Education Ministry Gives Go-Ahead for Teachers to Work from Home Health Ministry Reports 66 New COVID-19 Cases from Expat Labour

TWITTER SPORTS @newsofbahrain BUSINESS 4 Emirates to resume limited passenger flights INSTAGRAM Cricketer Stokes to /nobmedia 3 test his F1 skills in LINKEDIN FRIDAY newsofbahrain APRIL 2020 virtual GP 210 FILS WHATSAPP ISSUE NO. 8437 England cricketer Ben 38444692 Stokes will test his driving FACEBOOK skills against five Formula /nobmedia One drivers, including Fer- MAIL rari’s Charles Leclerc, in [email protected] the sport’s second virtual WEBSITE grand prix this weekend. newsofbahrain.com P11

COVID-19: Taylor Swift helps vintage record store stay afloat 10 CELEBS WORLD 8 Global virus cases near million

Medicines home Health Ministry reports 66 new COVID-19 68% of travel-related COVID-19 delivery service to cases came from Iran begin Sunday cases from expat labour workers 57 TDT | Manama viduals known to have been in UK Infected moved contact with positive cases to 12 Egypt almaniya Medical Complex to• quarantine centre ensure their safety. S(SMC) announced yester- Contacts of the new active cas- 241 8 day a new home delivery ser- yesterday following a es have had their quarantine peri- Iran Conﬁrmed Germany 241 cases vice for prescribed medicines. positive case at their is the number of od extended for an additional two from 8 The service, which will be residence, where they confirmed cases from weeks, in line with preventative abroad Iraq activated from Sunday, is a a total of 353 detected protocols. were self-isolating 27 part of precautionary meas- amongst travellers The foreign workers did not Other countries ures implemented by the returning from Iran leave quarantine while self-iso- Kingdom to curb the spread Fourth chartered lating at their place of residence. Be • Aware #UnitedAgainstCovid19 #TeamBahrain of the coronavirus (COVID-19), flight of evacuated All were moved into designated UnitedAgainstCovid19ƻ and to ensure the health, safe- quarantine centres as a precau- Bahraini citizens Infographic of confirmed cases by country ty and comfort of patients. quarantine centre yesterday fol- tion. There has been no commu- SMC management indicated from Iran arrives lowing a positive case registered nity spread of the virus amongst that those wishing to benefit at their place of residence, where foreign labourers. from Iran, followed by 57 trav- eries, far exceeding total active from the e-service shall pro- TDT | Manama they were self-isolating. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry ellers returning from the UK, 12 cases, which was 258, of which vide the patients’ required in- After confirming the positive has recorded that, of the 353 COV- returning from Egypt, eight from all but three are stable. The total formation through the link on he Ministry of Health an- results, as part of ongoing testing ID-19 cases with a history of travel to Iraq and 27 from other countries tested has reached 36,506. the Health Ministry’s website nounced yesterday 66 new for individuals in quarantine, the countries with high infection rates, with high infection rates. The Health Ministry also an- moh.gov.bh/eServices/phar- Tactive cases of the corona- new active cases were moved to 68 per cent were detected among Bahrain, with its high recov- nounced yesterday the arrival macy. They will then get their virus (COVID-19), following tests treatment facilities immediately. travellers returning from Iran. ery rate, is being recognised as a of a fourth flight of evacuated medicines within 48 hours of on expatriate labour workers in The Ministry has taken com- To date, a total of 241 con- model for mitigating the spread Bahraini citizens from Iran. They receiving the order. Salmabad. prehensive preventative meas- firmed cases have been detect- of COVID-19. As of last night, the were received by officials and This service will not include The workers were moved to a ures, including testing all indi- ed amongst travellers returning Kingdom has recorded 381 recov- proper procedures were taken. controlled medications and medicines dispensed from health centres, SMC said, noting that it will cover the remaining public health facilities soon. LMRA terminates fees Face mask prices fixed Move is in line with directives of HRH the Crown Prince to support the private sector amidst COVID-19 fight TDT | Manama Deputy Prime Minister, to support Monthly work fees the private sector as the main en- HRH the Crown Prince chairs remote meeting ndustry and Commerce • gine of growth. IMinister Zayed R. Al Zayani and fees for issuing and It also follows the government’s issued yesterday an edict fix- renewing work permits recent announcement of a coming the price of face masks and for a period of three prehensive economic stimulus ensuring their availability amid months terminated, package to support the econo- soaring demand as the country my amidst the global coronavirus battles the coronavirus (COV- starting from April (COVID-19) pandemic. ID-19) pandemic. The LMRA highlighted its con- The surgical and N95 types Grace period launched tinued support for national efforts of face masks will be 140 fils for• expatriate workers to counter the effects of the global and BD1.4, respectively, as a needing to legalise their spread of COVID-19, underlining its maximum selling price for the commitment to assisting the King- consumer per piece for a pe- stay until end of year dom’s small and medium-sized riod of three months from the enterprises. date of implementation of the TDT | Manama Meanwhile, the LMRA also an- provisions of this edict. nounced the launch of a grace Also under the edict, it is he Labour Market Regu- period for expatriate workers who prohibited to export all kinds latory Authority (LMRA) are illegally staying in the King- of medical face masks for a pe- Tannounced yesterday the dom to rectify their status. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy riod of three months, unless termination of monthly work fees During this time, they are being Prime Minister yesterday chaired the Coordinating Committee meeting 309. It was held remotely, as part of measures permitted by the Ministry. and fees for issuing and renewing called to legalise their stay, in line being taken in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During the meeting, HRH the Crown Prince Violators of these provisions work permits for a period of three with the country’s laws of em- discussed with other top officials participating the latest developments in dealing with COVID-19. Above, HRH the shall be punished. months, starting from April. ployment. Crown Prince during the remote meeting. This move is in line with the The LMRA confirmed that co- directives of His Royal Highness ordination has been made with all the end of the current year 2020. own benefit. supporting the national economy Prince Salman bin Hamad Al the concerned authorities in the The LMRA called on all illegal The LMRA stressed that it will and its growth, while also taking Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy country in relation to this grace workers to take advantage of this spare no effort in implementing into account the humanitarian Supreme Commander and First period, which will continue until initiative, which is also for their the decisions that contribute to conditions of migrant workers. DON’T MISS IT LEARNING GOES ON Fruits, vegetables Education Ministry gives go-ahead for teachers to work from home 02 prices down 30% TDT | Manama and Media Relations Directorate. richment material, and discussion sessions Leading the Meanwhile, administrative and technical online, in addition to assessing and mark 03 charge! he Ministry of Education gave the staff will continue performing their work students’ work and activities during the green light yesterday for all teachers Teachers are required to at schools, in addition to other ministry normal working hours,” said the directorate. Google boosts Tto work from home, as from Sunday. continue assuming their personnel. Administrative and technical staff will support for The measure follows the directives of duties and prepare lessons, Husbands whose wives assume vital du- follow up teachers’ work in coordination the Executive Committee, chaired by His enrichment material, and ties at the front line of the fight against with the ministry’s concerned directorate. 04 checking Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad COVID-19 will also be allowed to work from Schools will be required to submit regular coronavirus facts Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme discussion sessions online, in home. reports updating the ministry on the ongo- Commander and First Deputy Prime Min- addition to assessing students’ The ministry will continue assigning ing work-from-home procedure, as per the 210 fils (includes VAT) ister. work during the normal hours. some teachers to carry out lessons online CSB circular. It is also in line with the Civil Service PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS DIRECTORATE during this period as the country contin- Under CSB instructions, employees may Bureau’s (CSB) directive to allow ministries, ues its battle to contain the coronavirus be required to perform their duties alter- entities and government departments to “The Ministry of Education has thus pandemic. nately from their homes and work places, increase the rate of distance work to 70 per achieved the required 70 per cent cap of its “All teachers are required to continue as- whenever necessary and subject to the cent as a maximum. overall human resources,” said the Public suming their duties and prepare lessons, en- authorities’ review. FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 02

International Day BDF Commander-in-Chief Public Security chief hails measures Online appointments of Conscience to be conducts inspection visit to combat spread of COVID-19 required for traffic observed Sunday services that need TDT | Manama personal attendance TDT | Manama he first edition of the In- Tternational Day of Con- he General Directorate science will be observed on Tof Traffic announced Sunday. yesterday that the services The occasion was approved that require personal attend- by the United Nations in re- ance would be processed sponse to an initiative by His after booking appointments Royal Highness the Prime through the Skiplino smart- Minister Prince Khalifa bin phone application. Salman Al Khalifa to motivate This is being done to help the international community avoid overcrowding at the to promote peace, tolerance, service halls, including the cooperation, security and headquarters, Driving Learn- stability. ing Directorates, and Security Public Security chief Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan hailed the decisions of the The initiative embodies the Complex in Muharraq, as part Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad keenness of the Kingdom of Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa paid an inspection visit yesterday to a BDF unit. Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime of precautionary measures Bahrain, under the leadership The Commander-in-Chief reviewed the unit’s administrative and combat Minister, and its steps to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19). against the spread of the coro- of His Majesty King Hamad readiness, as well as its military preparations and work progress. He was Lt-General Al Hassan also hailed the role of the medical team in their dealing navirus (COVID-19). bin Isa Al Khalifa, to con- briefed about the military preparations, the work progress, and development with cases. Chairing a virtual meeting with directors affiliated with the Public The directorate called upon tribute effectively to foster- in the unit. Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa stressed that BDF keeps moving Security Presidency, he commended the decision taken by the Interior Minister the public to process their ser- ing global forward with its military development at various levels, thanks to the to ban gatherings of more than five people. The meeting also reviewed various vices through the e-traffic ap- peace and constant care of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme security developments and cases. Lt. General Al Hassan expressed thanks and plication and the government stability. Commander. He urged BDF staff to continue giving all their energy and appreciation to all concerned authorities for their efforts to protect public portal, bahrain.bh, which are In a dedication to achieve the set goals and keep abreast all developments in security and safety. He stressed the importance of carrying duties as part of available 24 hours. statement various modern military areas. Above, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa, left, the national campaign to combat the spread of COVID-19. Above, Lt-General Al Services that require the marking during his inspection visit. Hassan during the virtual meeting. attendance of the applicants the occa- include: transferring the own- sion, the UN affirmed that ership of number plates and the International Day of Con- Distance work for up to 70% of staff allowed in public offices vehicles, replacement of driv- science is an opportunity to ing learning licences, owning mobilize the international TDT | Manama chaired by His Royal Highness and residents will not be affected. that the staff will carry out their number plates, issuance of community’s efforts to bol- Prince Salman bin Hamad Al The CSB president noted that duties alternately from home or certificates for cancellation of ster peace, tolerance, inte- inistries, entities and gov- Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy the decision aims to reduce the by reporting to the work place as driving learning licences or gration and understanding so ernment departments Supreme Commander and First number of employees at the work the competent authorities deem new vehicles, and renewing as to build a world based on Mhave been allowed to in- Deputy Prime Minister, to encour- place, as part of the precautionary necessary. driving licences for certain solidarity and co-existence. crease the rate of distance work to age work from home for public and preventive measures taken by He added that vital profes- groups such as the elderly who It called on the member 70 per cent as a maximum. institutions whenever possible. the Kingdom to contain and pre- sions that will be exempted require eye tests. states as well as international This was announced yesterday The CSB instructions will be vent the spread of the coronavirus from this decision will be de- and regional organizations, by Civil Service Bureau (CSB) pres- implemented from Sunday, and (COVID-19) pandemic. termined in coordination be- the private sector, the civil ident Ahmed bin Zayed Al Zayed. continue until further notice. It Al Zayed indicated that gov- tween CSB and the respective Information Minister society institutions and in- He said that the move is in line will be applied according to work ernment departments will de- government departments, in dividuals to promote a cul- with the directives of the Gov- requirements, and provided that termine the employees to be cov- accordance with the require- hails social media ture of peace and tolerance. ernment Executive Committee, the services delivered to citizens ered by teleworking, provided ments of public interests. activists for patriotic role TDT | Manama

nformation Minister Ali bin IMohammed Al Romaihi conveyed a message of respect and appreciation to social media activists. In a video circulated Fruits, vegetables on social media websites, he thanked them for their patriotic efforts to boost national unity and social awareness in these exceptional circumstances. Al Romaihi described them as prices down 30% the unidentified soldiers who are playing a key role in promoting awareness and fighting rumours Inspection Directorate at Industry Ministry and disinformation. oversees sale of first batch of seized products The Information Minister un- Inspection teams from the Ministry check on seized fruits and vegetables derlined complementarity between the official media and the TDT | Manama their prices fell by about 30 He pledged zero-tolerance Those who seek to influ - that goods and products are social media networks in light per cent. against whoever tampers with ence the prices of products in continually available in Bah- of the exceptional circumstance he Inspection Directo- Industry, Commerce and prices or obstructs the provi- any way would be referred to rain’s markets. going on in the world. rate at the Ministry of Tourism Minister Zayed R. Al sion of basic food products. criminal courts, where they He said that these commod- He paid tribute to His Roy- TIndustry, Commerce and Zayani, said that the sale of the Earlier this week, the ze - would face prison terms of up ities remain abundant in the al Highness Prince Salman bin Tourism, yesterday oversaw the seized products will continue ro-tolerance policy was an - to five years and fines of at least Kingdom, and noted that there Hamad Al Khaifa, Crown Prince, sale of the first batch of seized on a daily basis, commensurate nounced against anyone who BD5,000, in addition to the con- is no need to purchase large Deputy Supreme Commander fruits and vegetables. with market needs. illegally and unethically takes fiscation of their products. quantities of goods other than and First Deputy Premier, for The directorate’s team also He noted that the Inspection advantage of the current cir- Meanwhile, Minister Al what is needed. betting on social awareness, monitored the prices of fruits Directorate will continue its cumstances to compromise Zayani had also previously The minister further assured describing the role of the social and vegetables at various campaign to ensure the flow of Bahrain’s food security or to stressed that the ministry is that maintaining the supply of media activists as essential in outlets across the Kingdom’s basic products and stability of manipulate the markets and in constant coordination with food and medicine remains a fighting rumours and disclosing directorates, and said that their prices. hike prices. relevant authorities to ensure top priority. trusted and official information. Warmer, less-humid March in Kingdom TDT | Manama above the long-term normal. Durrat. 16.0mm, whereas the total pre- with a record of 324.3hours and he month of March was The highest temperature re- A total of 6.4mm of precipi- cipitation at Durrat was 14.8mm, March 2013 with a record of warmer than normal, corded during the month was tation was reported in March at King Fahd Causeway was 291.3hours. Twith below-average rela- 31.2degrees C, which occurred at BIA. Trace amounts were re- 7.2mm and at Sitra Island was The Northwesterly winds active humidities and wind speed, on March 15 at Bahrain Interna- corded on March 14, 18 and 28. 2.4mm. counted 25 per cent with gusts the Ministry of Transportation tional Airport (BIA), but record- The long-term average total 22.1 The mean relative humidi- reaching 48knots on March 21 was the mean and Telecommunications’ Me- ed 32.1degrees C on March 18 at precipitation for March was temperature of March in ty for March was 62 per cent at Durrat. Southeasterly winds teorological Directorate an- Bahrain International Circuit 14.0mm. The highest month- degrees Celsius, which whereas the mean maximum accounted 16 per cent of the nounced yesterday. (BIC) and on March 29 at Durrat ly total precipitation ever re- is 1.1degrees C above the relative humidity was 79 per observation with gusts reaching The mean temperature of the Al Bahrain. corded during March at BIA was long-term normal for the cent, and the mean minimum 37knots on March 14 at BIA. month was 22.1degrees Celsius, The mean minimum temper- 139.2mm in 1995. month relative humidity was 40 per Fog affected the Kingdom on which is 1.1degrees C above the ature of the month was 19.2 de- Thundery showers were recent. March 11 and it reduced the vis- long-term normal for March, the grees C, which is 1.4degrees C ported at BIA on March 21 ac- It was the third sunniest ibility to 100meters at BIA. This directorate said in its monthly above the long-term normal. cumulating daily total precipita- around Bahrain. March since the sunshine re- phenomenon had not occurred weather summary. The lowest temperature re- tion of 6.4mm and the visibility Light rain was reported in cords began in 1968, whereby in March since the year 2002, The mean maximum temper- corded was 15.6degrees C set dropped to 1,000meters. Mod- some areas on March 15. the monthly total hours of sun- when fog patches reported on ature of the month was 26.2de- on March 6 at BIA, but recorded erate thundery showers with The total precipitation re - shine recorded was 287.4hours, March 11 reduced the visibility grees C, which is 1.5degrees C 12.4degrees C the same night in hail were reported in some areas corded for March at BIC was exceeded only by March 2018 to 800meters at the airport. FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 03

WHO director general:• HRH the Premier has played an important role in a unified international community trying to Leading overcome a virus that knows no geographical or political borders

TDT | Manama

he World Health Organ- the charge! isation (WHO) has ex- Tpressed its appreciation of WHO commends HRH the Prime Minister’s the efforts of the government, led HRH the Prime Minister by His Royal Highness the Prime efforts in COVID-19 fight Minister, to reduce the scope and impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Bahrain officials take part in In a letter to HRH Prince Khal- Everyone in Bahrain, ifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the WHO regional virtual meeting Prime Minister, WHO director each according to their general Dr. Tedros Adhanom capacity, are soldiers Ghebreyesus expressed the or- who protect their ganisation’s pride in the support country and society of HRH the Prime Minister in from the enemy. creating an urgent and wide - HRH THE PRIME MINISTER spread community momentum to end the pandemic as soon as possible. virus and stressed that the com- HRH the Premier’s role in pro- petent government agencies in moting solidarity between peo- Bahrain have been directed to ples is crucial to the success of Dr. Ghebreyesus be in constant coordination with the national and international the WHO, to keep it abreast of the responses to tackle the coronavi- garding the coronavirus and the on dealing with the issue accord- latest developments in the King- he World Health Or- eases Dr. Jameela Al-Salman, rus, Dr. Ghebreyesus said. strategic plan to combat the dis- ing to the development of the dom and the measures adopted ganisation’s (WHO) and the Health Ministry’s He noted the importance of ease. The gathering was held in situation, HRH the Premier said. to combat the pandemic. TEastern Mediterranean Medical Equipment Chief HRH the Prime Minister’s role order to help direct international To the contrary, the government HRH the Prime Minister said regional director Dr. Ahmed Mansour Ali Mansour also in a unified international com- efforts, according to the special was proactive in taking preven- that the government, under the bin Salem Al Munthari yes - participated. Eastern Medi- munity that is trying to over- situation of each country. tive and precautionary measures. guidance of His Majesty King terday held a virtual meet - terranean Regional Office Di- come the virus that knows no HRH the Prime Minister These included mobilisation, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, took ing to discuss the coronavi - rector of Emergency Opera- geographical or political borders. stressed that the government, as media education, stimulation of all measures to combat the dis- rus (COVID-19) crisis. Health tions Dr. Richard Brenan gave The WHO director general soon as the virus was announced, the sense of responsibility and ease on the health, economic Minister Faeqa bint Said Al an update on developments, praised the political leadership had put in place rapid prevention promotion of a culture that every and commercial levels, including Saleh delegated Public Health highlighting precautionary of HRH the Prime Minister, plans to deal with the pandemic citizen is responsible for pro- activating emergency protocols, assistant undersecretary and measures, curbs and challeng- stressing its indispensability to and that the Cabinet has suc- tecting the country and society confronting disasters and devel- National Taskforce for Com- es to combat the pandemic. harness domestic and interna- ceeded in limiting its spread. from the global health crisis, and oping a national plan to tackle bating Covid-19 member Dr. The participants approved a tional efforts to confront the Everyone in Bahrain, each ac- the adherence to directives and the disease. Mariam Al Hajeri to take part number of measures as part pandemic. cording to their capacity, are sol- instructions of the government, He lauded the successful in the meeting. Public Health of a strategy aimed to step The WHO official informed the diers who protect their country he said. efforts of HRH Prince Salman Director Dr. Najat Abul Fateh, up collective coordination, Prime Minister of his meetings and society from the enemy, HRH HRH the Premier praised bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Salmaniya Medical Com - stressing the importance of with international diplomatic the Prime Minister added. WHO’s great efforts in sharp - Prince, Deputy Supreme Com- plex (SMC) Consultant of being prepared to deal with missions in Geneva to brief them The government’s actions ening and uniting international mander and First Deputy Prime Infectious and Internal Dis- developments. on the latest developments re- were not based on reactions or efforts in the face of the corona- Minister, in this regard.

Asian duo jailed for Company refutes allegations of forcing employees to take leave TDT | Manama for three months (from April to human trafficking laims that Bahraini em- June). TDT | Manama would have sexual intercourse ployees were forced to Several MPs, including MP with different customers for Ctake their annual leaves I recently received a Buhammood, questioned some he First High Criminal money, which the male defend- were refuted by a renowned na- call informing me that private establishments’ worthi- Court sentenced a man ant collected. They added that tional company. the company, through ness of the package, claiming Tand a woman to three they were forced to do so until This came following rumours its managers and that they are taking arbitrary years’ imprisonment and fined they escaped the apartment and that were widely circulated on- executives, requested measures against their Bahraini them BD2,000 each for human reported the matter to the police. line and after an MP alleged that some of the employees employees amidst the current trafficking, after forcing two “We came here believing that Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) to sign blank papers extraordinary circumstances. women into the flesh trade. we would be employed as domes- “employees were obligated to MP Buhammood’s statements According to the victims’ state- tic workers for a monthly salary of take their leaves and sit at home”. that, until now, no one came during the discussion and ments in court, they applied for BD200, but when we reached Bah- The rumours hinted that the knows what they are for. in the presence of Labour and jobs in Bahrain from their home rain, we were shocked when she move came within the aftermath Some employees signed Social Development Minister country but once they reached (the female defendant) confiscated of the losses caused by the on- some of these papers. Jameel bin Ali Humaidan, along here they were detained by the our passports and informed us that going crisis of the coronavirus MP MOHAMMED BUHAMMOOD with Finance and National Econ- female defendant, who also con- we must work as prostitutes so we (Covid19) pandemic and its neg- omy Minister Shaikh Salman bin fiscated their passports. can pay her a big amount of money ative economic impact. necessary precautions to its em- tioned in its statement, while at Khalifa Al Khalifa. They further told prosecu- before she sets us free,” the victims In its response, BAS strongly ployees.” the same time calling upon the “I recently received a call in- tors that the female defendant said in their testimonies. denied the allegations, without In the statement, BAS affirmed public to “seek facts from official forming me that the company informed them that they would Both defendants were con- naming the MP, and stated that that it has requested its employ- sources”. (BAS), through its managers and be working as prostitutes, but victed of human trafficking, re- “the company’s management as- ees to take their pending leaves This came one day after MP executives, requested some of when they refused, the woman, stricting the victims’ freedom and serts that the above is not true”. but did not force them to take Mohammed Buhammood made the employees to sign blank pa- with the help of her accomplice, depending on vice as a source of BAS clarified in a press state- their annual leave. the claims in the weekly meeting pers that until now no one knows threatened to inform their fami- income. In addition to the fine and ment issued: “BAS, whose com- “In accordance with the La- of the Council of Representatives what they are for. Some employ- lies about their work in the vice the prison sentence, they were mercial activity extends for bour Law and the company’s on Tuesday. His statements came ees signed some of these papers,” trade and that they would be both ordered to bear the expenses about 42 years, has, for decades, internal regulations, employees during the discussion of an ur- the lawmaker said before adding jailed here for nine years. of the victims’ repatriation and taken an interest in the human were asked to settle their ac- gent draft-law to withdraw BD- that “some of these companies The victims said they agreed were also blacklisted from re-en- factor, especially national cadres. cumulated leave balance from 215million from the unemploy- have begun as if it is gnawing the and the male defendant then took tering the Kingdom after they fin- During the current coronavirus previous years without prejudice ment fund to pay for the salaries bodies of citizens in such a tough them to an apartment where they ish serving their jail terms. crisis, the company provided all to their future leaves,” BAS men- of Bahrainis in the private sector situation”. NPRA launches online services TDT | Manama cation system on its website www. provide back-up for the e-services. The system includes essential be fixed while travelling via the Town Services Centre. npra.gov.bh. It highlighted that, from Sunday, services related to issuing, ex- airport. The NPRA called upon clients he Nationality, Passports The facility aims to speed up the the system would be operation- tending and cancelling visas, local The system also includes the is- to learn about the conditions and and Residence Affairs processing of applications within al, while applicants will not be transfer, issuing and cancelling suing of Bahraini passports for the required documents to process T(NPRA) has announced the the required quality. received at the headquarters or resident permits, self-sponsor- first time and replacement of lost their applications before submit- launch of a host of online services A contact centre was also al- other services centres for their ship licences and the grace period. or damaged passports. Passports ting them through its website or for the public through a communi- located to answer inquiries and health and safety. The resident permit sticker would can be received through the Isa by calling 17399764. 04 FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 business Emirates to resume limited passenger flights AFP | Dubai ates, the largest in the Middle tion of passenger services in line East with 271 wide-body aircraft, with lifting of travel and oper- mirates Airline said yes- grounded passenger operations ational restrictions, including terday it is to resume a last week as the UAE halted all assurance of health measures to Elimited number of out- passenger flights to fight the safeguard our people and cus- bound passenger flights from spread of coronavirus. tomers,” he said. April 6, less than two weeks The UAE, which groups seven When Emirates suspended after its coronavirus-enforced emirates including Dubai, has flights, it cut between 25 per stoppage. declared 814 coronavirus cases cent and 50pc of the basic salary “Emirates has received ap - along with eight deaths. of its 100,000-strong staff for proval from UAE authorities to It has imposed a sweeping three months, saying it wanted restart flying a limited number crackdown, including the flight to avert layoffs. of passenger flights,” its chair- ban and closure of borders. Dubai’s crown prince, Sheikh man, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Sheikh Ahmed said Emirates, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Al-Maktoum, said on Twitter. which owns the world’s largest Rashid Al-Maktoum said Tues- “From April 6, these flights fleet of Airbus A-380 superjum- day that Dubai will support the will initially carry travellers bos with 113 in its ranks, was airline by injecting new capital. outbound from UAE,” he said, looking to gradually resume pas- Tourism, aviation, hotels and adding that details would be an- senger services. entertainment are key contrib- nounced soon. Emirates aircraft grounded at Dubai International Airport after the UAE suspended all passenger operations due to the “Over the time, Emirates looks utors to Dubai’s mostly non-oil Dubai-owned carrier Emir- coronavirus pandemic forward to the gradual resump- economy.

KPMG fined for failing to challenge client British Airways could suspend the FRC’s deputy executive 36,000 employees - BBC KPMG’s fine was counsel. Reuters the news agency reporte, add- • But the FRC said the breaches ing that no staff were expected discounted from were limited in nature and did AG-owned British Airways is to be made redundant. 700,000 pounds not call into question the truth Iexpected to announce a sus- Talks with the union are still ($868,840.00) to or fairness of the company’s fi- pension of about 36,000 of its ongoing, British Airways said 455,000 pounds for nancial statements. employees, BBC News reported in a brief statement to Reuters. KPMG said it regretted that on Wednesday. British Airways had said on early settlement specific aspects of its audit of The airline has reached a Tuesday it was temporarily the company in question for the broad deal with Unite union suspending flights from Gat- Reuters | London 2015/16 financial year did not that will include suspension of wick Airport, Britain’s sec- meet the required standards and jobs of 80% of BA’s cabin crew, ond-busiest airport, as the ritain’s accounting watch- has updated procedures. ground staff, engineers and aviation sector reels under the Bdog fined KPMG and a senior “As the FRC makes clear, there those working at head office, coronavirus crisis. partner yesterday for failing to KPMG and the other big accounting firms are facing major reforms to improve is no question as to the truth and challenge what a client was tell- standards fairness of the financial state- ing them about certain complex ments,” KPMG said in a state- supplier arrangements. after company collapses at Brit- dog said KPMG failed to obtain ment. Boeing announces voluntary layoff plan The Financial Reporting ish builder Carillion and retailer and document sufficient audit The FRC said KPMG was also Council, which did not name the BHS. evidence in relation to suppli- required to undertake a quality AFP | New York said such belt-tightening was company being audited, said KP- Policymakers also want to put er-funded rebates. Auditors performance review of three needed amid the hit to the MG’s fine was discounted from an end to what they consider should have been on alert to pay audits for which Quayle is the oeing unveiled a voluntary industry caused by the pan- 700,000 pounds ($868,840.00) cosy relationships between au- particular attention to “these auditor and report the results Bworker layoff programme demic. to 455,000 pounds for ear - diting firms and their clients types of complex supplier ar- to the watchdog. yesterday, telling employees “It’s important that we start ly settlement. Senior partner and bring in more competition. rangements.” Quayle, an auditor for 23 years that it hoped to avoid “other adjusting to our new reality Nicola Quayle was fined 45,000 KPMG, one of the world’s top “Professional scepticism and a former non-executive workforce actions” as the avi- now,” he said. pounds, reduced to 29,250 four accounting firms, in 2018 remains at the core of an au- board member of KPMG UK, will ation industry reels from the Boeing’s financial picture pounds for early settlement. was put under “increased scru- ditor’s duty and the FRC will also be required to “undertake coronavirus crisis. was already a bit cloudy prior KPMG and the other big ac- tiny” by the FRC for poor au- take appropriate action where appropriate training, in a format The initiative was an - to the coronavirus outbreak counting firms are facing major diting. it has been lacking, as in this to be agreed with the FRC”, the nounced by Boeing Chief Ex- because of the crisis surround- reforms to improve standards In the latest case, the watch- case,” said Claudia Mortimore, watchdog said. ecutive David Calhoun, who ing the 737 MAX. Google boosts support for checking coronavirus facts AFP | San Francisco surface fact-checks that address oogle yesterday said it is potentially harmful health mis- Gpumping $6.5 million into information more prominently fact-checkers and nonprofits as to our users,” Mantzarlis said. it ramps up its the battle against “We’re experimenting with KNOW WHAT coronavirus misinformation. how to best include a dedicated Fact-checking organizations, fact-check section in the COV- which often operate on rela- ID-19 Google News experience.” tively small budgets, are seeing Google is conducting a test in Facebook has also sup- a surge in demand for their work India and Africa to explore how ported fact-checking as mistaken or maliciously false to use trends in what people are information about the pandemic asking or searching for online operations with AFP and spreads, according to Alexios Uncertainty and to let fact-checkers know where other media companies, Mantzarlis of the Google News us all more susceptible to in - “This can be a noticeable in- fear make us all a lack of reliable answers may including Reuters and the Lab. accurate information, so we’re fusion of additional support at a more susceptible invite misinformation. Associated Press, under “Uncertainty and fear make supporting fact-checkers as they time of stress.” to inaccurate “Unanswered user questions which content rated false address heightened demand for Google is also looking to use information, so -- such as ‘what temperature Google is conducting is downgraded in news their work,” Mantzarlis said. its products and “ecosystem” to we’re supporting kills coronavirus?’ -- can provide feeds so that fewer peo- a test in India and A Poynter Institute report last bolster the battle against COV- useful insights to fact-check- fact-checkers as they ple see it. Africa to explore how year on the state of fact-check- ID-19 misinformation. ers and health authorities about ing indicated that more than a The Google News Initiative address heightened content they may want to pro- to use trends in what demand for their work people are asking or fifth of fact-checking organi- is increasing its support for duce,” Mantzarlis said. tite for this stuff,” Mantzarlis zations operated with annual nonprofit First Draft, which ALEXIOS MANTZARLIS That test compliments an ef- said. searching for online to budgets of less than $20,000. provides a resource hub, train- fort to train 1,000 journalists “We grasp for certainty, a GOOGLE NEWS LAB let fact-checkers know “We are supporting fact ing and crisis simulations for across India and Nigeria to spot glimmer of something we can where a lack of reliable checking projects around the journalists covering news dur- health misinformation, accord- do to protect ourselves and those answers may invite mis- world with a concentration on ing times of crisis, according to creation of a public health re- ing to the California-based in- we care about. It makes us more information. parts hardest hit by the pandem- Mantzarlis. source database for reporters. ternet titan. vulnerable to this kind of misin- ic,” Mantzarlis told said. Google is also supporting the “We also want to do more to “There is definitely an appe- formation.” FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 05

GBM names Feras Al Majed as Russia-Saudi oil deal soon: Trump VP of Human Resources TDT | Dubai Reuters | Washington the other companies did not re- spond to requests for comment. ulf Business Machines S President Donald A source familiar with the G(GBM) announced nam- Trump said he has invit- plan said that oil refiners and ing Feras Al Majed as the Vice Ued US oil executives to the small producers would also be President of Human Resources White House to discuss ways to represented and the issue of po- (VP of HR) for the company’s help the industry “ravaged” by tential waivers for royalties on regional operations. slumping energy demand. existing federal offshore and on- A longtime member of the Trump also said he had talked shore leases would be discussed. organisation’s HR team, Al Ma- recently with the leaders of both The American Petroleum In- jed joined GBM in 2013, and Russia and Saudi Arabia and be- stitute, which represents the as the new VP of HR, he will lieved the two countries would US oil and gas industry, said its handle all HR related activities make a deal to end their price president Mike Sommers would across the organisation. He Feras Al Majed war within a “few days” - low- attend the initial meeting, but replaces Shawki Hussain, who ering production and bringing U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the daily coronavirus response briefing added: “We are not seeking has successfully led the people behalf of all the GBM board prices back up. at the White House in Washington, U.S any government subsidies or agenda of GBM from its infan- members and employees for “I’m going to meet with the industry-specific intervention cy in 1990 to date and been a his stellar contribution and oil producers today. I’m going time major producers Saudi In the coming meetings with to address the recent market driving force in ensuring the loyalty over the past 30 years, to meet with independent oil Arabia and Russia have started oil executives, Trump is expect- downturn at this time.” organization is an employer and wish him all the best in his producers also on Friday or to flood the market with oil. ed to discuss a range of options The API, many of whose mem- of choice. future endeavours,” said Jalal Saturday. Maybe Sunday. We’re Speaking yesterday, a senior to help the industry, including bers operate globally, has said in “I would like to take this op- Mohammed Jalal, Honorary going to have a lot of meetings Gulf source familiar with Saudi the possibility of tariffs on oil the past it opposes trade tariffs portunity to thank Shawki on Chairman, GBM. on it,” Trump told reporters at a thinking said the Kingdom sup- imports from Saudi Arabia, ac- because it can complicate pro- media conference. ports cooperation between oil cording to the Wall Street Jour- jects and business relationships “Worldwide, the oil industry producers to stabilise prices but nal, which was first to report the in other countries. has been ravaged,” he said. “Its Russia’s opposition to a propos- planned meetings. The Trump administration very bad for Russia, its very bad al last month to deepen supply Major drillers expected to said it is also planning to send a Mecca, Medina get 24-hour for Saudi Arabia. I mean, its very cuts has caused market turmoil. participate in the initial meet- special envoy to Riyadh to push bad for both. I think they’re go- The collapse in prices has ing include Exxon Mobil Corp, for lower output. curfew; Gulf migrant worker ing to make a deal.” threatened the once-booming Chevron Corp, Occidental Pe- Saudi Arabia’s crude supply districts locked down Global oil prices have fallen US drilling industry with bank- troleum Corp, and Continen- rose on Wednesday to a record by roughly two-thirds this year ruptcies and massive layoffs, tal Resources, according to the of more than 12 million barrels The Saudi interior as the coronavirus has slammed and Washington has scrambled Journal. Occidental said it had per day, two industry sources Reuters | Riyadh ministry stipulated global economies at the same for ways to protect the sector. no comment, while officials at said. audi Arabia imposed a 24- exceptions, including Shour curfew yesterday in for essential workers the holy cities of Mecca and and to allow residents Medina, extending measures to buy food and access NBB appoints Amin Alarrayed new board member to combat coronavirus, while medical care. Cars may TDT | Manama other Gulf Arab states locked only carry one passen- stated, “On behalf of the NBB of experience in the banking, down districts with large mi- ger Board of Directors, I would like real estate investment and real grant worker populations. he National Bank of Bah- to extend my sincere thanks estate development sectors. A The Saudi interior ministry Train (NBB) named Amin Al and appreciation to Khalid Al prominent leader in the real stipulated exceptions, includ- said authorities were consid- Arrayed as its newest Board Rumaihi for his commitment estate industry, Al Arrayed’s ca- ing for essential workers and ering sealing off some areas Member. He replaces Khalid and service to the NBB Board the reer includes diverse experience to allow residents to buy food after Qatar announced late on Al Rumaihi who has request- last six years. He has played an across industries having held and access medical care. Cars Wednesday it was extending a ed to depart the Board due instrumental role in guiding the several leadership positions in- may only carry one passenger. lockdown on an industrial area to his new role and bigger Bank’s ongoing business success cluding CEO of First Bahrain real Saudi Arabia has recorded and Oman closed off Muttrah, responsibilities. and we wish him all the best in estate development company, 1,885 infections and 21 deaths, home to one of the sultanate’s Khalid Al Rumaihi was ap- his future endeavours. I would Head of Retail and Placement the most in the six-member oldest markets. pointed as a non-executive also like to take this opportunity of Reef Real Estate Finance and Gulf Cooperation Council. It Dubai in the United Arab member to NBB’s Board of Di- to welcome Amin Al Arrayed Regional Head of Retail Banking has already halted interna- Emirates on Tuesday sealed rectors in 2014 and served as as our newest Board Member, at Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait tional flights, suspended the off Al Ras, an area famous for a valuable member bringing to and I am confident that with (BBK). In addition to working at year-round umrah pilgrimage, its gold and spice souqs and the table extensive experience his wealth of expertise, he will the Central Bank of Bahrain, Al closed most public places, and where many migrant workers and knowledge. be an invaluable addition to our Arrayed also gained extensive heavily restricted internal reside. Commenting on the new team.” knowledge from his experience movement. Millions of migrant workers, appointment, Farouk Yousif Amin Al Arrayed Currently the CEO of Edamah, at the International Monetary The eastern oil-producing mainly from Asian countries Almoayyed, Chairman of NBB Amin Al Arrayed boasts 20 years Fund in Washington, DC. province of Qatif, where the like Nepal, India and the Phil- kingdom’s first coronavirus ippines, are among the large cases were reported among expatriate population in the Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims re- six Gulf states, where con - turning from Iran, has been firmed infections have risen on lockdown for nearly four to above 4,700, with 36 deaths. Stock market rebound cut short by ‘terrible’ US jobless claims weeks. Oman’s health minister said Entry and exit to Riyadh, the coastal commercial dis- Key figures around 1335 GMT analyst Michael Hewson. Mecca, Medina and Jeddah is trict of Muttrah was sealed The deadly coronavirus is limited. Some neighbourhoods off due to the discovery of a Another 6.65 million London - FTSE 100:  0.2 pc at 5,444.27 points US• workers filed keeping traders on edge as it in Mecca and Medina were al- community spread of the virus. Frankfurt - DAX 30:  1.4 pc at 9,427.37 sweeps the planet, with infec- ready under full lockdown, but “Such decisions are not easily for unemployment tions approaching one million in the rest of those cities the taken ... but it is for the public Paris - CAC 40:  0.7 pc at 4,179.32 benefits last week and countries forced to tighten curfew was previously from 3 good,” state media quoted him EURO STOXX 50:  1.2 pc at 2,649.16 already strict lockdown. p.m. to 6 a.m. as saying.  In other Gulf Arab states, Saudi Arabia said on AFP | London New York - Dow: 0.7 pc at 20,789.83 ‘Bundle of nerves’ Tokyo - Nikkei 225:  1.4 pc at 17,818.72 (close) lockdowns targeted neigh- Wednesday it was working to Equities were gripped bourhoods with large numbers enable foreign residents to re- tentative rebound in global Hong Kong - Hang Seng:  0.8 pc at 23,280.06 (close) Wednesday by a global rout as of low-wage foreign labourers. turn home even as passenger Aequities came to an abrupt Shanghai - Composite:  1.7 pc at 2,780.64 (close) the human and economic toll Kuwait’s health minister flights remain suspended. end yesterday when US job- Brent North Sea crude:  7.0 pc at $26.48 per barrel from the coronavirus rose. less data fuelled fears that no After two weeks of amount of government efforts West Texas Intermediate:  7.9 pc at $21.92 much-needed gains fuelled by can shield the economy from Euro/dollar:  at $1.0864 from $1.0964 at 2100 GMT trillions of dollars in stimulus Planemakers brace for sharp cuts coronavirus, analysts said. Dollar/yen:  at 107.27 yen from 107.17 and widespread monetary eas- Another 6.65 million US working, focus has returned to the Pound/dollar:  at $1.2374 from $1.2406 in wide-body output: sources ers filed for unemployment ben- devastation wrought on popula- Reuters | Washington/Paris efits last week, the most ever Euro/pound:  at 87.79 pence from 89.07 tions and the long-term impact ing) rate could fall by at least recorded and nearly twice as of the pandemic. half,” one industry source said, many as market economists had recent fiscal rescue package to pean peers. Asia earlier saw a mixed ses- lanemakers are looking at speaking on condition of ano- forecast, according to Factset help businesses might not be The price of oil, which had sion, with Tokyo down 1.4 per Pdrastic cuts in wide-body nymity. consensus data. “The economy enough to keep people on their rallied on hopes of an end to cent, while Sydney and Kua - production amid a slump in Airbus also faces likely cuts is in bad shape,” said analyst payroll”, Moya said. a Saudi-Russia price war and la Lumpur shed two pc apiece demand for the industry’s larg- in wide-body jet production, Edward Moya at OANDA, calling European stock markets, resurgent Chinese energy de- and Singapore dropped 0.2 pc. est jetliners, manufacturing but no decision has been taken, the reading “whopping”. which had earlier in the ses - mand, came off its best levels There were also losses in Wel- and supplier sources said yes- the sources said. “It is unfortunate how bad sion managed to rebound from -- but was still solidly up. lington and Manila. terday. Both planemakers declined these numbers are getting, and their coronavirus-fuelled losses, “We do appear to be seeing But Hong Kong rose 0.8 pc Deliveries of long-range comment. no one will be surprised if we turned brutally lower after the some gains ... on a couple of and Shanghai rallied 1.7 pc, jets like the Boeing 777 or UK-based consultancy As- see a few more terrible read- US figures. headlines that China will start with Seoul and Bangkok up 787 and Airbus A350 or A330 cend by Cirium has forecast ings over the next few weeks,” On Wall Street, where futures topping up its state reserves, more than two pc. Jakarta put have been particularly badly a total surplus of some 5,000 he said. had earlier pointed to a stronger and that Saudi Arabia is sup - on more than one pc. hit as airlines seek deferrals commercial aircraft of all siz- start, the Dow Jones index was porting co-operation amongst Investors are now a “bundle and many withhold progress es once the dust settles from ‘Not enough’ also down at the opening bell, oil producers to stabilise oil of nerves”, said AxiCorp’s Ste- payments. the industry’s worst ever Fears were growing “that the although by less than its Euro- markets,” said CMC Markets phen Innes. “At a minimum, the (Boe - crisis. IT IS WHAT A MAN THINKS TODAY 1948 1948 1956 1968 QUOTE OF HIMSELF THAT REALLY DAY IN OF THE DETERMINES HIS FATE. Cold War: U.S. President Harry S. In Jeju Province, South Korea, a Hudsonville–Standale tornado: Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his DAY HISTORY Truman signs the Marshall Plan, civil-war-like period of violence The western half of the Lower “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” HENRY DAVID THOREAU APRIL 3, 2020 authorizing $5 billion in aid for 16 and human rights abuses begins, Peninsula of Michigan is struck speech. He was assassinated the FRIDAY countries. known as the Jeju uprising. by a deadly F5 tornado. next day.

POP-CULTURE

TOP Pop-culture highlights from around the Arab world 4 Regional artists deliver a family-focused documentary, a breakup track, elegiac synth-pop, and more TWEETS 01 Mahmoud Kaabour Lea Makhoul Monteath

‘Champ Of The Camp’ and ‘Grandma, ‘I’ll Be Fine’ ‘Juliet’ A Thousand Times’ ccording he Lebanese filmmaker has made two Ato Univer- ust spoke to my friend Tof his documentaries available to watch sal MENA, the JMBS (Crown Prince) online (for free). “Wonderful how my fellow French-Lebanese of Saudi Arabia, who filmmakers and producers are availing their singer said “this spoke with President films in these times, so it’s my turn,” Kaabour would be her year, Putin of Russia, & I ex- wrote on Facebook. “Here are my two last and she always de- pect & hope that they ones, which are part of my spirit and flesh.” livers.” Her latest will be cutting back ap- 2010’s “Grandma, a Thousand Times” is an single is an upbeat proximately 10 Million award-winning 50-minute documentary that pop number in Barrels, and maybe sub- Kaabour made about his 85-year-old grand- which Makhoul stantially more which, if mother (or ‘Teta’ as he calls her), Fatima. It’s encourages her it happens, will be GREAT a sweet and touching film — but never cloying audience to be for the oil & gas industry! — in which Fatima, mostly from her home or “strong enough to @realDonaldTrump her balcony, looks back on her busy life, par- walk away from ticularly her children, grandchildren, and music — her late husband, whose name the filmmaker shares an unhealthy rela- 02 (and to whom he bears a striking resemblance), was a violinist. tionship and still be he UAE-based four-piece, named after frontman Josh As well as winning $100,000 at the Doha Tribeca film festival, the film was a ‘Critic’s Pick’ in the New good on your own TMonteath, released their first official single late last York Times, where the reviewer wrote that Kaabour “flash-freezes a resilient, no-nonsense personality — a breakup should month from their upcoming album “Moonlight,” set for re- that holds his family together… Teta commands the respect of her section of old Beirut.” be seen as a break- lease in May. On their Facebook page, the band (Monteath, “Champ Of The Camp,” released in 2013, was the first feature film shot in UAE labor camps. It’s the through.” Makhoul drummer Andrei Ramos, bassist Alex Tombrink, and gui- story of a Bollywood singing competition, in which laborers competed to show off their vocal skills and reportedly choreographed the video’s dance routine herself tarist Jerome Deligero), cite Kings of Leon and John Mayer knowledge of Bollywood movies. Kaabour described it to Screen Daily as “both a tribute to Bollywood with the intention of highlighting the track’s “raw element.” among their main influences and “Juliet” lends credence as well as the lives of people who have built (the UAE).” “It is both feminist and feminine,” the press release says. “The to that claim (particularly the later, poppier Kings of Leon he economic dam- Both movies are now available to screen on Vimeo. artist empowers all to take the independent road.” singles) with its melodic pop-rock vibe. Tage from this pub- Lea Makhoul is a French-Lebanese singer. lic health crisis is both rising and deepening at Alko B HasanHujairi Funny Death Mark Shakedown an alarming rate. It is putting working families and the American middle To The Long Lost’ ‘Requite’ ‘fill the black hole in my ‘Midnight’ class through unimagina- heart’ ble financial pain — and he Lebanese singer-song- he Bahraini sound artist, writ- ebanese DJ-producer Mark they need to be made Twriter (real name Salim Naf- Ter and composer released ancouver-based Lebanese LShakedown’s new “fu - whole as fast as possible. fah) — now based in New York this atmospheric and unsettling Vsynth-pop artist (real name Jad ture-house” release boasts “a @JoeBiden — just released this video for this instrumental track at the end of Mroue) released a video for this smooth versatile beat to calm mellow, reverb-drenched in- March, describing it as “music for track from his 2018 album “Half you down or lift you up depend- strumental from his 2019 album another day at home.” Like much Present” last month. The clip re- ing on your mood,” according to 03 “Dreaming Is Not For Two.” The of Hujairi’s work, it’s not really a sembles an arthouse short, with a the press release. The 32-year- black-and-white film features song but more of a soundscape, central character constantly waving old has been a fixture on the dancer Lynne Sakr in some sun- hinting at the alternating waves at, but somehow failing to attract region’s mainstream electron- soaked woods and is a perfect of panic and calm acceptance that the attention of, the camera. It’s a ic-music scene for years now, accompaniment to the dreamy, many of us are doubtless experi- funny-but-sad motif that captures and his experience shows on slightly off-kilter, music. encing at the moment. the track’s yearning quality perfectly. this catchy, polished pop track. r. Fauci on NBC: “I’ve Dchosen this life. I know what it is. There are things DESIGN about it that sometimes are disturbing. But you just focus on the job you have to do ... We have a really, really, very, very difficult situation An Armenia-based design firm honours farmers with this innovative, sustainable packaging ahead of us. All of that other stuff is secondary.” @kylegriffin1 The firm Backbone created high-density, sackcloth fabric and actually worked with farmers to create the design 04

BINDU GOPAL RAO the character work and illus - our design conveyed an emotion- strong quality. After research, the trations for the package. The al, human message,” says Grace team also found that it was a very ice is a staple food across goal was to create a design that Jerejian, PR Manager, Backbone efficient way to store rice and countries and continents— is simple, minimal and one that Branding. since the key consideration was to Rit is also a crop that needs perfectly represents the famil- go with a sustainable choice, this UST IN: Prime Minis- much attention and care to grow. iar grain. “Visually, we wanted was the material chosen. “With all Jter Narendra Modi had Inarguably, the ones who har- to portray the human labour in The Making the different rice packaging out a telephone conversation vest rice are quite the unsung he- the rice harvesting process. Our Needless to say, the packaging there, we needed to have a design today with Angela Merkel, roes. This is why Armenia-based goal was to use only necessary does just that. “We believe that that was unique, different and Chancellor of Germany. branding agency Backbone decid- amount of black graphic lines packaging has the true power of stood out on a store shelf. Also, we Two leaders discussed on- ed to pay an ode to these farmers in order to capture the facial influence; this is why we always wanted our project to be deeper going #COVID19 pandemic, through their sustainable, inno- expressions of the rice farm - try to convey a positive message than just a beautiful design. Our situation in their respective vative packaging; the project apt- ers by portraying their varied through our projects. However, work needed to pay tribute to the countries, and importance ly christened Riceman.Minimal emotional states. The graphics we can’t forgo the functional as- people behind the product, and of international collabora- Yet Creative depict a range of emotions, from pect of packaging. Before any- not only to embellish the product tion to fight the health crisis. self-confidence and pride, to sat- thing else, it should be practical itself,” adds Jerejian. @AdityaRajKaul isfaction, empathy and tiredness. and fulfil its role of protecting “We receive emails and messag- Minimal Yet Creative Also, when the products are dis- the product within. Therefore, es from people asking us where The project was commissioned played next to each another on it is a must to choose the ade - they can get their hands on Rice- Disclaimer: (Views expressed by a small, local company; for the a shelf, they reflect a gamut of quate materials,” says Jerejian. man, and if it is available in their by columnists are personal and packaging, the agency decided to feelings and a scene showing The team decided to opt for a country. Honestly, this makes us need not necessarily reflect our work with farmers. Local callig- farmers communicating with high-density, sackcloth fabric beyond happy and proud,” shares editorial stances) raphers and artists completed one another. We made sure that because of its long-lasting and Jerejian.

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 36458394 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing TODAY 1948 1948 1956 1968 DAY IN Cold War: U.S. President Harry S. In Jeju Province, South Korea, a Hudsonville–Standale tornado: Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his HISTORY Truman signs the Marshall Plan, civil-war-like period of violence The western half of the Lower “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” authorizing $5 billion in aid for 16 and human rights abuses begins, Peninsula of Michigan is struck speech. He was assassinated the countries. known as the Jeju uprising. by a deadly F5 tornado. next day.

POP-CULTURE

‘Champ Of The Camp’ and ‘Grandma, ‘I’ll Be Fine’ ‘Juliet’ A Thousand Times’ ccording he Lebanese filmmaker has made two Ato Univer- ust spoke to my friend Tof his documentaries available to watch sal MENA, the JMBS (Crown Prince) online (for free). “Wonderful how my fellow French-Lebanese of Saudi Arabia, who filmmakers and producers are availing their singer said “this spoke with President films in these times, so it’s my turn,” Kaabour would be her year, Putin of Russia, & I ex- wrote on Facebook. “Here are my two last and she always de- pect & hope that they ones, which are part of my spirit and flesh.” livers.” Her latest will be cutting back ap- 2010’s “Grandma, a Thousand Times” is an single is an upbeat proximately 10 Million award-winning 50-minute documentary that pop number in Barrels, and maybe sub- Kaabour made about his 85-year-old grand- which Makhoul stantially more which, if mother (or ‘Teta’ as he calls her), Fatima. It’s encourages her it happens, will be GREAT a sweet and touching film — but never cloying audience to be for the oil & gas industry! — in which Fatima, mostly from her home or “strong enough to @realDonaldTrump her balcony, looks back on her busy life, par- walk away from ticularly her children, grandchildren, and music — her late husband, whose name the filmmaker shares an unhealthy rela- 02 (and to whom he bears a striking resemblance), was a violinist. tionship and still be he UAE-based four-piece, named after frontman Josh As well as winning $100,000 at the Doha Tribeca film festival, the film was a ‘Critic’s Pick’ in the New good on your own TMonteath, released their first official single late last York Times, where the reviewer wrote that Kaabour “flash-freezes a resilient, no-nonsense personality — a breakup should month from their upcoming album “Moonlight,” set for re- that holds his family together… Teta commands the respect of her section of old Beirut.” be seen as a break- lease in May. On their Facebook page, the band (Monteath, “Champ Of The Camp,” released in 2013, was the first feature film shot in UAE labor camps. It’s the through.” Makhoul drummer Andrei Ramos, bassist Alex Tombrink, and gui- story of a Bollywood singing competition, in which laborers competed to show off their vocal skills and reportedly choreographed the video’s dance routine herself tarist Jerome Deligero), cite Kings of Leon and John Mayer knowledge of Bollywood movies. Kaabour described it to Screen Daily as “both a tribute to Bollywood with the intention of highlighting the track’s “raw element.” among their main influences and “Juliet” lends credence as well as the lives of people who have built (the UAE).” “It is both feminist and feminine,” the press release says. “The to that claim (particularly the later, poppier Kings of Leon he economic dam- Both movies are now available to screen on Vimeo. artist empowers all to take the independent road.” singles) with its melodic pop-rock vibe. Tage from this public health crisis is both rising and deepening at Funny Death Mark Shakedown an alarming rate. It is putting working families and the American middle ‘fill the black hole in my ‘Midnight’ class through unimagina- heart’ ble financial pain — and ebanese DJ-producer Mark they need to be made ancouver-based Lebanese LShakedown’s new “fu - whole as fast as possible. Vsynth-pop artist (real name Jad ture-house” release boasts “a @JoeBiden Mroue) released a video for this smooth versatile beat to calm track from his 2018 album “Half you down or lift you up depend- Present” last month. The clip re- ing on your mood,” according to 03 sembles an arthouse short, with a the press release. The 32-year- central character constantly waving old has been a fixture on the at, but somehow failing to attract region’s mainstream electron- the attention of, the camera. It’s a ic-music scene for years now, funny-but-sad motif that captures and his experience shows on the track’s yearning quality perfectly. this catchy, polished pop track. r. Fauci on NBC: “I’ve Dchosen this life. I know what it is. There are things DESIGN about it that sometimes are disturbing. But you just focus on the job you have to do ... We have a really, really, very, very difficult situation An Armenia-based design firm honours farmers with this innovative, sustainable packaging ahead of us. All of that other stuff is secondary.” @kylegriffin1 The firm Backbone created high-density, sackcloth fabric and actually worked with farmers to create the design 04 the character work and illus - our design conveyed an emotion- strong quality. After research, the trations for the package. The al, human message,” says Grace team also found that it was a very goal was to create a design that Jerejian, PR Manager, Backbone efficient way to store rice and is simple, minimal and one that Branding. since the key consideration was to perfectly represents the famil- go with a sustainable choice, this UST IN: Prime Minis- iar grain. “Visually, we wanted was the material chosen. “With all Jter Narendra Modi had to portray the human labour in The Making the different rice packaging out a telephone conversation the rice harvesting process. Our Needless to say, the packaging there, we needed to have a design today with Angela Merkel, goal was to use only necessary does just that. “We believe that that was unique, different and Chancellor of Germany. amount of black graphic lines packaging has the true power of stood out on a store shelf. Also, we Two leaders discussed on- in order to capture the facial influence; this is why we always wanted our project to be deeper going #COVID19 pandemic, expressions of the rice farm - try to convey a positive message than just a beautiful design. Our situation in their respective ers by portraying their varied through our projects. However, work needed to pay tribute to the countries, and importance emotional states. The graphics we can’t forgo the functional as- people behind the product, and of international collabora- depict a range of emotions, from pect of packaging. Before any- not only to embellish the product tion to fight the health crisis. self-confidence and pride, to sat- thing else, it should be practical itself,” adds Jerejian. @AdityaRajKaul isfaction, empathy and tiredness. and fulfil its role of protecting “We receive emails and messag- Also, when the products are dis- the product within. Therefore, es from people asking us where played next to each another on it is a must to choose the ade - they can get their hands on Rice- Disclaimer: (Views expressed a shelf, they reflect a gamut of quate materials,” says Jerejian. man, and if it is available in their by columnists are personal and feelings and a scene showing The team decided to opt for a country. Honestly, this makes us need not necessarily reflect our farmers communicating with high-density, sackcloth fabric beyond happy and proud,” shares editorial stances) one another. We made sure that because of its long-lasting and Jerejian.

Global Covid-19 Cases: Global virus cases near million 999,806 Deaths A six-week-old baby India searches for 9,000 in• US becomes one of the youngest known victims exposed to Delhi cluster 51,338 Recovered: AFP | New York

onfirmed coronavirus in- 210,191 fections around the world Active cases Capproached one million yesterday as the pandemic spread at a “near-exponential” rate, with a six-week-old baby 738,277 becoming one of the youngest A Russian military plane carrying medical supplies arrived in the United States on Closed cases known victims. Wednesday, the Russian mission to the UN said, as the Kremlin flexes its soft power Half the planet is under some during the coronavirus pandemic. The Antonov-124, landed at JFK Airport in New form of lockdown as govern - York -- the epicenter of America’s coronavirus outbreak -- pictures and video posted ments struggle to tamp down on the mission’s Twitter page showed. 261,529 a virus that has killed tens of Countries worst affected thousands of people. Duterte tells Philippine police to Those restrictions -- while Men wearing protective masks sit inside a bus that will take them to a Country Total cases New deaths Total necessary for health -- risk quarantine facility in Nizamuddin area of New Delhi shoot lockdown troublemakers Deaths causing global food shortages, experts have warned, as supply Reuters | New Delhi USA 226,378 +502 5,604 chains gum up and panic buying Italy 115,242 +760 13,915 sparks export controls. ndia reported its biggest single day increase in coronavirus The United States, which now Icases as officials yesterday raced to track down some 9,000 Spain 110,238 +709 10,096 accounts for almost a quarter people exposed to the country’s biggest infection cluster during Germany 81,728 +66 997 of reported global infections, a Muslim missionary group’s gathering in the capital last month. logged its 5,000th death over- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed the world’s second China 81,589 +6 3,318 night, according to a tally by most populous nation under a three-week lockdown until mid- France 56,989 4,032 Johns Hopkins University. April, and so far the number of coronavirus cases lags hard hit And, said President Donald countries like the United States, Italy and Spain. About half the Philippines’ roughly 110 million people are Iran 50,468 +124 3,160 currently under quarantine Trump, things were going to A government official said about 9,000 people linked to the UK 33,718 +569 2,921 get worse. Delhi cluster were unaccounted for, of which 2,000 were iden- Manila “We’re going to have a couple tified as officials of the Tablighi and the rest were described as that if there is trouble Switzerland 18,475 +34 522 of weeks, starting pretty much primary contacts. hilippine President or the situation arises Turkey 15,679 277 now, but especially a few days “This has emerged as a critical node in our fight against the PRodrigo Duterte that people fight and from now, that are going to be coronavirus, we need these people to come forward, so we can has told security forces your lives are on the Belgium 15,348 +183 1,011 horrific,” he said. quarantine them,” the official leading the operation to trace po- they should shoot dead line, shoot them dead,” Netherlands 14,697 +166 1,339 “But even in the most chal- tential virus carriers told Reuters, though he spoke on condition anyone causing “trou- Duterte said. lenging of times, Americans do of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media. ble” in areas locked “Instead of causing Austria 10,996 +12 158 not despair. We do not give in The Tablighi, is one of the world’s largest proselytising groups, down due to the coro- trouble, I’ll send you to S. Korea 9,976 +4 169 to fear.” drawing followers from the South Asian Deobandi branch of navirus pandemic. the grave,” he said, add- Among the latest US fatalities Sunni Islam. About half the coun- ing that the outbreak Canada 10,132 +17 131 was a six-week-old baby who Its leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi issued an audio message try’s roughly 110 million is getting worse more Portugal 9,034 +22 209 was taken to a Connecticut hos- to his followers asking them to cooperate with the government people are currently than two weeks into the pital late last week. in the fight against the disease. under quarantine -- in- lockdown. Brazil 7,022 +10 252 “Testing confirmed last night “We have to take precautions, follow the guidance of the cluding millions in deep Philippine Nation- Israel 6,360 +7 33 that the newborn was COVID-19 doctors and give full support to the government such as not poverty, left jobless by al Police Chief Archie positive,” the state’s Governor crowding into places,” he said. “This is not against the principles tough restrictions on Gamboa said on Thurs- Sweden 5,466 +43 282 Ned Lamont tweeted. “This is of Islam.” movement. day that officers would Australia 5,137 +2 25 absolutely heartbreaking.” About 2,300 people, including Bangladeshis, Indonesians and Hours before Duterte not begin shooting The new coronavirus has Malaysians, who had been staying at the Tablighi’s cramped gave the order in a troublemakers dead. Norway 5,119 +3 47 chiefly affected the elderly and dormitories in Delhi, were transferred to quarantine centres in speech late Wednesday, “Probably the pres- Russia 3,548 +6 30 those with pre-existing medi- the city during the past few days. nearly two dozen peo- ident just overempha- cal conditions, but a number of ple from a slum com- sised on implementing Denmark 3,355 +19 123 recent cases have highlighted World Health Organization more than doubled in the past munity in the capital the law in this time of Malaysia 3,116 +5 50 that it can affect people from all head Tedros Adhanom Ghe - week. In the next few days we Manila were arrested crisis,” he added. walks of life. breyesus said the disease’s rapid will reach one million confirmed for holding a protest The quarantine, Philippines 2,633 +11 107 The dead have included a spread was alarming. cases and 50,000 deaths.” that accused the gov- which affects Manila’s Pakistan 2,386 +5 32 13-year-old in France, a 12-year- “Over the past five weeks, we Britain and France both re- ernment of failing to 12 million people, has old in Belgium and 13-year-old have witnessed a near expo - ported their highest daily death provide food aid to the shuttered most busi- India 2,341 +10 68 Ismail Mohamed Abdullah in nential growth in the number tolls from COVID-19 on Wednes- poor. nesses and brought Thailand 1,875 +3 15 Britain, whose family said the of new cases, reaching almost day, although there were signs “My orders are to nearly all social, reli- “gentle and kind” boy had no every country,” he said. the epidemic could be peaking the police and military, gious and business ac- Indonesia 1,790 +13 170 underlying health issues. “The number of deaths has in Europe. also village officials, tivity to a halt. Mexico 1,378 +8 37 Estonia 858 +6 11 Middle East Honduras 219 +4 14 Trump warns Iran of ‘heavy price’ in case of attack on US troops Figures as of closing Country Total new Total New Total Active Serious, Tot AFP | Washington Iraq as part of the US-led coalition cases cases deaths Deaths recovered cases Critical cases/1m helping local troops fight jihadist pop resident Donald Trump warned groups, but those numbers are being PIran on Wednesday of a “heavy significantly drawn down this month. Bahrain 635 +66 4 341 290 3 373 price” if it or its allies in Iraq attack The alliance is temporarily bringing Saudi US troops stationed there. some trainers home as a precaution- Arabia 1,885 +165 21 +5 328 1,536 31 54 “We don’t want hostility, but if they ary measure against the coronavirus are hostile to us, they’re going to re- pandemic and is also leaving some UAE 814 8 61 745 2 82 gret it like they’ve never regretted Iraqi bases altogether. Kuwait anything before,” he said of Iran at US President Donald Trump, pictured here Those bases and foreign embassies, 342 +25 81 261 15 80 a White House press briefing on the particularly the American mission, at a press briefing, is warning Iran against Oman coronavirus pandemic. attacks on US troops in Iraq have been targeted in more than two 231 +21 1 57 173 3 45 “If this happens, Iran will pay a very dozen rocket strikes since late Oc- Jordan heavy price, indeed!” Trump tweeted on US troops and/or assets in Iraq.” tober. 278 5 36 237 5 27 earlier in the day. It was not clear whether Trump The attacks, which the US has Iraq The US president also wrote: “Upon meant Washington actually has intel- blamed on an Iran-backed armed 772 +44 54 +2 202 516 19 information and belief, Iran or its ligence of such a plan. group, have prompted fears of a proxy Egypt proxies are planning a sneak attack Some 7,500 foreign troops are in war on Iraqi soil. 779 52 179 548 8 FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 09

US Navy What doctors are learning Latest developments evacuates virus- The Philippines’ ambassador to struck aircraft Lebanon died of coronavirus yesterday, about COVID-19 ‘on the fly’ a statement said, one of only 16 recorded deaths carrier Roosevelt in the country since the start of the pandemic. ADP | Washington The Philippines’ department of foreign affairs expressed its “deep sadness” at the passing of octor Daniel Brenner Bernardita Catalla, which it said was the result of “complications arising from Covid 19”. has had a busy week in There’s really the emergency depart- no consensus Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, a leading member of D the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, has tested positive for ment of Johns Hopkins Hos- across the country pital in Baltimore, Maryland, or the medical COVID-19, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to re-enter precautionary quarantine, officials said. Netanyahu’s previous quarantine, imposed earlier this week Coronavirus is spreading seeing dozens of presumed community which uncontrollably through the crew COVID-19 patients. approach is right after one of his staffers tested positive for the novel coronavirus, had ended Wednesday of the USS Theodore Roosevelt As Maryland and other parts yet. We’re all night, his office said. aircraft carrier, its captain said of the United States brace for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain the kind of surges seen in New trying to learn it Washington on the fly would “massively increase testing” amid a York and Louisiana, we spoke growing wave of criticism on Thursday about his government’s to the fourth-year resident to DOCTOR DANIEL BRENNER failure to provide widespread coronavirus screening. he US Navy is evacuat- gain insight into what medical JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL IN Meanwhile, More than a half of Britons think Prime Minister Ting thousands of sailors professionals are learning about BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Boris Johnson’s government was too slow to order a lockdown to slow the spread of from the nuclear-powered the disease in real time. coronavirus, according an opinion poll published yesterday. aircraft carrier USS The- Infection control odore Roosevelt in Guam Hard choices been studied for two months,” President Donald Trump cast doubt on after its captain warned a Maryland has thus far seen he said.“We’re all trying to learn While hospitals in over - the accuracy of official Chinese figures on coronavirus outbreak was two dozen deaths and around it on the fly.” whelmed regions such as New its coronavirus outbreak after US lawmakers, citing an threatening the lives of the 2,000 cases -- capacity isn’t yet York are in dire lack of personal intelligence report, accused Beijing of a cover up. “How do crew. stretched, but could soon be. The prone position protective gear, such shortages we know” if they are accurate, Trump asked at a press conference. “Their numbers seem There have been 93 COV- With hundreds of cases now The most significant compli- haven’t yet hit other parts of to be a little bit on the light side.” ID-19 cases discovered coming in, Brenner said it be- cation for coronavirus patients the country. among the 4,800-strong comes “very tricky to tease out is Acute Respiratory Distress In the US, assisted breath- Pakistan has converted train Roosevelt crew so far, ac- who needs to be in the hospital, Syndrome (ARDS) in which the ing machines called Continu- carriages into a temporary quarantine facility as a cording to the US Navy. the people who are at high risk lungs stiffen and become in- ous Positive Airway Pressure preventative measure against Speaking in Washing- for developing severe symp- flamed and the body is starved (CPAPs) and Bilevel Positive the COVID-19 coronavirus, as toms and needing supplemental PAP ton, Acting Navy Secretary of oxygen. Airway Pressure (Bi s) are the number of cases continues Thomas Modly said that al- oxygen” versus those who can Doctors have found placing not being used out of concern to rise in the country. most 1,000 of the crew had recover from home. patients on the stomach in the that they “might make a giant been removed, and that that Making the right call is cru- “prone” position helps prevents field of virus” by spraying drop- number would rise to 2,700 cial, but the problem is com- fluid from building up in the lets out of the patient’s mouth Cyprus has extended a ban on all commercial flights for another within a couple days, and pounded by a lack of data to relatively more healthy area and nose under pressure, said two weeks until April 17 to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the transport more after that. help rationalize choices. in the back of the lung, said Brenner. minister said yesterday. After “evaluating the situation... “we (decided to) extend the But they need to retain “Is it older people? Is it peo- Brenner. The technique is com- Ventilators, which place decree” introduced for two weeks on March 21 by another 14 days, Yiannis Karousos around 1,000 on board just ple with medical conditions?” monly used on preterm babies tubes down a patient’s air pas- tweeted. to maintain the vessel, as it asked Brenner, adding that doc- requiring ventilators, but for sage, don’t have the same prob- North Korea remains totally free of the coronavirus, a senior undergoes a thorough ster- tors were desperately trying to adults it is labor intensive and lem because the exhaled air is health official in Pyongyang has insisted, despite mounting ilization. keep up with the latest medical requires constant monitoring sealed. But this creates its own scepticism overseas as confirmed global infections near one “We cannot and will not literature as it gets published to to make sure the breathing tube issues -- BiPAP was typically million. remove all the sailors from stay better informed. isn’t displaced. used for heart failure patients the ship,” Modly said. Different physicians have COVID patients also seem to in the emergency room, but A pledge by Japan’s Prime Minister “This ship has weapons different views, “and there’s require higher levels of air pres- now these patients must go on Shinzo Abe to send two reusable cloth on it, it has munitions on really no consensus across the sure on their ventilators than ventilators. This requires mak- face masks to every household as it, it has expensive aircraft, country or the medical commu- people who have developed ing them unconscious and giv- the country battles the coronavirus and has a nuclear power nity which approach is right yet ARDS by other means, added ing them drugs to temporarily outbreak has been met online with plant,” he said. because this disease has only Brenner. paralyze the body. derision and humour. Within hours of the announcement, the hashtag “Abenomasks”, a play on the prime minister’s signature “Abenomics” economic policy, was trending on Japanese Twitter. Jazz great Ellis Marsalis died Wednesday Toaster-sized ventilator from India helps at the age of 85 after contracting the coronavirus, his son Branford said. The acclaimed American pianist and teacher -- who featured on dozens of records over hospitals in virus fight a musical career spanning several decades -- was the father of trumpeter Wynton and saxophonist Branford. New Delhi ation, said the AgVa portable Australian police and military will soon begin helicoptering ventilator was the kind of inno- doctors to several cruise ships stranded near Sydney to assess nearly 9,000 crew riginally created by a ro - vation needed to fill health gaps. for COVID-19, officials said yesterday. The military-style operation, due to begin by the Obot scientist and a neuro- “It is a basic model which will weekend, is aimed at resolving a standoff between cruise line operators and authorities surgeon to help India’s poor, a serve in the current scenario who fear a wave of new imported coronavirus cases would overwhelm local hospitals. toaster-sized ventilator is offer- as it is a straightforward oxy- A Pakistani court yesterday overturned the ing hope in the country’s fight genation device,” said Asokan, death sentence for British-born militant against the coronavirus pan- who added that it would help Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was convicted demic and demand is booming. COVID-19 patients but not those The virus at its most lethal who have had transplants and 18 years ago in the kidnapping and beheading of American attacks the lungs, making venti- other major surgeries. journalist Daniel Pearl. Pearl’s brutal murder sparked lators -- which pump breathable Sunita Sharma, whose son revulsion and an international outcry in early 2002, putting air into a patient -- critical for w a s hospitalised pressure on Pakistan’s military government just as it was trying to remake its image hospitals around the world as for five following years of backing for the hardline Islamist Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan. they are swamped with COV- Iran yesterday reported 124 new deaths from the coronavirus, ID-19 cases. raising its total to 3,160, as President Rouhani warned that the country may still With the toll rising in India, battle the pandemic for another year. Health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour where a nationwide lockdown announced the latest toll in a news conference and confirmed 3,111 new infections over is in force, production of AgVa’s AgVa says it has avoided imported parts in its ventilator design to the past 24 hours, bringing Iran’s total to 50,468. portable ventilator has shot up keep cost low from 500 a month to 20,000. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed “There was no way we could The makers say the AgVa -- All India Institute concern over a coronavirus emergency law in Hungary that has given have foreseen something as which weighs just 3.5 kilos (7.7 for Medical Sci - nationalist premier Viktor Orban sweeping powers. Hungary’s parliament, dominated big as this,” said neurosurgeon pounds) -- will help move less ence in Delhi in 2016 by Orban’s ruling party, handed the prime minister the power from Tuesday to rule Deepak Agrawal, who co-de- critical patients back to their convinced Vaish and by decree until his government decides the virus crisis is over.The emergency law also veloped the device with robot homes as their machine is easy Agrawal that there was threatens journalists with prison if they publish what it deems “falsehoods” about the scientist Diwakar Vaish. to transport and install, and an acute need for a cheap virus or the government’s actions to slow it. Priced at around $2,000, the needs low power. and portable ventilator. AgVa ventilator is a fraction of “In case you want to convert “ICU care is very expensive. years the price of conventional venti- a hotel into an ICU, you can In the private sector, even the with a crippling lators, which go for more than simply put this device and start richest of rich can’t afford it for nerve condition, was given one $10,000. working as it doesn’t require a long time,” said Vaish. of the machines for free. To boost preparedness for a other infrastructure,” said Vaish. They avoided expensive im- “My husband and I had to surge in cases, the Indian gov- Maruti Suzuki, India’s big- ported parts to keep the cost take turns to stay with him at ernment has banned the export gest passenger car maker, has low, Agrawal added. the hospital and that affected of coronavirus-linked medical pledged to help AgVa ramp up India has only around 40,000 our lives,” Sharma said. exports, including ventilators. production after the govern- ventilators, and experts who “I was devastated when the The AgVa plant near the cap- ment called on all auto firms to have seen the coronavirus crisis doctors told me my son would Then-and-now images show the effect of quarantine measures on the ital New Delhi has been giv - contribute to the anti-corona- explode in Europe have warned have to spend the rest of his life Philippines capital Manila, clearing its notorious traffic congestion and en permission to work flat out virus effort. this could become a catastroph- on a ventilator bed. forcing churchgoers to stop attending religious services. The main island to make what could be a key Plug and breathe ic shortage for India. “At least now I can stay home of Luzon, where Manila is located, is under quarantine and tens of millions weapon when India has to fully Seeing people queue for R.V. Asokan, secretary general to take care of him and the rest of residents have been ordered to stay home as the number of coronavirus confront the pandemic. life-support equipment at the of the Indian Medical Associ- of the household.” cases in the country tops 2,000. 10 FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

Kristen Bell Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez

Rita Ora

Kristen Bell was Jennifer Lopez, told she wasn’t pretty Age doesn’t Alex Rodriguez get enough at auditions matter for VIP access to gym Los Angeles closed to public Rita Ora Miami ollywood star Kristen inger-actress Jennifer Bell says people told Los Angeles Lopez and fiance Alex Hher she wasn’t “pretty SRodriguez were spotted enough” at the start of her ca- inger Rita Ora ,29, at their regular gym here, even reer, which made her think if does not like the idea though it is closed to the public she would make it as an actress Sof bringing age in amid the coronavirus lockdown. in the industry. everything. The couple were seen leaving “I remember early on, get- In an interview with NME. from the backdoor, having appar- ting feedback, that I wasn’t com, the “Poison” hitmaker ently got a special dispensation, enough in either category. I spoke about how irrelevant is to reports dailymail.co.uk. would get feedback from an get insecure of your increasing “THIS GYM IS NOT OPEN STAY audition: ‘Well, you’re not pretty age, reports femalefirst.co.uk. HOME STAY SAFE,” read the sign enough to play the pretty girl, “The problem is that insecu- on backdoor of the venue, which but you’re not quirky enough or weird rity gets put onto you through Lopez and Rodriguez were fre- enough to play the weird girl’,” Bell told comments that you read over the quently seen visiting pre-lock- Vanity Fair in an interview for their You- years. You start to think, ‘I’m not as down. Tube channel, reports femalefirst.co.uk. young as I used to be. I’m not the Lopez wore a scarlet sports The “Frozen 2” actress tried her best fresh girl on the scene I once was’. bra that showed off her toned fig- not to let the criticism get to her. “I can proudly say, ‘Yeah – I use ure. She teamed the top with a “I was like, ‘Okay, does that just mean my looks because I’m very com- high-waisted leggings and acces- I can’t be an actor? What does that mean.’ fortable in my skin and I like my sorised with aviator sunglasses. That’s what I was getting feedback on, on body’, but that gives people an She also carried her every audition,” she said. opportunity to say, ‘Oh, well – usual sparkly mon- Bell is ecstatic to see the industry begin- you’re getting older’,” Rita said. ogrammed ning to change now, as she praised the in- She also spoke about Jennif- water bot- clusion of “dimensional” roles that don’t just er Lopez, mentioning how she tle. stick to one type. rose to fame in her thirties.

Rajinikanth’s TV debut COVID-19: Taylor Swift helps Shah Rukh’s on ‘Into The Wild’ is a Anushka vintage record store stay afloat appeal: “India and Sharma : Los Angeles Indians are one TV rating topper small business in her city,” Davis New Delhi Everybody is unique added. family’’ Mumbai the ses - mid the ongoing coro- He continued: “Taylor gener- Mumbai uperstar Rajinikanths television, Anushka navirus crisis and lock- ously offered some direct relief Ssion debut on the Discovery ctress Anushka Sharma thanked her fol- down, pop superstar to my staff and to cover three ollywood superstar Shah channel show “Into The Wild on Thursday conduct- lowers to “share the ATaylor Swift has stepped in to months of our health care costs BRukh Khan has tweeted to with Bear Grylls” has not sur- Aed an interactive ses- thoughts” with her. pay salary and healthcare for for our group-insurance plan. state that this is the time when prisingly turned out a superhit sion with her fans. She asked “I am happy to employees at a vintage record It’s a huge deal to us, and now I all Indians must be united as affair. her followers to share one hab- know so many are mak- store near her home in Nashville. have some peace of mind as we “one family” and “do our little The premiere on Discovery it which they all have devel- ing the most of this and The superstar’s publicist con- apply for (Small Business Ad- bit to look after each other”. Network — across 12 Discovery oped in themselves amidst the being strong. Happiest tacted Music with an offer to pay ministration) loans to pay rent, In a social media post he channels — delivered the highest coronavirus lockdown. knowing you all the salaries and healthcare costs vendors, and other expenses. sent out on Thursday evening, rated TV show in the genre this When one social media are connecting for staff during the next three This assistance from Ms. Swift on his Twitter handle @iams- year, and the second-highest rat- user said that he/she is with yourselves months. It happened when helps give us a real shot at rk, the actor wrote: “In these ings in history of the genre, deliv- good at nothing, the “Rab Ne on a deeper level. the store got shut when coming back on the other times it’simp to make everyone ering an impressive four million Bana Di Jodi” actress gave Let’s stay home, the city’s mayor issued a side of this.” around you working tireless- impressions. the follower a meaningful stay safe and stay state at home order. “It’s incredibly ly for you.. not The cumula- advice. strong,” she “We were very sur- heartening and total- related to u.. tive reach of the “Everybody is unique and concluded. prised, and I would have to ly surreal that Taylor to feel they March 23 pre- good for something (lots say amazed, that Taylor Swift Swift has offered to are not alone miere across the of things). Don’t com- reached out to us through her help us out in such a and by them- network was 12.4 pare yourself and publicist to offer some re- significant way,” selves. Let’sjust million, which is ruin your peace,” lief during the COVID-19 Grimey’s buyer make sure we 86 per cent high- Rajinikanth Anushka said. pandemic,” according Will Orman said, will do our little Shah Rukh er than the previ- Anushka also to the reports. adding: “With so bit to look after ous four weeks. The premiere shared how im- “I didn’t even know much uncertain- each other. India and all Indi- helped the network garner 89 portant is to learn we were on her radar, ty about what ans are One Family.” per cent share in the infotain- lessons from the on- but she really stepped lies ahead, we’re Earlier, on @RedChilliesEnt, ment genre. The slot viewership going health crises. up to help after the deeply grateful the Twitter handle of his pro- grew five times as compared to “We gotta recent torna- to be able to look ducrion house Red Chillies En- the previous four weeks. learn… warna does that struck forward to return- tertainment, the actor gave out The simultaneous premiere aur phatke Nashville and ing to the store and a lengthy statement announcing of the show on the regional en- padenge!,” she middle Ten- continuing to share his contributions to the current tertainment brand DTamil grew added. nessee, and music and connect fight against COVID-19 through the slot by 20 times, and helped Before now she’s with our com- his group companies – Kolkata DTamil nudge ahead of lead- wrapping Anushka trying to munity, thanks Knight Riders, Red Chillies En- ing regional channels including Sharma help a to Taylor’s tertainment, Meer Foundation Colors Tamil, Jaya and Raj TV be- generous and Red Chillies VFX. He also during the slot. The information lov- support.” lauded Prime Minister Narendra is as per the finding by BARC e d Modi and the government’sef- India. forts in fighting theCOVID -19 war.

SUDOKU CROSSWORD Across 1- The Little Mermaid; 6- Tough wood; 9- Eight singers; 14- Artist Rousseau; 15- Yesterday’s solution Yesterday’s solution Sault ___ Marie; 16- Boîte ___; 17- Moving stairway; 19- Kind of kitchen; 20- 1959 Kingston Trio hit; 21- State of midwestern USA; 22- Cruise stops; 23- Coarse file, angry tone of voice; 25- Elects; 26- Illegible handwriting; 29- Single entity; 31- Fit for cultivation; 32- East African nation; 36- Actress Gilpin; 37- Sympathetic attention; 38- Table scraps; 40- Marriage; 43- Strangled; 45- Nose out; 46- Setbacks; 47- Capital of Yemen; 50- Having a sound mind; 51- Bitterly pungent; 52- Wet septet; 54- Distress call; 57- High-toned; 58- Terrifying dream; 61- Truman veep Barkley; 62- Man-mouse connector; 63- Art supporter; 64- Facial hair; 65- Bentley of “American Beauty”; 66- Disinfectant brand; Down 1- Excuse me; 2- Breather; 3- Member of a great Peruvian people; 4- Period of history; 5- Like Abner; 6- Put ___ to (halt); 7- Pack away; 8- Jealous wife of myth; 9- The tiniest bit; 10- Seashore; 11- Name; 12- Great Lakes tribesmen; 13- Addition column; 18- Grocery lane; 23- Violently intense; 24- Hole-punching tool; 25- Vitality; 26- Dupe; How to play 27- Ship’s company; 28- Steak order; 29- Grammarian’s concern; 30- Hide-hair link; Place a number in the empty boxes in such 33- Unfettered; 34- Bothers; 35- To ___ (perfectly); 37- Chang’s twin; 39- Radical ‘60s a way that each row across, each column grp.; 41- Blind alley; 42- Highest mountain in Crete; 43- Don’t match; 44- Darlin’; down and each 9-box square contains all 47- Fish covering; 48- Island off Venezuela; 49- Fertilizer ingredient; 50- Long stories; of the numbers from one to nine. 51- Gregory Peck role of 1956; 52- Chilly powder?; 53- Hibernia; 54- Disrespectful back talk; 55- Black-and-white cookie; 56- Offer; 59- ___ Aviv; 60- Spring month; 11 FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 sports

McLaren to put Cricketer Stokes to test staff on furlough, F1 his F1 skills in virtual GP drivers take pay cut Ben Stokes and Charles Leclerc join lineup for second virtual race Reuters | London

ngland cricketer Ben Stokes will test his driv- Eing skills against five Three days of Formula One drivers, including practice so now Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, in the going to do my first sport’s second virtual grand prix custom GP with five this weekend. races in Australia. The World Cup winning This is incredibly all-rounder will team up with A McLaren Formula One car is seen during testing (file photo) Thai racer Alexander Albon in hard btw, so need a the Red Bull lineup for his first little assistance Reuters | London a ventilator made by Smiths esports competition. BEN STOKES Group which supports those McLaren’s Lando Norris and cLaren became the first with complications from the the Williams pairing of George MFormula One team to virus. Russell and Nicholas Latifi will England cricketer Ben Stokes jumps to take a catch during a match (file photo) furlough staff because of the Britain has ordered 10,000 of also be competing along with re- the challenge. coronavirus on Wednesday, the breathing machines. tired British grand prix winner rounds postponed to date. F1 video game. “I’ve never been into esports with drivers Lando Norris The majority of the Formula and TV pundit Johnny Herbert. The sport hopes to start a re- The first race of the new se- if I’m being honest, because and Carlos Sainz joining sen- One team, who are currently The virtual race is the second duced season of 15-18 races from ries was held two weeks ago on there was so much simulator ior management in taking a on a three-week factory shut- in a new series organised by For- the European summer, although a virtual Bahrain circuit and was stuff when I was at Mercedes as pay cut. down brought forward from mula One to provide some light any timetable remains provi- won by Renault’s Chinese test test and reserve driver,” he told The sportscar maker said August due to the season being entertainment in the absence sional. driver Guanyu Zhou. a Sky Sports television ‘vodcast’. in a statement the temporary on hold, will be furloughed of any real life action due to the Sunday’s 28 lap race, with the Stokes is sponsored by Red “They were crazy long days. three-month wage reduction from next week with McLaren coronavirus pandemic. 20 drivers joining remotely from Bull, who fielded Britain’s six And the last thing I wanted to was part of wider cost-cutting making up some of the differ- Norris and Latifi were the their homes, will be staged on a times cycling Olympic gold do was come home and jump measures due to the impact of ence. only current F1 drivers to com- virtual version of Melbourne’s medallist Chris Hoy in the first on a simulator again. Now I am the pandemic on its business. Those not furloughed, from pete in the first race. Albert Park on a weekend orig- race along with Austrian touring definitely tempted. “These measures are fo - McLaren Racing CEO Zak Formula One’s March 15 Aus- inally reserved for the inaugural car driver Philipp Eng. “I’m still pretty rubbish at the cused on protecting jobs in Brown downwards, will work tralian season-opener was can- Vietnam Grand Prix. Russell, who has installed a moment but definitely tempted the short-term to ensure our on reduced pay. celled, along with May’s Mo- The Hanoi street circuit is not gaming rig at his parent’s house, and I might have a dabble here employees return to full-time The team spokesman said naco showcase, with six other yet available on the 2019 official said he was looking forward to and there.” work as the economy recov- British 20-year-old Norris and ers,” McLaren added. Spaniard Sainz were adamant A team spokesman empha- they too wanted to play their sised that 100-150 staff from part. across the group who were With racing unlikely to start Spurs’ Son set for military training during virus shutdown working on a “VentilatorChal- until the European summer at lengeUK” project were not in- the earliest, F1 sources have AFP | Seoul army of 1.3 million. The 27-year-old’s Premier Wednesday of himself cluded in the measure. said the teams -- a majority But Son was spared a ca - League season ended even be- exercising on what ap- The group, including the based in Britain -- are discuss- ottenham Hotspur’s South reer-threatening stint as a con- fore the coronavirus outbreak peared to be a large balco- luxury carmaker and applied ing extending the shutdown. TKorean striker Son Heu- script when South Korea took spread to Europe when he broke ny, skipping and stretch- technology arm, employs Non-essential businesses are ng-min will report to a marines gold at the 2018 Asian Games in his arm against Aston Villa on ing. some 3,700 people with shuttered in Britain because of boot camp later this month to Indonesia, earning the team an February 16, and Spurs said he The Premier League is around 850 working for the virus and the authorities fulfil military service duties, a exemption. returned to South Korea for postponed until at least the F1 team. have asked everyone to stay report said yesterday. The Spurs star broke down “personal reasons”. April 30 because of McLaren is part of a at home. All able-bodied South Korean in tears of joy after the 2-1 ex- Son will report to a marines the pandemic and is consortium of leading British finance minister men are obliged to serve in the tra-time win over Japan, which boot camp on the island of Jeju likely to be delayed aerospace, engineer- Rishi Sunak announced last military for nearly two years, meant he could fulfil his obli- on April 20 for his basic train- even longer when ing and Formula One month that furloughed work- making up the bulk of Seoul’s gations with just three weeks’ ing, an industry source told the the English game’s racing companies who ers can claim 80% of their wag- 600,000-strong forces -- who basic training and around 500 South’s Yonhap news agency. stakeholders meet have joined forces to es up to 2,500 pounds ($3,100) face off against North Korea’s hours of community service. He posted images online on Friday. ramp up production of per month. Son Heung-min

Premier League Sport on TV can lift spirits during Moody’s downgrades clubs threatened coronavirus lockdown: Morgan F1’s outlook to negative with extra tax on Reuters | London players’ wages Reuters | London “Sport ... could play a huge role in uplifting the world and redit rating agency AFP | London ngland’s limited-overs cap- people’s perspective on things. CMoody’s changed Formula Etain Eoin Morgan says giv- “Isolation encourages idle One’s outlook to negative from ing fans the chance to watch minds and I think sport can positive to reflect the impact remier League clubs live cricket on television, even if create that theatre and level of of the coronavirus crisis on a Pthat use government the matches took place without expectation around what it’s sport yet to race in 2020. money for the salaries of spectators, would help boost like to be outside again and be Liberty Media-owned For- non-playing staff, while morale during the coronavirus active.” mula One cancelled its March continuing to pay players pandemic. England have home test se- 15 season-opener in Australia, their full wage could be hit The England and Wales ries against West Indies and with May’s showcase Monaco by a new tax. Cricket Board has suspended all Pakistan and limited overs Grand Prix also axed, and has Formula One cars in action during a Julian Knight, who chairs professional cricket until May matches against Australia from postponed six other races so race at BIC (file photo) the British government’s 28 but is looking at the possi- June to August but changes to far as countries go into lock- Digital, Culture, Media and bility of playing internationals the schedule look likely due to down. “Formula One has strong Sport Committee, expressed behind closed doors. the coronavirus lockdown. Formula One bosses have liquidity and a sufficiently his “dismay” at clubs using “If medical experts advised The ECB this week announced said they hope to fire up the flexible cost base to manage the government’s furlough us it was OK to play behind Eoin Morgan celebrates with the ICC a 61 million pounds ($75.49 mil- engines some time in the Euro- through a severely curtailed scheme which will guaran- closed doors and it was on TV, World Cup trophy (file photo) lion) aid package to help the pean summer with a reduced 2020 season, which Moody’s tee 80 percent of salary for I think that would be a huge game withstand the financial schedule of 15-18 races, but consider would likely be able staff members up to a max- step forward for the game,” the told reporters in a conference impact from the coronavirus Moody’s said a full cancella- to support a full cancellation,” imum of £2,500 ($3,000) a World Cup winning captain call. crisis. tion could not be ruled out. it added. month. FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 12 Fighters unite to support BRAVE CF’s campaign MENA Fighters have united to support the campaign against coronavirus initiated by HH Shaikh Khalid and BRAVE CF TDT | Manama kh Khalid’s example in giving s events across the globe BETTER the support and hope to their have been postponed due followers. Ato spread of Coronavirus Bahrain’s star and BRAVE CF (COVID – 19), BRAVE CF was also Bantamweight fighter Hamza KNOW proactive in postponing their Kooheji points out the impor- upcoming events, tance of following the guidance well ahead of time, making of government institutions. In sure the promotion followed Many BRAVE CF fighters his social media video, Hamza the protocols set by worldwide have joined the “BRAVE suggests to follow the official health organizations as well as CF Lockdown Workouts” guidelines of the World Health local government bodies in the campaign. and posted Organization and motivates peo- countries it visits. videos of themselves ple to stay strong and care for With the pandemic grow - each other. ing and spreading, so did mis- training in isolation; Further, many other BRAVE CF information; resulting in fear encouraging people to fighters have joined the “BRAVE and confusion, and it was then stay productive, active CF Lockdown Workouts” cam- that the visionary leadership and healthy while being paign. Anas Siraj Mounir, Mo- of BRAVE CF initiated a global at home hamed Said Maalem and Amin awareness campaign to mini- Ayoub posted videos of them- mize the spread of the COVID 19. Hamza Kooheji speaks during a press meet (file photo) KHK Heroes foundation and HH selves training in isolation; en- As the fastest-growing MMA Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al couraging people to stay pro - organization in the world, BRAVE raising awareness of the danger voice - it is time to put the rival- sador role. Without delay, fight- Khalifa in their mission; aware ductive, active and healthy while CF used its platform, fighters and and what we all must do to pro- ries aside and unite in raising ers set things moving by using of their influence, importance being at home. the BRAVE network to quickly tect ourselves. Thus, BRAVE CF the awareness of Coronavirus. In social media and the BRAVE CF of their voice and sharing a mes- #BRAVECombatsCovid19 cam- spread a positive message on has become the first MMA pro- this hard moment, it is a fighter’s platform to share empathy and sage with the fans. paign has quickly gained a fol- how to reduce the spread of the motion to launch such a global duty to use their influence and educate the fans, to remind peo- Champions and fighters like lowing around the world. Many virus. movement. help the fans and people around ple of the dangers and how to Jarrah Al-Selawe and Hamza mainstream media houses like Together with the KHK Heroes Founder of the KHK Heroes, the world. protect against the pandemic. Kooheji are carrying this role Fox Sports Asia are praising the Foundation, BRAVE CF initiated HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad All BRAVE CF fighters an- We are all fighters now. seriously. Through many vide- BRAVE CF for being first in the a successful and engaging so- Al Khalifa has called for fighters swered the call and were more Many Middle Eastern fighters os, the famous Middle Eastern sports combat industry to stand cial media campaign focusing on around the globe to raise their than happy to take the ambas- have come together to support fighters are following HH Shai- against Coronavirus.

Donations show togetherness against virus: Rashford Mata trolls Matic over training AFP | London was a “massive figure” -- would more relaxed pursuits such as regime during lockdown feed around 400,000 children. judging a poetry competition he public response in do- FareShare distributes food and learning sign language. Tnating to charity to help to 10,943 charities including It was close to one He has also engaged in a de- feed deprived children af- schools, community cen- million children bate on social media with Eng- ter an appeal by Marcus tres and breakfast clubs. (924,325) who were land football legend Gary Linek- Rashford has impressed Rashford wanted to helped every week by er over who is the most graceful the Manchester United ensure children now re- FareShare player of all time. forward. stricted to their homes Lineker chose Frenchman The 22-year-old Eng- have access to the free MARCUS RASHFORD Zinedine Zidane. Rashford, land international teamed meals they would who until a back injury in Jan- up with FareShare, have received at uary had been a shining light Manchester United’s Juan Mata (L) celebrates with Nemanja Matic after a food distribu- school. for United in the club’s topsy scoring a free kick (file photo) tion char- “The week by FareShare. turvy season scoring 19 times in ity, after number “The donations coming in so 31 appearances, opted for Diego AFP | London Matic has made a series of schools in of peo- quickly showed the together- Maradona. Instagram posts showing his the Man- ple not ness of people.” The Argentinian might not uan Mata has trolled his training routine. chester being Rashford, whose own dona- be music to Lineker’s ears as he JManchester United team- “Every day is a gym day,” area were fed is tion is the largest the charity was in the England team who mate Nemanja Matic by jok- read the caption on one of closed due ri- received in a year, has been re- lost 2-1 in the 1986 World Cup ingly saying the Serbia mid- Matic’s latest posts. to the coro- dicu- searching the logistics of dis- quarter-final remembered for fielder is only claiming to be Spanish midfielder Mata navirus pan- lous,” he tributing food by reading busi- Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal. doing his training regime dur- responded by poking fun at demic. told The ness books. Maradona did, though, add a ing the coronavirus lockdown. Matic’s posts by claiming the Donations as of Times. “Getting the meals together second sublime individual goal. With the Premier League former Chelsea star is only Wednesday totalled “It was is one thing, but distribution is “The stuff he (Maradona) suspended until at least April pretending to work. £134,000 ($167,000) close to one just as important as otherwise it used to do on the pitch in that 30 and Britain effectively shut- “Get dressed and go to the surpassing his initial million chil- is impossible to get the food out era, it was really only him doing tered by the pandemic, Unit- gym to take the photo then target of £100,000. dren (924,325) to people,” he said. it... Maradona’s mind was so ed’s players have been forced all day in the sofa. Old trick The latter amount -- who were As well as his charity work, advanced for his time, and his to keep in shape from home Nema”, Mata wrote with a which Rashford said helped every Rashford is spending time on creativity.” after their training ground was laughing emoji. Marcus Rashford closed. Marcus Rashford replied to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team Mata’s comment, calling him have been given personalised an “Insta bully” before Matic regimes to keep fit in case the wrote: “True, we don’t need Potential bidders for 2027 Asian Cup get more time season resumes. to train, we are the maestros.” Reuters | Kuala Lumpur

ations considering bids to BETTER Nhost the 2027 Asian Cup Infantino says football will be have been given an extra three months to lodge expressions of KNOW totally different after coronavirus interest due to the coronavirus Reuters | Rome ent...(more) inclusive, more pandemic, the Asian Football social and more supportive, Confederation (AFC) said yes- The next Asian Cup in ootball will be totally dif- connected to the individual terday. 2023 will be staged in 10 Fferent when it eventually countries and at the same time The AFC had hoped to an - resumes after the coronavirus more global, less arrogant and nounce the tournament hosts cities in China, the sec- outbreak, the head of global more welcoming.” as soon as possible to give them ond time the East Asian soccer body FIFA Gianni Infan- He added: “We will be more time to prepare for the nation has hosted the tino said yesterday. better, more human and quadrennial continental cham- tournament after 2004 “Football will come back, more attentive to true pionship, which was expanded and when it does, we’ll cele- values.” to 24 teams for the 2019 edition brate coming out of a night- Last week, Infantino told in the United Arab Emirates. The AFC Asian Cup trophy is pictured during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup final (file ment, are the only nation to have mare together,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport that it In the light of the coronavirus photo) publicly announced their inten- Italian news agency ANSA in was the right time to take a pandemic, however, the AFC has tion to launch a bid for 2027. an interview. step back and reform a sport decided to extend the deadline pandemic to allow member and timelines,” the AFC said in The next Asian Cup in 2023 “There is one lesson, how- where fixture lists have be- for expressions of interest from associations, many of whom a statement. will be staged in 10 cities in Chi- ever, that both you and me come overloaded and financial March 31 to June 30. have been affected by the glob- Saudi Arabia, who have won na, the second time the East must have understood: the resources increasingly concen- “The decision was taken in al outbreak, sufficient time to the continental title three times Asian nation has hosted the football that will come after trated in the hands of a few light of the current COVID-19 meet their internal processes but never hosted the tourna- tournament after 2004. the virus will be totally differ- elite clubs.