BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 24 QR10bn support for QSE entities to boost investor DHFC offi cially opens confi dence its Ramadan-themed virtual arts gallery published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11548 May 14, 2020 Ramadan 21, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Enjoy double data and a complimentary beIN CONNECT voucher from home with Shahry 5G *Valid during Ramadan #Hadaya_Ooredoo Amir holds phone talk with Merkel Hospital for Covid-19 cured patients opened His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday evening a telephone conversation with Dr Angela Merkel, Chancellor zLibsear military field hospital off Al Sheehaniya-Dukhan Road has 504 single rooms of the friendly Federal Republic of Germany. During the phone call, they discussed the strategic relations By Joseph Varghese There are about 70 medical staff work- between the two friendly countries Staff Reporter ing at the hospital including 20 doctors, and the prospects for enhancing nurses and other healthcare staff . them, besides the eff orts made by “When Covid-19 patients are dis- both countries in combating the new roviding the best care for Cov- charged from a hospital, they go home coronavirus (Covid-19 ). In this regard id-19 recovered male patients in and stay in quarantine. There might be the German Chancellor expressed PQatar, a new fi eld hospital with some patients who need some more her thanks and appreciation to 504 beds - all single rooms - has been time to recover fully and they are di- the Amir for the Qatar Airways’ opened at Al Sheehaniya. rected to this place. In such cases, role in returning German nationals “The Libsear military fi eld hospital many of them will complete the four- from diff erent parts of the world located near Al Sheehaniya-Dukhan teen days of quarantine here before to Germany during this crisis. Road has started receiving patients,” they head for their places,” noted Dr Discussions also dealt with the most said Dr Abdullah Rasheed al-Naimi, al-Naimi. important developments, regionally clinical lead of the hospital yesterday. “We can receive about 60 patients a and internationally, particularly the The facility, built in two weeks’ time, day here. Upon completion of the 14- latest developments in Libya and already has about 100 Covid-19 recov- day period, they are swabbed and on Afghanistan. ered patients. fi nding them negative for Covid-19, “The hospital, built under the ini- A view of the Libsear military field hospital for Covid-19 recovered male patients. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed they are sent home,” he added. MoPH reports 3,143 tiative of HE the Deputy Prime Min- Libsear military fi eld hospital is the Covid-19 recoveries ister and Minister of State for Defence this place to build a fi eld hospital to buildings meant for the recovered have Covid-19 treatment hospitals and second facility of its kind opened in Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al- manage and support Covid-19 cases patients. Each building has 252 beds. non-Covid-19 hospitals. Four big hos- Qatar recently. A few days ago a 200- The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Attiyah, is a collaboration between the in the country. We evaluated the place They are all completely private rooms pitals have been designated exclusively bed fi eld general hospital was opened announced yesterday that there Ministry of Defence and the Ministry just three weeks ago and found it quite with attached toilets.” for treating Covid -19 cases. In addi- for the workers in the Industrial Area, were 1,390 new confirmed cases of Public Health,” he explained at a suitable. The offi cial said that currently in tion, we have facilities such as these including emergency and outpatient of Covid-19 and 124 recoveries press conference. “This complex consists of an ad- Qatar there are four major hospitals for around the country that help Covid-19 services as well as a Covid- 19 obser- in the last 24 hours, bringing the “The Ministry of Defence proposed ministration building and two main treating Covid-19 patients. “Now we recovered patients,” he continued. vation facility. Page 24 total number of recovered cases in Qatar to 3,143. The MoPH said in a statement that the new cases are Takeaway on the menu due to expatriate workers who were infected as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected, in addition to recording new Wearing of masks made cases of infection among groups of workers in diff erent regions. Page 2 Coronavirus may never go away: WHO mandatory outside home The new coronavirus may never go away and populations around the world will have to learn to live with it, except when driving alone the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned yesterday. As some countries around the world begin gradually atar residents will have to z Cabinet decision eff ective from Sunday until further notice easing lockdown restrictions compulsorily wear face masks z MoI to take necessary action to enforce the decision imposed in a bid to stop the novel Qwhile stepping out of home for z Precautionary measures taken to combat Covid-19 to continue coronavirus from spreading, the any reason from Sunday, May 17, the WHO said it may never be wiped Cabinet has decided. It affi rmed the continuation of the draft decrees approving the guaran- out entirely. “We have a new virus At its regular meeting yesterday precautionary measures and decided tee agreement of the government of entering the human population for evening, the Cabinet also decided to “compel all citizens and residents Qatar for the Al Kharsaah solar power the first time and therefore it is very to continue with the precautionary to wear masks upon leaving the house plant project, approving the agree- hard to predict when we will prevail measures taken to combat the Cov- for any reason, except when a person ment to grant rights to the project, over it,” said Michael Ryan, the WHO’s id-19 pandemic, the offi cial Qatar is alone while driving a vehicle”, QNA and approving the priority right emergencies director. News Agency (QNA) reported. said. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) agreement for the solar power plant, After HE the Prime Minister and will take the necessary measures in QNA added. Virus claims more Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid this regard. It also approved a draft law amend- than 294,200 lives bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani In case of non-compliance with ing some provisions of Law No 12 of Restaurants and cafes around the country, except those in malls, have resumed chaired the meeting held via video- this decision, the penalties stipulated 2006 regarding the cancelled Me- takeaway services following the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s (MoCI) More than 294, 200 coronavirus conference, HE the Minister of Jus- in Decree Law No 17 of 1990 regard- saieed municipality, and referring it decision in this regard. Yesterday, people were seen arriving in cars and on deaths have been recorded since tice and Acting Minister of State for ing the prevention of infectious dis- to the Shura Council. foot to collect food from eateries around Doha. Restaurant workers were seen the epidemic surfaced in China late Cabinet Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali eases shall be applied to the viola- Further, it gave its nod to a draft wearing masks and gloves in line with the preventive measures put in place last year, according to an AFP tally al-Nuaimi gave the details of the pro- tor - imprisonment for a period not Cabinet decision to issue the execu- by the authorities concerned. Customers, too, turned up wearing masks as yesterday. There have been more ceedings. exceeding three years and a fi ne of up tive regulations for the law regulat- is required. Besides, food items are being packed by following the necessary than 4,305,340 off icially recorded At the beginning of the meeting, to QR200,000, or either of one these ing medical treatment abroad, while hygiene and preventive measures. On Tuesday, the ministry had issued cases around the world. The United the Cabinet listened to an explanation two penalties. also approving a draft memorandum Circular No 22 of 2020 on “easing restrictions on the activities of restaurants States has recorded the most deaths presented by HE the Minister of Pub- The decision will apply from Sun- of understanding between the Dip- and cafés (coff ee shops)”. The MoCI has stressed that it will intensify its at 83,249. lic Health on the latest developments day, May 17, and remain in eff ect until lomatic Institute at the Ministry of inspection campaigns to ensure the compliance of concerned parties with their and steps taken to curb the spread of further notice. Foreign Aff airs and the University of obligations in line with the decision and to crack down on any violations in this Uber to require masks Covid-19. The Cabinet also gave its nod to Houston-Clear Lake in the US. regard. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Page 24 for drivers, riders Uber said yesterday it was making Qatar sends medical aid to face masks mandatory for drivers and passengers, as part of new health and safety protocols aiming to instil three friendly countries Qatar Airways tickets now valid confidence in the ride-hailing service as people emerge from coronavirus lockdowns. The new policy to be for 2 years; more benefi ts off ered eff ective on Monday will require drivers in many markets to use selfie pictures to certify they are wearing masks before going online, and will atar Airways has said it is of- the fl exibility to choose how, when allow riders and drivers an option to fering “even greater fl exibil- and for whom to redeem them,” it cancel a booking if the other party is Qity” to customers, as tickets adds. not using a face covering. are now valid for two years with un- Regarding exchange for future limited changes allowed on dates. travel, the airline says one can can A customer can also change his/ exchange a ticket for a future travel her destination if it’s within 5,000 voucher with 10% additional val- RAMADAN THOUGHT miles of the original one, the airline ue. Vouchers are now valid for two Whosoever disbelieves will tweeted yesterday. changes” that customers can make, years from the date of voucher is- suff er from his disbelief, and “Alternatively, you can swap the airline says: “You can change suance. whosoever does righteous your ticket for Qmiles to use how- your travel date or destination free The airline also assured custom- good deeds (by practising ever you like, or exchange it for a of charge, as often as you need. You ers that it would refund a ticket “to Islamic Monotheism), then travel voucher with 10% additional can change your origin to another the original form of payment if a such will prepare a good place value, also valid for two years,” it city within the same country or any fl ight gets cancelled”. (in Paradise) for themselves added. other destination we fl y to within a “As we continue in our commit- (and will be saved by Allah from The details are available at http:// 5,000-mile radius of your original ment to getting you where you need His Torment). (Qur’an 30:44) qatarairways.com/RelyOnUs. destination.” to be safely, we thank you for your Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has sent several shipments of urgent medical “Hold on to your ticket. Keep your Customers can call any Qatar Air- trust. And, as we look forward, we Prayer times aid to Congo, Albania and Angola to support their eff orts to contain the outbreak of ticket and use it when you are ready ways offi ce or contact centre to re- are off ering you more choices and the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The 25-tonne shipments, which Qatar with our extended ticket valid- book. greater fl exibility so you can have Fajr....3.25 Zuhr....11.30 Asr....2.57 Airways delivered, included medical equipment and supplies such as masks and ity, now valid for two years from the Further, people can swap their the confi dence to plan now and Maghrib.....6.14 Isha.....7.44 personal protective equipment for medical staff . QFFD director general Khalifa bin date of ticket issuance for greater ticket for Qmiles and redeem them travel when you are ready,” the na- Jassim al-Kuwari said: “This medical assistance reflects the great eff orts made by fl exibility,” Qatar Airways explains towards reward fl ights, extra bag- tional carrier said. “Whether you Fasting times Qatar to combat the spread of this pandemic globally, which comes as a matter of on its website. “Call any of our of- gage or cabin upgrades when the have booked or are planning to book Iftar today ...... 6.14 pm joint global responsibility.” It is worth noting that QFFD provided urgent medical aid fi ces or contact centres to extend time is right. “For every $1 , you will for travel up to September 30, you Suhoor tomorrow ...... 3.24 am to several brotherly and friendly countries including Iran, Italy, Lebanon, Tunisia, your ticket validity.” earn 100 Qmiles that are valid for can rely on us for the best travel so- Algeria, Nepal and Rwanda, with shipments totalling more than 85 tonnes. Page 2 Highlighting the “unlimited at least three years, so you can have lutions.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 14, 2020 QATAR

Qatar sends medical aid to Albania Chief of Staff meets US commander Offi cial

Minister reviews Qatar-UK bilateral relations

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi received a phone call from the British Minister of State for the Middle East and North HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Africa James Cleverly yesterday. al-Ghanem has met with the Commander of the US Air Forces Central Command Lieutenant General They reviewed relations Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has sent urgent medical aid to Albania to support the country’s Joseph Guastella. During the meeting, they reviewed ties between the two sides, and ways of between the two countries, and eff orts to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Picture shows the aid developing and enhancing them with the US side and the allies at Al Udeid Air Base where forces co-ordinated eff orts to limit shipment to Albania being loaded on to a Qatar Airways aircraft. from 18 allied countries are participating to maintain the security and stability of the region. The the spread of the coronavirus meeting was attended by a number of off icers of the Qatar Armed Forces. (Covid-19), in addition to issues of common concern.

MoPH: Eff ective WHO call to include mental contact tracing key to health in Covid recovery plan Covid-19 response

By Joseph Varghese QNA “It is of utmost importance Staff Reporter Doha that the public co-operate with us. Providing accurate informa- tion when contacted and agree- ental health should be atar’s strategy to re- ing to get tested as soon as pos- a major component spond to the Covid-19 sible minimizes the risk on both Mof the recovery plan Qpandemic relies heavily the contact themselves and their from the Covid-19 pandemic for on contact tracking and tracing, families and colleagues,” said the world governments, a senior of- which enables the early identifi - Head of Vaccination at MoPH fi cial from World Health Organi- cation of cases, including those and Covid-19 Contact Track and sation (WHO) has highlighted. who do not show symptoms. Trace Lead Dr Soha Shawqi Al- “Many countries are updat- Contact tracing aims to reach bayat. ing their plans for Covid-19 re- positive cases as early as possible “Even if a person seems sponse. We at WHO are working Dr Sharifa al-Emadi Paul Farmer Dr Devora Kestel Paola Barbarino to help break the chains of trans- healthy, he may still be carrying to ensure that mental health is mission and reduce the spread of the virus and may cause for one part of any recovery plan,” stat- sion included vulnerable groups the infection in the community. their family members who may ed, Dr Devora Kestel, director of such as those with pre-exist- Over 135,000 Covid-19 tests be at a higher risk than them, Mental Health and Substance ing mental health conditions, have been conducted in Qatar due to being older, pregnant, or Abuse. healthcare workers, as well as so far and intense contact trac- suff er from a chronic condition, “The situation has to go be- people grieving the loss of a ing and case fi nding has allowed to get infected and possibly suf- yond the current isolation and family member or friend. Speak- for the identifi cation of a large fer complications,” she added. has to take care of every aspect ers focused on the strain that the number of cases. In addition to tracking and of the individual,” she explained. pandemic and the lockdown of Approximately 25% of those tracing contacts of existing posi- Dr Kestel was speaking at a nations, is placing on people’s tested by contact tracing are tive Covid-19 cases, the contact virtual event, ‘Global Perspec- mental well-being, the risks this positive, most of which have no tracing team implement random tives: Mental Health in a Cov- poses for individuals and soci- signs or symptoms. This high testing in numerous locations in id-19 World’ organised by Qatar eties now and into the future, percentage refl ects the eff ective- Qatar. So far, they have conduct- Foundation’s Education City and the support that needs to be ness of the contact tracing proc- ed random testing in supermar- Speaker Series in collaboration provided to those struggling to Mishal Husain Dr Janice Cooper Yasmin Mogahed ess and that the right people are kets, private hospitals and clin- with World Innovation Summit cope. being tested. ics, residential complexes, the for Health. “We are now seeing a big im- able.’” explained Dr Kestel. to understand their children, and healthcare systems will The early detection of positive airport, in addition to a number Other speakers at the webi- pact on the economic situation “The optimist in me says that, talk with them, and explain the be undermined if it is not ad- cases plays a key role in slowing of other locations. nar were Dr Sharifa al-Emadi, in every country. We have to for the fi rst time, populations are reality of this situation to them. dressed. We need to think about the spread of the virus. It also al- When a large number of posi- executive director of Doha In- take this opportunity to build beginning to understand what And we must recognise that what we can do to prevent fur- lows for early treatment, when tive cases in close proximity ternational Family Institute, a back better, making sure mental it means to have their mental while we may be physically apart ther mental health conditions, needed, to prevent potential are identifi ed, for example in a member of Qatar Foundation; health services are available for health seriously challenged – from each other, we can still and for those with pre-existing complications, which some pa- household or workplace, this Paola Barbarino, chief executive those who need them, and mov- this crisis brings mental health communicate and protect each conditions, we have to make sure tients may suff er from if they are generates further investigation of Alzheimer’s Disease Inter- ing from institutionalised care to closer to people, and that hope- other,” she highlighted. their status improves rather than identifi ed at later stages, espe- and expansion of the contact national; Paul Farmer, CEO of community care ” continued Dr fully means citizens and govern- “This crisis has shown us that deteriorates.” cially if they suff er from existing tracing eff orts in that commu- UK-based mental health charity Kestel. ments start to take it more seri- there is a need for greater aware- “It’s very humbling and hu- medical conditions. nity. Mind; Yasmin Mogahed, author “During the economic de- ously,” noted Farmer. ness of the rights of people living manising, and is something we This has helped Qatar main- The MoPH contact tracing ef- and international public speaker pression in 2008, a study showed According to Dr al-Emadi, the with dementia, and that govern- are all in together. It can be seen tain one of the lowest Covid-19 forts are now strongly support- and Dr Janice Cooper, senior that the number of suicide and crisis may reduce the “stigma” ments were vastly unprepared as a lack of connection, or an mortality rates in the world. To ed by the Ehteraz Application, project adviser, Global Mental substance use cases increased surrounding mental health and to deal with this, so it will give opportunity to actually connect date, the country has recorded which was launched recently by Health, The Carter Centre. because of unemployment and seeking help, and also reinforce us the opportunity to bring the more deeply with ourselves and 14 deaths, with the majority of the Ministry of Interior. The ap- The session was moderated uncertainty. So we are advo- the importance of the family needs of this constituency of our families – if we try to see it these patients suff ering from co- plication performs various serv- by Mishal Husain, global news cating the inclusion of mental unit. people to a higher level,” pointed through a positive lens, it can morbidities and sought medical ices, including the profi ling of presenter, journalist, and docu- health in any recovery plan to “People are working from out Barbarino. help us with our own mental and care at a late stage. users as healthy, suspected, un- mentary-maker. ensure these services even at home at the same time as caring Dr Cooper said, “There is no psychological health,” conclud- The Ministry of Public Health der quarantine, or positive. The Areas featured in the discus- places where thy are not avail- for their family, so parents have health without mental health, ed Mogahed. (MoPH) has a dedicated team application also uses a GPS fea- for contact tracking and tracing. ture and Bluetooth to help iden- The team has expanded from 20 tify individuals who have been to 240 members over the past in close proximity with positive weeks to meet the requirements cases. for extensive contact tracing. In addition to contact tracing Total 3,143 Covid-19 recovery cases reported in Qatar The team includes represent- and random testing, Covid-19 atives from the MoPH, Hamad testing in Qatar is also con- Medical Corporation, and Pri- ducted on people who come to QNA groups of workers in diff erent important of which is physi- outbreak when numbers may viduals confi rmed to be infected mary Health Care Corporation, a healthcare setting and display Doha regions. cal distancing and reducing the continue to rise before they be- with the virus, as it conducts as well as a number volunteers. Covid-19 symptoms as well as The new cases have been iden- need to leave home. All the new gin to stabilise and then gradu- random checks in diff erent plac- If someone tests positive for people returning from abroad. tifi ed after conducting investiga- infected cases have been quar- ally decline. es of the country as a proactive the virus, a representative will The MoPH advices all resi- he Ministry of Pub- tions by the research and investi- antined where they are receiving The reasons for the high num- measure. speak to them to gather informa- dents of Qatar to adhere to all lic Health (MoPH) an- gation teams of the MoPH. the necessary medical care. bers of new cases are due to the The number of tests per- tion on places they visited and infection control measures, in- Tnounced yesterday that Cases of infection have also The MoPH has launched a ministry’s redoubling of its ef- formed daily is not linked to people they have been in contact cluding physical distancing, reg- there were 1,390 new confi rmed increased among citizens and study to learn more about how forts in tracking the transitional the number of cases detected in with. ular cleaning of hands using soap cases of Covid-19 and 124 recov- residents, as a result of contact the virus is transmitted within chains of the virus and expand- terms of any rise or fall. This information is used to and water or alcohol-based hand eries in the last 24 hours, bring- with infected family members, the community and about cases ing the circle of searching for in- According to a tweet from the build up a detailed picture of sanitiser for at least 20 seconds, ing the total number of recov- who had been infected in the of infection that do not show fected people through intensive MoPH, with a total of 3,833 peo- the people who could have been avoiding the touching of nose, ered cases in Qatar to 3,143. workplace or through visits and symptoms of the disease. This and proactive investigations of ple tested for Covid-19 in the infected, such as colleagues or eyes, or mouth, and wearing a The MoPH said in a statement family gatherings. is being done through the use large numbers of contacts with last 24 hours, as many as 139,127 family members. Contacts are mask when entering a crowded that the new cases are due to ex- In this context, the MoPH af- of drive through testing centres, people who have been confi rmed have been tested so far in Qatar. then tested and advised to home place. patriate workers who were in- fi rmed that the high number of where invited participants com- with the virus recently. There are 26,539 positive isolate for 14 days, even if the test For more information on fected as a result of contact with infections among citizens and plete a survey and have a test. The MoPH noted that the cases to date in Qatar and 23,382 results turn out to be negative. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Cov- individuals who were previously residents is due to the lack of The ministry noted that the number of daily tests it con- currently undergoing treatment. People under home isolation are id-19), visit the MoPH website infected, in addition to recording compliance by some with pre- current period is considered to ducts depends primarily on the The total number of Covid-19 then advised to call 16000 if they on www.moph.gov.qa or call new cases of infection among cautionary measures, the most be the peak stage in the virus number of contacts with indi- deaths so far in Qatar is 14. develop any signs and symptoms 16000.

Qatar’s proactive measures to reduce ozone-depleting substances commended

he Secretariat of the Vi- (UNEP) implemented these diation and Chemical Protection mechanisms using modern enna Convention and the projects remotely under the Department and an expert from technology to ensure compli- TMontreal Ozone Protocol current conditions of the Cov- the United Nations Environment ance with all standards and the has commended Qatar’s compli- id-19 pandemic in co-ordina- Programme, trained General implementation of national and ance and its implementation of tion with several authorities in Authority Customs offi cials on regional legislation on ozone- the gradual reduction of ozone- the country. the most important procedures depleting substances. depleting substances projects. In a related context, it also related to illegal trade and inter- The Ministry of Municipal- The secretariat stated, on its noted the co-ordination with national laws in accordance with ity and Environment represents official website, that Qatar is the University of Qatar to im- an agreement to monitor refrig- Qatar in international meetings proactive in implementing the plement the training of remote eration and air conditioning ma- and conferences related to this projects related to the Montreal trainers course, with the partici- terials, with the participation of agreement through the Depart- Protocol, noting in this regard pation of private companies, and more than 130 trainees. ment of Radiation Protection that the Ministry of Munici- the success achieved. The team has taken clear and Chemicals, and the national pality and Environment in co- The Ministry of Municipal- steps indicating the desire to point of contact in it is the link operation with the United Na- ity and Environment, through complete the work required between the state and the Con- The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, in co-operation with UNEP, has implemented these tions Environment Programme the Ozone Unit team of the Ra- in implementing projects and vention Secretariat. - QNA projects remotely under the current conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 3 QATAR

MoCI: Claims of lack of social distancing at Tobacco Control Centre warns exchange houses incorrect

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has confirmed the incorrectness of what has about dangers of medwakh been circulating on social media regarding overcrowding and ffi cials from Hamad lack of social distancing in front Medical Corporation’s of money exchange houses. O(HMC) Tobacco Control The photographs purportedly Centre warned yesterday of the showing overcrowding and dangers of smoking dokha with lack of commitment to social a medwakh pipe, saying it is distancing rules are old and more hazardous than smoking have been circulated on social cigarettes. media following the decision to Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, head, reopen exchange houses in the HMC’s Tobacco Control Center, country, the ministry tweeted. said that medwakh has much Based on a MoCI decision an- higher nicotine and tar levels nounced on Monday, exchange than cigarettes. houses in the country were “Research has revealed that allowed to reopen on Tuesday medwakh has much higher nic- with the mandatory application otine and tar levels than ciga- of precautionary measures. rettes, despite the widespread Dr Ahmad al-Mulla Dr Jamal Abdullah Dr Ashour Ibrahim The procedures include requir- belief among many teenagers ing visitors to wear masks, that medwakh and shisha are products to people under the as smoking is far more addictive of independence they might feel, following social distancing safer than cigarettes. Medwakh age of 18, and has seen warn- than many drugs, and he notes stress relief, and the fact that guidelines, measuring body can cause many of the same Medwakh: people falsely believe it is not a dangerous habit. ing pictures placed on tobacco that some of the treatments pro- they can go unnoticed because it temperature and allowing only diseases as cigarettes, including packages. vided are not suitable for those doesn’t leave an odour. a certain number of customers lung cancer, chronic obstructive cause it is considered by some to Dr al-Mulla noted that smok- Dr Jamal Abdullah, a smok- under the age of 17years old, and Dr Ibrahim concluded that in at the same time, in addition pulmonary disease (COPD), and be natural and without additives. ing has been linked to more ing cessation specialist at HMC, therefore, the treatment pro- smoking is one of the most dan- to applying other preventive coronary artery disease. One Dr al-Mulla says because severe Covid-19 illness. said patients who seek treatment vided for this age group is mostly gerous widespread phenomena measures specified by the Min- medwakh session can be the medwakh does not leave the In 2016, Qatar introduced the from the Tobacco Control Center based on behavioural therapy and threatening the health of young istry of Public Health (MoPH). equivalent of smoking fi ve to ten odour that smoking ciga- Tobacco Control Law as part of a receive one-on-one counsel- nicotine replacement therapy. people in Qatar and it can af- Working hours are limited to six cigarettes in terms of nicotine rettes does, it can cause peo- campaign designed to urge peo- ling and appropriate nicotine Dr Ashour Ibrahim, clinical fect their learning productivity a day for employees at money intake,” Dr al-Mulla said. ple to falsely believe it is not a ple to stop consuming tobacco replacement or pharmaceutical psychologist at Tobacco Control and even lead to behavioural and exchanges with a provision for Medwakh is the pipe used to dangerous habit. and encourage them to adopt support. Center, said peer pressure is one psychological issues, including paid overtime of two hours. The smoke dokha, a tobacco that is He says all forms of smoking healthy lifestyles. He says all patients undergo of the most widespread causes stress, anxiety, introversion and total working hours should not usually mixed with herbs and increase the risk for many dis- The law also prohibits adver- a full assessment, including a cited by young people when depression. exceed eight hours. spices. eases, including lung disease, tising or promotion for tobacco complete medical history and asked why they started smoking. For appointments or more in- Money exchange service of- Its name is Arabic for ‘diz- cardiovascular diseases, chronic products, bans the use of elec- related evaluations, such as lung He said other factors that con- formation on the Tobacco Con- fices are required to take the ziness’ and a leading cause of obstructive pulmonary disease tronic cigarettes, sweika, and function tests. tribute to young people pick- trol Center, call 4025 4981 or necessary measures to prevent the misconception that it is less (COPD), kidney disease, and other chewing tobacco prod- He says psychological support ing up the habit of smoking 5080 0959, or contact the centre’s crowding, including providing harmful than cigarettes is be- heart disease. ucts, prevents the sale of tobacco is also a core part of treatment, medwakh include the false sense hotline at 5573 6025. (QNA) instructions, guidelines and security personnel to assist customers and make sure social distancing guidelines are followed. HEC Paris in Qatar pays tribute to HMC frontline staff While issuing the clarification yesterday, the MoCI stressed Indian embassy its keenness to follow up the EC Paris in Qatar has paid of appreciation for their eff orts matter with exchange houses tribute to the frontline during the Covid-19 outbreak. and ensure that they are strictly Hmedical staff at Hamad HEC Paris in Qatar dean, Dr following the instructions given Medical Corporation (HMC) for Pablo Martin de Holan, said, to them and the preventive announces the work they have done and con- “The gesture was made out of measures put in place. Violators tinue to do in treating coronavi- respect, admiration and appre- will be dealt with accordingly, rus patients in the country. ciation for the exceptional and it noted. During the holy month of selfl ess eff orts of the HMC medi- Further, the ministry advised Ramadan, and in accordance cal staff who are an inspiration to that people should obtain in- fl ight schedule with Covid-19 infection control all in the country. We are grateful formation from off icial sources procedures, HEC Paris in Qatar to all those who are working tire- only and must not heed or has distributed 290 Iftar boxes lessly to keep the rest of us safe. spread rumours. for next week to the medical staff as a gesture Their actions inspire us all.”

he Indian embassy has announced the up- The schedule Tdated schedule for the QIB supports QC’s food basket project next set of repatriation fl ights May 18 - Kozhikode from Doha. May 20 - Visakhapatnam Six fl ights will be operated to and Hyderabad atar Islamic Bank (QIB) amid the current Covid-19 members of the society during as many destinations in India - May 21 - Kochi is sponsoring Qatar pandemic.” the blessed month of Ramadan Kozhikode, Visakhapatnam, Hy- May 22 - Bengaluru QCharity’s project to dis- Mohamed Rashid al-Kaabi, is part of QIB’s CSR programme, derabad, Kochi, Bengaluru and May 24 - Gaya tribute food baskets to fami- assistant CEO for Communi- refl ecting the bank’s adherence Gaya - from May 18 in the second lies and workers with limited cation and Resource Develop- to Islamic values and Qatari tra- phase of the Vande Bharat repa- incomes during these diffi cult ment Sector at Qatar Charity, ditions concerning social soli- triation mission of the Indian On Tuesday, the embassy had times as part of its corporate thanked QIB for its support to- darity and cohesion. The bank government, according to the tweeted a schedule which listed social responsibility (CSR) pro- wards charitable programmes supports such programmes schedule. a fl ight for Kannur, which has gramme, focused on benefi ting and projects, which refl ect every year as an embodiment Two fl ights carrying a total now been replaced by a service the society. their keenness to provide of its commitment towards the of 359 passengers have already to Kozhikode. Also, the starting Mashaal Abdulaziz al-Der- help within the framework of community. been operated from Qatar as date of the next set of fl ights has ham, assistant general manager their social responsibility and As a pioneer of Islamic bank- part of the initiative. The fi rst been changed from May 20 to for corporate communications humanitarian work. ing and an active partner pro- fl ight left for Kochi on Satur- May 18. and quality assurance at QIB, He said: “Collaboration be- viding continuous support day (May 9), while the second Those looking to avail of the said: “Ramadan is the month tween all sectors in the country to community activities, QIB one departed for Thiruvanan- repatriation facility have been of giving, generosity, solidarity, is very important, especially places social responsibility at thapuram on Tuesday (May 12) requested to register on time. and tolerance. We are extremely during Ramadan and this global the very top of its priorities. evening. The embassy has also advised pleased that our partnership pandemic. Qatar Charity, with This is refl ected in substantial According to the updated that Indians registering for re- with Qatar Charity helps fami- support, can reach the great- contributions for supporting schedule, which was tweeted by patriation should provide ac- lies and workers with limited est number of people in need human, health, educational, the embassy yesterday, IX 0374 curate data and ensure that incomes in our society receive and help them during the holy and sports activities as part will leave Doha on May 18 at they receive a confi rmation by Supporting low-income members of the society during Ramadan is food baskets, based on the gov- month of Ramadan.” of QIB’s social responsibility 3.35pm and arrive in Kozhikode e-mail. part of QIB’s CSR programme. ernment’s health instructions, Supporting low-income programmes. at 10.20pm. “A large number of the ear- Two fl ights are scheduled lier registrations for repatria- for May 20. The fi rst one, AI tion did not contain QID/visa 1924, will depart from Doha at numbers, causing diffi culties 12noon and arrive in Visakhap- with clearing such passengers atnam at 7.15pm. The second for boarding by the authorities Qeeri team presents solutions for fl ight, IX 0244, will leave Doha concerned. Please register your at 1pm and reach Hyderabad at data accurately and ensure that 7.50pm. you receive a confi rmation by electric vehicles in hot climates On May 21, fl ight IX 0476 will e-mail,” it said in a tweet on depart from Doha at 2.05pm and Tuesday. esearchers from Qatar arrive in Kochi at 8.45pm. The embassy also said Environment and En- The next fl ight is on May eight Repatriation Co-or- Rergy Research Institute 22, with IX 0822 scheduled to dination Committees have (Qeeri), part of Hamad Bin Kha- leave Doha at 1.30pm and reach been set up to ensure greater lifa University, recently deliv- Bengaluru at 8.05pm. community participation ered a webinar organised by the The last fl ight in the second in the selection of deserv- International Energy Agency round of the repatriation opera- ing passengers for the repa- (IEA) on the topic ‘Electric Vehi- tion from Qatar will be operated triation fl ights in the com- cles, Infrastructure and Climate on May 24, when AI 0972 will ing days. These committees Resilience’. Dr Marcello Contestabile depart from Doha at 6pm and have been allocated states Dr Marcello Contestabile, arrive in Gaya at 6.30am the next based on the number of principal economist at Qeeri, day. All times are local. registrations received. along with senior scientists from Qeeri’s Energy Centre, Dr Sertac Bayhan and Dr Pierre Ku- biak, highlighted the work being Embassy warns of fraudulent calls done by the institute to support Qatar’s move towards adopting seeking money for repatriation electric vehicles, and the chal- lenges posed by the region’s The Indian embassy has people on repatriation flights. environmental conditions, advised those seeking These are fraudulent calls. particularly high temperatures. repatriation not to entertain Please do not entertain The team discussed the ef- calls from people asking them,” the embassy tweeted fect of extreme hot weather on for money to avail of the yesterday. the performance and reliability facility. “The only time you need to pay of batteries and chargers, and “We have received complaints money is when you buy the the solutions being developed about calls from persons tickets at the Air India counter,” at Qeeri’s Energy Centre to en- requesting money to put it added. hance their ability to withstand these environmental factors. Dr Sertac Bayhan Dr Pierre Kubiak Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 14, 2020 QATAR

Al Diplomacy Magazine’s QNL aims to strengthen global latest issue partnerships, says president published he Diplomatic Institute E the President of Qatar tion (Unesco), Italy, Britain and since its inception, he said that to an extent not seen in many in- pandemic, where education, visitors. In 2019 alone, it wel- of the Ministry of For- National Library (QNL) France. the library, since the issuance of ternational libraries. work, and communication have comed 500,000 visitors. And Teign Aff airs has published Hand Minister of State, “We are currently working on decision to establish it in 2012, Its Children’s and Young become remote, this is even since its inauguration, its pro- Al Diplomacy Magazine’s is- Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al- further collaborations with India has been the continuous eff orts Adults’ Library has more than more relevant. grammes and its impact have sue No 45 in Arabic and English Kawari, has said that QNL aims and Russia, as well as many dif- of the wise leadership to enable 150,000 books in its collections, QNL was a forerunner in pro- fl ourished, he added. languages. to strengthen its international ferent organisations, and we are access to the richness of its re- in languages including Arabic, viding such a wealth of digital “Despite the fact that the li- The new issue focuses on the partnerships through its com- an active member of the Digital sources and contents, and that English, French, Spanish, Ger- resources long before the pan- brary building itself is currently comprehensive peace agreement mitment to providing lifelong Library Federation, the World it is on this path and has taken a man, Urdu, and Italian, as well as demic, and the current situation closed due to Covid-19, we have in Afghanistan, and includes learning opportunities. Digital Library — a Unesco long way towards achieving its many electronic resources. that the world faces demon- added more than 170,000 new a follow-up to the two phone Dr al-Kuwari added that QNL initiative — and the Library of goal, pointing out that the march This refl ects our commitment strates how important this com- members since it closed, and this calls between His Highness the has developed partnerships and Congress, a digital portal for will be completed based on what to building the future — because mitment to digitisation was. refl ects QNL’s important role as a Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad collaborations with key insti- material from the world’s lead- the library has achieved to en- the future is built through our QNL now off ers access to 190 modern destination that enables al-Thani, US President Donald tutions around the world, in- ing libraries and institutions,” hance its national, regional and children. Meanwhile, QNL’s databases, more than 16,000 permanent access to knowledge, Trump and Afghan President cluding the British Library, the he said, adding: “Through all our international standing, adding Heritage Library provides a rich journals, and more than 465,000 including during times when Dr Mohamed Ashraf Ghani. Ottoman State Archives, Bib- partnerships and collaborations, QNL is characterised by many collection of valuable historical reports, theses, dissertations, people seek such knowledge to The magazine covers the cer- liotheque National de France, we will strive to serve knowledge features, including its unique texts, manuscripts, and other and other documents. help them deal with crises.” emony of signing the historic the National Archives and the and research, whether through design by the renowned archi- rare items in diff erent languages, “We have achieved all of this Qatar National Library an- agreement in Doha between the National Library of the Nether- digitisation initiatives, direct tect Rem Koolhaas. as well as resources related to at QNL already. nounced the appointment of HE US and the Taliban, and fol- lands, the National Libraries of communication, or through our The structure appears as a cinema. This is rarely found in But these achievements are Dr al-Kuwari as its president last lowing up the speech of HE the China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, programmes and activities. We testament to the enduring value international libraries. merely the basis from which we month. Deputy Prime Minister and Min- the Russian Presidential Library, want the world to benefi t from of books, he said. “And one of the most distinc- look to elevate the international He will lead the library’s next ister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh New York University, the United our resources.” The QNL president added the tive elements of QNL is its focus standing of this library.” endeavours to spread knowl- Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- Nations Educational, Scien- On the most important library is also characterised by its on digitisation. Since QNL opened in 2017, it edge and culture and preserve Thani to Al Jazeera Channel TV, tifi c and Cultural Organisa- achievements of the library use of innovative technologies, In light of the global Covid-19 has welcomed more than 1.2mn heritage. (QNA) Page 22 about the challenges that faced the Qatari mediation in order to achieve peace. The magazine conducted an Environment interview with HE ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al- violation detected Dental services limited to urgent or emergency care Thani, Permanent Representa- tive of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, who emphasises ental services are limited Care Corporation yesterday. that Qatar has become an active to urgent or emergency To be seen at the clinic, one must and reliable partner of the United Dcare only for adults dur- have one or more of these condi- Nations in facing challenges. ing the Covid-19 outbreak and tions: The magazine also interviewed all routine appointments are z Severe toothache pain (not HE Sultan bin Salmeen al-Man- cancelled, the health authorities just a twinge) souri, Qatar’s ambassador to have reminded. z Swelling of gums, face or neck Austria and Qatar’s permanent This is in compliance with the z Bleeding in the mouth that representative to the United Na- Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)’s does not stop tions and international organisa- directive to reduce the risk of Cov- z Infection or a substantial risk tions in Vienna, who touched on id-19 infection spread. of it the States ‘s active role in inter- A decision in this regard was z Trauma (such as a broken national organisations. announced last month, with tooth) The magazine devotes a fi le on the authorities reiterating it “If your condition fi ts any of the A view of Hamad Dental Center. international organisations, ad- through an infographic on above, please call 16000 to arrange dressing goals and programmes of the social media pages of the to be seen by a dentist,” the info- to the clinic (if you have symptoms a sore throat), you must call the a number of the most prominent MoPH, Hamad Medical Cor- graphic notes. of respiratory illness such as fever, Covid-19 hotline, 16000, fi rst for international organisations and poration and Primary Health “If you feel sick before coming cough, shortness of breath and advice on how to proceed,” it adds. their relations with Qatar. (QNA) Green Tent holds seminar on ‘Impact of

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Literary Works in Times of Disasters’ (MME) Wildlife and Environmental Protection Department has spotted an excavator digging a he Green Tent of the ‘A cating with their loved ones, in ad- dialogue between novelist Mona through which mankind has been is very complicated and time is an well inside a farm without a licence or permit, and Flower Each Spring’ pro- dition to their plans after the crisis. El Shimi and her husband writer able to document major events, essential part of it. all the legal procedures against the violators have Tgramme organised a semi- The participants also presented Osama al-Rahimi who were forced adding that literary works are af- They pointed out that the been taken to preserve the local environment. nar on “The Impact of Literary some of the literary and artistic apart due to the crisis. fected by political, economic, creative person should have the Works in Times of Adversity and works of ancient poets and writers The dialogues between them were social and medical events. ability to compose and create Disasters.” A number of writers, who experienced similar epidemics, an impressive cultural product. Furthermore, they emphasised something new, or merge old or poets and playwrights from vari- such as plague, cholera and others. The participants also predicted that the coronavirus pandemic in- modern opinions into a new im- ous Arab countries participated in The participants called on eve- that the coming years will wit- troduced to the texts a set of new age, or use imagination to develop the seminar. ryone to reread these literary texts ness the emergence of theatrical, words, expressions, terms and con- and adapt opinions to appear in an The speakers participated in the after they experienced similar dis- dramatic, and cinematic works cepts that are linked to the suff er- innovative way. MME urges farm seminar, which was held through asters because they will be more and narratives that discuss the ing of people and what is happen- The participants concluded by video conferencing, by presenting aware and invested in them. challenges faced by countries and ing on the medical scene, such as saying that the creativity process some of their literary works that The participants in the seminar governments and how they over- quarantine and social distancing. is a mental energy. owners to abide by were inspired by the precaution- emphasised that the (Covid-19) pan- came them, in addition to the lives Participants defi ned literary It is also the ability to solve ary and preventive measures for demic will produce new forms of art, of those infected, their families creativity as bringing new or re- problems with new methods that coronavirus (Covid-19), which ad- and this can be already seen in liter- and their experiences during the introducing the old in a new or impress the listener and the viewer terms of contracts dressed their eagerness to pray in ary dialogues or messages that have pandemic. strange way and dealing with fa- and create a state of amazement, mosques and how they missed Ra- begun to spread on social media. They pointed out that artis- miliar things in an unfamiliar way, and constitute a real addition to madan gatherings and communi- An example of that was the tic works represent a great value warning that the creative process human production. (QNA) he Ministry of out that legal measures will Municipality and be taken against the owner TEnvironment of the licence in case of (Animal Resources De- violation. partment) has called on Meanwhile, the Public farm licence holders to Control Section of the Mu- adhere to the terms of nicipality of Al Khor and Al CCQ launches new programme the contract, including Thakhira, in co-operation that all workers in the with the General Traffi c he Community College of Supply Chain Management pro- market and most sought-after achieving the goals of food secu- farm should be on the Department, carried out a Qatar (CCQ) yesterday an- gramme is expected to help supply skills as well as the country’s rity, which is a strategic priority of sponsorship of its owner, joint inspection campaign Tnounced the expansion of the labour market with a plethora of strategic needs and objectives. Qatar. This requires the expansion or on the sponsorship of on truck parking viola- its Logistics and Supply Chain national cadres extensively trained “The economy is becoming more of warehouses and other storage the establishment. tions inside residential Management programme. for management positions in trans- competitive with each passing day facilities,” the CCQ offi cial said. The ministry pointed areas. (QNA) Students holding CCQ’s Asso- portation, warehousing, distribu- and companies are demanding CCQ’s decision comes in line ciate of Applied Science Diploma tion, inventory control, purchasing, ever-increasing standards of spe- with Qatar’s national strategy to in Logistics and Supply Chain and international logistics. cialised knowledge and expertise. become a regional logistics hub. Management can now pursue a Previously, the programme was With this in mind, CCQ is commit- Driven by preparations for the 2022 Dr Khalid al-Abdulqader, vice bachelor’s degree in the discipline. only available as a two year Asso- ted to providing its students with FIFA World Cup, Qatar has invested president, CCQ. During an online press confer- ciate degree. It has so far attracted everything required to empower heavily in infrastructure projects ence it was announced that the many members of various public them and thrive in this competitive creating an increasing need for in Qatar putting what they learn new degree, to be taught in Arabic, and private institutions. environment,” he explained. specialised national competencies in the classroom at CCQ into prac- could be obtained through an ad- CCQ vice president Dr Kha- “Those who have signifi cant in logistics management. tice. There are a limited number of ditional two years of study with lid al-Abdulqader explained that experience in logistics and sup- As part of the programme, stu- Arab and non-Arab universities, classes beginning in the 2020– the decision to introduce the new ply management and able to ab- dents will also have to complete whose educational programmes 2021 academic year. course was made after a compre- sorb steady developments in this 180 hours of practical training include logistics, making CCQ’s The Bachelor of Logistics and hensive study of Qatar’s labour fi eld can eff ectively contribute to courses at leading organisations off ering an attractive one.

Qatari envoy Committee for Reconstruction of Gaza takes part in starts procedures to distribute grants Maduro video The Qatar Committee for the within the package of projects Reconstruction of Gaza, in announced during his visit to Gaza press conference co-ordination with Qatar Fund Strip in February, and it will be Ambassador of Qatar to Venezuela For Development (QFFD), has implemented in co-operation with Rashid bin Mohsen Fetais has started procedures to distribute the competent authorities in Gaza. participated in a video press a grant to facilitate marriage of Ambassador al-Emadi also conference of Venezuelan impoverished youth in Gaza Strip. announced that the committee, President Nicolas Maduro, during HE the chairman of the committee, in co-ordination with QFFD, has Note-1 : The last date for receiving any claims has which he presented new matters ambassador Mohamed al- started procedures to distribute been extended up to 07-June-2020 regarding the failed maritime Emadi, said that the $2mn a grant for clearance of pending incursion. grant will benefit 500 youth certificates for needy university Note-2: The Company or its managers/shareholders The press conference was chosen according to the criteria graduates in Gaza Strip. shall not be responsible for any claims that may be attended by ambassadors established in co-operation with He noted that the $1mn will received after the period described above. accredited to Venezuela, the Ministry of Youth and Sports in distributed over 20 educational and a number of Venezuelan Gaza. Each person will get $4,000. institutions, benefiting 6,512 ambassadors around the world. He noted that this project comes graduates. (QNA) Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 5 QATAR Qatar Charity provides vocational training for displaced Syrian youths he regional office of Qatar Charity in Turkey, provided job opportunities for the trainees from the in cooperation with the United Nations camps. TDevelopment Programme (UNDP), has The engineering teams have recently completed the completed a youth vocational training program within training of 150 young men and 50 young women. The the framework of a project involving infrastructure young trainees were divided into 8 groups. Three groups improvement and livelihood enhancement in the camps were trained on the road maintenance techniques and of internally displaced persons (IDP) in northern Syria works, while the other three groups were trained on The project aims to protect the displaced in the water drainage works. The last two groups of young camps from winter flooding, by rehabilitating a range women were trained on administrative activities. of roads that link the refugee camps near the Syrian- Training Program Turkish border, maintaining water drainage networks The pieces of trainings included theoretical and around those roads, strengthening the capabilities of practical aspects. In the theoretical part, the errors the displaced youth through training, and giving them and problems, which need to be solved and corrected job opportunities to monitor the maintenance of the during maintenance work, were presented. Due to the rehabilitated roads and networks. coronavirus (COVID-19), it was decided to complete this The UNDP implemented the project, in cooperation part remotely to ensure the safety of the trainees and with several humanitarian organizations, including promote the concept of social distancing. Qatar Charity, which conducted vocational training and

However, in the practical part, which lasted for Eng. Khaled Al-Hussein, coordinator of the Water, several days, the trainers put the engineering solutions Sanitation and Early Recovery Department at Qatar and plans covered in theoretical exercises into practice Charity’s office in Turkey, said that the trainees would on the ground. attend a level test, after which 80 young people will get During the practical training, the trainers took into job opportunities for a period of six months, to carry account all preventive measures such as wearing gloves out road and water drainage network maintenance in 15 and masks and using sanitizers to prevent infection and camps in northern Syria. He also noted that 20 young curb the spread of COVID-19, in addition to reducing women would also be selected to contribute to carrying the number of trainees to a minimum and maintaining out the administrative tasks of the project. social distancing. Continuous Achievements Road Maintenance It is worth noting that Qatar Charity has supervised, Hisham Al-Hussein, 26, one of the trainees on the during the period 2018-2019, the training of 4,000 road maintenance program, said the training provided people on various occupations and professions, and him with the necessary information on the types of provided equipment for 1200 trainees to help them roads such as main roads, secondary roads, and feeder launch their small projects later. roads, and on how to deal with potholes. Al-Hussein The 2020 plan of Qatar Charity aims at training studied two years at the College of Civil Engineering, more than 2,500 displaced persons, both male, and but he could not complete his studies because of the female, in northern Syria. current situation. Best Buddies in Ramadan: Qatar Charity’s Apps & Publications

s the holy month of Ramadan is a season to Features of the App: It is easy to use, search, index, 3 - Electronic Publications of Qatar Charity and researches that focus on humanitarian and voluntary increase your rewards, we have brought to you number, refer, display, share with friends and followers Through this page, you can learn about the work, brochures, and children’s books. Athe best buddies that will help you spend your via social networks, and save to favorites. publications of Qatar Charity, including “Ghiras”, a Link: www.qcharity.org/en/qa/media time in a better way and do more good deeds during this Link: www.qch.qa/Hadith specialized humanitarian magazine, a collection of books month. 1 - Ayamy App The “Ayamy”, which means ‘My Days, is an interactive cultural and religious encyclopedia designed to be your companion throughout the year. It provides a number of services such as prayer times, direction of Qibla, and supplications, in addition to fatwa services. It also includes many digital books that suit different interests and ages of family members. The app shares the most beautiful moments in Ramadan, through the reminder service and a calendar showing the times of prayers, fasting, and breakfast, etc. during Ramadan. Link: www.qch.qa/ayamy 2 - Hadith App The Hadith app provides you with all the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and it is based on the nine books of Hadiths. Qatar Charity’s digital initiatives Qatar Charity releases 22nd issue of make doing good easier ‘Ghiras’ magazine in a new look he twenty-second issue of the ‘Ghiras’ magazine, atar Charity (QC) has brought 20 which is published by Qatar Charity in Arabic Qdigital initiatives to help people do and English, has come out in a new look with good easily and make a contribution T a new developmental leap in the graphic layout and electronically wherever they are. content. In addition to Dal Ala Al- Khair, The issue has brought many articles penned by Athar, Gift, Daily Charity, and Meter & prominent writers, interviews with significant figures, Award digital initiatives, which have book reviews, success stories, and reports on Qatar already published, here are some other initiatives as follows: Charity’s humanitarian activities worldwide. This issue included an interview Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Your Project Installment Al Marri, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Through its website (www.qcharity. Committee (NHRC) on the efforts of the NHRC in org) and official mobile app, Qatar promoting human rights in Qatar educationally Charity gives the opportunity to donors and legally, the integration of its efforts with that of to pay the value of their charitable charitable institutions to preserve human dignity, projects in installments according to especially during crises, and the international their situations, and encourage them to community’s trust enjoyed by the Qatari humanitarian launch projects for themselves or in the organizations. memory of the beloved ones. A donor The issue also has reports on the coronavirus can choose the value of an installment to (COVID-19) pandemic and on Qatar Charity’s efforts pay monthly, provided that the required locally and globally in the fight against the pandemic, value for the completion of the project is in addition to a success story on ‘how an auto-rickshaw to be paid. brings back a dignified life to a family of six in Mirpur’, Urgent and the robot project to advance education in Palestine A window, which appears at Qatar Besides, the issue includes an interview with the Readers can download this issue of the magazine by Charity’s website (www.qch.qa/urgent) CEO of Qatar Charity, Youssef bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari clicking on the following links: and official mobile app, allows donors on the 2024-2020 strategy to enhance the global Arabic Electronic Copy: to find out urgent humanitarian cases presence of Qatar Charity, and its plans to strengthen http://qch.qa/GhirasAR_Issue22 within the State of Qatar, and contribute its international partnerships and open its field offices English Electronic Copy: to providing the due amount to lighten across the world. the sorrow of the sorrowful. http://qch.qa/GhirasEN_Issue22 Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 14, 2020 QATAR

QU-CENG honours winners of QU-CAM e-seminar ponders Senior Design Contest 2020 material sciences, Covid-19

atar University’s Centre ods which are cost-eff ective and research proposals and eff orts for Advanced Materials more effi cient. addressing coronavirus detec- Q(QU-CAM) organised an It would also ensure the effi - tion and treatment, as well as e-seminar to discuss the mate- ciency of the methods currently the expected timeframe for de- rials sciences, engineering and used to produce, store drinking veloping a vaccine or treatment the novel Covid-19 crisis. water and their compliance with for Covid-19. Dr Nasser bin Abdullah al- local and international quality Prof Syed Zaidi, professor of Juff ali al-Nuaimi, director of specifi cations by conducting peri- Chemical Engineering at the QU-CAM, started the opening odic measurements at the centre. centre discussed the role and session with remarks on mate- Dr Kamel Eid, researcher at importance of technology in rials sciences and their impor- the Centre shed light on col- dealing with Covid-19 for water tance in various areas. laboration with Dr Abu Bakr treatment. He also shed light on the role Abdullah, another researcher at He explained that the Reverse of the centre in building a sus- the centre, to desalinate drink- Osmosis (RO) technology is tainable community through ing water using capacitive tech- capable of removing the coro- confronting the challenges Dr al-Nuaimi nology to remove diff erent salt navirus as the pore size of the brought by this pandemic. ions. membranes used in RO process Dr al-Nuaimi detailed the Qatar Electricity and Water The method uses new carbon is 1,000 times smaller than the most important challenges fac- Corporation (Kahramaa). nanomaterials inlaid with ultra- coronavirus. Therefore, water ing modern societies in general The centre has established a fi ne materials to desalinate sea- purifi ed with RO technology is A screenshot of the virtual event hosted by Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG) to in confronting similar circum- water technology unit to mu- water by using electricity pro- safe to drink. honour students who won the Student Design Contest 2020, held through WebEx in the presence stances such as Covid-19. tually benefi t from its research duced at the centre. Dr Zaidi also mentioned of around 400 guests. The event was supported by Qatar Petrochemical Company. CENG dean He appreciated the collabo- potentials and the company’s Dr Abdullah also gave a short about the new initiative of the Dr Khalid Kamal Naji, associate deans Prof Abdelmagid Hamouda (Academic Aff airs), Prof Abbes ration with various institutions capabilities and support in areas brief clarifying the eff ectiveness centre for the establishment of Amira (Research and Graduate Studies), Departments heads, parents, students, and representatives and companies within Qatar and of water desalination. of scientifi c research in general water technology unit, which of industrial partners and stakeholders attended. Thanking industry, parents and students who beyond including international Co-operation would be and the importance of materi- will help build capacity and lo- attended, as well as the community representatives, Dr Naji highlighted the importance of the event universities and companies. through the currently applied als science in the prevention and cal expertise to support water to recognise students who make remarkable achievements in their departments in order to motivate He also commented on the technologies, or by introducing protection from the Covid-19. desalination and treatment in- them towards more excellence and academic progress. current collaboration with the new water desalination meth- He also pointed to the latest dustry in Qatar. Municipal inspections continue Checks conducted in Khor, Thakhira Inspectors fan out in Rayyan, catch violators

l Rayyan Municipality of- The section also supervised regular inspection tours during The technical control section fi cials conducted 1,300 the slaughtering of 5,331 carcass- the same period, which resulted conducted 616 regular inspec- Aregular inspection tours es of livestock and destroyed 69 in issuing 1,185 violation reports tion tours, which resulted in is- in April. A total of 71 violation for being unfi t for human con- with 159 resolved in reconcilia- suing 42 violation reports with 17 reports were issued and 24 food sumption. tion and 121 referred to the police resolved in reconciliation and the outlets shut, in addition to taking The section also followed up to take the necessary procedures. remaining referred to the police. 35 food samples from the market on 78 related complaints. The section also removed 889 The section received 39 related and sending them for tests at the The general control section at abandoned vehicles in co-opera- complaints as well and investi- central laboratories. the municipality conducted 814 tion with the entities concerned. gated them. Infringements registered in Al Shamal

Al Shamal Municipality’s Health Control Section conducted 40 inspection tours on Monday on various food outlets and facilities. Inspectors checked the health of 41 slaughtered livestock at the slaughterhouse and 2,300kg of fish at the fish market. The section follows up closely on Al Khor and Al Thakhira Municipality’s Health Control Section conducted 812 inspection tours on such outlets to make sure that they abide strictly by all the related health and safety conditions and regulations. various food outlets within its jurisdiction during April. A total of 10 reports were issued for violation of Law No 8 for 1990 on the regulation of human food control, in addition to five outlets being shut by Violations detected in Sheehaniya administrative orders for related violations. The section checked 4,525 carcasses of slaughtered livestock at the municipality slaughterhouses, and 54 were destroyed for being unfit for human consumption. The section also checked 710,908kg of fish at Al Khor Harbour and the fish market and 1,314kg were destroyed Al Sheehaniya Municipality’s Municipal for being unfit for human consumption. In addition, as part of Ramadan inspection campaigns the Control Department has spotted 15 inspectors raided an unlicensed storehouse at Al Uqdah Area, where they spotted three tonnes of dried food outlets and facilities, including onion without any label of information. They were stored in unhealthy conditions under direct sunlight. groceries and restaurants, operating Accordingly, a violation report was issued and referred to the public prosecution to take the necessary without licences at the sites of workers’ legal procedures. camps at Al Zubarah Area. All the legal procedures against the violators were taken accordingly. The entities concerned within the municipality will continue its inspection campaigns to spot any violations of the municipal laws and regulations and deal with them accordingly. Fuel spill cleaned up

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s General Cleanness Department in co-operation with the Traff ic Department at the Ministry of Action taken against storing onions in the open. An inspector examining fish. Interior cleaned a street near Lekhwiyah signal at Al Waab Area on Friday evening after an accident caused a petrol spill from a vehicle. Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 7 HOL STIC

Vitamin D and Wellbeing The Pandemic Live in the Present list always contains a mini mind scientist started research on the map but instead of bubbles, with possible links between the two. bullet points that prioritise what In Europe, the highest average lev- I need to keep in mind and what els of Vitamin D is found in northern I need to get done, and in turn, Europe, due to the consumption I keep myself accountable each of cod liver oil and Vitamin D sup- and every day. I have this list on plements, and possibly less sun my kitchen counter so I am con- avoidance. Scandinavian nations stantly reminded of the tasks, are among the countries with the projects, habits I am trying to lowest number of Covid-19 cases change or even notes. Have you and mortality rates per head of heard of people saying affi rma- population in Europe. tions in the morning where they Living in a hot climate like Qatar, By Reem Abdulrahman Jassim tell themselves things they need where the sun shines most days, al-Muftah to hear; I haven’t learned to do By Ghanim al-Sulaiti you would expect our population’s that yet, but I feel that by showing Vitamin D levels to be normal. Re- myself what I need to hear works search unfortunately suggests that ith all the chaos around wonders. So this is my strategy, I Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote that’s not the case. Insuff icient levels us it feels like everyone need to get my mind off my wor- a column on the healing qualities are common, and appear more so in Wis overwhelmed. When ries, regrets and negative emo- of the sun, and how Vitamin D’s elderly, young adults, and children. I speak to friends and family I tions through focusing on things primary role is to help your body For Qataris, the nationality tend sense an increase in anxiety and that actually matter and realising absorb calcium and phosphorous to be more deficient than other frustration across the board and the award thereafter. This strat- from food, and that your immune nationality groups as a result of our it really worries me. Increased egy might not work for you, but system also needs vitamin D to culture of covering up in traditional stress and anxiety have a great of not living in the present and I sues that takes a lot of my energy. ergy to live in the present and live you have to fi nd a way to be able to work well. I also explained how it’s wear, such as thobes and abayas eff ect on our physical health so decided it had to stop. Not only energy, but the low en- life with conviction. This takes direct and re-direct yourself back scientifically proven that sunlight — preventing exposure to sunlight. we must learn to reduce both as A famous quote by Buddha ergy reduces the positivity I feel me back to one of my favourite to the present and what matters helps build, and strengthen up your Skin to the sun is the main source much as possible. The other day I says, “the secret of health for both and then I get stuck in a down- sayings while I was growing up, in that day. Again, we are all be- immune system, mainly because of the type of Vitamin D the body was sitting with my husband and mind and body is not to mourn ward spiral of thoughts on top of ‘carpe diem,’ seize the day. We all ing quarantined at home for most your white blood cells increase with requires to work at its optimum. was explaining him how my anxi- the past, worry about the future, thoughts on top of more thoughts. must learn to take advantage of of the day so maybe we need these sun exposure. These are the cells Yes, it’s important that we protect ety has increased because of sev- or anticipate troubles, but to live Does that happen to you? Regard- each and every moment, each and constant reminders to refocus on that play a major role in defending our skin from the sun in terms of eral changes in my personal life in the present moment wisely and less of how you answered, I chal- every day. the present and to make the best the body against infection. too much exposure — this prevents and my worries for the future, he earnestly.” This is exactly what lenge myself and you to try focus- A nice trick to take advantage of now. Think about your person- Well, after studying global data from skin ageing and helps it maintain its listened and then fi nally turned to we should be doing, living in the ing on the present from now on. of everyday is through a ‘focus ality and your wants and needs, the novel coronavirus pandemic, elasticity and complexion. However, look at me and said, “Reem, you present and living each and every For me, this means that I will try list.’ A focus list is what I call a fi gure out your strategy on how to researchers have now discovered a we need Vitamin D levels from the have to live in the present.” What moment with our knowledge and to be mindful and aware of my task list but that contains eve- re-focus and re-direct yourself to strong co-relation between severe sun, and should include 30 minutes does that mean? I spent a few mo- living them sincerely and with thoughts and direct them back rything. I love keeping track of get things done and get your mind Vitamin D deficiency and higher of sun exposure — limbs and face ments pondering and it hit me. I conviction. Well, obviously this to the present if they go off track. what I need to get done. I used to on the right track. Remember, live mortality rates. Led by Northwest- — daily. have to just focus on the present. is much easier said than done, but Continuously and consistently think I could work it all out in my each and every moment. ern University, who also have a “It is hard to say which dose is The past few months have been we must all try. How? I believe it’s making yourself aware is already mind but putting it down on ac- campus here in Doha, the research most beneficial for Covid-19,” a rollercoaster for me full of all about focus. I feel that the time the hard part, now we just have tual paper rather than memoris- team conducted analysis of data Backman said. “However, it is many emotions, including a good I take to analyse the past, worry to push ourselves to get our focus ing or putting it in a note in my „ The author is a wellness advocate from hospitals and clinics across clear that Vitamin D deficiency amount of anxiety so I am guilty about the future and dwell on is- on point and use our time and en- phone was more successful. My and infl uencer @keys2balance. China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, is harmful, and it can be easily South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, addressed with appropriate sup- the United Kingdom and the United plementation. This might be an- States. other key to helping protect vul- The researchers noted that patients nerable populations, and elderly Conflict at home during quarantine? from countries with high Covid-19 patients, who have a prevalence mortality rates, such as Italy, Spain of Vitamin D deficiency.” and UK, had lower levels of Vitamin While supplements containing spreads first within household, with a conflict arises you take time to D compared to patients in countries Vitamin C and D and other mi- a projected 15% contracting the listen carefully to others. Define the that were not as severely aff ected. cronutrients are a safe, effective disease from those they live with. It conflict and frame the right solution “Vitamin D will not prevent a patient and low-cost means of help- thus calls for the need of collabora- to it, find out if the conflict is directed from contracting the virus, but it ing your immune system fight tion to keep each other safe and at you or the problem. That way, you may reduce complications and off Covid-19 and other acute healthy. Reach out and have serious will be in a better position to tell how prevent death in those who are respiratory tract diseases, here conversations with your family to well to solve the problem without infected,” says Vadim Backman, the in Qatar you could instead be iron out some of the issues that causing more pain and anger. Work biomedical engineer. taking advantage of our warmer may be pending in one way or the on a compromise that benefits all Now to get a little technical. Science climate, and immense amount of other. Identify what each one likes or the parties and close that case. Cre- proves that Vitamin D modulates sunlight, by rewarding our body doesn’t like and stay in your lanes to ate harmony and allow individuals the response of white blood cells, with the 30-minutes a day it avoid unnecessary confrontation. to grow and co-exist in a better preventing them from releasing needs to strengthen our immune By Hala Bader al-Humaidhi environment. too many inflammatory cytokines systems and provide healing to 2. Take time for yourself – even if Do our distractions (these are a large group of proteins, the body. it’s just a few minutes: 5. Understand that they are kids peptides or glycoproteins that are We all get angry, furious and from It is entirely impossible to be alone As parents who are confided in define us? secreted by specific cells of immune time to time, we end up unleashing during this crisis. If you want a peace homes at this time, understand that system). The Covid-19 virus is „ The author is an expert in vegan our angry-self at others. Some of the of mind, it is vital to create time for kids are cheeky and cannot control known to cause an excess of pro- wellbeing and health. Instagram reasons why we get into conflicts your own self. If you have children, their emotions. To them, physical ourselves from what might have inflammatory cytokines — hence handle: @Ghanim92  stems from the fact that we are give them a time to watch a movie outbursts are a common thing but drained us out in the first place. critiques of our own self and we as you take your own time alone. as a parent, intervene with love and To put it simply, distractions become defensive even when we It is a good move to unwind all the in a calm way. Teach them as early as help us shift our attention from are wrong. It all starts with a simple daily stress in a calm environment you can the importance of a peace- concentrating on something misunderstanding, but the end and this will help avoid burst-ups left ful co-existence. Shower them with else. However, the key word product is a violent outburst over a right and center in the house. praises when they become helpful here is ‘shift’. Even if they help Wellness Meal Plan small issue. Staying at home during and co-operative and in that way us relieve the mental effort of this pandemic has come with a silver 3. Understand that it is okay to be you are sure to raise a responsible concentration, we usually don’t lining for some of us, but the rest, human: individual. refocus this attention into some- it is understandably fraught with Agree that conflicts are normal thing that stimulates our mind anxieties of the massively disruptive human phenomenon and there is no All in all, it is vital to have a peaceful and encourages the release global crisis. We are grappling with crime having occasional meltdowns time at home with your family or of positive brain chemicals. the fear of contracting Covid-19, or arguments. Instead, you need friends during this pandemic. Check By Sanah Thakur Instead, the passive activities the worries of income and massive to understand that at such times, on each other, watch movies togeth- we take up, such as spending exhaustion from caretaking. you can build stronger bonds and er, do some exercise to burn down hours on YouTube, shuffling These fears put together, stir crazi- relationships by setting ground rules the extra energy that may get out of ‘So what do you love doing?’ – through extremely long playlists ness that is good enough to strain to curb the re-occurrence of more hand if not put to good use. Practice My question rang loud on the of almost any song you found even the healthiest of family to the explosive conflicts in the future. We giving each other personal space receiver, into an echo of silence. bearable, sitting at cafes with no core. Such a strain changes the are all only human, and we are doing and talking things out when there is ‘I’ and ‘Love’ are usually supposed clear idea what you really like dynamics of home. How do you the best we can. So if conflict does a problem at all times. This way, you to be the words that play a part about it, eating fatty or sugary avoid getting into such unhealthy arise between you and your loved will have found the blue print to a in sentences spoken in confi- foods, cleaning the house or just fights and conflicts at home during ones during these times, remember happy home and in a great way you dence; I love to dance, I love to about anything. It doesn’t matter this pandemic? Here are some of the that we all have access to an extraor- will be able to avoid conflicts. Stay write, I love eating rajma chawal, what I list out. We’ve all got a list few things you can do. dinary power: forgiveness. safe and protected in your homes I love listening to jazz. That day of things that we don’t question during this lockdown! however, I got no reply. I was on a their real value in our lives. 1. Establish respectful communi- 4. Listen carefully to others call with a friend, asking her what It may sound ridiculous, but cation about your health: Listening to issues in a mature man- „ The author is a consultant in Pub- she loved doing, with the inten- getting yourself to do the things During the coronavirus pandemic, ner is one of the best ways to avoid lic Relations and Personality Types. tion of helping her incorporate you really love and enjoy is it is good to note that the virus conflict. It is thus important when Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill more of it in her daily routine. a habit you’re going to have A popular activity, normalised to force. Who thought this is by memes, popped up in the list where the real effort would be of potential acts: chilling and required? The interesting thing watching Netflix. My subcon- is that our lazy brain doesn’t Super Avo Toast scious conditioning, habitually want to even put the energy into Note: we used beetroot chips as There is no going back, only forward answered, “Yeah, that’s another making us feel good, so we’re Avocado toasts are super yummy one of our toppings, but you can one”, until the questioning going to have to do it ourselves. and super easy to make. But we use kale chips or sweet potato tongue of my conscious mind To really start incorporating the like our avocado toasts to be slices took over. Wait, a minute, that’s energising and refueling activi- super rich with powerful ingre- not exactly specific enough to ties and hobbies in your life, you dients. Method: be considered. Naming a mul- can start with creating your Rub the toasted garlic clove on timedia platform as an activity list. Everything mentioned in it Ingredients: your toast, or, smash it with some highlighted the lack of clarity should be something you are 1 ripe avocado olive oil and salt with chilli flakes that blurred the line between capable of doing by yourself and 1 toasted garlic clove and spread it on your toast. distractions and activities we something you would do con- 1 slice of sour dough toast Smash the avocado and add the actually enjoy, those that truly sistently and enjoy – not things 1 tbs flax seed powder lemon juice to it, to add some energise us. Have we stopped that have short life spans of en- 1/2 lemon or lime juice flavour and to keep it from turning engaging in the things we love joyment. The key to creating this 1 tsp zaatar (Oriental thyme mix) brown. by convincing ourselves that our list is the degree to which you 1 tbs olive oil Add the flax seed powder, zaatar, By Shefa Ali moment, no matter how diff icult it nevertheless it’s here. But if you distractions are good enough? make it specific. Keeping your Chilli flakes and salt to the avocado. Mix well. is. God is not logical. Life is not logi- look through history the way it Are we so passively engaged in items on the list vague will just A pinch of salt Spread the mix on your toast. cal. We need to give up the reason came before, was through wars. our lives that even our confident convince your mind that you can Microgeens to top your toast Top off with your cream cheese, As the weeks go by, more and to know why things are happening The world is going to start all over statements are submerged in replace them with something 1/2 tbs beetroot powder (to learn your choice of veggies and micro more people have started to feel the way they are and somehow again and we have the opportunity vagueness? that sounds almost the same, how to make the beetroot powder, greens. frustrated. When friends come have faith, that higher powers are to make it a more humane place. Noticing my own behaviour, I therefore tricking you into tak- follow our Instagram page) Finally, sprinkle your beetroot to me to seek comfort, it’s hard working for the good. Stop asking We need healthcare for everyone. can clearly see how difficult it ing part in an alternative version 1 1/2 tbs macadamia nut cheese powder and there you have it, a to know what to say to them why God did this. Human nature We need people to come first. We has been to actively engage in that doesn’t feel the same. It’s or cashew cheese (or you can use Super Avo Toast! anymore. always wants to believe in logic don’t get to that place without the things I love. In the specific almost like eating instant cup any cream cheese you like) Enjoy the taste of eating right. The desire of so many people to and reason. Life is not organised crushing transformation such as time I would set for engaging noodles instead of cooking fresh want to ‘going back’ to normal, to around us and our needs, the the one we are living now. in something for myself, which noodles and convincing yourself go back to normal life, to go back nature of God is miraculous and Please never ever underestimate wasn’t my work or studies, I they taste equally fulfilling. It’s up to to their jobs, is what I keep hearing. mysterious and sometimes it can- the power of prayer and the power believed that relaxing was good you, because you just need to ask Back is not a word that we should not be explained. Lets give up the of hope. Pray as though you are enough to feel better. No won- yourself, which one would you eat be using, forward is the word we need to want to go back to ‘normal crazy, pray as if you believe in der most of us feel horrible after forever? should replace it with. life’. Let’s not look to old waters to miracles. we’ve spent the whole day binge Distractions are great, but they I believe we need to walk forward charter new territory. watching television shows. While don’t define you. So don’t let them. knowing that something greater We have an opportunity to stop „ The author is a consultant and we might be convinced it’s what than us is governing our lives, no and start over. It may have not coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ helps us have some down time, „ The author can be contacted on matter what you see in this present come in the way we want it, but shefa, Website: missshefa.com it’s usually just a way to distract Instagram @sincerelysanah Gulf Times 8 Thursday, May 14, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Pompeo urges Troop fi ring leaves Israeli caution in West Bank moves

Palestinian teen dead Reuters against the move, he said the Jerusalem leaders had also discussed many AFP other issues related to it — how Jerusalem to deal with all parties involved, S Secretary of State Mike and how to make sure the move Pompeo yesterday urged is done properly to bring about S Secretary of State UIsraeli leaders to factor an outcome in accordance with Mike Pompeo was in Is- all parties into a proposed de US President Donald Trump’s Urael yesterday for talks facto annexation of the occupied Middle East plan. on its plans to annex swathes West Bank so that it squares with The Palestinians have reject- of the occupied West Bank, as a Washington’s plan for Israeli- ed Trump’s plan, under which Palestinian teenager in the ter- Palestinian peace. the vast majority of West Bank ritory was killed by Israeli fi re. During a one-day visit to Is- settlements would be incorpo- Iran was also on the agenda rael, Pompeo also took another rated into “contiguous Israeli for Pompeo’s meetings with swipe at China over what he said territory”. The plan envisages Prime Minister Benjamin was Beijing’s lack of transparen- a Palestinian state under near- Netanyahu and incoming de- cy during the coronavirus crisis. complete Israeli security con- fence minister Benny Gantz, a Pompeo held talks with Prime trol, made up of stretches of land day before a unity government Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the West Bank, as well as the agreed between the two men is and his political rival turned Gaza Strip on the Mediterranean due to be sworn in. designated coalition partner coast and two expanses of terri- Pompeo was wearing a red, Benny Gantz, a day before the tory in Israel’s southern Negev white and blue face mask as he inauguration of their new gov- desert. arrived on his fi rst foreign trip ernment. President Mahmoud Abbas in nearly two months, which The new government plans in has rejected it as off ering the comes amid renewed unrest in July to begin debating extend- Palestinians a “Swiss cheese” the West Bank. ing sovereignty to Israeli settle- state. Israeli troops shot dead a ments and the strategic Jordan The Palestinians deem Israel’s 15-year-old Palestinian Zaid Valley in the West Bank, terri- settlements illegal under inter- Qaysia yesterday in the Al- tory Israel captured in a 1967 war national law, as do most world Fawar refugee camp near the and that Palestinians seek for a powers. Israel and the Trump fl ashpoint city of Hebron, the future state. administration dispute that Palestinian health ministry In an interview with the Israel view. said. The Israeli army said it had Hayom newspaper, where he was With Palestinian leaders responded to “violent riots” quoted in Hebrew, Pompeo said warning that annexation could with live fi re and was investi- West Bank annexation was an imperil the already limited co- gating reports of Palestinian Israeli decision that Netanyahu operation between the sides, casualties. and Gantz have a right to make. there has been a spike in violence It was the second death in But appearing to caution in the West Bank. clashes in the West Bank in as many days. On Tuesday, the Israeli army suff ered its fi rst fatality of the year when a Palestinian fi ghter Palestinian mourners are seen at the funeral of Zaid Qaysia, 15, at the Al-Fawar refugee camp, near the city of Hebron, yesterday. killed a soldier during an arrest Hezbollah chief says operation near Jenin. an attempt at burying the rights munity, Israeli annexations nexation but wanted to ensure stantial risks internationally The Palestinians have re- of the Palestinian people as well would sink any hope of a two- its staunchly pro-Israel voters, and could cause division with- jected Trump’s plan and cut ties as a blatant attack on a rules- state solution to the confl ict. were energised ahead of presi- in Netanyahu’s coalition, the Israel waging battle with his administration in 2017 based international system,” he Former US president Barack dential elections in November. former ambassador added. over its pro-Israel stance. said. Obama’s ambassador to Israel, Netanyahu may be tempted Netanyahu’s previous coali- Their chief negotiator Saeb Israel has controlled the West Daniel Shapiro, said that he be- to move quickly in order to help tion had hardline pro-annexa- against missile sites Erekat said Pompeo’s team had Bank since seizing it in the Six- lieves the “Trump administra- Trump in November and ensure tion right-wingers in key posts, not reached out ahead of the Day War of 1967. tion very much wants this an- annexation is a done deal before notably outgoing defence min- visit. Nearly 3mn Palestinians live nexation to happen.” a possible unfavourable change ister Naftali Bennett. AFP Syrian Observatory for Human “The Trump administration in the territory. He said the administration at the helm of the White House, Gantz has praised the Trump Beirut Rights. Last week, Israel’s out- is collaborating with Israel in its For the Palestinians and was less concerned about the Shapiro noted. plan but warned against moves going defence minister, Naftali annexation plan in what is both much of the international com- logistical complications of an- But that would create sub- that threaten regional stability. Bennett, pledged to keep up op- ebanon’s Hezbollah chief erations until Iran leaves Syria. Hassan Nasrallah charged But Nasrallah, in a televised CONFLICT Lyesterday that Israel had speech, denied any Iranian Clashes in southern Sudan kill 26 been waging an “imaginary bat- troops were present in the war- tle” against Iranian troops in torn country. Clashes in southern Sudan have killed 26 people and wounded 19, state me- Tunisia relaxes curfew with Syria, insisting that Tehran had “In Syria there is an imagi- dia reported yesterday, AFP reported. SUNA news agency said livestock theft sent only “military advisers and nary battle that Israel is waging, triggered the fighting, which erupted in the town of Kadugli, the capital of experts”. called ‘not allowing the presence South Kordofan. The violence prompted authorities to launch an investiga- Covid-19 outbreak slowing But he conceded that Israel of Iranian military troops in Syr- tion, SUNA reported. South Kordofan has been the scene of a deadly conflict was attacking targets “linked ia’,” he said. since 2011 between government forces and rebels complaining of marginali- to missile production in Syria”, He said the Israelis were “at- sation under toppled president Omar al-Bashir. The restive region lies near Reuters a lockdown that shuttered all very few coronavirus patients saying the Jewish state feared tacking everything that is linked the border with South Sudan. Sudan’s military leaders ousted Bashir in April Tunis but key shops and services. still in care, indicating that the that the manufacturing of “pre- to missile production in Syria”. last year following mass protests against his rule. A transitional administra- President Kais Saied has cut reduction in the number of new cision missiles” could spell “new “They view the presence of tion took power in August and has been pushing to forge peace deals with the curfew hours to 11pm-5am cases is not down to a lack of dangers” for Israel. Iran and resistance groups as a rebels from Sudan’s conflict-ridden regions including South Kordofan. unisia has announced a instead of 8pm-6am, state testing. However, government Nasrallah also denied Iran and threat” against Israel in the fu- reduction of its nightly news agency TAP reported, 10 offi cials have warned of a pos- its allies were in a battle for in- ture, he said. curfew hours, state days after the start of a grad- sible second wave and kept fl uence with Russia in the neigh- Nasrallah said the Iranian PEOPLE T media reported yesterday, ual reopening of the bureauc- in place many restrictions on bouring country and said their experts were there with the aim Former Arab League chief Klibi dies after three consecutive days racy and economy. movement including the clo- chief aim was “preventing Syria of “advising and helping Syrian without recording any new It follows the government’s sure of schools, mosques, cafes from falling under the hegemony troops, and managing groups of Former Arab League secretary-general Chedly Klibi died yesterday at his coronavirus cases and as the announcement that no new and restaurants. of America and Israel”. Syrian, Arab and other popular home in Carthage, Tunisia. He was 94. After Tunisia’s independence in 1956, government relaxes a general coronavirus cases have been Tunisia has only 500 inten- Israel has carried out hun- resistance forces”. Klibi served in various government positions, including as chief of staff of lockdown. recorded for three days in a row, sive care beds equipped with dreds of air strikes in Syria since “They train them, prepare President Habib Bourguiba, minister of culture, minister of information and The North African democ- with 1,032 confi rmed cases in ventilators and the govern- the start of the civil war in 2011. them and manage them in on- head of the National Radio, the Arab Weekly reported. During the rule of late racy imposed the curfew in total and 45 deaths. ment said at the start of the They have targeted Syrian going battles,” as well as handle President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who died last year, he was a member of March, aiming to slow the Senior health and hospital outbreak that the health sys- troops as well as allied Hezbollah “co-ordination with resistance the chamber of advisers of the ruling Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD) spread of the virus by keeping offi cials in diff erent parts of the tem would struggle to cope fi ghters and Iranian targets, ac- movements including Hezbol- party. From 1979-1990, Klibi served as secretary-general of the Arab League. people at home, combined with country told Reuters there were with more than 5,000 cases. cording to monitoring group the lah,” he said. Kuwait reports seven deaths Iran govt reopens mosques and 751 new virus cases for holy Ramadan nights QNA/Reuters QNA reported. Among those, ernment from power in the Kuwait 209 new cases were of expats capital Sanaa in late 2014. The and 89 of Omanis. Houthis have so far reported AFP Iran reopened the mosques The total cases in the coun- only two infections, with one Tehran for two hours from midnight he Kuwaiti Ministry of try has now touched 4,019, in- death, from the novel coronavi- for Laylat al-Qadr, a high point Health announced yester- cluding 1,289 recoveries and 17 rus, both in Sanaa. during the fasting month of Tday 751 new coronavirus deaths, according to the minis- The World Health Organisa- n spite of their fears over the Ramadan. The Islamic republic (Covid-19) infections in the last try. The ministry has urged all tion says it fears Covid-19 could coronavirus, hundreds of shut its mosques and shrines 24 hours, bringing the total to to adhere to social distancing rip through Yemen as the popu- Ipious Iranians took advan- in March as part of its eff orts to 11,028, while seven deaths were instructions issued by the Su- lation has some of the lowest tage of the temporary opening contain the Middle East’s dead- reported as well, bringing the preme Committee and the Min- levels of immunity to disease of mosques yesterday to pray at liest outbreak of Covid-19. death toll up to 82. istry of Health, as well as staying compared with other countries. one of the holiest times of year. The fi rst cases emerged in Earlier yesterday, the ministry at home and not going out unless Minimal testing capacity has The mask-clad faithful for the holy city of Qom on Febru- announced the recovery of 162 necessary. added to concerns. the most part adhered to social ary 19 and spread rapidly to all patients, bringing the total to Meanwhile, Yemen’s govern- The fi ve-year-old war has distancing guidelines as they 31 of the country’s provinces. 3,263 recoveries. ment reported the fi rst corona- shattered Yemen’s health system sat in designated areas of Rei- It has gone on to claim nearly The ministry said, in a state- virus case in Marib province and and left its population weakened hanat al-Hussein mosque, in 6,800 lives in Iran. ment reported by the Kuwait four other infections elsewhere, by hunger and disease. west Tehran. President Hassan Rouhani, News Agency, that labora- taking the tally of cases in areas Around 80% of the popula- Clutching their own prayer whose government has faced tory and radiological tests have under its control to 70, including tion, or 24mn people, rely on hu- mats and Qur’ans, they showed criticism for being slow to re- proved that these cases have re- 12 deaths, Reuters reported. manitarian aid and 10mn are at up with their families, includ- act to the crisis, praised wor- covered from the virus. The Aden-based govern- risk of starvation. Yemen’s fi rst ing a couple with a baby, and Iranians, some wearing face masks against the Covid-19 coronavirus, shippers for abiding by health They will be transferred to the ment’s coronavirus committee case was declared on April 10 appeared to be in high spirits. attend Laylat al-Qadr prayers, one of the holiest nights during the guidelines. rehabilitation wing of the hospi- said two cases including one in a southern port town and the Worshippers spilled out into fasting month of Ramadan, outside a mosque in Tehran, yesterday. “There were concerns about tal, to receive those infected, in death were reported in Aden, Aden government has now re- grounds outside the mosque how people would follow health preparation for their discharge and two in Lahej, including one ported infections in eight prov- were disinfected by a sanitary were on hand to ensure they they were concerned about me guidelines if mosques were from the hospital during the next death. inces under its control. worker in a hazmat suit who kept apart. and I promised them to respect opened, but last night, you two days. Yemen is divided between the The United Nations said this sprayed them as he walked “Of course, everybody is the directives,” he said. found that it was a special cer- OMAN REGISTERS internationally recognised gov- week a recent sharp rise in cases among them. worried about the disease, even “So I came and saw that emony,” he said yesterday. 298 NEW CASES ernment based in the south and indicated the virus had been cir- But some of the gaps be- my own family,” said one of the everyone is respecting the (so- “Wherever people partici- The Omani Ministry of Health the Houthi movement head- culating undetected for weeks, tween those seated at the back worshippers who gave his name cial) distancing, otherwise, I pated, they followed all the in- registered 298 new coronavirus quartered in the north. increasing the likelihood of a appeared to be too close for only as Mahmoudi. wouldn’t have stayed and I’d structions,” he said in televised cases in the Sultanate yesterday, The Houthis ousted the gov- surge in cases. comfort, and the Basij militia “When I decided to come have gone back home.” remarks. Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 9 RAMADAN/AFRICA The Qur’an is the everlasting miracle he Glorious Qur’an is the doubt about the Divinity of the Qur’an water and Allah made it benefi cial to everlasting miracle of our when He Says (what means): “And if you people as they drank thereof, fed their Surge in virus deaths Prophet – Muhammad, sallal- are in doubt about what We have sent animals and irrigate their farms. It Tlaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam – that down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], also aff ected some parts that are just addresses all human generations and then produce a chapter the like thereof lowland that could neither hold the shall continue to do so till the end of and call upon your witnesses other water nor produce grass. The fi rst two time. It convinces the human intellect than Allah, if you should be truthful. are the example of him that acquired rocks north Nigeria with various proofs in order to subject But if you do not - and you will never the knowledge of the religion of Allah, it to the truth and make it surrender to be able to - then fear the Fire, whose benefi ted from that which I am sent Allah willingly or turn away from the fuel is men and stones, prepared for the with and taught it to others. The third By Aminu Abubakar, AFP Lesotho becomes last country in Africa to record infection truth after it has recognised it out of disbelievers.” [Qur’an 2:23-24]. is the example of him who never paid Kano arrogance. Reciting the Qur’an in appropriate attention to the Qur’an and did not Lesotho yesterday recorded its first to a Reuters tally based on government The Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi times assists in letting it have an impact accept the guidance of Allah with which case of Covid-19, the health ministry statements and World Health Organisa- wa sallam, said: “No Prophet was sent on human soul. Ramadan is the best I am sent.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] urging death tolls in northern said, becoming the last country in Africa tion data. by Allah except that he was given what time to recite the Qur’an, for it is a We must seize the opportunity of Nigeria have sparked fears that to be aff licted by the virus. The disease has struck at a time of would make people believe in him, food for the soul and because of the the remaining days of Ramadan to read Scoronavirus is spreading out, The ministry said it had conducted 81 political uncertainty in Lesotho, with and what I was given is Revelation fact that the authority of the mind that the Glorious Qur’an with refl ection combining with established diseases tests for Covid-19 from travellers from Prime Minister Thomas Thabane due to and I hope to be the greatest of all the tells man to do evil weakens during this and understanding of its meanings and to pose a lethal threat in a region where South Africa and Saudi Arabia, of which step down by the end of next week after Prophets in (terms of) followers.” [Al- month. The soul will then prevail and try our best to put its injunctions into medical care is poor. one was positive. his coalition collapsed in parliament. Bukhari]. get strength by the Qur’an and, as a practice. Our righteous predecessors, In the past month, the city of Kano, It was awaiting for results from 301 His exit would clear the way for The Qur’an is the everlasting miracle result, will derive the highest possible may Allah be pleased with them, used to the most populous city in the north of other tests. a solution to a political crisis that given by Allah to His Messenger, benefi t from it. The Qur’an is like a preoccupy themselves in Ramadan, with the country, has witnessed hundreds of The remote, high-altitude kingdom, erupted late last year, when he and his sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, which no benefi cial rain, the soul is like the earth the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and deaths, particularly among the elderly. nestled in a South African mountain current wife were accused by police of human being or Jinn is able to produce and Ramadan is like the good season they always used to mention Allah. At fi rst authorities blamed the fa- range, had previously been spared the murdering his former wife nearly three a book like it. Even if all mankind and for rainfall that enables the hearts to We have to know that any one who talities on ailments including diabetes, coronavirus, although its bigger, more years ago. jinn were to collaborate to produce produce the blooming crops. puts the injunctions of the Qur’an in hypertension and malaria — but a team industrialised neighbour has recorded They both deny the charges. something like it, they would not be able The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu practice is among the people of the of government investigators later said more than 10,000 cases. It is unclear when he will step down, to do so. Allah says (what means): “Say ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The similitude Qur’an (who are dear to Allah) even if most were suspected to be linked to As at 1245 GMT, Africa had 69,764 although parliament has already (O Muhammad): ‘If mankind and the of the guidance and knowledge with he has not memorised it. Also, he who coronavirus. confirmed cases of Covid-19, 2,421 provisionally named Finance Minister jinn gathered in order to produce the like which I was sent, is like a rain that falls does not work by the injunctions of the Kano state has offi cially confi rmed deaths and 23,857 recoveries, according Moeketsi Majoro as his replacement. of this Qur’an, they could not produce on a land of which there was a good part Qur’an is not among its people even if 666 infections and 32 deaths from the like of it, even if they were to each that accepted the water and produced he memorises it. coronavirus, making it the hardest-hit other assistants.’” [Qur’an 17: 88] therefrom many plants and grass. Article source: http://www. region in Nigeria after megacity Lagos. outbreaks that have preceded the pan- out face masks and sanitiser. Allah even challenges those who have There is also a barren part that holds islambweb.net/emainpage/ Testing has been severely limited but demic,” Kano doctor Ibrahim Musa said. “We don’t want you to be sending as capacity has picked up in recent days So common is the surge in diseases away patients who come to you for so the number of cases has climbed at this time of year that people in the other illnesses,” Abdullahi Umar Gan- steadily. Now the surge in unexplained city even have a grim nickname for it — duje said. ‘Seek Laylat Al-Qadr in the deaths has spread to neighbouring ar- “merger”. Kano’s position as a central econom- eas, sending local authorities scram- “We are dealing with multiple epi- ic hub for the region means that it is an bling to fi gure out the cause. demics in this situation which explains epicentre for many outbreaks that have A team of epidemiologists has been the mind-boggling deaths,” said Sadiq spread across the north. sent to the town of Azare in Bauchi Wali, a professor of medicine. Offi cials in neighbouring states say last 10 days of Ramadan’ state, where 110 deaths were reported Making the problem worse, hospi- a plan that has seen hundred of child in the past week, local traditional chief tals have shut their doors to the sick beggars sent home from the city has aylat Al-Qadr is in the last 10 Hubaysh, may Allah be pleased with ruled that it is more likely that it moves Mahmood Abdullahi said. out of fears over coronavirus — mean- helped infections spread. days of Ramadan, as stated in him, said to Ubayy, may Allah be and does not come on a specifi c night Medics are also probing a string of ing treatment for a raft of ailments has “When Kano has a cold the whole the narration of Ibn ‘Umar, may pleased with him: ‘I said: What makes each year. similar spikes in towns in Yobe and Ji- stopped. north gets the fl u,” medical doctor LAllah be pleased with him, that you say that, O Abu’l-Munthir (i.e. Allah has concealed this night so that gawa states neighbouring Kano. Doctors short of protective equip- Musa explained. the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sal- Ubay)?’ He, may Allah be pleased with His slaves will strive to seek it, and will Doctors say the hottest time of year ment have also been reluctant to at- While the state has been under offi - lam, said: “Seek Laylat Al-Qadr in the him, said: ‘By the signs of which the strive hard in worship, just as He has from April to June has always brought tend to patients even without signs of cial lockdown for four weeks, enforce- last 10 days of Ramadan.” [Muslim] Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi concealed the blessed hour of Friday. more death to northern Nigeria. the virus out of concerns for their own ment has been lax beyond major high- It is more likely to be one of the wa sallam, told us: that the sun rises Therefore, we should strive hard Deadly outbreaks of cholera, ma- safety. ways and thoroughfares. odd-numbered nights, because of the that morning with no visible rays.’” during the days and nights of these laria, typhoid, measles and meningitis Civil servant Binta Mohamed said Life goes on as normal in many narration of ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be [Muslim] 10 days, seeking Laylat Al-Qadr and tend to shoot up as the temperature that she had to watch her husband die neighbourhoods as the faithful still pleased with her, who said that the The fact that it is more likely the following the example of our Prophet, rises. from “diabetic complications” after he fl ock to mosques for Ramadan prayers Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi night of the 27th – Allah knows best sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and we The arrival of the novel coronavirus was turned away for treatment. despite edicts from Muslim leaders. wa sallam, had said: “Seek Laylat Al- – does not mean that this is always should strive in supplication and has added another major challenge — “The four private hospitals we took State authorities have begun hand- Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the the case. It could be any of the other seeking to draw close to Allah Almighty. and stretched already under-resourced him to refused to admit him for fear he ing out a million facemasks and warned last ten nights.” [Al-Bukhari] odd-numbered nights of the last ten Article source: http://www.islamweb. health services beyond breaking point. had the virus,” she said. of a crackdown on those not distancing We should seek it especially in the days of Ramadan. Some of the scholars net/emainpage/ “We can’t deny the fact that Cov- Kano’s governor had on Sunday — but some worry it may be too late. odd-numbered nights, i.e., on the id-19 is wreaking havoc in Kano and called on private hospitals to attend “People are foolishly daring a Cov- 21st, the 23rd, the 25th, the 27th and Zakat al-Fitr amount set at QR15 the region which is worsened by other patients with other ailments and doled id-19 earthquake,” Musa said. the 29th. It was also reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, The Zakat Fund of the Ministry of and the Zakat Fund receives and said: “Seek it in the last ten nights, on Awqaf (Endowment) and Islamic distributes it to those who are entitled Breaching Covid-19 restrictions the odd-numbered nights.” [Al-Bukhari Aff airs has urged the public to pay to it in accordance with the Sunnah of and Muslim] Zakat al-Fitr on time, pointing out the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is most likely to be on the night that it is a duty (required) of every According to the Sunnah, Ibn ‘Umar of the 27th. This is according to the Muslim, whether male or female, said that the Prophet Muhammad saying of the Prophet, sallallaahu minor or adult as long as he/she has (peace be upon him) made Zakat ‘alaihi wa sallam: “Laylat Al-Qadr is the means to do so. al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, the night of the 27th.” [Ahmad and The Fund said the amount of Zakat freeman, male, female, young and old Abu Daawood] The view that it is al-Fitr for this Ramadan season 1441H is among the Muslims; one Saa’ of dried the night of the 27th is the opinion QR15 and that it should be given before dates or one Saa’ of barley. of most of the Companions, may the Eid al-Fitr prayer, so that it can be Those wishing to pay Zakat al-Fitr Allah be pleased with them, and delivered to the poor who deserve it. can proceed to the main collection the majority of scholars. Ubayy ibn The Fund indicated that the basic off ices, following the rules of social Ka’b, may Allah be pleased with principle of Zakat al-Fitr is 2.5kg of distancing and preventive measures him, used to assert, without saying people’s staple food, which is rice. It to limit the spread of the coronavirus “Insha Allah - God willing” that: “… is possible to pay it in cash (QR15), (Covid 19). it was the night of the 27th. Zurr ibn

                        .      ..                                       . A police off icer talks to a man pleading for the release of a protester, detained for breaching the lockdown regulations   at a demonstration against electricity cuts, in Soweto, South Africa.   (19)                        .                       75 ‘Boko terrorists’ killed in Niger clashes  .  (31)        AFP injured. A vehicle, four motorbikes, Cooperative for the Development of  . Niamey weapons, ammunition and various Congo — is an armed political-reli- material “for military use” were seized, gious sect drawn from the Lendu eth-   . the statement said. nic group. he Sahel state of Niger, which The same day, around 50 “enemy Confl ict between the Lendu, who   has been battling a bloody in- elements” were “neutralised” in coali- comprise mainly farmers, and the Tsurgency, said yesterday around tion air strikes and artillery bombard- Hema, a herding and trading commu- 75 Boko Haram combatants had been ment of Tombon-Fulani, an island in nity, has a long history in the gold- and      killed in the southeast and in neigh- the marshy Lake Chad region in north- oil-rich province. bouring Nigeria. eastern Nigeria, the defence ministry Tens of thousands were killed be-  .  Twenty-fi ve “terrorists” were killed added. “Shelters and logistical dumps” tween 1999 and 2003.   on Monday south of Diff a, the main city were also destroyed, it said. The UN says most victims were tar-   . in southeast Niger, while “about 50... Congo ambush: Meanwhile, seven ci- geted because they were Hema. were neutralised” the same day on Ni- vilians have been killed in northeast DR The confl ict has reignited in recent     gerian soil in the Lake Chad region, in Congo and 13 soldiers wounded in vio- years. two operations by a regional force, the lence attributed to a notorious regional More than than 700 people have  defence ministry said in a statement. militia, sources said. been killed in Ituri since late 2017, a The fi gures could not be verifi ed in- Armed men from a group called CO- UN report said in January, adding that dependently. DECO attacked Djugu territory in Ituri some of the deaths might constitute a   On Monday, troops from Niger’s province overnight Monday, killing “crime against humanity”. contingent in the regional force car- seven civilians and leaving around 10 In the last two months, at least 274   ried out “aggressive reconnaissance” injured, territorial administrator Adel civilians have been killed and more on the banks of the Komadougou river Alingi said late on Tuesday. than 200,000 people have fl ed their    and clashed with Boko Haram fi ghters Thirteen troops were injured in homes, the UN’s refugee agency said at a locality 74km south of Diff a, the fi ghting with CODECO on Sunday, ac- on May 8.                           ministry said. cording to the UN peacekeeping mis- The Democratic Republic of Congo’s “All the terrorist group,” compris- sion MONUSCO which airlifted the army says it has killed CODECO lead-               ing 25 combatants, was killed, it said, wounded out for treatment. ers and seized key bases under a cam- adding that two soldiers were lightly CODECO — whose offi cial name is paign it launched last June. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, May 14, 2020 AMERICAS Justices fret over ‘chaos’ in Electoral College row

Reuters Kushner indicates delay is possible in November vote, then backtracks vanaugh asked whether the court mere formality in which the elec- founding fathers, they’ll fi nd that Washington should embrace the “avoid-cha- tors — typically party loyalists electors are completely able to President Donald Trump’s aide “I’m not sure I can commit one I aware of, any discussions about os principle of judging, which — actually vote for the winner of use their judgment to determine and son in law Jared Kushner way or the other, but right now trying to change the date of the suggests that if it’s a close call or their state’s popular vote. who they should vote for,” said S Supreme Court justices said he couldn’t guarantee the that’s the plan.” presidential election.” a tie-breaker we shouldn’t facili- But in 2016, 10 of the 538 elec- Bret Chiafalo of Everett, Wash- yesterday grilled a lawyer US presidential election will take “Hopefully by the time we The election date is under scru- tate or create chaos.” tors voted for someone else. ington, one of the lead plaintiff s. Uadvocating that “elec- place on time, due to the coronavi- get to September, October, tiny given the massive logistical In the early stages of the argu- While that number of so- Trump’s administration has tors” in the complex Electoral rus pandemic — only to walk back November, we’ve done enough disruption caused by coronavirus ments, justices probed the dis- called faithless electors did not taken no stance in the cases. College system that decides the his comment. work with testing and with all the lockdowns and the risk that voters crepancy between electors tak- change the election’s outcome, it Chiafalo and another lead winner of US presidential elec- The election is scheduled for different things we’re trying to will stay away from crowded poll- ing an oath to pledge their vote would have in fi ve of the 58 previ- plaintiff Micheal Baca were tions are free to disregard laws November 3 by law and the White do to prevent a future outbreak ing stations. to the winner of the popular vote ous US presidential elections. Democratic electors who sought directing them to back the candi- House has no authority to make of the magnitude that would However, both Trump and Bi- in their states and the arguments State offi cials have said faith- to persuade Republican electors date who prevails in their state’s a change. make us shut down again,” said den have said they see no change made by their lawyers that they less electors threaten the integ- to disregard their pledges and popular vote. If enough electors However, Kushner’s remark Kushner, whose title is senior in date happening. cannot be punished for refusing rity of American democracy by help deny Trump the presidency. do so, it could upend an election on Tuesday touched a nerve as adviser. In most polls, Biden is leading to uphold their promise. subverting the will of the elec- Baca, who now lives in Las Ve- — or, as some of the justices said, Trump and Democratic rival Joe Although Kushner did not say Trump, whose first term has been “It’s somewhat hard to under- torate and opening the door to gas, was a Colorado elector. cause “chaos.” Biden head into the increasingly he wanted a change in date and marred by impeachment, a two- stand the concept of something corruption. They cast their ballots for The justices were hearing ar- tense final six months of cam- noted “it’s not my decision to year probe into his links with Rus- I am pledged — bound — to do. I The plaintiff s said the Consti- moderate Republicans and not guments two closely watched paigning. make,” his remarks were attacked sia, and unprecedented political have made a promise to do some- tution requires them to exercise Clinton.Chiafalo was fi ned cases — one from Colorado and Asked in an interview by Time by Trump critics as evidence of partisanship across the country. thing. But that promise is unen- independent judgment to pre- $1,000 by Washington state. one from Washington state — magazine whether he could com- overreach. Kushner, a wealthy real estate forceable,” liberal Justice Ruth vent unfi t candidates from taking Baca’s vote was cancelled by less than six months before the mit to the election being on sched- Shortly after, Kushner issued a owner, is married to his daughter Bader Ginsburg said. offi ce. Colorado offi cials. November 3 election in which ule, even if a second coronavirus clarification to NBC News, saying “I Ivanka, who is also a White House Conservative Chief Jus- The justices must decide if The electors argued that the presumptive Democratic nomi- wave breaks out, Kushner said: have not been involved in, nor am presidential adviser. tice John Roberts asked Lessig states can penalise faithless elec- penalties against them by their nee Joe Biden challenges Repub- whether, as long as there is no tors with actions such as mon- states violated the Constitution’s lican President Donald Trump. penalty, then “simply requiring etary fi nes or removal from the Article II and its 12th Amend- The litigation involves the The cases involve so-called only Maine and Nebraska except- sponse of the losing political a prospective elector to take a role. ment, which delineate the Elec- presidential election system set faithless electors who did not ed — with winner-takes-all sys- party...would be to launch a mas- pledge is okay in your view?” Thirty-two states and the toral College process. out in the US Constitution in vote for Democratic candidate tems awarding all electors to the sive campaign to try to infl uence Lessig said that it would be ac- District of Columbia have laws A lower court upheld Wash- which the winner is determined Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Elec- candidate who wins the state’s electors.” ceptable, noting that the states intended to control how electors ington state’s fi ne against Chia- not by amassing a majority in toral College even though she popular vote. Lawyer Lawrence Lessig, rep- can impose a moral obligation vote. falo and two other faithless elec- the national popular vote but by won the popular vote in their Conservative Justice Samuel resenting the Washington state but not a legally enforceable one. Only a handful enforce them tors. securing a majority of electoral states. Alito raised the possibility of electors, conceded that was a The Electoral College vote, with penalties. Another court concluded that votes allotted to the 50 US states Colorado and Washington chaos if there were a close elec- possibility. held weeks after the general elec- “If the Supreme Court agrees Colorado’s action against Baca and the District of Columbia. state are among the 48 states — tion because “the rational re- Conservative Justice Brett Ka- tion, is often overlooked as a with us and, in my opinion, the violated his constitutional rights. Republican leads US, Canada to extend California count Reuters Washington

epublicans have moved closer to recaptur- ing a seat in the US Congress as Mike Garcia, Ra former Navy fi ghter pilot endorsed by Presi- border curbs: sources dent Donald Trump, led in preliminary results from a special election north of Los Angeles. Reuters/AFP nadians safe”, adding that the over- man said in an emailed statement. With about 140,000 votes counted by Tuesday, Ottawa/Washington all collaboration with the United In New York, more than 100 chil- Garcia was ahead of Democratic California state leg- States had been exceptional. dren are reported to have developed islator Christy Smith by 55.9% to 44.1% in the state’s The US offi cial said Washington the syndrome, which may occur 25th congressional district, preliminary results from anada and the United States and Mexico were also set to extend days to weeks after a Covid-19 ill- the California Secretary of State’s offi ce said. If his appear likely to extend a ban similar restrictions on non-essen- ness. lead holds up as the results are tallied, Garcia, 44, will Con non-essential travel un- tial travel. At least three children have died, fi ll a seat that became vacant after Democrat Katie til June 21 amid the ongoing novel Separately, a Mexican govern- the state reported on Saturday. Hill resigned last year following a scandal in which coronavirus pandemic, sources in ment source said an extension for a All three tested positive for the intimate photographs of her were published online. both nations said yesterday. limited period seemed likely. new coronavirus or had antibodies But it could take several days for a winner to be de- The two neighbours had agreed The total Canadian death toll to it, suggesting the syndrome is clared, because the election was conducted largely by on April 18 to extend border restric- edged up by just over 3% to 5,209 linked to Covid-19. mail-in voting to avoid novel coronavirus exposure at tions until May 21 as cases of the from 5,049 on Tuesday, offi cial data The syndrome shares symptoms the polls. As long as they are postmarked by election disease continue to rise in both na- showed yesterday. with toxic shock and Kawasaki dis- day, California will accept ballots arriving up to three tions. The data are another sign the ease, with symptoms such as fever, days later. Canada is now pressing for the outbreak is slowing whereas the sit- skin rashes, swelling of the glands A US Navy handout photo of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Dave Wasserman, editor of the Cook Political Re- measures to remain for another uation in parts of the United States and, in severe cases, infl ammation Blue Angels, honouring frontline Covid-19 first responders and essential port, wrote on Twitter that it would be “very tough” month. is more challenging. of arteries of the heart. workers with formation flights over Chicago on Tuesday. ‘America for Smith to close the gap in votes. If Garcia’s lead “It’s too early to lift the restric- The Canadian provinces of On- Scientists are still trying to de- Strong’, being held in various US cities, recognises healthcare workers, holds, he will become the only House Republican tions, so we’re working toward tario and Quebec are adjacent to termine whether the syndrome is first responders, military, and other essential personnel on the front lines from a district Hillary Clinton won in 2016 with more an extension,” said one Canadian the state of New York, one of the US linked with the new coronavirus fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the US Defense Department. than 50% of the vote, Wasserman said. government source, describing the epicentres of the disease. because not all children with it have “It is looking extremely good,” Garcia said on a talks with Washington as positive. Canadian offi cials have been tested positive for the virus. our nations response to Covid-19,” the Covid-19 outbreak had dis- conference call. “I won’t give a victory speech to- In Washington, a US offi cial con- repeatedly pressed about the po- US authorities separately warned they said. rupted transport links and made it night. We’ll save that for hopefully tomorrow night fi rmed the two sides were set to tential risk posed by arriving truck healthcare and scientifi c research- The two organisations gave no harder to supply the 40kg of bam- as the data comes in.” agree on a 30-day extension. drivers. ers that Chinese-backed hackers evidence or examples of their alle- boo a typical adult panda eats each Smith, in a statement, said the outcome was too On Tuesday, the chief Canadian Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief were attempting to steal research gation against Beijing. day. early to call. “With so much at stake in this election public health offi cer said the United public health offi cer, on Tuesday and intellectual property related to BAMBOO SHORTAGE: A Ca- Staff had worked to fi nd alterna- for families across this district, from access to quality States — where cases are increasing said the coronavirus “could take treatments and vaccines for Cov- nadian zoo is shipping two pandas tive bamboo providers but there healthcare, to putting the needs of the middle class at steadily — presented a risk. off rapidly” unless extreme caution id-19. home to China after the coronavi- were concerns that supplies could the centre of future economic relief packages passed in The sources requested anonym- was exercised about relaxing the Organisations researching the rus pandemic left it struggling to be disrupted without warning and Congress, it is critical that every ballot cast is counted ity given the sensitivity of the situ- ban. disease were warned of “likely tar- source the massive bamboo stock- leave the animals hungry, the zoo and the voice of every CA-25 voter is heard,” she said. ation. “The United States being one geting and network compromise piles needed to feed the giant crea- said in a statement. The election was seen as a test of mail-in voting. News of the request for a 30-day country that still has cases and is by the People’s Republic of China,” tures. “Knowing a second wave of Because of the continued threat of the coronavirus, extension was fi rst reported by the still trying to manage outbreaks... a statement from the FBI and the Er Shun and her mate Da Mao Covid-19 is likely...the Calgary Zoo more states are expected to move to vote-by-mail in Globe and Mail newspaper. presents a risk to Canada from that Cybersecurity and Infrastructure have lived in the country since 2013 feels it’s critical to move the beloved the general election in November. The agreement allows the fl ow of perspective.” Security Agency said. as part of a 10-year loan agreement giant pandas back to China where Republicans won another special election for a goods across a border that stretches US health offi cials said yester- “These actors have been ob- with a breeding facility in Chengdu. there are abundant local sources of congressional seat in a largely rural district of Wis- 8,891km and is a crossing point for day they will issue an alert telling served attempting to identify and The arrival of the cute and furry bamboo,” the statement said. consin on Tuesday, as Republican state Senator Tom one of the world’s largest bilateral doctors to report cases of a rare illicitly obtain valuable intellectual animals was a huge spectacle that The zoo is currently closed due Tiff any defeated law school professor Tricia Zunker trading relationships. life-threatening infl ammatory syn- property and public health data re- was broadcast live on all major Ca- to the pandemic and said it would by 57.2% to 42.8%. The United States takes 75% of all drome associated with Covid-19 lated to vaccines, treatments, and nadian television networks. not be able to allow the public to bid Trump, who had won the district by 20 percentage Canadian goods exports. in children to their state and local testing from networks and person- Er Shun later mothered two twin farewell to the animals. points in 2016, greeted Tiff any’s victory on Twitter. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau health departments. nel affi liated with Covid-19-related cubs — the fi rst pandas born on Ca- Er Shun and Da Mao’s cubs have Both the California and Wisconsin winners will said talks about the border “are go- The alert will be released by the research,” they said. nadian soil. already been relocated to China, have to defend their seats again in November, when ing well and we’re confi dent about US Centers for Disease Control and “China’s eff orts to target these But Calgary Zoo said it was cut- according to national broadcaster Democrats will seek to keep their House majority and being able to continue to keep Ca- Prevention (CDC), a agency spokes- sectors pose a signifi cant threat to ting short the pair’s stay because CBC. gain control of the Senate. Pandemic threatens to choke hurricane response

By Matthew Lavietes, Reuters nearly all anticipate that the up- and an adviser to New York City, if local governments will be left urged New York City Comptrol- New York coming hurricane season will be warned that people will need to bear the fi nancial burden of ler Scott Stringer, who is among busier than usual. to adhere to evacuation orders both crises. the local offi cials asking for a big- Social distancing practices to “more seriously” with rescue “There are going to be some ger share of bailout funds. s the June 1 start of hurri- prevent the spread of Covid-19 teams stretched thin. very diffi cult times ahead and it’s “Our city is not prepared for cane season inches nearer, are likely to complicate eff orts “People are very much on their imperative that we make some the next storm, let alone for a AUS emergency managers to squeeze thousands of people own,” Aerts warned. smart fi nancial decisions to help hurricane to hit on top of a crisis are gearing up for the possibil- into spaces that typically serve as “That means, as an individual, us through this crisis,” said Hou- like a pandemic.” ity of a more active than normal shelters in the event of an evacu- you have to really carefully judge ston Controller Chris Brown. How long social distancing storm season as the country bat- ation, such as school gymnasiums the warning issues that the gov- Nearly half of the city of Hou- practices will need to remain tles the coronavirus pandemic at and sporting arenas, experts say. ernment puts out.” ston’s $20mn disaster relief fund in place in the United States — the same time. Widespread evacuation orders FEMA this year will release has already gone to deal with the where over 82,000 people have The combined threat could are used as a last resort, but if guidelines for local governments coronavirus and powerful Hurri- died of the virus, according to a make managing both crises more families were forced to evacuate, on how to handle the upcom- cane Harvey in 2017, he said. Reuters tally — remains unclear. diffi cult as the stretched-thin coastal states such as New Jer- ing hurricane season alongside He is hopeful the city will get Health offi cials have warned Federal Emergency Management sey are considering renting more the health crisis, according to a the money it needs as part of an- the country could see a second Agency (FEMA) and local emer- hotel rooms than in years past to FEMA spokesperson. other round of federal coronavi- wave of the virus in the fall, well gency authorities grapple with accommodate more distancing, The agency also said it has cre- rus relief legislation. before the offi cial end of the hur- the country’s worst health and A woman waves a flag during the evening ‘clap and cheer for Maples said. ated a second National Response Since March, the US Congress ricane season on November 30. economic crisis in decades, they healthcare workers’ in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. He said the pandemic would Coordination Center that is has passed bills allocating nearly “We’re in the middle of the say. not alter offi cials’ decisions tasked with coordinating all non- $3tn to combat the pandemic, but fi ght of our lives,” said Maples, of “When you have a crisis of this Jared Maples, director of New cording to the US National Oce- on whether or not to evacuate Covid-19 disaster responses. only about $150bn in aid has been the coronavirus threat. magnitude, if you have another Jersey Homeland Security. anic and Atmospheric Adminis- shorelines if a storm warranted But cash-strapped city and set aside for states and cities. “But...we are focused on pre- crisis, a hurricane-level crisis, “It just makes it that much tration, the US scientifi c agency that response. state offi cials questioned wheth- “New York City is the fi nancial paring our way out of this,” he even a terrorist attack or some- harder,” he said. responsible for weather forecasts. Jeroen Aerts, a professor of en- er the federal agency has the re- and cultural capital of the coun- said — “not just on coronavirus, thing like that right now, it could A typical Atlantic hurricane But of the more-than-doz- vironmental risk management at sources to handle hurricane sea- try, and we need federal funding but if, God forbid, a hurricane cause a lot of challenges,” said season sees six hurricanes, ac- en annual forecasts published, the VU University in Amsterdam son on top of the coronavirus or that refl ects our central role,” does come.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 11 ASIA

Freeport Indonesia ramps up Facebook apologises for virus testing as cases near mine rise role in 2018 Lanka unrest AFP “We deplore the misuse of The technology giant majority whose members were ices - including WhatsApp, connect customers to sex work- Hong Kong our platform,” Facebook said commissioned a probe behind the violence. Messenger and Instagram - in ers, some of whom may be in a statement to Bloomberg into the part it may have Facebook has 4.4mn daily ac- Indonesia. traffi cked.” Reuters News after the fi ndings were re- played, and investigators tive users in Sri Lanka, according It found that in addition to Article One said it also Jakarta acebook has apologised for leased on Tuesday. “We recog- said incendiary content to the report by Article One. political attacks and attempts to “found evidence of online bul- its role in the deadly com- nise, and apologise for, the very on Facebook may have The fi rm said Tuesday it had infl uence elections, vulnerable lying and child sexual exploita- Fmunal unrest that shook real human rights impacts that led to violence against taken a number of steps in the groups across the sprawling ar- tion, including online groom- T Freeport Indonesia, op- Sri Lanka two years ago after an resulted.” Muslims last two years to better protect chipelago faced increased risks. ing of children” on Facebook’s erator of the world’s sec- investigation found that hate At least three people were human rights. The sharing of images with- platforms. Pond-biggest copper mine, speech and rumours spread on killed and 20 injured in the 2018 such content, which “resulted in “In Sri Lanka ... we are reduc- out consent, cyberbullying The social media company is to conduct “extensive testing” the platform may have led to unrest, during which mosques hate speech and other forms of ing the distribution of frequent- and sexual exploitation threat- said that, like in Sri Lanka, it is among its employees after coro- violence against Muslims. and Muslim businesses were harassment remaining and even ly reshared messages, which are ened women especially, the ramping up eff orts to protect navirus cases in the area where The riots in early 2018 erupt- burned, mainly in the central spreading” on the platform. often associated with clickbait consultancy said. its users from harm, including the mine operates topped 100. ed as anti-Muslim anger was part of the Sinhalese Buddhist- Article One said one civil so- and misinformation,” Facebook “In some cases, women are more staff and improved tech- It said yesterday it had around whipped up on social media, majority nation. ciety organisation had tried to said in a statement accompany- blackmailed or even forced into nology to identify hate speech in 50,000 rapid and polymerase forcing the Sri Lankan gov- The hate speech and rumours engage with the company on the ing reports, which also looked at abusive relationships or into Indonesian. chain reaction test kits on site. ernment to impose a state of spread on Facebook “may have misuse of Facebook as far back Indonesia and Cambodia. situations of rape to avoid the Facebook has been rolling out Covid-19 infections in Mimika emergency and block access to led to ‘offl ine’ violence”, ac- as 2009. It said it had also hired more embarrassment of nude photos a number of programmes to pre- Regency, where Freeport’s gold Facebook. cording to Article One, the hu- In 2018, offi cials had said mobs staff , including Sinhala speak- being made public on Facebook’s vent misuse after coming under and copper Grasberg mine is lo- The tech giant commissioned man rights consultancy hired to used Facebook to coordinate at- ers, and started using detection platform,” said the report, re- increasing pressure in recent cated on Papua island, reached a probe into the part it may have conduct the investigation. tacks, and that the platform had technology to protect vulnerable leased at the same time as the years over a series of privacy 112 cases as of Sunday. played, and investigators said incen- The consultants also sug- “only two resource persons” to groups. fi ndings on Sri Lanka. scandals, as well as criticism “To help keep its over 25,000 diary content on Facebook may have gested that before the unrest, review content in Sinhala, the Article One also investigated “In other cases, Facebook’s of its slow response to human employee and contractor work- led to violence against Muslims. Facebook had failed to take down language of Sri Lanka’s ethnic the impact of Facebook’s serv- platforms have been used to rights concerns. force safe, PT Freeport Indone- sia’s medical providers are doing extensive testing,” the company said in the statement. Parent company Freeport Mc- Thailand reports no new virus MoRan said last month said that it would cut its 2020 costs by 18%, or $13bn, as prices of cop- per plunged due to the Covid-19 cases for fi rst time in 2 months pandemic. The increase in cases has also prompted the head of the mu- nicipality to urge the president Reuters distancing and wear masks,” he The last day Thailand re- to have Freeport temporarily Bangkok said. corded no new cases was close the mine, local newspaper Thailand detected its fi rst March 9, but within two weeks Kompas reported. coronavirus case, a tourist from the daily numbers jumped to Operations at the mine how- hailand, the fi rst coun- China on January 13. Since then double digits and then to more ever, has not been disrupted, try outside China to it has recorded a total of 3,017 than 100 a day. Riza Pratama, a spokesman for Tdiscover a case of the infections and 56 deaths. That sharp escalation Freeport Indonesia said. new coronavirus, reported no Taweesin said areas that were prompted the government to “(Production) is on target and new daily cases for the fi rst still most at risk included Bang- order the closure of shopping our operations are as per normal, time in two months yesterday kok and surrounding provinces, malls, restaurants, gyms and but we continue to monitor the as the government considered as well as southern Thailand, other businesses and to impose a situation, our employees and the easing more restrictions on where there has been a large 10pm curfew. community at our site,” Prata- businesses. number of cases in the past two Last week, as the number of ma said, adding that the com- “We all can be relieved but weeks. new cases fell, some of those re- pany has “several” unconfi rmed not complacent,” said Taw- Fuelling the rise in southern strictions were lifted, with busi- patients in isolation. eesin Wisanuyothin, a spokes- cases has been a cluster at an nesses such as hair salons and Indonesia reported its big- man for the government’s immigration detention centre in pet groomers allowed to open. gest daily rise in coronavirus in- Centre for Covid-19 Situation Songkhla province and in prov- The government is consider- fections earlier yesterday, with Administration. inces bordering Malaysia. Thai- ing reopening shopping malls 689 new cases, taking the total “We need to continue land’s neighbour to the south next week. It is expected to meet number to 15,438. Some 1,028 with the main measures... has had 6,742 coronavirus cases on Friday to decide on the easing People line up to collect goods donated by the public at a “Pantry of Sharing” in Bangkok yesterday, as people have died from the virus. wash hands, practice social and 109 deaths. of measures. community pantries around the country multiply amidst the coronavirus crisis. Lockdown market Myanmar’s army admits prisoner abuse after beating video emerges AFP locked in an increasingly bru- interrogator yanking his head back ternet blackout and off -limits to Yangon tal war with the rebels, who are by the hair as he punches him in journalists. fi ghting for more autonomy for the face, before another guard The government has also offi - ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. kicks him in the head. cially branded the AA a “terrorist yanmar’s military has Some security force members Scores have been killed, organisation”, meaning anyone conceded its troops interrogated the prisoners in a way hundreds wounded and some who contacts them for com- Mabused prisoners in “not in accordance with the law” 150,000 people have fl ed their ment could be charged under Rakhine State after a video of and action would be taken against homes since fi ghting erupted in Myanmar’s terrorism laws. soldiers battering blindfolded those responsible, the statement January last year. Human Rights Watch deputy detainees spread on social media said, without giving details on UN rights expert Yanghee Lee Asia director Phil Robertson - a rare admission of wrongdoing what punishments await. last month warned Myanmar’s called for the military’s “im- by a force often accused of acting The video, a rare window military should be investigated punity” to be the focus of a UN with impunity. into the operations of an army for possible “war crimes and Security Council discussion on The video, which emerged on routinely accused of abuses, crimes against humanity” in the Myanmar this week. Sunday, shows plain-clothed was shared tens of thousands confl ict. Myanmar faces charges of men punching and kicking of times, splitting opinion be- Lee accused the military of genocide at the UN’s top court, a the heads of handcuff ed and tween those outraged and people disappearing, torturing and kill- case brought after some 740,000 blindfolded detainees. defending the soldiers. ing dozens of AA suspects, as Rohingya Muslims fl ed to Bang- The fi ve detainees had been The families of the arrested well as blocking aid and stopping ladesh in a 2017 bloody military arrested on suspicion of being men deny they have any links to injured civilians from reaching crackdown in Rakhine. Arakan Army (AA) insurgents the AA. hospitals. The country denies the charges. and were being transferred to “He just works in a rice shop. Myanmar has denied the alle- Seven soldiers sentenced for Rakhine state capital Sittwe by He doesn’t know anything about gations, exchanging accusations killing a group of Rohingya were boat on April 21 when the inci- the AA,” Ni Ni, the mother of of abuse with the AA. freed from jail a year ago despite Stalls are seen at a market along a pedestrian area during a government-imposed lockdown as a dent occurred, according to the 24-year-old detainee Nyi Nyi It is impossible to verify the serving less time than two re- preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in Dhaka yesterday. army chief’s offi ce website. Aung, told AFP by phone. competing claims in northern porters imprisoned for exposing Myanmar’s armed forces are The video shows Nyi Nyi Aung’s Rakhine, which is under an in- the massacre. Fire destroys hundreds of Rohingya Cambodian offi cial says human rights shanties in Bangladesh camp ‘need to be put aside’ in drug war AFP fi re (to have broken out) in the Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar dis- Cox’s Bazar camps” to date, he said, adding trict, which includes Kutupalong. another 300 shanties, most of Some 740,000 of them arrived Reuters the campaign that has seen “When it is an anti-drug as CC1, has 9,500 inmates - them built with fl imsy tarpaulin in the South Asian nation in 2017 Phnom Penh 55,000 people arrested campaign, there is never a nearly five times its estimated oughly 10 people were in- and bamboo, had been damaged from Myanmar’s confl ict-ridden had led to torture and respect for human rights,” capacity, Amnesty said, calling jured as a fi re tore through by the fi re. Rakhine state, escaping a brutal caused dangerous prison Khieu Sopheak said. the overcrowding a dangerous Ra Rohingya refugee camp No casualties have so far been military clampdown. A Cambodian off icial overcrowding while fuelling “During the anti-drug campaign, breeding ground for disease in southeastern Bangladesh de- reported in Kutupalong, one of Experts and aid workers had yesterday defended an anti- corruption. human rights need be put aside, such as Covid-19. stroying at least 330 shanties, the world’s largest refugee camp, already warned that fi re could drug campaign that has been Amnesty cited interviews so it is clean,” he said. Nearly 60% of all inmates in offi cials said. he added. cause massive havoc in the over- decried as rife with abuses, with dozens of people who The spokesman denied, Cambodian prisons are held Local fi refi ghter offi cial Em- Bangladesh’s deputy refugee crowded camp settlement. saying human rights “need to described arbitrary arrests by however, Amnesty’s assertion on drug-related charges, the dadul Haq said the 330 rough commissioner Shamsud Douza “We have seen small fi re acci- be put aside” to fight drugs police and torture in prison that police made arbitrary rights group said. buildings, including homes and said the injured were taken to lo- dents earlier but never saw such that destroy families and fuel and drug treatment centres. arrests and solicited bribes Chin Malin, a spokesman at shops, in the Kutupalong Ro- cal hospitals for treatment. big devastation. Many people violent crime. Khieu Sopheak, a spokesman from detainees to keep them the Ministry of Justice, told hingya refugee camp were com- The UNHCR said it has mobi- were trying to make a living by The comments came in for the Ministry of Interior, out of prison. Reuters the government pletely destroyed in the fi re, lised an emergency response team running small shops. They are response to rights group acknowledged that human Cambodia’s prison population planned to announce which began at a gas cylinder shop to “help the aff ected refugees”. aff ected the most,” Rohingya Amnesty International, rights may have been violated has soared by 78% since 2017, measures to address prison “Ten people were injured in More than a million Rohingya community leader Abdur Rahim which said in a report that but defended the drug war. and its largest prison, known overcrowding next week. the accident. It’s the biggest live in the squalid camps in said. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, May 14, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Slowly but steady, China strives to make widespread virus testing the new normal

Reuters as a matter of personal health.” to the non-profi t Covid Tracking fi rms, schools and entertainment Since April 13, each Chinese made in April and May. Beijing fore they return to the offi ce. Shanghai While coronavirus tests can be Project. Even South Korea and providers to reopen after wide- province has been required to has 67 labs capable of process- Still, everyone who wants to get diffi cult to obtain in many coun- Germany, hailed for tested wide- spread testing. Hosts of popular provide daily reports on their vi- ing 48,000 tests a day. But other tested is being encouraged to do tries, China is rapidly expanding ly, were able to conduct roughly Chinese singing competition, rus testing eff orts, and a stringent less well-off provinces including so. Chinese e-commerce giants eijing resident Wang their availability and aff ordabili- 20,000 and 120,000 tests a day, Singer 2020, invited 251 audience nationwide regime of screening, Yunnan and Guangxi are playing Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Yukun was happy to com- ty, enabling the masses – not just respectively, at their peak. members to record a live show testing and quarantine has seen catch-up, opening new labs in JD.com allow people to book ap- Bply in April when the con- frontline workers, people from Major Chinese cities and last month after testing them. case numbers fall sharply since recent weeks. pointments via their widely used struction fi rm he works for told hard-hit areas or the sick – to get provinces have published lists of It is also laying the ground- peaking in mid-February. And with testing compul- platforms, and companies often him he’d need to take a test for tested. China is able to produce hundreds of hospitals and clinics work for mass testing eff orts, Even so, China has refrained sory only for certain categories waive the fees for workers. the novel coronavirus before he 5mn test kits a day, the coun- now authorised to perform tests should the need arise. Wuhan, from making testing mandatory of people, decisions are mainly One taxi company based in could come back to work, even try’s industry ministry said last and are expanding laboratory ca- the epicentre of China’s corona- for all people. Daily, country- left to companies or individuals. Guangzhou sent all 14,000 of its though he was at low risk of hav- month. pabilities to allow people to ob- virus outbreak, plans to conduct wide testing data is not pub- A source from a Hunan-based drivers for tests at the request of ing the disease. “My company While China has not tallied tain their nucleic acid test results nucleic acid testing across the lished, and the ramp up of testing state-owned steel mill that em- the government. arranged it and covered the test how many daily tests are being in a few hours. city of 11mn after a cluster of new capability has been uneven. ploys around 80 people said they “This given to the drivers for fee. carried out nationally, its ca- Some local governments have infections emerged, sources said. Hubei, Guangdong, Zhejiang were initially asked to take a test free,” said Kuang Yali, head of The process was less time- pacity is far greater than other added the tests to basic medical China began pushing for wide- and Heilongjiang, which have only if they lived near a con- Guangzhou Baiyun Car Rental consuming than I imagined,” countries including the United insurance schemes, helping to spread testing in April as con- a combined population of over fi rmed case. Group’s publicity department. he said, recalling how he got his States, which has conducted cover costs which range from 60- cerns about the potential asymp- 267mn, are together able to con- However, colleagues who “This is to give the drivers assur- negative result the next day. “I around 300,000 tests daily on 270 yuan ($8.50-$38). tomatic patients spreading the duct at least 321,000 tests a day, travel outside the province are ance, and to also put passengers think everyone should be tested average in recent days, according The easy access has helped virus rose. according to statements they now asked to take a test be- at ease.” S Korea sticks with Chinese city of Jilin on virus lockdown rollback despite high alert for Covid-19 nightclub outbreak

AFP Jilin’s vice mayor Beijing Reuters sports centres. Seoul city offi - warned yesterday Seoul cials did introduce a new policy that the situation requiring people to wear protec- northeastern Chinese tive face masks during peak hours city has partially shut its was “extremely outh Korea health authori- on the subway from Wednesday. Aborders, cut off transport severe and ties said yesterday they Around 20,000 people have links and closed schools after the Shad no immediate plans to been tested since the cluster was emergence of a local coronavi- complicated” and reinstate strict social distanc- fi rst revealed last week, Seoul rus cluster that has fuelled fears “there is major ing rules despite a fresh corona- mayor Park Won-soon told a about a second wave of infec- virus outbreak in the capital of media briefi ng, including thou- tions in China. Jilin, with a pop- risk of further Seoul. Offi cials have scrambled sands geolocated by cellphone ulation of more than 4mn, sus- spread” to trace and test thousands of data. pended bus services yesterday people over the past week after More than 1,200 of those peo- and said it will only allow resi- city announced yesterday that a cluster of new infections linked ple were foreigners, Park said, dents to leave the city if they have schools that had reopened in re- to nightclubs and bars in Seoul’s prompting the city to send out tested negative for Covid-19 in cent weeks would have to shut Itaewon district raised fears of a automated text messages in Eng- the past 48 hours and complete again, with students returning to second wave outbreak. lish asking people to be tested. an unspecifi ed period of “strict online learning. Offi cials have linked at least The confi rmed infections include self-isolation”. Final-year high school stu- 119 cases of Covid-19 to the co-workers, family members and All cinemas, indoor gyms, dents across Jilin province re- night spots, which had just reo- students of the clubgoers. Park Internet cafes and other en- turned to campuses on April pened as part of the country’s expressed concern the young, closed entertainment ven- 7 after months at home, while move to ease lockdown meas- mobile demographic of most of ues must shut immediately, some younger students had been ures to jumpstart its struggling the infected could expand the and pharmacies must report scheduled to resume classes this Police off icers in protective suits are seen in front a closed entrance to a train station in Jilin, China. economy. outbreak. all sales of fever and antiviral week, according to CCTV. Vice Health Minister Kim “This is very worrisome,” he medicines, the local govern- Meanwhile, Jiaohe, another Gang-lip said bringing back the said. Authorities in Incheon, ment said in a statement. area of Jilin city, put out an ur- social distancing rules was un- a city west of Seoul, said they The city is located in the epon- gent call for all attendees of a likely as long as the daily number were considering fi ling a crimi- ymous province of Jilin, which wedding connected to one con- of new cases remained below 50 nal complaint against one in- borders Russia and North Korea. fi rmed case to alert local au- and offi cials were able to trace fected clubgoer who they said A cluster of infections was re- thorities and isolate themselves 95% of all infections. did not disclose to offi cials that ported in the suburb of Shulan at home immediately. “For now, we will still monitor he worked at a private school. over the weekend, with Jilin’s One patient confi rmed yes- how the current transmissions Investigators traced the man’s vice mayor warning yesterday terday had recently driven two go and review whether we should movements using his cellphone that the situation was “extreme- wedding photographers to Jiao- reconsider our distancing poli- data and determined that he ly severe and complicated” and he, where a celebration was being cy,” Kim told a media briefi ng. worked at a school where fi ve “there is major risk of further held in a hotel, the local govern- The Korea Centers for Disease students and one instructor have spread”. ment said in a social media post Control and Prevention (KCDC) since been confi rmed to be in- The city recorded six new yesterday. reported 26 new cases as of mid- fected. cases yesterday, all linked to the China has largely brought the night Tuesday, with 21 tied to A student privately tutored by Shulan cluster, bringing the total virus under control, but it has the Seoul nightclub outbreak. the man and the student’s moth- number of cases connected to a been on edge about a potential That was slightly lower than the er also tested positive, according local laundry worker to 21. second wave as it has lifted lock- tally reported in the previous two to Incheon city offi cials. “If there Shulan shut down public downs across the country. days. The outbreak prompted of- are more cases where people give transport including trains leav- The emergence of new cases fi cials to re-shutter some night- inaccurate accounts, the gov- ing the city on Sunday. Jilin in Wuhan in recent days, after clubs and bars as well as delay ernment cannot take proactive city, the second-largest in Jilin weeks without fresh infections, the planned reopening of schools measures, we can’t prevent the province, also suspended train has prompted a campaign to by a week, but the government spread of secondary and tertiary services from its main railway test all 11mn residents in the city has stood by its decision to ease infections, and our entire society station yesterday morning, state where Covid-19 fi rst emerged broader restrictions by reopen- can fall back into danger,” Kim broadcaster CCTV reported. The late last year. A staff member wearing protective gear speaks with a truck driver at an exit of a highway in Jilin. ing offi ces, public facilities and said.

Church fined Australians told to ‘maintain for selling bleach as virus cure Young sumo wrestler A church in Australia has been vigilance’ as restrictions eased fined for unlawfully advertising a purported “miracle” coronavirus cure that contains a bleach product, the Therapeutic Goods dies of virus in Japan Reuters Images on social enjoy their newfound freedom. Administration said yesterday. Sydney media showed Australia hopes to remove most The medical regulator said MMS of the restrictions imposed in Australia had received 12 fines AFP Shobushi, the wrestler, was turned Melbourne March within three months in an totalling A$151,200 (US$98,000) Tokyo ustralians need to stay on attempt to get nearly 1mn people for promoting its “Miracle away by several hospitals before finally guard against new out- residents braving back to work. Mineral Solution” (MMS), which being admitted to a Tokyo hospital on Abreaks of the novel coro- cold and wet Despite the relatively swift re- the TGA said contained a high 28-year-old sumo wres- the evening of April 8 after he started navirus as mobility restrictions weather to enjoy sumption of economic activity, concentration of sodium chlorite tler died in Japan yesterday are eased this week, authorities Australia is facing its biggest eco- — a chemical used as a textile Aafter contracting corona- coughing up blood said, as the death toll rose to 98 their newfound nomic contraction on record with bleaching agent and disinfectant. virus and suff ering multiple or- yesterday. unemployment seen doubling to MMS Australia is a chapter gan failure, becoming the ancient Hakkaku, who uses a single name, March in Osaka, took place with- Australia is one of the most freedom almost 10% by June. However, of the US-based Genesis II sport’s fi rst Covid-19 fatality, the said the news was devastating. out spectators, with wrestlers successful countries in its han- Treasurer Josh Frydenberg expects Church of Health and Healing, national association said. “We cannot fi nd any words to say surrounded by just a handful of dling of the pandemic, with about state, on Friday, Premier Gladys a rapid economic recovery once which is subject to a US Justice Shobushi, a lower-ranking when we think about the broken judges in the empty arena. 7,000 cases and the average daily Berejiklian warned residents to the lockdown rules are eased. But Department injunction preventing wrestler belonging to the Taka- hearts of his family. But it was broadcast live on increase sliding to just 0.14%. But not let their guard down. “It is growth will be constrained as bor- it from selling or distributing its dagawa stable in Tokyo, died early “It must have been so very national TV, where viewers could the coronavirus crisis would be a important for us to all take pre- ders will be kept closed and do- own version of MMS containing yesterday after battling the dis- painful to fi ght the disease for hear sounds normally drowned “marathon, not a sprint”, Philip cautions because there will be mestic travel prohibited in some the bleach product chlorine ease for more than a month. over a month but, like a sumo out by the crowd, including wres- Gaetjens, secretary of the De- many more people out and about, parts of the country. dioxide. A website purportedly He developed a fever over April wrestler, he persevered and en- tlers slapping their bellies and partment of the Prime Minister and out and about for recreation A wave of skilled migrants has linked to the Genesis II Church 4-5 but had trouble contacting dured, fi ghting to the very end,” scraping their feet on the clay and Cabinet, told a parliamentary as opposed to other reasons,” Be- swelled Australia’s population has listed testimonials claiming — the local public health offi ce be- Hakkaku said. “We only wish that ring. Some rituals were amended, committee as it began looking rejiklian told reporters. in recent years, stoking property without evidence — that MMS can cause phone lines were constantly he rests in peace now,” he added, including the traditional ladle of into Australia’s response to the “We should feel very fortunate prices that have been a key cata- cure everything from Alzheimer’s busy, the Sumo Association said thanking medical workers for water that a winning wrestler of- epidemic. we are in this position as we ease lyst for economic growth. Num- to malaria. Australia’s TGA said it in a statement. their care. fers to the next in the ring. New South Wales state, of restrictions ... but it also means bers of short-term holidaymakers had fined the church because it He was then turned away by A handful of low-ranking There are usually six tourna- which Sydney is capital, recorded we have to maintain our vigilance have also increased as a weaker was “concerned about the harmful several hospitals before fi nally wrestlers and trainees as well as ments across Japan each year six new cases overnight after none and get tested if we have the mild- dollar lured visitors, from China eff ects that can be caused by the being admitted to a Tokyo hospi- a sumo stable master have tested and the association says it hopes on Tuesday, with three linked to est symptoms.” in particular. ingestion of MMS”. “There is no tal on the evening of April 8 after positive for the virus in Japan. to hold the one following this community transmission. The In Victoria state, where lock- Data released yesterday showed clinical, scientifically-accepted he started coughing up blood, it The outbreak has also forced month’s cancelled basho behind death toll rose after an 81-year- down laws are being eased to al- the number of overseas arrivals in evidence showing that MMS can added. An initial coronavirus test the association to cancel its up- closed doors. The coronavirus old woman who contracted the low small dinner parties, fi shing April 2020 fell 99% compared cure or alleviate any disease,” the there came back negative but he coming tournament, which had outbreak in Japan has been small- virus on the Ruby Princess cruise and hikes, new cases rose by seven with last year. Citing diffi culties regulator said. then tested positive on April 10 been scheduled for this month. er than in many countries, with ship died overnight. on Wednesday after 17 the previ- with travel, Australia’s corporate “The use of MMS presents serious after being transferred to another A basho has only been cancelled around 16,000 cases and 668 With some restrictions on ous day. Images on social media regulator said companies now health risks, and can result in hospital, where he was placed in one other time in over half a cen- deaths confi rmed so far, but the movements set to be lifted in New showed Melbourne residents had an extra month to lodge their nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and intensive care on April 19. tury, in 2011, over a bout-fi xing government has declared a state South Wales, the most populous braving cold and wet weather to fi nancial results. severe dehydration.” Sumo association chief scandal. The spring basho, held in of emergency nationwide. Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 13 BRITAIN/IRELAND Property market could fall 13%, experts predict

Guardian News and Media edly wider than usual. The post-lockdown market anticipated a fall of 7% in 2020, downward pressure through to mortgage valuations will rely on the unemployment rate in com- London At one end is the Centre for Eco- will be a buyer’s market, said more than its earlier forecast of the summer it is likely to be lim- homeowners being comfortable ing months, the level of con- nomics and Business Research, Jonathan Hopper of Garrington 3%. ited,” the agent said. with measures put in place to struction activity and the avail- which predicts that 2020 prices Property Finders, as he forecast Its analysis suggested pric- The reopening of the hous- protect their safety.” ability of mortgage fi nance. conomists and housing will be down by 13% “as a lack of falls of 10% nationally and 15% es had already fallen 5% since ing market will unlock a lot of Savills expects short-term The type of housing buyers are experts are forecasting transactions, high uncertainty and in some areas. March, with a further downtick stalled transactions, said Lucian price falls of between 5% and seeking may also change. EUK-wide price falls of up falling incomes take their toll”. “Areas with a more resilient to come. Cook, Savills’ head of residential 10%. The lockdown has prompted a to 13%, with “brutal” declines in But the estate agent Savills jobs market should see values “Our view is that as the market research. Underpinning the market are surge in the numbers of would- some areas, as the property mar- said the hit to the market could hold up better, but elsewhere the reopens in the next two months, But he added: “We expect historically low interest rates, be homebuyers planning to move ket struggles to rebuild during be more like 5%, and a third of price correction could be more the 5% fall in values we have seen newly agreed deals to take time with the Bank of England base out of the city to a rural area, or the coronavirus crisis. valuation surveyors are predict- brutal,” he said. since late March will be revealed to rebuild as buyers gradually rate at just 0.1%. But forecasters smaller town, as people con- The range of forecasts from ing that price falls may be lim- Knight Frank, in a revised in achieved pricing – and while rebuild confi dence. More imme- are also weighing up large num- clude home working is here to the major researchers is mark- ited to 4% or less. forecast issued this week, said it there could be some further diately, things like viewings and bers of imponderables, such as stay, Savills said.

Blundering dentists Fishing fun pull hundreds of healthy teeth

Hundreds of patients have had the wrong teeth removed by bungling dentists, a study has Adams illegally found. Many have lost perfectly healthy teeth as a result of the blunders. Researchers warn that attempts to tackle the problem appear held during to have failed and the total may be much higher than off icial figures suggest. Wrong tooth removal is classed by the NHS as a ‘never event’ – something that should never Troubles, rules happen, such as leaving surgical equipment inside a patient’s body. Pulling out the wrong tooth accounts for up to one in four surgical ‘never events’. Researchers from the University Supreme Court Dental Hospital of Manchester looked at tooth removals in Guardian News and Media government knew there had been TD for Louth in the Irish Dáil England from 2015-2019. London a procedural irregularity in rela- until February, was not present Over the four-year period, tion to the detention of Adams at the supreme court hearing in dentists extracted almost 150 and other republicans who tried to London last November. healthy teeth by mistake. he former Sinn Fein leader escape with him from the heavily The case was heard by fi ve Most of these blunders oc- Gerry Adams was interned guarded internment camp. justices including the lord chief curred in hospital, where Tillegally at the height of A note dated July 17, 1974, re- justice of England and Wales, patients had extractions under Northern Ireland’s Troubles corded a meeting held by the Lord Burnett. general anaesthetic. because the wrong minister ap- then Labour prime minister, Ha- Kerr, a former lord chief justice Just 17 were removed by primary proved his detention order, the rold Wilson, called to consider of Northern Ireland, presided. care dentists, according to results supreme court has ruled. “an urgent problem which the Adams was fi rst interned in published in the British Journal of His two convictions for at- attorney general had brought to March 1972 and was released in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In tempting to escape from the his attention”. June that year to take part in se- 2015-16 there were 33 accidental Maze prison in the 1970s have The note explained that “fol- cret talks with the Conservative extractions and in 2018-19 there also been quashed by the UK’s lowing a recent attempt to es- government in London. were 42, the study found. highest court. cape by four prisoners (a refer- More than 1,900 suspects Researcher Dr Mike Pemberton The unanimous decision fol- ence to Adams and others) from were interned in the early years said the true numbers are likely lows a hearing in London last year the Maze, an examination of the of the Troubles as violence spi- to be much higher because at which lawyers for the 71-year- papers concerning those pris- ralled out of control. reporting systems are ‘complex old challenged the way he was oners revealed that applications Those held were overwhelm- and obtuse’. held under emergency legislation. for interim custody orders con- ingly nationalists or republicans; Around 45,000 extractions a year Delivering judgment, Lord cerning three of them had not not all were members of para- are carried out by dentists in the Kerr said: “We hold that the been examined personally by military organisations. UK – at a cost of over £200mn. power (to make a detention or- the previous secretary of state Adams was rearrested in July Payouts for dentists’ errors can der) should have been exercised for Northern Ireland during the 1973 in Belfast and taken to the range from £1,000 to £40,000 by the secretary of state and that Conservative administration. Maze, also known as Long Kesh depending on the scale of the therefore that the making of the “It now appeared that the detention centre. blunder. Most mistakes happen interim custody order was invalid (previous) Conservative admin- On Christmas Eve 1973 he was due to poor communication since the secretary of state had istration had left both tasks to one of four detainees caught at- between dental staff or a failure not himself considered it. junior ministers in the Northern tempting to break out. A hole to check X-rays. In consequence, Adam’s de- Ireland offi ce and, according to had been cut in a perimeter fence In 2019, a dental surgeon at tention was unlawful.” (the attorney general’s) informa- and all four men were already out Liverpool University Dental Adams, who has always de- tion, there might be as many as of the prison. Hospital was suspended for nied being a member of the IRA, 200 persons unlawfully detained His second escape attempt, in eight months after he took out was taken into custody under in Northern Ireland.” Adams’s July 1974, was a more elaborate the wrong tooth and lied to his article 4 of the Detention of Ter- order had been signed by a min- scheme involving kidnapping a bosses about it. rorists (Northern Ireland) Or- ister of state. man who had a striking resem- Dr Michael Patrick Winston, der 1972, which covered anyone The director of public prosecu- blance to him from a bus stop in who had 30 years’ experience, whom the secretary of state for tions for Northern Ireland, who west Belfast. wrongly claimed he had imme- Northern Ireland “suspected of was the respondent in the case, The man was taken to a house diately informed the patient of having been concerned in the successfully argued in the North- where his hair was dyed and he the slip-up. He failed to record commission or attempted com- ern Ireland courts that the Carl- was given a false beard, the lower the error in the patient’s medi- mission of any act of terrorism”. tona principle – based on a 1943 courts in Belfast were told. cal notes and encouraged a The regulations required that test case – allows that “where His double was driven to the dental nurse to ‘be vague’ about the Northern Ireland secretary parliament specifi es that a deci- Maze where the plan was that he the matter if asked. be involved personally in making sion is to be taken by a specifi ed would be swapped for Adams in Dr Winston also failed to refer to any such decision. minister, generally that decision a visiting hut. an X-ray highlighting the tooth Documents released to the may be taken by an appropriate Prison staff had been alerted, that needed removing. A man fishes at Furzton Lake in Milton Keynes, Britain, yesterday. public records offi ce under the person on behalf of the minister”. however, and Adams was arrest- 30-year rule revealed that the Adams, who was a Sinn Fein ed in the car park of the jail. Rihanna rockets on to Repeat of Trident Sunday Times upgrade errors fl ayed Rich List pabilities – is completely unac- Daily Mail London ceptable. Guardian News and Media from a partnership with the McCartney, who bolstered his “The (defence) department London French luxury goods brand, wealth by approximately £50mn knows it can’t go on like this, it LVMH. after a sellout 29-date tour and a efence offi cials were blast- knows it must change and oper- Their cosmetics brand is val- bestselling children’s book. ed for the ‘unacceptable’ ate diff erently. The test now is to ihanna has staked a place ued at $3bn (£2.45bn), with Ed Sheeran, 29, remains the Drepetition of past mistakes see how it will do that, and soon.” near the top of the UK’s Rihanna having a reported 15% wealthiest young musician (un- which has led to £1.3bn being One of projects called Mensa Rannual music rich list af- stake worth £351mn. der 30) with his vast, multi-date wasted in a Trident upgrade. involves building a new nuclear ter moving to Britain last year, Robert Watts, the compiler sellout tours helping him amass The projects to improve the warhead assembly and disas- beating the likes of Mick Jagger, of the Sunday Times Rich List, a £200mn fortune. infrastructure supporting the sembly facility at the Atomic Elton John and Rod Stewart. said Rihanna’s inclusion typi- Watts expects a diffi cult 2020 nation’s nuclear deterrent are Weapons Establishment site at The 32-year-old singer, origi- fi es the “seismic change” that for artistes who, he says, are go- also running up to six years late, Burghfi eld, Berkshire. nally from Barbados, qualifi es has taken place at the top of the ing to be hit hard by the impact said MPs. The second is the building of for the list for the fi rst time af- list in recent years as those with of Covid-19, with live touring – The astonishing extra cost to a new facility at the Rolls-Royce ter her surprise move to London inherited wealth are usurped by which is the big earner for acts the public purse was blamed by site at Raynesway, Derby, to pro- and has an estimated fortune of younger self-made stars. as physical album sales dry up the Commons public accounts duce the latest nuclear reactor £468mn. “If you look through the yel- and streaming payments bring committee on avoidable errors core designs. Her wealth has been boosted lowing pages of the fi rst list in in paltry sums – coming to a and poor management. The third is a construction by the success of her Fenty cos- 1989, it looks like a rogues’ gal- halt. Costs for the three programmes at the BAE Systems shipyard at metics brand and other partner- lery of middle-aged and elderly “The cancellations of tours to upgrade ageing facilities were Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, ships such as her lingerie line, white men. It was earls, dukes and the pulling of albums mean originally put at £2.5bn. where the new Dreadnought as well as record sales from her and fi gures from manufactur- it will be a thin year,” he said.“We But, said the MPs, this sum class submarines will be built to eight albums. ing and fi nance,” he said.“Now expect most artistes’ earnings to has now soared by £1.35bn on top carry Trident missiles. Paul McCartney and Andrew money is being made in diff erent fl atline but not for them to nec- of the projects lagging behind The ministry of defence told Lloyd Webber remain the two ways, and by all sorts of diff erent essarily lose money, because the schedule by between 1.7 and 6.3 the MPs that it “immensely re- richest British or British-based people – like Rihanna.” bulk of their wealth is already years. grets” the amount of taxpayers’ musicians – both are valued at Lord Lloyd-Webber retains earned and safely in their bank Committee chairman Meg money which was wasted but £800mn. top spot despite the closure of accounts.” Hillier said: “To utterly fail to warned that the bill could esca- But Rihanna is a new entry at the West End and Broadway The rest of the Sunday Times learn from mistakes over dec- late even more. number three on the list, which having an estimated £20mn rich list, which details the wealth ades, to spectacularly repeat the The original estimate of the is a precursor to the annual rich impact on the composer’s of the 1,000 richest people in same mistakes at huge cost to cost of the upgrade was made by list that comes out on Sunday. wealth. Britain and is in its 32nd year, the taxpayer – and at huge cost the National Audit Offi ce earlier Much of her wealth comes He shares the top spot with will be released on Sunday. Rihanna: new entry at number three on music rich list. to confi dence in our defence ca- this year. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, May 14, 2020 BRITAIN

I would not get on a crowded bus or tube, says Shapps

Guardian News and Media However, he said there would enable enough space on public avoid going on that route.” to use the public transport sys- Asked why people could view is OK but this isn’t, in order to London be no policing of physical dis- transport for key workers, people Shapps said 44% of people tem. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today properties to buy or rent but gradually release things. And this tancing on tubes, trains or buses, who have no other option. It is travelling on public transport programme: “If we see the R (rate not see their families, he said a is where that line is at the mo- with the government instead re- very important that people don’t lived less than three miles from of transmission) number go up line had to be drawn “in order to ment.” rant Shapps, the transport lying on “gentle advice or exhor- overcrowd that system that will their workplaces and could po- again – particularly above one – gradually release things”. He also echoed Matt Han- secretary, has suggested tation” that people should avoid be extremely restricted for the tentially walk or cycle. we will have to take steps. “We must understand, we cock, the health secretary, who Ghe would not personally the busiest times and places. time being.” However, many in cities rely on We all know what that means. have done so well in the last eight said on Tuesday that big summer get on a crowded bus or tube, fol- “We are asking people to be Asked by BBC Breakfast public transport and are coming It means going back to staying at weeks we cannot throw that holidays abroad were looking lowing busy scenes this week very sensible and not fl ood back whether he would personally go under increasing pressure from home.” all away, and so these are baby unlikely. “Right now, you can’t after Boris Johnson encouraged to public transport. Even with all on a packed bus or tube, Shapps employers to return to their jobs. The transport secretary was steps,” he said.“If someone visits travel abroad. If you are booking people to get back to work. the trains and buses back to run- said: “No. People should try to Shapps said for those who “ab- also pressed on inconsistencies a home (for sale), that’s likely to it then you are clearly, by the very The cabinet minister urged ning when they are, there will not avoid that. solutely need to travel wearing a in the government’s guidelines be a one-off , if you are starting nature, taking a chance on where people not to “fl ood back” on to be enough space. One in 10 peo- “There are a lot of extra staff face covering may be helpful”. for getting people back to work to visit your family again, that’s the direction of this virus goes public transport, saying walking, ple will be able to travel without marshallers being organised at He also warned that the gov- when they were still barred from likely to be many more times. and therefore where the travel cycling or cars should be consid- overcrowding,” he told Sky News. train stations and bus inter- ernment would have to “take mixing with friends and family in “Somewhere there has to be advice is in the future,” Shapps ered instead. “It is very important that we changes to try to advise people to steps” if too many people tried other households. a line drawn where we say this said. Work and exercise curbs ease in England

AFP in east London, people — some London with face coverings but many without — were seen queueing during rush hour. eople living in England were Elsewhere, full double-decker yesterday allowed to leave buses were seen plying the streets. Ptheir homes, including to go Citizens are also able to drive to work, in the fi rst stage of an eas- to the countryside, play tennis ing of the seven-week coronavirus or golf, see one friend in a public lockdown. space or visit a garden centre. The partial lifting of restric- But they must at all times re- tions comes despite concern over main six feet away from other Britain’s death toll from the virus people, risking a £100 fi ne if they — the second highest in the world break the rules. — and confusion about the new Llanymynech Golf Club, which rules. spans the border between Eng- The Offi ce for National Statis- land and Wales, was fully booked Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons in London yesterday. tics says more than 36,000 peo- yesterday after reopening under ple have died and mortality rates the English relaxation of meas- remain high in care homes, de- ures. spite an overall downward trend in “I’ve not noticed anybody not cases, deaths and hospital admis- abiding by the rules,” club secre- sions. tary Sian Whiteoak said noting The offi cial government toll, they had put up signs and given which does not include all care members copies of the guidelines. home deaths, stands at over She said players were excited Labour attacks Johnson 32,000. to be back playing again — joking The health ministry announced that some spouses were also re- another 494 deaths yesterday in lieved. its latest daily update, a dip on the “Quite a lot of spouses are previous day’s fi gure. pleased their partners are getting Prime Minister Boris Johnson back to playing again, whether has urged millions unable to work they are gents or ladies, judging by over care home deaths from home to return to their jobs quite a lot of comments.” under the new guidelines, which Meanwhile garden centres were Guardian News and Media parisons of Covid-19 deaths now in care homes ahead of the general was withdrawn on March 13. give us the government’s views on do not apply in Scotland, Wales or adopting a similarly cautious ap- London the UK had the highest number of lockdown. And what we’ve seen is Starmer asked Johnson whether these unexplained deaths?” Northern Ireland. proach, posting signs and limiting fatalities in Europe and the second a concerted action plan to tackle he agreed with the reported view Johnson did not reply to the Transport Minister Grant customer numbers, as they saw a highest in the world. what has unquestionably been an of a hospital doctor that govern- question, saying only that Cov- Shapps said those returning to brisk trade. oris Johnson has been ac- Opening his questioning, appalling epidemic in care homes.” ment policy had “seeded” the id-19 was “an appalling disease the workplace to “cycle or walk” if “For the last six or seven cused by Labour of not Starmer noted new fi gures indi- Johnson said it was “absolutely epidemic in care homes by trans- which affl icts some groups far possible. weeks we’ve done nothing else Bknowing the government’s cating that 40% of all UK coro- true that the number of casualties ferring Covid-19 patients from more than others”. “We are asking people to be but potter about the garden,” advice on coronavirus after he told navirus deaths had taken place in has been too high”, but he insisted hospitals. Starmer replied: “The prime very sensible and not fl ood back said Stuart Coomber, visiting Keir Starmer at prime minister’s care homes, and he asked why it the government was reversing the Johnson said discharges into minister says that solving the to public transport,” he told Sky his local store in Kent, southeast questions that it “wasn’t true” was that until March 12 the main trend on deaths in care homes. care settings went down in March problem in care homes is cru- News. of London. that the care home sector had been government advice was that it Starmer responded: “I’m sur- and April and that testing had been cial, but that can only happen if “Even with all the trains and “(I) want some plants to fi ll a advised it was unlikely to face an remained “very unlikely” that prised the prime minister queries done. Pressing the prime minister the numbers are understood, and buses back to running when they new fl ower bed up, and obviously outbreak. people in care homes could be af- the advice of his own government about offi cial death statistics re- therefore I was disappointed that are, there will not be enough get out of the house for fi ve min- In a tricky series of exchanges fected. up to March 12.” leased on Tuesday, Starmer asked the prime minister didn’t have an space.” utes.” in the Commons, Starmer put “Does the prime minister accept Labour later published a link to a him to explain why there appeared answer to the pretty obvious ques- But in London, traffi c was heav- The government — already on Johnson under intense pressure that the government was too slow government web page on Covid-19 to be 10,000 more deaths than av- tion as to what are those 10,000 ier and Transport for London said the back foot about the extent of to explain the extent of care home to protect people in care homes?” advice to the care sector, which erage in April, even beyond those unexplained deaths.” passenger numbers on the under- testing and providing protective deaths. the Labour leader asked. says it was “very unlikely that any- offi cially attributed to the virus. Labour later announced that ground were up 8.7% up on the equipment — has come under fi re Johnson also declined to say why Johnson said: “No, and it wasn’t one receiving care in a care home He said: “Now I know the gov- Starmer had written to the prime same time last week. for sending “mixed messages” the government had stopped pub- true that the advice said that. Ac- or the community will become ernment must have looked into minister asking him to correct the At Canning Town train station about reopening at this stage. lishing daily international com- tually, we brought the lockdown infected”. The page says the advice this.So can the prime minister record. Three-day-old baby dies Furlough scheme hit as mum catches virus

Guardian News and Media University, who published a study by 800 ‘fraud’ cases London this week with her colleagues analysing data from 427 pregnant Guardian News and Media take action to ensure compliance money from the government women admitted to UK hospitals London with the relevant rules, regula- is really impacting my mental three-day-old baby died in with Covid-19. tions and legislation that govern health. hospital after his mother “The challenge is we don’t have the UK taxation systems. “If I don’t work I lose my job Acontracted coronavirus, an the exact information we need yet he government has re- “We value all the information and cannot pay my bills. If I re- inquest has heard. on how and whether the virus can ceived nearly 800 reports provided to us by members of port the company now, and the Coolio Carl Justin Morgan is be transmitted to babies,” Knight Tof suspected fraud of its the public aimed at helping us government stops paying my thought to be the youngest victim said. job retention scheme, launched achieve that goal”. company, I might be the reason of the virus. She explained there are two less than a month ago. Dishonestly making a false people don’t get paid,” she said. His mother tested positive for possibilities: “Either the virus The tax authority, HMRC, representation to HMRC with Another worker in the retail the disease before giving birth. could be passed on to babies when which is responsible for oversee- the intention of obtaining a pay- industry said his employer con- The baby, whose parents are they are in the womb and we’ve ing the furlough scheme under ment under the furlough scheme tinued to request he carried out from Maesteg in south Wales, got no evidence as yet to suggest which the government pays 80% is an off ence of fraud. tasks while on furlough. But, he was born with a low heart rate at that can happen. The other pos- of the wages of those who cannot Any company director found said: “I’ve stayed fi rm and not the Princess of Wales hospital in sibility is if mum has an infection work because of the coronavirus guilty of abusing the system completed the tasks for fear of Bridgend. at the time she gives birth and it’s lockdown, said it was assess- could face up to 10 years impris- not being eligible for the fur- The inquest at Pontypridd cor- passed eff ectively from contact ing the fraud reports and anyone onment and unlimited fi nes. lough scheme.” oner’s court heard he was trans- with mum.” with further information could Those who assist in the fraud A woman employed in the arts ferred to Singleton hospital in She added: “We don’t know make a report online. could face similar punishment. sector said she felt blackmailed Swansea but died on May 5. the answer about either of those. The government hotline for The Guardian has received re- into working, despite knowing The primary cause of death was What we do know is that it eff ects reporting fraud is currently not ports from at least 10 members it was against the law.“I could given as severe hypoxic ischemic a very small number of babies.” operating, because the vast ma- of the public who say they have lose my job by not working. Col- encephalopathy, meaning the Knight’s study suggests the big- jority of HMRC staff are working been asked to work while on fur- leagues could be complicit in brain was starved of blood and gest issue for newborns is not them from home and it is not possible lough. fraud for continuing to work as oxygen. getting infections themselves, but to divert such calls to their mo- A fi nance worker told the they’ve been scared into doing,” Maternal Covid-19 was listed as if the mother gets an infection in bile phones. Guardian she had been given the she said. a secondary cause of death. late pregnancy, she might need to HMRC said it was “committed impression that if she didn’t work One woman, in digital mar- Scientists don’t yet have a de- have an early birth.“There have to ensuring the tax systems we she would be fi red.“Knowing keting, said she’d been asked to Delivery men are seen outside a reopened McDonald’s with take-out fi nitive answer on how the virus been more problems reported be- operate are used fairly and effi - that my company is fraudulent- work as normal, despite being on only deliveries in Dalston, following the outbreak of the coronavirus is transmitted to newborns, said cause a baby has been premature ciently, and where necessary will ly making us work while taking furlough. disease, London, yesterday. professor Marian Knight of Oxford than having the virus.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 15 EUROPE Merkel urges Germans not to jeopardise coronavirus achievements

Reuters battered by a lockdown that stands and masks are required everyone of us,” the chancellor Germany’s coronavirus repro- Then, she said, it will be pos- “The goal is, if the occurrence Berlin started in mid-March, is being on public transport and in most told the Bundestag lower house duction rate – R0 (R-nought) – sible for the economy to recover, of infections allows it – I want to closely watched after managing shops. of parliament, adding Germans which Merkel says must remain jobs saved and for people to be say that again – that from June to keep its death rate lower than Merkel, a trained physicist would be living with the pan- below a critical threshold of 1 to protected. 15, border controls in the Schen- hancellor Angela Merkel other countries despite having a whose scientifi c approach to the demic for some time yet as there avoid an overburdening of the One big step along that path is gen area can be completely elimi- has urged Germans not high number of cases. crisis has been praised, has con- was still no eff ective treatment or health system, fell to an estimat- to re-open the borders in Europe, nated,” Merkel said. Cto endanger what they Shops, schools and factories sistently urged caution in the face vaccine. ed 0.94 on Tuesday from 1.07 on which would help commuters, Germany has 171,306 con- have achieved so far in slowing have started up again, and some of intense pressure from some “It would be depressing if we Monday. families and tourism. fi rmed coronavirus cases, the the spread of the coronavirus by borders will begin to re-open this state premiers and business who have to return to restrictions Merkel told Germans to re- Earlier, Interior Minister Horst Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for rushing back to normality too week. have pushed for a faster relaxa- that we want to leave behind us turn to offi ces, schools, cafes and Seehofer outlined a gradual eas- infectious diseases, said. fast. But the rule of keeping a dis- tion. because we want too much too sports clubs while keeping a dis- ing of border controls from Sat- A total of 7,634 people have Europe’s biggest economy, tance of 1.5m from others still “Corona remains a danger for soon,” Merkel said. tance and washing their hands. urday. died. Russian woman, EU seeks open European aged 100, beats borders to save tourism Covid-19 Reuters/DPA AFP Brussels/Berlin Moscow

he European Union pushed ussia celebrated a rare bit yesterday for a gradual re- of good news yesterday Topening of borders within Ras a 100-year-old woman the bloc shut by the coronavirus, left a Moscow hospital after fully saying it was not too late to sal- recovering from Covid-19, the vage some of the summer tourist disease caused by the coronavi- season while keeping people safe. rus. The EU’s executive Commis- In the country’s fi rst reported sion urged a return to “unre- case of a survivor that old, the stricted free movement” within woman, Pelageya Poyarkova, Europe, with plans that include was discharged on her 100th requiring face masks on airplanes birthday, the Moscow clinic and social distancing on trains. treating her said. “Our thoughts are now turn- Russian television showed the ing toward summer and to the elderly woman wearing a face places that we love to travel,” said mask and clutching a bouquet Margrethe Vestager, a Commis- of red roses as she exited in a sion deputy heads who presented wheelchair, surrounded by doc- the proposals. “That means tak- tors and journalists. ing gradual, careful steps to help Poyarkova had contracted the travel restart in line with what virus from a fellow patient at science tells us.” another hospital where she had The proposals were praised by been receiving routine treat- tourism industry groups as a fi rst ment. step to help save their businesses, Travel agency workers stand After testing positive and de- but are non-binding on the bloc’s next to suitcases decorated veloping several symptoms she 27 member nations. with protest posters in front of was transferred to the Moscow The EU’s external borders Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Brain Centre, which normally would remain closed for non- specialises in stroke victims but essential travel at least until mid- Right: An employee of has been repurposed to treat June. environmental services public coronavirus patients. European countries that have company Veritas is seen pulling The hospital said Poyarkova experienced severe disruption to a trolley loaded with garbage on was the fi rst Russian centenar- fi ght some of the world’s worst a street on the normally bustling ian to have fully recovered from outbreaks appear in no hurry to Cannareggio district of Venice. the virus. let in large numbers of visitors. “She turned out to be a tough Two Spanish foreign ministry old lady,” the hospital’s acting sources told Reuters that Spain director Vsevolod Belousov said plans to keep its borders closed to on Russian television. most travellers from abroad until She did not require intensive July. care and had standard treatment Many Europeans have already with blood-thinning drugs, he cancelled their holiday plans. said. “We were all set to take the Born in Moscow, the eld- kids to Spain and Italy this sum- erly woman now lives with her mer. But not now, it’s too risky daughter and son-in-law. even if it is allowed,” said Jean- Her husband was killed in Paul, a 57-year-old Frenchman, World War II, leaving her to care who has frozen hotel reserva- for her young child alone, the tions he now hopes to use with hospital said. his family in 2021. “For now, we’ll Russia has now reported stay close to home and just enjoy 242,271 cases of coronavirus some cycling, walking and fi sh- and is the world’s second worst- ing instead.” aff ected country after the United Europe’s museums, beaches States in terms of number of in- and plazas have been virtually fections. empty since mid-March under The coronavirus is especially a near-blanket travel halt that dangerous for older people and has destroyed jobs, pulverised those with chronic conditions. the airline and hospitality sec- tors and undermined Europe’s Vienna treats cherished principle of free move- ment. citizens with €50 Travel accounts for around vouchers as 10% of the EU economy. View of the deserted main street in the old historic area of Mostar, A child plays on the beach in La Baule, western France, as it reopens after France eased lockdown The Commission’s propos- Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is usually crowded with tourists. measures taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. eateries reopen als require airlines and airports to insist passengers wear masks, vouchers for cancelled fl ights or bly leading to a reintroduction staggered reopenings with Swit- extend the controls beyond this days, until June 12, the Interior All 950,000 households in Vienna and reorganise check-ins, drop- holidays to be valid for at least of confi nement measures,” the zerland, Liechtenstein and some Friday, when they are set to ex- Ministry said in a statement. will receive vouchers to help off s and luggage pickups to avoid a year, with protection against Commission said. eastern European countries. pire. The EU’s external borders will restaurants and cafes get back crowds. bankruptcies, so people will ac- European governments are But some of the biggest tourist Croatia expects to open bor- stay shut for travellers on non- on their feet after a two-month They would not require that cept them instead of demanding pressing ahead with their own destinations are in the hardest hit ders with Slovenia within days, essential trips until June 15, pro- coronavirus lockdown, mayor middle seats be left empty on refunds from cash-strapped air- plans to reopen at diff erent countries, including Italy, Spain and to other EU nationals no later vided the 27 member states stick Michael Ludwig announced planes, a measure some airlines lines and travel fi rms. speeds. and France, which are opening up than June 15, Health Minister to the commission’s advice from yesterday. say would make profi table fl ying It said people should be able Some are promoting domestic carefully. Gari Cappelli told state broad- last week. The city will foot €50 ($54) for impossible. to stay in hotels, eat in restau- tourism. Spain and others are moving caster HRT yesterday. In Berlin yesterday, travel every home where several people “This looks like good news,” rants or go to beaches – though it Already, the three Baltic states towards imposing a two-week Many restrictions are to stay in agency owners protesting to de- live together, and €25 for single said Toni Mayor, president of a stressed the situation would have have decided to reopen borders quarantine period for travellers place for the coming weeks. mand more government support households. hotels’ association in Spain’s Va- to be monitored to prevent a new to each others’ citizens from May arriving from abroad, even as In agreement with France, for their clients drove buses past The food and drink vouchers lencia region which includes the surge in infections. 15, creating a “travel bubble”. they ease lockdowns at home. Switzerland and Austria, the the Brandenburg Gate, embla- are valid from tomorrow, when major package holiday destina- “Until a vaccine or treatment Austria and Germany plan to Within Europe’s “Schengen” Germany has decided to extend zoned with banners. catering businesses are allowed tion Benidorm. “If this combines is available, the needs and ben- fully reopen their border on June area, where borders are normally border closures with those coun- Hamburg airport tweeted a to reopen. with less pressure from the vi- efi ts of travel and tourism need 15. invisible, at least 17 nations have tries, initially set to expire this video showing socially distanced However, the city said it would rus, as it seems ... we might just to be weighed against the risks That will help Austria’s tour- imposed border controls. weekend, until June 15. protesters at a terminal with suit- not foot the bill for alcohol. be able to half-save the summer of again facilitating the spread ism industry, which relies heavily Germany’s border to Luxem- Poland has decided to extend cases on carts displaying signs “We are fighting for every season.” of the virus that may result in on German visitors. bourg will be the fi rst to open up, border controls with most Eu- saying: “We travel agents won’t business and every job,” said the The commission also wants a resurgence of cases, possi- Vienna is also working on after a decision was made not to ropean countries by another 30 leave our clients out in the rain.” social democratic mayor, who is campaigning for re-election in the municipal election in October. Tens of thousands of people work What pandemic? Most German doctors see workload decrease in more than 9,000 restaurants and cafes in the Austrian capital, creating annual revenues of around €1.4bn. DPA cians have noticed their work- sions to the emergency room. able to clock off on time every tensive care beds for coronavirus for non-coronavirus patients. The €40mn voucher scheme Berlin load decrease during the crisis, “At the same time, the number day. patients, the German govern- They were divided on what the comes on top of the Austrian the poll by medical workers’ un- of patients with Covid-19 in hos- Germany has avoided a se- ment has since said that capacity future holds in terms of the pan- government’s €500mn stimulus ion Marburger Bund found. pitals has been lower than initial- vere spike in novel coronavirus can increase for regular opera- demic, with 44% worried that package for the restaurant ost doctors in Germany Around a quarter reported no ly feared,” it said. infections, which have totalled tions and hospital services again. Germany’s health service could industry. have had less work to do change, while 18% of doctors said Marburger Bund chairwoman more than 171,100 cases over the More than two-thirds of those still be overwhelmed, while just Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Msince the coronavirus they had noticed an increase. Susanne Johna pointed to one course of the crisis, including who were surveyed by the doc- under 42% did not share that unveiled the package on Monday, pandemic began, according to a The union put the trend doctor as an example, who said over 7,600 deaths, according to a tors’ union said that they sup- concern. announcing tax cuts on soft study released yesterday. down to a drop in the number of that after more than a decade dpa tally. ported measures to get hospitals Fourteen per cent said they drinks and sparkling wine, as well Fifty-seven per cent of physi- planned operations and admis- years in the job, he was fi nally After reserving half of all in- back up and running as normal were not sure. as on business meals. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, May 14, 2020 EUROPE Oceans may rise over 1m by 2100, 5m by 2300

By Marlowe Hood, AFP the planet’s coastlines, they re- perature has risen just over 1C Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), While less visible than cli- survey to give “policymakers an lost some 6.4tn tonnes in mass. Paris ported in a peer-reviewed survey since the pre-industrial era, including a special report on mate-enhanced hurricanes or overview of the state of the sci- Over the last decade, the sea of more than 100 leading experts. a widely used benchmark for oceans it released in September. persistent drought, sea level rise ence”, a statement said. level has gone up about 4mm per About 10% of the world’s pop- measuring global warming. “The IPCC tends to be very may ultimately prove the most Across the 20th century, sea year. ceans are likely to rise as ulation, or 770mn people, today “It is clear now that previ- cautious and conservative, which devastating of global warming level rise was caused mainly by Moving into the 22nd century, much as 1.3m by 2100 if live on land less than 5m above ous sea-level rise estimates have is why it had to correct itself impacts. melting glaciers and the expan- however, the waterline could rise OEarth’s surface warms the high tide line. been too low,” co-author Stefan upwards already several times,” Indeed, it is the extra centi- sion of ocean water as it warms. ten times faster, even under an another 3.5° Celsius, scientists Even if the Paris climate treaty Rahmstorf, head of Earth system Rahmstorf said. metres of ocean water that make But over the last two decades optimistic greenhouse gas emis- have warned. goal of capping global warm- analysis at the Potsdam Insti- Sea-level projections in the storm surges from ever-stronger the main driver has become the sions scenario, the IPCC has said. By 2300, when ice sheets ing below 2C is met – a very big tute for Climate Impact Research IPCC’s landmark 2014 Assess- tropical cyclones so much more melting and disintegrating of The Greenland and West Ant- covering West Antarctica and “if” – the ocean watermark could (PIK), told AFP. ment Report were 60% above destructive, experts say. Earth’s two ice sheets. arctic ice sheets hold enough Greenland will have shed trillions go up 2m by 2300, according to a The new projections for both those in the previous edition, he Benjamin Horton, acting chair Greenland and West Antarcti- frozen water to lift oceans about of tonnes in mass, sea levels could study in the journal Climate At- the 2100 and 2300 horizons are noted. of the Nanyang Technical Uni- ca are shedding at least six times 13m. go up by more than 5m under that mospheric Science. signifi cantly higher than those A new Assessment Report will versity’s Asian School of the En- more ice today than in the 1990s. East Antarctica, which is more temperature scenario, redrawing Earth’s average surface tem- from the UN Intergovernmental be fi nalised by end 2021. vironment in Singapore, led the From 1992 through 2017 they stable, holds another 50m worth. France passes Russia records 10,028 legislation against online new coronavirus cases hate AFP Use of ventilators tied to hospital fi res is halted Moscow Russia’s healthcare regulator has ordered a halt to the use of ventila- tors believed to have caused two fires at coronavirus hospitals that DPA ussia reported more than left six people dead. Paris 10,000 new coronavirus The federal regulator Roszdravnadzor “has halted the use on Russian Rcases yesterday, continu- territory of ... Aventa-M ventilators produced from April 1, 2020” by a ing a grim trend that has seen company in the Urals, which is a subsidiary of the state conglomerate he French National As- the country register the world’s Rostec. sembly adopted a contro- second-highest number of in- The devices were used to treat patients in hospitals in Moscow and Tversial law yesterday that fections. Saint-Petersburg, where the fires broke out, a statement said. will require major online plat- Health offi cials reported The fire in Moscow’s Spasokukotsky hospital killed one person last forms to remove hateful or illegal 10,028 new cases over the last week, while a blaze in a medical facility in Saint Petersburg on Tues- content within 24 hours of it be- 24 hours, bringing Russia’s total day left five dead. ing reported. number of infections to 242,271. Russia’s deputy prime minister overseeing healthcare, Tatiana The assembly, where Presi- Health Minister Mikhail Mu- Golikova, said on Tuesday that investigators were looking into the dent Emmanuel Macron’s cen- rashko told parliament that more circumstances of the fires. trist supporters have a large ma- than 100,000 patients are now Rostec said last month its factories would produce 6,711 ventilators to jority, adopted the text by show hospitalised with confi rmed or treat virus patients, though it was not clear how many of these were of hands despite opposition suspected coronavirus, a jump the Aventa-M model. from the right-wing and radical from the fi gure of 80,000 he Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said yesterday that about 1,500 left opposition, who warned it gave on Friday. virus patients are currently on ventilators. could lead to excessive censor- Nearly 1,500 patients are cur- In Saint Petersburg, governor Alexander Beglov said the hospitals ship by private fi rms. rently on ventilators, the minis- were suff ering a shortage of ventilators. The law “aims to induce re- ter said. sponsibility in the creators of An unoffi cial list of deaths [online] platforms, who cannot among medics started by a virus hospitals in Moscow and the latest high-profi le political disclaim all responsibility by group of Russian doctors listed Saint Petersburg that left six fi gure to get infected. arguing that the tool they them- 174 names as of yesterday, in- people dead (see accompanying She said that she had no selves have created is uncontrol- cluding some from neighbour- report above). symptoms and added she hoped lable”, Justice Minister Nicole ing Belarus. The Kremlin this week be- to get back to work soon. Belloubet argued. Some medical workers have gan easing a national lockdown President Vladimir Putin’s A “few moments on Twitter, complained of shortages of pro- to slow the spread of the virus, spokesman Dmitry Peskov and YouTube, or Facebook will suf- tective gear and said medics are despite a steady rise in numbers Prime Minister Mikhail Mishus- Members of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia) detain a man in front of a supermarket in fi ce to come across provocation dying at a higher rate in Russia that on Tuesday brought Russia tin earlier tested positive and Moscow. To avoid an escalation in the number of infections, the city authorities have made it mandatory to racial hatred and homopho- than elsewhere. to second place in a global tally were hospitalised. to wear gloves and a mask on public transport, shops and other pubic places, on pain of a fine of 5,000 bic, sexist, racist or anti-Semitic Murashko acknowledged on- of infections, behind only the Peskov’s wife, Olympic ice roubles (about €63). insults”, she said. going “disruptions” in supplies United States. dancer Tatiana Navka, who has Under the legislation, Internet of personal protective equip- A majority of Russia’s new also tested positive, wrote on demic, with 96 new deaths and hospitals for virus patients and But critics have cast doubt platforms over a size to be set by ment for medics, while he said cases were registered in the Instagram that she was already a total of 2,212 dead from the launch a vast campaign to test on the fi gures, accusing the au- decree will face large fi nes unless those working in “red zones” capital, a government virus tal- recovering but “it’s a bit more coronavirus as of yesterday. and quarantine those infected. thorities of under-counting by they withdraw any such material with infected patients now have ly said, where Moscow Mayor complicated for my husband”. Authorities say the low mor- Health Minister Murashko blaming virus-related deaths on within 24 hours of it being re- enough. Sergei Sobyanin has extended a Despite the steady rise in new tality rate is because Russia was said low fatalities were “thanks other causes. ported to them by any user. Yesterday Russia’s healthcare lockdown until the end of May. cases, Russia’s reported mor- able to learn lessons from the to our hero medics”. Murashko said that Rus- They will have just one hour to regulator ordered a halt to the Prominent lawmaker Oxana tality rate is signifi cantly lower experiences of western Europe, Authorities on Monday said sia was working on developing withdraw incitement to terror- use of ventilators believed to Pushkina said she tested positive compared to other European moving quickly to isolate travel- they had carried out nearly 6mn vaccines and clinical tests are ism or child pornography where have caused two fi res at corona- for the coronavirus, becoming countries hit hard by the pan- lers and people at risk, convert tests. planned to start in June. instructed to do so by authori- ties. Italians who buy a new bicycle to get France’s offi cial National Consultative Commission on up to €500 from government Human Rights has criticised the French Academy says Covid-19 is feminine draft legislation for creating a The Italian government will off er a 70% subsidy, capped at €500 disproportionate risk of censor- ($540), for people who buy a new bicycle or electric scooter or sign ship. AFP “The use of the feminine that causes it: “le” coronavirus. The “Offi ce quebecois de la up to bike and scooter sharing services. The opposition-dominated Paris would be preferable,” the Acad- It explained that Covid-19 was langue francaise” also recom- Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said yesterday that the Senate voted to remove the fi nes emie Francaise (French Acad- an acronym for coronavirus dis- mends its feminine use, and the measure would be part of a forthcoming €55bn stimulus package for failure to withdraw user- emy) said in a directive published ease, and that in French, the core Royal Spanish Academy has is- for Italy’s coronavirus-stricken economy. reported content, but has now n French, every noun has a on its website under the category word in an acronym is what gives sued similar guidance, citing the Speaking via video conference to journalists from the Foreign been overruled by the lower gender, and that includes the “faulty use”. it its gender. same grammar rationale. Press Association, De Micheli said the decree would be approved house. Idisease caused by the novel “It is perhaps not too late to In this case, disease, which is a The members of the French “between today and tomorrow”. coronavirus. give this acronym back the gen- feminine “la maladie” in the lan- academy are mostly elderly men The subsidy will be limited to residents of larger cities with at least Covid-19 is feminine – to be der it should have.” guage of Moliere. who wear an ornate uniform and 50,000 inhabitants, and is aimed at supporting green mobility in Court clears man used with the article “la” not “le” The academy deplored the use The World Health Organisa- a sword and are known as the Italy’s post-lockdown phase. – according the offi cial guardian of the masculine “le Covid-19” tion (WHO) has long referred to “immortals”. The minister noted that due to social-distancing requirements, far charged with of the French language, which in the media and general conver- Covid-19 as “la”, and in Canada, Only last year did the conserv- fewer people will be able to take buses and trains, forcing them to aiding migrants has urged an end to the wide- sation in France, saying that the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ative academy open the door to consider alternative ways of commuting like cycling. spread practice in France of re- disease had wrongly been attrib- government websites and the feminine versions of professions The government is also planning changes in the highway code to A French court has scrapped ferring to it as masculine. uted the same gender as the germ media use the feminine form. such as doctor and teacher. make it easier for local authorities to create new bike lanes. all charges against a man who helped migrants enter the country illegally, the final chapter in a groundbreaking case that defined so-called “crimes of Merkel cites ‘hard evidence’ that Russian hackers targeted her solidarity”. Cedric Herrou, an olive farmer in southern France who helped about 200 migrants cross the AFP to spy on lawmakers or leading tions in diff erent arenas – from US presidential election. border from Italy, was given a Berlin politicians. annexing Ukraine’s Crimea, to In a clear warning to Rus- four-month suspended sentence German media reported that cyber meddling in elections and sia that their activities would in August 2017. among information copied by its backing of Bashar al-Assad’s not go unpunished, Merkel also He had brought the destitute erman Chancellor Ange- hackers in 2015 was data from government in Syria. pointed to last year’s killing of a migrants home and set up a la Merkel voiced frustra- Merkel’s e-mail account. The rogue operation that tar- former Chechen commander in camp for them. Gtion yesterday that Rus- That attack also targeted the getted the Bundestag in 2015 a Berlin park. He was also convicted of sia was targeting her in hacking Bundestag. involved an aggressive attack The shock 2019 murder has sheltering some 50 Eritreans in a attacks, saying she had concrete Merkel said investigators into called Sofacy or APT 28 that had badly bruised ties between disused railway building. proof of the “outrageous” spy- the 2015 hacking had identifi ed a also struck North Atlantic Trea- Moscow and Berlin, and Ger- France’s Constitutional Council ing attempts. specifi c suspect. ty Organisation (Nato) members man prosecutors have already later said Herrou’s actions were “I can honestly say that it “Unfortunately the conclu- and knocked French TV station said they have evidence the kill- not a crime under the “principle pains me. Every day I try to build sion I have reached is that this TV5Monde off air. ing was carried out on behalf of fraternity” as enshrined in a better relationship with Russia is not new,” she said, noting that According to Spiegel maga- of Russian or Chechen state France’s motto “Liberty, Egality, and on the other hand there is “cyber-disorientation, the dis- zine, hackers managed to com- agents. Fraternity”. such hard evidence that Russian tortion of facts” were all part of pletely copy two of Merkel’s “It of course disrupts a co- The council, which evaluates the forces are doing this,” she told “Russia’s strategy”. e-mail accounts containing operation of trust and you know validity of French laws, ruled that parliament. “Obviously this doesn’t make correspondence dating between that in connection with the people cannot be prosecuted for Calling such cyber-attacks it easier” to foster a better re- 2012 and 2015. murder ... we applied sanctions, “crimes of solidarity”. “more than uncomfortable”, lationship with Moscow, she German media have also in this case, expulsions (of Rus- In December 2018, the Cour de Merkel raised the spectre of said, calling such spying tactics named the suspect as Dmitry sian diplomats),” said Merkel. Cassation – France’s court of final sanctions if such rogue activity “more than uncomfortable”. Badin, who is also wanted by the “We now have the task of appeal – overturned Herrou’s did not stop. Merkel has always stressed US Federal Bureau of Investiga- fi nding the wanted suspect, but conviction and sent the case back Germany’s intelligence serv- the importance of dialogue with tion (FBI) for other cyber-at- of course we always reserve the to the appeals court in the city Merkel: Unfortunately the conclusion I have reached is that (the ice has repeatedly called out Russia, even while making clear tacks, including those targeting right to take measures – also of Lyon which voided all charges Russian hacking) is not new. attempts by Russian hackers her disapproval of Moscow’s ac- the Democrats during the 2016 against Russia, to be clear.” yesterday. Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 17 INDIA Small businesses get boost in new bailout plan

DPA ing collateral-free loans worth ries of measures to infuse much- Sitharaman said more meas- Modi hailed the announcements Tax returns date extended to Nov 30 New Delhi $40bn would be off ered to mi- needed liquidity into domestic ures would be announced in the made by the fi nance minister. cro-, small- and medium-sized companies, power distribution coming days. “Today’s announcements by enterprises. companies, non-banking fi nan- The economic package is built FM @nsitharaman will go a long In a major relief for taxpayers, more money into the taxpayers’ mall- and medium-sized A total of 4.5mn such busi- cial institutions, as well as mi- around what the government way in addressing issues faced by the government yesterday an- hands, the government also businesses would get a nesses would stand to ben- cro-fi nance and housing fi nance calls the “Self Reliant India” businesses, especially MSMEs. nounced that the date for filing reduced the TDS (tax deduction Sboost under a newly un- efi t from the measure and “can companies. campaign to promote domestic The steps announced will boost income tax returns has been at source) rates for non-salaried veiled economic stimulus pack- resume business activity and A $12bn infusion of liquid- industry and products. liquidity, empower the entrepre- extended from from July 31 to specified payments made to age, part of eff orts to minimise safeguard jobs,” she said. ity was being provided for power “The measures will spur neurs and strengthen their com- November 30 and tax audit residents, and the TCS (tax col- the damage caused by the Cov- The defi nition of such com- companies facing unprecedented growth and build a self-reliant petitive spirit,” the prime minis- from September 30 to October lection at source) rates by 25% id-19 pandemic. panies has also been changed to cash-fl ow problems, she said. India,” Sitharaman said. ter tweeted. 31. Finance Minister Nirmala for the specified receipts. “The Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensure more businesses can take Retirement fund contributions “The intention is to build lo- India’s strict lockdown, which Sitharaman also announced that reduction in TDS/TCS rates is announced a $266bn relief pack- advantage of the benefi ts. for private employers have also cal brands and make them world began on March 25, has had a se- all pending refunds to charita- useful as it would put that much age, amounting to approximately In another measure to spur been reduced by 2% for the three class. It’s not about looking in- vere economic impact, with tens ble trusts and non-corporate more cash in the hands of re- 10% of India’s gross domestic businesses, bids for smaller gov- months, which should increase wards and cutting India into be- of millions of poor Indians and businesses and professions, cipients of those payments and product, on Tuesday. ernment procurement projects take-home salaries. coming an isolationist country. migrant workers hit the hardest. including proprietorship, part- that’s the whole purpose of the Finance Minister Nirmala will only be open to Indian com- The measures announced ac- It’s about a confi dent India that India has reported more than nership co-operatives would be package,” said Daksha Baxi OF Sitharaman gave more details panies. count for about $80bn in the contributes to the globe,” she 74,000 coronavirus infections issued immediately. To provide Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. about the plan yesterday, say- Sitharaman also detailed a se- package. added. and more than 2,415 deaths. Covid-19 tally touches 74,281; death toll 2,415

IANS jasthan (4,126), Madhya Pradesh New Delhi (3,986) and Uttar Pradesh (3,664). In Chennai, offi cials said the higher rate of testing has resulted ndia yesterday reported 3,525 in an increased number of positive new cases of Covid-19, tak- cases. As of yesterday, a total of Iing the total number of cases over 266,000 samples have been 74,281. sent for testing, the Health De- The death toll also climbed to partment said. 2,415, the federal Health Ministry For the past several days, Tamil said. Nadu has been testing over 11,000 Maharashtra reported a new people a day. high of 54 deaths, of which Mum- Health Minister C Vijayabaskar bai accounted for a record 40. said Tamil Nadu tests the highest The number of positive cases number of people per day in the across the state also achieved a country. new single-day spike of 1,495. “It is not possible to prevent the The state’s death toll has spread of a contagious virus. What now shot up to 975 and the total is possible is to delay its rapid number of coronavirus patients spread. If that is done diligently, increased to 25,922. hitting the peak could be further Passengers arriving by various trains walk outside the railway station in New Delhi yesterday. Mumbai’s Dharavi slum con- delayed or the peak may not be tinued to be a major hotspot and achieved,” K Kolanda Swamy, who a headache for the authorities, recently retired as director of Pub- notching 66 new cases, taking the lic Health and Preventive Medi- total number of patients to 1,028, cine, told IANS. and 40 deaths so far. According to the Health De- There were six deaths in Pune, partment, the spike in the number two each in Jalgaon, Solapur and of Covid-19 cases outside Chennai Aurangabad, and one each in Pal- is attributed to ‘Koyambedu Clus- Train passengers stuck ghar and Ratnagiri. ter’ – those who had business/ Mumbai also recorded its fi fth worked in/visited the vegetable and the state its eighth police vic- market, or their contacts. tim when a 57-year-old policeman In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala of Navi Mumbai succumbed to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Covid-19. Over 1,000 policemen said the state has reported 10 more have tested positive and several Covid-19 positive cases, taking at Delhi railway station thousands more are in quarantine the total number of people under around the state. treatment to 41. IANS ing, while the New Delhi-Thiru- they were clueless on how to get nouncement that tenants don’t The railways has issued a time- Gujarat has 8,903 cases and “Of the 10 new cases, four re- New Delhi vananthapuram special Rajdhani home from the station, while need to pay the rent, we were table for trains between May 12 Tamil Nadu 8,718. Gujarat also turned from the Middle East while departed at 11.15am. some decided to walk to their forced to pay.” and 20. These daily, weekly or reported 537 deaths and Madhya two came from Chennai,” Vijayan An offi cial said all the passen- destinations. Bhelji Bhai, who is travelling bi-weekly trains will run between Pradesh 225. said in a Facebook post. our special Rajdhani Ex- gers underwent thermal screen- No offi cial travel arrangements back to Gujarat along with his New Delhi and all major cities At least 7,639 people in Delhi Meanwhile in Karnataka, two press trains which departed ing before they were allowed to from the government were made wife and a small child, said: “I across the country, including Di- have been infected with the highly Covid patients, a 60-year-old man Ffrom diff erent cities arrived exit the station. to take the passengers from the paid Rs500 for an auto- rickshaw brugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, contagious virus. from Kalaburagi and a 58-year-old in the national capital yesterday The Delhi government on station. ride from Raghuvir Nagar area to Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Other states which have report- woman from Dakshina Kannada, morning, while one train left for Tuesday had said that passengers Meanwhile, many complained New Delhi. Earlier, we used to pay Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chen- ed more than 3,000 cases are Ra- succumbed to the virus. Thiruvananthapuram from New without coronavirus symptoms they were being over-charged by Rs200 for the same distance.” nai, Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi. will not be quarantined and be private taxis and auto-rickshaws. A student said as no public Madgaon, Mumbai Central, However, in the absence of allowed to go home. A doctor who gave his name transport was available, fi nding Ahmedabad and Jammu Tawi. public transport, many passen- Those with “mild symptoms” only as Faheem, who was travelling a taxi or an auto-rickshaw was a Also yesterday, seven South gers were stranded outside the will be asked to undergo “home back to Chennai from Delhi, told tedious task. Western Railway (SWR) zone railway station with their lug- quarantine” while symptomatic IANS”: “The taxi charged us over Tanveer Ahmed, a resident of special trains ferried 10,059 mi- gage. passengers will be Rs650 for 10km distance. Earlier Srinagar, said, “We are travelling grant workers back home to fi ve According to Northern Rail- However, in the absence of we only paid around Rs 200 from back to Jammu. We paid Rs700 states, an offi cial said yesterday. way offi cials, the Ahmedabad- public transport, a large crowd Gautam Nagar area of Delhi to the to the private taxi to drop us till The special trains are being New Delhi, Rajendra Nagar Ter- gathered outside the railway sta- New Delhi railway station.” New Delhi railway station from organised following the Ministry minus-New Delhi, Howrah-New tion with luggage and children, Narrating his ordeal, he said, Sangam Vihar area.” of Home Aff airs granting permis- Delhi and Mumbai Central-New often fl outing social distancing “I used to stay in a paying guest Several others walked to the sion for the movement of strand- Teachers wearing facemasks evaluate the Higher Secondary Delhi special Rajdhani Express norms. to prepare for a test. But, de- railway station as there was no ed migrant labourers, workers, examination papers at SRV School in Kochi yesterday. trains arrived yesterday morn- Many people complained that spite the Delhi government’s an- public transport available. students, tourists and others. Vulnerability index identifi es Pregnant woman walks districts most at risk in India for 6 days to reach home IANS Meanwhile, an 85-year-old IANS “Post collating the scores of to individuals such as co-morbidi- Jaipur woman weighing just 22kg in Odi- New Delhi diff erent variables, we arrived at a ties and age are widely recognised, sha’s Jajpur district has emerged ‘Vulnerability Index’ score for each people generally have a limited un- victorious in her battle against the district. The index highlights that derstanding so far of other factors, at t was a tough trail for a nine- coronavirus, infusing hope for oth- esearchers have developed there is a stark diff erence between a community, demographic and/or month pregnant woman who ers fi ghting Covid-19 in the state. a Covid-19 vulnerability the number of reported cases and environmental level, and may result Iwalked 196km from Ahmeda- The woman was admitted to Rindex to identify where in the actual vulnerability of com- in higher risk of infection. bad with her husband, a one-year- hospital after getting infected with India are people more at risk of munities in these districts,” Di- According to a global research, old and a two-year-old daughter the dreaded virus. infection due to socio-economic pankar Bhattacharya, Knowledge there are 15 indicators that aff ect for six days to reach her home in Her battle continued for 12 days factors like low income or educa- Catalyst at Swasti, said in a state- the vulnerability of Covid-19 in- Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh. before she could defeat the disease tion levels, demographic factors, ment. fection – socio-economic factors No one took pity on her as leading to her discharge from the health and hygiene variables and Moderate vulnerability is seen like low income or education lev- she crossed several districts and hospital yesterday, offi cials said. environmental dimensions. in the northern districts of Kar- els, demographic factors such as checkposts. zUnable to visit home due to the Most of the districts in Bihar, nataka, eastern Maharashtra, Te- population density and urbanisa- However, at Dungarpur check- lockdown, a 20-year-old house- Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, langana, Andhra Pradesh and the tion, health and hygiene variables post, some people seeing her maid jumped from the 15th fl oor of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh eastern districts of Tamil Nadu, like anaemia levels or practising plight, stopped her and off ered her an apartment building in Hydera- and Gujarat, and adjoining dis- according to the fi ndings released handwashing, and environmental food and transportation to help bad and died yesterday, police said. tricts in Rajasthan and Mahar- yesterday. dimensions including temperature her reach her hometown. According to the police, the ashtra showed high vulnerability The districts of Kerala, Himach- and relative humidity. “This woman, with her family, woman was depressed over not scores, according to the study by al Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, According to the study by Swas- including husband and two ba- being able to go home in Krishna Swasti, a not-for-profi t public Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and ti, these variables, taken together, bies, reached Dungapur checkpost district of Andhra Pradesh due to health organisation. most districts of the northeastern could account for 74% of the vari- on Monday evening. The staff at the lockdown. The districts with higher vul- states show relatively low vulner- ation in vulnerability to infection. the location was stunned to see A week ago she received infor- nerability scores are typically ability scores, it added. “The objective of the study is to her feeble condition as she looked mation about her sister’s delivery. characterised by poor socio-eco- The researchers hope that using minimise the impact of the pan- quite tired and lacked energy. She spoke to her mother and told nomic conditions, chronic pov- this and similar analyses, it can be demic and to do that it’s critical Soon a team of doctors from a her she she wanted to return home erty, and weak health systems. predicted where it is most critical that we use our understanding of nearby medical checkpost arrived to see the newborn. High-vulnerability districts are to keep transmission rates low and relative vulnerability to comple- to review her condition. “But her mother told her to stay those where Covid-19 is likely to focus on strengthening health sys- ment available data on exposure to A store worker fills the tray of a robot with food items in Coimbatore Later they arranged an ambu- in Hyderabad as she will not be spread rapidly, while also remain- tem capacity. infection,” said Angela Chaudhuri, yesterday. The robot has been designed by V Karthi to help maintain lance to take the family to their able travel due to lockdown re- ing undetected for longer periods. While the risk factors that apply Partner, Swasti. social distancing while shopping for basic commodities. hometown. strictions,” said an offi cer. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, May 14, 2020 INDIA

PETITION JUDICIARY ANNIVERSARY DECISION INVESTIGATION Top court allows Karti Crisis an opportunity to Naidu, Birla visit Central Opposition slams Goa NIA off ers reward for info to withdraw Rs10 crore use technology: judge Hall of parliament hike in water, power tariff s on Abdul Mateen Taaha

In a relief for Karti Chidambaram, the Supreme Supreme Court judge Justice D Y Chandrachud Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha The Goa government yesterday hiked water and The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court allowed the Congress MP to withdraw yesterday said that the unexpected arrival of the Speaker Om Birla visited the historic Central Hall electricity rates, citing the economic slowdown probing the Al-Hind Islamic State (IS) Bengaluru Rs10 crore, which he had deposited with the coronavirus pandemic has “given an opportunity of Parliament and the Lok Sabha and the Rajya triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, triggering module case yesterday announced a cash court registry as a condition for allowing him to to place the technological infrastructure of Indian Sabha chambers yesterday on the occasion of outrage from the opposition. The water and power reward of Rs3 lakh for wanted absconder Abdul travel abroad. A bench headed by Chief Justice judiciary on a robust basis”. Speaking at the 68th year of the first sittings of parliament. They tariff were increased by 50%. “After getting badly Mateen Taahaa. An NIA spokesman said that S A Bobde and Justice L Nageswara Rao heard e-inauguration of virtual courts for settling traff ic were accompanied by ministers Prahlad Joshi, hit by #CovidLockdown & #EconomySlowdown Taahaa, 26, a resident of Shimoga in Karnataka, the petition through video conference. The violations captured on cameras, Chandrachud Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan. Common Man waiting for ‘Relief’ is rewarded is wanted in the case that the agency registered court told Karti he would have to appear before said, “The pandemic has descended on Earlier, Birla congratulated the people on the with “Hikes in Tariff ”.Demand @goacm should this year. The NIA had taken over the probe the Enforcement Directorate and the Central us without any notice but it has given us occasion and said it was a momentous day immediately rollback increase in Water, Diesel & from the Karnataka police. According to NIA Bureau of Investigation which are investigating an opportunity to place the technological for Indian democracy. It was on May 13, 1952, Liquor tariff s,” Congress leader Digambar Kamat off icials, the case relates to IS-linked terror him in the INX Media and Aircel-Maxis infrastructure of the Indian judiciary on a robust that both houses of parliament held their first tweeted. Another opposition MLA, Vijai Sardesai group formed by Mehboob Pasha, along with cases. Karti is facing several criminal cases basis. The question today is not whether we sittings after Independence, he said. Birla of the Goa Forward party, also condemned the Khaja Moideen and his associates involved in in connection with the Foreign Investment should adopt technology but how well do we underlined the strong roots of democratic hike. “Don’t drown local citizens & businesses with the murder of a Hindu leader in Tamil Nadu. Promotion Board clearance to INX Media for adopt technology.” The event was also attended traditions in India. He said Indian parliament increased taxes and rising prices. Increasing taxes The off icials said that Pasha conducted several receiving foreign funds of Rs305 crore when his by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D N Patel and had been playing a pivotal role in realising the on #Water, #Diesel at this stage is condemnable meetings in 2019 at his residence in Bengaluru father P Chidambaram was the finance minister. Delhi Police Commissioner S N Srivastava. cherished ideals of the constitution. and must be rolled back!” he tweeted. to hatch the conspiracy. States’ move on labour laws will hit workers’ rights: activists

Reuters cluding welfare funds or provi- from workers being asked to New Delhi sions for the health and safety of work longer hours during the women employees would also be lockdown or being denied leave waived in some states. to go home, said states could orkers in India are set Offi cials in the six states say have implemented softer meas- A migrant worker mother carries her daughter on her shoulder as she walks along a street in New Delhi yesterday. to face longer days and the measures will help local in- ures such as overtime provisions Wlower pay in a “race to dustries to bounce back and re- instead of suspending labour the bottom”, academics, activ- verse losses incurred during the laws. ists and unions said, as six states weeks of lockdown, and also lure India has 8mn modern slaves, plan to suspend labour laws to new investment. according to Australia-based help industry recover from the “This was done to improve Walk Free’s Global Slavery In- Poor face deadly threats from coronavirus lockdown. investment and labour employ- dex, and bonded labour is the Despite a spike in Covid-19 ment. We just want factories to most prevalent form of slavery in cases this week, India is looking restart,” said one state labour of- the country. to ease its seven-week lockdown fi cial, speaking on condition of Economists say even factories amid increasing pressure from anonymity. and shop fl oors in the formal heatwaves during lockdown business leaders and ordinary The federal labour ministry sector would start operating like people who say the strict curbs did not respond to a request for sweatshops if staff were working have destroyed the livelihoods of comment. 12-hour shifts without social se- Reuters “Vulnerable communities are The forecast prompted the hospitals already “struggling to millions of workers. Already, more than 90% of curity. New Delhi on the front lines of crises rang- National Disaster Management cope” with more than 67,000 Labour specialists warn, how- India’s 450mn strong labour And for workers already en- ing from extreme heat (and) cli- Authority (NDMA) last month to coronavirus infections. ever, that the decision of states force works in the informal sec- during poor conditions prior to mate change to Covid-19,” said issue special advice for dealing Srivastava urged states to to suspend federal and state la- tor with low wages and no social the lockdown, labour experts ith little access to air Anjali Jaiswal of the US-based with heat waves during the lock- launch Covid-19 specifi c heat bour laws enshrining workers’ security. fear things could get far worse. conditioners or parks Natural Resources Defense down. It created lists of guide- action plans to “reduce the ad- rights would push even more They have been hard hit by “In most of the unorganised Wduring the corona- Council (NRDC). lines for workers ranging from verse eff ects of heat waves”. people into the informal sec- the closure of factories, building sector, the work hours are by virus lockdown, India’s poor - “The risks of extreme heat are vegetable vendors to farm and “Since the majority of the peo- tor, drive down wages and erode sites and other workplaces. default 12 hours and now the from farmers to slum-dwellers deadly. Heat is not merely an in- construction labourers, police ple will be staying at home due to working conditions. Rahul Ahirwar, a construc- employer will extend it to 15,” - could face deadly threats from convenience, it kills,” she told the and traffi c offi cers. lockdown, ensuring power and “It’s not only regression, it’s a tion worker in Haryana - one of said Anoop Satpathy, faculty at heat waves this summer, climate Thomson Reuters Foundation. For example, it advised em- water supply during peak heat deep slide into a bottomless pit the six states that plans to ex- the V V Giri National Labour and disaster management ex- India’s virus lockdown - en- ployers to schedule strenuous days will be the priority,” he said. and a race to the bottom of la- tend the working day, said he Institute. perts have warned. forced beginning March 25 - jobs at cooler times of the day, Huge parts of India already bour standards,” labour econo- expected to work more hours for “This (suspension of laws) Crippling hea waves, drought quickly prompted tens of thou- and to increase the frequency endure a scorching, sometimes mist K R Shyam Sundar, a pro- less pay when he returned to his will push many to poverty,” said and water scarcity usually grip sands of poor migrant workers and duration of rest breaks for deadly, summer, and climate ex- fessor at the Xavier School of job, regardless of the labour law the former head of the labour India during the summer months to walk hundreds of miles back outdoor work - all while em- perts say the country is particu- Management, told the Thomson suspension. ministry’s panel on minimum of May and June. Authorities to their home villages in blazing ployees wear masks and main- larly at risk as global heat records Reuters Foundation. “We work 10 hours in any wages. regularly issue advisories on how heat, with scores falling ill or dy- tain social distancing. are set year after year. “Other states will imitate (the case,” he said by phone. While India’s 28 states can to keep cool, including advice ing along the way. Anup Kumar Srivastava, a Cities often face the worst six states),” he added. “It’s going to be diffi cult from make changes to the country’s to drink water frequently, fi nd The past decade has been In- drought and heat wave expert temperatures as heat is refl ected Under the planned labour law here on. Our employers have had labour laws, such moves can be shady spots and use fans. dia’s hottest on record, with ex- at the NDMA, said the agency off paved surfaces, and because suspensions announced so far, no income. How will they pay challenged in courts, according But following that advice treme heat directly killing about was working not only to contain of a lack of trees in some areas, working shifts in the six states us?” to parliamentarian Bhartruhari could be more diffi cult this year 350 people last year, according to Covid-19, but also to save people climate experts say. would be extended from eight Trade union leaders said state Mahtab, chairperson of the fed- with most of the country’s 1.3bn the national weather offi ce. Tem- from the “increasing intensity To beat furnace-like condi- hours to 12 hours for a three- governments had given busi- eral government’s committee on people trapped indoors as a re- peratures so far this year have hit and severity of heat waves”. tions, many people seek respite month period. nesses a green light to exploit labour. sult of a lockdown to try to stem 41 degrees Celsius in New Delhi. High temperatures can cause in air-conditioned public build- They also want to suspend workers. “Some of the changes being spread of the coronavirus. Parts in Rajasthan have re- dehydration, heat exhaustion ings, shops and malls, temples, legislation guaranteeing mini- “The new rules will create proposed may not hold up in the Conditions will be particu- corded temperatures of nearly and heat stroke, and worsen parks, gardens or under trees - mum wages and the formation more confl icts and increase slav- courts,” he said. larly harsh for the poor living 45C in recent weeks. chronic cardiovascular and res- areas known as “cooling spaces” of worker unions for up to three ery,” said Lenin Raghuvanshi, “No attempt should be made in small, cramped homes with Overall, the Indian Meteoro- piratory diseases. in the heat action plans. years, according to state docu- convener of non-profi t People’s to trample the rights of the no air conditioners, little ven- logical Department has predict- He said people who suff er But this year many people will ments seen by the Thomson Vigilance Committee on Human workers...industry does need to tilation and irregular water and ed a warmer-than-usual sum- such heat-related illnesses could not have access to those spaces, Reuters Foundation. Rights. restart and therefore a balanced power supplies. mer between April and June. be a challenge for overstretched experts warn. Social security benefi ts in- Raghuvanshi, who has heard approach is the need of the hour.”

Protest against security forces LG Chem sends team Telangana-Andhra water to probe Vizag gas leak row back on centre stage Agencies were evacuated following the Visakhapatnam leak styrene gas. IANS proposals on diverting water from cannot plan or initiate any addi- District offi cials said the gas Hyderabad the Godavari to the Srisailam res- tional diversion of water without leaked from the plant a day af- ervoir across the Krishna river. consulting Telangana, which is outh Korea’s LG Chem ter it revived operations after While there has been no dependent on water from Sri- said yesterday that it had a 40-day gap due to the lock- dispute brewing between progress on this, the decision of sailam to provide drinking water Ssent a delegation to In- down. Andhra Pradesh and Te- the Andhra Pradesh government to Hyderabad and several other dia to investigate the cause of Experts from the National Alangana over a water to construct a new lift irriga- districts, and various irrigation a toxic gas leak at its chemical Disaster Response Force (NDRF) project has brought curtains on tion scheme to lift water from projects. plant there that killed 12 people and other agencies brought the nearly a year-long bonhomie Srisailam has sparked a war of Reddy expressed his displeas- and forced 800 into hospital for situation under control by plug- which marked the relations be- words between the neighbours. ure over Telangana’s reaction treatment from poisoning. ging the leak with a special anti- tween the two Telugu states. Terming the move ‘unilateral’ and its complaint with KRMB. LG Chem said the eight- dote for styrene specially fl own The dispute on sharing of river and ‘highly objectionable’, the He made it clear that the state member delegation, led by its in from Gujarat. waters, which strained the ties Telangana chief minister said a would not draw even a drop of petrochemicals business head, The state offi cials had said ever since Telangana was carved legal fi ght would be launched to water more than its allocated will brief support measures to 13,000 tonnes of styrene gas out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, is stop Rayalaseema lift irrigation quota from the Srisailam project. aff ected residents and meet would be sent back to South back on centre stage, and threat- project. Both Rao and Reddy during with India government offi cials. Korea. ens to spoil the goodwill created Acting swiftly, the Telangana full-fl edged talks in June last The accident occurred some Mewanwhile, two workers by Telangana Chief Minister K government lodged a complaint year had noted that the avail- 14km inland from the east were killed and another injured Chandrashekhar Rao and his with the Krishna River Manage- ability of water in Krishna is less, coast city of Visakhapatnam in in a reactor blast at a bio-diesel Andhra Pradesh counterpart Ja- ment Board (KRMB). It argued which is causing hardship in the Andhra Pradesh, at a plant op- plant near Zaheerabad town in gan Mohan Reddy. that the proposed project is il- Rayalaseema region in Andhra erated by LG Polymers, a unit the Sangareddy district of Te- Earlier, they had not only legal and violates the AP Reor- Pradesh as well as some districts of South Korea’s biggest pet- langana yesterday, police said. agreed to amicably resolve all ganisation Act, 2014. in Telangana. They have an- rochemical maker, LG Chem. The incident occurred when their water-sharing disputes but It said such projects can be nounced that the disputes and LG Polymers had earlier said workers were carrying out re- also decided to divert water from initiated or taken up only with issues pertaining to river wa- A protester throw stones towards security forces during it was working with the au- pair work at the reactor in the the Godavari river to the Krishna the prior approval of the apex ter sharing have been forgotten clashes following the death of Mehrajudin Shah, who thorities to contain the dam- plant, which was getting ready river to tide over the water scar- council. in the spirit of “let bygones be according to local media, was shot by paramilitary troopers age and ensure the safety and to reopen after the lockdown. city in parts of the two states. Telangana’s contention is that bygones” and both states are in after he refused to stop at a checkpoint, in Makhama health of local residents and According to the police, the They had asked irrigation of- Srisailam reservoir being a com- unanimity to provide optimum Beerwah of Kashmir’s Budgam district yesterday. employees. reactor’s roof exploded and the fi cials from both sides to prepare mon project, Andhra Pradesh benefi t to their people. Five villages near the plant workers were thrown away. Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 19 LATIN AMERICA

Cuba biotech sector seeks to compete in virus treatment race

Colombian Cuba is betting a biotech sector that its interferon and other emerged last year, included at Taihe hospital in China’s The trial used interferon alpha, begun by late revolutionary treatments it is developing will interferon in its treatment Hubei province at the height albeit not specifically the Cuban leader Fidel Castro can give the provide a lift to its economy. guidelines for Covid-19, the of its outbreak that suggests version, and the results have not island an edge in a global race “We have good products like disease caused by the virus. newer ways of administering been formally peer-reviewed to find eff ective treatments for interferon alpha 2b that we One of the interferons it used interferon may help contain or published in reliable medical ex-commander the new coronavirus. are exporting and that opens is produced by a joint Cuban- the virus and even prevent journals. In a separate trial Cuba is especially touting possibilities,” Trade Minister Chinese venture Changheber, contagion with fewer side at Union hospital in Wuhan, an interferon it produces, an Rodrigo Malmierca said during Cuban authorities said. eff ects. None of the nearly China, Covid-19 patients anti-viral agent that boosts the a recent televised roundtable. Cuba stressed it has treated 3,000 healthcare workers who who inhaled interferon in an confesses to immune system. Interferons have long been used nearly all of its patients with used interferon nose drops aerosol formulation had faster The nation says it has been to treat dengue fever, cancer interferon injections and credits became infected with the novel improvement in respiratory successful in treating the novel and hepatitis B and C. the medicine for helping it coronavirus, according to an symptoms and clearance of coronavirus at home and in Studies during the SARS achieve a lower mortality rate informal study report reviewed the virus from their blood than China, and that 80 countries epidemic in 2003 suggested among its 1,804 confirmed by Reuters. patients who did not receive role in killings have already expressed an interferons might also be useful Covid-19 cases — 4.1% versus an They included more than interferon, according to another interest in buying its interferon against coronaviruses. average of 5.9% for the rest of 500 with high exposure to informal report by Chinese, AFP thing to (the soldiers)...I just told alpha 2b. Havana has promoted that the Americas. infected patients, the Chinese Australian and Canadian Bogota them: you’re going to go on an The government is hoping China, where the pandemic It has also flagged a trial researchers said. researchers. operation, we’re going to bring some people to you and you know uring Colombia’s intermi- what you have to do.” nable battle against left- Victor Gomez was 23 when Dwing guerrillas, extraju- he made that one-way journey dicial killings by the armed forces with two others. “They got them became the norm, according to drunk, then took them to...a fake former colonel Gabriel de Jesus military check-point,” said Car- Rincon. menza Gomez, Victor’s mother. “I didn’t kill them but I con- “The next day they were dead.” tributed to allowing it to happen,” All three were presented as gang Rincon, 53, said in an exclusive members. interview. “Victor had a bullet in the fore- Revelations about these illicit head, a coup de grace,” said the murders caused a huge scandal 62-year-old, who is receiving in Colombia, a country scarred protection due to threats. by six decades of violent confl ict Thousands of combat dead that left 8mn people either dead, were in reality civilians killed in disappeared or displaced. cold blood. After 22 years of military serv- The public prosecutor has ice, the steely-eyed Rincon was identifi ed 2,248 of those, 60% of forced into retirement, convicted whom were killed between 2006 of forced disappearances and and 2008, during the administra- murder. tion of Uribe, who is now a sena- Between 2006 and 2008, Rin- tor and who denies any responsi- con commanded the 15th mobile bility. brigade in the country’s east. “The commanders were en- The off ensive against rebels couraged to obtain results how- was so intense that the morgue ever possible, and that resulted in in the little village of Ocana was them committing...these assassi- overwhelmed in September 2008. nations...giving them the appear- Fearing a health crisis, the lo- ance of legality,” said Rincon. cal mayor and priest decided to According to Jose Miguel Viv- transfer 25 bodies to a mass grave anco, from Human Rights Watch, — several corpses were identifi ed some case fi les were “forgotten in as civilians that had disappeared the military criminal justice sys- weeks ago. tem” but that the United Nations’ Rincon admits that he knew estimation of 5,000 executions who the victims were when they was “credible.” were exhumed: youngsters from This wasn’t the fault of “a few Soacha, a poor suburb of the cap- bad apples, but generalised and ital Bogota some 740kms away. systematic crimes,” said Vivanco. “I arranged...for them to be Investigations have been Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro wearing a protective face mask leaves Alvorada Palace in Brasilia. passed off as combat dead,” he opened against 29 generals. said. Rincon was once asked by Gen- It’s the fi rst time he has opened eral Mario Montoya, now retired up to a media organisation about and also due to appear before the his role in atrocities that have JEP, what he intended to do to landed him in front of the Spe- “contribute to the war.” cial Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) He says Montoya told him: — the justice mechanism set up “Why don’t you take some guys following the historic 2016 peace out of the morgue, dress them in Brazil president denies accord between the government uniforms and claim them as re- and the now-disarmed Revolu- sults.” tionary Armed Forces of Colom- While he never received an or- bia (Farc). der to kill, Rincon says there was a “I didn’t report it and I allowed “Top 10” of military units ranked the units stationed there, in the according to the number of peo- combat zone, to act in that way,” ple they killed. blocking police probe he said. Montoya’s lawyer insisted his Soldiers organised their own client “encouraged absolutely AFP to the police top brass in order to it wasn’t,” he added. tice or other crimes. preme Court justices and Brazil’s “body count” of killed guerril- nothing.” Brasília muzzle ongoing investigations. He said on Twitter that he As part of that probe, investi- biggest trading partner, China. las and drug-traffi ckers — which “There are 2,140 military Bolsonaro acknowledged talk- would have no problem publicly gators viewed the cabinet meet- Police are reportedly investi- soared under the right-wing linked to extrajudicial killings in- ing about his family at the April releasing any part of the video ing video at federal police offi ces gating multiple cases involving president Alvaro Uribe (2002- vestigations, that’s 0.9 % of those razilian President Jair 22 cabinet meeting, but said he pertaining to the investigation. in Brasilia. Bolsonaro and his inner circle, 2010) — with prizes such as med- operating in the army at that Bolsonaro denied he had was referring to protecting their The public saga goes back to They also questioned three including allegations his son Car- als and promotions on off er. time...that shows that there was Btop police offi cials fi red to physical safety. April 24, when popular justice Bolsonaro cabinet ministers. los, a Rio de Janeiro city councilor, Rincon, who has been held for never a directive given to the army shield his family from investi- He said that had been a top minister Sergio Moro resigned Moro says the president pres- oversaw a fake-news campaign to 10 years, was in 2017 sentenced (to commit) such atrocious acts,” gations, as potentially damning concern since he himself was over the fi ring of federal police sured him at the meeting to en- benefi t his father. to 46 years in prison for the mur- said Andres Garzon. revelations continued to fl y in a stabbed during his 2018 presiden- chief Mauricio Valeixo. sure the head of the federal police The scandal comes at a deli- der of fi ve youngsters aged 20-25, Rincon has been out on bail case that has hurt the far-right tial campaign. Moro, an anti-corruption ac- in Rio de Janeiro was replaced, in cate time for Bolsonaro, who is subsequently passed off as “com- since 2018 while awaiting his JEP leader. “I never said the word ‘inves- tivist, accused Bolsonaro of im- order to protect his family. already facing criticism over his bat dead.” trial. An obstruction of justice probe tigation.’ My concern since the proper “political interference” in Other parts of the video threat- downplaying of the coronavirus Two civilians, working as re- The JEP has been in action in opened after Bolsonaro sacking stabbing has always been for my the police’s work. en to hurt Bolsonaro, as well. pandemic. cruiters, brought the victims by Colombia since March 2017, in- of the federal police chief took an family’s security,” he told jour- Following Moro’s scathing According to a series of leaks to A new poll conducted by the bus to Ocana, off ering them “easy vestigating and putting on trial explosive turn as investigators nalists outside the presidential departure, a Supreme Court the Brazilian media, the president MDA institute found his disap- money.” Then they were executed former Farc guerrillas and mem- viewed a video of a cabinet meet- palace. justice ordered an investiga- and his cabinet used off -colour proval rating had risen more by soldiers. bers of the armed forces accused ing at which the president alleg- “The tape was supposed to tion into whether the president language and insults in talking than eight points since January, “I never had to explain any- of serious crimes. edly indicated he wanted changes be destroyed. I don’t know why committed obstruction of jus- about various politicians, Su- to 55.4 %. Assistance sought Mexico prepares to Mexico governor’s bid reopen auto factories to extend term fails Reuters would defi nitely begin opening Mexico City next week or if they might wait until the start of June. Reuters Under those changes, the cur- Bonilla belongs to Lopez The economy ministry did not Mexico City rent governor of the state that Obrador’s leftist Nation- exico could begin open- immediately respond to requests borders California was scheduled al Regeneration Movement ing some automotive to clarify the matter, and, unusu- to serve only two years. (MORENA).However, frictions Mfactories from May 18 ally, Lopez Obrador cut short the exico’s Supreme Court Still, after easily winning elec- have recently arisen between under a government plan un- news conference without taking has struck down a law tion in June 2019 and before he Bonilla and the federal gov- veiled yesterday that loosens questions. Mextending the guber- took offi ce in November, Bonilla ernment over the handling of coronavirus restrictions and Other more general economic natorial mandate of a member pushed through a law in the state the coronavirus pandemic in paves the way for US car giants and social activities will be re- of President Andres Manuel congress allowing him to stay in Mexico. to ramp up output dependent on started gradually under a “traffi c Lopez Obrador’s ruling party power until 2024, when the next Opponents of Lopez Obra- parts made south of the border. light” system to determine which which had fed concerns it could presidential election is due to be dor had argued that lengthen- Under a roadmap presented areas of the country are at lower lead to broader changes to term held. ing Bonilla’s mandate could set a at a regular government news risk of outbreaks of infection, limits. Supreme Court presi- precedent that could ultimately conference, the mining and Economy Minister Graciela Mar- The 2019 state law permitted dent Arturo Zaldivar, who pave the way for presidential re- construction industries, as well quez said. Baja California governor Jaime has been publicly supportive election. as manufacturers of transport The US government and auto- Bonilla to lengthen his term in of Lopez Obrador, said vot- Re-electing the president has equipment, will from Monday be motive companies has called on offi ce to fi ve years from the origi- ers had elected Bonilla on the been widely regarded as taboo in considered essential activities in Mexico to reopen factories serv- nal two years. understanding he would serve Mexico since the three-decade a May 18-31 starting phase. ing the US market, even though But all 11 members of the Su- a two-year term and that the dictatorship of Porfi rio Diaz, “We now have the light which the Latin American nation is still preme Court ruled in a live online state congress had no right to which ended with the Mexican tells us we’re going to get out of dealing with a rising number of broadcast that the legislation extend his period. Revolution in 1910. the tunnel,” President Andres infections from the coronavirus was unconstitutional. “Exercising the mandate Presidents are elected to serve Manuel Lopez Obrador told a re- pandemic. Governors are generally elect- awarded is subject to a pre-es- one six-year term, and Lopez porters at the conference along- Mexico on Tuesday registered ed for a single six-year stint, tablished period of time which Obrador has repeatedly said he side top offi cials. 353 coronavirus deaths, its most but in the previous government, cannot be modifi ed after the will not seek to extend his time For now though, Mexico was lethal day yet. authorities agreed to reduce the fact,” Zaldivar said. in offi ce. “still inside” the tunnel, he add- Mexico sends 80% of its ex- terms of some upcoming man- To change the terms as Bonilla He does, however, aim to hold Demonstrators wearing face masks protest to demand ed. ports to the US and became its dates, including that of Baja Cal- had was tantamount to commit- a so-called recall vote on his resources for the vulnerable amid the coronavirus disease The plan presented some ap- biggest trade partner last year, ifornia, in order to synchronise ting “post-electoral fraud,” he presidency by the spring of 2022 lockdown, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. parent ambiguities and it was not with bilateral commerce worth electoral calendars. added. at the latest. clear whether automotive plants over $600bn. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, May 14, 2020 PAKISTAN

People donate over $22mn to PM’s Corona Relief Fund

„ No shortage of medical aff ected by lockdown in the wake He said that the government to register themselves for fi nan- Management Authority (NDMA) sured in the procurement of the following international research equipment needed to handle of coronavirus pandemic. will contribute to the fund by cial help. chairman Lieutenant-General medical equipment at the local standards to address the chal- coronavirus: NDMA The coronavirus causes the four times against the amount To a question, Alam said that Mohamed Afzal has said that and foreign levels. lenges of health sector, with „ President asks medical Covid-19 respiratory disease. received. not a single penny from govern- there is no shortage of necessary Afzal said that NDMA has special focus on diseases like universities for research on Speaking during a programme Alam said the prime minister ment funds is being spent on the medical equipment to handle run 11 fl ights of equipment from Covid-19. coronavirus of Radio Pakistan Islamabad is aiming for a donation target of publicity campaign for the Prime coronavirus in the country. China. He was chairing a meeting of yesterday, Alam said that people about Rs20bn at the initial stage. Minister’s Covid-19 Relief Fund. Addressing a news confer- The equipment for coronavi- the vice-chancellors of medical Internews from all walks of life, government He said that even the peo- He said that various organisa- ence in Islamabad yesterday, he rus testing has also been supplied universities in Islamabad about Islamabad departments, private organisa- ple who had been earning up to tions have been requested to help said that the all personal protec- to the provinces in abundance, he the coronavirus. tions and philanthropists are Rs35,000 per month, whose em- spread the message about the tive equipment (PPE) and other said. The vice-chancellors briefed contributing to the relief fund. ployment has been aff ected, will relief fund as part of their adver- medical equipment related to Afzal said that civil work on the meeting about healthcare he Prime Minister’s focal He said that Prime Minister be fi nancially supported through tisements. the fi ght against the coronavirus the Infectious Diseases Hospital initiatives taken by their respec- person on the Coronavirus Imran Khan will soon announce the fund. Alam urged people to gener- pandemic, except for ventilators, in Islamabad will be completed tive medical institutions in view TPhilanthropy Drive, Khur- start of disbursement of the fund Alam said a database will be ously donate to the fund. are being manufactured in Paki- by tomorrow (May 15), and the of the coronavirus pandemic. shid Alam, says that over Rs3.5bn among the deserving people. prepared on the pattern of Eh- He said that people can also stan. hospital will become functional The universities have estab- ($22mn) have so far been donated Alam said people can donate saas programme to identify the donate to the fund though Afzal said that the local manu- by the end of this month. lished an information technology to Prime Minister’s Covid-19 Rs20 to the fund by sending a deserving people. National Bank Account No. facture of the equipment is help- Yesterday President Dr Arif infrastructure to provide online Relief Fund to help the people blank SMS at 6677, with mobile He added that a portal is being 4162786786. ing the NDMA save money. Alvi asked the medical universi- education and continue other whose employment have been phone companies matching that. launched for the aff ected people Meanwhile, National Disaster He said transparency is en- ties to undertake research while academic activities. Authorities allow 150 goods trucks to enter Afghanistan daily

A co-ordination meeting between Record 2,255 new cases security and administrative off icials at Torkham border has decided to increase the number of trucks going to Afghanistan along with improving protective measures against the coronavirus at the border crossing. Sector Commander Brigadier of Covid-19 in 24 hours Shaukat Rana presided over the meeting, which was also attended „ A total of 79 Pakistanis repatriated from diff erent countries by Deputy Commissioner test positive for virus Mehmud Aslam Wazir, and „ Religious ceremonies planned despite concerns of virus Khyber Rifles Commandant spread Colonel Bilal. The meeting directed the staff DPA/Internews According to the breakdown, members of all the government Islamabad/Lahore 6,661 were confi rmed cases of departments at Torkham terminal hospitalisation, with 281 report- to ensure improved protective edly in a critical condition. measures against the coronavirus akistan reported yesterday The report estimated that pandemic by disinfecting a record number of 2,255 16,159 were positive cases either the terminal on weekly basis, Pcoronavirus cases over the at home or isolation facilities. preferably on Sundays. past 24 hours, as the spread of It also said that 26.66% of the Taking stock of the transporters’ the infection through local trans- total cases, which stands at 8,555, repeated complaints about slow mission showed a dangerous up- were discharged after recovery. process of custom clearance of ward trajectory, in a recent report Meanwhile, it was reported trade goods to Afghanistan, the published by the World Health that as many as 379 more Paki- meeting decided to increase the Organisation (WHO) Pakistan stani nationals returning from number of loaded vehicles from chapter. various countries on the last 24 100 to 150 on daily basis. The report presented a dismal special fl ights between April 28 The meeting also decided to picture in terms of local trans- and May 8 have tested positive allow stranded Pakistanis in mission cases in Pakistan, prov- for the coronavirus. Afghanistan to come back and ince by province, on a weekly The special fl ights had brought let the stranded Afghans in basis. 4,344 overseas Pakistanis home. Pakistan to leave for their country The report showed that Balu- The offi cial record shows that a simultaneously every Saturday. chistan had the highest rate of total of 7,756 Pakistanis have re- The meeting decided to local transmission, at 93%, and turned from abroad on 43 fl ights immediately clear rubble only 7% were imported cases. from April 14 to May 10. accumulated on the road leading At second was Sindh, where Of them, 682 passengers were to the border crossing due to 92% were local transmissions infected with the coronavirus. recent rains. and 8% imported cases. A majority have been dis- The district administration was In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), charged after recovering at quar- asked to repair the road between 84% were instances of the virus antine centres and hospitals. Nadra Chowk near border being locally spread, while 16% However, the results of tests crossing to nearby Bacha Maina cases were foreign. on 760 passengers, who ar- for smooth flow of heavy traff ic. In the worst-hit Punjab, 15% rived from Dubai in Faisalabad were foreign cases and 85% of and Multan on May 10, are still Fifth Karachi cop the reported cases had emerged awaited. through local transmission. Many of the Pakistani nation- dies of Covid-19 In Gilgit-Baltistan, 37% were als recently brought home from A youth parks his motorcycle along a busy road in Karachi after the government eased the nationwide lockdown imposed as a preventative imported cases and 63% were of Dubai were infected, according measure against the coronavirus. The number of Karachi police local transmission. to offi cial fi gures. off icers who have died of the Meanwhile, in Azad Jammu As many as 188 Pakistanis were 57 of them were confi rmed as infected with the coronavirus. today, with processions tomor- sure several million people do not coronavirus has risen to five. and Kashmir (AJK), 17% were brought from Dubai in Multan on Covid-19 patients. On May 8, 252 Pakistanis row. lose their livelihood, in a country Apart from those who lost their foreign cases while 83% were May 1, and 63 tested positive for Again on May 4, 289 Pakistanis reached Lahore from Dubai. “We are making arrangements where nearly 40% of the popula- lives to the virus, some 121 police passed on locally. the coronavirus. were brought to Lahore from Du- Their samples sent later to lab- for processions across the coun- tion live in poverty. off icers across the province Pakistan’s testing capacity Of the total repatriated Paki- bai and Sri Lanka, and 15 of them oratories confi rmed that 22 of try,” Nasir Shirazi, deputy sec- Earlier, the prime minis- have been admitted to various has faced a downward trajectory stanis, 3,054 were brought home tested positive for the coronavi- them were Covid-19 patients. retary-general for the Majlis-e- ter bowed to pressure from the hospitals and isolation centres or after peaking at an estimated on May 1-8, and 296 of them rus. Another special fl ight brought Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) told country’s powerful clerical es- in self-isolation at home. 13,000 on May 9, according to tested positive for Covid-19, the Out of 124 Pakistanis brought 256 Pakistanis from Jeddah to DPA yesterday. tablishment by allowing prayers According to the authorities, the report. respiratory disease caused by the from Tanzania to Multan on May Multan on May 8, 10 of them Participants will get sanitisers in mosques during Ramadan. the latest death was that of On May 10-11, the number of coronavirus. 5, 13 were infected. tested positive for the coronavi- and face masks, while children Shia leaders are using these a sub-inspector stationed at tests dropped, fl uctuating be- According to the data, 290 Pa- On May 6, a special fl ight rus. and the old have been asked to decisions as a pretext for their one of the Ehsaas Emergency tween 11,000 to 10,000. kistanis were brought home from landed at Lahore international Yesterday Pakistan’s Shia stay at home. gatherings. Cash Programme’s collection The report said that Paki- Muscat and Dubai to Faisalabad, airport with 264 passengers; 27 Muslims announced rallies to Volunteers will ensure mourn- Thousands of cases have been centres in the city’s Razzaqabad stan had 1,140 new cases of the and tests confi rmed that 25 of of them tested positive for the mourn the death of one of the ers maintain distance, Shirazi traced to a religious gathering of neighbourhood, where he dealt coronavirus on May 11, which them were infected. coronavirus. most revered personality of their said. around 100,000 Islamic preach- with hundreds of deserving showed a 42.71% reduction in the On May 1, special fl ights The fl ights brought 285 Paki- faith, despite government con- “We have not given permission ers in March in defi ance of gov- people coming to receive number of cases reported on May brought 533 Pakistanis home stanis from Dubai to Faisalabad cerns regarding the spread of the for carrying out processions,” ernment warning. Rs12,000 under Prime Minister 9, which was 1,991. from Jeddah and London to La- on May 7, and 23 of them were novel coronavirus. Hamza Shafqat, deputy commis- Authorities have warned that Imran Khan’s relief package. The number of cases report- hore, and only two of them were infected. Thousands of mourners will sioner for the capital Islamabad, the lockdown would be reim- While on duty, the off icer ed since the beginning of the infected. Similarly, 279 Pakistani citi- join processions in all big cities told DPA. posed if people do not adhere to contracted the Covid-19 disease outbreak was 32,081, with 706 Similarly, 290 Pakistanis zens arrived in Lahore from Du- to commemorate the death of the Prime Minister Imran Khan social-distancing guidelines. caused by the coronavirus, and deaths (as per the report’s fi ling reached Faisalabad from Dubai bai on May 7, and 44 of the re- fourth Islamic caliph. had lifted restrictions, arguing Experts say infections could was moved to a hospital after his time). on special fl ights on May 4, and turnees were found to have been Ceremonies would start late that it was necessary to make peak later this month. test results came out positive.

Surge in violence Pakistan among countries with most content removal requests against women Pakistan’s lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus Internews Pakistan Telecommunication ther of the reported posts vio- Pakistan sought data of 2,630 ernment sent 520 preservation Of the total volume, the US has triggered a massive surge Karachi Authority (PTA) as allegedly lated the Facebook Community users/accounts, of which 1,878 requests, it’s highest to date, and continues to submit the most in incidents of violence against violating local laws prohibiting Standards pursuant to the re- requests were processed legally. specifi ed 643 users/accounts. requests, followed by India, the women, government off icials and advocacy against the polio vac- quest from the PTA. Facebook complied with 52% Globally, Facebook said that UK, Germany and France. activists said yesterday. f the 15,826 content re- cine, blasphemy, anti-judiciary However, following the as- of the legal requests for user during this reporting period, the “We scrutinise every govern- Government and civil society strictions made by Fa- content, proscribed organisa- sessment of local laws, Facebook data. volume of content restrictions ment request we receive to make organisation statistics show an Ocebook globally during tions supporting separatism, restricted access to the posts In emergencies, law enforce- based on local law decreased sure it is legally valid, no matter increase of between 100% and July-December 2019, Russia, defamation, and condemnation within Pakistan and notifi ed the ment authorities may submit re- globally by 11% from 17,807 to which government makes the 200% in murder, sexual assault Pakistan and Mexico accounted of the country’s independence,” impacted users. quests without the legal process. 15,826. request. If a request appears de- and torture against women since for almost half of global content said Facebook. Overall, the content removal Based on the circumstances, Last week, Facebook ap- fi cient or overly broad, we push the lockdown began in March. restrictions, according to the The company said during requests from the government Facebook may voluntarily dis- pointed 20 people from around back, and will fi ght in court, if “The number of complaints on platform’s transparency report. July-December 2019, it also re- declined during the period as close information to law en- the world to serve on what will necessary,” said Chris Sonderby, our helplines have doubled since Facebook restricted 2,300 stricted access to fi ve items in compared to the fi rst half of forcement authorities where eff ectively be the social media Facebook’s vice-president and the lockdown began,” an off icial items within Pakistan (the sec- response to private reports of 2019. they have a good reason to be- network’s “Supreme Court” for deputy general counsel. at a women’s centre run by the ond highest after Russia, with defamation from the Pakistan According to the breakdown lieve that the matter involves the speech, issuing rulings on what The company also identifi ed country’s human rights ministry 2,900 pieces removed) during government. of the content restricted in Paki- imminent risk of serious physi- kind of posts will be allowed and 45 disruptions of Facebook serv- told DPA. the second half of 2019. In January 2019, Facebook stan, Facebook suspended 2,009 cal injury or death. what should be taken down. ices in six countries, compared The centre in Islamabad, In the fi rst half, Pakistan had received a formal takedown re- posts, 140 pages and groups. From July-December 2019, Pakistani activist Nighat Dad to 67 disruptions in 15 countries which provides legal aid and reported the highest volume of quest from the PTA, alleging On Instagram, the platform Pakistan sent 149 emergency is among those appointed. in the fi rst half of 2019. counselling to destitute women, content (31%) to Facebook. that two Facebook posts con- restricted a total of 121 items – disclosure requests. The role of the oversight board Facebook also took down said it has received thousands None of these items from the stituted illegal obscenity under 116 posts and fi ve accounts. The platform complied with becomes questionable with gov- 3,139,315 pieces of content based of complaints of close relatives Facebook’s report were removed Section 37 of the Prevention of However, the government’s 44% of the requests. ernment requests for data wit- on 576,423 copyright reports; torturing women and girls. for violating its content policies, Electronic Crime Act (Peca). legal requests to Facebook con- The platform also accepts nessing an uptick worldwide. 284,090 pieces of content based Police in the northwestern but were omitted under Paki- The posts linked to an article tinued to spike in the period government requests to preserve During the last six months of on 137,123 trademark reports; province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stan’s cybercrime law. discussing wife-swapping and under review – the highest ever account information pending 2019, government requests for and 1,141,103 pieces of content in April registered 380 reports of “We restricted access in Pa- swingers events. – as the authorities sent a total receipt of formal legal process. user data increased by 9.5% from based on 77,866 counterfeit re- crimes against women, up from kistan to items reported by the The platform added that nei- of 2,027 requests. During the period, the gov- 128,617 to 140,875. ports. 140 in March. Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 21 PHILIPPINES Police offi cial apologises for party amid virus lockdown

DPA ally happened.” “Nevertheless, since mid-March, suspending Manila I apologise for what transpired public transportation, work and during my birthday that caused school classes, prohibiting mass anxiety to the public,” he said in gatherings, and shutting down he chief of the Philip- a statement. “It was never my non-essential commercial es- pine capital’s police force intention to disobey any existing tablishments. Tyesterday apologised for protocols relative to the imple- On Tuesday, the government holding a birthday party amid a mentation of enhanced commu- extended the lockdown in Metro lockdown aimed at containing nity quarantine.” Manila and two high-risk areas the spread of the coronavirus. National police chief Archie until the end of month, but an- Debold Sinas, chief of the Gamboa ordered an investiga- nounced it would allow some Metro Manila police force, said tion into the birthday party and industries and sectors to resume the party was a surprise gather- reminded personnel to strictly limited operations from May 16. ing on the eve of his birthday, observe all public health proto- Under the modifi ed quaran- May 8, and had been organised cols and bio-safety standards at tine protocols, malls and com- by some of his offi cers and other all times. mercial centres are allowed to staff on their own initiative. “The national police is not ex- open non-leisure outlets, such Photos circulating on Face- empt from strict rules on mass as restaurants, clothing stores, A driver installs seat dividers in his passenger jeepney to comply with government-imposed social distancing rules against the Covid-19 book showed Sinas blowing out gatherings and I am directing all hardware, bookstores, pet shops, coronavirus in Manila. a candle on a cake held by some- unit commanders to prohibit any electronic stores and even toy one wearing a mask, and sharing and all social gatherings,” he said shops, presidential spokesman a table with other men not wear- in a statement. Harry Roque said. ing masks. The Department of Health But the stores should only In other photos, Sinas was yesterday reported 268 new operate with half of their em- seen receiving fl owers and a cap, cases of Covid-19 in the Philip- ployees, and malls should turn Govt to restart infrastructure while guests stood next to each pines, bringing the national tally off Wi-Fi services and set their other to collect food from a buf- to 11,618. air conditioning to a warm tem- fet table. There were 21 additional mor- perature to discourage loitering, Sinas claimed some of the talities, pushing the death toll Roque said. programme ‘to reboot economy’ photos “were edited and grabbed to 772. The Philippines has im- Domestic fl ights are still sus- from old posts, and did not posed a lockdown in the capital pended, while international “depict the totality of what re- and other parts of the country fl ights are limited, he added. By Catherine S Valente “We should also hire contact this before June 3,” Dominguez Manila Times tracers en masse to boost our said. The government should efforts to stop transmission likewise stimulate consumer and defeat Covid-19 while demand by promoting the he Philippines will “re- providing jobs,” Dominguez manufacturing of products start and accelerate” its said. “I think we can provide that have strong and inelas- TBuild, Build, Build infra- good jobs to people,” he added. tic demand, such as food, he Nation braces for fi rst structure programme and hire Dominguez also batted for added. contact-tracers “en masse” to the passage of the Corporate “Inelastic demand means reboot the economy, Finance Income Tax and Incentives you must buy it regardless of Secretary Carlos Dominguez Rationalisation Act (Citira), what your income is or what tropical storm of year 3rd said. which Duterte certified as ur- the price of the good is and In a meeting with President gent in March. that is food, number one. You Rodrigo Duterte and other The Citira seeks to ration- have to eat. So we must push DPA The storm, locally named “Ambo,” is likely to cabinet offi cials aired over alise tax incentives granted to food production and food lo- Manila intensify into a typhoon tomorrow. Vongfong is state-run PTV4, Dominguez industries. It will also gradu- gistics,” he said. expected to aff ect the Philippine capital of Manila said the government needed to Carlos Dominguez ally lower the corporate in- “The Duterte administra- later in the week, the bulletin said. “do many things to revive the come tax from 30% to 20% tion’s economic team and leg- he Philippines was bracing for a tropical Residents were urged to take precautionary economy.” to be the best driver of econom- over the next 10 years. islators are finalising an eco- storm barrelling towards the country yester- measures against fl ash fl oods and landslides, while “After we are confi dent that ic growth because it has the It has been approved by the nomic recovery programme Tday, which would be the fi rst cyclone to hit local emergency teams were put on standby. we are in control of the death best multiplier eff ects in terms House of Representatives and that will help us combat the the country this year. Each year the Philippines is hit by an average of rate and infections, we should of employment and shared is awaiting approval in the pandemic,” he added. Tropical storm Vongfong was packing maximum 20 tropical cyclones, causing fl oods, landslides restart and accelerate the Build, prosperity,” he added. Senate. Last week, the Philippines sustained winds of 85 kilometres per hour (kph) and other accidents. One of the strongest in recent Build, Build programme subject The finance chief revealed “The bill has been with the reported a 0.2% shrinkage in and gusts of up to 105kph as it moved northwest to- memory, Typhoon Haiyan, hit the country in No- to minimum health standards,” that some 1.2mn to 1.5mn jobs Senate for a few months. We fi rst quarter gross domestic wards the country’s eastern provinces, the weather vember 2013, killing more than 6,300 people and he said. were “temporarily lost” be- would like to ask for your sup- product, the fi rst contraction bureau said in a bulletin. displacing more than 4mn. “The infrastructure remains cause of the health crisis. port so that Congress can pass since 1998.

House approves limited franchise for media giant Churches await nod to conduct mass By Divina NJD Cruz fi nal reading. The session will now sponsoring, we will pro- and proceed as if nothing hap- the lives of the people amid the Manila Times resume on May 18. vide ABS-CBN with a provi- pened,” Cayetano said. pandemic. “At this time of great The bill was fi led yesterday, sional franchise valid for Oct Villafuerte agreed that a peril, when the whole world is on 30 minutes before the plenary 31, 2020, within which time comprehensive hearing should the brink, is it really too much to By William Depasupil Diseases (IATF-EID) for its con- he House of Representa- session started, by Speaker Alan both the House of Representa- be held. “The main rationale of ask that we hold off on the dis- Manila Times sideration. tives has approved on Peter Cayetano; Deputy Speak- tives and the Senate will hear this bill is to enable Congress cussion of issues that are divi- He said more than 80 par- Tsecond reading a bill ers Neptali Gonzales, Raneo the issues being raised for and to have an impartial, compre- sive? At least until we are able to ishes “are prepared and ready to granting ABS-CBN Corp a lim- Abu, Roberto Puno, Dan Fern- against the renewal and assess, hensive and an extensive hear- take care of each other,” he added. he Archdiocese of Manila resume liturgical celebrations.” ited franchise that will last until andez and Luis Raymund Vil- with complete impartiality and ing because I believe, with my At the Senate, Minority Lead- has expressed readiness These include the cities of Ma- Oct 31, 2020. lafuerte; Majority Leader Mar- fairness, whether or not the co-authors who fi led this bill, er Franklin Drilon fi led Senate Tto resume the holding of nila, San Juan, Mandaluyong, The House convened as a tin Romualdez; and Bulacan network shall be granted a fran- that if we do not extensively Bill (SB) 1530, which provides public Masses and other liturgi- Makati and Pasay. committee of the whole to Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado. chise for another 25 years,” he hear the issues surrounding this for the non-expiration of a fran- cal services in accordance with “The measures will be put in tackle House Bill 6732, which In his sponsorship speech, said. franchise, we will be reneging chise so long as the application existing health protocols even place when current Covid-19 seeks to grant a full franchise Cayetano explained that the He added that the franchise on our constitutional duty and for its renewal has been fi led. as Metro Manila remains under (coronavirus disease 2019) re- to operate, install and maintain provisional franchise was bills must undergo “fair and mandate to ensure due process SB 1530 seeks to amend the a “modifi ed” enhanced commu- strictions are lifted and if it is radio and television broadcast- sought to give the House and impartial” hearings because that will enable us, members of Revised Administrative Code, nity quarantine. deemed safe to do so by the De- ing stations that would allow it the Senate ample time to delib- the network faces “grave is- Congress, to decide freely and which provides for the non-ex- Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bro- partment of Health (DoH),” the to operate for fi ve months. erate on pending bills seeking to sues” and had been accused objectively whether to approve piration of a license, where the derick Pabillo, the archdiocese’s prelate explained. The bill was approved via grant the network a long-term of violating labour, tax and or deny this franchise,” he said. licensee has fi led a timely and administrator, bared that he “We already submitted a copy voice vote. franchise. constitutional laws. “We can- Cayetano said Congress was suffi cient application for re- submitted proposals to the Inter (of the guidelines) to the DoH The measure will be pre- “Through this measure that not, in good conscience, sweep focused on responding to “im- newal, until a fi nal determina- Agency Task Force for the Man- last week. They have yet to pro- sented on the fl oor for third and we have fi led today, and I am the accusations under the rug portant questions” on rebuilding tion by the agency is made. agement of Emerging Infectious vide comments,” he added. Private education panel chief says subsidy will decide tuition fees

By Jan Arcilla Estrada said in a television in- the capability of the students stakeholders have occurred. tocols have been duly approved Manila Times terview. and of course the resources of Meanwhile, Estrada said the by the Department of Health. Estrada, however, said the the school personnel,” he said. education sector must shift to Cocopea is composed of coming weeks would be crucial The Department of Education flexible learning programmes more than 2,500 educational here will be no substantial in determining tuition hikes (DepEd) earlier said that private and other options for students institutions and is represented increase in tuition while because the group relies heav- schools might increase their amid the pandemic. by the Philippine Association Tthe country reels from ily on the government’s subsidy tuition and other fees for school He said 60% of private of Private Schools, Colleges the impact of the coronavirus under the voucher programme year 2020-2021 upon the ap- schools under Cocopea “have and Universities; Philippine pandemic, the Co-ordinating known as the “Government proval of its regional offi ces. already manifested their readi- Association of Colleges and Council of Private Educational Assistance to Students and Based on the existing policy ness to open the school year Universities; Catholic Edu- Associations (Cocopea) has said. Teachers in Private Education.” on tuition increase, the gov- using flexible learning options cational Association of the “I don’t think there will be a The increase would depend ernment agency requires pri- between June and August. Philippines; Association of substantial increase (on tuition “on the assistance and sup- vate schools intending to have The DepEd earlier announced Christian Schools Colleges and fees) or if there is even any con- port that the government can higher tuition fees to submit that face-to-face classes would Universities; and Technical Vo- sidered at this point,” Cocopea extend to the private education necessary documentation that only be allowed starting August cational Schools Association of Cocopea managing director Joseph Noel Estrada. Managing Director Joseph Noel sector and more particularly on proves consultation among the 24 if health standards and pro- the Philippines. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, May 14, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Covid-19’s next victim in the US? Mental health The coronavirus has delivered traumatic blows to Americans’ collective mental well-being that are as invisible as the virus itself, and in many ways, just as damaging. Job losses and coronavirus’s lethal toll have led to increased anxiety, depression, addiction and other psychological trauma. While it may not be as obvious as job losses and coronavirus fatalities, the US is on the cusp of a spiralling mental health crisis, experts say. These warnings should not go unheeded, mostly because history ‘QNL provides knowledge that is a good teacher. The World Trade Centre attacks, mass shootings, the Great Recession and massive hurricanes all triggered serious depression, anxiety, domestic violence, child abuse and other behavioural disorders. In each instance, the negative impact on mental health persisted over long time periods, and there is no is accessible to everyone. We reason to think that this crisis will be diff erent. According to a recent poll, the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 56% of American adults struggle with sleep or eating problems, potential alcohol abuse, or worsened chronic want the world to benefi t from it’ conditions since virus’ outbreak. And, each day, frontline healthcare workers endure emotional traumas often associated two pieces of paper being pulled apart and with soldiers in battle – levels of stress that we need to address His Excellency Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, the new folded diagonally at the corners. In this if we are to properly honour and respect those who are serving way, the structure appears as a testament President of Qatar National to the enduring value of books. us on the front lines. Library, speaks about his new Here’s a glimpse at how serious this is now and how serious The library is also characterised by its role, the place that reading use of innovative technologies, to an ex- it could become. The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute holds in Qatar’s culture, and tent not seen in many international librar- predicts that in Texas alone a 5 percentage point annual increase why libraries – and what they ies. Its Children’s and Young Adults’ Li- in the unemployment rate could result in 300 additional lives provide – are more important brary has more than 150,000 books in its lost to suicide each year and 425 additional lives lost to drug than ever in a Covid-19 world collections, in languages including Arabic, overdoses. English, French, Spanish, German, Urdu, For example, suicide is UESTION: What does and Italian, as well as many electronic becoming President of Qatar resources. This refl ects our commitment The US is on already the 11th leading National Library (QNL) mean to building the future – because the future cause of death in Texas and Qto you, and how do you feel is built through our children. the cusp of a the fourth leading cause of your career and experience will benefi t Meanwhile, QNL’s Heritage Library pro- death for Texans ages 35-44. the library? vides a rich collection of valuable historical spiralling mental On average, one person dies ANSWER: This appointment is an texts, manuscripts, and other rare items honour for two reasons: it brings me in diff erent languages, as well as resources health crisis, by suicide every two hours pride, and it also brings me responsibility. related to cinema. This is rarely found in in the state, and, according I am fully aware of the responsibility that international libraries. experts say to the Centers for Disease comes with this role, of the trust that has HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari And one of the most distinctive elements Control and Prevention, been placed in me, and of the expecta- of QNL is its focus on digitisation. In light more Texans die by suicide than by alcohol-related motor tions. and the nourishment of the human spirit. and strengthen its relationships with local of the global Covid-19 pandemic, where Libraries act as a collective memory – My role as ambassador of the State of and international universities, and other education, work, and communication have vehicle accidents. the memory of human heritage, includ- Qatar to several countries and institu- institutions. become remote, this is even more relevant. As shocking as the Texas statistics are, Meadows estimates that ing our Arab and Islamic heritage – and, tions - including France, the US, Lebanon, Q: What do you feel is the most im- QNL was a forerunner in providing such a nationwide the impact of coronavirus-related stress will result in for such a long time, they have been a Syria, the United Nations, and Unesco, as portant aspect of QNL’s role, its great- wealth of digital resources long before the 4,000 more suicides and 4,800 overdose deaths. Those estimates source of knowledge for the entire world. well as several European countries – and est achievement to date, and its future pandemic, and the current situation that would skyrocket to 18,000 more suicides and more than 22,000 The value of science and culture, and being a non-resident ambassador to Latin prospects? the world faces demonstrates how impor- the power of books, is rooted within our American countries allowed me to explore A: It’s important to recognise that librar- tant this commitment to digitisation was. additional drug overdoses annually if the economic recession culture in Qatar. Our country’s founder, many cultures as well as to contribute to ies are not just a storage space for books. QNL now off ers access to 190 databases, approaches the scale of the Great Depression, Meadows notes. Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed al-Thani, sharing Qatar’s culture with the world. They carry a message that supports culture, more than 16,000 journals, and more than This issue is beginning to get attention. Last week, Texas was a poet who interacted with scholars It brought home to me the importance knowledge, and interaction between 465,000 reports, theses, dissertations, and Senator John Cornyn urged lawmakers to provide better and had a passion for knowledge and of cultural diversity. During my time as civilisations. The vision that would become other documents. funding, noting that “resources for mental health and substance its dissemination. And His Highness Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Arts, and QNL was present long before the library was We have achieved all of this at QNL Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Heritage, as well as being a candidate for established, and while it may be a ‘young’ already. But these achievements are merely abuse treatment providers cannot fall by the wayside.” Just days Father Amir and the pioneer of Qatar’s Unesco general secretary, I also had the library that embraces modernity, its content the basis from which we look to elevate the earlier a coalition of mental health service organisations asked modern-day renaissance, has been the opportunity to visit many cultural and and resources refl ect our Arab and Islamic international standing of this library. federal offi cials for at least $40bn to support their operations driving force behind many achievements heritage institutions, and meet experts heritage and the continuous eff orts of our Q: How do you believe the community now and warned they could require more assistance if the and initiatives in the sphere of culture, from universities and academic institu- leadership to enable access to the richness of of Qatar has responded to QNL since its demand for mental health services spikes upward as expected. an approach now being taken forward by tions in more than 70 countries. this heritage. opening? His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad I feel this has given me cultural insight Today, almost all countries have a A: Since QNL opened in 2017, it has We’re not ones to lightly advocate more money as the solution al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar. and knowledge that I can invest in helping national library that is internationally- welcomed more than 1.2mn visitors. In 2019 to every problem. But the answer to this problem is a mix of new As a member of QNL’s board of direc- QNL to reach its goals. I also believe I can recognised. QNL has progressed a long alone, it welcomed 500,000 visitors. And dollars and changes to allow more innovative delivery of mental tors, I have been a member of its family use cultural diplomacy to support QNL’s vi- way toward having this status, and we will since its inauguration, its programmes and health services to those in need. Although Congress authorised for some time, and have been involved in sion and mission, as this is an area I am well- continue to build on its existing achieve- its impact have fl ourished. trillions of dollars in several rounds of emergency coronavirus transforming the vision for this library versed in, and I understand how education ments to enhance its national, regional, Despite the fact that the library building – the vision of Her Highness Sheikha and culture are pivotal in strengthening and international standing. With a won- itself is currently closed due to Covid-19, we funding for a variety of needs, that assistance hasn’t adequately Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar relations between countries. derful team that comprises so much talent have added more than 170,000 new mem- addressed the long- or short-term mental health challenges we Foundation – into reality. Her Highness QNL – existing, as it does, in such a and expertise, our goal is for the name of bers since it closed, and this refl ects QNL’s now face. envisioned QNL to be one of the world’s diverse educational environment as Edu- this library to be known around the world. important role as a modern destination that Finding innovative ways for service providers to expand their pre-eminent centres of learning, research. cation City – refl ects cultural diplomacy. I QNL is characterised by many fea- enables permanent access to knowledge, in- capacity to treat patients is essential, starting with widespread and culture; a guardian of our nation’s hope my experience in the diplomatic and tures, including its unique design by the cluding during times when people seek such heritage; and an institution that promotes cultural fi eld will help to enhance QNL’s renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. Based knowledge to help them deal with crises. mental health screenings, better access to services through the importance of imagination, discovery, role in radiating knowledge and research, on my many visits to libraries around the And as its president, I can assure everyone telemedicine, and multiyear state and federal commitments world, I can say that QNL is perhaps the that we will build on what we have already toward treating mental disorders. most open, spacious, and welcoming. A achieved and seek to expand the resources The US must be prepared for the mental health pandemic that Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential visitor can see all its shelves and content we off er, working with libraries within and will follow the coronavirus pandemic. - Tribune News Service as soon as they enter, as if they were car- beyond Qatar to develop new partnerships, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science six months through to doctoral level, rying an open book in their hands. Even and being a hub of dialogue. and Community Development (QF) is a enabling graduates to thrive in a global its design is inspired by the appearance of To Page 23 non-profit organisation that supports Qatar environment and contribute to the nation’s To Advertise on its journey to becoming a diversified development. and sustainable economy. QF strives to QF is also creating a multidisciplinary [email protected] serve the people of Qatar and beyond by innovation hub in Qatar, where Display providing specialised programmes across homegrown researchers are working to its innovation-focused ecosystem of address local and global challenges. By 44466621 44418811 education, research and development, and promoting a culture of lifelong learning community development. and fostering social engagement through Classified QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness programs that embody Qatari culture, 44466609 44418811 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the QF is committed to empowering the local Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha community and contributing to a better Subscription Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision world for all. to provide Qatar with quality education. For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and [email protected] Today, QF’s world-class education system projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa offers lifelong learning opportunities For any media inquiries, please contact: to community members as young as [email protected] © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Documenting QNL Building Gulf Times Thursday, May 14, 2020 23 COMMENT Boris Johnson’s reopening strategy confuses Britain

By Therese Raphael worst-case scenario, we may never dictates the available responses. Bloomberg Opinion fi nd a vaccine. So our plan must The good news for Johnson is that countenance a situation where we are the broader public have so far been in this, together, for the long haul, even supportive of a longer lockdown. Many oris Johnson’s much- while doing all we can to avoid that people either know someone who anticipated address to the outcome. works for the National Health Service, nation on Sunday night left To do so, he’s laid out a cautious the country’s largest employer, Bmany feeling unsatisfi ed, approach, and rightly so. It comes in or someone who has been ill. And and others infuriated. For a political three spaced-out phases. From this everyone likely felt some shock when team that has often used pithy slogans week, it gives people more personal the prime minister himself had to be to devastating eff ect, the new one freedoms for exercise and urges those treated in intensive care with Covid-19. unveiled to guide the Britain out of who can’t work from home to get back That doesn’t mean that it will be easy lockdown _ stay alert _ feels like an to work. (A return to offi ce life will to hold onto that trust as the economic epic fail. How does one stay alert and have to wait.) People are advised to costs rise and fatigue sets in. to what, people wondered. wear face coverings wherever social Johnson’s big gamble is that he can Part of the problem was distancing isn’t possible. From June, now both control the virus’s spread presentational. Johnson’s 13-minute some children will return to school. and slowly unleash the economy so speech was short on details, leaving Some sectors of the economy _ that these longer-term problems don’t everyone to wait until a 50-plus page including the hospitality industry _ grow worse. That may be possible if, document was released on Monday will have to wait until at least July to like Germany and South Korea, Britain afternoon. There is often no good open up again. manages to implement a far-reaching way to deliver bad news, but the lag To give people a gauge of how testing program and roll out a robust gave people time to jump to hasty well the virus fi ght is going, Johnson contact-tracing programme. But the conclusions about whether Johnson’s unveiled new colour-coded alert stages UK is behind on both counts. At the approach is the right one. for the outbreak mirroring what’s done same time, to hold off calls for a faster There is no getting around the fact in the fi ght on terrorism. They measure lifting of restrictions, the government that until there is a vaccine or a cure the level of threat, determined by owes critics far greater transparency for Covid-19, we have to develop the transmission rate and number of Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a parliament session, amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) about how it arrives at its decisions policies for a world where any spike infections. His government’s fi ve tests outbreak, in the House of Commons Chamber in London, on May 13. than has been the case up to now. in infections could have devastating will still determine when lockdown For a politician who has so often consequences while shutdowns exact restrictions can be fully lifted. (start date not specifi ed) seemed far highest death toll from the virus and certainties, where emotional appeal is defi ed the odds, Johnson will need all his a hefty toll too. Johnson’s path forward But there were gaps in the policy too late, or laughably too early with second only to the US globally. valued over empiricism. trademark optimism to keep the public appears to take that hard reality into that sent the opposition Labour Party, airplanes still stuck on the tarmac. Even assuming many of the details In other words, we (and here I don’t with him through this, along with a account, a striking contrast to the US unions, employers’ groups and others The UK is following a number of over how this staged opening will just mean Britain) couldn’t be more new commitment to transparency and a where my colleague Noah Feldman howling. The guidelines for worker other countries in easing restrictions work in practice can be cleared up, unprepared for this crisis; not simply greater mastery of policy detail. But it’s wrote recently there is no plan for the safety haven’t been spelled out and that range from wider reopenings seen there is a wider problem highlighted because we didn’t have enough masks, realism from the prime minister, rather worst-case scenario. At least Johnson, yet some workers, such as in the in Austria, Denmark and Germany to by the backlash to Johnson’s speech. gowns or ventilators stockpiled, but than the old boosterism, that off ers famous for his optimism and skill at construction sector, have been told to more limited lifting of restrictions in The pandemic demands a response because after the political equivalent of Britain its best chance of limiting the brushing off obstacles, tackles the return to sites. It wasn’t clear which Italy and France. Johnson’s easing falls that is calibrated, revisited frequently high fructose corn syrup for years, we damage. - Tribune News Service sobering possibilities head on: part of the guidance would just apply well on the cautious side as warranted by and diff erentiated by sector and even recoil when given the choice between But while we hope for a to England, as Scotland, Wales and Britain’s current transmission rate _ the region. And yet politics, as we’ve broccoli and Swiss chard. Either the zTherese Raphael is a columnist for breakthrough, hope is not a plan. A Northern Ireland are pursuing their R-number is estimated to be somewhere come to know it in recent years has messaging has to change _ and Johnson’s Bloomberg Opinion. She was editorial mass vaccine or treatment may be own lockdown timetables. And a new between 0.6 and 0.9 _ and its poor record been conducted in a cruder vernacular address and policy shift signals he gets page editor of the Wall Street Journal more than a year away. Indeed, in a quarantine for international travellers to date as the country with Europe’s _ a language of simplifi cations and this _ or the politics of polarisation Europe. Vodafone Qatar’s GigaNet fi bre will power Three-day forecast

TODAY Maximum Temperature : 370c the country’s post-Covid-19 digital future Minimum Temperature : 280c

FRIDAY Maximum Temperature : 330c Doha offi ce (SOHO) sector can count on capabilities under the Qatar National value-added services and tools off ered Vision 2030. Beyond just being a Minimum Temperature : 240c by Vodafone Qatar as part of their superior technology, fi bre is important SATURDAY ovid-19 has sent a clear broadband plans to enhance their as a backbone infrastructure for 5G, Maximum Temperature : 340c message to the global online presence. with opportunities such as artifi cial Minimum Temperature : 250c telecommunications sector: Other sectors, including intelligence, machine learning, big Fisherman's forecast Ca resilient internet with education, healthcare, retail and data applications and other aspects of suffi cient bandwidth to meet an banking, are increasingly dependent future smart cities. WARNING explosion of data needs, is a must. on real-time high-bandwidth As Vodafone Qatar continuously Inshore : Nil Qatar is among the countries applications to deliver services in- innovates with unique services to Offshore : Strong wind and high whose wireless and fi xed networks entertainment while stay-at-home home to consumers, which demand suit diff erent customer’s needs, both sea till noon are holding up well against massive orders are in place. Premium fi xed the speeds and reliability of a fibre residential and business consumers WEATHER spikes in demand and allowing the use services from ‘GigaHome’, Vodafone’s network. now have more choice to access Inshore : Hot daytime with some of emerging technologies for remote robust broadband solution, can boost The long-term benefi ts of GigaNet these tailored services and keep their clouds and slight dust, work and study. the quality of data-intensive digital fi bre deployment for Qatar’s economy number, with fi xed number portability mild by night

Being a digitally advanced nation, choices like video conferencing, and society are limitless. Fibre roll- (FNP). WIND data usage and the proportion streaming and gaming, and virtual out has given thousands of workers While taking every precaution Inshore : Northwesterly-North- easterly 08-18/22 KT of “high bandwidth” being used learning. in Barwa Labour City access to to ensure the health and safety Offshore : Nothwesterly 08-18 KT have been rising long before the New solutions from the fi bre Vodafone’s fi xed services to provide of their engineering teams and pandemic outbreak, and Qatar has market such as “triple play services” for the digital needs of the labour that of the community, Vodafone Visibility : 4-8 KM had the foresight to make full- combining voice, high-speed internet worker community. Qatar is continuing to roll out its Offshore : 3-5 FT fibre broadband a major priority. and multimedia over IP, enable access This is only the start of how high-speed fibre network, the Distinguished by its near unlimited to HDTV, premium content and video the reliability and performance of crucial infrastructure to keep the bandwidth capacity, enhanced on demand in a more cost-eff ective Vodafone’s full-fi bre infrastructure country at the forefront of digital speeds and compatibility with manner. can raise the country’s digital connectivity. other technologies, including 5G For businesses managing their Around the region requirements, fibre has the ability digital demands, GigaNet fi bre powers Weather Weather to grow and adapt to our future solutions that can help them navigate About Vodafone Qatar PQSC today Max/min tomorrow Max/min communication needs. current operational challenges – from Baghdad M Sunny 39/23 Sunny 40/23 To date, Vodafone Qatar has made where their remote teams work to how Vodafone Qatar PQSC (“Vodafone key locations in the country with fibre Kuwait City P Cloudy 38/27 M Sunny 37/26 signifi cant progress in providing they can deliver services - and still Qatar”) provides a comprehensive connectivity and 5G, along with an Manama Sunny 33/25 P Cloudy 33/26 fi bre connectivity to residents and advance innovation. range of services including voice, extensive digital ecosystem, which Muscat Sunny 32/27 Sunny 34/27 businesses in The Pearl, Lusail City, Voice, video and data are messaging, data, fixed communica- will contribute to Qatar’s continued Tehran P Cloudy 26/15 Sunny 26/15 Msheireb Downtown Doha, Education indispensable day-to-day tools now tions, IoT and ICT managed serv- growth and prosperity. Vodafone City, West Bay, Wukair, Industrial and as more businesses migrate to ices in the State of Qatar, for both Qatar’s vision is deeply rooted in area, Al Sadd and Al Waab among cloud-based solutions for remote consumers and businesses alike. The its mission to connect today’s ideas other areas, and roll-out is expanding. operations, fi bre broadband speeds Company commenced commercial with the technologies of tomorrow The latest generation fi bre off er the scalability and reliability operations in 2009 and has 1.73mn by pioneering digital innovation and capabilities - GigaNet fi bre - would they need to leverage those solutions mobile customers as of 31 March becoming people’s first choice in tel- be hugely advantageous to residents to increase productivity and improve 2020. Its state-of-the-art network ecom and digital services. Please visit relying heavily on connectivity for competency in the markets. The infrastructure is expanding to cover www.vodafone.qa for more details. remote work and study, and also growing SME and small-offi ce home-

‘QNL provides knowledge that is accessible to Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min everyone. We want the world to benefi t from it’ Athens Sunny 31/19 Sunny 35/22 Beirut M Sunny 27/22 Sunny 29/24 Bangkok I T Storms 34/25 P Cloudy 35/28 From Page 22 are currently working on further col- to branches of prestigious international tion did not gain their knowledge from Berlin P Cloudy 14/02 M Sunny 16/06 Q: How do you want to make QNL laborations with India and Russia, as universities as well as Hamad Bin Khalifa universities, but from books. Cairo P Cloudy 37/19 P Cloudy 37/21 a regional and international hub of well as many diff erent organisations, University, as well as Qatar Founda- Reading is a cognitive dynamic. Cape Town M Sunny 20/13 P Cloudy 19/11 knowledge, and a destination for visitors and we are an active member of the Dig- tion’s schools, research institutes, and Through reading, you can evolve and Colombo S T Storms 30/27 T Storm 30/27 within and beyond Qatar? ital Library Federation, the World Digital community facilities. It is a place of progress; without it, you will not only Dhaka S T Storms 34/25 S T Storms 34/26 A: One of the core features of QNL is Library – a Unesco initiative – and the academic and cultural diversity. fail to stay where you are, you will fall Hong Kong I T Storms 28/24 M Sunny 29/25 its capacity to provide knowledge that Library of Congress, a digital portal for The presence of QNL in an environ- back. People elevate themselves and Istanbul M Sunny 26/17 M Sunny 30/19 is accessible to all societies. We aim to material from the world’s leading librar- ment such as this enriches the library their potential through reading, just Jakarta P Cloudy 33/25 P Cloudy 33/26 strengthen our international partner- ies and institutions. and strengthens interaction with it. We as they do through lifelong learn- Karachi P Cloudy 33/27 Sunny 34/27 ships through our commitment to pro- Through all our partnerships and are proud that QNL is part of the Qatar ing, continuing to build on what they London P Cloudy 14/04 P Cloudy 18/07 viding lifelong learning opportunities. collaborations, we will strive to serve Foundation community, within which learned in school and university rather Manila S T Storms 35/28 T Strom 32/27 QNL has developed partnerships and knowledge and research, whether it embodies knowledge and lifelong than simply being satisfi ed with it. Moscow Cloudy 12/06 P Cloudy 13/04 collaborations with key institutions through digitisation initiatives, direct learning. Libraries are a source of knowl- New Delhi M Sunny 37/26 M Sunny 38/27 around the world, including the British communication, or through our pro- Q: Why do reading and the pursuit of edge, and knowledge is the future. The New York P Cloudy 18/13 S T Storms 29/17 Library, the Ottoman State Archives, grammes and activities. We want the knowledge matter? Covid-19 pandemic only reinforces that Paris M Sunny 17/07 Sunny 18/07 Bibliotheque National de France, the world to benefi t from our resources. A: In Qatar and across the Arab world, knowledge, not money, is the path to de- Sao Paulo S T Storms 21/15 I T Storms 17/14 National Archives and the National Q: What do you believe is the benefi t our culture has always drawn us toward velopment. The only way of overcoming Seoul Cloudy 26/12 Rain 18/15 Library of the Netherlands, the National of QNL being based in the environment reading and seeking knowledge – this is the challenges we will face in the future Singapore S T Storms 32/27 S T Storms 32/27 Libraries of China, Turkey, and Azerbai- of knowledge that is QF? illustrated by the fi rst word in the Qur’an, is to do so through knowledge and sci- Sydney Rain 15/11 Showers 16/11 jan, the Russian Presidential Library, A: What makes QNL more unique is which translates as “read”. Our great ence – this is the foundation on which Tokyo Clear 26/15 Cloudy 26/17 New York University, and Unesco. We its location within Education City, home scholars who have helped to build civilisa- we can build a better world. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, May 14, 2020 QATAR

Hospital for Covid-19 cured patients opened

Dr Abdullah Rasheed al-Naimi and other off icials touring the Libsear military field hospital for Covid-19 recovered male patients. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed

The virtual art gallery on DHFC’s website provides an opportunity for art enthusiasts to view the works of local artists amid the pandemic. Festival City opens

Dr Abdullah Rasheed al-Naimi along with other off icials at the press conference at the Libsear Ramadan-themed military field hospital for Covid-19 recovered male patients. virtual art gallery

By Joey Aguilar ‘Arabesque Azuro Vase’, Shanza I realised just how individualistic hopes “to bring us back to nature Staff Reporter Shahid’s ‘Art in Motion’, Athya and yet united we are in Qatar, and reminisce our not so old life.” Ansari’s ‘Beauty of Allah’, Lina both nationals and expats alike,” Yaghi, meanwhile, selected al-Ali’s ‘Hand by Hand We’re he added. bread as his focus since it has oha Festival City (DHFC) Together’, and Ahmad al-Hajri’s The virtual art gallery on been the main and basic food for offi cially opened its vir- ‘Inheritance of Faith’. DHFC’s website (www.dohafes- rich and poor people globally for Dtual art gallery yesterday “DHFC believes that art in all tivalcity.com) provides an op- thousands of years. (May 13), showcasing a number its forms can bring communi- portunity for art enthusiasts in Nader’s creativity is refl ect- of Ramadan-themed artworks by ties together. In support of Qa- Qatar and around the world to ed on her 100% hand-painted established and up-and-coming tar Museum’s and Fashion Trust view the works of local artists work, ‘The Arabesque Azuro artists in the country. Arabia’s Stand with Creatives amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) Vase’, a fi ne high-end porcelain. In a statement, DHFC said a campaign, our initiative aims pandemic. Its Arabic design was “derived total of 50 exclusive art pieces to provide artists in Qatar the ‘Alshghab’, meaning ‘gold’ in from ancient artistic authentic such as Eman al-Sulaiti’s ‘Alsh- opportunity to showcase their Qatari slang, is among al-Sulai- era of blue themes and back- ghab’, Jennifer Joyce Borillo’s works and we are more than ti’s ‘Meshkhas’ collection, which ground.” ‘Florals’, Ferin Gafoor’s ‘Calligra- happy to support the community she said contains “four other Other artworks which will phy of Islam’, and Dureid Yaghi’s in doing this through our hugely portraits that demonstrate other be displayed soon include Maia ‘Bread Composition’ have been followed digital platforms”, said pieces of well-known jewellery Sano’s ‘Refl ection in Isolation’, selected from nearly 200 sub- DHFC general manager Robert used by our mothers and grand- a piece symbolising the simplic- missions, ranging from paint- Hall in a statement. mothers along with their names ity yet the importance of Ram- ings, photographs, digital arts “It never ceases to amaze me to make them more memorable adan for all Muslims, especially Two staff members at the Libsear military field hospital for Covid-19 recovered male patients. and calligraphy. the individual talent and expres- and known by the younger gen- in Qatar; and ‘Spiritual Isolation’, The virtual art gallery initially sion in our community that is eration.” which outlines the personal ex- uploaded nine artworks yester- Qatar. From the outset of our Qa- For ‘Florals’, Borillo, who cu- perience of each Muslim during day, including Silvana Nader’s tar Unites Us campaign last year, rated these digital artworks, this pandemic. Takeaway back on menu with precautions

A row of rooms meant for patients at the Libsear military field hospital for Covid-19.

After a gap, restaurants and cafes around the country, except those in malls, have resumed takeaway services. Yesterday, people were seen arriving in cars and on foot to collect food from eateries around Doha. Restaurant workers were seen wearing masks and gloves in line with the Register national address for quick delivery of services preventive measures put in place by the authorities. Customers, too, turned up wearing masks as is required. Besides, food items are being packed by following the necessary hygiene and preventive measures. PICTURES: Jayaram, Shaji Kayamkulam, Noushad Thekkayil and Jayan Orma The national address “marks a paradigm shift in the quick delivery of services and ensures prompt conduct of judicial procedures”, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has stressed. “Register your address at the earliest through Metrash2 or the MoI website to take advantage of its features and to avoid penalties for not registering,” the ministry tweeted yesterday. The national address also marks a shift in providing rapid response to emergencies, an accompanying infographic states. The data required data for national address registration include the residential address, mobile and landline numbers, e-mail ID and work address. “This information will be used to complete your transactions with governmental and non- governmental agencies,” the MoI said in another tweet.