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)