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FRIDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11507 April 3, 2020 Sha’ban 10, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir holds phone talk with Libyan leader Selling masks ‘in style’ in New York His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Ministry asks yesterday held a telephone conversation with chairman of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord companies to of Libya, Fayez al-Sarraj, during which they discussed the close relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them. Al-Sarraj briefed His protect workers Highness the Amir on the latest developments in Libya, and the efforts made to establish and enhance security and stability. from Covid-19 The Amir affirmed Qatar’s firm and supportive stance to the brotherly Libyan people and its Six-hour duty them to share information, ask ques- support for the internationally tions, and verify information. recognised government of for workers in The Ministry said companies should national accord. Also, they construction sector increase the frequency of routine clean- discussed efforts made by Qatar ing and sanitation of areas at work sites, and Libya to combat the novel QNA accommodation, buses, bathrooms, coronavirus, and ways of co- Doha kitchens, canteens and other places used operation in this field. by the workers; provide disposable wipes Protective masks for sale are displayed in a store in the Bushwick neighbourhood of Brooklyn, in New York City yesterday. so that commonly used surfaces such as Currently, over 92,000 people in New York state have tested positive for Covid-19. he Ministry of Administrative doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls PM chairs Supreme Development, Labour and Social and desks can be wiped down by the em- Committee meeting TAff airs has issued directives that ployees before each use. HE the Prime Minister and Minister private sector companies must enforce The employers must also ensure social of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa at work places and workers’ accom- gatherings are limited to the minimum; bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, Chairman modation in a bid to combat the novel stagger entry and exit of workers from Qatar absolutely transparent of the Supreme Committee for coronavirus, and to complement the the workplace; reduce population den- Crisis Management on combating precautionary measures taken by the sity in the workplace and accommoda- the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), State. tion by ensuring the number of people yesterday chaired the third Among the directives are six-hour in a room is limited to four; prohibit all on coronavirus facts: AlKhater meeting of the committee to duty for workers in the construction sec- in-person meetings that are not essen- follow up the progress of the work tor and steps to raise the workers’ aware- tial and limit internal movement as much of the national executive plan to ness of the procedures and the exchange as possible; suspend all training events; E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mo- The top offi cial stated that Qatar tackle the pandemic and related of information. and restrict the use of common spaces hamed AlKhater, the Spokes- witnessed relative stability after the developments. The meeting These measures also include emphasis such as canteens and changing rooms to Hperson for the Supreme Com- second wave of Covid-19 cases related reviewed the progress made by the on reducing gatherings at places of work a limited number of workers at one time mittee for Crisis Management, has to the return of Qatari citizens from state in addressing Covid-19 and and residence and implementing safety in line with the guidelines of the Ministry reiterated the absolute transparency abroad. protecting the country through measures to protect workers from the of Public Health. adopted by Qatar in conveying facts “This rise that we are currently wit- preventive and precautionary virus. MADLSA also underlined the im- related to the novel coronavirus (Cov- nessing is due to the return of Qatari measures, in addition to discussing The Ministry stressed that employers portance of enhancing the role of oc- id-19) outbreak. citizens from abroad, in addition to the issues on health, education and should exchange information and in- cupational safety and health offi cers “It hoped that this matter would be technical reason, which is the use of economy. The meeting praised crease workers’ awareness of the proce- and management to supervise workers appreciated by everyone. This is for new case-detection devices that allow the eff orts of various sectors and dures adopted at the company and gov- and to ensure that protective measures the simple reason that some depend on more cases to be tested in a shorter time their joint eff orts to overcome the ernment levels on tackling Covid-19. are applied, in particular performing numbers that are circulated in general and greater numbers. crisis. The meeting was attended Other measures include: a risk assessment to protect workers through various means of communi- “This is a healthy indicator, as it re- by members of the committee zTaking the temperature of work- and mitigate the spread of the disease; cation without checking for their ac- lates to the discovery of cases that al- including ministers, heads of ers regularly and monitoring respiratory working with public health authorities curacy,” she told a press conference on ready exist, and should be dealt with organisations, and senior off icials symptoms. to develop a plan to identify suspected Wednesday evening. scientifi cally and systematically. in the state. zObserving good personal hygiene by cases and contacts with Covid-19 in HE AlKhater stressed the impor- “The second chain of transmission reminding workers to wash their hands workplaces and manage them properly; tance of obtaining information from between Qataris coming from abroad regularly, cover their mouth with elbow if assessing the impact on mental health official sources and authorities, as is witnessing an increase in numbers, FM, UNHCR chief coughing or sneezing and to avoid touch- (for example, anxiety about job and there are official bodies that provide HE Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohamed while there is stability in the cases re- discuss Covid-19 ing their faces. income security, about the risk of con- and make available these numbers AlKhater corded between residents,” she said. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and zNeed for worker representatives/ tracting the disease, and the situation continuously, on a daily basis, with She said the reason for the increasing Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh welfare officers to communicate in of their family members in their home great accuracy. was more than 200 at the time, and the number of infections among Qataris is Mohamed bin Abdulrahman the workers’ languages to encourage countries). To Page 16 “Qatar’s approach of dealing with subsequent decline and stability, then that many people coming from abroad al-Thani held a phone call the crisis is a scientifi c one, as a scien- rise again in recent times. do not adhere to the conditions of safe yesterday with United Nations tifi c and medical solution to this prob- “The rise in the numbers recorded distance and quarantine. High Commissioner for Refugees Qatar records 114 new cases, third death lem is sought, and not a media solution, on March 20 came after the discovery She urged all to strictly adhere to the Filippo Grandi. During the call, because that will not solve the root of the transmission chains in Qatar, precautionary measures and quaran- they discussed ways to co-operate The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) tal number of tests to 26,260 so far, as causes of the problem. among expatriates in certain regions tine conditions. to reduce the spread of the announced yesterday the registration the use of new techniques continues “There are some parties and coun- of the country, the most important of “The primary safety line is the con- coronavirus and issues of common of 114 new confirmed cases of the to contribute to a greater number of tries that resort to certain means which which is the currently closed Industrial science of people and their control over concern. novel coronavirus disease, the recov- daily tests. A total of 72 patients have include not revealing the numbers, and Area,” she said. themselves, more than monitoring by ery of one patient and the third death recovered from Covid-19 in Qatar so calculating them in an unscientifi c HE AlKhater emphasised that the the authorities. so far in the country. Some of the new far. The third Covid-19 death was of way, such as announcing numbers that government’s response was quick and “Some people are wondering why Twitter removes accounts cases are related to travellers who an 85-year-old resident who was suf- are in fact virus infections for citizens consisted of closing that area and pro- the number of tests being conducted critical of Qatar, Turkey returned to Qatar from abroad and fering from acute pneumonia. He was and generally declared as if they are viding mobile health units, ambulances in Qatar is relatively less compared to Twitter said yesterday it has were subjected to quarantine upon ar- admitted to intensive care immedi- all infections in the country,” she said and other measures. some other countries. This is due to removed thousands of accounts rival, the Ministry said in a statement, ately upon his diagnosis yesterday, stressing that such calculations are not The Ministry of Public Health car- methodological and scientifi c reasons critical of Qatar and Turkey. “We according to Qatar News Agency. Oth- and treatment given. The Ministry accurate, and Qatar does not follow ried out a survey there, she said, noting as Qatar uses only devices that have removed 2,541 accounts in an ers were in contact with positive cases extended condolences to the family such approaches. that the number of cases has begun to been proven eff ective and internation- Egypt-based network, known in Qatar. All newly infected cases were of the deceased. The MoPH urged all HE AlKhater said that Qatar relies on decline in this region. ally recognised by the World Health as the El Fagr network,” the put into quarantine and are receiv- members of society to co-operate ful- internationally approved medical tests Concerning the later spike in Cov- Organisation and offi cial bodies, while San Francisco-based tech firm ing the necessary medical care. The ly and adhere to all health guidelines to detect infections. She presented an id-19 cases, she explained it was due to some other countries have chosen to posted in a series of tweets. MoPH yesterday conducted Covid-19 and preventive measures to reduce analysis of Covid-19 in Qatar, starting the return of Qataris from abroad, es- use devices that are still under experi- The company said the network tests for 1,435 people, bringing the to- the risk of contracting Covid-19. with the large increase in cases of in- pecially from Europe, and other coun- ment or devices and methods in which created fake accounts to amplify fection announced on March 20, which tries. the error rate is very high. To Page 16 messages critical of Qatar, Iran and Turkey. “Information we gained externally indicates it QFZA observes Autism Day was taking direction from the Egyptian government.” ‘Ensure crisis does not hamper Qatar Airways thanks Oman on students return autistic children’s development’ Qatar Airways has thanked the Omani authorities for choosing By Shafeeq Alingal taken to ensure that such children the airline to ease the return of Staff Reporter continue to receive therapeutic and QF initiative helps Omani students in Australia, New educational support during the Zealand and the US to Oman, school closure period through vir- over 300 children according to a statement. “We xperts are sharing tips to ensure tual learning, videos and telephonic would also like to apologise for the that autistic children get continu- support. Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Ability Friendly misunderstanding that happened, Eous care and their development is “Parents also need to get trained on Football Program started delivering as the Omani authorities not hampered due to the Covid-19 pan- how these children are managed. They classes in 2019, and, since then, has contracted Qatar Airways to demic and its impact on the education can consult specialised centres for sup- worked with more than 300 children operate charter flights to the sector. port and training,” he explained, adding with specific needs across the country. previously mentioned destinations The issue was highlighted around that HOPE Qatar has launched home Initially, the programme started as to bring Omani students home. It Qatar, and across the globe, yester- learning and off ers virtual education sup- community classes, quickly followed is worth noting that Qatar Airways day on the occasion of World Autism port. by the introduction of a school has the required licences to fly to Awareness Day. Forty students are receiving sup- programme, too, which saw the Ability these destinations in light of the Dr Rajeev Mathew Thomas, HOPE port at home through the system, Friendly Football Program team take Covid-19 outbreak. We aff irm the Qatar founder and managing direc- which has been completely devel- the initiative out to the wider commu- strong and close relations that we tor, said children with special needs oped by the staff . “The students are nity and visit local Special Educational share with brothers in Oman, and Qatar Free Zones Authority participated in the World Autism Day, which was observed deserve special care during the ongo- taught through video learning and Needs schools and centres to provide we wish all safe journeys to their yesterday, by lighting up in blue the Business Innovation Complex in Ras Bufontas Free Zone. ing crisis and parents have to pay extra worksheets, while parents are taught children with more access to sports. homes,” the statement added. The aim was to promote and raise awareness about autism and highlighting the importance attention to them. to help the children at their home,” he Page 16 –QNA of developing programmes and services for people with autism and for their families. He stressed that steps should be said. To Page 16 Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 3, 2020 QATAR

Ministry gives Virus hotline received over home quarantine 43,000 calls in three weeks disinfection tips

z 1,160 complaints related such complaints and inquiries. he Ministry of Public under home quarantine. to violation of ban on HE AlKhater pointed out Health (MoPH) has issued z Wear disposable gloves, gatherings received that the supplies of about 2mn Trecommendations for mask and protective clothing z1,100 complaints related masks, and about 266,000 litres cleaning and disinfection while (for example plastic aprons) to violating videos and clips of sanitisers were provided very under home quarantine. when cleaning. dealt with very firmly recently. Qatar is now working The advisory explains how to z Avoid contact with the eye zAbout 2mn masks and not only on importing but also clean and disinfect surfaces and and skin when handling cleaning 266,000 litres of sanitisers on the manufacture of such im- bathrooms; how to clean and products and keep them away provided portant materials. “We will wit- disinfect clothing, towels, lin- from children. zBesides importing, Qatar ness a remarkable activity in this ens and other items that go in 2. How to clean and disinfect working on manufacturing fi eld,” she said. the laundry; and how to clean clothing, towels, linens and oth- such important items At the end of the press confer- and disinfect dishes, glasses and er items that go in the laundry: ence, HE AlKhater announced other food service items. z For soft surfaces such as car- he Ministry of Public the launch of an electronic plat- The advisory was posted by the peted fl oor, rugs and drapes, remove Health (MoPH) received form that organises the support MoPH on social media yesterday. visible dirt if present and clean with Tmore than 43,000 calls process that the community in 1. How to clean and disinfect appropriate products indicated for in three weeks over the novel Qatar and companies and others surfaces and bathrooms: use on these surfaces. coronavirus (Covid-19) hotline have announced to support Qa- z Hands must be washed us- z After cleaning, launder 16000 in fi ve languages (Arabic, tar’s eff orts in tackling this virus. ing soap and warm water for at items properly using the warm- English, and three Asian lan- “What is delighting all of us is least 20 seconds before and after est appropriate water setting for guages) spoken by most of the that many individuals and com- cleaning. the items and dry them com- residents in Qatar. panies have presented support z Assign one person who is pletely. This was announced by HE and assistance either through in good health without any risk z Wear disposable gloves the Spokesperson for the Su- services, volunteering, mate- conditions for cleaning and dis- when handling dirty laundry and preme Committee for Crisis HE the Spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohamed rial or in-kind support,” she infection. then discard after each use. Management Lolwah bint Rash- AlKhater addressing the press conference on Wednesday. said while thanking everyone for z Clean and disinfect fre- z Do not shake dirty laundry id bin Mohamed AlKhater at a their eff orts. quently touched surfaces daily to minimise the possibility of dis- press conference on Wednesday Concerning the crisis man- ing the last three weeks with ing videos and clips, stressing By logging onto the electronic (for example tables, chairs, persing the virus through the air. evening. agement team, she stressed that regard to complaints and in- that these violations are dealt platform, the Supreme Commit- doorknobs, light switches, re- z Clean clothes, bed cloths, She gave an extensive pres- there is 24-hour work to moni- quiries related to quarantine. So with very fi rmly. She called for tee for Crisis Management will motes, handles, desks, sinks, bath and hand towels, etc, using entation on the spread patterns tor and receive complaints, calls, far, there have been 1,160 com- reporting these cases to be dealt receive all requests from indi- stair rails and bedframes). regular laundry soap and wa- of Covid-19, in the country and and questions, reassure public plaints related to violations of with according to the laws in viduals and companies to pro- z For disinfection, use diluted ter or machine wash at 60-90C recovery cases, and the mecha- opinion and deals with cases of the ban on gatherings. All the force. vide in-kind support and serv- household bleach solution (one- with common laundry detergent nisms of action in various insti- existing violations. grievances were dealt with. Regarding violations related ices, as well as fi nancial support, part bleach to 99-parts water). and dry thoroughly. tutions to deal with this crisis. The crisis management team HE AlKhater assured that all to consumer and commercial as there will be a dedicated and For surfaces that do not tolerate 3. How to clean and disinfect The top offi cial pointed out consists of several bodies in the the videos that showed gather- aspects, she emphasised that full-time team to co-operate in bleach, 70% ethanol can be used. dishes, glasses and other food that the percentage of answering state, such as the ministries ings in violation of the ban have all the relevant authorities are this regard. z Clean and disinfect bath- service items: calls reached more than 92, and of the Interior; Public Health; been dealt with legally, pointing active in this field, and issued HE AlKhater praised all those rooms and toilet surfaces at least z The person under home the average speed of answering Administrative Development, out that some people continue 304 notices for different viola- who were quick to support, once a day. quarantine should eat in his/her was fi ve seconds for each, with a Labour and Social Aff airs; to share these videos for several tions. whether it is the society as a z Clean toilets with a separate set room, preferably using disposa- 90% satisfaction score. Commerce and Industry; and days, which raises concern and She explained that these ef- whole or for the public and pri- of cleaning equipment (disposable ble food utensils and throw them The team answering these Municipality and Environment, causes doubt that the authori- forts aim to maintain price sta- vate sectors, hoping that this cleaning cloths, mops, etc). immediately after use. calls consisted of 201 people, in- Lekhwiya Force, and the Gov- ties concerned do not deal with bility and ensure the quality of pandemic will end soon. z If a separate bathroom is not z Non-disposable food uten- cluding 51 doctors and 150 others ernment Communication Offi ce them. available products, noting that “Finally, we pray to God to available, the shared bathroom sils used should be handled with trained as a supportive team for and others. She indicated there were 1,100 the Ministry of Commerce and preserve our country and our should be cleaned and disinfect- gloves and washed with hot wa- the work of the medical team. There were about 7,000 dur- complaints related to the violat- Industry has hotlines to receive people from all evil.” ed after each use by the person ter and soap, or in a dishwasher. Awareness lecture on Covid-19 10 ways to ‘make the most of your time at home’

he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has listed Tthe ‘10 ways to make the most of your time at home’. The advisory comes at a time when students as well as many offi ce-goers are going about their tasks remotely, from home, as part of the State’s eff orts to curb the spread of Covid-19. The advisory was posted by the ministry on social media yesterday. Images used for illustrative purpose only Following are the tips provid- ed by the MoPH to help people online workshops, courses and line that you can follow for ideas make the most of the time spent new hobbies that interest you. and guidance. at home: z Read: now that you have got z Take care of your mental z Spend quality time with more time to yourself, pick up a health: don’t forget to do things your family: engage in activities book and spend some time read- that you love to help you relax, that include all family members, ing each day. such as yoga, meditation and such as exercising, cooking and z Get creative with arts and breathing exercises. playing games. Always remem- crafts: draw, paint or create z Listen to podcasts: the pop- ber to keep at least 1.5m distance something, especially with chil- ularity of podcasts has soared in between yourself and others. dren. the last few years. There’s now z Contact your friends and z Expand your cooking skills: a range of podcasts available on extended family: use social me- we all love to eat tasty food, so many topics. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Administrative Services Department and in co-operation with dia and online communication make the most of your addi- z Rearrange your home: have the Ministry of Public Health, organised an awareness lecture to familiarise workers of the Public Hygiene Department with the preventive apps to video chat with friends tional time at home and try some you been thinking about rear- and precautionary measures against Covid-19. A number of employees, drivers and cleaners attended the lecture, the MME said in a and family. new healthy recipes. ranging your house for a while? statement yesterday. Mubarak Abdullah al-Hajri, director of the Administrative Services Department, was present on the occasion. The z Invest your time in personal z Get active: challenge your- Now is the time to get creative session was held as part of the eff orts made in the country to curb the spread of Covid-19, and came within the framework of the MME’s development and exploring new self to do home workouts every and make some changes to your concern for the safety of all employees and workers and increasing their awareness of various aspects of Covid-19. hobbies: take this time to explore day – there are lots of videos on- home. Partial closure of key intersection Qatar funds employment

he Public Works Authority, Ashghal, announced a partial Tclosure of Faleh Bin Nasser of 100 medics in Gaza Intersection through Sabah Al Ah- mad Corridor on Salwa Road to traffi c leading to and from Al Waab QNA and the right turn from Haloul In- Gaza tersection on Salwa Road, while keeping open the right turns from Al Waab to Salwa Road and from E the Chairman of the Salwa Road to Haloul Intersection Qatar Committee for as well as the U-turns. Hthe Reconstruction of The two-month closure start- Gaza, ambassador Mohamed ing Sunday (April 5, 2020) is to al-Emadi announced that the continue the works of the cable- committee, in co-operation and stayed bridge as part of Sabah Al co-ordination with Qatar Fund Ahmad Corridor. for Development, will fi nance During the partial closure, de- the employment of 100 medi- signed in co-ordination with the cal personnel, including doctors Earlier this week the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, in General Directorate of Traffic, road and nurses, in the Gaza Strip as co-operation with the Qatar Fund for Development, began the process users will be required to use the alter- temporary employment for six of disbursing cash assistance to needy families in the Gaza Strip. native routes as shown on the map. months, to cover the shortfall Road users coming from experienced by hospitals and government agencies, headed The Palestinian Ministry of Haloul Intersection on Sabah health centres in the Strip to ad- by the Palestinian Ministry of Health had sent out a distress Al Ahmed Corridor towards Al dress the outbreak of Coronavi- Health. call to the international commu- Waab and Salwa Road can take rus (Covid-19). He pointed out that the project, nity to provide health require- right turn at Ibn Jama Street to Ambassador al-Emadi said which aims to support the health ments to tackle the novel coro- reach Salwa Road, then U-Turn that the process of employing ministry personnel in the Strip, navirus, explaining that Gaza at Al Asiri Interchange and con- Road users coming from Al Waab Salwa Road then U-turn through install road signs advising motor- medical personnel, includ- comes within the grant of His medical teams are currently tinue straight then take right towards Doha through Sabah Al Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection to ists of the traffi c change and re- ing doctors and nurses, in the Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim working with limited resources turn to Ahmed bin Taymiya Ahmad Corridor can take left to reach their destinations. quested road users to abide by the Strip will be carried out in co- bin Hamad al-Thani to the Gaza and capabilities and in need of Street to reach Al Waab. Ahmed Bin Taymiya Street to reach The Public works Authority will speed limit to ensure safety. operation with the relevant Strip, at a value of $150mn. urgent support and help. Gulf Times Friday, April 3, 2020 3 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

Courtrooms are equipped with the most advanced devices and technologies. The new measure is part of the precautionary and preventive measures taken against the coronavirus pandemic. SJC launches remote legal trials

QNA carry out their tasks remotely. He mote trials are implemented in that the communication with Doha added that the judge will listen all courts effi ciently through the prosecutors will be activated to the statements of the accused online court system that was ac- soon to conduct investigations in while he is in the police station, tivated in Nov 2019. He stressed the initial accusation stages and he Supreme Judicial verify his identity, and complete that courtrooms were equipped to facilitate the conduct of trials Council (SJC), in co-oper- the procedures of the session with the most advanced devices for accused persons in penal in- Tation with the Ministry of with him via video call and then and technologies. stitutions via video. the Interior, began the remote le- issue a decision, either by re- Head of Verdict Execution Head of the wire services de- gal trial service as part of preven- newing the imprisonment or re- Department at the Ministry of partment of the Communica- tive measures taken by Qatar to leasing him. He pointed out that Interior Colonel Saif Mohamed tions Department in the Ministry combat coronavirus (Covid-19) all the rights of the arrested are al-Khayarin said that the experi- of Interior Major Khaled Khalaf outbreak. The service was acti- guaranteed through this video mental broadcasting between the al-Jassiman said that the Gen- vated yesterday experimentally communication, where his law- courts and police departments eral Directorate of Information in the Court of First Instance, yer is entitled to be at his side if regarding the renewal of the pre- Systems and the Communica- through video calling technology requested. trial detention or the release of tions Department of the Minis- and advanced systems. Chairman of the Advisory detainees without the need to try of Interior participated in the President of the Court of First Committee for Development of bring the arrestee to the court project as part of the transition Instance, Judge Ayedh bin Saad the Courts of the SJC Judge Na- will save a lot of eff ort and time. to the use of modern technical al-Qahtani, praised the con- bil Abdullah al-Saadi explained Al-Khayarin said that the new means. structive co-operation between that work in legislative and legal measure came in implementation He added that the Com- the SJC and the Ministry of Inte- terms is also taking place within of the decisions and instructions munications Department has rior in this regard, especially the the current priorities of the Ju- of HE the Prime Minister and provided devices, screens and Verdict Execution Department, dicial System Development Ini- Minister of Interior Sheikh Kha- related technologies for the con- the General Directorate of Infor- tiative plan to prepare and ensure lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al- cerned departments to commu- mation Systems, and the Com- laws meet within the procedures Thani regarding precautionary nicate with the courts and pros- munications Department of the that are being prepared for the and preventive measures against ecutions. On the technical side, The service allows the judge and the prosecutor, who are in their off ices, to carry out their tasks remotely. Ministry of Interior. activation of remote trials. the coronavirus pandemic. He Lieutenant Engineer Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani said that the serv- He pointed out that the best stressed that all requirements al-Jufairi, the project offi cer, said which is a highly secure network. eras used for visual communica- and video of the highest quality, ice allows the judge and the pros- practices in this fi eld are also were provided in the relevant that the system used is optical He pointed out that the display tion, adding that the system pro- which enables trials to be con- ecutor, who are in their offi ces, to recognised to ensure that re- security departments. He added communication technology (AV), screens are equipped with cam- vides communication with audio ducted with clarity. Iranian speaker tests positive for Covid-19 Qatar participates in WHO

AFP ing the Middle East to disaster Tehran in the midst of the coronavirus regional meet on Covid-19 pandemic. Its armed forces chief of staff said the recent attacks ran’s parliament speaker against US bases in Iraq are the QNA countries’ plans and precau- The Minister clarifi ed the tested positive for Covid-19, “natural reaction” of Iraqi people Doha tionary measures adopted to great importance for diagnoses Istate television reported yes- towards Washington’s continu- prevent spread of Covid-19, as and early intervention to curb terday, becoming the latest of- ing military presence. The attacks well as the repercussions of the the spread of the disease. She fi cial to contract the disease in “have nothing to do with our atar yesterday par- virus outbreak in the region and also emphasised the importance the hard hit country. Ali Larijani country. The Americans some- ticipated in the meet- the world. of enhancing international co- “was tested for coronavirus after times attribute such things to us, Qing held by the World In addition, the meet also fo- operation to minimise the im- showing certain symptoms, and which is projecting the blame,” Health Organisation (WHO) cused on the strategic measures pact of Covid-19 on the most as the result was positive, he is Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted Regional Offi ce for the Eastern required to enhance the co-or- aff ected countries, as well as on currently in quarantine and un- Major General Mohammad Bagh- Mediterranean around the lat- dination of the eff orts of coun- the countries those suff er from dergoing treatment,” the report eri as saying. est developments of coronavi- tries in the region. weakness in their health sys- said. “Iran has no involvement in rus (Covid-19), through remote HE al-Kuwari emphasised, tems. Larijani, 62, is close to the Ira- these actions and no intention communication technolo- that Qatar is adopting a col- The meeting saw a discussion nian leadership and president and to attack foreign forces,” he said, gies. HE the Minister of Public lective approach in combating session around the support that was re-elected in 2016 for a sec- Iran’s Parliament speaker Ali Larijani. underlining that Iran would still Health, Dr Hanan Mohamed al- Covid-19, combining all of the can be provided by the countries ond term as parliament speaker. respond strongly to any aggres- Kuwari, represented the State in governmental and civil eff orts in to facilitate the WHO eff orts He is one of the most senior of- sion. Iran and the US are in a tense the forum. a signifi cant co-operation with and the countries in need in the fi cials to be infected so far. battle for infl uence in Iraq, where The meeting discussed the WHO. Eastern Mediterranean region. Iran has been scrambling to Tehran has powerful allies and contain the spread of the novel Washington has close ties to the coronavirus since it reported its government. fi rst cases on February 19. Earlier Bases in Iraq housing US yesterday, Iran had reported 124 troops and foreign embassies, new deaths from the coronavirus, particularly the American mis- Philippines envoy to Lebanon raising its total to 3,160 with more sion, have been targeted in more than 50,000 people infected. The than two dozen rocket attacks announcement came as Presi- since October that Washing- dent Hasan Rouhani warned at a ton has blamed on Iran-backed dies of corona complication cabinet meeting that the country armed groups. Tensions have may still battle the pandemic for risen sharply since Trump with- another year. drew from a landmark nuclear AFP arising from Covid 19”. Catalla’s death and three “Coronavirus is not something agreement in 2018 and reimposed Beirut Catalla had been very active other fatalities reported by the for which we can point to a certain sweeping sanctions. in recent months organising the health authorities yesterday date and say it will be completely An Iranian soldier is seen in the metro in Tehran, Iran. They escalated in January when repatriation of some of the tens brought to 16 the number of eradicated by then,” he said. the US killed Iran’s Major Gen- he Philippines’ ambas- of thousands of Filipino domes- people confi rmed to have died Rouhani said the virus “may versities as well as four key Shia and more than 3,000 in Iran. eral Qasem Soleimani in a drone sador to Lebanon died of tic workers hoping to leave the from the virus in Lebanon. The be with us in upcoming months, pilgrimage sites, including the Foreign Minister Mohamed Ja- strike near Baghdad airport. Iran Tcoronavirus yesterday, a country. offi cial number of cases stood at or until the end” of the current Fatima Masumeh shrine in Qom, vad Zarif tweeted that “unlike retaliated by fi ring at bases in Iraq statement said, one of only 16 A severe currency crisis in 494. Iranian year, in March 2021. The Iran’s epicentre for the virus. It the US -- which surreptitiously housing US troops. recorded deaths in the country Lebanon has had a major impact Strict confi nement guidelines virus has not spared Iranian law- has also discouraged travel, can- lies, cheats & assassinates -- Iran Iran has repeatedly called on since the start of the pandemic. on foreign domestic workers, have been issued by the Leba- makers or other offi cials. At least celled the main weekly Friday only acts in self-defence”. “Don’t the Trump administration to re- The Philippines’ department who no longer have dollars to nese government, including a 23 of the legislature’s 290 mem- prayers and temporarily closed be misled by usual warmongers, verse its sanctions policy, which of foreign aff airs expressed its send home and can be restricted 7pm to 5am curfew that is fol- bers have tested positive for the parliament. AGAIN,” he said, addressing US has been opposed even by US al- “deep sadness” at the passing of in their freedom of movement lowed with varying thorough- novel coronavirus so far, state Meanwhile, Iran said it “only President Donald Trump. “Iran lies, particularly since the COV- Bernardita Catalla, which it said by an archaic sponsorship sys- ness depending on the city and news agency IRNA said on Tues- acts in self-defence” after Presi- starts no wars but teaches lessons ID-19 pandemic hit. was the result of “complications tem. neighbourhood. day. Covid-19 has also killed at dent Donald Trump warned it to those who do,” he added. “This was the best, historic least 12 serving or former govern- against attacks on US troops Trump warned Iran on opportunity for the Americans ment offi cials, according to offi- in Iraq, as a new war of words Wednesday that it would pay to reverse their wrong path and Syria seals major shrine cial reports. heated up despite the coronavirus a “heavy price” in the event of for once, tell their nation they are After weeks of refraining from pandemic. Tensions between the further attacks on US troops. He not against the Iranian people,” Syrian authorities yesterday and porous land borders with that medics had quarantined a imposing a lockdown or quaran- arch-foes fl ared in Iraq where the tweeted that “upon information President Hassan Rouhani told a sealed a major Shia shrine that neighbouring Iraq and air flights building in the heavily garrisoned tine measures, Tehran decided United States deployed Patriot and belief, Iran or its proxies are cabinet meeting on Wednesday. draws tens of thousands of with Tehran that still brought until Sayeda Zainab neighbourhood last week to ban all intercity travel air defence missiles prompt- planning a sneak attack on US Medicines and medical equip- Iranian pilgrims whom medics recently thousands of pilgrims. for suspected cases of the virus. until at least April 8. ing neighbouring Iran to warn of troops and/or assets in Iraq”. ment are technically exempt from and the UN off icials warned their Interior Minister Mohamed UN off icials have warned that There is no offi cial lockdown consequences and demand a US In response, Zarif tweeted that the US sanctions but purchases congregation puts the country Rahmoun told state media religious pilgrims and clerics who within Iran’s cities, although withdrawal. “Iran has FRIENDS: No one can are frequently blocked by the at risk of a major spread of the decision was taken to seal regularly cross Iran’s frontiers to the government has repeatedly Both countries have been hit have MILLIONS of ‘proxies’” unwillingness of banks to proc- coronavirus. The move comes as the crowded area to stem any Iraq and then Syria where often urged Iranians to stay at home to hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, Iran responded angrily to the ess purchases for fear of incur- the war-ravaged country steps up possible outbreak. “It has a large border controls are weak put the contain the spread of the virus. which has claimed more than US Patriot deployment warning ring large penalties in the United a lockdown to stem a major out- residential population,” he said. country at high risk of a major Iran has closed schools and uni- 5,000 lives in the United States that Washington risked lead- States. break with a fragile health system State media had earlier said outbreak. Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 3, 2020 AFRICA Panic, confusion Food for all as infections grip Kinshasa By Samir Tounsi, AFP Humanitarian corridor keeps aid fl owing: UN Kinshasa By MacDonald Dzirutwe, Reuters virus and eff ect on the food system, Harare especially on the smallholder farmers... ack of resources, a muddle over maybe we will see an increase in prices confi nement and incipient panic and number of people who require food Lare hobbling the response to coro- The United Nations food agency has assistance,” she said. navirus in DR Congo, fuelling fears espe- negotiated a humanitarian corridor to More than $400mn was required to cially for Kinshasa, one of Africa’s largest keep food aid flowing in southern Africa import food aid for the next three and most chaotic cities. after most countries shut their borders months in southern Africa, which has Almost all of the infections in the vast to stop the spread of coronavirus, an received patchy rains this year, said A woman receives food items during a food distribution by Team Pangaj, a Kenyan voluntary group, delivering central African nation have occurred in off icial said yesterday. Castro. flour, beans, milk and juice for about 900 people at the Olympic Primary school in the Kibera slum, Nairobi. the capital, along with a handful in the Up to 45mn people in southern Africa Africa has now registered almost 6,445 east — a deeply-troubled region hit by face hunger following a devastating cases of coronavirus and 241 deaths. Ebola and militia attacks. drought and two cyclones last year, and The continent is already suff ering a “The coming week will be the most there are growing fears the situation huge economic impact from lockdowns diffi cult for Kinshasa. The numbers will could be compounded by the outbreak aiming to contain the virus and a sharp quickly double or triple,” Jean-Jacques of coronavirus. fall in global demand for commodities. Muyembe, who is leading DRC’s fi ght Lola Castro, World Food Programme Some international aid workers have against the pandemic, warned in an in- director for southern Africa, said South been prevented from doing their jobs Virus lockdown pushes terview with Jeune Afrique magazine. Africa had agreed to let vessels carrying by closed borders. According to offi cial fi gures released food aid land on its shores and move Daily lives have been upended in late on Wednesday, there have been 123 it to countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, most African countries due to tough confi rmed cases, 11 of them deaths, in a Botswana and Namibia, which face food lockdown measures that have aff ected nation of some 80mn people. shortages. swathes of populations that rely on Lagos poor to the brink Kinshasa, which has been isolated Castro told reporters during a video informal trade for a living. from the rest of the country, has 118 cases conference that Africa’s most advanced Matshidiso Moeti, World Health but this is likely to be just the tip of the economy, which has declared a 21-day Organisation regional director for By Celia Lebur, AFP “Sixty per cent of the people or contain a virus that has infected iceberg giving the paucity of testing. lockdown, had agreed to “a sort of a Africa, said governments on the Lagos more are in the informal sector, 174 confirmed cases and killed “On average, 50 tests are carried out humanitarian corridor”, a move that continent had to balance between earning daily wages,” Lagos state’s two. each day at the National Institute of Bio- would help the agency continue its physical distancing measures while minister for agriculture, Gbolahan The federal government has medical Research (INRB),” said a health work. making sure that families had food on large crowd jostled and Lawal, told AFP. promised welfare payments worth offi cial, speaking on condition of ano- “At this moment we are actually the table. cheered in the poor district “So there must be a way of palli- some $13 a month will be paid in nymity. maintaining our normal food “The potential economic impact is of Aof Alimosho in Nigeria’s ating the economic challenges dur- advance to those who have been re- Five cases have been recorded in six distributions but maybe in the future, great concern at the lowest socio- megacity Lagos as the doors of a ing the lockdown.” ceiving them. days in the Democratic Republic of Con- depending with the eff ect of the economic levels,” Moeti said. lorry swung open to reveal hun- By day three of the closures, it However it lacks the fi nancial go’s volatile east, destabilised by 25 years dreds of sacks of food. was clear that the draconian meas- fi repower of richer nations that of rebel and militant attacks. The rice, beans and other staples ures to halt the global pandemic have unleashed unprecedented res- Two of them emerged in Goma, the that works. They can’t aff ord to make Vidiye Tshimanga, tested positive on were part of a programme from the were already making many desper- cue packages to pay wages and prop capital of the eastern North Kivu prov- mistakes,” an observer said. March 23, after spending two days at local authorities to feed some of the ate. up economies. ince, which is offi cially due to declare Two globally-renowned names have home during which medical teams failed poorest in economic hub of 20mn A crowd of hundreds shook the The collapse in the price of oil has an end to the Ebola outbreak on April 12 been enlisted in the campaign against to arrive. after it went into lockdown to halt gate of the local traditional ruler’s gutted state revenues for the conti- if no more cases of haemorrhagic fever coronavirus: Dr Muyembe, who helped Tshimanga, who was diagnosed with a the coronavirus. headquarters in Alimosho, threat- nent’s biggest oil producer and of- emerge. discover the Ebola virus in 1976, is national mild forum of coronavirus and is on the But the joy of the local residents ening to break the chains. fi cials are cutting back the budget. Kinshasa, home to at least 10mn peo- co-ordinator, while the 2018 Nobel Peace mend, told AFP that when he went for soon turned to anger as the realisa- “They want us to kill each other, They face a tough balancing act: ple, was meant to go into lockdown on laureate, gynaecologist Denis Mukwege, is a lung scan on Monday, he was met by a tion dawned that there would not or what? It is very risky to come how to contain a pandemic that Saturday for four days under an an- overseeing the response in the east. hospital offi cial “who refused to let me be enough for everyone. and give 50 bags of food like that,” risks fl ooding Nigeria’s weak health nouncement made unilaterally by the re- Despite these reassuring appoint- get out of the ambulance.” “Liars!” shouted a woman with a complained Abiola Okudukun, a system and keep a lid on the wrath gion’s governor. ments, preparations to deal with large One of his friends and a close aide of child tied on her back. young hairdresser with fi ve children of millions of poor unable to make But offi cials delayed the measure after numbers of coronavirus cases in Kinsha- the president has meanwhile died, he told Only 50 sacks of food were un- to feed ends meet. the announcement triggered fears of a sa are a mess, according to experts. AFP. loaded and handed over to a local “Obviously we will have nothing Signs of a potential explosion are rise in the prices of basic goods and the “The medical facilities are unequipped “The medical teams were ill-informed traditional leader to dole out before — as usual they will leave us starv- already bubbling under the surface. risk of unrest. to take in sick people, apart from a hos- and fearful of Covid-19 and hardly took the truck closed up and headed off ing to death.” A task force of unarmed security The national intelligence agency pital run by the Chinese,” a health expert care of him,” Tshimanga said of his de- to make its next delivery. An irate Akandi Kausara, who offi cers toured the crowded district “warned the presidency of the threat of said. ceased colleague. The stay-at-home order issued by usually sells food and water by the of Agege on Tuesday evening trying looting,” an informed source said. There are only 65 ventilators in all of “I have heard of other cases like this,” President Muhammadu Buhari from side of the road, insisted the situa- to enforce the lockdown. The city witnessed pillaging, led by se- Kinshasa’s hospitals, a researcher said. he said. Monday has cut countless people tion needed to change. They went to a mosque where curity forces, in 1991 and 1993. The INRB has no vehicles or fuel and “A kind of general panic has set in. who live hand-to-mouth in the city “They provoke us, if that’s how hundreds had gathered in contra- A day after the lockdown U-turn, foreign NGOs are pitching in to help, oth- Covid-19 patients are being left to one off from their only source of survival. it is, we’re going to go back to work vention of the rules. President Felix Tshisekedi held an emer- er sources said. side without receiving care. There is a The handout initiative from the tomorrow, you believe that,” said But in a few minutes, thousands gency meeting but there have been no an- The problems have been experienced lack of information...something that we Lagos state government aims to the woman in her fi fties. of young people emerged from the nouncements since. fi rst-hand by some of Tshisekedi’s en- (the government) are going to have to provide rations to an initial 200,000 Nigeria’s president admitted the adjoining alleyway to stop them — “They want to decide on something tourage. The president’s special adviser, tackle as soon as possible.” households to last them through decision to shutter shops and busi- hurling bottles at the police cars as the two-week shutdown. nesses would “cause much hard- they fl ed. But the 1.2mn people that rep- ship and inconvenience to many “The frustration and anger are Guinea security forces complicit in poll violence, says Amnesty International resents is just a drop in the ocean citizens”. there,” one offi cer told AFP. of the hungry mouths left to feed But he insisted it was a “matter “At the slightest spark, it can de- Amnesty International said yesterday security forces in Guinea that 12 people had been killed on or around March 22, mainly in across a sprawling city where pov- of life and death” as Africa’s most generate. So imagine in a few days, were complicit in election-day violence which killed at least 12 the capital Conakry. erty is rife. populous country scrambles to when they are really hungry.” people in the West African nation. Guinea voted on March 22 on Ten of those people were protesters or passers-by killed by whether to adopt a new constitution, which the government has bullets fired by Guinean security forces. argued is needed to enshrine gender equality, among other things. Another person was killed after being struck by a security- France confirms four coronavirus cases in Sahel force But the proposal proved hugely controversial over fears that it forces vehicle. was a ploy to allow President Alpha Conde to run for another And another was “lynched by a group of youngsters,” the our French soldiers deployed spokesman for the French armed were continuing as normal, said spell in off ice later this year. It provoked mass demonstrations human rights monitor said, which also suggested that they had in the Sahel region of west- forces chief of staff , told AFP one of Barbry. in which at least 32 people have been killed, according to an links to the security forces. Fern Africa in France’s anti- the soldiers was being treated in his The 5,100 strong-Barkhane force AFP tally. “This must not go unpunished,” said Amnesty researcher militant Barkhane force have tested country of deployment, while the fi ghts militants in co-operation with The political opposition has said that scores of people also died Fabien Off ner, referring to the spate of election deaths, adding positive for coronavirus, the army other three have been repatriated. the Sahel countries of Mali, Burkina in unrest on polling day — when parliamentary elections were that the perpetrators must face trial. said yesterday. The group had arrived in the area Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad. also held — although the government has said that only a few Last week, Guinean authorities announced that 91.59% of The infections are the fi rst con- several weeks ago and were not France last week said it will with- deaths occurred. voters backed the proposal to change the constitution. fi rmed by the French army among showing symptoms, he said. draw its contingent of troops from Yesterday, based on some 30 interviews and verified photos But the United States and France, the former colonial power, soldiers serving in its foreign op- People they had been in contact Iraq, mostly trainers to local armed and video footage, Amnesty International said in a statement have since cast doubt on the credibility of the poll. erations. with were being placed into quar- forces, because of the coronavirus Colonel Frederic Barbry, the antine but military operations pandemic.

African governments team up with tech giants to combat coronavirus lies

Reuters benefi t available to public health tweet, posted by a user in Nigeria tive alternative to anti-retroviral a pandemic that has killed more org to launch its own version on one platform, only to be copied Abuja authorities in 11 other African with more than 119,000 follow- drugs — endorsed by a former than 46,900 people worldwide March 20. and shared on others. countries, and around the world. ers. South African health minister — have broad appeal on a continent It receives about 100,000 en- Post are often written in pidgin Twitter has been tweaking Some governments are now contributed to hundreds of thou- where soap and clean water for quiries per hour, according to the English or lesser-known Afri- overnments across Africa its algorithm to elevate medical resorting to punitive measures. sands of deaths at the height of hand washing are out of reach for organization’s founder, Gustav can languages, so might not be are teaming up with tech- information from authoritative In Kenya, at least two men, in- the Aids epidemic in the 2000s, many. Praekelt. picked up by software that di- Gnology giants including sources — an initiative available cluding a popular blogger, have according to Harvard University South Africa’s President Cyril Facebook, along with social rects posts to fact-checkers, said Facebook and WhatsApp to fi ght in 70 countries, including fi ve in been arrested for publishing false researchers. Ramaphosa made clear his con- media competitors including Adebola Williams, founder and misinformation about corona- Africa. information about the virus on And bogus rumours that for- cern when he declared a national Twitter and YouTube, has barred chief executive of Nigerian media virus on social media platforms “There has never been a more Twitter, an off ence punishable by eign aid workers were bringing disaster in March. users from posting harmful in- consultancy Red. that could propel the pandem- critical time than now for us to up to 10 years in prison or a fi ne of Ebola into communities ham- “Perhaps the greatest dangers formation about Covid-19 on its Messages on WhatsApp ic on a continent with shaky leverage on social media in send- 5mn Kenyan shillings ($48,000). pered the response to two major to our country at this time are platforms. are encrypted, so will only be healthcare systems. ing out the right message,” said Neither has been charged. outbreaks in Africa in the past six fear and ignorance,” he said. The company is working with checked if a user reports them. South Africa, which has more Chikwe Ihekweazu, who heads South Africa introduced a law years. “We should stop spreading third-party fact-checkers in 15 Last year Facebook limited the infections than any other African the NCDC. in March that makes sharing ma- As coronavirus cases increase fake and unverifi ed news and sub-Saharan African countries number of times a WhatsApp country, with more than 1,300 But governments and tech licious falsehoods about the virus in Africa, similar false rumours creating further apprehension to identify and remove such posts message can be forwarded to fi ve, confi rmed cases, has launched fi rms face an uphill battle: as the punishable by up to six months in are surfacing again, amplifi ed by and alarm.” from Facebook, said its regional in an attempt to curb the spread an information service about the virus spreads, unfounded ru- jail. social media. The country’s health depart- spokeswoman, Kezia Anim-Ad- of rumours. coronavirus on WhatsApp. mours are proliferating across Public health offi cials wor- Shoppers in Addis Ababa said ment developed its WhatsApp do. But misleading information In Nigeria, health offi cials are multiple platforms. ry such posts will drive up the prices of garlic and lemon had service with South Africa-based WhatsApp is piloting a similar still gets through. In Lagos, artist partnering with the messaging “Blacks don’t get coronavirus,” number of infections — currently tripled within days of Ethiopia non-profi t Praekelt.org, using eff ort in Nigeria, among other Aderemi Adegbite shook his head service owned by Facebook to said one erroneous tweet seen around 6,000, according to a Re- confi rming its fi rst case. machine learning technology. countries. at a false rumour on WhatsApp send push notifi cations to users by Reuters, which was posted uters tally — on a continent beset “These are wanted for medici- Users who send the word “hi” But the volume of posts on that the government intended with advice on symptoms and by a user in Kenya with nearly by overburdened health facilities. nal purposes,” said ginger seller to a WhatsApp number can get Covid-19 is too high to catch to spray coronavirus-fi ghting how to avoid infection. 700,000 followers. Many know from painful expe- Abebe Tene. “I am protecting questions answered on topics every problematic claim, said chemicals from a plane. The Nigeria Centre for Disease “If you think you have it...you rience how shared misinforma- myself by inserting garlic in one including myths, symptoms and Siphesihle Hlela, Africa strategic “These messages are actually Control (NCDC) is also getting must learn to unblock your air- tion can fuel a deadly epidemic. side of my nose and ginger in the treatments. director at global media intelli- a big problem, even though they free ad space on Facebook for way by boiling lemon/ginger & False claims that garlic, beet- other.” The WHO noticed the serv- gence company Meltwater. look or sound funny,” he said. outreach about the pandemic, a inhaling,” advised another bogus root and lemons are an eff ec- Seemingly cheap ways to beat ice and partnered with Praekelt. Many rumours begin life on “We are in a serious situation.” Gulf Times Friday, April 3, 2020 5 AMERICAS Prime minister calls for ‘Team Canada’ eff ort

Reuters direct spending, or about 5% of out to the other parties about work on them,” she told a news “Canada is eff ectively on a war had risen to 10,132 from 9,017 on “This is in addition to the 10mn Ottawa gross domestic product. bringing back parliament. This conference. “Now is not a time footing against the coronavirus,” Wednesday, at which point 105 masks that have come in over the Ottawa has also promised to must be a Team Canada eff ort,” for partisanship.” said Nik Nanos, founder of Nanos people had died. last days and are being distrib- defer C$85bn in personal and he told reporters. Andrew Scheer, leader of the Research. “Convening Parlia- The agency said it was particu- uted ... as quickly as possible,” he rime Minister Justin Tru- business taxes. Deputy Prime Minister Chrys- offi cial opposition Conservative ment is likely intended to extend larly concerned by the spread of told a daily news briefi ng. deau has called for a Although the House of Com- tia Freeland said that the gov- Party, had earlier accused the that narrative of a popular front the coronavirus in seniors’ resi- Quebec, which accounts for P“Team Canada eff ort” to mons was suspended last month ernment respected the role of prime minister of being too slow to include all the federal political dences. almost half the cases, is trying to beat the coronavirus outbreak, after approving a deal to give Ot- the opposition and likened the to react. parties.” At the same time, some medi- contain the outbreak in seniors’ saying that parliament should tawa broad spending powers for fi ght against the coronavirus to Opinion polls show the Liber- Canada now has more than cal personnel have raised con- homes, since almost a quarter of be brought back so all legisla- six months, Trudeau said that Canada’s challenge during World als – who won only a minority 10,000 coronavirus cases and the cerns about a lack of personal the 2,200 residences have at least tors could approve a massive aid lawmakers needed to have their War II. of legislative seats in an election death toll has jumped 21% from protection equipment such as one positive diagnosis. package. say. “The magnitude of the meas- last October – well ahead of their a day earlier to 127, according masks. Premier Francois Legault also Finance Minister Bill Morneau “This is the largest economic ures we know are necessary rivals, with Trudeau getting gen- to data posted by the country’s Trudeau said authorities had said the province’s stocks of said the steps proposed so far programme in Canada’s history, means that it would be a good erally favourable marks for his public health agency yesterday. received over 1mn masks late on medical supplies had increased totalled over C$105bn ($74bn) in so I’ve asked (offi cials) ... to reach idea to bring Parliament back to handling of the crisis. It said the number of cases Wednesday. slightly.

Pandemic forces US Democrats to delay presidential convention until August

The Democratic Party has postponed its US presidential nominating convention by a month until August, citing the coronavirus health crisis that has upended daily life and caused many states to postpone their primaries. Democrats will use the convention in Milwaukee – now scheduled for Coronavirus cases the week of August 17 – to formally pick their nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. It had previously been scheduled for July. The pandemic already has forced Democratic front-runner Joe Biden and rival Bernie Sanders off the campaign trail, and more than a dozen states have delayed their nominating contests due to worries about public health risks. “In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the smartest approach top 200,000 in US is to take additional time to monitor how this situation unfolds,” said Joe Solmonese, chief executive of the Democratic National Convention DPA/Reuters/AFP nearly half of fatalities nation- Committee. Washington/New York wide, Cuomo said. The convention will be held in Wisconsin, a state that Trump narrowly There are at least 83,712 con- won in 2016 and which is seen as a key battleground state for the 2020 fi rmed coronavirus cases in the presidential contest. S coronavirus cases state. Biden on Wednesday called for delaying the convention. topped 200,000 on “That number will continue Biden, who was vice-president under president Barack Obama, UWednesday, doubling to go up,” he said, predicting that currently leads the Democratic nominating contest against Sanders, a in less than a week, and deaths the local outbreak would hit its US senator from Vermont. passed 5,000 as the nation’s top apex “roughly at the end of April”. public health offi cials predicted He said at the peak, New York Florida off icials finally allow two cruise grim weeks ahead in the battle will need 110,000 hospital beds against the outbreak. and 37,000 ventilators, but that ships to dock after days of impasse The US death toll from the the federal government has only coronavirus pandemic topped sent 4,000 units of the breathing Florida off icials said yesterday that they are prepared to allow two 5,000 late on Wednesday, ac- equipment. Holland America cruise ships with coronavirus patients aboard dock at cording to a running tally from Cuomo also announced New a port near Fort Lauderdale, resolving a days-long impasse that drew Johns Hopkins University. York City playgrounds will be the attention of President Donald Trump. By 0235 GMT yesterday, 5,116 shut down as social distancing A unified command consisting of local, state and federal off icials met people had died, the tally showed, guidelines are still not being fol- via conference call late on Wednesday to finalise a plan that will need on the same day the United States lowed closely enough, especially approval from the Broward County Commission. set a one-day record of 884 peo- by young people. “If the experts forming the operational plans are going to unanimously ple killed in 24 hours. “Who else has to die for you to agree to it, it’s something I guess we’ll figure out a way to move forward The US death toll is lower understand you have a responsi- with,” Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine told Reuters. than those of Italy and Spain bility?” Cuomo said. The tentative agreement would allow the cruise line’s Rotterdam and but above the 3,316 recorded for On a personal note, Cuomo Zaandam ships to dock at the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale after China, where the pandemic fi rst said he was “frightened” for his 27 days at sea, NBC reported. emerged in December. A woman walks her dog under the marquee at Washington’s Anthem music venue, referring to the battle brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuo- Four passengers aboard the Zaandam have died, two of them after According to Johns Hopkins, against the coronavirus pandemic. mo, who tested positive for the becoming infected by the coronavirus. the US leads the world in number coronavirus. A Port Everglades spokeswoman said yesterday that the space of cases of new coronavirus, with ment the massive coronavirus It will have subpoena power, many as 240,000 US deaths. “I couldn’t protect my own was being held open at the port to accommodate the arrival of the 215,417. rescue bill – the largest fi nancial she said. “We want to make sure In a sign that some holdouts brother,” an emotional governor Zaandam, with nearly 1,050 passengers and crew, and the Rotterdam, Meanwhile, Democrats in relief bill in US history. there are not exploiters out there are taking the virus more seri- said, adding that “anyone can get with almost 1,450 on board. Washington are starting to push When he signed the bill, ... where there is money there is ously, this disease”. for a fourth economic stimulus Trump questioned whether he also frequently mischief.” Florida Governor Ron DeSan- It only took a month for coro- Fauci says threats to his life ‘secondary’ package aimed at massive infra- had to adhere to restrictions on Pelosi said she spoke with tis on Wednesday announced a navirus to become the third- structure projects. his powers included in it. Treasury Secretary Steven state-wide stay at home order, leading cause of death in the The infectious diseases expert at the forefront of the US fight against Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of Pelosi said lawmakers must Mnuchin on Wednesday about taking eff ect yesterday evening. United States, according to a San the coronavirus outbreak has downplayed reports that his personal the House, said on Wednesday ensure aid already approved gets tax matters, but “they know that DeSantis was facing mounting Diego doctor and data from the security was being threatened, saying he felt safe and was focused on that she wants lawmakers to pur- to those who need it most, and a I want to go forward” on infra- criticism that he was not tak- US Centres for Disease Control doing his job. sue the stimulus package, focus- committee was needed to ensure structure spending. ing enough measures to curb the and Prevention (CDC). Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and ing on infrastructure projects, fund “are spent wisely and eff ec- “Whatever communication we outbreak, and on Wednesday he Covid-19 is now killing 748 Infectious Diseases, has faced growing threats to his safety, and the once Congress is back in session tively”. need to move forward, that will said Trump had infl uenced his people per day in the US, Dr Mar- government will step up his security, the Washington Post reported on on April 20. The top House Republican, be happening, whether I talk to decision. ia Danilychev said, citing data Wednesday. However, Republicans have Minority Leader Kevin McCa- the president or not,” said Pelosi, Trump has refrained from is- from Worldometers.info. Asked on NBC’s Today show if he felt safe, Fauci said: “I do “I’ve chosen demurred on the subject. rthy, raised several objections to who has a strained relationship suing a nation-wide stay-at- Only heart disease (1,774 this life – I know what it is. Pelosi said yesterday that she the idea of a select committee, with Trump. home order, saying that some deaths per day) and cancer (1,641 There are things about it that “sometimes are disturbing”, Fauci said. will form a bipartisan select com- including that it could not be McCarthy said he was open states “don’t have much of a deaths per day) are killing more “But you just focus on the job you have to do and you put all that other mittee on the coronavirus crisis created without a vote and Con- to more infrastructure spend- problem” during a press briefi ng people daily than coronavirus, stuff aside and try as best as possible not to pay attention to it.” to oversee the spending of $2.3tn gress is out until April 20. ing, but wanted to focus on im- on Wednesday. CDC data shows. “We have a really, really very diff icult situation ahead of us,” he said, that Congress has approved to “It raises questions to me, plementing coronavirus-related The president also acknowl- Danilychev, a San Diego doc- referring to the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic that threatens respond to the pandemic. what the Speaker is trying to do legislation already passed before edged that the federal stockpile tor, made the conclusion and hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. “All of that other stuff In a conference call with re- with that,” McCarthy told re- embarking on more. of personal protective equipment charted coronavirus’ growth in secondary.” porters, the Democratic House porters on a conference call. Democrats have outlined a is empty, as states scramble to throughout the country. leader also said she believed the McCarthy said there is already $760bn, fi ve-year infrastructure assemble the necessary protec- Coronavirus has surpassed Jazz great Ellis Marsalis dies aged 85 administration of Republican oversight from congressional bill that would fund road repairs, tive gear to fi ght the pandemic. Alzheimer’s, stroke, chronic lung President Donald Trump was committees and the new corona- water system improvements, In New York, the epicentre of disease and accidents in deaths Jazz great Ellis Marsalis died on Wednesday at the age of 85 after “more inclined to be supportive” virus laws. broadband and other projects. the current outbreak, Gover- per day, her data shows. contracting the coronavirus, his son Branford said. than Senate Republican leaders Pelosi, whose party has enough They also want $10bn for com- nor Andrew Cuomo said some The CDC’s 2017 data shows The acclaimed American pianist and teacher – who featured on dozens of her push for infrastructure votes in the House to create a se- munity health centres. 16,000 people could die there, more than 647,000 people die of records over a musical career spanning several decades – was the spending as part of a fourth ma- lect committee if it wants, said The country is gearing up to citing projections. from heart disease each year and father of trumpeter Wynton and saxophonist Branford. jor bill in response to the corona- she also favoured an “after ac- battle the pandemic, with Trump Cuomo warned other regions: another 599,000 die from cancer. “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Ellis virus crisis. tion review” later to examine the predicting a “very, very painful” “Look at us today, see yourself Accidents, which previously Marsalis Jr, as a result of complications from the coronavirus,” Branford Congressional Democrats and handling of the pandemic, but two weeks ahead. tomorrow.” were the No 3 cause of death, ac- said in a statement published on his website, adding he was admitted to the Trump administration have the select committee will be for The White House has said that New York’s death toll has count for 169,000 deaths annu- hospital on Saturday. been clashing over how to imple- the “here and now”. the death toll could rise to as reached 1,941, accounting for ally, according to the CDC.

More than 12,000 apply to join Nasa US Navy does not rule out punishing aircraft carrier captain programme

Reuters 10% of the ship’s crew could be seen by the US military, she said. a sailor onboard the Theodore More than 12,000 people have Washington removed from the vessel. The Navy said 2,700 crew Roosevelt told Reuters. applied to become astronauts in The carrier was in the Pacifi c would ultimately be removed “Why does it seem that our Nasa’s new Artemis programme, when the Navy reported its fi rst from the ship over the next few (commanding offi cer) is beg- the space agency said in a he US Navy on Wednes- coronavirus case a week ago. days, and that 93 personnel have ging the Navy to take care of us statement on Wednesday. day declined to rule out It has since docked at the US so far tested positive. and keep us safe, and higher-ups The agency received its second- Tpunishing the captain of Naval Base Guam on the south- “This ship has weapons on it. don’t seem to be quickly mak- highest number of applications the aircraft carrier USS Theo- ern end of the American island It has munitions on it ... it re- ing a good plan for us?” said the ever for the mission, which aims dore Roosevelt, who wrote a territory in the western Pacifi c. quires a certain number of peo- sailor, who spoke on condition to have US astronauts again land scathing letter to Navy leader- An initial group of 1,000 sail- ple on that ship to maintain the of anonymity. on the Moon by 2024 with an ship asking for stronger meas- ors moved from the ship onto the safety and security of the ship,” Guam’s governor said some eye towards eventually sending ures to control a coronavirus base on Wednesday have been Modly said. residents of the island, whose astronauts to Mars. outbreak onboard. This file US Navy handout photo obtained on March 31 shows an placed in isolation if they test Menoni insisted that the air- tourist-based economy has been National Aeronautics and Space In a four-page letter, the con- F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the ‘Black Knights’ of Strike positive for the virus or show craft carrier, despite the out- devastated by the coronavirus Administration (Nasa) off icial tents of which were confi rmed Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, launching from the flight deck of the fl u-like symptoms, or are quar- break, “is not incapacitated” pandemic, had been “pushing Jim Bridenstine said the Artemis by US offi cials to Reuters on aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Pacific Ocean. antined if they are well and test and “could go to sea tomorrow if back” against welcoming the programme opened up a “bold Tuesday, Captain Brett Cro- negative, the region’s US Navy conditions required”. stricken aircraft carrier to shore. new era” of space exploration zier described a bleak situation the principles of good order and for “decisive action”: removing commander, Rear Admiral John The admiral said he is unaware But she was assured the sail- and was “thrilled to see” so many aboard the nuclear-powered discipline, if he were respon- over 4,000 sailors from the ship Menoni, revealed during a news of any discussions surrounding ors would be kept completely applicants. carrier as more sailors tested sible for that. But I don’t know and isolating them. conference on the island yester- possible discipline of the ship’s isolated from Guam’s popula- In February, Nasa announced that positive for the virus. that,” acting US Navy Secretary He said that unless the Navy day. captain, adding” “That’s not my tion. it was looking for new astronauts. The letter put the Pentagon Thomas Modly said when asked acted immediately, it would be Those who remain asymp- role.” “These are our sailors who The successful applicants will on the defensive about whether multiple times whether the cap- failing to properly safeguard tomatic and test negative will As a US Navy commander, go out in harm’s way to protect get two years of initial training it was doing enough to keep the tain faced discipline. “our most trusted asset – our be transported to a vacant ho- Menoni said: “We have a moral our security in this part of the in robotics, spacewalking and warship’s 5,000 crew members “The fact that he wrote the sailors”. tel about eight miles away in obligation ... to look after our world,” she said. “I feel I have the leadership. safe, and alarmed the families of letter up to his chain of com- “It’s disappointing to hear Guam’s commercial Tumon dis- folks because they’re the big- moral obligation to reciprocate if They will then conduct those aboard the vessel, whose mand to express his concerns him say that. However, at the trict, where they will be quaran- gest part of any eff ective weapon I could.” experiments while living on the home port is in San Diego. would absolutely not result in same time, I know that that’s tined for two weeks, territorial system.” As of yesterday, Leon Guer- International Space Station. “I don’t know who leaked the any type of retaliation,” Modly not the truth,” Modly said, add- Governor Lourdes Leon Guer- As the outbreak unfolded, rero said, Guam had 77 known The new astronaut candidates letter to the media. That would said. ing that he disagreed with the rero told Reuters. frustration grew over the Navy’s cases of coronavirus, including are expected to be announced in be something that would violate In the letter, the captain called captain’s assertion that all but The quarantine will be over- speed in dealing with the crisis, three deaths. summer 2021. Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 3, 2020 ASIA

Singapore’s coronavirus struggle shows colossal task of global containment

Reuters new hotspots in Europe and the ous cases, a gauge of how far the we do and where we go now,” draconian containment meas- though recently imposed social that could last for many months. Singapore United States, infecting nearly disease is spreading in the com- said Irving Chung, a 43-year old ures have helped curtail domes- distancing measures have seen “There is no such magic solu- 1mn people globally, the trading munity. compliance manager, describing tic transmission of the virus, bars shut and social gatherings tion,” said Lawrence Wong, co- and travel hub closed its borders. Experts say the breaches of Wednesday’s record case num- offi cials have turned attention limited to 10 persons. head of the government’s virus- eld up as a role model Guarding against the virus in Singapore’s defences show how bers as “worrying”. Singapore’s to intercepting an infl ux of “im- Asked about Singapore’s ris- fi ghting taskforce. for its battle against Singapore is easier than in most diffi cult it will be to curb the top medical authority Kenneth ported” cases from Chinese re- ing cases, the WHO’s repre- But some local disease experts Hcoronavirus, city-state places. The island of 5.7mn peo- coronavirus spread elsewhere. Mak said this week that the ris- turning from abroad and paying sentative in the region said that say the trends show tougher Singapore is struggling with an ple takes less than an hour to “Singapore’s approach has been ing caseload was “cause for con- closer attention to the potential the city-state and others needed measures — such as closing infection spread that disease drive across, has a handful of by far one of the very best,” said cern” and that they would close- for asymptomatic carriers to to do more. “The virus never schools and offi ces — may be experts say bodes ill for global international entry points and a Michael Osterholm, an infec- ly monitor the trend over the fuel a second wave of outbreaks sleeps, and it is highly infec- needed. containment eff orts. strong healthcare system. tious disease expert at the Uni- coming weeks to assess whether as curbs on movement are eased. tious. Intensifi cation of control “Very frankly, I am worried, The tiny Southeast Asian na- So far only four people have versity of Minnesota. intensifi ed prevention measures The WHO has previously eff orts are needed around the because we do see an increas- tion was one of the worst hit died, but the city-state’s con- “What they are really showing were working. praised Singapore for “leaving globe, including in Singapore,” ing number of unlinked cases... countries when the virus fi rst tainment measures are showing the rest of the world is that this is Taiwan— which has also been no stone unturned” in eff orts to said Ying-Ru Lo, Head of Mis- and that is a sign that there are spread from China in January, signs of strain. On Wednesday, just a diffi cult virus to beat back lauded for its stringent virus trace potential carriers, and said sion and WHO Representative sporadic transmissions in the but a strict surveillance and Singapore reported its biggest and keep down.” Singapore’s do- measures — has also recently the country had shown how the to Malaysia, Brunei Darus- community that we are unable quarantine regime helped stem daily jump in coronavirus cases, mestic cases have doubled over seen a rise in imported cases and disease can be held back without salam and Singapore. Singapore to get a handle on,” said Teo Yik the tide, with methods that drew up 74 to 1,000 infections. More the last week alone, while its pockets of local outbreaks with resorting to strict lockdowns has said a total lockdown will Ying, dean of the Saw Swee Hock praise from the World Health than 70% of those were domes- total infections have increased no obvious source of infection now common around the globe. not eradicate the virus and any School of Public Health at the Organisation. tic as opposed to imported, and nearly tenfold in the last month. that have made authorities anx- Schools, restaurants and offi ces measures put in place have to National University of Singa- As the virus later formed many were unlinked to previ- “We should be mindful of what ious. Meanwhile in China, where remain open in Singapore, al- be sustainable in an outbreak pore.

Myanmar’s camps ‘face catastrophe’ from virus: Philippines orders masks to be rights group Hundreds of thousands of people displaced by conflict in Myanmar face a health “catastrophe” from the coronavirus pandemic, a rights group warned, as international worn outside amid lockdown calls grow for an end to fighting. Overcrowded camps DPA advisory that only people who with an estimated 350,000 Manila are sick and those working on people were “Covid-19 the front line to battle the virus tinderboxes”, Human Rights needed to wear masks, with the Watch said. Myanmar has eople heading out on the aim of ensuring that there would 16 confirmed infections and Philippines’ main island be an adequate supply for those one death, but experts say Pwhile it is under a month- who require it most. the lack of testing and poor long lockdown must wear face Nograles added that local gov- health infrastructure mean masks to halt the spread of the ernments units may “impose the true figure is likely far coronavirus, the government an- such penalties as may be appro- higher in the impoverished nounced yesterday as the death priate” for those who violate the country, long wracked by toll from Covid-19 topped 100. rule. ethnic and religious violence. The Department of Health re- On Wednesday, President Ro- Eighteen ambassadors to ported 321 new confi rmed infec- drigo Duterte said he would or- Myanmar— including from tions, der the police and the military to the United States, Britain and bringing the total cases in the shoot dead anyone who “creates European Union — issued a country to 2,632. Eleven addi- trouble” during the lockdown, as joint statement Wednesday tional patients have died from the complaints about the slow deliv- saying they were “deeply disease, pushing the death toll to ery of food packs and cash assist- concerned”, and called for 107, while 51 have recovered. ance triggered public outrage and an end to fighting in the The island of Luzon, home protests. country. The focus must to more than half of the Philip- “Let this be a warning to all be on “protecting the most pines’ population of an estimat- - follow the government at this vulnerable communities ed 100mn, has been on lockdown time because it is critical that we from the devastating impacts since March 16. have order,” he said in a televised of Covid-19”, they said. The government said authori- national address. “My orders Myanmar’s decrepit health ties were still determining if the to the police and the military, if system would struggle to restrictions will be lifted or ex- anyone creates trouble, and their cope with a serious outbreak panded. “Let me repeat - if you lives are in danger: shoot them of the deadly virus, HRW need to go out of your house, you dead.” said Monday. But displaced need to wear a mask,” govern- Amnesty International and communities in Rakhine, ment offi cial Karlo Nograles said. other human rights groups ex- Kachin, Shan, Chin and People do not have to use a medi- pressed alarm about Duterte’s Karen states were even more cal mask. warning. “It is deeply alarming vulnerable while internet The covering can be impro- that President Duterte has ex- blackouts and clamp downs on vised, but must cover the mouth tended a policy of shoot to kill, A hospital worker wearing a protective face mask video calls a relative while at a funeral chapel that temporarily shelters health workers from media freedoms in some areas and nose, Nograles added. “Re- a devastating hallmark of his a nearby hospital taking in coronavirus disease patients, in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. have left people particularly usable or do-it-yourself masks, presidency, to law enforcement isolated. “The authorities face shields, handkerchiefs or agencies in the community quar- gency such as the Covid-19 pan- advantage of the health crisis to it with other issues or concerns. Aside from cases in the Phil- need to ensure these groups such other protective equip- antine,” said Butch Olano, sec- demic,” he added. incite people to protest against Let’s focus on one enemy, ippines, the Department of For- have access to information, ment” that lessened the trans- tion director of Amnesty Inter- Nograles appealed for calm the administration. “Let’s not which is Covid-19.” eign Aff airs said 401 Filipinos in humanitarian aid, and health mission of Covid-19 were all ac- national Philippines. and urged the public to co-oper- complicate things by making it “Everything else, please stop 32 foreign countries have been services — including testing ceptable, he said. “Deadly, unchecked force ate with the government’s direc- a peace and order problem,” he it,” he added. “There has to be infected with the coronavirus, and isolation for those who The order was a shift from should never be referred to as a tives amid concerns that anti- said. “It’s already hard and diffi - order and we ask for the co-op- including 13 who have died from show symptoms,” said HRW the health department’s earlier method to respond to an emer- government forces was taking cult as it is. Let us not aggravate eration and help of everyone.” the disease. Asia director Brad Adams.

Thailand imposes Out of isolation Bangladesh urged nationwide curfew to lift Internet ban to curb virus spread at Rohingya camps

AFP The government DPA navirus infections and six Bangkok Dhaka deaths. has come under Citing concern about state criticism for security as well as a need hailand will intro- ights campaigners have to maintain order and pub- duce a six-hour night not acting soon urged Bangladesh to re- lic safety, the government in Tcurfew in a bid to enough to curb Rstore mobile Internet September suspended mobile control the spread of coro- connections for hundreds of phone and Internet services in navirus, authorities said yes- the spread of thousands of Rohingya refu- the refugee camps. terday, warning anyone who the virus — gees living in crowded camps, Construction of barbed- breached the order faced a arguing that people there need wire fencing around the two-year jail term. The cur- introducing access to information in the camps, a home to more than few from 10pm to 4am will incremental midst of the Covid-19 pan- 1mn Rohingya Muslims who begin today and bars every- demic. fl ed persecution in neighbour- one in the country from leav- measures Fifty rights organisations, ing Myanmar, has also begun ing their homes. despite being including London-based Am- recently. Exemptions will be made nesty International, made the Nearly 750,000 of them for essential staff , including the first country A group under observation wear protective masks while they appear to the media saying thanks appeal yesterday in a joint let- crossed into Bangladesh after medical workers, food and outside China to to health workers (in white) after they tested three times negative at a hospital during coronavirus ter to Prime Minister Sheikh the Myanmar army launched fuel transport staff , and postal disease outbreak in Hanoi, Vietnam, yesterday. Hasina after Bangladesh re- a crackdown on the minority services. The number of in- confirm a case, ported 56 cases of novel coro- ethnic group in August 2017. fections in Thailand has soared past 1,800 — up more than which happened 80% from a week ago — and in January the death toll has nearly quad- rupled to 15 as of yesterday. carry penalties of up to seven The government has come years in prison and a 140,000 Indonesia needs ‘massive, rapid’ testing for coronavirus under criticism for not acting baht ($4,200) fine, he said. soon enough to curb the spread The stepped-up measures of the virus — introducing in- also include an entry ban on Reuters to 170 yesterday as the world’s fourth- tive, though they would need to undergo low cases are the same - maybe if they did cremental measures despite all arrivals — including Thais Jakarta most populous nation passed South Korea further tests to confi rm the results. The more tests they would fi nd more. “Our being the fi rst country outside — for two weeks. as the country with the highest number of population of West Java is close to 50mn. campaign now, my input to all of Indo- China to confi rm a case, which Thais who insist on re- recorded fatalities in Asia after China. Offi cial data puts the number of infec- nesia, is rapid tests, rapid tests, massive happened in January. turning will be placed un- ndonesia needs to perform “massive” The country has confi rmed 1,790 in- tions in West Java at 223, while 25 have tests, until we’re sure that it’s indeed low,” In an address to the nation, der state quarantine, though testing to reveal the full spread of the fections, while 7,193 tests have been per- died. The tests included 127 positive cases he said, noting that he deployed police to Prime Minister Prayut Chan- Prayut implored them to de- Icoronavirus and ensure that people formed out of a population more than in a church in the district of Lembang, ensure people at risk were tested. O-Cha urged citizens not to fer travel plans. Yesterday, who travel home during the approaching 261mn of as of yesterday, far fewer than which Kamil described as the province’s Health experts say Indonesia, the panic. “You can buy things in Bangkok’s popular markets Muslim holiday isolate themselves, the many smaller neighbours. Ridwan Kamil, “most worrying case.” world’s most populous Muslim-majority the daytime,” he said. Pen- were shuttered, while parks governor of the archipelago’s most popu- the governor of West Java, said his prov- “Without massive testing, we wouldn’t nation, faces a surge in coronavirus cases alties for hoarding essential that were ordered to close lous province said. ince had conducted more than 25,000 have found this cluster,” Kamil said in an after a slow government response masked supplies such as face masks were empty of joggers. Indonesia’s coronavirus death toll rose “rapid tests” and around 500 were posi- interview. “Other regions which report the scale of the outbreak. Gulf Times Friday, April 3, 2020 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Malaysia’s coronavirus cases top 3,000; over 4,100 lockdown arrests

DPA Fifty people have died in Ma- middle of the surge in cases from WHO expects Malaysia virus cases to peak in mid-April they could face a “tsunami” of Kuala Lumpur laysia after being infected with just 33 one month ago. Defence infection if they did not stick to Covid-19, the disease caused by Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob said The number of coronavirus in mid-April,” Ying-Ru Lo, the measures are lifted and if the lockdown rules and “duduk the virus. earlier that 4,189 people had been cases in Malaysia is expected WHO’s head of mission and people don’t continue to take ramah” – or “stay at home.” alaysia’s Health Min- Though Hisham expressed arrested for violating the terms to peak in mid-April and there representative to Malaysia, protective measures,” Lo said. The World Health Organisa- istry reported 208 new disappointment at the jump in of the lockdown, which permits are signs of a flattening of Brunei and Singapore told Lo added that data on new tion (WHO) has warned that Mcoronavirus cases yes- cases from Wednesday’s 142, he people to only leave home for the infection curve, the World Reuters in e-mailed comments. infections so far and additional Malaysia’s caseload could peak in terday evening, taking the coun- said that 122 people were dis- essential journeys such as com- Health Organisation said The number of critically ill surveillance measures did not mid-April, when the lockdown is try’s total to 3,116, the highest in charged from hospital yester- muting to work or shopping. yesterday, as curbs on travel patients is estimated to reach suggest widespread community due to end. Southeast Asia. day. Thursday’s numbers took Among those arrested were and movement help curtail the the peak within the next week, transmission in the country. Defence Minister Ismail said The ministry acknowledged Malaysia’s total recoveries from four men described as “joy- spread. she said, adding that the WHO Currently there are 105 yesterday that the Health Min- that Thursday’s rebound marked Covid-19 to 767. riders,” who could face three “Based on available data, projections could change. coronavirus patients in intensive istry will decide if the lockdown a setback after numbers earlier The rising number of recov- months in jail after being stopped the WHO Country Off ice has “There are initial signs of care across Malaysia. There needs to be extended beyond this week dropped from the more eries shows “there is signifi cant by police during a late-night projected that Malaysia will see flattening of the curve, but this have been a total of 50 deaths, April 14. than 200 new daily cases seen impact of the MCO (Movement drive around Kuala Lumpur on a peak in hospitalised cases could bounce back if control with 5 reported yesterday. Soldiers have joined police in last week. Control Order) in the rate of new March 29. patrolling the lockdown, which “We cannot expect zero cases patients as well as fl attening of Yesterday, a court in the city has grown more stringent by the of Covid infection in this coun- the curve,” the ministry stated sentenced the men to one week git ($232) fi ne. The case is one Also yesterday, 23 Catholic Town, in Malaysia’s north. day since being imposed, with try,” said ministry Director-Gen- yesterday. in jail, a punishment that will of several lockdown breaches seminarians and a priest pleaded As Malaysia’s caseload rose a ban on movement beyond a eral Noor Hisham Abdullah, dur- Malaysia’s MCO was an- stretch to three months if the ac- that have caused tongues to wag guilty to violating the lockdown during mid-March, the govern- 10-kilometre range added on ing a televised press conference. nounced on March 16 — in the cused do not pay a 1,000-ring- across Malaysia. by playing football in George ment repeatedly warned citizens Wednesday. No lockdown: Japan PM Abe riles critics

Reuters Japan on brink of medical crisis: experts; Twitter users Tokyo scathing over masks off er; Abe cautious on lockdown

acing calls to declare a coronavirus state of emer- Fgency, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was de- rided on social media yesterday for instead off ering people cloth masks, pointing to growing frus- tration with his handling of the crisis. Abe’s off er of free masks – two per household – came the day after experts had warned Japan was on the brink of a medical crisis as cases rose, especially in Tokyo. The prime minister said on Wednesday Japan was “bare- ly holding the line” in its battle against the virus. The prime minister launched his off er to send cloth masks out while wearing one at a meeting of a government task force late on Wednesday. The masks will be sent to all of Japan’s more than 50mn households starting the Off ice employees use cardboard partitions to separate their desks amid concerns over the coronavirus, at week after next, fi rst to areas see- the prefectural government off ice in Tottori, western Japan. ing a spike in cases. “You can use soap to wash and he played down the threat in the gathering at a restaurant. stay at home, close schools and re-use them, so this should be hope that Tokyo could go ahead Though small compared with take other steps. Opinion polls Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, wearing a face mask amid concerns over the spread of Covid-19 a good response to the sudden, and host the now-postponed outbreaks in the United States, suggest the country has been coronavirus, speaks during a lower house session at the parliament in Tokyo yesterday. huge demand for masks,” he said. Summer Olympics this year. Europe and China, coronavirus divided on his crisis stances, Twitter users were scathing, with Abe denied that. Critics say infections are on the rise in Japan with his approval rating having ers clause that critics say would beds for virus patients are full blow to the economy. “If you Abe and mask references trend- he should act now on a state of — with more than 2,600 con- recovered to just shy of 50% in infringe on civil rights. But he has and doctors and nurses are get- declare an emergency, it is defi - ing. “Is the Japanese government emergency, fearing a spike in in- fi rmed cases and 71 deaths as of mid-March. Japanese law does been wary of invoking watered- ting infected. nitely the end of ‘Abenomics’, the for real? This is a total waste of fections after crowds gathered Thursday, according to NHK. A not mandate penalties for those down restrictions authorised in a “Abe has always been ‘econ- end of ‘economy fi rst’,” said Koll. tax money,” wrote a user with the in some places for traditional record 97 new cases emerged in who ignore most lockdown-style law revised last month. omy fi rst’,” said Jesper Koll, CEO Meanwhile, back on Twitter, the handle Usube. cherry-blossom viewing parties Tokyo alone, its biggest one-day requests, unlike in some other The leader of the opposition of fund manager WisdomTree premier’s off er of two masks per It is not the fi rst time Abe has last month, despite calls to stay increase, the public broadcaster countries, but does allow expro- Democratic Party for the People, Japan. The prime minister re- household was the object of par- faced criticism for his coronavi- at home. said. priation of buildings or land for Yuichiro Tamaki, this week called turned to power in 2012 promis- ticular scorn. A commenter using rus strategies. Abe’s wife, Akie, was blasted But Abe says it is not the time medical facilities. on Abe to declare a state of emer- ing to revive growth with a policy the Twitter handle Yosuke asked, Some have said his initial re- after pictures emerged of her to declare a state of emergency, Abe’s ruling party has long gency, while the Japan Medical mix dubbed ‘Abenomics’, and he “If your family has more than two sponse to the virus was sluggish, at one such event, but Abe de- which would give authorities the called for revising the constitu- Association pointed to a crisis at has promised a huge fi scal pack- people, what are you supposed to with charges from critics that fended her, saying it was a private legal might to urge residents to tion to insert an emergency pow- hospitals in some regions, where age to counter the outbreak’s do — fi ght over them?” Australia gives free childcare as Australian student says North Korea threatened to execute him coronavirus case curve fl attens AFP world’s most secretive nations. minding me that I could face Seoul He was detained at the univer- execution by fi ring squad if I sity and taken to an interroga- didn’t carry out my ‘refl ection’ Reuters Free childcare to last for six months; NSW coast which were refusing tion facility in a Mercedes-Benz and do it ‘sincerely’.” Sydney orders to leave Australian wa- n Australian student ar- with a black plastic bag covering One of his off ences, he was Off icials say early “curve flattening” ters, to conduct health checks rested for spying and ex- its licence plate. told, was posting on Instagram trend continues; Australia has on nearly 9,000 crew members, Apelled from North Korea A North Korean man “with a a picture of a toy North Korean ustralia yesterday an- local media reported yesterday. last year said he was threatened crazed expression and bulging, tank inscribed with the slogan nounced free childcare reported 5,200 infections and The Maritime Union of Australia with a fi ring-squad execution bloodshot eyes” began scream- “Let’s exterminate US imperi- Afor six months as part of a 25 deaths; Cruise ship ban leaves said there were 11 foreign-owned and told not even US President ing at him, Sigley wrote in a col- alists, the eternal enemy of the bid to keep businesses operating cruise ships in limbo in Austral- Donald Trump could save his umn published by the Guardian Korean people”. “That’s military through the coronavirus pan- thousands stranded off shore ian waters, with 11,000 crew “sorry ##@@”. on Wednesday. “You son of a espionage!” the interrogator demic, as data on new infections members in total, and their situ- Among the crimes Alek Sig- $#$%$,” he was told in an ex- said. supported early signs of “fl at- cases dropping to single digits open would also allow criti- ation was “an emerging humani- ley was accused of committing pletive-laden rant. Australia has no diplomatic tening the curve.” from between 25% and 30% two cal workers from medical pro- tarian crisis”. was posting a picture of a toy “Coming into our coun- representation in Pyongyang The childcare centre subsidy weeks ago. fessionals to cleaners and food State governments, mean- tank on Instagram, which his try and committing all these and when Sigley was detained adds to a growing list of support “The curve is beginning to deliverers to continue to work, while, began putting time limits interrogators told him was mili- crimes. You think Trump or Canberra turned to Sweden, packages worth some A$200bn fl atten,” Health Minister Greg Morrison said. on the use of police to enforce tary espionage. Pompeo will save your sorry which has an embassy in North ($121bn) for airlines to mall own- Hunt said. “It isn’t sustained Australia has ordered the restrictions on personal move- Sigley, 30, was studying $#%%?” Sigley recalled him Korea and a history of acting ers as the government attempts yet, it hasn’t been consolidated, shutdown of restaurants, ca- ment intended to slow the spread modern Korean literature at Kim saying. as a diplomatic intermediary. to “hibernate” the Austral- but those early, important signs fes, bars, movie theatres and of the illness, including fi nes of Il Sung University in Pyongyang Sigley was interrogated “in Stockholm sent an envoy and ian economy, to be reawakened are absolutely critical.” instructed people to stay inside up to to A$11,000 ($6,672) and when he went missing in June, a room completely cut off from Sigley was released after nine when the crisis has passed. Morrison said yesterday unless they are shopping for food prison time of up to six months. sparking international alarm. the outside world”, with no days in detention — a much “We will demonstrate to the the country’s testing rate was or taking their daily exercise as it Authorities themselves have A fl uent Korean-speaker, he sense of time as the lights were shorter period than some for- world here in Australia how such now more than 1,000 tests per tries to contain the fl u-like ill- referred to the measures as “dra- had written articles for several kept on permanently and there eigners arrested in the authori- societies can deal with these sort 100,000 people, or 1% of the ness. conian” but necessary. In New publications and posted apo- was no clock. tarian North — with Pyongyang of challenges our way, the Aus- population. “We are the fi rst The restrictions are expected South Wales, the country’s most litical content on social media If he denied the allegations, saying he was freed on grounds tralian way,” Morrison said dur- country to the best of our knowl- to push the country’s A$2tn populous state, offi cials said the about everyday life in one of the “they began yelling at me, re- of “humanitarian forbearance”. ing a televised press conference. edge that has been able to ex- economy into its fi rst recession rights of police to enforce pen- “So stay positive, Australia. Stay ceed that mark,” Morrison said. in almost three decades and lift alties would initially last for 90 connected, stay strong. We will Childcare centres have lost sig- unemployment to double fi g- days. “People will have gotten Stranded foreigners to begin leaving New Zealand get through this together.” nifi cant business in recent weeks ures. Australia was also dealing the message by then, hopefully,” Morrison and state offi cials as thousands of people shifted with the fate of around a dozen NSW Police Commissioner Mick Foreigners stranded in New and limited the movement of detailed plan for the exit of have introduced unprecedented to working at home, or were cruise ships it has banned from Fullter said. “And we won’t be Zealand will be able to leave the people so as to restrict the foreign nationals, without restrictions on public movement made redundant. Morrison said docking at its ports after dis- talking about the powers, we’ll country from today. Deputy PM spread of Covid-19. endangering the lives of others,” to stop the spread of the virus the subsidy would keep about embarking passengers and crew be talking about what does it Winston Peters announced the But it is clear that many foreign he added. Under the managed and said that data on new infec- 13,000 childcare centres open became the country’s biggest look like coming out of this?” plan to enable the “safe, orderly nationals travelling here do not exit plan, foreign governments tions continued to show those by paying them A$1.6bn over the single source of coronavirus in- In Victoria, the second most exit of tens of thousands” of have the resources or capability will be able to organise charter eff orts were paying off . next three months. fections. populous state, offi cials said stranded foreign nationals. to adequately self-isolate, and flights to repatriate their Australia has reported around The full subsidies will last for A military-style operation was policing of the social distancing “When we moved into lockdown wish to return home,” he said. citizens, but only if they can 5,200 infections and 25 deaths, six months, when they will be planned to airlift doctors onto policies might last until at least a week ago, the government “We have taken the time and satisfy New Zealand health with daily increases in new reviewed. Keeping the centres eight cruise ships fl oating off the June. rightly prioritised public health, care to develop a seriously requirements. Gulf Times 8 Friday, April 3, 2020 BRITAIN/IRELAND Britons to receive ‘stop-gap’ loan and credit card relief

Reuters/Guardian News and self-employed. cially stable,” FCA interim chief should not see their credit rating since the start of the pandemic it “And with interest rates often better off as a result of the crisis. Media It includes pledges to slash in- executive Christopher Woolard aff ected. has helped thousands of custom- high, especially on cards, that can Highlighting sizeable gaps in London terest rates on arranged overdrafts said. The payment freeze on cards ers using the temporary support mean storing up trouble for future. the government plan to pay 80% up to £500 to zero, for up to three “Where consumers can still applies to credit, store and cata- measures already introduced. Those struggling for cashfl ow may of employees’ salaries and self- months. aff ord to make payments, they logue cards, allowing customers to Martin Lewis, founder of have no choice, but if you don’t employed workers’ profi ts as the ritish consumers will re- The Financial Conduct Author- should as normal, and this is likely request a halt to all payments for consumer champion Mon- need to do it, don’t.” crisis mounts, the IFS warned ceive a three-month freeze ity said it was conducting a brief to be in their best long-term inter- three months or to make a nominal eySavingExpert.com, said it Meanwhile, two of the country’s that 2mn people who work for Bon loan and credit card pay- public consultation until next est to continue to do so.” payment. marked an unprecedented in- leading economics think-tanks themselves would not be pro- ments to weather the coronavirus Monday, and the measures would The guidance would not pre- The cards would not be sus- tervention from regulators and warned that millions of people tected because: they do not earn epidemic, under plans outlined by be expected to come into force by vent companies from off ering pended during the three-month would end a “banking lottery” or across the country risk falling enough from self-employment the country’s fi nancial regulator April 9. It will make a further an- more generous assistance to their period. hitherto patchy help from lend- through gaps in the coronavirus to be eligible; earn more than yesterday. nouncement about the measures customers, and some already are, Customers without an overdraft ers for customers aff ected by the wage subsidy plan and benefi ts the £50,000 threshold; or only The “stop-gap” package com- next week. Woolard said. on their main personal current ac- pandemic. system. started out working for them- plements relief measures already “These measures would pro- The FCA, which supervises count are able to request one, the “Payment holidays mean exact- The Institute for Fiscal Studies selves within the past year and announced by the government vide an expected minimum level banks and credit providers across FCA added. ly what they say - you don’t pay, said many self-employed workers therefore missing the threshold to support mortgage-holders, of fi nancial support for consumers Britain, also said consumers using Lloyds Banking Group said it but you can still be charged inter- would still get no support, while to prove their past income to re- furloughed staff , renters and the who until now have been fi nan- any of these temporary measures welcomed the FCA’s guidance and est,” Lewis said. others would be left fi nancially ceive wage subsidies. Police hit back at virus crime

AFP to monitor people walking in a na- London tional park who were deemed to be on “non-essential” business. But the latest incidents taken to he police are cracking down court were classed under a spe- on coronavirus-related cifi c law governing assaults on Tcrime after a spate of thefts emergency workers, introduced in and attacks on emergency workers November 2018 with a maximum involved in battling the outbreak. penalty of 12 months in jail. A 23-year-old man was jailed Elsewhere, in Kirkby, near Liv- for 12 months in Burnley, north- erpool, police said face masks and west England, for spitting at two gloves were stolen from a National offi cers after claiming he had Cov- Health Service van. id-19 on Saturday. The police chief of Northamp- Lancashire Police said it was tonshire in eastern England said “totally unacceptable that police one of his offi cers had been spat and other frontline workers who and coughed at and must now are doing their best to keep our keep away from his ailing mother. communities safe are treated like “The offi cer is a primary carer this”. for his mother who has cancer. He Health Secretary Matt Hancock (centre), Public Health England’s director of health improvement, professor John Newton (right), and NHS England medical director professor In London, a 55-year-old man will now need to self-isolate and Stephen Powis attend a remote press conference to update the nation on the Covid-19 pandemic, inside 10 Downing Street in central London yesterday. was jailed for six months for will no longer be able to care for coughing on a police offi cer and his mum,” Nick Adderley wrote on threatening to infect him with Twitter. Covid-19. Meanwhile, a 35-year- Adderley called it a “disgusting, old man was also sentenced to six demeaning and potentially life- months in jail for stealing personal threatening assault” and warned protective equipment from an am- that offi cers would fast-track such bulance near a hospital. cases with prosecutors and ensure He also assaulted a security maximum punishment. Govt pledges 100,000 guard who challenged him, the The chief prosecutor for Eng- Metropolitan Police said. land and Wales has warned that Police have been given emer- anyone using Covid-19 as a threat gency powers to deal with people against emergency workers could fl outing strict government orders face up to two years in prison. on social distancing to avoid the Last week, police in Kent said a close-contact spread of the virus. man had been arrested on suspi- daily coronavirus tests That has led to criticism of an cion of causing criminal damage over-zealous approach, particu- after the tyres on two ambulances Reuters get there,” Hancock told report- “As I have said for weeks and larly after one force used drones were damaged. London ers. weeks, this is the way through: Comedian Eddie Large dies from coronavirus Britain initially took a re- this is how we will unlock the strained approach to the out- coronavirus puzzle, this is how Most Brits feel coronavirus measures ‘too late’ he health minister yes- break but changed tack after we will defeat it in the end,” he Eddie Large, best known as I need to announce that my terday promised a tenfold modelling showed a quarter of said. one half of the comedy duo dad passed away in the early A majority of Brits agree that the 50% of respondents during an increase in the number a million people in the country In his news conference yes- Little and Large, has died hours of yesterday morning. He government’s social-distancing earlier week of non-compulsory T of daily tests for coronavirus by could die. terday, Hancock sought to give aged 78 after contracting had been suff ering with heart measures to curb the spread social-distancing measures. the end of the month after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson clarity on the government’s test- coronavirus. The Glasgow-born, failure and unfortunately, whilst of the novel coronavirus were “While the majority of people government faced criticism for later imposed more stringent ing strategy after a slew of some- Manchester-raised comedian in hospital, contracted the taken “too late,” according feel (the lockdown) came too failing to roll out mass checks for measures but the government times contradictory statements who had been in hospital coronavirus, which his heart to an opinion poll published late, the impact it has had on health workers and the public. has faced widespread criticism from ministers and offi cials. with heart failure, found huge was sadly not strong enough to yesterday. Fifty-six percent of people’s behaviour is critical Appearing for the fi rst time for having too few ventilators and While Germany has been more than 1,000 respondents at a time when we all need fame alongside Syd Little in fight. Dad had fought bravely too little testing. testing about 500,000 people a said the measures came too to be doing our part,” said since recovering from the virus the 1970s and 80s. Millions of for so long. Due to this horrible late, while 35% said they were Kelly Beaver, head of public himself and ending a period of Johnson, who announced last week, Britain has been conduct- TV viewers watched the pair. disease we had been unable to taken at the right time, pollsters aff airs for Ipsos MORI. Britain’s self-isolation, Matt Hancock an- week he had also tested positive ing about 10,000 tests a day. Large’s son, Ryan McGinnis, visit him at the hospital but all Ipsos MORI said. But 79% said coronavirus-linked deaths nounced a new strategy to ramp for coronavirus and was self- The United Kingdom’s coro- broke the news in a Facebook of the family and close friends they had avoided leaving their jumped again with a new daily up the UK diagnostics industry. isolating, said in a video message navirus deaths rose 24% to 2,921 post, explaining that his father spoke to him every day. We homes since Prime Minister record of 569 deaths reported “I am now setting the goal of on Wednesday night that testing as of April 1. As of 0800GMT caught Covid-19 while in will miss him terribly and we Boris Johnson ordered a near- yesterday, taking the country’s 100,000 tests per day by the end was crucial to overcoming the yesterday, 163,194 people had hospital. He wrote: “It is with are so proud of everything he lockdown on March 23, up from total deaths to almost 3,000. of this month. That is the goal crisis and would be massively in- been tested of which 33,718 were great sadness that mum and achieved in his career.” and I am determined that we will creased. positive.

Labour leader to be Govt in row with EU unveiled tomorrow

AFP who has promised to pursue his on Belfast offi ce plans socialist agenda. London She secured the backing of Guardian News and Media checks and controls on goods The chancellor of the Duchy of the infl uential left-wing activist London crossing the Irish Sea would not be Lancaster, Michael Gove, is the oting in the contest to re- group Momentum, which grew jointly carried out. UK’s senior fi gure on the commit- place veteran left-winger out of grassroots support for Cor- The row highlights the poten- tee. VJeremy Corbyn as the main byn in 2015. he government has rejected tial for the protocol on Northern Under Article 12 of the Northern opposition Labour leader ended Backbench MP Lisa Nandy also an EU request to open an Ireland to be a cause of contention Ireland protocol, the UK govern- yesterday with the result set to be made it through to the fi nal round Toffi ce in Belfast, in the fi rst between the EU and the UK in the ment is “responsible for imple- announced this weekend. of voting, but is seen as a long- major row over the implementa- months to come. menting and applying the provi- Labour members, said to shot. The contest was sparked by tion of the post-Brexit Irish border Under the withdrawal agree- sions of (EU) law” but EU offi cials number more than half a million, Corbyn’s resignation in the wake protocol. ment, Northern Ireland eff ectively “shall have the right to be present had until 1100GMT to vote in the of Labour’s worst general election The EU closed its offi ces across stays in the single market. during any activities” relating to marathon leadership battle seen result in decades. the UK when the country left the But the full EU customs code checks and controls. as a fi ght for the ideological soul of In an online conference call with bloc on Januar 31 but its offi cials has to be enforced on goods travel- The UK is obliged to “facilitate the party. his campaign team and volunteers have a right to be present to moni- ling between Northern Ireland and such presence of representatives The contest began in January yesterday, Starmer predicted his tor the checks and controls on the rest of the UK. and shall provide them with the after Labour slumped to a sting- victory would revive the 120-year- goods crossing the Irish Sea. All goods deemed at risk of trav- information requested”. The EU ing defeat in December elections old party. The Foreign Offi ce has rejected elling from Northern Ireland into wants a base for its customs and but has been overshadowed by the Labour’s last period in power Brussels’ request for a permanent the Republic of Ireland would at- veterinary experts. coronavirus crisis outbreak in re- began under the leadership of physical presence in Belfast on the tract tariff s. A European commission cent weeks. former prime minister Tony Blair grounds that this would go beyond The messy compromise al- spokesman said: “We can confi rm Keir Starmer, the party’s Brexit from 1997 to 2007, after which what is stipulated in the with- lowed for the avoidance of a bor- that we have sent letters to the spokesman and a former chief fi nance minister Gordon Brown drawal agreement. der on the island of Ireland but UK regarding a proposal to open state prosecutor popular with took over until 2010. There are concerns that it would brings with it a host of potential a technical offi ce in Belfast with moderates, has been the front- “We get the chance to rebuild be seen by some as a step towards fl ashpoints. specifi c technical capabilities to runner. He won the support of our party and our movement and, joint policing of the customs bor- The issue of a Belfast offi ce was ensure the implementation of the the majority of Labour members more importantly than that, the der between Northern Ireland and raised on Monday during the fi rst protocol on Ireland/Northern Ire- of parliament and some key trade chance to put Labour where it the rest of the UK. teleconference meeting of the EU- land. This issue was raised in the unions. needs to be back, which is back in The British government fought UK joint committee, set up to su- joint committee on Monday. We His main rival is Labour’s busi- power,” Starmer said. “Tomorrow during negotiations over the with- pervise the operation of the with- remain in contact with the UK on ness spokeswoman, Rebecca is a massive, massive step towards drawal agreement to ensure that drawal agreement. this point.” Keir Starmer: frontrunner Long-Bailey, a close ally of Corbyn that.” Gulf Times Friday, April 3, 2020 9 EUROPE

Covid-19 toll up in Italy and Global cases near 1mn as France

DPA/AFP Rome/Paris Spain sees record deaths AFP 500,000 in Europe – and claimed least 34,000 now dead, but there its death toll pass 5,000 by the nother 760 people have Madrid more than 47,000 lives, accord- have been signs the epidemic early hours of yesterday, accord- died from the novel coro- ing to a tally by AFP from offi cial could be approaching its peak. ing to a tally by Johns Hopkins Anavirus epidemic in Italy, sources. Spain said yesterday it had University. and national contagion numbers onfi rmed coronavirus World Health Organisation suff ered a record 950 deaths in 24 Among the latest known US have risen above 115,000, the cases approached 1mn (WHO) head Tedros Adhanom hours, bringing its total number fatalities was a six-week-old Italian Civil Protection Agency Caround the world yester- Ghebreyesus said that there of fatalities to 10,003. baby who was taken to a Con- said yesterday. day as Europe reeled from the had been a “near exponential The number of confi rmed necticut hospital late last week. The death toll, already the pandemic and the United States growth” in new cases and that Spanish cases passed the 110,000 “Testing confi rmed last night world’s highest, now stands at reported record numbers of peo- the number of infected would hit mark, the government said, al- that the newborn was Covid-19 13,915. ple out of work. a million within days. though the rates of both new in- positive,” the state’s Governor Total infections, includ- The virus claimed thousands The crisis has put enormous fections and deaths continued a Ned Lamont tweeted. “This is ing recoveries and deaths, have more lives in its relentless march strain on national healthcare sys- downward trend. absolutely heartbreaking.” reached 115,242, a 4.2% daily across the globe, including nearly tems and on the nurses, doctors “The data show the curve has French Finance Minister Bruno increase that compares with 1,000 new deaths in Spain, de- and other medical staff working stabilised” and the epidemic has Le Maire urged European nations a 4.5% change registered on spite more than half of the planet in the most diffi cult of circum- entered a “slowdown” phase, yesterday to “go further and act Wednesday. being subjected to some form of stances. Health Minister Salvador Illa stronger” to help each other’s Recoveries were up by 8.5%, lockdown. “Every morning before I start said. economies recover from crisis. to 18,278, and encouragingly, the And it continued to wreak work, I make the sign of the Italy has also seen its infec- Healthcare workers attend to a Covid-19 patient upon his arrival at “In this crisis ... either Europe number of patients under inten- havoc on the global economy, cross, and pray that everything tion rates slow and eyes will now the Hotel Melia Barcelona Sarria in Barcelona, as the hotel was stays true to its political roots sive care rose by only 0.4% to with the US announcing that will go all right,” Ester Piccinini, be on Britain and France, which transformed into a medical structure to treat the least serious and it will thrive, or Europe gives 4,035. another 6.65mn workers fi led a 27-year-old nurse at the Hu- both reported their highest daily coronavirus cases. in to panic and national selfi sh- “In the past few days, at least for unemployment benefi ts last manitas Gavazzeni hospital in death tolls on Wednesday. ness and it will disappear,” Le since March 27, we have seen week and Spain reporting its big- Bergamo, northern Italy, told The virus has chiefl y aff ected hamed Abdullah, 13, in Britain, virus testing after it emerged that Maire said in a press conference lower [daily] increases” in con- gest monthly increase in jobless AFP. “It’s not really for myself, the elderly and those with pre- whose family said the “gentle just 2,000 of hundreds of thou- broadcast via Twitter. tagion numbers, Civil Protection claims on record. I’m not really worried about me, existing medical conditions, but and kind” boy had no underlying sands of staff in the state-run He reiterated France’s call Agency chief Angelo Borrelli said Since emerging in China in since I’m so protected. recent cases have highlighted health issues. National Health Service (NHS) for a common fund to help EU as he presented the latest data. December, the coronavirus that “But I hope everything will be that it can kill people of all ages. British Prime Minister Boris had been tested. countries kickstart an economic Italian health authorities have causes the Covid-19 disease has all right for my patients.” The dead have included a Johnson, himself in isolation af- The United States, which now recovery and bolster healthcare been saying that the contagion infected more than 940,000 Europe has been at the centre 16-year-old in France, a 12-year- ter testing positive, announced accounts for almost a quarter of capacities over a period of fi ve to curve has reached “a plateau” people – including at least of the crisis for weeks, with at old in Belgium, and Ismail Mo- plans for a massive increase in reported global infections, saw 10 years. and that more eff orts are needed to bring it down. “I can’t say whether we have started, we are starting or when we will start a descent, what I can say is that we have to keep Greece seals off virus-hit migrant camp [our guard] high,” Borrelli said. Late Wednesday, Prime Min- ister Giuseppe Conte said na- AFP problem in a very humane man- but no screening had been done islands with the largest asylum- tional lockdown measures due Athens ner,” the PM said, referring to for the present virus. seeker populations in camps, to expire on April 3 would be ex- dire camp overcrowding. All access to Ritsona camp has Constantinos Moutzouris, has tended until April 13. “We will continue to keep a been restricted and food will be urged the government to evacu- Meanwhile, experts have reece has sealed off a mi- very, very close eye on what is delivered to the residents, the ate the migrants. warned that Italy’s staggering grant camp near Athens happening in our camps ... we’re migration ministry said. “There is an immediate and coronavirus death toll – about Gafter 21 of its residents ramping up medical facilities,” he Additional medical staff will be enormous danger of the virus a quarter of the global total – is tested positive for the corona- said. sent to the area and all residents spreading inside (camps) and actually underestimated. virus – beginning with a new Migration Minister Notis Mi- will be screened, it added. consequences would be dis- Researchers at the Istituto mother at an Athens hospital. tarachi told EU offi cials yesterday As of 1600 GMT on Wednes- astrous,” Moutzouris said in a Cattaneo looked at death statis- “From today the facility is that Greece had nominally re- day, Greece’s population of 11mn statement. tics in a sample of around 1,000 placed under sanitary isolation sumed accepting asylum claims, Off icers secure the entrance of the Ritsona migrant camp after had recorded 50 deaths and 1,415 “The immediate removal of municipalities during February for two weeks,” the migration a procedure suspended in March authorities found 20 coronavirus cases and placed the camp under cases of novel coronavirus. (camp) residents from the island 21-March 21 and noticed a huge ministry said in a statement. amid a push by Turkey to encour- quarantine. Greece is sheltering some is imperative,” Moutzouris said. spike in fatalities. Hours before the new cases age a migrant surge. 100,000 asylum-seekers, mostly The government has already Some 8,740 more people died were announced, Prime Minister “This freeze is no longer ap- arriving (from April 1) will not be people subsequently tested at in camps and in hotel rooms and ruled out moving migrants en in the sampled municipalities Kyriakos Mitsotakis had praised plicable, from April 1 we’ve gone able to submit a claim for some Ritsona, some 80km (50 miles) fl ats, Mitarachi said yesterday. masse to the mainland, where compared to the 2015-2019 av- health safeguards at Greek back to the normal procedures,” time because asylum offi ces are north of Athens, 20 were positive In the camps on the Greek there are far more confi rmed erage, and the discrepancy “can camps. the minister said. closed,” the minister told Proto but without symptoms. mainland and islands, where tens virus cases among the general only be attributed to an external “I think we’re pretty good at But Mitarachi noted that the Thema radio on Wednesday. No staff were found to be car- of thousands of asylum-seekers population. factor, like Covid-19”, the Isti- contact tracing, and you can ac- move – welcomed by EU Home The woman from the Ritsona rying the virus, it said. live in overcrowded and unhy- The migration ministry said tuto Cattaneo said. tually do contact tracing at the Aff airs Commissioner Ylva Jo- camp, reportedly of African ori- The new mother’s case was the gienic conditions, regulations yesterday that another asy- The institute recorded 5,397 very beginning of an outbreak,” hansson – cannot yet be applied gin, tested positive after giving fi rst among asylum-seekers liv- have been announced to keep lum-seeker living in a fl at in the extra deaths just in Lombardy, Mitsotakis told CNN. owing to the coronavirus lock- birth at an Athens hospital this ing in a Greek camp. residents as far from the local northern city of Kilkis had tested the worst-hit region. “I think we have a very good down. week. The state has run several vac- population as possible. positive after giving birth at a lo- This compared with an offi cial track record of dealing with this “For technical reasons, those The ministry said that of 63 cination campaigns in past years, The governor of three Aegean cal clinic. Covid-19 regional death toll, as of March 21, of 3,095. Putin extends Meanwhile, France reported 471 more deaths in hospital from virus measures Covid-19, bringing the country’s Kill the coronavirus, not democracy – EU tells Hungary offi cial toll from the coronavirus President Vladimir Putin has epidemic to 4,503. prolonged until April 30 a paid The French fi gures include Reuters upending democracy and must that the new law could be used The president of the Europe- regular scrutiny,” she told a news non-working period across only those who died in hospital Brussels be subject to proper parliamen- to muzzle journalists critical of an Commission, Ursula von der conference. Russia, stepping up measures to and not those who died at home tary and media scrutiny. Orban. Leyen, also said Orban’s powers Donald Tusk, the leader of the stem the spread of coronavirus or in old people’s homes. On Monday, Orban secured an “This is the time to kill coro- may be excessive. centre-right European People’s just a week after the Kremlin said However top health offi cial he European Commis- open-ended right to rule by ex- navirus – not the time to kill de- “These emergency measures Party in the European Parlia- there was no epidemic. Jerome Salomon told reporters sion told Hungary’s Prime ecutive decree. mocracy,” said Vera Jourova, the have to be limited to what is nec- ment, said in a letter to members Russia, which has reported 3,548 that an initial count had shown TMinister Viktor Orban More than a dozen European Czech member of the executive essary, they have to be strictly of the grouping that they should cases and 30 deaths, has already 884 people had died in old peo- yesterday that the emergency Union member states, includ- Commission who is responsi- proportionate ... they should not consider once again expelling imposed a partial lockdown on ple’s homes since the epidemic powers he has assumed to com- ing Germany, Italy, Spain, and ble for upholding EU values and last indefi nitely and very impor- Orban’s Fidesz party once the many regions, including Moscow, began. bat the coronavirus outbreak risk France, have expressed concern transparency. tantly they should be subject to coronavirus crisis ends. which has become the epicentre of the country’s outbreak. Putin delivered a televised speech to the nation yesterday, saying that the partial lockdown and this week’s non-working Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic Leader of Germany’s period had helped slow the contagion, but that the latter needed to be extended. AfD moots party split Hours later, Moscow Mayor broke EU law by refusing refugees Sergei Sobyanin said the city’s restrictions would remain until DPA BfV announcement by calling May 1. AFP lion migrants who sought refuge countries played down their de- migrants under the obliga- Berlin for the informal faction to dis- Residents are allowed to leave Brussels in Europe in 2015 were Syrians feat. tory relocation mechanism, the solve itself. their homes to buy food or fl eeing civil war. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Czech Republic took in just 12 of Responding to Methuen on medicine nearby, get urgent Turkey in February reopened Babis told state news agency 50 migrants it pledged to host, he Alternative for Ger- Facebook, Hoecke described medical treatment, walk the dog oland, Hungary and the access to its borders with neigh- CTK: “We lost but that’s not im- and Hungary simply did not of- many (AfD), the far- his remarks as “misguided and or take out the rubbish. Czech Republic broke EU bouring EU states Greece and portant – the important thing is fer any number it would take. Tright party that has irresponsible”. The lockdown measures Plaw by refusing refugees Bulgaria for asylum-seekers as we don’t have to pay anything.” The court also rejected an ar- achieved rapid electoral suc- The debate over splitting the compound an already diff icult when the bloc faced a migration President Recep Tayyip Erdogan He also said “the fundamen- gument to dismiss by the three cess in the seven years since it AfD into a non-Wing and Wing economic situation for Russia crisis fi ve years ago, the Euro- sought to pressure Europe to tal thing is that we will not take countries on the basis that the was founded, should consider AfD was superfl uous Hoecke that has been buff eted by the pean Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled help him out with his military in any migrant and that the quo- compulsory European Council the possibility of splitting, said, describing the party as sharp fall in the price of oil, its yesterday. operation in northern Syria. tas have since disappeared, and order had expired in September party co-chairman Joerg Meu- committed to German unity. main export, and pushed its By ignoring an EU eff ort to Greece responded by rein- that is largely thanks to us”. 2017. then said yesterday. A split would be a sign of currency to four-year lows. share out refugees across the forcing security along its bor- Hungary’s justice minister, It said determining whether “We should discuss this in failure, he added. Putin said the measures could be bloc, they “failed to fulfi l their ders and refusing asylum ap- Judit Varga, slammed the court’s they were in infringement made an atmosphere of calm, but AfD honorary chairman, lifted earlier than April 30 if the obligations under European Un- plications in March, sparking an “discriminatory” stance, while the case admissible and laid the then come to a decision by the Alexander Gauland, who also situation improved. ion law”, the ECJ held, opening outcry by rights groups and the Polish government spokesman groundwork for the EU, mem- end of the year,” he told DPA. heads the party in the Bun- Three senior sources told Reuters the way for possible fi nes. United Nations. Piotr Mueller asserted that the ber states or individuals to later Meuthen was speaking destag, said he disagreed with this week that the government The case was brought by the After frantic diplomacy by verdict “won’t have any practi- demand compensatory action amid rising controversy over Meuthen’s plans to split the was considering declaring a state European Commission after EU heavyweights France and cal importance”. including possible fi nes. a strongly nationalist faction party into “free-conservative” of emergency, but Putin made no Warsaw, Budapest and Prague Germany as well as former EU The ECJ said it weighed Years after the 2015 migra- within the party called the and “social-patriotic” fac- mention of that in his speech. refused to apply a relocation member Britain, Turkey last counter-arguments by the three tion emergency, the EU is still “Wing”, led by the AfD leader tions. Putin gave Russians this week off mechanism decided by Euro- month ordered land borders states but found them lacking. casting around for a workable, in the state of Thuringia, Bjo- He described the Meuthen’s in a similar televised address on pean Union leaders to distrib- closed to refugees once more, “Those member states can bloc-wide solution to revise its ern Hoecke. remarks as unhelpful and “ex- Wednesday last week, although ute 120,000 asylum-seekers in according to an interior minis- rely neither on their responsi- system to vet and host refugees. Germany’s domestic intel- tremely unpolitical”. many continued to work Greece and Italy. try circular cited by the Dogan bilities concerning the mainte- Some member states, France ligence, the BfV, launched an Founded in February 2013 as remotely. The migration emergency news agency. nance of law and order and the and Germany chief among investigation into the Wing an essentially conservative and Putin’s use of the term “non- eased the following year when Responding to yesterday’s safeguarding of internal secu- them, are edging towards a du- in March, seeing it as having eurosceptic party, the AfD has working” led to some confusion the European Union struck a verdict, European Commission rity, nor on the alleged malfunc- rable relocation mechanism a “right-wing extremist ten- shifted right over the years to and the Kremlin later clarified deal with Turkey to block the chief Ursula von der Leyen said tioning of the relocation mech- taking the pressure off countries dency” and asserting that it embrace a strong anti-immi- that the measure simply aimed passage of most migrants to- “this ruling is important. It is anism to avoid implementing such as Greece. opposed the free democratic grant stance. to reduce contacts between wards the EU in exchange for referring to the past but it will that mechanism,” it said. But they face persistent ob- order. The party secured 12.6% people and that anyone who had billions of euros. give us guidance to the future”. The court noted that Poland stinance by countries mostly on The AfD leadership at the of the vote in the 2017 federal been working remotely should Most of the more than a mil- The three infringing EU broke a promise to take in 100 the EU’s eastern rim. federal level responded to the elections. continue to do so. Gulf Times 10 Friday, April 3, 2020 INDIA

VIOLENCE TRAGEDY PEOPLE LAW AND ORDER ASSISTANCE One inmate killed Coronavirus scare TV anchor saves BJP legislator accused Navy rescues 10 in Etawah jail clash drives man to end life distressed woman of abusing doctor stranded fishermen

One jail inmate, Monu Pahari, who had been A government employee hanged himself in A TV anchor came to the rescue of a woman The district administration in southern Assam’s The Indian Navy rescued 10 Tamil Nadu injured in a clash between prisoners in his off ice and stated in his suicide note that who had arrived from Dubai and was being Cachar district has ordered a probe into the fishermen stranded onboard a fishing boat Etawah jail died during treatment yesterday. he was ending his life as he was afraid of the ostracised by locals even after completing reported manhandling of a government doctor off the Kochi coast, the force said yesterday. As many as 14 prison staff members and 18 coronavirus. The employee’s family said he her isolation time. The woman living in while on duty by a BJP legislator, off icials “The navy ship Nireekshak, a diving support inmates were injured in the clash in Etawah had been depressed for some time. The man’s Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram, appeared said yesterday. Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party vessel of the southern naval command, on district jail late on Wednesday. The fight body has been sent for post mortem. There has on Mathrubhumi TV channel and said she legislator Kishore Nath, however, strongly mission patrol along the Kerala coast came between the two groups of inmates began been an increase in cases of corona suicides was left with no other option but to commit denied the incident. to the rescue of 10 fishermen stranded over a question of supremacy. The groups in Uttar Pradesh. This is the sixth coronavirus suicide along with her autistic son and her An off icial of the National Health Mission (NHM) onboard a fishing boat,” the force said. The led by Munna Khalid, who has come from linked suicide in Uttar Pradesh. On Tuesday, mother. “We are being shooed away by told the media that the probe would be carried crew did not have sufficient fuel, water and Agra Jail and Monu Pahari were involved in a 23-year-old migrant labourer who escaped neighbours, shopkeepers. We have nothing out by the in-charge of Barkhola primary provision to reach Kolachel in Tamil Nadu. the clash. Jailor Raj Kishor Singh said that from a quarantine centre to meet his family in to eat and we live in a rented house,” the health centre M Singh. The physician, who was The navy provided assistance to the fishing the inmates attacked the prison staff with Lakhimpur, allegedly committed suicide after woman claimed. The TV anchor contacted allegedly manhandled, filed charges against boat by transferring 300 litres of fuel, water sticks and stones when they were being learning that police were searching for him. Thiruvananthapuram mayor K Sreekumar the legislator, his bodyguards and associates and provision to sustain the fishermen till forced back into their barracks. Fourteen According to police, he had escaped from the who assured the woman of all assistance. for insulting him at the government hospital they reach their home port. The boat had left prison staff members, including deputy quarantine centre twice to meet his family, State Devasom Minister Kadakampally earlier this week. The doctor told the police Kochi on March 12 for fishing in Arabian Sea jailor Jagdish Singh, sustained injuries in the but off icials thwarted his attempts on both the Surendran said he will also ensure that the that during the spat, the legislator scolded, and has not touched any other port since attack, he said. occasion and brought him back to the camp. family is taken care of. abused and humiliated him. then. Toaster-sized ventilator helps hospitals in virus fi ght

AFP hotel into an ICU, you can simply New Delhi put this device and start working as it doesn’t require other infra- structure,” said Vaish. riginally created by a ro- Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest bot scientist and a neu- passenger car maker, has pledged Orosurgeon to help India’s to help AgVa ramp up production poor, a toaster-sized ventilator after the government called on is off ering hope in the country’s all auto fi rms to contribute to the fi ght against the coronavirus anti-coronavirus eff ort. pandemic and demand is boom- Seeing people queue for life- ing. support equipment at the All In- The virus at its most lethal dia Institute for Medical Science attacks the lungs, making ven- in Delhi in 2016 convinced Vaish tilators – which pump breath- and Agrawal that there was an able air into a patient – critical acute need for a cheap and port- for hospitals around the world able ventilator. as they are swamped with Cov- “ICU care is very expensive. id-19 cases. In the private sector, even the With the toll rising in India, richest of rich can’t aff ord it for a where a nationwide lockdown long time,” said Vaish. is in force, production of AgVa’s They avoided expensive im- portable ventilator has shot up ported parts to keep the cost low, from 500 a month to 20,000. Agrawal added. Volunteers from the Sikh community prepare food to be distributed at the Four Bunglows Gurudwara during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure “There was no way we could With its cash-starved health against the Covid-19 coronavirus, in Mumbai yesterday. have foreseen something as system, India has only around big as this,” said neurosurgeon 40,000 ventilators, and experts Deepak Agrawal, who co-devel- who have seen the coronavirus oped the device with robot sci- crisis explode in Europe have entist Diwakar Vaish. warned this could become a cat- Priced at around $2,000, the astrophic shortage for India. AgVa ventilator is a fraction of R V Asokan, secretary general the price of conventional ven- of the Indian Medical Associa- tilators, which go for more than tion, said the AgVa portable ven- PM plans staggered exit $10,000. tilator was the kind of innovation India, like most countries, has needed to fi ll health gaps. a critical shortage of beds and “It is a basic model which will ventilators for its 1.3bn people. serve in the current scenario as it The country has so far report- is a straightforward oxygenation ed more than 1,600 cases and 38 device,” said Asokan, who added from vast virus lockdown deaths from Covid-19. that it would help Covid-19 pa- To boost preparedness for a tients but not those who have Reuters sive outbreak of coronavirus saying in a video conference. Congress general secretary K C Working Committee (CWC) met surge in cases, the government had transplants and other major New Delhi infections, but the world’s big- India has had 1,965 confi rmed Venugopal said: “We extend our via video conferencing and said has banned the export of coro- surgeries. gest shutdown has left millions infections, of whom 50 have died, support to the central government in its resolution that “India and navirus-linked medical exports, Sunita Sharma, whose son was without jobs and forced migrant low fi gures by comparison with as well as all the state governments the whole world is facing an un- including ventilators. hospitalised for fi ve years with a ndia will pull out of a three- workers to fl ee to their villages the US, China, Italy and Spain. in fi ghting the deadly pandemic precedented crisis in face of the The AgVa plant near New crippling nerve condition, was week lockdown in phases, for food and shelter. But the big worry is the emer- outbreak but the government rapid spread of coronavirus. It Delhi has been given permis- given one of the machines for IPrime Minister Narendra He told state chief ministers gence of a cluster in Delhi be- should have initiated an all-party has the potential to claim hun- sion to work flat out to make free. “My husband and I had to Modi said yesterday, as offi cials that the shutdown had helped cause of a gathering held by a meet, held a dialogue with the op- dreds of thousands of lives and what could be a key weapon take turns to stay with him at the battle to contain the country’s limit infections but that the situ- missionary group last month position parties and other so as to devastate the global economy.” when India has to fully confront hospital and that aff ected our biggest cluster of coronavirus ation remained far from satisfac- that has spawned dozens of cases discuss measures to be taken to “From the day the fi rst case the pandemic. lives,” Sharma said. infections in the capital, New tory around the world and there across the country, offi cials said. contain the outbreak.” tested positive in India, the The makers say the AgVa – “I was devastated when the Delhi. could be a second wave. Meanwhile, the Congress “The prime minister talked to Congress has extended its full which weighs just 3.5kgs – will doctors told me my son would The shutdown, which has “The prime minister said that yesterday extended its support the chief ministers over a video support to the central and state help move less critical patients have to spend the rest of his life brought Asia’s third-largest it is important to formulate a in containing the coronavirus conference yesterday. Why did governments in their eff orts to back to their homes as their ma- on a ventilator bed. “At least now economy to a shuddering halt, is common exit strategy to ensure outbreak but said that the gov- he not had a similar video con- deal with the grave and unfold- chine is easy to transport and in- I can stay home to take care of due to end on April 14. staggered re-emergence of the ernment should have called all- ferencing with the opposition,” ing circumstances. The Congress stall, and needs low power. him and the rest of the house- Modi had ordered India’s 1.3bn population once lockdown ends,” party meet to discuss measures Venugopal asked. pledges to continue its unstinted “In case you want to convert a hold.” people indoors to avert a mas- the government quoted him as to contain the pandemic spread. Earlier in the day the Congress support,” the resolution said. Farmers feed strawberries Dharavi slum-dweller dies of coronavirus to cattle as lockdown bites DPA The second person who tested Mumbai positive yesterday was a 52-year- old BMC sanitisation worker The sudden drop in demand is south-east of Mumbai. ers such as gerbera and gladi- posted in Dharavi. hurting millions of farmers He was hoping to make oli, meanwhile, are worried after uthorities in Mumbai The man was admitted to an Rs800,000, but now has not weddings that typically generate were yesterday concerned isolation ward. Reuters even recovered the production the bulk of demand have gotten Aover the possible spread His family members and about Satara cost of around Rs250,000, as it cancelled. of the coronavirus in the densely two dozen colleagues have been has become tough to transport “In summer, I sell one fl ower populated slum of Dharavi after asked to home quarantine, the produce to large cities. for Rs15 to Rs20. Now nobody is a man with Covid-19 died and BMC offi cial said. s hundreds of millions willing to buy even at Rs1,” said a municipal corporation worker Public health experts say it of Indians remain locked “Rural folks don’t even Rahul Pawar, who owns a two- tested positive. would be diffi cult to contain the Adown to stem the spread know the names of these acre fl ower farm, as he plucked The 56-year-old man who virus if it spreads in a slum like of coronavirus, some of its cattle vegetables. Forget about fl owers to dump them into a died on Wednesday night was Dharavi where eight to 10 people are getting treated to strawber- them cooking these” compost pit. the fi rst to test positive from the often share a room. ries and broccoli that farmers are Another fl ower grower Sachin sprawling shanty town in the The population density is struggling to transport and sell in Munishamappa, a farmer Shelar says the bulk of his earn- country’s fi nancial capital. about 270,000 per square kilo- cities amid the three-week lock- near Bengaluru, dumped 15 ings come from the summer sea- An estimated 70,000 to 1mn metre making social distancing down. tonnes of grapes in a nearby son, but sales have stalled during people live cheek to jowl in Dhar- almost impossible. Demand for such premium forest after failing to sell them this crucial period. avi. The patient had no travel Water sources and sanitation farm produce typically jumps in — he had spent Rs500,000 on Ajay Jadhav, who relies on history and was admitted to a facilities are shared by scores of the summer, but with the farm his crop. upmarket restaurants to sell local hospital with fever on Sun- people. supply chain in disarray, farmers He had even asked nearby vil- basil, iceberg lettuce and bok- day and tested positive for the The cases from Dharavi have are unable to get goods to market. lagers to come collect his fruit for choy grown on his three acres, new coronavirus on Wednesday, raised concern that India may be The sudden drop in demand is free, but few turned up, he said. said his fellow villagers won’t an offi cial of the Brihanmumbai seeing community transmission hurting millions of farmers. Indian grapes are also exported take away the vegetables even Municipal Corporation (BMC) of the disease despite a country- “Tourists and ice cream pro- to Europe, which has sharply cut for free. “I don’t have a choice said. wide lockdown since March 25. ducers are the main buyers of purchases in the past few weeks but to make manure out of these Seven other residents of his Yesterday saw a jump of over strawberries, but there are no as the virus takes a heavy toll exotic vegetables,” he said. house have been home quaran- 300 cases with the total con- tourists now,” said Anil Salunkhe, there, said Dyanesh Ugle of Sa- “Rural folks don’t even know tined and are being tested. “We fi rmed cases now at 1,965. while feeding strawberries grown hyadri Farms, the country’s big- the names of these vegetables. will provide them food and water Fifty people have died and 151 on his two-acre farm to his cows gest grape exporter. Forget about them cooking A farmer feeds iceberg lettuce to his buff alo during a 21-day till their test results come back,” have been cured and discharged, in Satara district, some 250km Growers of expensive fl ow- these.” nationwide lockdown at Bhuinj village in Satara, Maharashtra. the offi cial said. according to the health ministry. Gulf Times Friday, April 3, 2020 11 LATIN AMERICA LatAm cases Safe shopping pass 20,000

AFP “hysteria,” statements which have left him in- Montevideo creasingly isolated, in Brazil and beyond. Another leader criticised for taking the pan- demic lightly, President Daniel Ortega of Nicara- ore than 20,000 cases of Covid-19 were gua, replaced his health minister. registered in Latin America and the Car- Nicaragua’s government has yet to enforce Mibbean by Wednesday — double the fi g- preventive measures common in other countries, ure from fi ve days ago, according to an AFP tally. including closing borders or prohibiting crowds. As infections spread across the region, a Gua- It has reported fi ve infections, with one death. temalan migrant died and more than 20 were The minister, Carolina Davila, will remain as an wounded in a riot over coronavirus fears at a adviser to the presidency however, the govern- holding facility for Central American migrants in ment said. Mexico, offi cials said. More than 300 Bolivians and dozens of Peruvi- A protest by mostly Honduran migrants at the ans were stranded at a makeshift camp at Huara facility in southeastern Tabasco state turned vio- in Chile on Wednesday, after their countries’ bor- lent late Tuesday after those inside set bedding ders were shut due to the coronavirus. ablaze. Authorities had registered 537 deaths and Chile’s Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel 20,081 cases across Latin America by Wednesday pleaded for understanding, saying “all countries afternoon. have to face this from a humanitarian perspective, Ecuador said on Wednesday the bodies of 150 especially with regard to the return of people who people were retrieved from homes in the port are in a position to return.” city of Guayaquil after the coronavirus crisis put The pandemic has compounded an already Vendors at a market in Guadalajara, Mexico, wear face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus. a strain on resources. A joint military and police desperate situation facing millions of refugees task force created to deal with the emergency re- and migrants who fl ed Venezuela’s economic col- moved the bodies in the past three days, govern- lapse, said Eduardo Stein, the UN special repre- ment spokesman Jorge Wated said. Authorities sentative for Venezuelan migrants and refugees. have not confi rmed how many Covid-19 victims The UN refugee agency and the International were among the 150 dead. Organization of Migration jointly called on the Brazil recorded Latin America’s fi rst infection international community to boost aid for millions For Argentine farmers, pandemic threatens on February 26. With a population of 210mn, the of Venezuelan migrants threatened by the eco- South American giant is now the most aff ected nomic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. country with 5,717 cases, including 201 deaths. Nearly 5mn people have left since 2015, most livelihoods and upends gaucho traditions President Jair Bolsonaro — who has repeat- ending up in Colombia and other neighbor- edly railed against social distancing measures he ing South American countries, overwhelming says are needlessly hurting the economy — found healthcare systems. By Maximilian Heath, Reuters are Argentina’s biggest source harvesting in the world’s No 3 fi elds to avoid risks of contagion. himself at the center of a row over spreading mis- Mexico adjusted its economic forecast for 2020 Buenos Aires of export dollars, forming the soy and corn exporter and No In the coming weeks, as the information. on Wednesday due to the negative eff ects of the backbone of Latin America’s No 1 supplier of soymeal livestock harvest of soybeans and corn Bolsonaro posed a video online of a market epidemic, in line with other pessimistic estimates 3 economy. feed, Argentine growers are fac- accelerates, the sight of farmers supposedly hit by shortages caused by the pan- by analysts. The fi nance ministry said in a state- Boys, from now on each The tradition of sharing mate ing disruptions that could force working their harvesting com- demic, but he was forced to remove it hours later ment that the performance of the economy will one brings his own plate, has been derailed as the coun- importers to turn toward rivals in bines alone will become a com- after journalists found it well stocked. be in a range of between minus 3.9% and 0.1%, “knife and fork”. This grim try locks down and adopts social Brazil and the United States. mon one. Bolsonaro has compared the coronavirus to a well down from its previous estimate of growth, announcement by Argentine distancing to stem the tide of the “The perfect storm is brew- The harvest is expected at “little fl u,” and condemned the reaction to it as ranging between 1.5% and 2.5%. farmer Javier Dominguez reso- coronavirus. ing,” Dominguez said. 52mn tonnes of soy and 50mn nated strongly among employees The pandemic has cost export- Argentina has 1,054 confi rmed tonnes of corn, according to the of his farm in Lujan, Buenos Aires ers in Argentina tens of millions cases of the coronavirus with 27 Buenos Aires Grains Exchange. province, the county’s main agri- of dollars in business so far as deaths so far, according to offi cial Growers are bagging an in- cultural district. some mayors refuse to let grains data. creased amount of crops until Sharing food and bitter mate trucks into their towns. “I am concerned, which is why pandemic- and rain-related bot- Colombian health workers tea, which is passed among clus- “There are places that do not we are following protocols, such tlenecks clear up. ters of friends and slurped from allow truckers to go to the bath- as not letting anyone in except Increased storage in plastic communal metal straws, is indis- room, they relieve themselves for those strictly related to the “silo-bags” heightens the risk protest delayed salaries pensable to the iconic image of behind their vehicles,” Domingu- harvest,” said Juan Manville, a of spoilage when conditions are Argentine gaucho cowboys. ez said. grower in northeast Buenos Aires, wet, adding to the uncertainties. By Nelson Bocanegra, Reuters margo is committed to fi ght- The ambulance caravan was That gaucho aesthetic is es- Between the virus and overly who apologised to Reuters for not “I’m worried,” Dominguez Bogota ing the virus, but said he was also meant to draw attention sential to Argentine farmers, who wet weather that has slowed being able to allow access to his said. “Everybody’s scared.” frustrated by people who are to delayed salary payments at not complying with a 19-day some hospitals and clinics. aramedics, doctors and national lockdown begun last The government has an- Migrant dies in riot at Mexico detention centre nurses took to the streets week. nounced more than $1.47bn in Pof Colombia’s capital, Bo- “It is so gratifying to do this funding to help facilities cope gota, in ambulances with sirens work,” he said. with coronavirus, but employ- Obrador urges fi rms to A Guatemalan migrant died and 14 shelters,” the authorities said. blaring on Wednesday to show “But it’s so hard to fi ght alone, ees say that money has not others were taken to hospital after UN agencies said in a joint their support for colleagues and it’s hard to see the community reached workers. a riot broke out in a detention cen- statement that UN personnel in protest what they say are salary not collaborating, to see people “We urge the government to pay workers, avoid usury tre in southern Mexico, authorities Tenosique arranged for 42 asylum delays amid the global corona- walking on the street without help us, so that we can be paid... said on Wednesday, as tensions seekers to be transferred from the virus pandemic. protection.” so they can help us arrange with rise in such facilities due to the detention centre to a shelter as The health workers, escorted The quarantine is set to last the health companies to pay us,” By Dave Graham, Reuters spread of the coronavirus. they continue their processes with by police, stopped in front of a until April 13, though the gov- said nurse Andres Merchan. Mexico City It started on Tuesday evening in a Mexican refugee agency COMAR. clinic in the north of the city to ernment has not ruled out an Health professionals in other detention centre in the southern “The practice of facilitating these applaud colleagues working in- extension. cities have also decried late sal- state of Tabasco after migrants exits becomes more important at side. People are to remain at ary payments. exico’s president on Wednesday turned up the heat on com- voiced concerns about coronavi- this time due to the health emer- There are over 1,000 con- home except to work in essen- “Our duty is to help others, panies during the coronavirus crisis, saying they should keep rus and recent border closures, gency caused by Covid-19,” the UN fi rmed cases of Covid-19 in the tial services, shop for food and but who will help us?” Carta- Mpaying workers or face public scorn, even as criticism of his Mexico’s interior ministry and agencies said. Andean country, and 17 people medicine, and attend medical gena nursing assistant Seidy economic management grows among business and opposition leaders. National Migration Institute (INM) The statement was jointly issued have died of the disease. appointments, among other ex- Franco told local Caracol Radio. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has stirred concern said. by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, Ambulance driver Carlos Ca- ceptions. “Hungry heroes can’t work.” among bosses and foreign embassies by allowing major contracts As cases of coronavirus rise in children’s fund Unicef, the human with fi rms to be called into question, urged executives to act with Mexico, concerns are mounting rights commissioner and the their “consciences” in paying staff . over how to prevent the spread of International Organization for Speaking at a regular morning news conference, the leftist Lopez the disease among the thousands Migration. Obrador said some leading companies have pledged to hold on to their of migrants who have been way- A spokeswoman for COMAR said workforces in the crisis. laid in the country as a result of it sought the release of 11 migrants “And, yes, there are others who are not behaving well,” he told re- hardline US immigration policies. who had sought requested with porters, without naming anyone. Mexico has registered 1,378 the agency. “There’s still time to change, because they’ll look bad. What’s the coronavirus cases and 37 deaths; “We lament the death of Mr Hector point in spending...billions of pesos on advertising if during an emer- its detention centres are seen as Rolando Barrientos Dardon, an gency they acted selfi shly, or in a usurious way?” particularly vulnerable. asylum seeker,” the spokeswoman In a public health emergency, Mexican labor law allows fi rms to put One 42-year-old Guatemalan said. staff on the minimum wage for a month. died and 14 people were taken Last week, rights groups in Lopez Obrador had said on Tuesday the same law also had a rule to to hospitals in Tenosique and the southern state of Chiapas mandate full payment of wages, and urged companies to do it out of Villahermosa for smoke inhalation denounced what they called a solidarity. “There’s no need to go to tribunals fi rst-off , this is an ex- after migrants set fire to mat- violent crackdown on a protest in hortation, it should be done for humanist reasons,” he said. tresses, authorities said, adding Mexico’s largest detention centre. The president says he will present a plan on Sunday to stimulate that 27 migrants escaped during Migrants had voiced fears that the economy. the turmoil. they will contract the coronavirus But so far he has pushed back against proposals from business lob- “The Tenosique migration in the facility, which advocates bies to spend more money to cushion the blow of what economists station was cleared and the mi- have denounced for overcrowding A police off icer sings as a hearse drives along a street as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the expect to be a sharp recession. grants were transferred to other and poor sanitation. coronavirus pandemic in Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia. Cuba’s medical students provide door-to-door virus care

By Katell Abiven, AFP nies two students charged with In its fi ght against coronavirus, “to reach 100% of the popula- as a cough or fever — is immedi- but we’re not allowed to,” Perez said. out basic necessities — there’s Havana canvassing an area that is home Cuba is relying on its world re- tion in as little time as possible,” ately reported to the local medi- For Carlos Lagos, 83, watching often a lack of soap, for example. to 300 families each day. nown health services: According she said. cal center. students fi le past his door has be- Instead of a hydroalcoholic In a country where many peo- to the World Health Organization Medical students have joined “Many thank us for what we’re come the new norm. hand sanitiser, Cubans have been tudent doctors in Cuba ple wear face masks — and some the country has 82 physicians per the national eff ort because Cuba doing,” Diaz said. The students ask “if I feel bad, using a chlorine solution to wash are trudging from house shops won’t allow customers in 10,000 people, compared with has an abundance of them, in- Doctors are “much loved” in if I have a fever, how I look after their hands. Sto house trying to identify unless they have one — the only 40 for Russia, 26 for the United cluding thousands of foreign- Cuba, said Maite Perez, 30, after myself,” said Lagos, standing at With a lack of medical face cases of the coronavirus pan- thing that sets the students apart States and 18 for China. ers attracted by the country’s 25 a visit by one of the students. his door bare-chested due to the masks, many have made their demic to stop it from spreading in is their white gowns. “We don’t have the technol- medical faculties and the pres- “I’m really happy they’re look- heat. own from cloth, including Ma- the Caribbean island nation. Crippled by six decades of US ogy of rich countries, but we have tigious Latin American School of ing after our health,” she said. Elder care is crucial in Cuba rina Ibanez, a 56-year-old kin- “How many people live here? sanctions, Cuba was one of the a human personnel that is very Medicine (ELAM). Perez is taking health pre- where 20% of the population is dergarten employee. Have you been in contact with last countries in Latin America qualifi ed, with great solidarity “We’re already used to going cautions seriously: She keeps a over 60. “When I saw that people foreigners? Do you know the to close its borders, desperate to and selfl essness,” said Caballero door-to-door,” said second-year mop at the front door to clean “So far I feel fi ne and I hardly were walking around without health rules to follow?” they ask. keep the tourism revenue it relies Gonzalez. student Susana Diaz, 19. her shoes, categorically washes go out,” said Dolores Garcia, masks...I got to work making face Some 28,000 students repeat on. Door-to-door care is nothing “There’s always a time around her clothes after returning home 82, from behind the gate to her masks for people,” she said. the same questions dozens of It fi nally caved on March 24 new for Cubans used to family September-October when we do and wears a mask every time she apartment. Although she had no experi- times a day, all across the coun- and now has 212 coronavirus cas- doctors who have “always done home visits for dengue. So when leaves. She’s delighted to have a face ence, she has already made 50, try. es and six deaths. the rounds...to look for any type the coronavirus situation wors- There’s just one rule that’s mask. which she distributed to neigh- In the Vedado neighborhood of As a precaution, close to 2,800 of transmittable illness.” ened, the university asked if we’d proving painfully hard to adhere “Someone who loves me a lot bors. Havana, Liz Caballero Gonzalez, people are receiving hospital Over the past two weeks, go door-to-door,” she said. too: no hugging or kissing. brought it to me,” she said. “It’s not rocket science,” Iban- a 46-year-old doctor, accompa- care. rounds have increased in order Any suspicious illness — such “I just want to hold my mother... Cubans are used to going with- ez said. Gulf Times 12 Friday, April 3, 2020 PAKISTAN Court overturns death sentence in

This picture taken on March 29, 2002, shows off icers surrounding handcuff ed Omar Sheikh as he left the courthouse in Karachi. The Daniel Pearl murder death sentence for British-born Sheikh has been overturned. „ Sindh High Court acquits Pakistan to cover the aftermath American for ransom too, and oughly to prepare the grounds Pearl’s friend and former Wall Fahad Naseem, Salman Saqib ruling Taliban regime helped ne- three others of the fall of the Taliban regime found Sheikh guilty only on the for the appeal,” he said, adding Street Journal colleague Asra and Sheikh Adil – while any ap- gotiate an exchange. in neighbouring Afghanistan in charge of abduction. he hoped to fi le the appeal within Nomani and a Georgetown Uni- peal was fi led. The Indian foreign ministry AFP/Reuters/DPA/Internews 2001. Sheikh was sentenced to seven two days. versity professor, claimed that “The prosecution cannot stop did not respond to requests for Karachi/Islamabad He was believed to be on his years on the abduction charge, Pakistan’s Foreign Offi ce said the reporter was murdered by their release in this case, unless comment on the matter by Reu- way to interview an Islamist but he is expected to be freed that the issue pertains to the Khalid Sheikh Mohamed, not they produce a Supreme Court ters. leader when he was kidnapped. soon, given time he had already ministry of interior which “will Omar Sheikh. interim order,” Mohamed Farooq, Indian police later linked Pakistani court has com- His case grabbed headlines served. be looking at the judgment in de- Mohamed – better known as a lawyer at the Sindh High Court, Sheikh to the September 11 at- muted the death sentence globally, after a video of his be- “Omar has already served 18 tail”. KSM – was arrested in Paki- said, adding that the government tacks on the US, accusing him Aof the main person ac- heading emerged weeks after years, so his release orders will be The ministry of interior did stan in 2003 and is being held in could also seek to keep them de- of involvement in transferring cused in the 2002 kidnapping Pearl was abducted. issued sometime today. He will not respond to a request for com- Guantanamo Bay. tained by using legislation relat- $100,000 to Mohamed Atta, one and murder of Wall Street Journal “No evidence has been brought be out in a few days,” Khawaja ment. A US psychologist who inter- ed to the maintenance of public of the militants who fl ew airlin- reporter Daniel Pearl, and ac- on record by the prosecution to Naveed, a defence lawyer in the The US embassy in Islamabad viewed KSM said the prisoner order. ers into New York’s World Trade quitted three other co-accused link any of the appellants to the case, told Reuters. declined to comment on the rul- had told him that he had behead- “Legally they cannot stop their Centre. in the matter. murder of Pearl and as such all The time since 2002 that ing and referred queries to the US ed Pearl. release in this particular case,” Pakistan is currently under All four had been convicted the appellants are acquitted of Sheikh spent in jail would be State Department. In 2014, a Pakistan anti- Farooq said. close scrutiny by a global watch- in connection with Pearl’s kid- murder,” said a two-member counted as part of his term ac- The convictions in Pearl’s mur- terrorism court acquitted Qari Sheikh was born in Britain and dog on terror fi nancing, the Fi- napping and murder, including bench of the Sindh High Court, cording to the British-era prison der case had been brought into Hashim, who had been arrested enjoyed a privileged upbringing nancial Action Task Force (FATF), British-born Ahmed Omar Saeed in a ruling seen by Reuters. manual of Pakistan. question after another defend- in the case in 2005. before going to study at the Lon- where the country’s inability to Sheikh, who was sentenced to After hearing arguments and A senior Pakistani government ant, Khalid Sheikh Mohamed, The judge at the time said there don School of Economics. prosecute terrorism cases has death in 2002 for masterminding examining the record and pro- law offi cer told Reuters via phone one of the alleged masterminds was a lack of evidence in the case. He was arrested in India in the been highlighted. the murder. ceedings of the case, a two-judge that the state would appeal of the September 11 attacks, told In a statement, the Wall Street 1990s for his involvement in the “The FATF situation is quite He has been in jail for 18 years bench headed by Justice Moham- against the Sindh High Court’s a US military tribunal in 2007 Journal said that it continues to kidnapping of Western tourists in serious. I think pressure will awaiting the outcome of an ap- ed Karim Khan Agha announced verdict. that he beheaded Pearl. seek justice for the murder of 1994 as part of Sheikh’s support come on Pakistan (after this ver- peal. the verdict on the appeals fi led by Saleem Akhtar, a prosecutor in In January 2011, a report re- Pearl. of Muslim separatists battling dict),” said Amir Rana, director of Pearl, 38, was investigating Is- the convicts 18 years ago. the case, told AFP that he would leased by the Pearl Project at His widow, Mariane Pearl, was Indian security forces in the dis- the Pak Institute for Peace Stud- lamist militants in Karachi after The court further dismissed fi le a petition in the Supreme Georgetown University following not immediately reachable for puted Kashmir region. ies, an Islamabad-based think the September 11, 2001, attacks an appeal of the state seeking en- Court against yesterday’s ver- an investigation into his death comment. He was one of three men re- tank that monitors anti-terror- on the US when he was kid- hancement of life prison terms of dict, which came from the high made chilling revelations, claim- Another lawyer not involved in leased from an Indian prison af- ism policies in Pakistan. napped in January 2002. the three co-accused. court of Sindh province. ing that the wrong men were the case told Reuters that Paki- ter militants hijacked an Indian He added that Pearl’s case was He was among the numerous The court also acquitted all “It is a very detailed verdict convicted for Pearl’s murder. stan would likely have to release airliner in late 1999 and fl ew it high-profi le and bound to get Western journalists who were in four of charges of kidnapping the and I have to go through it thor- The investigation, led by all of the accused – the rest are to Afghanistan, where the then- global attention.

Rain or shine Internet use surges Award for sharply in Pakistan late doctor Internews Internews Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Islamabad Karachi chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zard- ari and Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) president ilgit-Baltistan (GB) Gov- s millions remain indoors Shehbaz Sharif – on the video- ernor Raja Jalal Hussain due to varying lockdowns conferencing platform, Zoom. GMaqpoon has approved Aacross Pakistan, Inter- The ministry of national health a summary to confer civil award net usage in the country has in- services (NHS) has also acquired on Dr Usama Riaz, who died creased by 15% in a week. a video conference system worth treating coronavirus patients. In a press release issued this $300,000 from Huawei Paki- The GB information depart- week, the Pakistan Telecommu- stan, which can be used for epi- ment confi rmed the news in a nication Authority (PTA) said demic prevention and control tweet. the increase was observed due command, remote consultation, Dr Riaz, a young physician to a spike in online activities by and remote monitoring. from the GB region, became the educational institutions and Besides politics, fi nancial in- fi rst Pakistani doctor to die after businesses, as well as a “work- stitutions are turning to the In- contracting the virus on the job. from-home” policy adopted by ternet for mobile banking as a He was part of a 10-member individuals and organisations. public-health tool. team tasked with screening pa- At present, Pakistan’s installed The State Bank of Pakistan tients returning from the main bandwidth capacity is almost (SBP) has waived all charges on city, particularly those arriving three terabits per second (Tbps) fund transfers through online there from Iran via Taftan. and loading capacity is at 2Tbps. banking channels to avoid the use He later started providing The PTA said that there is of cash, which the World Health services to the suspected pa- “suffi cient Internet capacity” Organisation (WHO) fl agged as tients in isolation centres estab- available in the country to meet a conduit for the spread of the lished for them in Gilgit. the growing demands of the fu- coronavirus. Senior US diplomat Alice ture. The central bank also advised A worker cuts grass on a hill in Islamabad amid a lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Wells saluted all “brave medical In order to match the in- the fi nancial sector to immedi- workers across South and Cen- creased demand, media stream- ately facilitate education fee and tral Asia, who are risking their ing platform Netfl ix has removed loan repayments through Inter- lives to help the sick and keep the highest bandwidth streams net banking or mobile devices. everyone safe”. in Pakistan. While the role of technology is “Saddened to hear of the death The decision has been taken to critical in surviving the outbreak, Kashmir PM House now a quarantine centre of Dr Usama Riaz, who was on reduce traffi c so that more users it also serves an urgent reminder the frontlines of the fi ght against can avail of the service. for the country to close its digital Covid-19 in Pakistan. The US In a statement, Ken Florance, divide. Internews The centre is being managed rooq Haider Khan has converted spread of the respiratory disease. stands with you,” she said. the vice-president for content Just over one-third of Paki- Islamabad under the supervision of two AJK the new Prime Minister House “We will do our best to save French ambassador to Paki- delivery at Netfl ix, said: “Given stan’s population, or around ministers and will provide as- into a quarantine centre for the humanity and to work for pro- stan Dr Marc Baréty also off ered the crisis, we’ve developed a way 76mn people, are online in 2020. sistance to local communities in Covid-19 patients” the minister tecting the lives of common condolences on the death of Dr to reduce Netfl ix’s traffi c on tel- Of the total Internet users, zad Jammu and Kashmir AJK. said. citizen in Azad Kashmir,” said Riaz. ecommunications networks by only 37mn are active social me- (AJK) Prime Minister Raja AJK Information Minister The Command and Control Mushtaq Minhas, the AJK minis- “Our heartfelt condolences 25% while also maintaining the dia users. AFarooq Haider Khan has Mushtaq Minhas said that the Centre will work in concert with ter for information. to the family and friends of Dr quality of our service. In terms of Internet inclusiv- established the Central Com- centre was set up to prevent the the federal government in Is- He said that diff erences be- Osama Riaz, who died of serving “So consumers should contin- ity, Pakistan has been ranked mand and Control Centre in spread of the Covid-19 disease lamabad, and will also try to lob- tween the government and the coronavirus patients in Gilgit- ue to get the quality that comes 76th out of 100 countries by Kashmir House to provide assist- caused by the coronavirus, and by other friendly governments opposition should not be an ob- Baltistan. His death reminds us with their plan, whether it’s the Economist Intelligence Unit ance to the citizens and to take to provide emergency assistance around the Muslim world to stacle in the way joint eff orts of our hero medics fi ghting this Ultra-High, High or Standard (EIU), falling into the last quar- steps to prevent the spread of the to patients. muster support for the AJK gov- to save the lives of the common pandemic on the frontline all Defi nition. tile of the global index in 2020. coronavirus in the region. “AJK Prime Minister Raja Fa- ernment’s eff orts to prevent the people in AJK. around the world,” he tweeted. “We believe that this will pro- The EIU said that the country vide signifi cant relief to congest- has the largest gender gaps in the ed networks and will be deploy- index, in both mobile and Inter- ing it in Pakistan for the next 30 net access. days.” Other major impediments to As the coronavirus outbreak Internet inclusion include low Pakistan rejects India’s latest move on Kashmir region has forced closure of schools levels of digital literacy and rela- and most of offi ces and people to tively poor network quality. practice “social distancing”, the In terms of digital payments Internews international law, including the ticularly reprehensible as New continue to highlight India’s will alter the demographic sta- Internet is providing a lifeline. as well, there is digital divide Islamabad 4th Geneva Convention,” said Delhi is taking advantage of the state terrorism in (Indian- tus of the Muslim-dominated From schooling to fi tness as around 20% Pakistanis have the Foreign Offi ce spokesperson. international community’s fo- administered Kashmir) and territory. training, to telemedicine and accounts with fi nancial insti- The offi cial added that the In- cus on the ongoing Covid-19 its denial of the fundamental The channel reported that newsgathering, the Internet has tutions – less than 7% being akistan has condemned dian action is a continuation of pandemic and advance with freedoms and inalienable right the law allows those who have become a public square for ac- women. and rejected the introduc- India’s “illegal and unilateral” ruling BJP’s “sinister” Hindutva to self-determination of the resided for 15 years in Indian- cess to critical information and Only 1% of these citizens have Ption by India of the “Jam- steps since August 5, 2019. agenda. Kashmiri people,” said the For- administered Kashmir or stud- for all social interaction. credit cards. mu and Kashmir Reorganisation The spokesperson said that The Foreign Offi ce urged the eign Offi ce. ied for seven years and appeared In a fi rst for the country’s po- There are government initia- Order 2020”, which it termed as the Kashmiris in the territory United Nations and the inter- The Foreign Offi ce added that in Class 10/12 examinations in litical history, cabinet meetings tives to reach all of the country’s an attempt to illegally change “have out rightly rejected the national community to take no matter what tactics India educational institutions located and government engagements 165mn cellular subscribers. the demographic structure of new law as unacceptable”. “immediate cognisance” of the deploys, it will never be able to in the region to be eligible to be- are being conducted online via A Covid-19 awareness mes- Indian-administered Kashmir. “Indeed, the Kashmiris will Indian action. break the will of the Kashmiris. come permanent residents. video links. sage has been activated as the The Foreign Offi ce, in a press never accept such blatant usur- It added that India should be The Indian government on The announcement comes To devise a strategy to contain call ringtone across for all tel- release, said that the order was pation of their fundamental prevented from changing the Wednesday announced a new nearly eight months after the Covid-19, the respiratory disease ecom providers. another illegal step by India to rights and attempts to change demographics of the territory, set of laws for the disputed terri- Indian government stripped the caused by the coronavirus, the However, to reach a maximum settle non-Kashmiris in the oc- their demography and distinct and hold New Delhi accountable tory that grants domicile rights region of its limited autonomy opposition parties recently held number of people at risk in both cupied territory, by changing the identity,” said the spokesperson. for its persistent violations of to Indian citizens in the region. that had protected the region a conference call – comprising rural and urban centres, the ef- domicile laws. The Foreign Offi ce noted that international law. According to Al Jazeera, ex- for decades from demographic more than 13 leaders, including forts need to be expanded. “This is a clear violation of the latest Indian action is par- “On its part, Pakistan will perts and residents fear that it changes. Gulf Times Friday, April 3, 2020 13 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Sha’baan: time to prepare for Ramadan he Messenger of Allah, believed, decreed upon you is fasting sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, as it was decreed upon those before said about the month of you that you may become righteous.} TSha’baan: “That is a month [Qur’an 2: 183] And the Prophet, concerning which the people are sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: heedless, between Rajab and Ramadan. “Whoever does not give up false It is a month in which good deeds are speech and ignorance and acting taken up to the Lord of the worlds, and accordingly, Allah has no need of his I would like my deeds to be taken up giving up his food and drink.” [Al- when I am fasting.” [An-Nasaa’i; Al- Bukhari] Albaani; Hasan] 4- Make haste to maintain the ties of If you observe the habits of the kinship and beware of severing them. successful people in diff erent walks of The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu life, you would notice that they strive ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Allah created hard to prepare and get ready for their His creation, and when He had tasks. A student who excels prepares fi nished, Ar-Rahim (the womb) got for his studies before the year begins; up. He said, ‘What is it?’ Ar-Rahim a good runner prepares for the race said: ‘This is the position of one who is long before it starts and there other seeking refuge with You from being cut numerous examples in our daily life. off .’ He said, ‘Will you not be pleased Not everyone who prepares gains if I should maintain ties with the one the fruit of his endeavours or reaches maintain ties with you, and cut off the the peak of success. People vary even one who cuts you off ?’ Ar-Rahim said, in the success of their preparation and ‘Of course, O Lord.’ He said, ‘Then it each one attains success according will be so.’” Then, Abu Hurairah, may to the eff ort they exert. Keeping this Allah be pleased with him, recited the in mind, we must ask ourselves: how verse in which Allah The Almighty can one attain any fruits without Says (what means): {So would you preparation, or rather without any perhaps, if you turned away, cause concerns whatsoever to prepare for it? corruption on earth and sever your As we have entered the month of [ties of] kinship?} [Qur’an 47: 22] [Al- Sha‘baan, we must have a specifi c Bukhari] stance of determination. It is the last If we know this, let us ask, who is stage in the preparation of entering the the person that upholds the ties of month in which one can be saved from kinship? This is what the Messenger Hellfi re, i.e. the month of Ramadan, of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, the month of the Qur’an and the has explained saying: “The one who month of mercy. So, contemplate the upholds the ties of kinship is not the conditions of those who seek to win one who reciprocates, rather the one worldly competitions and the eff ort who upholds the ties of kinship is the they exert to achieve that. What then one who upholds those ties even if his should be the case with those who seek relatives cut him off .” [Al-Bukhari] the reward of the Hereafter? Indeed, 5- Is there better bliss than a clean there is no point of comparison heart? You spend your day and night in between them. Is not the reward of peace of mind while others burn with the Hereafter more deserving of our jealousy and hatred towards others. eff ort? Be keen on having a clean heart from Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Immediately after Ramadan, our now on, clearing it to be occupied Salaf (righteous predecessors), may by Ramadan and nothing else. The Allah have mercy upon them, used to Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi ask Allah The Almighty for six months wa sallam, was asked who is the best to accept Ramadan from them and of people. He answered: “The one with then for the next six months, they a pure heart and a truthful tongue”. would ask Him to enable them to live They said: “The one with a truthful until the next Ramadan. This is the tongue we know, but who is the one degree of importance they accorded with a pure heart?” He, sallallaahu Ramadan and its precious days. ‘alaihi wa sallam, replied: “He is pious Allah willing, what we aim for and and pure with no sin nor injustice nor prepare for are acts of worship from grudge nor envy (against anyone).” the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition), not [Ibn Maajah] innovated acts, but our objective is to 6- Unfortunately, many people increase the frequency of performing spend long hours on the Internet, these acts. wasting many bounties and golden Allah The Almighty Says (what opportunities in Ramadan. How far means): removed are they from Imaam Maalik {And hasten to forgiveness from ibn Anas, may Allah have mercy upon your Lord and a garden as wide as the him, who, when Ramadan arrived, heavens and earth, prepared for the used to withdraw from reviewing righteous.} [Qur’an 3: 133] Hadith and sitting with the people {So for this let the competitors of knowledge to dedicate himself to compete. }[Qur’an 83: 26] reciting the Noble Qur’an from the We must be determined to make Mus-haf. Start now: if you are an the best use of Ramadan by the will of Internet addict, lessen the hours you The Most Gracious. Do not let its days spend surfi ng the Internet and know slip by like any other days; the days of that Ramadan will not wait for you. Ramadan are precious, if they lapse 7- Hasten to make up for the days they may never come back again. How of fasting you missed in the past many people do not reach or witness Ramadan for a legitimate excuse. Ramadan? How many people were 8- In Ramadan, most people are not destined to reach the upcoming keen to make a complete recitation of Ramadan? From now on, put down a the Noble Qur’an. In order to make plan with an objective and a sincere the recitation and completion become intention to prepare for Ramadan. easy and swift for you, begin reciting Hence, if death overcomes you before in the month of Sha‘baan, increasing reaching Ramadan, then you will the time of recitation gradually, so if die with a sincere intention and a you are accustomed to recite one part righteous deed, Allah willing. daily let it be two or even three – in prepare for lunch, for instance, and wa sallam, was the most generous body, compensating for it with a mid- quit it completely for the sake of Allah Let us take a look at some of the fact, why not complete a full recitation give out the extra food to the poor of people, and he was at his most day (short) nap. The Almighty and then for the sake of plans of preparation for Ramadan every 10 days? in your neighbourhood or to your generous during Ramadan, when 19- If you are unable to perform your health. Ask Allah The Almighty to during the days of Sha‘baan. However, 9- In Ramadan, diff erent building’s janitor. ‘Ataa’, may Allah Jibreel (angel Gabriel) met him. Jibreel ‘Umrah in Ramadan for some reason, help you with this and rest assured that before that, keep in mind the voluntary prayers are performed have mercy upon him, narrated on used to meet with him every night and know that if you remain seated after if you ask Him with sincerity He will importance of time, do not let even such as Taraaweeh (night prayer the authority of Zayd ibn Khaalid teach him the Qur’an. The Messenger Fajr prayer until sunrise and perform help you. a minute in Sha‘baan pass without that takes place after the prayer al-Juhani, may Allah be pleased with of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, two Rak‘ahs (units of prayer) you 25- From this moment on, engage benefi ting from the preparation for of ‘Ishaa’), Qiyaam (standing in him, that the Messenger of Allah, was the most generous person, even would receive the reward of a complete your tongue to be moist with the Ramadan. supererogatory prayer at night), sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: more generous and faster in spending Haj and ‘Umrah. Anas ibn Maalik, may remembrance and mention of Allah 1- What would you do if you were and other supererogatory prayers. “Whoever gives Iftar (the meal to than a strong blowing wind.” [Al- Allah be pleased with him, narrated The Almighty; do not slacken in the to expect an important guest, while In order to get used to long periods break the fast) to one who is fasting Bukhari and Muslim] that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi remembrance and mention of Allah your home is in a mess and needs to be of standing without any fatigue or will have a reward like his, without 15- Depending on the situation due wa sallam, said: “Whoever prays The Almighty, seeking forgiveness, cleaned? Would you start decorating exhaustion, dedicate a longer time that detracting from the reward of to coronavirus crisis, if you intend to Fajr in congregation then remains glorifying Allah The Almighty and it in its unclean state or start cleaning for night prayer starting in Sha‘baan. the fasting person in the slightest.” perform ‘Umrah during Ramadan, sitting (in the masjid) remembering reciting Takbeer (i.e. Allahu Akbar). It before anything else? Begin by dedicating an hour, increase [At-Tirmithi and An-Nasaa’i, Al- walk daily for half an hour in the last and mentioning Allah until the sun is an easy form of worship with a heavy Begin by setting right your it gradually, and start getting used to Albaani: Saheeh] 10 days of Sha’baan in order to prepare rises, then prays two Rak‘ahs (15 and great reward from Allaah The obligations, adhere to the limits long bowing and prostrating. 14- Give alms on a daily basis in the yourself, as ‘Umrah involves physical minutes after the sun rises), will have Almighty. of Allah The Almighty, and hold 10- Accustom yourself to dedicating month of Sha‘baan, so that you may eff ort. a reward like that of performing Haj 26- Organise your daily work yourself accountable for the sins a longer period of time for supplicating get used to daily charity in Ramadan 16- Lessen your intake of food and ‘Umrah, complete, complete, schedule beginning from Sha‘baan you committed throughout the last Allah The Almighty, and memorise and to be among those mentioned in during Sha’baan; the more food you complete.” [At-Tirmithi, Al-Albaani: so that your distraction from worship 11 months since the past Ramadan. some of the authentic supplications the Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, eat the more diffi cult it is to perform Hasan li-ghayrih] may decrease in Ramadan. Prioritise Repent from the past sins of the year of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa may Allah be pleased with him, that acts of worship in Ramadan. Accustom 20- Perform new acts of worship your tasks and needs so that you cover before receiving the new month of sallam, for they include precise words the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu yourself to smaller portions of food that you have never done before. For most of it before Ramadan starts. Ramadan. Purify your heart of any with comprehensive meanings, and ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “There is no from now or eat several small meals example, recite 1,000 verses (that is 27- Revise what you have memorised doubts or desires, repent from every they are better, more blessed, and more day on which the people get up but two throughout the day. Include plenty of equal to Part 29 and Part 30 in the of the Noble Qur’an or memorise some forbidden glance, or sins involving likely to be answered, Allah willing. angels come down and one of them vegetables, fruits and dates in your diet Qur’an) or give a large sum of money new Surahs (chapters) in Sha‘baan hearing, or any misdeed your hand 11- Prepare for I‘tikaaf in the last says, ‘O Allah, give in compensation to to maintain the level of hydration in as charity, to prepare yourself and be so that you could recite it in your committed and your feet walked 10 days of Ramadan, Allah willing. the one who spends (in charity),’ and the body and to provide energy. inclined to perform greater acts of supererogatory prayers in Ramadan. towards. Remember that Allah The (We are now passing through a the other says, ‘O Allah, destroy the 17- Avoid staying up late, try to sleep worship in Ramadan. How happy is the one who prays and Almighty feels Jealous (which implies diffi cult time due to the outbreak wealth of the one who withholds.” [Al- earlier, and wake up one hour prior 21- Try to perform virtuous deeds supplicates with verses he knows by His wrath) when the matters He The of coronavirus across the world. Bukhari and Muslim] to Fajr prayer or earlier to practise recommended in the Sunnah. heart! Exalted has forbidden are violated. Mosques are closed for congregational If it was your habit to give charity Qiyaam (voluntary night prayers) 22- Organise your time and 28- Approach children over seven Beware of putting off repentance or prayers until further notice. I‘tikaaf is in other than Ramadan, then increase and supplicate to Allah The Almighty make a timetable to evaluate your years of age in your family, and procrastinating in this matter. Do not performed in the masjid. Allah willing, the quantity you give out in Sha‘baan before dawn. performance and the acts of worship motivate them to get used to fasting. be deceived by the patience of Allah by the last 10 days of Ramadan the whenever you can. Ibn ‘Abbaas, may 18- Train yourself to sleep less. If you schedule for yourself. This is not Let them begin with a quarter of a day The Almighty and His concealment of situation will ease. We supplicate to Allah be pleased with him, said: “The your habit is to sleep eight hours, make an innovation in the religion, but is then increase to half a day and more your sins. Indeed, Allah The Almighty Allah for His Mercy.) Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi it six or less without exhausting your only a practical measure to monitor and reward them for their eff orts. gives respite to the oppressor, but 12- Get used to fasting so that you your acts of worship and to attain Thus when Ramadan begins, fasting when He fi nally seizes him, He does do not feel worn out while fasting the Paradise, Allah willing, which is your becomes easy for them. not let him escape. fi rst couple of days in Ramadan. Fast Begin by setting right your obligations, adhere to chief aim. This was an attempt to provide some 2- Do not start a deed unless you on alternate days or in the most of the 23- Withdraw from meaningless guidelines to follow during the month have a sincere intention. Your deed days of Sha‘baan, Imaam al-Bukhari, the limits of Allah The Almighty, and hold yourself gatherings that waste your time. of Sha’baan in preparation for the will not be accepted unless it is done may Allah have mercy upon him, accountable for the sins you committed throughout Boycott TV and all other distraction blessed month of Ramadan. However, with a sincere intention in accordance reported that ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be the last 11 months since the past Ramadan. Repent – even if they are permissible. one can custom make his own list and with the rulings of the religion (Islam). pleased with her, said: “The Prophet, Naturally, if they are forbidden then add to this whatever he/she sees more Therefore, you should learn the rulings sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, did not from the past sins of the year before receiving the it is compulsory to abandon them suitable for his/her own situation. of fasting and teach them to your fast in any month more than he did new month of Ramadan. Purify your heart of any completely and repent with the family and acquaintances starting now. in Sha‘baan, and he used to fast all of intention of never returning to them Article source: http://www. 3- Discipline yourself and be Sha‘baan.” doubts or desires, repent from every forbidden again. islamweb.net/emainpage/ committed to righteous deeds as of 13- Be prepared to feed the poor glance, or sins involving hearing, or any misdeed 24- Ramadan is a great chance for now, for Ramadan is the school of and needy, and provide meals for the your hand committed and your feet walked towards. smokers to quit this harmful and evil the righteous. Allah The Almighty fasting people to break their fast. habit. Accustom yourself from now Says (what means): {O you who have Increase the quantity of food you on to leave it and make an intention to Gulf Times 14 Friday, April 3, 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 Face masks are everywhere in Asia, but have they helped?

The use of face masks in Asia during the coronavirus outbreak has been far more widespread than in the West, where governments have urged people to reserve supplies for frontline medical staff , so have they helped limit infections? Experts agree that the ordinary surgical masks commonly worn in parts of Asia during cold and hayfever seasons are not a foolproof way to prevent coronavirus infection. But people infected with the virus are advised to wear them to stop the spread to others, and there is evidence that transmission can happen before a person knows they are sick. That has bolstered the argument of mask supporters who believe they can help limit the outbreak. In parts of Asia, mask-wearing has been a key response to the Populists love the pandemic outbreak, with Japan’s government announcing on Wednesday each household would get two reusable cloth versions, and Hong Benny Gantz, the leading opposition another term while the opposition is in In surveying who is most likely Kongers not only wearing them but sending them to relatives By Sławomir Sierakowski Warsaw politician, has decided to join a new coronavirus lockdown. to turn out on May 10 despite the abroad. government led by Prime Minister Duda and PiS ran into signifi cant pandemic, Gazeta Wyborcza has Keiji Fukuda, director and clinical professor at the University of Binyamin Netanyahu, citing the trouble in January and February when determined that it is mainly PiS Hong Kong’s School of Public Health, said people in the city see hreats to national security extenuating circumstances of the they were found to have allocated 2bn supporters. If the presidential election wearing a mask “as a way that the individual is trying to protect invariably limit domestic pandemic. złoty ($480mn) – an unprecedented is held as scheduled, Duda will get both the larger society as well as the self”. political disputes. Now that In Central and Eastern Europe, sum – to Poland’s public media, which as much as 65% of votes in the first “But where I grew up, in the US, wearing masks is seen by some, Tgovernments have assumed populist governments are exploiting is eff ectively a PiS mouthpiece. Since round, whereas if it were postponed if not many, as a personal infringement — an unwanted imposed a leading role in fi ghting the Covid-19 the suspension of normal life to the opposition had been calling for until after the pandemic has passed, pandemic, the political opposition in implement long-held plans. With those funds to go toward health care, his first-round vote would fall to obligation,” he says. countries under populist rule is quickly the international media focused that decision now looks all the more around 44%. The use of masks in parts of Asia with relatively low numbers being marginalised. completely on the pandemic, few scandalous. Kaczy ski and his party are not of infections and deaths from the virus, including Japan and In theory, the authorities in these people will notice what is happening Moreover, before Covid-19 struck, concealing their intentions in pushing Hong Kong, has led some to theorise mask-wearing is making the countries could use the crisis to in Hungary or Poland. Reporting on the opposition presidential candidate for the election to be held during diff erence. invoke a state of emergency to limit Poland’s de facto leader, Jarosław Małgorzata Kidawa-Błoska was the crisis. “It would be extremely But experts are sceptical. democracy. But even if they don’t go Kaczy ski, and Hungarian Prime rising in the polls. In an IBSP survey unfavourable for the president Ben Cowling, a professor at the University of Hong Kong’s School that far, the need for social distancing Minister Viktor Orbán seems to have conducted on January 14-16, Kidawa- and the prime minister to be from of Public Health, instead credits a range of public health measures and other containment measures disappeared even from the pages Błoska, with a projected 49.91% diff erent political camps and to argue,” share of second-round votes, was Kaczy ski said in a recent interview, implemented in these countries. implies a sharp contraction of the of media outlets that have reliably public sphere. covered them for years. trailing just behind Duda, who had a “Today, under diff erent conditions, These include “identifying cases and isolating them, tracing In the absence of large gatherings Whereas the Hungarian opposition vanishingly small majority of 50.09%. we need eff ective crisis management and quarantining their contacts, and also implementing social or campaign rallies, political debate is protesting against Orbán’s imposed But now that Kidawa-Błoska has and political stability. This is also the distancing in the community,” he says. has migrated completely to the media, “state of emergency,” the Polish been forced to stop most forms of reason why these elections should be And Fukuda too which is devoting its full attention opposition is demanding one. The campaigning, her support had fallen to held on May 10.” cautioned against to the disease. This is happening for West, even if it wanted to protest, 44.12% as of March 10-13, and Duda’s Meanwhile, elections, primaries, “One of the best thinking of mask- pragmatic reasons – Covid-19 coverage could easily get lost in this quagmire had risen to 55.88%. and referendums have already been wearing “as a magic is what the reading and viewing public and not know what to demand. Polish voters, fearing the pandemic, postponed or altered (to mail-in ways to prevent X-factor”. currently demands – but also for Hungary’s parliament has now have little appetite for partisan brawls. ballots, for example) in more than ethical reasons: providing accurate given Orbán the authority to govern The demand now is for political 20 countries, including the United “Some places infected people from information about the coronavirus is by decree for an indefi nite period of agreement to address the crisis, which States, Spain, France, Germany, and like Singapore have an essential service. time. Once vested with emergency makes it much more diffi cult for the Italy. It is therefore not surprising that spreading the virus generally done very Still, wall-to-wall coverage of the powers, he will be able to suspend opposition to attack the incumbent 72% of Poles surveyed believe that well without strongly pandemic leaves no attention to spare individual rights and force people into government. Donald Tusk, the the presidential election should be is with a mask” emphasising masks,” for political opposition parties and quarantine on pain of imprisonment. former Polish prime minister who postponed. he noted. movements. Hence, Joe Biden, the His government also will be able to recently stepped down as president After the Polish presidential He attributes the smaller outbreaks to measures including presumptive Democratic nominee to jail – for up to fi ve years – journalists of the European Council, expressed election, PiS will have a three-year contact tracing, good co-ordination, social distancing “and a challenge US President Donald Trump deemed to be spreading false or disappointment as much during a break in the electoral calendar, which in November’s election, has essentially distorted information. recent appearance on TVN24, where he it will use to consolidate its power. general public that has been quite worried from the start and disappeared overnight from public By contrast, in Poland, the last thing chastised the Polish opposition for its Polish civil society will remain the last willing to work with health authorities”. “It’s the entire package view. that Kaczy ski and his Law and Justice overly submissive attitude. bastion against unchecked PiS rule. – that is important.” Americans are instead furnished (PiS) party want is to introduce a state Tusk also has indicated that he does Project Syndicate The World Health Organisation’s position remains that mask- with daily, live coverage of Trump’s of emergency, because doing so would not intend to vote on May 10, and wearing for the general public is not advised, emphasising a press conferences cum political rallies, mean postponing the next election. that he will not encourage his family, O Sławomir Sierakowski, founder of global shortage of masks and the desperate need to route available in which he trots out government Under current conditions, Poland’s friends, or other voters to do so, owing the Krytyka Polityczna movement, is supplies to frontline health workers. experts who somehow must try to incumbent president, Andrzej Duda, to the risks of contracting Covid-19. Director of the Institute for Advanced And some experts warn mask-wearing can backfi re, even where correct his lies and misinformation is certain to win re-election on May As he told Gazeta Wyborcza, “Only a Study in Warsaw and Senior Fellow madman or criminal could propose at the German Council on Foreign supplies are plentiful. about the pandemic while standing 10. The PiS government is thus using right next to him. Similarly, in Israel, the pandemic to sweep Duda into holding elections now.” Relations. “Masks may give people a false sense of security,” said Simon Clarke, an associate professor of cellular microbiology at the University of Reading. Advocating mask usage, he fears, could also embolden people who are reluctant to adhere to social distancing measures. “I can envisage a situation where people who are infected and therefore shedding virus, think their mask gives them licence to go out to public places or to work,” he says. “We all know people who think nothing of bringing colds into work to share with everyone — it will be the same for coronavirus.” Despite the lack of strong evidence, there are signs that offi cials in the West are moving towards encouraging mask use. Austria and Slovenia among others have already mandated their use, and top US scientist Anthony Fauci said this week that when supply is stable, mask-wearing recommendations may be broadened to help prevent infected people from spreading the virus. “One of the best ways to do that is with a mask,” he told CNN. Cowling said additional research was needed to guide policy on what kinds of masks were useful and how they should be utilised, but that increased mask usage might be worthwhile.

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© 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Orban: If (the critics) can’t help, then at least don’t stop the Hungarians from defending (against the virus). Gulf Times Friday, April 3, 2020 15 COMMENT Mother of invention: the new gadgets dreamt up to fi ght coronavirus

London/Oakland/Bucharest tech software mean devices can Global upheaval often spawns new Reuters be produced faster than ever by products and innovation. companies big and small. The current burst of creativity may “There is defi nitely a tonme of eventually compare to that seen during riving to work at his factory people with 3D resources very willing World War Two when companies, to the west of London last to help,” said MacKenzie Brown, governments and scientists week, designer Steve Brooks founder of California-based product embarked on projects that had lasting Dhad coronavirus on his mind. design company CAD Crowd. consequences. What could he make that would let Two weeks ago, his company Technology used to help guide him open a door without touching the launched a month-long contest for rockets eventually led to the fi rst handle? practical devices for navigating the satellites and putting men on the “Everyone has to use their little new coronavirus world. moon. fi nger or fi nd the bit of the door that About 65 entries have poured “There’s no question that inventors nobody’s touched,” said the designer in, including a wrist-mounted will be coming up with hundreds, if not and owner at DDB Ltd, a company disinfectant sprayer, half gloves for thousands, of new ideas,” said Kane which makes offi ce furniture. So he knuckle-pushing of buttons and a Kramer, inventor and co-founder of produced a hook to do the job. device that lets you open car doors the British Inventor’s Society. He fi rst The so-called hygienehook is small without touching the handle, aimed at conceived the idea of downloading enough to fi t in a pocket and made cab users. music and data in the late 1970s. from a non-porous material, which As the pandemic makes people far “Everyone’s downed tools and are makes it easy to clean. It is one of more aware of hygiene, some new only picking them up to fi ght the virus. hundreds of gadgets dreamt up in products may have a shelf life beyond It’s a global war.” recent days and weeks to help prevent the current crisis. Many companies are donating their people from spreading the coronavirus. Startups are retooling their new wares or selling them at cost From furniture makers to AI technology. price. The CAD Crowd contest designs software developers, companies In Seattle, brothers Joseph and are free for download and use, for around the world are adapting existing Matthew Toles and their friend Justin example. For some, though, the extra products or inventing new ones to help Ith, who own a young company business could provide a fi nancial fi ght the pandemic or just make life called Slightly Robot, had developed cushion as other sources of income easier for those working from home, in a wristband after college aimed at evaporate during the pandemic. hospitals or stuck in quarantine. reducing compulsive skin-picking, Entrepreneurs Matthew Toles and Joseph Toles, co-founders of the company Slightly Robot, show smartbands, the DDB designer Brooks near London The fl urry of innovation comes as nail-biting, and hair-pulling. Immutouch, which buzz when the wearer’s hand goes near their face, to prevent spreading the coronavirus disease has worked quickly. companies from Ford and Airbus to When their home city reported (Covid-19), in Seattle, US, in this handout picture taken on March 31. Less than a week after his fi rst design, luxury goods giant LVMH reool plants its fi rst fatalities from the virus last four diff erent models of the hook went to make critical equipment like hand month, they adapted the design we ramp up.” that makes gun detection systems for can be used in public buildings like on sale this week, selling at just under sanitisers, ventilators and masks. to create a new smartband, the Romanian robotic software company schools and casinos, turned its sights hospitals and airports, and corporate 15 pounds ($18.60) each. He is donating In years gone by it was large Immutouch, which buzzes when the UiPath has meanwhile found a way on the virus when China, the original offi ces, chief technology ceroffi Ara one hook for every one he sells. companies like these, with the wearer’s hand goes near their face. for nurses in the Mater Misericordiae epicentre of the outbreak, reported its Ghazaryan said. Now Brooks is turning his creative fi nancial clout and factories, who “We had the algorithm, we had the University Hospital in the Irish capital fi rst cases three months ago. The government of a South eye to another gadget along similar typically had to be relied upon to move software and the hardware. We’ve Dublin to ditch time-consuming data It has re-deployed its AI analytics American nation has placed an order lines. rapidly from designing a prototype to repurposed it for face-touching,” entry and automate fi ling of virus test software to measure the temperature for 5,000 licences of Scylla’s system “We’ve already had a request from manufacturing the product. Matthew Toles said in an interview. results. It hopes to replicate it in other of a person’s forehead, sending out an for its public buildings and transport the National Health Service in Wales A crucial diff erence now, though, “We made 350 devices and a website hospitals. alert if it detects a fever. Taking images system, Ghazaryan said. He declined to about designing something for pushing is that 3D printing and high- in one week and now it’s how fast can Scylla, a US-based AI company from a thermal camera, the software name the country. a door.”

From birdsong to cheers, sound map Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 310c Minimum Temperature : 220c shows how virus is changing cities SATURDAY Maximum Temperature : 300c Minimum Temperature : 230c By Sonia Elks SUNDAY London Maximum Temperature : 330c Minimum Temperature : 220c Fisherman's forecast rom an eerily quiet Times Square in New York to cheers WARNING for healthcare workers, a Inshore : Nil website is collecting sounds to Offshore : Expected thunder rain F associated with strong document how coronavirus has trans- wind and high sea to formed spaces around the globe. the north at times Dozens of people from more than 25 countries have shared WEATHER Inshore : Relatively hot daytime audio recordings from their daily with sctd clouds& c lives during the pandemic for the of rain at places, slight #StayHomeSounds project by the dust at times sound mapping website Cities and WIND Memory. Inshore : Northeasterly-South- “The way the world sounds has easterly 08-18 KT changed really dramatically in just Offshore : Southeasterly-North- easterly 08-18/24 KT a few weeks,” said project founder Stuart Fowkes in a telephone Visibility : 4-8 KM interview from his home near Oxford Offshore : 3-5/7 FT in England. “It’s really important that we Around the region recognise that and record it for Weather Weather posterity, but that we also get the today Max/min tomorrow Max/min stories as well — what people are Baghdad M Sunny 28/15 P Cloudy 29/14 thinking and feeling at the same time.” Kuwait City Sunny 31/19 M Sunny 30/19 With many countries imposing Manama P Cloudy 28/22 Sunny 28/22 lockdowns or other restrictions to Muscat Sunny 31/24 Sunny 32/26 combat the spread of the virus, cities Wild Kashmiri goats wander freely through Llandudno’s streets nibbling at hedges and springtime gardens as they go. Tehran P Cloudy 19/09 P Cloudy 18/07 have seen buzzing tourist centres The animals typically spend their time grazing on the heights of the nearby Great Orme headland. But with so many fewer suddenly empty and the sounds of people out and about amid the coronavirus lockdown, some think the creatures have been drawn into Llandudno, Wales, nature emerge as traffi c noise recedes. this time by little more than inquisitiveness. The #StayHomeSounds project was set up a week ago and aims to units, while other clips include a Madrid through to Lima in Peru. tourism,” he told the Thomson Reuters document the epidemic through woman in Finland recording a story Fowkes said he hoped the recordings Foundation. crowdsourced sound clips from around for young relatives, and birdsong in would help evoke life during the “(You can) see what other people the globe, which are shared on a map Poland. epidemic for the future, and that the are hearing around the world and also showing where they were recorded and Sound has also been a way for project would also help people take a read their stories and see that actually some details of the story behind them. people to connect despite their virtual trip around the world even if people are feeling similarly... All that can be heard in the isolation, with recordings of people they remain stuck at home. hopefully that helps to make us entertainment hub of Times Square is joining together to cheer for healthcare “While you are on lockdown, feel a little bit more connected.” — the drone of building air conditioning workers from the Spanish capital you can at least do a bit of sonic Thomson Reuters Foundation

Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Live issues Athens S Showers 13/09 Rain 15/10 Beirut P Cloudy 20/16 M Sunny 23/20 Bangkok P Cloudy 35/28 Sunny 36/29 Advice for caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease Berlin P Cloudy 10/00 M Sunny 11/02 Cairo P Cloudy 30/19 M Sunny 36/26 Cape Town Sunny 28/14 P Cloudy 21/15 ith the Covid-19 pan- everything and reminding them about Dr Rush says. “For instance, you might or situation become too diffi cult to Colombo Sunny 31/26 M Sunny 31/27 demic at the forefront what they need to do, such as washing say: ‘I’m sorry I can’t visit today and manage.” Dhaka M Sunny 37/23 P Cloudy 37/23 of daily life, how much their hands and everything that comes I know that’s disappointing. But what Dr Rush adds that caregivers should Hong Kong M Cloudy 21/18 M Cloudy 21/18 information should you with good infection control,” says Dr if we set up a daily call at 8am to chat be honest with how they are feeling Istanbul P Cloudy 11/06 Showers 12/09 W Jakarta T Storm 31/25 T Storm 31/25 share with a loved one who has Alzhe- Sirven. over coff ee?’” and not hesitate to ask for help if they imer’s disease, dementia or mild cog- For people who have dementia Also, since behavioural outbursts feel overwhelmed. Karachi Sunny 35/22 Sunny 34/23 nitive impairment? And how do you or more severe issues, such as are common in patients with “Caregiving can be a diffi cult task London M Cloudy 12/04 P Cloudy 15/07 explain the necessary precautions and Alzheimer’s disease, and may not be neurodegenerative disorders, now on a normal day. At a time when Manila Sunny 36/25 Sunny 36/24 social distancing requirements? Dr able to process information, it’s best to would be the time to develop a plan people are experiencing heightened Moscow M Cloudy 11/01 P Cloudy 08/-2 Joseph Sirven, a Mayo Clinic neurolo- avoid discussions about Covid-19. regarding extra support. “These stress and anxiety as well as loss New Delhi Sunny 31/18 Sunny 33/18 gist, says it depends on the person’s Since social distancing and patients can become confused of normalcy, it’s important to do a New York Showers 11/08 M Cloudy 14/07 exact condition. isolation rules may make it more or become very anxious or very personal check-in with yourself and Paris P Cloudy 14/04 P Cloudy 17/06 “If someone is processing relatively challenging to be with loved nervous with any change in the home acknowledge what you need to be at Sao Paulo P Cloudy 28/15 P Cloudy 26/14 well — they have, perhaps, mild ones, Dr Beth Rush, a Mayo Clinic environment,” says Dr Sirven. “So it’s your best for your loved one. That may Seoul Sunny 16/05 Sunny 12/00 cognitive impairment, and are able to neuropsychologist, says they may be important to keep the environment mean grabbing a snack, journalling, Singapore S T Storms 32/27 T Storm 32/27 have good conversations and partake agitated or anxious. calm and have a plan regarding going for a walk, even taking a Sydney Rain 24/18 S Showers 25/13 in the world — there’s no problem with “It’s important to validate their potential mediations or strategies to nap,” she says. — Mayo Clinic News Tokyo Clear 17/07 Clear 20/10 having just a general discussion about feelings and then off er a suggestion,” help alleviate things should the patient Network/ Tribune News Service Gulf Times 16 Friday, April 3, 2020 QATAR Music lovers urged to join Ode to Joy ‘balcony concert’ tonight

f you hear the strains of picking up their own instru- will see how it works. But it is Beethoven wafting across the ments and playing, or even just something we wanted to try, Inight air in Doha today, it will humming along. both to lift people’s spirits and be because of Qatar Philharmonic “It’s intended to send a mes- to also give everyone who loves Orchestra (QPO) – and its latest sage to people at a time when we music an opportunity to be part musical move to bring people to- are self-isolating in our homes, of it, or just to listen.” gether amid the novel coronavi- waiting for the situation to im- Joining in the rendition of Ode rus (Covid-19) pandemic. prove,” said Kurt Meister, ex- to Joy will be students and teach- The 96 musicians who com- ecutive director of QPO. ers from Qatar Music Academy, prise the orchestra – a Qatar “And the message is that we part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre- Foundation member – will are still all together. We are look- University Education. step onto the balconies of their ing to spread positivity through QPO’s Friday night balcony homes at 8pm and simultane- music and foster a sense of performance follows the recent ously perform their parts from community and togetherness, ‘virtual’ concert by its musi- Ode to Joy, best known for its and we hope that people who cians, portrayed in a video use by the legendary German have musical instruments – which showed them perform- composer in his Ninth Sym- whether it’s a guitar, a violin, or ing the second movement from phony and as the anthem of the a fl ute – will also walk onto their Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony European Union. balconies and join in by playing No.9 (From The New World) and QPO is inviting people not this well-known piece. which emphasised the impor- just to listen if they hear its mu- “It is an experiment for us, tance of people following health sicians performing nearby, but with our orchestra members guidance and staying at home to join in from their homes – by performing individually, so we during the Covid-19 crisis.

Buildings go blue for Autism Awareness Day ‘Protect workers from Covid-19’ From Page 1

The Ministry further stressed the importance of providing psychological and social support to infected employees after recovery, checking the workers’ temperature before they take the company buses to and from the workplace, isolating any worker with a high temperature and reporting to the Ministry of Public Health hotline on the number 16000. The employers have been urged to follow up the health of workers and provide additional precautionary measures to those who are the most vulnerable to infection, such as those with chronic diseases (diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases). The Ministry’s directives also said buses transporting workers must limit intake to 50% or less of its seating ca- pacity, ensure masks and hand sanitisers are available in the workplace, make sure there are no gatherings inside the workplace and that a safe distance between workers is kept at all time, and give attention to other safety and health risks in the workplace. Organisations, institutions and companies in Qatar lit up their buildings in blue yesterday to observe World Autism Awareness Day. (From left) The Ministry of Transport and The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Communications, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp (Kahramaa). Social Aff airs said that the Labour Inspection Department will monitor employers’ compliance with strict inspection cam- paigns, adding that failure to comply will result in penalties. Employers failing to report suspected or confi rmed cases of Covid-19 infection will be subjected to the pen- alties stipulated in Law No. 9 of 2020 amending some provisions of Decree Law No.17 of 1990 regarding the ‘Ensure crisis does not hamper autistic children’s development’ prevention of infectious diseases, the Ministry added.

From Page 1 According to Dr Christina Lee This year’s World Autism Roberts, school psychologist at Awareness Day focuses on the Dr Thomas said video-confer- Renad Academy – a specialised theme, ‘The Transition to Adult- ‘Qatar transparent encing ensures that the children school for children diagnosed with hood’. United Nations Secretary- do not miss their friends. “They autism, under Qatar Foundation’s General António Guterres said need psychological support. They Pre-University Education – chil- the observance “takes place in the on Covid-19 facts’ fi nd it very diffi cult and challeng- dren with autism and their fami- midst of a public health crisis un- ing if they are isolated. They need lies require supportive strategies to like any other in our lifetime” and From Page 1 extreme support and speech, oc- cope with this uncertain time. urged that special care be taken for cupational, and physical therapies “Children with autism may face autistic children. “Qatar is using the right scientifi c approach, as more should continue,” he said, urging additional challenges, including “Persons with autism have the than 22,000 accurate tests were carried out until March parents to make use of online serv- diffi culty understanding what is right to self-determination, inde- 31,” HE AlKhater said. ices and to avoid exposing the chil- happening, inability to express pendence and autonomy, as well as She pointed out that 89% of Covid-19 infections in dren to people from outside. A teacher conducting a group virtual class. their anxiety, and the need to have the right to education and employ- Qatar are mild, and only 3% are very serious, with 8% re- Regarding Covid-19, he said: “If a constant routine, all of which ment on an equal basis with others. covering cases, in addition to the two deaths of patients parents suspect a child has been could be done as a game or in a Care Corporation, advised par- may exacerbate their anxiety dur- But the breakdown of vital support who were suff ering from chronic diseases. exposed to somebody who is in- funny way. This can help the child ents to use visual techniques and ing this stressful period,” she ex- systems and networks as a result of There are currently 37 cases in intensive care, while 12 have fected, immediate medical atten- learn things easily and they may pictures to explain the schedule to plained. Covid-19 exacerbates the obstacles been discharged. As much as 84% of the infections were tion should be sought. The child imitate the parents through acts their child. “This is why parents are encour- that persons with autism face in ex- reported from people in quarantine, which indicates that should go into isolation or quaran- like washing the hands and cover- The schedule includes activities aged to use supportive strategies ercising these rights. We must ensure the quarantine mechanism is useful and working properly. tine if that is advised.” ing the mouth,” he explained. such as family walk, one-to-one that they have adopted in the past that a prolonged disruption caused Among the Covid-19 cases in Qatar, 89% are males. Further, he said parents should “I re-emphasise the need to learning time (homework, skills to build and sustain their child’s by the emergency does not result in Regarding the age of those with Covid-19 infection, she help the child do what he or she continually stimulate the children training as agreed with profes- emotional health and well-being. rollbacks of the rights that persons said 31% are between 25 to 34 years, 25% between 35 to 44, may fi nd diffi cult to do. with intellectual challenges while sionals, etc), playtime, quiet time, “Keeping routines in place is vi- with autism and their representative 18% between 45 to 55 years, 10% range from 55 to 64 years, “There is a need to adopt proper they wait out the restrictions pe- active time (active sensory play), tal, as children with autism thrive organisations have worked so hard to and 3% are over the age of 64. precautionary measures. A child riod in their homes,” he added. family activity time and reading, in a structured environment.” advance,” his message reads. “What is relatively positive in these statistics is that with special needs may not be able On their part, the health au- among others. The full schedule Another way to assist students in “The rights of persons with au- the proportion of people infected with the virus above the to do things like other kids. Par- thorities in Qatar have suggested a is available at https://www.moph. adapting and adjusting to the cur- tism must be taken into account in age of 55 does not exceed 13%, given that greater the age, ents should teach him/her to take daily schedule for people with au- gov.qa/Style%20Library/MOPH/ rent situation is creativity, she says. the formulation of all responses to especially in the presence of chronic diseases, more the precautionary measures such as tism spectrum disorder. Videos/dailyscheduleASDen.pdf Dr Roberts also emphasised the the Covid-19 virus. On World Au- care is required,” she observed. covering the mouth, washing the An infographic, posted on the Parents are advised to use the importance of children with au- tism Awareness Day, let us stand On the recovery of cases, HE AlKhater said 79% are hands and maintaining social dis- social media pages of the Ministry schedule as a sample, noting that tism staying virtually connected together, support each other and males. While 39% of recovery cases are for those between tancing. Parents can show them of Public Health, Hamad Medical they may have to adapt it as per the with their teachers throughout show solidarity with persons with 25-34 years, 23% are between 45-54 years, 5.6% between how to do these things. And this Corporation and Primary Health family routine and resources. school closures. autism,” it adds. 55-64 years, and 5.7% over 64 years. Qatar Foundation: helping children with specifi c needs thrive z Ability Friendly Program has supported more than 300 children in Qatar since its launch last year

atar Foundation (QF)’s Ability Friendly Football QProgram started deliver- ing classes in 2019, and, since then, has worked with more than 300 children with specifi c needs across the country. Initially, the programme started as community classes, quickly fol- lowed by the introduction of a school programme, too, which saw the Ability Friendly Football Pro- gram team take the initiative out to The Ability Friendly Football Program has ‘gone from strength to strength’. the wider community and visit local Special Educational Needs schools “Seeing the children develop it. Yusuf loves them and they love keep up the marvellous work. Delivery & Legacy – attended an gone from strength to strength, titioners who can deliver classes, and centres to provide children with is our overarching goal, as ul- Yusuf. It’s clear from how they We deeply appreciate your eff ort awareness workshop. and while we have had to sus- recruiting from diff erent organi- more access to sports. timately, through the Ability work they are passionate about for our son.” The next step will be the provi- pend physical classes due to the sations from around the country. Ryan Moignard, senior ASD/ Friendly Football Program we are what they do. As parents, they QF stressed that the pro- sion of ability-specifi c workshops coronavirus, we will begin run- “And our long term aim is to special needs football specialist striving to help each and every have made us feel welcome and gramme is continuing to grow, for the coaches, helping practi- ning online support in the com- take the program to a global level, and coach, Community Engage- one of our students fulfi l their comfortable. and has this year introduced an tioners become disability confi - ing weeks. We are also developing providing countries around the ment, QF, said: “Over the last potential.” “We were a little concerned educational arm, including dis- dent and equipping them with the other aspects of the programme, world with support from the Qa- 12 months, many of our par- Naima, the parent of a child in about Yusuf’s hyperactivity, ability awareness and coach edu- skills and know-how to off er their such as designing strategies and tar Foundation team, ultimately ticipants have progressed from the programme, said: “They are but they integrated Yusuf very cation workshops. own weekly community classes, crafting session portfolios. helping more children with spe- small group classes to large group a brilliant team who are warm, nicely into the football sessions In February alone, 20 coaches the QF statement adds. “Moving forward, one of our cifi c needs access sport. classes, with others graduating to gentle and compassionate indi- and he’s gone from strength to from Generation Amazing – part Moignard said: “The Abil- ambitions is to support Qatar in This will help create a long- mainstream programmes. viduals and deserve a lot of cred- strength. Well done team and of the Supreme Committee for ity Friendly Football Program has increasing the number of prac- lasting legacy of the programme.”