TTUESDAYUESDAY MILLIONS IN INDIA CREMATION MADE IN A PANDEMIC, MMARCHARCH 24,24, 20202020 UNDER CORONAVIRUS MANDATORY FOR RELIGION CAN BE A LOCKDOWN COVID-19 FATALITIES VVOL:OL: 4 - IISSUESSUE 331331 BALM AND A RISK 3030. PAGE 02 HOT TOPICS PAGE 03 GLOCAL PAGE 04 PERSPECTIVE

Registered in the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka under No: QD/146/News/2020

Amid fears of catastrophic spread Syria confirms first COVID-19 case DAMACUS - After weeks of denials from officials in Damascus, Syria yesterday (23) confirmed its first case of COVID-19, as fears mount of an outbreak that will have catastrophic consequences on the war-torn country. The patient is a 20-year-old woman who recently returned to Syria from an unspecified country and appropriate measures have been taken, the health minister Nizar Yaziji said. The announcement came after weeks of regime denials of allegations by the Syrian opposition that Iran-backed fighters and Shia pilgrims have already brought the coronavirus to Syria, and reports from healthcare workers in the capital that patients have presented symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Nine years of war have devastated Syria’s infrastructure, economy and healthcare system. The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses that Syria’s “fragile health systems may not have the capacity to detect and respond” to the pandemic. The risk is particularly acute in the opposition-held north- west and the Kurdish-controlled north-east, the two areas still outside of Bashar al-Assad’s control, where there are no testing kits available that could contain the spread of the virus. In north-western Idlib province, about 900,000 people are living in makeshift accommodation and overcrowded tents, where adequate hygiene and social distancing measures are impossible. While the area was granted some respite from a brutal regime offensive when a ceasefire was brokered on March 5, bombing campaigns by Assad and his Russian backers have put 61 medical facilities out of action over the past year, and medicine, equipment and beds are already -J Sujeevakumar/ENCL dangerously scarce. A total of 60 beds are now available before a COVID-19 Colombo Fort, one of the busiest areas in Sri Lanka lifted at 6.00 a.m. today (24) and re-imposed at observation yesterday with five new cases added outbreak, which aid agencies have warned leaves the takes on a ghostly mien yesterday (23) as a nationwide 12.00 noon the same day, instead of 2:00 p.m. as was during the day. Sri Lanka has not reported any deaths three-million-strong population desperately ill-prepared. police curfew imposed as a preventive measure announced earlier in the day, and that it would be in so far, but Judicial Medical Officers across the country -The Guardian against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus on place until 6:00 a.m. on Friday (27). Police curfew re- have been sent Standard Operating Procedures to Friday (20), and scheduled to be lifted yesterday, was imposed in the other districts at 12:00 noon yesterday be followed if a patient in a hospital succumbs to the extended by a further 24 hours in several districts will be in place until 6:00 a.m. Thursday (26) and will be coronavirus. The procedures specify that the remains on Sunday (22). The President’s Media Division re-imposed again at 12:00 noon the same day. Sri Lanka of all those who pass away from the disease should be Norway proposes UN announced yesterday, the curfew will be temporarily had 92 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 222 under cremated within 24 hours regardless of their faith. corona fund to help poor countries More than 1 bn people worldwide OSLO - Norway said yesterday (23) it wanted to start a United Nations donors' fund to help poor countries fight the new coronavirus pandemic. "We are concerned about the way the virus will affect developing countries which have fragile healthcare told to stay home over virus systems," Norway's Development Aid Minister Dag-Inge Ulstein said in a statement. PARIS - More than one billion peo- This includes France, Italy, Argen- many and Britain, have urged their These measures are in place in "International solidarity across borders is more important ple have been asked to stay home tina, the US state of California, Iraq populations to stay indoors and limit Burkina Faso, Chile, the Philippines' than ever. That's why it is important for us to contribute in more than 50 countries and ter- and Rwanda. contact with other people as much as capital Manila, Serbia and Maurita- financially to such a fund in the UN," he added. ritories around the world as govern- Greece is the most recent country possible. nia, while in Saudi Arabia a curfew The fund is expected to be set up quickly, "possibly even ments battle the coronavirus pan- to impose mandatory confinement But the impact of these non-man- was set to be imposed from yester- this week," Norway said, without specifying the amount demic sweeping the globe, according measures, which came into effect datory recommendations has been day evening. of its own contribution. to an AFP tally yesterday (23). yesterday morning. limited. Elsewhere, some countries have The initiative has been welcomed favourably by UN Some countries imposed manda- Colombia will enforce an obliga- In Britain, the government warned imposed isolation measures in main deputy secretary general Amina Mohammed, Oslo said. tory lockdown measures, while oth- tory lockdown today (24) and New of tougher measures after crowds cities, with measures barring people On Thursday (19), UN Secretary General Antonio ers have issued stay-at-home recom- Zealand will follow suit tomorrow gathered in parks and beaches over from entering or exiting. Guterres warned "millions" of lives were at stake if mendations to stem the spread of (25). the weekend, while millions of peo- These measures have been seen in the international community did not show solidarity, the virus. In most cases it is still possible to ple in Iran travelled for the Persian Almaty, Bulgaria, Nur-Sultan in Ka- especially with the world's poorest countries, amid the At least 34 countries or territories leave the house to go to work, buy es- New Year last week. zakhstan and Azerbaijan's Baku. coronavirus outbreak. has established mandatory lock- sentials or seek medical care. At least 10 countries and territo- Combined, these cities have an es- According to AFP's own tally, by Sunday more than down measures ordering people to At least four countries with a col- ries with a total population of 117 timated 10 million inhabitants. 324,000 cases have been detected in 171 countries and stay in their homes, accounting for lective population of more than 228 million people have issued curfews -AFP at least 14,396 deaths. -AFP some 659 million people. million people, including Iran, Ger- and barred overnight travel. As restrictions eased Trump to reassess period Spain death toll tops 2,000 of ‘social distancing’ after 462 deaths in 24 hours Back to work in MADRID- The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged WASHINGTON - President Don- one another — is vital to slowing the to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the ald Trump on Sunday (22) night spread of the virus, for which more health ministry said yesterday (23). said the government would reassess than 30,000 people in the United The death rate showed a 27% increase on the figures China virus epicentre the recommended period for “social States have tested positive. released a day earlier, with the number of confirmed distancing” after this week, amid Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious cases of COVID-19 rising to 33,089 in Spain, one of BEIJING - People in central China and leave the city for other parts of millions of job losses caused by the diseases expert and a member of the worst-hit countries in the world after China and where the coronavirus was first de- the surrounding Hubei province after efforts to contain the spread of the the White House coronavirus task Italy. tected are allowed to go back to work being tested for the virus and receiv- novel coronavirus. force, has said in interviews that he Despite an unprecedented national lockdown which and public transport is restarting, as ing a health certificate. “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE believed it would take several more was put in place on March 14, the number of deaths some normality slowly returns after a The virus, which emerged in a mar- WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM IT- weeks until people can start going and infections have spiralled in Spain, with the fig- two-month lockdown. ket that sold wild animals in Decem- SELF,” Trump tweeted in all capital about their lives in a more normal ures growing as the country steps up its capacity for The easing of restrictions in Wuhan ber, sparked a dramatic lockdown of letters shortly before midnight. “AT fashion. Other infectious disease ex- testing. city comes as Chinese health officials the city on January 23 that was then THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, perts suggest even harsher measures And the lockdown, which was initially put in place reported no new local cases of the widened to the rest of the province of WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS than social distancing are required to for two weeks, will be extended until April 11 to try to deadly virus yesterday (23), but con- nearly 60 million people. TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO truly beat back the outbreaks in the curb the spread, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said firmed another 39 infections brought Since then infections have slowed GO!” United States. -- in a measure which will be put to parliament on from overseas. dramatically and for five straight Officials have said that the initial But at the White House, in recent Tuesday. Wuhan residents considered healthy days there have been no new cases in 15-day period for social distancing days, there has been a growing sen- The rise in infections in this country of 46 million can move around the city and take the Hubei. — limiting close contact between timent that allowing medical experts people has brought Spain's healthcare system to the bus or metro so long as they show ID, Another nine people died in Wuhan, people by banning gatherings, clos- to set policy has hurt the economy, brink of collapse, particularly in Madrid, the worst- officials said. the National Health Commission said ing schools and offices, encourag- and there has been a push to find hit area, which has registered 10,575 cases, and They can also go back to work if they yesterday in its latest update. ing remote work and urging people ways to let people start returning to where 1,263 people have died -- accounting for 58% have a permit from their employer, -Agencies to maintain a six-foot distance from work. -NYT of the national death toll. -AFP Trending News QQuoteuote forfor TodayToday Italy: The country bans travel and West African nation's first corona- Rouhani says United States should en the country just as the Taliban shuts down a range of industries in virus fatality. lift sanctions if it wants to help the are increasing attacks and a rise The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it. -Woodrow Wilsonn a last-ditch push to stem the spread France: Two more doctors die country to contain the coronavirus in coronavirus cases threatens an of the coronavirus that has killed after contracting the coronavirus, outbreak, adding that Tehran has already-floundering peace process. WWordord fforor TodayToday nearly 5,500, 651 of them on Sun- a day after the country reported no intention of accepting Wash- Hong Kong: Chief Executive Car- day (22). ington’s offer of humanitarian as- Schlep [shlep] - verb (used with object) - to carry; lug: to the first death of a doctor treating rie Lam announces a raft of meas- schlep an umbrella on a sunny day Netherlands: Dutch judges sit COVID-19 patients. sistance. ures, including a ban all non-resi- far apart from each other in a near UK: Britain sends in the army to - The country announces 127 new dents from entering the city from TTodayoday inin HistoryHistory empty courtroom due to coronavi- deliver protective equipment to deaths from the novel coronavirus, midnight today (24) to stop the rus measures y as the trial resumes raising the official toll to 1,812 in upward trend of DOVID-19. 2008 – Bhutan officially becomes a democracy, with its hospitals and tells people to stay first ever general election of four men over the downing of at home and heed warnings over one of the worst hit countries along Belgium: Police in Brussels hand flight MH17. social distancing or the govern- with Italy, Spain and China. out hundreds of fines to residents TTodayoday is...is... Gambia: An itinerant Muslim ment would bring in more extreme Afghanistan: US Secretary of ignoring lockdown rules in city imam from Bangladesh dies in the measures to stop the coronavirus State Mike Pompeo arrives in Ka- parks, as restrictions intensify to Tuberculosis Day country after preaching in several spread. bul to help break a poisonous po- slow the spread of the coronavirus A day that aims to increase awareness of a disease that other countries, becoming the tiny Iran: Iranian President Hassan litical deadlock that has further riv- outbreak. remains a huge epidemic among the world population 2 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020 DAILY EXPRESS HHOTOT TOPICSTOPICS

In the Philippines Athletes favour postponing the At least three Olympics doctors die By Matthew Futterman and Joe Ward In recent days, as leaders of the Inter- national Olympic Committee went back and forth with organizers of the Tokyo in COVID-19 Games, sponsors, media partners and leaders of international sports federa- tions over whether to postpone the Sum- mer Olympics because of the coronavi- fight rus pandemic, athletes around the world tried to jump into a debate they say they have had little role in. By Girlie Linao Some spoke out through the press. Others made their voices heard on so- cial media. The Athletics Association, a MANILA – At least three doctors have died in labour group that attempts to provide the fight against the coronavirus disease in the a greater voice to the world’s track and Philippines, where thousands of medical work- field athletes, released the results of an ers are treating COVID-19 patients despite the A man wearing a facemask as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 novel coronavirus walks past closed shops in a online poll of its members Monday to lack of protective gear, officials said yesterday market area in New Delhi yesterday (23) -Jewel SAMAD / AFP gauge their views on the issue. The re- (23). sults were overwhelming. Several other doctors were reported to be in More than 4,000 track and field ath- critical condition, while hundreds of health care letes from six continents participated workers were in quarantine after being exposed in the poll and 78% of them said the to the virus in various hospitals in Manila, ac- Millions in India under Summer Games should be postponed. cording to hospitals and colleagues. In addition, 87% said the coronavirus "Three of our doctors have died and a num- outbreak had adversely affected their ber of them [are] in critical condition due to the training, and the average concern for coronavirus," presidential spokesman Salvador their health and safety was 68 on a scale Panelo said in a statement. "An increasing num- of 1 to 100, with 100 representing the coronavirus lockdown greatest concern, if the games opened as ber of Filipinos are succumbing to the deadly disease." planned on July 24. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases As major cities restrict daily life “What’s clear from our research is that in the Philippines stood at 396 as of yesterday, the athletes overwhelmingly want the with 33 deaths, Health Undersecretary Maira Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to be post- Rosario Vergeire said. It is not clear if the three By Helen Regan, Esha Mitra and Swati Gupta poned,” said Jeff Freeman, a founder of doctors were included in the death toll. the group. “The Olympic Games are the The three doctors – a cardiologist, an anaes- NEW DELHI - Millions of people prior in Italy and Spain. ernments can extend those restric- pinnacle, but we are fighting a global thesiologist and an oncologist – were infected across India have been placed under The "public curfew", announced tions to other areas at their discre- pandemic and the athletes’ health and with the virus while treating patients in three lockdown until the end of the month by Indian Prime Minister Naren- tion. also the health of every other citizen on different hospitals in Manila, according to the as efforts to halt the spread of the dra Modi last week, was a test on Maharashtra state, which includes the planet must surely be prioritized.” Philippine Medical Association and the hospi- novel coronavirus in the country in- whether an official curfew could be Mumbai and Pune, has reported The poll was sent in 13 languages. The tals. tensify. imposed across the country to stop the most cases, with at least 67 in- 531 respondents who answered in Japa- "Everyone's tired but we have no choice, we Residents living in 75 districts the spread of Covid-19. Those re- fections, according to government nese favoured postponement, 65% to chose this work," said Antonio Ramos, a doctor across the country, including in ma- strictions were extended across large figures. Kerala reported at least 52 35%. and administrative service manager at the Lung jor cities such as the capital New parts of the country late Sunday, ef- cases and New Delhi has at least 26. Just after the Athletics Association Centre of the Philippines. "We cannot even Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, fectively forcing millions of workers In the past few weeks, India has completed its survey, Thomas Bach, spare time to mourn our friends." Hyderabad, and Kolkata have been in India's huge technology and finan- taken unprecedented steps to shut president of the IOC, announced that Ramos called for donations for personal pro- placed under travel, work and move- cial sector to work from home for the its borders, cancel visas and ban pas- the organization would continue to tective gear for all hospitals dealing with COV- ment restrictions until March 31. rest of the month. sengers from certain countries from study the effects of the virus and decide ID-19, the disease caused by the new virus, not- India -- the world's second most In New Delhi, public transpor- entering Indian airspace. in four weeks whether the games would ing that supply has run out in other facilities. populous country -- has 415 cases tation, including the metro and On Sunday, India suspended pas- move forward or be postponed. "We are seeing at the end of the month, we of the coronavirus, including seven rickshaws, has been suspended, all senger train services until March 31 “This step will allow better visibility of will have nothing," he told Manila radio station deaths, according to the Ministry of shops, factories, places of worship after several travellers tested positive the rapidly changing development of the DZMM. "We are improvising but that's a breach Health and Family Welfare. A sud- and offices have been shut, interstate for coronavirus. India's mammoth health situation around the world and in in protocols and that's why doctors are getting den rise in cases has led to growing travel has stopped, borders with railway network spans more than Japan,” Bach said in a statement. “It will sick." concerns over the country's capacity neighbouring states have closed and 760 million kilometres (472 million serve as the basis for the best decision in In one hospital in Laguna province, south of to test for the virus and that a major people are required to stay in their miles) and carried eight billion pas- the interest of the athletes and everyone Manila, doctors and nurses used garbage and outbreak on the scale seen in Europe homes until March 31. sengers in 2018-19. else involved.” plastic bags as protective gear to cover their -- the pandemic's new epicentre -- Exempt from the order are essen- To members of the Athletics Associa- heads, hands, feet and body. Others doctors will spread in the country. tial services such as grocery stores, The measures in India come as tion, and others in international sports, have suggested using shower caps, ponchos and Dr. Balram Bhargava, director- hospitals, pharmacies, petrol sta- other Asian nations see jumps in cas- the much-anticipated announcement, disposable plastic gloves as alternative protec- general of the Indian Council of tions, telecoms and postal services es and rush to implement emergency which came as pressure had mounted on tive gear. Medical Research, said that India and restaurants that deliver food. measures of their own. the IOC to postpone the games, did not "It's very difficult for hospitals to buy PPEs has conducted 5,000 tests in the past "Extraordinary times call for ex- On Sunday, Thailand reported 188 go nearly far enough. (personal protective equipment), we are de- week and a total of 15,000 so far. traordinary measures," Delhi's Chief new novel coronavirus cases, its big- “The entire world is in a state of uncer- pendent on donors," said Karl Henson, an in- There are 111 labs operational with a Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted on gest single-day rise, bringing its total tainty,” said Christian Taylor, a founder fectious disease specialist and head of the in- per week testing capacity of 60,000 Sunday. to 599, while fears of a second surge of the Athletics Association and a two- fection control and epidemiology centre of The to 70,000 and around 60 more pri- Several districts, including the in cases from patients travelling from time Olympic gold medallist in the triple Medical City. vate labs are in the process of being financial capital of Mumbai, have overseas prompted officials in China jump. “We’re in a revolving door we con- "If you can't protect your health care workers, approved to further increase testing banned gatherings of four or more to divert all Beijing-bound interna- tinue to be locked in. This is just being they can't adequately take care of patients," he capacity, according to Bhargava. people, and officials can take legal tional flights to other cities starting drawn out for too long.” said in an interview. The decision to lock down parts action against those who violate the yesterday (23). Taylor said he and other athletes have Henson added that the government should of the country comes after India rule. Singapore said it will shut its bor- grown increasingly frustrated at the lim- work on getting more testing kits so more peo- launched the world's biggest exercise Numerous state governments have ders to all short-term visitors and ited information they have received as ple can know whether they have been infected in social distancing on Sunday (22), extended the "district-ban" to in- travellers transiting though the city the crisis has spread across the globe. He with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new with the nation's 1.3 billion peo- clude their entire states. In the north- starting from yesterday, while New said he and his training group in Jack- virus. ple asked to observe a self-imposed ern Indian state of Punjab, the chief Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda sonville, Florida, have been watching the "What we are doing now in the Philippines quarantine for 14 hours. minister announced that, except for Ardern announced new measures news and reading blogs for information, is sending home patients under investigations From 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on essential services, the whole state that "place the most significant re- rather than relying on updates from peo- with mild symptoms, not testing them," he said. Sunday, offices and businesses shut, will be under a lockdown until March striction on New Zealanders' move- ple in charge of the competition. "We are only testing moderate to severe cases." people stayed inside their homes, 31. Punjab has confirmed more than ments in modern history." Sebastian Coe, the president of World "We really should be testing anyone who's and the usually busy streets, mar- 20 cases, including one death. Australia has also taken unprec- Athletics, track and field’s governing symptomatic so that we can ... make sure that kets and highways were eerily emp- Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Tel- edented measures in its response to body, on Sunday (22) called on Bach to if you are positive, we need to check your con- ty across the nation. In a display of angana have all initiated state-wide the pandemic. Businesses across the postpone the games. tacts, and if they are symptomatic, we can test public solidarity expressing thanks lockdowns versus targeted restric- country yesterday followed the gov- “Whilst we all know that different and isolate them," he added. to the nation's healthcare workers, tions of cities and districts. ernment's orders to shut down bars, parts of the world are at different stages "It's really the only way for us to break the people across India stood in their The central government advised restaurants, gyms, places of worship of the virus, the unanimous view across transmission chain." doorways and on balconies applaud- the restrictions in 75 districts as and other venues where people tradi- all our Areas is that an Olympic Games -dpa ing, ringing bells and blowing conch these are places where coronavirus tionally congregate. in July this year is neither feasible nor shells, following similar scenes days cases have been reported. Local gov- -CNN desirable,” Coe wrote to Bach on behalf of his federation. Beyond concern over their own health and safety, the athletes said they were upset that holding the Olympic Games when so many of them had not been able to train properly would be unfair. New York City now an Emma Coburn, an Olympic bronze Will Bali emerge medalist in the steeplechase who is training in Boulder, Colorado, said no one could predict what the world epicentre of global pandemic would look like this summer, but ath- as Indonesia's letes know, right now, that the virus has By Jesse Mckinley wreaked havoc with training schedules. “I’m lucky,” she said. “I can do most YORK — Three weeks after its first coro- appears commonplace. of my training on roads with just a pair navirus infection was discovered, the New All told, more than 15,000 people in coronavirus hotspot? of shoes, but athletes in field events or York City region reached an alarming New York state have tested positive, with distance runners who are on lockdown, milestone Sunday (22): It now accounts the vast majority in the New York City re- they can’t train, and this is happening for roughly 5% of the world’s confirmed gion. That is about half of the cases in the in waves. The vast majority of athletes DENPASAR- Authorities in Bali will “If there is not enough testing hap- don’t feel comfortable with training for cases, making it an epicentre of the global United States. Worldwide, the pandemic allow tens of thousands of people to at- pening in the early stages, it's very pandemic and increasing pressure on of- has sickened more than 314,700 people, games right now.” tend Hindu ceremonies for the island’s likely to happen because they won't Edoardo Accetta, an Italian triple ficials to take more drastic measures. according to official counts. New Year, or Nyepi, celebrations this know it's present until people start dy- Moving to stem the crisis on multiple The governor’s newest actions came as jumper based in Milan, said he had to week in contravention of Indonesian ing about three weeks later,” said Joel abandon most of his strength training. fronts, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York New York adopted its toughest measures government calls for social distancing, Miller, a mathematical epidemiologist pleaded with federal officials to national- to stem the spread of the virus: As of 8 His gym and track have been shut down. in a move that experts fear will fuel a focusing on infectious diseases at Aus- His training is limited to the use of an- ize the manufacturing of medical supplies p.m. Sunday, all nonessential businesses dangerous increase in cases of COV- tralia's La Trobe University. and ordered New York City to crack down were ordered closed. Residents were told other track for a 2 1/2-hour session each ID-19. “By that time it will have become day. on people congregating in public. He sug- to stay inside except for necessities like Thousands of foreigners who can- a well-established epidemic and the gested some streets could be closed, al- food, medicine and short bouts of exer- “It’s not optimal, but I am lucky to not or do not want to fly home are also healthcare system of any country will have this opportunity,” Accetta said. “If lowing pedestrians more space. cise. having to queue for hours in crowded struggle to respond, which is what's The governor on Sunday announced Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have you can find a way to keep the competi- buildings to renew their visas, creat- happening in Italy right now.” tive integrity and the fairness, we can measures intended to prepare for a wave repeatedly emphasized that New York ing another potential virus risk on an Italy, which has now recorded more of patients, including setting up tem- City would not be locked down, saying think about doing the games, but other- island that has no testing facilities. deaths from COVID-19 than China, has wise I can see no way out.” porary hospitals in three New York City that all transportation links, including So far, only 71 people on the island of the world's second-best healthcare by suburbs and erecting a massive medical subways and commuter railways, would Edwin Moses, the chairman emeritus four million have been tested by labo- population size, according to Health of the US Anti-Doping Agency and a bivouac in the Jacob Javits Centre on continue to function — at times on lim- ratories in Jakarta, which are taking a Care Rankings. Indonesia, which has Manhattan’s west side. ited schedules. two-time Olympic hurdling champion, week or longer to deliver results, and a population nearly five times the size said there was little doubt that the only Already, hospitals across the New York “There’s not going to be chaos, there’s around 40 flights are still scheduled of Italy's, is ranked 92nd, just ahead of region are reporting a surge of corona- not going to be anarchy,” Cuomo said. solution was to postpone the games. to arrive at the airport each day from Iran but far behind Spain and South “I would be upset for someone to virus patients and a looming shortage But he also warned of months of re- the capital despite the declaration of a Korea which are grappling to control of critical supplies like ventilators and strictions. expect me to continue training at this state of emergency there. outbreaks, even with their more so- point,” Moses said Sunday. “I can’t im- masks. “The timeline, nobody can tell you, it Experts worry that without action, phisticated health systems. A rapid increase in testing has revealed depends on how we handle it,” Cuomo agine the stress and anxiety these ath- the Indonesia resort island could face a -Al Jazeera letes are going through these days.” the extent of the outbreak: Community said. sustained and deadly outbreak. spread of the highly contagious virus now -New York Times -New York Times DAILY EXPRESS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020 3 GGLOCALLOCAL

Express Newspapers (Cey) Pvt. Ltd., 185, Grandpass Road, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka Telephone: 0117 322 705 (Editorial) 0117 322 731 (Advertising) Supermarkets to restrict 0117 322 789 (Circulation) Email – [email protected]/[email protected] entry, limit panic buying Epaper - http://epaper.newsexpress.lk COLOMBO - Supermarket chains in Sri Facebook –News Express Sri Lanka Lanka will limit the number of customers entering stores in a move to control the spread of coronavirus and will ration the is- sue of goods to make sure no one panic buys large volumes after curfew ends, an indus- try official said. Cremation made mandatory The government on Sunday (22) warned families not to send older people to shops and instructed that only one person per house go out for grocery shopping; main- tain a onemetre distance, at least in a queue or with other customers; and spend mini- mum time as possible inside a store. for COVID-19 fatalities “What we will do in supermarkets first off COLOMBO– Sri Lanka is yet to record death will occur in an Intensive Care Unit Only the face of the deceased will be un- The SOP also noted that mass gather- is to restrict the number of people coming a death by the COVID-19 disease, but Ju- or some special unit set aside for the pur- covered. ings and funeral functions would not be into the outlet at a given time to maintain dicial Medical Officers (JMO) across the pose. After that, the remains would be handed permitted and called for the remains to be social distancing,” said Charita Subasinghe, country have been sent Standard Operat- The procedures, it said, would be similar over to the funeral directors, it added. cremated within 24 hours of the death. Vice President of Sri Lanka Retailers Asso- ing Procedures (SOP) to be followed if a to any other disease considered highly con- The document also said embalming According to the Ministry of Health, as of ciation, who also heads the retail sector of patient in a hospital succumbs to the virus. tagious. would be strictly prohibited as the pro- yesterday morning, there were 87 patients John Keells Holdings. The remains of all those who pass away The bodies would be bagged and disin- cess may endanger the staff of the funeral confirmed as having the disease in govern- “We will get the support of the police to from the disease will be cremated within 24 fected, and a limited time given to close home, and possibly cause further spread of ment hospitals with two listed in critical manage that part of it,” Subasinghe said, hours regardless of their faith, according to family members to view the remains. The the disease. condition at the National Institute of Infec- adding that they would also be restricting the SOP. document said the viewing would take Funeral homes, it said will be expected to tious Diseases (IDH). the number of units a person can buy of a The document, authenticated by the place only inside the hospital premises immediately bag the body and place it in a Four are listed as recovered but only one, product so that customers will not go on JMO Department, said an inquest and and the relatives would be given masks. No coffin which will be sealed, and placed in a a Chinese tourist has been discharged. buying for the sake of buying and everyone an autopsy would not be necessary as the touching of the body would be permitted. parlour or a home only for religious rituals. -economynext.com gets a chance to buy. “What we want to do is simply restrict unnecessary buying,” Subasinghe said, emphasizing that there was no shortage of Public warned not to take Chloroquine goods. Curfew to be reimposed The supermarkets are also planning to as preventive drug use social media to educate their customers As government ramps up output on managing panic buying. at 12 noon today “We will run an educational campaign through our social media to educate our COLOMBO - The police curfew currently other districts will be in effect till 6:00 a.m. COLOMBO – The government has President Trump said the US Food and warned the public against taking Chloro- Drug Administration has given the nod customers to buy only what they need. So in place in the Colombo, Gampaha, and Thursday (26) and will be re-imposed again that’s the plan of managing panic buying,” Puttalam Districts, and several areas in the at 12:00 noon the same day. quine, an-anti malarial drug, which has for a broader clinical trial after researchers been identified as a possible treatment that found that it appeared to help coronavirus Subasinghe said, noting that shortly before Northern Province will be temporarily lift- The release said travel between districts the curfew buying had reduced compared to ed at 6.00 a.m. today (24) and re-imposed and sightseeing tours for foreign nationals could help coronavirus patients recover patients recover faster in a smaller study. faster, as a preventive, while ramping up The dosage and efficacy of the drug will March 12 when authorities closed schools at 12.00 noon, instead of 2:00 p.m. as was have been completely banned. However, it after the first domestic coronavirus case was announced yesterday (23). said, farmers in all districts are permitted domestic production. be decided by the clinical trial, the FDA “The medical supply division has giv- chief said. In some countries people have reported. A media release from the President’s to continue work within the districts during Keells Super, a top retail chain in the Media Division (PMD), said police curfew curfew hours. en us a purchase order to manufacture been poisoned by taking large doses of 500,000 Chloroquine tablets which was Chloroquine taken as a prophylactic. country saw three times the normal sales on imposed at 12:00 noon will be in place until Transportation of essential goods, such March 12. 6:00 a.m. Friday (27), and re-imposed at as rice and vegetables, have also been per- manufactured under 24 hours,” said Dr. Sri Lankan doctors have used the drug Uthpala Indrawansa, Chairman of the for decades in their fight against malaria “Panic buying is much lesser now, maybe 12:00 noon the same day. mitted during the Police curfew period. one and half to two times more than a nor- The PMD said the police curfew in the -ENCL State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Cor- and it is widely available in pharmacies of poration (SPMC). many countries. Trump pointed out that mal day,” Subasinghe said. “This treatment is only for patients di- the FDA could speed up approval since the “However, it could also come from the agnosed with COVID-19 and should not side effects of the Chloroquine was already fact that mom and pop stores not being be administered to anyone without a pre- known. Chloroquine is also used in treat- open as much as the customers want. scription under a medical consultant,” Dr. ments like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sys- “Nevertheless, we will need to manage the President pledges US$5mn Indrawansa emphasized. temic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). situation otherwise a person with a deeper Chloroquine is due to undergo a clinical “Chloroquine is of two types, manly Hy- pocket may clean up the entire store.” trial in the US to find dosages and effec- droxychloroquine Sulphate and Chloro- Subasinghe also said there was enough to Modi’s South Asia tiveness to treat already infected patients. quine Phosphate,” Indrawansa explained. stock of essential items in the country other “There has been a view that taking “The main component in this treatment than masks. Chloroquine will prevent the infection of is ‘quinine’, therefore both these types of Meanwhile, Ceylon Petroleum Corpora- coronavirus fund COVID19 virus,” Anil Jasinghe, head of Sri Chloroquine is used.” tion assured there were enough stocks of Lanka’s Health Service said Sunday (22). “I Meanwhile, news agencies said ‘Avigan’, fuel in the country and that one tanker was COLOMBO - President Gotabaya Raja- and Nepal had already pledged US$ 1 mil- have consulted a team of 12 specialists in an influenza treatment drug produced by a already unloading oil and another was on paksa has pledged US$ 5 million a South lion. the field and I was told through data and Japanese company, had shown ‘very good the way. Asian emergency fund for anti-coroanvirus South Asian economies had been badly other analysis that this drug cannot pre- clinical results’, in a trial. Favipiravir, the -economynext.com activities, his office said. hit by the virus, initially with a decline in vent infection,” he said, adding that the main ingredient in Avigan is claimed to Prime Minister Modi proposed the fund tourism. Economic activities are coming to drug can be administered to patients who convert the positive to negative for the vi- Deadly prison shooting during a conference call with regional lead- a standstill in the region with extended cur- are already infected with COVID19 and rus after a median of four days as opposed ers on March 15. fews, while there are fears of the capacity of that also only in a hospital situation. to a median of 11 days for patients who President warned of COVID-19 India pledged US$ 10 million to the fund. healthcare services to handle the crisis. He urged the public not to buy the drug weren’t treated with the drug in China, for- Bangladesh had pledged US$ 1.5 million -economynext.com and self-administer as it will not prevent eign media reports said. unrest days before incident infection. -economynext.com Interest in the drug had shot up after COLOMBO - Officials in the Anurad- hapura prison had opened fire on detainees who launched a protest on Saturday (21) demanding the release of minor offenders Over 1700 arrested for violating curfew to minimize risk of spreading the disease COLOMBO – Over 1700 people have the streets, gathering in public grounds among the prison population. been arrested from across the country for to consume alcohol, travelling in vehicles Two have succumbed to their injuries violating a police curfew over the weekend. without a curfew permit and trading, de- while six others are being treated for inju- According to police statement, 1,754 spite stern warnings to remain indoors. ries, the Police Media Director SP Jaliya were arrested between 6:00 p.m. on Fri- Police had also seized 447 vehicles in- Senaratne said. day (20) and 6:00 a.m. yesterday (23) for cluding motorcycles and three-wheelers. Police said prison officials shot at protest- a number of violations including roaming -ENCL ers who tried to escape. Police Special Task Force (STF), riot squad and the army were rushed to the scene. The prisoners’ protest was prompted fol- lowing unverified reports circulating that a SLC donates In Brief non-Sri Lankan inmate who was taken to hospital had been identified as a coronavi- Ranil is wrong rus victim. Rs 25 million to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Health officials later denied that the for- disputed claims made by United Na- eign national was affected. tional Party leader Ranil Wickrem- The country’s leading prisoners’ rights fight COVID-19 esinghe about the vote on account watchdog that had earlier raised the alarm ending in April 2020, saying the of panic among detainees fearing a corona- COLOMBO - Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has president has constitutional powers to virus outbreak in Sri Lanka’s overcrowd- pitched in with a donation of Rs 25 million allocate funds for government activi- ed prisons, blamed the president for the to help the government fight the COVID-19 ties as well as the fight against coro- deaths. pandemic. The money is to be handed over navirus, after Parliament is dissolved. “Sri Lanka’s first citizen Gotabaya Raja- A labourer unloads a stock of dry food items at a market in Colombo yesterday (23), in to the government shortly. Exchanging views on the pan- paksa should take the full responsibility for preparation of the lifting of cerfew today (24) – J. sujeewakumar /ENCL In a statement issued yesterday (23) SLC demic this wanton killing,” said Convener, Com- said it has taken several steps to assist the mittee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners Pakistani Foreign Minister Makh- (CPRP), Sudesh Nandimal. government fight the virus. It has post- doom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had poned all domestic cricket tournaments un- “This tragedy would have been avoided if a detailed exchange of views on the the president listened to us when we warned Curfew temporarily lifted til further notice and has asked all players, COVID_19 pandemic in a telephone first class and national, and employees, to him that a coronavirus threat in prisons conversation he had with his Sri Lan- would end in a disaster. The government is remain indoors, during the troubled time, kan counterpart, Minister for Foreign obeying government directives. giving advice of social distancing. How can Affairs Dinesh Gunawardena, on Sun- prisoners keep a one-metre distance from in many areas It said national players are also playing a day (22). Both ministers discussed each other when prisons are already over- leading role in supporting the fight against ways to enhance cooperation to As confirmed count rises to 87 Covid-19 via their social media platforms crowded?” combat the threat posed by the rapid Five days before the Anuradhapura pris- requesting fans to remain safe. spread of virus, the challenges faced -ENCL on killing, CPRP had written to the presi- COLOMBO– The government tempo- trict. Wanniarachchi told privately-owned by regional states and the need for dent urging the release of minor offenders rarily lifted the novel coronavirus curfew television channel that nine new cases were joint efforts by countries. and the elderly to ease the overcrowding to in many parts of the island yesterday (23) confirmed with the four from Kalutara. New Governor of NCP help control the spreading of coronavirus in morning, for people to purchase groceries One of the confirmed cases was a person Maheepala Herath was sworn in prisons. and attend to their banking and other es- who had been with a pastor from Switzer- Colombo Stock as the Governor of the North Cen- The letter to President Rajapaksa on sential needs, as latest health ministry data land who had visited the North. Another tral Province (NCP) before President March 16, highlighted that the country’s showed confirmed COVID-19 cases going was from the National Hospital Colombo, Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (23). main prison facility in Welikada built to up to 87. while a returnee from Italy, quarantined Exchange to Herath, who previously served as house 800 inmates is packed with 5000. Banks will also open for two hours, au- in Welikanda was also confirmed as COV- Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Prov- “In addition, the prison hospital lacks fa- thorities said. ID-19 positive. have multiple 5% ince, takes over from Professor Tissa cilities. If the corona disease spreads, it pos- The government warned families not to Three cases, including a tourist guide, Vitharana, who was appointed as Gov- es a deadly threat not only to inmates but send older people out shopping and re- were reported as positive from the Infec- ernor (NCP) in December last year. also to the prison staff,” it warned. quested only one person per house venture tious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Colombo. circuit breakers Battle to win the COVID-19 fight CPRP is yet to receive a response. out. Shoppers were also advised to main- Among the confirmed cases at the Kalu- Nandimal warned of riots spreading tain a one-metre distance with other cus- tara Hospital, according to Wanniarachchi, COLOMBO– The Colombo Stock Ex- The government yesterday (23) re- change will have multiple trading halts in throughout all prisons in the country if the tomers, at least while standing in a queue, were a mother and daughter, a tourist driv- quested the entire nation to strictly president continues to disregard the issue of and spend as little time as possible inside er and his father. the future when an index hits each 5% level, adhere to the guidelines issued with the bourse said as the index plunged over overcrowding. the store’s premises. Meanwhile, the Central Bank asked the objective of preventing further A UN representative visiting Sri Lanka With the exception of Colombo, Put- banks to remain open for at least two hours 5% on several days over coronavirus fears. spread of COVID-19 virus and safe- Following a trading halt when the Stand- had warned as early as 2016 that all prisons talam, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Kili- in areas where curfew was lifted. The head guarding the well-being of the people. are characterized by a very deficient infra- nochchi and Mullativu Districts, curfew offices of all banks are in Colombo. ard and Poor’s SL20 Index fell 5%, on Fri- Prevention is the main instrument in day (20), the index continued after trading structure and pronounced overcrowding. was lifted in all other areas from 6:00 a.m. Sri Lanka’s State information office quot- combating the global health threat, it “During my visit I observed levels of pop- to 2:00 p.m. ed the acting police chief as saying bankers resumed, reaching towards 11% at one time. said in a statement, urging the public The CSE in a statement said trading will ulation exceeding capacity by well over 200 The health ministry said 87 cases of COV- could go to work using their office identi- to main a social distance of at least of or 300 per cent,” said Juan E. Mendez, Spe- ID-19 had been confirmed, with 222 under fication as a curfew pass. Customers were be halted when an index reaches 5%. The one-metre when people are at public SL20 Index is more sensitive and tends to cial Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, observation by 11:00 p.m. on Sunday (22). also urged to use online banking where places such as markets, offices, bus inhuman and degrading treatment or pun- Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi possible. fall faster. and railway stations and follow the -ENCL ishment. said four cases were from the Kalutara dis- -economynext.com advises given by health experts. -JDS 4 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020 DAILY EXPRESS PPERSPECTIVEERSPECTIVE

By Katherine Rosman By Roni Caryn Rabin Some tips on Lost sense of smell This may be a peculiar clue to how to stay coronavirus infection sane in a world A mother who was infected with the coro- navirus couldn’t smell her baby’s full diaper. Cooks who can usually name every spice in a that isn’t restaurant dish can’t smell curry or garlic, and food tastes bland. Others say they can’t pick up Erasing anxiety from daily life isn’t an op- the sweet scent of shampoo or the foul odor of tion for most people today. But therapists, kitty litter. clergy and meditation specialists say there Anosmia, the loss of sense of smell, and are simple and accessible ways to overcome ageusia, an accompanying diminished sense of debilitating panic. taste, have emerged as peculiar telltale signs of Coping skills, said Rick Hanson, a psy- COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavi- chologist and a senior fellow of the Greater rus, and possible markers of infection. Good Science Centre at the University of On Friday (20), British ear, nose and throat California, Berkeley, “help you reframe the doctors, citing reports from colleagues around situation you’re facing. It’s not a matter of the world, called on adults who lose their sens- looking at the world through rose-colored es of smell to isolate themselves for seven days, glasses, it’s about creating resilience.” even if they have no other symptoms, to slow Here are tips from professionals. the disease’s spread. The published data is lim- — Every day: Set goals, find joy and ited, but doctors are concerned enough to raise -Minzayar Oo/The New York Times warnings. call a friend “We really want to raise awareness that this For people who may be feeling down or A woman wears a mask while pouring water onto a Buddha statue that is a popular tourist attraction in Yangon, Myanmar, March 17. Religion is the solace of first resort for billions of people grappling with a pandemic for which scientists, presidents and the is a sign of infection and that anyone who de- afraid, psychologists Julia Hitch and An- secular world seem, so far, to have few answers. velops loss of sense of smell should self-iso- drew Fleming recommend a three-prong, late,” Professor Claire Hopkins, president of daily approach for coping. The first, ‘mas- the British Rhinological Society, wrote in an tery’, requires setting a reachable goal for email. “It could contribute to slowing trans- the day, whether it’s practicing the piano for In a pandemic, religion mission and save lives.” 20 minutes, trying a new recipe or exercis- She and Nirmal Kumar, president of ENT ing. A second daily essential is finding an UK, a group representing ear, nose and throat element of pleasure: eating a delicious snack doctors in Britain, issued a joint statement or taking a bath, for instance. Then comes can be a balm and a risk urging health care workers to use personal ‘connection’, which in the age of COVID-19 protective equipment when treating any pa- means calling or video chatting with a friend tients who have lost their senses of smell, and or relative to take ourselves outside of isola- BEIRUT — Down on Earth, the cor- make it all make sense.” have remained open to crowds for advised against performing nonessential sinus onavirus outbreak was felling lives, The day Shaban’s visit was sched- weeks even as the coronavirus left the endoscopy procedures on anyone, because the tion and into a circle of fellowship. livelihoods and normalcy. A nation- uled, the Saudi government sus- country shell-shocked. virus replicates in the nose and the throat and — Take mental inventory of your well- spanning blessing seemed called for. pended all pilgrimages to Mecca and India has so far refused to call off an being So up went a priest in a small airplane, Medina indefinitely. This month, al- annual festival that starts Wednesday an exam can prompt coughs or sneezes that ex- When he feels anxiety seep in, Hanson, rumbling overhead at an epidemiolog- Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem closed for (25) in honour of the god Ram, also pose the doctor to a high level of virus. who creates guided meditations for the digi- ically safe distance from the troubles prayer, making it a clean sweep: Is- known as Rama. In normal times, it Two ear, nose and throat specialists in Brit- tal platform Simple Habit, said he takes a below, wielding a sacred golden vessel lam’s three holiest sites were now off- draws as many as one million people ain who have been infected with the corona- few slow, deep breaths and reminds himself from a cockpit-turned-pulpit. limits. to Ayodha, which some believe to be virus are in critical condition, Hopkins said. of what is true in this exact moment. Then Before his flight over Lebanon, a With good reason, at least from a the birthplace of Ram, in the northern Earlier reports from Wuhan, China, where the he takes stock, telling himself, “In this mo- soldier at an airport checkpoint asked medical standpoint: Coronavirus out- state of Uttar Pradesh. coronavirus first emerged, had warned that the Rev. Majdi Allawi if he had a mask breaks have been linked to a South The state has asked devotees to cel- ear, nose and throat specialists as well as eye ment, your heart is beating. You’re breath- and hand sanitizer. Korean church, a gathering of 16,000 ebrate at home this year. Organizers, doctors were infected and dying in large num- ing in this moment. No sober-tooth tiger is “Jesus is my protection,” said Al- faithful at a mosque in Malaysia and however, are carrying on. bers, Hopkins said. coming after you in this moment.” lawi, who belongs to the Maronite an Orthodox Jewish congregation in Many faiths are adapting to the new The British physicians cited reports from “Our fear is about the future. It’s what Catholic Church. “He is my sanitizer.” New Rochelle, New York. reality. other countries indicating that significant we anticipate,” he said. “But if you stop and Religion is the solace of first resort But social distancing can leave the Houses of worship are closed or numbers of coronavirus patients experienced say, ‘I am healthy in this moment,’ it pulls for billions of people grappling with a faithful feeling distant from God. How empty. Holy water is splashed from in- anosmia, saying that in South Korea, where you out of rumination and anxious, help- pandemic for which scientists, presi- do you receive the body and blood dividual bottles instead of a font. Fri- testing has been widespread, 30% of 2,000 dents and the secular world seem, so of Christ when the communion cup day prayer has been canceled across less preoccupation. Your brain will come patients who tested positive experienced anos- far, to have few answers. With both might be a vector? How do you feel the Middle East. Muezzins in the West to this moment of quiet realization. ‘Things mia as their major presenting symptom (these are not great, but they’re basically OK. I am sanitizer and leadership in short sup- the warmth of communal prayer, the Bank and Kuwait entreat the faithful ply, dread over the coronavirus has experience that draws the faithful to to avoid the mosque and instead pray were mild cases). still surviving.’ It gives you more of a sense driven the globe’s faithful even closer houses of worship around the world, at home. The American Academy of Otolaryngology of agency.” to religion and ritual. in the cold blue light of a live-streamed In Israel, all three main Abrahamic on Sunday posted information on its website — Limit media intake But what is good for the soul may service? faiths have sought to accommodate saying that mounting anecdotal evidence indi- It’s important to find a line between edu- not always be good for the body. Spiritual advisories from religious the faithful without endangering them. cates that lost or reduced sense of smell and cating yourself with information that helps Believers worldwide are running authorities sought to redirect believ- The Western Wall’s plaza has been loss of taste are significant symptoms associ- guide your decisions and inundating your- afoul of public health authorities’ ers’ energies inward. subdivided into smaller prayer ar- ated with COVID-19, and that they have been self with information that simply increases warnings that communal gatherings, Rabbi David Lau, the Ashkenazi eas to discourage large groups, and seen in patients who ultimately tested positive anxiety. “Turn off your notifications,” said the keystone of so much religious chief rabbi in Israel, called upon Jews synagogues held services with small- with no other symptoms. Dr. Amy Cirbus, the director of clinical con- practice, must be limited to combat to say 100 blessings daily, as King Da- er quorums and told the high-risk to Dr. Rachel Kaye, an assistant professor of the virus’ spread. In some cases, re- vid did when confronted with a plague. stay home. West Bank churches were otolaryngology at Rutgers, said colleagues in tent for Talkspace, the online therapy plat- ligious fervour has led people toward The Coptic patriarch of Egypt, Pope closed. On the Temple Mount in Jeru- form, and check in at specific times a day New Rochelle, New York, which has been the cures that have no grounding in sci- Tawadros II, said the pandemic was salem, known to Muslims as the Noble centre of an outbreak, first alerted her to the with news platforms or cable TV. ence; in others, it has drawn them to a wake-up call to repent. “If there are Sanctuary, Muslims were allowed to “It’s really hard to discern whether a news smell loss associated with the coronavirus, sacred places or rites that could in- differences between people,” he said pray only outside. sharing that patients who had first complained report is something you need to know to crease the risk of infection. in a sermon, “this is the time for rec- The internet offered a sterile way to of anosmia later tested positive for the corona- take action” or if it merely is providing more In Myanmar, a prominent Buddhist onciliation.” worship from home. The Pope’s Mass virus. “This raised a lot of alarms for me per- fodder to ruminate over, she said. “If you’re monk announced that a dose of one In a world where so many routines was live-streamed. So was a burning lime and three palm seeds — no more, have been obliterated, it is the rites rite to dissipate the virus at the Kin- sonally,” Kaye said, because those patients just coming into the news bubble a few times “won’t know to self quarantine.” a day and not getting inundated, then you no less — would confer immunity. In themselves that many cherish. pusen-ji Buddhist temple in Japan. Iran, a few pilgrims were filmed lick- “I’m taking precautions in my life South Korean churches offered You- “Most ENTs have on their own accord tried are choosing the moments and this gives you ing Shiite Muslim shrines to ward off generally against the virus, but com- Tube-only services for the first time to scale down,” she said, adding that her de- back some power.” Urgent news will almost infection. And in Texas, the preacher munion is the body and blood of God,” anyone could remember. partment at Rutgers had already started using certainly find its way to you, she added. Kenneth Copeland braided televan- said Monica Medhat, 26, an executive Amid the coronavirus anxiety, it was personal protective equipment and stopped — Turn panic into service gelism with telemedicine, broadcast- at an Egyptian brewery who is a Cop- perhaps inevitable that some would performing nonessential exams. “Every hand that we don’t shake must be- ing himself, one trembling hand out- tic Christian. “It can’t get infected with interpret the pandemic as a divine In the areas of Italy most heavily affected by come a phone call that we place. Every em- stretched, as he claimed he could cure anything.” missive. What it said was less clear. the virus, doctors say they have concluded that brace that we avoid must become a verbal believers through their screens. If anything, the times have strength- Some Egyptian Muslims expressed loss of taste and smell is an indication that a expression of warmth and concern,” Rabbi The anchors of religious practice ened her faith. certainty on social media that God person who otherwise seems healthy is in fact Yosef Kanefsky told his congregants last have taken on a greater urgency just as “I believe everyone dies when was smiting non-Muslim countries by carrying the virus and may be spreading it to week. religious authorities move to restrict they’re destined to die,” she said. “It giving them the virus, apparently una- others. them. doesn’t matter if it’s from a virus or a ware that Egypt has registered nearly “Almost everybody who is hospitalized has Feelings of helplessness come from the An Egyptian pharmacist, Ahmed car accident. God help us all.” 200 cases and may have many more loss of power we have over the current situ- Shaban, 31, travelled to Saudi Arabia People may have already unknow- uncounted. Some Islamists, espe- this same story,” said Dr. Marco Metra, chief of ation, he explained in an interview. But we this month to make a pilgrimage to ingly spread the virus in the name of cially supporters of the banned Mus- the cardiology department at the main hospital do have the power to provide support to oth- Prophet Muhammad’s birthplace and piety. lim Brotherhood, cast the outbreak as in Brescia, where 700 of 1,200 inpatients have ers. “Write down people’s names, thinking tomb. Millions of Muslims throng the Despite New York’s recent bans on punishment for the Egyptian public’s the coronavirus. “You ask about the patient’s of those most likely to be in need because of sites every year, many of them pausing large gatherings, several large wed- support of the military takeover that wife or husband. And the patient says, ‘My wife their age or medical situation or if they live to kiss the Kaaba, the black-and-gold dings went ahead in Brooklyn’s Ha- brought the country’s authoritarian has just lost her smell and taste but otherwise alone. We ourselves are much less likely to cube in Mecca that is Islam’s most sa- sidic Jewish communities, which have leader, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sis- she is well.’ So she is likely infected, and she is feel panicked if we channel our anxiety into, cred shrine. reported a spike in confirmed cases in si, to power in 2013. spreading it with a very mild form.” “In times of hardship, fear or panic,” recent days. Some sought earthly remedies in- Several American patients who have had ‘Who can I help right now and how can I Shaban said, “either you think, ‘How Iran is home both to one of the spired by higher powers. symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, but help them?’ ” can God do this to us?’ or you run to world’s worst outbreaks and to dozens -New York Times who have not been tested or are still awaiting -New York Times him for protection and for guidance, to of major Shiite Muslim shrines, which test results, described losing their senses of smell and taste, even though their noses were clear and they were not congested. Andrew Berry, 30, developed a fever and Wine, weed and guns body aches about 10 days ago, and then a sore throat and debilitating headaches. He tested What different countries hoard speaks volumes negative for influenza and has not gotten the result of a coronavirus test taken four days ago, but his physician was convinced that he had As millions around the world prepare with water and then dry off with normal cent, it has a disinfectant effect. Washington area, meat shelves were also the virus, he said. to be locked indoors for the coming handkerchiefs. On the other hand, disin- Netherlands: Marijuana noticeably empty. Now, Berry said, he literally cannot smell the weeks to prevent further spread of the fectants of all kinds are scarce here - as in Dutch consumers have meanwhile Sales of guns and ammunition have coffee. coronavirus, supermarkets everywhere many other countries around the world. apparently been hoarding marijuana: meanwhile gone through the roof. Am- “Even with a clear nose, I just realized I have been emptied of popular items. In Italy, meanwhile, the same sign Shortly before coffee shops were closed munition retailer ammo.com reported a couldn’t smell the food that I was cooking, and First and foremost, toilet paper shelves can be seen in many shops: "Mascherine due to the corona pandemic, people were 276% sales surge on March 10, as num- I couldn’t taste the food that I was making,” in several countries around the world terminate" - "We've run out of masks." queuing up in front of them last Sunday, bers of confirmed cases climbed in the said Berry, a tattoo artist based in Orlando, have been empty for weeks. Consum- Here, like in many countries where the local media reported. US. Local media have meanwhile report- Florida. He was cooking a plantain dish with ers in the US, parts of Europe and Israel virus has spread, face masks are scarce. US: Guns and water ed long lines of people queuing outside onions and vinegar, yet he could not smell it. have all complained of shortages, despite Spain: Wine "You don't have to buy so much," US gun stores. Amy Plattmier, a woman from Brooklyn, supermarkets and governments saying Wine has been in short supply in Span- President Donald Trump announced at Scandinavia: Painkillers there are ample supplies. ish shops for a few days now, along with a recent White House press conference. In Scandinavia, authorities have called was not tested for the coronavirus during a re- Not all countries have been storming toilet paper and pasta. Italians also find "Just relax." on people to refrain from hoarding med- cent illness, but her husband then became sick the hygiene aisle, however. themselves frequently standing in front It hasn't done much to stop Americans icines such as paracetamol and insulin. and had a positive test. Amy Plattmier said Iran and Italy: Why is everyone buying of empty wine shelves. Since both coun- from hoarding goods they fear will soon They've also been partial to buying more she usually had a very sensitive nose, but now toilet paper? tries eat more at home, they tend to buy be scarce. toilet paper than usual. could barely smell anything — not the bleach Iranians and Italians find it some- lots in bulk - now more than ever. People across the US have cleared su- Bulgaria: Oranges she was using to clean the counters, which usu- what strange to hear other countries are Turkey: 'Kolonya' permarket shelves of canned foods and Hoarders in Bulgaria appear to be ally makes her feel nauseated, or the dog’s ac- fighting over toilet paper. After all, most In Turkey there is currently no chance toilet paper. Online retail giant Amazon some of the most health-conscious, hav- cident in the bathroom, which she cleaned up. bathrooms in Italy have a bidet, a kind of of getting hold of ‘Kolonya’ - the Turkish said it was "currently out of stock on ing flooded the fruits and vegetables sec- Berry has also lost some weight, because he shower for cleaning yourself after going form of cologne. It is traditionally served some popular brands and items, espe- tion in search of vitamin C. Citrus fruits has not had much of an appetite. “Hopefully to the toilet. to visitors, but it can also be used to ‘re- cially in household staples categories." such as oranges and lemons have almost it’s not a prolonged effect,” he said. “I can im- In Iran, also hit hard by the spread of fresh’ your hands when travelling. With Still water is another popular item entirely disappeared from markets. agine it changes the quality of life.” the coronavirus, people clean themselves an ethyl alcohol content of about 80 per in the US. During visits to shops in the -dpa -New York Times PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS (CEY) PVT, LTD. NO - 267, RAJA MAWATHA, EKALA - JA - ELA