NORTH KOREA’S SILENT AUTHORITIES TO BEGIN FOR INDIA’S LABOURERS, WEDNESDAY STRUGGLE AGAINST SAMPLE COVID-19 TESTING CORONAVIRUS APRIL 01, 2020 COVID-19 TO CHECK COMMUNITY LOCKDOWN IS AN VOL: 4 - ISSUE 336 TRANSMISSION ORDER TO STARVE HOT TOPICS REALITY CHECK 30. PAGE 02 PAGE 03 GLOCAL PAGE 04

Registered in the Department of Posts of under No: QD/146/News/2020 COVID-19 and curfew in Sri Lanka • Sri Lanka recorded its biggest jump in COVID-19 confirma- tions with 20 patients testing positive by 7:30 p.m. yesterday (March 31), raising the tally to 142. • The districts of , Gampaha, Kalutara, Puttalam, Kandy and Jaffna continue to be under indefinite police cur- few. • Curfew in other areas will be lifted at 6:00 a.m. and re-im- posed at 2.00 p.m. today (April 1). • Traveling to and from all districts is completely prohibited except for the purpose of providing essential services. • Government requests the public to strictly adhere to the curfew guidelines in a responsible manner, warning those misusing facilities provided to ensure the smooth function- ing of essential services will be severely dealt with. • Police Headquarters warn motorists found on main roads and by-roads, except those with proper curfew permits, will be arrested without a warrant, prosecuted under the Quar- antine Regulations and the Criminal Law, produced before courts and are liable to jail sentences and fines. • Vehicles taken into custody will be kept in police stations until the epidemic situation subsides. • Atalugama in the Kalutara District and Akurana in the Kandy District have been declared completely isolated areas.

Coronavirus toll 38,466 deaths at 1100 GMT yesterday PARIS - The worldwide number of officially confirmed fa- talities from the novel coronavirus rose to 38,466 yesterday -STR / AFP (March 31), according to a tally compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT from official sources. A wild deer, from a herd used to mingle with and Though both the State and the private sector have their regular medicines due to a government ban More than 791,000 declared cases have been registered be fed by the local population, roams in a deserted launched delivery services to provide essential food on privately owned pharmacies from selling drugs. in 185 countries and territories since the epidemic first street during a government-imposed nationwide and grocery items to the grounded public, there Patients are now required to purchase their drugs emerged in China in December. Of these cases, at least lockdown against the COVID-19 novel coronavi- have been complaints of mismanagement and inef- solely from the State-run Osu Sala outlets and rec- 163,300 are now considered recovered. rus, in the port city of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, yes- ficiency. Many have also said they do not have the ognized pharmacies via WhatsApp orders. In the The tallies, using data collected by AFP offices from na- terday (March 31). With the number of confirmed cash to pay for delivered groceries as they’re not government’s defence, however, large scale viola- tional authorities and information from the World Health COVID-19 cases rising to 132 yesterday, curfew permitted to visit even the nearest ATM. Mean- tions of the COVID-19 curfew occurred when many Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the continued to be imposed in different parts of the while, a medical crisis appeared to be looming on abused a loophole in the curfew regulations that actual number of infections. country – indefinitely in some areas – bringing top of the ongoing pandemic, as non-COVID pa- allowed the use of a prescription as a curfew pass, Many countries are only testing cases that require hospi- life to a virtual standstill in nearly every aspect. tients are finding it increasingly difficult to acquire forcing the government to ban it altogether. talization.Italy, which recorded its first coronavirus death at the end of February, has 11,591 fatalities, with 101,739 infections and 14,620 people recovered. Spain has recorded 8,189 fatalities, including 849 in the past 24 hours, and 94,417 infections. WHO urges Asia-Pacific to brace for China -- excluding Hong Kong and Macau -- has to date declared 3,305 deaths and 81,518 cases, with 76,052 recov- eries. It has recorded 48 new infections and one new death since Monday (March 30). France has reported 3,024 deaths and 44,550 cases. long-term battle against COVID-19 The United States has the highest number of infected people with 164,610 diagnosed cases, 3,170 deaths and MANILA - Asia-Pacific countries "Let me be clear – the epidemic is the studies to help produce output COVID-19 fight will continue," Ka- 5,764 recoveries. Since 1900 GMT on Monday, Tanzania need to brace for a long-term battle far from over in Asia and the Pacific," that can be analyzed. sai added. "There are people around and Ivory Coast have announced their first deaths, while against the coronavirus, warned the he told an online press conference While research was moving at a the world working 24 hours, seven South Sudan reported its first case. World Health Organization (WHO) from the regional office in Manila. "remarkable speed," Kasai said coun- days, they're doing their best to fight Europe has listed 429,362 cases and 27,740 deaths to yesterday (March 31), stressing the "This is going to be a long-term battle tries need to practice "common tac- COVID-19. But it's unlikely this virus date, Asia 108,143 cases and 3,878 deaths, the US and Can- need for nations not to let their guard and we cannot let down our guard." tics" of finding, isolating and testing will disappear next week or even next ada together have 171,896 cases with 3,240 deaths, the Mid- down even if case counts taper off. Kasai said there are currently 50 cases early as well as putting physical month.” dle East 54,642 cases and 2,999 deaths, Latin America and "This is a pandemic unlike the candidate vaccines against COV- distance between members of com- According to the WHO, there are the Caribbean 16,399 cases with 417 deaths, Africa 5,343 cas- world has ever seen, and it has ID-19, with several already undergo- munities to help stop or slow down 103,775 confirmed COVD-19 cases, es with 170 deaths and Oceania 5,224 cases with 22 deaths. changed our system and put a strain ing clinical trials. the transmission in the meantime. including 3,649 deaths from the dis- - Agence France-Presse on people’s lives in an unprecedented He added that the WHO is con- "These measures can buy us valu- ease in the Western Pacific region, way," said Takeshi Kasai, WHO re- ducting trials to test the safety and able time to prepare for large-scale which covers 37 countries with a gional director for the Western Pa- effectiveness of treatment protocols, community transmission," he said. combined population of almost 1.9 cific region. and urged countries to take part in "We still don’t know how long this billion. -dpa Captain of US aircraft carrier pleads for help In COVID crisis Huge forest fire kills As virus cases increase on board 18 firefighters in China WASHINGTON — The captain of a US aircraft carrier de- Europe launches long-awaited ployed to the Pacific Ocean has pleaded with the Pentagon BEIJING - Eighteen firefighters and one forestry guide for more help as a coronavirus outbreak aboard his ship con- have died while fighting a huge forest fire in south-western tinues to spread, officials said yesterday (March 31). Military Iran barter mechanism China. officials said dozens of sailors have been infected. State television footage showed flames shooting into the In a four-page letter, first reported by The San Francisco BERLIN/TEHRAN - France, Germany and President Hassan Rowhani said yesterday sky from the mountains above the city of Xichang in Si- Chronicle yesterday, Capt. Brett E. Crozier of the USS Theo- Britain have made the first use of a bartering the country's state of emergency - which has chuan province, turning the sky orange. Heavy clouds of dore Roosevelt laid out the dire situation unfolding aboard mechanism set up to circumvent US sanc- closed schools, shuttered stores and restrict- smoke billowed above the buildings and roads of the city, the warship, with more than 4,000 crew members, and tions against Iran, so they could send medical ed movement - could be extended beyond its which has a population of about 700,000. what he said were the Navy’s failures to provide him with supplies to the crisis-hit country, the German current April 8 expiry date. The blaze started at about 3:00 p.m. local time on Mon- the proper resources to combat the virus by moving sailors Foreign Office said yesterday (March 31). He described the pandemic as the third day (March 30), “directly threatening the safety of Xichang off the vessel. The delivery is a breakthrough in long-run- crisis to hit Iran in the last four decades. The city”, the city government said in a Weibo statement yester- “We are not at war,” Crozier wrote. “Sailors do not need ning European attempts to activate the Instex first was the eight-year war against neigh- day (March 31) morning. to die. If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take mechanism, aimed at enabling legitimate More than 140 fire engines, four helicopters and nearly care of our most trusted asset — our sailors.” bouring Iraq (1980-88) and the second was The carrier is currently docked in Guam. trade with Iran, despite the US sanctions. the re-imposition of US sanctions against the 900 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze, according to The supplies have arrived in Iran, the Ger- local officials. More than 2,000 emergency workers were The crisis aboard the Roosevelt played out like a slow- country since 2018. man Foreign Office confirmed, adding that involved in rescue efforts and more than 1,200 residents moving disaster and highlights the dangers to the Pentagon Instex was working on further transactions The United States announced its withdraw- had been evacuated. if the coronavirus manages to infiltrate some of its most im- with its Iranian counterpart organization, al from the international nuclear deal with Helicopters were still battling the blaze yesterday morn- portant assets, such as bomber fleets, elite Special Opera- STFI. Iran in May 2018 and revived crippling eco- ing (March 31). tions units and the talisman of US military power, aircraft Iran is home to one of the worst corona- nomic sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Several forest fires have broken out in the prefecture in carriers. virus outbreaks globally, with nearly 45,000 The remaining parties have vowed to up- recent days, according to the state news agency, Xinhua. In a statement, a Navy official said that the commanding of- cases of infection and around 2,900 deaths, hold the deal, which is aimed at preventing Last April, 27 firefighters were killed in a forest fire in ficer of the Roosevelt “alerted leadership in the Pacific Fleet according to the latest figures from the Ira- Iran from developing nuclear weapons in re- Muli County in the same prefecture. Authorities deployed on Sunday (March 29) evening of continuing challenges in nian Health Ministry. turn for widespread sanctions relief. -dpa 700 firefighters to the scene. -Agencies isolating the virus.” -NYT Trending News Quote for Today Belgium: Health officials say a of Wuhan, ground zero for the Malaysia: The government apolo- EU: Experts in Britain say strict O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind? 12-year-old girl confirmed infected global COVID-19 pandemic, may gizes after its advice for women to containment measures might have -Percy Bysshe Shelley with COVID-19, in what is being have prevented more than 700,000 wear make-up and not nag their already saved up to 59,000 lives Word for Today described as a ‘very rare occur- new cases by delaying the spread of husbands during the country's cor- across 11 European countries bat- rence.’ the virus. onavirus lockdown sparked online Felicific [feeluhsif-ik] –adjective causing or tending to tling the spread of the new corona- UK: Britain reports a record daily anger. cause happiness Syria/Libya: US President Don- virus. coronavirus toll of 381, more than ald Trump and his Turkish coun- Russia: The country expands a Today in History double the number of deaths post- terpart RecepTayyip Erdogan un- lockdown to curb the coronavirus IMF: The International Monetary 2001 - Netherlands becomes the first country in the world ed in the previous 24 hours. derline the need for ceasefires in outbreak as Parliament rushes to body says its members have agreed to make same-sex marriage legal Sweden: RSA says a Pakistani the two countries during the coro- approve tough penalties for violat- to renew arrangements ensuring journalist living in exile in the navirus pandemic. ing quarantine rules and spreading the fund has lending firepower. Today is... country has been missing for near- false information. Venezuela: The attorney general Greece: The migration ministry Day of Hope ly a month, stoking fears that his announces state prosecutors have Israel: Police with face masks and disappearance is tied to his report- summoned opposition leader Juan batons step up patrols of ultra- says an asylum-seeker from a camp A day to remember the hidden statistics of child abuse ing on Balochistan. Guaido for an alleged "attempted Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods near Athens had tested positive for and neglect, and to do your part to help those in your com- China: Researchers say the coun- coup d'etat" and attempted assas- that have become coronavirus hot- the coronavirus after giving birth at munity and throughout the world try’s decision to lock down the city sination. spots. an Athens hospital. 2 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2020 DAILY EXPRESS HOT TOPICS

By Bernadette Carreon By Sanjeev Miglani, Aftab Ahmed Extreme isolation India cracks down on World's last virus-free Muslim missionary corners hold tight group linked to coronavirus cases KOROR, Palau - A coronavirus-free tropical island nestled in the northern Pacific may seem NEW DELHI - Indian authorities sealed off the the perfect place to ride out a pandemic -- but headquarters of a Muslim missionary group on residents on Palau say life right now is far from yesterday (March 31) and ordered an investiga- idyllic. tion into accusations it held religious meetings The microstate of 18,000 people is among a that officials fear may have infected dozens of dwindling number of places on Earth that still people with the coronavirus. report zero cases of COVID-19 as figures mount India has registered 1,251 cases of the corona- daily elsewhere. virus, of whom 32 have died, the health ministry The disparate group also includes Samoa, said. The numbers are small compared with the Turkmenistan, North Korea and bases on the United States, Italy and China but health officials frozen continent of Antarctica. say India faces a huge surge that could overwhelm A dot in the ocean hundreds of kilometres its weak public health system. from its nearest neighbours, Palau is surrounded One of the coronavirus hot spots that the gov- by the vast Pacific, which has acted as a buffer ernment of the capital, New Delhi, has flagged is against the virus. -KIM Won Jin / AFP a Muslim quarter where the 100-year-old Tab- Along with strict travel restrictions, this seems A worker checks bottles of new disinfectant products on a production line at the Ryongaksan Soap Factory in lighiJamaat group is based, after dozens of peo- to have kept infections at bay for a number of na- Pyongyang on March 19 ple tested positive for the virus and at least seven tions including Tonga, the Solomons Islands, the died. Marshall Islands and Micronesia. By Gabriela Bernal Authorities said people kept visiting the Tab- But remoteness is not certain to stop the re- lighicenter, in a five-storey building in a neigh- lentless march of the new disease. The Northern bourhood of narrow, winding lanes, from other Mariana Islands confirmed its first cases over parts of the country, and it held prayer meetings, the weekend, followed by a suspected death on North Korea’s silent struggle despite government orders on social distancing. Monday (30). KlamioklTulop, a 28-year-old art- Hundreds of people were crammed into the ist and single mum, is hopeful Palau can avoid group’s building until the weekend when authori- the fate of Wuhan, New York or Madrid -- where ties began taking them out for testing. better-resourced health services were overrun. against COVID-19 “It looks like social distancing and quarantine But she describes a growing sense of dread, a protocols were not practiced here,” the city ad- fear that the virus is coming or could already be As the novel coronavirus pandemic border blockade. guidance to local doctors. ministration said in a statement. on undetected. continues to grip the world, countries There are signs of hope. Given the By the end of February, over “The administrators violated these conditions "You can feel a rising tension and anxiety just are scrambling to effectively respond improved situation across the border, 7,000 people reportedly had been and several cases of corona positive patients have shopping," she told AFP. "Stores are crowded to this invisible enemy. One of the particularly in the Chinese city of quarantined throughout the country. been found ... By this gross act of negligence many even more during non-payday weeks." countries widely lauded as a model Dandong through which most trade But quarantine measures have not lives have been endangered ... this is nothing but There have been several scares on Palau, in- example for others to follow has been to North Korea passes, cross-border resulted in zero deaths despite the a criminal act.” India is under a 21-day strict lock- cluding a potential case that saw one person South Korea. Typically, information trade may resume in the coming official stance of the Kim regime, down that will end mid-April to try and stem the placed into quarantine this week as authorities is significantly sparser regarding its weeks. sources say. spread of the coronavirus. await test results. notoriously opaque neighbour up Smugglers and merchants who used The first death caused by the virus But Musharraf Ali, one of the administrators Inside Australia's four remote Antarctic re- north. to work in border areas have had to was that of a Pyongyang woman who of the Tablighicenter in Delhi, said the group had search bases, around 90 people have found While Pyongyang continues to adapt to this new way of life and find died on January 27, according to Daily been seeking help from police and the city admin- themselves ensconced on the only virus-free con- insist it has zero COVID-19 cases, different ways of providing for their NK sources. In fact, a government istration to deal with people streaming in. But the tinent as they watch their old home transform minimal information has appeared families. One choice, arrived at based source told Daily NK in late February lockdown had made things more difficult. beyond recognition. There is no need for social regarding how the government is at least partly on misinformation and that over 20 deaths had been linked “Under such compelling circumstances there distancing in the tundra. handling the situation and how rumours, has been to take up drug to coronavirus-like symptoms since was no option ... but to accommodate the strand- "They're probably the only Australians at the the virus has really been affecting smuggling. January. All patients were diagnosed ed visitors with prescribed medical precautions moment that can have a large dinner together the everyday lives of North Korean One such rumour relates to the with acute pneumonia. until such time that the situation becomes con- or have the bar still open or the gym still open," citizens. use of tuberculosis medicine. Many To prevent more people from ducive for their movement or arrangements are Antarctic Division Operations manager Robb However, by piecing together have started believing that such succumbing to the disease, the made by the authorities,” the Tablighi said in a Clifton told AFP. official information from the regime, drugs can help combat COVID-19 government is continuing to ramp statement. The bases are now isolated until November, so from state media and reports from on the misunderstanding that the up containment measures. Those The Tablighi, one of the world’s largest mission- the group is safe, but Clifton admits "the main ordinary citizens inside the country, novel coronavirus can, like TB, be not wearing face masks are no longer ary movements, hosted a gathering last month thing that's on the mind of expeditioners is how a picture can be painted. transmitted through the air, from allowed to use public transportation at a mosque complex on the outskirts of Malay- their loved ones are going back home." Information on the ground can whence it causes infections in the and the temperatures of passengers sia’s capital Kuala Lumpur that has emerged as In some places, reporting no cases does not al- be obtained from citizens supplied lungs. With demand rising, the sale are being taken before they board a source of hundreds of coronavirus infections ways mean there are no cases to report. with smuggled Chinese cell phones. of such drugs on the black market has trains or long-distance buses. across Southeast Asia. North Korea has portrayed emergency meas- Testimonies are gathered on most become increasingly common. Authorities are also doing their In Pakistan, the group called off a congrega- ures as an unqualified success in keeping COV- days by Daily NK, a South Korea- Besides TB medicine, ordinary best to prevent any vehicles or tion on the outskirts of the city of Lahore last ID-19 out, despite sustained epidemics in neigh- based publication that operates under North Koreans are trying other people from transiting from the month, but there were still 1,100 people staying bouring China and South Korea. the auspices of Unification Media unconventional, “Do It Yourself” border regions to the interior of the on a group premises. At least 27 have tested posi- But state media also appears to have doctored Group, a Seoul-based non-profit methods to keep the novel country and vice-versa. In order to tive for the virus, the health minister of Pakistan’s images to give ordinary North Koreans face organization working to promote coronavirus at bay. further enforce social distancing, the Punjab province, Yasmin Rashid, told Geo TV this masks -- handing sceptic’s reason to believe the freedom of information within North Given the shortage of disinfectants government ordered all schools to week. Following is data on the spread of the coro- world's most secretive government may not be Korea. and cleaning supplies, many people close for a month starting February navirus in South Asia’s eight countries, according telling the whole truth. While Palau has no con- While the Kim regime will never make their own by using ingredients 20, with the closures now having to government figures on Monday (March 30): firmed cases, it has still been gripped by the so- win the kudos South Korea has like sulphur, vinegar, hot water, salt been extended until April 15.  Pakistan has registered 1,625 cases, including ciety-altering fears and economic paralysis that gained for dealing with the pandemic, water and lye. Others are also making The regime is trying to keep the elite 20 deaths. have affected the rest of the world. indications are that the crisis in the special teas with herbs and plants, as secure as possible. For example,  India has registered 1,251 cases, including 32 Supermarket aisles in the country's largest country is, in fact being contained such as ginseng, which they hope will members of the Central Committee deaths. town Koror have seen panic buying and there are – thanks to a combination of strict, boost their immune systems. of the Korean Workers Party – part  Sri Lanka has registered 122 cases, including 2 shortages of hand sanitisers, masks and alcohol. authoritarian controls and some Pyongyang has been trying to of North Korea’s top 1% – have death. The islands depend heavily on goods being public ingenuity. counter fake news and rumors received packages of domestically  Afghanistan has registered 170 cases, including shipped or flown in, meaning supplies can quick- The first response of the North about the virus by launching its own manufactured face masks. 3 deaths. ly run low. Korean government was to close COVID-19 education campaign. North Korean trading companies  Bangladesh has registered 48 cases, including United Airlines used to fly six times a week its borders with China. The The country’s main in China have been smuggling 5 deaths. from nearby Guam -- which has seen more than consequences of this continue to be RodongShinmun has been publishing face masks and medical supplies  Maldives has registered 28 cases and no deaths. 50 cases -- but now there is just one flight a week. felt to this day, given that the vast articles almost daily with information across the border to make up for a  Nepal has registered five cases and no deaths. "Look at how bad we coped when shipments majority of trade the isolated country about the virus, including advice to nationwide shortage. Even though  Bhutan has registered four cases and no were late before this pandemic happened," Tulop engages in moves across this frontier. citizens on how to protect themselves. the border is officially closed it deaths. -Reuters said. "Everyone was practically in uproar." Cross-border trade officially And TV broadcasts about the virus appears that this kind of trade is Residents have been practising social distanc- came to a standstill on January are increasingly common. either condoned or possibly even ing. Doctors are waiting for test kits to arrive 26, causing a massive blow to local Citizens are being urged to wear ordered by state officials – albeit, By Mark Landler from Taiwan. The government is building five markets and an ongoing shortage of masks at all times when they go out, with strict disinfection methods in isolation rooms that will be able to hold up to 14 goods. With nothing coming in from and can be punished if caught not place. patients. It all feels like waiting for the inevitable. China, markets started running out doing so. Washing hands frequently According to Daily NK sources, Harry and Meghan "I would like to be optimistic we won't get the of supplies to sell and whatever was and using vinegar to disinfect around 100,000 face masks, 4,500 virus," Tulop said. "But Palau would most defi- available suddenly became much surfaces has also been promoted by protective suits and quantities of throttle down royal nitely get it. We rely heavily on tourism and most more expensive. The price of flour, the regime necessary drugs come into the country of us even need to travel for work." for instance, increased by nearly 50% One tool the regime has at its via these channels approximately PR machine Rondy Ronny's job is to host big tourist events, in days. disposal is uniquely powerful social every 10 days. but work has already dried up, and he admits to Panic ensued; rumours of looming control mechanisms. The government has also been LONDON — A day before they ceased being being "very anxious". economic disaster spread. Some As soon as news of the virus keeping a close eye on any possible "I have loans and bills and payments due," he working members of the British royal family, locals from two Northern provinces reached Pyongyang, the regime COVID-19 cases in the military. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on Monday said. "This will definitely put me back, I hope the even opined to Daily NK that the began taking strict and swift Leaders of military units have even government will do something about our econ- (March 30) wound down their popular social me- closing of the border has had a measures to quarantine anyone with been threatened with punishment dia sites and transferred the management of their omy too, to help it recover." Palau's biggest test worse effect on the economy than flu-like symptoms. Disease control if they fail to follow proper disease may yet come with the first positive case. image and philanthropy to a new team of advisers international sanctions. officials were first deployed to the control procedures. in Los Angeles, where they recently moved. But even in the most remote corners of the The government has since border province of Ryanngyang — the -Gabriela Bernalis the founder world, the impact of this truly global pandemic The couple marked the milestone on the same implemented price control measures poorest in North Korea — on January of The Peninsula Report, and is a Instagram page where they famously announced is already being felt.Nowhere, it seems, is truly to attempt to stabilize prices, but 31. There, they inspected medical and virus-free. - Agence France-Presse translator at Daily NK. This article was their plan two months ago to ‘step back’ from markets are still struggling due to the quarantine facilities and provided originally featured on asiatimes.com their duties and relocate to North America. It was a quiet coda to the dramatic rupture between Harry and Meghan and the House of Windsor. By Ana Swanson Acknowledging that the world had changed since their personal saga commanded breath- less headlines, the couple said they would prefer Asia virus latest that attention remain fixed on the coronavirus pandemic. They said little about their future, be- yond noting that it would be affected by the crisis sweeping the world. Myanmar reports first death, China factory turnaround Harry and Meghan said they would shut down the Instagram account, which has 11 million fol- SINGAPROE - Here are the latest de- - Australia introduces tough penalties fears that Indonesia's death toll is high- June to July, following months of uncer- lowers, as well as a website that uses the name, velopments in Asia related to the coro- Harsh penalties for violating virus- er than the official figure of 122. tainty due to the coronavirus outbreak. Sussex Royal. As part of their severance agree- navirus pandemic: linked restrictions have been introduced - Japan tightens travel advice South Korea will finally start its three- ment with Buckingham Palace, they agreed to - First confirmed death in Myanmar in Australia, with New South Wales state Japan is now advising its citizens to times-delayed school year next week but stop using the term “royal” for commercial or Myanmar reported its first coronavi- bringing in fines of up to Aus$11,000 avoid travelling to 73 countries and all classes will be online. charitable activities. rus death -- a 69-year-old man who had (US$6,800) and six months' jail for peo- regions worldwide in a bid to halt the All air travellers arriving in South Ko- The palace said Harry and Meghan were dis- returned to the country in mid-March ple who leave home without a "reason- spread of the virus. rea will undergo mandatory quarantine mantling their Sussex Royal philanthropy, which after receiving cancer treatment in Aus- able excuse", or gather in groups larger People are also being advised to avoid for two weeks from Wednesday, author- had been set up as the umbrella for their post- tralia. The country of 54 million people, than two. non-essential travel to all other parts of ities announced, expanding a rule that royal pursuits. They also plan to pay for their own which has one of the region's most un- Liquor stores in the country also im- the world, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu already applied to most arrivals from security in the United States, having recently re- der-developed healthcare systems, only plemented new rules on purchases after Motegi told reporters. Europe and the United States. located to the Los Angeles area from Vancouver confirmed its first case last week. a surge in panic-buying of alcohol -- re- - Markets bounce back - Magnet mishap puts would-be virus Island in Canada. - World Bank warns China growth portedly limiting customers to 12 bot- Asian equities rose strongly follow- device inventor in hospital The couple felt forced to clarify their security could screech to halt tles of wine, two cases of beer or cider, ing another rally on Wall Street, while An Australian astrophysicist bored by arrangements on Sunday after President Donald Economic fallout from the pandemic or two bottles of spirits. oil bounced, with traders welcoming coronavirus isolation saw his attempted Trump spoiled their welcome to California by de- could bring China's growth to a stand- - Hundreds buried in Jakarta, says the surprise jump in Chinese factory invention to stop people catching the claring on Twitter that the United States would still, the World Bank said, warning of governor activity, though analysts cautioned that disease go hilariously wrong when he not pay for their security. "an unprecedented global shock" that The governor of the Indonesian capi- the road ahead remained rocky for the landed in hospital with magnets stuck The couple have also laid off their 15-member could also increase poverty across the tal Jakarta, the epicentre of the country's global economy. up his nose. court in Buckingham Palace and recruited new region. outbreak, said nearly 300 suspected and Global markets have suffered historic The accident happened when Daniel staff members in the United States. Catherine St. Chinese factory activity saw surprise confirmed victims of the virus had been falls in recent weeks as the virus batters Reardon, a research fellow at Swinburne Laurent, who worked for the Bill & Melinda Gates growth in March as businesses grind wrapped in plastic and quickly buried in economies worldwide. University in Melbourne, was work- Foundation and for Melinda Gates directly, has back to work following a lengthy shut- the city since the start of this month. - China delays exams, South Korean ing to create a necklace-like device that become chief of staff to the Duke and Duchess of down, but analysts said the economy He has been pushing for a total lock- school year to start would buzz when its wearer brought Sussex, as the couple are formally known. She will faces a challenging recovery as external down of Jakarta, a move so far resisted China is postponing its notoriously their hands too close to their face. also run their new non-profit organization. demand is devastated by the virus crisis. by the president. His warning fuelled difficult college entrance tests from -Agence France-Presse -New York Times DAILY EXPRESS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2020 3 GLOCAL

Express (Cey) Pvt. Ltd., 185, Grandpass Road, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka Telephone: 0117 322 705 (Editorial) 0117 322 731 (Advertising) 0117 322 789 (Circulation) Email – [email protected]/[email protected] Epaper - http://epaper.newsexpress.lk Facebook –News Express Sri Lanka Apparel industry Authorities to begin sample COVID-19 to lose US$ 1.5bn testing to check community transmission As coronavirus cripple buyers COLOMBO– Sri Lanka’s apparel industry COLOMBO – Health authorities are wanted to check whether there is to some were Wave II arrivals from abroad or their there were questions as to how the de- is expecting to lose US$ 1.5 billion worth planning to start sample testing of the extent this disease in the community. family members. But other people are now ceased, who had been treated at a private of revenue between March and June as the population to check coronavirus com- “Even though we don’t, we need to con- being confirmed at COVID-19 positive. Au- hospital and was transferred to the Ne- novel coronavirus sweeps through Western munity transmission, Director General of firm that. So in the future, we will do sam- thorities have urged people to stay at home gombo hospital, contracted the virus. Sev- markets, battering economies. Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said as ple testing,” he said. and maintain distance of at least a metre. eral family members also showed symp- “Finally, the impact we feared would come from our customers has hit us very confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 142 at Dr.Jasinghe officials had already had a By 7:00 p.m. Monday (March 30), Sri toms a representative of the Government badly,” said RehanLakhany, President of 7.30 pm after the country recorded the sec- video conference with the units around the Lanka had confirmed 122 cases, while the Medical Officers Association said. Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association. ond death. country to decide how to do the testing and total under observation in hospitals fell to The patient was cremated according to “The impact has been quite massive; we “We have so far only tested person in which units should do it and their capacity. 104 from 117 a day earlier. On Monday, WHO guidelines late night Monday, local are estimating the loss to be in the region isolation units in hospitals,” Jasinghe told He said authorities were tracking 2,210 concerns grew as the country recorded television reported. of about US$ 1.5 billion, which accounts to reporters, adding that the health authority contacts of confirmed cases most of whom its second COVID-19 death, especially as -economynext.com the revenue from March to June (almost a quarter),” he said, explaining that the in- dustry had initially expected the loss of or- ders to be around US$ 200 to 500 million. Coronavirus count rises 142 Sri Lanka’s apparel industry accounts for almost 40% of the total exports and 52% of COLOMBO - The number of patients leriyawa yesterday, bringing the number merchandise exports, while contributing confirmed as having contracted the coro- of patients fully recovered and discharged 6% to the GDP. As a high revenue export navirus in the country rose to 142, with from various hospitals to 17, including the industry, it brought in US$ 5.5 billion out Director General of Health Service, Dr. Chinese national. of the total US$ 11.9 billion foreign revenue Anil Jasinghe revealing that 20 new cases Meanwhile, the second death from the dis- in 2019. The US and Europe are Sri Lanka’s had been reported by 7.30 p.m. yesterday ease occurred on Monday (March 30) at largest apparel export markets accounting (March 31) the District General Hospital in Negombo. for almost 90% of the turnover. With the No details have been released about their The deceased was identified as a 64-year COVID-19’s disruption on Chinese supply locations or where they are now hospital- old with respiratory and cardiac ailments. easing, Sri Lankan manufacturers were ized. Officials said the deceased had been to faced with massive hits on the demand side The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Jaffna for a wedding before he became ill when Italy became the new hotbed for the Health said 126 patients, among the con- and had sought treatment from a physi- novel coronavirus infection in early march. firmed cases, have been reported as active cian and thereafter was admitted at a pri- A lot of factories that were in the midst cases and that 173 persons were receiving vate hospital before being rushed to the of production had their orders suddenly treatment at hospitals across the country government hospital, where he was diag- cancelled, Lakhany said, adding that the on suspicion of having contracted the vi- nosed as COVID-19 positive. cancellations were being deemed without rus. Yesterday, Public Health Officials and po- liabilities due to COVID-19. Dr.Jasinghe said three more patients were lice placed his family under quarantine in As the apparel industry works on long discharged from the National Institute of their homes. Officials said the deceased calendars, the products being cancelled Infectious Diseases (IDH) in Angoda and man’s family comprised eleven members. went into production in January, when the Colombo East Base Hospital in Mul- -ENCL/economynext.com COVID-19 was at its initial stage. “Our members are also hit by the fact that - LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP product that is ready to be shipped cannot A police officer wearing a facemask holds a stop sign at a checkpoint during a nationwide Elderly couple among COVID-19 confirmed be moved due to the lockdowns,” Lakhany curfew imposed as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 novel said, adding that even if cargo could be coronavirus in Kalutara yesterday (March 31) COLOMBO –An elderly couple from Co- said to be doctors. It is speculated that the moved the reduction in flights has meant a lombo 6 are among the 10 COVID-19 con- huge reduction in air freight volumes and a couple could have contracted the virus consequent increase in freight rates. firmed cases reported yesterday (March from two of their sons who had returned -economynext.com CSE to remain closed for trading from today 31). Media reports quoting Colombo from a visit to India on March 14. How- Municipal Council (CMC) Chief Medical ever, both of them had tested negative to Officer Dr. Ruwan Wijeyamuni, said the COLOMBO – The Colombo Stock Ex- ID-19 pandemic includes an extension of a COVID-19 infection. Hakeem calls couple in their mid-eighties had sought Dr.Wijeyamuni had also said the elderly change (CSE) will remain closed for trad- country-wide curfew. treatment from three hospitals in the City, ing from today (April 1) until the curfew is The government has also given specific before being identified as COVID-19 posi- couple had associated with more than 45 cremation of Muslim lifted, the exchange said in a notice. directions with regard to social distancing tive. people in the area who are now being quar- CSE said the decision had been taken and the public has been asked to stay in- According to Dr. Wijeyamuni, the cou- antined and subjected to regular medical COVID-19 victim pursuant to a guidance received from the doors, except for any engagements relating ple had been taken to several private hos- tests. Even the staff of the three hospitals Securities and Exchange Commission. to the maintenance of certain essential ser- pitals by two of their granddaughters who from which the couple sought treatment ‘reprehensible’ The extraordinary measures taken by the vices that have been specified. had not disclosed the grandparent’s symp- will have to be quarantined, he had said. government in order to contain the COV- -ENCL COLOMBO– Sri Lanka Muslim Congress toms or history. Both granddaughters are -ENCL (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem is condemn- ing the fact that the remains of a Muslim man, the second person to die from COV- ID-19, were cremated as it is against the COVID-19 outbreak More than 2000 Indians stranded teachings of the Islamic faith. The former Minister in a posting on Fa- cebook yesterday (March 31) said it is “un- in Sri Lanka fortunate, regrettable and of course repre- President orders more hensible that the Janaza of the Negombo COLOMBO - More than 2000 by the Sri Lanka Tourism and came on vacation or work and Victim of the COVID 19 virus had been Indians are among the 16,900 Development Authority, 2,439 got caught due to coronavirus cremated without permitting the burial as concessions to public foreign nationals stranded in Indians are the highest among epidemic. is ordained in our faith.” Sri Lanka due to government- stranded tourists in the country. Sri Lanka last week halted the The 64-year-old victim died at Negombo COLOMBO – President Gota- 84,071 disabled persons and imposed lockdowns after the This is followed by 2,167 citizens Hospital after being transferred from a pri- arrival of aircraft to its interna- baya Rajapaksa has instructed 35,229 newly registered disabled corona virus spread. This infor- of China. vate hospital. He was confirmed as having the Presidential Task Force es- persons. mation has been given in the A day earlier, Sri Lanka said tional airports. But a limited the disease just a day before. tablished to administer essential 3- An allowance of Rs 5000 government data released on that it would allow any country number of outgoing aircraft are A resident of Kochchikade, the patient services to grant a host of finan- each to 160,675 farmers regis- still operating. had been transferred to the Negombo Base Friday (March 27). to land chartered aircraft and hospital from a private facility. cial and material benefits to low tered under the Farmers’ Insur- According to data released carry its citizens. All of them - sunriseread.com income and vulnerable families ance Scheme. Standard Operating Procedures sent out and individuals affected by the 4- An allowance of Rs 5,000 to Judicial Medical Officers (JMO) in the COVID-19 outbreak. This in- to 25,320 kidney patients and second week of March laid out strict guide- cludes a provision of Rs 5000 as a 13,850 newly registered patients. Govt. to buy medicines from South lines for the disposal of the bodies of people single payment to various groups 5- Thriposha and other nu- who die from COVID-19. They included re- of beneficiaries. tritional supplements delivered strictions on the viewing of the body, a ban A circular signed by the Sec- directly to the residences of ex- Asian countries on public funerals and compulsory crema- retary to the President, Dr. P. B. pectant women and families with tion. Burial was not given as an option in Jayasundara on the concessions malnourished children. Missions in SA to ensure safety of SL expatriates the original circular. granted by the president and its 6- Payment of Rs 5,000 each However, on Sunday (March 29), the implementation has been re- to all 1,798,655 Samurdhi recipi- COLOMBO - Sri Lanka has countries and Sri Lanka’s pledge of Sri Lankans will be considered Director-General of Health Services Dr ferred to the Secretaries of Min- ents and to the recently registered sought assistance from South of US$ 5 million. once the spread of the virus is Anil Jasinghe told reporters that “burial Asian countries in obtaining The ministry also said the Sri contained in the country. is permitted as long as the grave is 8 feet istries of Finance, Economic and 600,339 recipients by the Samur- deep and the water table is not high where Policy Development and Public dhi Bank / Samurdhi Authority. pharmaceutical items and medi- Lankan missions in South Asia The ministry also noted that cal equipment on a G-to-G pur- were compiling a database of the missions in New Delhi, it could be contaminated.” Hakeem said he Administration, Home Affairs, 7- Payment of the pensions to “tried our best in whatever manner possi- Provincial Councils and Local 645,179 public officers. chasing scheme, to strengthen Sri Lankan students and other Chennai, Mumbai, Kathmandu, medical services and to ensure expatriates in the region, with ble in the given circumstances to get higher Government and all District and 8- Payment of April salary for Islamabad, Dhaka, Kabul and political and medical authorities to inter- Divisional Secretaries. 1,500,000 Public Sector employ- the uninterrupted supply of a view to keeping in close con- Malé have established ‘hotlines’ medicine and preparedness. tact and ensuring their welfare vene to prevent the hurried cremation.” It states the relief program will ees and loan payment deductions and social media groups, and Hakeem in his post said: “We are told continue to be in operation until from salaries to be suspended un- The Ministry of Foreign Re- at all times. It also assured the have been networking with Sri that burial 10 feet below ground level was lations in a statement issued missions were working with the the priority program to eliminate til further notice. Lankans overseas, community not possible due to the high water table and the novel coronavirus from Sri 9- Relief on lease instalments yesterday (March 31) said the ministry and closely engaging organizations and representa- possible seepage of water into the grave.” Lanka declares the completion of for 1,500,000 self-employed per- overture had been made con- with Sri Lankan communities He added that subsequent arrangements its mission. sons, including owners of three- sidering the present emergency overseas to ensure the welfare of tives assisting the expatriate Sri Lanka remain in a safe environ- to bury the body at Maligawatte burial The declared concessions and wheelers, trucks, school buses situation. It also highlighted the the many Sri Lankan expatriates grounds in Colombo also fell through after the eligible groups include: and vans and self-employed mo- agreement made by leaders of in the region. ment in their current location the request to transport the Janaza to Co- 1- Payment of Rs 5,000 each torists. the South Asian Association of With regard to the govern- in compliance with local regula- lombo had apparently been refused by the to all 416,764 senior citizen al- 10- Reliefs for the private busi- Regional Co-operation (SAARC) ment decision to not repatriate tions. It said measures were also JMO. -economynext.com lowance recipients and to the re- nesses that are not in a position to countries to establish a SAARC Sri Lankans from their current being taken ensure Sri Lankans cently registered 142,345 senior pay employees’ wages due to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to locations until the risk of COV- in different locations have access citizens. prevailing economic hardships. combat COVID-19, with volun- ID-19 is minimized, the ministry to food and other necessities. 2- Payment of Rs 5,000 to -ENCL tary contributions from member assured that requests for return -ENCL Cardinal Ranjith plans ‘vow’ to save Sri Lanka from virus COLOMBO– Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and that he will hold televised prayers and in Verona in virus-stricken Italy, said fami- risk areas, so a curfew will continue until has promised the faithful that he will make a make a special ‘vow’ to Our Lady of Lanka lies would join Cardinal Ranjith in his vow. further notice. The country's airports are ‘vow’ to Mother Mary to save Sri Lanka from at the National Basilica in Tewatta, Ragama. "Our families are suffering from the worst closed for arrivals of flights until April 7. coronavirus. “We pray that the Blessed Mother will tragedy and we live with fear in our day-to- The Church cancelled public Masses and "I will be making a special ‘vow’ to Our help us to get over these problems of the day lives when we hear the news from Italy. other services from March 15 because of a Lady of Lanka (Mother Mary) to protect our coronavirus, not only in our country but also We all pray to God," said Cicilia, 58, a mem- rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. The decision country from coronavirus at 11:00 a.m. on the whole world," the Cardinal said. ber of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Negombo. came in the middle of the Lenten season April 3," Cardinal Ranjith said after a tel- At the start of World War II, Oblate Arch- The Sri Lanka Air Force has built a 15- that features common gatherings such as evised Mass on March 29. bishop Jean Marie Masson, the last French- room facility to keep suspected coronavirus the Way of the Cross, Lenten pilgrimages, "So, when your church rings the bell at man to be metropolitan of the country, patients under observation. The army op- group prayer services, Holy Hour and pas- 11:00 a.m., you as a family go to the sacred made a ‘vow’ to build a National Basilica erates 45 quarantine centres. Nearly 3,500 sion plays. place of your home where you have your shrine in honour of Our Lady in Tewatta people including 31 foreigners have been Cardinal Ranjith announced that Holy daily prayers and silently pray to join with if the country was spared from the ravages under quarantine. Week services on Maundy Thursday, Good me in that moment." of war. Cardinal Thomas Benjamin Cooray Sri Lanka reported its second COVID-19 Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday Cardinal Ranjith, who is the Catholic kept the ‘vow’ and built the beautiful Na- death on Monday, with confirmed cases will be closed to the public but will be broad- archbishop of Colombo, said all churches tional Basilica. standing at 129 yesterday (March 31). cast on radio and television. will ring their bells at 11:00 a.m. that day Mary Cicilia, whose son has been working Six districts have been identified as high- - ucanews.com 4 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2020 DAILY EXPRESS REALITY CHECK

By Regina Wank By SelamGebrekidan Death and the virus For autocrats, coronavirus is a Funerals in chance to grab a time of even more power LONDON — In Hungary, the prime minister can now rule by decree. In Brit- corona ain, ministers have what a critic called “eye-watering” power to detain people BERLIN- Not only everyday life, and close borders. Israel’s prime minis- but how we deal with death, is being ter has shut down courts and begun an threatened by the novel coronavirus. intrusive surveillance of citizens. Chile "For where two or three are gathered has sent the military to public squares together in my name..." runs a well- once occupied by protesters. Bolivia has known passage in St Matthew's Gos- postponed elections. pel. As the coronavirus pandemic brings That biblical passage rings hollow the world to a juddering halt and anx- when family and friends of the de- ious citizens demand action, leaders ceased are unable to gather to pay across the globe are invoking executive their last respects as a result of the powers and seizing virtually dictatorial strict ban on gatherings in force in authority with scant resistance. many countries. Governments and rights groups agree "It's a catastrophe," says Nicole that these extraordinary times call for Rinder, who works for a Munich fu- extraordinary measures. States need neral parlour. Mourners need to be - Rebecca Conway/ The New York Times new powers to shut their borders, en- supported and consoled by a wider force quarantines and track infected group of friends. "For everyone to Ashu, 12, a ragpicker, scavenges at a garbage dump despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s lockdown order for India’s 1.3 billion citizens people. Many of these actions are pro- gather together to commemorate the to fight the spread of coronavirus, in New Delhi, India, March 26, 2020 tected under international rules, consti- deceased is a great comfort to the tutional lawyers say. But critics say some relatives." The rhythms of church, By Maria Abi Habib, Sameer Yasir and Rebecca Conway governments are using the public health mosque and synagogue alike have crisis as cover to seize new powers that been disrupted in many European have little to do with the outbreak with countries. While funerals are still al- few safeguards to ensure that their new lowed in Germany, they have to take authority will not be abused. For India’s labourers, coronavirus The laws are taking swift hold across place in the outdoors and with only the very closest members of the fam- a broad range of political systems — in ily in attendance. authoritarian states like Jordan, falter- To what extent this restriction ing democracies like Hungary, and tra- can be interpreted to include close lockdown is an order to starve ditional democracies like Britain. And friends - along with, for example the there are few sunset provisions to ensure partners, parents and children of the NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Narendra lines furrowing his face. “My home is my The government has never provided Ku- that the powers will be rescinded once deceased - varies by jurisdiction. But Modi has ordered a lockdown of India’s 1.3 work. Today was the first time in my life I mari, who does not know her exact age, the threat passes. what is clear is that a funeral with billion citizens to fight the spread of corona- had to accept food from a charity.” with gloves or masks for her job. But one “We could have a parallel epidemic speeches, music and refreshments virus, urging people to distance themselves He said, for him, it was a race between of her daughters forbade her from working of authoritarian and repressive meas- socially and work from home. whether the virus or hunger got to him without protective gear during the pan- ures following close if not on the heels afterwards is out of the question. of a health epidemic,” said Fionnuala Ni No earth scattered on the grave, no But social distancing means hunger for first. demic and gave her a mask that her school many in India, with a workforce heavily “I’m not worried about corona; if corona Aolain, the United Nations special rap- incense and no lying in state. Con- had donated to students to protect against porteur on counterterrorism and human dolences expressed over the phone. dependent on manual labor. It would be comes to get me, at least this life of misery Delhi’s infamous pollution. an unheard-of luxury for the ragpicker or will be over,” Ravidas said, breaking into a rights. Only a ceremony at the graveside “I’m not afraid of corona,” Kumari said. As the new laws broaden state surveil- with a minimum in attendance is street vendor who lives day to day. grin as he roared with laughter. “Why would anyone fear death when it is About 80% of India’s 470 million workers — ‘I’ve never seen this panic in my lance, allow governments to detain peo- permitted. time for God to take you?” ple indefinitely and infringe on freedoms "Funerals are one of the most im- are in the informal sector, lacking contracts entire life’: Baudghiri, 60, sadhu (reli- — ‘They need to help people like us’: and unprotected by labour laws. Many are gious ascetic) of assembly and expression, they could portant duties that we still have, be- Mohan Singh, 18, fruit seller also shape civic life, politics and econo- cause in our society, life and death manual labourers in the fields, factories Walking barefoot along Delhi’s desert- Every morning, Mohan Singh and his fa- mies for decades to come. and streets of India. are spoken about much too little," ed streets, his saffron-colored clothing ther pile their carts with fruit and wheel The pandemic is already redefining We asked people how they were making stained and tattered, Baudghiri said he had says Theresa Brueckner, who serves their loads to work, on a busy neighbour- norms. Invasive surveillance systems ends meet as the economy grinds to a halt not eaten in two days. A sadhu, or religious as a digital priest in Berlin. hood street corner. Although their jobs are in South Korea and Singapore, which Using her Youtube and Instagram with the coronavirus pandemic. India re- ascetic, he makes about $1.50 every day by would have invited censure under nor- ported 1,024 cases and 27 dead as of - offering prayers to people on the street. deemed necessary and permissible during accounts under the name "theresali- the lockdown, they say customers are too mal circumstances, have been praised ebt" she seeks to show that pastoral day (March 29). Here are some of their Baudghiri, who goes by just one name, had afraid to come to their carts. By midmorn- for slowing infections. Governments work can continue online, with bibli- stories: never gone hungry a day in his life, he said, that initially criticized China for putting cal passages, livestreams and - these — What’s he afraid of? ‘The police and had always found a meal in Hindu ing, they had served one customer between them. millions of its citizens under lockdown days increasingly - counselling for and not being able to eat’: Ashu, 12, temples or gurdwaras, Sikh places of wor- have since followed suit. the bereaved. ragpicker ship. But they have closed since the lock- “If we are afraid of this disease, we will die Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Ne- "At the moment I'm doing a lot of Ashu and his two brothers spend their down started last week. in our homes,” Singh said, adding that he tanyahu, has authorized his country’s my pastoral care via Instagram," she days at one of Delhi’s biggest dumps. They While he agreed with the prime minister’s and his father provide for their entire fam- internal security agency to track citizens says. "People are in distress because are ragpickers — scavengers who hunt for decision to try to prevent the virus’s spread ily of six. using a secret trove of cellphone data de- they cannot visit their sick relatives, scrap metal using a giant, rusted sieve to by limiting people’s movement, he was Singh said he was worried that the gov- veloped for counterterrorism. By tracing or because they cannot be at the bed- help them sort through the stinking refuse. frustrated with the government’s lack of ernment was going to help big businesses people’s movements, the government side of the dying. I see it as my duty If Ashu works really hard, he can earn 53 planning for the destitute like him. and that small businesses like his would can punish those who defy isolation or- to support them." cents a day. He and his brothers have been “I do not have a house to practice social be overlooked. Although the government ders with up to six months in prison. The current crisis has made the po- unable to go to the dump regularly since distancing in,” he said. “I go from place to announced a $22 billion relief package to And by ordering the closing of the tential for digital networking more the lockdown was announced because if place, temple to temple, to eat. But the en- support the millions left unemployed be- nation’s courts, Netanyahu delayed his evident, Brueckner says. they are caught by police, they will be beat- tire city is closed.” cause of the crisis, some say people in the scheduled appearance to face corruption Funeral parlours are also being en. In all his decades of walking across India, informal workforce, like Singh, will have charges. pushed into finding new methods of “I miss my friends,” he said, adding that he Baudghiri said he had never seen India so trouble getting help. In some parts of the world, new emer- carrying out their duties. Some are and four buddies would meet at the dump- paralyzed. “They need to help people like us,” he said. gency laws have revived old fears of equipped to film and stream funer- site every morning, work for a few hours “In every crisis, the gurdwaras, the temples “There are more people working on the martial law. The Philippine Congress als. "But only a few of our undertak- and then play with whatever treasures they were all open,” he said. “We were still able passed legislation last week that gave streets than India’s biggest companies. If President Rodrigo Duterte emergency ers are able to master the techni- found — broken toy cars, tattered dolls and to feed ourselves and find shelter. I’ve nev- we close, no one can eat.” cal side," says Elke Herrnberger, a ripped clothing. er seen this panic in my entire life.” powers and $5.4 billion to deal with the — ‘If we stay at home, my family pandemic. Lawmakers watered down an spokeswoman for the association of “I hear there is a virus from China going — ‘I don’t have the pleasure of goes hungry, and India goes thirsty’: German undertakers. around,” Ashu said. “But I’m more afraid staying at home’: Raj Kumari, street earlier draft law that would have allowed Arjun Chauhan, 18, water deliverer the president to take over private busi- Some funeral parlours are now of- of the police and not being able to eat. sweeper Many Indian homes lack running water or fering the option of conducting fu- nesses. “When the money dries up, we will have Sweeping leaves and trash off a deserted water safe enough to drink, making Arjun neral ceremonies later, once the cri- to find a way to come back here again,” he “This limitless grant of emergency street and dumping them into her rusted Chauhan’s job a necessity during the lock- powers is tantamount to autocracy,” a sis has passed. Brueckner sees this as said. wheelbarrow, Raj Kumari said the silence a good idea, as burial does not mean down. He zipped across Delhi’s streets on Philippine rights group, the Concerned — ‘At least this life of misery will be of the normal cacophony of Delhi was glo- Lawyers for Civil Liberties, said in a the end of the mourning process, over’: Ramchandran Ravidas, 42, bicycle rious but eerie. his moped bike, stacked high with leaking water bottles. statement. The lawyers noted that Du- rather the beginning. rickshaw driver She used to sweep Delhi’s streets with her terte had once compared the country’s The law does not allow burial itself On a Wednesday afternoon, normally peak husband, but he died eight years ago. She “If we stay at home, my family goes hun- gry, and India goes thirsty,” Chauhan said, constitution to a “scrap of toilet paper.” to be delayed in this way. The rules rush hour in Delhi, RamchandranRavidas is now the sole breadwinner for her six Some states are using the pandemic to are strict on how soon after death the was bicycling around in big, lazy circles in children, after her eldest son was laid off adding that his parents and five siblings rely on his wages. crack down on dissent. In Jordan, after deceased has to be buried. the middle of a main thoroughfare, bore- from his tech job this past week because of an emergency “defence law” gave wide In Germany the limit is 10 days af- dom, hunger and his empty pockets on his the lockdown. “It’s just me and the sewer Since the lockdown, Chauhan has seen his latitude to his office, Prime Minister ter death in the case of a traditional mind. cleaners out here now,” she said. daily earnings of about $8 cut in half. He Omar Razzaz said his government would burial, according to Herrnberger, al- On a good day, if he has “a lot of energy” he The lockdown has affected public trans- said he had been unable to reach all his “deal firmly” with anyone who spreads though there is greater leeway with can make up to 450 rupees, or $6, he said. portation, and she now walks two hours customers because police had prevented “rumours, fabrications and false news cremations. He lives out of the garage he rents his bicy- just to get to work. him from deliveries and even beat him for that sows panic.” The friends and relatives of those cle rickshaw from and worries that he will “This is what I have to do for money, for being on the streets; although under the Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha dying from Covid-19 are particular- be evicted soon; he has had no customers life,” she said. “Even if the streets are lockdown rules, deliveries of necessary of Thailand has assumed the authority ly affected, as the bodies of the de- since the lockdown. empty, I have to come out. I don’t have items like medicine and water are sup- to impose curfews and censor the news ceased are seen as a potential sourc- “If you don’t even have a house, how can the pleasure of staying at home; this is my posed to be allowed. media. Journalists there have been sued es of the virus. -dpa you work from home?” Ravidas said, worry duty.” -New York Times and intimidated for criticizing the gov- ernment’s response to the outbreak. While the virus itself may have cooled By Jan Ransom and Alan Feuer protesters’ will to crowd public squares, Chile’s declaration of a “state of catastro- phe” and the military’s presence on city streets has muted raging dissent that ‘We’re left for dead’ rocked for months. The pandemic has also disrupted planned elections. This month, Bolivia suspended a much anticipated presiden- Fears of virus catastrophe at New York’s Rikers jail tial election that had been scheduled for early May. A disputed election last year NEW YORK — One inmate used an of those waiting to be released — have attacked the “seemingly haphazard pro- ated people have refused to do the work set off violent protests and forced Presi- alcohol pad that a barber had given him been struggling to protect themselves cess” by which people, including some assigned to them or have started dis- dent Evo Morales to resign. after a haircut to sanitize a frequently from the virus. accused of violent crimes, were being turbances, demanding more cleaning The interim president, who promised used Rikers Island jailhouse phone. An- “You’re on top of one another no mat- released. supplies and masks. Others said that to serve only as a caretaker, has since other used a sock to hold a phone dur- ter what you do,” said one man who was “Even at this difficult time, our society correction officers who are assigned to consolidated power and announced her ing a 15-minute call. A third said he and released from Rikers Island recently, must have the ability to safeguard those taking people to clinics have ignored plan to run for an elected term. The others have used diluted shampoo to who asked to be identified by his first who are incarcerated, to avoid violating their requests for medical attention. country’s election tribunal said Thurs- disinfect cell bars and table tops. name, Jimmy, because he feared retri- their rights or endangering the commu- Some correction officers said they did day that it would hold the elections In the nearly two weeks since the cor- bution from law enforcement officials. nity,” the district attorneys wrote in a not have the necessary equipment to sometime between June and September. onavirus seeped into New York City’s “There’s no ventilation. If anything is scathing letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio, protect themselves from the virus, and In the United States, the Justice De- jail system, fears have grown of the po- floating, everybody gets it.” adding that conditions at Rikers were that they had received little guidance partment asked Congress for sweeping tential of a public health catastrophe in As public officials across the country now consistent with recommendations from leadership. new powers, including a plan to elimi- the cellblocks where thousands are be- scramble to release their own vulner- by federal health officials. Peter Thorne, a spokesman for the nate legal protections for asylum-seekers ing held in close quarters. able populations in jails and prisons as For the past two weeks, de Blasio has city Department of Correction, said in and detain people indefinitely without Public officials have been working a result of the coronavirus, New York’s been pushing prosecutors and judges to a statement that the city “is doing eve- trial. After Republicans and Democrats to release hundreds of people in jail to complex on Rikers Island has provided release as many inmate as possible, af- rything we can to safely and humanely balked, the department scaled back and lessen the potential of a public health a case study in the difficulty of balanc- ter dire warnings from public defenders house people in our custody” during the submitted a more modest proposal. catastrophe, but while that effort is ing public safety and public health con- and jail health officials about the toll epidemic. The city correction commis- Rights groups say governments may moving , law enforcement of- cerns. the disease could take inside lockups. sioner, Cynthia Brann, declined to be continue to absorb more power while ficials concerned about public safety On Monday (March 30), for instance, Fear of the virus has grown among interviewed. their citizens are distracted. They worry have urged caution. Inside the jails, after weeks of cooperating with city of- inmates and correction officers, sev- -New York Times that people may not recognize the rights meanwhile, inmates — including some ficials, the city’s five district attorneys eral said in interviews. Some incarcer- they have ceded until it is too late to re- claim them. -New York Times

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