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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune FrIDay MarCh 20, 2020 rajab 25, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 4899 QR 2

Fajr: 4:22 am Dhuhr: 11:42 am Asr: 3:08 pm Maghrib: 5:46 pm Isha: 7:16 pm business 7 Sports 9 Qatari stocks buck global Olympics could be SLIgHT rAIn HIGH : 26°C trend as QSE gains 346 delayed, admits LOW : 21°C points in a week athletics chief Coe

WHO lauds Amir’s comprehensive approach to beat the virus

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK plement a comprehensive approach sive approach to contain the virus. officials to provide the necessary ser- DOHA to control COVID-19 spread, WHO “Good call with (HE) Hanan Mo- vices to citizens and residents, fore- chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghe- hamed al Kuwari, @MOPHQatar. I most of which is providing security THE Director-General of the World breyesus said he had a fruitful com- congratulated her for HH the Amir and protection to them against the Health Organization (WHO) has munication with Qatar’s Minister of of Qatar’s leadership to contain COVID-19), to ensure that they lead commended the directives of the Public Health HE Hanan Mohamed #coronavirus & efforts to implement a normal life. Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Kuwari. The WHO chief congrat- a comprehensive approach to sup- The Amir also directed a stimu- al Thani to contain the emerging ulated Kuwari on the Amir’s man- press and control #COVID19,” Dr lus package for the economic and fi- coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. agement of the crisis and the efforts Tedros said in a tweet. nancial sector to reduce the effects of Praising Qatar’s efforts to im- made to implement a comprehen- Days ago, the Amir directed state the coronavirus.

Health minister pays visit to Six more recover from COVID-19 warriors COVID-19, says Khater TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK not mean that the mentioned forms DOHA ● Eight more test of transmission will not change, but positive for virus, total this is what has been monitored IN a positive news in the battle so far, and it requires, especially against coronavirus (COVID-19), cases reach 460 among those coming from abroad, a six patients -- four expats and two lot of responsibility and precaution Qatari citizens, recovered from the ● Six patients in ICU in order to preserve themselves in virus in Qatar on Thursday, taking the first place and to preserve their the total number of recoveries to 10. ● MoPH approves family members as well.” This was announced by HE home quarantine She said the coming period is Lolwah al Khater, Spokesperson of for returnee citizens very critical for breaking these tran- THE coronavirus ‘contact tracers’, who carry out the critical and difficult the Supreme Committee for Crisis sitional chains, and it requires every- job of tracking down people at the risk of contracting COVID-19 , got a Management, at a press conference provided they pledge one’s solidarity and self-monitoring. shot in the arm when Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al in Doha on Thursday. to remain under Khater said the Ministry of Pub- Kuwari visited their operations room on Thursday. Eight more people - six expatri- self-isolation lic Health has approved home quar- The COVID-19 Surveillance Unit’s job is critical to containing the ates and two Qataris -- tested posi- HE Lolwah al Khater antine as a second option for fami- spread of the pandemic in Qatar as its team members trace all those tive for COVID-19, taking the total lies coming from abroad who prefer who have had prolonged physical contact with or stayed in the same place number of cases to 460 in the coun- announced soon. there are two basic patterns in the this in special circumstances, pro- with positive patients. The Surveillance Unit, based out of the Ministry of try. The two infected Qatari citizens Since the beginning of the cri- spread of the virus so far. The first vided the symptoms of the disease Public Health, has been monitoring the epidemiological situation since the returned from Italy and the UK. sis, she said, Qatar has pursued the chain of transmission was among are not apparent to them, and that outbreak of COVID-19 in China earlier this year. (TNN) Khater said all the infected pa- principle of transparency in sharing expatriates, which is considered they pass the initial medical exami- tients have been subjected to quar- all information regarding the virus community spread. It has found nation. They are required to sign a antine. and the state will continue to do so. that it was concentrated in the area formal commitment to adhere to “Most of the patients are in a She called on the people to re- that was closed from Street 1 to 32 the procedures approved by the rel- stable health condition. However, frain from circulating false news in the Industrial Area.” evant international institutions and six patients are in intensive care,” and rumours. She urged the public “The second chain of transmis- the Ministry of Public Health. MoPH kicks off campaign to she said. to get the news from official sources sion exists among Qataris and that Khater said if they fail to com- In a move to make it easy for the such as the accounts of the Govern- is not considered to be community ply with it then they will be liable encourage self-isolation needy, Khater said, the Supreme ment Communications Office and spread. It was among returning citi- for legal procedures, indicating that Committee for Crisis Management the Ministry of Public Health. zens from some countries, especial- many countries have implemented has decided to allocate hotlines to Shedding light on the patterns ly Europe, who have been subjected this policy. receive suggestions and complaints of virus spread in Qatar, Khater to quarantine.” from people. The hotlines will be said, “From what we found in Qatar, Khater explained that this does Continued on page 2 

MoCI asks sales outlets to take QC steps up efforts to ensure precautionary measures food supply to Industrial Area THE Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has asked sales outlets QATAr Chamber’s Food Security and Environment Committee on Wednes- in the country to take a set of precautionary health requirements for the day discussed mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted flow of food supplies safety of citizens and residents in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19) to the Industrial Area which was recently closed in light of the efforts exert- The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has started a StayHome campaign on disease. All consumer complexes and sales outlets signed a pledge to ad- ed to curb coronavirus. The meeting reviewed all developments concerning social media to encourage people to exercise self-isolation or social distanc- here to the precautionary requirements by taking employees’ temperature the environmental procedures toward the process of food circulation in the ing. The campaign uses a series of photographs of medical practitioners and twice daily, providing sterilisers at the main entrances, gathering places light of the partial closure of the industrial zone for 14 days. The meeting others at the forefront of the coronavirus fight in Qatar. In the photos, they and toilets, and sanitising shopping carts before they are used by shop- also touched on the mechanisms to facilitate the flow of supplies from are seen holding posters with exhortations to the general public to stay at pers, as well as sanitising surfaces continuously such as refrigerators’ ports to the closed zone, and then from the Industrial Area to safeguard home. “We are at work for you. Please stay home for us,” the posters read in doors and doorknobs. (TNN) PAGE 2 the interests of merchants and consumers. (TNN) PAGE 7 different languages. (TNN)

COVID-19 vaccine trial begins: WHO China sees no new local COVID-19 cases AGENCIES While the trial is a milestone, health together “to systemically evaluate experi- In a sign of hope, China has reported no city late last year, before spreading around GEnEVA officials say it will take at least 12 to 18 mental therapeutics”. new domestic transmissions of coronavirus the world. While the Asian nations that were months for a vaccine to be available for “Multiple small trials with different (COVID-19) for the first time since the virus first affected appeared to have come through THE first vaccine trial for Covid-19 has be- public use. methodologies may not give us the clear, outbreak. the worst of it, there are now concerns about gun, the World Health Organization (WHO) At the virtual news conference held strong evidence we need about which China’s national health commission said a second wave of infections, driven by people head has said. at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, he treatments help to save lives,” he said. on Thursday there were 34 new cases, but all returning from overseas. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said said more than 200,000 cases of the vi- It was for this reason that the WHO were recent overseas arrivals. Across the planet, the death toll from the vi- the trial began “just 60 days after the rus have been confirmed and over 8,000 and its partners were organising a study In Hubei, the Chinese province where the rus whose main symptoms are a dry cough and genetic sequence of the virus was shared deaths reported worldwide. in countries in which some of the un- outbreak began, there were no new cases of fever has risen to over 9,000 with more than by China”. He did not say where the trial Tedros praised the researchers tested treatments are compared with any kind during Wednesday. 217,000 infections reported, according to an is being held. around the world who he said are acting each other. The pandemic began in Hubei’s Wuhan AFP tally based on official sources.(AFP) PAGE 5 02 Friday, March 20, 2020

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QC’s Health Committee and QOC teaM VOlunteerS tO help FIght COVID-19 ‘Somod’ programme review means to boost cooperation

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

IBTIHAJ al Ahmadani, member of the board of Qa- tar Chamber, held a meeting with a team representing the National Risks and Resil- ience Programme (Somod) on Tuesday. The meeting was aimed at identifying mechanisms for the programme’s opera- tion and discussing the sup- port that the private sector can offer to the government Under the directives of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has offered to support to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) by providing sector. Ibtihaj al Ahmadani, member of the expertise and resources of its team to volunteer in limiting the spread of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). (Tnn) On her part, Ahmadani the board of Qatar Chamber praised the efforts of the programme team to raise and therapeutic capabilities. awareness among nationals Mohamed al Kaábi, pro- and residents of the current gramme director, empha- crisis and encourage them sised the importance of im- to engage in the implemen- proving collaboration and tation of directives given by cooperation between the two MoCI implements safety the wise leadership. sides, noting that the pro- She stressed the ability gramme can provide support of the private health sector for coordination between the to provide routine medical public and private sectors services as well as medical where appropriate. measures at retail outlets Commercial complexes and retail outlets in the country have signed Seib Insurance & Reinsurance a declaration pledging to comply with the precautionary measures TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fore their use by shoppers; compliance with these re- Company changes operations DOHA and continuously sterilising quirements. The ministry said surfaces such as refrigerator it will refer violators of laws to ‘work from home’ system IN the context of the precau- doors and handles. and ministerial decisions to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK company. tionary and preventive meas- The steps are in pursuant competent authorities who DOHA “We are committed to ures that the Ministry of Com- to Article No.13 of the Con- will take appropriate meas- continue servicing you at our merce and Industry (MoCI) sumer Protection Law No. 8 of ures against them to protect IN view of the health threats best even during this current announced to limit the spread 2008, which requires suppli- the rights of consumers. posed by coronavirus (Cov- exceptional situation and of the coronavirus, the minis- ers to comply with health and The ministry said consum- id-19), Seib Insurance and our teams across all depart- try has urged retail outlets to safety requirements. ers have an important role Reinsurance Company LLC ments are at your disposal abide by a set of precautionary Commercial complexes to play in terms of reporting has decided to allow its em- even though meetings in per- measures to protect the safety and retail outlets in the coun- any violations or infringe- ployees to work from home son are limited,” stated Farid of citizens and residents. try have signed a declaration ments. The MoCI processes using its advanced technol- Chedid, chief executive officer These steps include meas- pledging to comply with the complaints and suggestions ogy platform to keep the busi- of the company. uring the body temperature of precautionary conditions. through: Call centre: 16001, ness running smoothly with- Chedid said the company staff members of the outlets The MoCI has called on email: [email protected], out interruption. A smaller will continue sharing any rel- twice a day; providing steri- all retail outlets to strictly ad- Twitter @MOCIQATAR, Ins- emergency team will be pre- evant updates with its busi- lisers at the main entrances, here to these conditions and tagram MOCIQATAR, and mo- sent in its office, according ness partners and consumers. gathering places and toilets; stressed that it will intensify bile app on iPhones and An- to a press statement from the (Tnn) sterilising shopping carts be- inspections to ensure their droid devices: MOCIQATAR.

‘First option remains quarantine in designated facilities’ Vodafone offers free Continued From page 1  were not affected and there is a private companies also ex- tions determined by the Minis- it this way if the person comes strategic stock of basic materi- empted tenants from the rental try of Public Health. from one of the affected coun- speed data plans to However, the first option als, as all relevant policies have fees. “How proud we are, and tries”. remains quarantine in the fa- been developed to deal with She said the Ministry with the help of people like you, She said it is preferable as cilities designated for that. such crises since 2017. of Commerce and Industry the State of Qatar will over- a precautionary measure for stay abreast of the Khater reiterated that per- She said there is an ongo- would open the door to receiv- come this crisis, God willing,” isolation in the facilities desig- sonal responsibility of individ- ing work to establish more fac- ing company requests which she added. nated by the state, especially if uals and following necessary tories for some basic materials would like to voluntarily pro- Khater said many peo- the house is not fully equipped COVID 19 updates prevention measures are the that the state may need in the vide its services to serve the ple, especially those who have for the purpose. key means to contain the vi- coming period. state and society under these come from travel, prefer to stay She said there are a num- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK company’s announcement rus and limit its spread in this She praised the role of circumstances. in hotels that are designated for ber of facilities and hotels that DOHA earlier this week that, with crucial period. She said one many private companies, in- She said the Ministry of quarantine and some people -- individuals can choose to iso- people practicing social dis- shouldn’t leave home except cluding contracting firms and Public Health in cooperation who have been given the choice late themselves. VODAFONE Qatar has tak- tancing and staying more at for bare necessity and must individuals, who gave the fin- with a number of institutions of self-isolation and home and She said hotlines will soon en further measures to help home, it offered free door- avoid gatherings. est examples of togetherness such as the Qatar Red Crescent hotels -- preferred to stay in ho- be available for individuals its customers amidst the to-door delivery of all its Khater said that during the in this crisis, where some of and Qatar Charity and others tels, which reflects the state of who need to seek psychological outbreak of COVID-19. All products and services by meeting of the Supreme Com- them initiated volunteering will open the door to volun- community awareness. support or any advice. Vodafone customers who simply making a request mittee for Crisis Management, and devoted themselves for teering for individuals aged Responding to a question Khater said the door to vol- are self-isolating at home, through www.vodafone.qa/ the officials were briefed on the that. She said some companies, between 20 and 45 years for in this regard, she said some unteering will remain open and remotely working and stud- delivery. latest economic and commer- including contracting compa- medical or logistical support, people do not want to mix with there will be more and more ying online will benefit from Vodafone Qatar has cial developments. It was found nies, provided their services each according to his experi- their family members, which psychological support for all free double speeds, double also been encouraging all that the supply chains of goods and facilities for free, and some ence, according to the condi- is a good thing, and “we prefer families. data and more to help them its customers to use the stay connected. company’s digital channels Vodafone Prepaid cus- accessible 24/7, including tomers using the My Voda- its website and My Voda- fone App and website for Flex fone App, for all payments, Katara launches competitions on social media platforms and data recharges will get as recharges and support, in much as twice the value. lieu of doing so in-person at TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK One of the diverse compe- with a cash prize of $15,000. Both Vodafone Postpaid retail stores, for their safety DOHA titions is ‘The Istighfar Award’, The entry must e between Flex and Unlimited 300 5G and security of others. which is open to international 1,500 and 3,000 words. plan customers can opt-in to “This is a challenging THE Cultural Village Founda- and local participations. The The third category is po- double data for two months. and unprecedented time tion (Katara) has launched a deadline for submission is etry on seeking forgiveness Vodafone GigaHome-Fibre but we’re in it together. We variety of competitions across April 20, 2020, via e-mail to (Istighfar), which has to be in customers can now enjoy want to ensure all our cus- its social media platforms. [email protected] 10 lines, carrying a cash prize double the data speed at tomers’ connectivity needs Katara General Manager The Istighfar Award in- of $10,000. home with all GigaHome fi- are met to support their Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al Su- cludes three categories. The The fourth category is ded- bre broadband plans. changed circumstances, laiti said, “Katara will present first category involves submit- icated to Arabic calligraphy, Customers on the go us- especially as schools and many competitions on its vari- ting a short story of between writing the word ‘Ask forgive- ing the new Vodafone Mo- more businesses require ous social media platforms. 3,000 to 5,000 words about ness from ALLAH’. Winners bile Wi-Fi 275 plan will also students to take classes on- Varying in their contents, Katara are suspended and to He said the competitions seeking forgiveness (Istighfar). of this category will walk away benefit from double data at line and employees to work these contests are directed to be transit to the Internet to range from literary to artistic The prize value is $20,000. with $5,000 cash prize. full speed. remotely,” said Diego Cam- all members of society. We entertain residents and offer cultural contests with allocat- The second category in- Katara also launched other These latest Vodafone beros, Chief Operating Of- want to explore this approach them pleasant moments while ed cash prizes for the winners volves a short play about seek- competitions on Istagram and offers come as a result of the ficer, Vodafone Qatar. as all events and activities in being safe at home.” in each competition. ing forgiveness (Istighfar) YouTube. Friday, March 20, 2020 03 (http://www.islamweb.net) Under the guidance and supervision of Islam Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) and Islamic Affairs Dedicating One’s Life to Islam is beneFItS OF SeeKIng Every Muslim’s Duty Question: Can someone make the intention that he wants to dedicate his life to Islam? By this, I do not mean like the monks of the previous nations, but as per the Sunnah of the Messenger, FOrgIVeneSS sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, and to give Dawah to Islam and enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. I heard someone say- ing that it is arrogant to tell yourself that you will do this, and that rather, you should just let it happen if it happens, because then, you might begin to see yourself as being some kind of saviour, but I definitely do not want this to happen. I only want to give myself motivation for doing good and for others to do the same. However, the constant fear of arrogance and hypocrisy is weighing me down. I also feel embarrassed to spread any knowledge that I have, and I feel paranoid that I may be wrong or that I’m not quali- fied to do so, such as explaining a verse of the Qur’an to someone if I have knowledge on that particular verse. On one hand, we are told to convey what we know. On the other hand, what Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, said ‘which earth will hold me...’

Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, is His slave and Mes- senger. First of all, we ask Allah to increase your zeal for doing good and to bless you with even more guidance. Making intention to dedicate one’s whole life to Islam is something required of every Muslim, as Allah says (what means): {Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. no partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims.”} [Qur’an 6:162-163] As for the issue of arrogance or hypocrisy, it is another matter. Intending and being determined to do good are part of the religion, but praising oneself by claiming to be the upholder of religion or mentioning that in order to receive praise from people is dispraised. Arrogance and showing off may infiltrate any good deed, so a Muslim should not abandon doing good or refrain from being determined to do it on account of such matters; rather, he should intend to do good and do whatever good he is able to. Then, he should engage in spiritual struggle to purify his heart from the symptoms of showing off, hypocrisy and so forth. On the other hand, the Muslim should convey the religion of Al- lah to the best of his ability and knowledge, even if his knowledge Do you want to have peace of mighty, Says (what means): {But Al- and children and provide for you for the forgiveness of Allah, The Al- is limited, as stated in the Hadeeth: “Convey on my behalf even if mind, reassurance and joy? lah would not punish them while you, gardens and provide for you riv- mighty, frequently. it is only one verse.” [Al-Bukhaari] You should ask for the forgiveness [O Muhammad], are among ers.} [Qur’an 71:10- 12] The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi Concerning this issue, what is correct is to be on a middle of Allah, The Almighty. Allah, The them, and Allah would Do you want your sins wa salam, said: “O people! Ask for course between someone who abandons conveying whatever he Almighty, Says (what means): {And not punish them while to be forgiven, your re- the forgiveness of Allah and repent knows from the religion with the excuse that he is not learned – as [saying], “Seek Forgiveness of your they seek forgive- Allah, The wards to be increased to Him as I ask for the forgiveness this is not a praiseworthy form of cautiousness – and between Lord and repent to Him, [and] He ness.} [Qur’an and your rank to of Allah and repent to Him one hun- someone who engages in false discourse about the religion of Al- Will Let you enjoy a good provision”} 8:33] Almighty, Says (what be elevated? You dred times a day.” lah with the excuse that it consists of conveying the message. [Qur’an 11:3] Do you want means): {Ask Forgiveness should ask for Allah, The Almighty, is satis- Allah Knows best. Do you want to have a strong rain in con- of your Lord and then repent the forgiveness fied with the one who asks for His body and be healthy, and be free of tinuing show- of Allah, The forgiveness as this person acknowl- diseases and disabilities? Is so, you ers, righteous to Him. He will send [rain from] Almighty. Al- edges his sin as if he says, “O Allah! I should ask for the forgiveness of children, law- the sky upon you in showers lah Says (what have made a mistake and I was neg- Allah, The Almighty. Allah, The Al- ful money and and Increase you in strength means): {And ligent with Your rights as I wronged Strengthening Kinship Ties as a mighty, Says (what means): {Ask expanded suste- say, ‘Relieve us of myself and the devil tempted me and Forgiveness of your Lord and then nance? Then you [added] to your strength. our burdens.’ We my soul, which is a persistent en- Method of Da‘wah repent to Him. He will send [rain should ask for the - [Qur’an 11: 52] will [then] forgive joiner of evil, betrayed me. I relied from] the sky upon you in showers forgiveness of Allah. your sins for you and on Your mercy, forgiveness and for- Question: I am a woman who is about to marry and I am re- and Increase you in strength [added] Allah, The Almighty, We will Increase the do- bearance. Now, I come to You while ligious, thanks to Allah. Is it permissible for me to visit my to your strength.} [Qur’an 11: 52] Says (what means): {And ers of good [in goodness and repenting and regretting, so forgive husband’s sisters after marriage, noting that they do not follow Do you want to drive disasters said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. reward].”} [Qur’an 2:58] me, remove my sins and mistakes as the way of Allah and always mix with men? They even spend and accidents away and be safe Indeed, He Is ever a Perpetual For- Asking for forgiveness is the suc- I do not have any other Lord but You. hours talking and joking with their husbands’ male friends and from Fitnah (trials) and afflictions? giver. He will send [rain from] the cessful remedy for getting rid of sins. O Allah! Even if my sins are grave, relatives without wearing the Hijaab. You should ask for the forgiveness of sky upon you in [continuing] show- This is why the Prophet, sallallaahu Your Forgiveness is greater and more Allah, The Almighty. Allah, The Al- ers. And give you increase in wealth ‘alayhi wa salam, ordered us to ask comprehensive.” Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Mu- hammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, is His slave and Messenger. There is nothing wrong in exchanging visits with your hus- band’s sisters because the sin of a Muslim does not justify deserting that person, except if this will deter him from sin. MEET RENOWNED SCHOLAR IMAAM MAALIK IBN ANAS In fact, your visits will strengthen the relationships and ties between the entire family, which will have a positive impact on your relationship with your husband and his sisters, and this, in turn, USLIMS follow four major colleagues and the scholars who too high. It is also reported that he rance of matters of which he was will make your advice to them more effective, Allah Willing. This schools of jurisprudence. came to Madeenah during the Hajj would not ride in Madeenah, saying not certain. He emphasised to his effect is unlikely to happen if you desert them. The School of Imaam Maal- (pilgrimage) season, in addition that he could not see himself riding students that the most important However, you have to abide by the rulings of the Sharee‘ah in ik Ibn Anas, may Allah have to corresponding with well-known in a town where the Prophet, sallal- expression a true scholar should this regard. Specifically, you should not go out without the permis- mercy upon him, comes authorities in various parts of the laahu ‘alayhi wa salam, was buried. have the courage to say was, “I do sion of your husband; you must adhere to Hijaab and non-Mahram secondM in order from a chronological Muslim world. We are told that Since Imaam Maalik lived for not know.” In fact, we are told that men should not be present in the gathering. point of view. This is because Maalik Maalik ibn Anas started teaching ninety years, he witnessed the a man came to Imaam Maalik and If these criteria are not fulfilled, then such visits would be ibn Anas, was known as the scholar in the Prophet’s mosque very early change of the Umayyad Dynasty to informed him that he had travelled impermissible because of the violations involved, such as intermix- of Madeenah, as he was born in in his life (late teens or early twen- the Abbasid, and he met many a Ca- for six months to ask him about a ing, talking and exchanging gazes between non-Mahram men and Madeenah in the year 93 A.H. ties), but he did not start teach- liph whose respect he commanded certain problem. Upon hearing the women, all of such acts are prohibited matters. Allah Says (what Imaam Maalik’s mother advised ing until his command of religious with his knowledge and sincere ad- problem, Maalik could not find a means): {And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from him to join the first school and learning was witnessed to by no less vice, in addition to his dignity as a satisfactory answer. So, he hum- looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from il- university in Islam, the mosque of scholar. We are told that when the bly told the man, “I do not know.” legal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa famous Caliph Haroon Ar-Rasheed The man was surprised and he said, that which is apparent….} [Qur’an 24:31] salam (may Allah exalt his mention) Imaam Maalik’s mother advised learnt about Al-Muwatta’ (a book “What shall I tell my folk when I go It is also reported on the authority of ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir, may in Madeenah, where he started by him to join the first school and compiled by Imaam Maalik), he back home.” Imaam Maalik said: Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi memorising the Quran and then the sent his minister to fetch him in or- “Tell them Maalik ibn Anas says he wa salam, warned men against meeting women. He, sallallaahu Hadeeth of the Prophet Muham- university in Islam, the mosque der to read the book to the Caliph. does not know.” ‘alayhi wa sallam, stressed the warning with regards to the mad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam. of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alay- Imaam Maalik politely answered, It was with this sense of respon- husband’s relatives, to the extent of likening this to the danger of At a time when writing and written hi wa salam (may Allah exalt his “Give my regards to the Caliph sibility that Imaam Maalik taught death.” [Al-Bukhaari]. In conclusion, such visits are permissible if educational materials were a rarity, mention) in Madeenah, where and tell him that knowledge should people and gave his religious ver- they are free of any violation. Otherwise, they would be prohibited students and scholars had to have a he started by memorising the be visited, and it should not vis- dict (fatwa), despite the fact that based on the abovementioned proofs. strong memory to consult and store Quran and then the Hadeeth of it people. People should come he collected (and memorised) more Allah Knows best. the knowledge they gained. Imaam the Prophet Muhammad, sallal- to it and it should not go to the peo- than 100,000 Prophetic Ahadeeth Maalik was not lacking in this spe- ple.” and studied at the hands of scores cial ability. We are told that when laahu ‘alayhi wa salam. At a Later, when the Caliph blamed of well-known authorities on reli- he listened to a teacher narrating time when writing and written Imaam Maalik for disobeying him, gious matters. We read that very of- the Hadeeth of the Prophet, sal- educational materials were a he said to the Caliph: “” Leader of ten (as a conscientious advisor) he “And there is no creature on (or within) the earth or lallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam, Maalik rarity, students and scholars had the Faithful, Allah the Almighty has would ask the inquirer to wait for ibn Anas used to tie a knot for each to have a strong memory to con- raised you to this honorable posi- some time before he gave him the a bird that flies with its wings except that they are Hadeeth. Later, he tried to recite sult and store the knowledge tion. Do not be the first one to low- answer to his question. nations (communities) like you.” – [Quran 6:38] the Hadeeth to himself in order to they gained er that place and insult the dignity Maalik ibn Anas is specially rec- make sure that he retained every of knowledge and learning, so that ognised for his voluminous book single one. Once he attended a ses- Allah may not lower your place. I ‘Al-Muwatta’, which is said to be sion where 30 Ahadeeth were nar- did not really want to disobey you, the second compilation in Islam- rated and discussed. than seventy of his teachers, some but I rather wanted the Leader of ic history of religious teachings. When the session was over, of whom came to attend the teach- the Faithful to show due respect It was compiled, according to some he checked his retention of those ing sessions of their former student to learning in order that Allah may historians, in 40 years. Today, that Ahadeeth and found that he for- to learn from him. raise his position.” book is still a major guiding au- got one of them. So he rushed af- As a conservative traditionalist, Caliph Haroun Ar-Rasheed was thority for millions of Muslims in ““The Islamic teachings have left great traditions for equitable ter his teacher to learn the miss- Imaam Maalik being a teacher in the convinced and he walked along with Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, and gentle dealings and behaviour, and inspire people with ing Hadeeth from him; the teacher Prophet’s mosque, had great rever- Imaam Maalik to his own house to where the “Maaliki School “ is dom- listened to him and taught him the ence for the Ahadeeth of the Proph- listen to him and to his readings inant. nobility and tolerance. These are human teachings of the high- one he had missed. et, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam. from his book. Imaam Maalik was a very de- est order and at the same time practicable. These teachings As an eminent scholar, he not History tells us that before Imaam Another quality typical of the vout, Allah-fearing person. He lived only attended study circles held Maalik embarked upon teaching the knowledgeable heroes of Islam, a life of self-denial and abstinence. brought into existence a society in which hard-heartedness by no less than 90 scholars, but Hadeeth, he would have a bath and which Imaam Maalik taught to peo- He often fasted, sometimes about and collective oppression and injustice were the least as com- throughout his life, he discussed wear his best clothes and he would ple through word and action was four days in the week. He died in pared with all other societies preceding it… Islam is replete different matters of faith with his not allow anyone to raise his voice humility and confession to igno- 170 A.H. with gentleness, courtesy and fraternity.” ” – [H.G. Wells] 04 Friday, March 20, 2020 europe / americas

Mexico reports Italy overtakes China as nation first death as coronavirus engulfs with most coronavirus deaths continent DPA AFP death and even the Pacific na- MExICO CITy PArIS tion of Fiji said it had its first case. The UN warned that as MEXICAN officials con- ITALY passed a grim milestone nations bring in shutdowns firmed the country’s first on Thursday when it overtook and travel bans, some three coronavirus-related death China as the country with billion people lack even the on Thursday as the deadly most reported deaths from the most basic weapons to protect virus has engulfed most of new coronavirus sweeping the themselves from the virus: Central America, the Car- planet. soap and running water. ibbean and South America. The world has stepped up World Health Organization A 41-year-old man with its war to try to contain the head Tedros Adhanom Ghe- no history of foreign travel rapid spread of COVID-19, breyesus urged countries to died as a result of the virus, with several countries impos- “come together as one against federal health officials said ing lockdowns that are keep- a common enemy: an enemy on Twitter, adding that he ing tens of millions of people against humanity”. had suffered from diabetes trapped in their homes. Countries are taking in- and obesity before con- But the death toll has creasingly drastic steps to stem tracting it. Local media soared in Europe even as Chi- infections, with Australia and reported that the man had na saw a glimmer of hope with New Zealand banning non- been to a rock concert per- zero new domestic cases re- residents from arriving, and formed by the band Ghost ported for the first time. India imposing a one-day na- in Mexico City on March 3 Italy announced another tionwide curfew. and may have contracted 427 fatalities on Thursday, tak- Britain closed dozens of the virus there. Thousands ing its total to 3,405, according London Underground stations of people had attended. to an AFP tally. and shut down schools, al- President Andres Ma- China, where the outbreak though the government denied nuel Lopez Obrador - who first emerged in December last reports it was about to lock has come under fire for year, has officially reported down the capital. what critics see as a lax and 3,245 deaths. While the EU has closed its irresponsible response to Globally, the death toll borders to outsiders, in many the outbreak, which has from the virus -- whose main countries bars, restaurants affected 118 people so far symptoms are a dry cough and and most shops have closed - warned the public not to fever -- has risen to over 9,000. their doors until further notice, panic and defended his de- Countries have tightened Italian Carabinieri policemen wearing a face mask patrol near St. Peter’s Square at the border between Italy and the Vatican in rome on bringing life in Europe’s nor- cision not to restrict free- border controls and unleashed Thursday. (AFP) mally bustling cities to a halt. dom of movement. nearly a trillion dollars to prop Interpol warned that crim- “No to authoritarian- up the teetering world econo- world have surpassed those With countries paralysed inals around the world were ism,” he said at his daily my, only to see the once-in-a- in China. ● Italy announced another 427 fatalities on Thursday, taking by the pandemic and stock cashing in on the pandemic by press conference. “I respect century pandemic seemingly But there were fears that its total to 3,405. China, where the outbreak first emerged markets imploding, policy- offering fake or sub-standard the decisions that have been spiral further out of control. Asia faces a second wave of in December last year, has officially reported 3,245 deaths. makers this week unleashed a medical products like surgical made in other countries, China listed no new do- cases imported from abroad, wave of measures to shore up masks. but we do not need that.” mestic infections for the first with 34 new cases reported in ● Globally, the death toll from the virus -- whose main the global economy. Countries are also working A relative of the de- time since the outbreak first China, the highest figure for symptoms are a dry cough and fever -- has risen to over 9,000. The European Central to combat hoarding. ceased man, who declined erupted in the central city of two weeks. Bank late Wednesday an- As others stockpiled toilet to be identified, told daily Wuhan in December, before As the toll surged in his nounced a 750-billion-euro paper and pasta, the French newspaper Milenio that spreading worldwide. country, Italian Prime Min- turn immediately to life as it finement rules and put others bond-buying scheme, dubbed are thronging bakeries for their “the government is doing It appeared to have ister Giuseppe Conte said the was before,” he said. at risk. the “big bazooka”. famed baguettes. absolutely nothing - they staunched the virus with national lockdown, which has France also mooted ex- The disease continued to “Extraordinary times re- “We’ve seen people come in are leaving people to their strict measures including a been copied around Europe, tending the two-week lock- hit high-profile figures with quire extraordinary action. who want to buy 50 baguettes fate.” The virus has now complete quarantine of Wu- would be prolonged to April 3, down ordered this week by EU Brexit negotiator Michel There are no limits to our com- at a time,” said Matthieu Labbe reached the vast majority han since January, mean- shattering hopes of a quick end President Emmanuel Macron, Barnier and Monaco’s Prince mitment to the euro,” ECB of France’s Federation of Bak- of countries in the region, ing the number of infections to the crisis. as the interior minister blasted Albert II among those testing chief Christine Lagarde said. eries. “There’s something like a with Nicaragua and El Sal- and deaths in the rest of the “We will not be able to re- “idiots” who flout home con- positive. Russia reported its first psychosis in some people.” vador - which until now had managed to stave off its arrival - having con- firmed their first respective cases on Thursday. news Other countries to have in brief Bolsonaro son accuses China over coronavirus reported deaths are Ar- AFP concealing information about “China is guilty and free- words of Eduardo Bolsonaro.” bassy said in a tweet. gentina, Ecuador, Brazil, rIO DE JAnEIrO the spread of COVID-19, say- dom would be the solution,” China’s embassy in Brasi- The junior Bolsonaro was Panama, Guatemala, the Woman with ing the country’s actions were he said. lia accused Bolsonaro of car- part of the delegation that ac- Dominican Republic, the coronavirus gives THE son of Brazil’s President similar to what “the Soviet China’s Ambassador to rying on Trump’s animosity companied his father to Miami Cayman Islands, Guyana, birth to healthy Jair Bolsonaro has joined dictatorship” did during the Brazil, Yang Wanming, de- towards Beijing. from March 7-10 on a visit to Martinique, Jamaica, Cuba baby in greece US President Donald Trump 1986 Chernobyl nuclear dis- manded an apology from the “We are familiar with the United States, which in- and Costa Rica. in criticizing China over the aster. lawmaker “to the Chinese peo- your irresponsible words. You cluded a dinner with Trump, Meanwhile, Latin ATHEnS A woman who spread of the coronavirus, “Once again, a dictator- ple” in a tweet written in Chi- imitate your dear (American) who has repeatedly referred American government tested positive for coronavi- prompting demands from Bei- ship preferred to hide some- nese and Portuguese. friends. On your return from to the coronavirus as the “Chi- were continuing to intro- rus gave birth to a healthy jing for an apology. thing serious to avoid criti- Brazil’s lower house speak- Miami, you unfortunately nese virus.” duce measures limiting baby at an Athens hospital, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a cism, when it could have saved er Rodrigo Maia hurriedly caught a mental virus, which China is Brazil’s leading freedom of movement to Greek media reported on 35-year-old lawmaker, ac- countless lives,” Bolsonaro’s apologized on behalf of the infected the friendship be- trade partner, where it exports prevent the virus’ spread. Thursday. The 24-year-old cused China on Tuesday of third son on Twitter. chamber “for the thoughtless tween our peoples,” the em- iron ore, beef and soybeans. woman and her partner had both tested positive before the delivery on Wednesday, but the first test on the baby came back negative for COVID-19. “The virus Millions could die if virus allowed to spread unchecked: UN chief is not transmitted by the placenta,” the director of AFP “Global solidarity is not helping countries that are less is coming to them,” the UN health system,” he said. maternity at Attikon Hos- UnITED nATIOnS, UnITED STATES only a moral imperative, it is prepared to tackle the crisis,” chief said. “If that support is In terms of support for the pital told Greek national in everyone’s interests,” he he said. denied, we could have cata- global economy, Guterres said broadcaster ErT. (AFP) MILLIONS of people could said. Guterres appealed to strophic consequences. the focus should be on helping die from the new coronavirus, Guterres stressed the need Group of 20 nations to help “We could have millions of the most vulnerable: low in- Canada-uS border particularly in poor countries, for a coordinated global re- out. people dying and this is abso- come workers and small and likely to be closed if it is allowed to spread un- sponse to contain a “health “A wealthy country must lutely unacceptable.” medium-sized businesses. by Saturday: pM checked, UN Secretary-Gen- catastrophe” that already has not be convinced that it has Guterres urged govern- “That means wage sup- eral Antonio Guterres warned claimed the lives of more than only to deal with its own citi- ments to give “the strongest port, insurance, social protec- OTTAWA The Canada-US on Thursday, appealing for a 9,000 people and infected zens,” he said. “My very strong support to the multilateral ef- tion, preventing bankruptcies border will likely be closed coordinated global response more than 217,500 around the appeal to the G20 is to have a fort to fight the virus, led by and job loss,” he said. to non-essential travel to the pandemic. world. particular concern with Afri- the World Health Organiza- Financial facilities are overnight from Friday to Sat- “If we let the virus spread “We need to immediately Un Secretary-general Antonio can countries and others in tion, whose appeals must be needed to support countries urday, Prime Minister Justin like wildfire -- especially in the move away from a situation guterres. (AFP) the developing world. fully met.” in difficulty, he said, adding Trudeau said on Thursday. most vulnerable regions of the where each country is under- “We must absolutely be “The health catastro- that the IMF, World Bank and The planned shutdown of world -- it would kill millions taking its own health strate- transparency, a coordinated strong in supporting them phe makes clear that we are other international institu- the 8,891 kilometer interna- of people,” Guterres said. gies to one that ensures, in full global response, including because the virus will come, only as strong as the weakest tions have a key role to play. tional boundary -- the long- est in the world between two countries -- was jointly announced by Trudeau and Donald Trump the previous day. (AFP) US fast-tracking antimalarials to treat coronavirus: Trump

Queen elizabeth AFP great,” Trump told reporters, that authorities could gather president directed us to take a urges britain to WASHInGTOn referring to both antimalarials. more data. closer look at, as to whether an ‘come together’ to “They’ve gone through the This is known as “compas- expanded use approach to that THE US is fast-tracking an- approval process -- it’s been sionate use.” could be done to actually see if fight virus timalarial drugs for use as a approved. They took it down “If there is an experimental that benefits patients.” LOnDOn Queen Elizabeth treatment against the new from many, many months to drug that is potentially avail- Chloroquine is a synthetic II urged British people to coronavirus, President Donald immediate. So we’re going able, a doctor could ask for that form of quinine, which has unite in the fight to curb the Trump said on Thursday. to be able to make that drug drug to be used in a patient. been used to treat malaria spread of the coronavirus The announcement follows available by prescription.” We have criteria for that and since the 1940s. Hydroxychlo- on Thursday, as she left encouraging research into The US has recorded 10,755 very speedy approval for that,” roquine shares a similar mech- London for Windsor Castle. chloroquine and hydroxychlo- cases of new coronavirus infec- said Hahn. anism of action but is less toxic. The queen, 93, said she roquine in France and China, tion, 154 of them fatal. But au- “As an example, many French drug maker Sanofi arrived at Windsor with her but many in the wider scientif- thorities expect the number to Americans have read studies on Wednesday said it stood husband, 98-year-old Prince ic community have cautioned increase steeply in the coming and heard media reports about ready to offer the French gov- Philip, as “many individu- more work is needed to prove days because of increased lev- this drug chloroquine, which is ernment millions of doses of als and families across the they really work for COVID-19. els of testing after initial delays. an anti-malarial drug. hydroxychloroquine, sold un- United Kingdom, and around “We’re going to be able to FDA Commissioner Ste- “It’s already approved, der its brand name Plaquenil, the world, are entering a make that drug available al- phen Hahn said that, while as the president said, for the in light of a “promising” study period of great concern and most immediately, and that’s the antimalarials have not yet treatment of malaria as well as carried out by Didier Raoult of uncertainty.” (DPA) where the (Food and Drug been formally approved, ac- an arthritis condition. the IHU Mediterranee Infec- US President Donald Trump (centre) speaks during the daily briefing on Administration) has been so cess was being expanded so “That’s a drug that the tion in Marseille. the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, at the White House on Thursday. (AFP) Middle east / africa / asia Friday, March 20, 2020 05 Iran says 149 new coronavirus deaths, toll reaches 1,284

AFP the number of new cases has the call for Iranians to stay 10 minutes”. confinement or quarantine TEHrAn fallen, according to figures home. “Considering this infor- measures, have asked the provided by Deputy Health Tehran province had the mation, make a conscious de- population to refrain from IRANIAN authorities on Minister Alireza Raisi. highest number of new cases, cision concerning travel, days travelling and to take the vi- Thursday announced 149 A total of 18,407 people with 137 reported, followed out and family visits during rus “seriously”. new deaths from the novel have contracted the disease by the central province of Is- Nowruz”, the Persian New Several provinces have coronavirus, raising the toll in Iran, with 1,046 new cas- fahan, with 108 and Gilan in Year holiday, he said. ordered the closure of ho- to 1,284 in a country that is es confirmed in the last 24 the north with 73. The Nowruz celebra- tels. one of the worst hit by the hours. Health ministry spokes- tions, which last from Friday In a rare move, Iran an- pandemic. “In 11 provinces” out of man Kianoush Jahanpour until April 3, often see Irani- nounced on Monday the A handout picture provided by the Iranian presidency on Wednesday While Thursday’s death 31, “the number of infections tweeted that at the current ans travel to visit family. shuttering of four important shows President Hassan rouhani (centre) alongside Vice President toll surpassed that of the has decreased because peo- rate, “50 new cases of infec- For several weeks, Ira- Shiite holy sites in an effort Eshagh Jahangiri and Iranian cabinet members following their last previous day’s -- 147 were ple have followed our guide- tion are detected every hour nian authorities, who have to stem the spread of the epi- cabinet meeting in the Persian Year calendar. (AFP) reported on Wednesday -- lines”, Raisi said, renewing and one death recorded every so far refused to impose demic.

India PM Modi orders one-day China reports zero nationwide curfew to combat virus AFP nEW DELHI new domestic virus INDIA’S Prime Minister Nar- endra Modi on Thursday ap- pealed to the 1.3 billion popula- tion to follow a one-day curfew alongside a ban on internation- cases for first time al flight arrivals to combat the coronavirus pandemic. AFP Modi said in an address BEIJInG to the nation that the curfew on Sunday from 7:00am to CHINA on Thursday marked 9:00pm would test the giant a major milestone in its bat- country’s ability to take tough tle against the coronavirus measures against what he pandemic as it recorded zero called a growing “crisis”. People gather to collect free facemasks distributed by Bharatiya Ja- domestic infections for the The measure would be “in nata Party (BJP) workers amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19 first time since the outbreak the interest of the country to novel coronavirus, in new Delhi on Tuesday. (AFP) emerged, but a spike in im- follow and prepare us for fu- ported cases threatened its ture challenges.” to stay home for the next few ployees are set to stagger their progress. The government says there weeks.” shifts and alternate working The stark reversal comes as have been 173 infections and India must fight to avoid in the office. New Delhi has nations across the world have four deaths from the virus. But the “explosion” in deaths seen already suspended the visas of shut down in a desperate ef- the public is increasingly anx- in other countries. all foreign tourists and barred fort to contain the pandemic, ious and there has been a rush The 29-minute address passengers of flights from the with more people now infected on food stores and essential came hours after the govern- worst-hit European nations. and having died abroad than in supplies. ment said no international Travellers from several China. Modi said most people, ex- flights would be allowed to land countries are also subject to a There were no new cases cept those in essential services, in India for one week starting 14-day quarantine when they in Wuhan -- the central city would have to stay home for Sunday. arrive in India. where the virus first emerged several weeks, without giving a All citizens above 65 and Most schools and enter- in December -- for the first timeframe. children under 10 were advised tainment facilities, including time since authorities started “If you feel you won’t be to remain at home, Modi said. cinemas, have already been publishing figures in Janu- affected or infected, you are States were also directed shut across India, the world’s ary, according to the National Volunteers from Wuhan thank members of a medical assistance team at a ceremony marking their depar- wrong,” Modi said. by the government to force second-most populous country. Health Commission. ture after helping with the COVID-19 coronavirus recovery effort, in Wuhan on Thursday. (AFP) “You will be endangering companies and department to The Taj Mahal and other Wuhan and its 11 million your family and the commu- make staff work from home. monuments have also been people were placed under nity and I request every citizen Some government em- closed to visitors. strict quarantine on January 23, with more than 40 mil- Virus whistleblower doctor punished lion other people in the rest of Hubei province entering lock- ‘inappropriately’: Chinese probe Four convicted in down in the following days. Syria calls for the lifting The rest of China also en- BEIJInG Police in China’s virus epicentre Wuhan acted “inappropriately” by punishing a doctor who Delhi gang rape acted tough measures to limit blew the whistle on the outbreak that has now killed more than 9,000 worldwide, a Chinese govern- public gatherings. ment investigation found Thursday. of sanctions amid case to hang today There were eight more Li Wenliang, one of a group of doctors in Wuhan who shared posts on social media warning of a deaths in China -- all in Hubei SArS-like virus spreading in the city in December, was reprimanded by police for sharing the infor- coronavirus outbreak AFP -- raising the nationwide total mation and made to sign a statement agreeing not to commit any more “law-breaking actions.” nEW DELHI to 3,245, according to the com- Li’s death from the virus in February prompted a national outpouring of grief as well as anger at DPA sponsible for every victim of the mission. the government’s handling of the crisis, and bold demands for freedom of speech. DAMASCUS corona epidemic by obstructing FOUR men convicted of the There have been nearly A central government investigation initiated after Li’s death found that Wuhan police “acted efforts to confront this virus.” 2012 gang-rape and murder 81,000 infections in China but inappropriately by issuing a disciplinary letter” and took “irregular law enforcement procedures,” SYRIA called on the United It was referring to sanctions of a New Delhi student will be only 7,263 people remain sick state broadcaster CCTV reported Thursday. The investigators also found that Li’s colleagues had States and the European Union on its main ally, Iran, where the executed on Friday, the victim’s with the COVID-19 disease. repeatedly attempted to resuscitate the 34-year-old before he was declared dead because he was on Thursday to lift their sanc- healthcare system is struggling lawyer said after a court dis- The global number has “very young,” CCTV said. tions on Damascus and other to deal with the rapid spread missed a final last-minute peti- shot past 200,000, with more State media said Li’s colleagues told investigators, “as long as there was a bit of hope we were countries amid the global coro- of the virus. At least 1,135 have tion to delay the hangings. than 8,700 deaths. unwilling to give up, at the time there were no other factors.” The central government investiga- navirus outbreak, the Foreign died there and 17,361 have been The brutal attack on Jyoti On March 10, President Xi tors “suggest” that Wuhan authorities “supervise and rectify the matter,” and urged local police to Ministry said. infected. Singh aboard a city bus sparked Jinping visited Wuhan for the revoke the disciplinary statement issued to Li, according to CCTV. (AFP) “The United States and the Iran is a major ally of Syrian nationwide demonstrations first time since the outbreak European Union continue to President Bashar al-Assad and and shone a spotlight on the began and declared that the impose illegal unilateral restric- the Revolutionary Guards have alarming rates of sexual vio- spread of the disease was “ba- allow healthy people from low- gions resuming or preparing to tional arrivals to go into 14- tive measures on a number of been fighting alongside govern- lence in India. A trial court sically curbed”. risk areas to leave the province go back to class. day quarantine in designated countries, some of which suf- ment troops since the 2011 Syr- in Delhi, which had already The same day, Hubei of- if they have jobs or residences But there is concern about hotels. fer greatly from the outbreak ian uprising began and turned postponed the hangings three ficials allowed people to travel elsewhere. This also excludes a second wave of infections China’s civil aviation min- of this virus,” a ministry official into a civil war. times, on Thursday dismissed within the province for the first Wuhan. due to an influx of cases from istry said Thursday it would said, according to the official While no cases of the new another plea to delay the ex- time since January, excluding Life has slowly started to abroad, with an average of limit passenger numbers on SANA news agency. coronavirus have officially been ecutions scheduled for 5:30 am Wuhan. return to normal in the rest of 20,000 people flying into Chi- inbound international flights, Syria called for the imme- registered in Syria, the govern- (0000 GMT) Friday. On Wednesday, Hubei au- the country, with people back na every day. and said airlines must have diate and unconditional lifting ment decided to close all edu- “The court rejected their thorities announced they were at work, factories up and run- Beijing and other regions their schedules pre-approved of these sanctions and held cational institutions for three petition and said they have ex- partially opening its borders to ning, and schools in some re- now require most interna- by the ministry. Washington and its allies “re- weeks. hausted all their legal rights. The hangings will take place on Friday at the scheduled time,” Singh’s lawyer Seema Kushwa- ha told reporters. Singh’s mother Asha Devi Lagos closes schools as virus shadow lengthens over Africa welcomed the ruling and said her “daughter’s soul will finally AFP schools in the city of some 20 ber of detected cases had risen to the disease. rest in peace”. LAGOS million people would be shut to 35. Africa -- north and south The convicts had filed nu- from Monday. The national coordinator of the Sahara -- has had 712 merous petitions seeking de- SUB-SAHARAN Africa’s big- Africa’s most populous na- for the fight against the dis- known cases of the virus, ac- lays to the executions. One gest city, Lagos, announced on tion -- home to around 200 ease, Martial Ouedraogo, said cording to a tally compiled by challenged the rejection of his Thursday it would shut schools million people -- has so far re- Thursday most of the infec- AFP. mercy plea by the president, the and limit religious gatherings corded just 12 confirmed cases tions had been reported in the Health specialists say the last remedy available to death- to help fight the spread of coro- of COVID-19 and is following capital Ouagadougou. continent is a potential breed- row convicts in India. navirus. other countries on the conti- Others were in Hounde ing ground for the virus, given The Supreme Court said The curbs by Nigeria’s nent in ratcheting up its re- 250 kilometres (155 miles) poor sanitation, poverty, ur- it found no reason to interfere sprawling economic hub came sponse to the global pandemic. away and in Bobo Dioulasso, ban over-crowding and creak- with the president’s decision a day after Burkina Faso an- The central government on the country’s second largest ing medical systems. and rejected his petition. nounced the first virus fatality Wednesday announced an en- city. In the south of the conti- Thursday’s ruling came south of the Sahara. try ban on 13 countries worst- “The spread is in peaks and nent, South Africa reported its amid widespread support for “After consulting with our hit by the new coronavirus. troughs,” Ouedraogo told re- case total had leapt from 116 to the executions. healthcare professionals over Nigeria, which is also Af- porters. 150. The media has also been COVID-19, we are closing rica’s largest oil producer, has On Wednesday, Ouedrao- The government declared full of grisly details about the down schools and limiting re- also said it will slash billions national Youth Service Corps members prepare to leave the orienta- go said the tally of cases stood it would erect or repair 40 kilo- hangings, including that the ligious gathering,” Lagos state of dollars in budget spending tion camp in Abuja following an order by the nigerian government to at 27, including a fatality -- a metres (25 miles) of fence on nooses will be smeared with governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu because of a collapse in crude curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (AFP) 62-year-old female legislator its border with Zimbabwe to banana and clarified butter to wrote on Twitter. prices. who had been suffering from help tamp viral spread. soften them. “We are limiting gatherings Imposing the new restric- The city is home to an ar- Meanwhile, the Sahel state diabetes. “This is to ensure that no Singh, 23, was returning and events to no more than 50 tions on the chaotic and over- ray of so-called “megachurch- of Burkina Faso, which on Coronavirus has been slow undocumented or infected per- home from the cinema in the people and appropriate social crowded streets of Lagos will es” where thousands of wor- Wednesday reported the first to spread -- or be detected -- in sons cross into the country and evening with a friend when distancing must be observed.” be a major challenge for the shippers typically gather each death from coronavirus in sub- sub-Saharan Africa, which ex- vice-versa,” said Public Works they boarded a bus, thinking it The state government said authorities. weekend for services. Saharan Africa, said the num- perts fear is deeply vulnerable Minister Patricia de Lille. would take them home. 06 Friday, March 20, 2020

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 Opinion HAMAd bIn suHAIM Al tHAnI chAIrMAn Adel AlI bIn AlI MAnAgIng DIrEcTOr dr HAssAn MoHAMMed Al AnsArI EDITOr-In-chIEf

Congress Needs To Do More To Chinese Propaganda Claims Save US Economy Washington was slow in recognising the coronovirus Democracy Can’t Stop Coronavirus. threat, now the Congress must move fast to protect the economy from collapse We can — But Can Trump? HE intensifying drumbeat of corona- passing an $8.3-billion emergency spend- virus-related restrictions and shut- ing bill to help deal with the health care downs has drawn outrage from some costs associated with the virus. That was It was an authoritarian Chinese system that let the deadly virus multiply and spread. conservatives, who argue that the the right first move, and shoring up the government is driving the US econo- health care system to beat COVID-19 But surely, the US democracy needs a White House leadership up to the task Tmy into a ditch and, by overreacting, push- should remain lawmakers’ first priority. ing us unnecessarily into recession. Some Yet they also have a responsibility to TRUDY RUBIN even contend that this whole virus thing shore up the economy. The House moved TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE is a plot by liberals to prevent President quickly last week to address one piece of Trump from being reelected in November. the puzzle, approving a bill to fund more HINA is promoting a propaganda Either by willful blindness or igno- coronavirus testing and buttress the fed- narrative that its authoritarian sys- rance, however, they’re ignoring the havoc eral safety net. Among other things, the tem is uniquely capable of curbing that the virus itself has already wreaked in bill would temporarily provide family leave the coronavirus, in contrast to the China thanks to a slow response at the out- and sick pay for workers who don’t already chaotic response of Europe and the set. And they’re turning a blind eye toward have it, expand unemployment benefits CUnited States. the carnage in Italy, where the virus was al- and food aid, and help states with Medic- Never mind that the virus began in lowed to get out of hand, overwhelming the aid costs. Wuhan and spread because Communist country’s health care system. That country Trump is also pushing to provide aid Party officials suppressed whistleblowers. now is in near-total lockdown, which is directly to industries that are hard hit by Beijing’s new storyline stresses that its what we’re trying to avoid here. the virus, notably the airlines and cruise draconian lockdown of tens of millions of But they’re right about this: Fight- ship companies. We’re not keen on the its people (and ability to build new 1,000- ing the pandemic is going to take a heavy government picking winners and losers- bed hospitals in 10 days) was able to con- toll, in both human and economic terms. that’s the market’s job -but there’s a good trol the virus, even as new cases are soar- Although the social-distancing mandates argument to be made that the airline in- ing in America. being imposed globally aim to mitigate the dustry, like the auto industry, is so vital to This propaganda effort might seem long-term damage, they’re going to front- the rest of the US economy that it cannot unpromising, were it not for the fact that load some of the be allowed to col- President Donald Trump has only just costs of the out- lapse. Nevertheless, come to grips with the pandemic, leaving break. The demand any rescue should the United States dangerously behind in cans,” says the University of Pennsyl- leased last weekend revealed that only for services and come with strings containing and mitigating the virus. This vania’s Jacques deLisle, director of the 40% of Republicans believed the coro- goods is going to attached to ensure gives global appeal to the Chinese argu- Center for the Study of Contemporary navirus was a real threat, compared with drop, as will con- that the companies ment that authoritarianism works better China. 76% of Democrats and 50% of independ- sumer spending use the aid to main- than democratic governance. Toward that end, Beijing has just ents. generally, and the tain their payrolls Hopefully, the inner strengths of our kicked out journalists from the New York No surprise then that, until late last impact will spread and keep workers democracy will see us through as dis- Times, the Washington Post and the Wall week, the president failed to mobilise the quickly from trav- employed. played by the governors, mayors, media Street Journal, perhaps in part because nation and push through a national emer- el and tourism to One other and health experts who finally forced the their reporting on the pandemic in Wu- gency plan for testing, which is just start- entertainment to piece of the puzzle, president to pay attention. But depending han might have penetrated the great wall ing to ramp up. other sectors of the though, is how to on how things go here, the Chinese ver- of Chinese censorship. And without widespread tests, or dra- service industry, respond to slack- sion of events could make global inroads You might conclude, then, that the conian Chinese-style lockdowns, it is im- and to the retail ing overall demand. and increase Beijing’s geopolitical influ- new Beijing narrative won’t get much possible to measure and stop the spread. and manufacturing Trump is seeking to ence after the pandemic dies down. global traction because it is a pretty trans- Trump also failed, until the past few days, companies that supply them. cut payroll taxes by some $800 billion, a The message the Chinese are trying to parent effort to airbrush Xi Jinping’s mis- to rally the military and all government The consequences of the outbreak have stimulus tactic often employed in down- promote can be summarised by a March takes. agencies to help states expand their inad- become clearer by the day, leading policy- turns. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) has pro- 12 article in the People’s Daily, which asks Yet, the US response to the crisis until equate medical facilities. He failed, until makers toward increasingly bold respons- posed a simpler and more market-friendly “why China can pull together the imagina- the past few days gives China’s propagan- this week, to consult fully with governors es. Over the weekend the Federal Reserve approach: sending every adult American a tion and courage needed to deliver a blow dists a huge boost. desperate for national leadership (insult- unloaded much of its arsenal of stimulative check for $1,000, to spend as they see fit. to the virus while the United States strug- From late January through early ing them instead with labels like “snake”). monetary policies, slashing its short-term Washington has done this before, most gles to handle the outbreak.” March, Trump downplayed the corona- This has costs: The time lost _ crucial interest-rate target essentially to 0% and recently in 2001 and 2008 under President The Chinese government is even at- virus, insisting that it was “totally under to testing and containing the virus in or- pledging to leave it there as long as neces- George W. Bush, so the plan would be easy tempting to argue that the disease didn’t control,” that it would “all work out well,” der to avoid a national shutdown _ cannot sary, among other steps. and inexpensive to administer. And un- originate in Wuhan. An official spokes- that “we have pretty much shut it down,” be made up. Those actions were crucial to prevent- like the payroll tax cut favoured by Trump, man for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign that “we have very few people with it and Now, belatedly, the White House is ing the virus from infecting the banking whose benefits would be spread out over Affairs has tweeted that “it might be US ... they’re all getting better,” and that organizing the whole of government. And system and drying up credit, sending the several months, the full measure of Rom- army who brought the epidemic to Wu- “within a couple of days is going to be listening to the experts. And taking the economy into the sort of tailspin it experi- ney’s aid would be delivered immediate- han.” (This is more official than the sug- down to close to zero.” virus seriously, although the president enced in the last recession. But low interest ly. The main drawback is that the money gestion of Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) that While the president’s Jan. 31 decision continues to spin and spout untruths. We rates won’t help the US health care system would flow to people who aren’t struggling the virus might be Chinese biowarfare. to ban travellers from China was impor- don’t need the Chinese to point out that handle the surge in cases coming from the as well as those who are. But it is probably in part an unfortunate tant, he squandered its major benefit _ this is “embarrassing” for a great democ- fast-growing tide of infections. They won’t The more the virus-related closures response to Trump’s calling the disease providing the time to prepare for an in- racy. But we do need to demonstrate, for lead laid-off, quarantined or just plain stack up, the greater the need for a big the “Chinese virus,” which has more of a evitable outbreak here. our own sakes, that their propaganda spooked Americans to continue spending response now from Congress. Washing- racist tinge than his use of “Wuhan virus.” Trump misunderstood the disease claim about a hapless democracy unable at their usual pace. And they won’t save the ton moved too slowly to recognise the In other words, each side is now politi- and rejected the early warnings of health to cope is false. Even if that coping comes small businesses whose customers vanish threat that the novel coronavirus posed cizing the virus, with the Chinese hitting experts. He continues to insult journalists belatedly and in spite of failed White into their homes. to Americans’ health; it shouldn’t repeat harder.) who question his endless misstatements. House leadership. That’s where Congress has to step in. that mistake with the threat it poses to Of course, this Chinese narrative “is And his false spin, echoed by Fox The message of Chinese propaganda, Lawmakers started off in early March by the US economy. also designed to take some of the heat off commentators, lulled his supporters into contrary to Beijing’s intentions, is that de- Xi Jinping at home, so he can say look complacency. An NPR/PBS NewsHour/ mocracy requires new White House lead- (Tribune News Service) at us as compared to the feckless Ameri- Marist Poll taken March 12-13 and re- ership up to the task.

An American Locked Down In Spain In Time Of Coronavirus In America, which is called land of the free, healthcare costs lots of money unlike Spain where it’s free

JENNIFER LUTZ I stay locked-in, counting each opportu- The precautions are real, and they can TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE nity for infection. save lives. If we go out in pairs, the town I do not have health insurance. I can- police stop us to know where we are go- OU can leave the house to buy food, not afford to get sick in America, and so ing. But mostly, we stay in — washing medicine and tobacco. In Spain, I stay in Spain, where treatment is free. I our hands before we hold each other’s. those are three separate stores, and stay in Spain, where I see how rapidly the Public parks and beaches close; this is three separate opportunities for con- virus spreads and I begin to understand not the time for sport. But we do not tamination. the measures that must be taken. complain; this is no price that we are YIn Barcelona, the night echoes with the A pharmacy tapes a written sign to paying — even as we lose the money that sound of storefronts shuttering. Wheels the door, “We Don’t Have Face Masks, comes from our shuttered jobs. of suitcases bang against uneven stones, Nor Sanitizer Gels.” Around the corner, Inside, I speak with friends in New as tourists rush home, before the air- a different pharmacy displays a different York. “I’m just getting on the No. 1 train,” ports close. But I am not a tourist; I am an sign, “We Have Calming Gel,” for summer D tells me. It is her last day at the univer- American who has split her home between bug bites. This is where we stand, caught sity. New York is a transit town, and she New York and Barcelona. between today’s crises and lives that will has no other way from New Jersey to the I am an American who stays abroad continue. Upper West Side. after the American president shutters the Now is the time to choose where you “I am home with symptoms, but I do United States’ borders. I can return to New want to be quarantined — or locked in, if not qualify for a test,” R tells me from his York, if I choose, if I hurry. But I stay — far you are fortunate enough to stay virus- Brooklyn apartment. He does not know from my family and the two grandmothers free. I wait on the train platform and watch how to call off from work. He has two sons who I call incessantly, just to hear them the girl dancing to the music in her head, to feed and cannot afford to lose a job and breathe. I stay far from the mother I call the facemask covering lips that I imagine Now, trains are running, but things knowing. I move as if I am a silent kill- the health care it provides. daily, begging her to stay home from work. are glossed to match her eyeshadow and are changing so quickly that the last ing machine — threatening each person Inside, I count the chances for con- But still she goes, afraid to lose her job. blush. I wonder if she has sanitizer gel too. train on any day could be the last train I touch. I am moving to the mountains, tamination, thinking of my family and Each day my mother, with her 60 years We are few, the ones taking the last train for weeks. I count the time I’ve spent on where the town is small, and I have a boy- friends in New York. I study my Spanish and smoke-lined lungs, has contact with from Barcelona, before transportation my own, with no symptoms to show; I am friend who barely believes in these pre- and pray for the land of the free, where many who have contact with many others. does or does not close. young enough to have the virus without cautions at all. nothing is free.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Airlines need up to $200 bn in emergency aid: IATA page 8

FrIDay, MarCh 20, 2020

DOW20,197.92 QE 8,576.59 SENSEX 28,288.23 GOLD 1,470.86 Gulf markets hammered by oil price +299 PTS -84.78 PTS −581.28 PTS -1.02% plunge, virus shutdowns page 8 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 12.12 BRENT 28.48 +14.47% WTI 25.32 +24.30% SILVER +2.91% Qatari stocks buck global trend as QSE gains 346 points in a week

SATYENDRA PATHAK The week also saw six of DOHA the seven sector indices make good gains to lift the main in- NOTWITHSTANDING the dex higher. The telecom sector impact of the ongoing coro- that gained 10.47 percent was navirus crisis on the global the best performing sector in- economy, Qatari stocks made dex for the week. huge weekly gains on the back Trading value during the of heavy buying by Qatari in- week increased by 13.9 per- stitutional funds. cent to reach QR2.34 billion The Qatar Stock Exchange against QR2.061 billion in the Qatar Chamber Food Security and Environment Committee Chairperson Mohamed bin Ahmed al Obaidli with other committee members and representatives of several companies (QSE) main index increased previous week. The bank and in the food sector during a meeting in Doha on Thursday. by 346.18 points, or 4.21 per- financial services sector led cent, during the week, to close the trading value during the at 8,576.59 points. week, accounting for 52.1 per- During the five-day trad- cent of the total trading value. ing week, the market made The industrial sector was QC to ensure uninterrupted impressive gains for four days the second biggest contributor in a row before making a mar- to the overall trading value, ginal loss on the last trading accounting for 14.4 percent day of the week. of the total trading value. Qatari institutions re- QNB Group was the top value food supply to Industrial Area mained positive throughout traded stock during the week the week with net buying of with a total traded value of QR284.5 million after the Su- QR524.8 million. preme Committee for Crisis The number of transac- the meeting saw the floating of a proposal guaranteeing the availability of food products in the market Management on COVID-19 tions also rose by 15.4 percent announced a massive QR75 to reach 54,623 transactions TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the government to curb the billion package to support against 47,335 transactions in DOHA The private sector was keen on outbreak, particularly those the private sector and an ad- the previous week. Trading vol- ensuring the flow of goods, of the Ministry of Public ditional QR10 billion to boost ume, however, decreased by 5.2 A Qatar Chamber-led meet- services and food and agricultural Health, which included steri- the country’s stock market. percent to reach 852.1 million ing held in Doha sought ways lising trucks and checking Qatari retail investors also shares against 899.2 million to ensure the uninterrupted products to the local market and drivers passing through In- turned bullish with net buying shares in the previous week. flow of food and other essen- actively contribute towards the national efforts dustrial Area. of QR109.5 million against net The real estate sector led tial supplies to people in the to arrest the spread of Covid-19. The He stressed the private selling of QR132 million the the trading volume, account- locked-down area of Indus- sector was keen on ensuring week before. ing for 35.2 percent, followed trial Area. Saudi-led blockade of Qatar helped the the flow of goods, services Foreign institutions, how- by the Banks and Financial On March 17, the govern- private sector in the country gain experience and food and agricultural ever, ended the week with Services sector comprising ment locked down a portion in dealing with and overcoming a crisis. products to the local mar- net selling of QR119.1 million 23.9 percent of the overall of Industrial Area, where a ket and actively contribute against net selling of QR300 trading volume. large number of people have Mohamed bin Ahmed al Obaidli towards the national efforts million in the previous week. Ezdan Holding Group was tested positive for Covid-19, to arrest the spread of Cov- Foreign retail investors also the top volume traded stock for a preliminary two-week id-19. turned negative with net sell- during the week with a total period. Obaidli said the Saudi-led ing of QR50.2 million against traded volume of 152.8 million The meeting, attended The mechanisms facili- called on food companies to blockade of Qatar helped the net buying of QR19.1 million shares. QNB Group (QNB) by representatives of sev- tating the flow of goods from the meeting called on instruct their employees to private sector in the country in the previous week. was the best performing stock eral companies in the food ports to Industrial Area and food companies to strictly comply with the di- gain experience in dealing Market capitalisation in- for the week, with a gain of sector and members of the their distribution from there instruct their employees rectives of the Ministry of with and overcoming a crisis. creased by 6 percent to reach 14.1 percent. Qatar Chamber’s (QC) Food with appropriate measures to strictly comply with the Public Health on coronavirus Dr Hajari said the Envi- QR489.1 billion during the QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank Security and Environment to guarantee the interests of directives of the MoPH on mitigation. ronment Committee is pre- week that saw 25 companies (QIB) and Ooredoo were the Committee, also discussed merchants and consumers It also reviewed ways of pared to receive all inquiries out of the 47 traded close in primary contributors to the several key issues impact- were key parts of the discus- coronavirus mitigation. enhancing confidence on the and proposals for prompt ac- the positive territory. While 20 weekly index gain. QNB was ing the nation-wide supply sions. national products especially tions and solution. stocks declined, there was no the biggest contributor to the chain. QC’s Dr Saif bin Ali al Besides, the meeting saw Stressing the importance poultry, dairy, vegetables, He said the committee change in the stock prices of index’s weekly increase, adding Hajari and Committee Chair- the floating of a proposal of raising awareness among fruit and fish. would address all issues re- the remaining two companies. 188.7 points to the index. person Mohamed bin Ahmed guaranteeing the availability workers in the food sector Committee Chairperson lated to streamlining proce- al Obaidli spearheaded the of food products in the mar- about the means of combat- Obaidli praised the precau- dures for investors and busi- meeting. ket. ing coronavirus, the meeting tionary measures taken by nessmen. Al Asmakh exempts Bu Fesseela warehousing park tenants TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK warehousing park are exempt- charge in order to unite our ef- (Manateq) and are in line with looking development strategi- DOHA ed from the rent value for a pe- forts and overcome the current its commitment to support the cally located in North Doha. riod of three months, starting situation,” Al Asmakh Holding country’s economic develop- The logistics park provides AL Asmakh Holding Group, from April 2020. Group state in a statement. ment and to help the investors small to medium enterprises the developer and operator “All vacant warehouses The company said that in tackling any financial con- (SMEs) with logistics facilities, of Bu Fesseela warehousing spanning over a total area of these decisions have been sequences. supported and strengthened park, has announced that all 137,600 square metre are at the taken in cooperation with the Bu Fesseela Warehousing by on-site community and re- The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) main index increased by 346.18 tenants of retail shops at the disposal of the state for free of Economic Zones Company Park is a new and forward- tail provision. points, or 4.21 percent, during the week, to close at 8,576.59 points. US urges rapid stimulus approval as recession fears grow

AFP as the government clamps instructed major parts of With the Federal Reserve vey of manufacturing showed WASHInGTOn down on gatherings and calls the economy to close down having slashed the bench- activity “fell precipitously for strict social distancing to so that we can win this fight mark lending rate to zero, “I this month” with the index AMID growing evidence of stop the virus from spreading can assure you, we’re going plunging from a three-year the damage already inflict- further. to take advantage of lower in- high of 36.7 to -12.7, its low- ed on the US economy by Forecasts now show the Forecasts now show the terest rates,” Mnuchin said. est reading since July 2012 the coronavirus pandemic, world’s largest economy will world’s largest economy But amid uncertainty and the biggest one month Treasury Secretary Steven crater, contracting between will crater, contracting over the virus and how soon drop on record. Mnuchin is urging Congress 12 to 14 percent in the April- between 12 to 14 percent the government stimulus will Already in recession to pass a $1 trillion emer- June period. in the April-June period be deployed, data has shown -”The sector will be in deep gency stimulus package im- President Donald Trump surging layoffs especially in recession for the foreseeable mediately. has pledged to “go big” to the hotel and travel industry, future,” Ian Shepherdson of Many economists now support the economy, and his against this virus,” Treasury a spike in workers applying Pantheon Macroeconomics say the United States is al- administration has eschewed Secretary Steven Mnuchin for unemployment insur- warned in an analysis. ready in a deep recession, the traditional Republican said on Fox Business Net- ance, a collapse in manufac- But the US economy and the latest economic data aversion to debt and deficits. work, and “there are impacts turing and a freeze falling relies almost entirely on show a surge in layoffs and “This is an unprecedent- on hardworking Americans.” over the hot housing market. consumers and the service A member of the faculty at garfield Elementary School passes out manufacturing shutdowns ed situation where, for good “We have no problem is- The Philadelphia Federal sector, which has been the food to families of students in Oakland, California on Thursday. (AFP) rippling across the country reason, the government has suing more debt,” he said. Reserve Bank’s monthly sur- hardest hit. 08 Friday, March 20, 2020 economy & business Airlines need up to $200 bn in emergency aid: IATA AFP adding that “on a global basis, statement. mand has fallen by as much of jobs, it said. “Airlines need ur- months. GEnEVA IATA estimates that emergen- “But they must be aware Airlines worldwide face an 60 percent on the remaining gent government action if they “Due to flight bans as well cy aid of up to $200 billion is that the public health emer- unprecedented existential routes. are to emerge from this in a fit as international and regional UP to $200 billion is needed required”. gency has now become a catas- threat as the CoVId-19 It pointed out that the air state to help the world recover, travel restrictions, airlines’ to rescue the world’s airlines Airlines worldwide face trophe for economies and for pandemic, which has transport industry’s economic once COVID-19 is beaten,” Ju- revenues are plummeting during the coronavirus crisis, an unprecedented existential aviation,” he said, pointing out killed more than 9,000 contribution in Africa alone niac said. (and) outstripping the scope of the global aviation association threat as the COVID-19 pan- that “the scale of the current people around the world, is estimated at $55.8 billion, Carriers across Africa and even the most drastic cost con- said Thursday, appealing es- demic, which has killed more industry crisis is much worse supporting 6.2 million jobs the Middle East had begun im- tainment measures,” it said. pecially to African and Middle than 9,000 people around and far more widespread than shuts down global travel and contributing 2.6 percent plementing extensive cost-cut- IATA called on govern- Eastern countries to provide the world, shuts down global 9/11, SARS or the 2008 global of the continent’s gross do- ting measures to mitigate the ments to provide support emergency assistance. travel. financial crisis.” IATA expressed particular mestic product (GDP). financial impact of the pan- in various ways, including “Support measures are “Stopping the spread of “Airlines are fighting for concern for the situation in In the Middle East, the demic, IATA said, but warned through direct financial aid to urgently needed,” the Inter- COVID-19 is the top priority of survival,” he said, warning Africa and the Middle East, contribution stands at $130 that airlines in the regions on passenger and cargo carriers, national Air Transport As- governments,” IATA chief Al- that “millions of jobs are at where many routes have been billion, some 4.4 percent of average held enough cash re- loans and loan guarantees and sociation said in a statement, exandre de Juniac said in the stake.” suspended, and where de- GDP, supporting 2.4 million serves for approximately two tax relief. Germany lurches towards recession as coronavirus hits biz confidence

DPA Covid-19 illness caused by BErLIn the coronavirus. The Ifo’s release comes GERMAN business confi- amid a slew of warnings dence collapsed in March, from major international posting its worst drop in banks that the global econ- nearly 30 years as Europe’s omy might have already biggest economy lurched sunk into recession follow- towards a recession un- ing the rapid spread of the leashed by the coronavirus virus around the world. crisis. German investor con- The Munich-based Ifo fidence plunged in March, institute said its closely with the ZEW survey of watched business confi- analysts and institutional dence index plunged from investors released this week 96.1 points in February to chalking up its biggest-ever 87.7 in March - its steep- fall as stock markets have est fall since 1991 and low- plunged and major econo- est reading since the start mies have gone into lock- of the global financial crisis down in a bid to contain the more than a decade ago. pandemic. Any number under 100 However, German reflects negative sentiment. shares in Frankfurt edged “The German economy higher on Wednesday, is plunging into recession,” boosted by hopes of a said Ifo President Clemens fresh European Central (File photo) Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in riyadh. (AFP) Fuest, highlighting the scale Bank stimulus package. of the massive economic After a shaky start to the damage already wrought new year in January, the by the spread of the deadly Ifo edged higher in Feb- virus. ruary on expectations of Gulf markets hammered by oil With vast tracts of Ger- a brighter economic out- man economic life having look for Germany after the ground to a halt, the sur- nation’s key manufactur- vey of about 9,000 execu- ing sector was battered tives showed business ex- last year by the US-China pectations for six months trade war. price plunge, virus shutdowns ahead nosediving from 93.4 A batch of hard eco- points in February to 82 nomic data released in re- this month. cent weeks also pointed to The Saudi Tadawul market has slumped about 18 percent since the start of the month The executives’ assess- a more upbeat start to the ment of current business year for Germany and be- AFP lus measures worth some $85 large debt burden,” the Lon- Saudi Arabia, the world’s conditions also dropped fore the coronavirus tight- DUBAI billion in total to support their don-based think-tank said in a top oil exporter, said on from 98.9 last month to a ened its grip on the global economies, with some of the report this week. Wednesday it had decided to March reading of 93.8. economy. GULF stock markets have cash targeted to shore up sag- The glitzy city-state, which cut this year’s spending by five Thursday’s Ifo release But now all eyes are plunged to multi-year lows de- ging stock markets. last year received 16.8 million percent, or $13.3 billion, from represented the first time in now on new economic ba- spite massive stimulus spend- Moody’s ratings agency Key measures tourists, generates over 90 per- the budgeted $272 billion. 70 years that the institute rometers - the daily tally ing as the region has suffered said the $27.2 billion stimulus cent of its revenues from real This first austerity measure has published a preliminary of coronavirus cases and the double blow of plummeting by the Emirates would be help- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab estate, tourism, aviation and was expected to be followed by business climate report. the success rate of scien- oil prices and sweeping corona- ful in that it would “limit the Emirates, Qatar and Oman trade, all of which have been other GCC states, which have The Ifo had been due tists in finding a vaccine virus shutdowns. UAE banks’ likely material as- have announced stimulus curtailed by closures to ward been posting budget deficits to be released next week, to shield the population Since early March, all seven set quality deterioration from measures worth some $85 off the virus. most years since the mid-2014 but the institute brought from the deadly virus. bourses in the Gulf region have the coronavirus outbreak”. billion in total to support their The International Air oil price crash, with Saudi Ara- forward its publication as There are about 200,000 suffered some of their most tu- All Gulf Cooperation Coun- economies, with some of the Transport Association (IATA) bia taking the lead. a result of the enormous cases worldwide, according multuous performances, with cil (GCC) states heavily rely on cash targeted to shore up on Thursday appealed to gov- Capital Economics said it economic and social fallout to the World Health Organ- UAE markets in Dubai and oil as the main source of public sagging stock markets ernments in the Middle East expected the combined im- from the potentially fatal ization. Abu Dhabi as well as in Kuwait revenues. to provide emergency support pact of the coronavirus and shedding over a third of their Gulf stocks fell steeply after to airlines as they fight for sur- oil price crash to increase the value. the OPEC+ oil producers alli- vival. 2020 Saudi budget deficit The Saudi Tadawul mar- ance failed to reach agreement spreading coronavirus, impact- As many Middle East and from the projected 6.4 percent ket -- the biggest bourse in the on additional output cuts that ing air travel, closing restau- Africa routes have been sus- to 16 percent of gross domes- region and among the world’s ignited a price war between rants and cinemas and shutting pended, demand also fell by 60 tic product. top ten -- has slumped about Saudi Arabia and Russia. down government and busi- percent on routes still operat- The reduced outlays come 18 percent since the start of the Oil prices have slid sharply ness offices in some GCC states. ing, it said. as social and economic pain are month. Saudi energy giant Ara- since and crashed on Wednes- Capital Economics ana- IATA said the economic likely to deepen. mco, the largest listed company day to 18-year lows, with Brent lysts say the measures to con- contribution of air transport in The UN Economic and So- in the world, has dipped 12 per- crude now priced at $25 a bar- tain the coronavirus will weigh the Middle East, most of it in cial Commission for Western cent since March 1 and its mar- rel, meaning Gulf states will heavily on the non-oil sector the Gulf, was estimated at $130 Asia said Arab countries are ket value has dropped to $1.57 lose tens of billions of dollars in in the Middle East and North billion a year, supporting 2.4 losing around $550 million trillion. energy revenues. Africa. million jobs and contributing daily as a result of the oil price A woman walks along a largely deserted Uhlandstrasse in Saudi Arabia, the United The other blow has been “Dubai is the most vulner- 4.4 percent to GDP. crash, and that the virus crisis Berlin on Thursday. (AFP) Arab Emirates, Qatar and the series of unprecedented able and this could ultimately Governments are already could destroy as many as 1.7 Oman have announced stimu- shutdowns to counter the fast- ignite fears over the emirate’s feeling the pressure. million jobs this year. Facebook and Google in talks with Washington to track infections: US media

AFP spokesman Johnny Luu con- the use of personal data the right side to contain the users could choose to activate, SAn FrAnCISCO firmed they were “exploring pandemic and save thousands anonymously, to find out if ways that aggregated an- in the us is highly sensi- if not millions of lives,” the they have been in the pres- FACEBOOK and Google are onymized location informa- tive after several scandals doctors, epidemiologists and ence of identified cases.” in talks with Washington over tion could help in the fight -- such as in 2011 when researchers wrote. People could quarantine potentially using individuals’ against COVID-19.” the national security Among other suggestions, themselves if necessary and personal data to track and The two tech giants did Agency was found to be they recommended social net- monitor the appearance of combat the coronavirus out- not respond to AFP requests collecting phone records works broadcast educational any symptoms. break, US media reported. for comment. without permission videos, Uber distribute disin- “In the longer term, such The project would involve The use of personal data fectant products to its drivers, a system would better con- collecting location informa- in the US is highly sensitive and Amazon limit the number tain other future epidem- tion from Americans’ smart- after several scandals -- such expertise to fight the deadly of masks and hydro-alcoholic ics,” they added. “Tracking phones and using it anony- as in 2011 when the National virus, after roughly 50 scien- gels that can be sold per per- contacts between people has mously to map the spread of Security Agency was found to tists signed an open letter last son. worked well in China and the disease and predict urgent be collecting phone records week calling on them to act. As for Apple and Google, South Korea, and such a tool medical needs, for example. without permission. “It is clear that large-scale “they should integrate into would make this method us- In a statement to the But pressure has mounted efforts by technology plat- the operating system of the able everywhere, on a large Washington Post, Google for Silicon Valley to use their forms could tip the scales on phones a tracking tool, which scale.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has returned to working from home after testing positive last week, the club confirmed. “We’re pleased to say that Mikel is feeling much better. He’s FrIDay, MarCh 20, 2020 in good spirits.”

beIN SPORTS to Olympics could be delayed, broadcast greatest tournaments, best admits athletics chief Coe leagues this week TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THIS week, beIN SPORTS will broadcast a thrilling thematic sporting schedule of the best historic com- petitions and programmes across its channels in 24 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). While live sport has temporarily stopped across the world following coronavirus outbreak, beIN SPORTS has delved into its deep archives to keep viewers and fans at home entertained and on the edge of their seats. Starting on Saturday 21 March, beIN SPORTS HD1 will showcase 2018 FIFA World Cup matches: re-living exciting fixtures from Russia which led France to lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy and Croatia reach their first ever final. The football viewing journey will start with an exclusive program featuring beIN legends including Arsene Wenger, Marcel Desailly, Andy Gray, Dwight Yorke, Hafid Darradji, Ayman Jadah, and Alessan- dro Altobelli, who will talk about their favourite FIFA World Cup memories and goals. The 2018 FIFA World Cup saw Kylian Mbappe emerge on the world stage and capture the imagina- An athlete carries the Olympic torch during one of the last relays ahead of the Olympic flame handover ceremony for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics in Athens on Thursday. The tion of fans with his speed and skills, becoming only ceremony was held behind closed doors as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus. (AFP) the second teenager, after Pele, to score in a World Cup Final. AFP Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent cauldron inside the all-marble Panathe- Speaking to beIN SPORTS, French and Arsenal LOnDOn called for decisive action. naic stadium, where the first modern legend Arsene Wenger said: “I was one of the first “On a global front we have other pri- Olympics were held in 1896. to say that Kylian Mbappe has the potential to reach WORLD athletics chief Sebastian Coe orities and I think the Olympics should at The flame was then handed to To- the same levels as Brazil legend Pele. Why? Because admitted on Thursday that the Tokyo the very least be saying we should post- kyo 2020 representative Naoko Imoto, I look at the numbers and when he started at Mo- Olympics could be moved to later in the pone or indeed just cancel at this stage a swimmer who competed in the At- naco, this guy had contributed to over 30 goals aged year by the coronavirus outbreak, but and we’ll talk about postponement later lanta 1996 Olympics. Imoto, a UNICEF 17-and-a-half years.” said it was too early to make a definitive on,” he told the BBC. representative, was reportedly a last- The 2018 FIFA World Cup also saw some of the decision. “I just don’t think there’s much of a minute appointment as she already best matches and goals in the tournament’s history, Olympic bosses acknowledged on choice at this stage.” lives in Greece and did not have to with Wenger believing that “Pavard’s goal against Wednesday there was no “ideal” solu- travel from Japan. Argentina in the 2018 FIFA World Cup is one of tion as a growing number of athletes ex- Tokyo 2020 receives olympic flame Greek President Katerina Sakellaro- the best goals.” All of the matches and goals will be pressed concern. Meanwhile, Greece on Thursday World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe. poulou in a statement said the ancient widely discussed on social media across MENA this The COVID-19 pandemic is playing handed over the Olympic flame to Tokyo Olympic values of “concord, goodwill, weekend, and you can join in the conversation by us- havoc with the global sporting calendar, 2020 organisers at a ceremony held be- gymnastics champion Lefteris Petrounias brotherhood... are the weapon to use” ing the hashtag #beINHistory. forcing the postponement of Euro 2020 hind closed doors. ran a lap with the flame and Olympic pole against the virus. On Sunday 22 March, beIN SPORTS HD1 will and a suspension of the tennis season. In the absence of spectators, Olympic vault champion Katerina Stefanidi lit a Last week’s flame lighting ceremony have a full dedicated 2016 UEFA Euro day with International Olympic Committee in ancient Olympia was also carried out matches and special programs featuring star names chairman Thomas Bach said earlier this without spectators as Greece registered from the world of football and beIN talent. week that starting on schedule on July 24 auStralIa FIrM On tOKyO gaMeS its first death from the virus. Monday 23 March will see beIN SPORTS HD1 remained the organisation’s goal. “Regretfully the COVID-19 outbreak broadcast the unforgettable AFC Asian Cup 2019 But Coe, who is a member of the To- AFP are changing every day and we must made us take hard decisions and change campaign, with historic matches including the final kyo Olympics Games Coordination Com- SyDnEy adapt.” our initial plans. We deeply regret that between Qatar and Japan – where Qatar won their mission, conceded in an interview with “We gain confidence from the IOC’s you... were not able to travel to Greece first ever AFC Asian Cup trophy. the BBC that a delay was possible. AUSTrALIAn Olympic chiefs Thursday overriding principles regarding stag- and join us here today,” Greek Olympic During the rest of the week, beIN SPORTS HD1 “That is possible, anything is possible reaffirmed plans to send athletes to ing the Games. namely, to protect the Committee chairman Spyros Kapralos will have dedicated La Liga (Tuesday 24 March), at the moment,” said Coe when asked Tokyo 2020, even as a former top official health of everyone involved and support said, addressing Tokyo organisers absent Serie A (Wednesday 25 March), Bundesliga (Thurs- whether the Games could be postponed warned it looked impossible to hold the the containment of the virus,” he added. from Thursday’s ceremony. day 26 March) and FIFA Club World Cup (Friday to September or October. Games during the coronavirus pandemic. His comments came as Australia’s Authorities decided to cancel the 27 March) shows and matches exclusive with Ara- “But I think the position that sport The International Olympic Commit- chef de mission at the London 2012 torch relay’s Greek leg after a crowd bic commentary for all its fans across MENA – in- has certainly taken, and it was certainly tee on Wednesday said it intended to go Olympics, nick Green, told the Sydney mobbed Hollywood actor Gerard Butler cluding the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup final be- the temperature of the room in the con- ahead with the Games from July 24 as Morning Herald he doubted the Games at a cauldron lighting ceremony in Sparta tween Liverpool and Flamengo, which was played versation I had the other day with the scheduled, despite growing fears about can proceed as planned. last week. at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium. IOC and our other federations, is that the virus. “A couple of weeks ago, I was as Top athletes have warned that their Launching beIN SPORTS’ sporting schedule, nobody is saying we will be going to the Australian Olympic Committee chief confident as everyone else, saying the training regimes have already been im- Head of Sports for beIN MENA, Jonathan White- Games come what may. Matt Carroll said his organisation was Olympics would go ahead, no problem,” paired by the pandemic, and that they head, said: “During these difficult times, beIN “But it isn’t a decision that has to be doing everything possible to “fulfil the said Green, an Olympic rowing cham- would be taking health risks should the is here for you. Our first priority is to ensure our made at this moment.” dreams of Australian athletes in incred- pion. Games go ahead. customers continue to get the very best services we Coe, who played a pivotal role in se- ibly difficult circumstances”. “I’m pretty robust about it but I don’t Pole vault champion Stefanidi is can provide, so we have delved into our deep ar- curing the Olympics for London in 2012, “The AOC does not live in a bubble,” have the same robustness in my think- among prominent athletes to have voiced chives so that you can relive the action from your said postponing the Games until 2021 he said, after a worldwide phone confer- ing now. I actually can’t see how the concern at the IOC’s insistence on hold- favourite matches and tournaments. Over the next could present problems. ence with IOC president Thomas Bach. Games can go ahead, to be frank.” ing the Games. few weeks, you will have the chance to watch some “That seems on the surface of it “There is a global health crisis. We Ian Chesterman, the chef de “The IOC wants us to keep risking of your most memorable sporting moments 2018 an easy proposition, but member fed- recognise that people are suffering, mission for Tokyo, admitted it was a our health, our family’s health and public FIFA World Cup, AFC Asian Cup 2019, and the erations actually avoid Olympic years people are sick, people are losing their “complex” situation, with so many health to train every day?” she tweeted best from the European football leagues. We want often to have their world champion- jobs, businesses are struggling, amid Olympic qualification events cancelled this week. you to stay safe and stay connected and inspired on ships,” he said. enormous community uncertainty. Things and travel bans in place. “You are putting us in danger right beIN over the next few weeks.” Britain’s retired four-time rowing now, today, not in 4 months.” Football clubs step up help for communities as virus bites

AFP Liverpool’s players and the club’s football coaching, sessions for disabled the resources for a community care LOnDOn foundation have contributed £40,000 children and activities for the elderly line that will go live on Monday. Lo- towards ensuring the foodbank does have been cancelled. cal residents over 70 will be able to call PREVENTED from plying their usual not run dry at a time of crisis. However, provisions are being to have food delivered, prescriptions trade by the coronavirus pandemic, “If people are having to use a food- made by providing fitness videos avail- collected or even just to chat at a time English football clubs are turning to bank week in, week out anyway, the able at home and keeping in touch with when they may be forced to self-isolate. their attentions to helping local com- most disadvantaged in our community people who are isolated. “How do they get their food if they munities cope with huge disruption to will be the hardest-hit during this pe- “We are very conscious that physi- can’t go out?” Wallace said. daily life. riod of time,” LFC Foundation director cal activity is important, but also that “We’ve got kitchens we are not Liverpool’s cruise towards a first Matt Parish told AFP. people don’t feel like they are just stuck using, we’ve got lads who can’t play league title in 30 years has been put “They can’t stockpile, they can’t at home,” said Parish. football. I can make food, take food to on hold, with the Premier League sus- build up reserves of food in the house. “We have the ability to call people people using the staff we’ve got, we can pended for the foreseeable future. They will need that ongoing support to maintain that contact. It’s going to pick up prescriptions, we can provide a But the loss of four home games for during this time.” be challenging for all of us to isolate, helpline for them.” the Reds and five for neighbours Ever- Liverpool staff will take an active but if you are older or living alone that The financial ramifications of a ton could have had much more severe role in the collection and distribution is probably even more stark.” shortened season for clubs in the lower consequences for those dependent on of food due to the added complication ‘Wartime spirit’At the other end of leagues are grave, but Wallace is more the North Liverpool Foodbank. that many of the foodbank’s volunteers the Football League pyramid, at the concerned with the health and well- Around a quarter of food donations are older people, who are more at risk bottom of League Two, Stevenage are being of those in the community. are collected at Liverpool and Everton from the virus. doing all they can to help provide for “Every single club at every single home games by an organisation called The foundation’s range of pro- and protect those at risk. level talks about being a community Liverpool players and the club’s foundation have donated £40,000 to Fans Supporting Foodbanks. grammes in the community, including Owner Phil Wallace has provided club,” he said. a local foodbank. 10 Friday, March 20, 2020 Sports

news QSC implement Govt GuidelineS on rent poStpontement QSL holds workshop of First in brief english football & Second Div clubs coaches extends shutdown till april 30 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The workshop was at- The mechanisms for re- DOHA tended by QSL CEO Hani sumption of training were LOnDOn: The shutdown of Taleb Ballan, discussed and the coaches Peter Whittingham English football was extended THE Qatar Stars Executive Direc- presented their views, ideas until at least April 30 on League (QSL), on tor of Competi- and proposals for the com- Thursday after the Premier Thursday, held a tions and Foot- ing period, with the aim of Midfielder League and English Football workshop of coaches ball Development maintaining the fitness of League (EFL) held crisis of First and Second Ahmed Khellil players while being away Whittingham meetings. Division clubs to Abbassi, First and from competitions. UEFA’s decision to discuss resumption Second Division It was agreed, after lis- dies aged 35 postpone Euro 2020 for 12 of training for play- coaches, besides tening to all points of view months earlier this week ers after the break Dr. Salam Sharab and proposals, to give AFP could allow games to be forced by the spread from the Ministry coaches the freedom to set LOnDOn completed over the summer Qatar Sports Club announced on twitter the closure of commercial of coronavirus. of Public Health training programmes and if strict restrictions of travel- shops in the club premises and postponement of their rent until The QSL under- and Dr. Khaled implement them properly FORMER Aston Villa and ling and mass gatherings to further notice due to coronavirus outbreak. The decision has been lined its main goal Hassoun, Medical provided that the players Cardiff midfielder Peter Whit- halt the spread of COVID-19 taken by the club administration in line with the State of Qatar’s strong to maintain the readiness Director of National Sports are continuously monitored tingham died on Thursday at are lifted in time. efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19. and fitness of players ahead Medicine Programme at As- by technical and administra- the age of 35 following an ac- “We’ve collectively agreed of the start of competitions. petar Hospital. tive bodies. cidental fall. that the professional game Whittingham had been in in England will be further hospital since suffering head postponed until no earlier injuries at a pub in the seaside than Thursday 30 April,” said town of Barry on March 7. a joint statement by the He reportedly fell down a Football Association, Premier flight of stairs after watching League, EFL, players and Tendulkar compares COVID-19 England play Wales in the Six managers’ bodies. Nations tournament. However, the authorities In a statement on their web- still hope to finish the season site, Cardiff said: “It is with an once play can be restarted immeasurable amount of sor- rather than accepting the row that we must inform sup- current standings as final or battle to Test cricket porters that Peter Whittingham declaring the campaign null has passed away at the age of and void. AFP “Test cricket rewards you siderable influence in Indian 35. We are heartbroken. “We’re united in our nEW DELHI for respecting what you don’t society. “The news of Peter’s sudden commitment to finding ways understand. It makes you val- He said all countries must and untimely passing has shak- of resuming the 2019-20 INDIAN legend Sachin Ten- ue the virtue of patience,” he work together against the virus. en us to our very foundation.” football season and ensuring dulkar has offered an unusual wrote. “To use a cricketing meta- Whittingham, a former all domestic and European take on the coronavirus fight “When you don’t under- phor; while individual bril- England Under-21 interna- club league and cup matches by comparing it to Test cricket, stand the pitch conditions or liance can help a team in short- tional, started his career at Villa are played as soon as it is urging patience and team- the bowler, defence becomes er formats of the game, in Test and won the FA Youth Cup with safe and possible to do so,” work, and warning “we have to the best form of attack. Pa- cricket it is all about partner- them in 2002. added the statement. (AFP) defend well”. tience is what we require now, ships and teamwork,” he said. He played 66 games for Vil- “While the world battles if we have to defend well.” “Test cricket is about stag- la and had loan spells at Burnley the COVID-19 pandemic, this India has reported only ing comebacks. There is always and Derby before joining Car- 10 Fiorentina players is probably the time for of us three virus deaths and 169 a second innings, if you’ve diff in 2007. test positive to draw lessons from the grand cases but the country is in- missed the first one.” old format of the game,” Ten- creasingly fearful of the spread “Different countries are Influential player MILAn: Fiorentina owner dulkar wrote in a commentary of the disease that has killed at different stages of their Whittingham helped Car- rocco Commisso revealed on for The Times of India news- nearly 9,000 people around fight against coronavirus,” he diff reach the 2008 FA Cup fi- Wednesday ten members of paper. the world. added. nal, which they lost 1-0 to Ports- the Italian outfit have tested The world record-holding Like many countries, it has “All nations should con- mouth, and the 2012 League positive for coronavirus, with batsman said the virus was imposed draconian travel re- sider themselves part of one Cup final, where they were beat- three in hospital. “beyond our collective com- strictions. team.” Sachin en on penalties by Liverpool. “The situation is worsen- prehension” but could be beat- Tendulkar, 46, retired in “We shall take this battle Tendulkar He was in the side who won ing, in the club we have about en with tactics used in cricket’s 2013 after scoring 15,921 runs session by session, and eventu- the Championship in 2013, tak- ten people affected by this five-day format. from 200 Tests, and has con- ally emerge victorious.” ing Cardiff back to the top-flight unfortunate disease, three for the first time since relega- members of staff are in hospi- tion from the old Division One tal,” Commisso told Sky Sport in 1962. Italia from the United States. He moved to Blackburn af- Players infected include Australia aiming to host T20 World Cup on schedule ter 450 appearances in a decade Italian forward Patrick Cutrone, with Cardiff and finished his ca- Argentine German Pezzella and AFP World Cup remain unchanged. 85 runs in front of more than In addition to the World reer at Ewood Park in 2018. Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic. SyDnEy “We’re really hoping that 86,000 fans at the Melbourne Cup, Australia is due to host “Our love goes out to his As a result the Tuscany all forms of sport can be played Cricket Ground. India and Afghanistan for Test wife Amanda, their young son side have launched a fundrais- CRICKET Australia is aiming again in a few weeks’ or a few Since then, a host of sports series this year with Roberts and family. They are at the fore- er to help city hospitals with to hold the men’s Twenty20 months’ time,” CA chief Kevin in Australia have cancelled or telling cricket.com.au he hoped front of our thoughts and, on former France midfielder Franck World Cup as scheduled this Roberts said late Tuesday. suspended their activities with to announce the 2020-2021 their behalf, we ask for their pri- ribery donating 50,000 euros. year despite the escalating coro- “None of us are experts in the government banning out- season schedule next month as vacy to be respected at this un- “I want to thank ribery for navirus pandemic, but admitted this situation obviously, so our door gatherings of more than planned. fathomably cruel and difficult his donation,” said Commisso. the situation is fluid. hope is that we’re back in very 500 people and indoor groups But he said emergency time,” the statement said. “We’ve started well, we’ve The tournament is due to much normal circumstances of more than 100. planning for COVID-19 was the “First and foremost, Peter already raised 420,000 euros get underway in October at come October and November Australia has reported more higher priority. was a family man - and some- with a target of 500,000.” seven venues across the country when the men’s T20 World Cup than 500 confirmed cases of “We’re moving now from body who could light up a Serie A rivals Brescia also with the West Indies defending is to be played. coronavirus, with the increase management of the onset of room with his sense of humour, confirmed two employees had their title. “And at this stage we’re the women’s cricketers did here in infections accelerating daily. coronavirus as a critical inci- warmth and personality. Then, tested positive for COVID-19 Despite the rest of this year’s planning on November 15, to just last week,” he added. There have been six deaths and dent, to how do we guarantee as a professional footballer - as which has killed nearly 3,000 Australian cricket season being have a full house at the MCG Australia swept to their fifth airline Qantas on Thursday an- the continuity of our business a Bluebird - he excelled with tal- people in Italy. (AFP) cancelled this week due to spi- (for the final) to inspire the women’s T20 World Cup title nounced it would halt all inter- and our organisation beyond ent, ease, grace and humility. ralling virus fears, plans for the world through men’s cricket as on March 8, crushing India by national flights later this month. that,” he said. Nobody did it better. Dutch, Spanish & Monaco Formula 1 GPs postponed Asian golfers may

NEW REGULATIONS lose out if Olympics The new F1 season Meanwhile, the FIA also said on Thursday the introduc- go ahead: Tour chief is likely to start in tion of new technical regula- Azerbaijan in June tions, due to take effect in the AFP unheralded golf nations. 2021 F1 season, will be post- HOnG KOnG poned until 2022. Olympic cut-off AFP “All parties (FIA, Formula THE Olympics going ahead in “Our plan initially was to PArIS 1 and teams) discussed the Tokyo this year is “highly un- have about 16 or 17 tourna- current situation of the 2020 likely”, the boss of Asian golf ments before the Olympic cut- THE Dutch, Spanish and Mo- championship and how the told AFP, and proceeding as off,” Cho said. “Today, we prob- naco Formula One Grand Prix sport will react to the ongo- planned could cost players the ably have only about four or five races were on Thursday post- ing challenges caused by the chance to qualify. Asian Tour players eligible for poned due to the global spread COVID-19 pandemic,” said an The International Olympic the Olympics.” of coronavirus, officials an- FIA statement. Committee said this week it On current rankings, only nounced, with the start of the “Due to the currently vola- was “fully committed” to hold- Thailand’s Jazz Janewattana- season now pushed back to tile financial situation this has ing the Games from July 24 de- nond and Gunn Charoenkul, June at the earliest. created, it has been agreed that spite the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian pair of Rashid Khan The triple postponements teams will use their 2020 chas- but acknowledged there was and Udayan Mane plus Miguel follow the cancellation of the sis for 2021, with the potential no “ideal” solution as pressure Tabuena of the Philippines season-opening Australian freezing of further components mounted for a postponement. would represent the Asian Tour Grand Prix last week, and the to be discussed in due course. Asian Tour Commissioner in the 60-strong Tokyo field. postponement of the Chinese, “The introduction and im- and CEO Cho Minn Thant con- “Given the amount of golf Bahrain and Vietnam Grand Members of the Ferrari team arrive to pack up their equipment after the Formula One Australian Grand plementation of the financial firmed that all tournaments that was left to be played, we Prix races. Prix was cancelled in Melbourne on March 13. (AFP) regulations will go ahead as across the continent had been were hopeful that more players The Dutch GP, due to re- planned in 2021, and discus- suspended until at least the end from nations like Bangladesh, turn to the calendar for the promoters have taken these to begin the 2020 season “as Thursday’s announcement sions remain ongoing between of May, in line with the US PGA Malaysia, Indonesia and the first time since 1985, was set decisions in order to ensure soon as it’s safe to do so af- came just a day after the Le the FIA, Formula 1 and all and European Tours. Philippines would have the op- to be held at Zandvoort on the health and safety of the ter May”, but will continue to Mans 24 Hour Race, sched- teams regarding further ways “I think everyone right now portunity to get into the Olym- May 3, with the Spanish race travelling staff, championship monitor the situation. uled for June, was pushed to make significant cost savings. is more in a state of shock, just pics over the next two or three following a week later, and the participants and fans, which The earliest the new sea- back until September. In October last year, FIA trying to figure out what they months,” said Cho. iconic Monaco Grand Prix on remains our primary con- son can now start is on June 7 In motorcycling, the sea- president Jean Todt said the do with themselves,” said Cho, “Obviously, that’s not going May 24. cern,” a joint statement from in Azerbaijan. son-opening Qatar MotoGP new regulations would mean speaking by telephone from to happen. It will be the first time F1 and the FIA read. “It’s the right decision was axed while the Thai race “F1 will be less complex and Asian Tour headquarters in “I can understand why they since 1954 that F1 has not All parties said they would for everyone’s health and was rescheduled to October. easier to understand” while Singapore. would want to push forward raced in the Principality. study the viability of finding wellbeing. We’ll be back rac- The United States MotoGP making the sport “more dura- With the prospect of scarce- with the Olympics -- there’d be “Due to the ongoing and alternative dates to run the ing, when it’s safe to do so,” has also been moved from ble and safer”. ly any competitive golf before huge revenue ramifications on fluid nature of the COVID-19 races later in the year, and the tweeted Mercedes, the team of April to November leaving the The planned spending cap the Olympic rankings qualifying the economy of Japan -- but it situation globally, the FIA, statement added that Formula world champion Lewis Ham- season to start in Argentina on will limit teams to $175 million cut-off on June 22, Cho said it seems highly unlikely now in Formula One and the three 1 and the FIA expect to be able ilton. April 19. per year. would be harsh on players from my opinion.” Friday, March 20, 2020 11 FEATURES

Experts bust myth claiming What are the you can hold your breath to test for coronavirus KIERSTEN WILLIS the post reads in part. “If you can do TrIBUnE nEWS SErVICE this successfully without coughing and without difficulty, without anxiety n image has circulated on social or chest tightness, it shows that you first symptoms media claiming that you can do not have fibrosis and generally Aconduct a breath test on yourself indicate no infection.” to see if you have the coronavirus. The claim falsely attributed the in- But according to experts, this formation to people and entities such is not a credible method of knowing as Taiwanese experts and Stanford whether you have been infected with University, which Stanford Health Care of coronavirus? the virus that causes COVID-19. and school of medicine spokeswoman The Associated Press reported a Lisa Kim told the AP in an email did claim seen on Facebook, Twitter and not come from the university. STACEY BURLING symptoms that are so mild they’re add sore throat to the list of early zations in infection prevention and WhatsApp, to name a few, alleges that “This approach may be helpful in TrIBUnE nEWS SErVICE not noticed. symptoms. She said most patients control. He is frustrated by the lack if you take a deep breath and are able identifying persons with more seri- Daniel Mueller, an infectious will eventually have a fever, but it of information this many weeks into to hold it for more than 10 seconds, ous lung disease,”Dr. robert Legare Y now, we all should have disease doctor at Temple Univer- “may not be in the first five days.” a pandemic. He said medical journals you have no infection. The claim says Atmar, an infectious disease special- memorized the key symp- sity Hospital, said that infected peo- A report about the Chinese out- can be too slow to provide informa- that doing this successfully — that is, ist at Baylor College of Medicine toms of the new coronavirus ple might feel “just slightly under break published in the New England tion, and doctors should find quicker without tightness, stuffiness or any told the AP. “But it will not identify that public health officials the weather for a few days. … They Journal of Medicine said that 43.8% ways, such as a clearinghouse, to discomfort — proves no fibrosis is persons who are infected and have have hammered home: fever, might just feel a little tired or a lit- of COVID-19 patients had a fever share data. present in the lungs, thus indicating mild to no symptoms.” Bcough and trouble breathing. tle achy.” It’s the sort of feeling you’d when admitted to a hospital and 88% For now, he asks the 37 members there’s no infection. Another expert, richard Watan- However, that message may have have if you thought you were coming developed one during their stay. The of his prevention team to take their “By the time he has a fever and/ abe, a professor of preventive medi- given some who thought they had to down with something, but nothing researchers warned that cases could temperatures in the morning and or a cough and goes to the lung cine at the University of Southern have all three symptoms at once a very worrisome. be missed if doctors considered fever evening. That way they’ll know their hospital, the patient may have 50% California, told PolitiFact in an email false sense of security. Then they might start having a part of the case definition. personal baseline. If the temperature fibrosis, and then it’s too late! Taiwan- that it’s “not true.” The earliest reports on the disease dry cough. Later on, in some people, A rarely mentioned early symp- goes up, he wants them to stop work- ese experts provide simple self-mon- “This has been circulating widely, caused by the new germ, now dubbed shortness of breath comes on. “They tom is gastrointestinal distress. About ing and test every three hours. itoring that we can do every morning: but sadly is not true,” he said. “The COVID-19, were based on patients don’t always happen together,” Muel- 10% of cases can start with a couple He doesn’t know whether fever Take a deep breath and hold your only way to test for COVID-19 right now sick enough to see a doctor or go to ler said. days of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, is the first symptom, but low-grade breath for more than 10 seconds,” is via laboratory testing.” a hospital. Many, though not all, of It’s not like flu: Unlike flu, nausea or vomiting and then develop fever is “definitely present” in the them had the three symptoms. which announces itself suddenly with respiratory symptoms, said David A. disease. He also wants people to stay As we practice social distancing fever and muscle aches, the early stag- Johnson, who is chief of gastroen- away from others if they have any res- and worry about who’ll be next to es of COVID-19 can go on a few days. terology at Eastern Virginia Medical piratory symptoms. He agreed that Kids and COVID-19: Why they fall, though, an important question is, Reynold A. Panettieri Jr., vice School and has reviewed studies on breathing difficulty is not an early How does this disease start? Knowing chancellor for clinical and transla- the new disease. He said this makes sign of the disease. are not getting as sick the early symptoms would help peo- tional science at Rutgers University, some sense because the new virus He didn’t know about gastroin- ple know when to isolate themselves said some mild cases last just 72 to first targets a type of cell that lives testinal symptoms, but he had strong MAYO CLINIC even more and talk to their doctors 96 hours. Others who are not sick both in the lungs and in parts of the words about infection control when TrIBUnE nEWS SErVICE about testing. enough for hospitalization may have digestive tract. fecal-oral transmission is a possibil- While thousands of people have symptoms for two weeks. Presenta- There is evidence of viral shed- ity. Active virus in feces can spray into hildren are not immune to contracted COVID-19 over the last tion of the disease is “very individual- ding in feces, he said. That alone is not the room when you flush. So, close the COVID-19. They are getting few months, information about its istic and very heterogeneous.” Some proof that virus in stool is infectious, lid when flushing. You shouldn’t have Cinfected with the disease and earliest stages has been slow to trickle are barely affected and some have he said, but is reason to worry that the any personal items near the toilet he can spread it, but they do not get as out. Doctors said there are still impor- “shaking chills” and muscle aches, he disease can be transmitted through said. “Don’t have your tooth brush sick as adults. Dr. nipunie rajapakse, tant gaps in what they know. And, un- said. Shortness of breath may mani- the fecal-oral route. It’s another ar- next to your toilet, ever,” he said. a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious dis- fortunately, many of the early symp- fest in two to three days. More severe gument for good hand hygiene and Mueller said those major symp- eases specialist, offers some insight toms of COVID-19 overlap with other symptoms may portend a rougher bathroom cleaning. In a Chinese toms — fever, cough and shortness of as to why. common health problems. course, but that’s not yet clear. study, the shedding continued for up breath — warrant a call to the doctor “There is some interesting informa- “There is no clearly defined syn- “You just don’t know whether to 12 days after people tested negative and a discussion about whether to be tion about kids and this new corona- drome at this point,” said Nuala they’re going to progress,” he said. In for the virus, he said. tested. He would set the threshold virus,” says Dr. rajapakse. “Theories Meyer, a pulmonary and critical-care severe cases, patients develop pneu- Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, who lower for transplant patients or those about why kids are not getting as sick medicine doctor at Penn Medicine. monia and need help breathing. “The is an assistant professor in the De- with chronic heart and lung disease. have to do with their exposure to other act with this virus that is different than Symptoms can be subtle: It susceptibility to progression is un- partment of Public Health at Penn Shortness of breath could be a sign of coronaviruses, such as the common what we’re seeing in some of the older is known that some people infected clear.” State College of Medicine, also trains pneumonia and should get immedi- cold, and their immune systems.” adults or people who are having more with the virus have no symptoms or Fever? Yes and no. Meyer would people in hospitals and other organi- ate attention, he said. no one is immune severe illness,” says Dr. rajapakse. “We know that no-one is immune “An additional factor may relate to it, because this is a novel, or new, to the fact that kids are much less virus that we haven’t been exposed to likely to have other underlying health in the past. So we don’t think anyone conditions, such as cardiovascular has preexisting immunity to it.” disease, lung disease or weakened Pregnant women share concerns about COVID-19. Theories immune systems than older adults,” “Kids who have been found to be says Dr. rajapakse. “These underlying infected seem to be having mild, if any diseases seem to be an important risk illness at all, related to the infection.,” factor for developing more severe and OB-GYN says issue is about contact says Dr. rajapakse. “One theory is complicated illness in adults. So far, we know that there are other coronavi- there have been very limited reports on CHRISTEN A. JOHNSON “The hospital announced there’s tion. Some of the women showed Simon. She recommends being tri- ruses that circulate in the community how children who have some of these TrIBUnE nEWS SErVICE no visitors and only one partner in symptoms of COVID-19, such as aged at home for the symptoms first, and cause the common cold. And underlying medical conditions have labour and delivery currently,” said fevers and coughs. All the babies in then coming into the hospital if nec- because kids frequently get colds, done when they have gotten infected, ACHAEL Stewart is planning to Magner. “We intended to have a the study were born alive, and tested essary. No matter where a woman is there is some thought that maybe and they are a group that we need to meet her second child, a baby doula in this delivery, so that would negative for the virus. in her term, she said, they’re telling some of those antibodies are provid- learn more about quickly.” Rboy, in about four weeks. A exclude having that resource for us The study notes that: “Find- all pregnant women the same infor- ing them with some protection to this Dr. rajapakse says all of these the- name is chosen, a doula is selected and would certainly limit having to ings from this small group of cases mation. coronavirus.” ories are being explored by research- and flights are booked for her out-of- see other family or our 2-year-old suggest that there is currently no “I want to make sure the people “The other thing is there might be ers who are working to learn more state mother to be in attendance for son while we’re in the hospital after evidence for intrauterine infection coming into the hospital are really a way that kids’ immune systems inter- about how COVID-19 affects children. the birth. birth.” caused by vertical transmission in the ones who need to be evaluated,” But now, Stewart, who lives in Both Stewart and Magner are women who develop COVID-19 Simon said. Chicago, is coming to terms with healthy and have had low-risk preg- pneumonia in late pregnancy.” If a pregnant woman is showing the fact that many of these “wish list nancies, but like most places, local Dr. Melissa Simon, an OB-GYN symptoms of COVID-19, and she items” have to be rearranged, or can- hospitals are taking all necessary at Northwestern Medicine, says even has a pre-existing chronic condi- Does blood type matter when it celled, due to the effects of the coro- precautions to limit the spread of though very little is known about tion — such as diabetes, asthma or navirus on hospitals. COVID-19, especially for the most what happens during pregnancy high blood pressure — those women comes to coronavirus? Her doula will now chime in vulnerable. amid coronavirus, the real issue is become priority, no matter how far via video, and her mother, A newborn in London about contact. along they are in their pregnancy. Yes, says a Chinese study who was flying in from was diagnosed with the “After you give birth, the baby “Pregnant women tend to have a Georgia and hadn’t been illness shortly after be- usually gets put on the mom’s chest decreased immune response,” said MIKE STUNSON of Wuhan residents have type A blood, there the first time Stew- ing born, The Guardian and near the mom’s face and that’s Simon, “but if they have (other condi- TrIBUnE nEWS SErVICE more than 37% of surveyed patients art gave birth, will likely reported. The child’s really where the transmission would tions) that would make their immune had the blood type. be conferenced in as mother was also diag- happen,” said Simon. “So right now, system more susceptible to not be- eople with type A blood are more Around 40% of United States well since the Univer- nosed with the virus; she it’s the contact that we need to take ing able to fight, that can make them likely to catch coronavirus and die residents have type A blood, according sity of Chicago Medi- was hospitalized before precaution with after birth, or during even more susceptible to having bad Pfrom it, according to a new study to the San Diego Blood Bank. More cine Family Birth giving birth from what breast feeding as well.” complications from coronavirus.” published in Wuhan, China. than 45% have Type O blood, the Center now only doctors deemed pneumo- Simon acknowledges that limited She believes practicing social iso- Type A is one of the website shows. allows one visitor nia, the news site said. Based contact can take a toll on bonding, lation and distancing is even more most common blood The same Chinese in the delivery on reports, officials don’t but she says new moms can still in- imperative for pregnant women, but types, but scientists study showed 25% of room. know if the baby got the teract with the infant so long as they knows it can be hard during a big urged people not to surveyed cases had “A lot of virus in the womb or take the proper precautions. transition. be concerned if they type O blood, despite what I was hop- during birth. The report “We know this could impact rela- “In pregnancy you have a higher have type A. more than 33% of the ing for looks did not cite whether the tionships and bonding, but as long as chance of feeling anxious or de- Those with type population having that like it might mother delivered by you’re practicing good hygiene, you’ll pressed,” said Simon. “Even for O blood may be less type of blood. not happen,” cesarean section. reduce any chance of transmission,” women who’ve just given birth in the likely to get COVID-19, which The study examined 206 said Stewart, A February said Simon, who encouraged women last few weeks, it’s a time with high has infected more than 200,000 people in Wuhan who died from the whose husband Lancet study sug- to have this conversation with their anxiety, baby blues and depression, people worldwide, according to a Johns virus and there were 63% more type A will be with her in gested that verti- health care provider. and all of those feelings are very val- Hopkins University map that tracks fatal cases than type O. the delivery room. cal transmission of If you’re breastfeeding an infant id. It’s really important to seek help confirmed cases. “People with blood group A might Riverside, COVID-19 from a and you have the coronavirus, or if you’re feeling that way and you’re “If you are type A, there is no need particularly strengthened per- Ill., resident Sa- mother to a baby you’re suspected to have the virus, practicing this social distancing, es- need to panic. It does not mean you sonal protection to reduce the chance rah Magner is 30 in the womb is Simon suggests to wear a mask, wash pecially in this time of need.” will be infected 100 percent,” re- of infection,” researchers said in their weeks pregnant, and unlikely. The your hands, and limit direct res- Magner said she’s more con- searcher Gao yingdai told the South study. said she is keeping study followed piratory drops to the baby. If you’re cerned about mental health than her China Morning Post. “If you are type The study did not provide an expla- her fingers crossed nine preg- pumping, make sure all your equip- physical health during this time. O, it does not mean you are absolute- nation for why type A patients have a that some things will nant women ment is clean. Simon urges pregnant women to ly safe, either. you still need to wash higher risk for coronavirus. change by her May in Wuhan, “We don’t know how long the ask for help if they are having trouble your hands and follow the guidelines The American red Cross said it is 22 due date, like Elm- China, dur- coronavirus can last on a surface, es- coping with the isolation. issued by authorities.” facing “a severe blood shortage due hurst Hospital’s new ing their third pecially a surface such as a bottle or “Please reach out to your health researchers compared more than to an unprecedented number of blood labour and delivery trimester. any pumping device,” said Simon. care provider if you need help and 2,100 confirmed coronavirus cases drive cancellations.” The red Cross policy that went into Each woman Pregnant people should only need to get connected to a hotline or in China against more than 3,600 has implemented extra safety precau- effect this week, she gave birth via be tested for COVID-19 if they are case worker or somebody to talk to,” healthy Wuhan residents. While 31% tions at blood drive centres. said. cesarean sec- showing symptoms for the virus, said Simon said. “We can do that for you.” 12 Friday, March 20, 2020 the last Word ‘Religious scripts should be moral guides in time of pandemic’ Humans, in general, did not ture produced by pre-mod- Miasma Theory, suggests that lamic insights that we ‘the global emergency will make us aware that we need to work hand get much better at control- ern scholars, one of which is plagues happen because of need to underscore and ling pandemics until the be- the need to strengthen one’s corrupt air. Many pre-modern highlight in the specific in hand to make our world much better than what it is at the moment’ relationship with God, the religious scholars were critical context of the coronavi- Creator and the Healer, dur- about this theory and found rus? TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK We need to first realise that the significance of preserving ing difficult times. In order to it to be untenable. Many cit- Muslim scholars agree DOHA approaching the holy Qur’an human life and show that put- minimise panic -- a common ies, they argued, are known that difficult times and emer- or Sunnah as ‘indices’, where ting one’s life or those of oth- The holy Qur’an and Sunnah consequence of pandemics -- for having very good air qual- gencies should be learning WITH the current global out- we search for specific or key ers at risk is forbidden. For in- are to be approached as Muslim scholars underscored ity but still suffered from moments for all of us, where break of coronavirus (COV- words, is a flawed approach. stance, one reads in the Quran comprehensive moral certain principles including plagues. In our modern time, we should critically revise ID-19), Dr Mohamed Ghaly The holy Qur’an and Sunnah “Do not throw yourselves, with guides for life in general, Divine Agency, Omnipotence with the great breakthroughs our behaviour and record of from Hamad Bin Khalifa are to be approached as com- your own hands, into ruin” providing a consistent and Wisdom. Re-centralis- in fields like epidemiology and deeds. This is usually known University’s (HBKU) College prehensive moral guides for (02:195). Prophet Muhammad ing such principles, Muslim virology, we cannot say that as the moral principle of mu- of Islamic Studies examines life in general, providing a con- (PBUH) also said: “No harm overall vision that can help scholars believe, would mini- the coronavirus is not infec- hasaba (self-interrogation). pandemics through the lens sistent overall vision that can should be inflicted or recipro- individuals and societies mise the panic and make peo- tious or contagious. I would At the moment, people world- of Islam and how Muslims can help individuals and societies cated”. achieve success and welfare ple realise their vulnerability say that there is no place for wide agree that, in many apply their religious beliefs to achieve success and welfare in in this life, and salvation in and their need to have trust such a position in our modern domains, we are not doing guide them through many eth- this life, and salvation in the We know that pandem- the hereafter in God. time, even if such positions well and that many of us ei- ical questions that relate to the hereafter. We can, in this ics did exist in history. were adopted by authoritative ther commit or tolerate great coronavirus. sense, approach the holy How did Muslim scholars Dr Mohamed Ghaly To what extent do pre- pre-modern religious schol- atrocities against innocent Qur’an and Sunnah looking deal with these pandem- modern works and theo- ars, because they can put peo- people and against nature in What guidance would for moral guidance. The coro- ics? And what lessons can ries remain relevant in ple’s lives at serious risk. This general. The hope is that the one find in the holy Qur’an navirus falls within the cat- we learn today from their ginning of the 20th century. the context of pandemics does not undermine our re- current global emergency and Sunnah with rele- egory of infectious diseases early works? ‘Plague’ (in Arabic al-ta’un) today? spect for these early scholars of coronavirus will make us vance to the coronavirus? whose widespread character Pandemics were a recur- was the common word used The context in which these but we have to be aware of the aware that we need to work How can these religious has been classified as a global rent phenomenon in the pre- to express these recurrent works were written remains to different historical contexts. together to make our world scriptures be of relevance pandemic. In this regard, both modern world, and the Mus- pandemics. Many lessons can be very important. One pre- much better than what it is at today? the Quran and Sunnah stress lim world was no exception. be learned from the litera- modern theory, known as the Are there specific Is- the moment.

SLSC-QU ensures e-learning for special needs students TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

IN view of the challenges that special needs students face when using distance-learning systems, Inclusion and Spe- cial Needs Support Center at Qatar University (SLSC-QU) has developed an integrated plan to solve the problem. The distance learning platforms vary according to the type of disability of the student, said Dr Khaled A file picture of Qatar University Khader, head of (SLSC-QU). “The visually-impaired stu- tent for the lectures in addi- dents can will get lectures tion to written files. recorded in audio format, The faculty will be send- while the students having ing lectures link via emails hearing disability will be to the students in addition provided with written lec- to the ‘Blackboard’. Students tures. All lectures will be on can interact with teachers Qatar University provides best facilities to all its colleges and students with special needs. the ‘Blackboard’ application, with audio and video facil- from where the students can ity. Recording option is also review their lectures at an ap- available for the students to propriate time.” review the lecture if any im- In order to highlight the portant topic is missed. Im- QU students quickly adjust efforts of the department, portant points and lecture’s Dr Khader shared his plan Dr Khaled Khader, head of summary will be given in to support the students. “The Inclusion and Special needs written format to students. students have access to all Support Center, QU. The entire team at In- to virtual learning system kinds of electronic support, clusion and Special Needs including email, WhatsApp, students with special needs Support Center is working WebEx and other apps that at http://www.qu.edu.qa/of- remotely from 7:30am to the hard work and quick de- Nageh Ibrahim Alsayyad, guarantee more accessibil- fices/cetl/distance-learning 2:30pm to provide support The e-learning system deployed by QU cision made by the university another student from Com- ity for students from their SLSC will provide all the for the students. The emails in the implementation of the puter Engineering Depart- homes. In order to avail aca- lessons via videos.The cen- are answered without any makes lectures easily accessible for all e-learning system. ment at QU, praised the new demic support, the students tre is coordinating with the delay. It is obligatory to an- students from the privacy of their homes QU has strived to provide e-learning system and en- are required to send an email Information Technology De- swer all calls during working best facilities to all its colleg- couraged his fellow students at ‘[email protected]. partment to ensure the acti- hours. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK More than 500 classes have es and students with special to continue hard working qa’,” he said. vation of all digital accessibil- Weekly emails are sent to DOHA been held through the sys- needs. through the portal. Students must attach ity tools on the Blackboard students and faculty to fol- tem until now and more than “It is highly beneficial “Being a student of en- their medical documents application. low the schedule, while team QATAR University’s (QU) 1,500 hours have been spent and we do appreciate all the gineering, we sometimes with email. This will help the Student’s assessment for meetings are conducted daily students of various depart- through the ‘BlackBoard’ efforts taken by the govern- require more interaction to faculty to prepare lectures assistive technology forms through WebEx. ments have started to adjust portal. ment and the university to explore our subject. But, due and exams according to their will be sent via email or “The university wel- with new virtual learning Juman Badran, a student ensure the students’ health. to the rapid spread of coro- health condition and special conducted through hotline. comes students with special system and find is safety in- of Mass Communication De- There are few technical prob- navirus, we have to limit our- needs. Books and study ma- Students will be provided needs in all educational pro- suring during the time of partment at QU, said, “The lems that occur sometimes, selves at home and we hope terials will be converted into consultations regarding best grammes. We urge students coronavirus (COVID-19) in distance learning system but we manage to attend our this comes to an end soon accessible formats and will be assistive technologies for on- with special needs, including Qatar. turned out to be a huge suc- lectures and make them a and we continue our nor- send out via email. line learning based on their visible and invisible special Earlier, The Government cess because of its quick ad- smooth conversation,” said mal university life again,” he Students facing prob- individual needs and require- needs, such as physical dis- Communications Office an- aptation by students. The Malaz Hamed, a student of added. lems can directly call on the ments. All the center’s em- ability, temporary injuries, nounced the suspension of professors have been very co- Industrial and Systems Engi- The e-learning system hotline 50880048 or the ployees can receive calls be- chronic diseases, learning classes in public and private operative during the current neering at QU. has now become the alterna- staff phones numbers to tween 7.30am and 2:30pm. disabilities, brain and nerves schools and universities for situation. The interaction He is of the opinion that tive way of delivering the lec- solve their problems. By us- Guidelines for using the injuries, attention-deficit / all students in Qatar to limit between us and professors the system, which is also a tures at QU. It helps students ing WhatsApp groups and Blackboard is available on hyperactivity disorder, or the spread of COVID-19 and is not as strong as it used to demonstration of the new to have interactive communi- other social media platforms http://www.qu.edu.qa/of- psychiatric disorders, to dis- ensure the safety of students. be in classrooms, however, if technology, should be con- cation with professors, allow- the students can discuss the fices/cetl/distance-learning cuss the appropriate academ- The e-learning system we have any questions, our tinued in future as it will ing the students to ask ques- challenges that they are fac- To ensure the best acces- ic accommodations with the deployed by the university professor are ready to an- benefit the students. “This is tions by voice recording and ing. Besides, the Student sibility through the website, Inclusion and Special Needs makes lectures easily acces- swer them through the new the new e-world; we should writing. This system aims Learning Support Center will the faculty members are pro- Support Center,” added Dr sible for all students from system.” appreciate the efforts of our also to enrich the academic provide academic support for viding audio and visual con- Khader. the privacy of their homes. The students also praised university,” he added. experience at QU.

MOngOlIan OFFICerS graDuate FrOM MIlItary pOlICe COMManD

Qatar’s Military Police Command on Thursday celebrated the graduation of Mongolian Officers Course no 3.(Tnn)