens back home. China highly easterly 03-12 KT to meet high standards, benefi t the transportation ministers’ video to build a community of shared future appreciates Qatar’s involvement and Visibility : 4-8 KM people and achieve sustainable goals, conference with Belt and Road for health security between our two contributions. followed with the principle of joint partners, as part of our eff orts to countries. For the next step, China will join Offshore : 1-3 FT consultation, joint contribution and maintain the smooth functioning and Second is to build a road of recovery. Qatar to support global research work shared benefi ts, as well as principles security of international industrial and Under the leadership of President of vaccines and the accessibility and of openness, green development and supply chains and logistics systems. Xi Jinping, China has completely aff ordability of vaccines in developing Around the region Weather Weather integrity. Fifth, China will always stand controlled the pandemic domestically, countries. We will work closely with Today Max/min Tomorrow Max/min In the face of Covid-19 outbreak, ready to step up co-operation with and taken the lead in the resumption the Qatari side to provide assistance Baghdad Sunny 44/26 Sunny 44/26 Kuwait City Sunny 43/31 Sunny 43/31 Manama Sunny 41/31 Sunny 40/31 Muscat Sunny 38/32 Sunny 37/30 Sunny 33/22 Sunny 33/23 Vodafone Qatar moves ahead with a ‘green Tehran transformation’ for smart, sustainable agriculture he Covid-19 pandemic has all rapidly developing technology can Sensor data analytics bring greater further safeguarding the security but shrunk global food supply play a role in creating a more efficient transparency into agricultural and reliability of its food supply. chains but in the midst of this and sustainable agriculture sector, processes, giving farmers valuable Vodafone’s IoT capabilities off er Tcrisis, Qatar’s new-found one that is data-centred and smart. insights on the performance of an outlook of what can be achieved resilience has been able to serve the Vodafone Qatar can off er farmers their fields, greenhouses, etc. These by putting technology at the centre nation well. and agricultural companies IoT-based solutions will not only increase of Qatar’s ambitious food security Qatar is now in the top rank for solutions connected by its secure productivity but also save costs that projects and deploying smart solutions food security in the Gulf region on the narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) network would be wasted on uncontrolled using advanced technology to manage Around the world Global Food Security Index, following that can be integrated with existing irrigation, and undetected livestock the challenges. Weather Weather massive investments in domestic food agricultural methods for analytics and health issues, while optimising A modern agricultural sector will Today Max/min Tomorrow Max/min production and technology during the greater production capabilities to meet the use of resources such as water deliver much-needed environmental Athens Sunny 34/22 Sunny 36/24 blockade years. the growing demand. and energy, and even fertiliser and benefi ts, which is why this green Beirut Sunny 28/24 Sunny 28/23 Technology such as advanced Launched nation-wide in 2019, pesticides. transformation – combining Bangkok S T Storms 32/26 S T Storms 33/27 greenhouse solutions and hydroponics Vodafone’s NB-IoT is a Low Power By leading with the latest IoT sustainability in agriculture with Berlin P Cloudy 24/15 P Cloudy 23/17 has already helped Qatar’s farmers to Wide Area network technology solutions, Vodafone Qatar can digital progress that encourages Cairo Sunny 36/21 Sunny 36/21 improve their crop yields. Even so, the (LPWA) designed to enable a wide support the agricultural sector to growth – is so important for Qatar’s Cape Town Showers 16/11 Sunny 19/11 challenges facing dryland agriculture range of IoT devices and services. take a giant leap forward towards sustainability goals. Colombo T Storms 30/27 T Storms 30/26 are daunting: water scarcity, NB-IoT can transform almost Dhaka T Storms 31/27 T Storms 32/27 deteriorating soil and the biggest every industry, and for agriculture Hong Kong M Cloudy 32/28 S T Storms 32/28 threat of all, the environmental impact it can bring enhanced efficiency About Vodafone Qatar PQSC Istanbul Sunny 29/18 Sunny 31/21 of climate change. through connected equipment Jakarta M Sunny 33/24 S T Storms 33/24 With more advanced information and sensors for animal welfare Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. (“Vodafone key locations in the country with fibre Karachi P Cloudy 34/30 M Sunny 36/30 technologies digitalising just about every monitoring, crop monitoring, and Qatar”) provides a comprehensive connectivity and 5G, along with an London Cloudy 19/12 S Showers 21/14 industry, agricultural production practices soil monitoring. Given its energy range of services including voice, extensive digital ecosystem, which Manila T Storms 32/26 T Storms 33/26 likewise stand to undergo a ‘green autonomy and system coverage, NB- messaging, data, fixed communica- will contribute to Qatar’s continued Moscow Sunny 22/11 P Cloudy 23/16 transformation’ and become smarter, IoT has the potential to be extremely tions, IoT and ICT managed serv- growth and prosperity. Vodafone New Delhi P Cloudy 38/29 M Sunny 39/29 with the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G useful for farms in water limited, ices in the State of Qatar, for both Qatar’s vision is deeply rooted in New York S T Storms 31/21 T Storms 28/21 technology for connected farming. geographically isolated areas. consumers and businesses alike. The its mission to connect today’s ideas Paris P Cloudy 23/14 Cloudy 25/17 Ensuring the country’s agricultural Vodafone’s IoT tools and Company commenced commercial with the technologies of tomorrow Sao Paulo M Cloudy 21/14 M Sunny 24/19 resources can continue meeting applications deliver information in operations in 2009 and has 1.73mn by pioneering digital innovation and Seoul Rain 29/19 Rain 24/18 market needs, IoT is the answer for real time about temperature, pressure, mobile customers as of 31 March becoming people’s first choice in tel- Singapore S T Storms 31/27 S T Storms 31/27 transforming the way farmers plant, and water consumption data for better 2020. Its state-of-the-art network ecom and digital services. Please visit Sydney S Showers 14/08 Sunny 17/07 fertilise and harvest with automated, monitoring to inform decisions and infrastructure is expanding to cover www.vodafone.qa for more details. Tokyo Clear 27/21 Cloudy 25/22 climate-smart agriculture tools. This maintenance. Gulf Times 20 Monday, June 29, 2020 QATAR HMC performs advanced surgery on Covid-19 patient with safe distancing his week, a team from Surgery is thought to be a world-first for Covid-19 patient ment for the endoscope inside Hamad Medical Corpo- using thulium fiber laser the kidney and reducing any po- Tration’s (HMC) Hazm tential trauma,” said Dr Salah. Mebaireek General Hospital New laser technology cuts procedure time in half, ensuring “The new thulium fi ber is an (HMGH) successfully performed advanced technology and reduces a highly advanced surgery to treat safer care for patients and staff the time required to complete this a Covid-19 patient with kidney It marks the first time thulium fiber laser technology has procedure by half. This allows stones. most patients to be discharged The surgery is thought to be a been used on Covid-19 positive patient in Middle East, using from hospital more quickly, and world-fi rst for a Covid-19 patient Ibn Sina Robot helps ensure patients experience using the thulium fi ber laser, ac- less post-surgery pain,” said Dr cording to HMC. Salah. It marks the fi rst time the Dr Ahmad al-Mohamed, med- thulium fi ber laser technology ical director of HMGH, said HMC has been used on a Covid-19 pos- is continuing to provide all medi- itive patient in the Middle East, cal services to patients, regardless using the Ibn Sina Robot, HMC of their Covid-19 status. has said in a statement. “We value the eff orts being The “fi rst-of-its-kind” sur- Dr Abdulla al-Ansari made by staff to ensure the best gery combined highly advanced possible care of all patients, in- laser techniques and robotic sur- tween the patient and healthcare two of the three patients had cluding those who are Covid- gery technology and allowed for teams. It demonstrates our com- stones located in their ureter. He 19-positive. All care is being precautionary distancing in the mitment to providing the highest said the third surgery was more provided in accordance with a operating theatre. The technol- medical and safety standards,” complicated as the 33-year-old comprehensive treatment plan ogy allowed the surgical team said Dr al-Ansari. patient was Covid-19-positive co-ordinated across the various to perform the operation on the “We would like to reassure and was suff ering from a 1.5cm hospital departments,” said Dr Covid-19-positive patient while all patients that our emergency stone located in his right kidney. al-Mohamed. ensuring 2m distance between surgical services are available as “We started using the Ibn Sina “We are fully prepared to treat the patient and surgeons. Dr Morshed Ali Salah usual and that we are applying all Robot nine months ago and have Covid-19 patients and provide The surgery was one of three measures and safety procedures performed 42 surgeries till date. all required medical services as kidney stone procedures per- the Surgery and Urology depart- Equipment used in the procedure. to protect patients and medical This equipment is highly accu- part of our eff orts to ensure the formed during a single day at ments at HMGH, performed the teams. We understand the stress rate in terms of targeting. The la- burden on other HMC facilities Hazm Mebaireek General Hospi- three procedures. in hospital to receive additional has succeeded, despite the and anxiety that some patients ser can target kidney stones from is reduced and that patients and tal. The other two surgeries were They said a new anaesthesia care. circumstances of the pandemic may feel towards being treated in diff erent angles and in a circu- staff at non-Covid-19 treatment performed on non-Covid-19 procedure was also used to reduce “While the world and health- and the blockade, to introduce a hospital but they should feel con- lated diameter that reaches 440 facilities are not unnecessarily patients using the thulium fi ber the duration of the procedures, care organisations are strug- state-of-the-art surgical tech- fi dent knowing that we are apply- degrees. It also allows surgeons exposed to this virus. This strate- laser but without robotic surgery ensuring safer care for the pa- gling from the continuous pres- nology using the thulium fi ber ing all recommended procedures to keep a safe distance from the gic plan was prepared by the Sys- technology. tients and reducing their length sure resulted from the Covid-19 laser to perform this fi rst-of-its- to reduce their risk of Covid-19 patient, which is essential when tem-Wide Incident Command Dr Abdulla al-Ansari, chief of stay in hospital. Two of the pandemic, HMC continues to be kind surgery in the world. This infection,” added Dr al-Ansari. caring for patients who are Cov- Committee and has proven to be medical offi cer at HMC, along patients were discharged on the committed to providing the best surgery combined laser technol- Dr Salah noted that the patients id-19-positive, for example. The very eff ective in ensuring the best with Dr Morshed Ali Salah, senior same day as their procedure, with care for patients according to ogy and robotic surgery, allowing had kidney stones that ranged in technology allows us to reach to care for all our patients,” added Dr consultant--Surgery and head of the Covid-19 patient remaining global quality standards. HMC for precautionary distance be- size from 1.2cm to 2cm, and that 2.5m while ensuring less move- al-Mohamed. ‘IndiGo will operate 238 Indian community forum seeks flights from Qatar’ QM Culture Pass members can in VBM Phase 4: support for repatriation eff orts Indian ministry witness Hawksbill turtle nesting he Indian Ministry of Civil By Joey Aguilar By Joseph Varghese Motivational session The forum has set up mainly Aviation (MoCA) yester- Staff Reporter Staff Reporter four proposals. Depending on Tday said IndiGo will op- PCCQ is organising an online the fi nancial capacity, individu- erate 238 fl ights from Qatar in motivational session for the als can either sponsor full or half Phase 4 of the Vande Bharat Mis- atar Museums’ Culture ravasi Co-ordination passengers of the flight that will travel expenses of one person. sion (VBM). In a series of tweets Pass members will have Committee, Qatar (PCCQ), depart on July 1. Many of the They can also identify a needy yesterday, the ministry said VBM Qthe opportunity to wit- Pa body of various Indian passengers have gone through person who has to travel and bear enters Phase 4 on July 3. ness the process of nesting and community organisations in diff iculties due to loss of job the expenses of the person. In “Private airlines have vol- hatching of hawksbill turtles the country, has appealed to the and other distressing situations. addition, anyone who needs to unteered for signifi cant par- at Fuwairit beach from next community members to provide Considering the mental condi- travel to India, can travel in the ticipation in this phase with 498 month. support for repatriation of the tion of the passengers, and to fl ight, provided that he meets the fl ights to be operated by them. “You asked – we delivered! most distressed compatriots. provide them with a ray of hope expenses of another passenger These numbers may go up fur- The Hawksbill turtle hatching “We received over 1,500 ap- in their life, PCCQ has arranged too. ther,” the MoCA tweeted. season is here, and we are happy plications for a free-of-cost this motivational session. Noted “Several organisations had In this phase, Air India will to facilitate visits to our Cultural chartered fl ight to Kochi with motivational speaker Dr C A come forward to help us in our operate 114 fl ights between July 3 Pass members to participate in 180 seats. On closer scrutiny, we Razak will speak on Zoom appli- fi rst free fl ight. As we have iden- and 15 to diff erent destinations. visiting the nesting grounds lo- were convinced that all of them cation today (Monday) at 5pm tifi ed more passengers who are Air India Express will operate cated in Fuwairit for the month deserve to be repatriated at the and will be available through equally eligible to travel at the 300 fl ights in July (136 until July of July and August, on Thursday earliest as they are in distress due the meeting id: 93926997383. earliest, we request the commu- 14 and 164 between July 15 and to Tuesday between 6pm and to various reasons. As our fi rst The organisation has also nity members to come forward July 31), it said. 8pm,” Qatar Museums (QM) free fl ight to Kochi is set to fl y on informed that the programme is and join in this noble initiative. Stressing the signifi cant par- Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Ma- July 1, we are exploring ways to open to all. Your small gesture of support ticipation of private carriers yassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa help the other members too,” Ni- will go a long way in helping sev- in Phase 4 of VBM, the min- al-Thani said on her Facebook zar Kocheri, chairman of PCCQ eral needy people to reach home istry said “among others, In- page yesterday. Hawksbill turtle hatchlings. told Gulf Times. amounts of money for this noble and join their family members, diGo will operate 238 fl ights According to QM, visits will The organisation set sev- cause. We are appealing to indi- “added, V C Mashood, general from Qatar and 219 fl ights from be organised to the nesting from buildings and camp- children aged fi ve and above, eral proposals to the commu- viduals who can support through convener of PCCQ. Kuwait, while GoAir will op- ground between July 2 and Au- ing sites, Fuwairit beach’s se- to maintain social distancing. nity members in helping the dis- smaller contributions. Those Those who wish to support the erate 41 fl ights from Kuwait”. gust 31, but priority of booking rene atmosphere and soft sand Wearing of face mask is also re- tressed community members to who are interested in this ini- initiative can join by registering The number of private carriers, will be given to Culture Pass makes it a suitable place for quired aimed at preventing the be repatriated. tiative, can join the movement in through the link: https://bit. fl ights and destinations is likely Plus and Family members. nesting where turtles can dig spread of the novel coronavirus “We are not asking for huge several ways,” explained Kocheri. ly/3hZey00. to increase, it added. The mating season for these easily. (Covid-19) in the country. critically endangered species According to the Ministry of Other precautionary meas- occurs every two years and Municipality and Environment ures, in compliance with health nesting period starts in late (MME), Fuwairit is closed from and safety recommendations QNL July events focus on manuscripts and science enrichment March or early April where fe- April every year to prepare for issued by the Ministry of Pub- male turtles look for suitable the nesting season, aimed at lic Health, will also be in place atar National Library grounds to lay their eggs. protecting the turtles and their such as requiring attendees to (QNL) continues to off er These eggs hatch after two eggs. However, a number of fi eld present a “green” health code Qa comprehensive array months and the young turtles visits (turtle nesting watch) in on their Ehteraz mobile appli- of exciting online events to help instinctively crawl towards the area are organised for people cation, and using their own cars people of all ages improve their the sea. While hawksbill tur- to see, especially at night. for transportation. QM also ad- skills and knowledge. On July 1, tles also nest at Lehwaylah, “The hawksbill turtle hatch- vised attendees to bring their QNL will hold online the fi rst in a Ras Laff an, Al Ghariyah, Al ing season has arrived and we own torches or lighting devices series of talks providing a look at Marounah, Al Mafeer, Haloul, would like to welcome you to for easy viewing at night. rare historical works from its col- Sharaawah, Rukn islands, and witness this miracle of life in Eff orts to protect these sea lection of manuscripts. Umm Tees beaches, it is learnt its purest form,” QM told Cul- turtles on Qatar’s northern Entitled Readings in the Man- that Fuwairit remains to be the ture Pass members on its e- coast and in a number of is- uscript Collection: An Introduc- most common breeding area in mail yesterday. QM noted that lands started in 2003 led by Qa- tion to the History of the Herit- Qatar. each visit will be limited to tar Petroleum, Qatar University age Library – the series off ers a Besides from being away only eight attendees, including and the MME. great opportunity to explore the rich collection of the Heritage Library, alongside its digital and virtual services. This introductory talk by Mo- hamed Hammam Fikry, Heritage and Rare Books adviser at Qatar Foundation, will introduce the An interior view of Qatar National Library. Heritage Library’s history, its foundation and the development Stars Upbringing’ by Dr Jasem On July 8, also part of the Vir- from home to help explain sci- of the collection until it became al-Mutawa via Microsoft Teams. tual Camp, young people can join entifi c concepts such as polym- the core collection which QNL He will present educational the- Science Show, in collaboration erisation, density and pressure in was built upon. ories and behavioural patterns with Qatar Scientifi c Club. Vari- liquid. Participants will receive Mahmoud Zaki, the manu- in children, as well as outlining ous scientifi c experiments by ex- an e-mail of the required sup- script librarian at QNL, will positive methods to deal with pert instructor Abdulhai bin Ali plies needed to conduct the ex- moderate the talk and provide an these behaviours. al-Qizani will be live-streamed. periments with the instructor. overview of the collection’s mas- On July 7, as part of the Young A question and answer session Children and young adult lov- terpieces and some fundamental Adults Virtual Camp, partici- will take place at the end of the ers of celluloid can join on July terms, concepts, and disciplines, pants can learn how to design show, with the person asking the 11 for Film Talk on The Children and will analyse why it’s so im- their own website from scratch best question receiving a fabu- and Young Adult’s Instagram live portant to care for manuscripts with Basic Web Development lous prize. stream. and old texts. for Teens – experts will be on The Qatar Scientifi c Club will Qatari fi lmmaker Khalifa al- Also on July 1, as part of the hand to offer advice on guid- also carry out simple scientifi c Marri will discuss his successful QNL’s lecture series Our Chil- ance on building a professional experiments on July 13 with En- journey to becoming a fi lm direc- dren Matter, there will be ‘Five website. gaging Science Experiments tor and how you can do the same! A file photo of a hawksbill turtle nest at Fuwairit beach.