www.thepeninsula.qa Saturday 4 April 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8217 11 Sha'aban - 1441 2 Riyals

SPORT | 02 BUSINESS | 08

Coach Hansi Turkish inflation Flick extends cools as cheap Bayern oil prices outweigh deal lira losses

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Amir holds Qatari ports deliver telephone conversation with strong performance Amir of Kuwait QNA — DOHA

SACHIN KUMAR The three ports have Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin THE PENINSULA Hamad Al Thani held yesterday recorded 53 percent via telephone a conversation Despite challenging situation created by growth in general cargo with the Amir of the State of COVID-19 outbreak, ports in Qatar have Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al delivered a strong performance in March. volumes in March Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, The ports have recorded 53 percent during which they reviewed growth in general cargo volumes in March compared to February the solid fraternal relations compared to February this year. this year. A total of 225 between the two countries and Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and Doha the two brotherly peoples and Port handled 112,730 Twenty-Foot Equiv- ships docked at these ways of enhancing and develop alent Units (TEUs) containers; 131,472 ports last month. them. tonnes general cargo; 59,601 livestock During the call, they dis- heads; 41,554 tonnes building materials cussed several regional and and 6,088 units of vehicles during last by Qatar Ports Management Company international issues of month, said Mwani Qatar in a tweet, (Mwani Qatar) have played crucial role in common concern, particu- yesterday. smooth functioning of ports in this chal- the workforce safe, but will also ensure port aware about how to limit spread larly developments related to The ports had handled 85,916 tonnes lenging times. uninterrupted supply of goods in the of the virus. combating the novel corona- of general cargo; 5,750 units of vehicles Mwani Qatar, in coordination with the country. Containers are sanitised during virus, and the efforts made by and 85,643 livestock heads in February, Ministry of Public Health and relevant The measures include sanitisation loading and unloading process and both countries to limit and this year. authorities, has implemented series of of containers, installing thermal before delivery. Mwani Qatar is respon- prevent its spread and areas A total of 225 ships docked at these measures to limit the spread of corona- cameras, submission of COVID-19 dis- sible for managing the nation’s seaports of cooperation between them ports in March. Preventive measures taken virus in the ports which will not only keep closures and making workforce at the and shipping terminals.`P2 in this regard. MoPH: 21 more patients recover; 126 new cases THE PENINSULA — DOHA been put into quarantine and Qatar to 93. With the new and diagnosis of infected cases cooperate fully and adhere to and dispose of it are receiving the necessary advance techniques used for which will help to reduce the all health guidelines and pre- appropriately. The Ministry of Public Health medical care, the Ministry has COVID-19 laboratory tests, until spread of the virus. ventive measures to reduce the The Ministry has also (MoPH) has announced 126 new said. yesterday a total of 28,413 have The increase is also con- risk of infection. advised that elderly people, and confirmed cases of COVID-19 The MoPH continues to been tested for COVID-19. tributed to by the increasing This includes, staying people with chronic health con- and 21 more patients having work hard to increase the Among them 2,153 were tested number of Qataris recently indoors as much as possible, ditions, avoid going out unless recovered from the disease. capacity of the central labora- yesterday. returning from overseas to washing hands often or using absolutely necessary, as they With the new cases, at tories in order to conduct a The Ministry earlier said, Qatar, the Ministry said earlier. hand sanitizers and keeping a are more susceptible to present, 979 are receiving greater number of daily labo- that the increase in numbers is Also to date, some 93 people distance of at least one metre infections. treatment for COVID-19 in ratory tests, which will con- due to the use of new advanced have recovered from COVID-19 from people who have The COVID-19 contact Qatar. Among the new cases, tribute to speeding up the laboratory techniques to detect and three deaths have been symptoms of illness. centre at the Ministry of Public some are related to travellers results. the virus which means a large reported due to the disease in Public are also advised to Health is accessible around the who came to Qatar and others The recovery of 21 new number of samples can now be the country. use their sleeve to cover their clock for any reports or who had contacts with infected cases brings the total cases of tested every day. This is helping The MoPH has requested all nose and mouth when coughing inquiries on the toll-free phone people. The new cases have recovery from the COVID-19 in to contribute to the faster members of society to and sneezing or use tissue paper number (16000). Worldwide COVID-19 cases surpass 1 million; death toll above 57,400

AGENCIES — NEW YORK the facilities from COVID-19. The rising figures were More than 1 million people have announced as 160,000 police been reported infected by the officers were deployed to novel coronavirus across the ensure France’s strict con- world and 57,474 have died finement measures are until yesterday. respected at what normally More than 1,082,470 would be the start of spring declared cases have been reg- vacation. istered in 188 countries and ter- The United States has the ritories since the epidemic first highest official number of Maintaining social distance emerged in China in December. infected people with 261,438 Of these cases, at least 205,400 diagnosed cases, 6,699 deaths Some health enthusiasts indulged in jogging while maintaining social distancing at the linear park on the Najma Street at Old Airport, are now considered recovered. and 9,428 recoveries. Doha, yesterday. PIC:SALIM MATRAMKOT /THE PENINSULA The tallies, using data from Since 1900 GMT on national authorities and infor- Thursday, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, mation from the World Health Libya and the Northern Mar- Organization (WHO), probably ianas have announced their China stands firmly with Qatar in fight reflect only a fraction of the first deaths. actual number of infections. Europe has listed 587,386 Many countries are only cases and 41,985 deaths to date, testing cases that require the US and Canada together against coronavirus pandemic: Envoy hospitalisation. have 273,199 cases with 6,865 Italy, which recorded its deaths, Asia 114,493 cases and SIDI MOHAMED response and proper measure taken by first coronavirus death at the 4,082 deaths, the Middle East THE PENINSULA the government have achieved great end of February, has 14,681 67,739 cases and 3,451 deaths, success. H H the Amir puts people’s health fatalities, with 119,827 infec- Latin America and the Car- The Ambassador of China to Qatar, Zhou and safety as the top priority, and has tions and 19,758 people ibbean 25,839 cases with 735 Jian, has said that China has shared its rich issued a series of decisive directives. We recovered. Spain has recorded deaths, Africa 7,592 cases with experience with Qatar in containing the have seen the close cooperation and ded- 10,935 fatalities and 117,710 323 deaths and Oceania 6,228 pandemic, including multiple versions of ication of multiple ministries, especially infections. cases with 33 deaths. latest guidelines in prevention, control, the Ministry of Public Health and the Min- China —excluding Hong Turkey confirmed yes- diagnosis and treatment. istry of Interior. We have also seen Kong and Macau —has to date terday that 69 more people “We have opened an online knowledge medical workers risk their own safety to declared 3,322 deaths and died from the novel corona- center, held video conferences with Qatari offer patient the best medical care. We 81,620 cases, with 76,571 virus in the country over the health experts, and introduced to Qatar would like to express our sincere recoveries. past 24 hours, bringing the our experience in epidemic prevention appreciation.” France has reported 6,507 death toll to 425. and control, clinical treatment, and social He said that China will never forget deaths and 83,165 cases. The total number of con- governance,” said the Ambassador. The Ambassador of China to Qatar, Zhou Jian the help from the Qatari people. “The Authorities have started firmed coronavirus cases During an online press conference Qatar Table Tennis Association welcomed including victims in homes for surged to 20,921 as 2,786 more with reporters on Thursday, the Ambas- International Airport, with their engines the Chinese team with their world-class the aged. The chief of the coun- people tested positive for the sador said: “We will never forget that roaring, each carrying 300 tonnes of facilities and hospitality. A Qatari busi- try’s national health agency, virus in a day, Health Minister Qatar Airways used its global network to medical supplies. This scene of friendship nessman made a one-time donation of Jerome Salomon, says reports Fahrettin Koca told reporters deliver supplies to China. On the day of is unforgettable for me.” nearly 100,000 masks to China. These from 3,000 establishments for after a Coronavirus Science departure, 5 fully loaded cargo planes Jian further said: “We have noticed have sent us warmth against the epidemic the aged - still far from the total Council teleconference lined up on the runway of Hamad that since the outbreak in Qatar, the quick winter,” he said.`P3 - show 1,416 residents died in meeting. 02 HOME SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR04.05 am SUNRISE 05.24 am o o Relatiely hot daytime with some clouds and slight dust at 24 C 32 C times. ZUHR 11.37 am ASR 03.06 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 01:39– 12:59 LOW TIDE 09:35 – 19:11 MAGHRIB 05.54 pm ISHA 07.24 pm W ALRUWAIS: 24o↗26o W ALKHOR: 23o↗32o W DUKHAN: 21o↗30o W WAKRAH: 20o↗32o W MESAIEED 20o↗32o W ABUSAMRA21o↗33o COVID-19: MoI launches campaign to educate community

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The department’s campaign aims to emphasise everyone the need to adhere to The Ministry of Interior (MoI), campaign comes as the procedures stipulated in the represented by the Community part of the ongoing decisions issued by the com- Police Department, has petent authorities in the launched a new campaign to efforts made by the country. educate community about the relevant authorities The campaign is continuing prevention of COVID-19 to cover all areas and cities of infection. to preserve the Qatar with the participation of The department’s campaign safety and health of volunteers from the Qatari Red comes as part of the ongoing population and reduce Crescent Society, wishing more efforts made by the relevant commitment from people to authorities to preserve the the spread of the stay at homes during this period safety and health of population coronavirus. until the nation overcomes the and reduce the spread of the crisis, he said. coronavirus. Lt. Col. Nayef Mohammad The drive is organised in Al Mannai, Head of Awareness The officials of the Community Police Department educating public on the measures to prevent COVID- collaboration with the Qatar campaign is within the Department in the Community 19 as part of a campaign launched recently by the department. Red Crescent Society volun- framework of the efforts Police Department, explained teers. About the goals of the exerted by the Ministry to that the campaign is one of the campaign, Colonel Hussein enhance reassurance in the efforts made by the Ministry to The campaign is spreading asking people to adhere to the risk of the virus. Aman Al Ali, Assistant Director hearts of citizens and residents address COVID-19 and protect awareness by using loud- preventive guidelines that must Al Mannai added that the of the Community Police of the country. members of the community speakers fixed on patrols par- be followed in order to protect campaign was very welcomed Department, said that the He pointed out that the from infection. ticipating in the campaign themselves and others from the by people. beIN launches incredible range of entertainment upgrades, services Movement of scooters and THE PENINSULA — DOHA Entertainment content, until inspiration, light relief and June 30th, 2020. This upgrade something positive to keep jetboats banned In a gesture aimed to bring a also gives Sports subscribers them going. These are unprec- little joy and inspiration to access to beIN CONNECT – edented times and this is an THE PENINSULA — DOHA households across the Middle beIN’s market-leading unprecedented set of upgrades East & North Africa (MENA), streaming service – together and additional services for our The Ministry of Interior (MoI) beIN has announced a with a $8 credit per month on valued subscribers.” said that it has been decided remarkable array of enter- beIN ON-DEMAND. “Our entertainment port- to ban the movement of all tainment upgrades and addi- All “Premium” and “Elite” folio is one of the best in the types of scooters and jetboats tional services to current and subscribers, who already have world so we are opening this up until further notice to ensure new subscribers, as families access to beIN Entertainment, for our subscribers to enjoy and health and safety of marine across the region adjust to life will receive a $50 one-off credit and MIRAMAX. Last week beIN from HD1 to HD13 will be escape from the challenges sport enthusiasts from any at home for the foreseeable to spend on their favourite announced similar enter- showing the best matches from outside – while bringing fam- health risks. This ban comes future. movies and programmes on tainment upgrades for its Dig- the world of sport, including ilies in their homes closer within the framework of the beIN’s range of upgrades, beIN ON-DEMAND. iturk subscribers in Turkey, FIFA World Cups, AFCON tour- together inside.” measures to limit the spread credits and added value for its All new beIN subscribers on where families are also being naments, English Premier “And, as a global broad- of the coronavirus. subscribers have beIN’s world- satellite will be offered free asked to stay indoors and League, LaLiga, and Ligue 1, as caster we also recognise our leading entertainment content home delivery service isolate. well as the NBA, Tennis Grand responsibility to share messages QRCS marks – including some of the world’s (wherever available), while While live sport is tempo- Slams, and others. In addition, of guidance surrounding the greatest studios and networks having access to the above rarily on hold, beIN continues beIN has innovatively put sub- pandemic and bring messages World Autism – at their heart. As of today, offers. All new beIN CONNECT to exclusively broadcast some scribers in control, with fans of hope – which is why we’re automatically the following will subscribers will be given two of the most memorable sports voting on which football proud to be helping the World Awareness Day be applied and added to existing months’ subscription matches of recent times on a matches are shown from a Health Organization with beIN subscribers’ accounts in complementary. daily basis. beIN SPORTS has shortlist curated by beIN stars. various important and inspiring THE PENINSULA — DOHA MENA without any additional beIN’s entertainment port- the largest portfolio of sports Commenting on the initiatives. While times are cur- charges: folio spans movies, series, life- rights of any global broadcaster, announcement, Yousef Al- rently very tough for everyone, Qatar Red Crescent Society All “Sports” package sub- style, kids and many other and will continue to broadcast Obaidly, CEO of beIN MEDIA we want to play our small part (QRCS) marked World Autism scribers will be given a comple- genres; and includes some of original sports programming GROUP, said, “At this incredibly in supporting everyone’s efforts Awareness Day, celebrated mentary upgrade to beIN’s the world’s greatest studios and and thrilling historic content challenging time, we know in MENA to stay safe at home, globally on April 2 every year. “Premium” package, which networks such as Warner Bros., over the next few weeks. people and families across the and lift everyone’s spirits at the Yesterday, QRCS’s includes access to beIN’s Disney, Sony, Paramount, CBS All beIN SPORTS channels MENA region are looking for same time,” he added. premises was lit in blue, in sol- idarity with the worldwide campaign to raise awareness Msheireb Qatari ports deliver strong performance about autism, call for social FROM PAGE 1 integration of persons with Properties raises 50 percent more vehicles in autism, and promote their The steps were taken January this year compared to rights as equal individuals who autism awareness months before to ensure that same month in 2019, according need special care to live nor- the maritime sector remains to Mwani Qatar. General cargo mally. This celebration reflects On the occasion of World safe. In January, all ship agents volumes increased 22 percent, QRCS’s great attention paid to Autism Awareness Day on were notified of the necessity while container traffic the vulnerable groups, as a top April 2, Msheireb Properties of submitting COVID-19 dis- increased by five percent priority for QRCS’s strategy of shared Qatar and the world their closure and IMO accredited during the month. development locally and inter- global message in supporting medical declaration. Qatar’s maritime sector had nationally, inspired by its the rights of people with Qatari ports started this wrapped up a successful year mission of Saving Lives and autism and raising awareness year on a positive note by by setting new volume and pro- Preserving Dignity. QRCS among community members. delivering strong performance ductivity benchmarks in 2019. offers a wide range of The streets and buildings at in January. Hamad Port, Doha Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and assistance for persons with Msheireb Downtown Doha Port and Ruwais Port had wit- Doha Port received 4,082 autism and other vulnerable were lit in blue, an expression nessed significant rise in cargo vessels and handled 1.34 groups. Out of Qatar, QRCS of support. Such activations handling in the first month of million Twenty-Foot Equiv- selects the most vulnerable are a major part of Msheireb this year. alent Units containers during persons to benefit from its properties' CSR programme. These ports handled over the year. humanitarian aid. Self-isolation at home: Aspetar offers guidelines to deal with stress THE PENINSULA — DOHA controlling their routines and possible associated negative psyche. Aspetar has developed sleep and avoid alcohol and concentrate on what is within effects, require us to face and easy to follow messages and tobacco. The outbreak of the coronavirus their control; this will help to deal with a new situation; this guidelines on how to deal with Despite these unusual cir- (COVID-19) has caused many cope with and overcome neg- include dealing with psycho- the stress caused by home iso- cumstances, try to maintain changes in the schedule and ative emotions, uncertainty and logical changes created by the lation/quarantine, in particular your normal routines. Go to bed behaviour of individuals and discomfort over time. noise of social networking.” highlighting the importance of early and wake up early. Stay athletes, especially after self- It is important to consider “We also need to deal with quality sleep. connected with others by isolation at home was declared this situation as a positive chal- isolation and we are forced to “Healthy sleep habits can sharing your concerns and how as the best way to limit the lenge; negative feelings are think creatively about how to have a positive effect on mood you are feeling with a friend or spread of the pandemic. natural responses to change and manage and control changing and eating behaviors in athletes. family member. Maintain However, self-isolation has uncertainty. Athletes are not the emotional situations and Athletes need to know that healthy relationships and build different psychological effects only ones who suffer from this moods; this is especially true for maintaining healthy sleep a strong support system. on everybody and in particular situation and feelings. ability to maintain healthy sleep athletes,” Suissi added. habits and routines can help to Physical distancing is the in athletes. This is mainly due Scientific research has high- patterns over the course of self- Aspetar experts advise ath- maintain and protect the key to containing this pan- to the changing lifestyle that has lighted what may happen when isolation or quarantine.” letes to continue their training immune system. It also helps demic. But one can use tech- made some feeling the pressure individuals are isolated alone Athletes are all advised to and maintain normal daily rou- athletes to cope better with a nology such as FaceTime, of negative emotions such as and/or in small groups. stay and train at home. Fol- tines as far as possible. prolonged period away from Skype, WhatsApp, House party sadness, anxiety, anger and “Self-isolation at home or lowing the closure of sports However, athletes should not normal training and group rou- and Snapchat to stay in contact frustration, said Aspetar in a quarantine is a completely new clubs and training sites they only focus on physical read- tines. Athletes should therefore with family and friends. One press release, yesterday. and unfamiliar situation for ath- may not be able to train as iness, as mental and psycho- to make sure that they go to should try to avoid watching, This pandemic has caused letes and even the public, and usual. This challenge should not logical readiness play a major sleep at appropriate times and reading, or listening to news a change in people’s daily habits as a result there are no detailed stop them from maintaining role. Especially now that many not too late, and wake up after stories all day. and routines. Also, due to rapid research studies on this subject” fitness by finding alternative competitions have been can- having at least 8 hours of sleep. If a person wants to be access to media outlets and says Dr. Marco Cardinale (pic- solutions and training celled or postponed, including They should not sleep until late informed about the current sit- social media platforms, many tured), Executive Director of routines. the 2020 Tokyo Olympic in the morning.” uation, make sure to get news are overwhelmed with news Research and Scientific Support The measures put in place Games. Aspetar’s guidelines from reliable sources such as and information about the pan- in Aspetar. to reduce Covid-19 infections One of the points high- included many useful tips for the MOPH in Qatar or the World demic, in particular when fake However, research in other include social and physical dis- lighted by Karim Khalladi, dealing with stress. Health Organization (WHO) for news and dubious cures are cir- cohorts, such as the military, tancing; changes in daily Clinical and Sports Psychologist One of the useful sugges- worldwide news; Don’t trust culated. This aggravates neg- astronauts and special opera- routine are inevitable in Aspetar, is that fear of con- tions to cope with stress is to news from unreliable sources ative emotions which may lead tions, provide some useful Sofiane Suissi, Clinical and tracting Covid-19 and excessive train regularly. One can still (fake news) and messages about to sleep disorders and even- guidance on what we need to Sports Psychologist at Aspetar, stress and anxiety associated train at home and work on miraculous supplements/cures. tually affect mental health. focus on to support everyone in said: “The Covid-19 pandemic with the rapidly increasing various aspects of your fitness. You can also visit the COVID-19 Aspetar experts suggest that the current scenario. One of the and the use of home isolation spread of the disease can have One should eat healthy well- Evidence for Athletes Service individuals should focus on key aspects to focus on is the or social distancing and the a large influence on the athlete’s balanced meals, get plenty of on the Aspetar website. SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 HOME 03 Families are threads of nation’s fabric: QCM Director In his message to families ahead of the launch to yours we open our hearts and homes to you,” said Abdulla. of QCM’s Instagram workshop sessions for The educational workshops families, Al Mannai stressed that “this current will focus on a variety of sub- jects such as art, crafts, literacy, situation gives us the opportunity to engaging science, and cooking. They will together, strengthening relationships, and nvolve fun activities like building family bonds”. painting with bubbles, making plastic from milk, crafting tissue paper flowers and upcycling RAYNALD C RIVERA plastic containers to jewelry. THE PENINSULA bonds.” Instructions and list of “It is unprecedented that the materials required will be As the world grapples with the schools and the wonderful fam- posted on QCM’s Instagram COVID-19 pandemic, strength- ily-friendly amenities we have account (@ChildrensMuseum. ening family ties has never been taken for granted in Qatar are QA) prior to each activity. more important. currently closed. We are all The QCM will be the first “Families like yours and asking ourselves: What are we institution of its kind in the gulf, ours are the threads of this going to do in the upcoming enriching the lives of children nation’s fabric; the tighter our weeks confined in our homes? and their families by providing weave, the stronger we are,” Today the Children’s Museum an unparalleled space for Essa Al Mannai, Director of project is reaching out to you in learning through open-ended Qatar Children’s Museum solidarity,” said Al Mannai. Essa Al Mannai, Director of Qatar Children’s Museum, in a video shared recently on the museum’s play, exploration and experi- (QCM), has said in the very first “In the upcoming days we’ll Instagram page. mentation. The new museum is video shared via the museum’s be opening virtual wonders to being designed to nurture, chal- Instagram account. our homes supporting you daily first session of which will be members to get involved. through playing together as a lenge and inspire children, In his message to families with carefully curated activities held tomorrow, it was Eman Abdulla, Head of family.” fueling their creativity and ahead of the launch of QCM’s to enjoy as a family,” he added. announced recently on the Learning and Outreach at QCM, “We are with you behind the encouraging their empathy and Instagram workshop sessions Though QCM is still in museum’s Instagram page. said the museum is scheduling screen to support, listen, make understanding. A variety of for families, Al Mannai stressed development phase, it will be This fresh initiative includes a curriculum which will provide suggestions and curate an stimulating, interactive and that “this current situation gives hosting daily workshops on one-hour live workshops “an opportunity to explore chil- exchange of ideas between you accessible indoor and outdoor us the opportunity to engaging Instagram that families can par- beginning at 3pm, Sundays to dren’s interest, nurture their and other families. The current experiences will offer families together, strengthening rela- ticipate in using everyday mate- Thursdays, which are designed emotional intelligence and rein- situation requires us to be phys- the opportunity to have fun by tionships, and building family rials found in their homes, the to encourage all family force moral and cultural values ically apart, but from our family playing and learning together. AJMI launches Growing Islamic banking and finance in Qatar English version

SACHIN KUMAR operating under the name Islamic banks in research papers on Islamic compliance across the of story platform THE PENINSULA Barwa Bank, making it the Qatar have been finance between 2016 and industry, thus reducing the third largest bank in Qatar. 2018, on topics including Shariah risk of the Islamic THE PENINSULA — DOHA Several countries are With combined total assets of actively expanding sukuk, Islamic banking, Islamic banks’ products and services. attempting to become leading $22bn, it is intended to boost their international accounting, and Islamic legal More recently, however, Last Wednesday, Al Jazeera regional and global Islamic operational scale and combine issues. Takaful has fared better in the Media Institute (AJMI) finance hubs as Islamic finance the banks’ strengths in terms networks, tapping Experts say that increasing Qatari market and has outper- launched its photo platform, is considered to be one of the of retail, corporate and private into nascent Islamic awareness in the society will formed conventional insurance Story, in English under the title fastest growing sectors. Qatar banking services, along with finance markets such further boost this sector. assets growth over the past two Al Jazeera Stories on Facebook is rapidly developing its Islamic wealth and asset Greater consumer awareness years, growing 6 percent and Instagram, to mark the finance industry and is poised management. as the UK and Morocco would spur improvements in during the first half of 2019, second anniversary of the to become a leading hub for the The launch of a fifth Islamic and capitalising on Islamic finance services. compared with the conven- launch of the platform in sector Within the Islamic bank- Energy Bank- was For consumers, greater tional insurance sector’s Arabic. finance, the Islamic banking announced in 2019, which is their existing wealth awareness and understanding growth of 3 percent. The idea of Al Jazeera sector is playing an important set to become the largest of expertise and cost of Islamic financial services Other components of Stories is based on short jour- role in making Qatar a leading energy-focused Islamic lender would help increase the Islamic finance sector, asset nalistic stories accompanied interconnected Islamic finance in the world, with a targeted efficiencies. adoption of Islamic financial management and takaful by professional photographs, hub. capital of $10bn. Energy Bank products, and the expectations sector have also registered telling people’s stories and “The Islamic banks are will finance private and gov- banking system had been that awareness raises would strong growth. places around the world. taking all measures to attract ernment energy related. It will restored after major rating force the industry to offer The conventional insurance The platform’s main idea customers and increase their capitalise on Qatar’s powerful agencies upgraded their better products and services. and takaful sectors’ growth focuses on trying to invent market share. Showing agility presence in the global energy outlook for the banking sector Awareness is measured in shows their resilience in the new methods of journalistic and flexibility, they have market, particularly with from negative to stable. As a terms of news reports and face of challenging global and storytelling, starting with the launched many customer- regards to liquefied natural result, non-resident deposits events concerning Islamic regional economic conditions. question: How do we centric products and services. gas. for Qatari banks, through their finance. Qatar’s Islamic finance The growth is being driven by introduce new forms in story- They are also swift in adopting Total commercial banking international branches and industry was covered in 1,266 non-life insurance and telling without just visual new technology which not only assets in Qatar amounted to subsidiaries, have seen con- news publications during 2018. business stemming from infra- dazzle and keenness on rapid saves time of customers but $400bn by the end of first half tinued recovery growing by In addition, Qatar hosted six structure projects being built technical developments? This also reduce operation cost,” a of 2019, according to a report 17.3 percent during the first Islamic finance-related events as part of Qatar’s National is through the concept of senior official of an Islamic released by Qatar Financial half of 2019. including roundtables, sympo- Vision 2030 and preparations journey, an approach that the bank told The Peninsula. Centre (QFC). Islamic banking Islamic banks in Qatar have siums and seminars. for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. platform is promoting to by Qatari Islamic banks have accounts for 82 percent in the been actively expanding their For the Islamic finance The Islamic asset man- urging journalists to roam, launched their own digital Islamic finance industry in international networks, industry to maintain its current agement sector in Qatar walk around, observe and solutions, which is helping Qatar in terms of assets, with tapping into nascent Islamic rapid growth it is essential that doubled over the past five provide their impressions, not Qatar in its quest to become an a total value of $107bn in the finance markets such as the UK there is greater awareness of years in terms of AuM (Asset opinions, about people’s lives Islamic fintech hub. Qatar first half of 2019. and Morocco and capitalising its benefits among the public under Management), which and their relationship to their Islamic Bank, for example, has “Islamic banking assets on their existing wealth of and that professionals are reached $399m in the first half environment; and attaching a launched a digital on-boarding saw a significant rebound in expertise and cost equipped with the specialist of 2019, more than half of total professional photograph that service for prospective clients, the first half of 2019, with efficiencies. knowledge required for its AuM. This shows how success- presents the idea. who can now easily open double-digit growth of 11.4 “Qatar’s Islamic banking development. Experience in fully the Islamic finance Since its launch on April 1, accounts through the bank’s percent since 2018, compared sector stands to gain a compet- the conventional finance industry has already captured 2018, The Arabic Story app without having to visit the with a marginal decline of 0.2 itive advantage in the region industry alone is not enough opportunities in Qatar’s fund platform has published more physical bank. The app also percent in conventional and attract more international as Islamic finance profes- and wealth management than 500 stories and images allows clients to raise preap- banking assets,” noted the business through the adoption sionals also need to be knowl- sectors. from 70 countries on 5 conti- proved finance. Barwa Bank is report. of a more progressive edgeable in the Shariah law Another incentive that has nents around the world, in col- also targeting full digital trans- Domestic credit was the approach centered around sus- governing financial concepts boosted the Islamic asset man- laboration with dozens of pho- formation, introducing its own biggest constituent of total tainability,” noted the report. and products. agement sector in Qatar is the tojournalists of various digital application and plans to assets for both Islamic and To support this growing Islamic finance sector is increase of the foreign own- nationalities. launch a point-of-sale (PoS) conventional commercial sector, the country has Islamic also getting support regulatory ership limit on Qatari-listed The creation of the English product. banking, which respectively finance education institutions. support. Qatar Central Bank companies to 49 percent from platform is an effort to There are 13 conventional contributed 64 percent and 60 Qatar has eight institutions (QCB) has taken step in 25 percent. This has attracted broaden the platform’s banks and four full-fledged percent of total assets for the providing Islamic finance edu- enhancing Islamic banking significant foreign investment audience and spread this new Islamic Banks. A merger was first half of 2019. cation. These institutions offer regulations, by announcing the flows that helped boost the concept in the press among the announced in 2018 between Not only domestic cus- courses, degrees and other formation of a centralized main QSE index by more than largest number of journalists two Qatari banks- Barwa Bank tomers, even foreign cus- qualifications covering Islamic Shariah supervisory body in 20 percent last year, encour- and photojournalists. Click on and the conventional Interna- tomers’ trust on Qatar’s Islamic finance-related themes such line with global best practice. aging greater foreign the platform name to follow tional Bank of Qatar (IBQ). bank is rising and they are as Islamic banking and Islamic A centralized Shariah body will investment in Shariah com- the English Story platform: The operational consoli- expanding their footprints in jurisprudence. create a more consistent pliant stocks, particularly Instagram or Facebookhttps:// dation of the two banks was other countries. Foreign cus- Universities and affiliated Shariah governance financial and energy www.facebook.com/ finalised in April 2019, tomers’ confidence in Qatar’s bodies in Qatar published 30 framework that aligns Shariah companies. /?epa=SEARCH_BOX Lulu Hypermarkets adds measures to boost safety China stands firmly with Qatar in coronavirus fight FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA — DOHA Chinese companies in Qatar to COVID-19 with arduous efforts The Ambassador of China to provide all the help they can,” and great sacrifices, which has Lulu Hypermarkets issued Qatar, Zhou Jian, noted: “We he said, adding that the Chinese not only safeguarded the health additional guidelines for have provided Qatar with all the Embassy will also continue to and safety of its people, but also shoppers to further deepen the help we could. The Bank of require Chinese residents here bought time and provided useful already implemented social China and Industrial and Com- to closely cooperate with Qatar’s experience for the world.” distance policy. mercial Bank of China (ICBC) prevention and control “Minister Wang said that at Other than maintaining Doha Branch is donating 1 measures, and play their part to the toughest times of China’s two-metre distance principle, million pairs of medical gloves ensure “zero infection.” anti-pandemic fight, Qatari Lulu Hypermarkets moves and 7,000 sets of protective “Recently, Chinese State leaders expressed support to towards pre-packed vege- clothing. The first batch of 200 Councilor and Foreign Minister China in the first moment, with tables, fruits, roastery, cheese, thousand gloves was received Wang Yi made an important and various sectors of society meat and bakery etc as a by Qatar Charity.” fruitful phone call with Deputy donating to China,” the Ambas- measure to discourage the pur- He said that all Chinese res- Prime Minister and Minister of sador said. chase through serve over idents and companies in Qatar Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh “China would like to express counters. Mohamed Althaf, have played their parts to coop- Mohammed bin Abdulrahman its heartfelt thanks to Qatar. Out Director of Lulu Hypermarkets, erate and abide by the measures Al Thani during which they of the tradition of mutual help said, “We will take all measures of Qatari government, com- exchanged views on our joint and support between the two to ensure the quality of vege- mitted to stay-at-home cam- efforts to contain the countries, the Chinese side will tables that customers can buy paign to ensure no infection. pandemic.” provide as much material Lulu Hypermarkets taking more measures to curb COVID-19. it with confidence and trust”. “Their efforts have made double Giving more details about assistance as possible for Qatar, He also added that from yes- contribution to pandemic pre- the call, the Ambassador and will share its anti-pandemic terday onwards essential items management anticipates that implemented in the beginning vention both for the Chinese explained that they had experience. China will stand will be made available in mul- the aforesaid further guidelines to ensure safety and wellness community and local gov- expressed confidence to defeat firmly with Qatar until the final tiple locations of the store to will supplement the strong of its customers and employees ernment,” the Ambassador said. the virus. “China has managed victory in the fight against avoid crowding up. The measures that they had alike. “We will encourage more to curb the domestic spread of COVID-19,” he added. 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 Coronavirus death toll in Iran rises to 3,294 AFP & REUTERS — TEHRAN Iran reported 134 more deaths in the last 24 Iran yesterday announced 134 hours. Health ministry spokesman Kianoush more deaths from the novel Jahanpour told a news conference that 2,715 coronavirus, bringing the offi- cially confirmed total to 3,294. new infections had been confirmed in the Health ministry past 24 hours, taking the total to 53,183. spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour told a news con- ference that 2,715 new infec- might have to battle the pan- the country, despite the tem- tions had been confirmed in demic for another year. porary release of some the past 24 hours, taking the Authorities have closed 100,000 inmates to curb total to 53,183. schools and universities as well prison overcrowding. Iran is one of the countries as four key Shia pilgrimage “As you see in Iran and Fire brigade crew and Iran’s Basij paramilitary forces, wearing protective suits, carry out disinfection worst-hit by the coronavirus destinations, including the some other countries, we are works at streets as part of precautions against the coronavirus pandemic in Tehran, Iran, yesterday. pandemic and has been strug- Fatima Masumeh shrine in seeing riots, prisoners who are gling to contain the outbreak Qom, the city where the first afraid, who are distressed at since it reported its first deaths deaths were reported. the big loss of contact from beaten by security officers,” on Iran to reduce suffering as Magnitude 4.3 quake on February 19. They have also cancelled family members and so on. So Colville added. “Prisoners were the Islamic republic reels from Jahanpour said 17,935 of the main weekly Friday there are many, many issues protesting at prison conditions the coronavirus pandemic. jolts Isfahan province those hospitalised with the prayers and temporarily closed surrounding this,” UN human and the failure of the author- Biden said the United QNA — TEHRAN virus had recovered, while parliament. rights spokesman Rupert ities to temporarily release States should set up a dedi- 4,035 were in a critical A United Nations rights Colville told a virtual briefing them amid the COVID-19 cated channel for banks and An earthquake measuring 4.3 on condition. official yesterday voiced in Geneva. pandemic.” other companies to operate in the Richter scale shook the city of The government has concern over prisoners after “Iran... has increased the There was no immediate Iran and issue licenses for the Farrokhi, Isfahan province, in banned all intercity travel until reports of unrest in facilities number it is releasing, at least report of the alleged incident sale of pharmaceuticals and central Iran yesterday. at least April 8, and has prompted by worries over a on a temporary basis, to in Iranian media and officials medical devices. According to the Seismological repeatedly urged Iranians to coronavirus outbreak in coun- around 100,000 prisoners— could not be reached yes- The former vice-president Center of the Geophysics Institute stay at home. There is no tries including Iran, one of the some 40 percent of the entire terday, the weekend in the also called for guarantees to of Tehran University, the earth- official lockdown inside Iran’s worst-hit in the world. prison population,” Colville country. aid groups that they will not be quake occurred at 07:22 hours local cities. Iranian media have said. Meanwhile, Democratic penalised for operating in Iran time (02:52 GMT) and at the depth President Hassan Rouhani reported unrest in several “We are horrified at the presidential frontrunner Joe — and said Tehran should of seven kilometers. The earth- warned on Thursday that there prisons, and a mass escape death of a juvenile offender Biden called o Thursday for the reciprocate by freeing detained quake has had no casualties or was no quick fix and that Iran from a facility in the west of after he was reportedly badly United States to ease sanctions Americans. damages to the properties.

Israel demolishes One more recover in Kuwait; Oman reports 21 new cases 40 structures since QNA & REUTERS — KUWAIT not to leave homes except for virus outbreak necessity. Kuwaiti Minister of Health Saudi Arabia has brought ANATOLIA — OCCUPIED Sheikh Dr. Basel Al Sabah forward its nightly curfew by JERUSALEM yesterday announced the four hours in three areas to recovery of one case from the combat the coronavirus Israel has demolished or seized novel coronavirus (COVID-19), epidemic, state news agency 40 Palestinian structures in raising the country’s total SPA said. Area C of the occupied West recoveries to 82. From Friday, the curfew Bank since March 5, according According to Kuwait news will begin at 3 pm. (1200 GMT) to a report published yesterday agency (KUNA), the minister instead of 7 pm. in the city of by the UN. said lab tests and analyses had Dammam and the governorates “Since the declaration of shown the recovery of the of Taif and Al Qatif, SPA said, the COVID-19 State of Emer- patient. quoting a senior interior min- gency in Palestine on 5 March, The already treated case istry official. The curfew is lifted the Israeli authorities demol- will be admitted to a rehabili- at 6 a.m. ished, forced people to self- tation ward before being dis- Saudi Arabia has recorded demolish or seized 40 struc- charged from hospital, the min- 1,885 infections and 21 deaths, tures,” said the UN Office for the ister added. the most among any of the Gulf Coordination of Humanitarian The Ministry of Health in the Cooperation Council states, Affairs (UN-OCHA) report. Sultanate of Oman recorded 21 which also include Kuwait, It added that the demo- new cases of Coronavirus Filipinos who availed general amnesty granted by the Kuwaiti government are seen gathering at the Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the lition led to the displacement (COVID-19), bringing the total Kuwait International Airport Terminal 4, on their home to Manila amid the coronavirus pandemic United Arab Emirates. of 26 Palestinians and oth- number of cases registered in crisis, yesterday. The port of Dammam, on erwise affected over 260 the Sultanate to 252, and only the Gulf, is a main entry point others. On Thursday, Israel one death. from COVID-19 infection had Health called upon everyone to instructions, to follow healthy for supplies for the oil industry informed the UN that it would The ministry said the risen to 57. strictly adhere to the quarantine habits, to adhere to the instruc- centered in the eastern region temporarily halt demolitions number of cases of recovery The Omani Ministry of procedures according to the tions for social distancing, and and for the rest of the kingdom. of inhabited Palestinian homes and medical structures in Area C of the West Bank due to the Israel seals off coronavirus crisis, Hamas blames Israel for virus outbreak in Gaza The announcement was ultra-Orthodox town confirmed by the Palestinian ANATOLIA — GAZA CITY He commented on the recent first time revealed that it has in its cap- Liberation Organization (PLO) hit hard by coronavirus statement by Israeli Defence Min- tivity four Israeli soldiers, without Secretary-General Saeb The Hamas movement said yesterday ister Naftali Bennett, who condi- giving any detail on their health con- Erekat. “I was informed by top REUTERS — BENI BRAK, ISRAEL that Israel alone bares the responsi- tioned the provision of assistance and ditions or their names except for UN. officials that, the Israeli bility for the repercussions of corona- aid to Gaza to fight coronavirus with revealing the name of soldier Shaol occupation authorities Israel threw up roadblocks yesterday to seal virus outbreak in Gaza due to the the recovery of Israeli soldiers in Aron. informed them that they will off an ultra-Orthodox Jewish town badly blockade and restrictions imposed. Hamas captivity, saying “it is an Qasim also confirmed that Hamas stop demolitions of Palestinian affected by the coronavirus, but ordered in “Israel does not address any of the inhumane” demand. along with all Palestinian groups will homes,” he said. Roughly soldiers to support the residents. humanitarian needs of the residents He confirmed that the Israeli sol- continue the struggle until the 650,000 Israeli Jews currently Emergency regulations approved by Prime of Gaza, and by tightening its blockade, diers’ case is a separate issue and can blockade on Gaza ends. As of yes- live on more than 100 settle- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet late it is committing a systematic crime be only solved via prisoner swap deal. terday, 12 cases of coronavirus infec- ments built since 1967, when on Thursday declared Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, against them,” Hamas spokesman On April 2016, Hamas’ armed wing, tions were reported in Gaza, according Israel occupied the West Bank a “restricted zone” due to its high rate of infec- Hazim Qasim said. Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, for the to health authorities. and East Jerusalem. tions. The new designation allows authorities to tighten curbs on public movement. Police units, wearing surgical masks and gloves, moved swiftly early yesterday to Iraq has thousands of COVID-19 cases than reported: Medics cordon off major intersections around the town and enforce the new rules. “Bnei Brak REUTERS — BAGHDAD the disease caused by the new coro- is on lockdown, as of this morning, and police navirus, said that there were more will prevent any movements in or out of the Iraq has thousands of confirmed than 2,000 confirmed cases from city,” police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. COVID-19 cases, many times more eastern Baghdad alone, not counting “People are only allowed in or out for medical than the 772 it is has publicly the number in other areas or prov- reasons or medical support.” reported, according to three doctors inces. The political official, who has Netanyahu’s office later said the military closely involved in the testing attended meetings with the health would help the town council provide services process, a health ministry official and ministry, also said thousands of cases to citizens, but not help to enforce the closure. a senior political official. were confirmed. The army said it would provide food, med- The sources all spoke on con- The new coronavirus has hit icine, and any other assistance that was dition of anonymity. Iraqi authorities Iraq’s neighbour Iran worse than any needed. Israel has confirmed at least 36 have instructed medical staff not to country in the region. Iraq has close deaths linked to the coronavirus and over speak to the media. trade and religious ties with Iran and 7,000 infections—but medical experts Iraq’s health ministry, the only a large border, which Iraq shut in estimate that as many as 38% of Bnei Brak’s official outlet for information on the February over fears of the spread of 200,000 residents are infected. coronavirus, dismissed the sources’ the infection. Iraq’s healthcare Bnei Brak’s population, many of them reading of the spread of the disease. system, among other infrastructure, choosing study of scripture and traditional “It’s incorrect information,” said has been stretched by decades of large families over a more worldly lifestyle, Saif Al Badr, the health ministry sanctions, war and neglect, one often live in very close proximity to one spokesman, in a text message sent among several problems that spurred A man praying inside the closed Moussawi Grand Mosque in Basra, yesterday. another in impoverished neighbourhoods. to Reuters without elaborating. mass anti-government protests in Iraq has confirmed more than 500 COVID-19 cases and 42 deaths from the Some have heeded rabbis who, out of distrust The ministry said in its latest recent months. respiratory disease, but the real numbers are likely much higher as few of for the state, spurned anti-virus measures. daily statement on Thursday that the Governments across the world With the elderly especially vulnerable to total recorded confirmed cases for have struggled to cope with the pan- the country’s 40 million people have been tested. the illness, the military plans to evacuate Iraq were 772, with 54 deaths. demic. The United States, Italy and 4,500 people aged 80 and above and place But the three doctors, who work Spain are the countries worst hit by it harder to control the disease’s Testing facilities are limited and them in isolation in requisitioned hostels. in pharmaceutical teams helping test the disease, which has infected spread. The health ministry did not Iraq has publicly acknowledged that Since Tuesday, some 600 soldiers have been suspected COVID-19 cases in nearly a million people worldwide immediately reply to a request for the actual number of cases must be supporting police across Israel in enforcing Baghdad, each said that confirmed and killed nearly 47,000. comment on any such discussions. higher than the number of confirmed strict stay-at-home orders, which have forced cases of the disease, based on dis- The three Iraqi doctors and the One of the doctors said the death cases. Many doctors blame the accel- many businesses to close and sent unem- cussions among fellow medics who political official said national security toll was also likely higher than the erating spread of the disease on ployment over 24%. see daily results, were between about officials had attended health min- official toll, but not by much. “On Sat- people refusing to be tested or iso- In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Pal- 3,000 and 9,000 although they each istry meetings and urged authorities urday last week alone, about 50 lated and on the flouting of a estinian President Mahmoud Abbas on gave different estimates. not to reveal the high figures because people were buried who died from nationwide curfew, including by Thursday night extended a state of emergency The health ministry official, who it could create public disorder with the disease,” he said. At that time the thousands who flocked to a Shia for a second month, to early May. also works in testing for COVID-19, a rush on medical supplies, and make official death toll was 42. shrine in Baghdad last month. SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 AFRICA 05 UN warns as Zimbabwe turns water cannon on coronavirus REUTERS — HARARE Libya suffers Zimbabwe’s police began using water cannon yesterday to disinfect markets and bus ranks, turning instruments first virus death associated with repression into weapons against the new coro- AFP & ANATOLIA — TRIPOLI The UN High navirus. Commissioner for Zimbabwean police have a The United Nations warned Refugees warned that reputation for heavy-handed yesterday that health services tactics against government in conflict-plagued Libya were the health system in opponents, including dispersing already fragile as the North Libya, the scene of protesters with water. But African country recorded its spokesman and assistant com- first death from the novel coro- a year of fighting for missioner Paul Nyathi said the navirus. control of Tripoli, was force had partnered with Health authorities said an already on the verge of authorities to use their cannon 85-year-old woman was con- to clean highly-populated areas firmed to have had COVID-19 collapse. of the capital Harare. on examination after her death, Reuters witnesses saw without giving further details. ambulances, prefab-containers water cannon spraying empty, The UN-recognised, and tented clinics to support informal markets in Mbare Tripoli-based Government of local health care services. township near the city centre, National Accord (GNA), which Baloch called for the as well as the exterior of a block controls the west of the release of hundreds of asylum of residential flats. country, has officially recorded seekers and refugees held by “This is what they are really A police water canon vehicle spraying disinfectant over residential flats during a 21-day nationwide 10 cases of the virus in Libya. Libyan authorities in detention meant for, not to deny citizens lockdown called to help curb the spread of coronavirus disease, in Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday. No cases have been centres. They are “particularly their freedom. Good work,” declared in the south and east, vulnerable and exposed, given wrote @duchessmasiziba on which are largely under the often poor sanitation facilities, Twitter, where President stations and other townships authorities to (disinfect) certain recorded one death from nine control of a rival administration limited health services and Emmerson Mnangagwa’s gov- would also be targeted, Nyathi areas taking advantage of the cases of the COVID-19 disease, supported by military overcrowded conditions”, the ernment often comes in for said. lockdown as we join the fight went into a 21-day lockdown strongman Khalifa Haftar. UNHCR spokesman said. criticism. “Besides providing security against the coronavirus,” he on Monday, shutting most busi- The UN High Commissioner Along with other humani- Harare city council was for the nation, the police have said. nesses and confining people to for Refugees warned yesterday tarian agencies, the UNHCR providing chemicals, and bus decided to partner local Zimbabwe, which has home. that the health system in Libya, said it was calling on Libyan the scene of a year of fighting authorities to ensure access and for control of Tripoli, was inclusion of all population UN launches already on the verge of groups in the country to health Food insecurity in Burkina Faso, Mali collapse. surveillance, preparedness, famine and “The ongoing conflict has response plans and activities. and Niger affects 5 million people severely impacted the country’s Libya has been gripped by virus aid plan health system and medical chaos since longtime dictator ANATOLIA — ANKARA Burkina Faso has the is clear: Look away now and the services, which have limited Muammar Gaddafi was brought highest number of coronavirus consequences will be no less in Zimbabwe financial resources and face down and killed in a 2011 Humanitarian crisis in the cases in West Africa, with 288 than catastrophic,” added Nikoi. AFP — HARARE shortages of basic equipment uprising backed by NATO. Central Sahel region of Africa is confirmed cases, and 16 deaths. The Sahel has long been one and medicines,” UNHCR The GNA has been under going out of control, with more “This is a crisis layered on of the most vulnerable regions Authorities in Zimbabwe and spokesman Babar Baloch said. attack by Haftar’s forces since than 5 million people facing top of a crisis, and the situ- in Africa. The surge in armed the United Nations launched He told a press briefing in last April, with more than 1,000 severe food insecurity across the ation risks getting out of violence across Burkina Faso, an emergency humanitarian Geneva that several hospitals killed in the violence. region, according to the UN’s hand,” Chris Nikoi, the WFP’s Mali and Niger is having a dev- plan worth $715m to help a near fighting zones south of the Its rival administrations World Food Program (WFP). regional director for West astating impact on children’s third of the country’s popu- capital had been damaged or have launched preventive The WFP said the rise Africa, said in a statement. survival, education, protection lation, threatened by famine closed. measures against COVID-19, comes at a time when the “People are on the brink — and development. and at high risk of the corona- While noting the new toll including night-time curfews COVID-19 pandemic is we must step up now to save The conflict has forced virus epidemic. for the virus, Baloch said the and the closure of restaurants, spreading across countries with lives — we are the only hope more than 1 million people to Targeting 5.6 million UNHCR and its partners were cafes and non-essential the weakest health systems for millions. flee their homes, according to people, the plan priorities food providing generators, services. around the world. “Our message to the world Unicef. aid, water and sanitation, health, education and shelter among other life-saving and life-sustaining support to vul- Nigerian man shot dead nerable people, including the residual humanitarian needs for flouting virus lockdown of Cyclone Idai-affected com- munities and ongoing support AFP — WARRI, NIGERIA to refugees. lawmaker representing the “It is extremely important A Nigerian man has been shot area condemned the incident that the food system keeps on dead for allegedly flouting a and called for the perpetrators functioning,” World Food Pro- stay-at-home order aimed at to be prosecuted. gramme regional director Lola curbing the spread of corona- “Those who are authorised Castro said. “It is very critical virus, police and a lawmaker to bear arms in defence of the to maintain that.” said yesterday. nation ought to understand that So far Zimbabwe has con- Nigeria has introduced a this comes with responsibility, firmed eight COVID-19 cases raft of measures, including especially when human life is including one death. President lockdowns of major cities, to sacrosant,” said Senator Ovie Emmerson Mnangagwa try to contain the virus, which Omo-Agege. ordered the country’s 16 has infected 184 people, two of “The killing in Warri... is million people to stay at home them fatally. one too many, as the issue for three weeks, hoping to Joseph Pessu, a resident of shouldn’t have led to what in slow the spread of the disease. the oil city of Warri in the my opinion amounted to extra- southern state of Delta, was judicial killing.” Malawi confirms killed on Thursday by a soldier He said he had heard that Waiting for food deployed to enforce the the army had arrested the its first three People wait to receive food at a food distribution by Team Pangaj, a Kenyan voluntary group, lockdown, the sources said. soldier who shot Pessu. He cases of COVID-19 delivering flour, beans, milk and juice for about 900 people at the Olympic Primary school in the “The incident occurred yes- called for a thorough investi- Kibera slum, Nairobi, yesterday. terday with the youths pro- gations and punishment for ANATOLIA — ABUJA testing,” state police spokesman whoever was responsible. Onome Onowakpoyeya said. Meanwhile, the state jour- Malawi confirmed its first Angry young people lit fires nalists’ association said some three cases of the novel coro- Tunisia may impose exceptional taxes in the streets but police later reporters were harassed as they navirus, becoming the 50th restored calm, he said. covered the impacts of the African nation to be infected. on firms to raise coronavirus funds In a statement late on coronavirus on the people in President Peter Mutharika Thursday, the the state. said on national television that REUTERS — TUNIS needs more than one billion the coronavirus outbreak. The a 61-year-old Indian national dollars in domestic and foreign amount of donations announced Turkey evacuating citizens from Algeria had tested positive for the Tunisia may impose excep- funds, and will ask major com- by the companies so far is about virus. The woman is in quar- tional taxes on companies if the panies in the country to assist $50 million, but the government ANATOLIA — ANKARA antine and in stable condition, government does not find the the government’s efforts. believes more is needed. said Mutharika. funds needed during the coro- Tunisia, which has been in “Some companies have Turkey started evacuating almost 1,200 citizens from Algeria He added that two people navirus crisis, Prime Minister economic hardship since the money and have not helped amid coronavirus pandemic. Turkish citizens will be brought who had close contact with Elyes Fakhfakh said on 2011 revolution and has a poor enough to support state efforts... back to home via Turkish Airlines and Air Algeria through Sunday. her have also tested positive. Thursday, a move that might health infrastructure, began col- if we do not reach what we As a part of the evacuation process, three airplanes belonging Only Lesotho, Comoros, open a clash with the private lecting donations from com- need, we may have to take to the Algerian airline carry 555 Turkish citizens to Samsun South Sudan and Sao Tome sector. panies and individuals to tackle decisions unilaterally,” province, on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, and it will take Algerian and Principe remain free of Fakhfakh said Tunisia social and economic affects of Fakhfakh said in interview. citizens in Karabuk back home. the virus. As Africa locks down, some deliveries of aid are threatened

AP — JOHANNESBURG closed their borders, according to “With the rainy season starting southern Africa, Lola Castro, told coronavirus notes that quarantines Africa Centers for Disease Control and now, farmers start planting and ranch- reporters that shortly before South imposed during the Ebola outbreak in More than half of Africa’s 54 countries Prevention data. Some nations have land begins regenerating,” he said. “But Africa imposed a three-week West Africa in 2014-16 “led to a spike have closed their land, air and sea made exceptions for cargo, humani- if these voracious insects are landing lockdown, the WFP negotiated a in hunger and malnutrition. The suf- borders to fight the spread of the coro- tarian aid or emergency flights. on these young crops, then these humanitarian corridor so shipments fering worsened as restrictions on navirus, authorities said yesterday, but In Kenya, travel restrictions have farmers will be facing a 100% loss.” of needed food aid could continue to movement led both to labor shortages fears are growing that the restrictions delayed the delivery of pesticides Pesticide orders weeks ago from flow to other southern African nations at harvest time even as other farmers are delaying deliveries of critical aid. needed to fight the most devastating Britain and India have been delayed, as millions feel the effects of drought were unable to bring their produce to African nations have closed air- locust outbreak some East African leaving Kenya with “very little stock” and other disasters. market.” ports and locked down some of the countries have seen in 70 years, an to spray the locusts with the only “It’s extremely important that food Globally, disruptions are minimal continent’s largest cities out of caution, official with the UN Food and Agri- effective control, he said. With time systems continue to function... but also and food supplies are adequate, the but that compounds the serious culture Organization told The Asso- running out, authorities on Thursday be able to move across borders,” she document says. “We are already seeing, problem of shortages of health items ciated Press. placed an order with a local pesticide said. Lockdowns and other restrictions however, challenges in terms of the and more. The continent now has more That’s just as a second generation producer and “in theory” a new supply for the coronavirus “may affect us very, logistics involving the movement of than 7,000 confirmed virus cases. of the desert locusts - 20 times in size is expected over the weekend. very much” on a continent where mil- food (not being able to move food from Aid organizations are now in the of the first wave of billions of insects - Such last-minute scrambling lions of people who must go out daily point A to point B)... As a result of the extraordinary situation of negotiating prepares to take flight, said Cyril threatens to become common else- to make a living are made to stay at above as of April and May we expect for humanitarian corridors in peaceful Ferrand, FAO’s resilience team leader where. On Thursday, the World Food home. to see disruptions in the food supply regions after at least 32 countries for East Africa. Program’s regional director for An FAO document on the chains.” 06 ASIA SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 Parts of mega-slum in Mumbai cordoned off after two die of coronavirus AFP — MUMBAI India so far has largely escaped the pandemic Indian police barricaded parts with 2,300 infections and 56 deaths, according of one of Asia’s biggest slums to official figures, but two fatalities and a third yesterday after two coronavirus deaths, as under-pressure infection in the Dharavi neighbourhood of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mumbai have set alarm bells ringing. sought to dispel “darkness and uncertainty” with a national light show. and enforced social distancing,” 51-year-old sanitation worker India so far has largely said Vijay Khabale-Patil, living in a different area of escaped the pandemic with spokesman of Mumbai’s city Mumbai, but who worked in 2,300 infections and 56 deaths, authority. Dharavi — died in hospital on according to official figures, but “We sprayed hydrochloric Thursday. two fatalities and a third acid to disinfect these buildings The third case is a doctor A man performs a song during a programme organised by the police to entertain the residents during infection in the Dharavi neigh- and nearby areas as well... who lived and worked in the a 21-day nationwide lockdown to slow the spreading of the coronavirus disease, in Ahmedabad, bourhood of Mumbai have set People from Dharavi are fol- neighbourhood, who yesterday India, yesterday. alarm bells ringing. lowing the rules and keeping was receiving treatment. Authorities have set up eight themselves and their kids inside Experts say the coronavirus been largely ignoring India’s Tens of millions of migrant mobile phones aloft on their “containment zones” in the homes.” could spread like wildfire in 21-day lockdown imposed on workers were suddenly left balconies for nine minutes on area, home to as many as a Police yesterday were not slums where social distancing March 25, but they were now jobless when the economy Sunday at 9pm. million people living and letting anyone in or out of the and self-isolation are all but panicking. ground to a halt. “Friends, amidst the working in cramped tin-roofed cordoned areas. The first death impossible. Dharavi’s popu- “We are a family of five,” he There have been local darkness spread by the Corona shanties, flats and small fac- from coronavirus in Dharavi, on lation density is thought to be said. “We use communal toilets media reports of considerable pandemic, we must continu- tories — made famous by the Wednesday, was a 56-year-old 270,000 per square kilometre, or have to get water from public disruption to the transport of ously progress towards light 2008 film “Slumdog man with no travel history or according to the World Eco- taps.” “Only God can save us”, food. Farmers are worried they and hope,” Modi said in an Millionaire”. contact with anyone known to nomic Forum. he added. will be unable to harvest their address to the nation. “We have home-quaran- be infected, although he previ- Resident Mobinuddin The imposition of the crops because of a lack of “We must defeat the deep tined people from these ously had a renal complaint, Shaikh, 51, whose home is nationwide lockdown on India’s manpower. darkness of the crisis, by buildings and cordoned off the officials said. opposite from where one of the 1.3 billion people has mean- Yesterday, Modi called on spreading the glory of light in area so people can’t enter them, The second fatality — a patients lived, said people had while been far from smooth. Indians to hold candles and all four directions.” True COVID-19 cases could be as high as 10 million: Official South Korea has 86 new cases, AGENCIES— SYDNEY going undetected. The World the country, slapping aside sug- Health Organization has called gestions it was falling short on Death toll rises to 27 in Australia total over 10,000 As many as 10 million people on countries to significantly legal and moral obligations. globally may have been infected increase testing for coronavirus, More than a dozen ships are The death toll in Australia from the novel coronavirus rose to AP — SEOUL by the new coronavirus, while some critics have also believed to be off Australia's 27 yesterday after three elderly people died in two states. Australia’s chief medical officer highlighted differences in how coast, carrying around 15,000 Two women aged 70 and 75 and a man over 80s died of the South Korea has reported 86 said yesterday, with the under- some countries count coronvirus crew and some experiencing COVID-19 virus in New South Wales and Victoria states, the health new cases of the coronavirus, reporting due to a lack of testing cases. outbreaks of coronavirus. ministries of the states announced. Also, number of confirmed bringing its caseload above in some countries for the highly China — where the outbreak "We have issued notices to coronavirus cases in the country rose to 5,314, while a total of 520 10,000. contagious respiratory disease. began late last year — has only all of these ships to leave Aus- people recovered so far. Meanwhile, the government has called South Korea’s Centers for A Reuters tally of offical data recently started counting tralian waters," Australian for retired healthcare staff, including doctors, nurses and phar- Disease Control and Pre- pegged the number of COVID-19 asymptomatic cases of corona- Border Force Commissioner macists to return to their posts due to the increasing number of vention yesterday said about cases caused by the virus at 1 virus, prompting criticism from Michael Outram told local media deaths and cases from the virus in the country.Prime Minister Scott half of the new cases came million, but Australia’s chief some international experts. Friday. "If ever there was a time, Morrison announced that children of employees will be provided from the densely populous medical officer said the true size Without criticising China or I think, for ships to go back to free care services in nurseries. Seoul metropolitan area, of the global outbreak may be any other countries, Murphy said where they're registered, it's where infections linked to up to 10 times higher. he did not trust any data beyond probably during a time of a international arrivals have “Worldwide we have passed Australia’s. “The only numbers global pandemic like this." a global problem, with ships COVID-19-positive people into been rising. 1 million infections. But we I have total faith in are the Aus- Many vessels fly under flags looking for safe ports from the country, burdening local Another 22 infections were believe the true number is five tralian numbers, frankly.” Aus- of convenience -- registered to Florida to Yokohama to Perth health services that are already detected at airports where or 10 times as much,” Brendan tralia has reported almost 5,300 countries such as Panama, the and angry authorities accusing scrambling to increase capacity. workers have been isolating Murphy told reporters. Murphy cases and 28 deaths so far. Aus- Bahamas and Liberia, which the multi-billion dollar cruise Cruise ships have already and testing passengers arriving said the mortality rates vary so tralia insisted yesterday it would have scant capacity to screen or industry of being reckless. Aus- accounted for almost 10 percent with fever or respiratory much around the world that he not let the crew of multiple treat an influx of possible virus tralian authorities say they will of Australia's more than 5,000 symptoms. believes many infections are virus-stricken cruise ships into carriers. The issue has become not risk unleashing a wave of infections and several deaths. South Korea has been enforcing two-week quaran- tines on all passengers arriving from overseas since Crowded in camps, Wednesday to stem a rise in imported infections. Seoul yesterday opened a huge coronavirus testing Rohingya refugees station in a sports complex built for the 1988 Summer Olympics to test hundreds of vulnerable to virus people returning to the capital each day amid broadening AP — DHAKA very difficult to keep them outbreaks in Europe and the separated.” United States. Aid workers are bracing for a Rachel Wolff, Senior possible outbreak of the coro- Director for the aid group Indonesia navirus in one of the world’s World Vision in Cox’s Bazar, largest refugee camps in Bang- said “social distancing is almost releases 22,158 ladesh, with officials warning impossible for families.” Bang- that containing the disease ladesh has reported six deaths prisoners over among more than 1 million and 54 cases of COVID-19 amid tightly packed Rohingya concerns that the virus could outbreak fears Muslims will be a daunting task. spread in the South Asian With about 40,000 people country through Bangladeshis ANATOLIA — JAKARTA Empty motorways are seen during the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in Wellington, New per square kilometer (103,600 who have returned from Italy per square mile) living in plastic and other places struggling A total of 22,158 inmates in Zealand, yesterday. shacks side by side, which is with the disease. Indonesia have been released more than 40 times the average Many of those returning did in a bid to reduce the risk of density of Bangladesh, the ref- not respect social distancing or coronavirus transmission in 100,000 tourists stuck in New ugees are dangerously exposed stay in self-quarantine. overcrowded detention facil- to the virus. One reason for the low ities, an official said yesterday. Each shack is barely 10 number of reported cases could “This is part of measures square meters (107 square feet) be insufficient testing as health to stem the spread of Zealand to leave as rules ease and many are overcrowded care facilities initially lacked COVID-19 in correctional with up to 12 people. testing kits. Bangladesh, a facilities,” said Rika Aprianti, AP — WELLINGTON alongside regular commercial we would still need commercial There have been no nation of 160 million, is cur- a spokeswoman for Direc- flights. flights as well,” Clarke said in a reported cases of infection in rently under a lockdown until torate General of Corrections. About 100,000 tourists stuck Officials said 37,000 video she posted on Twitter. the camps yet, but officials April 11 to help contain the She said the released prisoners in New Zealand since it began tourists had signed up with While most of the stranded remain concerned. The UN is virus, and troops are out to are those who have served a lockdown last week were their various embassies seeking tourists are from the UK and not doing any testing for the enforce the stay-at-home rules. two-thirds of their sentences. starting to fly to their home to return home, although Peters Europe, officials said about virus but sends any suspected Mohammad Kamal Aprianti added that the gov- countries yesterday. said in an interview with radio 2,700 tourists from Asia and cases to a government Hossain, the top government ernment is set to release a total The initial problem for station RNZ that the true 3,800 from North and South hospital. administrator in Cox’s Bazar, of 30,000 prisoners over the many tourists had been that number seeking to leave was America combined had also “We are doing our best to said foreigners have been week. “However, the number they were banned from about 100,000. signed up to be repatriated. protect them, but if the virus banned from frequent visits to does not include those con- catching domestic flights during Air New Zealand said the “Listen, we get it,” said US breaks out it will be a tough job the camps unless they are victed for corruption, ter- the strict monthlong lockdown, first of several flights chartered Ambassador Scott Brown in a for all of us,” Mohammad “absolutely necessary.” “They rorism, and drug-related which is aimed at preventing by the German government to video message. “We’ve gotten Shamsuddoza, the additional have been instructed to carry crimes,” she said. more coronavirus infections. repatriate stranded Germans your calls, your emails, your refugee, relief and repatriation on work in a limited scope,” he Meanwhile, the country’s The domestic flight ban pre- left yesterday afternoon from texts. We understand. And we commissioner of Bangladesh, said. Justice and Human Rights Min- vented tourists from reaching Auckland bound for Frankfurt know that you are worried told The Associated Press by A 100-bed isolation ward ister Yasonna Laoly said he the country’s main hub of via Vancouver, Canada. The about getting home. And we’re phone from Cox’s Bazar on the was built inside the camps and would revise regulations to Auckland Airport to catch inter- German Embassy in Wellington doing our very, very, very best border with Myanmar, from another 200-bed hospital with pave the way for the release national flights home. last week said more than to help.” American tourist Lisa where the Rohingya have fled modern facilities is being of excluded offenders. Indo- But Foreign Minister 12,000 had signed up for its Horvath told RNZ that the news a government crackdown. deployed in cooperation with nesian Corruption Watch Winston Peters announced on repatriation program. she would soon be able to He said the 34 camps are a the World Health Organization, (ICW), a watchdog NGO, crit- Thursday that tourists could British High Commissioner return home and see her dog major challenge despite prep- he said. icised the minister’s plan, catch internal flights, so long as Laura Clarke said 10,000 had come as a huge relief. She arations to provide better The UN refugee agency said saying the policy was far- they were leaving the country. British tourists had registered said she could now enjoy her health care services. about 1,200 additional beds fetched. ICW said releasing He said charter flights with her office wanting to walks in New Zealand, which “It’s overcrowded, every were being readied just outside corruption convicts had organised by foreign countries return home. “So even if we are allowed under the family has multiple members,” the camps at Ukhiya and nothing to do with the pre- would also be allowed were to have chartered flights, lockdown rules. he said. “So this is practically Teknaf. vention of virus. SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 ASIA 07 Kyrgyzstan US alarm over virus cases in Japan; reports first Tokyo pushes for state of emergency fatality ANATOLIA — BISHKEK REUTERS — TOKYO Amid growing clamour for tighter First fatality due to the novel The US government yesterday coronavirus outbreak has been sounded alarm about the surge curbs on people’s reported in Kyrgyzstan, in coronavirus cases in Japan, movements to according to local authorities adding to a chorus of prominent yesterday. domestic voices — including the stem a rising tide A 61-year-old man who governor of Tokyo — who have of infections, the came from abroad and tested called for decisive action to avoid positive for the COVID-19 test, an explosive outbreak. government has so died in a hospital where he Amid growing clamour for far been reluctant to was under treatment in the tighter curbs on people’s move- southwestern Nookat city of ments to stem a rising tide of pull the trigger. the Osh region, according to a infections, the government has statement by the country’s so far been reluctant to pull the Asked what further steps headquarters responsible from trigger. would be taken in the capital if fighting the outbreak. Instead, Prime Minister central government declared a The patient had also suf- Shinzo Abe has urged school clo- state of emergency, Governor fered from other serious dis- sures and called on citizens to Koike said a Tokyo-style eases, said the authorities. avoid unnecessary and non- “lockdown” would entail asking The statement added that urgent gatherings and outings . people to refrain from holding the number of virus cases But the warning from the US events and the same kinds of climbed to 130, with 14 new Embassy in Tokyo to American pleas she was already making to patients in the country. citizens yesteray singled out People wearing face masks are seen during the rush hours amid restrictions against the spread of residents. It was earlier announced Japan’s lack of widespread testing coronavirus pandemic, in Tokyo, on Thursday. These include working from that five patients recovered, so far and gave a sobering home where possible and and over 1,700 people were assessment of the potential strain return to the United States from an bigger outbreak, her most If issued too soon, it would avoiding outings — advice many under medical surveillance in on the health care system in a Japan they should do so now, or explicit nudge so far to the have a big economic impact and have yet to heed, although Kyrgyzstan. widespread outbreak. risk remaining abroad for an government. have a serious effect on society, coffee chain Starbucks and Meanwhile, Uzbekistan, “The Japanese Government’s “indefinite period”, it said. That would give governors but if too late, the number of clothing retailer Uniqlo joined another central Asian country decision to not test broadly Japan has so far been spared legal authority to ask people to infected patients would rise, he a string of other businesses in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan, makes it difficult to accurately the kind of explosive surge seen stay home and businesses to said. saying they would shutter donated 1,000 tonnes of flour, assess the COVID-19 prevalence in parts of Europe, the United close, but not to impose the kind Tokyo has reported the dozens of stores this weekend. 7,000 protective outfits, rate,” the Embassy said on its States and elsewhere, with about of lockdowns seen in other coun- highest number of infections in The government yesterday 20,000 gloves and 500 pro- website, referring to the illness 3,000 cases and some 73 deaths tries. In most cases, there are no the country with nearly 800 told the hardest-hit regions to tective glasses to the country. caused by the virus. so far. Globally, coronavirus cases penalties for ignoring requests, infections — a tiny count com- save hospital beds for severely The Chinese government “While we have confidence surpassed 1m on Thursday, while although public compliance pared with a core city population ill patients, while keeping also donated 21,000 COVID-19 in Japan’s health care system deaths have topped 50,000. would likely increase with an of nearly 14 million. others with milder or no rapid diagnostic tests to today, we believe a significant The comments from the emergency declaration. But experts are worried about symptoms at home or in hotels. Kyrgyzstan. increase in COVID-19 cases Embassy came after Tokyo Gov- Nobuhiko Okabe, director the rise in the percentage of cases Until now Japan has been hos- After first appearing in makes it difficult to predict how ernor Yuriko Koike said declaring general of the Kawasaki City that can’t be traced. As of end- pitalising all coronavirus Wuhan, China in December, the system will be functioning in a national state of coronavirus Institute for Public Health, said March, the health ministry had patients, regardless of whether the novel coronavirus has the coming weeks.” emergency would send a “strong judging the timing for declaring counted 26 clusters of infections they are asymptomatic or have spread to at least 181 countries If US citizens wanted to message” that could help avoid a state of emergency was tough. nationwide. mild symptoms. and regions. Pakistan detains Pakistan to start flights for nationals stranded overseas 4 acquitted in INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD the National Coordination Com- Foreign Office spokesperson consideration. As this is a held up in China during vacations scribe murder case mittee on the COVID-19 pan- Aisha Farooqui, meanwhile dynamic and evolving situation, because of coronavirus outbreak Pakistan would start a week-long demic, phased repatriation would speaking at the weekly media these plans will be reviewed reg- there, she said the Chinese gov- REUTERS — KARACHI repatriation flight programme be carried out under which pri- briefing, said the national flag ularly,” she maintained. ernment was following a from today for bringing back its ority would be given to those held carrier had operated special The spokesperson said “double-quarantine” policy for Pakistani authorities ordered nationals stranded overseas up in transit, followed by those, flights to bring back stranded Pakistan’s diplomatic missions the officials of Chinese com- yesterday four men, including because of disruption of flights whose visas were expiring. Paki- Pakistanis from Saudi Arabia, overseas had been told to assist panies working on China- a British militant, convicted of and tightening of travel restric- stanis working or studying Dubai, Qatar and Thailand. the nationals abroad by pro- Pakistan Economic Corridor the 2002 murder of US jour- tions during the Covid-19 overseas would be third on the “Plans for repatriation from viding food, medicines, and (CPEC) projects in Pakistan. nalist Daniel Pearl, to be pandemic. priority list, Qureshi said. Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, accommodation and facilitating “Those officials travelling to detained for three months Foreign Minister Shah All returning passengers, he Tashkent, Baku, Baghdad, extension of visas, in case of Pakistan spend 14 days in quar- despite a lower court’s ruling to Mehmood Qureshi said 17 repa- said, would be subject to coro- London and Toronto have been expiry of short-term visas. antine in China before travelling overturn their convictions. triation flights would be flown navirus testing at the airports for finalised, while plans for repatri- Responding to a query to Pakistan and after reaching The High Court in the between April 4 -11. which the testing and quarantine ation of our nationals from other about the return of Chinese Pakistan, they remain in quar- province of Sindh on Thursday Under the plan approved by capacity was being augmented. destinations is also under active workers to Pakistan, who got antine for 14 more days. acquitted the four, including Briton Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was sentenced to death in 2002 for master- Wuhan official urges minding Pearl’s murder. The other three were sentenced to vigilance as China plans life. Wall Street Journal reporter Pearl, 38, was investigating mil- itants in the city of Karachi, the to mourn virus ‘martyrs’ capital of Sindh, after the Sep- tember 11, 2001, attacks on the REUTERS — WUHAN Health Commission reported 31 United States when he was kid- new cases, down from 35 a day napped in January 2002. He The top official in China’s coro- earlier and dramatically lower was beheaded weeks later. navirus epicentre of Wuhan than February’s peak. All but two The Sindh provincial gov- warned residents to stay vigilant involved travellers from ernment’s Home Department and avoid going out, even as the overseas. issued the order to arrest and latest data showed a decline in Total infections on the detain the four before they were new cases in the mainland and mainland, a figure that excludes released from prison. no new infections in the central asymptomatic patients, stand at “The government of Sindh city. 81,620, while the death toll rose has sufficient reason that The country where the virus by four to 3,322. Worldwide, the Ahmed Omar Sheikh and Fahad emerged late last year will number of cases has topped 1 Nasim Ahmed, Syed Salman observe three minutes of silence million, with at least 52,000 Saqib, Sheikh Muhammad Adil nationwide today to mourn the deaths. Top officials are con- be arrested and detained for a thousands of “martyrs” who died cerned about the risk of a second period of three months from the in the fight against the pan- wave of infections. date of arrest (April 2, 2020),” a People wearing face masks walk along a shopping street in Wuhan, China, yesterday demic, the official Xinhua news The threat of a rebound in top official of the department agency said. Wuhan remains high, said Wang said in the order. Air raid sirens and the horns Zhonglin, chief of its Communist to leave Wuhan. of Zhejiang and Shandong, banned people from leaving The official cited concern of automobiles, trains and ships Party, ordering residents to The capital of Hubei authorities said yesterday. Some without proper authorisation that the released men may act will “wail in grief” after the avoid leaving their homes unless province has been the hardest Zhejiang students will return on and confined residents to homes “against the interest of the silence, to be observed at 10am, necessary. hit by the virus, with 50,007 April 13, and others in Shandong unless they had clearance, fol- country”. it added. The comments came about cases reported. From April 8, it on April 15. lowing several infections in the The United States had China appears to have two weeks after officials eased is due to allow people to travel However, some areas have area. denounced on Thursday’s court curbed the epidemic with dra- the city’s total lockdown, outside the city, where volun- gradually reimposed curbs, Local health authorities have acquittal of the four, with the top conian curbs that paralysed the allowing some of its population teers in hazmat suits have been including the closures of also been ordered to step up US diplomat for South Asia world’s second-biggest economy of 11 million to go outdoors for spraying disinfectant. cinemas allowed to re-open. detection, monitoring and writing on Twitter that it was for two months. the first time since January 23, Schools are starting to On Wednesday, a county in supervision of infected patients “an affront to victims of ter- Yerterday, the National though they were still not able reopen in the eastern provinces the central province of Henan who showed no symptoms. rorism everywhere.” Singapore closes workplaces, Indonesia reports highest daily rise in COVID-19 cases schools as virus cases jump ANATOLIA — JAKARTA “I am urging everyone to hospitals have been prepared to asked to self-quarantine for 14 reconsider if you want to go treat the patients. days, and they will also be put REUTERS — SINGAPORE avoiding lockdown measures Indonesia yesterday confirmed somewhere. The safest place is Indonesia has confirmed its under observation. increasingly common around 196 new cases of COVID-19, the your home,” he added. first two cases of COVID-19 on The country has allocated an Singapore will close schools the world. biggest daily rise so far, taking the A total of 32 provinces in the March 2. The number of con- additional budget of $24.7bn for and most workplaces for a But authorities said record tally to 1,986. country have reported COVID-19 firmed cases has been rising since mitigating the spread of the virus. month as part of stricter jumps in new infections this “As many as 22 patients have cases. Most of them — 971 cases then. After first appearing in measures to curb a recent jump week, taking its total to 1,114 recovered in the last 24 hours. So — have been identified in the Earlier this week, President Wuhan, China in December, the in coronavirus infections, it said cases, pointed to the need for far, we have recorded 134 recov- capital city of Jakarta. Joko Widodo has decided to novel coronavirus has spread to yesterday, an announcement a tougher approach. “We have eries,” said Achmad Yurianto, the So far, the Health Ministry implement the large-scale social at least 181 countries and regions. that sent locals racing to super- decided that instead of tight- government’s spokesman for has examined 7,924 specimens restriction to contain the the Data compiled by US-based markets to stock up on staples. ening incrementally over the coronavirus-related matters, at in 48 laboratories across the spread of COVID-19. Johns Hopkins University shows The city-state has won next few weeks, we should a news briefing. country. He also said that his gov- worldwide infections surging international praise for its two- make a decisive move now, to Meanwhile, the number of In addition, around 349,000 ernment would not prevent past 1 million (over 1,030,600), month long battle against a pre-empt escalating infec- new deaths due to novel coro- Personal Protective Equipment people from travelling to their with more than 54,100 deaths. virus that has infected over a tions,” Prime Minister Lee navirus rose by 11, bringing the (PPE) for medical personnel have hometowns to celebrate Eid Over 218,700 people have million people globally, Hsien Loong said in a speech. death toll to 184. been distributed, and 360 referral al-Fitr. But travellers will be recovered. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020

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A Kyrgyz soldier wearing a face mask checks motorists’ documents at a checkpoint set up outside Bishkek, yesterday. The city is on EDITORIAL lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The problem with army-enforced Saving lives QATAR not only through timely decisions and well- lockdowns in the time of COVID-19 coordinated efforts is containing the spread of coro- navirus in the country but also providing needed assistance to many countries in their fight against enforce government lock- bullets at people who were mentioned above - has a good COVID-19. downs to contain the spread going to the supermarkets - reputation if they have Qatar is known in the world for its consistence of coronavirus. But the reality something deemed permis- clamped down on commu- policy and generous approach towards global human- in many countries - especially sible as per the government’s nities numerous times in the itarian initiatives. In these testing times too when the where security forces tradi- regulations. Although, to its past. country itself is in a fight against the pandemic, Qatar’s tionally have a less than credit, the government is also In India, Prime Minister compassionate attitude towards other nations in dis- friendly reputation - is not as communicating with citizens Narendra Modi announced a tress is remarkably great. KARSTEN NOKO picture-perfect. regularly, the use of force has lockdown of the whole The COVID-19 pandemic has also reached Gaza AL JAZEERA As the epicentre of the not helped build trust. It has country, an estimated 1.3 Strip, the populous Palestinian enclave blockaded by COVID-19 pandemic con- reportedly turned deadly in at billion people, and authorities air, land and sea since 2007. Under these harsh con- tinues to shift fast, and con- least three cases. have said civilians risk being ditions, the spread of virus can be calamitous. There is a sketch doing the tinues to overwhelm health Similar stories have been shot at if they do not comply Qatar, like always, has again come forward to help rounds on Twitter: Two systems in the global north, it reported across the continent. with the lockdown order. poor people besieged in Gaza. Chairman of the Qatar people standing in the centre is clear for many countries in In Kenya, a 13-year-old boy For Indian-administered Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, H E of a hallway, back towards the global south that their best was shot and killed by police Kashmir, which has been Ambassador Mohammed Al Emadi announced on one another, each struggling bet to limit the impact is pre- while standing on his balcony under lockdown for political Thursday that the Committee, in cooperation and coor- to push a different door vention. It is no surprise that in Nairobi during curfew. Riot reasons since August 2019, dination with Qatar Fund for Development, will finance closed. On the right, a health they try to be creative and use police previously fired tear what does this mean? Is it the employment of 100 medical personnel including worker in a hazmat suit closes whatever means available to gas at civilians heading for a possible to explain to people, doctors and nurses in the Gaza Strip as temporary the door on the coronavirus, them to try and control the ferry in Mombasa as they and to expect them to under- employment for six months, to cover the shortfall while on the left a police pandemic. attempted to enforce a stand, that suddenly the experienced by hospitals and health centers in the officer in a medical mask For most, the solutions curfew. lockdown is meant to protect Strip to address the outbreak of COVID-19. pushes back a horde of have been isolation, quar- In Uganda, motorbike them and the rest of the H E Ambassador Al Emadi said pointed out that people. antine and lockdown. And drivers were hospitalised country from a pandemic? the project, which aims to support the Ministry of The romanticised impli- everywhere from India to after being shot by police for In many countries, there is Health crews in the Strip, comes within the grant of cation is that in the space South Africa to the Philip- violating movement an historic trust deficit Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the between COVID-19 and its pines, states have deployed restrictions. between the military and Gaza Strip, at a value of $150m. potential victims, it is medics police forces and even the In Zimbabwe, a 21-day communities. Few days ago, the Qatar Committee for the Recon- and security services who push army to enforce them. army-enforced lockdown In Nigeria in 2017 for struction of Gaza in cooperation and coordination Last week, South Africa began this week. Last January, instance, a reported vacci- with the Qatar Fund for Development, had begun the For most, the began a 21-day lockdown when the government raised nation drive that was to be process of disbursing cash assistance to the needy with the army out in the the price of fuel by 150 conducted by the army led to families in the Gaza Strip. solutions have been streets to enforce it. For many percent, protests quickly pandemonium as students The distribution process was implemented through isolation, quarantine communities, especially in turned violent as civilians and fled and boycotted classes, the post offices in the governorates of the Gaza Strip and lockdown. And townships and high-density security forces clashed. fearing the military was using for 100,000 families, $100 per family. The assistance suburbs, the deployment of Today, the same military is the campaign as a ploy to was within the grant of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim everywhere from security forces means trouble. expected to come in defence infect schoolchildren with bin Hamad Al Thani to the Gaza Strip, at a value of India to South Africa Memories of the military- of the population against the monkeypox. Attempts by the $150m. Last month under the directives of H H the enforced State of Emergency pandemic. The fact that the army to dispel the rumours Amir, the State of Qatar via Qatar Fund for Devel- to the Philippines, during apartheid are still fresh government-created fell on deaf ears. opment and Qatar Airways had sent two shipments states have deployed for many people. More COVID-19 Taskforce is led by The situation could be of urgent medical aid to the Islamic Republic of Iran recently, memories of 2012’s the retired general respon- even worse if today’s corona- to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistance of police forces and Marikana massacre bring up sible for the military coup in virus lockdowns are enforced the State of Qatar was meant to combat the outbreak even the army to more anxiety when officers 2017 is enough to send chills in countries experiencing of the novel coronavirus which represents a common with guns appear in an up the spines of many. active or protracted conflicts, threat facing the entire world. enforce them. already heightened As with institutions, the like the Democratic Republic In February, five Qatar Airways Cargo freighters atmosphere. security forces are not a of the Congo (DRC), the departed to China carrying approximately 300 tonnes So far, hundreds have problem per se. They have Central African Republic and of medical supplies donated by the airline to support been arrested by police for done phenomenal work in South Sudan - where security coronavirus relief efforts. flouting isolation regulations; many parts of the world as forces have often been many more, including the peacekeepers in protection of accused of committing homeless, have been civilian sites and in response atrocities. back together to save lives. assaulted and harassed by to natural disasters. Karsten Noko is a Zimba- A similar theory is at the security forces for failure to We cannot, however, bwean lawyer and humani- D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR root of the growing trend observe the order. Police pretend that the military - not tarian working across sub- only in the countries Saharan Africa. EMAIL: [email protected] where the military and police went as far as firing rubber

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 Detained migrant children are sitting ducks MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 THE WASHINGTON POST the date by which two federal are a recipe for rapid trans- 1997 set limits on the time agencies - US Immigration mission of pathogens. It’s migrant minors can be held in DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Migrant children and their and Customs Enforcement, more frightening still when detention, in recognition of families held in federal which operates three migrant the potential victims are damage it can do to their LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 detention facilities are sitting family detention facilities, and children - and generally emotional and mental health. ducks for the pestilence now the Office of Refugee Reset- blameless children at that. The Trump administration, BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 spreading through commu- tlement, which oversees Blameless: That’s an seeking ways to deter further nities nationwide. Already, four shelters for unaccompanied accurate way of describing illegal immigration, has been SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 detained children have tested minors - must report on their most of the minors in immi- bending those rules, even positive for the novel corona- progress. gration detention. Some were seeking to hold migrant ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 virus; so have staff members at Jails, prisons and other apprehended with their children with their families email: [email protected] shelters for unaccompanied detention facilities, often parents, who were often indefinitely. That was dan- minors. Two federal judges, lacking any realistic means of seeking asylum for the family. gerous enough. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 alarmed at what appears to be achieving physical distance Many others entered the The urgency is real. When email: [email protected] a disaster in the making, have among inmates and detainees country on their own, sent or and if the coronavirus begins ordered immigration author- , are tinderboxes for disease smuggled with help from their spreading inside the facilities, ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 ities to accelerate releases of of all sorts. Soap supplies are families in hopes of joining the danger of releasing FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] detained migrants who have no often inadequate. relatives living in the United migrant children may become criminal records and pose no That’s unnerving enough, States. Nearly 7,000 children equal to or greater than the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 danger to society. The longer given that populations in are being held in immigration risks posed by continuing to email: [email protected] the delay, the greater the risk to detention are never static, detention, nearly half of them detain them. That’s not a both the migrants and others. and that the constant with one or both parents. choice the courts should be SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 The judges set April 6 as transfers of people in and out A federal lawsuit settled in forced to make. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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/ThePeninsulaNewspaper politics. This is about support in the crisis. Olaf Scholz, German Finance Minister +974 6698 6188 SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 EUROPE 09 Spain overtakes Italy in coronavirus cases as death rate slows

REUTERS — MADRID With a total 117,710 confirmed cases, Spain is now second in the number of infections only to Spain overtook Italy for the first time yesterday for the number of the United States, which has a population some confirmed coronavirus cases, but seven times larger. Spain’s total death toll now the overnight death toll fell from the previous day, providing a stands at 10,935, second only to Italy’s 13,915 small glimmer of hope. fatalities. With a total 117,710 confirmed cases, Spain is now second in the number of infections only to the confirms the reduction trend are banned. Spaniards have been Ambulance workers push a wheelchair with a patient at a nursing home in Leganes Madrid, near United States, which has a pop- we’ve been observing,” said confined to home since March 14, Madrid, Spain. ulation some seven times larger. Maria Jose Sierra, the deputy with an initial 15-day period now Spain’s total death toll now stands head of health emergency. That extended till April 12. The gov- at 10,935, second only to Italy’s is down from a 20 perce increase ernment is now considering a Mortuaries have been over- Catalan town of Sabadell. The most populous and second 13,915 fatalities. one week ago. second extension of the whelmed, prompting regional government has set up more worst-hit after Madrid. On a more hopeful note, yes- Prime Minister Pedro lockdown. authorities to set up a third than a dozen of these field hos- More than 4,400 people terday marked the first time in Sanchez has imposed one of The foreign ministry said improvised facility at an ice rink pitals around the country to have died in the Madrid region, more than a week that the Europe’s strictest lockdowns, yesterday it launched an online near Madrid yesterday, adapting treat patients. data showed yesterday. The number of deaths fell from the leaving only employees in platform called Aloja that would the 1,800 square-metre space “We are at the limit, we are dead include people in the previous day, to 932 fatalities essential sectors such as health let Spaniards living abroad get to receive corpses. at maximum stress,” said region’s overwhelmed nursing from 950. free to travel to and from work. in touch with stranded Spanish Soldiers and firefighters set Catalan regional government homes, which house some “The increase in the number Restaurants, bars and shops are travellers and offer them up an emergency hospital yes- chief Quim Torra in an 50,000 people in the most vul- of cases today is 7 percent, which shuttered, and social gatherings accommodation. terday in a sports centre in the interview. The region is Spain’s nerable age bracket. Sweden rejects France reports 588 more deaths in 24 hours accusations AFP — PARIS Despite the decrease in of lack of growth of intensive care patients France yesteray reported 588 “we have still not reached the virus action more coronavirus deaths in peak of this wave and even less hospital, its biggest 24-hour toll its diminution,” he added. in the country since the epidemic On what in usual times AFP — STOCKHOLM began. would be a weekend where The new deaths brought to French families would decamp Sweden has got broad media 5,091 the total number of people en masse for the Easter holidays, attention for its soft approach who have died in hospital of Salomon repeated official to the new coronavirus COVID-19 in France, top health warnings that vacationing was outbreak, but it strongly rejects official Jerome Salomon told out of the question. the idea that life is carrying on reporters. “This evening above all. Stay uninterrupted as the country There is no daily toll for at home if you want to save passes 6,000 confirmed cases. those who have died of lives,” he said. A cradle-to-grave welfare COVID-19 in old people’s homes Asked about apparent mixed state with strong social pro- in France. But Salomon said that messages over the course of the tection, Sweden has in recent a total of 1,416 people had died crisis concerning whether weeks been accused by some, in such establishments from people should wear sanitary both internationally and COVID-19 during the epidemic. masks, Salomon said they could domestically, of risking the This brings the total French toll help but gave no indication lives of its citizens by not to at least 6,507. whether this would be taking more stringent France has been in lockdown obligatory. measures to curb the spread Medical staff wait before carrying patients infected with the novel coronavirus at a train station in since March 17 in a bid to slow “In France, as in Europe, we of COVID-19. Bordeaux, southwestern France, yesterday. the spread of the epidemic, with don’t have the tradition of “No, it’s not business as only essential trips allowed wearing the mask. There is a tra- usual in Sweden,” Health Min- outside that have to be justified with 263 more entering intensive on the day earlier. But this does soon to say this was a trend it dition in Asia.” ister Lena Hallengren told with a signed piece of paper. care, the lowest such increases not include all cases as testing is was “good news”. “These masks allow you to international media outlets In a glimmer of hope, for over a week. not universal. “We cannot analyse the sit- protect yourself. If there is access this week. Salomon said that 1,186 more He said that there were a According to Salomon there uation based on one number and to masks we encourage the Sweden has not ordered a people had been hospitalised total of 64,338 confirmed cases was a reduction in emergency one day but we have noticed this public to wear masks if they lockdown, instead issuing rec- suffering from the coronavirus in France, an increase of 5,233 phone calls and while it was too decrease,” he said. desire,” he said. ommendations and calling on citizens to “each take respon- sibility” and follow the guide- lines. Hallengren, who together Boris Johnson stays with Deputy Prime Minister Isabella Lovin and Foreign Minister Ann Linde held a in isolation; Queen special briefing for interna- tional media, stressed that the Nordic country had introduced a string of measures and was to address nation ready to do more if needed. People over the age of 70 REUTERS — LONDON video on Twitter from Downing and in risk groups have been Street. strongly encouraged to avoid British Prime Minister Boris “Although I’m feeling better contact with other people, and Johnson said yesterday he was and I’ve done my seven days of higher education institutions remaining in isolation with mild isolation, alas I still have one of have been advised to conduct symptoms of COVID-19, the symptoms, a minor classes remotely. including a raised temperature, symptom, I still have a temper- Economic measures have seven days after he first tested ature,” he said. been adopted to make sick positive for the new coronavirus “So in accordance with gov- leave less costly, and people which causes the respiratory ernment advice, I must continue have been repeatedly asked to disease. my self-isolation until that work from home and self- With the country nearing the symptom itself goes,” he added. isolate at the slightest end of its second week in Johnson announced a pos- symptom of the new National Health Service workers check people at a coronavirus drive-through testing station in lockdown, the UK death toll rose itive test result on March 27, the coronavirus. London, yesterday. by nearly 700 to 3,605 and the first leader of a major power to Among the stricter National Health Service (NHS) do so. The state-run NHS measures are bans on gath- said two nurses in their 30s had announced yesterday that two and describing them as remember Aimee and Areema. United Kingdom. erings of more than 50 people died of the disease. nurses, Aimee O’Rourke, 39, and remarkable women who were Please stay at home for them,” He effectively shuttered the and on visits to nursing homes. Queen Elizabeth will address Areema Nasreen, 36, had died part of the NHS family. she said. world’s fifth-largest economy, The ministers stressed the the nation tomorrow, Buck- after testing positive for “This weekend is going to be Johnson initially adopted a instructing people to stay at recommendations were ingham Palace said, only the fifth COVID-19. very warm and it will be very relatively restrained approach home and and ordering schools, having a noticeable effect. time she has done so other than England’s chief nurse Ruth tempting to go out and enjoy to the outbreak compared with non-essential shops and social They estimated that about at Christmas during her 68 years May made an impassioned plea those summer rays,” May said other European leaders but venues to close. 70 percent fewer people were on the throne. A weary-looking to the public to stay at home over at a daily government news swiftly changed tack when pro- “Please, please stick with the moving about the city centre, Johnson, sitting in a chair in an the coming weekend, invoking conference. jections showed a quarter of a guidance now,” Johnson said in and one-third of Stockholmers open-necked shirt, posted a the memories of the two nurses “But please, I ask you to million people could die in the his video message. were now working from home. Labour to unveil new leader today to succeed Corbyn AFP — LONDON low-key affair, with a planned suffered its worst result since the leadership’s handling of claims suspicions on the left. His main as leader in 2015, on the back of special conference cancelled due 1930s. of anti-Semitism. rival is Rebecca Long-Bailey, a huge surge in party mem- Britain’s main opposition Labour to restrictions on social gath- Conservative Prime Minister “We get the chance to rebuild Labour’s business spokeswoman bership, was a shock. party today unveils a new leader erings imposed to stem the Boris Johnson triumphed by our party and our movement and, and a close Corbyn ally. A third MPs and party members to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, who spread of COVID-19. winning parliamentary seats in more importantly than that, the candidate, backbench MP Lisa have been locked in an ideo- takes the helm of a defeated and Instead, the result will be put Labour’s former industrial chance to put Labour where it Nandy, is viewed as a long shot. logical battle ever since. divided party in the middle of the out in a press release mid- heartlands. needs to be back, which is back Labour grew out of the trade “There’s really a lot of bad coronavirus outbreak. morning — and candidates have It was Corbyn’s second in power,” he told supporters on union movement but moved to blood and mistrust,” said Steven Keir Starmer, a former been asked to pre-record their election defeat — the fourth for a video conference call on the political centre under former Fielding, a political expert at the director of state prosecutions and victory speeches. Labour since it left office in 2010 Thursday. prime minister Tony Blair, who University of Nottingham. Labour’s Brexit spokesman, is the Smart and studious, but — and he was forced to resign. Starmer says he is a socialist was in office between 1997 and “The first challenge (of the runaway favourite to win the accused of lacking charisma, Starmer has now promised driven by the desire to reduce 2007. new leader) will be to put a team ballot of around 500,000 party Starmer has vowed to get the to unite the party after years of inequality, but his pragmatic Corbyn had spent a lifetime together that at least looks like members. party back in shape after Decem- bitter arguments about Corbyn’s approach has attracted support on the sidelines because of his it has the ability to unify the The announcement will be a ber’s general election, when it socialist agenda, Brexit and the from centrists in the party — and left-wing views, and his election party.” 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 COVID-19 cases in Russia reach 4,149; death toll at 34

AGENCIES — MOSCOW Russia has taken coronavirus. The governor of several measures to Kamchatka, a region more than Russia reported 601 new coro- 6,000km east of Moscow, ten- navirus cases and four deaths stem virus spread, dered his resignation yesterday. including lockdowns yesterday. The total number of The region has no confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 4,149, in Moscow, St. cases of the virus, but has drawn while the death toll stands at 34, Petersburg and criticism from Russia’s consumer according to Russia’s coronavirus health regulator over what it said task force. other regions. The was the area’s inadequate testing Moscow remains the worst- entry of foreign regime. affected area as 448 of the new The head of the remote cases were reported in the nationals is banned northern Komi republic was capital, the team said in a in the country, replaced a day earlier shortly statement. and international after an investigation was The total number of recov- launched into whether more than eries is up to 281 after 46 more air traffic remains 50 people in a local hospital had people were discharged from suspended. been infected by a single doctor. hospitals over the past 24 hours. The governor of the neigh- On Thursday, President bouring Arkhangelsk region, Vladimir Putin extended the in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and which has fewer than 10 cases, “non-working period” until April several other regions. also resigned on Thursday, saying 30 to stem the spread of the virus. The entry of foreign nationals the president should decide who In a televised address, he said is banned in the country, and governs the region. “By the end Migrants wearing face masks queue up to renew work permits in St. Petersburg, yesterday. “the peak of the pandemic has international air traffic remains of the week, they (regional not passed yet” and that severity suspended. authorities) must determine a of lockdown measures will differ Meanwhile, President Putin concrete set of preventative infrastructure,” Putin said in a whole country. Since appearing Hopkins University. The data depending on each region’s yesterday accepted the third res- measures that are optimal for national address on Thursday. in Wuhan, China, last December, shows more than one million situation. ignation of a regional governor their territories from the point of Yesterday, he told a meeting the novel coronavirus has spread cases have been reported Russia has taken several within two days after calling on view of ensuring the health and of the domestic security council to at least 181 countries and worldwide so far, with the global measures to stem the spread of Russia’s far-flung areas to do safety of people, as well as the that it would not be practical to regions, according to data com- death toll nearing 53,200, and the virus, including lockdowns more to limit the spread of the stability of the economy and key limit economic activity across the piled by the US-based Johns over 212,000 recoveries. Spat over presidential poll tests Poland’s ruling coalition Chechnya REUTERS — WARSAW coalition if members including Jaroslaw Gowin, who heads that holding the vote, even via Support for President imposes the Porozumienie (Accord) party Porozumienie in parliament, said post, is a health hazard. Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally and the Poland’s government is at risk of oppose the proposed law. in an interview with Polska “All scenarios are possible at party’s candidate, has risen night curfew splitting after a junior coalition “We will vote against the pro- Times.pl daily that he did not the moment,” said a lawmaker during the pandemic to 55 party said presidential elections posal,” Porozumienie lawmaker want the election held next from another coalition partner, percent, according to IBRiS should not be held in May and party spokeswoman month but had not threatened to Solidarna Polska, adding that PiS pollster. REUTERS — MOSCOW because of the coronavirus Magdalena Sroka said. pull out of the government. may try to convince individual In February, he was neck- pandemic, rejecting the main The PiS-led coalition holds “The decision about the date Porozumienie members to stay in-neck with opposition can- The southern Russian region Law and Justice (PiS) party’s line 235 of the 460 seats in the lower of the election has to take into in the coalition if the party didate Malgorzata Kidawa- of Chechnya yesterday that they should go ahead. house and would lose its majority account the epidemic. There is withdraws. Blonska of the centrist Civic became the first to introduce The lower house of par- if Porozumienie quit. no space for any political games. There were 392 new coro- Platform (PO), with around 40 a night curfew to try to prevent liament, the Sejm, was expected Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of This is a matter of life and death,” navirus cases in Poland on percent of second-round votes. the spread of the coronavirus, to vote yesteray on a law that nationalist PiS and Poland’s de Gowin said. Thursday, the highest daily “At a time of crisis, voters despite having reported only would allow voting in the election facto leader, reaffirmed on public Opposition parties also want increase so far, with another 203 consolidate around the author- a dozen confirmed cases. to take place exclusively by post, radio yesterday the party’s the poll postponed, saying reported yesterday, bringing the ities, assuming the authorities are Rights activists have raised with no physical voting booths. position that the presidential restrictions imposed to halt the total to 3,149, according to the doing a good job fighting the concerns over how the A PiS source said the vote election should take place as spread of coronavirus will health ministry. Nearly 60 threat. And the current rulers are lockdown measures will be could determine the future of the scheduled. prevent them campaigning and people have died. doing a good job,” Kaczynski said. enforced in the republic, where violent human rights abuses are reported on a regular basis. Chechen author- Greece enforces ities deny those allegations. The Muslim-majority republic said it was banning lockdown; streets the movement of people and vehicles between 8pm and 8am and announced it would deserted in Athens close its borders from April 5, suspending road, rail and air AP — ATHENS lockdown was implemented, transport links with the rest of allowing people to leave home Russia. Deserted squares, padlocked only for specific reasons. At “The coronavirus cannot parks, empty avenues where the time, Greece had 624 con- be kept at bay with half- lines of cars once idled firmed COVID-19 cases, and measures. It is important to bumper-to-bumper in traffic 15 deaths. break the chain of trans- as motorbikes and scooters Under the lockdown, mission,” Ramzan Kadyrov, zoomed through the narrow anyone outdoors must carry a Chechnya’s Kremlin-backed gaps between. signed self-declaration form, leader, said in a statement. The Greek capital, Athens, or must have sent a text like so many cities across the message to a central number. world, has seen its streets People may leave home to Controversial empty under a lockdown work, visit a doctor or bank, designed to stem the spread buy food or medication, attend Soviet-era of the new coronavirus. a direct relative’s funeral, help Compared with many other someone in need, take statue removed countries, Greece took exercise or walk a pet. A man carring out disinfection work as a precaution against coronavirus in Athens, Greece. aggressive measures early. Violators face $163 fines, in Prague Schools, kindergartens and and police have fanned out universities were shut after the across the country, setting up said that while the vast week restricted access to only occasional jogger, a few AFP — PRAGUE first confirmed cases, while spot checks on central avenues majority of the population has a few hours per day on a people walking to work, the more restrictions were intro- and even boarding public abided by the new regulations, pedestrian seafront area in the homeless, some asylum- Prague authorities yesterday duced every couple of days: ski buses — which are running some continue to flout them, northern city of Thessaloniki seekers and other migrants. said they had removed a contro- resorts and public organized nearly empty — to ensure pas- using the justification of after crowds gathered there Officials say it will take versial Soviet-era statue, despite beaches closed, retail stores sengers are not breaking the exercise or walking a pet to over the weekend. weeks to determine whether protests from Moscow, to make shut down, routine surgeries rules. By Thursday, police said congregate in certain areas. In Athens, cars whizz the restrictions are bearing way for a World War II canceled, churches shuttered, they had imposed fines for Beaches and seafront through normally congested fruit. By Thursday, the virus memorial. more and more people advised 15,741 violations since March walks have been particularly streets. Cleaning crews spray had killed 53 people in Greece. Plans to remove the bronze to work from home. 23. popular during warm spring sidewalks with disinfectant. At least 1,544 had been statue of Soviet general Ivan On March 23, a full Government officials have weather, and authorities this Pedestrians are scarce: the confirmed positive. Konev triggered a sharp reaction from Moscow last year. While Konev is regarded as Hungary PM says no time for EU allies’ criticism a hero in Russia, many Czechs EU says will provide Armenia see him as a symbol of Soviet- era oppression. AFP — BUDAPEST Thirteen European the hand of party chairman with €51m to fight virus He led Red Army troops that centre-right parties Donald Tusk, the former Polish liberated Prague from the Nazis Hungarian Prime Minister leader and president of the REUTERS — YEREVAN through access to important in 1945, but he was also in Viktor Orban said yesterday he urged their European European Council, who is regional banking facilities charge of Operation Whirlwind, has “no time” for scathing crit- Peoples Party (EPP) pushing the EPP to distance The European Union is ready and further restructuring of which crushed the anti-Soviet icism by EU allies of sweeping itself from Orban. to provide €51m to help projects,” the EU mission Hungarian Uprising of 1956. powers he took on this week to political group The signatories call on the support Armenia’s economy said. Prague district 6 mayor tackle the coronavirus threat. to expel Orban’s EU executive, the European and healthcare system as it Armenian authorities say Ondrej Kolar told the Czech CTK Thirteen European centre- Fidesz party after he Commission, to “address the battles to curb the South the pandemic will slash eco- news agency that Konev’s statue right parties urged their situation in Hungary forcefully” Caucasus’ worst outbreak of nomic growth that had been would be placed in a “museum European Peoples Party (EPP) assumed emergency and brand Orban’s move a “vio- the new coronavirus. forecast at 4.9 percent this year. dedicated to the history of the political group to expel Orban’s powers on Monday. lation of the founding principles The ex-Soviet country of International financial 20th century in Fidesz party after he assumed of liberal democracy and around 3 million had reported institutions have also pledged Czechoslovakia.” emergency powers on Monday. European values”. 736 cases of the virus by yes- support. Pro-Russian Czech Pres- Orban insists he must rule about the intentions of other Under the emergency law, terday. Seven people have died. The World Bank said on ident Milos Zeman echoed by decree to tackle the spread countries. This seems to me to Orban has the power to rule by The EU’s mission in Friday it had allocated $3m to Russian outrage over the move of the new coronavirus pan- be a costly luxury these days,” decree until his government Armenia said on its Facebook address Armenia’s urgent need as “an abuse of the state of demic. But many, including he wrote. decides the virus crisis is over. page that the bloc would for medical equipment and emergency”, referring to a gov- some of his allies in the EPP, “I am ready to discuss this It also threatens journalists provide €18m of new funding, supplies, while the Asian Devel- ernment-imposed lockdown to accuse him of a power grab once the pandemic is over,” he with prison if they publish with €33m to be redirected opment Bank gave a $100,000 stem the spread of the deadly gone too far. added. “falsehoods” about the virus or from existing projects. grant to buy personal pro- novel coronavirus. “With all due respect I have The Scandinavian, Greek, the government’s actions to Funds will be used to pur- tective equipment for medical On August 21, 2019, the no time for this,” said Orban in Belgian, Lithuanian, Czech and slow it. The EPP is the biggest chase medical devices and staff. anniversary of the 1968 invasion a letter to EPP Secretary Slovak conservatives, who single voting bloc in the equipment, train medical and The International Monetary of Czechoslovakia, someone General Antonio Lopez-Isturiz signed Thursday’s statement European Parliament and the laboratory staff and support Fund mission is currently con- sprayed “No to the blood- White posted on Twitter by one calling for Fidesz to be kicked party of both European Com- small and medium-sized enter- ducting a review of an $248 m covered marshal, we shall not of his ministers Katalin Novak. out of the EPP, do not represent mission chief Ursula von der prises and economic growth in loan arrangement which the forget” on Konev’s statue that “I can hardly imagine any a majority of the group. Leyen and Germany’s Chan- general. government had previously was erected by the then com- of us having time for fantasies But their letter strengthens cellor Angela Merkel. “More is yet to come treated as precautionary. munist regime in 1980. SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 AMERICAS 11 As coronavirus surge looms, field hospitals emerge across US

AFP — WASHINGTON The military is 20 other sites in Detroit, Grand building eight field Rapids and other parts of Convention centers, sports Michigan, in case they are arenas, and parking lots from hospitals in and needed. “I like to hope for the Los Angeles to Miami are being around New York, best and plan for the worst as an urgently converted into make- Chicago and two engineer,” said Zager, a quote shift hospitals as authorities often repeated in his corps. brace for a surge in coronavirus other Illinois cities. The military is building patients. More sites in Texas eight field hospitals in and But another problem is around New York, Chicago and already looming: A dire lack of and Louisiana are two other Illinois cities. More medical staff to work in them. also planned. sites in Texas and Louisiana are For the time being, these also planned. Colombia woes beds are often lying empty In California, the state’s Venezuelan migrants climb up a truck as they try to make their way home after Colombia’s government- because the peak in the number the air conditioning to ensure National Guard has set up a imposed quarantine against the spread of coronavirus disease has made it impossible for them to of infections is still believed to be air doesn’t escape outside. temporary hospital in the desert several weeks away for many “I’ve been working 15 hour environs of Indio, with 125 beds. earn a living, in Chia, Colombia, yesterday. regions, excluding the likes of days since this started,” said Nick An RV camp hospital has been New York and Louisiana. Zager, of the Army Corps of Engi- set up near the beach in Los The rows and rows of beds neers which is more often called Angeles to isolate coronavirus Anyone near Trump or Pence will Canada blasts in immense rooms invoke a in to help cities devastated by patients. And hospitals are sense of wartime, and a health hurricanes or floods. themselves expanding their be given rapid COVID-19 test US blockage of catastrophe to come. “I’ve never felt part of a capacity without waiting for In New York, the con- more important mission in my public assistance. 3M mask export vention center where Hillary life.” By the weekend they’re In Virginia, just south of the REUTERS — WASHINGTON pre-symptomatic or asympto- Clinton held her election night hoping to have in place 1,000 capital Washington, there is a matic carriers status to limit REUTERS — OTTAWA/TORONTO party in 2016 is opening its rooms measuring ten by ten sense of a calm before the storm. With the coronavirus contagion inadvertent transmission.” One doors to COVID-19 patients. feet, separated by partitions, The peak of the outbreak in the spreading, the White House of the vexing revelations about Canadian officials yesterday A Navy hospital ship, the over two floors, awaiting future state isn’t set to occur until mid- said yesterday that anyone the virus is that infected people blasted a move by President USNS Comfort, has a thousand virus patients. May, according to modeling by expected to be near President can spread it without even Donald Trump to block 3M beds but as of yesterday just 20 There will be 600 beds on the Institute for Health Metrics Donald Trump or Vice Pres- knowing they have the illness Co’s export of respirators as were occupied because the mil- the upper floor equipped with and Evaluation at the University ident Mike Pence will be given or before symptoms have coronavirus cases were pro- itary doesn’t want to treat any oxygen, and 400 on the lower of Washington. a rapid COVID-19 test. become evident. jected to soar in the country’s coronavirus patients but floor without breathing support The Mary Washington Hos- The test is expected to be Trump has now been tested most populous region. instead handle the overflow of for patients further along in pital in Virginia’s Freder- the same quick-action test that twice for the coronavirus and Ontario health officials other patients. their recovery. Plus 66 sinks, 49 icksburg has just set up an Trump took on Thursday. He both times tested negative. Pence projected 80,000 corona- In Detroit, engineers have showers and 23 toilets. The emergency room in its parking took the Abbott Laboratories was also tested and was neg- virus cases and 1,600 deaths been busy since Tuesday facility is being financed by the lot to double its capacity. test, which provides results in ative. The White House has put in the province by month end erecting partitions in the TCF federal government following The hospital has doubled its 15 minutes or less. social distancing measures into under current public health Center, a convention hall where a request made by the state of number of Intensive Care Unit White House spokesman place, such as providing more measures, and urged people Bernie Sanders held a political Michigan on Sunday. beds from 38 to 76, and presently Judd Deere said, “starting today space between seats at events. to restrict their movements. rally in early March. Medical staff and equipment has 71 ventilators. “My biggest anyone who is expected to be But there are limits to how much Ontario has reported 3,255 They’re putting in oxygen are the responsiblity of the local concern with this is staffing,” in close proximity to either of distancing can be done given confirmed cases and 67 deaths. tubes, cabling for electricity and health authority. Army engi- Christopher Newman, the hos- them will be administered a how relatively small office space Late on Thursday, Trump computers, and have modified neers are already pre-planning pital’s chief medical officer said. COVID-19 test to evaluate for is in the West Wing. slammed 3M in a tweet after earlier invoking the Defense Production Act to get the company to produce pro- Pentagon removes captain of virus-struck aircraft carrier tective face masks. Prime Justin Trudeau said AFP — WASHINGTON to US media before top defense that Captain Crozier did what ship had to be evacuated to rapidly as possible to get him it would be “a mistake” to officials saw it. he thought was in the best ensure the coronavirus does not the help he needed,” Modly said. create blockages that reduce The Pentagon removed the Modly said that while there interests of the safety and well- spread further. Modly said the episode would the flow of essential goods, captain of the coronavirus- have been 114 cases of the coro- being of his crew,” said Modly. Modly said the situation was be investigated, noting that Cro- including medical supplies, stricken USS Theodore Roo- navirus in the crew so far, none “Unfortunately, it did the exaggerated and that it was not zier’s own immediate superior across the border, noting that sevelt on Thursday, saying he has been severe and Crozier opposite.” In addition to fright- correct that the Navy leadership was aboard the Roosevelt at the many Canadian healthcare mishandled communications overstated the severity when he ening families of the sailors, he was not addressing the problem time, but also referring to pos- professionals go to work in over how the outbreak was suggested sailors were going to said, “it raised concerns about the at the time the letter went out. sible ongoing management Detroit every day. sweeping through the warship. die without fast action. operational capabilities and In addition, he faulted problems in the US Pacific fleet, Asked whether Canada Acting Navy Secretary Crozier “demonstrated operational security of that ship Crozier for “an uncharacteristic which experienced two fatal col- would retaliate if the US Thomas Modly said Captain extremely poor judgment in the that could have emboldened our lapse in judgment” in sending lisions last year. blockade goes ahead, Deputy Brett Crozier was wrong to dis- middle of a crisis” in his han- adversaries to seek advantage.” an unclassified letter meant for The Roosevelt, one of two Prime Minister Chrystia tribute to a wide range of people dling of the letter, Modly said. Crozier’s letter, which leaked his superiors to as many as 30 US Navy carriers in the Freeland said Ottawa would copies of an emotional, four- “It misrepresented the facts on Tuesday, sparked concern that people, increasing the chance western Pacific, is now docked “do whatever it takes to defend page letter describing the threat of what was going on the ship” the virus was out of control and it would be made public. in Guam where most of the the national interest.” of the outbreak to the ship’s and created “a little bit of panic” suggested the Navy leadership The letter “undermined the crew is being offloaded and 3M said yesterday that it nearly 5,000 sailors, allowing that was unnecessary, he said. was not responding. Crozier chain of command who had placed in shore housing to would boost respirator pro- it to be leaked earlier this week “I have no doubt in my mind stunned experts by saying the been moving and adjusting as decontaminate the vessel. duction and import more masks into the United States, and it warned that Peru to restrict movement by blocking exports could Venezuela opposition denounces result in retaliation by other countries that could ulti- gender during virus quarantine mately reduce the amount arrests of Guaido allies of equipment available. AFP — LIMA He said the restrictions Canada and the United AFP — CARACAS detained by security forces. Five opposition lawmaker Delsa Solo- would apply until April 12, the States closed their common of them in the last 72 hours,” rzano said. The arrests hap- Peruvian President Martin Viz- original end date to a lockdown border to all non-essential Venezuela’s opposition claimed Guaido’s office said on Twitter. pened on the same day Guaido carra announced a new he imposed on March 16. traffic earlier this month. late on Thursday that two Neither the government of had been called to appear measure restricting public Panama announced a Canada has recorded members of leader Juan Guaido’s President Nicolas Maduro, nor before the public prosecutor. movement by gender, as the similar measure on Monday almost 12,000 cases of the team were arrested on the same police or military authorities The subpoena, according to country tries to curb the spread that went into effect two days illness caused by the new day that he was due to appear have confirmed the arrests. Attorney General Tarek William of the new coronavirus. later and will last for 15 days. coronavirus, and the death before prosecutors investigating Around 30 officers “dressed Saab, is based on an alleged Men will only be allowed By Thursday, Peru had toll jumped by almost 20% an alleged “attempted coup in black, masked and with heavy seizure of firearms in Colombia to leave their homes on recorded just over 1,400 coro- from Thursday to 152, the d’etat” and “magnicide”. weapons” took part in the oper- that were due to be sent to Vene- Mondays, Wednesday and navirus cases and 55 deaths. public health agency said Demostenes Quijada and ation to arrest Quijada, said zuela as part of a plot to assassinate Fridays, while women are Vizcarra said the new yesterday. Maury Carrero were arrested Guaido’s human rights repre- Maduro and other officials. authorised to step outdoors measure aims to reduce by half Doug Ford, the premier at their homes by military intel- sentative, Humberto Prado, who Guaido was apparently impli- on Tuesdays, Thursdays and the number of people circu- of Ontario, said yesterday ligence agents, Guaido’s office accused the agents of “ran- cated in the alleged plot by Cliver Saturdays. No one is allowed lating in public at any one time. that he had spoken to US said in a statement. “With this sacking the home and arbitrarily Alcala, a retired military leader out on Sundays. “The (existing) control Trade Representative Robert new assault by the dictatorship, confiscating” two family vehicles. who was close to late former pres- “We have 10 days left, let’s measures have given good Lighthizer about the Trump there are now 10 members” of A similar operation was con- ident Hugo Chavez but fell out with make this extra effort to control results, but not what was hoped administration move to block Guaido’s team “that have been ducted against Carrero, his successor Maduro. this disease,” said Vizcarra. for,” said Vizcarra. 3M exports of masks. Bill Withers, soul icon behind ‘Lean On Me,’ dies at 81 AFP - LOS ANGELES ones.” The artist’s recording career lasted just 14 years — he released his Bill Withers, the legendary performer final album in 1985 — but his hits who defined 1970s soul with timeless that melded gritty southern blues hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and with smooth R&B have endured for “Lean on Me” has died, his family decades as global classics, including said. He was 81 years old. “Lovely Day” and “Just the Two of The Grammy-winning artist suc- Us.” The youngest of six, cumbed to heart complications, Withers was born on July 4, 1938 according to his family, which said during the final years of the Great it was “devastated” over the loss. Depression in Slab Fork, West Virginia, “A solitary man with a heart driven in a segregated coal mining region. to connect to the world at large, with It wasn’t until his mid-30s that his poetry and music, he spoke hon- Withers began recording music. “I estly to people and connected them can’t play the guitar or the piano, but to each other,” they said. I made a career out of writing songs “In this difficult time, we pray his on guitars and piano,” the artist told music offers comfort and enter- The New York Times in 2015. “I tainment as fans hold tight to loved never learned music. I just did it.” 12 AMERICAS SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 Virus-related cyberattacks and fraud schemes surge

AFP — WASHINGTON upon a population desperate for Over the past month, Security firm Proofpoint said split. I wasn’t expecting so many “We also know you are safety and reassurance,” said the at least 100,000 new this week it is seeing a wave of people expressing concern,” humans, and that your own Internet users have seen a surge report released this week by email scams themed around said Alex Guirakhoo, a threat family and loved ones may find in COVID-related cyberattacks Interisle Consulting Group. web domain names stimulus payments, Australian researcher with the security themselves in need of urgent and fraud schemes which could The number of “spoofed” were registered government “coronavirus tax firm Digital Shadows who mon- medical care,” the group said in add to the misery of the pan- websites used for phishing to containing terms relief” or even a fictitious “relief itors hacker forums globally. a blog post. demic, even as some hackers steal people’s private creden- offer” from the World Health “There are some people (in “We ask for your empathy have called for dialing back tials rose by 350 percent since like covid, corona, Organization and the Interna- hacker forums) saying ‘I’m and cooperation. Please do not their criminal efforts. January to more than 500,000, and virus, many of tional Monetary Fund. really concerned for my family'. target healthcare providers A deluge of attacks has according to Atlas VPN, which “More than 80 percent of all This is a situation affecting eve- during the coming months and, included phishing emails pur- provides secure connection which are considered the attacks Proofpoint now ryone.” After some reports indi- if you target one uninten- ported to be from health services. “malicious”, according intercepts have something to do cated hospitals had been hit by tionally, please provide them agencies, counterfeit product These schemes could lead to a report prepared with the pandemic, a level that ransomware, some hacker with the decryption key at no offers and bogus charity to unprecedented amounts of is unprecedented,” the company groups pledged to avoid hitting cost.” But Emsisoft spokesman donation requests, according to theft, identity hijacking and ran- for the global internet said. “These attacks appear to health care organizations, Brett Callow said the plea may security analysts. somware to extract money from registry agency be working, and now they are according to researchers. not be working. Over the past month, at least vulnerable organizations, some ICANN. leveraging news of the stimulus One hacker group known as “Any claims that these ran- 100,000 new web domain analysts fear. In just the past few package to ensnare more Maze promised to halt attacks on somware groups make should names were registered con- weeks, US consumers have lost victims.” hospitals and provide encryption be taken with a grain of salt,” taining terms like covid, corona, nearly $5m to coronavirus- to an FTC warning to watch for But even with the unprece- keys to ones that have been hit, Callow said, noting that ran- and virus, many of which are themed scams, according to the stimulus-related fraud schemes. dented opportunity, some according to Filip Truta of the somware attacks are continuing considered “malicious”, Federal Trade Commission. Because of the global nature hackers are considering pulling security firm BitDefender. against health organizations. according to a report prepared The potential for fraud of the pandemic, hackers are back on their attacks on people Security firm Emsisoft, “These groups have for the global internet registry could rise further, notably as a taking advantage of all the during the crisis, according to which specializes in ran- attacked hospitals in the past. agency ICANN. result of the $2 trillion economic attention being paid to the health researchers who monitor “dark somware, made an unusual plea They have put lives at risk and “The pandemic has led to an relief package approved by crisis to lure people into opening web” forums. to hackers last month to spare it would be a mistake to assume explosion of cybercrime, preying Congress this month, according malicious emails and links. “There seems to be an even health care firms. they wouldn’t do so again.” NY faces COVID-19 onslaught; death toll nears 3,000 in state

REUTERS — NEW YORK More than 25% of the 6,058 US coronavirus deaths tallied by Johns Hopkins University as New York state has recorded more than 500 coronavirus- of yesterday morning were in New York City. related deaths in a single day, Infections in the United States totaling 240,000 bringing the statewide total to account for about 24% of the more than 1 nearly 3,000, or about the same number killed in the million cases worldwide. September 11, 2001 attacks, Governor Andrew Cuomo said yesterday. Blasio, a Democrat, told WNYC Thomas Riley, a nurse in New New York City has mere radio. “The president has to give York City who recovered after days to prepare for the worst of that order right now.” Trump is testing positive for the corona- the novel coronavirus a Republican. virus, told CNN yesterday. onslaught, the city’s mayor Bill More than 25% of the 6,058 Most of the state’s corona- de Blasio said. He pleaded for US coronavirus deaths tallied virus-related hospitalizations federal government help to end by Johns Hopkins University as have been in the New York City a shortage of medical staff and of yesterday morning were in area. There are more than ventilators. The city has suf- New York City. Infections in the 102,863 coronavirus cases in fered more than a quarter of US United States totaling 240,000 New York state, up from 92,381 deaths in the outbreak. account for about 24% of the a day earlier, Cuomo said. “I think somehow in Wash- more than 1 million cases Anthony Fauci, a doctor and ington, there’s an assumption worldwide. leading member of Trump’s The main hall at Union Station, usually a busy commuter and travel hub, is mostly empty during the (that) there’s weeks to prepare,” “We all know New York is coronavirus task force, said coronavirus pandemic in Washington, US, yesterday. de Blasio said on MSNBC. bad but we know the worst is social distancing is beginning “There’s not weeks anymore. It yet to come,” said Naila to work even though the United is days now.” Shereen, an internal medicine States is still far from over the The 24-hour death toll was specialist who rotates through worst. “There’s no doubt...the Survivors donate plasma Nurses decry 562, raising the New York state various hospitals in New York. mitigation activities, the total to 2,935 fatalities, Cuomo New statistics confirmed physical separation that we’re lack of said. He called it the “highest that hundreds of thousands of doing clearly is having a pos- hoping to heal the sick single increase in the number Americans had lost their jobs itive impact. You don’t see it equipment of deaths since we started.” The because of the pandemic, dramatically yet... but there’s no AFP — NEW YORK under way are not intended to September 11 attacks killed although economists say the doubt that’s its having an yield golden-ticket solutions. AFP — NEW YORK nearly 3,000 people, most of real figure is far more than effect,” Fauci told Fox News. As she emerges from quar- Eldad Hod and Steven Spi- them at New York City’s World that because huge swathes of “It’s going to get worse - antine, recovered COVID-19 talnik — transfusion medicine “Soldiers don’t go to war Trade Center. the US economy began much worse - before it gets patient Diana Berrent is eager doctors leading trials at without guns, why should De Blasio is asking for 1,000 shutting down last month to better... but it will turn around,” to join the battle against the Columbia University’s Irving nurses come to work without nurses, 150 doctors and 300 avoid spreading the virus. said Fauci, director of the pandemic and donate precious Medical Center — are cautiously protective equipment?” asked respiratory therapists as the While the economic pain National Institute of Allergy and antibodies that researchers optimistic but, like Sachias, Leyrose McIntyre, one of number of COVID-19 cases in is spread across the country, Infectious Diseases. hope might help others. emphasize the unknowns. around 30 nurses demon- the city is expected to rise New York is bearing the brunt He said Americans should In mid-March, the New Spitalnik said they believe strating outside a New York sharply next week. of the grim march of the coro- cover their face in public but Yorker woke up with a 39 Celsius “within seven to 14 days after hospital on Thursday. New York City has yet to navirus in terms of cases, remain isolated as much as pos- fever and intense chest heav- the onset of an infection, that The protest, rare in the age receive a resupply for the up to sickness and death. The virus sible, adding that face masks iness, becoming one of the first people will develop an immune of social distancing, was over a 3,000 ventilators needed by causes the flu-like respiratory must be reserved for medical from her Long Island neigh- response and eventually make lack of masks, gowns, and other next week, de Blasio said, illness COVID-19 for which personnel battling the highly- bourhood to test positive for high amounts of antibodies — protective equipment for health urging President Donald Trump there is no vaccine. infectious disease. “This is...an coronavirus. although exactly when the peak workers treating coronavirus to mobilize medical personnel “It’s very painful. You see addition to the physical sepa- This week, Berrent was the of antibody production will be, patients in the epicenter of from the US military. “They are your friends and people you ration, not as a substitute,” first survivor in her state we don’t know.” Hod said each America’s deadly pandemic. not mobilized for action,” de work with, they’re getting sick,” Fauci said. screened for antibodies — donation “can potentially save Nurses in New York say a immune system-generated three to four lives.” shortage of equipment is putting proteins that can ward off Berrent’s antibody levels their lives at risk. viruses — to contribute to initial met donation requirements — Led by their union, the tests seeking treatment for the but she is waiting on results of New York State Nurses Asso- infection. a nasal swab test to make sure ciation, the nurses spread out Convalescent plasma, the any remnants of coronavirus along the fence outside Mon- fluid in blood teeming with have dissipated. tefiore Medical Center, in the antibodies post-illness, has In the meantime, she’s Bronx. They held placards proven effective in small started the more than 17,000- denouncing a shortage of studies to treat infectious dis- member Facebook group “Sur- “PPE" (personal protective eases including Ebola and vivor Corps” to mobilize other equipment), the rationing of SARS. Now, the US Food and survivors to share their which is affecting staff across Drug Administration has immunity. “I can’t wait to New York’s hospitals. greenlit physicians to exper- donate,” Berrent said. “We are the warriors on iment with the strategy. A Houston hospital has the frontlines... we don’t have Bruce Sachias, chief already transfused plasma from the arms and the armor to medical officer of the New York a recovered patient into protect ourselves against the Blood Center — which will someone critically ill, though it’s enemy,” association president collect, test and distribute still too early to determine Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez said. donations in the city — said efficacy. Sachias said hundreds Stretched hospitals have People wearing masks wait to enter a Shop Rite supermarket in Uniondale, New York, yesterday. while there is reason to believe of people who believe they have had to transform outpatient Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the supermarket has implemented social distancing while shopping plasma transfusions can help recovered from COVID-19 have wards to deal with the influx in the store by letting only a certain number of people enter at a time. alleviate the current crisis, tests applied to help in New York. of patients, according to Jac- queline Anom, a nurse at Mon- tefiore’s ambulatory surgery The new 9/11: Coronavirus and a looming mental health disaster unit. Patients are not supposed to spend the night at the AFP — LOS ANGELES very high levels of anxiety,” together and hug each other. by Kaiser Family Foundation, resources and guidance. Daniels 11-storey building where there Sonya Lott, a Philadelphia- Now, even when we are home the virus has affected the and Lott said their key advice to are no showers, no rooms with The coronavirus pandemic has based psychologist who spe- we shouldn’t be hugging.” mental health of nearly half of patients struggling to cope is to doors and no proper beds. But plunged the world into cializes in grief counseling, said. Holly Daniels, managing the people in the United States. stay grounded in the present and coronavirus-infected patients uncharted territory, leaving “It’s the fear of the unknown director of clinical affairs for the “’Safer at home’ is a won- use meditation, exercise and have been brought there on people feeling helpless in the as we’ve never had a situation California Association of Mar- derful mandate for the corona- online chats with friends and stretchers since Tuesday, and face of an invisible threat of like this before.” She said Amer- riage and Family Therapists, virus, but for a lot of individuals loved ones to ease anxiety. are staying. unknown duration that could icans, like other people says there has been a surge in home is not a safe place,” “I try to get people to stay “I didn’t have the equipment infect any of us. worldwide, are grieving pro- people seeking help. Daniels said. “The suicide rates as close to the now as absolutely for things I needed to do,” said With uncertainty sur- found loss on many levels as the There has also been an are going to go up because possible — in this moment I Anom, who was one of the first rounding the outbreak deep- pandemic continues its relentless increase in the number of calls people are alone and isolated have food, in this moment my to treat an infected patient. ening the economic, social and deadly march around the globe. to suicide hotlines, though no sta- and being at home is really an loved ones are safe, in this Without the right equipment, health care crisis, an army of “The only thing that we’ve tistics are available yet, added the unsafe situation for them.” moment I have a job,” Lott said. she dared not leave the therapists is helping people experienced in America that’s psychotherapist, whose organi- She said therapists are being Limiting exposure to the grim treatment room for most of her cope with the brutal psycho- come close to this pandemic is zation represents 32,000 mental extra vigilant to keep a close news on television and social 12-hour shift even to go to the logical fallout. 9/11,” Lott said. “And even then, health professionals. watch on vulnerable clients and media is another way to soothe toilet for fear of contaminating “People are experiencing we could run home and be According to a poll released are using social media to share the nerves, therapists say. her mask and scrubs.