www.thepeninsula.qa Sunday 26 April 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8239 3 Ramadan - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 04 SPORT | 10

QBA and DEiK Classifieds Rossi hold ‘Qatar and Services to make Turkey Business section career Council’ meeting included decision

Amir exchanges Qatar calls for ending unjust, unlawful blockade Ramadan QNA — DOHA virus pandemic. Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United She added that unlawful greetings with The State of Qatar has renewed Nations presents written statement to the UN unilateral measures undermine President of Iran the call to end the unjust and Security Council. this cooperation and directly unlawful blockade imposed on affect the countries of the region QNA — DOHA it, stressing the disappointment Blockade is “one of the crises that has complicated and all their people in facing the of the accounts upon which the the situation in the region and cast negative spread of the pandemic. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin blockading countries relied on She stressed that “ending Hamad Al Thani exchanged to undermine the State of Qatar shadows on its security and stability”. the illegal and unjust blockade greetings with President of the and its sovereign decision, as of the State of Qatar has become Islamic Republic of Iran H E well as the failure of the policies The solidarity and regional cooperation has become more urgent, and ending the Dr. Hassan Rouhani, on the that relied on the separation of more necessary amid the coronavirus pandemic. blockading countries’ blocking occasion of the holy month of brotherly peoples. of their airspace for Qatar air- Ramadan, in a telephone It stated that these policies State of Qatar adheres to its principles based on craft, which is a violation of conversation yesterday have affected the solidarity and respect for international law and the Charter of the international law and the pro- afternoon. regional cooperation, which has United Nations. visions of the Chicago Interna- become more necessary amid tional Aviation Agreement.” In Ramadan Timing the outbreak of the coronavirus Qatar reiterated its readiness to settle the crisis this context, she referred to the pandemic. peacefully through constructive and unconditional complaint submitted by the This came in a statement by State of Qatar to the Interna- Today's Iftar: Ambassador H E Sheikha Alia dialogue based on mutual respect. tional Civil Aviation Organi- Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Per- sation (ICAO). 6:05pm manent Representative of the Despite the continuation of State of Qatar to the United of the crises that has compli- She added: “Since then, the undermine Qatar and its sov- these policies and procedures Nations, in writing to the UN cated the situation in the region bad intentions behind the pro- ereign decision. against the State of Qatar, Her Tomorrow's Security Council, which held a and cast negative shadows on vocative and misleading cam- Her Excellency indicated Excellency noted the State of Imsak: virtual meeting on Thursday, on its security and stability”. The paign against the State of Qatar the failure of the policies that Qatar’s adherence to its prin- 03:31 “the situation in the Middle East, crisis that they unlawfully fab- had been revealed, and it had depended on the separation of ciples based on respect for including the Palestinian issue.” ricated, under the pretext of become clear that the lies that brotherly peoples and the international law and the Her Excellency pointed to flimsy states that imposed an had been based on it were null damage to solidarity and Charter of the United Nations, the crisis created by the block- unjust blockade, and illegal uni- and void,” stressing the disap- regional cooperation, which as it successfully resorted to ading countries with the State lateral actions on my country pointment of the blockading became more necessary amid international legal frame- of Qatar, saying that it is “one in June 2017, she noted. countries’ accounts to of the outbreak of the corona- works. `P2 MoI: More than two people are not allowed in cars, 833 new cases reported; families exempted total recoveries at 929 C VID-19 THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Ministry of Interior has THE PENINSULA — DOHA been to exposed to infected people. QATAR UPDATES ON 25 APRIL 2020 advised people to make sure that All the new infected cases have been more than two individuals trav- NEW CASES NEW The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has quarantined where they are receiving the ANNOUNCED TOTAL elling in car except for families. announced the registration of 833 new necessary medical care, said the Ministry RECOVERIES 120 DEATHS “Adherence to preventive confirmed cases of COVID-19, yesterday. in a statement. 833 measures to control the spread The Ministry also announced the The total number of positive 10 of COVID-19 is a national and TOTAL TOTAL recovery of 120 cases, bringing the total COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar till yes- RECOVERIES CASES moral duty. Make sure to have number of recovered cases in Qatar to 929. terday was 9,358 and there are 8,419 no more than two individuals in Most of the new cases registered are active cases under treatment. 929 9358 your car except for families,” the due to expatriate workers that work in So far 10 people have died in Qatar Ministry tweeted. different occupations who have been in due to the virus infection. Ministry con- Complying with the precau- contact with previously discovered cases, ducted 3,817 tests yesterday taking the C VID-19 TOTAL POSITIVE TOTAL DEATHS TOTAL RECOVERED tionary measures announced by as well as recording new cases of total tests done so far to 79,705 tests. 813,521 the State to prevent the COVID-19 among groups of workers The Ministry has stated that the GLOBALLY 2,881,546 202,098 COVID-19, the Ministry of from outside the industrial area who noticeable increase in the number of con- Interior has also invited all con- were identified through testing by the firmed new cases of coronavirus is due expanded the search for infected people not go out except in cases of necessity cerned individuals to subscribe Ministry. This has contributed to the to several reasons, including that the by conducting extensive and proactive and to take care to implement preventive to the Metrash2 app to access early detection of new cases. spread of the virus has begun to enter the tests of groups of contacts with people measures and maintain social distancing its services and transactions in The remainder of new cases infected peak stage where numbers are expected who have been confirmed with the from others, including in the workplace order to save time and effort. with the virus have come from citizens and to continue to increase before they begin disease previously. This early detection and public places. It has called on citizens and residents who have contracted the virus to gradually decline. of many cases of infection helps reduce The Ministry has also recommended residents to abide by decisions from members of their families, who in turn This is in addition to the fact that the the spread of the virus further. the public to visit its webpage regularly to prevent public gatherings for had contracted the virus through their Ministry has doubled its efforts in tracking The Ministry has called on all to view the latest information and their own safety and that of workplaces or other places where they had coronavirus transmission chains and members of society to stay at home and instructions related to COVID-19. others from COVID-19. Qatar Airways Cargo sets record with COVID-19 Mental Health Helpline Service 136 flights to 51 destinations in a day received 3,000 calls SACHIN KUMAR over 100,000 tonnes of medical States and Australia. The Qatar All of its freighters and pas- THE PENINSULA and aid supplies to impacted Airways Cargo fleet includes two senger aircraft are equipped FAZEENA SALEEM which is available from 7am to regions around the world on both Boeing 747-8 freighters, 21 with face masks, gloves and THE PENINSULA 10pm every day, members of Qatar Airways Cargo has set a scheduled and charter services, Boeing 777 freighters and five hand sanitisers for crew and all the public can telephone the new record of operating most the equivalent of roughly 1,000 Airbus A330 freighters. To the crew and staff are screened The recently launched, Mental toll-free number 16000. number of flights to several fully loaded Boeing 777 freighters. ensure the safety of its crew and regularly. Health Helpline Service, has To access services of the global destinations in one day. Freight charters are being cargo, the carrier has imple- The Cargo carrier has also managed 3,000 calls from the Mental Health Helpline Service, The award-winning interna- operated to multiple countries mented special procedures for joined International Freight general public and frontline call 16000, Press 2 for English, tional cargo carrier operated including China, India, Iran, ground handling including Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) staff, the Ministry of Public Press 3 for HMC Medical 136 cargo flights to over 50 Kuwait, Lebanon, France, Spain, adherence to social distancing in Australia. It has partnered Health (MoPH) said yesterday. Services and Press 1 for Medical destinations worldwide. Italy, Belgium, Germany, Poland, guidelines to ensure there is with the Australian Government In collaboration with MoPH Consultation. “Qatar Airways Cargo set a United Kingdom, the United minimum contact between staff. to restore critical global supply and Primary Health Care Cor- Mental health staff manning new record, operating 136 cargo chains through the IFAM. poration, Mental Health Service the helpline speak a range of flights in one single day to 51 des- The IFAM is an initiative by in Hamad Medical Corporation languages and every effort will tinations around the world. This the Australian Government that had launched a new helpline be made to enable callers to included 75 freighter flights and has been launched to help to provide support for people communicate in their language 61 freight-only passenger flights,” Freight charters are being operated restore critical global supply experiencing mental health of choice, where possible. said Qatar Airways on its official chains for high-value Australian problems as a result of the “Even in normal circum- twitter account on Thursday. to multiple countries including agricultural and fisheries pro- current COVID-19 pandemic. stances, many of us will suffer With global air freight China, India, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, ducers, who have been heavily The helpline is staffed by a some form of stress or psycho- capacity declining, Qatar Airways France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, impacted by COVID-19 con- team of mental health profes- logical distress. But the emer- Cargo has increased operations tainment measures around the sionals who can provide gence of COVID-19 and its to ensure the continuity of global Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, world. Through this initiative, assessment and support to impact on our lives can be a trade and movement of essential the United States and Australia. the Australian Government is callers through four main cat- major cause of stress and medical and aid supplies. partially offsetting the cost of egories: Children and parents, anxiety. It is important to The airline continues to airfreight – reducing airfreight adults, older people and remember that these difficult operate a significant cargo and freight forwarding costs for frontline healthcare workers. times will pass, and life will schedule with approximately 100 exporters and ensuring busi- The helpline aims to return to normal,” the Ministry flights per day. During the past nesses and exporters in the provide an easily-accessible has said in the website dedi- month the cargo operator has country can swiftly transport support line for people in need cated for information and edu- worked closely with govern- their produce on flights and to of professional advice and care. cational material related to ments and NGOs to transport international customers. `P2 To access the helpline, COVID-19. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020

Labour Ministry stresses need to adhere to conditions, OFFICIAL NEWS FM receives phone specifications for healthy and safe housing for workers call from Iranian counterpart QNA — DOHA places and providing workers The Ministry called for adequate housing for aforementioned Ministerial with protective equipment that workers. Decision. DOHA: The Deputy Prime Minister The Ministry of Administrative includes gloves, protective on employers to The employer is obligated The necessary means are and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Development, Labor and Social masks, and hand sanitizer. implement a number to providing a healthy envi- available to dispose of housing Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Affairs has affirmed the respon- The employers are asked for ronment inside the housing by and sewage waste in a healthy Al Thani, received yesterday a tele- sibility of all employers to constantly checking the temper- of procedures committing to not increase the and regular manner. phone call from Foreign Minister of comply with the conditions and ature of workers by a number including raising number of workers in the room Appointing workers to clean Iran, H E Mohammed Javad Zareef. specifications for healthy and of trained employees at the (not more than four workers as the housing, and a supervisor for The call focused on reviewing bilat- safe housing, so as one prevent entrance of the residence. awareness among possible), and that a space of at each building of workers eral cooperation, coordinating efforts the risk of infection or trans- Division of working hours workers on least six meters should be allo- housing to supervise and guard to contain the coronavirus, the lat- mission of coronavirus. and meal times to reduce over- cated for each bed. the housing, inform the resi- est developments in Afghanistan This came following the crowding upon departure and measures adopted The housing should be pro- dents of the housing on health and issues of joint interest. QNA state’s precautionary and pre- return and to limit movement at the enterprise and vided periodically with suitable and safety, and notify the FM receives call ventative measures to curb the in common spaces. government levels, disinfectants and detergents, employer of the facilities and spread of COVID-19, with a Putting signs on the ground and all rooms should be well equipment for which periodic from Afghan special focus on the safety of all separating them for at least one including the 16000 ventilated. maintenance must be counterpart workers in Qatar. meter inside the places desig- hotline to report The housing should be pro- performed. The Ministry called on nated for eating and other vided with first aid kits, medi- In case of the breaches of the DOHA: The Deputy Prime Minister employers to implement a common places where the suspected cases. cines and antiseptics, in pro- occupational safety and health and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E number of procedures including workers arrive in large numbers. portion to the number of requirements in the housing, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrah- raising the awareness of the Seats should be kept at least friends without having to leave workers residing in the housing. applicable legal procedures will man Al Thani, received yesterday workers (through various one meter away in the dining their place of residence. A specialized first aid officer be applied and exposure to the a telephone call from the Minister means) on measures adopted at areas and all the common areas. The Ministry of Adminis- or one of the workers residing suspension of the company’s of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, the enterprise and government Employers are also asked for trative Development, Labor and in the residence who received registry at the Ministry. The Min- H E Mohammad Haneef Atmar. The levels, including the 16000 providing services and facilities Social Affairs also affirmed that an accredited training course in istry has allocated the hotline call reviewed bilateral cooperation, hotline to report suspected for workers in the place of res- in implementation of Ministerial first aid should be appointed to 40280660 for inquiries and coordinating efforts to contain the cases. idence to help them commu- Decision No.18 of 2014 regarding provide the necessary medical reporting violations of workers’ coronavirus. QNA Putting hand sanitiser in key nicate with their families and the conditions and specifications care in accordance with the housing requirements. NHRC reviews health services, precautionary measures at workers’ quarantine facilities

QNA — DOHA The programme will continue in the coming The field visits and moni- days to include many institutions and bodies toring team of the National Human Rights Committee concerned with the application of precautionary (NHRC) visited workers in measures approved by the official authorities to some parts of the Industrial Area, which are subject to contain COVID-19. quarantine, several quar- antine places for workers in Umm Salal and Mesaieed, and and everyone who lives in the mechanism of work in them, The field visits and monitoring team of the National Human Rights Committee during a visit to the some hotels designed for State of Qatar, it visited the and distributed some nec- Industrial Area to review the measures taken at quarantine facilities. quarantine to identify the various places of the major essary health supplies, precautionary measures human gatherings to inspect including free sterile bags and followed and quality health the precautionary measures masks for workers to prevent infected and those who had team that the medical centres attention, accommodation, services provided to reduce followed, following the tasks the epidemic, he added. contact with them, and the distribute the medicine free hygiene, and other additional the spread of coronavirus entrusted to it, and in imple- He pointed out that the plans taken to ensure that the of charge to the needy, and services, as well as ensuring (COVID-19). mentation of the regulations visits and monitoring com- epidemic does not transmit the visit was an opportunity no overcrowding in the This came as a continu- and laws that regulate the mittee team also briefed offi- within the Industrial Area. to know about the prepa- rooms. ation of the NHRC pro- work of the committee. cials during the meetings on About the quality of health ration of a new emergency In the Umm Salal quar- gramme, which included in Dr. Al Kuwari explained the implementation of the care provided to infected field clinic that will open antine centre, the team was the previous stage penal insti- that NHRC obtained extensive precautionary measures workers in some parts of the soon, he added. briefed about the medical tutions and places of information about the number approved by the state in some quarantined Industrial Area, Meanwhile, the team of services in the center which detention. The programme of workers in some parts of parts of the Industrial Area Dr. Al Kuwari said that the the NHRC Visits and Moni- provides a medical team of 45 will continue in the coming the Industrial Area that were that were subject to quar- field visit and monitoring toring Committee paid a field people from various medical days to include many institu- subject to quarantine, the size antine, especially sterilization committee’s team reviewed visit to the quarantine centres specialties to ensure close tions and bodies concerned of housing facilities, the con- and cleaning operations that the work of the mobile for workers infected with follow-up of any case of with the application of pre- ditions of residence and the region has been subject to inspection units inside the coronavirus in Umm Salal and infection among the workers cautionary measures housing of workers, shelter since the start of the appli- Industrial Area, which are Mesaieed. since the diagnoses of the approved by the official services, and the quality of cation of the quarantine, and responsible for examining NHRC Vice-Chairman and infection until completion of authorities to contain healthy food and nutritional health services provided to those living there, and the Head of the Visits and Moni- treatment. COVID-19. supplements provided to residents and workers. mechanisms used to conduct toring Committee Dr. The team also took a On the goals of the visit to workers in quarantine in the Dr. Al Kuwari added that examinations, as well as Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari closer look at the precau- some parts of the industrial region, especially those with the team was briefed on the reviewing the process of dis- said that the team spoke to tionary measures followed in area that were subject to chronic diseases, and the procedures used to treat tributing masks and steri- officials and patients in the the hotels which receive the quarantine, Vice-Chairman of elderly. people infected with the virus, lisers, in addition to visiting centres, and listened to residents subjected to com- NHRC and Chairman of the During NHRC team’s visit the preventive medical several commercial com- extensive explanations about pulsory quarantine decision field visit and monitoring to some parts of the Industrial equipment provided for plexes, food stores, phar- a number of patients and the from the first moment until committee, Dr. Mohammed Area that were subject to workers to protect them from macies, and open exchange general situation inside quar- they leave after ensuring their Saif Al Kuwari, said that based quarantine, it inspected the the risk of transmission of the offices in the Industrial Area. antine areas and the needs of safety and not being infected on NHRC’s concern for the distribution points of the food virus, including the proce- The officials of the Indus- the isolated persons. The team with the pandemic, Al Kuwari health and safety of workers, baskets for workers, the dures used to isolate the trial Area have informed the noted great care in terms of added. Qatar, Morocco COVID-19 survivor praises Qatar’s best healthcare discuss ways to

RAYNALD C RIVERA advanced health facilities and professionals, who are focused doing everything for their combat COVID-19 THE PENINSULA excellent service specially the on their patients for them to patients. I admire them and I quick response which saves recover fast. They treat eve- salute them.” QNA — DOHA A Filipino expatriate who has lives. The fact that the number ryone equally, no matter what He underlined that survived COVID-19 disease is of casualties due to COVID-19 their nationality is, and they COVID-19 should not be taken The Minister of Public Health, very much grateful for Qatar’s are way less than other coun- provide proper treatment to lightly by the public, while he H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al exceptional healthcare and tries shows how prepared everyone.” urged people to follow all the Kuwari, held a telephone call dedicated health workers Qatar’s public health sector is “There were physical ther- preventive measures to avoid with the Moroccan Minister of which, he says, were key to his for the pandemic, he said. apists and doctors were there getting infected by the virus and Health, H E Dr. Khalid Ait fast recuperation. “The treatment and the to encourage me and assist me mitigate the spread of the Taleb.The call discussed ways “I thank the Qatari gov- level of service are extraor- on what I should do like the disease. to enhance cooperation in the ernment for providing free dinary. Their decision making proper breathing pattern,” he “Safety first, so better stay health fields, in addition to healthcare to everyone and delivery of action are fast added. home. Always wash your hands discussing the developments regardless of nationality which in order to protect the patient. He was also happy he was and avoid touching your eyes, related to the fight against the is something really admirable In addition, they have excellent able to communicate to his mouth and nose. Take your novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as we are in the midst of this facilities,” he said, adding they loved ones back in the Philip- vitamins and eat healthy food pandemic. serious health challenge,” Noli who they are. I admire the gov- provided him all the necessary pines while he was recovering to boost your immune system. The two sides stressed the Mauricio Madarang (pictured), ernment for that and I’m proud medications and support during in the hospital. Keep distance from others and importance of cooperation as 49, told The Peninsula that I’m also working here,” the 16 days he was in the On his message to all health cover your mouth when you well as exchanging infor- yesterday. stressed Madarang, who works hospital. workers who helped him, he cough,” he said. mation and experiences on “They are always ready to as respiratory therapist at He said: “The doctors and said: “Thank you for taking care “This coronavirus is some- methods of treatment, and provide everything to everyone Hamad Medical Corporation. nurses and other health of me. I’m so happy because thing serious and people should how to track COVID-19 infected by COVID-19 no matter He commended the workers are dedicated this is my second life. They are not ignore it,” he stressed. patients to reduce its spread. COVID-19 Mental Health Helpline Qatar calls for ending unjust Qatar Airways Cargo sets record with Service received 3,000 calls 136 flights to 51 destinations in a day FROM PAGE 1 and unlawful blockade FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 It has highlighted the symptoms of mental health condi- settle the crisis peacefully through Through IFAM’s mechanism, Qatar Airways Cargo will tions. “We all experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and sadness, Qatar particularly resorted to the constructive, unconditional dialogue offer block space capacity and charters for Australian exports and most of the time these feelings pass quickly, but for some International Court of Justice, to based on mutual respect that pre- like seafood, meat, dairy and horticulture such as premium people, these feelings persist and negatively impact their counter unjust measures that con- serves the sovereignty of the States, fruits, packaged salads and vegetables on flights from Mel- quality of life. “Noticing early changes in the way we think, stitute a flagrant violation of the and constantly renewed Qatar’s bourne, Sydney and Perth with more departure points to be act or feel or recognising those changes in people close to us Charter of the United Nations and the appreciation for the sincere efforts added based on demand and freight optimisation. The exports is important to ensure we all get the help and support we need principles of International law, inter- of Amir of the sisterly State of Kuwait, will be transported on Qatar Airways network to the Middle to be healthy and happy,” the Ministry added. The 16000 hel- national conventions, charters and H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber East including Qatar and many destinations in Europe. On pline is confidential and users can remain anonymous, avoiding human rights. H E the Ambassador Al Sabah, while the other party con- the import side, the flights will bring in medicines, medical the stigma often associated with mental health. reiterated the readiness of Qatar to tinued to refuse the dialogue. supplies and equipment to support Australia’s COVID-19 fight. SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 HOME 03 Amir’s speech praised by envoys of Kuwait, China The envoys said the speech financial sector of any of the countries in the world, including countries whose comprehensively assessed energy export is their main source of the current situation income, and that current and future risks posed by the virus target and challenges posed by everyone. the COVID-19 pandemic The Ambassador of China to Qatar, and offered solutions to H E Zhou Jian, also praised the speech of H H the Amir. H E the Ambassador overcome the pandemic. said that only by joining hands together in face of difficulties, we can win against the pandemic. China will con- SIDI MOHAMED tinue to work closely with Qatar and THE PENINSULA the international community toward this common direction, he said. Envoys of Kuwait and China have “On the occasion of the holy month Ambassador of Kuwait to Qatar, H E Hafiz Mohammed Al Ajmi (left), and Ambassador of China to Qatar, H E Zhou Jian. praised the speech of Amir H H Sheikh of Ramadan, I would like to extend my Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani delivered sincere greetings to His Highness Amir on the advent of the holy month of current phase requires in the face of will never risk people’s health and His compete in the field of vaccine pro- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Ramadan. COVID-19 pandemic. Highness’ directives to follow trans- duction, treatments, and cooperation and all our dear Qatari brothers,” said They said the speech comprehen- “It (speech) has reviewed the parency from the first moment to deal to face the economic and social con- H E the Ambassador. sively assessed the current situation existing challenges, and the efforts with the pandemic, said the Ambas- sequences of the pandemic, which is “I have watched the speech of His and challenges posed by the COVID-19 made by Qatar and which is still doing sador. H H the Amir also gave direc- represented by low oil prices and a Highness the Amir. I would like to pandemic and offered solutions to against this pandemic, and the tives that the process of medical tests possible of economic recession in the express my deep appreciation and overcome the pandemic. measures and decisions the country would continue and that Qatar has also global economy,” said H E the admiration of His Highness’s firm The Ambassador of Kuwait to has taken to protect citizens and resi- established field hospitals that can Ambassador. gesture to put people’s health and Qatar, H E Hafiz Mohammed Al Ajmi, dents from that global epidemic to accommodate thousands of people. He further said among other safety as the top priority, and especially said that the speech of Amir H H Sheikh make us feel safe and secure,” said H “I would like to acknowledge the important points in the speech is that his remarks on the importance of inter- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was com- E the Ambassador in a statement. invitation of His Highness to the H H the Amir said that the next stage national cooperation to counter the prehensive in reviewing what the H H the Amir had said that Qatar world’s leaders to cooperate, not will not be easy for economic and pandemic,” H E said in a statement. Qatar stresses on two-state solution to Palestinian issue

QNA — NEW YORK territories and prevent the them. “The success of efforts Israeli occupation government aimed at achieving this goal The State of Qatar, on behalf from using this pandemic that and reviving the peace process of the Group of Arab States to threatens the entire world and requires that it conform to the the United Nations, has humanity to implement its principles of international law affirmed the adherence of the illegal policies in the land of and international terms of ref- Arab position to peace as a the State of Palestine occupied erence for the peace process,” strategic option, calling for in 1967. she added. the settlement of the Pales- She added that all under- H E the Ambassador tinian issue on the basis of a stand that moving forward added, “Adherence to inter- two-state solution that leads with these annexation national law and the Charter to the establishment of a schemes has serious implica- of the United Nations means Scientists examine Qatar's air quality at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute's laboratory. Palestinian State on the tions for security, peace and rejecting and condemning all borders of June 4, 1967. It also stability in the region and the actions and measures that it expressed support for Pales- world, and that there is no violates by Israel, the occu- tine’s full membership of the alternative to settling this pying power, foremost of QEERI experts find improvement in Qatar’s United Nations. issue just, comprehensive and which is the continued occu- This came in a statement sustainable in accordance pation of Arab lands, illegal air quality with social distancing policies by the Ambassador H E with the provisions of the settlement activities in the Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif United Nations Charter, inter- occupied territories, and THE PENINSULA — DOHA concentrations across greater aggravate other respiratory Al Thani, Permanent Repre- national law and international attempts to illegally annex the Doha, which can be directly conditions such as asthma.” sentative of the State of Qatar references for the peace lands. And attempts to change Qatar has witnessed a attributed to social distancing Improving air quality during the to the United Nations, who process. the character of the city of substantial improvement in air policies. Similarly, we’ve pandemic alone will not elim- chaired the Arab Group for She reaffirmed that the Jerusalem, its legal status, its quality over the past few weeks, observed decreases of 9% and inate this risk. The only way to this month to the UN Security Palestinian issue lies at the demographic composition, or say scientists at the Qatar Envi- 18% respectively in ozone and achieve that is to reduce the Council, which held a virtual core of the Security Council’s prejudice the Islamic and ronment and Energy Research nitrogen dioxide concentrations. population’s long term exposure meeting on “the situation in mandate to maintain interna- Christian religious sanctities Institute (QEERI), a part of This is very significant as PM2.5 by reducing air pollutant con- the Middle East and the Pal- tional peace and security in it, and the siege of the Gaza Hamad Bin Khalifa University and ozone are known to be the centrations in the long-term. estinian issue”. under the Charter of the Strip. “ (HBKU). air pollutants with the greatest Mohammed Ayoub said, She stated that this United Nations, and it is nec- Her Excellency praised the According to the team at negative impacts on human “QEERI has been working with meeting is being held in an essary to implement the role played by the United QEERI’s Environment & Sus- health and some of the most national authorities to study the unprecedented format that numerous Council resolutions Nations Relief and Works tainability Center (ESC), this challenging to manage.” effectiveness of social dis- reflects the big changes due related to the Palestinian Agency for Palestine Refugees change is, in large part, a result Stronger decreases were tancing policies through the to the pandemic of the new issue. (UNRWA) in providing basic of social distancing policies the seen in the Chinese province of monitoring of air pollutants coronavirus (COVID-19), It also reiterated the firm services for more than five State of Qatar has put in place Wuhan when total lockdowns associated with traffic, con- which represents a threat to Arab position that adheres to million Palestinians, which is to tackle the COVID-19 were implemented to contain struction, industry, shipping, the whole world, including the peace as a strategic option, an indispensable role, pandemic. the spread of the Coronavirus. aviation and the like. This has Middle East region. and calls for the settlement of stressing the need to support QEERI operates a network Dr. Christos Fountoukis, Senior given us tremendous insights She pointed out that Israel, the Palestinian issue on the the agency to ensure the con- of five air quality monitoring Scientist at QEERI’s ESC into the contribution of local the occupying power, is basis of a two-state solution tinuation of its activities in stations strategically located explained: “It is remarkable to emissions to our overall pol- exploiting the world’s preoc- that leads to the establishment accordance with the mandate across greater Doha, where see the comparison in air quality lution profile and has provided cupation with confronting the of the Palestinian State on the given to it. approximately 95% of the coun- levels in Wuhan between 1-20 a real-life experiment of sorts global pandemic to move borders of June 4, 1967 with Concluding the statement, try’s population lives. The January (the period before the on strategies to further reduce forward in its policies and East Jerusalem as its capital, H E the Ambassador on behalf purpose of the stations is to lockdown) and the 10-25 Feb- air pollution in the future.” plans to annex parts of the and agreement on final status of the Arab Group affirmed assess air quality in these areas, ruary period, which clearly Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Exec- Palestinian territory occupied issues that include borders, her support for the endeavour understand its impact on the shows the impact of the utive Director at QEERI, added: in 1967, accelerating the pace refugees, and Jerusalem. of the State of Palestine to health and productivity of the lockdown on the city’s air pol- “Over the past few weeks, the of Israeli colonial settlement Her Excellency called for obtain full membership in the population, and quantify any lution as well as the surrounding scientists, researchers, and there and violating the rights the continuation of interna- United Nations Organization. improvements related to pol- areas.” engineers at QEERI have rea- of the Palestinian people. tinal efforts to re-launch She also reiterated the soli- lution reduction measures. The A recent study by Harvard ligned our research focus to Her Excellency in the serious and effective negoti- darity of all Arab countries stations, coupled with an air University found a 15% increase ensure that we can support name of the Arab group to the ations within a specific time- with the State of Palestine and quality forecasting platform in the likelihood of death from Qatar in its fight against the United Nations, called on the table with a view to reaching the brotherly Palestinian developed by the ESC, uniquely Coronavirus infection for people COVID-19 pandemic. QEERI’s international community and a settlement in accordance people in their legitimate position QEERI to provide who live in polluted counties in ESC works closely with key the United Nations, including with the terms of reference of endeavor to end the historical maximum impact in the the United States. Dr. Azhar Sid- national stakeholders including the Security Council, to the peace process, the resolu- injustice that he had been sub- national fight against air dique, Scientist at QEERI’s ESC the Ministry of Public Health assume their responsibilities tions of international legit- jected to for many years, to pollution. further clarified: “Long-term and the Ministry of Municipality to ensure the implementation imacy and the Arab Peace Ini- put an end to their long- Mohammed Ayoub, Senior exposure to poor air quality may and Environment on various of international law and inter- tiative, put forward by the standing suffering, and to Research Director at QEERI’s make the population more vul- topics related to air quality, national legitimacy decisions Arab states in 2002 and still attain all their inalienable ESC, said: “We have observed a nerable to respiratory illnesses climate change, and environ- in the occupied Palestinian reaffirm their commitment to rights. 30% decrease in PM2.5 including COVID-19 and can mental sustainability.” UNEP praises GAC’s program for disposal of ozone harmful substances

QNA — DOHA this training program through these substances, and customs platform to become an effective their official Twitter account in procedures for ozone-depleting training method and an The United Nations Envi- Arabic and English and praised substances. example to be followed at the ronment Program (UNEP) the efforts of the State of Qatar The Director of the GAC regional and international praised the initiative of the in this regard, stressing that the Customs Training Center, levels. General Authority of Customs State of Qatar was proactive in Mubarak Al Buainain, empha- James Corlin, Policy director (GAC) for holding the online preparing the requirements to sised building the capacity for and ozone action network in the training program (the role of participate in this program the success of the program and legal division of the UN - Paris customs in the phasing out of despite the challenges caused achieving its goals, pointing to Office, stressed his great grat- ozone harmful substances), by the spread of the coronavirus the interaction between the itude for the prominent role which was organised by the (COVID-19). program participants, who played by the GAC, in addition Customs Training Center in During the closing session numbered 130 people from all to the role of the Ministry of cooperation with the Ministry of the program, the Chairman disciplines related to the Municipality and Environment of Municipality and Envi- of GAC, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al subject, which made the and all participants, indicating ronment and the UNEP during Jamal, stressed the authority’s He thanked all those Customs Training Center in program rich with specialized that the coming period will the period from April 21 to 23. interest in this international involved in organising this dis- organising it. discussions and witnessed an witness continuous cooperation The program, which is the program that aims to protect the tinguished program and its par- The training program exchange of experiences that to implement the national plan first of its kind with the UN, environment and the phasing ticipants, praising the support focused on several major axes benefited all attendees. for the phase-out of ozone- through the newly launched out of ozone-depleting sub- provided by the UNEP and the related to the protection of the He said that GAC plans to damaging substances in the online training and education stances, indicating GAC’s will- mutual coordination between ozone layer, the most important continue to implement training State of Qatar through customs platform, aiming at starting the ingness to make all necessary GAC and the Ministry of Munic- of which are the Vienna Con- programs remotely, thanks to as the first line of defense for implementation of the phase- efforts to ensure the success of ipality and Environment repre- vention for the Protection of the the activation and launch of the environmental protection in the out plan for ozone-depleting the program and start imple- sented in the Department of Ozone Layer, the licensing online education platform, countries to reach the optimal substances in the State of Qatar. menting it in line with UNEP Radiation and Chemical Pro- system and the identification of stressing that the training center commitment set out by the The UNEP reported about requirements. tection, and the efforts of the risks to combat illegal trade in is constantly developing this Montreal Protocol in this regard. 04 HOME SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 Qatar Charity launches Ramadan food distribution drive in 30 countries

The ‘Feed said the director of Qatar Char- a Fasting ity’s office in Sudan Mr. Hussein Person’ project, Karmash. He also pointed out that the implemented “Feed a Fasting Person” project outside Qatar, is aims to help needy families, poor orphans, and people with valued at QR16m, special needs, in addition to and aims to benefit providing support to students 424,396 persons of the International University of Africa, which has thousands by distributing of international students in need food baskets and of such support. Iftar meals to The beneficiaries expressed their delight at them. receiving aid, extending thanks to the benefactors in Qatar for supporting the vul- Qatar Charity officials preparing and packing meals in a kitchen to distribute to people in Kyrgyzstan under the “Feed a FastingPerson” THE PENINSULA — DOHA nerable who can not meet project. RIGHT: A Qatar Charity official distributing food items to a beneficiary in Sudan. their Ramadan needs. Qatar Charity, with the support It is worth mentioning that from the people in Qatar, has In Turkey, Qatar Charity, in Turkish people, by delivering coronavirus epidemic. 2000 people in a rural area Qatar Charity, with the support initiated the implementation of cooperation with the major the meals to the homes of the Qatar Charity has taken into of the Omdurman city. Some of donors in Qatar, aims to its Ramadan campaign “Calm municipalities, has started beneficiaries. The ‘Feed a consideration public safety and 24,475 people are expected benefit 1,960,028 people at an You Heart by Giving” by imple- delivering ready-to-eat Iftar Fasting Person’ project will also precautionary measures in the to benefit from food baskets estimated cost of 85,140,826 menting the “Feed a Fasting meals to the homes of benefi- include the distribution of food implementation of its Ramadan at a cost of 660,793 Qatari Qatari riyals this Ramadan. Person” project in 30 countries ciaries in the Şahinbey munic- baskets to thousands of bene- projects to fight the coronavirus, riyals. Qatar charity’s Ramadan worldwide, including Turkey, ipality, and Üsküdar munici- ficiaries inside Syria. as it prepares and packs meals “Qatar Charity has regu- projects include ‘Feed a Fasting Sudan, Kyrgyzstan and others. pality, in addition to other The most vulnerable sec- in the municipal kitchens to larly been implementing the Person’, Zakat Al Fitr, and Eid The ‘Feed a Fasting Person’ municipalities that host a large tions like orphans and people ensure that they will remain “Feed a Fasting Person” project Clothing projects, in addition to project, implemented outside number of Syrian refugees. over the age of sixty-five years safe and clean. for a long time by distributing delivering relief food aid in Qatar, is valued at QR16m, and Qatar Charity aims to have been taken into consid- Besides, Qatar Charity, food baskets to needy families, areas of disasters and crises, aims to benefit 424,396 persons provide Iftar meals to more eration while selecting bene- through its office in Sudan, and setting up Iftar tables that and providing assistance to by distributing food baskets than 100,000 fasting persons, ficiaries, in addition to those has started the distribution were cancelled this year due those affected by the and Iftar meals to them. including Syrian refugees and who lost their jobs due to the of food items, benefiting to the coronavirus pandemic,” coronavirus. Quran reciting contests with QF organises online Ramadan activities prizes of QR140,000 begin today THE PENINSULA — DOHA Throughout the holy month of THE PENINSULA — DOHA video footage of recitation of reciting holy Quran which Ramadan, Qatar Foundation the holy Quran with maximum include Riwyat Hafs recitation (QF) is offering a host of online The second edition of ‘Ratil w duration of 60 seconds after and others through WhatsApp events for the community to Arsil’ (recite and send) holy typing their name, age and tel- No. 55592080 for phase one, participate in from their Quran reciting contests will ephone number. while phase two contest will homes. begin today (Sunday) on Baraim contest will be be held on Microsoft-Teams. The Education City Mosque WhatsApp and Microsoft- divided into two phases. First The citizens and expatriates has organised a host of special Teams for citizens and expa- one will be held from Ramadan above 12 can participate by online events and activities for triates. 3 to 7 in which ten participants sending video recording of people of all ages. The contests will be each from citizens and expa- maximum one minute of reci- In the Prophetic Biography organised by the Organising triates will be selected and they tation of Holy Quran from 9am Series, public can learn about Committee of Sheikh Jassim bin will be asked to send docu- to 8pm. the life of the Prophet Mohammed bin Thani Holy ments to prove their identity The third category of the Muhammad (PBUH) from Quran Contest at the Ministry then they will asked to send a contest is Ajmal Telawa (beau- Sheikh Yahya Al Naimi through of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. new video by Ramadan 8. tiful recitation of the holy daily videos posted on the Edu- The winners will get prizes The second phase of Baraim Quran) which will be held from cation City Mosque’s social worth QR140,000. The compe- contest will be held on Ramadan 5 to 15. media platforms. tition was divided into three Ramadan 9 and the winners The contestants from cit- In Al-Saa’im Al-Sagheer categories. The first category will be announced on Ramadan izens and expatriates age 13 to 2020, children aged 6-12 are ‘Baraim’ will be on WhatsApp 10. 25 can participate by sending welcome to participate in this No 66581114 from 9am to 8pm, The top ten contestants the video footage of recitation program. Document your said the Ministry in a release. from citizens and expatriate of the holy Quran from 4pm to children doing a good deed and The contestants — citizens will get cash prizes. 8pm. The contest organizing post it on social media to and expatriates — from age 6 The second category of the committee will receive 20 inspire others. to 12 are required to send their contest will be on variant in entries in a day. Webinars with Dr. Abdul- rahman Al-Harami will address different verses of the Holy Qur’an and discuss its MME implements projects to protect marine environment Online Garangao session will be held on May 6 and Online Eid Al connection to our daily lives. Fitr Session will be held on May 20. THE PENINSULA — DOHA which are considered wealth for These will take place every future generations. day at 4.30pm during The Ministry of Municipality and During 2019, the Ministry of Ramadan. More details are unprecedented challenges our Ramadan.” Ramadan events Environment (MME) represented Municipality and Environment available here. world is currently living and activities organised by by the Environmental Affairs implemented many projects and Listen and participate in through. Qatar Foundation also include, Sector has been working to programs in the field of pre- live interviews with distin- “Throughout Ramadan, daily Question and Answer preserve the environment and serving the marine environment, guished community figures Qatar Foundation is offering a Quiz – Qur’anic Botanic its sustainable development, the most important of which are: from various fields, and learn host of online events and activ- Garden. Online Garangao including the marine envi- the project of protecting marine more about the role the Qur’an ities for the entire community Session will be held on May 6 ronment and preserve it from turtles threatened with has played in their lives. These of Qatar to participate in from and Online Eid Al Fitr Session marine pollution. extinction. will take place every two days their own homes, and we invite will be held on May 20. The Ministry implemented a Kuwait in 1978, the Ministry of The project was imple- during Ramadan, from people of all ages and cultures Throughout Ramadan and number of programs that support Regional Cooperation for the Pro- mented within the framework 10am-11pm. to explore them and benefit until May 31, weekly inter- the path of development and envi- tection of the Marine Envi- of the State of Qatar’s conser- Khalifa Essa Al Kubaisi, from them. active meetings will be held at ronmental preservation within the ronment from Pollution, under vation of endangered species at Manager of Media Relations “While we may be physi- the Qur’anic Botanic Garden strategic plan and international the slogan ‘Pollution of the Marine the local and regional levels, and Press Office, Qatar Foun- cally apart, Ramadan brings us Library. Throughout Ramadan treaties and agreements. Environment from Sources in the where it started implementing dation, said: “The Holy Month together through the power of and until June 17, weekly inter- On the occasion of the Sea .. Threatening and Wasting’. this project in 2003 In order to of Ramadan is a time for faith and unity, and the events active tours of the Qur’anic regional environment day, which The environmental sector is preserve the hawksbill turtle in reflection, for connecting with and activities that Qatar Foun- Botanic Garden Nursery. falls on April 24, where the coun- working actively to maintain the the northern coast of the State of ourselves, and for enriching dation is providing reflect the For a full list of Qatar Foun- tries review the marine area of survival of vital systems and Qatar (Ras Laffan, Al Maronah, our minds and souls through true spirit of this special time. dation’s online events and the Regional Organization for the rebalance and preserve the envi- Fuwairit, Al Ghariya), as well as knowledge and mindfulness – We wish everyone in Qatar, activities during Ramadan, Protection of the Marine Envi- ronment and the development in the islands (Umm Tis, Rukn, something that is even more and beyond, a peaceful, please visit www.qf.org.qa/ ronment (ROPME), based in and sustainability of its resources, Sheraa and Halul) . important than ever amid the uplifting, and healthy community/ramadan GU-Q freshman’s winning T-shirt design invokes fighting spirit in a crisis THE PENINSULA — DOHA providing the most effort, and to make a strong important support to stu- statement. “The inspiration With a closed fist raised in dents, such as ensuring for my design was that strength and defiance, the healthcare, access to books despite the distance winning T-shirt design for and school work, and com- between the members of a fun competition launched fortable housing and our Hoya community, we all by Qatar Foundation (QF) nutrition, but we also want work hand in hand to partner university, Geor- to remember to have fun promote solidarity.” getown University in Qatar and stay connected.” The The winning T-shirt (GU-Q), was an inspiring theme of the competition, design will be printed on reminder of the power of she explained, was resil- shirts and distributed to the community in overcoming ience and strength. “This GU-Q community next difficulty. T-shirt contest was a great semester. For Aisha, it’s Freshman Aisha Tariq Al way for us to refocus and about more than just getting Muhannadi’s winning entry reconnect with our uni- a free shirt. “Under these beat out stiff competition versity values. Aisha’s difficult circumstances, our from other students, faculty, winning design really cap- university is trying every- staff, and family members, tures those sentiments.” thing it can to keep our who all submitted an As the unprecedented community uplifted. I want original idea for a T-shirt pandemic has spread across to thank every member of design that reflects the uni- the globe, affecting millions Georgetown University who versity community’s of lives, numerous art forms has helped in keeping us A photo of the winning T-shirt design by GU-Q student Aisha resilience. have emerged to educate connected.” Tariq Al Muhannadi (inset). Afsha Kohli, associate and motivate in the fight Since the start of the director for student devel- against the virus. For Aisha, crisis, the Office of Student opment at GU-Q and design the T-shirt design compe- Development has worked student housing, home with of positivity, continuity, and competition organizer, said: tition was a chance for her round the clock to provide family in Doha, or abroad in connection despite the “We are very focused on to add her voice to that GU-Q students, whether in their countries, with a sense physical distance. SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 HOME 05 Online process keeps student admissions on track at WCM-Q during COVID-19 outbreak

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has moved to an online admissions process in order to continue to recruit talented future doctors from across Qatar and all over the world during the global COVID-19 lockdown. With applicants to the elite medical college unable to travel to Qatar, the face-to-face on- campus interviews that nor- QRCS workers providing food basket to a beneficiary as part of a humanitarian project to help mally form an integral part of vulnerable groups affected by coronavirus lockdown in Iraq. the admissions process could no longer take place. Senior faculty, admissions profes- WCM-Q has switched to an online admissions process to continue QRCS extends food aid to sionals and ITS specialists at to recruit talented students from all over the world during the WCM-Q – a Qatar Foundation global COVID-19 outbreak. partner university – quickly moved to set up a process 26,400 Iraqis, Syrians in Iraq whereby applicants selected for Program. To apply, students difficulties; the interviews have interview could be interviewed must submit an online appli- gone well indeed and the THE PENINSULA — DOHA The purpose of the navirus control measures. remotely using videoconfer- cation and required documents quality of modern videoconfer- intervention is to To comply with the trans- encing software. by the stipulated deadlines, as encing technology means we Qatar Red Crescent Society parency regulations, the pro- To comply with public indicated on WCM-Q’s Admis- are able to get a very good idea (QRCS) has completed a alleviate the suffering curement was conducted under health guidelines, WCM-Q sions website. Competitive of each applicant’s attributes humanitarian project to help of displaced Iraqis a public tender. The distribu- decided that candidates who applicants are invited for an from the interviews.” the vulnerable groups affected and Syrian refugees, tions were done in cooperation live in Qatar could take their interview, with the final Students who complete the by coronavirus lockdown in with the Iraqi Red Crescent interviews via videoconference decision on admission made by WCM-Q Medical Program Iraq. by meeting the food Society (IRCS) and local author- in the same way as candidates a committee of senior WCM-Q receive the same MD degree as Food aid worth $267,759 needs. ities in the target areas. who live abroad. faculty, WCM-Q students, and their counterparts at Weill was distributed to 26,400 ben- Also, IRCS helped in devel- Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, a representative of the Ministry Cornell Medicine in New York eficiaries in Mosul (Nineveh) oping the list of beneficiaries, WCM-Q professor of healthcare of Public Health, who now City. Graduates of WCM-Q go and Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan). suffering of displaced Iraqis and in accordance with the selection policy and research, professor convene via videoconference. on to secure places in residency A total of 2,000 and 2,800 Syrian refugees, by meeting the criteria adopted for the project. of medicine and vice dean for The participants report that training programs at elite aca- food baskets were distributed food needs. A special attention Each basket contained 19 kg student affairs-admissions, virtual, online process of con- demic health centers in Qatar in the two cities, respectively. was paid to day labourers and of food staples like rice, lentils, population health, and lifestyle ducting Committee on Admis- and the US. Many of them opt The purpose of the inter- low-income workers who vegetable oil, tomato paste, medicine, oversaw the tran- sions meetings has been to work in Qatar to serve the vention is to alleviate the stopped work due to the coro- sugar, and bulgur. sition to online interviews. He working very well. health needs of the community There are plans to expand said: “Given the current global Farhan Aziz, Director of here after they have completed the project, by adding extra coronavirus crisis, recruiting Admissions at WCM-Q, said: their residency programs. 1,000 food baskets, to be dis- medical students has never “We have been pleasantly sur- Dr. Marco Ameduri, tributed over the coming few been so important and we were prised by how smoothly we WCM-Q, senior associate dean days. All preventive measures therefore determined that there were able to make the tran- for premedical education and were taken to ensure the safety must be no disruption what- sition to online interviews. Can- Education City collaborative of both the workers and bene- soever to our admissions pro- didates selected for interviews curricular affairs, commented: ficiaries. Personal protection cedure. We also had to ensure have been understanding about “We are all very appreciative equipment (PPE) was provided, that the process remained com- the change to online interviews of the enthusiasm with which including masks, gloves, and parable to the normal one, an and some of them have told us our applicants have embraced medical gowns. A safe distance important part of which is an that they were relieved not to the online interviews. The tech- was kept between the workers interview.” have the stress of travel during nology has worked very well, and recipients, to avoid close WCM-Q recruits students the Covid-19 outbreak. Perhaps allowing the applicants to contact. from all over Qatar and across the most important aspect is present themselves to their best Home visits were made to the globe to its Six-Year Medical that connectivity or technical and to have engaging inter- those who could not show up Program, Four-Year Medical issues with the online inter- views with the members of the A truck loaded with aid to be delivered to people in need. to receive their food baskets. Curriculum and Foundation views have not posed Committee on Admissions.” QU-CPH student unveils potential dendrimer Nano therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer

THE PENINSULA — DOHA focusing on the potential under- embryogenesis using a chicken said: “Being a master’s student lying mechanisms of action. In embryo model. PAMAM den- in CPH was an amazing oppor- Qatar University’s College of addition, a chicken embryo drimers are promising com- tunity, which has provided me Pharmacy (QU-CPH) MSc model was used to investigate pounds that have a potential with added value as a person student in pharmaceutical PAMAMs toxicity on angio- role in cancer treatment and has expanded my sciences, Hadeel Kheraldine, genesis and the early stages of through interfering with dif- knowledge and practical expe- has successfully defended her embryogenesis to ensure the ferent molecular pathways, rience. I was really lucky to thesis virtually due to safe application of these which might be investigated have worked with highly skilled suspension of classes for compounds. further for the potential professors in a healthy aca- students and precautionary Hadeel noted that HER2- treatment of this cancer in the demic environment. I will measures to prevent novel positive breast cancer has a high clinic. always look back and reflect on coronavirus (COVID-19). prevalence in Qatar with high Dr. Ousama noted that “The this experience for guidance in Under the title of “The mortality rates and many chal- development of ERBB2-tar- my future endeavors” Impact of PAMAM Dendrimers lenges. She also noted that geted therapies has been one of Recently, the student pub- on HER2-Positive Breast current treatments like trastu- the greatest advances of breast lished a review article in one of Cancer and the Early Stages of zumab and lapatinib exhibit cancer treatment. Combination the international peer reviewed Embryogenesis” aimed to several limitations, such as drug therapies, though, remain the journal ‘Cancers’, which dis- explore new biological effects resistance, intolerable side standard of care and many cusses the limitations of HER2- of PAMAM dendrimers as anti- effects, and cardiotoxicity. studies were directed towards positive breast cancer treat- HER2 compounds, taking into These limitations emphasize the minimizing the number of ments. Further, parts of this consideration their toxicity need to investigate new accompanying chemotherapy study were presented locally in during the early stages of potential anti-HER2 com- agents in lower-risk patients different conferences such as embryogenesis. pounds to add benefit to the and adding novel agents in QU health research symposium, This study was conducted treatment of this type of cancer. higher-risk patients. The study Middle Eastern Association for Hadeel Kheraldine with Dr. Ousama Rachid. under the supervision of CPH, She said: “Since PAMAM of these PAMAM dendrimer Cancer Research conference, Dr. Ousama Rachid and co- dendrimers exhibit several bio- nanoparticles in ERBB2-positive the annual QU Health research supervised by QU College of logical effects aside from being which raises the question of may sometimes limit their breast cancer, not only as drug symposium. The abstract of this Medicine Faculty, Dr. Ala Eddin drug carriers, their anticancer whether they have anti-HER2 application and therefore, it is carriers of anti-ERBB2 agents study was also accepted in the Al Moustafa and Dr. Saghir properties should be taken into properties. Further, we eval- important to explore this tox- but also as biologically active American Association of Phar- Akhtar. consideration. PAMAMs can uated the impact of PAMAMs on icity in different models”. candidates, is maybe the maceutical Scientists (AAPS) This study included several interfere with different angiogenesis as it is a major This study is the first one to missing recipe that we need 2020 PharmSci 360 Conference. in vitro experiments in order to molecular pathways in-vitro contributor to the progression explore the anti-HER2 effects today”. In addition, this research was evaluate PAMAMs anti-HER2- and in-vivo, especially with the of cancer. However, their tox- of PAMAM dendrimers and their In relation to her journey as funded by three student’s grants positive breast cancer effects growth factor receptor family, icity (mainly cationic PAMAMs) impact on angiogenesis and a postgraduate student, Hadeel by Qatar University. QBG research contests inspire students to find solutions to local challenges THE PENINSULA — DOHA have gained self-confidence, the ability Bint Kaab Girls School with two projects to communicate with the jury, express coming in first and third place, respec- More than 300 local students and research ideas and communicate them,” tively, Zaynab Preparatory Girls School teachers participated in the Qur’anic said Jabr Muhammad Al Dossari, a in second place, and Doha Independent Botanic Garden’s (QBG) 2019-2020 student from Doha Secondary School Secondary School for Boys in third place. Young Botanist and Food Security educa- for Boys. While 140 students from 24 schools tional programmes, which – closing The 4th edition of the Young Botanist participated in QBG’s Food Security recently – helped young people devise Research Contest, organized in collab- program, which encourages modern solutions to some of Qatar’s most oration with the Ministry of Education agricultural practices that make invest- pressing challenges. and Higher Education’s Scientific ments in this sector feasible. The Qatar “The topic of our research was Research Section, saw more than 150 Banking Studies and Business Adminis- designing a model for water purification students and teachers from nearly 40 tration Independent School for Girls took using the Moringa Oleifera plant. I schools take part. The research posters home first place, Shahhaniya Inde- A student with her project during QBG's Young Botanist Research Contest. enjoyed working on this project and I were judged by a scientific arbitration pendent Secondary School for Boys won hope that there will be other similar committee during a research fair in Feb- second place, and Al Dukhan Girls School youth to find practical solutions, within “Well done to our tremendous competitions in the future,” said Jawhara ruary, and QBG will publish a book com- was awarded third place. scientific research, to address the food group of students. Their efforts will Adel from Rafidah Bint Kaab Girls School. piling the best research abstracts. Fatima Saleh Al Khulaifi, Project security and environmental challenges ultimately support Qatar’s commit- “I think this competition is excellent The top performing student projects Director, QBG, said: “Through edu- facing our country, given our climate ments to achieve the global Sustainable in its idea and content, and through it I in this year’s program included Rafidah cation, QBG strives to support Qatar’s conditions. Development Goals.” 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 Lebanon tightens security around refugee camp to contain spread of virus

AP — BAALBEK Four more people fears among millions of dis- placed people around the world Authorities closed all entrances from the Wavel camp packed into refugee camps and to a Palestinian refugee camp tested positive for informal settlements. in eastern Lebanon on Friday Most people who become after four more people tested the coronavirus. The infected experience mild to positive for the coronavirus, four infected are moderate symptoms. But the heightening concerns the virus virus can cause severe illness could further spread among its relatives of a woman and lead to death, particularly overcrowded population. who tested positive among older people and those The four infected with the earlier this week and with underlying health virus are relatives of a woman problems. It is highly conta- who tested positive earlier this are isolating inside gious and can be spread by Iran President Hassan Rouhani attends National Committee on Combating Coronavirus meeting in week and are isolating inside those who appear healthy. their home, according Tehran, yesterday. their home, according to a Health Minister Hamad statement from the UN agency to a statement from Hassan told reporters after vis- for Palestinian refugees. the UN agency for iting a clinic at the camp that It said they were so far not Lebanese authorities were Iran should assume worst-case scenario in need of hospitalisation. The Palestinian refugees. working together with the UN Palestinian woman who was and other agencies “to avoid an of virus lasting till March 2021: Rouhani taken to a hospital in Beirut this outbreak in the coming days.” week became the first refugee no rights to ownership. Lebanon has recorded 22 REUTERS, AFP — DUBAI which has paid the deadliest in Tehran and complicate efforts living in a camp in Lebanon to On Friday, Palestinian deaths from among nearly price in the Middle East from to bring the epidemic under contract the virus, a finding that fighters in charge of the camp 700 confirmed cases of President Hassan Rouhani said the pandemic. control”, he said, quoted by the triggered a spate of testing in security wore face masks as COVID-19, the illness caused yesterday Iran should draw up As the country marked the official news agency IRNA. the camp. they patrolled the narrow by the virus. The head of Leb- its economic plans based on a start of the holy month of Health Ministry Spokesman The five confirmed cases streets and alleyways of the anon’s main hospital over- worst-case scenario that Ramadan, a day later than much Kianoush Jahanpour said Iran are residents of the Wavel camp camp with an estimated popu- seeing COVID-19 patients, disruptions arising from the of the Muslim world, another 76 has now recorded 89,328 cases in the city of Baalbek, known lation of up to 3,000. Posters of Firass Abiad, tweeted that coronavirus crisis could last till fatalities were declared, raising of COVID-19, including 1,134 locally as the Jalil, or Galilee the late Palestinian President apart from the four relatives next March. Iran’s official death toll to 6,650. over the past 24 hours, since its camp. Yasser Arafat and Palestinian of the Palestinian woman, all “We should plan production Iran has in phases since April 11 first case in February. Lebanon, a tiny country of flags were plastered on the other tests conducted in the based on a pessimistic view that allowed the reopening of a Jahanpour reiterated that five million people, is home to camp walls. camp turned out negative. we might face this virus till the number of businesses that were social distancing and hygiene more than 1 million Syrian ref- Camp residents hunkered Also on Wednesday, Iran end of the (Iranian) year (in closed as part of measures to measures to guard against the ugees and other Syrians who down at home after being asked reported 93 more deaths from March,” Rouhani said in a curb COVID-19. novel coronavirus needed to are residents. It is also host to to stay indoors, while para- the virus, with the death toll in meeting with heads of Iranian The spread of the disease remain in place. The ministry’s tens of thousands of Palestinian medics in protective suits the country now reaching 5,574, private companies carried live has slowed since the start of infectious diseases department refugees and their descendants, spraying down the few vehicles out of more than 88,000 con- on state TV. April, but Alireza Zali, the anti- head, Mohammad Mehdi most of them living in squalid that were permitted to enter firmed cases. Iran is the hardest Meanwhile, Iranian health coronavirus coordinator for the Gouya, warned of “signs of a camps with no access to public with disinfectant and took peo- hit country in the Mideast and officials yesterday raised fears capital, yesterday criticised fresh outbreak” in provinces services, with limited ple’s temperatures. one of the world’s worst out- of a “fresh outbreak” of coro- “hasty reopenings”. They could such as Gilan and Mazandaran employment opportunities and Lack of testing has stoked breaks of the coronavirus. navirus cases in their country, “create new waves of sickness in the north and Qom.

Tehran watches US closely, but won’t ‘Turkey health system, measures curb spread of virus’ ANATOLIA — ANKARA “resulted in low number of were also established in all 81 comprehensive assistance to were some municipalities of the start conflict: cases in comparison with other provinces of Turkey to manage the needy in order to minimize main opposition Republican Iran President Turkey’s strong health system countries and prevented further the outbreak. the effects of the pandemic, and People’s Party (CHP) that did and effective measures against spread of the deadly virus that “During the pandemic, the made facilitating aids on pay- not “comply with the require- REUTERS — DUBAI the novel coronavirus helped affected the entire world.” work of these two boards ments and rentals for crafts ments of this coordination curb its further spread, Highlighting the “splendid” played a crucial role in regardless of their party affili- during this period of time.” Iranian President Hassan according to the ruling party’s work of the Coronavirus Scien- informing our citizens in the ation,” he said. “It is obvious that the lack Rouhani said yesterday that foreign affairs deputy chair. tific Advisory Board, formed by most accurate way, carrying out He noted that the munici- of coordination will create a Tehran was closely following “The Republic of Turkey, the Health Ministry on Jan. 10, precautions precisely, elimi- palities’ services included psy- major deficiency in imple- US activities, but would never along with its strong health care he said the board was set up nating the grievances that chosocial support as well as menting the measures to be initiate a conflict in the region. system, has provided effective even before the World Health occurred, providing the nec- improving the conditions of the taken in the fight against the “The Islamic Republic of measures and opportunities in Organization declared it a pan- essary assistance and support,” healthcare workers, who are at pandemic, and that it will affect Iran follows America’s activ- its fight against the spread of the demic in mid-March. he said, adding that they also the front line in this process. inefficiently the activities of ities and movements closely, coronavirus disease 2019 “(…) the primal coordination ensured people’s access to the Yilmaz also said unlike delivering aid to our affected but it will never be the one that (COVID-19) that has reached of process management in our services without any pause. some other countries, Turkey citizens and cause problems,” starts conflict and tension in unmanageable dimensions provinces has become one of Yilmaz said that despite dif- did not limit the statutory he added. the region,” Rouhani was since its outbreak,” Cevdet the most important reasons for ferences in political views, authority of the municipalities, Noting that no municipality quoted as saying during the Yilmaz, Justice and Devel- the emergence of the successful nearly all of the municipalities and even increased the budget is barred from aid activities in call, held due to the start of the opment (AK) Party’s foreign outcome,” Yilmaz said. have taken all necessary allocated to them regardless of coordination with the state, he Muslim holy month of affairs deputy chair, said in a He said a wide-range of measures in line with the gov- the political views. said “these works are carried Ramadan. written statement, referring to management and decision- ernment and provincial board “(…) all municipalities were out through a unified coordi- US President Donald the situation in the world making mechanisms titled directives. encouraged to work hard and nation centre” under the Trump said on Wednesday he caused by the disease. General Hygiene Board and “They meticulously ensured engage in the process,” he said. framework of the provincial had instructed the US Navy to Yilmaz said Turkey’s efforts Provincial Pandemic Board the hygiene of cities, provided He said unfortunately there boards. fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea. Earlier this month, the US military said 11 Revolutionary Kuwait reports 278 new Guards naval vessels came close to US Navy and Coast COVID-19 cases, 4 deaths Guard ships in the Gulf, calling the moves “dangerous and QNA — KUWAIT provocative”. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health reported, yesterday, 278 new coro- Israeli forces open navirus (COVID-19) infections in the last 24 hours, bringing the tally to 2,892, while four deaths were reported. The total number fire, shoot tear gas of deaths reached 19. at farmers in Gaza During its daily briefing carried by Kuwait News Agency, Health Ministry spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad said that 58 patients were QNA — GAZA in intensive care, 25 of them were in critical condition. Those currently receiving treatment at hospitals reached 2,217 patients, said the spokes- Israeli soldiers opened live fire person. The deaths were of a Kuwaiti female, 74, and three expatriates. and shot tear gas grenades this Earlier yesterday, Health Minister Dr. Basel Al Sabah announced the morning at Palestinian farmers recovery of 43 patients as the total is brought to 656 recoveries. near Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip forcing them to leave their lands, reported Sultanate of Oman announces Palestinian news agency WAFA. 115 new cases of coronavirus While no one was hurt, the soldiers regularly open fire at QNA — MUSCAT the farmers who work in their Ramadan preparation in Aleppo lands near the border fence The Omani Ministry of Health announced yesterday 115 new cases with Israel and push them out A Syrian baker empties a fresh batch of bread, traditional during the fasting month, in the Bab Al of COVID-19, including 48 cases for Omanis, and 67 cases for of their lands. Nasr area in the old city of Aleppo, yesterday. non-Omanis, bringing the total number of cases registered in the Sultanate to 1,905, and the number of deaths 10. In a statement carried by the Oman News Agency, the Ministry confirmed that Gaza factories roar back to life to make protective wear 329 cases had recovered.

AP — GAZA CITY 2007. The blockade, and three only 17 cases detected, all 1 million masks in the past three Lebanon extends virus wars between Hamas and within quarantine facilities set weeks, “all for the Israeli For the first time in years, Israel, have devastated the local up for those returning from market.” Gaza may not have the restrictions till May 10 sewing factories in the Gaza economy, with unemployment abroad. Many still fear an out- advanced machinery seen in Strip are back to working at full hovering around 50 percent. break in the impoverished ter- other places, but he said resi- ANATOLIA — BEIRUT capacity — producing masks, But the sudden opportunity ritory, which is home to two dents’ sewing skills are gloves and protective gowns, also shows how Gaza’s million people and where the unmatched. “Gaza workers are The Lebanese government has decided to extend COVID-19 some of which are bound for economy is at the mercy of health care system has been distinguished in handiwork and measures till May 10. The country’s Council of Ministers meeting Israel. those enforcing the blockade - battered by years of conflict. But they are better than workers in led by Prime Minister Hassan Diab convened on Friday to discuss It’s a rare economic lifeline and how depressed wages have for now, authorities are cau- China or Turkey,” he said. the last month’s virus developments. in the coastal territory, which become. Workers earn as little tiously allowing most busi- Another factory, Unipal In the meeting, ministers decided to extend virus measures has been blockaded by Israel as $8 a day. nesses to stay open. 2000, is able to employ 800 till May 10, and update curfew hours from 7pm- 5am to 9pm- and Egypt since the Hamas So far, Gaza appears to have Rizq Al Madhoun, owner of workers across two shifts to 5am local time. seized power from rival Pales- been largely spared from the the Bahaa garment company, produce protective equipment Meanwhile, Diab said some in the country are insistent on tinian forces in the Strip in coronavirus pandemic, with said he has produced more than around the clock. deepening the economic crisis in the country. SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 AFRICA 07 17 dead in attack in DR Congo’s Virunga park AFP — GOMA, DR CONGO kilometres (3,000 square miles) between May 2018 to the start Congo — an armed political-reli- Besides the 12 park rangers, a driver and over the borders of DR Congo, of last year after two British gious sect in Ituri drawn from At least 17 people, including 12 four other civilians were killed in the attack Rwanda and Uganda. tourists were kidnapped there. the Lendu ethnic group. rangers were killed yesterday in in Goma, for which no person or group has It is home to a world-famous They were later released but a Last month the army an attack in Virunga National population of mountain gorillas ranger was killed during the announced it had killed COECO Park, a Unesco World Heritage claimed responsibility, the governor of the Nord but has been hit by rising insta- abduction. In another attack, in head Ngudjolo. site in the restive east of the Kivu province said in a statement. bility and violence. the northeast Ituri region on Tens of thousands were Democratic Republic of Congo, Inaugurated in 1925, the Thursday, seven civilians were killed between 1999 and 2003. an official said. park has witnessed repeated killed by militiamen, army According to the UN, most It was one of the deadliest attacks by rebel groups, militias spokesman Jules Ngondo said. victims were targeted because attacks in the park, Africa’s the governor of the Nord Kivu attack. and poachers. A total of 176 of “The army neutralised ten they were Hema. oldest and most biologically province said in a statement. The guards were killed its rangers have been killed in assailants,” he added. The conflict has reignited in diverse protected area. “Others were injured, “while coming to help a civilian the last 20 years. UN radio station Okapi put recent years. More than 700 Besides the 12 park rangers, including some who are fighting vehicle which had come under Visits to the park have been Thursday’s toll at 13 civilians people have been killed in Ituri a driver and four other civilians for their lives,” the park man- fire by the assailants,” the suspended since March 19 for at dead. Both sources blamed that since late 2017, a UN report said were killed in the attack in agement added in another a statement said. Virunga is a least 30 days in DR Congo’s bid attack on members of CODECO in January, adding that some of Goma, for which no person or statement. It said that civilians Unesco-listed site which is to halt the new coronavirus pan- — whose official name is Coop- deaths might constitute a crime group has claimed responsibility, were the apparent target of the spread over 7,800 square demic. The park banned visitors erative for the Development of against humanity.

Civilian shot dead Virus cases in Africa exceed 29,000; deaths at 1,331 in Somalia while AGENCIES — ADDIS ABABA, US and Europe now the ETHIOPIA hardest-hit areas in the world. enforcing virus More than 2.82 million restrictions The number of COVID-19 cases cases have been reported in Africa has risen to 29,053, worldwide, with the death toll AP — NAIROBI according to an Africa Centers near 198,000 and recoveries for Disease Control and over 796,000, according to A police officer in Somalia’s Prevention (Africa CDC) update data compiled by the US’ Johns capital has been arrested in the yesterday. Hopkins University. fatal shooting of at least one The death toll stands at In the meantime, an oppo- civilian while enforcing coro- 1,331 and recoveries have sition municipal official has navirus restrictions, fellow reached 8,364, the update said. been charged with insulting officer Ahmed Muse said North Africa remains the Zimbabwe President yesterday. hardest-hit of the continent’s Emmerson Mnangagwa over The shooting on Friday five regions, followed by West, for his handling of the corona- evening sparked protests in Southern, East, and Central. virus pandemic, a lawyers' Mogadishu that continued yes- The highest number of association said. terday with crowds of angry fatalities have also been Chrispen Rambu, a local young men burning tires and recorded in North, West, and councillor in the eastern town demanding justice. Southern Africa, with the of Chipinge and a member of There has been growing lowest figures in Central and the opposition Movement for anger among some residents East Africa. Democratic Change (MDC), was over alleged abuses by security South Africa has 4,200 called in by the police, the Zim- forces, including beatings, COVID-19 cases, Egypt has babwe Lawyers for Human while enforcing virus-related 4,100, Morocco 3,800, and Rights (ZLHR) said in a restrictions. Shouts of “No Algeria has 3,100. statement late Friday. police, no curfew” could be Algeria has the highest He was then charged with heard as hundreds of pro- President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa visits the COVID-19 treatment facilities at the NASREC death toll of 415, followed by insulting Mnangagwa and testers took to the streets and Egypt with 294, Morocco with undermining his authority, it Expo Centre in Johannesburg. damaged a police landmark at 158, and South Africa with 75. said. The ZLHR said the police a city roundabout. In West Africa, Burkina believe Rambu sent a The country’s police chief Faso has the highest death toll WhatsApp message to a local South Africans must wear masks from May yesterday fired the commis- of 41, followed by Nigeria with group which unfavourably sioner in charge of security in 32 and Niger with 24. compared Mnangagwa with AFP — JOHANNESBURG mouth covered in public,” changes, agriculture will be Bondhere district where the The two countries with the South African President Cyril Dlamini-Zuma said, adding that allowed to resume completely; shooting occurred. highest case to population ratio Ramaphosa in the handling of South Africans will have to people could use a scarf or restaurants can open but only Somalia has one of the are Djibouti and Ethiopia. the pandemic. "Ramaphosa just wear face masks from May 1 T-shirt if they do not have a for home delivery while mines world’s weakest health Djibouti, which has less announced a $26bn stimulus when coronavirus lockdown mask. can restart some activities. systems and virus cases have than a million people, has 999 package. Seeing him addressing restrictions will begin to be President Cyril Ramaphosa In total, about 20 percent of been rising quickly. The Horn cases and two deaths, while and comparing him with ED eased, the government said announced on Thursday that industrial and commercial of Africa nation had more than neighboring Ethiopia, a country you won't doubt that we are yesterday. coronavirus restrictions would employees will be allowed back 325 cases as of yesterday. of about 110 million, has 117 having a fool for a head of “It is going to be mandatory be progressively eased from to work, Patel said. Somalia is deploying surveil- COVID-19 cases and three state," the message said, as to use a cloth mask as you step May 1 as the country comes out Those businesses which do lance teams and specialised deaths so far. cited in the ZLHR statement. out of your home,” Traditional of a lockdown imposed on return to work will be required vehicles to prevent desert The novel coronavirus has The initials ED refer to the Affairs Minister Nkosazana March 27 to combat the pan- to observe standards scrupu- locust swarms ravaging crops spread to 185 countries and president's full name, Dlamini-Zuma told a press con- demic. Industry and Commerce ously so as to avoid infection, and pastures, and destroying regions since emerging in Emmerson Dambudzo ference in Pretoria. “You will Minister Ebrahim Patel said including regular checks for the livelihoods of hundreds of China last December, with the Mnangagwa. need to have your nose and yesterday that among the COVID-19 symptoms. thousands of people. DR Congo police arrest sect leader after raid Burkina Faso struggles AFP — KINSHASA siege on Friday. A police source, in the raid, suggesting that the The BDK aims to revive the speaking on condition of ano- fatalities were all sect members. pre-colonial Kongo kingdom against COVID-19 The self-styled leader of a sepa- nymity, said several BDK An eyewitness said he had that included what are today ratist sect blamed for deadly members were found in the seen 15 bodies after the police parts of neighbouring Angola, attacks in the Democratic house and added that an undis- action, and many more injured. the Republic of Congo and and extremist threat Republic of Congo has been closed number of people had Nsemi, who is aged around Gabon, and has repeatedly arrested in a raid on his home died in the raid. 70, was taken to hospital with fought with security forces. AP — OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA attacks linked to Islamic mili- in Kinshasa involving hundreds An interior ministry a head injury before being Since April 13, about 20 sect FASO tants and local defence groups. of security forces. statement said at least eight handed over to prosecutors. members and police have been Almost 840,000 people are “Mission accomplished,” a people were killed and another Police condemned some killed in three separate clashes The last time Amado Compaore internally displaced, 2 million police tweet said, after troops 35 injured, without giving members of the security forces on a key highway in the Kongo saw his wife, she asked him for are reliant on aid and more stormed the home of former MP details. A total of 168 were for looting belongings from the Central province that neigh- a phone charger so she could than 130 health centres have Ne Muanda Nsemi, who heads arrested, according to the property after the raid, saying bours Kinshasa. The route is text friends and let them know closed according to the gov- the Bundu Dia Kongo (BDK) statement. Police said that eight in a statement that the perpe- vital as it links Kinshasa to the she was OK. She died just hours ernment and aid workers. sect, following an hours-long officers were seriously injured trators would be punished. ports of Matadi and Moanda. later. Health workers on Burkina Rose Marie Compaore, 62, Faso’s frontlines say they lack Burkina Faso’s second Vice- funds, trained staff and Libya’s GNA President of the parliament, equipment and worry the out- became the first person in the break will get out of hand. launches air West African country to die “If many, many people are from COVID-19. contaminated, we can’t control operation on “It’s very very difficult... My our cases,” Zekiba Tarnagda a love and my life has left,” said virologist in charge of the Haftar’s militias Compaore, looking downwards National Influenza Reference outside his house in the capital, Laboratory, which conducts all ANATOLIA — ANKARA Ouagadougou. the country’s tests for corona- Days after her death last virus, said. The air forces of Libya’s month, Compaore’s four The country has two testing UN-recognised Government of children arrived from Montreal, labs, but it can be days before National Accord (GNA) Canada, where they live, to be results are available. launched an air attack on with their father. Since then no The delay prevents doctors tankers transporting fuel to health workers have informed from providing timely patient warlord Khalifa Haftar’s the family what protective care while increasing the pos- militias. measures to take, he said. sibility that infected people, Three tankers with fuel for Burkina Faso is one of unable to self-isolate, are trans- Haftar militias were hit in the Africa’s nations hardest hit by mitting the virus onto others, operation in the Tarhuna city the coronavirus with 41 deaths, said Tarnagda. Families live of the Bani Walid province, a one of the highest number of close together, often sharing statement by GNA official fatalities in sub-Saharan Africa. one-room houses without the Muhammad Kanunu said. Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) forces before their attack on the militias Among the country’s 629 cases space or the financial means to Haftar’s militias attacked of renegade general Khalifa Haftar as they launch an operation in Tripoli, Libya. are the US and Italian ambas- isolate. Doctors say the lack of the capital Tripoli on the first sadors as well as at least six personal protective gear is day of Muslims’ holy month of government ministers. By con- putting both staff and patients Ramadan, killing three civilians. the GNA forces launched a mil- internationally recognised GNA eight provinces, clearing a trast, neighbouring Mali has at risk, said Alfred Ouedraogo The UN on March 22 urged itary operation to recapture has been under attack by 3,000-square-kilometre about half as many cases and chairman for the doctors’ union conflicting parties in Libya to Tarhuna, a town of strategic Haftar’s forces since last April, (1,158-square-mile) area from half as many deaths. in the country. Only the emer- the cease-fire. Both parties value for Haftar and his last with more than 1,000 killed in the warlord’s forces. While the government has gency response team at Ten- announced they accepted, but major stronghold in the area the violence. Since the ouster of longtime quarantined infected towns gandogo hospital – designated Haftar’s militias attacked surrounding Tripoli. It launched Operation ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, and imposed a night to dawn for coronavirus patients — gets Tripoli. Tarhuna is a major focal Peace Storm on March 26 to two seats of power have curfew, challenges remain. protective gear. About 50 The militias also continued point for Haftar’s militias in counter attacks on the capital. emerged in Libya: Haftar in Burkina Faso, with 20 doctors were confirmed pos- their heavy attacks after the their onslaught against Tripoli The GNA announced on eastern Libya and the GNA in million people, was already itive this week, although Oue- first COVID-19 case was as well as for their supply lines April 13 its forces removed Tripoli, which enjoys the UN suffering an unprecedented draogo suspects the number is reported in Libya. Last week, from Al Jufra airbase. The Haftar militias from at least and international recognition. humanitarian crisis fuelled by likely higher. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 Crisis created by blockading countries with Established in 1996 Qatar has complicated situation in region CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI QNA — DOHA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Her Excellency Ambassador Sheikha Alia DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent [email protected] Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, has said that the crisis created by the blockading countries with ACTING MANAGING EDITOR the State of Qatar is "one of the crises that MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED has complicated the situation in the [email protected] region and cast negative shadows on its security and stability". "The crisis that they unlawfully fabri- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR cated, under the pretext of flimsy states MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI that imposed an unjust blockade, and [email protected] Illegal unilateral actions on my country in June 2017, she noted. This came in a statement by H E Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of EDITORIAL the State of Qatar to the United Nations, in writing to the UN Security Council, Protecting most vulnerable class which held a virtual meeting on Thursday, on "the situation in the Middle AS THE COVID -19 pandemic continues spreading East, including the Palestinian issue." around the world it seems that no sector or individual She added, "Since then, the bad inten- has been left out from not being receiving a negative tions behind the provocative and mis- impact in one way or another from the crisis. But within leading campaign against the State of the social fabric, the pandemic is making the most dev- Qatar had been revealed, and it had H E Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the astating effect on low-income workers across the world. become clear that the lies that had been State of Qatar to the United Nations, attending a virtual meeting on Thursday, on “the This sector of workers is the most essential as it repre- based on it were null and void," stressing situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.” sents the global consumer economy in terms of products the disappointment of the blockading and services. countries' accounts to undermine Qatar people, and a just solution to the refugee The International Labour Organization (ILO) warned and its sovereign decision. H E the Ambassador issue. the international community that the pandemic crisis could Her Excellency indicated the failure reiterated the readiness of Her Excellency called for removing increase global unemployment which is going to be an of the policies that depended on the sep- the obstacles that hinder the solution inevitable challenge for global economy as millions are aration of brotherly peoples and the the State of Qatar to settle represented by the continued occu- continuing to lose their jobs in the US and Europe which damage to solidarity and regional coop- the crisis peacefully through pation and settlement and attempts to are the most advanced economic systems in the world. eration, which became more necessary illegally annex lands, the procedures “The COVID-19 is expected to wipe out 6.7 percent amid of the outbreak of the corona constructive, unconditional that affect the character of Jerusalem, its of working hours globally in the second quarter of 2020 pandemic. dialogue based on mutual legal status, and its demographic com- – equivalent to 195 million full-time workers,” said ILO She added that unlawful unilateral position, and other practices by the in a report released earlier this month. measures undermine this cooperation respect that preserves the occupying power that contravenes Large reductions are foreseen across contents and and directly affect the countries of the sovereignty of the States. international law and United Nations huge losses are expected across different income groups region and all their people in facing the resolutions. with no exception. Furthermore, the report underlined spread of the pandemic. In the context of the responsibility of that “more than four out of five people (81 percent) in the She stressed that "ending the illegal the State of Qatar, it has made unre- global workforce of 3.3 billion are currently affected by and unjust blockade of the State of Qatar mitting efforts with international full or partial workplace closures.” has become more urgent, and ending the partners to create conditions conducive Nowhere is exception, therefore with the appearance blockading countries' blocking of their to peace, Her Excellency drew attention of signs of this health crisis on the global horizon, the airspace for Qatar aircraft, which is a vio- risks. She also commended the efforts to the contribution of the State of Qatar State of Qatar began to take swift and far-sighted stra- lation of international law and the provi- being made by France, Tunisia and the in alleviating the difficult humanitarian tegic measures aiming to protect the rights of this sector sions of the Chicago International Avi- rest of the Security Council members to and economic situation in the occupied of the society supporting the private sector by allocating ation Agreement." In this context, she adopt a resolution on COVID-19 Palestinian territories. QR75bn along with measures taken by the Ministry of referred to the complaint submitted by pandemic. She added, "The spread of the coro- Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs the State of Qatar to the International She pointed out that the State of Qatar navirus (COVID-19) poses an additional (MADLSA) to mitigate the social and economic impact Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). has devoted the necessary attention to danger and burden, especially in the of the crisis. The Ministry has instructed companies to Despite the continuation of these pol- addressing this transboundary issue, and Gaza Strip, which is under a stifling continue paying salaries for workers, urging all parties, icies and procedures against the State of has showed its high readiness to confront siege, H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin employers and workers to cooperate and maintain the Qatar, Her Excellency noted the State of it, as it has initiated several precautionary Hamad Al Thani directed to provide long-term sustainable businesses and business Qatar's adherence to its principles based measures at the national level, and has financial assistance to the Palestinian relationships. on respect for international law and the assured the absorptive capacity of the brethren in the Strip at a value of $ 150 During an open discussion of senior officials in the Charter of the United Nations, as it suc- health sector, and has taken measures in million, over a period of 6 months Arab countries of the West Asia region on Wednesday, cessfully resorted to international legal the urgent and long term to counter the including support to face the pandemic . the Ministry (MADLSA) said it is applying the best pos- frameworks, particularly the Interna- economic effects of the pandemic, in Her Excellency said that "this sible legal standards and measures aiming at protecting tional Court of Justice, to counter unjust addition to its keenness to provide a high assistance comes as a continuation of workers and providing best possible health services on measures that constitute a flagrant vio- level of food security. humanitarian and development support equal basis for all segments of the society, along with pro- lation of the Charter of the United At the international level, Her Excel- to address the urgent and long-term vision of occupational safety and health requirements within Nations and the principles of Interna- lency noted the kind assistance provided needs in the Gaza Strip in the areas of the workplaces and reducing working hours. tional law, international conventions, by Qatar to the countries affected by the education, electricity supply, infra- The Ministry also stressed that the contractual rela- charters and human rights. pandemic, in the belief of Qatar of the structure enhancements, housing and tionship between employers and workers was organised HE the Ambassador reiterated the principle of shared responsibility and employment opportunities, in addition during the crisis and the provision of subsidies (loans) readiness of the State of Qatar to settle cooperation in facing global crises, to the concrete contributions in favor of to affected companies amounting to QR3bn to cover the crisis peacefully through con- noting that Qatar is running urgent air UNRWA activities and programs," workers’ wages and rents, as well as raising awareness structive, unconditional dialogue based bridges to transport relief medical stressing the principled position of the and providing free health care to all workers without on mutual respect that preserves the equipment, and in order to ensure that State of Qatar in support of the brotherly discrimination. sovereignty of the States, and constantly the people stuck in the affected areas Palestinian people until they obtain all renewed the State of Qatar's appreci- and the United Nations personnel are their legitimate rights. ation for the sincere efforts of H H the returned to their countries. On the Syrian crisis, Her Excellency sisterly State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al In particular, Her Excellency drew said, "Attempts to impose a military Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, while the attention to the active role played by the solution because it only leads to human- other party continued to refuse the State of Qatar in facilitating their transit itarian catastrophes, as was recently D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR dialogue. through Hamad International Airport, shown in northwestern Syria, where tar- and to the continuation of Qatar Airways geting civilians led to the largest wave of EMAIL: [email protected] In her statement, H E Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, to operate especially for humanitarian displacement in the crisis and its warned of the danger of the spread of the cases in light of the limited flights breaching of flagrant violations of inter- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the globally. national humanitarian law, including FAX: +974 4455 7758 Middle East, stating that the region is par- Regarding the Palestinian issue, H E targeting forbidden health facilities, ticularly vulnerable to the devastating Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin according to what the summary of the MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 effects of the pandemic as a public health Saif Al Thani reiterated the principled report of the Board of Inquiry estab- crisis as well Its effects in the political, position of the State of Qatar in support lished by the Secretary-General. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 economic and social fields. of sincere efforts towards a compre- She reaffirmed the necessity of a Her Excellency said that what makes hensive, just and lasting peace and a set- political solution to the Syrian Arab LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 the humanitarian and the economies sit- tlement of the Palestinian issue in all its nation that leads to a political transition uation more complicated is the deficit in aspects in accordance with international that meets the legitimate aspirations of BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 the health sectors as a result of the con- law and the Charter and resolutions of the Syrian people, in accordance with flicts and crises in the region, in addition the United Nations. the Geneva Declaration and the imple- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 to the difficulty of facing the possible She stressed that there is no alter- mentation of Resolution 2254 with all its spread of the virus in the refugee camps, native to a consensual peaceful set- elements, in addition to achieving justice ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 the displaced persons and the population tlement through negotiations between and accountability for war crimes and email: [email protected] groups suffering from destruction and the two parties, based on agreed refer- crimes against humanity. violence. ences, international legitimacy resolu- Concluding the statement H E PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 "The spread of the Coronavirus, tions, the land-for-peace principle and Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin email: [email protected] which threatens everyone, should be a the Arab peace initiative, as well as Saif Al Thani called on the international catalyst for rapprochement in the region, achieving a two-state solution that community to reject attempts to stir up ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 seeking solutions to crises and tensions, involves the establishment of an inde- crises and use malicious methods to FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] stopping hostilities and facilitating pendent and viable State of Palestine on destabilise and threaten regional and humanitarian access," she added. the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as international solidarity, which we all CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Her Excellency expressed the support its capital , which lives side by side with need to address a pandemic that email: [email protected] of the State of Qatar for the international Israel in peace and security, ending the threatens all without discrimination and efforts and calls for a ceasefire to focus occupation of all Arab lands, ensuring to address many challenges and threats SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 on confronting the pandemic and its the inalienable rights of the Palestinian facing all humanity. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar US and international community want Afghan leaders /ThePeninsulaQatar to put their country and their people first. How urgently /Peninsula_Qatar and with what conviction the sides respond to these steps will determine whether Afghanistan moves /ThePeninsulaNewspaper forward or remains mired in war, poverty, and disease. Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative +974 6698 6188 for Afghanistan Reconciliation SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 OPINION 09 Developing countries shouldn’t waste this crisis

the government extended the systems they had in place. nocratic tweak is required. lockdown on April 14, In most cases, however, For one thing, politicians migrants were left in the lurch these systems were not need to think differently again. Those who gathered at designed with the migrant about who their voters are a train station in Mumbai, Of course, worker in mind. States like and where their votes come hoping to make the journey India’s can sometimes see from. If all the workers lining home, were beaten by police. politicians in internal migration as a failure up at bus stops in urban India MIHIR SHARMA Similar scenes have tran- emerging-market of policy rather than an engine voted in those cities, instead BLOOMBERG spired across the rest of the of growth: If people are of in villages hundreds or developing world, where the democracies can’t moving to the city, that means thousands of miles away, then informal sector accounts for afford to ignore the that the government should local leaders would be far Across the developing world, more than two-thirds of work harder to make villages more responsive to their the defining images of the employment. (In India, the poor outright. Many attractive. And so their welfare troubles. battle against the Covid-19 figure is closer to 90%.) of them have tried systems protect the unionized Even the structure of pandemic have been of Migrants usually wind up worker in his factory and the political patronage will have migrant workers: abandoned, working in tiny enterprises, or to distribute money farmer in his fields, but not the to change. State leaders long angry, starving. In their zeal to are self-employed, or live off migrant selling knick-knacks accustomed to placating rural Internal migration control the spread of the new daily wages at construction and food through by the highway. As World satraps will have to ignore the is crucial not only coronavirus, governments sites. If they can’t work, they whatever creaking Bank economist Ugo Gentilini claims of big farmers in favor have all too often betrayed aren’t paid, they can’t eat and points out, in low-income of the demands of this pre- for growth, but for their most aspirational they may not be able to make welfare systems countries, the poorest rural carious emerging urban class. economic and social citizens - those who move rent. Back home, they can at they had in place. households are better covered Migrants who want to retain stability. Migrants are from countryside to cities to least hope for a roof over their by social safety nets than the ties with their home villages build better lives for them- heads and perhaps a harvest to poorest urban households. The as well as their new homes the bridge between selves and their families. If help bring in. It’s remarkable difference, he adds, “soars to will need a stake in the pol- the two halves of one thing has to change for how many countries take but for economic and social nearly 24 percentage points in itics of both areas. developing nations in coming these migrants for granted, stability. Migrants are the some middle-income National leaders will also most developing years, it is this relationship given that their development bridge between the two countries.” need to reexamine their countries - between between the internal migrant model rests on such workers’ halves of most developing Countries with vast social-protection and and the state. shoulders. From the work of countries - between underde- informal sectors could at least employment policies, and underdeveloped The consequences of Nobel Prize-winning econ- veloped hinterlands and glo- hope that, as they grew richer, redesign them with internal hinterlands neglect have, in this crisis, omist Arthur Lewis, we know balized cities, between 19th- they would generate factory migration in mind. For one been horrific. Here in India, that an apparently inex- century agriculture and 21st- jobs with union protections thing, welfare rights must be and globalized tens of thousands of migrant haustible pool of cheap rural century techno-utopianism. and formal regulatory cover. made completely transferable cities, between workers packed bus stations labor has been the main And yet, when they But things haven’t worked out - which, in this tech-heavy 19th-century soon after Prime Minister source of growth in the cities needed their governments’ that way. Over the past two age, is not as hard as it once Narendra Modi imposed a of the developing world. The help to deal with this pan- decades, China has soaked up was. Harder but equally nec- agriculture and weeks-long lockdown across potential of economies in demic, politicians once most of the world’s factories, essary will be building 21st-century the country. The buses South Asia and Africa, their again looked away. Of at the expense of the rest of affordable housing, which will weren’t running, so many out-performance in terms of course, politicians in the developing world. require imagination as much techno-utopianism. started walking home to their GDP growth, is born of their emerging-market democ- Meanwhile the formal- as money: Many migrants villages. For many, the demographic advantages - a racies can’t afford to ignore sector companies that have aren’t moving with their fam- journey would take days; euphemism for, yes, migrant the poor outright. Many of increased urban employment ilies and so won’t want to pay some died on the way. And, workers. them have tried to distribute are often gig-economy enter- for standard apartments. just to underline how little Internal migration is money and food through prises such as Go-Jek in Indo- On the other hand, if gov- such workers matter, when crucial not only for growth, whatever creaking welfare nesia or Zomato in India; in ernments can figure out how terms of social protections, to make this transition work, they’re hardly an they won’t just survive crises improvement over the like the pandemic, they will informal micro-enterprises also get a leg up in the devel- they’ve replaced. At best they opment battles of the future. provide demand-driven, con- The countries that best tractual employment with few incubate entrepreneurship benefits. Every developing- and innovation are those that world government is learning protect risk-takers. And who one big thing from the takes greater risks than a Covid-19 crisis: Their welfare migrant heading off to a systems, such as they are, are distant city? If governments particularly unable to deal can create a solid and secure with workers in informal ladder to prosperity for enterprises who move from migrants - a way for them to place to place, on the fringes transfer their rights, their of the gig economy. These are IDs, and their votes to the city; the citizens whose livelihoods a place for them to live; and have been most damaged by some basic social protection if the pandemic, and who are things go wrong - then they the hardest to reach with should be able to trust those existing relief programs. strivers to do the rest. Informality is not going There is little time to away with development. It is waste, if migrants driven out baked into how the Uberized by the virus are to be per- economy operates. That suaded to return to cities once means countries ranging in the lockdown is lifted. Too income from India to Indo- often, welfare policy seeks to nesia and all the way up to preserve the status quo. Gov- South Africa will have to ernments in the developing figure out ways to fix those world need to focus more on welfare systems. protecting those who are How hard could it be? working to change their lives. Pretty hard, actually, particu- Mihir Sharma is a Pedro A Delgado holding a sign reading ‘We need to get back to work’, as he joins with other protesters in front of the Freedom Tower larly in democracies. More Bloomberg Opinion yesterday in Miami, Florida. than a simple policy or tech- columnist. How Africa risks reeling from a health crisis to a food crisis LIBBY GEORGE what is essential transpor- about it that there is an Vietnam and Cambodia have gone from weeks to months. REUTERS tation,” said Kobo360 co- imminent problem of food limited available exports. Senegal’s rice imports have founder Ife Oyedele, adding insecurity, not only in Nigeria, Since only 9% of global fallen by around 30% due to that truck bosses were afraid. but also in nations all over the output is traded interna- international supply disrup- In Nigeria’s Benue state, the “They’re scared to go out and world,” Nigeria’s Agriculture tionally, the curbs hit prices tions, said Ousmane Sy Ndiaye, food basket of the country, have their drivers on the Minister Muhammed Sabo immediately, the USDA said. executive director of UNACOIS, Mercy Yialase sits in front of road.” Millions of people in Nanono told Reuters. “We need to make sure a Senegalese commerce her idle rice mill. Demand is the region are at risk of not Nanono said Nigeria had we’re not taking policy industry group. He estimated high across the nation, but she getting the food they need due at least 38,000 tonnes of measures that are going to hurt the nation had enough in already has mounds of paddy to coronavirus disruptions, grains in government-con- the rural poor and people in storage to cover two months. rice that are going nowhere according to the United trolled strategic reserves. It is developing countries, said Growing rice in nations outside amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Nations and World Bank. looking to replenish with Hurley. The price of a bag of East Africa, such as Nigeria, is “I can’t mill because the While domestic crops and 100,000 additional tonnes. imported rice rose by more also more important now due marketers are not coming,” capacity go to waste, the However the region has than 7.5% in Abuja and Lagos to a plague of locusts in East Yialase said, referring to imports the region relies on among the lowest inventories between the third week of Africa that has decimated crops wholesale buyers, as she sat at have also dried up as major relative to consumption, so March and early April, this year. Domestic movement a market stall in the city of suppliers, including India, export restrictions mean rice according to SBM Intelligence, restrictions and import delays Makurdi with dozens of other Vietnam and Cambodia, have shortages “could happen very while bags of local rice became are also hindering farmers, and millers. Although food truck reduced or even banned rice quickly,” according to John about 6%-8% more expensive. some are warning that pro- drivers are meant to be exports to make sure their Hurley, lead regional econ- In Kenya, panic-buying duction will fall if governments exempt from lockdown countries have enough food to omist for west and central and government programmes do not act. restrictions, many are afraid cope with the pandemic. Africa for the U.N.’s Interna- to distribute rice to low- A survey by AFEX Com- for their own safety, or fear Meanwhile, scarcity has tional Fund for Agricultural income households have modities Exchange Limited, a More widely, the they will be fined or arrested driven up prices of the main Development. Nigeria has already depleted reserves. Nigerian company that assists United Nations by overzealous police. staple food beyond the reach substantially increased If imports don’t pick up, the agriculture sector with The situation in Nigeria, of some people since lock- domestic rice production in East Africa alone could face a logistics and financing, found says coronavirus Africa’s most populous nation, downs were announced in recent years. But figures from shortfall of at least 50,000- that Nigeria’s fertilizer stocks disruptions is reflected across sub- three states at the end of the U.S. Department of Agri- 60,000 tonnes by the end of are currently 20% below Saharan Africa. March to tame the spread of culture (USDA) show it still the month, said Mital Shah, normal levels. There are only could double the Trucking logistics firm the virus. Sub-Saharan Africa, imports at least a third of managing director of Kenya- enough seeds and other inputs number of people Kobo360 said 30% of its fleet the world’s largest rice- what it consumes. Across sub- based Sunrice, one of the to farm 1 million hectares out of across Nigeria, Kenya, Togo, importing region, could be Saharan Africa, countries rely region’s largest rice importers. the roughly 30 million typically globally without Ghana and Uganda was not heading from a health crisis on imports for roughly 40% of “The entire supply chain farmed, the study showed. reliable access to operating as a result. Several straight into a food security rice consumption. has been disrupted,” Shah Other farmers say the nutritious food, to farmers said crops were crisis, the World Bank warns. This puts these countries said. “In the next couple of lockdowns are hindering farm rotting in the fields or at the More widely, the United at particular risk. weeks, East Africa is going to inspections by banks, putting 265 million. depots waiting for trucks that Nations says coronavirus dis- India, the world’s largest have a huge shortage.” Getting their financing at risk, and never arrive. And millers ruptions could double the rice exporter, temporarily the bills of loading for imports creating problems physically cannot get their milled rice to number of people globally stopped new export agree- into Kenya has also stretched getting tractors - which are buyers. without reliable access to ments earlier this month, from three to four days to often hired - to fields. Planting “There is no clarity around nutritious food, to 265 million. while lockdowns and supply three to four weeks. In rice would typically start in what can move around ... or “There is no question chain disruptions in Pakistan, Nigeria, clearing imports has May. 10 ASIA SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 Coronavirus cases on Italian cruise ship in Japan rise to 148

REUTERS — TOKYO Of those infected conference that the prefecture on board the Costa was discussing with the national Nearly 150 cases of coronavirus government how to handle the infection have been confirmed Atlantica, only one large number of positive infec- among crew members of an crew member has tions on the ship. Italian cruise ship docked in He added that there was no Japan after health authorities been admitted to change in plans to send those finished testing everyone on hospital, while testing negative to their home board, an official said yesterday. others remain nations as soon as possible. The Nagasaki prefecture The infection cluster on official said 57 more crew had on board, having board the vessel comes as hos- tested positive, bringing the shown slight or no pitals are running out of beds total infections on board the in some parts of Japan, where Medical workers treat a coronavirus patient in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Kawasaki, Japan. Costa Atlantica to 148, roughly symptoms. the national tally of virus cases one quarter of the vessel’s 623 has risen above 13,000. Some crew members. 350 people have died. Nagasaki, admitted to hospital, while except for hospital visits. The cruise ship infections Authorities began testing southwestern Japan since Feb- excluding the ship figures, has others remain on board, having But prefecture officials said follow a similar incident earlier after one crew member tested ruary for repairs and mainte- seen a relatively low number of shown slight or no symptoms. earlier this week that some of this year, when more than 700 positive for the virus earlier this nance after the pandemic pre- 17 infections and one death. Nagasaki authorities had the crew had departed without passengers and crew tested week. No passengers are on vented scheduled repairs in Of those infected on board quarantined the vessel on their knowledge, and sought positive for the virus on the board the vessel, which has China. the Costa Atlantica, only one arrival, and ordered its crew not detailed information on their Diamond Princess cruise liner been docked in Nagasaki in The official told a news crew member has been to venture beyond the quay movements. docked in Yokohama. Tajikistan closes Bangladesh urged to take in stranded Rohingya boats schools due to ANATOLIA — DHAKA seek refuge in the country amid governments should call on back from Malyasia nearly two Since August 25, 2017, the coronavirus pandemic. Bangladesh to bring these two months ago. As many as 100 nearly 24,000 Rohingya coronavirus Human Rights Watch (HRW) “We have no room to Rohingya boatloads ashore and perished at sea. Muslims have been killed by DUSHANBE yesterday urged Bangladeshi shelter any foreign people or provide generous financial The Rohingya, described by Myanmar’s state forces, REUTERS — authorities to allow Rohingya refugees,” he said. support for these and other ref- the UN as the world’s most per- according to a report by the refugees stranded in the Bay of The rights watchdog asked ugees living in overcrowded secuted people, have faced Ontario International Devel- Tajikistan is closing schools for Bengal for weeks to come Bangladesh to show the hospi- camps [in Bangladesh’s heightened fears of attack since opment Agency (OIDA). two weeks to prevent the ashore. tality it had shown earlier. southern district of Cox’s dozens were killed in com- More than 34,000 spread of the novel corona- “The Bangladesh gov- “Bangladeshi Prime Min- Bazar].” munal violence in 2012. Rohingya were also thrown virus and temporarily banning ernment should immediately ister Sheikh Hasina has been In the face of deadly According to Amnesty into fires, while over 114,000 exports of grains and pulses to allow hundreds of Rohingya called the ‘Mother of Humanity’ clashes in Myanmar and the International, more than others were beaten, said the ensure sufficient supplies at refugees stranded in two for offering protection to uncertainty of peaceful repa- 750,000 Rohingya refugees, OIDA report titled Forced home, the Central Asian trawlers in the Bay of Bengal Rohingya fleeing Myanmar, but triation, the Rohingya are mostly women and children, Migration of Rohingya: The nation’s government said to come ashore and receive now her government is turning leaving crammed camps in fled Myanmar and crossed into Untold Experience. yesterday. necessary food, water and its back on these refugees,” Bangladesh to flee to countries Bangladesh after Myanmar As many as 18,000 Tajikistan, which borders healthcare,” the rights said Brad Adams, Asia director like Malaysia through risky sea forces launched a crackdown Rohingya women and girls China, has reported no coro- watchdog said in a statement. at HRW. routes. on the minority Muslim com- were raped by Myanmar’s navirus cases, although its On Thursday, Bangladesh’s Addressing other countries On April 15, Bangladesh munity in August 2017, pushing army and police and over former Soviet republic neigh- Foreign Minister AK Abdul including Malaysia, Indonesia, coast guard units rescued a the number of persecuted 115,000 Rohingya homes bours have confirmed hun- Momen said they could not Myanmar and Thailand, he boat carrying 390 Rohingya people in Bangladesh above 1.2 burned down while 113,000 dreds. Cases of pneumonia and allow any more Rohingya to added: “Concerned who were reportedly turned million. others vandalized, it added. a suspected swine flu fatality have caused concern, however. The country is not a major Nepal marks quake food exporter and relies heavily on imports for items such as wheat and buckwheat. The government said the grain anniversary under export ban was aimed at con- serving domestic supplies. So far Tajikistan has taken virus lockdown a more relaxed approach to the coronavirus pandemic AFP — KATHMANDU those who supported Nepal’s than its neighbours. Although reconstruction efforts but said the it has closed borders and Nepal yesterday marked the virus outbreak has put the brakes mosques, it has not imposed a fifth anniversary of a devas- on work. lockdown of citizens and tating earthquake under a “This has affected remaining pressed ahead with soccer nationwide lockdown with the tasks of post-quake recon- games, albeit with no prime minister blaming the struction to some extent,” he said. spectators. coronavirus pandemic for The government’s National delays in rebuilding. Reconstruction Authority says 63 The magnitude 7.8 quake percent of the new houses Body of missing killed almost 9,000 people, left planned to replace damaged millions homeless and reduced structures have been completed Koreans’ guide towns, centuries-old temples and and a quarter are under found in Himalayas royal palaces to rubble. construction. Prime Minister KP Sharma However, rebuilding has A view of the empty construction site of the Dharhara tower, which was damaged during the 2015 AFP — KATHMANDU Oli offered condolences to the been hit by political infighting, earthquake, is seen in Kathmandu, yesterday. families of victims in an anni- bureaucracy and confusion. Search teams looking for the versary statement released late Puskar Raj Sharma, who lives quake, that is quite a long time. an avalanche that flattened base “It hurts to remember that bodies of four South Koreans on Friday. But events such as the in Bhaktapur, a historic city Although the reconstruction is camp at Mount Everest, killing 18 day. If we were at the base camp killed in a Himalayas inauguration of a refurbished ravaged by the quake, rebuilt his satisfactory, it would have been people. today we would have done avalanche have found the sacred pond in Kathmandu were house aided by a government better if the government had The camp is now again something to remember those we frozen corpse of their Nepali cancelled because of a pandemic grant of $2,450. speeded up its work,” the deserted after all expeditions lost,” said Kami Rita Sherpa, a guide, police said yesterday. lockdown ordered on March 20. “We had to stay in a rented 68-year-old said. were cancelled due to the guide who has climbed Everest A wall of snow hit the The prime minister thanked house for four years after the The 2015 disaster triggered pandemic. a record 24 times. trekkers at about 3,230 metres near the Annapurna base camp in Nepal on January 17. Indian Muslims face stigma, blame for surge in infections But avalanches and more snowfall since have made it AP — NEW DELHI The stigma faced by stayed open, later giving shelter as “corona terrorism.” ride to their village on his too dangerous to launch a Muslims, poorer and to people stranded in a 21-day False news targeting scooter. Neighbours accused him proper hunt. India’s government is blaming lockdown imposed by Prime Muslims began to circulate, of deliberately trying to infect Police returned to the a missionary meeting for a surge with less access to Minister Narendra Modi on including video clips purportedly them with the virus, which area on Friday after thawing in coronavirus cases, triggering health care than other March 24, according to the showing congregation members causes the COVID-19 disease. snow revealed a bag. a wave of violence, business group’s spokesman, Mujeeb ur spitting on authorities. The clips Karthikeyan Gokulach- “Our team then found the boycotts and hate speech toward groups, is making Rehman. were quickly proven to be fake, andran, the district police super- body as the snow melted,” Muslims that experts warn could health workers’ battle On the second day of the yet by April 1, the hashtag “Coro- intendent, blamed his suicide on Kaski district police chief Dan worsen the pandemic in the lockdown, a government raid on naJihad” was trending on Twitter stigma. Bahadur Karki, said. world’s second-most populous against the virus the compound discovered the in India. In Rajasthan state, a Karki said that no decision country. even tougher. India largest virus cluster in India. Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary pregnant Muslim woman was has been taken yet whether The stigma faced by India’s Police filed a case against some of India’s health ministry, turned away from a public hos- to resume a full search for the Muslims, poorer and with less has about 24,500 of the group’s leaders for vio- repeatedly called out the con- pital because of her religion, South Koreans. access to health care than other confirmed cases and lating the ban, a charge the gregation by name in daily news resulting in the death of her “The snow is still very groups, is making health 775 deaths, and the group denies. briefings. On April 5, he said the 7-month-old fetus, said Vishv- deep in the area where we workers’ battle against the virus Officials said on Tuesday number of virus cases was dou- endra Singh, the state’s tourism suspect the bodies are. We are even tougher, according to vet- outbreak may not they have arrested 29 people, bling in just 4.1 days, and would minister. still discussing what to do erans of other epidemics. peak until June. including 16 foreigners, who have been a slower 7.4 days “if In Uttarakhand, Hindu next,” he said. India has about 24,500 con- participated in the missionary the additional... cases due to the youths forced Muslim fruit Nepal has also been in a firmed coronavirus cases — meeting. Tablighi Jamaat meeting would vendors to stop selling. Shots coronavirus lockdown for the about one in five of which have India’s communal fault lines, not have arisen.” were fired at a mosque in past month with all trekking been linked to the missionary global health expert. still stressed by deadly riots over That same day, Dilshad Gurugram, a suburb of New permits suspended. meeting — and 775 deaths, and “It becomes a cycle that will a new naturalisation law that Mohammad took his life. Delhi, and a Muslim family in the Thousands of trekkers the outbreak may not peak until continue.” About 8,000 people excludes Muslims, were split Panic, blame and stigma neighbouring state of Haryana visit Nepal every year for its June. in the Tablighi Jamaat congre- wide open by the allegations were spreading across India was attacked by neighbours who stunning views of the Hima- “Not only is the (Muslim) gation met for three days in against Jamaat. when the 37-year-old chicken accused them of not turning off layas and routes lined with community at a higher risk of March at the group’s compound Politicians in Modi’s ruling peddler was shunned by his their lights on April 9, the night picturesque villages. being infected, but they will in the crowded Nizamuddin area Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya neighbours in Bangarh, a village Modi had asked the country to The Annapurna region is also be at a high risk of of New Delhi, shortly before the Janata Party were quoted on in the hilly state of Himachal extinguish household lights for particularly popular, with spreading the virus,” said Dr Indian government banned large TV and in newspapers Pradesh, for giving two members 15 minutes in a show of national more than 170,000 visitors in Anant Bhan, a bioethics and gatherings. The compound describing the Jamaat incident of the Jamaat congregation a unity. 2018. SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 ASIA 11 US backs Nato call for Afghan ceasefire over pandemic

US Special ANATOLIA — KABUL COVID-19 outbreaks, urged the disease,” he said. for an immediate humanitarian on the Taliban to “stop killing Representative Taliban to reduce violence, In the statement issued on cease-fire,” read the statement. Afghans during the holy month”. The US’ special envoy yesterday called on the Afghan govt to end Friday, Nato called on Afghan “The continued spread of the Taliban spokesperson Suhail for Afghanistan backed Nato’s call for a human- the political crisis, and said all leaders to resolve their differ- COVID-19 pandemic under- Shaheen rejected the plea, saying Reconciliation itarian ceasefire in Afghanistan sides should move more quickly ences and “seize this opportunity scores the urgency of such only the full implementation of Zalmay Khalilzad to help the country deal with the on prisoner releases,” he said in for peace.” measures. We call on the Taliban the Doha agreement can ensure COVID-19 pandemic and move a series of tweets. It criticised the level of vio- to do their part to prevent the lasting peace in Afghanistan. welcomed the towards lasting peace. The special envoy said the lence caused by the Taliban as spread of COVID-19 among the “In a time that the lives of Nato statement US Special Representative US and international community “not acceptable” and urged the Afghan people,” it added. thousands of prisoners are being “focused on key for Afghanistan Reconciliation want “Afghan leaders to put their group to enter negotiations with The statements from Nato put into danger due to the coro- Zalmay Khalilzad welcomed the country and their people first.” the team established by the and Khalilzad came days after navirus and hurdle are created next steps … Nato statement “focused on key “How urgently and with Afghan government. the Taliban rejected Afghan in the way of the peace process necessary for peace next steps … necessary for peace what conviction the sides “Nato encourages both sides President Ashraf Ghani’s call for and complete implementation of and stability in and stability in Afghanistan”. respond to these steps will to demonstrate goodwill by a ceasefire during Ramadan, the the Agreement, despite that, “They [Nato] reiterated the determine whether Afghanistan accelerating the release of pris- Muslims’ holy month of fasting. asking for ceasefire is not rational Afghanistan”. need for a humanitarian moves forward or remains oners … and to embrace the In a televised message and convincing,” he said in a ceasefire to help manage mired in war, poverty, and international community’s call earlier this week, Ghani called tweet on Thursday. Doctors in Pakistan Virus cases in Afghanistan go on hunger strike near 1,500 over lack of PPE ANATOLIA — KABUL

AFP — LAHORE “We do not intend on The number of coronavirus stopping until the government cases in Afghanistan is now Dozens of Pakistani doctors and listens to our demands. They close to 1,500 and the death toll nurses have launched a hunger have been consistently refusing near 50, authorities said strike demanding adequate to adhere to our demands,” said yesterday. The country’s protective equipment for doctor Salman Haseeb. Health Ministry said the overall frontline staff treating corona- Haseeb heads the province’s case count has risen to 1,463. virus patients, the lead Grand Health Alliance, which is Ministry spokesman organiser of the protest said organising the protest, and he Wahidullah Mayar said four yesterday. said he had not eaten since April fatalities over the past 24 hours Health workers have com- 16. have moved the death toll up plained for weeks that the “We are on the frontline of to 47, while 206 patients have country’s hospitals are suffering this virus and if we are not pro- recovered so far. chronic shortages of safety gear, tected then the whole popu- He said the curfew and prompting the arrest of more lation is at risk,” he said. other preventive measures than 50 doctors who called for The alliance said about 30 imposed in different cities of more supplies in the city of doctors and nurses were on Afghanistan will continue to Quetta earlier this month. hunger strike, with up to 200 Doctors wearing face masks sit in during a hunger strike protest, in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. stem the spread of the virus. Frontline staff have been medical staff joining them each COVID-19 cases have been left vulnerable, with more than day for demonstrations. “We are simply demanding Earlier this month the country of 215 million. The holy reported in 185 countries and 150 medical workers testing Punjab’s health worker justice for our community,” said Punjab government announced month of Ramadan officially regions since the virus positive for the virus union are supporting the doctor and YDA chairman that frontline workers will be began in Pakistan yesterday, emerged in China last nationwide, according to the alliance and also demanding Khizer Hayat. awarded a pay bonus and life with concerns that the light December, with the US and Young Doctors’ Association adequate quarantine conditions Hospital staff would not insurance. restrictions imposed on Europe the hardest-hit areas (YDA) in worst-hit Punjab for medical staff. escalate their protest by Almost half of the nearly mosque gatherings will not in the world. province. Nearly three dozen doctors, walking off the job, he added. 12,000 confirmed COVID-19 stop a potentially rapid spread More than 2.82 million The protesters have kept nurses and paramedics con- Provincial health infections across Pakistan have of the virus. cases have been reported working in their hospitals while tracted the virus in one hospital department officials said that been recorded in Punjab. Frontline medical workers worldwide, with the death toll taking turns to demonstrate in the city of Multan, while hospitals had now been pro- The number of infections across the world have been near 198,000 and recoveries outside the health authority seven members of a doctor’s vided with adequate protection in the country is believed to be grappling with short supplies over 796,000, according to offices in provincial capital family were infected in Lahore, gear after an earlier “backlog” far higher because of a lack of of vital safety equipment since data compiled by Johns Lahore. it added. was resolved. testing in the impoverished the start of the pandemic. Hopkins University in the US. Indonesia reports China sees more imported cases despite restrictions 31 more virus REUTERS — BEIJING instituted stringent checks at its The new cases in Shaanxi northern province announced on compared with two the preivous ports and border points, banning were all Chinese nationals who Friday that it would start day. The commission also deaths and China’s northwestern province the entry of foreign nationals on had returned on April 20 on a requiring all international arrivals reported 29 new asymptomatic of Shaanxi reported yesterday March 28, and even diverting flight from Moscow that was to undergo a 28-day quarantine, cases, slightly down from the pre- 396 new cases seven new imported cases of the international flights from its diverted away from Beijing. As as well as two tests for COVID-19 vious day’s 34. Four of these cases REUTERS — JAKARTA novel coronavirus, all in citizens capital city Beijing. of Saturday, the flight had a con- as well as an antibody test. were imported. returning home from Russia, Still it has faced a continuous firmed total of 30 cases, and 8 China reported 12 new coro- The total number of con- Indonesia reported yesterday even as domestic cases in the trickle of cases brought in by asymptomatic infections, navirus cases on April 24, com- firmed cases in China, where the 396 new coronavirus cases, country were largely curbed. Chinese citizens wanting to according to the provincial health pared with six new cases on the virus first emerged in late taking the total number to The port city of Manzhouli in return home in spite of risks of commission. previous day, National Health December, is now 82,816. The 8,607, data provided by health Inner Mongolia also reported getting infected. In recent days, No further details were given Commission data showed death toll remained the same at ministry official Achmad three new imported cases, many of these have come back about the imported cases in yesterday. 4,632, with no new deaths Yurianto showed. without giving details. China has from Russia. Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia. The Of those, 11 were imported, reported on April 24. Thirty-one more people who had tested positive for the virus died, taking the total number of deaths to 720, Coronavirus deaths rising according to the data. The world’s fourth most in Australia, New Zealand populous country has been hit hard by the virus, with the ANATOLIA — MELBOURNE diagnosed with the disease, with highest numbers of deaths in 118 confirmed recoveries. It Asia outside of China. Yesterday, COVID-19 death toll banned all non-nationals from US President Donald rose to 80 in Australia, while it entry to country, and has Trump announced on Friday reached 18 in New Zealand, imposed a partial curfew since he would be sending venti- according to the official data by March 27, to be loosened lators and unspecified help to the countries. tomorrow with some new Indonesia at the request of Australia recorded 20 new measures. President Joko Widodo. cases in the last 24 hours, while Australia quarantined all The Indonesian presi- New Zealand registered five, entries from abroad, and banned dential palace said in a which showed the confirmed all house visits, as well as indoor statement that Trump and number of new infections or outdoors meetings of more Widodo held a call on Friday People observe social distancing as they pay their respects during the Anzac Day dawn service at dropped in both countries. than two people other than the to discuss ways to collaborate the Shrine of Remembrance, in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. With three more fatalities in households. Funerals can be during the pandemic, including Australia, the death toll hit 80, attended by 10, and weddings by on how to overcome the pro- whereas New Zealand recorded five people only. Those who do tective gear and masks Australia, New Zealand mark one more death, bringing the not conform are imposed fines shortages faced by both coun- total number of deaths in the and jail terms. tries. The statement said country to 18 over the last 24 The COVID-19 pandemic has Trump had agreed to Anzac Day with driveway vigils hours. killed over 197,000 people, with “strengthen partnerships in In total, 6,687 Australians total infections exceeding 2.8 trade and economics” between AFP — SYDNEY While at the small Canberra service, one of the many taking contracted the virus, and 5,273 million, according to figures the United States and Indo- service before dawn – which place around the country. have recovered so far. compiled by US-based Johns nesia after recovery from the Australians and New Zealanders was broadcast live — Australia’s “I can’t remember the last In New Zealand, 1,461 were Hopkins University. coronavirus outbreak. held dawn Anzac Day vigils from prime minister Morrison com- time I missed a dawn service, so the isolation of their own pared the disruption to the I had to have one here,” the driveways yesterday to honour Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919. 78-year-old told AFP outside his their armed forces, as parades “Our Anzac Day traditions Ingleburn home. Indonesia convicts Papua activists of treason were cancelled and ceremonies have been interrupted but not He said he was “proud as REUTERS — JAKARTA coronavirus outbreak, Judge a vote in Papua to let it separate closed to the public due to the for the first time,” Morrison said punch” after the whole street Agustinus Setya Wahyu Tri- from Indonesia. coronavirus. during the ceremony at the Aus- turned out to begin Anzac Day, An Indonesian court convicted wiranto said he had found the International rights groups As the sun rose, New tralian War Memorial. finishing his early morning six activists of treason for organ- six defendants “guilty of Amnesty International and Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda “There were no city marches memorial with a shot of rum. ising a protest demanding inde- treason”. Human Rights Watch criticised Ardern was among those or parades for the returning vet- Anzac Day marks the 1915 pendence for the easternmost Activists Ambrosius Mulait, the convictions, stating that the observing vigils at the end of erans because Australians were landing of Australian and New province of Papua, in a verdict Surya Anta, Charles Kossay, activists had been attending a their driveways, while Aus- battling the Spanish flu pan- Zealand troops at Gallipoli on slammed by rights groups. Dano Tabuni, and Arina Elopere peaceful rally over perceived tralia’s leader Scott Morrison demic,” he added. the Turkish peninsula in an ill- The peaceful protest of were convicted and sentenced ethnic discrimination. attended an official Canberra “Though our streets were fated WWI campaign against about 100 people had been held to nine months in prison, while “The six who were sen- ceremony forced behind closed empty the returning veterans German-backed Ottoman outside the presidential palace Isay Wenda was given an eight- tenced today did nothing but doors. were not forgotten.” As morning forces. Some 10,000 Australian and military headquarters on month sentence. attend a peaceful protest, “This year, a new threat light reached Australia, neigh- and New Zealand servicemen August 28 in the capital of All six have been held in enjoying their rights to freedom faces all nations as the impact bours held candles outside their were killed in the failed military Jakarta and followed a period of prison since August. Prosecutors of expression and assembly,” of the coronavirus deepens homes in Sydney’s southwest, campaign but it shaped the close unrest in Papua. accused them in December of said Amnesty International worldwide,” Ardern said from where Vietnam veteran Peter friendship that binds the two In a sentencing hearing on organising a rally demanding the Indonesia director Usman her driveway. McFarlane led a small suburban countries. Friday held online due to the Indonesian government allow Hamid. 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 Virus deaths in UK surpass 20,000 AFP — LONDON The latest figures the worst-hit countries in the world and the actual death toll The UK’s official coronavirus confirm Britain has could be much higher when death toll passed the milestone been one of the deaths in the community are of 20,000 yesterday, which the worst-hit countries taken into account, particularly Home Secretary Priti Patel at care homes. described as “a deeply tragic and in the world and The UK government has been moving moment”. the actual death under pressure to relax social dis- Health department figures toll could be much tancing rules since the country showed a further 813 people had went into lockdown on March 23, died in hospital after contracting higher when deaths but Patel said ministers would not COVID-19, pushing the official in the community are yet give a date for any relaxation number of fatalities to 20,319. in the regulations. The medical director of NHS taken into account, “We’ve made a great deal of England Stephen Powis and the particularly at care progress, but actually we’re not Britain’s Home Secretary Priti Patel (centre), NHS England Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis UK’s chief scientific advisor, Sir out of the woods yet, we really homes. (left) and Director General of Britain’s National Crime Agency, Lynne Owens, attending a remote press Patrick Vallance, had earlier said are not,” she said. The lockdown that keeping the number of fatal- was extended on April 16 and is conference to update the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic, in London, yesterday. ities lower than 20,000 would some optimism as those diag- due for review on May 7. be “a good outcome”. nosed as having contracted the Questions have been raised Downing Street was forced are ‘on’ or members of SAGE”, “that political advisers have influ- “The nation today will be virus fell by 473 to 4,913, over shortages in personal pro- to deny that Dominic Cummings and said they attended meetings enced the debate”. deeply moved by the figures of according to the same health tective equipment and a lack of and another adviser, Ben Warner, “to understand better the scien- And a former Conservative the number of people who have department figures. widespread testing, particularly were members of the politically tific debates concerning this frontbencher, David Davis, died,” Patel said during the daily University of Oxford analysis of frontline health and social care independent Scientific Advisory emergency”. tweeted that “we should publish Downing Street briefing. also showed that the numbers workers. Group for Emergencies (SAGE). The statement added it was the membership of SAGE: remove “Every death is a tragedy.” dying in England may be on a Prime Minister Boris John- However, following reports “factually wrong and damaging any non-scientist members”. She added: “This is a deeply tragic downward spiral as it said a third son’s government was also in The Guardian newspaper, the to sensible public debate” to Meanwhile yesterday, health and moving moment.” Yester- of the 711 additional deaths embroiled in a political row after government admitted that Cum- suggest the committee’s advice officials announced that as many day’s toll was an increase on the recorded in the latest gov- it emerged his chief adviser mings had sat in on group was affected by the as 5,000 severely ill coronavirus 684 deaths reported the previous ernment figures yesterday attended meetings of the main meetings. government. patients could be treated with day and comes after the gov- occurred more than a week ago. scientific group advising min- In a statement, a Number 10 Labour’s health spokesman, plasma from people who have ernment claimed the virus had Despite that, the latest figures isters on the coronavirus pan- spokesman said: “It is not true John Ashworth told BBC radio recovered from the illness as part hit its peak. However, there was confirm Britain has been one of demic in Britain. that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner yesterday that his “concern” was of a new approach. France sees 369 Spain’s daily virus toll rises; total at 22,902 more deaths AFP — MADRID infections has now passed Friday, with the daily number of show whether a person’s weeks after the government 223,759, a figure that includes recoveries outpacing the immune system has developed imposed a nationwide lockdown from virus in Spain’s daily virus toll rose those shown to have developed number of new infections for the defences against coronavirus, to that confined almost 47 million slightly yesterday with 378 antibodies against the virus. first time since the start of the determine whether or not they citizens to home to slow the last 24 hours people dying, the health ministry However, the health min- pandemic. had been infected. spread of the virus. AFP — PARIS said, a day after registering the istry has begun using only the “Every day, the epidemic Increased testing would Today, Spain is to start lowest number of fatalities in number of cases confirmed by improves a little,” said Fernando allow officials to begin gathering allowing children out for up to France reported 369 more four weeks. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Simon, the ministry’s emer- data on the overall number of an hour a day in the first steps coronavirus deaths yesterday, The number was slightly tests, or swab tests, giving a gencies coordinator, while people infected, Simon said, towards easing one of the a drop on previous days, with higher than Friday’s figure of figure of 205,905 — 2,944 of warning against “excessive ruling out any mass testing of world’s toughest lockdowns. the number of people in 367, raising the overall death toll which were detected in the last euphoria” and stressing the need people who have not shown The measure, which comes intensive care falling for the in Spain to 22,902, the third- 24 hours. to “keep up our collective symptoms. Health officials have into effect today morning, means 17th day in a row. highest figure in the world after The move came as Spain responsibility”. said the epidemic peaked on under-14s will be able to go out While 22,614 people have the United States and Italy. passed an important landmark Spain has been ramping up April 2 when 950 people died once a day for one hour between died from the virus in France The overall number of in its fight against the virus on the use of antibody tests, which over 24 hours, nearly three 9am and 9pm. since the beginning of March, health officials said the mor- tality rate in hospitals was the lowest in a month, with 198 Italy awaits details of deaths in 24 hours. However, 171 died in retirement and care homes, life after lockdown and officials said they were worried by an increase in crit- AFP — ROME March 9 by early May. ically ill patients suffering from Parks could reopen and the other conditions. Italy announced plans yesterday nation can start working its way More than 7,500 people to set price limits on face masks out of its most traumatic expe- are now being treated in the and ramp up antibody testing rience since World War II. intensive care units across as it nears the end of the world’s But reports say the vision laid France — which is 50 percent longest active national out before Conte does not more than the country’s total lockdown. resemble life as Italians knew it. capacity before the epidemic The Mediterranean country Italy’s official death toll of struck. is awaiting a decision this 26,384 is still Europe’s highest Despite some encouraging, weekend about which of its coro- and only second globally to the the system was still under navirus restrictions will be lifted United States. strain, officials said. when the current regime expires “The coronavirus has been “The rise in the number of on May 3. weakened but not defeated,” patients in intensive care This will determine both the emergency response commis- Members of the Italian coast guards wearing face masks patrol following the outbreak of the shows the necessity for those pace at which the eurozone’s sioner Domenico Arcuri told coronavirus in Fiumicino, Italy, yesterday. with chronic diseases to be third-largest economy claws its reporters. looked after as well as taking way out of the coronavirus crisis “Everyone understands this.” wrote. Yet even these incre- lockdown exit. The serological tests are designed care of those in emergency sit- and the freedoms 60 million - ‘Italy is back’- Media reports say mental steps will be reversed at Italy’s “Phase Two” involves to help determine how many uations,” a statement said. Italians will enjoy in the summer that restaurants will only resume the first sign of the rate of daily mandatory use of face masks in people have already had the virus “If the care... (of those with months. Prime Minster Giuseppe takeout service and almost eve- infections rising. The Italian out- public places and antibody testing and potentially become immune. chronic problems) is inter- Conte has reportedly been pre- rything else will stay shut on May break has been ebbing for some nationwide. The production of accurate rupted for a long time, their ill- sented with a cautious proposal 4. The government might reopen weeks. “We will set the maximum antibody tests is only just starting nesses will become more that involves a gradual easing of museums on May 18 in a bid to The ISS public health institute price at which face masks can be and the World Health Organi- serious.” Officials urged people restrictions over four weeks. send an “optimistic message to said an infected person was now sold,” Arcuri said. zation reiterated Saturday that with chronic diseases who are Italians will probably be the world that Italy (with pru- spreading the virus to between The Italian commissioner did “there is currently no evidence” sick not to be afraid of con- allowed to leave their homes dence and caution) is back,” the 0.2 and 0.7 others nationally — a not say whether people would be that a person cannot develop tacting their doctors or freely for the first time since Corriere della Sera newspaper range low enough to start a safe required to wear them outdoors. COVID-19 twice. medical carers. Veterans honour Italy’s WWII uprising from home Merkel bemoans lack of rain as

AP — ROME Germany fears for its forests

Veterans of Italy’s anti-Fascist REUTERS — GUMMERSBACH Danny Ohnesorge, head of World War II resistance have the Association of the German held marches throughout Italy Germany’s forests, covering a Wood Industry, told German every April 25 since 1945, to third of its territory and as much radio there had been only 5 honour the uprising that helped a part of its cultural landscape percent of the usual rainfall in end their country’s Nazi occu- as its physical one, are in danger. April and that, if the drought pation. On Germany’s annual “Day continued, trees could die en This year’s 75th anniversary of the Tree”, Chancellor Angela masse. was long anticipated among the Merkel used her weekly video Concern has been mounting dwindling band of elderly sur- message to highlight a growing in recent years about the vivors. But lockdown measures threat from climate change. impact of climate change on in the coronavirus-afflicted The last two exceptionally Germany’s heavily forested country mean no marches can hot and dry summers have landscapes, scene of many of be held. So the veterans have weakened millions of trees, its Romantic myths, legends resorted to the inventiveness they undermining their defences and fairy tales. once employed in sabotage mis- The Italian Air Force aerobatic unit performs over Piazza Venezia on the 75th anniversary of Liberation against the bark beetle, which Ursula Heinen-Esser, envi- sions and guerrilla tactics against Day, which marks the fall of Nazi occupation in 1945, in Rome, yesterday. can be fatal to ancient ronment minister of the the Germans. woodlands. western state of North Rhine- At 3 pm yesterday, when the a major component of the liber- enemy... today we would have the Nazi-Fascists are of no help And after an exceptionally Westphalia, said the soil had traditional parade would have ation efforts. found ourselves resisting an today in fighting the coronavirus. dry April, with summer still two been wet enough until the started in Milan, where Italian Rodolfo Lai, 92, who, aged 15, enemy... invisible and insidious,’’ I feel helpless.” Elderly people are months away, a forest fire has beginning of March. Fascist ruler Benito Mussolini’s killed a German paratrooper with Lai said from his Rome considered among the most vul- already had to be put out near “Within a few weeks, it’s body was publicly displayed after a hand grenade to protect an apartment, referring to the novel nerable to COVID-19. the town of Gummersbach in completely reversed, and we’re his execution by resistance escaping Italian officer, lamented coronavirus. When Umberto Graziani, 96, western Germany this week. now dealing with drought,” she fighters, the National Association the cancellation of the marches. Silvio Anastasi, 88, said life was asked how he will celebrate “We’re already noticing said. of Italian Partisans has invited all “Never we would have during the war “was much easier this year, he sounded resigned: these days that it’s not raining “It’ll also have a major to sing “Bella Ciao,” the anthem imagined that after 75 years of for me. The shrewdness, courage “Nothing, no march, I’ll stay enough in many areas of impact on the forest and on of Italy’s communist resistance, our resistance against a visible and tactical skills we used against home, how sad.” Germany,” Merkel said. bark beetle infestation.” SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 EUROPE 13

Ex-president of Belgium set to gradually ease lockdown from May 4 Georgia accepts

REUTERS — BRUSSELS on Friday that Belgium could Belgium has 44,293 sewing supplies will reopen. of restrictions partly mirrors the top Cabinet job tighten restrictions or delay confirmed COVID- A week later, all shops will actions of its neighbours. The Belgium plans to allow a easing depending on the health be allowed to reopen, under Netherlands expects to reopen in Ukraine gradual easing of coronavirus situation. 19 cases and 6,679 strict social distancing elementary schools from May restriction measures from May “It is now time to look to the fatalities. conditions. 11. Germany has already AP — KIEV, UKRAINE 4, with a series of phases of future,” she said. “But COVID In a further phase from May allowed smaller shops to open, further re-opening during the has not disappeared, the virus 18, schools will welcome back with schools due to restart from Georgia’s former president on course of the month. is still with us and it is dan- 2,000 staff. From May 4, more some pupils, but classes will be May 4.. In France, the lockdown Friday accepted a top Cabinet Restrictions in the country, gerous for the population. It is businesses will be allowed to kept to a maximum size of 10. lasts until May 11. job in Ukraine — a move that among the hardest hit by absolutely essential that the reopen. People will also be People will be able to host small Belgium has 44,293 con- angered his home country. COVID-19, currently just permit safety measures are respected allowed to meet up with two gatherings at home, visit a firmed COVID-19 cases and Mikheil Saakashvili, who shops selling food, home during the phase-out period.” people not living with them as museum and go to a 6,679 fatalities, although more served as Georgia’s president improvement stores, garden Wilmes said Belgium would long as they are outside and hairdresser. than half of the deaths have from 2004-2013, told centres and pharmacies to need to carry out 25,000- keep a distance from each Cafes and restaurants and occurred in care homes and for reporters that he accepted open, with most people only 30,000 tests per day to other. some tourist attractions will not 96% of them COVID-19 is only Ukrainian President Volo- allowed to work from home. withdraw from lockdown. Adults and children aged 12 open before June 8. Trips suspected rather than con- dymyr Zelenskiy’s offer to Prime Minister Sophie Tracing of the contacts made by or above will have to wear abroad or of more than one day firmed. Most countries do not become a deputy prime min- Wilmes told a news conference infected people would be masks on public transport. To will also not be allowed before include such deaths in their ister in charge of reforms. He after seven hours of discussions carried out by a new team of help, shops selling fabric or then. Belgium’s gradual easing figures. said that Zelenskiy specifically asked him to conduct talks with the International Mon- etary Fund. Serbia sends four planes Ukraine desperately needs IMF loans to shore up its economy amid the corona- of medical aid to Italy virus pandemic. “Ukraine is to face the REUTERS — BELGRADE “On its path to Europe, most difficult social and eco- Serbia always had help from nomic test since it won inde- Serbia sent four planes carrying Italy,” Vucic said, noting that pendence,” Saakashvili said, medical equipment including during devastating floods in describing the nation’s eco- gloves, masks and protective 2014, Italy was one of the first nomic situation as “cata- suits to Italy yesterday as a countries to send aid. strophic.” The job offer to Saa- donation to help the EU “This is our opportunity to kashvili angered the gov- member state tackle the spread say thank you.” Serbia so far ernment of Georgia led by his of coronavirus. reported 7,483 cases of people political foes. “Saakashvili’s Another four equipment- infected with the coronavirus appointment by the country laden planes will be sent in the and 144 deaths. that is our strategic partner is next two days, also donated by The Balkan country has categorically unacceptable for the Serbian government, Pres- been cultivating strong ties with us,” said Georgian Prime Min- ident Aleksandar Vucic said. China and has received help ister Giorgi Gakharia. “We will win together, be from Beijing, which sent six Gakharia noted that Saa- brave Italy, Serbia is with you,” doctors to help their Serbian kashvili has been convicted by Vucic wrote on one of the boxes colleagues during the a Georgian court and a of equipment before it was pandemic. warrant has been issued for his Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks as Serbia sends four planes to Italy from the Nikola Tesla loaded on to a plane. Vucic had at the beginning arrest, adding that Georgia will Airport with medical supplies to help the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, Last year Italy was Serbia’s of the crisis criticised the recall its ambassador from second-largest trade partner European Union for introducing in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday. Kyiv if the appointment is after Germany, statistics bureau a ban on the export of masks to made. data in January showed. Italian non-EU countries, including Vucic for praising only China for Union,” Borrell told members a picture of Chinese President In 2018, a Georgian court companies including Fiat Serbia. Recently EU officials, help. of the European Parliament in Xi Jinping thanking China for its convicted Saakashvili on employ more than 20,000 including its foreign policy chief “I have never seen bill- Brussels this week, referring to help during the coronavirus abuse of power charges that people in Serbia. Josep Borrell, have criticised boards thanking the European billboards in Belgrade featuring crisis. he and his allies described as politically motivated. Saa- kashvili was hailed for stream- Slovakia lifts lining the government and Polish vote on May 10 would be ‘coup’: Opposition fighting corruption, but his quarantine from popularity was eroded by a AFP — WARSAW date even as restrictions it has democratic and the result is political situation is stable while crackdown on protests and the Roma settlement imposed to fight the pandemic fixed in advance. We cannot politicians should look after the 2008 war with Russia that led Holding Poland’s presidential means the vote will be via take part or encourage Poles to economy, jobs and the fight to the loss of two separatist REUTERS — PRAGUE election on May 10 during coro- postal ballot. take part in this farce,” she said. against the coronavirus,” she provinces. navirus pandemic restrictions It also means traditional “This election must not go told the Gazeta Polska Codzi- Saakashvili started a new Slovak authorities have lifted would amount to a “coup d’etat” campaigning will not be pos- ahead on May 10.” Asked about ennie newspaper. political career in Ukraine in a quarantine on one of five by the ruling party, opposition sible — likely an advantage for her falling opinion poll ratings, Health Minister Lukasz Szu- 2015 when then-President Roma settlements locked candidate Malgorzata Kidawa- Duda, who is well ahead in Kidawa-Blonska said they mowski, who is also a cardiol- Petro Poroshenko appointed down in early April to prevent Blonska said yesterday. opinion polls. reflected the fact that people ogist, said Friday that delaying him governor of the Odessa the spread of coronavirus from There has been a chorus of If held on May 10, the “did not want an election now.” the poll until 2022 would be region. The two fell out a year the communities, chief public demands for the vote to be election will be “a coup d’etat Meanwhile former PiS “the only safe option.” later, and the president health officer Jan Mikas said postponed from across Polish not only against our democracy premier Beata Szydlo, who However, such a delay stripped Saakashvili, who led yesterday. society — including even the but also against the life and heads Duda’s campaign, said would require a change to the anti-government protests, of Slovakia closed off the set- governing Law and Justice (PiS) health of Poles,” Kidawa- she believed the vote should go constitution — which the oppo- the Ukrainian citizenship. tlements on April 9 after party’s own health minister. Blonska told the Fakt news- ahead on May 10 “because sition rules out, calling instead Zelenskiy, who unseated reports of a cluster of corona- However PiS, which backs paper in a video posted Poland needs it.” for a state of emergency, in turn Poroshenko in last year’s election, virus cases in them, high- President Andrzej Duda for re- Saturday. Poles “must feel in these dif- rejected by the ruling quickly restored Ukrainian citi- lighting difficulties faced by election, refuses to change the “This election will not be ficult times that the conservatives. zenship for Saakashvili. Europe’s largest ethnic minority during the pandemic. “Sixteen days ago, we were Hundreds protest forced to impose quarantine on five Roma settlements. Today, the first, at Bystrany, against lockdown at we can open and lift the quar- antine here,” Mikas said during a televised press conference Polish-German border just outside the settlement. Roma communities across REUTERS — ZGORZELEC, POLAND Protests were staged eastern Europe are impover- also in other Polish ished, plagued by high unem- Hundreds of people who live ployment and historically the in Poland and work in Germany towns located on the target of discrimination, and protested on Friday evening in German and Czech the coronavirus outbreak has the southwestern Polish border many feeling more town of Zgorzelec against a borders. vulnerable. mandatory coronavirus quar- Prime Minister Igor antine for those who cross the Matovic praised the settle- border. them also chanted the Polish ment’s residents for their Poland was one of the first national anthem and others discipline. European Union states to close hummed the EU anthem, the “Today, an ordinary Roma borders due to the outbreak of Ode to Joy. People take part in “Subbotnik”, a day of volunteer community work, as the spread of the coronavirus settlement of Bystrany the new coronavirus. It also Renata Burdosz, from disease (COVID-19) continues, in Minsk, Belarus, yesterday. becomes an example for the imposed a mandatory two- Zgorzelec town hall, cited data whole of Slovakia. The people week lockdown for those who showing that around 20,000 here were responsible,” enter its territory - a major jolt Poles work in the German Matovic said. Belarus holds civic labour day as virus spreads for those who live their lives in region of Saxony, 10,500 of Many of those infected had between two EU states. whom cross the Polish-German returned to the five commu- AP — MINSK, BELARUS in power, including the day of were given the option of for- The protest was staged on border on a daily basis. Around nities from the British city of civic labor — known as a “sub- feiting some of their wages, a a foot bridge connecting 3,000 Poles work in Gorlitz Sheffield, public health officers Hundreds of thousands of state botnik” from the Russian word loss of about $3 for a doctor. Zgorzelec and the German alone, she said. said. employees in Belarus, including for Saturday. Nurse Nina Yegorova chose town of Gorlitz, which func- Protests were staged also Slovakia has reported 1,373 doctors and nurses, took part “Subbotnik is the good that to work. “No one protests, tioned as one town before the in other Polish towns located cases of the coronavirus and in a government-decreed we took from the Soviet period, although everyone understands borders were closed. on the German and Czech 17 deaths as of Saturday. national day of civic labour that’s the whole ideology,” the absurdity of this situation,” “I’ve been trapped at home borders. “Let’s remember that The country started lifting yesterday despite worries about Lukashenko said as he helped Yegorova said while she and for six weeks, can’t cross the jobs will not wait forever for some of its anti-coronavirus the country’s sharply rising plant trees in southern Belarus. her colleagues painted border, go to work. I can’t go the return of Polish workers. measures earlier this week, coronavirus infections. The Belarusian government buildings at a hospital near back to my students,” said Will these people... receive help easing some of the strictest The work, including has not imposed social-dis- Minsk, Belarus’ capital. Mirella Binkiewicz, a teacher and support from the state?” lockdown restrictions in painting, tree-planting and tancing requirements or “After mass prayers in the living in Zgorzelec and working local authorities from the Europe. But Matovic warned general clean-ups, was ordered restricted public activities in churches on Easter, we got an in Gorlitz. Around 300 people south-western Poland said in that the epidemic was not over by President Alexander response to the coronavirus outbreak of the virus. Now gathered at the Polish side and an open letter to Prime Minister yet.“I would like (all) people to Lukashenko, who has dis- pandemic. Of the hundreds of there will be another wave, some 100 at the German, some Mateusz Morawiecki. remain as vigilant as here in missed concerns about the virus people working along with the although there are already not wearing face masks. The two Morawiecki said earlier this Bystrany,” he said. even though Belarus has president, none were seen enough beds in the hospital,” groups were separated by a month that borders would The Slovak authorities have recorded more cases than wearing masks. she said. provisional metal fence that remain closed until at least May previously said the closing off neighbouring Ukraine, a county The subbotnik order called Belarus reported 817 new has been erected in the middle 3. “This is a difficult issue. I of several Roma settlements in with four times as many people. for participation by all state virus cases yesterday, the coun- of the bridge to prevent people understand the difficulties of the the east of the country was Lukashenko, a former col- employees — state enterprises try’s highest single-day from crossing the border. citizens, and the government designed to protect residents lective farm manager, has and services account for about increase. It has reported a total “Let us work, let us home,” will discuss this next week,” a inside these areas as well as retained many Soviet-era prac- 55% of Belarus’s workforce — of 9,590 confirmed infections said one banner carried by the government spokesman told people outside them. tices during his quarter-century although doctors and nurses and 67 deaths. protesters in Poland. Some of private radio Zet yesterday. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 Prison riot in Argentina over virus ends with talks promise

AFP — BUENOS AIRES The unrest at the jail in the capital Buenos Aires A prison riot in Argentina over lasted nine hours and came after a warden fears of the coronavirus tested positive for COVID-19. Argentina has spreading in the facility ended on Friday after inmates agreed recorded more than 3,400 coronavirus cases to hold talks with officials, local and 167 deaths. media reported. The unrest at the jail in the capital Buenos Aires lasted nine reported any injuries. The inmates are also hours and came after a warden The violence ended after demanding that releases that tested positive for COVID-19, representatives of the inmates were pending before the virus the deadly disease caused by agreed to meet with authorities outbreak be processed. the virus. on Saturday to discuss their “We refuse to die in prison,” Prisoners climbed onto a concerns, local media reported, read a banner painted by roof, burned mattresses and citing sources at the Justice detainees and unfurled on the threw objects at guards trying Ministry. roof of the jail. to quell the uprising, journalists Inmates are demanding Another banner said: at the scene said. those considered among the “COVID-19 in Devoto, genocidal Inmates from Villa Devoto prison take part in a riot demanding measures to prevent the spread of Police surrounded the Villa most at-risk from COVID-19 are judges.” the coronavirus after a case was confirmed inside the prison, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday. Devoto prison, which holds held at home, better protections Several other riots broke out around 2,200 inmates, as explo- in the jail from the pandemic, in prisons last week, including sions were heard. as well as the pardoning of in Florencio Varela in Buenos inmate died and 20 were lockdown since March 20 and coronavirus cases and 167 Authorities have not some sentences. Aires province where one injured. Argentina has been in has recorded more than 3,400 deaths. Venezuela announces price controls as food shortages worsen Mexico receives second group of BLOOMBERG — CARACAS largest privately held company, and respected.” Empresas Venezuelan laws,” Mendoza an unofficial dollarization had headed by Chief Executive Polar rejected the measures as said in the statement. put some life back into the Cuban doctors Venezuela’s government has Officer Lorenzo Mendoza. “arbitrary,” adding that they Despite a six-week economy. set new price controls for more Ham-maker Plumrose Lati- will hurt its ability to supply lockdown ordered by the gov- The government’s latest for virus help than two dozen products and noamerica will also be food across the country, ernment, more than 500 pro- moves are a reminder of the announced the takeover of a supervised. according to a statement. tests have been registered version of socialism that led to AP — MEXICO CITY cooking oil producer as food “These companies were “Despite the economic sit- nationwide this month, in some a toxic mix of expropriations, shortages in the countryside becoming speculative ref- uation we face, plus the cases resulting in looting and subsidies and currency control. Another group of Cuban lead to protests and rioting. erence markers that were problems of supply of fuel and violence, as food and fuel Price controls, first estab- doctors has arrived in Mexico Vice-President Delcy Rod- affecting the people,” Rod- electricity, among others, we become scarce. lished by then-President Hugo to help with the coronavirus riguez said the government riguez said in a televised news continue to produce and dis- While Venezuela’s Chavez in the early 2000s to outbreak, the second such would also assume supervision conference on Friday. tribute quality food at prices economy is heading for its contain inflation, led to devas- delegation the country has of Empresas Polar, the national “We must ensure that adjusted to economic reality seventh year of contraction, a tating shortages of the basic welcomed. food giant and Venezuela’s agreed prices are maintained and in compliance with recent easing of controls and goods being sold at a loss. Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell said on Friday that the Cuban doctors Colombian Woman declared dead of COVID-19 wakes up after mix-up who arrived a day earlier were invited by Mexico City author- AFP — QUITO ities to bolster health care doctor evicted A week later, her family funeral home and cremated. news outlets that hospital offi- amid rising COVID-19 case was shown a corpse in the hos- Maruri regained con- cials visited her Friday and told numbers. He said the federal as neighbours An Ecuadoran woman who pital morgue, but for fear of sciousness on Thursday and her that her sister was well and government approved of the was pronounced dead of coronavirus contagion did not told doctors who she was and about to be released. city’s decision. fear COVID-19 COVID-19 suddenly woke up get close to it. The body was on had them call her sister Aura. “It is a miracle. For nearly The group reportedly in the hospital, to the delight its side, with the back showing, “The doctors went to my a month we thought she was included about 140 Cuban REUTERS — BOGOTA and relief of relatives who had not the face. aunt’s house to corroborate dead. Imagine. doctors. The first group arrived identified someone else’s body Maruri’s nephew Jaime and inform them of the “And I have someone else’s in early April. At that time, A doctor in the Colombian city as hers and had it cremated. Morla said he thought it was mistake,” said another nephew, ashes,” said Aura. federal authorities said the of Cali said this week that he Alba Maruri, 74, was hos- his aunt and told hospital offi- Juan Carlos Ramirez. Authorities in the port city Cubans would not be involved was forced from his apartment pitalized in March in cials it was. “They still do not know of Guayaquil have recorded in direct patient care, and just eight days after he moved Guayaquil, the Ecuadoran city “I was afraid to see her whose ashes they have in their more than 22,000 cases of López-Gatell said the new in because other residents of hardest hit by the pandemic, face,” he told AFP. house,” he added. coronavirus, including 576 group would act as advisers. the building feared he would with fever and trouble “I was a meter and a half The family plans to sue the deaths. He said some of the Cuban bring the new coronavirus into breathing. away. She had the same hair, hospital to recover the cre- The government says there doctors were experts in public their homes. She lost consciousness for the same skin tone. She even mation fee they paid and for are an additional 1,060 health and intensive care. It is the latest example of three weeks and was declared had a wound like one my aunt the distress caused by the probable COVID-19 deaths. López-Gatell said Mexico hostility to medical workers in dead on March 27, relatives had recently,” Morla said. mix-up. Ecuador is Latin America’s has a shortfall of about 200,000 Latin America, who have faced said. That body was taken to a The sister told Ecuadoran hardest hit country after Brazil. health care professionals. discrimination and even attacks amidst concerns they could be spreading the virus. Cristhian Botache, 22, said Coronavirus cases rise in he moved out of his family home at the start of the South American countries COVID-19 outbreak in order to protect his older relatives, ANATOLIA — ANKARA/BUENOS to 3,670 with 357 additional who are more at risk of falling AIRES fatalities in the past 24 hours, seriously ill. according to the Brazilian However, his new A number of South American Health Ministry. neighbors protested against his nations reported an increase in The number of cases arrival and demanded the infections from the novel coro- increased to 52,995 with 3,503 building’s owner evict him. navirus, according to officials more, the ministry added. “The owner told me that on Friday. Brazil, with a population of people were really scared, that COVID-19 cases more than 210 million, is one of the worst- they said they would leave if I doubled in Ecuador in the last hit nations in Latin America. didn’t,” Botache told Reuters 24 hours with an additional Ten more fatalities were in a video interview. The 11,536, increasing the tally to reported in the last 24-hour in owner had asked him to leave, 22,719, according to health Colombia, bringing the death he added. chief Juan Carlos Zevallos, who toll to 225. The owner and neighbors attributed the spike to late test The number of cases stand could not immediately be results. at 4,881 with 320 additional reached for comment. A total of 576 people died cases while 1,003 patients have Colombia has reported from the virus in the nation of recovered. more than 4,500 cases of 16 million people. In Cuba, six deaths brought COVID-19 and over 210 The death toll in Peru the death toll there to 49. deaths. More than 300 medical reached 634, according to The number of cases workers have been infected, Books for those in quarantine health officials, who said 7,496 increased by 50 to 1,285, while leading to the deaths of at least patients have recovered. 416 recovered. A man looks at books at Diomedes bookshop in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Thursday. A group of four, according to figures by The first case in Peru was After originating in China volunteers cook meals for people economically affected by the new coronavirus quarantine and Colombia’s National Health reported on March 6 and the last December, COVID-19 has Institute. donate books, at the Diomedes bookshop in Montevideo that has been adapted into a soup kitchen first death confirmed March 20. spread to at least 185 countries Other cases of hostility to twice a week since the beginning of the pandemic to help people in need. In Brazil, the death toll rose and regions. medical workers include an anesthetist in Bogota who told Reuters he had been pro- hibited from using communal In already poor Honduras, coronavirus pushes some into homelessness areas where he lived, and reports by local media of REUTERS — TEGUCIGALPA ground with her 2-year-old Roughly 40% of the population was already those subsisting on $1 or less a graffiti on the wall of one doc- daughter in her arms. day, according to data from the tor’s apartment that Poor Hondurans who were “But sometimes we can’t get living in extreme poverty, with half of those national statistics institute. threatened to kill his family if barely eking out a living selling nearly enough to buy milk or subsisting on $1 or less a day, according to The ranks of the poor are he didn’t vacate the property. basics on the capital’s gritty diapers.” expected to swell, with the For frontline medical staff streets prior to the coronavirus Maradiaga is one of what data from the national statistics institute. economy forecast to contract battling the virus, such open outbreak are now sleeping on locals say are at least three by about 3% this year, aggression by their neighbors those same streets as they can dozen informal economy according to the United Nations can be devastating. no longer afford their rent. workers in Tegucigalpa who Reuters spoke to several million people had received the Economic Commission for “I lost control and started Perla Maradiaga, a 35-year- can no longer afford the apart- homeless people who said they packages. Latin America. crying,” Botache said. The old mother of two, had been ments they had previously been had previously lived in tene- But the newly homeless “We’re all here because we doctor has since moved into selling water from a street renting, and are now forced to ments in the historic center of who Reuters spoke said that don’t have anywhere else to go,” another apartment. stand, but now begs for dona- spend the night on the streets, Tegucigalpa or in neighbor- without their own place, they said Jose Cruz, a 27-year-old, “I felt enormously disap- tions after her sales collapsed with no means of protecting hoods on the city outskirts. had received nothing. who now camps out along with pointed not just in my since the government last themselves from infection. Since March 25, the gov- Honduras has reported his mother. neighbors but in seeing how month ordered offices and She is especially worried ernment has been delivering nearly 600 confirmed corona- “Kids, old people, women humanity behaves in the face schools closed in an effort to that her kids will suddenly fall care packages of basic food- virus cases to date, as well sleep here where it’s dan- of fear and the unknown, as contain the pandemic. ill and will not be able to access stuffs door-to-door, which around 50 deaths. gerous,” he said. “I’m asking the well as the ignorance that “This way you can get some proper care. “If they get sick, are include items like beans, rice, Roughly 40% of the popu- president to listen because the characterizes many people,” food so your stomach isn’t we going to just wait until they hand sanitizer, and face masks. lation was already living in people on the streets are not he said. empty,” she said, sitting on the die?” They estimate that some 3.2 extreme poverty, with half of animals.” SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020 AMERICAS 15 Some US states move to reopen as death toll rises REUTERS — ATLANTA President Trump has opening up these businesses,” Collins told Fox News. He cited With the US coronavirus death given mixed signals the guidelines calling for states toll topping 51,000 and nearly about when and how to register a two-week decline one in six workers out of a job, in coronavirus cases before Georgia, Oklahoma and several the country should easing restrictions, and said other states took tentative steps begin to get back to parts of Georgia were still strug- at reopening businesses on work. gling to treat patients. Friday, despite disapproval New York Governor Andrew from President Donald Trump Cuomo, whose state has been and medical experts. The US death toll from the worst hit by the virus, said Fitness clubs, hair salons COVID-19, the highest in the reopening the economy prema- and some other workplaces world, surpassed 51,000 on turely in any US state was a were allowed to open their Friday, having doubled in 10 danger to others. doors by Georgia Governor days, according to a Reuters According to a University of Brian Kemp, disregarding tally, and the number of Amer- Washington research model warnings from public health icans known to be infected sur- often cited by the White House, officials that easing restrictions passed 900,000. coronavirus hospitalizations in too soon could lead to more Georgia was not alone in Georgia should peak next week. infections and deaths. reopening. Oklahoma, with far fewer Georgia, one of several Oklahoma was permitting cases and deaths than Georgia, states in the Deep South that some retailers to resume began opening hair and nail waited until early April to business on Friday, Florida salons and other personal care mandate restrictions imposed began reopening its beaches a businesses on Friday. The Uni- weeks before across much of week ago, South Carolina versity of Washington model the rest of the country to curb started easing restrictions on predicts Oklahoma already hit People holding signs during a protest against the coronavirus shutdown in front of State Capitol in the outbreak, has become a Monday, and other states will its hospitalizations peak on Madison, Wisconsin, US, on Friday. flashpoint in the debate over follow suit next week. Tuesday and could safely loosen how and when the nation Trump, who had staked his restrictions in June. should return to work. November re-election on the by health experts, he called for prospects for COVID-19 treat- inject disinfectant. On Friday, Tennessee reopened most While the COVID-19 illness nation’s booming economy several Democratic governors ments, suggesting scientists Trump said his remarks were of its 56 state parks on Friday. is killing thousands of Amer- before the pandemic, has given to “liberate” their states from should investigate whether meant as sarcasm. Texas on Friday began a icans daily, stay-at-home mixed signals about when and economic restrictions. But in a patients might be cured by US Representative Doug “retail-to-go” phase of its reo- orders and business closures how the country should begin reversal this week, he publicly ingesting disinfectants or being Collins, a Georgia Republican, pening, allowing retail shops to have thrown more than 26 to get back to work. criticized fellow Republican bathed in ultraviolet light. said restarting commerce on either deliver products to million people out of work, a Last Friday, a day after the Kemp’s moves to reopen The comments prompted Friday was sending mixed homes or letting customers wait level of unemployment not seen White House issued federal Georgia. doctors, health experts and messages. in cars in parking lots for pur- since the Great Depression of guidelines urging a gradual, Late on Thursday, Trump manufacturers of bleach to “Everyone’s supposed to be chases to be handed them by the 1930s. cautious approach advocated sparked fresh confusion over warn the public not to drink or staying home, but yet we’re store workers. Trump and Putin issue rare joint Supreme Court refuses to block statement promoting cooperation Trump's policy REUTERS — WASHINGTON campaigns. The Wall Street of a greater cause.” The Journal on immigration Journal reported that the said the last joint statement US President Donald Trump and decision to issue the statement marking the Elbe River bridge REUTERS — WASHINGTON his Russian counterpart sparked debate within the link-up was issued in 2010, Vladimir Putin issued a rare Trump administration, with when the Obama adminis- The US Supreme Court on joint statement yesterday some officials worried it could tration was seeking improved Friday rejected a long-shot commemorating a 1945 World undercut stern US messages to relations with Moscow. bid by New York and two War Two link-up of US and Moscow. Trump had hoped to travel other states to suspend Soviet troops on their way to The joint statement marked to Moscow to mark the anni- during the coronavirus defeat Nazi Germany as an the anniversary of the April 25, versary. He has been compli- pandemic a Trump adminis- example of how their countries 1945 meeting on a bridge over mentary of Putin, promoted tration immigration policy can cooperate. the Elbe River in Germany of cooperation with Moscow, and that denies legal permanent The statement by Trump Soviet soldiers advancing from said he believed the Russian residency to certain immi- A file photo of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (left) shaking hands and Putin comes amid deep the east and American troops leader’s denials of Russian grants deemed likely to with US President Donald Trump. strains in US-Russian ties over moving from the West. interference in the 2016 US require government a raft of issues, from arms “This event heralded the presidential election. assistance in the future. control and Russia’s inter- decisive defeat of the Nazi Senior administration offi- since the end of the Cold War. Russia pursued an influence The court turned away vention in Ukraine and Syria to regime,” the statement said. cials and lawmakers, in con- The Republican-led Senate campaign of misinformation New York’s request, which US charges that Russia has “The ‘Spirit of the Elbe’ is an trast, have been fiercely critical Intelligence Committee on and cyber hacking aimed at was joined by the states of spread disinformation about the example of how our countries of Russia, with relations Tuesday issued a bipartisan swinging the vote to Trump Connecticut and Vermont as novel coronavirus pandemic can put aside differences, build between the nuclear-armed report concurring with a 2017 over his Democratic rival, well as New York City, with and interfered in US election trust, and cooperate in pursuit nations at their lowest point US intelligence assessment that Hillary Clinton. none of the nine justices pub- licly dissenting. The states argued that the One million regulation is hindering efforts FDA warns of heart risks with Trump-promoted malaria drug to combat the spread of the masks in Canada coronavirus “by deterring AP — WASHINGTON doctors at a New York hospital aren’t enrolled in ongoing it has received of side effects or immigrants from accessing not useable: Govt published a report that heart research. The FDA said the deaths. healthcare and public benefits The US Food and Drug Admin- rhythm abnormalities drugs’ risks are manageable Calls to US poison control that are essential tools for pro- AFP — MONTREAL istration on Friday warned developed in most of 84 coro- when patients are carefully centers about the malaria drugs tecting the public.” doctors against prescribing a navirus patients treated with screened and monitored by increased last month to 79, The immigration rule has The Canadian government malaria drug touted by Pres- hydroxychloroquine and the doctors. A number of studies are compared to 52 in March 2019, been criticized by immigrant said on Friday that one million ident Donald Trump for treating antibiotic azithromycin, a testing hydroxychloroquine as according to Dr. Christopher rights advocates as a “wealth KN95 masks imported from the new coronavirus except in combo Trump has promoted. a treatment or for prevention Hoyte of the Rocky Mountain test” that would dispropor- China did not meet its strict hospitals and research studies. Both drugs are known to of COVID-19. Poison Center in Denver, tionately keep out non-white standards and so could not be In an alert, regulators sometimes alter the heartbeat Regulators said they are Colorado. The problems immigrants. It is part of Pres- distributed to frontline health flagged reports of sometimes in dangerous ways, and their now investigating dangerous reported include abnormal ident Donald Trump’s hardline workers amid the coronavirus fatal heart side effects among safety or ability to help people side effects and deaths reported heart rhythms, seizures, nausea immigration policies. pandemic. coronavirus patients taking with COVID-19 is unknown. A with the malaria drugs to and vomiting, Hoyte said. The court in a brief order The Public Health Agency hydroxychloroquine or the National Institutes of Health poison control centers and Trump has repeatedly said nothing prevents the of Canada “has identified related drug chloroquine. The experts panel earlier this week other health authorities. touted hydroxychloroquine states from asking a federal approximately one million decades-old drugs, also pre- recommended against taking “It is important that health during his regular coronavirus district court judge to block the KN95 masks as non-compliant scribed for lupus and rheu- that drug combo except in a care providers are aware of the briefings, suggesting its skeptics regulation based on the with specifications for matoid arthritis, can cause a formal study because of the side risks of serious and potentially would be proven wrong. He has changing circumstances. healthcare settings,” a number of side effects, effects potential. life-threatening heart rhythm offered patient testimonials that The justices also rejected spokesman said. including heart rhythm Last month, the FDA problems that can occur with the drug is a lifesaver. a similar request made by “These items were not dis- problems, severely low blood authorized limited use of the these drugs,” the FDA said in a But a number of early coro- Cook County, Illinois, in a sep- tributed to provinces and ter- pressure and muscle or nerve malaria drugs for hospitalized statement. The agency did not navirus studies have suggested arate case concerning only ritories for frontline health damage. The warning comes as patients with COVID-19 who specify the number of reports problems or no benefit. that state. care response, and are being subsequently assessed for use in non-healthcare settings,” he said. New N America trade deal Chinese model KN95 masks are similar to N95 to take effect on July 1: US masks, as well as the FFP2 model used in Europe. AFP — WASHINGTON revamped. Trump had long tar- “Much of the world’s geted NAFTA, which he said supply is manufactured in The new free trade deal had resulted in sending US jobs China and moving materials between the United States, abroad. out of that country is highly Mexico and Canada will enter At the end of marathon complex,” said Public Services into force on July 1, the office talks, the three parties signed and Procurement Minister of the US trade representative the initial version of the deal in Anita Anand. said on Friday. November 2018. The relationship between The pact — which replaces Democrats in Congress, Ottawa and Beijing has been the 1994 North American Free who hold the majority in the on the rocks ever since the Trade Agreement (NAFTA) — House of Representatives, arrest of Meng Wanzhou, an binds nearly half a billion con- demanded a few executive at Chinese telecoms sumers in a single market. amendments. giant Huawei, in December The entry into force of the Mexico ratified it in 2018 in Vancouver. agreement “marks the December 2019, Trump signed Millions of other respi- beginning of a historic new it into law in January, and Can- rators and N95 masks are cur- chapter for North American ada’s parliament adopted it in rently being scrutinized by the trade,” the USTR said. March. The USMCA changes agency, Anand said. Mean- The United States-Mexico- rules on auto manufacturing to while domestic production of Canada Agreement (USMCA) — boost US jobs and requires masks and other medical sup- as Washington calls it — came higher salaries for some plies “is ramping up,” with Protest against COVID-19 restrictions into being when President Mexican auto workers. It also contracts signed with three Donald Trump forced Canada makes changes to e-commerce, Protesters demand the removal of the provincial coronavirus disease restrictions outside the Ontario more Canadian companies this and Mexico to the negotiating intellectual property protec- legislature in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. week to produce 16 million table, threatening to scrap tions and dispute settlement for “medical face shields.” NAFTA outright unless it was investors. 16 MORNING BREAK SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR03.41 am SUNRISE 05.02 am o o Hot daytime and slight dust to blowing dust at places at 27 C 40 C times with a chance of light rain at places by everning ZUHR 11.32 am ASR 03.01 pm maybe thundery at times. Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 05:15– 19:13 LOW TIDE 1:32 – 13:04 MAGHRIB 06.05 pm ISHA 07.35 pm W ALRUWAIS: 27o↗41o W ALKHOR: 26o↗38o W DUKHAN: 26o↗42o W WAKRAH: 27o↗32o W MESAIEED 27o↗39o W ABUSAMRA 25o↗45o

Why has Spain been hit so hard by virus pandemic?

AFP — BARCELONA Polytechnic University of Cata- European Union country, lonia estimated that more than according to EU statistics In Spain, one of the hardest-hit two million of Spain’s 47 million agency Eurostat. countries in the pandemic, the people are infected. “Our cities are built verti- coronavirus spread quickly and The virus “circulated under cally, there is a lot of density widely without being detected, the radar a lot” before the gov- and this can also facilitate the especially among the elderly, ernment ordered a near total transmission of the epidemic,” experts said. nationwide lockdown on March Rodriguez said. While they stressed it was 14, said the head of epidemi- While Spaniards have a long too early to carry out a detailed ology at Barcelona’s Hospital average lifespan and the analysis, the experts pointed to Clinic, Antoni Trilla. country has a high number of the country’s sociable lifestyle Unusually warm weather seniors who are more vul- and close ties between young helped spread the virus. nerable to the virus, its share of and older family members as “The weather was fantastic the population over 65 is lower significant factors in the virus’s during the last weeks of Feb- than other nations that have spread. ruary and the first week of suffered fewer COVID-19 While Spain has the world’s March and people were out on deaths, such as Germany. highest coronavirus death toll the streets, very close to one But older people in Spain per capita after Belgium, its another,” said Rodriguez. have more contact with younger People mark traditional April Fair from their adorned balconies on Friday due to a national lockdown mortality rate — the percentage This sped up the spread of family members who can pass to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease in Seville. of infected patients who die — the virus and “in very little time on the virus to them, Ildefonso stands at 10.4 percent, below there was community trans- Hernandez said. Families also frequently are “very old, very fragile,” said European average, which other hard-hit nations like Italy, mission,” he added. “Older people in northern visit relatives who live in Trilla. forced them to improvise during France and Britain. Lifestyle could also have Europe are more secluded and nursing homes, which became “They are not healthcare the pandemic. “The problem here is the played a role in a country where there is more family distance,” tragic focal points of the pan- establishments and were not Like banks with little sol- size of the epidemic, the great people spend a lot of time he said. demic in Spain, Hernandez said. prepared for this. That caused vency “they did not pass the quantity of infections which we outside in groups eating out, In Spain, families “are much The health ministry does not a fire of colossal proportions.” stress test,” said Guillem Lopez- had at the epidemic peak,” said having party, attending proces- tighter, the interaction between provide figures for the number Spain’s public healthcare Casasnovas, an economist and Fernando Rodriguez, a public sions, protesting or just going youths and seniors is very high,” of deaths from COVID-19 at system is ranked in the top 10 expert on healthcare systems at health professor at Madrid’s for a walk. he added. nursing homes. in the world by the World Barcelona’s Pompeu Fabra Uni- Autonomous University. In Spain, as in Italy, “people It is common for several But the governments of the Health Organization (WHO), versity who has worked as an Only the United States has hug and touch each other a lot,” generations to live under the two hardest-hit regions, Madrid but it has suffered deep adviser to the WHO. more confirmed COVID-19 said Ildefonso Hernandez, a same roof in Spain. The average and Catalonia, reported a com- spending cuts since the global “When you live day to day, cases than Spain, although professor of public health at the age a young adult moves out of bined total of around 8,000 financial crisis more than a you get the most out of what national variations depend Miguel Hernandez University the home in Spain is 29.5, com- confirmed and suspected deaths decade ago. you have, but you don’t have greatly on the number of tests in Alicante. pared to 18.5 in Sweden and 21.1 from the disease at retirement While it has a strong enough muscle to respond to a that are carried out. In addition, Spain has the in Denmark, according to homes. primary care network, hospitals major stressor like now,” he A study carried out by the most people living in flats of any Eurostat. Residents of nursing homes have fewer beds than the added. Kanye West officially Safer to eat in restaurants than at home: French chef

AFP — PARIS spread the of the France is the most visited now a billionaire: Forbes virus and to country in the world, with some French superstar chef Alain enforce social one million people employed AFP — WASHINGTON Ducasse (pictured) insists that distancing. in its hospitality sector. it is safer to eat in restaurants However, Cafes and restaurants are at Rapper Kanye West is now a billionaire thanks largely to the than at home during the coro- thousands of the heart of French culture and basketball shoes bearing his name that he developed with Adidas, navirus epidemic. takeaways in identity, but have been shut- Forbes magazine said yesterday. With restaurants shuttered France and else- tered since the country went The rough figure of the wealth of Kim Kardashian’s hubby is by lockdowns across the world, where have into lockdown nearly six weeks $1.3bn, the magazine said in announcing the musician is now on Ducasse claimed that it was far remained open, ago. its list of people worth at least $1bn. riskier to shop and cook at with several top As well as a partial reo- The 42-year-old, Chicago-born rapper’s Yeezy footwear often home. French chefs pening, the hospitality industry sells for more than $200 a pair in the United States and “It’s better to eat in a res- including Ducasse are demanding tax and rent elsewhere. taurant that takes all the pre- providing haute breaks to help the hard-pressed West was associated with Nike for years but broke away in cautions than at home where cuisine to go. sector. 2013, lending his name to Adidas as they launched their first shoe you have to go to your little Ducasse made The French government together in 2015. local supermarket where the safety com- instead promised to extend an Forbes said that for years West has been pressing the mag- people are bumping into each ments after aid scheme to establishments azine to be listed as one of its mega-rich but that it declined, for other, touching the fruit and not making the case for a “gradual if the death toll from the virus that employed up to 20 people. lack of proof. everybody is wearing masks,” and responsible” reopening of continues to fall. “We are going in the right The magazine said tongue in cheek that for years it had applied he said. restaurants in France to Pres- The chef represented the direction,” French top chef, what it called the Trump rule to West: “take whatever the future Ducasse, whose restaurants ident Emmanuel Macron on country’s hard-hit hospitality Ducasse added. president insisted he was worth, divide by three, and start honing have 17 Michelin stars — the Friday. sector in a video meeting with He described the lockdown from there.” most of any chef in the world Ducasse said that Macron the French leader. as “catastrophic” for the sector, Much of the rest of West’s wealth comes from real estate he — claimed it made more san- had taken his arguments on The French government which is dominated by small owns, the magazine said. itary sense to eat out. board, adding that cafes and said that it would decide when family businesses, and said “this West is the second American rapper to make the Forbes list Restaurants were closed on restaurants could start reo- cafes, restaurants and hotels can only last for a few more after Jay-Z, who made the cut last year. scientific advice to halt the pening “between June 2 and 20” could open at the end of May. weeks”. Children’s drawings from lockdown show the world what they miss most

REUTERS — TOKYO with her knees up to her chin, wearing a face mask. At the top, Children confined to their a group of female figures in homes under lockdown are swirling skirts dance together, drawing what they miss most enjoying themselves. - friends at school, grand- “Before the lockdown, I parents, football and green used to draw fun and creative open spaces. Regardless of stuff. But after the lockdown ... where they are, the themes are I started to draw the things I often the same. missed the most ... I draw my From Tokyo to Buenos emotions. It has made me feel Aires, and New York to Kath- very lonely because I’m the only mandu, youngsters have taken child,” she added. to their balconies or front lawns Some youngsters have to display and explain the tackled the coronavirus itself. drawings they have made to Nipoon Kitkrailard, 10, who Reuters photographers. Eight- lives in Thailand’s Samut year-old Reku Matsui in Tokyo Prakan province, has drawn the has drawn himself between his virus as a monster coming to grandparents, all three of them Jemima Christa-Faelist Tanamal, 6, holding a picture that she drew during the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Bekasi, Indonesia, invade the world, but medical smiling together. recently. RIGHT: Ivan Posta, 8; Vince Posta, 11; and Vilma Posta, pose for a photograph while holding pictures that they drew during the workers and items including “I miss being with my COVID-19 outbreak, while standing on the balcony at their home in Budapest, Hungary. hand gel and face masks hold it grandmother and my grand- back. father. Also, I want to go to my In China, where the out- grandmother’s house,” he said. I miss them so much.” and bushes everywhere,” said Flowers, woods and green me feel pretty trapped because break of the new coronavirus His older sister Yaya, 12, has Besides longed-for grand- Vince. spaces also feature I live in New York City so it is began, and where the lockdown drawn a picture of herself and parents, children are also Thousands of miles away in prominently. hard to social distance when has been lifted first, 11-year-old a friend. “What I want to do the depicting the sports they miss. the Nigerian city of Lagos, Jane Hassebroek, who lives there are so many people Li Congchen in Beijing has most right now is hang out with Ivan Posta, 8, and brother 11-year-old Olatunji Adebayo in Brooklyn, New York, said: “I around,” the 13-year-old made an intricate series of my friends.” Vince, 11, who live in the Hun- has also drawn a huge soccer chose to draw my local park added. drawings showing the virus In the German town of Bad garian capital Budapest, have ball. because it’s a place me and my Sandithi Illeperuma is 14 arriving on a “bat aircraft”, Honnef, near Bonn, 6-year-old drawn huge soccer balls. “I miss playing football with friends can hang out with each and lives in Sri Lanka’s capital people willing to give their lives Tom explains: “I have painted “I drew a soccer ball, my friends before the lockdown other away from school and Colombo. to stand up to it, and in the end a picture of the house of because we can’t play football ... I feel sad about the home and just have fun.” In her picture, a girl sits human beings defeating it with grandma and grandpa, because in the garden as there are trees lockdown,” he said. “This lockdown has made alone in the bottom right corner “vaccine guns.”