www.thepeninsula.qa Saturday 11 April 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8224 18 Sha'aban - 1441 2 Riyals

SPORT | 01 BUSINESS | 08

AFC ranks Commercial Hassan’s Bank launches goal one of ‘CB SMART Asia's best Payroll’ service

Total 227 patients recovered HMC increases capacity of Hazm in ; 136 new cases

General Hospital to 267 beds in a short period THE PENINSULA — The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday The number of beds in the announced the registration of 136 new hospital, which opened confirmed cases of coronavirus and announced the recovery of 21 cases of the disease, bringing in 2018, has increased the total number of people recovered in the from 118 to 267 in a State of Qatar to 227. short period, as hospital Some new cases are related to travellers who came to Qatar and others related to con- teams have expanded tacts. The new cases have been put into quar- the specialized facility to antine and are receiving the necessary medical enhance its capabilities care, the Ministry said in a statement. to treat patients with The Ministry has called on all members of society to stay at home and not go out except coronavirus while the where absolutely necessary. The Ministry also medical staff received requested to cooperate fully and adhere to all adequate training to treat health guidelines and preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection, including sticking these cases. to social and physical distancing guidelines.

QNA — DOHA Global coronavirus death Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) toll surpasses 100,000 increased the capacity of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital to 267 REUTERS — GENEVA beds to support its capabilities in providing high-quality medical The Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital in . The number of deaths linked to the novel coro- care after it was recently desig- navirus reached 100,000 yesterday, as the tally nated as a treatment facility for facility for those infected with coro- one facility. He further explained pointed out. Al Ishaq confirmed that the of cases passed 1.6 million. The first death came people infected with (COVID-19). navirus has led to increasing its that in case of necessity, HMC can concerned teams have worked hard in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on January The number of beds in the hos- capacity. increase the number of beds in the over the past few weeks to ensure that 9. It took 83 days for the first 50,000 deaths pital, which opened in 2018, has He explained that the number hospital up to 560 beds. He added all necessary changes are made to to be recorded and just eight more for the toll increased from 118 to 267 in a short of beds was initially increased from that the 31-bed emergency enable the hospital to play this vital role to climb to 100,000. period, as hospital teams have 118 to 147 beds within a week from department has been moved to a in treating COVID-19 patients of all The toll has been accelerating at a daily rate expanded the specialized facility to registering the first COVID-19 cases tent equipped with double capacity nationalities in Hazm Mebaireek of between 6% and 10% over the past week, and enhance its capabilities to treat in the country, then the hospital of 65 beds a week ago. General Hospital. there were almost 7,300 deaths globally reported patients with coronavirus while the capacity was increased to 267 beds. A field hospital is being con- He stated that this new hospital on Thursday. The death toll now compares with medical staff received adequate He pointed out that the designation structed, which will provide 274 role is a pivotal component of the that of London’s Great Plague in the mid-1660s, training to treat these cases. of Hazm Mebaireek General Hos- additional beds for the hospital to HMC’s comprehensive strategy to which killed an estimated 100,000 people, about Executive-Director of Hazm pital as a hospital for COVID-19 increase its capacity further, he said. ensure the ability to manage any a third of the city’s population at the time. But it Mebaireek General Hospital, enables HMC to provide high- The capacity in intensive care future increase in the number of is still far short of the so-called Spanish flu, which Hussein Al Ishaq, said that desig- quality care to the majority of has also been increased from 16 beds COVID-19 patients who need began in 1918 and is estimated to have killed nating the hospital as a treatment patients infected with the virus in to 50 beds (for males and females), he medical care. `P2 more than 20 million people. HMC’s virtual consultation offers access to 13 specialties

FAZEENA SALEEM their case, according to HMC. digital solution providers THE PENINSULA The Urgent Consultation provide the virtual service. The Service operates from 7am to new virtual healthcare services Hamad Medical Corporation’s 10pm, seven days a week and have been developed to ensure (HMC) Urgent Consultation offers patients access to 13 spe- the safety of everyone by Service has started to provide cialities. The specialities include allowing patients to schedule telephonic consultation with urology, orthopedics surgery, an appointment with healthcare physicians to patients with internal medicine, general by dialing 16000 to have a medical queries related to surgery, dermatology, cardi- virtual consultation with their non-life threatening conditions. ology, ENT, obstetrics and healthcare provider, receiving The service is designed to be gynecology, dental, pediatrics, medical advice, sick leave and more convenient for patients and neurology, mental health, get their medicine delivered to reduce unnecessary patients’ hematology and oncology. their doorstep. visits to the hospitals, HMC has To recall, on March 28, due These services are available said in its social media accounts. to the spread of COVID-19 pan- to all registered PHCC and HMC Patients can call 16000 demic, Ministry of Public Health patients with Health Cards. hotline and chose option 3 (MoPH) activated a set of HMC’s Department of Geriatrics where their call will be triaged remote access channels to has also launched a virtual clinic by a doctor to determine which healthcare services at Primary for elderly patients to receive speciality they should be Health Care Corporation consultations in the comfort of Stay at home referred to. The call will then (PHCC) and HMC. their own home. This service has be put through to one of the The health entities in col- been launched to protect elderly Police at a checkpoint on Corniche creating stay-at-home awareness among motorists. The awareness senior consultants who can laboration with TASMU Smart residents in Qatar who have been on social distancing is part of state’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA access patients’ medical files Qatar, MoTC, Hukoomi and advised by MoPH to stay at home and consult with them about Qatar Post along with notable unless absolutely necessary. QU opens registration for MME, Widam to ensure meat supply in Ramadan

Fall 2020 courses, adjourns SANAULLAH ATAULLAH The deadline for regis- company’s strategy to He said that Widam is THE PENINSULA tration to the initiative is April overcome the current chal- importing live animals and decision on summer semester 16, 2020, the interested farm lenges and preparations for frozen meat from four different QNA — DOHA QU devoted April 15 for the The Ministry of Municipality owners are required to provide upcoming Ramadan in a video sources. If the supply disrupts registration of students who and Environment (MME) and the necessary details so they footage posted on the social site from one source it would be Qatar University (QU) has have exceeded 60 credit hours Widam Food Company can supply their sheep of the of the company. compensated from other announced that the early regis- and April 16 for students who (Widam) have stepped up species of Al Awasi, Syrian, Al “In Ramadan, the con- source. tration for courses for the fall of have passed 45 credit hours. On efforts to ensure the supply of Najdi, Al Hari and during sumption of meat increases. We “As per the plan, we are not 2020 will start on Sunday and April 19, students who have meat in local market to meet Ramadan and Eid Al Adha, the have a complete and integrated waiting to stop import from one study will start on August 16, while passed 30 credit hours will reg- the growing demand during the Ministry has recently tweeted. plan from now till Eid Al Adha source then switch to another it decided to postpone the regis- ister their courses. On April 20, forthcoming holy month of As per the term and condi- and aftermath to ensure the source but all four sources are tration of courses for this summer. all students can register their Ramadan. tions for selling sheep under the supply of fresh and frozen functional with flexibility to According to the university courses until the end of the The Animal Wealth Affairs initiative, the sheep should be meat,” said Al Sada. increase the import when schedule for early registration deletion and addition period for at the MME has offered local 30kg and aged from four to 18 He said that during the needed,” said Al Sada. of courses, it was decided reg- the fall 2020 semester. Head of livestock farms to sell their months at the time of delivery current situation, in case of the He said that Widam imports istration of graduate students Registration Department at QU, sheep through the National Ini- for selling in Ramadan. disruption of supply from any live animals and frozen meats and academic excellence stu- Aisha Al Qahtani said that the tiative for Encouraging Local However, the sheep for Eid source, Widam has alternative from Australia, Azerbaijan, dents will start tomorrow, university provides waiting lists Production of Sheep during Al Adha, should be 35kg and sources of supply to cover it. Romania and Arab countries. while registration will open for in the registration of courses, Ramadan and Eid Al Adha. aged from six to 18 months. All “We no more relay on one “The demand of sheep undergraduate students who whereby students can add their The initiative was launched local animal farms are entitled source. We have diversified especially the Arabic one have passed 90 or more credit names to waiting lists in closed last year to support the animal to benefit from the initiative. sources of import. Now we have increases in Ramadan and Eid hours on April 13, and on April groups, and activate the waiting farms in marketing their Chairman of Widam Food plan A, B and C which is ready Al Adha because Qatari citizens 14 for students who have lists service for the spring of products in a bid to get appro- Company, Eng Mohamed Badr to switch from one to other if prefer it and we are ready to passed 75 credit hours. 2020 as of Sunday.`P3 priate yields for their products. Al Sada has highlighted the needed,” said Al Sada. meet the demand,” said Al Sada. 02 HOME SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Strong wind expected over most areas and poor horizontal FAJR03.57 am SUNRISE 05.16 am o o visibility at times. ZUHR 11.35 am ASR 03.04 pm 28 C 40 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 06:01– 19:32 LOW TIDE 01:46 – 13:46 MAGHRIB 05.57 pm ISHA 07.27 pm W ALRUWAIS: 28o↗41o W ALKHOR: 26o↗37o W : 27o↗40o W WAKRAH: 28o↗37o W 28o↗37o W ABUSAMRA 28o↗42o American designer advises designers to maintain positive outlook amid COVID-19 RAYNALD C RIVERA and make them happy,” he THE PENINSULA stressed. On his advice to designers American designer and artist who can’t produce: “Dive into Chris Wolston (pictured) has things that you won’t conven- advised emerging designers in tionally think of using, and try Qatar to look at the positive side to apply it in your practice. In of the COVID-19 crisis the doing that, you will make dis- world is facing today by staying coveries that would never have engaged and excited towards been considered and that what discovering new avenues to will make it interesting.” enhance their creative practice. He also advised designers “Stay excited. Stay engaged. to keep a positive outlook and There is also something special having this moment - to sit and “Stay excited. Stay engaged. There is also reflect, to draw, to watch something special having this moment - to sit Healthcare inspectors of Doha Municipality inspecting a food outlet. movies that you haven’t had the time to watch, to read books. and reflect, to draw, to watch movies that you There are always different ways haven’t had the time to watch, to read books. to engage and there’s always a Health officials inspect food outlets positive side to this moment,” There are always different ways to engage and said Wolston. there’s always a positive side to this moment,” THE PENINSULA — DOHA Meat Unit at the Health Control Municipality inspected all shops The designer known for his Section of the municipality selling and handling foodstuffs. out-of-the-box, distinctive said Wolston. Doha Municipality conducted checked 11,5000 slaughtered As many as 22 inspection drives designs was speaking at the around 8,000 inspection drives animals, among them 832 were were conducted, in order to inaugural online coaching at food outlets during the first destroyed after finding them know the extent of shops' com- session organised by M7, a cre- new materials and learn dif- challenge themselves amid the quarter of this year. unfit for human consumption. mitment to implementing ative startups hub dedicated to ferent techniques how to use current situation. The municipality inspectors The veterinarians also health requirements. About 19 innovation and entrepre- them which provide then ideas “I think that the most also shut down 55 food estab- checked 74,474kg of fish at slaughtered animals were neurship established by Qatar for new works. important thing is to constantly lishments for violating Law No. various outlets and also examined at abattoir Museums for the nation’s “I think what’s really challenge yourself to explore 8 of 1990 on regulation of destroyed 1032kg. and also checked the quality of growing fashion and design important in this time is just whatever it is you are interested human food control. Also the Meanwhile, Al Shamal 3,36 kg of fish. industry. keeping an open mind, letting in and keep asking questions, The session hosted live by it discover what’s around you whether it is making furniture Qatari fashion designer Fahad and not think about what you or sculpture or painting. I think Qatar attends talk on coronavirus Capacity of Hazm Al Obaidly on Thursday night don’t have, and finding out how it is good to keep that via Instagram saw enthusiastic to look at the material and work excitement, the spirit for QNA — DOHA The Director of Public Mebaireek General response from dozens of it in a different way,” he said. learning new things alive,” he Health Department at the Min- Hospital increased designers in Qatar who asked “When I create work I look said. The biweekly series of Qatar participated in the istry of Public Health Sheikh Dr. FROM PAGE 1 interesting and relevant ques- at new ways and formants to online coaching sessions are dialogue between health offi- Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani tions in the light of the present the material in which held every Thursday and Sat- cials in the Arab countries and several officials and The hospital’s expansion pandemic. people can interact and have urday at 6pm on the M7 members of the Arab Health experts in the Ministry and the focuses in particular on He said the world is in a positive experience with. It’s an Instagram account, @M7.qatar. Ministers Council and experts Hamad Medical Corporation increasing the number of unique situation where eve- interesting presentation of Tonight, fashion designers from China on the Coronavirus represented the State of Qatar intensive care unit beds to rybody is on the same boat, material but it also brings will learn more from textile (COVID-19), which was held by at the dialogue session. The ensure the availability of being forced to adapt to the people joy and that’s really an designer Karl-Artur Korsar how the General Secretariat of the participants discussed capacity and provide medical new norm and one of the pos- important specially in this to design their own textile and Arab League on Thursday important issues, most notably care to patients suffering from itive sides is that it provides moment to keep in mind to build an identity for their own through video conferencing the Chinese experience in severe symptoms (male and designers extra time to discover make things that help people brand. technology. dealing with the epidemic. female). The Acting Medical Director for HMGH, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Mohammed, said that Hundreds tune in to enjoy Generation Amazing’s live streams during the early stages of the transformation of the Hazm THE PENINSULA — DOHA to find ways to ensure that people can Mebaireek General Hospital continue to use football to keep healthy, into a dedicated facility for Hundreds of people across the world are informed and active.” The sessions have COVID-19 treatment, the engaging with Generation Amazing’s proved popular in Qatar, Oman and number of beds in the football for development sessions – Belgium, with many tuning in with their intensive care unit has been which are being streamed live on the entire families to copy the drills and increased to 50 beds, and if Qatar 2022 legacy programme’s social exercises. necessary in the future, this media channels. Generation Amazing’s Marketing & number can be rapidly Transmitted on a daily basis at 4pm Communications Director, Moza Al increased to 221 beds for Doha time (GMT+3), the sessions include Mohannadi, said: “We’re excited to see intensive care. information about keeping fit and such an international audience inter- He explained that this is remaining in a positive mindset during acting with us via the @GA4Good essential from the hospitals the COVID-19 pandemic – which has accounts and look forward to connecting ability to treat COVID-19 forced most people around the world to with people, young and old, who can patients who suffer from stay at home. benefit from our unique football for severe symptoms, as Hazm The sessions convey the core values development methodology. In the Mebaireek General Hospital’s of Generation Amazing – which teaches coming week we’ll see more of this, plus intensive care units have the Hundreds of people across the world are engaging with Generation Amazing’s football key life skills through football. The some familiar sporting faces in the live equipment to treat and broadcasts feature a variety of at-home for development sessions – which are being streamed live on the Qatar 2022 legacy sessions.” monitor patients and more exercises, health tips and interviews with programme’s social media channels. In the coming days, @GA4Good will staff compared to other hos- key figures from the sport for devel- announce next week’s schedule, which pital units, which allows pro- opment sector, the Supreme Committee remaining fit and active while at home. the social integration of refugees in will include live sessions with the master viding individual care directly for Delivery and Legacy (SC) said on its To mark the UN International Day Belgium. Al Khori said: “It’s been fan- coaches, interviews with ambassadors if it is necessary. All outpatient website. The sessions have been led by of Sport and Peace, Generation Amazing tastic to get our live sessions going – it’s and Instagram broadcasts with partner services at Hazm Mebaireek a variety of Generation Amazing figures, Programme Director Nasser Al Khori so important to us that we can continue clubs. In addition, live book readings will General Hospital were tempo- including master coaches Michael Rich- hosted an Instagram live session with to offer our programme to our audiences continue, featuring authors of Generation rarily suspended until further ardson and Hamad Mohamed, and beIN KAS Eupen’s Head of CSR, Jessica Loo, at a difficult time for the world and for Amazing’s Maktaba children’s book series, notice, while the hospital’s SPORTS anchor Mohamed Saadon Al on sport and inclusion, which highlighted communities who usually benefit an which highlight key values such as tol- emergency department is Kuwari, who presented a talk about the entities’ joint programme aimed at awful lot from sport. We’re determined erance, inclusion and gender equality. operating, as usual. How do we address a pandemic from an ethical and religious perspective? THE PENINSULA — DOHA congregational prayers, the “Such pandemics and crises participants in a recent inter- designed to limit the spread of whoever, purposefully or acci- closure of mosques, and moral raise questions about the right active webinar organized by the the virus will help the health dentally, causes the spread of an Over the centuries, humanity has debates to determine the optimal approach to addressing these sit- World Innovation Summit for system of any country to avoid infectious disease or a pandemic, witnessed numerous deadly behaviour in such a situation, uations - not only in terms of Health, QF’s global health initi- a crisis of medical capacity. Any and this is due to the huge plagues and pandemics, with whether for the individual, the medicine, but also from the point ative, titled Coronavirus: The healthcare system has limited damage that it causes to perhaps the most infamous community, or the state. There of view of Islamic ethics and Interplay of Medical and Islamic capacity and is not necessarily communities”. being the Plague of Emmaus, is also a need to provide an bioethics in relation to infectious Ethics, and he explained that the equipped to receive a very large Speaking about how some which took place during around ethical justification for a certain diseases – and governing, way we deal with coronavirus number of patients at the same people misunderstand the dif- the 7th Century, and the Great action or policy, as well as the guiding, and assessing human is no longer an individual choice. time. ference between “God’s destiny” Plague – also known as the political and economic conse- actions and behaviours, such as “In case of emergency, there “This is why the situation in and the importance of taking Black Death – which spread quences that this may raise.” prioritising treatment when are two major principles: the first some countries is tragic, and it precautions against such a pan- across Europe during around the Dr. Al Khatib explains that there are scarce resources, and is maximizing the collective ben- is not the result of the failure of demic, Dr. Al Khatib said, 14th Century. dealing with such conditions whether measures such as travel efits for society, and the second their healthcare system, but due “According to the Prophetic And according to Dr. Mutaz relates to several principles, such restrictions, the closure of air- is avoiding inflecting and recip- to exhausting a capacity that is Hadith, ‘there is no disease that Al Khatib, Assistant Professor at as preserving lives, the public ports and mosques. And social rocating harm, in accordance intended for normal conditions, Allah, has created, except that the Center for Islamic Legislation interest, and balancing them in isolation and quarantine with the Prophetic Hadith: not epidemics. This explains why he also has created its treatment’. and Ethics, and Professor of times of conflict and moral measures are ethically ‘There should be neither governments are implementing “Both preventive and cur- Ethics at the College of Islamic responsibility towards oneself justified. harming (Ìarar) nor recipro- restrictions on freedom of ative measures fall under the Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa and others. “And if they are justified, cating harm (ÌirÉr)’.” movement, locking down cities, broad category of treatment, University, a member of Qatar He points out that there are how do we ensure that people “Any action or decision that and encouraging people to because there is always a rela- Foundation, such historical prophetic directives related to are receiving their basic needs an individual makes will have maintain a social distance. tionship between cause and events may have relevance to the plague, saying: “There have in this case? How do we prevent an impact on everyone, because Adhering to these measures is a effect, and the concept of cau- today’s world amid the global been many occasions in Islamic the stigmatization of people this virus spreads through social moral responsibility for every sation is fundamental in the COVID-19 pandemic. history that offer guidance about infected by a virus? What are the interaction, and statistics have one of us.” Islamic teachings.” “This pandemic raises dif- pandemics, relating to the Pro- virtues that individuals should shown that for each confirmed Dr. Al Khatib also highlighted He also says another strand ferent concerns, including phetic Hadith that says not to hold in the case of epidemics, case, there may be 5-10 cases the moral and ethical responsi- of misinformation amid whether if we look at it as enter a land where there is an whether in their movements, that are not yet confirmed. This bility of states to protect public COVID-19 is that places of torture, and whether faith can outbreak of plague, and not to their consumption and storage means that the person may be a health, saying: “Preserving the worship can never witness a protect us from getting the leave a place if the plague breaks of goods, their willingness to vol- carrier of the infection while not soul is fundamental in Islamic spread of a pandemic. “This goes infection,” he said out while you are there. There unteer and support healthcare showing any symptoms, so the Law. against what epidemiology and “It also leads to discussions is also a great deal of Islamic lit- providers, or their adherence to numbers double. “There are articles stipulated reality proves, and will even- regarding the performance of erature on plagues that we can government instructions?” “Another important issue is under the Penal Code that tually create a disturbance of religious rituals and benefit from in our new context. Dr Al Khatib was among the that following the guidelines impose penalties and fines on public order”. SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 HOME 03 Jigsaw puzzles of MIA's QU opens registration for Fall Municipalities 2020 courses, adjourns issue 637 building permits in March objects now available online decision on summer semester QNA — DOHA FROM PAGE 1 RAYNALD C RIVERA #socialdistancing - each week The Museum of Islamic coronavirus crisis and is The Planning and Statistics THE PENINSULA we will upload three new Art’s website has a dedicated The Head of Registration studying the variables and cir- Authority’ data show that the jigsaw puzzles of MIA objects,” learning resources page where Department at QU, Aisha Al cumstances first-hand, to take number of building permits Good news for avid puzzlers said MIA in its official Twitter visitors can access for free a Qahtani, explained that all the its final decisions regarding the issued by various municipalities and museum-goers. Jigsaw account yesterday. rich collection of fun and edu- courses offered in the fall 2020 summer semester at the end of in the country during March puzzles of objects from the Folio from the Shah Tahmasp cational activities for children, semester were announced a April, following the changes reached 637, a general decrease collection of the Museum of Shahnama, Diwan of Shir ‘Ali families and adults. Through week before the start of early then to achieve the public of 4 percent compared to Islamic Art (MIA) can now be Niva’i, and Hamza Nama Folio these activities people can registration so that students can interest of students and the uni- February. played online through the learn more about MIA and its prepare their academic versity. Since the beginning of Municipality museum’s website for collections in a fun and schedules after reviewing the the crisis, QU has rushed to came first in terms of the everyone to enjoy while in the engaging way. academic guidance through the implement the decision to number of building permits comfort of their homes. Apart from the jigsaw specific channels for that. activate the system of virtual issued at 152 licenses, or 24 As COVID-19 keeps people puzzles, there are more activ- Al Qahtani also stressed the learning and distance edu- percent of the total licenses indoors, playing jigsaw puzzles ities inspired by MIA’s collection importance of reading the uni- cation in response to the issued during the month, fol- has been one of the ways and exhibitions which are versity's e-mail messages to decision to suspend studies in lowed by Doha with 130. Al people spend their time at available on the page. They students related to registration public and private schools and Wakrah Municipality issued 126 home, with some countries like range from printable colouring, instructions and the most universities for all students in licenses, then has 90, the US witnessing surge in puzzle, and spot the differences important advice that they the State of Qatar within the while the rest of the licenses demand for jigsaw puzzles. worksheets to other art activ- must adhere to before starting precautionary measures to were issued at (74), An excellent form of ities such as creating a ka’aba registration. She also advised prevent the novel (34), Al Sheehaniya (21) mental workout, playing and a prayer rug. There are also students to remotely speak to coronavirus. and Al Shamal (10). jigsaw puzzles has been known activities targeting specific their academic advisor before QU organised several to improve short-term skills such as reading compre- registering for the courses to workshops on distance edu- MoPH prohibits memory, problem-solving hension and writing a book assist them in choosing the cation and methods of using skills, and visual-spatial rea- review as well as mathematical required courses within the them and warned that all stu- sale of 'Air Doctor' soning as well as relieve stress and science skills. academic plan for his academic dents should be informed of the QNA — DOHA and promote family bond, Links to online learning specialization. She urged stu- rules and regulations used in among its many benefits. resources in other museums dents to know the guidelines of this framework. The Ministry of Public Health Not only do MIA’s online can also be found at MIA’s the self-service system to know The university urged its stu- (MoPH) has issued a circular puzzles improve cognitive skills are the jigsaw puzzles currently learning resources webpage. how to use the system in reg- dents to adhere to attend inter- to pharmacies to prevent the but also enable people of all available in MIA’s website, with Though MIA is temporarily istering or deleting courses. active lectures according to the sale and use of the ‘Air Doctor’ ages to take a closer look at the more to come in the coming closed due to COVID-19, people Regarding the post- announced academic schedule product as it contains inac- museum objects, thus develop weeks. Jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts can still enjoy browsing hun- ponement of the early regis- from the beginning of the aca- curate medical claims that it deeper appreciation of the of all ages can enjoy the puzzles dreds of MIA’s collection which tration of the academic courses demic year, and not to violate is used to protect against museum’s collections. as they have the option to choose have been digitised and can be for the summer 2020 semester, the charter of academic airborne viruses and bacteria. “Enjoy a closer look at some the number of puzzle pieces, viewed in its website and via the QU administration made it integrity and to deal with inter- The Ministry said that the of our objects and keep your from six up to more than 1,000 Google Arts and Culture clear that it is closely following active lectures with privacy and product is not licensed by any minds agile whist pieces. platform. the current situation of the responsibility. competent authority in Qatar. QF, WISH open up COVID-19 discussion Josoor Institute continues to deliver classes through Speaker Series amid virus pandemic THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA management implemented Health experts from around the business continuity solutions world will turn an international The Josoor Institute is after Qatar’s Ministry of Edu- spotlight on the coronavirus continuing to serve delegates cation and Higher Education pandemic next week, through a – along with the wider suspended attendance at special online edition of Qatar community – despite the schools and universities in Foundation’s Education City ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. March. This meant that the Speaker Series in partnership With the vast majority of second block of classes for with the World Innovation people currently working from Josoor Institute’s flagship pro- Summit for Health. home, the Qatar 2022 legacy fessional diploma programmes The event — titled Flattening programme has moved quickly in sports and major events the Curve: Global Responses to to ensure all of its classes are management needed to move COVID-19, and taking place at FROM LEFT: Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri, Dr. Jerome Kim and Dr. David Nabarro. delivered online for the time online in order to cater for 91 4pm on April 15 — will see being, the Supreme Committee delegates. speakers from Qatar, Oman, for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Afraa Al Noaimi, Executive Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, and WHO COVID-19 Special Envoy; opportunity to come together, “Through its first-ever online said on its website. Director of Josoor Institute, said: Switzerland analysing how dif- Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri, Assistant albeit virtually, to discuss global edition, we are now inviting a That’s good news for pro- “We have a shared responsi- ferent countries are tackling the Minister for Health Affairs at responses to the current pan- global audience to join us, as fessional diploma programme bility to ensure that we fulfil our challenges posed by COVID-19, Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health; demic,” said Sultana Afdhal, CEO experts from Qatar and around delegates, along with people education mission while pro- and the lessons the pandemic Rossella Mic-cio, President of of WISH. the world address an issue that who are keen to learn more tecting the health and safety of may hold for the world. EMERGENCY NGO; Dr. Hsiu- Noora Ali Al Rumaihi, has affected every one of us – about the sports and events our delegates and instructors. It is the first edition of the Hung Wang, President of the Manager of Public Relations at COVID-19." The discussion will industries. Delegates are con- To that end, we worked closely Education City Speaker Series to Taiwan Nurses Asso-ciation; and , said, “Pro- be moderated by journalist and tinuing to learn from global with our academic partner, SDA be held online, with the panelists Dr. Jerome Kim, Director- viding platforms for dialogue, documentary-maker Mishal experts thanks to online Bocconi, in order to continue brought together by the World General of the International discourse, and the exchange of Husain, with its audience having courses, while others will soon delivering our professional Innovation Summit for Health Vaccine Institute. knowledge and perspectives is the chance to post questions to have the chance to access the diploma programmes remotely (WISH) and Qatar Foundation “We are pleased to be col- at the core of Qatar Foundation’s panelists online.To watch and programme’s vast knowledge using online instruction. I’m (QF) being Dr. Ahmed Al laborating with the Education mission, and we are committed participate in this online edition hub, including education and delighted to report that Mandhari, the World Health City Speaker Series team on an to continuing these platforms in of the Education City Speaker training materials, via its engagement and feedback were Organization’s (WHO) Regional event that offers members of online form amid the changes Series at 4pm on April 15, visit website: www.josoorinstitute. excellent – we are proud of Director for the Eastern Medi- WISH’s global community of that the coronavirus pandemic www.qf.org.qa/ qa. being able to continue our work terranean; Dr. David Nabarro, healthcare experts the has brought to our lives. education-city-speaker-series. Josoor Institute’s during these testing times.” Stories of QF alumni at the frontline of fight against COVID-19 THE PENINSULA — DOHA navirus outbreak. work and can only pray that, this symptoms, and has to be pulled out not able to give answers.” isolation and other protective “Over the course of two weeks, time around, the protective of the hospital, that’s a huge strain The pandemic has posed measures. Three graduates from QF’s medical we went from having one patient equipment will work,” said Siyab on the system,” he said. “We are unprecedented challenges to “What I am trying to do on school recount their experiences in one night to having multiple Panhwar, a WCM-Q alumnus who understaffed and have a limited healthcare workers around the social media is to promote the fact of treating COVID-19 patients in patients overnight. So it was a very works as a cardiology fellow at number of residents. and losing world, who are risking their lives that if you have to stay at home, hospitals in the US, which has stark and sudden increase in the Tulane Medical Center in Loui- one senior resident in the team can to fight it. Yet Khairat, Panhwar, stay at home. The public maybe witnessed the largest number of number of cases,” Steitieh men- siana, another US state seriously be incapacitating to the and Steitieh said their commitment don’t know the seriousness of the cases in the world. tioned, adding that the hospital affected by the pandemic. “We are department.” to continue fighting the virus out- issue unless they actually see it In early March, Diala Steitieh currently receives over 50 coro- humans too, and we can also die. Since the coronavirus out- weighs any personal concerns, from someone’s perspective who was working her regular night shift navirus patients a day. The lack of personal protective break struck, Khairat, Panhwar, adding that their medical edu- is treating these patients.” at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hos- A few miles north of NewYork- equipment is not ideal, but we just and Steitieh have all worked extra cation and residency experience “I can’t stress enough the pital in Manhattan when she Presbyterian, another WCM-Q hope for the best when dealing hours and given up their days off have equipped them to be on the importance of social isolation,” said received a patient in his thirties graduate witnessed a similar pro- with patients.” to meet the demands placed on frontline. “Being given all these Khairat. “It’s not just about pro- with severe breathing difficulty and gression of the crisis. Ali Khairat, a According to Khairat, doctors frontline healthcare workers. tools through college and medical tecting yourself, it’s about mini- dry coughing. third-year Emergency Medicine are changing their ways of working “At any given day, about 10 residency, and to actually apply mizing the transmission to people The man did not have any pre- Resident at the NYC Health + Hos- to reduce the number of interac- physicians might not be able to them during a time when the world who are at most risk. existing medical conditions, but pitals/Lincoln saw his hospital tions with the COVID-19 patients. come because they have either really needs you, is humbling and “Previous generations were had recently returned from a trip transformed as the coronavirus “We try to limit the number of tested positive, have shown mild rewarding,” said Khairat. “It makes called to fight wars. We are simply to Europe. Steitieh and her col- outbreak unfolded in the city. healthcare providers interacting symptoms, or were unexpectedly you feel you are participating in a called to stay on our couches.” leagues soon realised that the hos- The rooms for non-urgent with the patients, so I have to go in exposed to patients with COVID- human cause. Steitieh, who echoes the pital had received its first patients were converted into coro- to see the patient with everything 19,” Steitieh said about her hospital. “I do have the confidence from importance of following advice COVID-19 patient and sprang into navirus-only wards, isolation I need to swab the person, make “But I guess what makes it easier the training I got in medical school from healthcare and government action, despite the fact there was rooms were activated, and the sure I get the complete medical is that you are needed.” and my residency, and that makes leaders, said what helps her during no existing protocol for treatment center witnessed a huge influx of history, do all the physical exams, Another key challenge for part of it easier, but it’s also just a these difficult times is the fact that of the new disease. patients with respiratory problems. and everything else that needs to healthcare workers dealing with very humbling experience to know people have been messaging her— “Everyone was very cautious. “We have patients coming in be done happens in that one single COVID-19 is that it is a novel virus that there are things that are quite both from within the US as well as We had at least three physicians, with respiratory complaints, interaction,” he said. with no set instructions regarding unexpected and unplanned for,” from Qatar, where Steitieh and her fully gowned and protected to asthma, shortness of breath, and Unfortunately, despite various treatment or exactly how it affects added Steitieh. “You just have to family reside—to check in on her transfer him, with double gloves, fever,” said Khairat. “We move safety measures, Khairat was the patient’s body. learn on your feet and manage.” and appreciate her efforts. a N95 mask, and an additional them to the isolation room, protect infected with the virus and tested “There is no protocol, and As the coronavirus continues “I feel like, for the first time, mask over that for protection of the ourselves with protective gear, and positive for COVID-19 in mid- whatever we know changes every to spread around the world, hos- medicine is the focus now,” she eyes,” recalls Steitieh, Resident start interviewing the patient.” March. “I started developing mild day,” said Panhwar. “In fact, it pitals and medical staff remain said. “Before now, very infre- Physician at the hospital and a Since the start of the crisis, the symptoms and was asked to go changes every hour. There is so overburdened. According to quently did people talk about the graduate of Weill Cornell Med- situation in hospitals across the US home. It took five days for my test much new information that’s Panhwar, the public can help the number of hours that physicians icine-Qatar (WCM-Q), one of Qatar has become more dire. Due to a results to come back, but by that coming in. This is something no situation by staying at home and put into work, even outside of a Foundation’s international partner shortage of personal protective time thankfully I was already one could have prepared for. reducing the number of cases — crisis like this. universities. equipment, healthcare profes- feeling better.” Khairat adds: “All the evidence what is referred to as ‘flattening the “It’s been very heartwarming Shortly after the first patient, sionals no longer have the luxury Khairat is currently recovering is anecdotal at best. There are a lot curve.’ “The best cure is to not get for all of us in medicine, and it Steitieh found herself in the middle of following the standard pro- under self-quarantine at home, but of grey areas, which are never a it,” said Panhwar, who has now makes it a lot easier to realize that of a global pandemic that would cedure of changing masks and anxiously waiting to be able to get good thing in medicine. We have started documenting his expe- you are appreciated for the time soon transfer New York City into gowns for every new patient. back to work. “If a physician is a responsibility to these patients, rience on social media channels to and effort you are putting in, and one of the epicenters of the coro- “We show up every day for exposed and starts showing and it’s sobering and scary to be highlight the importance of social the risks you are taking.” 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 Iran reports 122 coronavirus deaths, raising total to 4,232

AGENCIES — DOHA

Iran yesterday announced Toll in Saudi reaches 47 another 122 deaths from the novel coronavirus, taking the ANATOLIA — RIYADH overall toll in the Middle East’s The number of coronavirus cases in crossed 3,500 worst-hit country to 4,232. and ’s tally moved closer to 1,000 yesterday. The health ministry said The COVID-19 death tolls in the neighbouring countries also 1,972 people tested positive for increased to 47 and six, respectively. the COVID-19 virus in the past Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry confirmed 364 new cases, 24 hours, putting the total at bringing the total to 3,651, including 685 recoveries. 68,192. Three COVID-19 patients died over the past 24 hours, pushing “In the last 24 hours, we the death toll to 47, the ministry said. have unfortunately seen an Bahrain recorded its sixth fatality due to the coronavirus, increase in cases of disease in while 26 new cases raised the total to 917. perhaps five to eight tourist prov- The country’s Health Ministry said 11 more COVID-19 patients inces, including Tehran,” were discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours, raising spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour the number of recoveries to 530. told a televised news conference. The announcement comes Ducks walk in empty sidewalk along Adnan Menderes Boulevard as people stayed home as part of a day before Iran is scheduled military coalition supporting the already in the grip of what the measures to curb the coronavirus pandemic, in Adana, Turkey, yesterday. to reopen “low-risk” businesses government in what it said was UN calls the world’s worst in a move aimed at protecting a move to help fight the pan- humanitarian crisis. its sanctions-hit economy. demic. “The first confirmed case “What’s facing Yemen is COVID-19: Turkish institute launches Iran announced its first of coronavirus has been frightening,” said Lise Grande, coronavirus cases on February reported in Hadramawt the UN coordinator for Yemen. 19. There has been speculation province,” Yemen’s supreme “More people who become scientific elecronic platform abroad that the real number of national emergency committee infected are likely to become deaths and infections in the for COVID-19 said on Twitter. severely ill than anywhere else.” THE PENINSULA — DOHA free articles and analyzes under country could be higher. The committee, run by the Yemen is “critically under- different titles. In response to the health internationally recognised gov- equipped” to face the pandemic, The Yunus Emre Turkish On the other hand, the crisis, Iran shut schools and uni- ernment of President Abe- said Xavier Joubert, country Cultural Institute in Istanbul Yunus Institute for Turkish versities as well as cinemas, sta- drabbo Mansour Hadi, said the director for Save the Children has launched a scientific elec- Affairs contributes to the accel- diums and revered Shiite infected patient was in stable in Yemen. tronic platform in both erated scientific and techno- Muslim shrines. It also warned condition and receiving care. “Only half of Yemen’s health Turkish and English languages logical efforts to curb corona- people to refrain from travel for “The case is in isolation and facilities are still fully func- to find a viable treatment for virus through this compre- the Persian New Year holidays treatment, all known contacts tional,” said Joubert. COVID-19. hensive platform. that ended last week. are being traced and quaran- “There are 700 intensive The platform ‘COVID-19 It publishes the latest devel- Yemen reported its first case tined,” the World Health Organ- care unit beds, including 60 for Hub’ which is available at opments, data and results from of coronavirus Friday in a ization said on Twitter. children, and 500 ventilators for covid19.tabipacademy.com, is the main official sources, southern government-con- “WHO is working closely a population of about 30 part of the Academic and Sci- making it accessible to scien- trolled province, raising fears of with (the health ministry) to million.” entific Cooperation project in tists, doctors, researchers, an outbreak in the war-torn ensure further rapid con- Tens of thousands of Turkey (TABIP), which was the coronavirus enabling them medical equipment manufac- country as air strikes blamed on tainment measures are taken.” civilians have been killed over implemented under the aus- to follow the latest scientific turers and all relevant research the Saudi-led coalition tested a Aid groups have warned the past five years in the war pices of the Presidency of the studies and technological groups, who are racing against unilateral truce. that when the coronavirus hits between the coalition and the Republic of Turkey. developments from the reliable time to fight the outbreak of The announcement came Yemen’s broken healthcare Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who It allows all researchers sources. coronavirus, and save the lives on the second day of the two- system, the impact is likely to control large parts of Yemen who are working hard to find a The platform also provides of hundreds of thousands of week ceasefire declared by the be catastrophic for a country including the capital Sana'a. safe and effective treatment for researchers with hundreds of patients. COVID-19 toll in Turkey rises to 1,006; Kuwait sees 83 new cases

AGENCIES — ISTANBUL/KUWAIT The ministry official spokesperson amounted to 26, including 16 in stable Interior Minister Sayyid Hamoud bin hours, pushing the death toll to 20. The Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad said in a condition, thus the whole number of Faisal Al Busaidi. total cases rose to 609 after 27 more Turkey’s confirmed cases of corona- statement that the new cases included people receiving medical care stood at The committee also decided to con- people tested positive for COVID-19. virus increased by 4,747 and 98 people two Kuwaiti citizens who came back 869. tinue a suspension of study at all edu- The ministry said 28 of the total died in the last 24 hours, taking the home on a repatriation flight from the Oman reported 27 new coronavirus cational institutions until further patients are in critical condition, while total death toll from the disease to United Kingdom and 77 cases had con- cases yesterday, bringing the total notice, as cases across the country con- 67 have recovered. 1,006, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tacted persons of confirmed infection number of infections to 484, according tinue to rise. In Palestine, the Health Ministry said yesterday. with the virus. to country’s Health Ministry. Morocco, Lebanon, and Palestine reported another death of the fatal The total number of recovered Dr. Al Sanad said four suspected The Arab country confirmed a total have confirmed new cases and deaths disease, raising the death toll in the cases stood at 2,423, with 281 recov- contamination cases were counted, in of three deaths from the pandemic so from the novel coronavirus yesterday. occupied territories to two. eries in the last 24 hours, and the addition to examining those who had far, the ministry said in a statement. The death toll in Morocco is up to 105 It added that three new cases, number of tests carried out in that time socialized with them (two Kuwaiti cit- It said 109 people have so far after eight more fatalities over the past including a seven-year-old child, was 30,864, Koca said on Twitter. izens, and two expatriates). recovered and been discharged from 24 hours, while 57 new cases have raised the total number of cases to 266. Meanwhile, Kuwait Ministry of Earlier yesterday, Minister of hospital. raised the total to 1,431, according to Government spokesman Ibrahim Health announced 83 new cases of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al Sabah The capital Muscat was placed on the country’s Health Ministry. The min- Milhim said the new patients are from infection with the novel coronavirus announced that 12 people infected with lockdown beginning last morning as istry said the number of recoveries has the West Bank cities of Bethlehem and (COVID-19) were recorded in the the virus have recovered, bringing the part of efforts to curb the virus’ spread. reached 114 after six more patients Al-Khalil (Hebron). In a statement, the country over the past 24 hours bringing number of recoveries 123. The 12-day measure came after a were discharged from hospitals. ministry said 13 of the total cases are total number of people infected with Number of patients undergoing Wednesday meeting of the committee Lebanon’s Health Ministry con- in the Gaza Strip and all the rest are in the virus to 993. treatment at intensive care units to tackle the pandemic chaired by firmed one fatality over the past 24 the West Bank. Palestinian held Lebanon makes largest after Zoom call with Israelis ever cannabis drug bust AFP — BEIRUT “This quantity is the largest AFP — GAZA CITY seized in the history of Lebanon’s security forces said Lebanon,” it added, and had Gaza’s Islamist rulers Hamas yesterday they had made their been intended for “an African said they arrested a Pales- largest cannabis seizure in history country”. The marijuana came tinian man on charges of last month, unearthing 25 tonnes in a variety of kinds including normalising ties with Israelis of the drug intended for Africa. “Beirut mood”, “Spring flower”, online, after footage seemingly The Mediterranean country or even “Kiki do you love me”, from a Zoom call was shared on March 15 announced a the ISF said. online. lockdown to stop the spread of Consuming, growing and The interior ministry in COVID-19, which has now offi- selling marijuana is illegal in the Gaza Strip said Rami Aman cially infected 609 and killed Lebanon, but in the margin- and an unspecified number of 20 nationwide. On March 16, alised east of the country its pro- other people were arrested for the Internal Security Forces duction blossomed during the “normalisation of activities stopped “eight trucks headed 1975-1990 civil war. Authorities with the Israeli occupation via to the Beirut port carrying have since struggled to clamp the internet.” thousands of plastic bags of down on the trade and its pro- “Establishing any activity soil”, the security branch said. duction has turned into a multi- or communication with the After inspection, “huge million-dollar business. In 2016, Israeli occupation under any quantities of hashish reaching the UN Office on Drugs and excuse is a crime punishable Waiting for customers around 25 tonnes were seized... Crime ranked Lebanon as the by law, and is treason against that had been professionally third main source of cannabis A Palestinian street vendor walks in an empty street in Gaza City with a cart loaded with bags of our people,” a statement hidden inside bags of soil,” it resin after Morocco and candy floss, during the novel coronavirus pandemic crisis, yesterday. added. said in a statement. Afghanistan. Aman’s Facebook page said he was a member of a group that describes itself politically independent in the UN envoy warns Libya escalation is straining pandemic response Gaza Strip, which Hamas has controlled since 2007. BLOOMBERG — TRIPOLI interview on Thursday. “And Haftar, who controls the coun- and killing one of Haftar’s top would have included a deal on A link shared online shows they’re whistling past the try’s shuttered oil fields and had commanders, while also tar- oil revenue distribution by the Aman, and other individuals, An escalation in Libya’s year- graveyard, that’s what they’re set off the fighting last year when geting supply convoys. Tripoli-based central bank, a speaking via the videoconfer- long war is straining the North doing.” he tried to take the capital.”Every Haftar’s forces, who are key demand from Haftar, who encing group Zoom, with African country’s ability to deal The intensified fighting has call for a truce, even when it’s backed by Russian mercenaries, in January allowed loyalists to people believed to be members with the coronavirus pandemic, closed down one of Tripoli’s accepted by both sides, seems to the and close down oil fields. But an inter- of Israeli leftwing groups. the acting United Nations envoy largest hospitals, which came inevitably lead to an escalation, , have bombarded Tripoli national audit of the bank has Hamas seized Gaza from said, as foreign powers inter- under three days of shelling as both by the parties on the ground with artillery, while a mayor been obstructed by Libya’s own the internationally recognised vening continue to flout an arms the country reported at least 24 but also foreign sponsors,” loyal to the strongman closed audit bureau, Williams said. Palestinian government in a embargo. cases of coronavirus infections. Williams said. water supplies to the city’s three ”They are now obstructing a 2007 near civil war and has ”It’s incredibly reckless. It’s It also followed the Over the past few weeks, million inhabitants.UN-led process whose purpose is to fought three wars with Israel inhumane, it’s stretching the announcement of a humani- drone strikes in support of the negotiations to resolve the con- enhance transparency and since. All contact with Israelis capacity of local authorities and tarian truce between the inter- government in the capital, flict resulted in a ceasefire accountability, and by the way is banned and those accused the health infrastructure that is nationally recognized which is backed primarily by agreement in February that’s empower the help the audit bureau of spying for Israel have been already decimated,” Stephanie government in Tripoli and Turkey, have intensified, yet to be ratified, and a deal to to restore its rightful place,” she put to death. Williams told Bloomberg in an eastern strongman Khalifa destroying a command center start economic reforms. Those said. SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Stampede in Kenya as slum residents rush for food aid

AP — NAIROBI Residents of Nairobi’s said witness Richard Agutu Kibera slum, spotting Kongo, a 43-year-old who Thousands of people surged for operates a motorcycle taxi. But food aid in a brief stampede a food distribution, in fact the distribution was from yesterday in Kenya’s capital, tried to force their another well-wisher who had desperate for help as corona- way through a gate given selected families cards to virus restrictions keep them turn in and receive aid, he said. from making a living. Police outside a district “They didn’t care about gov- fired tear gas and injured office for their chance ernment restrictions that we several people, witnesses said. at supplies to keep were to stay 1 meter apart,” he Residents of Nairobi’s added. Kongo’s family, including Kibera slum, spotting a food their families fed for six children, was given a card. distribution, tried to force their another day. They received two packets of way through a gate outside a maize meal, cooking oil and Social distancing district office for their chance cereals. People in the crowd Shoppers seated in separated chairs as they buy food from stalls at market held in a stadium organised at supplies to keep their fam- dangling off their chins. Some “could see those with cards by the Algiers municipal government in the centre of the capital Algiers yesterday, as part of measures ilies fed for another day. people fell and were trampled. getting food and this caused the to contain coronavirus pandemic. The scene in Kenya’s largest Dust rose. Women shrieked. stampede as they tried to force slum reflected the fears of mil- Injured people were carried to their way in,” Kongo said. He lions across Africa as nearly 20 safety and placed on the ground described his business as a countries have imposed full to recover, gasping for breath. standstill as Kenyans are dis- Moroccan firms begin ventilator production lockdowns and others have “The people who have been couraged from going out. REUTERS — RABAT raise the number of its intensive straight to a sedated patient’s shut down cities or imposed injured here are very many, “Before, I used to make (the care beds to 3,000 from 1,640. lungs. The first 500 non- curfews. A vast population of even we cannot count,” said equivalent of) $10 and now with Morocco has started manufac- The pandemic has led to a invasive ventilators will be informal workers, with little or one resident, Evelyn Kemunto. the coronavirus restrictions I turing its own ventilators with global shortage of ventilators ready in about a week, the min- no savings, worries about the “Both women and children can barely make $5,” he said. oxygen masks, with 500 and other medical equipment. istry said in an email to Reuters. next meal as no one knows have been injured. There was “It’s becoming hard to ensure expected to be ready by mid- Morocco’s Industry Min- “We use locally supplied when the measures will end. a woman with twins, she has my family gets three meals a April to help meet demand istry has asked aeronautics and material available here and we Already, Rwanda and South been injured, and even now she day. Yesterday they missed caused by the COVID-19 electronics suppliers in the will continue to produce ven- Africa have extended their is looking for her twins. … It is breakfast.” With Friday’s pandemic, the Industry Ministry country to develop and manu- tilators depending on Morocco’s lockdowns by two weeks. food we were coming for since donation, his family now has said. facture both non-invasive ven- needs,” said Badre Jaafar, In the Nairobi chaos, men we are dying of hunger.” enough for three meals, he said: The North African kingdom tilators, where an oxygen mask director of SERMP, a Casa- with sticks beat people back as The crowd had heard that “We are thankful for the has confirmed 1,431 cases of the is secured over the patient’s blanca-based company that they fought over packages of popular opposition leader Raila donation, but it will only last novel coronavirus, including face, and invasive models supplies parts to French aircraft food, some with face masks Odinga had donated the food, two days.” 105 deaths, and is seeking to where a tube feeds oxygen engine maker Safran. New Ebola case emerges Nigerians struggle as lockdown hits supply chains

in DR Congo just before AFP — LAGOS is also shut down and other desperate the situation is implications for the health of states around the country have getting many of the fish have the economy and largely epidemic’s expected end At a market on the outskirts of imposed their own restrictions. started eating each other. determine whether the coun- Nigeria’s megacity Lagos, yam Officials insist that the measures The coronavirus crisis has try’s present anaemic growth AFP — KINSHASA trader Olatunji Okesanya is are needed to contain a disease already battered Nigeria’s track turns into a full scrambling for produce as that threatens to wreak havoc finances. Africa’s biggest oil downturn.” A new case of Ebola was measures to halt the corona- on the weak health system. producer has seen government In theory food supplies reported in eastern DR Congo virus cut him off from suppliers. But farmers, sellers, and revenues gutted by a collapse should be exempt from most of yesterday, just three days “The restriction in consumers complain the fight in crude prices. the restrictions in place against before a deadline that would movement has disrupted against the virus has turned The authorities have frozen the coronavirus and free to be have marked the official end to supply— the farmers are finding Nigeria into a patchwork of loan repayments for farmers transported. But in a country the long epidemic, the UN said. it difficult to get their produce roadblocks and regulations that and small businesses in a bid to eaten away by corruption, “Unfortunately, this means to Lagos,” he said. have ruptured business links. ease the pain but many are officers at checkpoints have the government of #DRC will “The few who are able are Wale Oni has seen the demanding more action. often manipulated the situation not be able to declare an end bribing the security agents and lockdown in Lagos and neigh- Analysts warn there could to rake in money from bribes. to the #Ebola outbreak on this is making the price to rise.” bouring Ogun state hit his fish still be much tougher times Other vital supplies like fer- Monday, as hoped,” Tedros Authorities in Africa’s most farm hard. ahead as the lockdowns push tilisers fall into a grey zone and Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head populous nation are battling to Travel restrictions have up costs and upset supply there could be a serious knock- of the World Health Organi- mission that Dr. Jean-Jacques stop the spread of a virus that prevented him from feeding his chains. “As the pandemic looks on impact if these do not get zation (WHO), said on Twitter. Muyembe (pictured), has has led to 288 confimed infec- stock properly and blocked cus- set to be around for at least the through for the upcoming The country’s health min- taken upon himself, and at the tions and seven deaths. tomers from picking up their next few months, we believe planting season. “Our members istry said the case —the first age of 78. One of the orld’s Lagos, an economic hub of orders. “Profits are being that consumers should prepare have been arrested in some states recorded in 52 days—was a most celebrated virologists, 20 million, is deep into the wiped off and losses are piling for even more price increases,” while trying to deliver their 26-year-old man. Muyembe is hoping to see second week of a lockdown that up,” he lamented. “Feed prices said Nigeria’s SBM Intelligence products to farmers,” Kabiru Fara “Our teams, in collabo- victory after a 20-month cam- has left it a shadow of its usually and transportation costs have in a note. “This development of the Nigerian Agro-Inputs ration with the WHO, are paign against Ebola — a disease frenetic self. The capital Abuja gone up.” In a sign of how would have important Dealers Association said. already on the ground to carry he helped discover 44 years ago out further investigations and — as he steers DR Congo’s fight implement health measures,” against coronavirus. Chad offensive the ministry’s Ebola task force Muyembe is a “great Angry crowd destroys UN base in said in a statement. expert in managing epi- batters militants A health official said the demics,” says Denis Mukwege, but threat remains patient reportedly died in hos- the gynaecologist who co-won Central African Republic after accident pital early Thursday, several the 2018 Nobel Peace for his AFP — LAGOS days after falling ill with Ebola work in helping women raped AFP — BANGUI forward military post,” he said.. to implement a February 2019 symptoms. The epidemic, the in eastern Democratic “Between 10 and 20 (UN) peace deal. Deeply impover- The Chadian army said it had 10th in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Villagers in Central African troops were there at the time. ished despite mineral wealth, ended an offensive against Republic of Congo’s history, In 2019, Muyembe took on Republic attacked a forward We evacuated them. Two were the CAR has been in the grip of militants in the Lake Chad dates back to August 1, 2018. the job of coordinating oper- base used by United Nations injured,” he said. violence since 2013. border region in which 52 According to the latest ations to quell an outbreak of peacekeepers after a civilian “While we regret this acci- More than two-thirds of the troops and 1,000 militants WHO toll, published on Ebola in eastern DRC —the was killed in a road accident, dental death, which we will former French colony lies in the were killed. Twitter, 2,273 people have 10th in the country’s history. the UN force said. investigate thoroughly, we hands of armed groups, who But experts warn that the died, making it the second And when the coronavirus The incident happened on condemn this reaction. It’s not typically claim ethnic or reli- Islamist fighters remain a deadliest outbreak in the outbreak loomed last month, Thursday in Beboura, in the by destroying this base that gious affiliations and often fight major threat as regional forces 44-year known history of the he was named by President northwest of the troubled people will be protected,” Mon- over resources. According to have struggled to cooperate. disease. Few generals would Felix Tshisekedi as pointman country, said Vladimir Mon- teiro said. the UN, 1.6 million people out March 23 saw two spec- choose to fight a war on two on that crisis, too. teiro, spokesman for MINUSCA, Incidents of this kind of a population of 4.7 million tacular attacks launched by fronts, against a foe that is The tasks are daunting in a the UN mission in the CAR. involving MINUSCA, which are “extremely vulnerable.” militants against the Nigerian nearly invisible and at times sprawling country the size of “There was an accident deployed in the CAR in 2014, MINUSCA’s current com- and Chadian militaries on seems to have the terrifying continental western Europe, involving a United Nations are rare, although the force is plement is 14,700, 12,800 of either side of their porous ability to surface two-thirds of whose population vehicle which led to the death facing criticism from some pol- whom are either troops or border. At dawn Boko Haram anywhere. of 80 million live below the of an individual. Local people iticians and the public at a time police, according to the force’s fighters launched an assault Yet this is exactly the threshold of poverty. then decided to attack the when the country is struggling website. on the island base of Bohoma belonging to Chadian army. Fighting lasted for seven hours and left at least 98 On Tunisian island, globetrotting family waits out lockdown Chadian soldiers dead — the worst one-day death toll in the AFP — TUNIS history of the country’s armed forces. The same day, a rival As the novel coronavirus stops jihadist faction carried out an globetrotters and other attack on Nigerian forces adventure travellers in their dozens of kilometres away tracks, one French family of near the town of Konduga. nomads is waiting out the Sources say at least 70 lockdown on a Tunisian island soldiers are killed as fighters in the Mediterranean. allied to the so-called Islamic Bastien and Audrey Laurent, State group ambush a Nigerian together with their two children, convoy. The attacks — which aged seven and nine, sold up appear to have been coinci- their possessions and have been dental — demonstrated a rise on the road since 2017. Now, in firepower among the French man Bastien and wife Audrey pose with their two children near their bivouac after having to stop on the Tunisian island of they don’t know when they’ll extremists after a decade of Djerba, in the south of Tunisia, to confine themselves amid the coronavirus pandemic crisis. RIGHT: The caravan belonging to the family be able to leave the southern insurgency, analysts said. is parked on Djerba. Tunisian resort island of Djerba. “We are currently wit- The family rented a house nessing a resurgence of very a few days before Tunisia about,” Audrey said. through Italy. “It was still at the Tunisia has officially the virus and spreading it to deadly attacks from all sides... imposed travel restrictions on As the novel coronavirus very start of the epidemic,” declared over 600 cases of the remote areas. “We are the first with increased sophistication March 22 in a bid to slow the began to emerge in Europe, the Audrey said. COVID-19 illness, including 25 to extol the virtues of travel but and efficiency,” said Bulama spread of the virus. Laurents were visiting the North But as the virus spread, deaths, since reporting its first you have to know (when) to Bukarti, an analyst at the Tony Tourists have left Djerba African country at their own measures started to get stricter: case at the beginning of March. stop,” she added. Blair Institute. The so-called and home comforts are basic, pace, from the hot springs of the Tunisian authorities halted “We decided to stop (trav- They decided to go back to Islamic State West Africa but to compensate the turquoise coastal town of Korbous to the maritime passenger arrivals, elling) before the government Djerba and wait it out there, Province (ISWAP) has been waters of the Mediterranean wild beaches of the Kerkennah banned prayers in mosques and imposed a lockdown,” Audrey even as thousands of foreigners building up its ties with other extend as far as the eye can see. islands and the gateway to the imposed a quarantine period on said, adding that the family in Tunisia took repatriation IS-linked jihadists in the Sahel “It’s magnificent. Honestly, Sahara. They arrived in Tunisia all those who had recently didn’t want to run the risk of flights home. Others are still — and could be getting arms there’s nothing to complain in mid-January after travelling arrived from abroad. being asymptomatic carriers of trying to leave. from them. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020

Myanmar reports India ramps up coronavirus tests four more cases of COVID-19 AGENCIES — NEW DELHI The epidemic has ANATOLIA — YANGON, MYANMAR India said yesterday it ramped killed 206 in India, up coronavirus testing as docu- data shows, with Myanmar reported four new mented cases there rose above its capital Delhi and cases of the novel coronavirus 6,700 and topped 12,000 across yesterday, bringing the coun- South Asia. financial hub Mumbai try’s total number of infections The epidemic has killed 206 emerging as hotspots, to 27. The Health and Sports in India, data shows, with its Ministry said the latest cases capital Delhi and financial hub and Prime Minister include an elderly man and Mumbai emerging as hotspots, Narendra Modi is woman who have been and Prime Minister Narendra suffering from mild symptoms Modi is under pressure to under pressure to since early this month but had extend a 21-day nationwide extend a 21-day no travel history in the past 14 lockdown beyond Tuesday, days. when it is due to end. nationwide lockdown The authorities are strug- India’s lockdown of 1.3 beyond Tuesday, when gling to get people to stay billion people has left millions it is due to end. home during the annual out of work and forced an 10-day holiday starting Friday exodus of migrant workers from to welcome the traditional the cities to their homes in the New Year. Myanmar cancelled hinterland. finding many positives,” senior the annual Thingyan water But officials have warned health ministry official Lav Central Reserve Police Force personnel stitch protective suits at a workshop inside a CRPF camp during festival, the biggest celebration that widespread transmissions Agarwal told reporters. a 21-day nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease, in New Delhi yesterday. in the country, on April 13-16 could be disastrous in a country An internal assessment by but did not ban domestic travel where millions live in dense a government body, the Indian during the holidays. Three slums, social distancing norms Council of Medical Research, lockdown to contain the spread labourers and daily wage worth $23bn to hand over food coronavirus patients have suc- are often impossible and the forecast the number of virus of COVID-19 has hurt India’s earners is that the government and free cooking gas cylinders cumbed to the disease so far health care system is cases would have hit 820,000 poor and workers in the is thinking of extending the to 83 million families. while two have fully overburdened. by mid-April without the 21-day informal sector. 21-day lockdown period, which He also announced cash recovered, according to the The government said yes- lockdown. Describing the COVID-19 was scheduled to end on April transfers of about $6.6 a month health ministry. terday it had increased daily The state government of crises, most terrible since World 14, because of the fear of the to about 200 million women for tests for COVID-19 on Thursday Delhi, where a religious gath- War II, the International Labor pandemic outbreak in the the next 3 months. But Watchdog calls to more than 16,000 people - ering by a Muslim missionary Organization has estimated that community. according to many observers, from a previous daily average group last month caused a spike nearly 400 million people To avert a possible socio- the help is far from enough. India’s citizenship of 5,000-6,000 - but only 320 in cases, has said it may have to working in the informal sector economic catastrophe, Prime Modi said the lockdown was law discriminatory people were found to be car- extend the restrictions. in India may be trapped in Minister Narendra Modi on needed to ward off a humani- rying the disease. “We are not The current nationwide poverty. What is unnerving the March 26 unveiled a package tarian disaster in the country. ANATOLIA — NEW DELHI

Human Rights Watch has termed India’s new citizenship Mosques empty and Bangladesh extends restrictions law as discriminatory in a new report. The Citizenship streets quiet as Jakarta as coronavirus death toll rises Amendment Act along with a planned nationwide verifi- cation process to identify tightens measures ANATOLIA — DHAKA from coronavirus across the a senior reporter at private illegal immigrants is a threat county. With the newly broadcaster Jamuna TV tested to millions of Indian Muslims, AP — JAKARTA distancing measures - including Bangladesh government deceased, countrywide total positive for the virus on said the report. a countrywide request for announced that tougher restric- deaths stand at 27,” said Dr. Thursday, prompting its owners The law which was Mosques usually filled for people to stay home - and plans tions on public movement, Meerjady Sabrina Flora, the to put 34 of his colleagues into approved last December Friday prayers and streets for widespread testing, though which came into effect from Director of Bangladesh’s home quarantine. accelerates citizenship for normally clogged with cars and the latter has proven difficult 6pm local time (1200GMT) Institute of Epidemiology, The authorities announced Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Chris- motorcycles were empty as due to the country’s ability to yesterday to curb the spread of Disease Control and Research, the current nationwide tians from Pakistan, Afghan- authorities in Indonesia’s process only a few hundred of the coronavirus pandemic. in a regular online briefing. lockdown will continue till April istan, and Bangladesh, but capital enforced stricter the most accurate tests a day. According to a gazette She also reported 94 more 25, a third-time extension after blocks naturalization for measures to halt the spread of That has put him at odds issued by the Public Adminis- coronavirus cases, raising the it was first announced on March Muslims. the new coronavirus after with Jakarta Gov. Anies Bas- tration Ministry, “no one will be country’s total infections to 424. 23. Muslim leaders fear the deaths spiked in the past week. wedan, who has been seeking allowed to leave home” with This is the second highest A countrywide lockdown new law will be linked to a Under the new measures tougher, enforceable restric- some exceptions for essential daily infection figure after on has been running in Bangladesh nationwide exercise where that went into effect yesterday, tions amid growing concerns services such as electricity, Thursday when 112 new cases since March 26, and the army every citizen would be asked Jakarta’s mosques have been about undetected cases in this water, gas, fire brigade, tele- of the novel coronavirus were has been deployed across the to prove Indian citizenship. closed, as have shopping malls, metropolitan area that’s home phone and internet. reported as the highest single- country to maintain social dis- Many organisations and restaurants and parks. Cars can to 30 million people. The The decision came after six day record since the tancing during the shutdown. individuals have approached only carry a maximum of three Health Ministry finally agreed more people died from outbreak. Data compiled by the US- the Supreme Court challenging people, while motorcyclists can to Baswedan’s request for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, A top businessman also died based Johns Hopkins University the act’s constitutional validity. no longer carry passengers. widespread social restrictions marking the country’s highest from COVID-19 late on shows worldwide infections Many state governments have Public transportation will now on Wednesday. daily figure since the outbreak Thursday at a hospital in the surpassed 1.61 million, with the also refused to implement the run at half-capacity and stop “I know this policy is hard was first recorded on March 8. capital Dhaka, the head of the death toll around 97,000, while act. The ruling Bharatiya at dusk. enough to carry out,” Bas- “In the last 24 hours, we country’s leading business more than 364,600 people have Janata Party (BJP) has declined “There are no buses now,” wedan said late Thursday night. have recorded six more deaths association confirmed. Besides, recovered so far. to comment on the matter. said Siti Maharani, who lost her “But this was made to save lives job at a now closed Jakarta mall and break the chain of corona- and was trying to return to her virus transmission.” Indonesia home town. “This pandemic was one of the last countries in Nepal refuses Everest clean-up amid pandemic calm crisis makes life more difficult.” Asia to report a case of the The new measures come as virus. Various Indonesian offi- AFP — KATHMANDU suspended permits for all called the world’s highest metres up. They cleared the pressure builds on President cials attributed the lack of cases mountain expeditions over the garbage dump. mountain of four bodies and Joko Widodo to do more to stop to everything from the popu- Nepal’s government yesterday coronavirus outbreak, forcing “The government should let over 10 tonnes of plastic bottles, the spread of the virus in this lation’s piousness to the coun- rejected calls to use the the Nepal army to cancel an a Nepali team just clean the cans and climbing equipment. country of nearly 270 million try’s weather, though experts pandemic lockdown of Mount ambitious clean-up on six mountain. Apart from clearing But many said it was just a people, the world’s fourth most say it was more likely a lack of Everest to stage a clean-up of mountains including Everest. trash, it would give employment fraction of Everest’s rubbish — populous. testing and the virus was the world’s highest mountain. “It is not possible this to Sherpas who have lost this with the harder to reach camps Widodo has ruled out a spreading all along. Fluorescent tents, discarded season,” Danduraj Ghimire, season’s income,” said Santa Bir still littered with abandoned complete lockdown for the Finally last month a climbing equipment, empty gas chief of Nepal’s tourism Lama, head of the Nepal Moun- gear. country, citing Indonesian’s number of clusters emerged, canisters and human excrement department said. taineering Association. Pasang Nuru Sherpa, who cultural characteristics, lack of including one linked to a gath- litter the well-trodden route to Mountaineering organisa- Last year, a 14-strong team was part of last year’s team, said discipline and the potential ering at a Jakarta mosque in the 8,848-metre (29,029-feet) tions say that the coronavirus spent six weeks scouring for dragging down trash, and espe- economic damage. Instead he which 73 of about 150 wor- high summit. crisis is a good opportunity to litter at the Everest base camp cially bodies, was difficult as has pushed forward with social shippers tested positive. Authorities last month clean-up what is sometimes and at Camp 4 — nearly 8,000 hopeful climbers were going up. Australians told to stay home or face hefty fines Myanmar reporter facing REUTERS — MELBOURNE terror charge released

Australia will deploy heli- ANATOLIA — YANGON the case, citing insufficient copters, set up police check- evidence. points and hand out hefty fines A journalist in Myanmar was “Police told me that it was to deter people from breaking released from prison 10 days their mistake, and took me an Easter travel ban, officials after being held under the home late last night,” he said warned yesterday, in their country’s counter-terrorism yesterday. toughest crackdown against the law over an interview with an Nay Myo Lin’s arrest came coronavirus, even as its spread ethnic rebel group in the coun- several days after Myanmar slows. try’s volatile Rakhine state. declared the Arakan Army a More than half of Aus- Nay Myo Lin, founder and terrorist group and “unlawful tralians identify themselves as editor of Voice of Myanmar, a association.” Police also Christians, with many in past local news outlet based in the charged two other journalists years attending church services second-largest city of Man- from online news sites, one or going on trips to visit family dalay, was arrested on March from the Yangon-based Khit and friends during Easter public 30 for publishing an interview Thit Media and the other from holidays that run until Monday. with a spokesperson of the the Narinjara based in the But with places of worship Arakan Army, a predominantly Rakhine state capital Sittwe, closed, bans on public gath- Buddhist armed ethnic group under the counter-terrorism erings larger than two and non- engaged in fighting with the law for similar coverage. People exercise on the St Kilda Promenade in Melbourne yesterday as authorities plead with Australians essential travel limited to country’s military. “Since I got arrested, I told to stay at home over the Easter break to protect the community from the spread of coronavirus. combat the spread of the virus, He was charged in a local them [police] that there is Australians were told to stay court under sections of the law nothing wrong for a journalist home this year or face dire hours. Police have said they will weekend we may face in the Zealand began moving citizens prohibiting organisations and interviewing a rebel group or consequences. block roads and use number whole course of the virus,” to compulsory quarantine on individuals from contacting or its spokesperson,” said Nay “Police will take action,” plate recognition technology to Health Minister Greg Hunt said their return from overseas, as associating with outlawed Myo Lin. New South Wales Police Deputy catch those infringing the bans. on Thursday. it steps up efforts to battle the organisations — a charge car- “I don’t know what exactly Commissioner Gary Worboys Fines for breaking social dis- Australia had 6,152 infec- virus halfway through a four- rying a maximum life the motive [of the arrest], but told reporters, adding that tancing rules start at A$1,000 tions by yesterday, up 100 from week nationwide lockdown. sentence. it is a clear message that we, police had issued almost 50 ($620), but vary between states. the previous day, government Its new infections rose 23 to However, police released the journalists, could be new fines for breaches of public The long weekend was in figures showed, with 53 virus- stand at 1,015, with a second Nay Myo Lin late on Thursday arrested, charged and jailed at health orders in the previous 24 many ways “the most important related deaths. Yesterday, New virus death recorded. after the court decided to drop any point,” he said. SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 ASIA 07 Wuhan to keep testing residents despite easing of lockdown REUTERS — WUHAN China reported a fall from 63 a day earlier. Of the daily total, 38 were imported, China’s Wuhan city, where the in new cases after down from 61 on Wednesday. global coronavirus pandemic leaders promised China’s central government began, is still testing residents to accelerate the coronavirus taskforce chaired regularly despite relaxing its by Premier Li Keqiang said on tough two-month lockdown, country’s economic Thursday that they would speed with the country wary of a recovery, boost up efforts to revive the economy rebound in cases even as it sets while at the same time intro- its sights on normalising the domestic demand ducing targeted measures economy. and put more people aimed at preventing infected Concerns remain over an people from crossing the coun- influx of infected patients from back to work. try’s border. overseas as well as China’s It said China now needed to ability to detect asymptomatic adding that there is no like- “actively create favourable con- Travellers arriving from Hubei province walk past workers in hazmat suits to buses taking them to patients, and the government lihood of asymptomatic cases ditions” to restore normality in their individual districts, at Beijing West Railway Station, yesterday. in Wuhan has tried to reassure in her community. the economy, though it warned the public that it remains “Currently our neigh- there was still a risk of a of the focus has shifted to Hei- yesterday the city will spend trade in live poultry,” Hong vigilant. bourhood is an epidemic-free rebound in cases. longjiang, which reported 28 $28.4m to upgrade the city’s 425 Zhihua, vice director of Hubei’s Feng Jing, who runs a group community — it’s been 45 days In Shanghai, state media new imported cases crossing farmers’ markets, as part of a Patriotic Health Campaign of community workers looking so far, so we don’t have this sit- have also been deployed to the border from Russia on campaign to improve hygiene. Committee Office, told a press after the Tanhualin neigh- uation,” she said. dispel online rumours that the Thursday. The province has so Several of the early cases of briefing. Liu Qingxiang, vice bourhood in Wuhan, said during China reported a fall in new city has now become “the most far found 154 cases of imported COVID-19 were linked to a director at Wuhan’s health a government-run tour for jour- coronavirus cases yesterday dangerous place in the country” infections. seafood market in Wuhan that commission, said infrastructure nalists yesterday that they after leaders promised to accel- as thousands of people flood in The virus, which first broke also sold other species, sug- in the markets would be would continue to carry out erate the country’s economic from Wuhan, including many out in Wuhan in late 2019, has gesting that the new virus may improved and become more extensive checks on residents. recovery, boost domestic asymptomatic and recovered since spread around the world have jumped from an animal similar to supermarkets. “We carry out compre- demand and put more people patients. infecting more than 1.4 million traded there to people. The pandemic has wreaked hensive health checks everyday back to work. With the government now people, killing more than “Once reopened, the havoc on the global economy and keep detailed records of The country reported 42 promising to deploy resources 87,700. farmers markets should ensure as governments imposed lock- their health condition,” she said, new cases on Thursday, down to tackle high-risk areas, much Officials in Wuhan said no trade in wild animals and no downs to rein in its spread. Pakistan pledges Pakistan’s Apex Court questions govt’s COVID-19 strategy $3m for Saarc ANATOLIA — KARACHI broadcaster Dunya News the government’s strategy, par- countries. shopping centres, markets, and reported. This is the first ever ticularly closure of outdoor The number of coronavirus the government offices, except emergency fund Pakistan’s Supreme Court suo moto taken by Justice patients facilities at all the public cases has reached 4,688, of for emergency services, remain yesterday took an act on its own Ahmed since he took oath as the sector hospitals to ward off the which almost 50 percent have closed. INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD — a suo moto in legal terms — chief justice last December. virus spread. been reported from north- Since appearing in Wuhan, over the government’s strategy The judges summoned the In a related development, eastern Punjab, the country’s China, last December, the novel Pakistan pledged $3m towards to curb the fast-rising corona- attorney general, and the federal the Sindh High Court in the port most populous province. Some coronavirus has spread to at the South Asian Association for virus cases in the country, court secretaries for home, and health city of Karachi dismissed a 68 people, including three least 185 countries and regions. Regional Cooperation’s (Saarc) record, and local media affairs seeking explanation on petition seeking lifting of ban on doctors have died from corona- Data compiled by the US- COVID-19 Emergency Fund — reported. the government’s strategy, and Friday prayers. virus, whereas 727 patients have based Johns Hopkins University the brainchild of India’s Prime A five-judge bench of the top ongoing efforts to tackle the The judges declared that the recovered, according to the shows worldwide infections sur- Minister Narendra Modi. court headed by Chief Justice COVID-19 or coronavirus out- ban had been imposed after con- Health Ministry statistics. passed 1.61 million, with the “The Government of Gulzar Ahmed will start the break in the country. sulting the religious scholars, The country has been under death toll above 96,700, while Pakistan has pledged $3m hearing suo moto from April 13 Last week, the chief justice and in line with a similar action a weeks-long lockdown with all more than 361,300 people have towards the Saarc COVID-19 in the capital Islamabad, local expressed his displeasure over taken by almost all the Muslim the educational institutes, recovered so far. Emergency Fund to support regional efforts in the fight against Coronavirus,” the Foreign Office said in a Tokyo seeks shops closure statement after a telephonic conversation between as Kyoto warns tourists Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and Saarc Sec- over new coronavirus threats retary-General, Esala Ruwan Weerakoon. REUTERS — TOKYO stores, home-furnishing centres PM Modi had proposed the and barber shops will be fund at the Saarc leader’s Metropolitan Tokyo asked some exempted, in a concession to the virtual summit on March 15. businesses to close and the central government. India pledged $10m for the ancient capital of Kyoto warned Abe declared an emergency fund, which was meant to tourists to stay away as Japan on Tuesday for Tokyo and six assist the countries in the battles a fast-spreading outbreak other prefectures but the details region to deal with the of the new coronavirus, amid and timing of how life would pandemic. fears the government’s measures change in the capital were Other pledges include $5m are too little and too late. thrashed out in tense inter-gov- by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Tokyo Governor Yuriko ernmental talks. $1.5m, Nepal and Afghanistan Koike said she was targeting a “I thought governors would $1m each, Maldives $0.2m and range of businesses for shut- get authority akin to a CEO but... Bhutan $0.1m. downs from today during a I feel more like a middle Pakistan was the last month-long emergency through manager,” Koike told reporters member state to contribute to May 6, after resolving a feud in a sign of frustration over the fund, which now has with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s central government pressure. pledges worth $21.8m. team over the extent of the Abe’s move came after a closures. jump in coronavirus cases in Koike had wanted to move Tokyo sparked concern that Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials call for self-restraint to prevent the spread of the new Pakistan seeks sooner but Abe has resisted Japan was headed for the sort of coronavirus, at Tokyo’s entertainment district Kabukicho, yesterday. measures likely to put greater explosive outbreak seen in many extradition pressure on an economy. other countries. “This will be tough on resi- The number of cases in emergency yesterday and has ancient capital also asked to be from visiting Kyoto,” Mayor of IS leader dents but if we act swiftly, the Japan rose to 6,003 yesterday, asked to be added to the gov- included in the national emer- Daisaku Kadokawa told a news pain will be short and the out- with 112 deaths, NHK said. Tokyo ernment’s targeted regions. Gifu gency, and urged tourists to stay conference. AP — ISLAMABAD break contained quickly,” Koike accounted for 1,708 cases, in central Japan was also poised away from the city’s famous Critics say the Abe govern- told a task force meeting heightening concerns about to issue an emergency decla- palaces, temples and gardens. ment’s cautious approach to Pakistan has asked neighbour yesterday. sluggish action. ration and at least one other pre- “I call on all people who love business closures will Afghanistan to extradite a leader Businesses including The governor of Aichi in fecture was set to do the same, Kyoto and tourists from all over undermine his goal to cut in the local IS group affiliate who internet cafes are being asked Japan’s industrial heartland, media said. the world — until this situation person-to-person contact by 80 was arrested in an Afghan intel- to close and restaurants to which hosts Toyota Motor Corp, The governor of Kyoto pre- is ended, to protect yourself and percent to slow the spread of the ligence operation in southern shorten their hours. Department declared its own state of fecture and the mayor of the your families, please refrain pathogen. Afghanistan earlier this month. Aslam Farooqi is a Pakistani national wanted in connection Kazakhstan to extend state of with attacks claimed by IS in Malaysia extends movement, travel Pakistan. The Afghan gov- ernment accuses Farooqi of emergency until end of April involvement in last month’s curbs as infection rate slows attack in the Afghan capital of REUTERS — ALMATY tions,” Tokayev said. Kabul on a Sikh house of REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR Muhyiddin Yassin said in a tel- suspension of schools, though About 1.7 million Kazakhs worship that killed 25 evised address. some business sectors will be Kazakhstan will extend a state have applied for a $95-per- worshipers. Malaysia extended movement Muhyiddin said Malaysia given limited approval to resume of emergency declared over month payout offered by the The IS group, on its affilated and travel restrictions had done well to keep the operations subject to strict health the coronavirus outbreak until government to those who have Amaq website, took credit for yesterday for another two infection rate at 7 percent of and movement regulations. the end of April, but will allow lost their sources of income the attack. weeks until April 28 to stem the patients screened, which is Enforcement agencies will some businesses to reopen during the emergency. Many A single gunman rampaged coronavirus outbreak even as below the 10 percent also tighten controls at the after a two-week shutdown, lined up in long queues at through the Gurdwara, a Sikh the country reported a benchmark set by the World country’s borders to clamp President Kassym-Jomart banks and post offices to place of worship, exploding gre- slowdown in new infections. Health Organisation (WHO), down on possible entry by Tokayev’s office said receive the money. nades and firing at The curbs, imposed on while its 1.6 percent death rate undocumented migrants, who yesterday. Tokayev instructed worshipers. March 18, were originally set to is well below the 5.8 percent Muhyiddin said could end up The state of emergency, municipal authorities to selec- In a statement late end on April 14. Malaysia has global average. being another source of which has allowed the gov- tively allow some small busi- Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign the highest number of corona- However, continued curbs infection. ernment to lock down all prov- nesses to reopen in major Ministry said the Afghan Ambas- virus infections in Southeast are necessary to break the Separately, the health min- inces and major cities and shut cities provided they can meet sador to Pakistan, Atif Mashal, Asia, reporting 4,346 cases with chain of transmission, while the istry said Malaysia had likely down many businesses in the strict safety requirements. had been summoned and told 70 deaths as of noon government places a greater experienced its peak in cases. capital, Nur-Sultan, and The Central Asian nation of Pakistan’s worries about the yesterday. focus on groups that are the The country saw its highest biggest city, Almaty, was orig- bordering China and Russia activities of the IS affiliate, “It may take a few months sources of infection, the prime daily jump on March 26 when inally due to end on April 15. has reported 802 cases of the known as the IS-Khorazan, before we can say we are free minister said. 235 new infections were “We have not yet passed disease with nine deaths and headquartered in eastern of the virus,” Prime Minister This may include continued reported. the peak of coronavirus infec- 63 patients recovering. Afghanistan. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

An image of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II making her address to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus epidemic EDITORIAL is displayed on the advertising boards, at Piccadilly Circus in central London, yesterday. Delivering the best In Queen’s calm voice, a memory of war FOLLOWING its own slogan ‘Qatar deserves the best’, but never broke the spirit them getting through. the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is delivering the expressed in the emblematic Most still did. The German best possible infrastructure development services in photograph of St Paul’s bombers killed 684 Manchester this hour of crisis to address the COVID-19 cathedral, shining whole and residents and wounded 2,300. challenge. undamaged amid the smoke and One of the raids killed 11 people Ashghal is not only ensuring health and safety of fires. in a house, including an 11-year- workers at different construction sites but has also My family escaped much of old boy. The fire and smoke lin- developed medical quarantine complex in a record HAROLD EVANS that since at the time we were gered when we came out of the time and that too meeting all international standards. REUTERS living in blissful ignorance 220 shelter the next morning. My At the request of the Ministry of Public Health, the miles to the north in Manchester, uncle’s house had been burned to Public Works Authority has set up a 3,000-bed medical It’s 1940. The winter evenings are home base for my father, a loco- the ground. He’d been the one quarantine hospital within 72 hours and work is under getting colder. I’m huddled with motive driver, who was out there most confident we would get way to have another 8,500-bed centre soon. my parents around the radio in the blackness delivering truck- through it all unharmed. After all, Ashghal said on Thursday on its Twitter account listening to future Queen Eliz- loads of shells for anti-aircraft as a merchant marine, he’d seen that the complex in Umm Salal on completion will be abeth calm us with her promise defenses. “You’ll see they won’t endless days at sea looking out able to accommodate 12,500 beds. Eng. Fatima Al that “the world of tomorrow will want to bother us, we’re too far for U-Boats and enemy Meer said that upon completion, the medical quar- be a better and happier place.” north” was the street wisdom, as destroyers. antine complex in Umm Salal will be able to accom- It’s much more effective than if the Germans would fail to The enemy that terrified us modate 12,500 beds. The Queen’s last Neville Chamberlain’s woeful notice our great Manchester fac- then, as now, was invisible. We Ashghal also said that the field quarantine hos- allusion to the announcement months before in tories producing hundreds of had no idea till later that we were pital has a recreational facility to accommodate 600 war-time anthem 1939 that we were at war with bombers, including the leg- in the middle of the bombers’ people with diverse sports activities along with iPads. “We’ll Meet Germany. “He feels more sorry endary Lancaster (“dam buster”) sights, our street clearly seen on It will also have a dining room to serve 900 people, for himself than he does for us,” bombers. the high-level reconnaissance taking into consideration the safe social distancing Again” sung said my mother at the time. Eliz- I concentrated on collecting photographs of targets made by between seats. by Vera Lynn abeth cheers us. every scrap of good news the German planes. The pan- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh instantly sent the We needed it. Just a few brought into the house by The demic, too, has descended seem- Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also visited vintage classic weeks earlier, one year and six Daily Express and still have the ingly out of thin air. We hide and on Thursday the medical insulation complex and hos- days on from the start of Hitler’s series of pages I pasted up to cel- wait for it to pass, hoping it will pital in Umm Salal, to inspect the readiness of the to number 22 on war to seize the whole of Europe, ebrate RAF raids against somehow miss us. Once again I complex set up by the state within the national imple- the iTunes chart. the sky above London had Germany and the sinking of find refuge in entertainment, but mentation plan to combat the novel coronavirus. But the message become clouded with German U-boats. I ignored all our set- this time my wife and I consume H E the Prime Minister was briefed on the medical is the same: Only Heinkels. The dark line stretched backs. I felt so passionately we medical dramas and prescient capabilities and facilities of the complex and the hos- on and on across the horizon. should win the war. I devoured pandemic flicks like “Contagion.” pital prepared for medical isolation for those infected united can we Royal Air Force Hurricanes and movies of adventure and So how comforting to hear with the novel coronavirus. The medical insulation take on such Spitfires scrambled to reach the heroism like “Stagecoach” and the Queen’s voice again, con- complex and hospital has a capacity of 12,500 beds a devastating German bombers screened by “Custer’s Last Stand,” looking for vincing in its resolve. This time, and is equipped with all the necessary amenities, challenge. Only layers of yellow-nosed Messer- “can do” stories of American her quiet poise echoed out of safety, and health requirements. schmitts, 617 of them to escort resolution. YouTube, rather than an old During the visit, His Excellency met with the staff then can we 348 raiders. A second wave The ferocity was turned radio. And her last allusion to the of the complex, including doctors, nurses and volun- meet again. arrived at 6 pm over a blazing against us in Manchester in two war-time anthem “We’ll Meet teers, and thanked them for their efforts in their posi- dockland. At 8:07 pm, British nights, one marking Christmas Again” sung by World War Two tions at the front lines to confront the COVID-19 epi- military command sent all units a Eve 1940. Minutes from dusk, the sweetheart Vera Lynn instantly demic, urging them to provide all possible medical one-word signal: Cromwell. It let sound of the siren was no fake sent the vintage classic to and humanitarian services to help the infected. them know the invasion was alarm. Mum bundled us into our number 22 on the iTunes chart. Recently, the Public Works Authority in coordi- about to begin. Church bells rang. air raid shelter (a curve of tin But the message is the same: nation with the Ministry of Administrative Devel- It was a false alarm; the loaded with sods over our heads). Only united can we take on such opment, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) also invasion never came. But the They were unpopular, had little a devastating challenge. Only launched severe inspection campaigns at workplaces devastation from the 337 tons of security and were often flooded. then can we meet again. and labor accommodations to confirm the compliance bombs was real. Some 448 Lon- While we shivered in the cav- Sir Harold Evans is Reuters of contracting companies in implementing the pre- doners died, 250,000 were made ernous shelter by candlelight, we Editor at Large. A former editor of cautionary and preventive measures taken by Ashghal homeless, 170,000 were driven could hear the scream of bombs The Times and the Sunday Times based on the directives of MADLSA. to sleep in underground stations. descending and the rain of “ack of London, Evans was knighted for The blitz went on for 76 nights, ack” guns that aimed to stop services to journalism in 2004. This crisis shows the value of good corporate citizenship D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR CONOR SEN EMAIL: [email protected] BLOOMBERG as Congress works through asking for fiscal relief now, or accuse of enabling borrowers new rounds of legislation to at least without strings to overleverage. There’s been a One lesson of the COVID-19 shore up the economy. Demo- attached. Even President similar reluctance to bail out EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 crisis is that there are some crats have prioritised the Donald Trump says he dis- the nonbank lending industry. FAX: +974 4455 7758 contingencies that nobody can interests of working families, likes share repurchases. Air- Neither is deemed systemically realistically plan for. Whether small businesses, hospitals and lines in particular have come important, and there are other MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 you’re an airline or the New increasingly state and local under scrutiny for some of their ways to provide liquidity to York City subway system, governments. Republicans business practices during the households and businesses, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 there’s no rainy-day fund big have focused more narrowly past decade, with some arguing including through some of the enough to get through months on small business, with that in exchange for fiscal relief programs Congress has LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 of revenue falling 90%. Some- demand for the Paycheck Pro- they should increase legroom already passed. times, the only entity big tection Program running so in coach class. Cruise lines Although politics behind BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 enough to offer financial relief high that Republican Senate were excluded from fiscal relief fiscal relief continue to evolve, is the federal government, Majority Leader Mitch McCo- in part because they’re incor- what’s becoming increasingly SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 meaning the vagaries of nnell is looking to rush porated offshore in order to clear is that the priority is politics and public sentiment through an additional $250bn avoid paying Us taxes. There’s support for workers, small ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 all of sudden matter a lot. in funding for it less than a also the argument that there’s businesses and important insti- email: [email protected] Given this reality, companies week after the program was nothing about the cruise tutions. Anything run solely for and industries in the future rolled out. Both parties have industry that’s in the national the benefit of investors is PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 should act more in the public made both moral and prag- interest — if people can’t sail finding itself on the outs, except email: [email protected] interest — not just because it’s matic appeals to win support around on boats going from perhaps with conditions such the right thing to do, but also to for their interests destination to destination, life as maintaining employment ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 ensure that the goodwill will It’s been a different story will go on. levels or giving the government FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] be there if and when the next for large corporations and Colony Capital founder and an equity stake in the business. crisis hits and financial relief is investors. Democrats have Chairman Tom Barrack has George Pearkes of Bespoke CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 the difference between getting made the case that companies similarly blamed politics for Investment Group has shown email: [email protected] wiped out or not. that enriched their share- congressional unwillingness to how congressional support so This dynamic is apparent in holders with stock buybacks in support asset-backed secu- far has focused on households SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 the debate around fiscal relief the good times shouldn’t come rities markets, which some rather than large corporations. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single /Peninsula_Qatar human life. Our first priority, our principle, the one we will use for our competitions and encourage /ThePeninsulaNewspaper everyone to follow is that health comes first. +974 6698 6188 Gianni Infantino, FIFA President SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 EUROPE 09 Johnson up and walking as virus toll in UK rises by 980 REUTERS — LONDON The Prime Minister, to hand control to foreign min- ister Dominic Raab just as Brit- Prime Minister Boris Johnson was 55, who needed ain’s coronavirus outbreak back on his feet in his recovery oxygen support, worsened drastically. from COVID-19 yesterday as was now able to While Johnson’s condition Britain recorded its deadliest day was improving, it was unclear yet in the coronavirus pandemic, take short walks how long he would be with 980 more deaths taking the between periods of incapacitated. country’s overall toll to nearly “He must rest up,” his father, 9,000. rest, as part of the his Stanley Johnson, told BBC radio. The rise in deaths, which recovery, which his “You cannot walk away from this even exceeded the deadliest day and go straight back to Downing reported so far in Italy, the office said was at an Street and pick up the reins country worst hit by the virus, early stage. without a period of Britain’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (left) and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, take comes as the government told readjustment.” part in a national ‘Clap for Carers’ to thank National Health Service workers and frontline medical Britons to obey a lockdown and Hancock said Raab had done staff, in London yesterday. resist going out in the spring sun- his symptoms of COVID-19 an “excellent job” in Johnson’s shine over Easter. persisted. stead. “The good news is that the vital to curbing the spread of the the death toll had reached 8,958 “We are confident that he “However warm the weather, The Prime Minister, 55, who government in his absence has virus and must remain in place people as of 1600 GMT on complied with the social dis- however tempting your local needed oxygen support, was now been functioning very efficiently, until the number of new hospital Thursday — the fifth highest in tancing rules,” Johnson’s beach or park, we need everyone able to take short walks between very effectively,” he said. admissions and infections has the world. spokesman said. to stay at home because in hos- periods of rest, as part of the his In Johnson’s absence, min- peaked. “We don’t have enough One senior minister was The government has also pitals across the country NHS recovery, which his office said isters’ top priority is considering information yet to make any under pressure yesterday himself faced criticism over its response staff are battling day and night to was at an early stage. if and when it can end the changes to the social distancing for not adhering to the lockdown to the outbreak, from a lack of keep desperately sick people “I was told he was waving his lockdown which has so far been arrangements,” Hancock said. after newspapers said he trav- testing for the virus, to failing to breathing,” health minister Matt thanks to all of the nurses and in place for three weeks. The government says it will elled to a second home outside provide enough personal pro- Hancock told a news doctors he saw as he was moved The four-day Easter break have a better idea by next week London and visited his parents. tective equipment (PPE) to conference. from the intensive care unit back began yesterday with bright sun- of whether the lockdown was “For clarity — my parents frontline healthcare staff. One person the National to the ward,” his spokesman said. shine, and authorities warned proving successful, with health asked me to deliver some essen- Hancock said new testing Health Service (NHS) is treating “The hospital said that he was they were on the lookout for officials saying the indications tials — including medicines,” centres had been opened to allow is Prime Minister Johnson, who in extremely good spirits last those breaking a ban on social were positive. housing minister Robert Jenrick all frontline staff to be tested, emerged from three nights of night.” Johnson was the first gatherings or venturing out However, the death rate is tweeted in his defence, adding while a “Herculean” effort was intensive care on Thursday after world leader to be hospitalised without good reason. still expected to continue to rise that he had left London to return underway to ensure they entering hospital on Sunday as with the coronavirus, forcing him Officials say the measures are for several days. Hancock said to his family home. received PPE. Top party leaders France reports 987 more deaths taking total to 13,197 told to isolate in AFP — PARIS business groups and union leaders to help prepare for his North Macedonia France yesterday reported 987 address. more COVID-19 deaths regis- Macron had “two messages. AFP — SKOPJE tered in hospitals and nursing This is not the moment to drop homes over the last 24 hours, our guard as the confinement is The leaders of North Macedo- although the number of patients the way to halt the epidemic. But nia’s two biggest parties have in intensive care fell for the we need to think about ending been ordered to self-isolate second day in a row. the lockdown, even if it seems we after being interviewed by a The new deaths — including are not there yet,” said Yves TV reporter infected with 554 in hospitals and 433 in Veyrier, head of the FO union. coronavirus, health authorities nursing homes — brought the French authorities yesterday said yesterday. total toll in France to 13,197 since transferred 45 more patients by Some 30 people have died the epidemic began, top health two TGV high-speed trains to the from the disease in the Balkan official Jerome Salomon told southwest of the country in a bid state where April general elec- reporters. to relieve pressure on strained tions have been postponed A child aged under 10 hospitals in the Paris region. indefinitely on safety infected with COVID-19 died, but Some 200 patients have concerns. Salomon said that the causes of already been evacuated by road, Former Prime Minister the death were “multiple”. rail or air from the Paris region Zoran Zaev from the Social In better news, Salomon said since April 1. The southwest of the Democrats, and Hristijan French rescue team wearing protective suits carry a patient on a stretcher from a hospital to a there were now 62 fewer people country is one of the areas least Mickoski, the leader of the helicopter in the Grand Est region of France. in intensive care for a total of impacted by the virus. rival right-wing VMRO- 7,004 patients, continuing a trend The situation in nursing DPMNE, have now joined first seen on Thursday. France has been in lockdown Salomon, noting a “slight slowing 15 expiration date. Macron will homes remains one of acute those under mandatory quar- “This is pale ray of sunshine,” since March 17 in a bid to slow of the epidemic”. have to steer a careful course concern. The top health official antine for 14 days. said Salomon. “But this timid light the spread of the epidemic, with French President Emmanuel amid tentative signs of for the Ile-de-France region of The order was given after is very important for all the only essential trips allowed that Macron is due on Monday to improvement, telling people they Paris and its surroundings, the pair were interviewed last medical staff.” must be justified with a signed address the nation for a third time must still stay at home while Aurelien Rousseau, said yes- week by “a journalist from one He added: “A plateau seems piece of paper. during the crisis. giving indications about how the terday that over 400 of the 700 TV station who is positive with to be setting in — a very high “We have been starting to see He is expected to announce confinement may end. nursing homes in the region had COVID-19”, said Minister of plateau with an epidemic that is over the last days the first effects that the lockdown will be The president yesterday registered at least one COVID-19 Health Venko Filipce, who has very dynamic.” of the confinement,” noted extended beyond its current April hosted a video conference with case. been guiding the country through the crisis. Writing on Facebook, Zaev said he was waiting for test Death toll curve in results and that he did not have any symptoms. Mickoski, who has already Spain flattens further tested negative, wrote that he was in “great health and physical condition”. REUTERS — BARCELONA will probably continue into May, some restrictions are to be lifted The coronavirus death toll curve on Monday to breathe life into a Malta takes in in Spain flattened further paralysed economy. yesterday as the government From then, workers in some rescued migrants prepared to start easing one of sectors such as construction will the world’s strictest lockdowns be allowed out again and some despite curbs and virtual Easter celebrations factories will reopen. were held instead of traditional Further easing of the REUTERS — VALLETTA processions. lockdown will depend on Spaniards have been off the analysis of the epidemic’s evo- A group of North African streets since mid-March and lution, Illa said. migrants rescued from a sinking have suffered nearly 16,000 “These are very complex boat came ashore in Malta early fatalities from the COVID-19 decisions that require multi-dis- Healthcare workers comfort the wife of Esteban, a male nurse who died of the coronavirus, at a yesterday, hours after the disease — the third worst toll ciplinary analysis.” hospital in Leganes, near Madrid, yesterday. government had said no further after Italy and the United States. Though many people will groups would be allowed in But the slowdown in the rate return to work, social distancing health system and remain in self- many Spaniards held virtual pro- fell to 605 yesterday, the lowest after it closed its ports due to the of infection and death has should be maintained, Maria Jose isolation,” she said. cessions on social networks, figure since March 24, the health coronavirus emergency. enabled officials to consider a Sierra, the deputy head of health Protective masks are recom- hooking up to play folk music and ministry said. The rate of increase The 64 migrants were gradual lifting of the lockdown. emergencies, said at a virtual mended and authorities plan to wear traditional costumes. has dropped to 4 percent, down rescued by the Maltese armed “The government is pre- news conference. distribute them at public In the Castilian town of from 20 percent two weeks ago. forces from a boat inside the paring new scenarios of de-esca- “We will give a series of rec- transport hubs. Cuenca, drummers went onto Spain’s total death toll stood at Malta rescue zone south of the lation,” Health Minister Salvador ommendations. The most Instead of taking to the street balconies and doorsteps to play 15,843 as of yesterday. “We are island and brought ashore. On Illa told reporters. important is if there is a person for ceremonies on one of the songs they would usually seeing the curves are on the Thursday Malta had followed Even though several officials who shows the slightest most important days of the perform around the town. decline, even though there are Italy, the country that has so far have said the formal lockdown symptom, they should contact the Christian calendar, The number of daily deaths still many cases,” Sierra added. seen the most deaths from the epidemic, in announcing it would no longer allow migrant boats to land due to the risk of Italy extends lockdown until May 3 as fatalities rise coronavirus infection. The Maltese government AFP — ROME few weeks ago. Media reports said in a televised address. people’s livelihoods — by keeping Only grocery stores and said in a statement the armed said business unions from regions He said the extension of the everything shut for longer than pharmacies have been able to forces had been monitoring the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe responsible for 45 percent of lockdown for another three strictly required. operate since a general lockdown migrants for some hours before Conte yesterday refused to bow Italy’s production — and 80 weeks was “a difficult but nec- The United State and coun- began at the peak of the Medi- a patrol boat picked them up. to business pressure and percent of its coronavirus deaths essary decision for which I tries across Europe are watching terranean country’s outbreak on However, it said Malta could extended the Mediterranean — had written to Conte warning assume full political with interest to see which way March 12. not guarantee further rescues country’s economically-crippling that companies will be unable to responsibility”. Italy chooses as it seeks to come Italian government scientists and would not allow any further lockdown until May 3. pay wages if the shutdown runs Conte’s decision followed out of its worst crisis since World are also pushing for the ban on disembarkation of rescued Conte made the on. But Conte said Italy could not days of consultations with scien- War II. public gatherings to be extended persons because resources have announcement after Italy’s afford another spike in infections tists and union leaders with a Conte agreed to allow a tiny as long as possible as a safety been strained by the COVID-19 official COVID-19 toll climbed by and needed to exercise extra range of conflicting concerns. fraction of businesses that had precaution. Health officials have pandemic. another 570 fatalities to 18,849 caution in the face of the new A miscalculation by Conte been shuttered since March 12 to spent weeks warning that the The new arrivals were — more than any other country disease. could either result in a new spike re-open on a trial basis when the Italian outbreak had peaked only received by soldiers wearing — but with the growth rate now “We are all, I imagine, impa- in infections or do unnecessary current restrictions expire on because of the various closures bio-suits shortly after midnight. just a fraction of what it was a tient to get going again,” Conte damage to the economy — and Monday night. and bans. They will be kept in detention. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 Moscow stretched ‘to limit’ by virus cases AFP — MOSCOW The densely metres. Driving private cars is Moscow’s hospitals and ambu- populated capital permitted, however. Meanwhile lance service are working at peak Mayor Sergei Sobyanin warned capacity after a sharp rise in those with more than 12 that the epidemic was not even hospitalised with serious coro- million residents close to its peak. navirus complications, a senior “I can tell you for sure: there city official said yesterday. has the largest hasn’t been any peak yet. We are The densely populated outbreak in Russia, more in the foothills of this peak, capital with more than 12 million not even in the middle,” Sob- residents has the largest outbreak with 7,822 confirmed yanin, who is also the head of a in Russia, with 7,822 confirmed coronavirus cases taskforce coordinating regional coronavirus cases out of a responses, told the RIA Novosti national total of almost 12,000. out of a national total news agency. The number in Moscow’s of almost 12,000. He said Russia had gained hospitals has doubled since last time with its anti-virus measures week and more than 85 percent and was two to four weeks of these patients have pneu- seriously ill, pressure has grown behind on the curve compared monia, deputy mayor Anastasia sharply on the capital’s health with countries suffering major Rakova was quoted as saying on service. Our inpatient facilities epidemics. the city virus task force’s Tel- and ambulance service are now “We have that time lag so we egram account. working at their limits,” Rakova can prepare better for the blow Moscow is not sending said. that is coming our way,” the people with mild symptoms to Moscow has been under a mayor said. hospitals. Those who test positive lockdown since March 30 with Moscow is rushing to con- are monitored through online residents only allowed to leave struct a new virus hospital with video consultations. their homes for essential work, 500 beds from scratch in a few “Along with the growing to buy food and medicine or to weeks. It is due to open this Municipal workers clean an area by the Triumphal Arch, which commemorates Russia’s victory over numbers of people who are walk dogs within a radius of 100 month. Napoleon in 1812, in Moscow, yesterday. Hungary’s ‘real test’ yet to come, Russia launches criminal probe after Prague removes says PM as infections jump Soviet military statue

REUTERS — BUDAPEST REUTERS — MOSCOW/PRAGUE Metnar to intercede, asking that the statue be sent back to Hungary needs more ventilators Russia said yesterday it had Moscow. and intensive care hospital beds opened a criminal investigation Russia would be prepared to as part of its efforts to weather after Czech authorities pay for transport or any other the coronavirus crisis, Prime dismantled the statue of a Soviet costs, the ministry said. Minister Viktor Orban said military commander last week “We expect information yesterday, as the government despite Moscow’s protests, esca- from you about the place and reported the single biggest daily lating a rancorous diplomatic time of its handing over,” Shoigu increase in infections. row over the issue. said in a defence ministry Government data showed The statue to Marshal Ivan statement late on Thursday. confirmed coronavirus cases Konev, who led Red Army forces The Czech Foreign Ministry jumped by 210 to 1,190 over the during World War Two that said it was up to the Prague dis- past 24 hours, and the death toll drove Nazi troops from Czech- trict municipality where the now stands at 77. oslovakia, is reviled by some in statue had been located to decide The crisis has presented Prague as a symbol of the whether to give it to Russia. Orban with the toughest chal- decades of Communist rule that Yesterday, Russia’s Investi- lenge to his decade-long rule. His followed the war. gative Committee, which response — to rule by decree But in Moscow Konev is handles probes into major indefinitely — has drawn crit- lionised by authorities as a war crimes, said it had opened a icism from the European Union. Military police officers patrol the deserted Heroes’ Square as the spread of coronavirus disease hero, and the removal of his criminal case into the suspected “It seems as if other countries continues, in Budapest, Hungary. statue was cast as a diplomatic public desecration of symbols of are already peeking out (of the insult and part of what Russia Russia’s military glory. crisis), as if there was already an outcome. Orban’s government to have ramped up its stock of people’s home in Budapest, of sees as a dangerous attempt to The Czech foreign ministry light at the end of the tunnel,” prolonged a nationwide ventilators and intensive care whom seven people have so far rewrite history. said it considered the move to Orban told public radio in an lockdown indefinitely on hospital beds to 8,000 by the died, the latest government tally The statue to Konev, who be meddling in its internal affairs interview. Thursday to slow the spread of peak of the crisis, Orban said, showed. It said the number of also played a leading role in and that the statue would be “For now, I do not see this in the coronavirus, asking citizens adding that it usually had about infections could increase further crushing the 1956 Hungarian treated in a dignified manner Hungary.” to respect restrictions on free 2,000 available in “normal still in the facility, which has a uprising and building the Berlin after its removal. “We have won time, we have movement despite the Easter times”. capacity of more than 500 Wall in 1961, was taken down on “If Russian bodies continue been defending ourselves well, holiday weekend. Hungary is also training people, as laboratory tests were April 3 by municipal Prague with confrontational statements but the real test is yet to come,” Orban said about a fifth of medical students to be able to still being conducted. authorities who said they and actions in this spirit, it will Orban said, adding that Hungary hospital workers could get assist in intensive care units, Nearly half of Hungary’s con- planned to put it in a museum. be a sign they have lost interest appeared to be heading towards infected with the virus, which he Orban said. firmed cases of coronavirus are Russian Defence Minister in developing mutually bene- a period of mass infections and said was in line with international Yesterday’s jump in cases in the capital Budapest, the tally Sergei Shoigu has appealed to ficial relations between our it would be difficult to avert such experience. Hungary will need included 151 infections in an old showed. Czech Defence Minister Lubomír countries,” it said.

Less than 1% of Austria’s population Coronavirus death toll exceeds 3,000 in Belgium infected: Study ANATOLIA — BRUSSELS could just confirm the cause. number up to 5,610. just allowed to offer food for need to pay $274 fine for the first In total, 57 percent of the A $65bn economic fallout is take-away. time, and $383 for the second. REUTERS — VIENNA Belgium reported 494 new victims lost their lives in hos- expected this year due to the People are allowed to take a According to the police, the deaths from coronavirus, pitals, while 40 percent in strict limitations on public life walk outside with their family vast majority of citizens respect Less than 1 percent of Austria’s bringing the tally to 3,019, the elderly centers. imposed three weeks ago to mit- members from the same the rules. population is infected with the Federal Public Service of Health Also, 1,684 new infections igate the spread of the virus. household, but they are required Since the virus emerged last coronavirus, a study published announced yesterday. were diagnosed, which raises The measures only allow to keep 1.5-metre distance from December in the Chinese city of yesterday found, based on Over the past 24 hours, 325 the sum of COVID-19 patients to people to leave their homes only others. Wuhan, it has spread to at least testing a representative sample more people lost their lives, 26,667 since the outbreak of the for buying food and medicine, A Brussels court sentenced 185 countries and regions. of more than 1,500 people. marking the highest daily figure virus. visiting a doctor, helping yesterday a 23-year old man to There are more than 1.61m The first such study in con- since the previous record of 283 This week’s promising trend someone in need or going to community service after he confirmed infections worldwide, tinental Europe, led by pollster cases reported a day before. of declining hospitalisations also work — unless home office is an broke the lockdown measures with the death toll surpassing SORA which is known for pro- During the last two weeks of stopped by yesterday. The option for them. three times. It was the first court 96,700, according to data com- jecting election results. March, 171 other victims passed number of people treated in Only supermarkets and decision penalising the breach piled by the US-based Johns “Based on this study, we away in elderly homes in healthcare facilities has risen 20 pharmacies can stay open, while of social distancing principles. Hopkins University. More than believe that 0.33 percent of the Flanders, but the authorities percent in a day, bringing the full snack bars and restaurants are If caught by the police, adults 361,200 have recovered. population in Austria was acutely infected in early April,” SORA co-founder Christoph Hofinger told a news con- Poland marks 10 ference. Given the margin of error, the figure was 95 percent likely to be between 0.12 years since president percent and 0.76 percent. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whose gov- killed in plane crash ernment commissioned the study and saw initial findings AP — WARSAW ongoing investigation. a few days ago, said on Monday The crash occurred as the that the rate of infection was Poland’s government yesterday Tu-154 air force jet carrying a around 1 percent. He said that marked the 10th anniversary of high-level Polish delegation disproved the idea of herd the plane crash that killed Pres- attempted to land in fog at an immunity — which requires ident Lech Kaczynski and 95 airport near Smolensk, Russia. It widespread infection - as a others by demanding that Russia was Poland’s worst tragedy since viable policy option. return the wreckage of the plane. World War II, killing not only the Austria reacted early to the Poland’s Foreign Ministry president and first lady, but many outbreak in the country, said it had sent a diplomatic note other top government and mil- closing schools, restaurants, to the Russian Embassy in itary officials. theatres and other gathering Warsaw calling on Moscow to The tragedy strained already places more than three weeks “immediately surrender Poland’s difficult relations with neighbour ago, and telling the population property.” Russia. It has also created a deep to stay home and work from “No norm of international sense of grievance that has there if possible. The outbreak law gives grounds for Russia’s shaped Polish political life since has remained within the health retention of Poland’s property,” then. Today the government is system’s capacity and hospi- the ministry said. directed — mostly from behind talisations have stabilised, with Poland has made similar the scenes — by the late presi- the daily percentage increase demands in the past, and dent’s identical twin, Jaroslaw in infections in low single Russia has replied that it is Kaczynski, who is chairman of Leader of the Polish Law and Justice ruling party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, lays a wreath at the monument digits. There have been 319 keeping the wreckage of the the ruling conservative Law and to victims of a plane crash, at Pilsudski Square in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. deaths so far. Tupolev plane because of an Justice party. SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 AMERICAS 11 Apple and Google team up on virus ‘contact tracing’ by smartphone

REUTERS — SAN FRANCISCO Under the plan, users’ phones will emit unique Bluetooth signals if they have tracing Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google said yesterday that they technology turned on. Phones within about six will work together to create feet can record anonymous information about contact tracing technology that encounters. If a person tests positive, the aims to slow the spread of the coronavirus by allowing users system can send an encrypted list of phones to opt into a system that cat- they came near to Apple and Google, which alogs other phones they have will trigger alerts to potentially exposed users been near. US President Donald Trump points as he takes questions during the daily briefing on the novel The rare collaboration to seek more information. coronavirus, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House, in Washington, DC, yesterday. between the two Silicon Valley companies, whose operating systems power 99% of the positive before they can send apps have been collaborating world’s smartphones, could on the data. The logs will be on open source Bluetooth tools Trump to unveil council to re-open accelerate usage of apps that scrambled to keep infected for several weeks but would aim to get potentially infected individuals’ data anonymous, swap in the new official tools individuals into testing or quar- even to Apple and Google, the next month. “This is a funda- the country after virus pandemic antine more quickly and companies said. Their tech- mental building block for apps reliably than existing systems nology will not track the GPS like CoEpi,” Lewis said. REUTERS — WASHINGTON Trump’s original coronavirus topped 18,100 yesterday, in much of the world. location of users, they added. Scott McNabb, an Emory task force, which includes health according to a Reuters tally. Such tracing will play a vital The set-up aims to address University professor who was US President Donald Trump experts Dr. Anthony Fauci and Trump said there were signs role in managing the virus once privacy concerns that have a CDC epidemiologist for 20 said yesterday that he will soon Dr. Deborah Birx, is devoted to the aggressive social distancing lockdown orders end, health forestalled aggressive mobile years, said widespread access be announcing a second coro- slowing the spread of the virus, and stay-at-home measures experts say. The companies said location tracking and other sur- to tests as well as training on navirus task force, creating a as well as finding drugs to treat taken to combat the corona- they started developing the veillance measures aimed at the new apps for healthcare council to focus on re-opening the illness and a vaccine. virus were showing signs of technology two weeks ago to preventing new outbreaks. workers would be required the country after the worst of Trump is seeking re- success. Trump said he was streamline technical differ- “To their credit, Apple and before the phone tools can be the COVID-19 pandemic passes. election in November and is getting fewer calls from gov- ences between Apple’s Google have announced an effective. It is unclear how “We will be announcing eager to re-open the economy ernors urgently seeking iPhones and Google’s Android approach that appears to mit- many public health authorities that in a short while. Probably after businesses have shuttered, equipment and help. that had stymied the smooth igate the worst privacy and are prepared to embrace digital Tuesday,” Trump told reporters prompting millions to file for “We’re in great shape in operation of some existing centralization risks,” said Jen- contact tracing. during the daily coronavirus unemployment. Trump said every way. We’re in great shape contact tracing apps. nifer Granick, surveillance and Governments worldwide task force briefing. The council that facts and recommenda- with ventilators, we’re in great Under the plan, users’ cybersecurity counsel for the have been scrambling to develop is expected to include Treasury tions from health experts will shape with protective clothing, phones will emit unique Blue- American Civil Liberties Union. or evaluate software meant to Secretary Steven Mnuchin and determine the next steps taken we have additional planeloads tooth signals if they have Apple and Google plan to improve the normally labor- White House senior economic to re-open the economy. coming in. But we’re not getting tracing technology turned on. release software tools in intensive process of contact adviser Larry Kudlow, among The President also said that any calls from governors at this Phones within about six feet mid-May to contact tracing tracing, in which health officials others, a senior administration he thinks the United States will moment,” he said. can record anonymous infor- apps endorsed by public health go to recent contacts of an official said earlier in the week. lose fewer than the 100,000 Dr. Deborah Birx, the coor- mation about encounters. authorities, with the two com- infected person and ask them to Trump said yesterday that lives initially projected to the dinator of the White House task If a person tests positive, the panies approving use of the self-quarantine or get tested. state governors will also serve coronavirus, and suggested the force on the coronavirus, said system can send an encrypted tools. However, Apple and While health experts have on the council. Republican country is nearing its peak the United States was starting list of phones they came near Google also plan to release credited extensive testing and economist Art Laffer, who has infection rate. to flatten the curve the way to Apple and Google, which will software updates in the coming contact tracing with slowing the presented a plan to jumpstart Trump said the number of Italy did, with a lot of the trigger alerts to potentially months so that users do not spread of the virus in nations the economy to White House new coronavirus cases in the success coming in New York exposed users to seek more have to download any apps to such as South Korea, privacy officials and has been a mentor United States is flattening, and City. She said they are still information. begin logging nearby phones. experts have questioned to Kudlow, is also thought to be said the situations in New seeing cases occurring in Public health authorities Dana Lewis, a lead whether users in the United under consideration. Trump Orleans, Louisiana, and Detroit, Boston and Chicago but their would need to sign off that an developer of contact tracing States and Europe would adopt awarded Laffer the Presidential Michigan, are stabilizing. rate of increases seem to be individual has actually tested app CoEpi, said it and other digital contact tracing. Medal of Freedom last year. US deaths from the the virus stabilizing. Biden courts Hunger stalks street Sanders' voters vendors in LatAm with student REUTERS — SANTIAGO/MEXICO CITY the statistics agency INEGI, loan, healthcare generating 22.5% of its 2018 In the bustling streets of the gross domestic product. policies downtown Santiago this week, Government support is Chilean great-grandmother Luz patchy. The leader of an associ- REUTERS — WASHINGTON Maria Rios was ignoring a coro- ation of 5,000 street vendors in navirus quarantine and risking Mexico City’s historic center said Democratic presidential can- her health to sell Easter eggs. that it would provide a 6,000 didate Joe Biden proposed For hours, she saw no cus- peso ($250) grant to vendors to expanding access to Medicare tomers. “I’ll sell what God encourage them to stay home. and forgiving some student debt wants,” the 76-year-old said, Adela Charco, a 61-year-old in new overtures to supporters gazing down the almost empty woman, lives in the sandy of onetime rival Bernie Sanders. pavement. It is a scene repeated shantytown of Villa El Salvador Biden, who became Dem- across Latin America where in Lima. She told Reuters last ocrats’ presumptive nominee street vendors defy quarantines week she was abiding by the when Sanders ended his cam- to try to eke out a living in quarantine and instead trying paign on Wednesday, is almost empty cityscapes. to find customers whose shoes Disinfection drive working to close ranks as his The pandemic, which has she could mend at home. “Pre- party prepares a campaign to Members of the health secretary and military police wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) tallied more than 1.5 million viously I had tuberculosis and unseat Republican President disinfect the general food distributor market in Corabastos, south of Bogota, yesterday. infections globally and more now I am afraid to go out in case Donald Trump in the than 89,000 deaths, is entering it makes my health worse. I don’t November 3 election. its second month ravaging know what to do... my situation Biden’s new proposals Latin America, claiming more is quite critical,” she said. include expanding Medicare, than 1,300 lives in Brazil, In Chile, the government Uber to provide ‘tens of millions’ government insurance for Amer- Mexico, Peru and Chile alone. announced the creation this icans over 65, to those 60 and More than half of those week of a $2bn fund to mainly older. He also promises to forgive employed in Latin America support the informal workers of masks in virus safety move student debt for lower-income work informally, according to who do not have access to Americans who attended public the International Labour Organ- unemployment insurance. AFP — SAN FRANCISCO The move follows updated take priority, so global shipments colleges and some other educa- isation. Now, with their customer Mary Estela Mamani, a single guidance from health author- will take time.” Uber, which has tional institutions. base suddenly shrunk, the mother and taxi driver in the Uber said late on Thursday that ities in the US and elsewhere to seen a massive drop in ridership “Senator Sanders and his returns for informal sellers are Bolivian capital La Paz, has gone it planned to give out “tens of use face coverings as an added due to lockdowns around the supporters can take pride in diminishing too. They have few for weeks without a fare. She millions” of masks to drivers protection against spreading world, said it was obtaining the their work in laying the or none of the safety nets that said people were simply trying worldwide as part of its efforts the virus. masks “from outside of the tra- groundwork for these ideas, those working in the formal to survive. “As a mother it is to boost safety amid the coro- “We’ve ordered tens of mil- ditional healthcare supply and I’m proud to adopt them sector can fall back on. painful because you open your navirus pandemic. lions more masks and expect chains” including from one as part of my campaign at this Among them is Matias refrigerator and you see it The global ridesharing giant them to arrive in other cities company normally produces critical moment in responding Maximo. “If I don’t go out, how empty,” she said. “Many women said it shipped its first order of and regions around the world electronics. to the coronavirus crisis,” am I going to get to eat?” said have several children and been masks to drivers in New York in the coming weeks,” Uber The company said it was Biden said in a statement. the 24-year-old. More than abandoned by their partners. I City, which is the current US safety vice-president Gus donating all of its N95 respi- Democratic presidential half of Mexico’s active popu- wonder how will they manage epicenter of the outbreak, and Fuldner said in a statement. rator masks, which offer extra candidates battled for nearly a lation is employed in the if I am suffering from hunger, expects another half-million “Supplies are limited and filtering for medical personnel, year about the practicality of informal sector, according to and how bad is this going to get?” that will go other US cities. healthcare needs will always to hospitals. Sanders’ plans to forgive all federal student debt and his Medicare for All proposal pro- viding health insurance to all Covid, Quarantine among names suggested for newborn animals in Colombian zoo Americans. Biden opposed both, offering his own slate of edu- REUTERS — SAN ANTONIO DEL popular suggestions for the told Reuters. well as another deer, and a it can buy 300kg of meat, 180kg cation and healthcare policies. TEQUENDAMA, COLOMBIA cotton-top tamarind twins, tiny Mendoza explained that peacock, as well as several of chicken, 60kg of shrimp and Now, Democrats are trying primates native to Colombia’s most births take place during spider monkeys. the same amount of fish to feed to tailor a message that can A small zoo in central Colombia Caribbean coast. The pair were the first three months of the The keepers view the births its 780 animals each week. attract both the left flank of their has called on its social media born a week ago in Santacruz year, when the weather is as positive news in the middle The zoo is running out of own party and more conserv- followers to come up with zoo, which is in San Antonio Del warmer, and before the start of of the coronavirus outbreak. resources because its main ative voters who backed Trump. names for newborn primates Tequendama. The potential the rainy season. The zoo also “It’s a message of hope for us to source of income, charging vis- As his lead in the Democratic delivered in the current birthing names are also being con- takes in animals from circuses change how we are wired, our itors the equivalent of about $5 primaries grew, Biden pivoted to season — and most suggestions sidered for a white-tailed deer or that are seized by authorities thinking, and that we recognize per person, dried up with the a message of unity and started to are related to the coronavirus born just over a fortnight ago. fighting the selling or illegal the importance of nature and start of a government-ordered adopt some policies his rivals pandemic. “We asked our followers on trafficking of wildlife. animals, that we respect them,” quarantine, which will run until endorsed. Sanders called Biden Covid and Cuarentena — social media to suggest names Incoming arrivals will come Mendoza said. April 27. “The reserves we have “a very decent man, who I will the latter means quarantine in for them,” Camilo Mendoza, the from two female chiguiros, the At the same time, the zoo is are exhausted,” said the zoo’s work with to move our pro- Spanish — are among the most zoo’s animal health coordinator, largest rodents in the world, as campaigning for donations so dietician, Daniel Bernal. gressive ideas forward.” 12 AMERICAS SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 Hit by virus, Pentagon warns enemies: Don’t test us

AFP — WASHINGTON crisis,” he added. “That would On Thursday, says all but one US nuclear instal- quarantined for 14 days and entire fleet from shipboard be a terrible and tragic mistake Newsweek published lation has been hit by the virus. then kept segregated so that if COVID-19 outbreaks. “To think With an aircraft carrier forced if they thought that.” US military strategy rests on an infection hits one, the other that it will never happen again into port and staff at bases han- Unlike rivals Russia, China a map showing that demonstrating its ability to team remains ready. is not a good way to plan,” he dling nuclear missiles hit by and Iran, the US Defence coronavirus cases project power around the world “You can’t get social dis- said of the Roosevelt case. COVID-19, the US military Department has tried to be had appeared on at any time, so that no one dares tancing in a submarine or even Questions about US military wants rivals to understand: transparent about the outbreak, attack. That’s why the case of in a tank. But you take prudent readiness persist in part because Don’t test us, we have not been publishing daily totals of infec- 150 military bases, the Roosevelt, one of two US measures as best you can,” said of rumors and disinformation weakened. tions among its troops, civilian challenging the aircraft carriers in the western Defense Secretary Mark Esper. often coming from Russia, said Statement after statement workers and families. Pacific, has unsettled Pentagon The readiness concerns Laura Cooper, Deputy Assistant from the Pentagon has sought Including civilian staff, mil- Pentagon’s secrecy. leadership. continue. Coronavirus has sur- Secretary of Defence. to deliver that message amid itary family members, and con- When the ship’s captain faced in the crews of three other “We have seen a number of questions this week over tractors, total Department of 4,800 aboard. released a letter describing a carriers, none on deployment: threads of information that are whether the US fighting force Defence infections were at More than half the sailors dire outbreak aboard the vessel, the Ronald Reagan, docked in heating up about the readiness of can maintain full readiness, 3,366 yesterday, with one death. have been evacuated while the it infuriated his commanders, Japan, and the Carl Vinson and the US military and others,” with cases among service Having initially given the entire crew is tested and the who accused him of disclosing Nimitz, both undergoing main- Cooper, a Russia expert, told members now at 2,031. location of cases, it now only warship undergoes a thorough sensitive information related to tenance in Washington state. reporters. Milley said that 2,000 “We’re still capable and offers broader totals, however, cleaning. Navy readiness. The captain The infected sailors have infected personnel out of a fighting we’re still ready no matter what to avoid enemies knowing the On Thursday, Newsweek was fired. But the Pentagon has been evacuated and have all force of 2.3 million was “not huge”. the threat,” Joint Chiefs points at which US forces might published a map showing that been completely aware of the recovered, according to the “And I want to make sure Chairman General Mark Milley have been weakened. coronavirus cases had appeared danger. In early March the mil- Navy. While also stressing that everyone clearly understands said. “I wouldn’t want any One is well-known: the on 150 military bases, chal- itary established a system of US force readiness has not that the readiness of the US mil- mixed messages going out there carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, lenging the Pentagon’s secrecy. “bubbles,” creating two separate diminished, Joint Chiefs Vice- itary is still strong,” he added. to any adversaries that they can forced to dock in Guam for an Hans Kristensen, an expert operating teams for submarines Chairman General john Hyten “We’re still capable and we’re take advantage of an oppor- extended period because of an on nuclear weapons at the Fed- and nuclear missile silos. said on Thursday that the Navy still ready no matter what the tunity, if you will, at a time of outbreak that has hit 416 of the eration of American Scientists, Team members are was working hard to protect the threat.” CDC extends 'no Virus deaths in US top sail order' for all cruise ships 18,100; vigilance urged REUTERS — WASHINGTON The US Centers for Disease REUTERS — NEW YORK interview on CNN, adding that gather in churches and Fauci Control and Prevention “we’re going in the right urged people to stick with social extended its “no sail order” for US deaths due to the corona- direction”. Those measures distancing restrictions. all cruise ships, as it looks to virus topped 18,100 yesterday, continue to take a big toll on the New York will also open prevent the spread of the novel according to a Reuters tally, economy — some economists coronavirus testing sites in five coronavirus pandemic. although there are signs that are forecasting job losses of up minority neighbourhoods to The CDC new order says Americans staying home was to 20 million in April — raising improve testing in a population that cruise ships have to cease curbing new infections. questions about how long they that has been hit disproportion- operations for up to 100 days, US officials warned Amer- can be sustained. The Trump ately hard by COVID-19 respi- or the expiration of the Sec- icans to expect alarming administration’s top economic ratory illness caused by the virus. retary of Health and Human numbers of coronavirus deaths officials said on Thursday that Statistics from several US states Services’ declaration that this week, even as there was they believe the US economy have shown coronavirusdeath COVID-19 constitutes a public evidence that the number of could start to reopen for normal among blacks and Hispanics to health emergency, or if the new infections was flattening business in May. be far higher than their portion CDC Director rescinds or mod- in New York state, the epicenter “Hopefully we’re going to be of the population. ifies the order. of the US outbreak. opening up... very, very, very, Another population hit par- The order, dated April 9, The number of US deaths is very soon, I hope,” US President ticularly hard are prison comes as the cruise industry now the second highest in the Donald Trump said on Thursday inmates. Some 450 inmates and takes a hit from the novel world. Over 1,900 new deaths at the White House daily coro- staff have tested positive for coronavirus outbreak, with have been reported three days navirus briefing. coronavirus at Chicago’s largest trips across the globe either in a row, according a Reuters The virus will decide when jail, county officials said. canceled or suspended and tally. US cases topped 485,000 the country can reopen, Fauci Inmate deaths and high refunds issued to customers. yesterday and have been rising said. He said it would not be a rates of infections have also Many cruise ship lines by 30,000 to 35,000 cases a good idea to open back up pre- been reported by officials in have already voluntarily sus- day as testing becomes more maturely “and then wind up New York and Louisiana. pended most of their opera- available. back in the same situation”. Despite some reasons for tions. Four of the cruise lines Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director Meanwhile, with more than optimism in New York, belonging to the world’s of the National Institute of 90% of the country under stay- healthcare workers there and largest cruise operator Car- Allergy and Infectious Diseases, at-home orders, the holiest in other hotspots have seen a nival Corp’s said last month and other health officials have weekend on the Christian cal- wave of deaths this week. they would extend the sus- pointed to declining rates of endar began with services lives- A nurse at a Mount Sinai pension of all voyages by a coronavirus hospitalizations treamed or broadcast. Many hospital in New York said she month to May while rival and need for intensive care — churches sat empty, when they was encouraged by vastly fewer Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd particularly in New York — as would typically be overflowing admitted patients this week, but said it would return to service A sign in front of Huntington Hospital salutes the medical workers signs that social distancing with worshippers. Churches are said morale was still low amid by May 12. in Huntington, New York, yesterday. According to Johns Hopkins measures are paying off. devising different ways to reach shortages of caregivers and as Currently, there are about “Now is no time to back off,” the faithful. Political leaders several patients in critical care University, New York state has more confirmed coronavirus cases 100 cruise ships remaining at Fauci said yesterday during an cautioned the faithful not to have died. than any other country outside the United States. sea off the East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf Coast, with nearly 80,000 crew onboard, Doctors find ways to create bonds with COVID-19 patients the CDC noted, and said there are 20 cruise ships at port or REUTERS — NEW YORK are scared, is challenging.” equipment like masks, gloves and hospital. “Our responsibility is to said, “it will be through gloves.” anchorage in the United States Already battling overcrowded gowns. “Then I feel guilty because comfort them,” she said. Through A lack of warmth from doctors with known or suspected Sam remembers the moment hospitals and equipment I need to rush her. She really tears, Randev recalled trying to can make an already stressful COVID-19 infection among the he realized he could no longer shortages, healthcare workers on needs company, a human voice.” tell an elderly patient with early hospital visit harder to bear, said crew who remain onboard. smile at patients. He was the front lines of New York’s When one coronavirus patient signs of dementia, through layers Jacqueline Sperling, a psychol- The earlier “no sail order” helping a nervous man suffering coronavirus outbreak say the wandered from her room in of PPE, that he could not yet go ogist and instructor at Harvard was issued on March 14. from COVID-19 at the New York highly contagious virus has ham- search of a nurse, Sam said, “Nor- home to his family. “You want to Medical School, saying that City hospital where he works pered their ability to comfort mally we’d politely redirect her. smile, you want to hold their doctors looking to make patients’ Man arrested for as a nurse. The patient cracked patients fighting to stay alive. Now it’s more like screaming: hand,” she said. experiences a little smoother can a joke, and Sam laughed. Then COVID-19 has infected ‘Get back in the room.’” Occasionally, frail COVID-19 try to smile with their eyes. beating up mom he felt air in his eye. “It was a more than 161,000 people in A good bedside manner is patients fall out of bed, said Emily “One can sometimes bleak moment,” he said. New York and killed 7,000. crucial for Dr. Sonika Randev, Muzyka, a nurse at NewYork- determine the emotion someone over toilet paper The smile had lifted Sam’s One of nurse Peggy Deside- 35, a physical medicine and Presbyterian Hospital. Normally, is communicating just by seeing N95 respirator mask off his face, rio’s elderly coronavirus patients rehabilitation resident at Met- nurses would rush to help, but the eyes,” Sperling said. Some AFP — LOS ANGELES creating an air leak. With at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan ropolitan Hospital Center in now, Muzyka says, they must doctors are finding other ways to COVID-19 transmittable through calls her into her room every time Manhattan. Randev provides pal- pause to first put on gowns, create bonds. Randev is planning A California man was the air, that’s a risk. “A big smile she walks by. But Desiderio liative care to terminal COVID-19 masks and gloves. Muzyka has to show patients photos of herself arrested this week after helps things feel less scary,” said doesn’t have much to give. “I patients and assesses the physical held patients’ hands through on her phone, or via printouts, so allegedly punching his mother Sam, who asked that his last have to say ‘wait a minute,’ then and mental capacity of elderly final breaths in the past, but they can see what she looks like — who had apparently hidden name not be used. “Not having put on my PPE,” says Desiderio, patients who may have things have changed. unmasked, hoping it will make the family’s stash of toilet that, in a time when my patients referring to personal protective recovered enough to leave the “If I have to do that now,” she patients feel a little safer. paper because of his excessive use of the hot commodity. Police were called to the 3 US local governments to adopt family’s home in Saugus, north of Los Angeles, at 3am on Monday following a dispute virus contact tracing app: MIT over the whereabouts of the hygiene product, Shirley REUTERS — CALIFORNIA Private Kit. Two Massachusetts following the successful use of Miller, spokeswoman for the cities plan to compare the per- app-based systems in Asia. Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Three US local governments formance of Private Kit with But privacy concerns and Station, said. The argument plan to sign deals this week to health officials asking patients technical limitations are among between Adrian Yan and his become the first to adopt a to recall recent contacts from several hurdles the app-based mother escalated and he location tracking app aimed at memory, he said. systems face among Americans. punched her in the face, Miller preventing new outbreaks of Governments worldwide are MIT researchers and their collab- said. He was detained on the novel coronavirus, a evaluating Private Kit or similar orators said Private Kit can log an charges of battery, she added. spokesman for the Massachu- technologies meant to aid the individual’s movements without The mother told deputies setts Institute of Technology- otherwise labor-intensive jeopardizing their privacy. Their that she hid the toilet paper led project said. process of contact tracing, in system relies on Bluetooth signals from her 26-year-old son An additional 17 state and which health officials must ask dubbed “chirps,” which are com- because he used too much of municipal governments are con- recent contacts of a person who municated between phones of it at a time when the product sidering introducing the app in has tested positive for the virus Private Kit users. is in short supply because of their communities as soon as in to self-quarantine or get tested. Healthcare officials would the COVID-19 pandemic. the next two weeks, said Ramesh Effective contact tracing ask users who test positive for Miller said the lockdown Raskar, an associate professor at will need to be in place before the coronavirus to anony- imposed across much of the MIT, in an email exchange. widely lifting stay-at-home mously publicize their phones’ country because of the virus has Javier Camillo, an MTA bus driver, has his temperature taken before Raskar declined to specify orders that have crippled the recent “chirps.” Any Private Kit led to an increase in incidents starting his shift at the West Farms Bus Depot, in New York City, the states, counties or cities global economy, health experts user whose phone was close of family violence. “Tensions are yesterday. The Temperature Brigade program, as the MTA calls it, nearing agreements but said have said. European countries enough to infected users to reg- running high in a lot of house- is taken with taking the temperature and logging the information they were expected to advocate have partnered on the Pan- ister their phones’ chirps would holds because of the stay-at- for front line workers as the coronavirus continues to ravage the for residents to voluntarily European Privacy Preserving be alerted about their potential home directive and so this is to transit authority. download the app, known as Proximity Tracing initiative, coronavirus exposure. be expected,” she said.