www.thepeninsula.qa Monday 6 April 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8219 13 Sha'aban - 1441 2 Riyals

SPORT | 01 PENMAG | 05 BUSINESS | 12

FIFA to Classifieds AM Best tackle and Services revises pay-cut section QIIG’s outlook complaints included to ‘positive’

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Qatar to use QDB launches National Guarantee robots to monitor public gathering violations

Program to support private sector THE PENINSULA — DOHA QNA — DOHA The program's mechanism of work includes providing a 100 The Ministry of Interior has In implementation of the direc- percent coverage guarantee by started using a robot to raise tives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Companies can submit Beneficiary businesses QDB to the commercial and awareness of the importance bin Hamad Al Thani, to support requests exclusively to pay the banks within Islamic banks granting the of social distancing among the and provide financial and through commercial and a maximum of three financing without any fees or community. economic incentives amounting Islamic banks operating years. commissions being charged to The Ministry tweeted that to QR75bn to the private sector, in the country the guarantee granted, whether the “Al-Asas” security robot and directives of Prime Minister Program by the commercial or Islamic will be used “to educate the and Minister of Interior, H E Program aims launched in banks or the beneficiary com- community on the importance Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin to support cooperation with panies for the grace period, pro- of preventing gatherings to Abdulaziz Al Thani, to allocate salaries and the Ministry of vided that the financing is paid limit the spread of the QR3bn guarantees for local rents of Finance, Qatar by the beneficiary company to coronavirus". banks, Qatar Development companies in Central Bank, and the commercial and Islamic The robot will also monitor Bank (QDB) has launched the the private all banks in the donor banks within a maximum violators of the decision to National Guarantee Program to sector. country. of three years, including a one- prevent gatherings during provide guarantees for local year grace period. patrols as it is equipped with banks to grant loans to affected Companies that Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al 6 fixed cameras. companies, in cooperation with QDB will provide National Guarantee wish to benefit Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer The Ministry had earlier the Ministry of Finance and QCB a 100 percent Program is part of the from the of QDB said the launch of the used drones with loudspeakers coverage guar- and all banks operating in the QR75bn incentives package program are National Guarantee Program to to broadcast awareness mes- country, in response to the antee to the required to be respond to the consequences of sages in various parts of the banks granting implications of the spread of the for the private sector. fully owned by COVID-19 in cooperation with country. the financing. coronavirus (COVID-19). the private the Ministry of Finance and the The National Guarantee sector. Qatar Central Bank and all com- Program aims to support sal- mercial and Islamic banks in Govt Contact aries and rents of companies Qatar, is a continuation of the in the private sector. QDB will benefit from the program are mechanism to benefit from the in which their accounts are reg- efforts of the State to provide Center receives manage and issue the guide for this required to be fully owned by the program, QDB indicated that istered for the wage protection all types of support for SMEs program, while banks operating private sector, and to be registered companies wishing to benefit or system, and submit requests and various components of the 4 million calls in the country will grant financing in the wage protection system in their official representatives exclusively through commercial private sector in Qatar during with a guarantee from QDB. QDB force in the State of Qatar. should communicate only with and Islamic banks operating in the the current circumstances. annually stated that companies wishing to Regarding the application the commercial and Islamic banks country. `P2 SACHIN KUMAR THE PENINSULA Qatar reports 4th death, 279 new virus The Government Contact Center has received over cases; over 3,800 tested in 24 hours 340,541 calls in March regarding services related to healthcare, education, FAZEENA SALEEM spreading, or in contacts of is increased of testing. commerce and business. THE PENINSULA those travellers. The Ministry conducted The center, one of the The new cases announced 3,806 laboratory tests for largest government contact The Ministry of Public Health yesterday were detected in cit- COVID-19 yesterday, bringing centers in the Gulf region, has (MoPH) yesterday announced izens as well as the expatriates, the total number of tests per- become an important 279 confirmed new cases of the Ministry said on its website. formed until yesterday to platform for providing infor- COVID-19 in the country. All new cases have been put 35,757. mation related to several The Ministry also reported in quarantine where they are “We are in the most sen- government entities. a fourth death from the disease receiving necessary medical sitive month of infection. With According to the Ministry of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health yesterday. The total number of care. the increasing temperature, the Transport and Communica- Department at MoPH, speaking to Qatar TV, yesterday. people who have recovered has Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin weather would be more tions (MoTC), the center reached 123. Hamad Al Thani, Director of favourable to fight against receives around 4 million Some new cases of infection Public Health Department at COVID-19,” said Dr. Mohammed situation by being safe at their citizens, expatriates to stay at calls annually. were detected in returning trav- MoPH, said the major reason while talking on a Al Rayan TV homes. Dr. Mohammed said their homes which is very nec- Out of total calls received ellers from other countries behind the increase in number yesterday. He urged the public that among the infected cit- essary for their safety and the by the center in March, where the epidemic is of positive cases in recent days to bear with the present izens, majority have come from safety of others. 124,341 calls were related to abroad. “If everyone abides by The increase in number of the services of Primary the instructions, the cases will patients is due to the use of new Health Care Corporation; reach a reasonable number by laboratory techniques and 46,091 calls were related to the end of this month and we increase of the number of lab- the Ministry of Public Health, can deal in hospitals and protect oratories being used by the Min- and 19,155 calls were related our country,” said Dr. istry. The Ministry also said that to THE Ministry of Education Mohammed. it continues to work to increase and Higher Education, said Talking in a Qatar TV pro- the capacity of laboratories. MoTC in a tweet yesterday. gramme, Dr. Al Thani said: In addition, 14 cases of There were 21,412 calls “When people in Qatar promise recovery were registered yes- related to Ministry and Com- they fulfill it usually. If people terday, bringing the total merce and Industry, while in Qatar adhere to the State’s number of people having 129,542 calls concerned other preventive and precautionary recovered from COVID-19 to departments. measures, the world will be sur- 123, in Qatar. The Ministry has The center was swift in prised to see the achievements announced the death of an solving callers’ query as the of Qataris in overcoming the 88-year-old Qatari citizen. average response speed was crisis of coronavirus.” He asked `P2 just 11 seconds. `P2 QU adopts new procedures for Spring 2020 class evaluation

SIDI MOHAMED semesters without taking his/ University says policy of absenteeism and maximum benefit,” said Qatar students through e-mail, THE PENINSULA her grade into account.” attendance will not apply in remote lectures. University on its website. affirming the university’s Giving students an oppor- The distance learning keenness on their academic Taking new measures related tunity to maintain their aca- depends on the technical side future, and that the university to the evaluation process for demic levels, the university has Students allowed to repeat courses without and communication through administration has taken students in the current also decided to maintain the network, which may be a chal- special measures that increase semester, Qatar University (QU) scale of final estimates currently affecting their GPA. lenge for some students. the chances of success and has announced that the in use (the letter system A, B+, Therefore, the university said excellence for them.” academic position of students B, etc.) The university has decided to maintain the that the professors will record He expressed confidence shall not be changed at the end It also announced the sus- the lectures and uploaded them that the university had chosen of Spring 2020 semester except pension of student termination scale of final estimates currently in use (the on the appropriate platforms so the optimal evaluation method in the case of improvement. due to exceeding the timelines letter system A, B+, B etc.) that students can benefit from and the additional procedures The university explained stipulated in the Graduation them at all times,” the university outlined above will guarantee that “in other words, the aca- Policies. said. that students will not be nega- demic position of the student Moreover, the university has said that it fully understands university has taken a decision Meanwhile, Qatar Uni- tively affected from this sudden will not be affected if student’s suspended student’s GPA (Grade students’ concerns related to the not to apply the policy of absen- versity President Dr. Hassan bin transition of the learning GPA goes down.” Point Average) effect on schol- distance learning, and it is teeism and attendance in Rashid Al Derham tweeted that process. On its official twitter arship status, in addition to the working hard to study and remote lectures. “ “distance learning at Qatar Uni- It will also provide oppor- account, the university further suspension of GPA’s effect on evaluate various options and It is sure that our students versity brings promising oppor- tunities of compensation in said: “The student is allowed to financial aid, student their applicability that will be are keen to attend interactive tunities and also significant order to protect the student’s repeat the courses he/she com- employment and other services. announced upon completion. lectures and watch recorded challenges.” overall academic performance, pleted during Spring 2020 The university had earlier To help students, the lectures to achieve the He added: “I spoke to my QNA reported. 02 HOME MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020

SDG Advocates and Alumni voice solidarity with COVID-19 affected OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends cable QNA — DOHA “We stand in solidarity with out-of- urge policymakers to be bold,” those furthest behind, pointing school children, millions from vulnerable the state added. that the Secretary-General’s call of condolences to The United Nations (UN) The SDG Advocates and for an immediate global President of Bulgaria Secretary-General’s Sustainable backgrounds, and call for provision of equitable Alumni stressed that “con- ceasefire is essential, They also Development Goals (SDG) Advo- and inclusive distance education for all, so that fronting COVID-19 requires called on all warring parties to DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin cates and Alumni, expressed in coordinated global humani- cease hostilities and “focus Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir a joint statement yesterday, learning never stops,” the statement read. tarian and socio-economic together on the true fight of our H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al great concern over COVID-19 responses. The virus does not lives.” Thani sent yesterday cables of con- outbreak and the its impact on respect borders. Addressing this Selecting H H Sheikha Moza dolences to H E the President Rumen the world, voicing solidarity level policy responses to the community, in particular the crisis requires worldwide col- bint Nasser, Founder and Chair- Radev of the Republic of Bulgaria on with those affected. outbreak must be designed with G20 and G7, to act quickly and laboration and partnerships, person Founder of “Education the death of his father. QNA The UN Secretary-General’s a gender lens, and pay special decisively to mobilise the across all aspects of the Above All Foundation” as a FM receives Sustainable Development Goals attention to those living in resources needed to stop the response,” asking member member of UN Secretary-Gen- (SDG) Advocates and Alumni extreme poverty, with disabil- spread of COVID-19 in these states to work together, guided eral’s Sustainable Development phone call from comprise a lineup of public and ities, indigenous communities, areas, while also scaling up by the UN and a recognition of Goals (SDG) Advocates and Lebanon counterpart globally influential figures in all the homeless, refugees, and healthcare support and common humanity. Alumni for the second consec- fields, including H H Sheikha internally displaced persons. strengthening social safety nets. They further applaud the utive time, came in appreciation DOHA: The Deputy Prime Minister Moza bint Nasser, Founder and “Responses must be equi- “We stand in solidarity with Secretary-General for estab- of Her Highness’ founding and and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Chairperson Founder of “Edu- table and reach the digitally iso- out-of-school children, millions lishing his Response and leading roles in a group of insti- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrah- cation Above All Foundation”; lated. Leaders must protect civic from vulnerable backgrounds, Recovery Fund, that will support tutions and initiatives aimed at man Al Thani, received yesterday a Prime Minister of Norway, H E space in their countries to and call for provision of equi- low- and middle-income coun- providing quality education, phone call from the Minister of For- Erna Solberg; and President of ensure policy responses are table and inclusive distance tries, and crucially, help coun- youth empowerment and eign Affairs and Emigrants of the Ghana, H E Nana Akufo Dankwa transparent and inclusive,” the education for all, so that learning tries preserve the gains they human development at the local Lebanese Republic, H E Nassif Hitti. Akufo-Addo. statement added. never stops,” the statement read. have made towards achieving and international levels. The call dealt with bilateral coop- In their statement, SDG The SDG Advocates and Economic policies the 2030 Agenda. The UN Secretary-General’s eration and coordinating efforts to Advocates and Alumni Alumni also called for urgent responding to the socio-eco- The group urged member Sustainable Development Goals curb the spread of the novel coro- expressed deep appreciation, global action to protect and nomic impacts of the pandemic states and all stakeholders, (SDG) Advocates and Alumni navirus (COVID-19), in addition to gratitude, and admiration for support the most vulnerable must meet the needs of affected including business, civil society group is committed to working matters of mutual interest. QNA those on the frontlines fighting countries and areas, particularly countries and the most vul- organizations and philanthropy, to raise public awareness and this virus, saving lives, and in Africa, the Middle East, South nerable. The approaches gov- to accelerate their action and push for further actions that will Qatar strongly keeping essential services Asia, Latin America, and Small ernments take will have long- investments in response to accelerate the process of condemns running in countries under Island States. It emphasised on lasting effects, and must avoid COVID-19. Scaled-up and long- achieving the sustainable devel- lockdown, stressing that global, the necessity for leaders, poli- deepening the root causes of lasting support is fundamental opment goals adopted by world explosion in Somalia regional, national, and local cymakers, and the international climate change and conflict. “We to protect, help, and rebuild for leaders on September 25, 2015. DOHA: The State of Qatar voiced its strong condemnation and denuncia- tion of the explosion which targeted a popular coffee shop in Jowhar Ashghal opens new city in southern Somalia, killing one person and injuring others. In a statement issued yesterday, the underpass, bridge on Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiter- ated the firm position of the State of Qatar on rejecting violence and Mesaimeer Interchange terrorism, regardless of motives and reasons. The statement expressed THE PENINSULA — DOHA traffic movement in all direc- condolences of the State of Qatar to tions following the removal of the family of the victim, and to the The Public Works Authority some diversions that would government and people of Soma- (Ashghal) has opened a new provide direct connections with lia, wishing the injured a speedy underpass and bridge on other routes. recovery. QNA Mesaimeer Interchange to “Residents in Al Wakrah and traffic towards Al Wakrah and Al Wukair are the best benefi- Al Wukair from Industrial Area ciaries from the new routes COVID-19 hotline Road and E Ring Road in collab- since the underpass gives easy oration with the General Direc- access for those coming from received 1,525 torate of Traffic. Industrial Area Road as well as The 750M underpass will for those coming from E Ring calls on Saturday provide free flow traffic from Road, alleviating traffic Industrial Area Road towards pressure on the nearby roads THE PENINSULA — DOHA Southern Part of Doha and providing wore options for The 6.1km long, interchange part of Doha Expressway, Sabah Street, which intersects with Expressway as well as the 560M travellers,” Al Emadi added. consists of three to four lanes Al Ahmed Corridor, Industrial D-Ring and C-Ring Road, as The Ministry of Public Health bridge linking traffic from the The new three-level inter- in each direction to accom- Area Road and Rawdhat Al well as between the busy areas (MoPH) has received 1,525 calls E Ring Road. change is the first-of-its-kind modate about 30,000 vehicles Khail Street. of Nuaija, Al Thumama, Bu over the novel coronavirus Ashghal says that the traffic in Qatar as it contains nine per hour in both directions. The interchange also pro- Hamour, Al Maamoura, (COVID-19) hotline 16000 in movement from Al Wakrah and underpasses providing free flow The new interchange once vides a vital traffic link between Mesaimeer providing an easy five languages on Saturday, at Al Wukair via Southern Part of traffic. The interchange also completes in the second quarter the south, central and north of access to Al Wakra, Al Wukair an average efficiency rate of Doha Expressway towards consists of two major bridges. of 2020 will significantly the country. It links traffic from and the Industrial area 98.6 percent. Doha Expressway and 22 Feb- One of them connects Rawdhat improve traffic flow, reducing the south through the southern It is located in a vital area Among the incoming calls, ruary Street is due to open by Al Khail Street and Industrial travel time by more than 70 part of Doha Expressway, main that has many facilities a total of 1,504 calls have been Q2, 2020. area road in both directions, percent of travel time. carriageway of Doha including Al Thumama Stadium, answered at an average speed On this occasion, Eng. and the other one connecting The Mesaimeer Interchange Expressway and Al Shamal one of the World Cup stadiums, of eight seconds. Ahmed Ali Al Emadi, from E-Ring Road with the southern is the first-of-its-kind in Qatar Road. It also connects traffic where the interchange has three The calls were received in Ashghal Highway Project part of Doha Expressway in one connecting six main roads, between Industrial area road pedestrian bridges to ease peo- five languages including Arabic Department, says that the fresh direction, ensuring a smooth namely Mesaimeer Interchange, and the heart of Doha through ple’s access to Al Thumama and English. The information openings will largely improve flow of traffic in all directions. Doha Expressway, southern a connection to Rawdat Al Khail Stadium. was shared on social media by MoPH in collaboration with Ministry of Transport and Com- Authorities arrest four for violating munication, Hamad Medical MME ensures safe fish trade at ports Corporation, Primary Health home quarantine conditions Care Corporation, and Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA infection. MME had allowed the fish- Red Crescent. The Fish Affairs ermen to sell fish directly to QNA — DOHA in the Ministry of Public The MoPH set up a dedi- A total of 164 fishing boats Department has stepped up wholesalers and major outlets Health to ensure the cated call center on March 2, to brought large quantity of local efforts to regulate fish trade at (in long term contracts with The Ministry of Public Health achievement of public safety, answer all questions and fresh fish at the ports of Doha, the jetties of aforementioned fishermen) at the ports of announced on Saturday that to curb the spread of the novel enquiries related to COVID-19. Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Al ports to ensure that whole- Doha, Al Khor, Al Wakrah and the competent authorities coronavirus (COVID-19). Public and health professionals Ruwais for sale last week salers, suppliers and con- Al Ruwais following the arrested four people who The Ministry of Public can call 24x7 on 16000 hotline under special arrangements sumers receive high quality decision of the Ministry of violated the requirements of Health added that the vio- for enquiries. following the preventive and fish, said the Ministry of Munic- Commerce and Industry to the home quarantine, they lators, all Qatari citizens, are To recall, by April 1, the precautionary measures to ipality and Environment (MME) cancel auction at Umm Salal committed to following, currently being referred to hotline had received 43,000 protect people from COVID-19 in a press release. Central Fish Market. which they are legally prosecution, they are: Salem calls. Among the calls 92 percent accountable for, in Saad Salem Mohammed Al calls were answered, and the accordance with the proce- Habbabi, Salim Hadi Salem Al average speed of answering was dures of the health authorities Hatheeth Al Habbabi, Salem five seconds for each, with a 90 in the country. Hadi Mohammed Hadi Al percent satisfaction rate. The Ministry said that the Hajri and Hamid Mohammed The team answering these arrest of these people came Salem Hadi Al Habbabi. The calls consisted of 201 people, in implementation of the pre- authorities concerned called including 51 doctors and 150 cautionary measures in force on citizens and residents to others trained as a supportive in the country, approved by fully commit to the Ministry’s team for the work of the health authorities represented directions. medical team. Among the calls on April 1, the hotline had received 1524 calls and answered 1516 calls at Govt Contact Center receives an average time of four seconds. Each call was attended for an 4 million calls annually average of 129 seconds at an FROM PAGE 1 efficiency rate of 99.5 percent. various e-services provided by Part of Qatar Digital Gov- MoTC and other government Fish baskets at a port in Doha as special arrangements were made by the Fish Affairs Department ernment (QDG) initiatives, the agencies, in addition to National Guarantee to ensure safe supply of fish as a measure to curb COVID-19. center offers services in nine becoming the first govern- Program launched languages and covers 34 gov- mental line of support to FROM PAGE 1 ernment entities in multiple respond to inquiries and com- Qatar reports fourth death; 279 new virus cases sectors. It is open 24 hours, plaints from the public. FROM PAGE 1 seven days a week, and The center has also become He added that the pro- but his condition deteriorated for the required volunteer receives calls on 109 from res- an important link between all gramme will give private com- He was suffering from resulting in his death yes- work. If they pass the training, idents. The Qatar Digital Gov- government agencies and the panies a great ability to face several chronic diseases and terday morning, according to will join the volunteering work ernment initiatives aim to public. MoTC has developed the the economic effects asso- was admitted to hospital due the Ministry. The MoPH has and those failed will be given support government agencies Government Contact Center ciated with the repercussions to acute bacterial infection in extended its sincere condo- more training,” said Dr. to enact digital transformation, with the highest level of tech- of the pandemic, and will the blood which ultimately lences and great sympathy to Mohammed. in line with Qatar Digital Gov- nology and service as well as ensure that they continue to led to his death. It was diag- the family of the deceased. He also said that the vol- ernment 2020 Strategy. the highest quality standards work in a manner that does nosed at the same time that Speaking about the volun- unteers should undergo proper The Ministry had estab- to suit the requirements and not affect the general course he was infected with teering work, Dr. Mohammed specific training to get ade- lished the Government Contact services of all government of their commercial opera- COVID-19. The deceased said that the number of volun- quate information about Center in 2007 to support the entities and provide diverse tions, which will give them a received intensive medical teers reached 35,000 and COVID-19, like how to wear services provided on Qatar services to the public. There are greater ability to continue after care upon his arrival at the numbers are increasing every safety kits to protect them- e-Government Portal — total 300 employees the difficulties associated with hospital on Tuesday, March day. “The volunteers are selves from the virus and other Hukoomi. In 2009, the Ministry responding to residents’ queries the current circumstance and 3, and was given the nec- enthusiastic. We are giving technical information to developed the cente to become from six different centers the return of matters to essary treatment and care, training to make them capable handle the situation. a technical support center for spread across the country. normal. MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 HOME 03 Qatar Children’s Museum holds first virtual family workshop RAYNALD C RIVERA Using the story “What’s in the Sand?” written THE PENINSULA by Shaikha Al Zeyara and illustrated by Mai Al Qatar Children’s Museum (QCM) Kubaisi as springboard, the workshop guided yesterday kicked off its series of daily virtual family work- young children with the help of their parents shops with an enjoyable and how to create their own homemade sand using engaging Instagram session that flour and cooking oil. brought outdoor fun into homes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. who began uploading photos the workshop sessions can be Using the story “What’s in and videos even before the start found on QCM’s Instagram the Sand?” written by Shaikha of the workshop. account (@ChildrensMuseum. Al Zeyara and illustrated by Mai It was a session complete QA). Families can watch out for Al Kubaisi as springboard, the with necessary elements that the workshops scheduled from workshop guided young combined play and learning, 3pm to 4pm, Sunday to children with the help of their from the read aloud story that Thursday via QCM’s Instagram parents how to create their own stirred children’s imagination page. homemade sand using flour and and set their minds on the Though still in development cooking oil. workshop to the actual activity phase, QCM has already started Qatar Children’s Museum kicked off its series of daily virtual family workshops with an enjoyable and What ensued were adorable that enhanced their sensory and its work having inaugurated a engaging Instagram session that brought outdoor fun into homes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. and precious moments of little motor skills and promoted Learning and Outreach children moulding shapes using family bonding. Department, which has engaged audiences have come to expect being designed to nurture, chal- The QCM is being created to the sand they had just created More interesting and cre- the community through work- from the museum. lenge and inspire our children, advance the goals of the Qatar and playing toys the sand as if ative workshops have been shops for children and their The QCM will be the first fueling their creativity and National Vision 2030 for they were on the beach, which lined up this week including families at popular events. In institution of its kind in the gulf, encouraging their empathy and human, social, economic and were all captured on videos and “Paper Flower Bouquet” today, response to the challenge that enriching the lives of children understanding. A variety of environmental development. photos and shared on Instagram “Jam Making” tomorrow, “Trav- families are facing during the and their families by providing stimulating, interactive and With programming that will by their parents. elling Water Experiment” on pandemic, the museum has an unparalleled space for accessible indoor and outdoor offer each child an opportunity QCM’s Instagram page was Wednesday and “Bubble shifted its work online, but learning through open-ended experiences will offer families to learn through play, the QCM flooded with stories shared by Painting” on Thursday. The list plans to provide the same play, exploration and experi- the opportunity to have fun by will nurture the future leaders many participating families of materials needed for each of warmth and support that mentation. The new museum is playing and learning together. and caretakers of Qatar. Mada launches two platforms to support access to information CRA assigns new radio frequency for QNA — DOHA services for teachers, learners, The second platform, culture to unleash the potentiality of all virus awareness in Bengali language parents and others involved in and society support, contributes persons with functional restric- Qatar Assistive Technology the education process. to enabling everyone to access tions (with disabilities and THE PENINSULA — DOHA precautionary measures that Center - Mada, affiliated to the It also provides the infor- information from available elderly people) through need to be taken in order to Ministry of Transport and mation, tools and resources nec- digital sources and services as capacity-building and support In the context of the measures limit the spread of COVID-19 Communications, launched two essary to support and enhance an initiative aimed at enabling for the development of digital taken by the Communications in the country. platforms on its website that education in accordance with access for people with functional platforms, noting that the two Regulatory Authority (CRA) to “In accordance with the support access to information the principle of universal design restrictions (persons with disa- platforms were allocated in support Qatar’s efforts to limit CRA’s mandate related to from available sources in the for learning and a compre- bilities and elderly people) to the accordance with best practices the spread of coronavirus allocating and managing of education, culture and society hensive digital learning available electronic resources and international standards to disease (COVID-19), the CRA scarce resources like radio sectors. environment. and services that an individual support access to information, has assigned a frequency to a spectrum, the CRA has taken The first platform, which is In addition, the platform needs on a daily basis, such as digital resources and services new FM radio broadcasting urgent measures to assign dedicated for supporting com- provides a variety of applica- government services, pur- available in the education, station, in coordination with appropriate frequency, that prehensive digital education, tions that are categorized into chasing services, health services culture and society sectors. the Ministry of Culture and can be used temporarily helps support distance edu- sections to improve specific and many other useful and Al Mansouri added that that Sports, aiming to broadcast during this period, to help cation as an initiative that guar- skills such as reading, writing, approved sources within one the two platforms aim to facil- awareness programmes in raising awareness and antees the comprehensiveness cognition and mathematics, in platform through which the itate access to information for Bengali language in Qatar. ensuring the safety of a large of education for all students, addition to the accessible, individual can use digital access all persons and ensure the full After being coordinated proportion of people who especially those with disabilities designed and developed educa- tools that support various job participation of persons with with the Ministry of Culture speaks Bengali language in and job restrictions, and con- tional resources that have been restrictions. disabilities in education and and Sports and Qatar Media Qatar. tains programs and open edu- approved by Mada Center to On this occasion, CEO of community participation and Corporation, the new FM CRA will continue to take cational resources (OERs) meet the needs of students of all Mada Center Maha Al Mansouri enable them to live independ- station started broadcasting any other urgent measures available in the public domain levels, abilities and knowledge said that the launch of these two ently and participate fully in all programmes on March 22 on that support Qatar’s efforts in of the Internet with an open capabilities in general and stu- platforms on the center’s aspects of life through infor- FM Channel (95.3 MHz) to limiting the spread of license, where this platform pro- dents with disability in website reflects our belief in our mation and communication promote awareness to the COVID-19 in the country,” vides a set of interactive online particular. mission through which we seek technology. audience about the said CRA. 04 HOME MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 HBKU offers online counselling sessions to students, staff and faculty on COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA advice on dealing with worries as a timely reminder that our and safeguarding mental health students are not alone and As part of its enduring at this difficult time. Students options exist for them to commitment to a safe and will also be encouraged to high- discuss problems, obtain clar- healthy campus, Student Affairs light any issues they are facing ification and seek reas- at Hamad Bin Khalifa University from a wellness and mental surance. This applies just as (HBKU) is offering students, health wellbeing perspective. much to their studies as the staff and faculty online coun- Speaking about the ses- ongoing situation at home and selling sessions as the corona- sions, Maryam Al Mannai, abroad. To this end, we’re virus (COVID-19) pandemic Vice-President of Student grateful to Dr. Abdul-Al and unfolds. Affairs, said: “It’s never been Al-Ahli Hospital for offering Taking place every Sat- so important to remind their support to our student urday, the sessions are geared HBKU’s students that we are community.” towards students in Education always here for them. Student Affairs is well Students, staff and faculty are offered remote counseling sessions City housing facilities. Partici- COVID-19 has not only aligned with HBKU’s mandate to help them cope up with the COVID-19 situation. pants, including members of the changed the way we pursue of promoting community out- Maryam Al Mannai wider HBKU community, will learning opportunities, but it reach and ensure an inclusive have the opportunity to raise has also isolated so many environment for its students. to foster a sense of belonging services for students, faculty, and concerns with Dr. Rudwan psychiatrist at Al-Ahli Hospital. people from their family and The department leads various within the HBKU community. staff take place every Saturday Abdul Al, a consultant Dr. Abdul Al will offer practical friends. These sessions serve activities throughout the year HBKU’s online counseling in the morning and afternoon. QF contributes to developing researches, mechanisms to address pandemic

QNA — DOHA saying that “All our entities Dr. O’Kennedy said: “Artificial Intelligence quite valuable, because it can Qatar. We’ve been using the within our research, devel- is also going to have a huge effect on tell us things about how the expertise that we have to Qatar Foundation Vice Pres- opment, and innovation eco- virus is changing over time, develop ways of counteracting ident for Research, Devel- system are trying to help. When what we do and how we do it. It’s really maybe about the different this pandemic in every way opment, and Innovation Dr. we asked ourselves how we about the crunching of large amounts sources of the virus, and this possible,” said Dr. O’Kennedy. Richard O’Kennedy, said that could help, one of the first of data. If you’re doing global modeling may allow us to predict ways in On the QF RDI collabora- Qatar Foundation (QF) is things that came up was the which we can counteract it. tions with organizations and contributing to the development possibility of giving some of our of something such as this pandemic, “Moving forward, the infor- researchers from across Qatar, of researches and technologies equipment to Hamad Medical you can do it extremely well with large mation that we generate can be and other countries, on projects to address COVID-19 pandemic. Corporation (HMC) to help them very important in helping to related to the pandemic, Dr. Regarding the efforts Qatar speed up the process of doing amounts of information.” plan for the future and O’Kennedy said “We are Foundation Research, Devel- analysis. We’ve transferred enhancing our ability to better involved in very strong collab- opment, and Innovation (QF some of our equipment to the cope with situations like these,” orations in relation to this. One RDI) is making towards battling hospital, and it has been vali- expertise on hand,” he added. allows you to infer how the he said. example is the collaboration this crisis, Dr. O’Kennedy said “ dated, checked, and set up”. Dr. O’Kennedy, pointed that, disease is spreading, and “Another project we’re we have with Genomics At Qatar Foundation, there has “Secondly, we’re working to “Artificial Intelligence is also equally how effective treat- working on with Qatar Com- England, with whom we’re always been a strong plan to develop a test that would also going to have a huge effect on ments and approaches such as puting Research Institute is a working to look at aspects of manage a crisis like this, and it’s help in terms of measuring or what we do and how we do it. social distancing may be”. diagnostic monitoring app, the genome of the virus, and been working extremely well.. determining the presence of It’s really about the crunching One of the interesting things which can potentially be used indeed of those that are being We have got to be prepared and coronavirus. In addition to this, of large amounts of data. If that’s going to come out of this by everybody among the pop- infected. We also have a large have action plans, because we members of our teams are you’re doing global modelling is that people will begin to look ulation. In essence, this uses number of people with could very well see other infec- looking at ways of potentially of something such as this pan- at the virus and how the computing to help diagnostics, expertise in the field of diag- tious diseases, in addition to developing treatment mecha- demic, you can do it extremely genome of that virus is made up which in turn can help nostics who have volunteered. other challenges such as global nisms. They’re looking at the well with large amounts of of a huge amount of data, which healthcare in a very tangible They can work with HMC in the warming, posing a threat in the virus and seeing other ways in information. The more infor- will be generated, O’Kennedy way. That is the good thing diagnostic division if required, future”. which we can come up with mation you have, the better the said. about having researchers in the helping to combine efforts in QF Vice-President went on treatment modalities using the model you can build. That He added that data can be RDI system that we have in this area”. QRCS disinfects water supply facilities and distributes food aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon THE PENINSULA — DOHA purification plants and the water and the host community in Akkar, tankers are disinfected. To ensure northern Lebanon. As the world is suffering the brunt of their safety, the relief workers use Over the coming few days, the COVID-19, Qatar Red Crescent personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution of food provisions Society (QRCS) has mobilised its and sanitizers. would continue for the benefit of foreign missions to monitor the situ- The personnel working at QRCS’s over 5,000 poor families, or 25,000 ation, coordinate with the host water purification plants in Arsal and persons. All the precautions were national societies and government Saadnayel continue to deliver clean taken to protect the field teams and authorities, provide all possible forms drinking water to the Syrian refugee abide by the applicable preventive of logistic and specialized support, camps. It is part of the Water for rules. and take all the necessary health and Mercy, a project implemented by As they received the food provi- preventive measures in relation to QRCS in Lebanon for the benefit of sions, the beneficiaries were so the ongoing humanitarian opera- 7,000 Syrian families, or 35,000 happy with this much-needed aid. tions. persons on average. They thanked QRCS and the Leb- In Lebanon, QRCS’s field teams At the same time, the teams of anese Red Cross for their nonstop stepped up the infection preventive QRCS and the Lebanese Red Cross support since the eruption of the precautions, in order to protect both resumed the Warm Winter 2020 Syrian conflict, particularly in the the volunteers and beneficiaries. project. Currently, food parcels are midst of the recent coronavirus QRCS volunteers unloading food aid in Lebanon. Every day, all the facilities of water being distributed to Syrian families outbreak. QMIC releases new Wain Mobile App with dedicated content, enablers related to COVID-19 THE PENINSULA — DOHA platform to keep up with con- tinuous changes to the Qatar road Qatar Mobility Innovations Center network and enhance the navi- (QMIC) at the Qatar Science and gation experience of Wain users. Technology Park (QSTP) has released Dr. Adnan Abu-Dayya, Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya, Executive a new major version of its Wain Executive Director Director and CEO of QMIC said, Mobile Application which includes “During this unprecedented time, a set of content, services, and and CEO of QMIC, QMIC is committed to supporting enablers in support of the national said: “During this Qatari community by sharing our efforts to fight the spread of unprecedented time, technological expertise, innovative COVID-19. services, and knowledge to con- Wain is available for free to QMIC is committed tribute towards a response to the download from Google Play and to supporting Qatari coronavirus pandemic.” Apple app stores, said QMIC in a He said that this new Wain release. community by sharing release with its dedicated public Firstly, the new Wain release our technological health section and unique enablers includes a dedicated Public Health expertise, innovative to deliver location-based alerts section to provide users with info and only represents the first step in location-based services related to services, and realizing our COVID-19 action COVID-19. knowledge to plan that includes different inno- In particular, the section includes contribute towards vative tools and solutions which a list of important emergency con- we hope to release in the next few tacts as well as delivery numbers for a response to weeks. groceries and pharmacies to the coronavirus In addition to the newly added encourage users to stay home. In features, Wain has a collection of addition, the section includes edu- pandemic.” unique features such as up-to-date cational materials such as videos and dynamic map, real-time traffic infor- infographic provided by government This capability can be utilised to mation, advanced intelligent navi- authorities, live map highlighting inform Wain users about important gation services, rich POIs, and real nearest medical facilities and hos- road events or health restrictions that time parking information that allow pitals to users current location, and might impact their mobility it to stand uniquely positioned to be a news feed regarding important behaviour. the de-facto companion for users on announcements to COVID-19 by local Thirdly, the new release comes Qatar roads. authorities. with a major update to QMIC’s map Since its launch, Wain continues Secondly, to leverage the to deliver richer and more user- to provide its users with update-to- location-intelligence capabilities of friendly experience and to high- date tools and services to enhance the Wain platform, the new release light key road changes and their driving experience and safety has a new and important capability conditions. on Qatar roads. The Wain app has to deliver location-based notifica- In collaboration with major been downloaded more than tions and alerts to users within a stakeholders in Qatar, QMIC is 300,000 times and is being used in certain geographical area, or to users spending significant effort to Qatar by tens of thousands of users entering or leaving a certain zone. update its GIS and mapping on a monthly basis. MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 HOME 05 Qatar University launches COVID-19 Global Virtual Design & Innovation Competition THE PENINSULA — DOHA Design topics include non-chemical based disinfection mobile apps that help devices or 3D technology to build Qatar University’s College of Engi- things like ventilator valves, breathing neering (QU-CENG) has announced the healthcare systems in filters and customisable facemasks, launch of COVID-19 Global Virtual managing the COVID-19 etc. to prevent further spread of the Design & Innovation Competition virus. The design files for these parts under the theme of “Re-Engineer the response, and designs of can be produced anywhere in the Future of Healthcare and Improve smart buildings to host world to help end-customers bridge Lives — Design with Impact”. healthcare facilities. potential supply chain COVID-19 has affected billions of interruptions. people; even those who are not Participations can cover designs of affected physically are hit economi- smart healthy mobile buildings hosting cally and mentally. The need to world. We are committed to accom- healthcare facilities. A fast-assembled/ improve healthcare systems and facil- panying the teams as they work disassembled, low-cost and user- ities are evident. With potentially 70% towards meeting the challenge require- friendly “buildings” that can accom- of the population on the brink of being ments by providing them with tech- modate infected and cured patients infected by COVID-19, our worldwide nical, engineering, materials and com- with 0-contagion risk. While providing healthcare systems will be strained pliance experts who will actively wellbeing, comfort and healing atmos- beyond their limits. A file photo of Qatar University campus. support them in their design”. phere through adequate spatial, artistic In his comment, Dr Khalid Kamal Design topics include mobile apps and architectural considerations, the Naji, Dean of QU-CENG, said: “This to push the boundaries of design and shortlisted designs,” he added. that address and dive into real-life design of such buildings should be competition aims to contribute to the product innovation in healthcare to In his comment, Prof Abdelmagid COVID-19 cases related to healthcare contagion-proofed. reduction of the coronavirus (COVID solve prevalent global health issues. Hammuda, Associate Dean for Aca- such as emergency dispatch; remote Key dates: Going live and start of 19) effect, and contribute to the United We are looking for out of the box ideas demic Affairs at CENG, said: “Our pri- healthcare; crowd management and submission: April 5, 2020; submission Nations (SDG) Goals — 'Ensure healthy that work now and in the future, as well ority is to create an environment that census; profiling the spread among deadline: June 25 2020; announcement lives and promote well-being for all at as solutions that can be scaled-up to fosters collaboration to allow the best clusters and communities; deep data of shortlisted applications: August 20, all ages', UN Sustainable Development improve and enhance patients’ expe- possible designs to see the light. The analysis; security on and off-premise 2020; announcement of winners: Sep- Goal (SDG) No. 3. riences. This challenge ends with a winning design should support cyber assets; and outreach to inspire tember 24, 2020 and international “This global virtual challenge aims unique, international exhibition of all COVID-19 patients anywhere in the communities. Participants could make virtual exhibition: October 20, 2020 NMoQ announces open call for mascot design contest for its first-year anniversary

THE PENINSULA — DOHA onMobil Research Qatar. The deadline for submitting pass membership and gift The Arabian Gulf is home to designs is July 1 and inde- package from the NMoQ Gift To mark its first-year anni- the second largest population pendent artists and designers Shop. If an international artist versary, the National Museum of Dugongs in the world, from all age groups and nation- is selected, the prize will also of Qatar (NMoQ) has launched making them significant to alities are welcome to submit cover a round-trip ticket to an open call for artists and Qatar. These mammals are cur- their designs; international sub- Doha. designers, to submit creative rently on the World Wildlife missions are also welcome. NMoQ was inaugurated on designs for the museum’s new Fund’s vulnerable list and The prize for the winning March 28, 2019, and since then mascot. raising awareness of them links design will include major media has welcomed over 600,000 NMoQ has selected the to the museum’s key themes and press interviews for the visitors from all around the dugong, a large marine around sustainability and artist and coverage featuring world. The museum was also mammal that has lived in Qatari conservation. the design, recognition by H E recognised for its efforts in sus- waters for over 7,500 years, as The design of the dugong Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad tainability by receiving the its mascot. This initiative is part should have a unique concept bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair- LEED Gold certification, a first- Dugong has lived in Qatari waters for over 7,500 years. of the programming around the which symbolises NMoQ’s person of Qatar Museums (QM), ever certificate awarded to a museum’s upcoming exhibition identity and relates to Qatari and Sheikha Amna bint Abdull national museum. NMoQ on dugongs set to open next culture, in an aesthetic and Aziz bin Jassim Al Thani, remains one of Qatar’s key country’s culture and heritage. mascot design open call are year in collaboration with Exx- appealing manner. Director of NMoQ, a free culture landmarks that highlights the More details about the dugong available at NMoQ website. HEC Paris in Qatar to hold a series of online masterclass sessions THE PENINSULA — DOHA HEC Paris masterclass

HEC Paris in Qatar will be sessions are designed conducting a series of online to strengthen sessions are designed to masterclass sessions, covering leadership skills strengthen leadership skills a wide range of topics, in April. necessary for senior business The first of three master- necessary for senior managers to flourish in their classes titled ‘Cognitive Biases business managers to roles. These interactive discus- and Decision-Making: The Case sions will give participants an of the COVID-19 Response’ will flourish in their roles. insight into innovation topics take place on April 8 from such as becoming more creative 4.30pm to 5.30pm (Qatar time). in a professional context; the The session will analyse the Paris Associate Professor of levers to be a more innovative reaction of population and the Management and Human individual; or creating a context response of various govern- Resources since 2009. for their immediate team to be ments around the world to the HEC Paris masterclass more innovative. coronavirus pandemic. It will be led by Pro- fessor Olivier Sibony, who teaches strategy, decision-making and problem-solving at HEC Paris. The second master- class, titled ‘How to Make Innovation Part of Your DNA!’, will take place on April 22 from 4.30pm to 6pm (Qatar time), where Professor Laurence Lehmann- Ortega will talk about how willing established firms are to embrace innovation and what it takes to convince them to do so. Professor Ortega has been serving as Affiliate Professor at the HEC Paris Strategy and Business Policy department since 2009. The third master- class of the series is titled ‘The Future of Human Collaboration in a World of Automation and AI’. The session will take place on April 29 from 2.30pm to 4pm (Qatar time); and will be hosted by Professor Mathis Schulte, who argues that in an auto- mated world, human collaboration will prove to be the decisive factor for organisations. Pro- fessor Schulte is an HEC 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 Iran to restart ‘low-risk’ economic activities soon

ANATOLIA & AFP — TEHRAN The Iranian President said it will allow ‘low-risk’ economic activities to resume from April 11 as Iran reported 151 more deaths from coronavirus yesterday, its daily coronavirus infection rates slowed for a pushing the death toll to 3,603, fifth straight day. Iran reported 151 more deaths a health official said. Kianoush Jahanpour, a yesterday, pushing the death toll to 3,603, a spokesman for the Health Min- health official said. istry, said that 2,483 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, force. or quarantine measures, Iran bringing the total infections to The president, whose imposed an intercity travel ban 58,226, according to Iran’s state country has been battered by late last month. TV. US economic sanctions, did not Saturday should have Jahanpour said 22,011 specify what qualified as “low marked a return to regular people have so far recovered risk” activities, but said bans activity in Iran after a two-week and been discharged from hos- would remain on schools and holiday for the Persian New pitals, while 4,057 patients are large gatherings. Year. in critical condition. A “gradual” return of “low- Jahanpour at his briefing The Iranian President said risk” economic activity will be criticised “those who think that yesterday it will allow “low- permitted from next Saturday the situation is normal now that Iranian women, members of paramilitary organisation Basij, make face masks and other protective risk” economic activities to in the provinces and from April the holidays are over, because items at a mosque in Tehran, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, yesterday. resume from April 11 as its 18 in Tehran, Rouhani said. it is not normal”. daily coronavirus infection The health ministry While some people in rates slowed for a fifth straight spokesman Kianoush Tehran said they were reas- But Zahra Zanjani, another impact of the pandemic. capital, 35-year-old teacher day. Jahanpour reported 2,483 new sured by the government’s housewife, said she believed the “People still have expenses Samira said large numbers of “Restarting these activities cases of COVID-19 infection, the response, others remained situation was under control. to pay,” he said. people were ignoring advice does not mean we have aban- fifth straight day of declining fearful. “People are very respectful” “They can’t stay at home. to stay home. doned the principle of staying numbers, compared to a record “There have been a lot of of instructions from authorities, The government needs to “I passed by two parks and at home,” President Hassan number of 3,111 infections on people out on the streets the last “and are taking great care,” she support them financially.” saw 25 to 30 people in each,” Rouhani said at a meeting of March 31. two days. It’s terrifying,” a said. A retiree named Amir In Isfahan, Iran’s third she said. Public gardens are Iran’s anti-coronavirus task After resisting a lockdown housewife, Zohreh, told AFP. worried about the economic largest city and tourism supposed to remain closed.” Kuwait reports 77 new COVID-19 cases; toll rises in several Arab nations QNA & ANATOLIA— KUWAIT two Kuwaitis, 58 Indian nationals, eight total number of confirmed cases in the people tested positive for the virus, them in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Pakistanis, three Bangladeshis, two Sultanate to 298 and two deaths. The bringing the total to 527. Health authorities in the war-bat- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health Egyptians, and one Iranian all encoun- Ministry noted that 61 cases have In Morocco, the Health Ministry tered Libya recorded another corona- announced yesterday, that 77 people tering patient’s epidemic recovered. said the death toll has risen to 69 after virus case, raising the total to 18, were infected by the novel coronavirus investigation. Kuwait urged everyone to strictly 10 deaths were recorded. The number including one death and one recovery. (COVID-19) in the last 24 hours, The Indian nationals’ cases are adhere to quarantine measures, social of confirmed cases climbed to 961, with In Saudi Arabia, the Health Min- bringing the total to 556 confirmed connected with two of their compa- distancing instructions, health habits another 42 cases recorded, while istry announced five new fatalities, cases. triot patients under epidemic investi- as well as staying at home and not recoveries reached 70. raising the death toll to 34, and With regard to those infected, the gation. As for the Institutional quar- going out unless necessary. In Iraq, health authorities recorded recorded 206 fresh cases, bringing the country’s Health Ministry spokesman antine, Dr. Al Sanad pointed that the Meanwhile, health authorities in one death, bringing the death toll to total to 2,385, with 488 recoveries. Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad indicated that number of those clearing quarantine several Arab countries confirmed new 57, and a total of 908 cases after 18 In Syria, the regime’s Health Min- one belonged to a citizen recently has reached 911. cases and deaths from the novel coro- more cases were confirmed. istry recorded three new cases, returning from France as part of the The Omani Ministry of Health navirus yesterday. The Lebanese The Palestinian government, for its bringing the total to 19, and also con- Kuwaitis repatriation campaign. announced 21 new cases of the novel Health Ministry recorded a new fatality, part, recorded nine fresh cases, firmed two deaths, and two The rest of the 74 cases include coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the raising the death toll to 18, while seven bringing the total to 226, with 12 of recoveries. Coronavirus 86-year-old Turkish deaths rise woman beats disease to 46 in Israel ANATOLIA — ANKARA and daughter-in-law, who previously went to Saudi ANATOLIA — TEL AVIV An 86-year-old Turkish Arabia for their Umrah woman became a source of pilgrimage. The novel coronavirus has inspiration for those The couple was diagnosed killed 46 people in Israel, with suffering from coronavirus with coronavirus on March 18 8,018 cases registered so far, as she beat the disease and their treatment started health officials said. despite suffering from immediately. The Health Ministry said multiple chronic health Meanwhile, Isik also 203 more people tested pos- conditions. began to cough and was taken itive for the virus, noting that The novel coronavirus has to a healthcare center, where out of the total, 127 are in so far claimed 501 lives in she tested positive on March critical condition. Turkey, which has registered 22. In Israel, all schools have almost 24,000 COVID-19 After successful treatment, been closed, and all public cases, while 786 others have Isik and her children were dis- meetings in open or closed recovered got and discharged charged from the hospital. areas with more than 10 from hospitals. “I’ve beaten the disease, people have been banned. Among the recovered, I’m so happy,” she said. “May All trading firms except there is Rasmiye Isik. Allah protect everyone from supermarkets, pharmacies, gas Before COVID-19 diag- such trouble.” stations and banks have also nosis, Isik already suffered Thankful for her recovery, An empty highway is seen after a 15-day ban on vehicles leaving or entering 31 provinces, including Istanbul, been closed since March 15. from heart and lung problems she called on people to stay at took effect amid strong measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, in Istanbul yesterday. Tel Aviv banned the entry and she is likely to have con- home in a bid to prevent the of foreign citizens into the tracted the virus from her son spread of the virus. country, except those who have residency in Israel. Israeli police Yemen’s warring parties accuse each other of attacking pipeline Lebanon repatriates nationals detain Jerusalem in rare flights despite virus governor REUTERS — DUBAI

ANATOLIA — OCCUPIED Yemen’s warring factions have accused each other of attacking AFP — BEIRUT which the health ministry said cancer, those aged over 60 and JERUSALEM an oil pipeline pumping station in the central province of Marib, were to transport the pas- under 18, and families. But where clashes have raged for weeks and displaced tens of thou- Lebanon yesterday started sengers to their homes to self- critics have complained of steep Israeli police yesterday sands of civilians. repatriating nationals who were quarantine or to a hotel to await ticket fares, while a financial detained Jerusalem Governor The oil ministry of the internationally recognised, Saudi- stranded abroad in its first the results of tests on arrival. crisis has severely restricted Adnan Ghaith. backed government in Yemen said yesterday that the Iran-aligned flights in weeks since it closed Prime Minister Hassan Diab had transactions from Lebanese A video released by the Houthi group had targeted the Kofel pumping station, according its international airport to stem arrived earlier amid heavy bank accounts. Jerusalem-based Wadi Hilweh to the Saudi state news agency. the novel coronavirus. deployment of the Lebanese Coronavirus is the latest Information Center showed However Hussein Al Ezzi, an official in the Houthi-controlled Many Lebanese work army. crisis to hit Lebanon, which is police forcefully detaining government based in the capital Sana'a since 2014, said Saudi- abroad, in the Gulf or in Africa, Authorities said more than already reeling under a crum- Ghaith from his home in Jeru- led coalition forces had attacked the station in what he described while thousands of youth study 20,000 people had signed up bling economy. Due to an acute salem’s neighbourhood of as a dangerous escalation. in Europe. The first of four to be repatriated in total this liquidity crisis, banks have since Silwan. Ghaith has been Both sides gave no details of the reported attack, which both planes touched down at the week or at the end of the September increasingly been detained several times in sides said took place on Saturday. The pipeline is operated by the Beirut international airport late month. Lebanese carrier Middle restricting access to dollars and recent months. Yemeni government-owned Safer oil company but no oil has in the morning bringing in 78 East Airlines said flights would have halted money transfers The reason behind the been pumped through it for years. passengers from Riyadh, local land in Beirut later from Lagos abroad. detention remains unclear Yemen’s oil output has collapsed since 2015 when a Saudi- television reported. and Abidjan. On Monday, however, the and the Israeli police have yet led military coalition intervened in the war to try to restore the A second carrying 79 pas- It has also announced banking association agreed to to issue an official statement. government of Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi to power after it was sengers from Abu Dhabi fol- return trips to Paris, Madrid and allow dollar transfers to Leb- Jerusalem remains at the ousted by Houthi forces in Sana'a. lowed in the afternoon, the Kinshasa on Tuesday. anese students outside the heart of the decades-long The United Nations and Western powers hope the threat National News Agency said. Lebanese returning home country to help them face the Mideast conflict, with Pales- posed by the global coronavirus pandemic will push Yemen’s Local television showed must either test negative for the coronavirus pandemic, the tinians hoping that East Jeru- combatants into fresh talks to end a largely stalemated war that health personnel in protective virus no longer than three days finance ministry said. Diab on salem — occupied by Israel has left millions vulnerable to disease and starvation. gear taking the temperature of before their return, or be tested Sunday told reporters the gov- since 1967 — might one day Meanwhile, in the central city of Taiz at least five women disembarking passengers. immediately upon arrival, ernment was studying the pos- serve as the capital of a Pales- were killed and 28 people injured when shelling hit the woman’s The Mediterranean country according to government sibility of supporting returning tinian state. section of Taiz’s main prison on Sunday, local officials and medical announced a lockdown and guidelines. Lebanese students with a ticket. International law con- sources said. closed its airport from March They must pay for their The public transport min- tinues to view East Jerusalem, The shelling came from the part of the divided city controlled 19 as part of measures to curb own ticket and their families ister said the MEA would offer along with the entire West by the Houthis, they said. the spread of COVID-19, which are not allowed to meet them half-price tickets to students in Bank, as “occupied territories” Taiz, Yemen’s third-biggest city, is a front line in the conflict. has officially infected 527 at the airport. The government need, while the foreign and and considers all Jewish set- A UN-mediated deal reached in Stockholm in December 2018 people and killed 18 nationwide. has said priority will be given health ministers said Lebanese tlement construction there as aimed to set up a committee to establish humanitarian corridors A photographer saw a to those with critical health donors would cover the other illegal. to the city, but little progress has been made so far. dozen buses outside the airport, conditions such as diabetes or half, according to the NNA. MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Gunmen kill Hezbollah ‘Better die of this disease than starve’: member in Lebanon AP — BEIRUT

Angolans defy coronavirus lockdown Unknown gunmen fatally shot and stabbed a member of the militant Hezbollah group in AFP — LUANDA southern Lebanon and an investigation was launched, Lebanese security officials said. It is a cry from the heart and the The body of Ali Mohammed Younes was found stomach that is reverberating across next to his car on Saturday evening near the African towns and cities reeling southern town of Nabatiyeh, said two security under lockdowns and curfews to officials. One of them said Younes was shot with contain the spread of the corona- four bullets in the chest and had at least two stab virus. wounds. “How can anyone stay home The motive behind the killing was no imme- without anything to eat?” asked diately clear, the officials said. They spoke on con- Garcia Landu, a motorcycle taxi dition of anonymity because they were not driver in the bustling Angolan authorized to talk to the media. seaside capital of Luanda. He ven- Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency tured out to try and earn a living, said a suspect was detained shortly afterward. defying the government-ordered Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency described anti-coronavirus restrictions. Younes as a commander with the Iran-backed “We have responsibilities Hezbollah. It added that Younes was involved in towards our families. We have to anti-espionage missions. go out and get food,” said Landu, Fars also posted a photo said to be of Younes sporting a helmet in the national in blue jeans and bloodied white shirt next to his red-and-black colours. It’s “better car. Iran-backed Hezbollah is Lebanon’s strongest to die of this disease or a gunshot military force and a political powerhouse, and than to starve to death,” he said. “To also boasts significant organizational and services starve to death, I will never, ever Hundreds of people are seen at the Avo Kumbi square in Luanda. Angola is in a state of emergency to help stop might in the country. accept that. I can’t”. the spread of the COVID-19, which means severe restrictions are in place. Days after the government Tunisia security forces kill declared a state of emergency and banned travel, meetings and public have to be restricted,” Lourenco heavily-populated Cazenga imposed restrictions on March 26, activities as the country reported said in a televised speech last week. municipal district in the capital of two terrorists: Ministry crowds continue to mass at markets, 10 infections with two deaths. But not to the point of depriving the oil-rich country. in front of shops or by water points “The situation demands... sac- people of water, retorted Quechinha So she is forced to buy from AFP — TUNIS in Luanda. Under the restrictions, rifices from all citizens, whose rights Paulina, a widow who has no private water bowsers. She placed President Joao Lourenco has and professional and social life will running water in the an order and still awaits delivery. Tunisian soldiers and members of the national “It’s been two weeks and it guard shot dead two “terrorist elements” in the hasn’t come,” she said. “So today I centre-west of the country, the interior ministry Africa could lose 20m jobs due to pandemic: AU study got up at 3am to buy (elsewhere). said. The operation took place in the mountainous “I have nothing at home. I have Kasserine region near the border with Algeria, it AFP — JOHANNESBURG/ADDIS ABABA shrink. Under what the AU researchers deemed their children,” she said, complaining that said in a statement. realistic scenario, Africa’s economy will shrink 0.8 nearly a week into the new month, The Kasserine range is known as an area About 20 million jobs are at risk in Africa as the conti- percent, while the pessimistic scenario said there she hasn’t received her social grant where jihadists take shelter, such as Jund Al nent’s economies are projected to shrink this year would be a 1.1 percent dip. Up to 15 percent for foreign payment yet. Despite the lockdown, Khilafa who is affiliated to both Islamic State and due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, direct investment could disappear. many view earning money, finding Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI). according an African Union (AU) study. The impact on employment will be dramatic. food and fetching water as legit- The country has been in a state of emergency So far, Africa accounts for just a fraction of total “Nearly 20 million jobs, both in the formal and imate reasons to leave home. since a suicide attack in Tunis in November 2015 cases of the disease which has infected more than informal sectors, are threatened with destruction on Announcing a slew of measures that killed 12 members of the presidential guard. one million people worldwide, according to a Reuters the continent if the situation continues,” the analysis to help keep people at home, the On March 22, it ordered a shutdown as part tally. But African economies are already facing an said. African governments could lose up to 20 to 30 government also promised to dis- of measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic. impending global economic downturn, plummeting percent of their fiscal revenue, estimated at 500bn tribute water in disadvantaged It is due to stay in place until April 19. oil and commodity prices and an imploding tourism in 2019, it found. neighbourhoods. Telephone oper- sector. Exports and imports are meanwhile projected to ators have joined in by offering free Before the onset of the pandemic, continent-wide drop at least 35percent from 2019 levels, incurring a call minutes to avoid queues of people Rwanda finds genocide grave gross domestic product (GDP) growth had been pro- loss in the value of trade of around $270bn. This at a buying airtime recharge vouchers at that could contain 30,000 bodies jected by the African Development Bank to reach 3.4 time when the fight against the virus’ spread will lead their outlets. But all that has failed to percent this year. to an increase in public spending of at least $130bn. empty the streets of Luanda. On the AP — KIGALI However, in both scenarios modelled by the AU Africa’s oil producers, which have seen the value of eve of the state of emergency, the study - seen by Reuters and entitled “Impact of the their crude exports plunge in past weeks, will be police chief, Paulo de Almeida, vowed A valley dam that authorities in Rwanda say could coronavirus on the Africa economy” - GDP will now among the worst hit. to hammer home the message about contain about 30,000 bodies has been discovered the seriousness of the virus. more than a quarter-century after the country’s genocide in which 800,000 ethnic Tutsi and Hutus who tried to protect them were killed. Morocco to free The discovery is being called the most signif- over 5,600 prisoners Ethiopia confirms first COVID-19 death icant in years, and 50 bodies have been exhumed ANATOLIA — ADDIS ABABA so far in efforts that are challenged by the East to slow virus spread coronavirus cases Ethiopia has so far The virus is taking a milestone in African nation’s coronavirus-related lockdown. Ethiopia has confirmed its first coro- confirmed. Ethiopia as two of six people diag- Rwanda tomorrow marks the 26th anni- AFP — RABAT navirus death yesterday. Earlier, Mayor of the Addis Ababa nosed positive to COVID-19 have versary of the genocide, but because of the Health Minister Dr. Lia Tadesse City Administration Takele Uma told neither had travel history or contacts lockdown the country will follow events on tel- Morocco’s King Mohammed said on Twitter that a 60-year-old journalists that his administration with patients who came from abroad; evision and social media as gatherings are VI yesterday pardoned more woman who contracted the disease would refrain from totally shut busi- indicating a possible community banned. Word of the valley dam and the bodies than 5,600 prisoners and died of the virus. nesses down in view of the crippling spread. it held emerged as many people convicted in the ordered their release in stages “The deceased was in an intensive effect total closure would have on the The number of confirmed cases genocide are being released from prison after to avoid contagion in the care unit for the last five days,” the economy. “Total closure,” he said, of COVID-19 has reached 8,536 yes- serving their sentences and offering new infor- country’s overcrowded jails. minister said, adding that the “may be declared as a last resort, and terday, considerably jumping from mation on mass graves. Other information on The justice ministry said deceased was among the 42 not now.” 7,742 registered a day earlier. the dam came from nearby residents. the 5,654 detainees that would be freed were selected based in their age, health, good conduct and length of South Sudan is 51st African country to report COVID-19 case detention. They would be released AP — JUBA in stages due to “exceptional circumstances linked to the Officials in South Sudan say the country has its first emergency health situation case of COVID-19, making it the 51st of Africa’s 54 and necessary precautions” countries to have the disease. against the virus, it said in a First Vice-President Riek Machar and the UN statement. mission in South Sudan confirmed the case of a UN The decision came as the worker who arrived in the country from Netherlands COVID-19 illness has officially on February 28. The patient, a 29-year-old woman, killed 66 people and infected first showed signs of the disease on April 2 and is 960 in the North African recovering, said officials. country. South Sudan, with 11 million people, currently The king also ordered has four ventilators and wants to increase that authorities to take “all the nec- number, said Machar, who emphasized that people essary measures to reinforce should stay three to six feet apart from others. the protection of detainees in “The only vaccine is social distancing,” said prisons” which are widely Machar.B3The patient is under quarantine at UN known to be overcrowded. premises and health workers are tracing the people Morocco, home to 35 who had been in contact with her, said David Shearer, million people, has an esti- head of the UN operations in South Sudan. Members of a medical team wearing protective suits clean the airfield, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus mated 232 detainees per He said he hoped the measures would contain disease, at the Juba International Airport in Juba, South Sudan, yesterday. 100,000 inhabitants. the case. Iraqis rally to help needy families as virus hits, economy falters AFP — BAGHDAD others. But many suspect the by watchdog group Trans- 450 families, said he felt bound table, some are too proud to minister-designate Adnan Zurfi real numbers to be much parency International. by a religious duty to help. admit they need help. on Saturday expressed worry On an abandoned sidewalk in higher, as only a few thousand The World Bank says one “It’s not like when we were “One woman walked that the government might have Baghdad, a city under strict people from a population of 40 in five Iraqis lives under the under embargo in the 1990s,” halfway across the city to ask to cut public-sector wages. government curfew to contain million have been tested. poverty line. he said, referring to crippling for help at another mosque so Issa was not taking any the novel coronavirus, a handful In a bid to stop the spread Sensing that relying on international sanctions imposed no one from her own neigh- chances. of volunteers with masks and of the novel coronavirus pan- authorities would be unwise, on Iraq under former dictator bourhood would recognise her,” “We don’t know when this gloves make food packages for demic, authorities have young activists, community Saddam Hussein that made Issa said. crisis will end. It could go on needy families. imposed a countrywide figures and local religious even basic foodstuffs One government official until July. Some of us are storing “What we’re doing is a lockdown, ordering schools and leaders have come together to unavailable. said that almost half the popu- goods for later,” he said. humanitarian duty towards most shops shut. try to support those with no “Baghdad is full of food lation could be food-poor by “This is more dangerous society, and anyone who can While the government is income. right now, but people can’t buy May, adding that authorities than Daesh,” he added, referring afford it should do the same,” still paying salaries and pen- Using donations to buy it. One construction worker we were studying options for to the Islamic State jihadist said Abu Hashim, an Iraqi busi- sions to millions, Iraq’s modest essentials, like lentils, beans, support has a family of eight, and subsidies. group that swept through a nessman in his fifties packing private-sector economy has rice and sugar, they pack sup- suddenly has no income. Another The country imports most third of Iraq in 2014. non-perishable goods outside come to a grinding halt plies in plastic bags, talk their man had sold his cooking gas of its staples, including rice, That conflict further a lonely storefront in the Iraqi overnight. way through checkpoints and canister to buy food. A third sold meat and wheat. ravaged Iraq’s dilapidated capital’s east. Iraq is OPEC’s second- distribute them across the city. his phone,” he said. Officials say Iraq’s $60 medical infrastructure, and The health ministry says biggest oil producer, but is Mustafa Issa, a 31-year-old In a society that deeply billion in reserves would cover there are fears a spike in COVID-19 has killed 56 Iraqis ranked among the 20 most Iraqi Shiite Muslim who helps values abundance and gener- more than a year of food COVID-19 cases could over- and infected more than 800 corrupt countries in the world distribute food to more than osity, particularly at the dinner imports, but already prime whelm hospitals. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Indian artist Sudarsan Pattnaik puts some final touches as he makes a sand sculpture depicting doctors wearing protective facemasks EDITORIAL with a message reading “We are For You”, “Stay Home Stay Safe” at Puri beach in Puri. Championing the cause Doctors don’t have the guidance

QATAR is keen to explore all possible and better ways to protect the environment and its development goals we need for this pandemic always promote the idea of sustainability and sustainable future. Qatar has emerged the leading country in dis- RACHEL MORRIS, ANTHONY Medical personnel abandoning safe standards. can serve as the foundation trict cooling regulation and production in the Gulf region, CHARLES & CHRISTOPHER While physicians and hospital for these guidelines. One thing with a current capacity of one million tonnes of refrig- TIGNANELLI face extreme risk staff work overtime to catch doctors learned during these eration (TR), which represents 17 percent of total air THE WASHINGTON POST because we deal with up with treatment, agencies crises was that “a shortage of conditioning demand in local market. and accreditation organiza- masks could pose a risk to District cooling means the centralised production the sickest patients tions must also work overtime health workers.” We can also and distribution of cooling energy. Chilled water is You already know the story: with the highest viral - to catch up, to come up with apply lessons learned from delivered via an underground insulated pipeline to office, In about a month, the national load. effective guidance and then other countries that have flat- industrial and residential buildings to cool the indoor coronavirus pandemic has figure out how to get it imple- tened the curve, such as South air of the buildings within a district. Specially designed exploded to more than mented and re-sourced. Korea, which used contact units in each building and then use this water to lower 300,000 confirmed cases. In While we’re in hospitals all tracing, extreme social dis- the temperature of air passing through the building’s Wisconsin, where one of us over the country doing our tancing and frequent, rapid, air conditioning system. practices general surgery, jobs, the people in Atlanta or comprehensive testing. Through this, Qatar reduces electrical consumption cases have increased from a Washington have to do their Every day, medical by 50 percent, reduces CO2 emissions and ensure a few hundred to more than follow, and that the accredi- jobs. standards reduce errors and healthy and safe environment for the current and the 2,000 in roughly two weeks. tation agencies grade us on, Tell us, step-by-step, what help front-line clinicians generations to come. Qatar uses this technology to In a hospital that typically has ensure that safety protocols is the safest way to put on and apply the best evidence when cool most of the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums and this 15 to 20 patients in medical are being followed and care is remove PPE? What kinds of making decisions for their will definitely inspire millions around the world to resort intensive care beds, now consistent. They work gowns and masks are safe, in patients. This is critically to sustainable ways of doing things. Now discussions those beds are full, and because an easily available terms of both design and important, even when doing are taking place to install the best cooling system design patients are spilling out into and accepted process is materials? Importantly, what something as routine as a for all the stadiums. This energy efficient district cooling makeshift intensive care developed by experts and kinds aren’t safe? Which yearly checkup. In the current system will help to reduce the temperature inside stadium units. Medical personnel face used across systems. For patients should we test? Who crisis, the need for standards to comfort level enabling players and spectators to play extreme risk because we deal instance, standards prevent should we treat in the hos- is even greater to provide a and enjoy the matches. with the sickest patients with surgeons from replacing the pital, and who should we send safe and effective working At present, there are 39 district cooling plants oper- the highest viral load. wrong hip by requiring that home? How do we get a rapid environment for hospital staff ational in Qatar with a capacity of one million tonnes of Research shows that larger the correct site of surgery is and accurate test? Once this is and patients. Standards keep refrigeration. In addition to the 39, 28 new plants are viral doses lead to more carefully marked preopera- all figured out, where will the us from causing irreparable under construction, which will start providing cooling severe symptoms and a tively with a surgical pen. supplies come from, and who harm, such as replacing the services soon. Sixty to 70 percent of Qatar’s electricity higher likelihood of death. Standards help minimize will get them first? Doctors wrong hip. Standards will needs are for air conditioning. By using district cooling While we put on brave faces, medical errors and prevent know how to treat illness, but keep us from contracting for air conditioning, Qatar can save much energy and we quietly confess to each harm to patients. in an all-hands-on-deck situ- covid-19 and spreading it to also reduce pollution. other that we are scared to go But so far, in the covid-19 ation, we can’t take time out patients and our families. District cooling can bring economic, environmental to work. We are afraid of crisis, these agencies have from treating patients to syn- Standards save lives. and societal benefits to Qatar and if regulated in the right infecting our families. failed to offer doctors and chronize best practices Morris is a trauma and manner and it has large potential for growth. “Based on And by now, you know nurses comprehensive, evi- around the country. acute care surgeon at the conservative estimates, through 2030, the district cooling that while the number of dence-based standards for On Friday, President Medical College of Wisconsin. can secure an estimated average of QR1bn of savings doctors, nurses and other staff sufficient protection of Donald Trump, in charge of Charles is a researcher on yearly basis to the government. The savings are mainly remains constant, our patient patients and themselves. The the entire federal apparatus, and trauma/critical care achieved through reduced power plant capacity, elec- load grows while our supply of CDC, for example, has based said that at home, “people can surgeon at the University of tricity distribution network capacity and gas consumption gloves, masks, face shields, its personal protection rec- just make something out of a North Carolina at Chapel Hill. for generation.” said Ibrahim Mohammed A Al Sada, gowns and ventilators is ommendations on inaccurate certain material” if they want Tignanelli is a researcher Manager of District Services Department at Qatar General rapidly depleting. While we estimates of the supply of to wear masks. That’s a sug- and trauma/critical care Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa). will continue to fulfill our oath, personal protective gestion, not a standard. And it surgeon at the University of However, scarcity of water is the major challenge despite the resource chal- equipment (PPE). PPE is fre- applies to the general public, Minnesota. Qatar faces in making use of the system. Potable water lenges and despite the risk of quently relocated to different not the needs of medical is energy intensive and using alternative water sources infection, there’s something places in the hospital, making professionals. faces some challenges. But it is certain that Qatar will that can make our jobs more counting supplies difficult. We have pleaded for pol- overcome these challenges soon and will be a global manageable that we can’t Recommendations should be icies to guide care in the time Every day, medical champion of the system in the imminent future. provide ourselves - something based on the necessary level of covid-19, but have mostly standards reduce that some of the government of protection, not supply cur- heard silence. A recent phone entities and hospital accredi- rently available. JCAHO sup- call to JCAHO requesting errors and help tation agencies that oversee ports using masks made at guidance resulted in a request front-line clinicians medical practice are failing to home, despite scientific for an email submission D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR provide: standards. findings that they are inade- promising a response in five apply the best quate. Compared with sur- to ten business days. Doctors EMAIL: [email protected] In normal times, these evidence when entities - including the Joint gical masks, cloth masks can don’t have that kind of time. Commission on Accreditation lead to increased risk of The ad hoc solutions we are making decisions EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 of Healthcare Organizations infection. The CDC’s National forced to experiment with in for their patients. FAX: +974 4455 7758 (JCAHO), the Centers for Institute for Occupational the absence of such standards Disease Control and Pre- Safety and Health has told us, are undoubtedly increasing This is critically MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 vention, the Food and Drug as recently as March 27, that the spread of this disease. important, even Administration, and the N95 masks, which were con- Most alarmingly, this is when doing DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Department of Health and sidered single-use before the increasing the infection rate Human Services - regulate pandemic, should be saved in among physicians, nurses and something as LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 everything, including but not plastic bags and reused. respiratory therapists. We routine as a yearly limited to how far apart hos- Reusing masks lessens their may see shortages of the spe- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 pital beds should be to how protection over time, and the cialists who care for ICU checkup. In the long a nurse’s shift can be to contaminated mask can patients and operate venti- current crisis, the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 how close to treatment rooms spread the virus to other sur- lators before we run out of the cafeteria should be. These faces. The message coming those resources themselves. need for standards ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 standards and guidance are from these authoritative insti- We have seen hospital is even greater to email: [email protected] essential to ensuring that the tutions is that health-care workers locking up and hospital functions to provide providers contracting and hiding their supply of masks provide a safe and PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 a healthy, safe and com- spreading this disease is an to protect this precious effective working email: [email protected] fortable environment for acceptable risk. resource, even from hospital environment for patients, visitors and staff. Clearly, we’ve never dealt colleagues. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 That’s how, over time, the with a situation like this While the body of scien- hospital staff and FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] practice of medicine in this before. The coronavirus out- tific knowledge to inform patients. country has earned the trust break spread quickly across such standards is certainly CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 of patients and their families. the country and around the incomplete, it is rapidly email: [email protected] No system is foolproof, but world, and everyone is expanding with an explosion the standards that hospitals scrambling to catch up. But of collaborative research. The SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 and medical practitioners that’s not an excuse for SARS and MERS outbreaks FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar This time we join with all nations across the /ThePeninsulaQatar globe in a common endeavour, using the

/Peninsula_Qatar great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed - and that /ThePeninsulaNewspaper success will belong to every one of us. +974 6698 6188 Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 OPINION 09 How to prevent outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like COVID-19

Health Organization notes, the need for space to interaction between disease For it to succeed, coun- the threat continues and produce it, which means vectors and humans. tries must meet a 2030 history will repeat itself. To encroachment on the natural As such, any serious deadline for the restoration prevent future pandemics, habitats of animals. This is long-term measures to stop of ecosystems and pro- we need to stop two far creating a perfect storm for or eradicate zoonotic dis- tection of wildlife and hab- Over the past more pervasive human prac- disease transmission. Never eases like COVID-19 must itats that perform crucial 10 years, we tices: the relentless have so many opportunities include massive invest- services for humans, MAXWELL GOMERA destruction and conversion existed for disease-causing ments in protecting natural including preventing the have seen the AL JAZEERA of wildlife habitats to crop- pathogens to pass from wild spaces and enforcing emergence of zoonotic cutting of about 3 lands and the uncontrolled and domestic animals to “buffer-distancing” around diseases. harvesting of wild species. people. protected areas to keep For now, our focus must million hectares Both practices are At present, 23 percent of humans at a safe distance rightly be on the emergency of forest per year By now billions of people bringing more people into the planet is still in a natural from direct contact with response to the coronavirus on average. And, around the world are dangerous contact with state. But this is changing wild species. pandemic and to help people following advice to practise wildlife and their rapidly. Over the past 10 Well-managed and well- and communities protect according to a social distancing and pathogens. years, we have seen the connected natural spaces, or themselves and prevent the UN science panel, “shelter at home” to prevent A UN report notes that cutting of about 3 million protected areas, are also spread of the virus. This is the alarming spread of a new around 60 percent of all hectares of forest per year essential in safeguarding the priority, but the reality is between 1980 and coronavirus disease, known infectious diseases in on average. biodiversity and increasing that any long-term response 2000 alone, 100 COVID-19. The virus joins a humans are zoonotic as are And, according to a UN the resilience of ecosystems, to COVID-19 and zoonotic growing list of emerging 75 percent of all emerging science panel, between both on land and in the diseases must tackle habitat million hectares zoonotic diseases or diseases infectious diseases. These 1980 and 2000 alone, 100 ocean. loss. of forested land caused by bacteria, viruses, include Ebola, bird flu, million hectares of forested The measures must also There is no contradiction or parasites that spread from Middle East respiratory syn- land was converted into include the effective regu- in fighting zoonotic diseases was converted into animals to humans. drome (MERS), Rift Valley agricultural land in the lation and monitoring, and alongside protecting natural agricultural land in These diseases could fever, severe acute respi- tropics. in some cases closure, of spaces. They are mutually the tropics. have resulted in major pan- ratory syndrome (SARS), the This encroachment by live-animal markets as well reinforcing objectives. It is demics in the past but with West Nile virus and dengue croplands, subsequent loss as combating the illegal time to move beyond seeing expert advice and guidance, fever. and fragmentation of trade in wildlife. The novel investments in nature as we have managed to As the human population wildlife habitats, coupled coronavirus most likely costly indulgences but as a overcome most of them and surges towards nine billion, with unregulated live animal started in a “wet market”, critical first step to pro- save millions of human lives. the demand for food and markets are major factors or live-animal market that tecting human health. However, as the World fibre is growing - along with increasing the likelihood of frequently combines Maxwell Gomera is a domesticated and wild Director of the Biodiversity animals and offers and Land Branch at UN slaughter upon customer Environment. request. These markets, mixed with the illegal trade in wildlife, put people and animals in constant close contact, making it easy for zoonotic diseases to jump from animals to humans. Furthermore, humanity For now, our focus depends on the “ecosystem services” provided by intact must rightly be forests, wetlands and other on the emergency habitats. We rely on them for fresh water, carbon seques- response to the tration and flood control, coronavirus among other things which make life possible. Recog- pandemic and nising the importance of to help people these “ecosystem services”, in 2010 governments agreed and communities on a biodiversity plan to protect themselves protect 17 percent of land and prevent the and 10 percent of the ocean by 2020. spread of the virus. Today, the targets for This is the priority, land have not been met, partly because funding com- but the reality is mitments needed to do so that any long-term did not materialise. A new post-2020 Global Biodi- response to COVID- versity Framework is under 19 and zoonotic discussion, which includes an ambition to protect at diseases must An Azeri law enforcement officer checkinig a resident’s permission to leave home received in a text message, after the authorities least 30 percent of the tackle habitat loss. imposed restrictions on movement to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in Baku, Azerbaijan, yesterday. Earth’s surface by 2030. Why I’m coming around on wearing a face mask Hello Kitty masks, while them mandatory in public, don’t travel far) or “aerosols” bandanas, we’re showing that adults attached bling to theirs. even though they’re “alien to (which go a lot farther), and we’re in this together. Some soon had faux-Gucci, our culture,” as Chancellor about how long the airborne What more of us in the faux-Prada and faux-Luis Sebastian Kurz conceded. So virus can stay infectious while West are now realizing is that Vuitton gauzes covering their have Slovakia, the Czech swirling through the air. Sur- wearing a mask is the new faces, while taxi drivers oddly Republic, Israel and others. faces are definitely dan- way of showing respect. This is seemed to dangle their masks Even the hold-outs seem to gerous; the air less so. But ironic in places like Germany, ANDREAS KLUTH from one ear only, lest they be headed that way. As recently how much less? which in a bygone era (that is, BLOOMBERG obstruct the cigarette as February 29, the U.S. Moreover, it’s not clear two months ago) had a debate smoking. Mask style became Surgeon General tweeted, whether masks would block about whether to ban Muslim self-expression. “Seriously people - STOP an airborne virus from women from wearing niqabs As a Westerner, I’ve always Eventually, I strapped one BUYING MASKS! They are NOT coming in. The top-notch N95 in schools. “In an open society, been amused by people on too - and promptly became effective in preventing general respirators worn by surgeons we have to show our faces to wearing facial masks in an example of one major public from catching #Corona- probably do; the standard- talk openly with one another,” public. I recall a particular argument against masks. It virus, but if healthcare pro- issue surgical masks worn by the governor of Baden-Wuert- moment in the late 1990s, was a hot and muggy day, hay viders can’t get them to care for most nurses might; temberg said at the time. Now What more of us when I was part of a small fever season had started, and sick patients, it puts them and homemade masks might or it’s the other way around. In a in the West are group hiking in the Hima- I hadn’t shaved. Within our communities at risk!” Now might not. And all that resilient and cohesive society, layas, at high altitude on a minutes, my face was an he’s apparently reconsidering, assumes the masks are worn we may have to mask our now realizing is sunny day, in thin and pristine itching, scratching, dripping as are the White House and the correctly and responsibly, one faces. that wearing a air, and with nary a human in disaster zone, and my Centers for Disease Control and single time, and without any Andreas Kluth is a sight. Suddenly, a group of unwashed hands fiddled with Prevention. finger touching. That rules out member of Bloomberg’s edi- mask is the new Japanese hikers popped up the mask every which way. Even the World Health young children and possibly, torial board. way of showing from behind a crag, fully The looks I got in the super- Organization is taking another based on experience, me. Moreover, by wearing a respect. This is decked out in rubber gloves market were categorical. So look. So far, it has been rec- In the case of Covid-19, and masks. the mask came off. To this ommending that only health- though, this reasoning may be mask I’m signalling to ironic in places day, I’m amazed I didn’t get care workers and people with upside down. One problem Living in Asia later, I grad- strangers on the bus or like Germany, ually got used to being around infected. symptoms wear masks, with the coronavirus is that masked faces. Occasionally, I Nonetheless, when the whereas everybody else it’s so often asymptomatic. I in the supermarket that which in a bygone even saw the point - for opportunity came up, my should stick to washing hands wouldn’t necessarily know if I I’m trying to protect era (that is, two instance on days when the fiancee and I got ourselves a and keeping social distance. had it, even though I might sandstorms from the Gobi handful of respirators. The logic is in part the same infect you by exhaling globs of them. Simultaneously, months ago) had Desert covered Beijing in a Because you never know. as the surgeon general’s: saliva. So a mask on my face I’m taking the stigma a debate about rust-colored haze. But masks We’ve carried that stash with There are only so many masks wouldn’t primarily have to us all these years. Now, living to go around, and if random keep the virus out, but in. off those people who whether to ban weren’t for me. And then, when I was in Berlin, we’ve pulled them people hoard, those in need Moreover, by wearing a wear masks because Muslim women living in Hong Kong, the SARS out again, and we’re thinking may not get them. mask I’m signalling to they know they’re from wearing epidemic broke out. Within a about using them finally. The more disquieting strangers on the bus or in the few days in early 2003, the After all, as Covid-19 reason, as ever with Covid-19, supermarket that I’m trying to infected. niqabs in schools. entire city seemed to be spreads and still guards so is that we just don’t know protect them. Simultaneously, masked. And whenever many of its medical secrets, enough. There’s a heated and I’m taking the stigma off those something becomes ubiq- everything is pointing toward very technical debate raging people who wear masks uitous, it invariably shapes the West becoming like the among scientists about because they know they’re and reflects culture. This East, with masks becoming whether SARS-CoV-2 is infected. If we all put some- being Hong Kong, girls wore the norm. Austria has made spread by “droplets” (which thing on, even flimsy 10 ASIA MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 Locked-down India Tokyo reports 143 new virus lights up to mark cases, highest coronavirus fight jump in a day REUTERS — TOKYO AFP — NEW DELHI hit rural migrant workers, leaving them jobless with hun- Some 143 more cases of the Twinkling flames from candles dreds of thousands trying to novel coronavirus have been and traditional lamps lit up return to their villages, many on reported in Tokyo, the city’s India’s night sky yesterday in a foot. Many others have been governor said yesterday, with nine-minute show to mark the blocked from returning home. the highest daily jump bringing fight against the coronavirus The government has set up tens the number of cases in the pandemic, which has left the of thousands of makeshift Japanese capital to more than vast nation in lockdown. camps and feeding centres for 1,000. Across major cities and 7.5 million people. Tokyo’s metropolitan gov- towns in the world’s second- The confirmed number of ernment has strongly urged most populous country of 1.3 new coronavirus cases in India people to stay at home as the billion people, many heeded the has passed 3,500 with 83 deaths, city of nearly 14 million has seen call of Prime Minister Narendra the government said, although an uptick in the number of cases Modi to turn off their lights at experts say wider testing is in recent days. 9pm local time. needed. The health ministry has The number of cases with Residents light traditional lamps and lit firecrackers outside their home to observe a nine-minute vigil Residents shouted “Hail blamed a recent jump in cases untraceable transmission in a show of unity and solidarity in the fight against coronavirus pandemic in Allahabad yesterday. Mother India” and “go corona on a large religious gathering in routes had increased in recent go”. They cheered, clapped, and the capital New Delhi in March days, Governor Yuriko Koike set off firecrackers and fire- that has been linked to more said in a livecast YouTube works that shattered the quiet than 1,000 infections. Export of diagnostic testing kits video yesterday, adding it was evening, in scenes reminiscent “If the Nizamuddin incident worrying that there were a of Diwali, the festival of lights. (in Delhi) had not happened, number of people who were “Salute to the light of the lamp then our case doubling rate restricted as pandemic spreads infected at hospitals. which brings auspiciousness, which is currently 4.1 would The majority of confirmed health and prosperity, which have been 7.4 days,” health min- AGENCIES — NEW DELHI Trump urged Prime Minister In a briefing note on the COVID-19 cases over the destroys negative feelings,” Modi istry official Lav Agarwal told Narendra Modi in a phone call conversation, India said the two weekend in Tokyo were of tweeted in Sanskrit. He shared reporters. The ministry issued India is restricting the export on Saturday, to release sup- leaders “agreed to deploy the people under the age of 50, a photos of himself lighting a “diya” an advisory for Indians to use of most diagnostic testing kits, plies of anti-malaria drug full strength of the India - US member of Japan’s health min- clay lamp. In a modern touch, homemade reusable face covers as coronavirus cases in the hydroxychloroquine, which is partnership to resolutely and istry taskforce for the virus said some residents turned on the to “help in protecting the com- South Asian nation topped being tested as a possible effectively combat COVID-19.” in the same livecast yesterday lights from their mobile phones. munity at large”. 3,500 yesterday despite a treatment for patients with Meanwhile, India said the night, adding that many of them Modi on Friday had called The government imposed three-week nationwide COVID-19. deaths from the coronavirus were in their 20s and 30s. on Indians to take part in the a ban on the export of malaria lockdown to slow the spread “The two leaders agreed reached 83, while the number Tokyo’s metropolitan gov- event to “defeat the deep treatment drug hydroxychlo- of the respiratory disease. to remain in touch on the of diagnosed cases is over ernment has repeatedly called darkness of the crisis by roquine, removing exemptions India, which in recent issue of global supply chains 3,500. Health officials said on residents in the densely pop- spreading the glory of light in such as for fulfilling export weeks already banned the for critical pharmaceuticals over 3,000 cases are active ulated city to avoid all unnec- all four directions”. obligations that it put in place export of certain drugs, along and medical supplies and to and 267 patients have been essary outings. Koike said in an India has been under a strict several days ago. Hydroxy- with ventilators, masks and ensure they continue to discharged from hospitals. earlier TV appearance that lockdown since March 25, chloroquine and chloroquine other protective gear needed function as smoothly as pos- Most cases have been “lives were at stake”. halting public transport and to treat malaria have shown by both patients and medical sible during the global health reported in the states of Japan, with some 3,000 closing offices and shops apart early promise against the staff, issued the latest directive crisis,” White House Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, cases and 73 deaths as of Friday, from essential services. COVID-19 illness in early on Saturday. The move comes spokesman Judd Deere, said Delhi, Kerala, UttarPradesh has so far been spared the kind But the shutdown has badly studies in France and China. even as US President Donald in a tweet on Saturday. and Rajasthan. of explosive surge seen in Europe, the US and elsewhere. Sri Lanka extends Chinese rights lawyer quarantine period released from prison to four weeks AFP — COLOMBO

Sri Lanka extended the after five years suggested quarantine period from two weeks to four AFP — BEIJING should have been able to return yesterday after a 34-year-old to his home in Beijing according man who returned home from A leading Chinese human rights to the relevant legal guidelines.” South Korea tested positive a lawyer has been released from Calls to the prison went unan- week after leaving isolation. prison after almost five years swered yesterday and Shan- Army chief Shavendra Silva behind bars, his wife said dong’s justice department did not — who operates several quar- yesterday. respond to enquiries. antine facilities — told those who Wang Quanzhang, 44, was Wang’s initial detention in are completing the mandatory A boat carrying suspected Rohingya migrants is seen detained in Malaysian territorial waters, in first detained in 2015 in a 2015 came as part of the so- two-week quarantine to isolate Langkawi, Malaysia, yesterday. sweeping crackdown on more called “709” crackdown, nick- themselves for a further 14-day than 200 lawyers and gov- named as such because it began period. “Even those who are ernment critics in China as Pres- on July 9 that year. under self-quarantine are urged Malaysia detains boatload of ident Xi Jinping tightened his grip But it was not until January to spend another two weeks iso- on power. 2019 that he was sentenced to lating themselves,” Silva said. But Wang has yet to return four-and-a-half years in prison Although not a mandatory home to his family in Beijing and for “subverting state power” in order, local health officials have over 200 Rohingya refugees was instead escorted yesterday a closed-door trial. been told to ensure people follow to a property he owns in eastern A prominent lawyer who has the extended isolation, official AP — KULA LUMPUR and two others, believed to be Rohingya fled to Bangladesh Shandong province for 14 days defended political activists and sources said. Police spokesman behind the smuggling syndicate, after a counterinsurgency cam- in quarantine as a precaution victims of land seizures, Wang Ajith Rohana said 43,500 Malaysian authorities said they escaped while they were at sea. paign by Myanmar’s military in against the coronavirus, was held incommunicado prior people who returned to Sri have arrested a boatload of 202 Zulinda said maritime offi- the western state of Rakhine in according to wife Li Wenzu. to the trial. “I am really worried Lanka since March 11 had reg- people believed to be minority cials have taken precautionary response to attacks in 2017 by a Li said from Beijing, where they plan on putting him under istered for home quarantine, Muslim Rohingya refugees after measures to prevent any possible Rohingya insurgent group. Bang- she lives with the couple’s young long-term house arrest and will and 18,000 of them had their boat was found adrift transmission of the COVID-19 ladesh now hosts more than a son, she feared Wang would be prevent us from being reunited already completed the process. yesterday morning near the virus while handling the group. million Rohingya refugees, and placed under house arrest as a family,” said Li, who has tire- Sri Lanka’s main trade northern resort island of The refugees were taken to traffickers usually lure refugees despite his release from prison, lessly campaigned for her hus- union of government sector Langkawi. the maritime office for further by promising them a better life and would be subject to surveil- band’s release. doctors said the country should A Northern District maritime investigation before they are overseas. lance. “I think (authorities) have Police had forcibly evicted step up testing if authorities official, Capt. Zulinda Ramly, said handed to the immigration Hundreds have been stopped been lying to us step by step,” Li tenants from Wang’s property in were serious about containing the refugees included 152 men, department, she added. There by Bangladeshi coast guard offi- said. the city of Jinan to make way for the spread of COVID-19. 45 women and five children. She were no further details on where cials trying to escape from one “They used the pretext of the his return to Shandong, his wife The disease has claimed the said some of the migrants told the refugees came from. of the world’s largest migrant epidemic as an excuse to quar- added. Li said she believed his lives of five people and infected officials that the boat’s skipper More than 700,000 camps. antine him for 14 days when he stay there was not out of choice. at least 174 so far. The main testing facility — the Medical Research Institute — has a capacity of testing 200 samples, Singapore reports record which the doctors’ union says is grossly inadequate. new cases, quarantines Bangladesh virus 20,000 migrant workers death toll

REUTERS — SINGAPORE within close quarters in various reaches nine dormitories in the tiny Singapore reported 120 new Southeast Asian nation, an ANATOLIA — DHAKA coronavirus cases yesterday, by island city-state. They form a far its highest daily rise, and significant part of the labour The death toll from coronavirus quarantined nearly 20,000 force, working in sectors from in Bangladesh climbed to nine migrant workers in their dormi- construction to cleaning. yesteday after one more citizen tories. The spike in cases comes succumbed to the virus. Of yesterday’s new cases, two days before the country will “One more COVID-19 116 were locally transmitted and begin closing schools and most patient died in the last 24 hours, many were linked to two dor- workplaces for a month as part while the number of corona- mitories that house migrant of tighter restrictions to combat virus cases stands at 88 as 18 workers, who will now have to the COVID-19 disease. more people have been infected stay in their rooms for 14 days. Singapore was one of the by the lethal virus,” state-run The number of new cases is worst-hit countries when the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha a 60 percent increase over the virus first spread from China in news agency quoted Health 75 reported on Saturday, which January, but a strict surveillance Minister Zahid Maleque as was the previous biggest daily and quarantine regime helped saying. Meanwhile, in a televised rise. Singapore has reported a stem the tide. Recent spikes in Residents receive free reusable masks distributed by the government at a community centre as address Bangladesh’s Prime total of 1,309 infections and six locally transmitted cases have, stricter measures are to be announced to fight coronavirus, in Singapore, yesterday. Minister Sheikh Hasina said that deaths from the novel however, raised fresh the government will allocate coronavirus. concerns. to east of the island into a mostly recovered from facility after a hotel was con- $8.5bn for a stimulus package Tens of thousands of blue- The government is also con- medical facility to accom- COVID-19 but may still be infec- verted last month to isolate up to overcome the fallout from the collar foreign workers live verting a large exhibition venue modate patients who have tious. It will be the second such to 500 such people. pandemic. MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 ASIA 11 Australia upbeat over slowing Sugar and wheat crisis: Pakistan PM pledges virus spread, urges vigilance action against profiteers

REUTERS — MELBOURNE INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD their post, adding that the PM should not wait till April 25. Australian health officials said Pakistani Prime Minister Imran A report by the Federal yesterday they were cautiously Khan yesterday said he would Investigation Agency claims that optimistic about the slowing take action against those top PTI members were among spread of the coronavirus in the responsible for the sugar and those who gained from the country but warned social wheat price hike after he sees recent sugar crisis in the distancing restrictions are to stay the detailed forensic report of country. An investigation into in place for months. the preliminary findings. the crisis had been ordered by Confirmed cases rose by 139 “I await the detailed forensic Prime Minister Imran Khan in during the 24-hour period to yes- reports now by the high- February. Among the people terday afternoon, bringing the powered commission, which named in the FIA report are national total to 5,687, Chief will come out on April 25, before Jahangir Tareen and a brother Medical Officer Brendan Murphy taking action,” the prime min- of Minister for National Food said. The death toll from ister said in a tweet. Security KhusroBakhtiar. COVID-19, the respiratory “After these reports come Tareen was said by the disease caused by the virus, rose out no powerful lobby will be report to have benefitted the to 34. able to profiteer at the expense most from the sugar crisis fol- This suggests the daily rate of our public,” said the premier. lowed by Bakhtiar’s brother. of infections was below 5 He added that the preliminary The report also claims that percent, about a fifth of what reports into sudden price hikes the companies belonging to Australia saw in mid-March. of sugar and wheat have been Moonis Elahi — an ally of the “We are increasingly con- released immediately without party — profited from the sugar fident that if people continue to and “alteration or tampering”. crisis. Elahi is Chaudhry Pervaiz A healthcare professional holding a bottle of antiseptic handrub talks to people at a pop-up clinic adhere to what we’ve been “This is unprecedented in Elahi’s son and a key member testing for the coronavirus disease at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia. asking them to do we can prevent Pakistan’s history. Previous of the PML-Q. a situation like we’ve seen in political leaderships because of The document does not many other countries in the Confirmed cases rose by 139 during the new cases of coronavirus, their vested interests and com- mention under whose influence world,” Murphy said in a tele- 24-hour period to yesterday afternoon, bringing the total to 12, promises lacked the moral Punjab government issued sub- vised briefing. according to the government. courage to order and release sidies to sugar mills or why the Australia has barred people bringing the national total to 5,687, Chief In New Zealand, which was such reports,” the prime min- Economic Coordination Council from leaving homes for anything Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said. The fast to introduce strict restric- ister added. (ECC) approved the decision to but the most necessary activities tions that have ordered more Opposition Leader in the export sugar. and limited public gatherings to death toll from COVID-19 rose to 34. This people to stay home, trips to National Assembly Shehbaz Reacting to the report, just two people. State borders, suggests the daily rate of infections was below retail and recreation facilities, Sharif has said that the report Federal Minister for Planning, cafes, clubs, parks and gyms have such as restaurants, cafes or was an “indictment” against the Development and Special Initi- been closed. 5 percent, about a fifth of what Australia saw shopping centres were down 91 prime minister and Punjab Chief atives Asad Umar said he had Several states have also given in mid-March. percent, according to Google. Minister Usman Buzdar. faith that whatever the situation, police the power to enforce the New Zealand recorded 48 Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan “will rules via hefty on-the-spot fines new cases yesterday, bringing Muslim League- Nawaz ensure justice”. and potential jail terms. Only yes- about the fact that we could mag- deaths have been attributed to a the total to 872. One person has (PML-N) spokesperson Mar- The prime minister was also terday, Victoria’s police issued ically stop everything for two Carnival Corp’s Ruby Princess died so far of the flu-like respi- riyum Aurangzeb urged the sent the investigation report on 142 fines for breaking social dis- weeks and it will all go away: cruise ship, which was last month ratory disease, according to the government to take action the wheat crisis, compiled by a tancing rules, according to that’s not an honest assessment allowed to disembark passengers health ministry data. against those involved in the three-member bench headed officials. in our view,” Hunt said on Sky in Sydney, many of whom later Premier Jacinda Ardern said crisis. by Wajid Zia. As per the report, Health Minister Greg Hunt News Australia. tested positive for COVID-19. yesterday that “going hard and “We have a report that the crisis originated due to poor warned over the weekend, Victoria Premier Daniel New South Wales Police going early” seems to be proves what we had been saying planning by the centre and pro- however, that despite the good Andrews said yesterday while Commissioner Mick Fuller said working. about these two [Tareen, vincial governments. signs, Australians will still have there has been some “wonderful yesterday a criminal investi- “While compliance has been Bakhtiar] all along. Action needs The report states that the to keep their distance from others success” in slowing coronavirus gation will be launched into the generally strong, there are still to be taken against them,” the Punjab Food Department was for a “difficult” six-month period. spread, Australians “have a long case. some I would charitably PML-N leader told local media. unable to control flour mills and “Some other countries or way to go”. The South Pacific nation of describe as idiots,” Ardern said She added that the indi- started collecting wheat after a some other individuals may talk Nearly a third of Australia’s Fiji recorded on Saturday five in a televised briefing. viduals should be removed from delay of 20-22 days. Afghan President 20,000 worshippers quarantined in Pakistan after major search picks former AFP — LAHORE considered one of the world's rival Atmar as largest faith-based movements, Pakistan has quarantined with millions of followers, par- foreign minister 20,000 worshippers and is still ticularly in South Asia, and searching for tens of thousands sends preachers to countries to ANATOLIA — KABUL more who attended an Islamic spread Islam's ideas. gathering in Lahore last month Numerous foreign nationals In a surprise move, Afghan despite the worsening corona- attended this year from coun- President Ashraf Ghani virus pandemic, officials said tries including China, Indonesia, yesterday assigned his former yesterday. Nigeria and Afghanistan, organ- rival candidate Mohammad Authorities said they want isers said. About 1,500 for- Haneef Atmar as foreign to test or quarantine those who eigners are now quarantined in minister. congregated at the event held Pakistan, but others left the As per the presidential by the Tablighi Jamaat — an country without being tested. decree, Haneef Atmar would Islamic missionary movement Pakistan's Science Minister serve as interim foreign min- — between March 10-12 over Fawad Chaudhry earlier ister until the parliament fears they are now spreading expressed exasperation that the approves his nomination as COVID-19 across Pakistan and event had gone ahead, blaming per the Constitution. overseas. the "stubbornness of the clergy". “Mohammad Haneef More than 100,000 people Organisers said they cut the Atmar is one of the country’s went to the meeting, organisers gathering short following advice influential politicians who said, undeterred by government Scouts of the Payam-e-Wilayat Foundation spray disinfectants along a street during a government- from the authorities, however have served in the past two requests for it to be cancelled imposed nationwide lockdown against the coronavirus, in Karachi yesterday. at the time they said it was due decades as minister for rural as the virus hit the country. to rainy weather. development, education, In northwestern Khyber region, sais yesterday. have been quarantined, gov- worshippers who went to last Similar Tablighi Jamaat con- interior affairs and lastly as a Pakhtunkhwa province, author- Wazir said thousands of ernment officials said. Dozens month's Jamaat had tested pos- gregations held in Malaysia and national security adviser,” the ities have so far quarantined Tablighis from his province more have been forced to self- itive for coronavirus, with two India during the coronavirus decree said. 5,300 Tablighis or Islamic were stranded in other regions isolate in southwestern Balo- fatalities, authorities said. pandemic have been blamed for A year before running for preachers who attended the because of the closure of major chistan province. Coronavirus has killed at spreading the virus to other the president in 2019 elec- Lahore meeting. "Health offi- highways across the country. The Tablighi mosques and least 45 people in Pakistan but nations. Gaza's health ministry tions, Atmar resigned as cials are conducting tests for About 7,000 have been quar- the movement's other places of with only limited testing confirmed last month its first Ghani’s national security coronavirus and some of them antined in the central Punjab city worship were shut down or available, observers worry the two cases of coronavirus were adviser, citing disagreements have tested positive," Ajmal Lahore, while in southern Sindh marked as quarantine centres number is far higher. Palestinians who had attended at the top level. Wazir, a spokesperson for the province up to 8,000 Tablighis at the end of March. At least 154 Tablighi Jamaat is the gathering. Afghan forces capture IS chief Mainland China sees in Kandahar rise in virus cases ANATOLIA — KABUL REUTERS — BEIJING while the death toll has risen by Authorities in Afghanistan three to 3,329. said the country has arrested Mainland China reported 30 Though daily infections the head of IS terrorist organ- new coronavirus cases on have fallen dramatically from isation. Saturday, up from 19 a day the height of the epidemic in According to the country’s earlier as the number of cases February, when hundreds of secret service yesterday, the involving travellers from new cases were reported daily, National Directorate of abroad as well as local trans- Beijing remains unable to com- Security (NDS), the head of IS missions increased, highlighting pletely halt new infections has been taken into custody the difficulty in stamping out despite imposing some of the along with 20 other the outbreak. most drastic measures to curb commanders. The National Health Com- the virus’ spread. The local Etelat Roz daily mission said in a statement yes- The so-called imported reported they were arrested terday that 25 of the latest cases cases and asymptomatic in Kandahar province. involved people who had patients, who have the virus and The NDS also shared a entered from abroad, compared can give it to others but show picture of the suspect, iden- with 18 such cases a day earlier. no symptoms, have become People wearing face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic are seen outside of a shopping mall in tified as Abdullah Orakzai — Five new locally transmitted among China’s chief concerns Beijing, yesterday. also known as Aslam Farooqi. infections were also reported in recent weeks. The Pakistan-born head of the on Saturday, all in the southern The country has closed off terrorist organisation is coastal province of Guangdong, its borders to almost all for- nationals returning from authorities to identify and 47 new asymptomatic cases blamed for killing scores of up from a day earlier. eigners as the virus spread glo- overseas. isolate the asymptomatic were reported in the mainland Afghans in bomb blasts, armed The mainland has now bally, though most of the The central government patients. on Saturday, compared with 64 attacks and suicide assaults. reported a total of 81,669 cases, imported cases involve Chinese also has pushed local The health commission said a day earlier. 12 EUROPE MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 Queen Elizabeth II invokes WWII spirit, Virus toll in Spain says we can defeat the coronavirus rises by 674, but

REUTERS — LONDON cameraman, who wore gloves and a mask and was the only pace keeps slowing Queen Elizabeth told the British other person present. people yesterday that they Elizabeth said the situation would overcome the corona- reminded her of her first ever REUTERS — MADRID director for Europe, Hans Kluge, virus outbreak if they stayed broadcast in 1940, when she tweeted about Spain: “Careful resolute in the face of lockdown and her late sister Margaret The rate of new coronavirus infec- optimism as result of bold and self-isolation, invoking the spoke from Windsor to children tions and deaths in Spain slowed measures, innovative approaches spirit of World War Two in an who had been evacuated from again yesterday as the country, & courageous decisions”. extremely rare broadcast to the their homes to escape bombing suffering from one of the world’s Prime Minister Pedro nation. raids by Nazi German aircraft. worst outbreaks of the pandemic, Sanchez, in a televised address In what was only the fifth She said that in the future began its fourth week under a to the nation on Saturday, televised address of her 68-year people could take pride in how near-total lockdown. announced an extension of the reign, Elizabeth called upon they too had dealt with such a Deaths from the highly infec- state of emergency lockdown Britons to show the resolve of challenge and disruption to tious COVID-19 respiratory until April 26 to help tackle “the their forbears and demonstrate their lives. disease rose to 12,418 on Sat- greatest crisis of our lives”. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II records her address to the UK and they were as strong as genera- “Those who come after us urday — the second-highest He said while lockdown the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus epidemic at tions of the past. will say the Britons of this gen- worldwide after Italy. However, measures would probably last “Together we are tackling Windsor Castle, west of London. eration were as strong as any,” the toll of 674 people who died even longer than the next 15 this disease, and I want to she said. during the past 24 hours was days, some economic restric- reassure you that if we remain risen by 621 in the last 24 hours felt by some families. “That the attributes of self- down from Saturday’s 809 and tions, such as keeping all non- united and resolute, then we to 4,934 with high fatalities still She also paid tribute to discipline, of quiet good- well below Thursday’s daily essential workers at home, will overcome it,” the 93-year- expected in the next week. health care staff for their humoured resolve and of record of 950, the Health Min- would be lifted after Easter. old monarch said in the address Prime Minister Boris selfless work and commended fellow-feeling still characterise istry said. Shops and restaurants will, from her Windsor Castle home Johnson is among those in self- the “heart-warming” stories of this country. The pride in who Yesterday’s rise represented however, remain closed. where she is staying with her isolation after testing positive people across the Common- we are is not a part of our past, a 6 percent increase in total Business groups CEOE and husband Prince Philip, 98. for COVID-19, and the queen’s wealth, of which she is head, it defines our present and our deaths, about half the rate CEPYME warned that while the “While we have faced chal- own son and heir Prince and beyond for delivering food future.” She even invoked the reported a week ago. The total new extension “will serve to lenges before, this one is dif- Charles, 71, has recovered after and medicines to those who words of the famous song “We’ll number of registered infections accelerate the exit from the ferent. This time we join with suffering mild symptoms of the needed them. Meet Again” by Vera Lynn from rose to 130,759 from Saturday’s current health crisis” it could all nations across the globe in a virus. Yesterday’s address was an World War Two which became 124,736. “deepen the economic common endeavour, using the Like many countries in extremely rare as the queen a symbol of hope for Britons “Today I unite (with col- recession”. great advances of science and Europe, Britain is in a state of usually only speaks to the during the conflict. leagues) to give a small message Economy Minister Nadia our instinctive compassion to virtual lockdown, with people nation in her annual televised “We should take comfort of hope,” said General Miguel Calvino rejected the idea in an heal. We will succeed - and that told to stay at home unless it Christmas Day message. that while we may have more Angel Villaroya, chief of the interview with El Pais yesterday. success will belong to every one was essential to go out. In order to ensure any risk still to endure, better days will defence staff, during a corona- Asked when Spain would get of us.” Elizabeth thanked those to the elderly monarch herself return,” she said. virus briefing yesterday. back to normal, Calvino said, The broadcast came hours who were staying at home, was mitigated, it was filmed in “We will be with our friends “We are on the right track and “We cannot return to normal after officials said the death toll thereby helping to spare others a big room to ensure a safe dis- again; we will be with our fam- we will beat it (the virus).” The from 0 to 100 in one day. We in Britain from the virus had from suffering the grief already tance between her and the ilies again; we will meet again.” World Health Organisation’s must guarantee security.” COVID-19 deaths fall to the lowest in Italy since March 19

AFP — ROME The 525 official country’s 22 regions. COVID-19 fatalities That number fell from 29,010 Italian officials said yesterday on Saturday to 28,949 yesterday. they may soon have to consider reported by the The number of critical patients easing restrictions after seeing civil protection edged down from 3,994 on Sat- the daily coronavirus death toll urday to 3,977 yesterday — the plunge to its lowest in over two service was the second successive decline. weeks. Mediterranean The second phase of Italy’s The 525 official COVID-19 country’s lowest toll battle against the pandemic rep- fatalities reported by the civil resents an easing that no Western protection service was the Med- since 427 deaths nation has tried since the virus iterranean country’s lowest toll were registered on spread from China to Europe in since 427 deaths were registered February. on March 19. March 19. Italian health officials remain They also represented a extremely cautious because they decline of 23 percent from the Prime Minister Giuseppe know that the death toll is falling 681 deaths reported on Conte decided to address Italy’s almost certainly because eve- Saturday. biggest crisis in many generations ryone is spending almost all their “The curve has started its by sacrificing the economy for time at home. descent and the number of deaths the benefit of the health care Civil protection service chief has started to drop,” Italy’s ISS system. Angelo Borrelli called yesterday’s national health institute director The nation of 60 million drop in reported deaths “good Members of the medical staff hold palm tree branches at a hospital, in Turin, Italy, yesterday. Silvio Brusaferro told reporters. became first the Western news. “If these data are confirmed democracy to voluntarily shut “But we should not let our (in the coming days), we will have down almost all businesses and guard down,” he warned. work with facemasks and coronavirus-specific hospitals allowed to work. to start thinking about Phase 2,” ban public gatherings — including Italian media yesterday said required to stay two metres apart across the country. It is also unclear whether he said in reference to an easing simple walks in the park — on Conte’s government was pre- in public at all times. Conte’s government also people with antibodies can still of a month-long national March 12. paring a five-point plan that Anyone who shows the intends to secure tens of thou- spread the disease. lockdown. His gamble appears to be would open up businesses in slightest COVID-19 symptoms sands of certified blood test kits The government’s final pro- Italy’s second phase of the paying off. stages and keep many of the must be immediately reported to to see how many people have posal involves using phone apps battle against a virus that has now Officials reported the first social distancing measures in the health authorities and iso- developed antibodies for the to “strengthen contract tracing” officially killed 15,887 may be decline yesterday in the number place for some time. lated for two weeks. disease. — a controversial measure that trickier for the government to of non-critical COVID-19 patients Corriere della Sera daily said Italy is also reportedly Those with the antibodies has been tried in countries such pull off than the first. receiving hospital care across the Italians would be asked to go to planning to build more might have immunity and be as South Korea and Israel. UK to tighten virus Fatalities in France hit restrictions if a new high people flout rules REUTERS — PARIS The total number of deaths REUTERS — LONDON Hancock said it was “unbe- from the coronavirus in France lievable” to see a small minority reached a new high on Britain will be forced to impose flouting the government’s advice Saturday as the government more restrictions on outdoor to maintain social-distancing. included more previously exercise if people flout lockdown Other European countries unreported deaths in nursing rules designed to curb the spread such as Italy and France have homes. of the coronavirus, the health imposed tougher restrictions on The health ministry minister said yesterday. people leaving their homes. reported 441 new deaths from Daily exercise, such as Health experts said any COVID-19 in the country’s walking, running or cycling, is move towards a ban on outdoor hospitals on Saturday — less allowed as long as people exercise was “deeply than the high of 588 reported maintain social distancing. But worrying”. on Friday — for a total hospital any other activity such as sun- “The health implications of death tally of 5,532. bathing could put others at risk the lock down that we anticipate For the third day in a row, Britain’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock (right) with Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jenny Harries, and prolong the lockdown, — increased domestic violence, the ministry also reported the during a press conference on the new coronavirus, in London, yesterday. Health Secretary Matt Hancock anxiety and depression, poor cumulative tally of deaths in said. diet and decreased physical nursing homes since the start Most people were com- activity will get worse if we curve in coronavirus cases we “anywhere between about 7,000 thing — almost everybody — of the epidemic in early March, plying, he said, but if a minority confine more of us to our homes will be able to set out next steps. or so up to a little over 20,000”. across the country, and then which were previously unre- continued to break the rules “we without the hugely important We are not there yet.” Neil Fer- The newly elected leader of finally lift the lid too early and ported. This added another then might have to take further respite that outdoor exercise guson, a professor at Imperial the opposition Labour Party, we have a second spike,” she 2,028 deaths to the national action”. provides,” said Linda Bauld, a College in London who has Keir Starmer, said the gov- said. British media yesterday tally for a total death toll of “What we are doing is being public health specialist at Edin- helped shape the government’s ernment needed to publish its reported disputes at the top of 7,560, an increase of 1,053 on absolutely clear that the current burgh University. response, said the epidemic in plan. government over the exit the cumulative figure reported rules must be followed,” he told Britain’s death toll rose to Britain was expected to plateau “People want to know how strategy, with finance minister on Friday. Previously unre- a daily media briefing. 4,934 on Saturday after 621 in the next seven to 10 days. does this end,” he said. Rishi Sunak pushing for a path ported, nursing home deaths There were fears that warm people died in the previous 24 “What’s critically important If restrictions were lifted too to be mapped out towards lifting now make up nearly a third of spring weather yesterday could hours. then is how quickly case soon, however, a second wave the restrictions to help limit total coronavirus deaths. encourage Britons to head to Hancock said the timetable numbers go down: do we see a of infection could occur, said damage to the economy. “This pandemic is totally parks. London’s Lambeth to ease restrictions — the long flat peak or do we, as we England’s Deputy Chief Medical Hancock denied there was unprecedented. It is imper- Council closed Brockwell Park lockdown exit strategy — could hope, see a much faster decline, Officer Jenny Harries. any rift. “We are working very ative that people respect con- yesterday after it said many only be agreed once the spread and that really depends on how “The very last thing we closely together, and what finement, now is not the time people had sunbathed or of the coronavirus had been effective the current measures would want to do is to have put matters is that we can get out of to ease up,” health ministry gathered in large groups there brought under control. are,” he told the BBC. in all of this effort, with eve- this as fast as possible,” he told director Jerome Salomon said on Saturday. “Once we’ve flattened the He said fatalities could be rybody trying to do the right Sky News. at a daily briefing. MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 EUROPE 13 Greece quarantines second migrant camp after COVID-19 case confirmed

REUTERS — ATHENS On Thursday, recorded in camps on Greek authorities quarantined islands so far. Greece has quarantined a The conservative gov- second migrant facility on its the Ritsona camp in ernment wants to replace all mainland after a 53-year-old central Greece after existing camps on islands with man tested positive for the new enclosed detention centres, but coronavirus, the migration 20 tested positive for its plans have been met with ministry said yesterday. the coronavirus. It was resistance from local author- The Afghan man lives with ities and residents who want all his family at the Malakasa camp the first such facility in facilities shut. along with hundreds of asylum Greece to be hit since Aid groups have urged seekers. He has been trans- Greece to evacuate the camps, ferred to a hospital in Athens. the outbreak of the warning the risk of the fast- Tests on his contacts will disease. moving virus spreading among continue as the public health people living in squalid condi- agency tries to trace the route facilities across the country - tions is high and containing an of the virus. On Thursday, 40,000 of them in overcrowded outbreak in such settings would authorities quarantined the camps on five islands. be “impossible”. Ritsona camp in central Greece “The number (of migrants The camp in Malakasa, A man walks at Malakasa refugee camp after the camp has been quarantined following a man tested after 20 tested positive for the and refugees) is very large, 40km (25 miles) northeast of positive for coronavirus, in Athens, Greece, yesterday. coronavirus. It was the first such therefore it is a given, mathe- Athens, will be put into quar- facility in Greece to be hit since matically, that there will be con- antine for two weeks, the min- the outbreak of the disease. firmed cases,” Migration Min- istry said on Sunday, adding March 1, the ministry said. lockdown and banned arrivals Finance Minister Christos Greece was the main ister Notis Mitarachi told Skai police guarding the site would Greece recorded its first from non-EU countries as well Staikouras reiterated on Sunday gateway into the European TV. “We have an emergency be reinforced to ensure the case of the new coronavirus at as Germany, Britain, Italy and the economy was expected to Union for more than a million plan in place... But it is more dif- restrictions are implemented. the end of February. Since then, Spain. The measures have hit shrink by about 3-4% this year, people fleeing conflict in ficult to implement it on the A separate, enclosed facility it has confirmed 1,673 cases of its economy which is relying on but added Greece had a €37bn 2015-16. More than 110,000 islands.” started operating last month for COVID-19 and 68 deaths. tourism for a recovery after a ($40b) cash buffer that it could people currently live in migrant No cases have been migrants who arrived after It has imposed a nationwide decade-long debt crisis. tap into to support it. Fire kills one at Albania’s coronavirus cases virus hospital construction site surge for third day in row in Moscow REUTERS — TIRANA One of the poorest coun- tries in Europe, Albania was AFP — MOSCOW Albania reported 28 new cases already hit hard by an earth- of the new coronavirus yesterday quake last November that killed One person died when a fire and said a failure to respect 51 people and left 17,000 tore through workers’ tents at social distancing had led to the homeless. The government is the construction site of a new highest numbers of infections enforcing a tough lockdown to hospital for coronavirus over the last three days. prevent the health system from patients outside Moscow, offi- The COVID-19 disease being overwhelmed. cials said yesterday. caused by the coronavirus has Before enforcing its third The cause of the blaze was killed 20, infected 361 and 40-hour lockdown on the not immediately known but it caused three to need help weekend, the government reportedly broke out in a tent breathing, the Public Health reminded Albanians they containing a stove. Institute said. It added that 104 should not be fooled by com- An emergencies ministry had recovered. paring their country’s figures spokesman said the fire, which Despite a lockdown mon- with those of worst-hit coun- covered 90sqm, broke out in itored by police and the army tries because the worst had yet workers’ accommodation at and hefty fines, some Albanians to pass. the site. have slipped through to buy “This increase in the “Three tents have caught food. Two were caught having number of cases in Shkoder fire,” the spokesman said. coffee and brandy outside. and Tirana once again shows Vehicles spraying disinfectants while sanitising a street to prevent the spread of the coronavirus “Unfortunately, one Mourners who attended a the failure to apply social dis- disease in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. person died,” he said, declining funeral in a northern town also tancing and measures to to give other details. spread the contagion. control the infection that the The construction site is Since the first two cases on Health Ministry keeps recom- located between the villages Infection cases rise to 5,389 in Russia March 9, infections rose and fell mending daily,” said Albana of Babenki and Golokhvastovo until they reached 28, the most Fico of the Health Institute. just outside Moscow. ANATOLIA — MOSCOW 5,389 over the last 24 hours, the more lives since yesterday, an in a day, on March 26. They fell “It is equally important to Moscow city authorities country’s authorities said emergency team said in a up to half over the next week, respect infection prevention have been rushing to construct The novel coronavirus has yesterday. statement. only to rise to 27 on Friday, 29 measures even with our a medical facility for corona- infected 658 more people in The death toll rose to 45 as More than half of the on Saturday, the highest ever, cousins by avoiding visits for virus patients styled on a hos- Russia, bringing the total to the infection claimed two patients are under the age of 45. and 28 yesterday. whatever reason,” she added. pital built in China in record time. More than 3,000 builders are involved in the Russian Ireland Prime Minister returns to medical practice project, and some of them live on the construction site. REUTERS — DUBLIN doctor for seven years before Service Executive (HSE) on a you”. The HSE said it had Anybody who may have been The 500-bed hospital leaving the profession to weekly basis in an area suited spoken to thousands of exposed to the virus is initially extending over 43 hectares Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo become a politician and was to his qualifications. healthcare professionals who assessed over the phone. was inspired by the “expe- Varadkar has re-registered as removed from the medical reg- In March, Health Minister may be eligible to return after Varadkar comes from a rience of Chinese partners,” a medical practitioner and will ister in 2013. Simon Harris launched a it received more than 70,000 medical family. He is the son of city officials have said. work one shift a week to help According to a report in recruitment drive for the responses for its “Be on call for a doctor and a nurse and, In February, China built out during the coronavirus the Irish Times, Varadkar re- country’s struggling health Ireland” initiative. according to the Irish Times, his a prefabricated hospital with crisis, a spokesman for his office registered in March as the service to tackle the corona- According to the Irish partner, two sisters and their 1,000 beds over 10 days in said yesterday. crisis unfolded and intends to virus outbreak with a stark Times, Varadkar is helping out husbands all work in the city of Wuhan, the epi- Varadkar worked as a work in the country’s Health message: “Your country needs with phone assessments. healthcare. centre of its coronavirus epidemic. Russia on Sunday reported 5,389 cases of the coronavirus Norway to send team to Italy and 45 fatalities but the real number of infections is to help fight pandemic believed to be higher. REUTERS — OSLO

Man in Russia Norway will send a team of medical and logistical staff to Italy’s Lombardy region to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oslo kills five people government said. The deployment is planned to last four weeks and will likely for ‘talking loudly’ be based in Bergamo, one of the cities hardest hit by the disease, after health authorities in Lombardy issued a request for inter- AFP — MOSCOW national help on March 31. The team consists of 20-25 doctors, nurses and logistical staff, A man in central Russia shot many of whom have done similar work during the Ebola out- and killed five people for break in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the measles out- talking noisily at night under break in Samoa in recent years. his windows, investigators said “Solidarity in Europe is not a theoretical exercise and now is yesterday. the time to show it in practice,” Norwegian Health Secretary Bent The shootings took place Hoeie said. “We must help each other when crisis hits.” in the Ryazan region during Norway is not a member of the European Union. stay-at-home orders aimed at Italy reported its lowest daily COVID-19 death toll for more slowing the spread of the than two weeks yesterday as authorities began to look ahead to coronavirus. a second phase of the battle against the new coronavirus once A 32-year-old man from the lockdown imposed almost a month ago is eventually eased. Virus toll in the Netherlands at 1,766 the small town of Yelatma The toll from the world’s deadliest outbreak reached 15,887, opened fire on a group of four almost a quarter of the global death total, but the rise of 525 from Cyclists and walkers journey along a path in Delft, the Netherlands, yesterday, as they observe social young men and a woman who a day earlier was the smallest daily increase since March 19. distancing measures implemented by authorities in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19. The “were talking loudly in the By comparison, Norway’s death toll stands at 58, with 5,640 number of deaths caused by the new coronavirus in the Netherlands has increased by 115 to 1,766, street under his windows” at confirmed cases of infection, according to the Norwegian Institute health authorities said. Confirmed infections increased by 1,224 to 17,851, the Dutch Institute for around 10 pm on Saturday, of Public Health. Public Health said. investigators said. Yelatma is located near the city of Ryazan, which is situated some 200km southeast of the capital Elevated radiation levels near Chernobyl after forest fire Moscow. The man went to his AP — MINSK, BELARUS The blaze has spread to about 100 laboring to put out the fire. It said radi- 1986 disaster at the plant that sent a balcony to complain to the hectares (250 acres), said Yehor Firsov, ation levels had increased at the fire’s cloud of radioactive fallout over much group and a dispute erupted A forest fire is burning in the evacuated head of Ukraine’s state ecological center. of Europe. The zone is largely unpop- before he reached for his area around the Chernobyl nuclear inspection service. The blaze is within the 2,600sq kil- ulated, although about 200 people single-barrel hunting rifle, the power plant and is causing elevated radi- The emergency services ministry said ometer (1,000 sq mile) Chernobyl have remained there despite orders to Investigative Committee said. ation levels, authorities said yesterday. 130 firefighters and two planes were Exclusion Zone established after the leave. 14 AMERICAS MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 US enters ‘hardest, saddest’ week; virus deaths at 9,100 REUTERS & AP — WASHINGTON “This is going to spread of the virus in the United States where over 321,000 The United States enters one of be the hardest and people have tested positive and the most critical weeks so far in the saddest week nearly 9,100 have died, the coronavirus crisis with the according to a tally. death toll exploding in New of most Americans’ However, a few churches York, Michigan and Louisiana lives, quite frankly. were holding large gatherings and some governors calling for This is going to be on Palm Sunday, the beginning a national order to stay at home. of Holy Week in Christian New York is the hardest-hit our Pearl Harbor churches. state with more than 40 percent moment, our 9/11 Louisiana has become a hot of all US deaths and nearly spot for the virus, on Saturday 115,000 reported cases on moment, only it’s not reporting a jump in deaths to Saturday. going to be localized,” 409 and more than 12,000 Bodies of victims of cases. COVID-19, the flu-like respi- US Surgeon General Governor John Bel Edwards ratory disease caused by the Jerome Adams said. told CNN yesterday that the coronavirus, were stacked in state could run out of ventilators bright orange bags inside a by Thursday. makeshift morgue outside the moment, only it’s not going to White House medical New York City Fire Department emergency medical technicians wearing protective gear at Montefiore Wyckoff Heights Medical Center be localized,” he said. “It’s going experts have forecast that Medical Center Moses Division hospital during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, in New York in Brooklyn, according to to be happening all over the between 100,000 to 240,000 photos provided. country. And I want America to Americans could be killed in the City yesterday. US Surgeon General Jerome understand that.” pandemic, even if sweeping Adams warned on Fox News Places such as Pennsyl- orders to stay home are cases flatten after early action doesn’t, it could come back and the spread of the virus. yesterday that hard times were vania, Colorado and Wash- followed. to shutter activity, said if other come across our borders two “We will do more as we ahead but “there is a light at the ington, DC are starting to see President Donald Trump states do not also impose strict months from now.” need to,” he told NBC. end of the tunnel if everyone rising deaths. The White House warned on Saturday that there measures, the virus will simply Republican Arkansas Gov- The rapid spread of the virus does their part for the next 30 coronavirus task force warned were “very horrendous” days circulate. ernor Asa Hutchinson, in the United States has days.” this is not the time to go to the ahead. “It would be good to have a however, defended his refusal prompted a chaotic scramble for “This is going to be the grocery store or other public Washington state Governor national stay-at-home order,” to order statewide restric- desperately needed medical hardest and the saddest week places. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, whose he told NBC News’ Meet the tions, saying the situation was equipment and protective gear, of most Americans’ lives, quite Most states have ordered state recorded the country’s Press” program. being watched closely and prompting intense squabbling frankly. This is going to be our residents to stay home except first confirmed COVID-19 “Even if Washington gets on that hisw more “targeted between the states and the Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 for essential trips to slow the infection but has since seen top of this fully, if another state approach” was still slowing federal government. New York reports first decline in NY gets 1,140 ventilators with help from China, Oregon AP — NEW YORK The state got 1,000 ventilators New York is the pandemic’s “We find what equipment medical centers as the out- daily COVID-19 after the Chinese government facil- US epicenter, with over 113,700 we have, we use it the best we break’s hotspots shift, while the New York secured a planeload itated a donation from billionaires confirmed cases as of Saturday can,” the Democrat said on Sat- Healthcare Association of New fatalities of ventilators from China on Jack Ma and Joseph Tsai, the co- morning. About 15,000 coro- urday, saying he’d seek 20 York State noted that some hos- Saturday, and Oregon was founders of the Chinese e-com- navirus patients are hospi- percent of “unused and pitals have already, voluntarily BLOOMBERG — ALBANY sending a shipment of its own to merce giant Alibaba, Cuomo said. talized. Over 4,100 are in available” ventilators, a number sent staff and equipment to battle the coronavirus pandemic He added that the state of Oregon intensive care - many, if not all, he pegged at 500 in all. harder-hit institutions or New York State reported 594 at its US core, New York had volunteered to send 140 more of them needing ventilators. The idea has alarmed accepted patients from them. new coronavirus deaths Governor Andrew Cuomo said. breathing machines. The outbreak is heavily con- Republican politicians and Both groups, and several yesterday, fewer than the 630 But the governor’s startling The influx offered some centrated in the New York City some hospital leaders upstate. upstate hospitals, said they had it reported on Saturday, plan to force hospitals else- hope after the governor metropolitan area. They said it would leave people gotten no further information Governor Andrew Cuomo said where in the state to give spare repeatedly warned that the Cuomo’s announcement in their areas vulnerable and pit on the governor’s plan. The at his daily news briefing. The ventilators to the fight in New state’s supply of the vital came a day after he said he the state’s regions against one state Health Department said state has had 4,159 fatalities so York City apparently hadn’t yet machines would be exhausted would have the National Guard another. no information was available far. materialized, a day after he in days if the number of critically collect and “redeploy” venti- But two hospital umbrella beyond the governor’s As President Donald ordered them to surrender 20 ill coronavirus patients kept lators that some hospitals groups didn’t protest. The remarks. Trump and other leaders percent of any unused supply growing at the current rate.“It’s weren’t using. Greater New York Hospital Messages were sent to his warned of rising death tolls, to the National Guard for tem- going to make a significant dif- He alluded again to the plan, Association portrayed the idea office seeking details on how Cuomo said it was too early to porary redistribution. ference for us,” Cuomo said. but details remained unclear. as ongoing reciprocity among the redistribution would work. say if the outbreak had reached a peak in New York — the center of the nation’s outbreak. Virus may force Democrats “You could argue that you are seeing a plateauing,” he to hold ‘virtual’ presidential told reporters in Albany. “Next week they will tell you whether we are on a plateau convention, says Biden or is it just a blip,” he said, referring to statisticians. REUTERS — WASHINGTON March, Biden has opened up a He noted that deaths had commanding lead in the levelled off for three days after Former vice-president Joe number of delegates needed to dramatic rises. The toll on Biden, the front-runner for the secure the party’s nomination Friday was 562. Democratic presidential nomi- to take on Republican President New hospitalizations nation, said yesterday the party Donald Trump in November’s dropped to 574 yesterday from may be forced to host a general election. 1,095, Cuomo said. He said 74 “virtual” nominating Though Biden is not holding percent of those hospitalized convention in August due to in-person campaign events, he have been discharged. concerns about the coronavirus said he would follow new Despite the more hopeful pandemic. federal guidelines calling for statistics, Cuomo said that New The Democratic Party people to cover their faces in York’s health system remained already postponed its con- public. Trump announced the under severe strain, with some vention from July to August last revised recommendation on hospitals “down to two or week, citing worries over the Friday but said he personally three ventilators.” outbreak that has prompted a did not plan on wearing a mask. He said New Yorkers must majority of US states to order “Listen to the experts,” continue to stay home and A helping hand their residents to stay at home Biden said. “Do what they tell practice social distancing, to contain the disease’s spread. you. He may not like how he especially the elderly and Colonel Gent Welsh (left) and Staff Sergeant Amber Barker from the Washington Air National Guard, “We may have to do a looks in a mask, but the truth those with underlying health and volunteer Vira Sayenko, help distribute food at the Nourish Pierce County food bank in Edgewood, virtual convention,” Biden said of the matter is that — follow issues, groups that have died Washington. Members of the Washington National Guard have begun helping out at food banks on ABC’s This Week program. the science, that’s what they’re in the greatest numbers. across the state to assist with food distribution during the COVID-19 outbreak. “I think we should be thinking telling us.” Biden again ques- about that right now... We may tioned Trump’s handling of the not be able to put 10, 20, crisis. 30,000 people in one place.” “He’s moving too slow,” Virus cancels mine explosion anniversary event Biden and rival Senator Bernie Biden said. “The virus is not his Sanders have been forced off fault, but the response is his AP — CHARLESTON nothing up regardless of what’s of his fallen co-workers, then and fish. Stewart loves to go the campaign trail, and more responsibility.” going on in the world around covering their bodies with camping, care for chickens and than a dozen states have post- Trump has faced criticism A planned public gathering was us.” Another Upper Big Branch blankets, their faces obscured has plans to tend to his garden poned their primary elections. for initially downplaying the shelved on the 10th anniversary retiree, Stanley Stewart, said he by black soot. when the weather gets warmer. Wisconsin, however, plans to threat from the coronavirus. of the worst US mining disaster agreed with the decision to “I sometimes go along Davis now lives alone on hold in-person voting on Several governors have clashed in decades. Heartfelt speeches cancel the memorial event. trying not to think about it, but 200 acres one county over from Tuesday despite calls for a with his administration over a gave way yesterday to silent Stewart has skipped visiting it don’t work,” Stewart said. “It’s the mine site. He’s been busy delay. lack of medical supplies, remembrances and individual the memorial every year in kind of painful, this being the building kennels, caring for his After a series of victories in including ventilators. prayers for the 29 men who favour of personal reflections 10th one. The 10th one ain’t no hound dogs and enjoying two died at the Upper Big Branch at home on the date of the anni- different from the first one. I grandchildren from his two mine in West Virginia. versary. This year was no just know it’ll come and it’ll go, other sons. The coronavirus pandemic different. which is the good thing about The hurt never goes away. Pentagon to issue policy on prompted the decision weeks He and his wife planned to it.” Just a month ago, Stewart A few days ago Davis went to ago to cancel the event. Instead, observe a moment of silence at was in New York City attending his mailbox and saw a letter face mask for troops: Esper mourners were allowed to lay 3:02pm, the time of the the off-Broadway play Coal addressed to his late son, Cory. wreaths from dusk to dawn at explosion, “and just show a little Country and meeting the actors. “I still get them triggers,” BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON Esper said it’s not always a memorial site in Whitesville, bit of respect and try to go on.” The play is about the Davis said. “As long as I stay possible for troops to exercise not far from the mine. Worn and broken cutting explosion and is based on inter- busy, I keep my mind occupied. US Defense Secretary Mark social distancing by staying six Virus scare or not, Tommy equipment created a spark that views with Stewart, Davis and It’s when I sit down is when it Esper said the Pentagon will feet apart, especially on subma- Davis was going regardless. ignited accumulations of coal others. It’s about pain and suf- hits me. It does every day.” But issue guidance on personnel rines. The Defense Department Davis was working at the mine dust and methane gas at the fering, something that New he’s learned to talk himself out wearing face coverings, after has to take other measures, and on April 5, 2010. He lost a son, mine. Broken and clogged Yorkers are now going through of situations where anxiety US health officials recom- Esper said he trusts com- brother and a nephew. water sprayers allowed what as the coronavirus takes a takes over. Whether it’s the mended the step for Americans. manders and officers to do that. “This corona is just what it should have been a minor flare- heavy toll. coronavirus or other challenges, “We’re going to move Officials with the US is. It’s life,” said Davis, who is up to become an inferno. “I feel for people who live “you shouldn’t be running toward face coverings,” Esper Centers for Disease Control and now retired. “I’ll be there to pay Stewart was 300 feet inside in New York and them places scared,” he said. “I know life is said on ABC’s This Week Prevention are recommending my respects and do my remem- the mine when it blew up and who are stuck in apartments,” precious. broadcast. “We want to take the use of non-surgical grade bering and set out my flowers has described the blast as he said. “That would be tough “At this point, I’ve had a every measure to protect our cloth masks as a voluntary as I usually do. I’m doing my feeling like “hurricane force on me.” In retirement, Davis good life. I’m still going to live. troops.” The directive was to measure to prevent the spread normal thing. I don’t change winds.” He tried to revive some and Stewart both avidly hunt I’m not going to hide from it.” come yesterday, he said. of the coronavirus. MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020 AMERICAS 15 Canada offers reservists full-time jobs; virus toll jumps

REUTERS — OTTAWA By 1505 GMT yesterday, the number of those ensure our communities are the secretaries of homeland highlight how important it is diagnosed with the coronavirus had risen well supported,” he told a daily security and defense to call up that goods... continue to flow The number of people killed by briefing. military and Coast Guard both ways,” he said. the coronavirus in Canada has by almost 12 percent to 14,426, the public Canada has around 31,000 reservists to active duty. White House trade adviser jumped by just over 20 percent health agency said. The respective figures on reservists, most of whom serve Trudeau said he had yet to Peter Navarro told Fox News on to 258 in a day, officials said one evening a week and one speak to Trump about his Saturday that “some exports” yesterday, while Ottawa offered Saturday were 214 deaths and 12,924 positive weekend a month. There are demand that exports of respi- of masks to Canada would full-time jobs to reservists in the diagnoses. just over 67,000 full-time rator masks to Canada be continue. armed forces. members of the armed forces. blocked. Almost half the cases in By 11:05 eastern time (1505 Trudeau said on Friday that Trudeau said on Saturday Canada are in the province of GMT), the number of those diag- the economy into recession and Trudeau said officials were members of the Canadian he would not retaliate, while Quebec, where premier nosed with the coronavirus had the Liberal government of contacting reservists to offer Rangers, a group of reservists noting some Canadian health Francois Legault said yesterday risen by almost 12 percent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau them full-time jobs for the based in remote regions, would professionals living along the he hoped to see new diagnoses 14,426, the public health agency has already announced stimulus coming months. be deployed to northern Quebec US border work in hospitals peak in a number of weeks. He said. The respective figures on measures totaling C$105bn ($74 “Bolstering the military’s to help provide healthcare to the south of the border. also told reporters he was Saturday were 214 deaths and bn) in direct spending, or five ranks will help offset some of isolated aboriginal population. “We’re continuing to engage extending a shutdown of non- 12,924 positive diagnoses. percent of gross domestic the economic consequences of Late last month, US Pres- constructively with the entire essential businesses for another The outbreak looks set to tip product. COVID-19 and ident Donald Trump authorized American administration to three weeks to May 4. Suspected cartel Premier infuriated by shootout leaves Trump, says Canada 19 dead in helped US amid 9/11 northern Mexico REUTERS — CIUDAD JUAREZ AP — TORONTO available in the US for use during the coronavirus pan- A shootout between suspected The premier of the Canadian demic. Trump said the US wants drug cartel hitmen has killed province that sheltered thou- the masks and he doesn’t want 19 people in the northern sands of stranded American others getting them. Mexico state of Chihuahua, the airline passengers after the 9/11 Ball noted that in 2001, state government said on attacks said yesterday he’s infu- more than 6,600 passengers Saturday, in one of the coun- riated that US President Donald descended on Gander, New- try’s worst outbreaks of gang Trump banned the export of foundland, a town of 10,000 violence this year. N95 protective masks to without warning as more than “They’re two criminal Canada. 200 flights were diverted to groups fighting over drug traf- Newfoundland Premier Canada following the attacks ficking routes to the United Dwight Ball said one of the on the United States. States,” Chihuahua’s attorney great lessons in humanity is that Flight crew filled Gander’s general Cesar Peniche said. in times of crisis you don’t stop hotels, so passengers were taken Security forces found 18 being human. to schools, fire stations, church bodies on Friday evening at “To say that I’m infuriated halls. The Canadian military flew the site of the gunfight in the by the recent actions of Pres- in 5,000 cots. Stores donated People check in before repatriation flights bound for Canada organised by the Canadian embassy municipality of Madera, and a ident Trump of the United blankets, coffee machines, bar- for citizens stranded in Peru, as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues, in Lima, Peru, on wounded man picked up at the States is an understatement,” becue grills. Locals gave pas- Saturday. scene later died of his injuries, Ball said. “I cannot believe for sengers food, clothes, showers, the state attorney general’s a second that in a time of crisis toys and banks of phones to call “This is a time when we approach, saying yesterday he’s including pulp for surgical- office said in a statement. that President Trump would home free of charge. need to work together to con- confident Canada will still be grade N95 masks, test kits and They also secured 18 long even think about banning key “Newfoundland and Lab- tinue to protect our residents able to import N95 protective gloves. Canadian nurses also firearms, two vehicles and two medical supplies to Canada.” rador will never give up on and keep them safe from masks from the US despite the work in the US. grenades, the statement said, Trump announced late humanity. We will not hesitate COVID-19 no mater where they export ban and said he will talk The N95 masks provide adding that the search for armed Friday he will block exports of for one second if we had to live or what passport they hold.” to Trump in the coming days. more protection against the men and the investigation of the 3M company masks from the repeat what we did on 9-11. We Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted Canada sup- virus that causes COVID-19 than site was continuing. United States to ensure they are would do it again,” Ball said. Trudeau took a more diplomatic plies the US with many supplies, do ordinary surgical masks. Local media reported that the gunmen belonged to groups linked to the Juarez Cartel and the rival Sinaloa Cartel, which Brazilians don’t want Bolsonaro to resign amid virus outbreak: Poll Peniche said was correct. On Friday, Mexican Pres- REUTERS — SAO PAULO was three percentage points, multiple times COVID-19 res- key role in his election, Bol- She noted some countries ident Andres Manuel Lopez the newspaper said. piratory disease as a “little flu”, sonaro called for a national day in the Northern Hemisphere Obrador said violence among Most Brazilians are against On Friday, the same pollster stirring up conflicts with gov- of fasting and prayer yesterday will have a shorter planting criminal groups has persisted President Jair Bolsonaro’s said Bolsonaro’s coronavirus ernors and even his own health to “free Brazil from this evil” window this year due to coro- despite the outbreak of the new potential resignation despite performance has been “bad” or minister for advocating social- epidemic. navirus. “I have the feeling that coronavirus in the country. mounting criticism toward his “awful” for 39 percent of distancing measures which he Even with lockdown we can become a great food “It seemed in late March, handling of the coronavirus respondents surveyed, up from sees as economically measures paralyzing most of supplier to the rest of the when the coronavirus had outbreak, according to a poll 33 percent last month. Those disastrous. Latin America’s largest world,” Cristina said. become more widespread, that published by local newspaper who consider his response to His insistence in fighting economy, Brazilian agribusiness The minister recognized the we would have a considerable Folha de S.Paulo yesterday. the health crisis “good” or unemployment amid an strives to avoid supply disrup- hardships faced by some reduction in violence,” Lopez The survey conducted by “great” slipped to 33 percent unprecedented public health tions and emerge from the crisis players, such as sugar-ethanol Obrador said. “Unfortunately, Datafolha pollster between from 35 percent. crisis is wearing him out polit- even stronger. companies amid a tumble in it didn’t turn out that way.” Last April 1-3 showed that 59 Brazil’s death toll rose to 431 ically, driving his approval “We must ensure our crop this domestic demand, but reas- year, suspected drug cartel percent of the 1,511 respondents from 359, while the number of rating to its lowest level since year continues plentiful so we can sured the government is gunmen shot dead three women would oppose Bolsonaro’s res- confirmed cases jumped to he took office last year in a con- supply our own country and jump working to help the sector. and six children, all members ignation, while 37 percent 10,278 from 9,056, according servative swing by Brazilian at opportunities that may arise,” “Harvest has started and of a US-Mexican Mormon com- would approve such move and to Health Ministry figures voters. Agriculture Minister Tereza sugarcane cannot sit on the field munity, in a daytime attack as four percent could not give an released on Saturday afternoon. Playing on his evangelical Cristina Dias told agribusiness for long, so we must act they were travelling by car in opinion. The margin of error Bolsonaro has downplayed supporters who have played a representatives yesterday. urgently,” Cristina said. the northern state of Sonora. Mexico official Ecuador stores COVID-19 calls diet a factor as virus death victims in giant fridges toll climbs as morgues fill up

REUTERS — MEXICO CITY REUTERS — GUAYAQUIL plastic from a storage room and used a pallet to wheel them to Mexican Deputy Hugo Lopez- Ecuador’s government has one container, according to a Gatell said on Saturday that begun storing the bodies of photographer. decades of poor eating habits victims of the coronavirus in “This pandemic is over- in the country have created an giant refrigerated containers as coming the capacity of our hos- epidemic of obesity, diabetes hundreds of deaths in the city pital services,” the hospital said and other related health of Guayaquil, the center of the in a statement on Friday. complications that make its country’s outbreak, have The hospital yesterday con- people more vulnerable to already filled morgues and firmed that it had set up a COVID-19. hospitals. refrigerated container to hold The Mexican health min- Ecuador has confirmed the bodies of those who died istry has so far registered a 318 deaths from the virus, one amid the pandemic, adding that total of 1,890 cases of the novel of the highest tallies in Latin the arrangement was being coronavirus and 79 deaths. America. But President Lenin operated in accordance with “These people, unfortu- Moreno said this week that World Health Organisation nately, had chronic diseases ‘Modern Fair’ the real figure was higher as protocols. or were older,” Lopez-Gatell authorities were collecting The Ecuadorean Institute of said during a press conference, A man wearing a protective face mask buys fish at the “Modern Fair” of the Port of Manaus during more than 100 bodies a day, Social Security, which runs adding that the country had the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Manaus, Brazil, yesterday. many from relatives’ homes Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, one of the world’s highest rates as a strict quarantine pre- said on Saturday on Twitter of diabetes and obesity. vented them from being that it had disinfected all areas “This is the product of buried. of the hospital to guarantee the many years, at least four 11 dead, four hurt in Colombian coal mine blast The government has safety of patients and medical decades, of poor nutrition, a installed three containers, the professionals. diet that has been created by AFP — BOGOTA Colombians are quarantined by were killed in a similar incident largest about 12 metres long, at On Saturday, Ecuador’s products of low nutritional government order, but mining at a coal mine in the munici- public hospitals to preserve government said it would quality and very high calories, Eleven people were killed and is among the activities pality of San Cayetano in north- bodies until graves were pre- activate a new digital system in particular in processed four injured in an accidental exempted. eastern Colombia. pared, according to Guayaquil’s that would allow families to foods,” Lopez-Gatell said. explosion at a Colombian coal Captain Alvaro Farfan, head After the new accident, the mayor, Cynthia Viteri. So far find out where their dead rel- The World Health Organi- mine in Cucunuba, near of the fire department of the state-run National Mining 150 victims have been buried atives were buried. sation has said people with dia- Bogota, on Saturday, department of Cundinamarca, Agency announced the sus- in a private cemetery in the Moreno said the gov- betes and its related health according to the local fire told local media that the pension of “the underground port city. ernment expected the total complications are among those department. accident occurred in a legally coal mining activity” in At Guayaquil’s Teodoro number of deaths in Guayaq- most vulnerable to severe cases The victims were miners operated coal mine, although Cucunuba. Maldonado Carbo hospital on uil’s surrounding province to of the highly contagious and who were working despite the he did not give details about the The agency confirmed the Saturday, medical workers reach up to 3,500, and said a sometimes deadly illness caused health emergency caused by type of explosion. report of 11 dead and four wearing protective gear “special camp” was being built by the new coronavirus. the coronavirus pandemic. Most On Friday, six other miners injured. removed bodies wrapped in to bury the dead. 16 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 6 APRIL 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Expected strong wind and high sea to the North at first. FAJR04.03 am SUNRISE 05.21 am 22oC 35oC ZUHR 11.36 am ASR 03.06 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 03:04– 15:01 LOW TIDE 10:45 – 21:59 MAGHRIB 05.54 pm ISHA 07.24 pm W ALRUWAIS: 23o↗26o W ALKHOR: 20o↗31o W DUKHAN: 20o↗28o W WAKRAH: 19o↗36o W MESAIEED 19o↗36o W ABUSAMRA21o↗31o

No parties, no problem: Introverts don’t mind sheltering at home

REUTERS — DALLAS time alone can be rejuvenating inwardly than outwardly — and a relief from the distress focused, and relatively more With her painting, baking and brought on by news of the coro- reserved. The trait dwells along near-constant gardening, navirus and its ravages. a continuum that culminates Stephanie Hollowell kept busy Cynthia Burrell, a massage with extroversion, an outwardly at home even before efforts to therapist whose home-based oriented approach that includes stem the coronavirus pandemic Seattle business has been shut- people who are more outgoing meant she had to stay inside the tered, said despite the loss of and gregarious. Dallas, Texas house she calls her work she has enjoyed the Because introverts tend to little kingdom. quieter time with her husband. have fewer social interactions She didn’t invite people to The couple, avid birders, miss during the regular course of come taste her prizewinning their outings with the local their days than extroverts, they recipe, or sample the sweet Audubon group, but have been may be better positioned to ground cherries that she grows. amazed to watch a Bewick’s weather enforced time at home Stephanie Hollowell poses in her backyard garden in Dallas, Texas. A proud introvert, public health wren gather up their cat’s fur to than extroverts — at least ini- orders to stay put suited her just line its nest. They have seen tially, said Matthias Mehl, a other services. electronically. Hours stretching into quiet fine. black-capped chickadees at one research psychologist at the He and his girlfriend, also “I have noticed people are hours were also the dream of “So many people are expe- neighbour’s house, she said, and University of Arizona, Tucson. an introvert, have found a little more social, a little more Emily Adelsohn Corngold, 77. riencing the painful aspects of chestnut-backed chickadees at But all humans require projects to do in their chatty,” said Noh, 36. “They’re The stay-at-home order meant this,” said Hollowell, an air another. social connections, even those apartment, putting together a more likely to ask, ‘How’s it she did not have to agree to traffic controller who took early Gardening, sketching and who are more reclusive. So if hydroponic garden and fixing going?’” every social invitation she retirement five years ago, when watching birds in her yard has quarantines or “shelter-at- a wobbly bench. When the Marylin Bardet does not receives at the Pasadena, Cali- she was 50. “But basically my eased the near-crippling home” orders last a long time, public health restrictions forced view herself as an introvert, but fornia, retirement community life has not changed one single anxiety she had felt about coro- introverts will eventually need him to put off a trip to Seattle to after a lifetime of community where she lives with her bit.” navirus in the weeks leading up to find ways to step up their visit a friend, it was actually activism and involvement in her husband. She said she was In the weeks since millions to her state’s shelter-at-home own interactions with others, something of a relief not to have local community of Benicia, looking forward to working on of people worldwide have been order. Mehl said. the anticipatory anxiety that California, the 72-year-old is editing a friend’s memoir. ordered to stay at home except “It is almost like an intro- Jim Noh, a software often precedes social interac- happy to immerse herself in But she did not take into for essential errands, the vert’s dream,” said Burrell, 52. engineer from Vancouver, tions — even those he is looking painting, reading and other account her gregarious husband, number of calls to psychiatrists “You can’t have a social life. You Washington, works from home forward to — Noh said. quiet activities at a time when a retired professor who could no has gone up as depression and have to stay home on a Friday during the day, attending mul- But he said the discussions a simple errand like going to the longer go into his nearby office anxiety wrack patients who lack or Saturday night. ... It’s honestly tiple meetings via video confer- during the regular video chat grocery store has become at the California Institute of social contact, and cannot even a huge relief to have less to do.” encing software, and spends meetings organised by his fraught with fear and worry. Technology (CalTech). come in for an in-person The American Psycho- most of the rest of his time on employer, a health care startup, “I am comfortable because “He’s very social and he therapy session. logical Association defines indoor pursuits such as reading have taken a turn for the per- I can read, I listen to music and wants to talk,” Corngold said. But for those who are more introversion as a personality science fiction novels and sonal, as colleagues feel the go to the studio,” she said. “I can “We now have to talk through used to solitary pursuits, the trait in which people are more streaming shows on Netflix and need to connect more, albeit paint uninterruptedly.” almost everything.” Elton John launches fund for Earth’s crust is shaking less as people stay home

HIV/AIDS work IANS — LONDON could “allow detectors to spot in Brussels which has observed waves in the same high fre- The fall in noise could also smaller earthquakes and boost the drop in seismic noise. quency range as the noise, said benefit seismologists who use amid coronavirus The COVID-19 lockdowns efforts to monitor volcanic Data from a seismometer the Nature article. naturally occurring background globally have not only made air activity and other seismic at the observatory show that However, not all seismic vibrations, such as those from REUTERS — LONDON breathable or rivers clean but events”. measures to curb the spread monitoring stations will see an crashing ocean waves, to probe have also resulted in the way Vibrations caused by of COVID-19 in Brussels effect as pronounced as the one Earth’s crust. Elton John has launched a $1m our Earth moves, as researchers moving vehicles and industrial caused human-induced observed in Brussels. A fall in human-induced emergency fund to help organ- now report a drop in seismic machinery produce background seismic noise to fall by about According to Emily Wolin, noise could boost the sensitivity isations working with people noise (the hum of vibrations in noise, which reduces seismol- one-third. a geologist at the US Geological of detectors to natural waves at living with HIV or AIDS so they the planets crust) because ogists’ ability to detect other In Belgium, scientists report Survey in Albuquerque, New similar frequencies are not “left behind” during the transport networks, real estate signals occurring at the same at least a 30 percent reduction Mexico, many stations are pur- “There’s a big chance indeed coronavirus crisis. and other human activities have frequency. in that amount of ambient posefully located in remote it could lead to better measure- With the coronavirus pan- been shut down. “A noise reduction of this human noise since lockdown areas to avoid human noise. ments,” said Lecocq. demic putting pressure on According an article in the magnitude is usually only expe- began there. “These should see a smaller The reduction in seismic health systems globally, the journal Nature, efforts to curb rienced briefly around The current drop has decrease, or no change at all, in activity, like reduction in air British musician said the Elton the spread of coronavirus Christmas,” said Thomas boosted the sensitivity of the the level of high-frequency pollution, also show that people John AIDS Foundation would mean that the planet itself is Lecocq, a seismologist with the observatory’s equipment, noise they record,” she was are adhering to social distancing give cash to organisations for moving a little less, which Royal Observatory of Belgium improving its ability to detect quoted as saying. guidelines. solutions to keep HIV and AIDS care up and running. “Distributing medicines, testing and preventative Why autism disorder is treatment is not as simple as it was a few weeks ago,” Elton John, 73, said in a video posted more common in boys on Twitter to announce the ini- tiative. “So our new COVID-19 IANS — NEW YORK able to move to the cell surface in emergency fund will help brain cells and is therefore unable frontline partners to prepare for Neuron offers clues to why autism to assemble and maintain syn- and respond to the pandemic spectrum disorder (ASD) is more apses, making it difficult for and its effects on HIV pre- common in boys than in girls, say neurons to send signals to one vention and care for the most researchers. They found that a another. marginalised communities.” single amino acid change in the When the researchers fixed While the new coronavirus “NLGN4” gene, which has been the error in cells in a dish, they is not considered a threat to linked to autism symptoms, may restored much of its correct HIV-positive people who are drive this difference in some cases. function. on medication, it could pose a Researchers led by Katherine “We really need to look at higher risk to those who have Roche from National Institutes of NLGN4X and NLGN4Y more care- weakened immune systems or Health (NIH) in the US, compared fully. Mutations in NLGN4X can are unaware of their status, two NLGN4 genes, (one on the X lead to widespread and poten- health experts and cam- chromosome and one on the Y tially very severe effects in brain paigners have warned. chromosome), which are function, and the role of NLGNY The singer’s non-profit important for establishing and is still unclear,” said study first said it would fund solutions for Band serenades people amid lockdown maintaining synapses, the com- author Thien A Nguyen. “specific challenges” facing munication points between The research team found that Members of a new music band named “Evde Kal’’ (Stay at home) wearing medical suits, face people with or at risk of HIV/ neurons. the problems with NLGN4Y were masks and gloves perform in the streets of the city for the people staying inside as a precaution AIDS who now face additional Every cell in our body contains due to a single amino acid. They threats from coronavirus. against the coronavirus pandemic in Izmir, Turkey, yesterday. two sex chromosomes. Females also discovered that the region have two X chromosomes; males surrounding that amino acid in have one X and one Y NLGN4X is sensitive to mutations chromosome. in the human population. 60s music icon Marianne Faithfull tests positive Until now, it was assumed that In females, when one of the the NLGN4X and NLGN4Y genes, NLGN4X genes has a mutation, the AFP — LONDON London,” music industry pub- reportedly after developing a catapulted to fame at the age which encode proteins that are other one can often compensate. licists Republic Media tweeted. cold while self-isolating. of just 17 singing “As Tears Go 97 percent identical, functioned However, in males, diseases can British singer Marianne “She is stable and “She has withstood and By”, written by Mick Jagger equally well in neurons. occur when there is a mutation in Faithfull has tested positive for responding to treatment. We survived so much in her life — and Keith Richards of the But using a variety of advanced NLGN4X because there is no com- coronavirus and is being wish her well and a full and including being Marianne Rolling Stones. technology including biochemistry, pensation from NLGN4Y, the treated in hospital, her publi- speedy recovery.” Faithful, that to be taken down She has had a five-decade molecular biology, and imaging researcher said. cists said. Faithfull’s friend, the US by a virus would be such a career as a singer-songwriter, tools, the study, published in the “The knowledge about these “Marianne Faithfull’s avant-garde performer Penny tragedy,” wrote Arcade, whose and stage and film actress. But journal Neuron, discovered that proteins will help doctors treating manager... has confirmed that Arcade, wrote on her Facebook real name is Susana Ventura. she has also had well-docu- the proteins encoded by these patients with mutations in Marianne is being treated for page that the singer went into Faithfull, 73, was one of the mented battles with health genes display different functions. NLGN4X better understand their COVID-19 in hospital in hospital on Tuesday, icons of the 1960s and was issues. The NLGN4Y protein is less symptoms,” said Dr. Roche.