WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 70 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 33.4 C 8.0 C Tuesday, May 05, 2020 | 23-01-2077 Biratnagar Jomsom Lockdown will have little effect without proper contact tracing, doctors say Public health experts warn that failure to expand contact tracing, especially in Covid-19 hotspots, and not testing all suspects could be costly.

ARJUN POUDEL KATHMANDU, MAY 4

On Sunday, 15 new cases of Covid-19 were detected in Nepalgunj, the highest number of coronavirus infec- tions reported in the country in a sin- gle day so far. All of Nepalgunj’s 15 cases were related to those previously identified in the city, according to Dr Basudev Pandey, director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. According to public health experts, the identification of the new cases POST PHOTO: KIRAN PANDAY points to a glaring failure on the part Singha Durbar, the government’s secretariat, is reflected in a pool of water that was formed after the rainfall in Kathmandu on Monday. of the government to adequately trace the contact of all those who were pre- POST FILE PHOTO viously infected with Covid-19. Even A health worker draws blood for testing. in cases where contacts have been traced, health officials have not con- sion came here,” Krishna Prasad ducted testing, despite the fact that Khatiwada, a health worker in District attorney office takes Yadav abduction complaint most positive cases in the country Udayapur, told the Post over the phone. have been asymptomatic. By the time contact tracing began, “It would be a blunder to think that 28 people had already been infected but only after a counter-complaint by the accused the virus can be contained simply by with Covid-19. extending the lockdown,” said Dr Health workers had collected nasal Bhagwan Koirala, chair of the Nepal and throat swabs of around 300 people Medical Council. “The lockdown only for tests and declared contract tracing Complaint by ruling party leaders accused of kidnapping the lawmaker is aimed at defusing the case, lawyers say. gives us time to prepare.” complete. According to doctors, the govern- “But we searched again for people TIKA R PRADHAN & BINOD GHIMIRE and Kishan Shrestha–and former ment needs to take active measures to who had come in close contact with KATHMANDU, MAY 4 Nepal Police chief Sarbendra Khanal. trace and test everyone who has come the infected, we found an additional 30 “It’s strange that my complaint was in contact with those infected with the people,” said Khatiwada. The Kathmandu District Attorney registered only after the ruling Nepal coronavirus. The Health Ministry has given the Office on Monday registered a com- Communist Party settled its internal However, adequate contact tracing responsibility of contact tracing to plaint on the abduction case filed by crisis,” Yadav told the Post. is not taking place, public health offi- the local level, which lacks human Surendra Yadav, a Janata Samajbadi Yadav’s abduction allegation had cials say. resource, training and supplies. Party, Nepal lawmaker. become a major bone of contention in It was only a week after the out- Officials deployed in Udayapur con- Yadav had reached the district the ruling party, as leaders from the break of Covid-19 in Triyuga Muni- ceded that health workers serving at attorney’s office along with his law- factions led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal cipality in Udayapur district that offi- the local level lacked basic knowledge yers, including Birendra Thakur, on and Madhav Kumar Nepal were cials from the Epidemiology and of contact tracing. Monday afternoon after his earlier employing the incident against Prime Disease Control Division reached “We found that they have not been attempt to register the complaint Minister KP Sharma Oli. According to the area. Up until then, local health able to explore deeply to trace the con- eight days ago failed. Joint District Yadav, he was brought to Kathmandu workers had neither training nor tacts of all those who came in close Attorney Numaraj Khanal said that from Bardibas forcefully as part of the proper forms to conduct contact contact with infected people,” an offi- his office registered Yadav’s com- Oli’s bid to split his party–then known tracing. cial at the Health Ministry who was POST FILE PHOTO plaint against two Nepal Communist as Samajbadi Party Nepal. “We only received training and got deployed in Udayapur told the Post. Teku police had refused to receive complaint of Dr Surendra Yadav’s (right) alleged abduction. Party (NCP) leaders–Mahesh Basnet >> Continued on page 5 the forms after officials from the divi- >> Continued on page 5 Hotels decide to cut their losses by remaining shuttered for six months Even if the lockdown is lifted, the tourism industry will take time to recover.

SANGAM PRASAIN zero,” he said. “So closing KATHMANDU, MAY 4 the hotels is the best way to protect ourselves.” Hotels teetering on the According to him, an edge amid the coronavirus emergency meeting of the closure have decided to cut association held on Sunday their losses by remaining decided to pay only 12.5 shuttered for six months, percent of the basic sala- as they don’t expect tour- ries to the employees while ists to visit Nepal for at asking the government to least another year. pay the workers through Officials said more than the social security fund. 3,000 hotels will send their But the trade unions are staff home because they not happy with the associa- can’t keep paying their sal- tion’s decision. aries with no revenue com- Madhav Pandey, presi- ing in due to the lockdown. dent of the All Nepal Hotel “It is hard for operators Casino and Restaurant to keep paying the employ- Workers’ Union, told the ees as nobody knows how Post that the association’s long the pandemic will decision would leave last,” said Binayak Shah, 300,000 workers in the hotel senior vice-president of business stranded without the Hotel Association any support. Nepal. “In addition, it will “Even if the lockdown is impact another 700,000 lifted, the tourism industry workers in non-member will take time to recover hotels and restaurants,” he because travellers will not said. “We are surprised immediately book foreign that the hotels have given trips. The hotels will all be up in just one and a half bankrupt by the time tour- months, and they want the ism rebounds as they have workers to die without any to pay staff salaries while income.” income has come down to >> Continued on page 5

C M Y K TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2020 | 02 MEDLEY

Inside the Post Quote of the day

Opposition to use budget session to grill government over National disputed ordinances, Page 3 The government has said it is considering repatriating workers stranded in Covid-19 affected countries, weeks after tens of thousands of Nepalis abroad “The Oli government has remained a mere urged authorities to allow them to return home. Who gets to return home in the first phase, however, will be decided by a host of factors such as an individual’s spectator while thousands of people walked living condition, job and visa status, the situation of their family back home, and how the outbreak pans out in Nepal in the days to come. hundreds of kilometres barefoot and hungry to their hometown, as it was busy Opinion playing foul games to split other parties.” If Harry Potter, a fictional character created by a human being can gain so much popularity and cult, then why can’t we look at Buddhism as a connector to push Bal Krishna Khand, Nepali Congress chief whip, on the display of government’s Nepal’s own connectivity with the world. misplaced priorities in the time of coronavirus crisis. Money Hotels teetering on the edge amid the coronavirus closure have decided to cut their losses by remaining shuttered for six months, as they don’t expect tourists Most read online to return to Nepal for at least another year. Officials said more than 3,000 hotels will send their staff home because they can’t keep paying their salaries with no revenue coming in due to the lockdown. 16 new Covid-19 cases detected on Sunday Nepal recorded its highest daily increase in Covid-19 cases on Sunday with World coronavirus infection confirmed in 16 people in Banke and Parsa districts, the Millions of people were allowed to return to work in Italy Monday as Europe’s Ministry of Health and Population confirmed. Dr Sameer Kumar Adhikari, dep- longest lockdown started to ease, while countries from Iceland to India took a uty spokesperson at the ministry, said 15 Covid-19 cases were confirmed in patchwork of steps to loosen coronavirus restrictions. Businesses including hair- Nepalgunj, Banke, and one case was confirmed in Birgunj, Parsa. dressers in Greece and restaurants in Lebanon were opening their doors under new conditions. How the crisis in ruling party was averted and each leader got what they wanted Until Friday, the faction led by Nepal Communist Party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and backed by senior leaders Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal, appeared so muscular that it looked like Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli News Quiz would be forced to resign.

1. Which district recorded 15 b. Province 2 POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC Change approach to testing and plan for possible outbreak Covid-19 cases on Sunday? c. Karnali A boy drags a child on a discarded suitcase as they play during the lockdown in Jadibuti, before lifting lockdown, experts suggest Kathmandu, on Monday. a. Parsa d. Bagmati Public health experts have warned that the decision to lift restrictions imposed b. Chitwan to contain the spread of Covid-19 should be supported by data and more tests, as c. Banke 5. Twelve people lost their lives the government prepares to change the guidelines of the ongoing lockdown d. Sarlahi due to suspected alcohol poison- after May 7. ing in which district recently? On this day in history 2. The Ministry of Urban a. Khotang Development has come up with b. Kailali Dibesh Pokharel, aka Arthur Gunn, shines again, earns a a list of how many potential c. Jhapa Liberalization vital for progress: PM jobs for unorganised sector d. Mahottari spot in the top 11 of American Idol workers who have been hit by KATHMANDU - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that the National Dibesh Pokharel, who goes by the stage name Arthur Gunn, has succeeded in the lockdown? 6. Magnus Carlsen is related to Development Council has remained as a supreme planning body designed to pro- wooing both the audience and the judges of the singing reality show American a. 420 which of the following games? vide guidelines as regards the formulation of national plan by discussing devel- Idol earning a place for him in the top 11. Originally from Nepal, the 21-year-old b. 840 a. Chess opment issues and by identifying the solutions to the problems. artist has had a fiery start from the audition round itself, earning a golden tick- c. 225 b. Badminton Prime Minister Koirala said this while addressing the National Development et as well as getting called “a rockstar” by one of the judges. d. 645 c. Volleyball Council meeting here on Tuesday. d. Football Our economy is encumbered with basic problems such as short supply of 3. Who is the director of the movie electricity, rampant poverty, unemployment and lack of effectiveness in project The Half of It? implementation, he said, stressing that the resolution of all these problems is a a. Steven Spielberg big challenge before us today. b. James Cameron After a study by the National Planning Commission of such current issues, Corrections c. Christopher Nolan various working papers have been prepared for discussion at the NDC meeting, d. Alice Wu said the Prime Minister. Our reporters and editors do their best to make sure our reporting is free from errors. But when we make mistakes that warrant correction, we will be transparent 4. Which province has decided to The Kathmandu Post and clarify at the bottom of the specific article. seal itself for a week to prevent May 5, 1993 If you believe we have got something wrong and it requires correction, please the possible outbreak of Covid- email us at [email protected] with “correction” in the subject line. 19? Answers to News Quiz: 1(c), 2(b), 3(d), 4(c), 5(d), 6(a) For the most recent corrections, visit kathmandupost.com/corrections. a. Gandaki REUTERS HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) CANCER (June 22-July 22) LIBRA (September 23-October 22) CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** *** ** *** If you’re looking for a romance, playing hard to Coasting through life for a while might be a Oops! Looks like you’ve sprung a leak today—a Today might be extremely busy for you, but it get isn’t advisable. You have nothing to lose by good idea for you, even though your energy is financial leak, that is. There’s some money doesn’t have to be all work and no play! There’s advertising your urge to get to know someone pushing you to get out and get active. You could going out and you don’t know where it’s going. nothing wrong with adding a little fun to spice better. Let people know that you’re looking. If be entering a very busy time, full of unfamiliar Check through recent bills, because there’s a up a business situation. Don’t feel the need to romance isn’t on your list, use your communica- entities and personalities. If you go jumping chance that something has been overlooked. take everything so seriously. Make a silly joke to tion skills to make sure a friend understands into the middle of the action too quickly, any While you’re in this mode, look for areas where ease boredom. A playful attitude will make con- how your relationship has changed. gains you make will be short-lived. you can cut back, and not just monetarily. versations a little more genuine.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) LEO (July 23-August 22) SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** **** *** **** It might bug you that sometimes those in power You can’t plan everything. If you did, when If you’re not in the mood to be social right now, In the interest of maintaining group harmony, seem to be the ones who know nothing about would you ever be surprised in life? Your crea- don’t be. It’s much more important to be con- you’d be wise to encourage compromise—usual- what they’re doing, but it’s a fact of life. The tivity is in need of a big boost, and the only thing tent than it is to get along well with others right ly. But today, the level of inefficiency and apathy sooner you come to grips with this sad truth, that will deliver the blast you need is uncertain- now. Besides, you aren’t going to tick anyone could prove to be beyond saving. When this the happier you’ll be, especially today, when a ty. Today, toss out your game plan and venture off by laying low. Recently, you’ve had the ten- becomes clear, you should step up and take con- certain dumb decision by a higher-up tempts into new projects. Take part where you’ve never dency to sacrifice your free time whenever trol. Point people in the right direction, give you to say something out of turn. taken part before. someone asked you to, and that has to stop. them an objective, and delegate responsibilities.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) VIRGO (August 23-September 22) SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) PISCES (February 19-March 20) **** **** *** *** You’ll be the missing link in a very exciting This day is all about perspective, and yours You long ago tossed out old superstitions about The world isn’t aware of all of the skills you equation today, so get connected with the people could be a bit too narrow right now. Too much stepping on a crack or avoiding ladders, so why possess, so why not give them a sneak preview around you and see if anyone needs any help. If of what you see is what you want to see, and it’s are you holding on to old wives’ tales about today? You can use your hidden talents to enter- you make your availability known early enough, high time that you widen your horizons. Push romance? Get this through your cute head: You tain, persuade, and negotiate—whatever you you could have a day jam-packed with fun debate through self-imposed barriers and encourage and your partner (if you have one) are in need to accomplish. Too often you play it safe and laughter. You could get a great chance to add your friends to do the same. After all, it’s no fun charge of creating the rules for building a and go by the rules, but that could be a bit short- your unique flair to something drab. to be enlightened by yourself ! romance, no one else! sighted today.

CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 03 | TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2020 NATIONAL Opposition to use budget session to grill government over disputed ordinances

BINOD GHIMIRE KATHMANDU, MAY 4

Opposition parties are preparing to take the budget session of the federal parliament, which begins on Friday, as an opportunity to grill the government over the two controver- sial ordinances it recently prepared and later withdrew, and its handling of the Covid-19 outbreak. The president, upon the recommendation of the KP Sharma Oli government, issued the two ordinances amending existing legal provi- sions related to the Constitutional Council and the registration of political parties on April 20. The Oli government has been accused of preparing the ordinance related to political parties in its bid to divide fringe parties. “We will raise our voice against the govern- ment’s arbitrary decisions, in Parliament. It should take a strong position on this,” Laxman Lal Karna, a leader of the newly formed Janata Samajbadi party, told the Post referring to the government’s move to introduce the ordinances only to withdraw them later.

Lawmakers will also seek answers on the poor POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA handling of the Covid-19 Workers dig a trench to install underground electricity cables in Chabahil, Kathmandu, on Monday. crisis, leaders say.

The government will present its policies and programme for the new fiscal year during the session of Parliament. Government considers bringing back Nepali Opposition leaders said they will also raise the issue of the alleged abduction of a law- maker at the behest of leaders of the ruling party along with the government’s failure to deal with the Covid-19 crisis. migrant workers from Covid-19-affected countries The Janata Samajbadi Party alleges that ruling party lawmakers Mahesh Basnet and Kisan Shrestha, along with former chief of Foreign Minister Gyawali says everyone will not be brought home at once; those in urgent need to return home will be prioritised in the first phase. Nepal Police Sarbendra Khanal abducted then Samajbadi Party Nepal leader Surendra Yadav, CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL respond and receive our workers in such a cir- of thousands of Nepalis in Covid-19 affected should commission a study on Nepali workers under orders from Oli. KATHMANDU, MAY 4 cumstance.” countries, has been criticised as being “slug- affected by the epidemic. Embassies collecting However, the Metropolitan Police Range, But he said before bringing back thousands gish” and “unsympathetic”. data using Google Forms is praiseworthy, but Teku, denied filing a complaint over the case The government has said it is considering of Nepali workers from various countries, the Since the coronavirus outbreak began, that’s not sufficient, he said. saying the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal lead- repatriating workers stranded in Covid-19 government has to look at how the epidemic migrant workers have been languishing under A large number of Nepali workers have ers should go to Mahottari if they wish to affected countries, weeks after tens of thou- pans out in the next few weeks and complete poor conditions, struggling for food and proper either lost their jobs or are forced to stay on lodge a complaint against the ruling party sands of Nepalis abroad urged authorities to arrangements for their safe and well-managed accommodation, and living in fear of getting unpaid leave or accept pay cuts. Prolonged lawmakers as the alleged incident took place allow them to return home. repatriation. infection. But the government hasn’t done any- lockdowns and travel restrictions have trans- in Janakpur. They later filed a complaint at Who gets to return home in the first phase, The country has been under a lockdown thing to substantial to address their problems, lated into loss of jobs for several thousand the National Human Rights Commission. however, will be decided by a host of factors since March 24, and international flights said Rameshwar Nepal, a labour migration workers. Meanwhile, Bal Krishna Khand, Nepali such as an individual’s living condition, job remain suspended at least until May 15. researcher and South Asia Director of “We have so far talked to 302 workers who Congress chief whip, said the government has and visa status, the situation of their family “For instance, if 30,000 return, then we have Equidem Research, a UK-based human rights have been living under the fear of the disease failed completely in managing the Covid-19 back home, and how the outbreak pans out in to make sure we have enough space to quaran- research organization and lost their jobs as their employers want pandemic and providing relief and support to Nepal in the days to come, said Minister for tine them and deploy professionals to cater to He said the government must act now as it them to leave,” he said. “Many workers had the poor sections of the society. His party’s Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. them. They also need to go through rapid diag- has already been months since migrant work- bought flight tickets, but could not get refunds lawmakers will raise issues related to the out- “The Covid-19 pandemic, which initially nostic tests,” said Gyawali. ers started sharing their plight through vari- after flights were cancelled.” break, he said. began in countries such as Malaysia and South “They need to be brought home safely and ous media. Countries like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and “The Oli government has remained a mere Korea—destination countries for Nepali their families should also be protected from the “While the Nepal government might have the United Arab Emirates are warning spectator while thousands of people walked migrants, and gradually reached other coun- infection.” That is why the workers will be done a few things for migrant workers, they countries to repatriate their nationals or face hundreds of kilometres barefoot and hungry tries,” said Gyawali speaking at an interaction brought home gradually, everyone will not need to do a lot more now,” said the researcher. consequences. to their hometown, as it was busy playing foul with the Labour and Employment Journalists come all at once after international flights “The government can’t only talk in terms of But Gyawali said such warnings were not games to split other’s parties,” he told the Post. Group on Monday. resume, said the foreign minister. sentiments, it needs to swing into action the aimed at Nepali workers. He said the steps the government took to “The government is working on a series of The senior minister’s comments come as the way other countries have done.” “During our conversations, host countries combat the pandemic lack transparency. The measures that involve safe repatriation of government’s handling of issues faced by tens He said that for starters, the government have assured that Nepali workers will not be decision to sign a deal with Omni Business workers, their quarantine and employment in put in difficult conditions, nor will they face Corporate International to procure medical the labour market,” said Gyawali without men- any kind of discrimination, even if they are kits and protective gear received criticism for tioning when the government plans to start the hospitalised,” said Gyawali. alleged irregularities. repatriation. “Nepal’s government has also requested The Public Accounts Committee of the When the repatriation begins, pregnant those countries not to take any actions against Parliament and Commission for Investigation women, people who have lost their jobs, those workers whose visa and work contract have of Abuse of Authority are investigating the with health issues, those that have lost a family expired. Our focus has been towards making case. “Our party will demand clear answers member back home, and those that have over- labour destination countries more accountable from the government on the issues,” he said. stayed their visas will be given priority, said towards Nepali workers’ safety.” Parliament is prepared to host the new ses- the minister. According to researcher Nepal, the govern- sion taking place in the midst of a pandemic. As per initial government estimates, more ment needs to set up a high-level committee, to A team of doctors from the Department of than 35,000 based in countries such as Kuwait, help Nepali workers in need in consultation Health Services visited the federal parliament Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are in need of repa- and coordination with host countries. building and suggested measures to reduce the triation as they have started sending back “Nepal embassies, which are already possible risk of spread of the disease. Every undocumented workers and those that have under-resourced could not do much even before lawmakers will go through temperature overstayed their visas. Covid-19 pandemic. They can’t deal with an checks, put on proper masks and use sanitis- In Kuwait alone, 3,500 Nepali workers have unprecedented situation like this,” he said. ers before entering the halls. registered to return home after the govern- “Qatar heavy-handedly deported Nepali According to officials at the parliament sec- ment there announced an amnesty for undocu- workers, but the embassy could not respond retariat, top leaders from major parties will mented migrants. “Countries like Kuwait have strongly,” he said. “If the Nepal government address lawmakers on the first day of the new requested Nepali officials to help them register can bring back students from Wuhan, then it session. The pre-budget discussion will start an estimated 7,000 Nepali undocumented work- should also bring home low-waged and voice- on Sunday. President Bidya Devi Bhandari is ers, who are to be kept in camps. The Kuwaiti less migrant workers. It can start with at least to unveil the government’s policies and government will then provide free flights for PHOTO COURTESY: RAMESH BUDHATHOKI a few hundred, but the government can’t go on programme once the pre-budget discussion their repatriation,” said Gyawali. “We have to Jobless Nepali migrant workers rest on a park bench in the city of Sharjah, UAE. giving excuses for not doing so for a long time.” is over. Aid organisations and government are at odds over distribution of cash as relief After the government prevented domestic and foreign non-government organisations from distributing relief in cash, they write a joint letter to draw its attention.

PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA mechanism. bulk procurement of food items can threaten distancing and avoids spreading the virus and KATHMANDU, MAY 4 In fact, a policy framework issued for domes- many small and medium scale businesses,” the it creates an additional burden on the recipient tic and foreign non-government organisations letter adds. who needs to arrange for transportation of the Plan International (Nepal), an international to carry out preparedness and response activi- “Vulnerable people do not just need to eat— goods received.” non-government organisation, had submitted ties on April 2 allowed them to transfer even access to cash allows them to a proposal on Covid-10 preparedness and relief cash as relief. respond to the wide range of package to the Social Welfare Council nearly The entire NGO community is united in issues that arise at the household three weeks ago. favour of cash distribution which they say is level.” But it has not got the approval after the more transparent than distribution of relief in The letter requests government government rejected the foreign organisations’ kind. The Association of International NGOs bodies to focus on making mar- proposal of cash transfer to people who need in Nepal the and NGO Federation of Nepal, in kets functioning through ensur- relief. a joint letter addressed to Finance Secretary ing supplies and quality control. “Of the programme worth nearly Rs100 mil- Sishir Kumar Dhungana on April 27, requested Achyut Luitel, president of the lion, only 25 percent will be used for procuring the government to consider the cash transfer Association of International various medical goods while the rest will be option within the government relief standards NGOs in Nepal, a grouping of for- distributed as relief packages as per the pro- for unorganised sector workers and destitutes, eign NGOs, said the government posal,” said Durga Prasad Bhattarai, informa- citing several benefits of cash transfer. might have feared that funds tion officer at the council. As the domestic and international NGOs could be misappropriated during “After the Prime Minister’ Office suggested have approached the Finance Ministry seeking distribution. approval of the Plan’s proposal by altering the POST ILLUSTRATION approval for cash transfer, the decision on the “If the government is not pre- component of cash distribution, we have told Plan’s proposal will be taken based on what the pared to allow cash transfer out of the Plan to revise the proposal.” council is yet to approve the Plan’s proposal to government instructs, said Bhattarai. its own programme, the Ministry Despite committing to fast tracking the pro- transfer cash to vulnerable groups. Among the benefits that the joint letter cites of Finance should provide clear posal to support the fight against Covid-19, the In line with the government’s instruction, are that the cash transfer empowers people and guidelines at the local level to council is delaying approval of the proposal. the council, in a notice on April 22, had remind- families to buy the food of their choice—for allow international and other “If the government tells us to approve the pro- ed the domestic and foreign NGOs that the instance wheat or corn instead of rice if they non-governmental sectors to posal that contains cash transfer, we are ready government’s relief standard prioritises distri- wish—and make them feel more dignified and carry out cash transfer schemes,” to do so,” said Bhattarai. bution of goods instead of cash considering valued as rights-holders. the letter stated. Although the council announced that it that people are unable to go to the market The measure would also keep small and “It is much harder to organise would be encouraging fresh inflow of interna- during the lockdown and that relief should be medium scale enterprises afloat and thus save food and non-food items distribu- tional aid and fast tracking such proposals, the distributed through the local government’s the local economy. “There is a high chance the tion in a way that respects social

C M Y K TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2020 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Buddhism as a connector Vaccines are crucial Forgetting the religious Nepal must remind vaccine producing countries of aspect, Buddhism can still be the importance of mass immunisation. used as a cultural tool to connect Nepal to the world. After several months of increasingly frustrating results, Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc throughout the world, SUJEEV SHAKYA with over 3.5 million confirmed cases and around 250,000 deaths attributed to SARS-CoV-2 to date. Although social dis- THE OTHER tancing measures have surely helped in keeping the number of infections at any given time to a much lower level than VIEW without any measures in place, a successful regimen to cure the disease remains elusive. Indeed, governments, non-gov- ernmental organisations as well as private sector players On this week falls the 2565th Buddha have all staked billions of dollars and attempted unprece- Jayanti. The Theravada-influenced cele- dented coordination to get a working vaccine produced and brations regard this day to be the day accessible in record time. Siddhartha Gautam was born, and also Most developed governments also understand the impor- the day he attained enlightenment and tance of sharing such a vaccine with developing countries, as nirvana. Different Buddhist sects and countries have different calendars that only mass immunisation will keep a deadly, infectious and they hold as the correct. Therefore, it incurable disease in check. In fact, a global alliance of lead- would be good to discuss Buddhism as a ers, sans the United States and China, met on May 4 to final- connector when we all are locked in our ise the details and funding to ensure expedited trials and homes but connected to the world equitable and timely access of a novel coronavirus vaccine to through technology. the entire world. This hastened summit came on the heels of While Buddha spent a lot of time in another urgent one on April 24 that introduced this concept Nepal after receiving enlightenment, his in the first place. Such is the effect of one infectious disease. teachings have remained very limited. Apart from the narrative that ‘Buddha Yet, even as the efforts against Covid-19 ramp up, Nepal, and was born in Nepal’, we do not have many other countries like it, faces a shortage of vaccines Buddha’s teaching or way of life inte- to ensure continued immunisation against older deadly grated into the school curriculum. The SHUTTERSTOCK diseases. years of Shah and Rana rule isolated and his children to spread Buddhism. quickly took over control through the talked about how Buddhism came to the It has come to light that Nepal faces a diminishing supply Buddhism. During the Rana rule, However, little is written about—and establishment of the Lumbini West millennia ago through Mexico (the of crucial vaccines, as supply chains have been affected by Buddhist monks were expelled from research is only just emerging—on Development Trust, which in Republican names Guatemala and Maya have a con- the lockdown in many countries. Already, Nepal has not Nepal and took refuge in Kalimpong in Buddhism spreading with the Shakyas Nepal functions as an extension of the nection with Buddhism and the indige- neighbouring India, where institutions after the loss of the Kingdom of political party machinery. Lumbini nous people of the United States have received vital shipments of Japanese encephalitis and inacti- like Dharmodaya Sabha continued to Kapilvastu and the massacre of the Buddhist University, founded in 2004, has practices similar to Buddhists). There vated polio vaccines that were due to arrive in April. Similarly, preserve practice amongst the large Shakyas. To escape death, many Shakyas been producing some good papers and are people who also tell you that the con- there are concerns that a consignment of the diphtheria, Newa diaspora that were linked to trade fled towards the Kathmandu Valley, research connecting Nepal’s history to versations between Nagasena and Indo- pertussis and tetanus (DPT) vaccine due to arrive sometime with Tibet. where the Vajracharya priests accommo- Buddhism, but a lot more can be done. Greek King Menander (referred to as in May could also be disrupted due to shipment blockages. Tibetan Buddhism became the most dated them in their own category despite Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Milinda in the famous book Questions of Some hospitals have also reported difficulty in accessing the prominent amongst the Buddhist sects in the Shakyas belonging to the warrior Nepal have dotted many hills across the Milinda) could have influenced beliefs latest batch of flu vaccines to give to vulnerable groups, such Nepal and the Himalayan region, as the class. Many more members of the royal country, and many of them attract many and practices in Christianity. The as pregnant women. This is extremely worrying. Buddhist monks were also the political family of Kapilvastu migrated as far as foreign visitors in search of Buddhism. Aesop’s Fables find their roots in the rulers in Tibet and in Ladakh, Sikkim, current-day Burma and Afghanistan. They like to position their form of Buddhist Jataka Tales. The World Health Organisation estimates that the use of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, the With more people getting interested in Buddhism as connected with Tibet rath- The attempt is not to prove who is vaccines contributed to preventing ‘at least 10 million deaths’, monasteries were parallel political Buddhist anthropology, more accounts er than Nepal because that connection right and who is wrong. I find it impor- in addition to preventing illnesses in many millions more, power centres, much like churches in of these migrations will emerge. King has better brand value and appeal in the tant to understand the different perspec- between 2010 and 2015. When available, vaccines truly become medieval Europe. It is a little known fact Ashoka is known to have spread West. The opening up of China towards tives emerging from different parts of a crutch healthcare systems rely on to minimise the number that Buddhism was introduced to Tibet Buddhism to Sri Lanka and from there it indulgence in Buddhist practices will the world when you look at Buddhism of infected. Moreover, as with Covid-19, many diseases do not from Nepal, with Princess Bhrikuti in moved to Southeast Asia. The Mahayana lead to more stories and perspectives, as not as a religion you follow but as a con- have easily found cures; the only preventable measure the sixth century and later with the tradition began in China and moved to it has preserved Buddhist history and necting tool to understand. Buddhist master Padmasambhava who present-day Korea and Japan. The Ch’an writings like no other country in If Harry Potter, a fictional character between mass death and debilitation—that cause major soci- meditated in Pharphing, Namo Buddha school, based on the Sanskrit word the world. created by a human being can gain so oeconomic shocks—is the use of mass immunisation pro- and Mustang. Atisa Dipankara, a dhyana, started taking root and later During my visits to Buddhist centres, much popularity and cult, then why can’t grammes. This becomes especially true for countries like Buddhist master from the Pala Empire became Zen. many stories have emerged. In Indonesia, we look at Buddhism as a connector to Nepal, with weak healthcare systems. (current day Bangladesh) travelled to History is always written by the con- where the world’s largest stupa-style push Nepal’s own connectivity with the For example, the government’s lack of implementation of Tibet through Nepal. Guru Milarepa queror and in Nepal, the Mallas, Shahs Buddhist temple, known as Borobudur, world. We have seen during the lockdown a rotavirus vaccine played a major part in the continued resided in the Tsum Valley in Gorkha; and Ranas who were devout Hindus resides, there are stories of the extent technology can connect the cases of diarrhoeal infections in children under five. And, this valley still does not allow animal regarded Buddha as only a part of the Gunadharma—the artist who built the world, when physical contact is limited. the lack of proper immunisation, diagnostic and treatment slaughter. The Tibetan inscriptions use Hindu pantheon and never wanted a temple—actually coming from Lalitpur The new age explorers are not the ones the Ranjana script used by the Newar practice-based sect to challenge royal in Nepal. The Pala dynasty in what is who will travel the seven seas, but facilities in places like Bajura means that people there con- language and popular art like Newa patronage of Hinduism, especially when now Bangladesh had strong connections the ones who use the power of the key- tinue to succumb to the flu. Perhaps worse of all, potentially Paubha became Tibetan Thangkas. In the rulers purported themselves as the with Nepal. The tradition of the board to connect. Nepalis can surely lev- faulty reporting of immunisation records meant that Nepal my book Unleashing The Vajra, I explore reincarnation of gods. Therefore, Vajracharya priests chanting the erage this to build their own global iden- is now suffering through an outbreak of measles, which has the journey of Arnico to the court of Nepal as a state never looked at pushing Charyapada and Charya dances actually tity. The world has seen in this pandemic already killed two in a purportedly measles-free zone. Kublai Khan, who is regarded as the one scholarships and research around originate in Nepal, but folks here do not how knowledge, research, wealth The above examples show how weak Nepal’s healthcare who built Buddhist temples in Beijing. Buddhism. want to concede that much. In the mon- and military power can do little if we and immunisation systems are in the best of times. With a This was in contrast to the history les- After World War II and the challenges asteries of Ulan Bator, we learn of do not focus on the smaller issues— sons that I read in school, which said of the Cold War, the annexation of Tibet exchange visits of monks between there understanding our own lives, our pur- disruption in vaccine imports, Nepal may soon witness an that Kublai Khan was a Muslim emperor. by China and the ghastly events of the and Nepal. The most surprising for me pose, our desires, aspirations and priori- unprecedented disease emergency. Covid-19 would then be The various theories, writings and oral Vietnam war, peace became a mantra was to discover the Republic of Kalmykia ties. We have been given great time to the least of Nepal’s concerns. It is therefore imperative that history passed down from generations and there was tremendous interest in in the Russian Federation that is 10 reflect on our awareness, mindfulness the government reaches out to all stakeholders to clear the for over millennia make the reading Buddhism in the West. The rise of the times the size of Sikkim but half the and compassion. There are always new supply chain blockages as a matter of urgency. Vaccine pro- around Buddhism with a completely Dalai Lama as an icon of non-violence population is predominantly Buddhist lenses available to look at the same ducing countries that have blocked shipments must be made non-religious perspective interesting. and compassion made Buddhism a cool with strong ties with a few monasteries issues. This will be the best way perhaps to understand that without mass immunisation, an outbreak The major writings on Buddhism thing to embrace. In Nepal, Lumbini was in Nepal. to celebrate Buddha Purnima, a national that begins in Nepal can very well reach within their borders begin with the travel of King Ashoka to be developed and the Shah Kings In Boulder, Colorado, I met people who holiday. in no time.

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The real issue is whether interde- struck an international order that was United States has gone from leading the crises have shown, European govern- We carefully review submissions to ensure that no plagiarism has pendence can be compatible with and already in crisis. It has been obvious international order to dismantling it, on ments must be allowed to protect their occurred. If we find any articles that have been plagiarised, such complement the continued existence of since at least 2008 that, contrary to what the claim that US allies and rivals such citizens from the threats introduced by practice will lead to blacklisting. nation-states. In today’s political envi- was long claimed, not everyone wins as China have been exploiting America interdependence, be they environmental, Finally, please tell us who you are in a sentence or two when you ronment, lectures about the need to from globalisation. A more open and for their own gain. cyber, contagious, migratory, or financial send us your story ideas. We want to know where you have maintain open markets and borders sim- interconnected world is conducive to Against this background, it is inevita- in nature. published before or what your expertise is on the topic you’re inter- ply will not cut it. As soon as the corona- strong economic growth and prosperity, ble that the current crisis will remake ested in exploring. virus was recognised as a global threat, but also to rising inequality and ecologi- globalisation one way or another. Mark Leonard is Director of the most national leaders’ first instinct was cal destruction. The freer movement of But how? European Council on Foreign Relations. to close their borders. Calls for interna- people has provided new opportunities The pandemic represents an opportu- —Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2020 NATIONAL District attorney office takes Karnali Province completely sealed off for a week Yadav abduction complaint ... Even though the province hasn’t reported any cases of the coronavirus so far, the provincial government decided

>> Continued from page 1 Yadav’s case was not registered. to exercise caution in light of the growing Covid-19 infections in two neighbouring provinces. The incident took place on April 22, But on Monday, Basnet, Shrestha days after Oli pushed through an ordi- and Khanal also approached the KALENDRA SEJUWAL low for the lack of viral transport nance that eased the provision related national rights watchdog with a com- SURKHET, MAY 4 medium needed to transport swab to a party split and registration of a plaint that abduction allegations samples, said Om Acharya, lab coordi- new party. But the Samajbadi Party made against them violated their The Karnali provincial government nator at the Provincial Health and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal on human rights. has decided to completely seal off the Directive. April 22 announced their unity in a “We have complained to the rights province for seven days starting “The low rate of testing is worry- dramatic fashion to form the Janata commission because allegations made Monday as its neighbouring provinces ing,” he said. As of Monday, the prov- Samajbadi Party. against us violate our human rights,” reported a rise in cases of Covid-19. ince has tested 169 samples using the Janata Samajbadi Party leaders said Shrestha, one of the ruling party A meeting of the Crisis Management polymerase chain reaction method. including Baburam Bhattarai, lawmakers accused of abducting Council, a provincial body formed in None of the samples have tested posi- Upendra Yadav and Rajendra Mahato Yadav. “In our complaint, we have the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, on tive so far. Over 5,300 rapid tests have had alleged that the state was behind pleaded innocence. As a matter of Monday also decided to send physi- also been conducted. the kidnapping of their lawmaker. fact, Janata Samajbadi Party leaders cians to 27 areas across the province to The province had brought two poly- The opposing faction in the ruling had abducted Yadav from Marriott intensify testing. merase chain reaction machines seek- party that was trying to put a squeeze Hotel and we have mentioned that in “Physicians and health workers ing to accelerate testing. But the on Oli over the ordinance used the our complaint.” will be deployed to the offices of machines have hardly come to use allegation to pounce on him and Bed Bhattarai, secretary at the com- rural municipalities and major since the province lacks equipment demand his resignation. mission, confirmed to the Post that a market areas,” said Dal Rawal, provin- needed to transport swab samples, Amid this, the Metropolitan Police complaint by Basnet, Shrestha and cial Minister of Social Development Acharya said. Range, Teku on April 26 refused to Khanal had been registered at the and coordinator of the High Moreover, the directorate’s lab also register an abduction case against rights watchdog. Committee for Covid-19 Prevention lacks supplementary medical equip- Basnet, Shrestha and Khanal, who are “We took the complaint as the com- and Control. PHOTO COURTESY: OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER ment needed for the machines, accord- considered loyal to Oli, raising suspi- plainants said the police refused to “The team will intensify testing The decision was made by a meeting of the Crisis Management Council, a provincial body ing to Reeta Bhandari, director at the cion over the law enforcement agen- take their complaints of cybercrime,” and, if necessary, set up isolation formed in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, on Monday. provincial health directorate. cy’s neutrality. he told the Post. “We will study the wards,” he said following a meeting of Because of this reason, returnees Turned down by police, Yadav on complaint before deciding whether it the body chaired by Chief Minister Surkhet and the Jumla-based Karnali Police Office, Surkhet. who have been quarantined are yet to April 28 approached the Kathmandu is necessary to write to the police for Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Health and Science Academy. Health “Even during the lockdown, we be tested. Individuals in the quaran- District Attorney Office to file his an explanation why they refused to The announcement came as neigh- workers from state-run health centres have rescued residents of Karnali tine facilities have been sent home complaint but only to be turned down. register the complaint.” bouring Sudurpaschim province and and district hospitals from each dis- who were stranded in various parts of after 14 days without testing. On Monday, the attorney office, While it is the police that investi- Province 5 have reported five and 17 trict will also be deployed if necessary, the country,” Inspector Gopal “In an ideal situation, all individu- however, registered the complaint gate an abduction case, the commis- cases respectively so far. said Rawal. Rayamajhi, spokesperson for the als in quarantine should have been soon after Sanjiv Kumar Jha sion can direct it to register cases and Following the decision, no one will During the ongoing lockdown, as office told the Post. “The movement tested, but that has not happened,” filed a complaint, on behalf of carry out proper investigation, if be allowed to enter or leave the prov- many as 10,332 people rescued will now be stopped.” Bhandari said. “Now we are planning Basnet, Shrestha and Khanal, deemed necessary. ince for seven days. The majority of from various parts of the country While the local units have rescued to test select samples from the quaran- against Baburam Bhattarai, accusing Legal experts say the police should health workers being deployed are have entered Karnali Province via residents from various parts of the tined people who show symptoms of him of defaming the three via social register and investigate cases without from Karnali Provincial Hospital in Surkhet, according to the District country, the rate of testing has been the disease.” media. delay whenever someone approaches Jha is a central committee member the law enforcement agency with a of Yuwa Sangh Nepal, youth wing of complaint of abduction. the ruling Nepal Communist Party. “The due process hasn’t been fol- According to Jha, he went to the lowed in this case,” said Raju Lockdown will have district attorney office after police Chapagain, a human rights lawyer. Clash over relief distribution injures refused to file a complaint against “The police should come up with facts Baburam Bhattarai, Hisila Yami and after a proper probe.” little effect ... Bishwodip Pande for defaming his According to Chapagain, Basnet leaders. and his team’s move of filing the com- four police personnel, three locals >> Continued from page 1 Basnet had on April 26 reached the plaint at the attorney office is aimed Public health experts say that chances of Covid-19 Teku Police Range to file a complaint at defusing the entire case. continuing to spread are very high, if even a single against Bhattarai. Khanal, the joint district attorney, BHARAT JARGHAMAGAR salt, soybean chunks and cook- been organising a sit-in in front person is missed. Senior Superintendent Shyam told the Post that Yadav’s complaint SIRAHA, MAY 4 ing oil to the impoverished fami- of the rural municipal office for The Health Ministry has been using a mobile appli- Gyawali, chief of the Teku police, said was not filed on April 28 because lies as relief. Rameshwor Yadav, the last one week. According to cation, ‘Hamro Swasthya’, and the webpage covid19. that Basnet and his friends had officials wanted some time to study Four personnel and three locals a local of Mirchaiya whose name Ram, they went to the District mohp.gov.np, where people can enter their personal demanded that their case against the case. were injured on Monday after was not on the list, said, “We are Administration Office on details voluntarily. Yadav be registered. Janata Samajbadi leader Bhattarai members of the public clashed suffering, so we had to resort to Monday as their concerns were As of Monday, over 30,468 people had entered “But since we found the case related said the counter-complaint is a drama with police over distribution of protests when our names were not addressed by the rural their details, and among them, 328 people were from to defamation, we asked them to file orchestrated by Oli’s men to derail the relief materials to households not on the list. The security per- municipal office. the ‘red zone’ meaning they could be infected with the case at the district court because due process of law. affected by the Covid-19 crisis in sonnel forced us out from the In Samsi Rural Municipality, Covid-19. police do not take defamation cases,” “If we fail to check Oli’s fascism on Siraha. The incident at ward office when we started pro- Mahottari, locals demonstrated The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division Gyawali told the Post. “It looked like a time, it will cost the country and our Mirchaiya Municipality Ward testing.” outside the mayor’s office and provincial health offices have been monitoring case of cyber crime, but at the core, it society dearly,” Bhattarai told the No.8 took place as 200 people Locals and security personnel demanding essential supplies. their health, according to Dr Bikash Devkota, spokes- was straightforward a defamation Post. “Oli had started using his vigi- from impoverished households also clashed during relief distri- Many in Samsi have been strug- person for the Health Ministry. case.” lantes against me long ago. He still sought relief from the ward bution at Sukhipur Municipality gling to make a living in the But it is not just a failure to trace contacts; the prac- Long before reaching the Teku continues to do so, but I will continue office, but found their names Ward No. 2 on Sunday. The agitat- wake of the coronavirus crisis, tices adopted after tracing individuals are not ade- police, Bhattarai and some other my fight.” excluded on the list of benefi- ed locals had pelted stones at the as the government imposed a quate either, say doctors. Janata Samajbadi Party leaders had Senior Advocate Narayan Prasad ciaries, said Santu Jaisawal, ward office alleging that the peo- lockdown. During the process of contact tracing, doctors accused Basnet, Shrestha and Khanal Ghimire described the counter-com- Deputy Superintendent of Police ple’s representatives distributed On Monday, agitated locals involved in the treatment of Covid-19 patients collect through social media posts of abduct- plaints by the accused as a means to at the Area Police Office, relief materials only to better off encircled the local unit’s office, the details of all those who came in contact with ing Yadav. dismiss the case. Mirchaiya. families. Police had to resort to accusing it of failing to provide them. This information is passed on to the health After being turned down by the dis- “Such tactics of counter-complaints Jaiswal said that police per- baton-charging them to take the essential supplies even after 40 workers at the local level, who in turn meet with the trict attorney, Yadav had on April 30 are generally used as a cloak for ille- sonnel were forced to fire tear situation under control. days since the lockdown began. individuals identified and ask them to stay at home filed a complaint at the National gal activities so as to derail the due gas and warning shots in the air In Chakraghatta Rural The local unit had previously and take precautionary measures. If they display any Human Rights Commission. process of law. Usually people in to prevent and ensure law and Municipality, Sarlahi, too locals promised locals it would provide symptoms, they are placed in isolation. In his complaint Yadav had said power and position indulge in such order. “The four police personnel staged a sit-in in front of the supplies relief and collected the According to doctors and going by international Basnet, Shrestha and Khanal had activities,” said Ghimire. “My impres- and three locals have sustained District Administration Office names of residents in dire need practice, all those who came in contact with infected kidnapped him but the police sion is that the counter-complaints minor injuries.” on Monday saying that they too of relief. The local unit hasn’t patients need to be tested. But in Nepal, contacts are were not ready to register a case “as have been made to derail the investi- The ward office distributed have been deprived of relief sup- kept its promise. not tested unless they develop symptoms, despite the they enjoy the protection from the gation process.” essentials to 276 impoverished plies. Ram Kailash Ram, a local The rural municipality had knowledge that many cases in the country have been government.” According to Ghimire, the authori- families on its list on Monday. of Padariya, said, “There are 500 disbursed Rs 1 million to each asymptomatic. “Me and my family members are ties must launch an impartial investi- Ward chair Ram Kumar Yadav households in the ward, includ- ward to buy relief supplies, Dr Anup Subedee, a consultant infectious disease under threats of life from them [those gation into the complaint as well as said that the 200 families not on ing 40 households of Chamars. according to Shesh Faruk, rural physician, said that even a minor mistake could be involved in alleged kidnapping],” he counter-complaint. the list will also receive supplies We are yet to receive relief from municipality chief. The wards, costly. wrote in his complaint. “They need to “If both complaints are investigated soon. “There are 200 households the ward office even when all however, distributed masks and “The government should train health workers serv- be arrested immediately and a case through the due process of law, the not on the list. But we will dis- other families have received it. sanitisers, instead of food. ing at the local level, activate all channels, including needs to be filed against them.” party with false claims could be in tribute relief materials to them Those who have plenty of food female community health volunteers, for contact trac- The commission had written to the trouble, as the existing law demands also, soon.” grains also received relief. That’s Om Prakash Thakur in Sarlahi ing, ensure smooth supply of reagents, and increase Nepal Police Headquarters the same punishment for making false claims,” The ward office distributed 12 why we are protesting.” Ram, and Santosh Singh in Mahottari testing of all suspects,” Subedee told the Post. “We do day, demanding an explanation why said Ghimire. kg rice, one kg pulses, a packet of along with his neighbours, had contributed reporting. not know if any of that has been done.” Nepalgunj authorities focus on contact tracing after Hotels decide to cut their 15 cases for Covid-19 were confirmed on Sunday losses by remaining ... A prohibitory order has been issued in Nepalgunj with effect from Tuesday to prevent possible spread of the coronavirus. >> Continued from page 1 the hospitality industry, the govern- Every destination in the world now ment should pay the workers through has travel restrictions in place as a the social security fund. The objective THAKUR SINGH THARU & RUPA GAHATRAJ Friday. Authorities were alarmed as positive cases were confirmed is a where the infected people were admit- result of the coronavirus pandemic, of the fund is also to ensure security NEPALGUNJ, MAY 4 the man was out in public and even dense human settlement. Health offi- ted has a 40-bed isolation ward, six according to a recent study. for the workers,” Shah said. visited three neighbourhood homes. cials suspect that the number of posi- ICU beds and three ventilators. The analysis of all 217 destinations “This way, the hotels will be saved With 16 positive cases of Covid-19 in Health officials on Saturday collected tive cases might go up, as the settle- “We don’t have a shortage of human was carried out by the United Nations from bankruptcy too,” said Shah, add- Nepalgunj Sub-metropolis of Banke the throat swabs of 90 people who ment’s residents were found to be vis- resources now. We have a team of 12 World Tourism Organisation, which ing that the government needs to district, authorities are focusing on came in contact with the infected iting one another’s houses even dur- health workers, including two doctors, said this represents the ‘most severe approve the closure of the hotels this contact tracing to control the spread man. The lab tests conducted in Bheri ing the lockdown. to provide treatment to the infected restrictions on international travel in week as the next payday occurs in of the virus. However, the District Hospital confirmed 15 positive cases Health officials at Bheri Hospital people. But we could fall short if the history’. mid-May. “Otherwise, we will be Public Health Office in Banke has on Sunday. have underscored the importance of cases keep on rising,” said Thapa. There is a difference between forced to lay off workers under Article been struggling to find the travel his- Health officials say that the virus mass testing in Nepalgunj. Swabs of The provincial minister for Social automatic closure of hotels due to 145 of the Labour Act by declaring tory of the infected people and trace has entered the third phase, which is 93 people were collected on Sunday; Development Sudarshan Baral the crisis and closing hotels bankruptcy,” said Shah. hundreds of people they came in con- the community transmission phase, among them 54 tested negative for the reached Nepalgunj on Monday and lawfully. Lawful closure means hotel- “That option may be a win-win situ- tact with. in Nepalgunj. disease while the report of 39 samples held discussions with health officials, iers can significantly slash employee ation, and it’s up to the hotels and the “Efforts are on to ‘contact trace’ “The federal health ministry is the is yet to come. Dr Prakash Thapa, local administrations and security salaries and apply for payment from government to decide,” said Pandey. those who came in contact with the authority responsible for determining chief at Bheri Hospital, argued that personnel regarding the treatment of the social security fund to which all “But there should be no reduction in infected people. Nepalgunj has become the phase of the coronavirus infection the number of positive cases of coro- Covid-19 patients and extending employees contribute 1 percent of worker salaries during the crisis,” he a hot spot for coronavirus since a in Nepal. But we suspect community navirus shot up due to the delay in health facilities if the numbers keep their salaries. said. large number of positive cases were transmission of the disease in mass testing. on rising. Meanwhile, the local admin- The member hotels of Hotel “We understand the situation confirmed in a single day,” said Nepalgunj,” said Dr Rajan Pandey, the “At this stage, there is no alterna- istration on Monday issued a prohibi- Association Nepal are currently hold- because if the hotels collapse, Naresh Shrestha, the focal point per- chief consultant physician at Bheri tive but to conduct mass testing in the tory order in Nepalgunj with effect ing discussions with the Labour tens of thousands of people will son at the health office. “We collected Hospital. community,” he added. from Tuesday to control the possible Ministry to protect the workers and lose their jobs and the banks will suf- the swabs of 90 people after Covid-19 The area in Nepalgunj where the The Khajura-based cancer hospital spread of coronavirus. Chief District close the hotels lawfully. fer too. The situation is grave, and was confirmed in a man on Friday. We Officer of Banke Kumar Bahadur This will allow them to pay 12.5 per- serious attention is needed to protect are contact tracing those who came in Khadka said the local administration cent of the basic salary while the the hospitality industry, banks and contact with the infected people.” has sealed four settlements in social security fund covers the rest. workers.” According to him, more than 300 Nepalgunj and has strictly enforced “We have urged the government to According to Nepal Rastra Bank, people should be traced immediately the lockdown as more cases are get- officially approve the closure of hotels banks and financial institutions had a to control the spread of the disease. ting reported. in order to get the social security fund loan exposure of Rs138.68 billion in The infected people are being kept “We have asked the federal govern- payment for affected employees,” said the hotel and restaurant sectors as of in an isolation ward at Sushil Koirala ment to send additional rapid diagnos- Shah. the first seven months of the current Cancer Hospital in Khajura. tic test kits and equipment for mass The basic salary for each employee fiscal year. Government officials and security testing” he added. set by the government is a little over According to Hotel Association personnel have interviewed the infect- With the increasing number of Rs13,000. “In addition, employees will Nepal, 95 percent of its 3,000 member ed people to trace those who came into Covid-19 cases in Banke, neighbour- also get the service charges that are hotels earned exactly zilch in March their contact. According to the District ing districts of Bardiya, Dang and accumulated and often distributed and April. Public Health Office, more than 300 even the districts of Karnali Province after six months, Shah said. “We are also worried about the people have been traced based on the are on high alert for a possible out- Hotels and restaurants have recovery of the loans,” Bhuvan Dahal, information provided by the infected break of coronavirus. A large number been levying a service charge on president of the Nepal Bankers’ persons. of people from these districts passed food and beverage bills since 2007 Association, a grouping of the chief A 60-year-old man of Nepalgunj through Nepalgunj to return home, which is added to the salary of their executive officers of commercial who had returned from India a month POST PHOTO: THAKUR SINGH THARU mainly from India, in the last two employees. banks, told the Post in a recent ago tested positive for Covid-19 on An isolation ward has been set up at the Sushil Koirala Cancer Hospital in Khajura. months. “As part of the bailout measures for interview.

C M Y K TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2020 | 06 MONEY

FOREX EU approves US Dollar 121.44 Nepal Airlines seeks Rs 4 billion to buy Euro 132.87 $7.7 billion in Pound Sterling 151.18 French state aid Japanese Yen 11.38 new planes to boost domestic services Chinese Yuan 17.20 The state-owned carrier wants to focus on the home front while waiting for international air travel to rebound. to Air France Qatari Riyal 33.35

Australian Dollar 77.86 fly in the Nepali skies. We cannot com- pete with the private sector in the Malaysian Ringit 28.15 market,” Ghimire said, adding that the corporation had formed another Saudi Arab Riyal 32.32 committee to prepare a report on how Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank the Chinese planes should be man- aged or replaced. Since two of the six Chinese planes PRICE PER TOLA came as gifts from China, the corpora- BULLION tion cannot directly sell them, said a Tourism Ministry official. Fine Gold Rs 77,000 Nepal Airlines has asked the gov- ernment to find a permanent solution Silver Rs 720 for the Chinese planes on different REUTERS occasions, but no one wants to be Air France planes on the tarmac at Paris SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA involved in the process, the official Charles de Gaulle airport in France. said. A complete revamp of Nepal Airlines is not possible by keeping the AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE GASOLINE WATCH Chinese planes, he added. BRUSSELS, MAY 4 In November 2012, Nepal Airlines signed a commercial agreement with The European Commission on Aviation Industry Corporation of Monday gave the green light to 7.0 bil- China, a Chinese government under- lion euros ($7.7 billion) in French state taking, to procure six aircraft—two aid to national carrier Air France to MA60s and four Y12es. cushion the economic fallout from the As part of the deal, China provided coronavirus pandemic. one MA60 and one Y12e, worth a com- “The European Commission has bined Rs2.94 billion, as gifts in 2014. approved, under EU State aid The other aircraft were bought for rules, a 7 billion euro French Rs3.72 billion with a soft loan provided aid measure consisting of a by China’s EXIM Bank. state guarantee on loans and a share- In 2018, Nepal Airlines sent a pro- holder loan to Air France to posal to the Finance Ministry to provide urgent liquidity to the arrange funds to buy five Twin Otters company in the context of the corona- at an expected cost of $7 million each. virus outbreak,” EU competition com- PHOTO COURTESY: PLANESPOTTERS.NET The Twin Otter made its first missioner Margrethe Vestager said in The national flag carrier’s domestic fleet consists of nine planes—two 56-seater MA60s and four 17-seater Y12es, both Chinese-made, and three appearance in Nepal in 1971 as a a statement. Canadian-made 19-seater vintage Twin Otters. replacement for the DC-3 Dakota, the The EU’s executive body, the bloc’s workhorse of the then Royal Nepal competition watchdog, loosened its SANGAM PRASAIN but it has a social obligation to serve Airlines Corporation. The sturdy rules on state subsidies in mid-March KATHMANDU, MAY 4 the vast numbers of mountain people Twin Otter was instrumental in open- to make it easier for member coun- who still depend on air transporta- Nepal Airlines ing up Nepal’s roadless hinterlands, tries to come to the aid of companies Nepal Airlines Corporation has asked tion,” he said. used to operate 18 and provided a vital transportation in financial difficulty as a result of the the government for Rs4 billion to buy “As global tourism has been shat- lifeline to remote communities. COVID-19 pandemic. new aircraft to serve remote mountain tered by the coronavirus and it could aircraft on its The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 In the case of Air France, the aid airfields, as the Chinese planes in its take years for the industry to recover, Twin Otter, currently marketed as the consists of 4.0 billion euros in domestic fleet are proving more hassle we don’t have immediate plans to buy domestic routes Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter, bank loans, 90-percent guaranteed by than they are worth. planes for the international sector.” is a Canadian STOL utility aircraft the state, and 3.0 billion euros in Dubai Expo 2020 The state-owned carrier wants to Ghimire said they would focus on during its heyday. developed by de Havilland Canada direct state loans in return for procure five planes suitable for the the home front in the meantime, and and is currently produced by which the airline has committed to Nepali skies, and put itself in a posi- would require roughly Rs4 billion to Viking Air. improving its profitability and reduc- world’s fair tion to be able to compete with private boost the domestic fleet by adding five Nepal Airlines has been racking up In 2005, Viking purchased the Type ing its greenhouse gas emissions. operators which always seem to be a new planes. millions in losses as the Chinese air- Certificates for all of the out-of-pro- “France has demonstrated that all jump ahead. “We have not decided on the modal- craft have been sitting idle in their duction de Havilland aircraft, includ- other potential means to obtain liquid- postponed to Newly-appointed executive chair- ity. We have assigned a team to pre- hangars for years. ing the Twin Otter. ity on the markets have already been man Sushil Ghimire said they had pare a report on the appropriate pro- Among the four Y12e aircraft, only Nepal Airlines used to operate 18 explored and exhausted,” the asked the Finance Ministry to cedure,” Ghimire said. one is currently in operation as there aircraft on its domestic routes during Commission said. October 1, 2021 arrange the funds through the The national flag carrier’s domestic are just two trained captains capable its heyday—12 Twin Otters, three “In the absence of the public upcoming budget slated to be present- fleet consists of nine planes--two of flying them. And out of the two Avros and three Pilatus Porters. support, Air France would likely ed on May 29. 56-seater MA60s and four 17-seater MA60s, one has been grounded for the Between 1972 and 1979, the Canadian face the risk of bankruptcy due to the “We know it’s a time of crisis and Y12es, both Chinese-made, and three last two years for lack of spare parts. International Development Agency sudden erosion of its business. This the government may be pressed for Canadian-made 19-seater vintage “We do have six Chinese-made donated seven Twin Otters to the would likely cause severe harm to the cash due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Twin Otters. planes, but they are not appropriate to national flag carrier. French economy,” it said. VW’s Skoda braces for Q2 Trump administration pushing to rip

AP/RSS hit after earnings drop global supply chains from China A file photo shows technicians walking at the under construction site of the Expo REUTERS the current crisis to be in the second 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. PRAGUE, MAY 4 quarter, followed by a gradual recov- REUTERS where the critical areas are and ery in the third quarter and a possible WASHINGTON, MAY 4 where critical bottlenecks exist,” ASSOCIATED PRESS Czech carmaker Skoda Auto, part of return to the previous year’s level in Tax incentives and Krach said. DUBAI (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES), MAY 4 the Volkswagen Group, reported a 25 the fourth quarter,” board member The Trump administration is “turbo- The US Commerce Department, percent drop in first-quarter operat- Klaus-Dieter Schurmann said. charging” an initiative to remove glob- re-shoring subsidies State and other agencies are looking Dubai’s Expo 2020 world’s fair will be ing profit on Monday, but said First-quarter revenue fell 1.4 per- al industrial supply chains from for ways to push companies to move postponed to October 1, 2021, over the biggest hit from the coronavirus cent to 4.85 billion euros, while world- China as it weighs new tariffs are among measures both sourcing and manufacturing the new coronavirus pandemic, a outbreak would come in the second wide deliveries tumbled 24 percent to to punish Beijing for its handling out of China. Paris-based body behind the events quarter. 232,900 vehicles. Not including China, of the coronavirus outbreak, being considered to Tax incentives and potential said on Monday. Skoda, the Czech Republic’s largest deliveries fell 16 percent. according to officials familiar with US spur changes. re-shoring subsidies are among meas- The announcement by the Bureau exporter which counts China as its Skoda has boosted annual deliveries planning. ures being considered to spur chang- International des Expositions came biggest individual market, started above 1 million in recent years but President Donald Trump, who has es, the current and former officials just hours after police in Kuwait dis- feeling the impact of the coronavirus like other carmakers has been hit stepped up recent attacks on China told Reuters. persed what they described as a riot crisis during the first three months of hard the virus outbreak, which ahead of the Nov. 3 US presidential US administration officials said. “There is a whole of government by stranded Egyptians unable to the year as its global sales fell by a started in China around the turn of election, has long pledged to bring “We’ve been working on [reducing push on this,” said one. Agencies are return home amid the coronavirus quarter and it shut its domestic facto- the year before hitting Europe manufacturing back from overseas. the reliance of our supply chains in probing which manufacturing pandemic. The riot was the first ries for 39 days beginning in March. in force in March. Skoda relaunched Now, economic destruction and the China] over the last few years should be deemed “essential” reported sign of unrest from the However, the company said the big- production at a reduced pace on massive US coronavirus death toll are but we are now turbo-charging that and how to produce these goods region’s vast population of foreign gest impact from the pandemic was April 27 and the entire car sector in driving a government-wide push to initiative,” Keith Krach, undersecre- outside of China. Trump’s China workers who have lost their jobs over still to come and it had started meas- the central European country move US production and supply chain tary for Economic Growth, Energy policy has been defined by the crisis. ures to reduce costs and spending in faces a shaky restart, with officials dependency away from China, even if and the Environment at the US State behind-the-scenes tussles between Dubai has bet billions of dollars on the short term. expecting the sector to run below it goes to other more friendly nations Department told Reuters. pro-trade advisers and China hawks; Expo 2020 to rejuvenate its troubled “We expect the greatest impact of capacity this year. instead, current and former senior “I think it is essential to understand now the latter say their time has come. economy. Since the pandemic ground- ed flights by its long-haul carrier Emirates and disrupted its real estate market, Dubai has been seeking to delay the event until next year. Pandemic slams global factories, activity sinks to new lows Dubai has bet REUTERS deepest quarterly economic decline in March, while the private-sector Caixin billions of dollars LONDON/SYDNEY, MAY 4 the Western world in almost 100 years PMI showed a dip into contraction, and the conclusion to the strongest although at a much gentler pace than on Expo 2020 to Factory activity was ravaged across monthly equity rally in more than 30 the rest of the world. Significantly, the world in April, business surveys years,” said Erik Nielsen, chief econo- exporters in both surveys were jolted rejuvenate its showed, and the outlook looked mist at UniCredit. by steep falls in orders. bleak as government lockdowns to But European stock markets and oil While China appears to be ahead of troubled economy. contain the new coronavirus pandem- prices fell on Monday as a spat others in emerging from the economic ic froze global production and slashed between top US officials and China paralysis inflicted by the pandemic, demand. over the origin of the coronavirus any recovery is expected to be gradual Countries belonging to the bureau The coronavirus has infected more fuelled fears of a renewed trade war and unlikely to fire up an immediate had been voting on the requested than 3.5 million people globally and that might derail or delay a swift resurgence in global demand. delay for days, with a final tally expect- killed around 247,000. With the public rebound. The PMI for Taiwan, a major pro- ed by the end of May. On Monday, told to stay home in numerous coun- Asian PMIs also suffered, with ducer of high-end technology compo- however, the bureau said a required tries, the global economy is expected South Korea, the continent’s nents, fell to 42.2, its lowest since 2009 two-thirds of the countries in the to suffer its steepest contraction on fourth-largest economy and a global and down from an expansionary 50.4 organization had voted to approve the record this year as supply chains have manufacturing powerhouse, skidding in March. delay, meaning it would be granted. been massively disrupted. last month to its lowest reading The declines in South Korea’s and The bureau’s executive committee In a bid to combat the impact of the since January 2009. Japan’s PMI Taiwan’s PMIs showed the contrac- voted unanimously in April to back lockdowns, central banks and govern- released last week similarly fell to an tions were less severe than those in the proposal, which will see the ments have unleashed unprecedented REUTERS 11-year low. other economies in the region, with event run from Oct. 1, 2021, until levels of fiscal and monetary policy, A file photo shows a worker working on a production line at a factory of a ship equipment “Regional PMI manufacturing data indicators in Malaysia, Indonesia and March 31, 2022. suggesting that without this condi- manufacturer, in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China. kicked off the data dump on Monday, Vietnam all reporting plunges to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al tions could have been even worse. with economies registering deep con- record lows. Maktoum, the chairman and CEO of Still, a series of Purchasing in April as the coronavirus wreaked employment prospects, demand sank tractions with most countries employ- Capital Economics said while South Emirates who also serves on Dubai’s Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) from IHS havoc, suggesting the world’s largest in the bloc to by far the lowest in the ing some form of lockdown,” said Korea and Taiwan held up better than Expo committee, welcomed the Markit across Europe and Asia fell economy was sinking deeper into survey’s history, giving scant hope for Prakash Sakpal, Asia Economist at their Southeast Asian counterparts, announcement in a statement. “We deeper into contraction last month, recession. On Monday, IHS Markit’s an imminent turnaround. ING. “Economic data should remind thanks mostly to effective government are thankful to member states for with many diving to all-time lows final manufacturing PMI for the euro It was a similar story from Britain investors of the bleak economic situa- policies to contain the virus, condi- their continued commitment to con- and others hitting levels last not zone sank to 33.4, its lowest since the on Friday when its PMI showed manu- tion ahead even as governments from tions have nonetheless worsened. tributing to a World Expo in Dubai seen since the 2008-2009 global survey began in mid-1997 and far facturers there suffered their biggest previous hotspots ready the gradual Official data released last week that will play a pivotal role in shaping financial crisis. beneath the 50-point line dividing fall in output and orders for at least reopening of their economies.” showed the coronavirus sent South our post-pandemic world at a time A gauge from the United States pub- growth from contraction. three decades. Last week, China’s official PMI Korean exports plunging in April at when it will be most needed,” Sheikh lished on Friday showed manufactur- With shops closed and consumers “This past week saw the amazing showed factory activity still growing their sharpest pace since the global Ahmed said. ing activity plunged to an 11-year low concerned about their health and coincidence of the publication of the in April, albeit more slowly than financial crisis.

C M Y K 07 | TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2020 WORLD

BRIEFING Australia, New Zealand discuss US top South Asia diplomat retires trans-Tasman WASHINGTON: The acting top US diplo- mat for South Asia announced her retirement on Sunday, as President ‘travel bubble’ Donald Trump looks increasingly likely to go a full term without a REUTERS Senate-confirmed State Department SYDNEY/ WELLINGTON, MAY 4 official focused on the subcontinent. Alice Wells, a career diplomat who New Zealand and Australia are dis- has served as acting assistant secre- cussing the potential creation of a tary of state for South and Central “travel bubble” between the two coun- Asia for most of the Trump adminis- tries, even as Australia on Monday tration, will retire on May 22 after a reported its highest number of coro- 31-year career, the State Department navirus cases in two weeks. said. The new acting assistant secre- New Zealand Prime Minister tary will be Tom Vajda, a veteran US Jacinda Ardern said she has accepted diplomat on South Asia who was ear- an invite from Australian Premier lier consul general in Mumbai, a Scott Morrison to take part in a meet- State Department spokesperson said. ing of Australia’s emergency corona- virus cabinet on Tuesday, stoking anticipation of a travel deal. Taliban attack military The neighbouring countries have centre in Afghanistan claimed success in substantially slow- ing the progress of the coronavirus KABUL: The Taliban on Monday epidemic to a level well below the claimed responsibility for an attack United States, Britain and Europe. at a military centre in southern Still, Ardern warned that more Helmand province in Afghanistan health measures needed to be put in where at least 150 members of the place before trans-Tasman travel Afghan army and intelligence wing could restart. were stationed. The bombing “I wouldn’t say it would be in the occurred on Sunday night, govern- very, very near short term,” Ardern ment officials and the Taliban said. AP/RSS said at a news conference in “Dozens of members belonging to the A visitor wearing face mask rides a bicycle at a park in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday. Wellington. enemy forces have been killed and wounded in the attack,” Qari Yousuf Ahmedi, a spokesman for the hard- line Islamist group, said in a state- No new cases on ment. The defence ministry con- firmed the blast, and said one mem- Monday in New ber of the army was injured. Italy eases long lockdown, leaders Zealand for the first Study suggests infections time since March 16. are 10 times number of confirmed cases push vaccine effort against coronavirus “Don’t expect this to happen in a couple of weeks time. We need to FRANKFURT: More than 10 times as make sure we are locking in the gains many people in Germany have likely As infection rates have fallen in large parts of Europe, tentative efforts to restart public life are gathering pace. all New Zealanders have helped us been infected with the coronavirus achieve and make sure we have health than the number of confirmed cases, ASSOCIATED PRESS immense hardship for India’s legions precautions in place.” researchers from the University of ROME, MAY 4 of poor people. Australia has recorded around 6,800 Bonn have concluded from a field Governments around the world infections and 96 deaths, and New trial in one of the worst hit towns. Millions of people were allowed to have reported 3.5 million infections Zealand 1,137 cases and 20 fatalities. The preliminary study results, which return to work in Italy Monday as and more than 247,000 deaths, includ- Both have a Covid-19 mortality rate of have yet to be peer reviewed for publi- Europe’s longest lockdown started to ing more than 67,000 dead in the just 1 percent and have maintained cation in a scientific journal, serve as ease, while countries from Iceland to United States, according to a count by low single digit rises in new cases for a reminder of the dangers of infec- India took a patchwork of steps to Johns Hopkins University. weeks, successes they attribute to tion by unidentified carriers of the loosen coronavirus restrictions. Deliberately concealed outbreaks, low social distancing regulations and virus, some of whom show no symp- Businesses including hairdressers testing rates and the severe strain the widespread testing. toms, the researchers said. The read- in Greece and restaurants in Lebanon disease has placed on health care sys- “Both our countries’ strong record ings come as Germany took further were opening their doors under tems mean the true scale of the pan- of fighting the virus has placed us in steps on Monday to ease restrictions, new conditions. demic is undoubtedly much greater. the enviable position of being able to with museums, hairdressers, church- With pressure growing in many Developing a vaccine will be the key plan the next stage in our economic es and more car factories reopening countries for more measures to restart to returning to less restricted every- rebuild and to include trans-Tasman under strict conditions. (AGENCIES) the economy, politicians also were try- day life. On Monday, an alliance of travel and engagement in our strate- ing to boost funding for research into world leaders was holding a virtual gy,” Ardern said. a vaccine for Covid-19. There are summit hoping to drum up around 4 A New Zealand rugby league team hopes that one could be available in billion euros ($4.37 billion) for vaccine arrived in Australia on Sunday to months, but warnings that it could research, some 2 billion euros for self-isolate for two weeks before join- take much longer. treatments and 1.5 billion ($1.64 bil- ing Australia’s tournament later this Trump relaunches Italy, the first European country to lion) for testing. Officials say that month, after receiving special permis- be hit by the pandemic and a nation AP/RSS amount is just the start. sion. The leaders will discuss ongoing campaign with with one of the world’s highest death Commuters sit in the subway in Milan, Italy, on Monday. In a statement, the leaders of measures to prevent the possibility of tolls, started stirring after its two- France, Germany, Italy, Norway and a second wave of Covid-19 infections month shutdown. In all, 4.4 million aged. Like Italians, Greeks and many On Europe’s western edge, Iceland top European Union officials said that as they start to ease restrictions that vaccine promise, for Italians were able to return to work, others in Europe, Belgians are also reopened hair salons—along with the money raised will be channeled have shut businesses and hobbled and restrictions on movement eased. being told to wear masks on public high schools, dentists and other busi- mostly through recognized global their economies. As infection rates have fallen in transport. nesses—after six weeks in which the health organizations. The EU’s execu- Australia on Monday reported 27 an ‘incredible’ future large parts of Europe, tentative efforts Italians still have to carry certifica- country has tamed its virus outbreak. tive Commission had hoped that the cases, including a seven-year-old boy, to restart public life are gathering tions explaining why they are out. The In the Middle East, Lebanon is United States would take part, but it in its biggest daily jump in two weeks. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE pace. But Europeans’ new-found list of acceptable reasons has now allowing restaurants to open at 30 per- remained unclear what role, if any, That could rise as more states report WASHINGTON, MAY 4 freedoms are limited as officials are been expanded to include visits to cent capacity during the day starting Washington might play in the donor throughout the day. New Zealand wary of setting off a second wave family and lovers, but just who falls Monday. But many business owners conference. recorded no new cases on Monday for President Donald Trump relaunched of infections. into that category is still unclear. say they won’t reopen because they Germany’s health minister said the first time since March 16. his election campaign on Sunday with In Italy, mourners were able to Greece, which gradually began would be losing more money if they there are “promising” developments New Zealand does not have a con- a live television event inside the icon- attend funerals—but services were lifting its seven-week lockdown operate under such restrictions dur- but warned that developing vaccines tact tracing app like the one launched ic Lincoln Memorial, promising an limited to 15 people and there was still Monday, dropped a similar require- ing a faltering economy, and cafes, is one of the biggest challenges in by Australia last week to find and early coronavirus vaccine and urging no word on when Masses would ment for people to send an SMS or clubs and bars have been ordered to medicine. inform people who have been in con- Americans to put the pandemic resume. Restaurants scrubbed their carry a self-written permit justifying stay shut through June. “I would be glad if we succeeded in tact with confirmed infected people. behind them to embrace an “incredi- floors in preparation for take-out ser- being outdoors. India allowed some economic a few months, but I think we must About 4.5 million Australians have ble” future. vice, but sit-down service is still sever- Hair salons and some stores such as activities to resume after a five-week remain realistic,” Jens Spahn told downloaded the CovidSafe app so far, With the two-hour long Fox News al weeks away. those selling books and sports halt, even as the pace of infections ARD television on Sunday. “It can also well short of Morrison’s previously “town hall,” Trump sought to wrap Belgium allowed some companies to goods reopened in Greece, albeit with has slightly accelerated. The lock- take years, because of course there announced target of 40 percent of the himself in the mantle of America’s open their offices to employees, strict hygiene and social distancing down has achieved a slowdown in the can be setbacks—we have seen that country’s estimated 16 million smart- arguably greatest president—and to though remote work is still encour- measures. spread of the virus but has caused with other vaccines phone owners. persuade a nation battered by death and mass unemployment to look ahead. “We can’t stay closed as a country, we’re not going to have a country left,” he said on the show, where two moder- World’s biggest lockdown slows coronavirus spread, but gaps remain ators, as well as ordinary citizens via video, put questions to him in front of the monument. “We’re going to have ASSOCIATED PRESS But limited interactions between domestic manufacturing of PPE an incredible following year,” he said. NEW DELHI, MAY 4 people did slow the contagion, before the pandemic. To a woman who called in express- pushing the peak into the future and “Now we have 111 indigenous man- ing fear of financial ruin and eviction, India’s six-week coronavirus lock- buying India “time to prepare,” ufacturers,” he said, adding that these Trump said her job would come back. down, which was supposed to end on said Ramanan Laxminarayan, an epi- domestic companies are expected to “You get a job where you make more Monday, has been extended for anoth- demiologist and economist who provide 70 percent of the 20 million money,” he said. er two weeks, with a few relaxations directs the Center for Disease pieces of PPE needed. Saying Americans should start such as construction resuming and Dynamics, Economics & Policy in India’s testing criteria remain going back to beaches this summer self-employed people returning to Washington, DC. restricted outside of hotspots, where and recommending that shuttered work in New Delhi. India has avoided a major catastro- those with minor symptoms, like a schools need to reopen in September, Here’s a look at what India has phe, confirming about 42,500 virus runny nose or cough, aren’t being test- Trump forecast good news on the hunt been able to achieve during the lock- cases, 11,706 recoveries and 1,373 ed. But it has increased testing, with for a vaccine. down of its 1.3 billion people, and deaths. Still, a lack of aggressive test- 70,000 samples tested daily. The businessman Republican is what it hasn’t: ing worries experts who warn that the Still, India “needs to be scaling up doing poorly in most polls ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi virus has yet to peak. for a lot more,” said Dr Ashish Jha, the November presidential contest locked India down on March 24, when India has designated more than 600 the director of Harvard’s Global against Democratic challenger Joe the country had just 469 confirmed hospitals for Covid-19 patients only, Health Institute. He pointed out that Biden, who remains shuttered in his virus cases. comprising about 100,000 isolation while the lockdown had stopped the Delaware home. In mid-April, Modi extended the beds and around 12,000 intensive care virus from spreading as quickly as it Trump faces criticism for his bruis- lockdown for two weeks. Then on unit beds. It also has trained more has in some countries, that doesn’t ing, divisive style during a time of Friday, it was extended for two more than a million doctors and 1.7 million mean that it won’t spread faster when national calamity. He is also accused weeks, but with some relaxations. nurses to treat patients, according to restrictions are lifted. by some of botching the early response The government has identified government data. India’s low testing rate is at least to the Covid-19 virus. three zones: “red,” or areas that have Authorities have tried to ensure partly due to the unavailability of Worse, the previously booming been coronavirus hotspots, “orange,” that only those who are very sick with testing kits. After claiming that the US economy, which was seen as a where some cases have been the virus go to the designated hospi- rapid antibody tests it got from China golden ticket to his second term, found, and “green,” or low-risk areas. tals. But this separation, aimed at were faulty, India awaited the arrival is now in dire straits due to the Stricter measures will continue in red preventing viral outbreaks in hospi- of 2.1 million standard testing kits, nationwide lockdown. and orange zones, while some tals, hasn’t always been successful. AP/RSS mostly from international companies. With officials saying the viral movement of people and most eco- It wasn’t until Friday that the gov- Indians line up to buy liquor outside one of the liquor shops which was reopened on Monday Officials said the country will need 3.5 spread has begun to taper, Trump is nomic activities will be allowed in ernment said it would provide all after six weeks lockdown in New Delhi, India, on Monday. million kits. itching to return to the campaign green zones. health workers with personal protec- India’s health ministry has denied trail. Although the number of red zones tive equipment, or PPE. But several transmission, this left the health care plies, India has upped its capacity to that it is under-testing. But Jha However he faces new criticism that has dipped since the lockdown start- non- Covid-19 hospitals in large cities system unprotected, said Dr T manufacture ventilators, oxygen cyl- warned that India can’t afford to he is trying to declare premature vic- ed, the number of green zones has also like Mumbai and New Delhi have Sundararaman, a community medi- inders and PPE. test in areas only after outbreaks are tory, even as the illness continues to declined. Most of India’s major cities, already reported outbreaks. Experts cine expert. India is now building up a stockpile discovered. kill thousands of Americans every including New Delhi and Mumbai, suspect the outbreaks were caused by “Even if a patient comes in with a of 80,000 ventilators that it hopes will “If they could freeze the world in week. Having repeatedly minimised remain red zones. patients who were unaware they had fever, it will not be assumed to cover the 75,000 patients it expects will time and not ever unlock and stay the death toll, claiming it will end at Locking down the country’s 1.3 bil- the virus. be Covid-19,” he said. “Unless it’s need them in the coming weeks, said locked down forever, then no, you’ll around 60,000, Trump conceded that lion people has cost millions of jobs Combined with the government’s too late.” PD Vaghela, secretary of the govern- not need to scale up testing anymore,” now “we’re going to lose anywhere and upended lives, especially of reluctance to acknowledge that India Faced with an unprecedented global ment’s pharmaceuticals department. he said. “But obviously that’s not from 75, 80 to 100,000 people.” India’s poor. had reached the stage of community demand for the same medical sup- Vaghela said India had almost no possible.”

C M Y K TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2020 | 08 (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053

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