Cabinet Adopts Measures to Tackle COVID-19 Corporation Presence of Workers in Private Sector Workplace Reduced Launches Website to 20 Percent

www.thepeninsula.qa Thursday 2 April 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8215 9 Sha'aban - 1441 2 Riyals

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FREE Wi-Fi device! Ooredoo FREE installation! Full fun! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply Qatar Media Cabinet adopts measures to tackle COVID-19 Corporation Presence of workers in private sector workplace reduced launches website to 20 percent. in English Working hours for employees and workers at their workplace in the government and private sectors will be QNA — DOHA six hours per day. Within the framework of Stores of foodstuffs, pharmacies, and restaurants working the State of Qatar’s efforts on deliveries are excluded from the decision. to combat the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), Distance meetings for employees and workers in the Qatar Media Corporation government and private sectors. has launched a digital platform, as its new Temporary home services provided by cleaning and English-speaking website hospitality companies stopped. is WWW.COVID19QATAR. Number of workers transported by buses will be half the INFO which is considered a new step to ensure the capacity of the bus. multiplicity of various Decisions are effective from today for a period of two weeks. means of publishing, for the State’s preventive, education and medical Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chairing the QNA — DOHA Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani efforts to combat the Cabinet meeting yesterday via video conference. chaired the Cabinet meeting yes- COVID-19 pandemic. The Cabinet yesterday took a terday afternoon through video The launching of this number of decisions to curb the conference technology. the spread of the coronavirus regular meeting (12) for the year workers in each agency, and 80 website comes in addition spread of COVID-19 including Following the meeting, Min- (COVID-19), the Cabinet 2020, held on March 18, 2020 percent of the rest of the to the official page that the reducing number of workers ister of Justice and Acting Min- affirmed the continuation of the according to which it was workers start their work Government Communica- present in the workplace in the ister of State for Cabinet Affairs precautionary measures taken decided, among other things, to remotely from their homes. tions Office has launched private sector to 20 percent as H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al to combat this epidemic, and to reduce the number of employees The working hours for recently gco.gov.qa/ar/ well as reducing number of Nuaimi issued the statement. complement the decisions and present at the workplace in gov- employees and workers at their focus/covid-19, within the workers who are transported by At the beginning of the actions previously taken, the ernment agencies. workplace in the government efforts that the State has buses to half the capacity of the meeting, the Cabinet heard the Cabinet decided the Reducing the number of and private sectors will be six been making to combat the bus. explanation given by H E the following: workers present in the work- working hours per day, starting novel COVID-19, which is by Prime Minister and Minister Minister of Public Health on the Extending the decision of the place in the private sector to 20 from seven in the morning until presenting educational mes- of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin latest developments to reduce Cabinet of Ministers issued at its percent of the total number of one in the afternoon. `P3 sages for English-speakers. 84% of COVID-19 cases in Qatar are from quarantine THE PENINSULA — DOHA press conference yesterday, that 89 recent time, according to the data percent cases of infection are mild, available, is caused by two main 89 percent cases of H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin three percent cases are critical and reasons – first reason is the infections are mild. Mohammed Al Khater, Assistant eight percent cases of recoveries returning of Qatari citizens that too Foreign Minister and Spokesperson have also been recorded. in a growing number. Eight percent cases of of the Supreme Committee for “Unfortunately there are two The second reason, she said, is recoveries reported. Crisis Management, has said that cases of death recorded, who were technical, which is the use of new out of total COVID-19 cases in over 55 years old. One was aged 56 device for detecting the cases of Only 37 cases admitted Qatar, 84 percent cases were traced suffering from chronic diseases like infection which is more accurate in intensive care. from inside quarantine. blood pressure and diabetes and other enabling to screen and analyse “About 16 percent cases (in 58, suffering from renal failure,” said more cases in a record time. “We New device tests Qatar) were recorded out of quar- H E Al Khater. can say about the increase in cases COVID-19 cases faster. antine, 84 percent cases were found She said that 12 cases of of infection but at the same time inside quarantine. It means the infection were discharged from it could be seen from another mechanism of quarantine and idea ICU, only 37 cases are still admitted aspect as increase in detection of H E Lolwah bint Rashid of quarantine practice is working in ICU. the cases which existed in fact, bin Mohammed Al Khater well,” said H E Al Khater. H E Lolwa Al Khater said that therefore it should be taken logi- during the press conference Regarding the severity of the the increase in the number of cases cally and scientifically,” said Al yesterday. infection, H E Al Khater said in a of infection with coronavirus in the Khater.`P3 Administrative Qatar Airways works hard to take people home to their families Development THE PENINSULA — DOHA support we have received from families and residents in their chances of contracting or quarantined and tested if any Ministry launches local and national governments Germany to reach their country, spreading the infection, are colleagues or passengers on a Qatar Airways works hard to and entities, whom we are through three daily flights to thermally screened before the flight shows any symptoms of awareness drive take people home to their working in close partnership to Frankfurt and one daily flight departure of flights and after infection or test positive for the families, said H E Akbar Al Baker, overcome this pandemic,” H E to Munich. their arrival, and are virus. `P3 QNA — DOHA Group Chief Executive, Qatar Al Baker added. H E the Ambassador said Airways, during a meeting with H E Hans-Udo Muzel that they are very grateful to The Ministry of Administrative Ambassador of the Federal expressed his gratitude to Qatar Qatar Airways for the won- Development, Labour and Republic of Germany to the State Airways for its assistance to derful work they have done in Social Affairs has launched a of Qatar, H E Hans-Udo Muzel. thousands of German citizens facilitating the return of German campaign to raise awareness “At Qatar Airways we con- to return to their countries from citizens, expressing his thanks and provide guidance through tinue to work hard to take all over Asia, in light of these to H E Akbar Al Baker for the field visits by inspectors of the people home to their families, difficult times and despite the support made to ensure that all Labour Inspection Department while also ensuring robust challenges due to the spread of travellers on flights from to all establishments in the health and safety practices to the coronavirus, the cancel- various destinations in Asia country which will begin by limit the spread of corona- lation of flights and the closure reached Frankfurt, Berlin and inspecting establishments with virus,” said H E Akbar Al of many airports. Munich, so everyone can spend the biggest number of workers. Baker. Qatar Airways said in a these difficult times with their The campaign is within the “We are adjusting our flight statement yesterday that while families. context of completing the Min- schedules on a daily basis, and the German government has Qatar Airways has imple- istry’s efforts to raise since the outbreak of the virus imposed restrictions on entry mented robust policies to awareness of precautionary we have stepped up our already to the country since March 18, ensure the health and safety of measures. robust hygiene practices. In Qatar Airways continues to its passengers and employees. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, with The campaign that kicks these efforts, we do not work operate its flights to Germany Cabin crew have received Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Qatar, Hans- off next week will focus on alone. I am grateful for the to assist German citizens, their training on how to minimise Udo Muzel. awareness and guidance of precautionary measures to prevent the risk of infection with the coronavirus (COVID- Public Health

Qatar can do 2,000 COVID-19 tests per day SPONSORS 19), ensure the availability of PHCC announces Al-Ahli Hospital precautionary forms COVID-19 measures against taskforce to FAZEENA SALEEM coronavirus implement adequate housing require- accurate test for COVID-19, which accuracy. There is also demand for build the capacity for COVID-19 strategic steps PAGE | 2 PAGES | 4-5 ments and commitment to THE PENINSULA is approved by the Food and Drug rapid test and we have discussed sample testing in collaboration SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 Qatar at the payment of wages, raise Administration (FDA), said Sheikh it. With rapid test we can have with several other institutions. forefront to curb the awareness of the use of appli- Qatar is moving in the right Dr. Mohammed Al Thani, Director more number of tests but accuracy “We have requested coop- spread of cations to send money online direction to flatten the of Public Health at MoPH, while of the tests is lower and in some eration from Sidra Medicine, COVID-19

FAZEENA SALEEM medications used in hospitals prevents THE PENINSULA Qatar has appropriately prioritized infection with the virus, advising people to avoid such drugs because of hile many countries diagnostic testing and supported their side effects. due to the closure of exchange COVID-19 curve and country speaking at a webinar organised cases it is very low. However, we Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar across the globe see Dr Al Khal expressed concern over COVID-19 cases over- the laboratory response network the potential increase of cases who whelming for healthcare need intensive care, especially those Wsystems, Qatar is at the forefront flat- to ensure the ability to test for who suffer from diabetes, heart, tening the curve through different potential cases of COVID-19, kidney, and lung diseases, and those measures. As part of measures taken who take immunosuppressive drugs to control the spread of the virus in the which is allowing for the better and the elderly, stressing the need to community, like other countries in the protect this group and advised them shops, and introduce the has the capacity to test around by Qatar Foundation. are planning to get the best and Qatar University for further world, competent authorities in Qatar protection of the population. to stay at home. have asked the public to stay at home, He has also emphasized that there keep social distancing and maintain is no relation between infection with personal hand hygiene. Around the H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari the virus and age, as the disease may world governments are almost taking be severe for youth as well. similar measures to ensure safety of Minister of Public Health In regard with the signs of recovery, people enforcing social distancing. Dr Al Khal explained that for those with rights and duties of the 2,000 samples in a day, said a “At present with laboratory available rapid test kits mostly cooperation in clinical testing. But Qatar’s actions to curb the severe symptoms, the signs of recovery worker and the employer senior official at the Ministry of techniques and facility we can from South Korea. So we will soon Some students from Weill Included with today’s during this period to ensure Public Health (MoPH), do around 2000 tests per day,” introduce a rapid test which is Cornell Medicine- Qatar have their safety and protection yesterday. he said. approved by FDA,” he added. agreed to join and we are edition is a and preserve the rights of all The Ministry has taken “We are doing PCR tests now Dr. Al Thani also said that waiting for response from Qatar special supplement parties. measures to introduce a more which have over 99 percent MoPH is looking forward to University,” he added. `P3 (g)

02 HOME THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020

Special arrangement OFFICIAL NEWS Amir holds telephone in place for final conversation with French President exam of grade 12 DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday held via telephone a conversation with the in view of COVID-19 President of the French Republic, H E Emmanuel Macron, during which SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Al Bashri said that they discussed bilateral ties. They THE PENINSULA reviewed the efforts made by Qatar the students of and France in combating the novel The Ministry of Education and adult education and coronavirus. They also discussed Higher Education has said that the latest regional and international the final examinations 2019-20 evening classes of all developments, especially the situa- The Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, of students of grade 12 of tion in Libya and Iraq. QNA grades will undergo H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, during a remote meeting, yesterday, with the government schools and the Amir condoles with students enrolled in adult and the ﬁnal examination Ambassadors of America to inform them about the efforts of Qatar in ﬁghting coronavirus. evening classes will be because they do not Somalia President conducted under special DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin arrangement to protect them have access to the Lolwah Al Khater briefs envoys on COVID-19 Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir from the infection of COVID-19. system of evaluation. QNA — DOHA locally and internationally in Mansouri, and the Director of H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al “The students will be dis- fighting coronavirus (COVID- American Affairs Department Thani sent yesterday cables of con- tributed in 144 schools; just The Assistant Foreign Minister 19), and answer their enquiries at the Ministry of Foreign dolences to the President of Somalia, eight students in a class room examinations of most curricula and Spokesperson of the and questions in this regard. Affairs, H E Essa bin H E Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, and 40 students in big halls like of community schools were Supreme Committee for Crisis The meeting was attended Mohammad Essa Al Mannai. on the death of former Somali Prime indoor sports venue main- also suspended and now we are Management, H E Lolwah bint by the Adviser to the Minister Their Excellencies Ambas- Minister, Nour Hassan Hussein “Nour taining a distance of over three waiting the decisions from the Rashid bin Mohammed Al of Foreign Affairs for Interna- sadors praised the efforts of Adde”, praying to the Almighty Allah meters,” said Adviser to H E the international organisations Khater, held a remote meeting tional Development, represent- Qatar and the implementing to have mercy on his soul and to grant Minister of Education and which are conducting such yesterday with the Ambas- ative of the Ministry of Foreign agencies to combat this epi- him paradise, and to inspire his fam- Higher Education, Mohamad examinations,” said Al Bashri. sadors of America accredited Affairs in the National Com- demic and to preserve the ily and Somali people with patience Ahmad Al Bashri, while talking He said that daily to the state, to inform them of mittee to Combat the corona- safety of all, including the com- and solace. The Prime Minister and to Qatar TV. homework is necessary to the efforts of the State of Qatar virus, H E Khalid bin Rashid Al munities of these countries. Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Kha- He said that the bus services check the interaction of stu- lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, from home to examination dents with teachers and also sent similar cable to the Prime halls will be suspended as a monitor the attendance. QA takes Omani students home on special flights Minister of Somalia, H E Hassan Ali preventive measure to stop “The weekly evaluation is Khayre. QNA gathering. a test to check what the student THE PENINSULA — DOHA said: “We know there are many Pakistani, Filipino, Indian, FM receives phone Al Bashri said that the stu- obtained during the week,” said people who want to be with Swiss, American, British, dents of adult education and Al Bashri. The Ministry of Edu- Qatar Airways operated special their families and loved ones Canadian and French citizens call from Qureshi evening classes of all grades cation and Higher Education charter flights to Muscat to take during this difficult time, and as charters were organised by DOHA: The Deputy Prime Minister will undergo the final exami- announced earlier that the Omani students home from our priority as an airline is to their respective governments and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E nation because they do not examination for aforemen- their studies abroad. help get them home. We are so that their citizens can return Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrah- have access to the system of tioned students will be held on The flights took place thankful to the Omani author- home to their families at this man Al Thani, received yesterday a evaluation. scheduled time by the between March 30 and April 1 ities and the management and difficult time. In addition, it is phone call from the Minister of For- “However, the students beginning of June. and were operated by an staff at Muscat International ensuring that importers can eign Affairs of Pakistan, H E Shah from grade 1 to 11 are being According to the Ministry, Airbus A321 and a Boeing 777. Airport for their support in maintain supplies of fresh Mahmood Qureshi. The call reviewed evaluated through daily the discontinuation of study for They brought back home making these charter flights to produce and pharmaceuticals bilateral efforts to contain the spread homework and weekly online long time affects education Omani students travelling from Muscat possible.” through Qatar Airways Cargo. of the coronavirus. QNA tests,” said Al Bashri. process of the students, espe- Australia, New Zealand, and “We continue to operate The airline is also offering FM holds phone Regarding private schools, cially at this time of crisis which the United States, said the around 130 daily flights to more maximum flexibility to pas- Al Bashri said that the interna- could lead to disrupt many airline in a press released than 60 cities worldwide. Each sengers in terms of managing conversation with tional examinations of British, months. issued yesterday. day new entry restrictions are their travel plans. Passengers Chinese counterpart US curricula and Baccalaureate Therefor the learning With an increasing number put in place that prevent us who have booked or planning Certificate were cancelled. process will continue through of airlines ceasing operations from operating our regular to book tickets for travel up to DOHA: The Deputy Prime Minis- He said that the private distance learning system which due to entry restrictions and scheduled flights. However, we September 30, 2020 can alter ter and Minister of Foreign Affairs, schools which are following would enable students to airport closures around the continue to work closely with their travel date free of charge, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- above curricula are applying receive lessons and obtain nec- world, Qatar Airways provides governments around the world, or exchange their ticket for a rahman Al Thani, held yesterday a evaluation system and special essary knowledge, under- a vital lifeline to these Omani and wherever possible we will future travel voucher valid for telephone call with the State Coun- programmes as per their aca- standings and skills making nationals. reinstate or operate charter one year, up to three days prior cillor and Foreign Minister of China, demic calendar and curricula students ready to go in next Qatar Airways Group Chief flights.” Qatar Airways has to departure. This includes H E Wang Yi. The call reviewed coop- requirements. “The central class in the next academic year. Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, already helped to repatriate award flights. eration to contain coronavirus. QNA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 HOME 03 Cabinet adopts COVID-19 measures FROM PAGE 1 The Ministry of necessary measures to The stores of foodstuffs, implement these decisions. pharmacies, and restaurants Commerce and After that, the Cabinet con- working on deliveries are Industry continues to sidered the topics on the agenda excluded from the application intensify inspection as follows: of this decision. First: approval of: A draft MoCI, in coordination with procedures for food decision of the Minister of Com- the concerned authorities, shall outlets to ensure merce and Industry on terms determine the other necessary and conditions of registration activities exempted from this their compliance with in the list of major suppliers, decision. All meetings held for health requirements and the list of registered mer- employees and workers in the chants dealing in strategic com- government and private sectors and preventive modities. A draft decision of the shall be by distance using and precautionary Minister of Commerce and modern technical means, and Industry to define the list of in the event that this is not pos- measures. strategic commodities. sible, and in cases of necessity, MoCI has prepared the two the meeting shall be held by no decisions referred to in items projects referred to in the more than (5) persons, taking (First) and (Third / Items 1 and framework of issuing the nec- into account the prevention 3) exclude the following: The essary decisions to activate the measures determined by the military sector. The security provisions of Decree Law No. Ministry of Public Health. sector. Ministry of Foreign (24) for the year 2019 to The Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Fourth: Stopping the tem- Affairs and diplomatic missions organize and manage the stra- Ghanim, and senior officers from various participating sectors inspecting the exercise, named Al porary home services system employees. The health sector. tegic stock of food and con- provided by cleaning and hos- Oil and gas sector. Employees sumer goods. Adheed 2020, yesterday. pitality companies. Reducing of government agencies whose Second: The Cabinet the number of workers who are nature of their work requires reviewed the following two transported by buses to half the their presence, according to topics and took the appropriate Armed Forces concludes 'Al Adheed 2020' capacity of the bus, taking into what is decided by the head of decision: The study prepared account the precautionary the competent authority. by the Permanent Population QNA — DOHA under the patronage of Deputy Al Adheed exercise is an measures. The Ministry of Com- Workers in major state projects. Committee regarding a report Prime Minister and Minister of important part of the plan to merce and Industry continues Sixth:These decisions are on the state of the population Armed Forces concluded the State for Defence Affairs, H E secure and successfully host the to intensify inspection proce- effective from today (Thursday), of the State of Qatar 2019, in the exercise, named Al Adheed Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al 2022 World Cup. The exercise dures for food outlets to ensure for a period of two weeks. light of the observations made 2020, yesterday, in which all Attiyah, were attended by the also aims to activate joint action their compliance with health During this period, the situation on that report. A letter by H E sectors and branches of the Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed between the armed forces units, requirements and preventive will be evaluated to take the the Minister of Commerce and Armed Forces participated, Forces, H E Lieutenant General under a joint command through and precautionary measures, appropriate decision. Industry on the results of the along with the participation of (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al a joint operations centre, including leaving distance Seventh: The competent fifth session of the Qatari- the Amiri Guard. Ghanim, and a number of through the use of modern between shoppers. authorities - each within its Kazakh Joint Higher The conclusion of the exer- senior officers from various systems of command and Fifth:The following competence - take the Committee. cise’s activities, which was held participating sectors. control. 54 new COVID-19 Ashghal project achieves 1 million man hours without LTI cases in Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA Larsen & Toubro limited for selecting contractors to ensure Industrial Area Sewage its operations at a capacity of THE PENINSULA — DOHA this achievement. the protection of workers from Treatment Works Design and only 12,000 m3/day. The Public Works Authority Eng. Khalid Saif Al Khay- injuries resulting from work Build Project in November Ashghal implemented two The Ministry of Public Health (Ashghal) achieved over one areen, said: “This important hazards.” 2018. Around 48 percent of expansions to the treatment to (MoPH) yesterday announced million man hours without loss achievement is a reflection of “The authority also obliges works are complete so far, and reach a capacity of around 54 new confirmed cases of time injury (LTI) since it started the Public Works Authority’s contractors to a set of the project is expected to be 60,000 m3/day in 2017. coronavirus (COVID-19) and implementing the works of the constant keenness to cooperate standards and requirements completed in Q2 of 2021. The third expansion project nine more patients having Industrial Area Sewage with project contractors in that must be available at work The project is located currently under implemen- recovered from the virus. Treatment Works Design and order to implement the highest sites during the implemen- approximately 2km South West tation aims to increase the The Ministry said in a Build Project (third expansion). safety standards in the work- tation of projects in order to of the Doha Industrial Area. It Doha Industrial Area sewage statement, that some of the Ashghal, represented by place. There is no doubt that protect workers as well as is part of the Public Works treatment plant capacity up to new cases of infection are Eng. Khalid Saif Al Khayareen, safety specifications are one- visitor of the areas covered by Authority’s plan to implement 90,000 m3/day. The plan related to people who have Manager of Drainage Networks of-the-most important criteria the projects.” a series of expansions to the includes another expansion in recently returned to Qatar and Projects Department, honoured that the authority takes into Ashghal started imple- sewage treatment plant in the the future to reach a total others who had contact with the project contractor, M/s account when qualifying and menting the third expansion for industrial area, which started capacity of 120,000 m3/day. people infected with the virus. All new cases have been put into quarantine where they 84% of Qatar COVID-19 cases are from quarantine MoI arrests six are receiving the necessary for violating medical care. The Ministry FROM PAGE 1 pointed out that with nine new that the Ministry of Public of of the Industrial Area and the on manufacturing and not just on quarantine norms patients recovered yesterday, She said the number of Health received more than safety of society, it was decided to imports,” she added. the total number of people infected cases in Qatari citizens 43,000 calls through hotline extend the closure of that area She said that the cases of QNA — DOHA recovered from COVID-19 in increased, however, it is stable in number 16,000 within three while ensuring the continued flow infection in women were Qatar is 71. the expatriates. “Qatari citizens weeks. of food and medical supplies. She recorded 11 percent and 89 The competent authorities in who came from abroad showing She also said that the response also mentioned that there are percent in male. “If we divide it in the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Four-month rent the symptom of infection will rate to calls is 92 percent, and the three mobile medical units for Qataris and expatriates, the cases arrested six citizens who have to follow the instructions average response time is 5 examination, 6 ambulances and of infection in Qatari female cit- violated the quarantine exemption for with self-isolation to protect seconds, and the average satis- three clinics to deal with other izens are 47 and men 65 cases. In requirements. The Ministry of traditional markets themselves and others from the faction of people is 90 percent. cases in the Industrial Area. expatriates, 48 cases of infection Interior called on all persons infection,” said Al Khater. Regarding the hotline’s languages, H E Al Khater also said that only in women and 675 cases in in quarantine to adhere to the QNA — DOHA She said that Qatar is using she said that there are five lan- there is a team working men expatriates,” said Al Khater. health requirements, in order only those devices which were guages, including Arabic, English throughout the week and deals She said that most of the to maintain their safety and The Private Engineering Office found effective through labo- and other Asian languages. with cases of violations. They infected cases, 31 percent are from the safety of others. announced that all shops in its ratory test scientifically and cer- For the team that handles the consist of several bodies in the the age group ranges from 25 to traditional markets will be tified by the World Health Organ- response, she said, that it consists country, including the Ministry of 34, and 25 percent cases of Official: Food exempted from rents for a ization (WHO) and the agencies of 201 people, including many Public Health, the Ministry of infection from 35 to 44 year. period of four months starting concerned in some countries. doctors. H E Lolwah bint Rashid Interior, the Ministry of Munici- “As much as 18 percent cases contamination from yesterday. “Some countries have chosen bin Mohammed Al Khater, said pality and Environment, and are from 45 to 54 and 10 percent The old markets include the devices which are under that it was decided to extend the others. About the complains, she are 55 to 64 and only three video fake Souq Waqif, Al Wakrah Souq, experiments and different ways decision to suspend incoming said that they received 7000 calls percent are above 64. The good Old Al Khor Souq, and Najada of screening which are known for flights to Doha, with the exception regarding quarantine complaints thing in this matter is that the QNA — DOHA Souq as well as the shops less accuracy rate, so they might of transit and air cargo. during the last period, and 1160 infected people above 55 are around the Souq Waqif such as record less cases,” said Al Khater. She also noted that Qataris complaints about gathering about 13 percent because they The Public Prosecution said Faleh Souq, Asiri Souq, Al Deera She said that for example, if and children of Qataris, and their violations. need more care with the age,” said yesterday that the clip circu- Souq, City Centre Souq, Nasser there are 10 cases of infections, wives and permanent residency On the consumer and com- Al Khater. She said that the sta- lating recently which claims bin Saif Souq, in addition to such devices can detect only four owners can come at any time they panies’ side, she said that they reg- tistics showed 70 percent that an employee in a delivery other souqs under the super- to five cases. “Qatar does not want, but should go first to health istered 304 complaints about recovery in infected male and 21 company tried to contaminate vision of the Private Engineering follow this methodology but the quarantine for 14 days. “Also commercial and consumer com- percent in female. food, which was ordered for Office. Mohammed Al Salem, best safest way proven scientifi- before coming to Qatar they plaints, adding that the goal is to “Over 39 percent of recovered home delivery, was inac- Director of Souq Waqif and cally and medically,” said Al should notify Qatar’s embassies maintain prices stable in addition cases aged from 25 to 34 and 25 curate, adding that the video Head of the Old Markets Section Khater. 72 hours ago in the countries from to quality. percent of recovered cases are shows a dispute between a at the Private Engineering H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin which they are coming so that About the supply of sterilizers aged 45 to 54,” said Al Khater. She customer and an employee in Office, said that the rent exemp- Mohammed Al Khater, Assistant necessary arrangements can be and masks, she said there about said that about 5.6 percent a delivery company that was tions in these markets come in Foreign Minister and Spokes- made.” 2 million mask and 2,66,000 litres recovered people aged 55 to 64 unrelated to the claim. line with the directives of the person of the Supreme Committee She said that in order to pre- of sterilizers are available in the and 5.7 percent recovered people The public prosecution wise leadership in the country. for Crisis Management has, said serve the safety of the closed part country. “Qatar also is working were above 64. said that the sound accompa- nying the video was wrong, adding that a financial dispute was behind the fight seen in 10 held for violating public Qatar can do 2,000 COVID-19 tests per day the clip. The public prose- FROM PAGE 1 cution said that the customer gathering restrictions in contact with them. Among corona disease contemporary invented the food contami- Dr. Al Thani was the them, some are sick but the knowledge and updates nation story to evade charges THE PENINSULA — DOHA they have been referred to the keynote speaker at the latest condition is not severe. Some worldwide,’ with an emphasis of assault. prosecution, said the edition of the Research of them are mild cases. We on Qatar. The public prosecution Ten people have been arrested Ministry. Outcome Seminar series — an have accommodated them in He highlighted about COV- said that investigation is cur- for violating the decision to ban It has called upon the initiative of Qatar National a complex which has about ID-19’s impact on healthcare rently on. gatherings in public places, said general public to follow strictly Research Fund (QNRF) of QF. 1500 bed capacity,” he said. systems, economies, and how the Ministry of Interior (MoI). the decision to prevent gath- The webinar focused on how “We have tested more than countries can move forward QA works hard to “The competent authorities erings in public places in order researchers in Qatar and 20,000 people for COVID-19, with research in diagnostics, at MoI arrested 10 people who to safeguard themselves and beyond are developing new the numbers are increasing vaccines and therapeutics. take people home violated the decision to ban the community. ways to reduce the spread of because of the surveillance and He highlighted the gatherings in public places,” the The MoI has reminded all communicable diseases and best early diagnosis methods important decisions taken and to their families Ministry published on its people to stay away from gath- directly address the health risks we have in the country,” said implemented in Qatar in FROM PAGE 1 official Twitter account. erings and take the required they create. Dr. Al Thani. He emphasised response to COVID-19. It further said: “The preventive measures as advised Dr. Al Thani said that Qatar on the measures taken by Qatar “The present situation may Qatar Airways aircraft defendants were arrested after by the authorities to prevent has implemented a strong sur- Airways and Hamad Interna- continue for months, we in feature the most advanced air the circulation of a video clip the spread of the coronavirus. veillance system to trace and tional Airport to control the Qatar are trying to make a filtration systems, equipped on social media showing a “Preventing gathering is diagnose people with spread of COVID-19. balance between keeping with industrial-size HEPA group of people gathered in the aimed not to restrict you or COVID-19 and those who are “Majority of Qataris who people safe and keep things filters that remove 99.97 sand dunes area in southern limit your activity but rather to at the risk of developing the have been diagnosed with moving,” said Dr. Al Thani. percent of viral and bacterial Qatar.” protect you, your family and disease. COVID-19 have travel history,” Other speakers at the contaminants from re-circu- The competent authorities your community. Your com- “We isolate every person he added. webinar presented the out- lated air, providing the most reached the violators and those mitment will help prevent the who is infected with COVID-19 Dr. Al Thani, in the keynote comes of their research effective protection against who photographed them and spread of the coronavirus.” and trace those who have been address, focused on ‘The projects. infection. 04 HOME THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020

QU bags ‘The 2019 British Pharmacological Society Award’ for the third time in a row

THE PENINSULA — DOHA and new approaches to treatment. Qatar University (QU) has Commenting on his received 'The 2019 British Phar- achievement Dr. Derek said: “I macological Society Award' for am delighted to receive this third time in a row. prestigious award for the third Dr. Derek Stewart, Manager consecutive year. This demon- of Academic Quality Assurance strates the quality of work at at Vice-President for Medical Qatar University and the reach and Health Sciences Office QU, to a high profile international was awarded for excellence in audience.” work as an executive editor for Dr. Stewart is a highly the British Journal of Clinical acclaimed international One of the road maintenance and development works by Ashghal. Pharmacology. researcher and academic. He is He joined Qatar University Dr. Derek Stewart the immediate past Chair of the in April 2019 from Scotland Research Committee of the where he was Professor of leading international clinical International Society of Clinical Ashghal completes road maintenance Pharmacy Practice at Robert pharmacology journal pub- Pharmacy and has published Gordon University in Aberdeen. lished by the British Pharma- more than 180 studies. He has This is the third consecutive cological Society. It features collaborated with individuals works in Al Khor and other areas year that he has been named as papers and reports on all at Qatar University and Hamad THE PENINSULA — DOHA These works were implemented repairing of around 98km of recipient of the award. aspects of drug action in Medical Corporation for over while taking into consideration internal roads and around 1,600 The British Journal of humans and publishes research ten years and led on a major The Public Works Authority requests made by residents and manholes (inspection room), as Clinical Pharmacology is a on new methods, new drugs study on medication safety. ‘Ashghal’ has recently completed in cooperation with the repre- well as installing and developing maintenance and development sentatives of the Municipality a number of directional signs. works on a number of roads in and members of the municipal Ashghal also installed 1,370 new Katara restaurants’ home delivery service launched Al Khor area, in addition to Bin council for each area. street lighting poles using LED Omran, Al Hitmi Al Jadeed, Al It is worth noting that all lights, while 830 old lights were RAYNALD C RIVERA Gharrafa and Ain Khalid areas, maintenance and development replaced with new LED lights to THE PENINSULA within the frameworks contract plans are designed after improve visibility and to save for roads maintenance in the assessing the condition of the energy”. The Cultural Village Foundation country. internal roads, checking on As for Ain Khalid and Al (Katara) has announced the Maintenance and devel- safety elements on the roads Hitmi Al Jadeed, works included launch of Katara Restaurants opment works included from lighting, speed bumps, and asphalt paving, road marking for Home Delivery service in replacing the top asphalt layer status of the pavement status. and maintenance of about 15km accordance with the highest in some roads, treating the Engineer Abdullah Al Yafie, of internal roads and around 221 health and safety standards in asphalt defects in the main and Head of Roads Maintenance manholes. In addition to the wake of COVID-19 local roads, enhancing lighting Section, Roads Operation and installing and developing new pandemic. poles, replacing lamps, devel- Maintenance Department in signal and traffic lights, , With the launch of the oping traffic lights, in addition Ashghal said: “The work in Al installing 122 new lighting poles service, foodies can now order to installing directional signs and Khor area included, asphalt and replacing 122 lights with and have their favourite cui- A screenshot from an awareness video uploaded on Katara’s social ensuring safety on the road. paving, road marking, and new LED lights. sines from restaurants located media sites about Katara restaurants’ home delivery service. in Katara such as Le Vesuvio, Marsa Katara, Sukar Pasha, The announcement came in line with the Papa John’s Qatar takes L’wazaar, Bayt El Talleh, and measures being taken by the country to ﬁght Chac’Late delivered to their additional measures for homes via food ordering appli- the spread of the pandemic and based on cations Talabat, gorafeeq and Katara’s keenness on the health and safety of customers’ safety Snoonu. the community, Katara has said in a statement. The announcement came in THE PENINSULA — DOHA line with the measures being taken by the country to fight the spread Papa John’s Qatar has taken additional measures of the pandemic, and based on To this end, strict measures sealed with adhesive tape and across its restaurants for safety of customers, Katara’s keenness on the health are being applied with regard placed inside a plastic container said its senior official yesterday. and safety of the community, to kitchen hygiene such as then packed in a closed box “At Papa John’s Qatar, the health and safety Katara has said in a statement. wearing face masks, gloves and which is inserted in a plastic of our customers, team and local communities Over the past two weeks, protective clothing and social container which is again sealed are always our top priority. We appreciate that Katara has redoubled its efforts distancing for restaurant crew with an adhesive tape. When you place your trust in us and work hard to ensure on a daily basis to ensure the and food handlers in addition receiving the delivery, the cus- that the very highest standards are adhered to highest standards for its restau- to intensive sterilization of tomer peels off the seal and every day. We also understand that we are all rants by implementing cookware and utensils and the takes the box from the plastic living in extraordinary circumstances and so we intensive hygiene and sterili- best practices in cooking ensuring cleanliness and safety have taken additional measures to enhance the zation guidelines, Katara added. methods and food of the food. procedures already in place,” said Joseph Joseph, on food-safety awareness and required to fre- It has launched a series of preparation. Katara restaurant’s food General Manager of Papa John’s Qatar, in a press quently wash their hands per prescribed guide- precautionary and preventive A video uploaded on delivery service runs from 12 release. “We appeal to all People in Qatar to Stay lines. Post each hand-wash, our staff are required measures aimed at maintaining Katara’s social media sites noon till midnight. at home and support the government in this sit- to sanitize their hands using compliant sanitiser,” the safety of citizens and resi- showed how the restaurants Meanwhile, Katara has uation. Papa John’s pizza have taken additional Joseph said. dents, announcing that Katara adhere to highest safety launched a series of activities measures across our restaurants to enhance the The staff are also required to undergo a body restaurants have implemented standards from how the food and competitions through its procedure already in place,” he added. temperature check-up on joining their shift. Staff a set of additional measures to is packed until it is delivered to social media accounts in lieu of He said that all its food would be delivered member registering a temperature greater than prevent the spread of the their customers. It shows how the events and activities which with Quality Guarantee Seal. A sticker will be 37.5 degrees Celsius will have to report to a doctor coronavirus. each dish is packaged and had been cancelled due to placed on each box as soon as customer’s order instead of joining their shift. COVID-19 outbreak. leaves the oven and will be intact on delivery as “We thank you for being our customer. We They include writing, an additional reassurance that the order has been will continue to monitor the situation to ensure mobile video and art prepared and deliver within minimal contact. that we have the very best measures in place to competitions in addition This gives an extra confidence to customers serve you and our communities, especially those to entertainment, that product has not been touched from the who are working tirelessly to keep us well. And informative and educa- moment it left our oven until customers open the a big thank you to our staff, riders, delivery tional materials as well box. partners and all employees who have stepped as stories for children. “You can rest assured, all our staff are trained up when the rest of us can’t step out,” he added. QC’s offices worldwide contribute to curb outbreak of COVID-19

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Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Qatar Charity (QC) has developed a contingency plan to help the concerned local authorities in the countries of sits field offices curb the spread of COVID-19. Qatar Charity has responded to the requests for assistance received from several health ministries and other local bodies of the countries to support their efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Qatar Charity is now working on helping 30 countries to limit the outbreak of this pandemic. It has already launched aid campaigns in Palestine, Kenya, Kosovo, Chad, Yemen, Kyrgyzstan and Lebanon to distribute medical equipment and hygiene items such as liquid soap, sterilizers, masks, thermometers, gloves, and tissue papers. These campaigns are implemented through Qatar Charity’s field offices in cooperation with international organizations. In Tunisia, sums of money were allocated after coordination with the relevant authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus, while another amount was allocated in Morocco to contribute to the fund for pandemic management. Since awareness of this pandemic is one of the most important reasons to limit the spread of COVID-19, QC, through its office in Pakistan, has launched an awareness campaign targeting all beneficiaries of its projects and programs, especially orphans. Besides, the office has prepared a contingency plan for its staff, in addition to developing information, education and communication (IEC) materials to make society, aware of taking preventive and precautionary measures. THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 HOME 05 QF schools connect to break down autism barriers through the power of friendship

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A partnership between two Qatar Foundation schools that has friendship at its core is providing opportunities for children with autismto build their skills and confidence – and making leaders of the young people who mentor them. Nadi Al Asdeqa is a friendship club that was formed two years ago, when Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS) and Renad Academy – both of which are part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Holli Gelina Education – combined to create a men- torship programme that would bring skills - listening, dialogue, and ques- benefit to the lives of students at both tioning. It also teaches them about the schools. importance of diversity, and about It connects young learners at Renad leadership.” Academy – which helps children with Students from QAS who are inter- Autism– and Grade 4-5 students at ested in becoming part of the friendship QAS. During a programme which runs club undergo an interview process, across a whole school year, QAS stu- where they are asked about what moti- dents help their new friends from vated them to join the programme, and Renad Academy to enhance a range of what they know — or want to know — The students of Renad Academy and Qatar Academy Sidra seen involved in various activities at the friendship club. life and social skills. about Autism. Based on this, QAS And as Holli Gelina, Equity and chooses the students who show the Diversity Design Guardian, QAS, most promise as mentors. programme, from shopping for ingre- students interact, socialise, and enjoy different from each other, but that is explains, the club is growing. “Last “We work with the mentors, dients for meals, to bowling at Multaqa being part of the community. The pro- what makes the world a more diverse year, 16 students from QAS signed up teaching and supporting them on how (Education CIty Student Center), gramme also shows Renad students place and they can have fun and happy to be student mentors, while this year to interact with students with Autism- making ice cream together, and going that being diagnosed with autism experiences together, no matter what 55 students wanted to join, so it’s great how to help a child who has difficulties to gyms and restaurants together. doesn’t mean there are any limits on their differences may be. that more students are willing to par- expressing themselves, for example, “These activities may seem simple being an active and valued member of “We’ve also seen how students who ticipate,” she said. “This is the reason or encouraging them to take turns, but, for students with Autism, it is society.” participate in the friendship club behind our aim to expand the program, follow multi-step directions and enjoy something they need to learn about and Speaking about the impact of the become leaders within their school, by building more friendship clubs playing with others” said Gelina. practice - doing them with other stu- initiative on QAS students, Gelina said: are more capable of solving problems, within QF schools. “They practice these skills before dents who are of the same age will help “Our students they have learned more and have more patience, confidence, “The students from Qatar Academy they meet the Renad Academy stu- to develop their ability to share and to about themselves and have become and maturity.” Both QAS and Renad Sidra have learned a lot from this expe- dents, and we make sure they are interact as part of a group,” said Gelina. more confident in their skills and their Academy aim for this partnership to rience, which has increased their social serious about joining the club, because “We accompany the students ability to help others. Also, they feel make an impact on the wider com- engagement skills, such as resilience, being a mentor to a student with autism during these activities, but we stay in they have learned a lot about autism munity, through increasing public patience, and self-confidence, as well is not easy.” the background, let our students be and children with autism- they under- awareness about Autism, and decrease as developing their communication A range of activities are part of the their own leaders, and to let Renad stand more about how people can be the stigma that can still surround it. WCM-Q students learning lessons of COVID-19 outbreak with MoPH While observing Dr. Mamtani, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, physical distancing Dr. Sohaila Cheema, and Dr. protocols, the Mohamud Verjee, Associate Pro- students will spend fessor of Clinical Medicine and Assistant Dean, Student Affairs. six hours a week Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin at the Department Hamad Al Thani said: “This elective is an effective way for the of Public Health at Ministry of Public Health to help MoPH, as well as demonstrate to the next gener- taking online lectures ation of doctors how we strat- egise to contain outbreaks of and seminars with infectious diseases like WCM-Q faculty and COVID-19, which will be of great long-term benefit to the entire participating in small community in Qatar. We are also group discussions. very pleased that the students are extremely keen to help and are Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Public Health; Dr. Ravinder Mamtani of WCM-Q; making valuable contributions and Dr. Sohaila Cheema, observing physical distancing protocols with WCM-Q students. THE PENINSULA — DOHA to our work.”

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar in small group discussions. While WCM-Q’s Professor of Healthcare difficult situation by pro- (WCM-Q) has devised a new at the MoPH, the students will Policy and Research, Professor viding them with valuable elective course in collaboration observe, interact and come to of Medicine and Vice-Dean for learning experience with the Ministry of Public Health understand how a public health Student Affairs, Population during the outbreak. An (MoPH), so students can learn department manages the out- Health, and Lifestyle Medicine; elective course seemed about the management of public break of an infectious disease, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin the most appropriate health emergencies like the coro- and will also have opportunities Hamad Al Thani, Director of vehicle to achieve both navirus outbreak. to contribute to the work of the Public Health at the Ministry of aims. Seven third-year medical department. Public Health and Associate Pro- “I am very grateful to students are already enrolled on The elective, developed fessor of Healthcare Policy and everyone at the MoPH for the two-day course, which was jointly by the MoPH and the Research at WCM-Q; and Dr. collaborating with us on developed as quickly as possible Institute for Population Health Sohaila Cheema, Director of the this project and helping to to enable them to gain experience (IPH) at WCM-Q will give the stu- Institute for Population Health get the elective up and of working with the MoPH during dents a broad overview of public and Assistant Professor of running as quickly as pos- the current outbreak, while also health aspects of infectious Healthcare Policy and Research sible. We believe the stu- contributing to efforts to contain disease control, and explain the at WCM-Q, were instrumental in dents can be of assistance the spread of the virus. causes and characteristics of out- developing the elective. while also learning a great While observing physical dis- breaks, methods for investigating Dr. Mamtani, said, “Our stu- deal about how public tancing protocols, the students outbreaks, tools for managing dents are highly motivated to health emergencies are will spend six hours a week at the outbreaks, and how to effectively help protect public health so we managed, which will be of Department of Public Health at communicate the outbreak risk wanted to provide an opportunity benefit to the community the MoPH as well as taking online to individual patients and the for them to contribute to the in the future.” lectures and seminars with community at large. measures to contain the virus, The course is being WCM-Q faculty and participating Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, while also making the best of a directed and delivered by Compass International School launches 'Nord Anglia Virtual School Experience' THE PENINSULA — DOHA while collaborating with classmates online, submitting assignments and developing Compass International School (Compass) skills to work independently. launched the Nord Anglia Virtual School Through Compass’ unique collabo- Experience to its students last month in rations with world leading organisations response to the recent closure of school like the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- in Qatar. nology, The Juilliard School and UNICEF The Nord Anglia Virtual School Expe- students can take part in online chal- rience draws on the expertise of Nord lenges to inspire their creativity at home. Anglia’s 9,000 educators to deliver an out- Paul Holyome, Executive Principal at standing online education to 66,000 stu- Compass International School, said: “As very best of British and international cur- dents worldwide, including 1,800 students part of Nord Anglia Education’s family of ricula for over thirteen years. at Compass’ campuses in Gharaffa, Madinat 66 international schools, students from Through bespoke global educational Khalifa, Rayyan and Themaid. Compass International School continue experiences, collaborations with some Through the Nord Anglia Virtual School to receive the very best education which of the world’s finest institutions, including Experience, Compass students continue to can help provide stability and reassurance the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- receive a high quality, age-appropriate edu- to children and their families during this nology, (MIT) and The Juilliard School, cation from Compass’ world-class teaching difficult time. It is inspiring to see how and a personalised approach to learning, team in an online environment, said the quickly our children and teaching team Compass delivers excellent academic school in a press release, yesterday. have engaged with the Nord Anglia outcomes for children at all levels at its Each day, the teachers deliver creative Virtual School Experience and this would four campuses conveniently located and inspiring lessons, from science exper- not have been possible without the across Doha. Throughout the school iments to PE lessons to music practice. support and dedication from parents”. closure period, the Compass Admissions These rich learning opportunities give stu- Compass International School is one Team are on hand to offer the best online dents the chance to learn safely at home of Qatar’s leading schools, providing the and over-the-phone experience. 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 Iran hits out at US as virus death toll exceeds 3,000 Health ministry nians) is obvious.” spokesman said the Friction between Tehran coronavirus death toll and Washington has Oman reports first increased since 2018, when in Iran now stood at US President Donald Trump 3,036 following 138 pulled the United States out COVID-19 death new fatalities in the of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal past 24 hours. He added with six nations and re- ANATOLIA — MUSCAT imposed sanctions, crippling that 2,987 new cases Iran’s economy. The Omani Health Ministry yesterday confirmed the country’s had been conﬁrmed, Trump has adopted a first coronavirus death, along with 18 new confirmed cases. bringing the total to “maximum pressure” policy on “The total number of infections recorded in the Sultanate 47,593, with 15,473 of Iran aimed at persuading increased to 210, after recording 18 new infections,” the min- Tehran to negotiate a broader istry said in a statement cited by the official Oman News Agency. those hospitalised having deal that further constrains its The ministry noted that 34 people have so far recovered recovered and been nuclear programme, limits its from the virus. missile programme and curbs On Tuesday, the Omani government allowed civil servants discharged. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaking during the cabinet its use of proxy forces in Iraq, to work remotely as part of measures to fight the outbreak. meeting, as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues, in Yemen and Lebanon. Tehran yesterday. AFP & REUTERS — TEHRAN Washington has offered humanitarian assistance to its Iran’s death toll from the coro- Kianoush Jahanpour said the of State Mike Pompeo raised the longtime foe. But Iran’s top Several countries, frequently blocked by the navirus has passed 3,000, the coronavirus death toll in Iran possibility that Washington authority Supreme Leader Aya- including the United Arab unwillingness of banks to health ministry said yesterday, now stood at 3,036 following might consider easing sanctions tollah Ali Khamenei has rejected Emirates, China, Britain, process purchases for fear of as President Hassan Rouhani 138 new fatalities in the past 24 on Iran and other nations to the offer. France, Qatar and Turkey, have incurring large penalties in accused Washington of missing hours. help fight the epidemic, but gave Although Iranian author- sent shipments of medical sup- the United States. a “historic opportunity” to lift He added that 2,987 new no concrete sign it plans to do ities have said US sanctions plies, including gloves and sur- European nations delivered sanctions. cases had been confirmed, so. had hindered its efforts to curb gical masks, to Iran. medical goods to Iran in the Tensions between the arch- bringing the total to 47,593, with “The United States lost the the outbreak, Rouhani In the first transaction first transaction under the foes have soared since President 15,473 of those hospitalised best opportunity to lift sanc- said:”The sanctions have failed conducted under a trade mech- Instex financing mechanism set Donald Trump abandoned a having recovered and been tions,” Hassan Rouhani said in to hamper our efforts to fight anism set up to barter human- up to get round US sanctions, landmark nuclear agreement in discharged. a televised cabinet meeting. “It against the coronavirus itarian goods and food after Germany said. 2018 and reimposed sweeping Iran’s president said that, was a great opportunity for outbreak.” Washington’s withdrawal from It is more than a year since sanctions. with the advent of the corona- Americans to apologise... and to “We are almost self-suffi- the nuclear deal, Germany said Britain, France and Germany Tehran has repeatedly virus, the United States had lift the unjust and unfair sanc- cient in producing all nec- on Tuesday that France, announced the creation of called on Washington to reverse missed a historic opportunity to tions on Iran.” essary equipment to fight the Germany and Britain had Instex, a delay that has its policy, which has been lift sanctions on his country, “Americans could have used coronavirus. We have been exported medical goods to Iran. prompted Iran to question opposed by US allies, particu- though the penalties had not this opportunity and told the much more successful than Medicines and medical European governments’ com- larly since the COVID-19 pan- hampered its fight against the Iranian nation that they are not many other countries in the equipment are technically mitment to seeing it through in demic hit. infection. against them,” Rouhani said. fight against this disease,” exempt from the US sanc- defiance of the Trump Health ministry spokesman On Tuesday, US Secretary “Their hostility (towards Ira- Rouhani said. tions but purchases are administration. Iran offers testing kits for Kuwait: Seven more patients neighbouring countries recover QNA — KUWAIT BLOOMBERG — TEHRAN Kuwaiti Minister of Health A top government scientist said Iran is producing enough reliable Sheikh Dr. Basel Al Sabah coronavirus test kits to be able to help out neighbouring countries. yesterday announced the Alireza Biglari, the head of the Pasteur Institute of Iran, said recovery of seven people from the molecular diagnostic kits have been approved by the World the novel coronavirus (COVID- Health Organization and have an accuracy of 90% if used properly, 19), raising the country’s total state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. recoveries to 80. “If our neighbors and regional countries require help, the Al Sabah said that the Health Ministry is also prepared to export them,” Biglari was freshly treated cases are five quoted as saying. Five medical research companies are each pro- Kuwaiti citizens and two res- ducing at least 80,000 kits a week, he said, while around 10,000 idents, noting that lab tests and tests are being carried out a day across 90 laboratories in the analyses had shown the Islamic Republic. Iran aims to double its testing “soon,” according recovery of the four new to Biglari. patients, Kuwait News Agency Iran has been hit hard by the virus, with more than 3,000 (KUNA) reported. deaths and 47,593 cases, according to the latest government data. The recovered patients will Around 67 million people have been screened for symptoms, be discharged from hospital Paramedics checking the temperature of an Iraqi citizen as part of precautions against the coronavirus, Health Minister Saeed Namaki said on Wednesday, most via a within two days’ time, the in Baghdad yesterday. government telephone line or a mobile phone application. minister added. Coronavirus cases Occupation forces demolish three Virus: Palestinian tests positive a in Israel rises to Palestinian buildings in West Bank day after release from Israeli jail 5,591, toll at 21 QNA — JENIN ANATOLIA — TEL AVIV

The Israeli army demolished three buildings that were under ANATOLIA — RAMALLAH jamin Investigation Center. Israel holds 5,000 Pales- Coronavirus cases in Israel construction in the northern West Bank village of Rummaneh, On Monday, the com- tinians, including 43 women, rose to 5,591 while 21 deaths west of the city of Jenin, yesterday. Only one day after his release mission said: “The [Israeli] 180 children, and 700 patients were reported so far, health According to the Palestinian news agency (WAFA), a large from an Israeli jail, a Pales- occupation announced three in its prisons. officials said yesterday.The Israeli force raided the village and proceeded to demolish the tinian man tested positive for Israeli jailers were infected of Meanwhile, two new cases Health Ministry said 233 new three buildings owned by three residents of Rummaneh that were coronavirus, said an official coronavirus, two policemen in of coronavirus were confirmed infections were recorded and being built near the apartheid separation barrier. source yesterday. Ofer Prison, and another in in the Gaza Strip, bringing total 97 patients are in critical Clashes erupted between the soldiers and local youths during The Commission of Ramla Prison.” there to 12 and in Palestine to condition. the army operation causing suffocation cases among some from Detainees and Ex-Detainees On the same day, Pales- 119, QNA reported. All schools have been inhaling teargas fired by the soldiers. said the results of the tinian factions called on the Government spokesman closed and all public meetings The army had previously informed Rummaneh residents of medical test on Noureddine International Committee of the Ibrahim Milhem said that the in open or closed areas with a decision to demolish their buildings near the barrier under the Sarsour, from the city of Red Cross (ICRC) to intervene two new cases in Gaza were more than 10 people have also pretext they were being built without a permit. Betonia, west of Ramallah, and protect detainees in Israeli of women from Rafah who been banned. showed he was suffering prisons, in light of the have already been in a All trading firms except Floods in Iran leave 21 dead from the novel coronavirus outbreak. quarantine. supermarkets, pharmacies, gas known as COVID-19. Coronavirus cases in Israel Milhem also said that tests stations and banks have also AFP — TEHRAN The commission, run by the reached 5,591 on Wednesday on 200 samples taken from been closed since March 15. Tel Palestine Liberation Organi- while 21 deaths were reported those who returned home yes- Aviv banned the entry of Flooding in Iran caused by heavy rainfall has left 21 people dead zation (PLO), held the Israeli so far. Palestinian Authority terday after being kept in a foreign citizens, except those and one missing, an emergency services spokesman said yesterday, side responsible for what it said the number of confirmed 2-week quarantine in Jordan who have residency in Israel. even as the country battles the coronavirus pandemic. described as a “crime”. cases stands at 134. have all turned out negative In a related development, Mojtaba Khaledi told Iran’s ISNA news agency that 22 people Sarsour was arrested on Palestinian Prime Minister and all were sent to home Israeli TV Channel 12 revealed had also been injured, with most of the casualties in southern or March 18 and released on Muhammad Shtayyeh called quarantine for another two that hundreds of Israelis had central provinces. He said 11 people had died in Fars province, Tuesday evening after earlier for the release of all weeks. returned from countries where three each in Hormozgan and Qom, two in Sistan and Baluchistan spending his detention detainees in Israeli prisons, Of the 119 total cases in Pal- the virus is widespread province, and one each in Bushehr and Khuzestan. Khaledi said period in Ofer Prison (west for fear of contracting the estine, 18 have recovered and without being tested or quar- one person was still missing in Hormozgan on the Gulf coast. of Ramallah) and the Ben- virus. one death. antined in hotels designated by the Defense Ministry. Last week, Defense Min- ister Naftali Bennett Turkish hospital opens in announced a 14-day quarantine plan for returnees from Gaza to stem virus spread the US, Italy, Spain and France. The plan’s cost was estimated at 55m Israeli shekels ($15.4 ANATOLIA — MUSCAT m), according to the Israeli channel. The Palestine-Turkey Friendship Hospital in Gaza began operating However, Prime Minister as part of efforts to curb the novel coronavirus, Palestine’s Benjamin Netanyahu decided government said. at a Cabinet meeting on Friday Palestinian government spokesman Ibrahim Melhim said Pres- to halt the plan and only to ident Mahmoud Abbas and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip oblige returnees from the Erdogan, agreed during a telephone call to start operations at the aforementioned countries to hospital. enter a house quarantine Melhim expressed Palestine’s gratitude for Turkey’s continuous without being subjected to efforts to support Palestine. medical checks. Funded by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency The channel also said that (TIKA), the construction of the 180-bed hospital was completed in a number of ultra-Orthodox 2017. religious Israelis returned from Palestinian authorities confirmed 117 virus cases, including 10 New York to Tel Aviv’s Ben in the Gaza Strip. Gurion Airport on Tuesday, The employees of a factory producing pastry make cakes in the form of a “child wearing a mask” to Gaza’s health system has been delimitated by Israel’s 13-year and went directly to their raise awareness about the importance of using masks to battle coronavirus, in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. blockade amid a severe shortage of medicines and equipment. homes without any checks. THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 AFRICA 07

Somalia’s former premier dies of Africans rush for chloroquine virus in London

ANATOLIA — MOGADISHU

Nour Hassan Hussein Nour as coronavirus tsunami looms Adde, a former Somali prime minister, has died of corona- Even if the effectiveness of the drugs against coronavirus remains for the continent worst hit by HIV, there are still no recorded cases virus in Britain, his family said. now unproven, concern about securing enough of them already runs was last in line to get new of coronavirus. Mohamed Nour Adde antiretroviral AIDS drugs when The rush is a deep source issued a statement saying that deep. From hospitals in Senegal to pharmaceutical companies in South the treatment emerged from the of anxiety for people with the his father died in King’s Africa and street sellers in Cameroon, chloroquine has ﬁred hopes of labs. auto-immune disease called College, London, where he had “If it turns out that chloro- lupus, which is also treated with been receiving treatment in a medicinal ﬁx against the virus that is set to scythe through Africa’s quine is effective, Africa, which chloroquine. recent weeks.Speaking to poorly protected countries. imports most of its drugs, In the Gabonese capital Anadolu Agency over the perhaps won’t be a priority for Libreville, Armelle Oyabi, head phone, Senator Ilyas Ali AFP — LIBREVILLE trials —suggest that chloroquine Around half of infected (the pharmaceutical) industry,” of an association of people with Hassan confirmed Adde’s reduces virus levels in people people in Senegal are already said Professor Yap Boum of lupus, has been closely moni- passing. His family said Adde Despite loud appeals for with coronavirus. being prescribed hydroxychlo- Epicenter Africa, the research toring purchases at the only will be laid to rest in Britain in caution, Africans are rushing to On March 24, President roquine, Moussa Seydi, a pro- arm of the medical charity pharmacy left in the city that a traditional Islamic burial. embrace chloroquine, the Donald Trump said chloroquine fessor at Dakar’s Fann Hospital, Doctors Without Borders (MSF). still has chloroquine. Nour Adde was prime venerable anti-malaria drug could be a “gift from God” —a said. France has already imposed “I check that the drug is minister of the Horn of African touted as a possible treatment comment that sparked strident Every patient who was rec- a ban on exporting chloroquine being given to people who Nation from November 2007 for coronavirus. criticism. ommended the drug accepted and Morocco has requisitioned actually need it,” she said. to February 2009. From hospitals in Senegal Health watchdogs have it, “with no exceptions,” he said. all stocks of the drug. “You “If we can’t get this drug, to pharmaceutical companies issued calls for caution until In Democratic Republic of won’t find any in pharmacies we will not only be hit by lupus Zimbabwe’s top in South Africa and street sellers larger clinical trials are carried Congo, President Felix Tsh- in Yaounde, everyone is out of but also be more vulnerable to court says Chamisa in Cameroon, chloroquine has out, and there have been isekedi last week declared it stock,” Boum said, referring to coronavirus.” fired hopes of a medicinal fix several recorded deaths from was “urgent” to produce chlo- the Cameroonian capital. Chloroquine has been part not legitimate against a virus that is set to self-medication because of roquine “in industrial “Local people have been of the medical toolkit from opposition leader scythe through Africa’s poorly toxic side effects. quantities”. buying it, apparently without before World War II -- it was protected countries. Despite this, in many set- South Africa has already prescription, which is dan- developed in 1934 as a synthetic AFP — HARARE Chloroquine and deriva- tings across Africa, chloroquine said it will join a large-scale gerous.” The Cameroonian gov- derivative of quinine. tives such as hydroxychloro- has been placed in the front line trial, and one of the country’s ernment has officially asked Alice Desclaux, a doctor at Zimbabwe’s top court upheld quine have been used for against coronavirus. biggest pharmaceutical com- health professionals “not to the Institute of Development the decision of a lower court that decades as cheap and safe Its rise stems partly from panies has promised to donate yield to the desire for profit” Research (IRD) in Senegal, said Nelson Chamisa was not the drugs against malaria, although desperation, given Africa’s half a million pills to the health and to avoid prescribing chlo- the risks from self-medication legitimate leader of the coun- their effectiveness in this field meagre capacity to deal with a authorities. Even if the effec- roquine preventatively. from chloroquine were largely try’s largest opposition party. is now undermined by growing pandemic on the scale seen in tiveness of the drugs against Frantic demand in phar- rooted in illegal sales. “Chloro- Chamisa’s leadership was parasite resistance. Europe or the United States. coronavirus remains for now macies in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s quine has always been on sale contested by the Movement Small-scale tests in China Burkina Faso, Cameroon unproven, concern about economic hub, in the Angolan informally in Africa,” she said. for Democratic Change (MDC) and France — either unpub- and South Africa have swiftly securing enough of them capital Luanda and also in “It’s still used to cause abor- party’s vice president lished or outside the rigorous authorised hospitals to treat already runs deep. Malawi— one of a handful of tions” and even for attempted Thokozani Khupe who framework of mainstream drug virus patients with the drugs. Two decades ago, Africa, sub-Saharan nations where suicide, Desclaux said. claimed she was the legitimate heir of iconic opposition figure Morgan Tsvan- girai after his death in Feb- Nigerians stranded ruary 2018. Provincial party leader, Elias Mashavira, in 2018 chal- as states shut lenged Chamisa’s appointment in court. borders over virus 574 prisoners AFP — WARRI, NIGERIA the closure of their state pardoned borders. The governors —pow- Thousands of Nigerians have erful players in Nigeria’s federal ANATOLIA — MOGADISHU been left cut off from homes system — insist the strict and businesses as states across measures are needed to contain The president of Somaliland, Africa’s most populous nation the disease as Nigeria has so far the breakaway region of the have shut their borders to halt registered 151 confirmed cases northwestern Somalia, has the spread of coronavirus. and two deaths. granted pardon to 574 pris- Central Benue on But the moves have sown oners, due to coronavirus Wednesday became the latest confusion and left many outbreak. of Nigeria’s 36 states to ban all stranded. In a presidential degree, movement in and out, meaning Thousands have crowded Muse Bihi Abdi ordered the swathes of the country have on a bridge across the river state attorney general starting become impassable. Niger trying to cross between from Wednesday to release 574 Nigerian President Delta and Anambra states in the inmates through Somaliland Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday oil-rich south of the country. territories. ordered a total lockdown in Emeka Okwudile lives on Lagos State Officials unloading the food bags that will be distributed to people of the Agbado and “This is an effort to contain largest city Lagos and the one side of the river but owns Oke-Odo LCDA in Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday. the spread of coronavirus pan- capital Abuja. a shop in a market in a town on demic and those who are due to But a string of regional gov- the other side. canoes to access our shops,” he country when the barriers went no way to proceed. release are nonthreatening and ernors around the country have “We have no option than to said. Adewale Timiyin was up. He said he had bribed a “We have to stay with a low crimes inmates,” said a taken matters into their own either adhere to the lockdown travelling from his home in police officer to get by one cousin pending when the statement by the president’s hands and unilaterally ordered or cross the river Niger using Lagos out to the east of the checkpoint but there was now lockdown will elapse,” he said. office of the region in Hargaisa. Kenya President sorry for cop violence

AFP — NAIROBI heavy-handed tactics to leave work on time in order for enforce the dusk to dawn them to make the curfew,” Ken- Kenya’s President yesterday curfew since its introduction on yatta said. apologised for violence meted Friday, with tear gas, baton The curfew is among out by police following the charges and the alleged firing measures that Kenya has taken declaration of a nationwide of live rounds. aimed at slowing the spread of curfew last week to curb the A 13-year-old boy died in coronavirus. It has also closed spread of coronavirus. the capital Nairobi on Monday borders and schools, and “I want to apologise to all after being shot while standing encouraged people to stay at Kenyans for... some excesses on his balcony as police forced home and avoid gatherings. that were conducted,” President people into their homes on the A lockdown has yet to be Uhuru Kenyatta said in a live street below. imposed, but Kenyatta said broadcast from State House, Sporadic clashes have also Wednesday that tighter restric- during which he also intro- been reported in the western tions had not been ruled out. duced two young Kenyan coro- city of Kisumu and the port “We as a government are navirus survivors. town of Mombasa where preparing for the worst, but “But I want to assure you officers chased, beat and fired together with the 47 million that if we work together, if we tear gas at evening commuters Kenyans are hoping and all understand that this problem last week. praying that we do not need to needs all of us, and if we pull in “I want to thank all those take further measures,” he said. the same direction, we will who are ensuring that they Kenya has so far recorded A team of workers from the state-owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) arrives overcome,” Kenyatta said. maintain their work schedule 59 cases of coronavirus and one with knapsacks to spray disinfectant liquid at a commuter bus rank in Harare, yesterday. Police have used by allowing our Kenyans to death. Somali doctor, veteran of many battles, girds for war with coronavirus REUTERS — MOGADISHU and other disasters live in such meant he was a foreign spy - and prime minister’s office that the disease may spread camps. Out of a total population arrested him and his team. A have allocated about $11 million very fast. Somalia has a tra- Somali doctor Abdirizak Yusuf of 15 million, around six million phone call from a high-level for coronavirus preparation, dition of physical greetings, and Ahmed (pictured), has escaped Somalis may not have enough contact saved their lives, he Ahmed said. even wealthy people are an execution, battled deadly to eat this year, the United said. Expenses are high - all reluctant to quarantine away diseases and treated war Nations says, weakening their Right now, Somalia only medical equipment is from family. victims. Now —at 35 years old immune systems and ability to has about 25 intensive care imported and coronavirus Many, like Faduma - he’s been tapped to lead his survive the pandemic. beds, 110 quarantine beds and tests are sent to Kenya for Abdikadir, simply have nation’s response to the coro- Islamist al Shabaab insur- 100 treatment beds available, processing. The World Health nowhere to isolate themselves. navirus. gents also hold parts of Ahmed said. More are being Organisation (WHO) has The 38-year-old mother is So far, Somalia has southern Somalia, making it built. In the capital, patients at trained 500 health workers in sleeping under a tree in a reported only three cases. But hard for health workers to visit the old Italian-built maternity Somalia since January, said makeshift camp in the capital if the disease is unleashed, it and impossible to do testing Martini Hospital have been Dr. Mamunur Rahman Malik, Mogadishu with her eight could spread like wildfire there. instead help rescue people.” moved out to make way for a the organisation’s country children, having fled fighting in through camps housing mal- “I have witnessed wars, A decade ago, al Shabaab new coronavirus ward. representative. the countryside. nourished families who huddle cholera, dysentery,” Ahmed, tall seized him as he was trying to The sound of hammering The WHO also brought in “Most of the time we use under makeshift domes built and bespectacled, told Reuters. stem a cholera epidemic in ter- echoes through its wide, tree- personal protective equipment ashes and sand to wash hands. from sticks and rags. “A doctor who fears for his life ritory they held. They had seen lined compound as con- to handle the first 300 or 400 We are hungry. We beg people Many of the 2.4 million cannot save people. I have a cross inside his ambulance struction workers rush to finish cases, Malik added. to buy water to drink and wash Somalis displaced by conflict learned to forget worrying and and - wrongly assuming it repairs. The health ministry Ahmed’s biggest worry is our hands,” she said. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020

Stay at home to 1996 Established in curb the spread of CHAIRMAN SHEIKH DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI COVID-19

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL

Qatar Airways flying high

AT THE time when most of airlines around the globe are grounding their aircraft, Qatar Airways is taking thousands of stranded passengers to their home by continuing its operations. Qatar’s national carrier is operating around 130 daily flights to more than 60 cities worldwide. Qatar Airways operated special charter flights to Muscat to take Omani students home from their studies SC takes all necessary precautions to abroad. The flights took place from March 30 to April 1. It brought back home Omani students travelling from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to protect workers of World Cup 2022 the State of Qatar, Hans-Udo Muzel, has also expressed his gratitude to Qatar Airways for flying thousands of QNA — DOHA the SC sites. screening workers where that workers in quarantine Germans from all over Asia to their homes in Germany It developed a Task Spe- applicable. All workers with and isolation will be paid full at this crucial time, in spite of the challenges faced in the The Supreme Committee for cific Inspection (TSI) checklist upper respiratory tract salary without any deduction aviation industry posed by the global pandemic, flight Delivery & Legacy (SC) has and conducted inspections symptoms are examined by and it is mandatory for cancellations and various airport closures. said that it is taking all across all the SC construction our work site doctors and employers and companies to Qatar Airways has already helped to repatriate Paki- necessary precautions for site mess hall with an nurses following the MoPH follow the policies. As much as stani, Filipino, Indian, Swiss, American, British, Canadian workers, in line with the objective to identify if all the Visual Triage screening. Only QR3bn has been earmarked to and French citizens as charters were organised by their COVID-19 preventative requirements with respect to suspected cases are reported pay the salaries of workers respective governments so that their citizens can return measures and interim guide- hygiene and sanitation are as per MoPH Reporting and rents of the employers home to their families at this difficult time. In addition, lines recommended by the met. The SC is currently eval- Guidelines. As per MoPH pro- which could be utilized it is ensuring that importers can maintain supplies of Ministry of Public Health uating the possibility of relo- tocol, testing for COVID-19 is through banks to pay the fresh produce and pharmaceuticals through Qatar (MoPH). cating workers residing in a only permitted to take place wages of laborers and paying Airways Cargo. The SC said in a statement non-SC accommodation to a within Hamad Hospital and the rent due on companies As an airline, Qatar Airways maintains the highest issued yesterday that the SC centralized SC compliant and CDC assigned hospitals. Under article 82 of the possible hygiene standards, which include the regular have utilized its existing managed accommodation. The SC has a compre- Qatari Labor Law, employees disinfection of aircraft, the use of cleaning products rec- network of medical clinics The SC carried out a risk hensive medical framework are entitled to sick leave with ommended by the International Air Transport Associ- across all sites and accommo- assessment across all SC on all projects and accommo- pay for each year of service, ation (IATA) and WHO. dations, and implemented projects including work sites dations, including dedicated unless within the first three Qatar Airways has revised its distribution of cabin awareness sessions delivered and accommodation sites to nurses, doctors and clinics. months of employment, and crew on flights, sending two groups on short-haul and on construction sites and determine which workers are The SC’s Workers’ Welfare provided the employee can medium-haul flights – the first to manage the outbound accommodations to educate most at risk of contracting Department has its own provide a medical report trip, the second to manage the inbound trip. For long- workers on the importance of COVID-19. This assessment doctor who is responsible for issued by a competent phy- haul flights, crew members who have to stay overnight prevention, and taking workers’ allows SC a greater chance to coordinating the work of all sician approved by the in a foreign city can only travel in Qatar Airways- temperatures twice daily, and control the virus spreading to healthcare professionals con- employer, it said. approved transport and must remain in their rooms, the distribution of masks and our workforce and Qatar’s nected to our projects. “Employees are entitled to limiting human interactions. sanitizers on SC projects. In case wider population. The SC is on alert for any full sick pay for two weeks, In terms of passengers, Qatar Airways is encour- of shortage of masks, personal The SC is screening COVID-19 symptoms and, if reducing to half pay there- aging social distancing where possible, especially on scarves used by workers were workers where applicable. All detected, will follow MoPH after for a further four weeks. flights with lighter loads. Distancing is also implemented advised for use. workers with upper respi- protocol. The SC also has a Sick leave can be extended for during the boarding process, ensuring passengers are The statement added that ratory tract symptoms are robust contingency plan in a maximum of six weeks allocated seats far apart from each other. The airline is non-essential visitors to SC examined by our work site place, with adequate resources beyond this period until the also encouraging passengers to follow hygiene prac- construction sites prohibited doctors and nurses following ready to provide sufficient worker either resumes his tices recommended by the World Health Organization and isolation rooms estab- the MoPH Visual Triage medical care if conditions duties or is unable to return to (WHO), such as regular hand washing and refraining lished on all SC sites and screening. Only suspected worsen. “All COVID-19-re- work due to health reasons. from touching the face. accommodations. Interim dis- cases are reported as per lated healthcare is provided “If an employee chooses Qatar Airways’ aircraft feature the most advanced infection protocols have been MoPH Reporting Guidelines. free of charge by Hamad to resign from his job during air filtration systems, equipped with industrial-size HEPA implemented at site and “To date we have no con- Medical Corporation (HMC). the first six weeks of sick filters that remove 99.97% of viral and bacterial con- accommodation medical firmed cases on SC sites, but Treatment for any other leave, his or her employer is taminants from re-circulated air, providing the most facilities. All healthcare pro- we are monitoring all projects medical condition is provided liable to settle the balance of effective protection against infection. fessionals are following Min- and will act accordingly if any by HMC or provided by our all financial entitlements. istry of Public Health (MoPH) worker shows symptoms. The contractors, as per the SC’s This provision shall also measures to control SC’s clinics are reporting cri- mandated Workers’ Welfare apply in the event of death COVID-19 outbreak. teria for suspected cases ful- Standards,” it stressed. by reason of sickness before The SC pointed out that filling the requirement of Assuming necessary flight the end of the aforemen- D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR workers with chronic disease MOPH for reporting on a daily restrictions do not impact tioned six weeks. If an basis. This reporting is taking routes to the home countries employee takes sick leave EMAIL: [email protected] and those above 55 years have been temporarily demo- place through unified confi- of workers, anyone can travel for the full 12-week period, bilized from site due to them dential software, the to their home countries in the this does not constitute an EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 being more vulnerable to SystmOne software, intro- case of an emergency, the SC interruption of continuous FAX: +974 4455 7758 COVID-19. The SC is ensuring duced by the SC in part- said, adding that any further service and will not affect that they stay in SC compliant nership with The Phoenix changes to the State of Qatar’s any end of service gratuity MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 accommodation and they Partnership (TPP), which evolving travel policy will be which is owed. continue to receive salaries. offers an integrated electronic strictly adhered to by the SC “Companies may provide DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 It carried out inspections of records system for workers - and its contractors. benefits beyond the law at existing caterers’ kitchen facil- a first of its kind in Qatar,” the The SC will work with its their own discretion. The SC LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 ities and based on risk SC said. contractors to ensure workers remains in constant dialogue assessment, identified caterers The SC added that that are currently on leave with all of our contractors and BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 that either need to upgrade SystmOne is supporting the will be able to report to duty will engage with contractors their kitchen operations; or be clinics by ensuring uninter- once the airports reopen. on a case-by-case basis if any SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 replaced with a caterer that is rupted anytime, anywhere The SC has established issues directly relating to equipped with better facilities, access to workers medical isolation rooms in separate salary payment occur. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 so as to ensure in both cases information. TPP has also blocks and / or buildings on On the possibility of sus- email: [email protected] that higher standards are in created several clinical all of our accommodations pending work on SC projects if place to mitigate against the decision support tools to enable and will continue to follow there is a breakout of PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 COVID-19. The SC consulted clinicians to correctly record MoPH protocol. “We will con- COVID-19 amongst SC worker, email: [email protected] with in-house doctor to and manage suspected COVID- tinue to test where relevant, the SC said it will assess each identify a list of food items that 19 cases in accordance with with any suspected cases situation on a case-by-case ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 are both recommended for MoPH guidelines. The SC has reported to the relevant basis and will take the nec- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] consumption as well as those further established isolation authorities with the appro- essary measures to protect the that should be prohibited (as rooms at all of its workers’ priate action taken.” health and safety of all con- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 these items make them more accommodation sites to test “On 31 March 2020 the struction workers and direct email: [email protected] vulnerable to COVID-19). The suspected cases and provide Ministry of Administrative staff, which may include tem- same has been circulated to all appropriate medical care. Development Labor and Social porary suspension of work as SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 the caterers serving food on The SC is regularly Affairs (MoADLSA) announced and when required. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar COVID-19 is the greatest test that we have faced together since the formation of the United Nations. /Peninsula_Qatar Let us remember that we are only as strong as the weakest health system in our interconnected world. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General +974 6698 6188 THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 OPINION 09 Coronavirus outbreak is part of the climate change crisis

current economic model - more natural resources has product of unrestrained capi- we do with COVID-19, it is that of the pursuit of infinite forced humans to encroach talist production and con- much deadlier than the virus. growth at the expense of the on various natural habitats sumption patterns and is very Global warming of 3C and environment on which our and expose themselves to yet much part of the deleterious 4C above pre-industrial levels survival depends - and both unknown pathogens. environmental changes it is could easily lead to a series of are deadly and disruptive. At the same time, the causing. catastrophic outcomes. It In fact, one may argue that growth of mass production of The failure to contain it is could severely affect our VIJAY KOLINJIVADI the pandemic is part of food has created large-scale also due to the capitalist drive ability to produce food by AL JAZEERA climate change and therefore, farms, where massive of the global economy. In the decreasing the fertility of our response to it should not numbers of livestock and United States, some have soils, intensifying droughts, be limited to containing the poultry packed into mega- claimed that profit losses causing coastal inundations, The speed and scope of the spread of the virus. What we barns. As socialist biologist from the freezing of economic increasing the loss of polli- coronavirus outbreak have thought was “normal” before Rob Wallace argues in his activity are not worth closing nators, etc. It could also cause taken world governments by the pandemic was already a book Big Farms Make Big Flu, the country for business for severe heatwaves across the surprise and left the stock crisis and so returning to it this has created the perfect more than 15 days. world, which have already market reeling. Since the virus cannot be an option. environment for the mutation The World Bank Group proven increasingly deadly first appeared in China’s Despite the persistent and emergence of new dis- has also recently stated that both in terms of high temper- Hubei province, it has climate denialism in some eases such as hepatitis E, structural adjustment reforms atures and the wildfires they infected over 700,000 people policy circles, by now it is Nipah virus, Q fever, and will need to be implemented cause, as well as more and killed more than 33,000 clear to the majority across others. The US Centers for to recover from COVID-19, extreme weather phenomena across the world in less than the world that climate change Disease Control and Pre- including requirements for like hurricanes. six months. is happening as a result of vention (CDC) estimates that loans being tied to doing away Pursuing the UN Sus- The interconnectedness of human activity - namely three out of four new infec- with “excessive regulations, tainable Development Goals, our globalised world facili- industrial production. tious diseases come from subsidies, licensing regimes, carbon offsetting schemes, tated the spread of COVID-19. In order to continue pro- human-animal contact. The trade protection...to foster incremental eco-efficiencies, The disruption this continues ducing - and being able to outbreaks of Ebola and other markets, choice, and faster vegan diets for the wealthy to cause has made evident declare that their economy is coronaviruses such as MERS, growth prospects.” and other similar tactics will societal dependence on global growing - humans are har- for instance, were triggered Doubling down on neo- not stop climate change production systems. vesting the natural resources by a jump from animal to liberal policies which because they do not dis- The pandemic has forced of the planet - water, fossil human in disturbed natural encourage the unrestrained courage mass industrial pro- governments into a difficult fuels, timber, land, ore, etc - habitats. In the case of abuse of resources would be a duction and consumption but Despite the persistent balancing act between and plugging them into an COVID-19, it is suspected that catastrophic prospect in a simply shift their emphasis. climate denialism in ensuring public safety and industrial cycle which puts the virus was transmitted to post-COVID-19 world. The Such approaches will never wellbeing and maintaining out various consumables humans at a “wet market” in suspension of environmental work because they do not some policy circles, profit margins and growth (cars, clothes, furniture, the city of Wuhan, where laws and regulations in the US entail the necessary radical by now it is clear to targets. Ultimately, the phones, processed food etc) wildlife was being sold. is already a frightening sign of change of our high-powered prospect of a large death toll and a lot of waste. The mass-scale breeding what returning to “normal” lives that is required to force the majority across and the collapse of health This process depletes the of wild animals, including means for the establishment. us to slow down and reduce the world that systems have forced countries natural ability of the envi- pangolins, civet cats, foxes, Although both COVID-19 our emissions. to put millions of people on ronment to balance itself and wild geese, and boar among and climate change are rooted The rapid response to climate change is lockdown. disrupts ecological cycles (for many others is a $74bn in the same abusive economic COVID-19 around the world happening as a result These sweeping and example deforestation leads industry in China and has behaviour and both have illustrates the remarkable of human activity unprecedented measures to lower CO2 absorption by been viewed as a get-rich- proven to be deadly for capacity of society to put the taken by the government and forests), while at the same quick scheme by its rural humans, governments have emergency brake on - namely industrial international institutions time, it adds a large amount of population. seen them as separate and “business-as-usual” simply by production. could not but make some of waste (for example CO2 from The origin of the virus unconnected phenomena and acting in the moment. It us wonder about another burned fossil fuels). This, in makes it a perfect example of have therefore responded shows that we can take global emergency that needs turn, is leading to changes in how the way capitalism com- rather differently to them. radical action if we want to. urgent action - climate the climate of our planet. modifies life to turn it into The vast majority of coun- Lockdowns across the change. The two emergencies This same process is also profit can directly endanger tries around the world - albeit world have already resulted are in fact quite similar. Both responsible for COVID-19 and human life. In this sense, the with varying degrees of delay - in a significant drop in green- have their roots in the world’s other outbreaks. The need for ongoing pandemic is the have taken strict measures to house gas emissions and pol- curb the movement and gath- lutants. In China, for instance, ering of people in order to the lockdown caused carbon contain the virus, even at the dioxide to drop by at least 25 expense of economic growth. percent and nitrogen dioxide The same has not hap- by 37 percent. pened with climate change. Yet, this temporary Current climate change decrease in greenhouse gases measures have taken little should not be a cause for cel- heed of the scale and pro- ebration. The fact is that as a gression of the environmental result of the lockdowns, mil- changes we are experiencing. lions of people have already Climate change does not lost their jobs and billions will follow four-year election probably struggle amid the cycles or five-year economic economic downturn the out- plans. It does not wait for break is causing. 2030 or 2050 Sustainable While some have called for Development targets. climate change to be just as Various aspects of climate drastic as the one undertaken change progress at different in response to the COVID-19 speeds and in different loca- pandemic, it should not be. We tions and although for some need a just climate transition of us these changes might not which ensures the protection of be obvious or palpable, they the poor and most vulnerable are happening. There are also and which is integrated into certain thresholds which if our pandemic response. This crossed will cause change to would not only reverse the be irreversible - whether in climate disaster we are already greenhouse gas concentration living in but also minimise the in the atmosphere, the loss of risk of new pandemics like the insect populations or the current one breaking out. melting of the permafrost. Vijay Kolinjivadi is a post- And while we do not get doctoral fellow at the Institute daily updates on the death toll of Development Policy at the The US Capitol is seen in the background as Pennsylvania Avenue is mostly empty, yesterday morning. caused by climate change, as University of Antwerp. Climate stress and coronavirus gang up on world’s vulnerable

THIN LEI WIN AND MICHAEL Vietnam to Kenya, countries experts fear the harm it could The government’s timely “Predominantly the TAYLOR — REUTERS around the world are reeling do in places already beset by moves to provide water and immediate impact of from a double whammy of poverty, conflict and disasters sow rice earlier have helped COVID-19 has been in coun- With friends falling ill, erratic weather - in many “I think we are just now going vulnerable farmers, a U.N. tries with a rather developed another passing away and his cases linked to climate change to be seeing COVID-19’s official said. But the virus is food supply chain and sophis- movements restricted, coro- - and a deadly pandemic, impacts unfold in Africa and now hiking pressure on ticated health service,” said navirus had already stretched both of which threaten lives developing countries,” said scarce water resources as Cole, who heads the Uni- Giordano Alpi physically and and jobs. Christina Chan, climate resil- cleanliness is stepped up, said versity of Adelaide’s School of mentally when another “This is the new normal, ience director at the World Caitlin Wiesen, the United Agriculture, Food and Wine. disaster struck his 30-hectare absolutely. We’re in a world Resources Institute (WRI), a Nations Development Pro- “The big unknown is how farm in Emilia-Romagna in of converging risks,” said US-based think-tank. It is gramme representative in this is going to impact less- northern Italy. Christine Parthemore, a “unfathomable” how poor pop- Vietnam. developed regions,” he added. A sudden plunge in night- former adviser at the US ulations will manage and “The delta was under Sara Mbago-Bhunu, East time temperatures to below Department of Defense respond to the virus, Chan said. stress before COVID-19 came and Southern Africa director zero in late March caused during international efforts to With epidemiologists pre- in. There was the issue of the at the International Fund for extensive frost, damaging contain West Africa’s 2014- dicting the pandemic could lack of water for both food Agricultural Development, With epidemiologists swathes of his fruit trees, 2016 Ebola outbreak. last for months, Chan also production ... as well as for noted the virus was threat- including apricots, nectarines She pointed to Yemen warned that island states in personal consumption and ening families there who predicting the and peaches. which is being hammered by the Atlantic Ocean were at hygiene,” she added. already have little to eat and pandemic could last “The tendency of these war, disease, water scarcity risk both from the disease and Food experts have already get about half their food from anomalies in the climate is and economic woes simulta- the hurricane season that flagged that the pandemic is informal traders and markets. for months, Chan growing,” said the 56-year- neously, and northern Nigeria starts in June. likely to put stress on pro- East Africa is also suffering also warned that old. “We are very worried where migration brought on Food price spikes? duction around the world. from an invasion of desert about these two phenomena,” by long-term drought is coin- A similar scenario is A U.N. paper released last locusts which have ravaged island states in the he said of climate extremes ciding with attacks from Boko already playing out in week said hunger and malnu- crops and decimated pasture, Atlantic Ocean were and coronavirus. The fast- Haram militants. Vietnam, where the fertile trition levels were “already threatening the livelihoods of spreading COVID-19 disease “We should assume - as Mekong Delta, famous for its alarming” before the latest millions of people. at risk both from has killed more than 12,400 part of all of our planning and rice and shrimp production, health crisis, which is “leading “If there’s disruption ... to the disease and the people in Italy, the world’s strategy - that you’re not going has battled severe drought to instability in both local and the informal trader on the hurricane season highest national death toll. to see threats manifest in iso- and saltwater intrusion since global food markets, causing a bike or the buses bringing The recent frost damaged lation of one another late last year. disruption to food supply and food into the markets, you can that starts in June. 50%-90% of fruit in Emilia- anymore,” said Parthemore, Nearly 100,000 house- availability”. Martin Cole, imagine prices will triple and Romagna alone, with Italian who leads the Washington- holds face water shortages, chair of the expert panel that quadruple,” said agricultural association Conf- based Council on Strategic about 40,000 hectares of cro- produced the report, spoke of Mbago-Bhunu. agricoltura estimating losses Risks.With even wealthy pland have been damaged potential disruption to farm “That would have a dev- at 130 million euros ($142 nations struggling to contain and there is little sign of the labour and agricultural inputs astating impact on the pur- million). the coronavirus outbreak, the crisis abating, according to like seeds at a critical time for chasing capacity of house- From Italy to India, United Nations and other aid the United Nations. planting. holds,” she added. 10 ASIA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 Japan to ban entry of foreigners from 73 countries REUTERS — TOKYO Medical experts small tallies compared with those of the United States, China Japan will ban entry of foreigners advising Prime and Europe. from 73 countries and ask Minister Shinzo But Tokyo has seen the everyone arriving from abroad biggest jump in cases, with to quarantine for two weeks in Abe told a news another 66 yesterday for a total its struggle to contain the coro- conference yesterday of 587, NHK said, adding to navirus, with a senior minister pressure on the government to warning the country had been that the rapid spread take more drastic measures. pushed “to the brink”. of contagion was “We are barely holding the Medical experts advising line and remain at a critical point Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told severely straining where virus cases could surge if a news conference yesterday hospitals in the we let down our guard,” Abe told that the rapid spread of conta capital Tokyo, in a parliamentary committee. gion was severely straining hos- Economics Minister Yasu- Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, wearing a face mask amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus, pitals in the capital Tokyo, in Osaka and some other toshi Nishimura said infectious attends a meeting at the parliament, in Tokyo yesterday. Osaka and some other prefec- prefectures, and that disease experts were especially tures, and that quick action was alarmed about medical capacity Another expert, Hokkaido million people stay indoors and decide based on local conditions, vital. quick action was vital. in Tokyo and that Japan was on University’s Hiroshi Nishiura, avoid restaurants and bars, steps the experts said. “Fundamental responses the verge of a crisis. said that some strained regions she reiterated yesterday. Calls for a lockdown in Japan should be made as early as today “We must prevent infections could see the same sort of “People are saying ‘I didn’t are increasing on social media, or tomorrow,” Shigeru Omi, and take other steps. But the rel- from spreading further no shortage of respirators for think I was infected myself’. I with many Twitter users head of the Japan Community evant enabling law includes no matter what. We have come to severely ill patients suffered want everyone to share the expressing worry and pointing Healthcare Organisation, said. penalties in most cases. the edge of edges, to the very elsewhere. awareness that one should both to more draconian measures in He said the medical system Many other countries hit by brink,” he told reporters. The experts urged areas that protect oneself while also cities abroad. could collapse even before an the pandemic have imposed Omi said that while Japan have seen sharp spikes in infec- avoiding spreading (the virus),” “One of my friends who “overshoot” — or explosive rise legally binding lockdowns with was not seeing an uncontrolled tions over the past week to tell she told a news conference. works in Tokyo is still com- in cases. serious penalties for violators. spike in cases now, more clusters residents to stay home and avoid Koike said junior high muting on packed trains,” wrote Abe is facing growing public Japan had confirmed 2,362 of infections were being gatherings of more than 10 schools and high schools run by a user under the Twitter handle calls to declare a state of emer- domestically transmitted cases reported. This, he said, had people. the metropolis would remain Arikan. gency that would give local gov- of the coronavirus and 67 deaths caused the supply of medical Tokyo Governor Yuriko closed through May 6 after “I’m a little embarrassed by ernors greater clout to tell resi- as of yesterday, public broad- services to get tight in some Koike has requested that resi- shutting at the start of March. how indecisive Japan is com- dents to stay home, close schools caster NHK said — relatively areas. dents of the city of nearly 14 Schools in other areas should pared to other nations.” Malaysia extends anti-coronavirus measures until April 14 India reports big jump in new ANATOLIA — KUALA LUMPUR infection are successful or not,” business premises selling daily In Selangor province, the After originating in Wuhan reported state-run Bernama essentials, including super- local government cut salaries of last December, the virus has virus cases Malaysia yesterday extended news agency. markets and petrol stations, state executive council, spread to at least 180 countries anti-coronavirus measures by The government has asked stalls, restaurants, and food members of the local assembly and regions across the world, ANATOLIA — NEW DELHI another two weeks, until April people to adhere strictly to the delivery services to operate from and senior civil servants in its with its epicenter shifting to 14, to stem the spread of the measures taken against the 8am to 8pm. only. efforts to fight the COVID-19, Europe, while China has largely The death toll from corona- deadly infection, local media coronavirus. Besides, extending Chief Minister Amirudin Shari come out of the crisis. virus in India has risen to 38, reported. Malaysia has so far con- movement control measures, the said. Earlier, the government The virus has killed more with 1,637 confirmed cases, “The second phase of the firmed 2, 908 cases of the coro- government yesterday also had implemented the first phase than 42,400 people and infected authorities said yesteday. Movement Control Order [MCO], navirus, with 45 fatalities. As rolled out “economic stimulus of MCO on March 18. over 862,000 globally, while According to the Health which begins yesterday, is a many as 645 people have also package” to support businesses Malaysians returning home some 178,800 people recovered Ministry, yesterday marked critical period for Malaysians to recovered from this disease. and ease the economic burden from abroad will be put under from the disease, according to India’s biggest spike in a day determine whether efforts to Under the second phase of on people due to the quarantine for 14 days effective figures collated by the US-based with 386 new cases break the COVID-19 chain of MCO, the government asked all pandemic. from next Friday. Johns Hopkins University. confirmed. However, the ministry said the figure soared due to inter- city travel by members of India’s migrant workers Tablighi Jamaat, an Islamic missionary society. “As many as 1,800 people in dire straits amid related to the group have been sent to hospitals and quarantine centers,” said Lav nationwide lockdown Agrawal, a senior health official. ANATOLIA — NEW DELHI states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar The Indian government Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan imposed a 21-day lockdown in Ranveer Singh, a 39-year-old turn to big cities like Mumbai and the country starting March 25 migrant worker who had walked Delhi in search of work. to stem the spread of the virus. nearly 200km from Delhi in an But due to the sudden Malls, markets, restaurants, effort to reach his home in lockdown, thousands of workers cinemas and public transport Madhya Pradesh state’s Morena have been heading back home remain shut. district amid a nationwide on foot. Indian Railways is also lockdown over the novel coro- Ranveer, who had left his preparing to set up 320,000 navirus, collapsed and died on native village, was one of them. isolation and quarantine beds the Delhi-Agra highway on On March 24, Prime Minister by modifying 20,000 coaches. March 28. Narendra Modi announced a Ranveer, who worked as a 21-day nationwide lockdown, home delivery boy for a private giving people less than four Vietnam declares restaurant in Delhi, complained hours’ notice before the order of chest pain, which was likely took effect. The decision left mil- coronavirus due to being exhausted from the lions of migrant workers in a Commuters wait as police check for valid credentials for travel during a government-imposed long walk. state of shock. as nationwide nationwide lockdown, in Chennai, yesterday. A local shop owner rushed Although there is no data him to a hospital, but he could showing their exact numbers, epidemic not be saved. according to some estimates, migrant workers from many big on foot as trains, buses or other Nadu state. They were passing Police said officers are there are 45 million migrant cities including Delhi to their means of transport were not through a forest in Theni, Tamil ANATOLIA — HANOI present along the entire stretch workers in India. respective states,” said Deputy available due to the lockdown. Nadu when it caught fire. A of the highway with food packets A large number of labourers Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Many of them died on the long 43-year-old woman and her Vietnam yesterday declared and water for such people, but it are engaged in construction work The exodus of workers and hazardous journey. one-year-old granddaughter the infectious COVID-19 was of no help to Ranveer. or working as street hawkers, started in Delhi and many other Some died in accidents and died on the spot. Two men also disease a nationwide Ranveer is survived by his roadside vendors, security guards big cities across the country as others due to hunger or perished. epidemic, local media wife, Mamta, and three children. and rickshaw pullers who earn they were left without food and exhaustion. At least 34 people On March 27, eight people reported. Mamta was inconsolable. daily and feed their families daily. money. have lost their lives in the first were killed in a road accident Prime Minister Nguyen “He was the main bread- But since the lockdown, millions The workers in these places week of the lockdown, near the Pedda Golconda toll Xuan Phuc signed the official winner for our family. We’re of them have become jobless and were caught unprepared as Modi according to media reports, gate in Hyderabad in Andhra declaration widening social shattered. We’ve lost everything,” are in dire straits. had announced the shutdown including laborers and their Pradesh state. distancing measures to stem she told Anadolu Agency. The Delhi government has without any warning. family members. The workers and their spread of the deadly infection “We belong to a family of converted 11 schools into night Desperate workers decided The first death due to the family members were in a truck which has killed over 42,000 farmers. Ranveer was working shelters to help migrants in the to return to their native villages lockdown occurred on March and on their way home from people globally. hard for all of us. The future for city during the lockdown. as it was impossible for them to 25. Ten laborers working in Telangana to Karnataka. But a The decision was taken our children is dark.” Every year, “This step has been taken survive for three weeks in the Kerala were returning to their speeding lorry hit the truck after more imported cases of thousands of poor laborers from amidst the large-scale exodus of cities. They decided to return homes in neighbouring Tamil from behind, killing them. coronavirus were reported in the country, daily Vietnam News reported. The South East Asian US, South Korea in bid to seal defence cost-sharing deal country has 212 cases of coronavirus. At least 58 people REUTERS — SEOUL countries failed to agree on a “The partial furlough of announced as soon as Korean War that ended in an have recovered form the new pact months after the last (Korean national) employees is Wednesday, “though various armistice, rather than a peace disease. The commander of US troops in agreement expired at the end of not what we envisioned or possibilities remain still open”. treaty. The decision requires South Korea yesterday called for 2019. hoped would happen.” On Representatives for South US President Donald Trump health quarantine, monitoring negotiators to quickly resolve a The dispute follows a US Tuesday, South Korean nego- Korea’s Foreign Ministry and the has repeatedly demanded that of affected areas, mobilisation cost-sharing dispute that has put demand for Seoul to pay up to tiator Jeong Eun-bo said South US Embassy in Seoul declined South Korea pay more, although of resources in society to fight more than 4,000 local workers $5bn a year to support the troop Korea regretted the US military’s to comment on the status of the U.S officials said they have since the disease while extending on unpaid leave, with South presence, up from $870mn decision to go ahead with the negotiations. “compromised” on the initial international cooperation and Korean officials suggesting an under last year’s agreement. furloughs with negotiations in “We’re closely watching numbers. setting up field hospitals when agreement could come soon. “This is an unfortunate day their “final phase”. developments,” one South Abrams said USFK was required. About half of the nearly for us, it’s unthinkable, it’s heart- “We expect an agreement to Korean foreign ministry official working to prevent the furloughs After originating in Wuhan, 9,000 South Koreans employed breaking,” General Robert be finalised soon,” he said. told Reuters. from undermining military China last December, the virus by the US military command Abrams, commander of United Citing an unnamed source, The United States stations readiness, and said it would offer has spread to at least 180 were placed on unpaid leave States Forces Korea (USFK), said Yonhap news agency reported roughly 28,500 troops in South unspecified support to the countries and regions across starting yesterday, after the two in a video statement. that a new deal could be Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 workers on unpaid leave. the world. THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 ASIA 11 Afghan govt team holds talks with Taliban on prisoner swap

AFP — KABUL on Twitter. Taliban spokesman swap, and not for additional guarantees. The deal required But Kabul has been gripped “The two sides held face-to- Zabihullah Mujahid negotiations. the Afghan government — which by fresh political bickering and Afghan government represent- face negotiations about the “The prisoners to be released was not a signatory to the accord infighting and the prisoner atives have met with the Taliban release of Afghan National said that a ‘technical should be those whose names are — to free 5,000 Taliban pris- release issue was delayed. in Kabul for the first time to Defense and Security Force per- team’ was in Kabul on the list... that is why our tech- oners and for the insurgents to The security situation has discuss a prisoner swap aimed at sonnel as well as Taliban pris- nical team is there... it is not a release 1,000 pro-government deteriorated in the meantime, jump-starting a floundering oners,” the security council said. purely to facilitate negotiation, and there will be no captives in return. with a series of Taliban attacks peace process, officials said It was the first time Taliban the prisoner swap, political talks there”, Mujahid The imbalance is one of killing at least 20 members of yesterday. had been invited to Kabul to meet and not for additional said. many aspects of the agreement Afghan security forces on The two sides met on directly with government officials Washington signed a deal that observers say gives the Sunday. Tuesday and were to meet since they were toppled in the negotiations. with the Taliban in late February Taliban the better bargain. And yeseterday, a roadside again for further talks being US-led invasion of 2001. that promised the withdrawal of The swap was supposed to bomb killed at least seven observed by the International The two sides had spoken US and foreign troops from have taken place by March 10, at civilians including six children Committee of the Red Cross, previously in a videoconference Zabihullah Mujahid said that a Afghanistan by July next year, which point peace talks between in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan’s Office of the to discuss the prisoner issue. “technical team” was in Kabul provided the Taliban start talks the Taliban and the government which authorities blamed on the National Security Council said Taliban spokesman purely to facilitate the prisoner with Kabul and adhere to other were meant to begin. Taliban. China reports 1,300 Virus cases in Pakistan asymptomatic surpass 2,000

ANATOLIA — ISLAMABAD coronavirus cases The number of novel corona- AFP — BEIJING were infectious. virus cases in Pakistan has There were mass calls risen to 2,007 with more than China yesterday said it has online calls for the information 150 confirmed in the last 24 more than 1,300 asymptomatic after authorities revealed over hours, officials said yesterday. coronavirus cases, the first time the weekend that an infected The country’s death toll it has released such data woman in Henan province had jumped to 26, while 12 patients following public concern over been in close contact with three are in critical condition. people who have tested positive asymptomatic cases. According to the Federal but are not showing symptoms. Asymptomatic cases will not Health Ministry, the number Health officials also be added to the overall tally of confirmed cases rose to 676 reported the first imported case unless they later show clinical in Sindh province, 708 in from abroad in Wuhan — the symptoms. Punjab province, 253 in epicentre where the virus first Announcing the new figures Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emerged late last year — height- yesterday seemed to do little to province, 158 in Balochistan ening fears of infections being quell fears. province, 148 in the Gilgit- brought into China from other Many on social media said Baltistan autonomous region People wearing face masks walk on the Wuhan Bridge in Wuhan, China, yesterday. countries. they were terrified of the high and 58 in the capital Of 36 new cases reported number of asymptomatic car- Islamabad, while six cases yesterday, 35 were imported riers, and some called for health virus. Beijing has announced a Zhong Nanshan said in a state in the epicentre of Wuhan and were confirmed in Jammu and from abroad. officials to break down the data series of dramatic measures to media interview last week that surrounding Hubei province. Kashmir. The National Health Com- by province. control imported cases — asymptomatic carriers could There were seven more More than 80 percent of mission (NHC) said 1,367 “It’s absolutely necessary to including testing people potentially infect “3 to 3.5 deaths yesterday, six in Hubei the confirmed cases had asymptomatic patients were report the whereabouts of arriving from overseas — to people each”. province. recently returned from neigh- under medical observation, asymptomatic cases, they’re determine those who are Many other countries The first imported case con- boring Iran and Saudi Arabia. with 130 new cases added in the like stealth carriers, it’s scary,” infected but do not show including South Korea and firmed in Wuhan yesterday was So far, 58 patients have last day. read one popular comment. symptoms. Japan count asymptomatic a Chinese national studying in recovered and were dis- The NHC announced on Experts agree that asympto- China says all detected cases in their national tallies of Britain, who arrived in the city charged from the hospital, the Tuesday that it would respond matic patients are likely to be asymptomatic cases and their confirmed diagnoses. last week as it started to grad- ministry said. “to public concerns” by starting infectious, but it remains close contacts must undergo There have now been 81,554 ually lift travel restrictions Meanwhile, the nationwide to publish daily data on asymp- unknown how responsible they 14-day quarantine. infections in China, with 3,312 imposed to control the lockdown entered its 10th day tomatic cases, which it said are for spreading the deadly Chinese respiratory expert deaths — mostly concentrated outbreak. yesterday, forcing millions to stay home. The government has already deployed army troops New Zealand waits to see if lockdown working as virus cases stay low in all major cities across the country to assist provincial REUTERS — WELLINGTON emergency was declared, to The number of new early to assess if our measures Australia, where the number of governments and ensure the beat the local transmission of COVID-19 cases was as high as are successfully slowing cases now exceeds 4,500 with lockdown. New Zealand yesterday COVID-19. 85 last week, but has stayed COVID-19,” Prime Minister 20 deaths. People are allowed to leave reported 61 new cases of the Offices and schools were lower this week. More than half Jacinda Ardern said in a news Ardern has said she wants their homes to buy groceries coronavirus, but said it was too shut and all non-essential of the cases was related to conference. to see more testing as it was and visit hospitals in early to assess if the lower services, restaurants, cafes, overseas travel and community Among all the confirmed needed to stamp out the virus emergencies. number of cases this week gyms, cinemas, pools, transmission cases were about cases, 82 people have and guard against community meant the nationwide museums, libraries and play- 1 percent. recovered, and so far only one transmission. lockdown measures were grounds were closed. “While on the face of it that death has been recorded. “If virus is in the community Kyrgyz health working. The government yesterday might seem a heartening New Zealand, with about 5 in this way... then worst thing The country was placed into said there were 61 new cases of number relative to some of the million people, has fewer infec- we can do is to relax and be minister and a complete lockdown last COVID-19 in the past 24 hours other figures we have had now, tions than many other coun- complacent, and allow the silent Thursday, and a national taking the total to 708. I want to emphasise it’s too tries, like neighbouring spread,” Ardern added. deputy PM ousted

AFP — BISHKEK

COVID-19: Death toll in Two senior members of Kyrgyzstan’s government responsible for handling the Australia rises to 20 coronavirus outbreak were dismissed yesterday after Pres- AGENCIES — CANBERRA Meanwhile, Australian ident Sooronbay Jeenbekov crit- authorities opened a pop-up icised their efforts to fight the The death toll in Australia from coronavirus testing clinic at spread of the virus. the novel coronavirus Sydney’s Bondi Beach The dismissal of health min- increased to 20 after a 95-year yesterday. ister Kosmosbek Cholponbayev old woman died in New South Authorities were zeroing in and deputy prime minister Wales (NSW) state, local media on specific areas that have Altynai Omurbekova was reported yesterday. reported clusters of infections, announced on the president’s Health authorities in NSW following a sustained slow official website. confirmed the death of a down in new cases in recent Jeenbekov on Tuesday had 95-year-old woman who was days to around 4,700 criticised the two who helped a resident at Sydney’s Dorothy nationally. The death toll stands lead the country’s task force Henderson Lodge, according at 20, after a steady creep against COVID-19, calling their to ABC News. upward in recent days. work “unsatisfactory” and The state authorities have Officials have stressed the saying it had allowed the disease unveiled new restrictions on need for continuing strict social to spread. public movement earlier this distancing measures despite Jeenbekov said the task week. the slowdown, including force had been slow to identify Those leaving their homes restricting the number of the “circle of persons” who had without a reasonable excuse in people meeting in public to just come into contact with people New South Wales state, where two and the closure of parks, who tested positive for corona- Residents spray disinfectant on a motorist passing through their neighbourhood in Jakarta , Indonesia, most of the country’s cases and beaches and gyms. virus. Kyrgyzstan has 111 regis- yesterday. deaths have been reported, will “We can’t let our foot off the tered coronavirus infections and be fined A$11,000 and risk a pedal, we can’t relax,” New no deaths, according to official six-month prison term. South Wales (NSW) state figures. The first infections in the Indonesia set to open emergency The country has so far con- Premier Gladys Berejiklian said country were people who had firmed 4,804 cases of the coro- in Sydney. “It doesn’t take long travelled to Saudi Arabia for hospital on uninhabited island navirus, known as COVID-19. for things to get out of control.” pilgrimages. REUTERS — JAKARTA officials believe the true infection quarantine facility. rate among Indonesia’s popu- Indonesian President Joko 60 Australian newspapers to stop printing Indonesia will by next week open lation of 260 million could be Widodo said it would be open by AFP — SYDNEY Australia would cease printing “The suspension of our com- a new coronavirus emergency substantially higher, while next Monday at the latest. and move online. munity print editions has been hospital on the uninhabited official data from mid-March “We’re hoping not to use Rupert Murdoch’s Australian “We have not taken this forced on us by the rapid decline island of Galang, where author- shows the country has only about these (beds), but we’ve prepared flagship media group News Corp decision lightly,” News Corp Aus- in advertising revenues following ities have repurposed a former 12 hospital beds per 10,000 from the beginning, to brace for announced yesterday it will stop tralasia Executive Chairman the restrictions placed on real Vietnam war era refugee camp people. this,” said the president, as he printing around 60 regional Michael Miller was quoted as estate auctions and home inspec- as part of efforts to rapidly Located on one of a chain of toured the new facilities on the newspapers, as the troubled saying by the group’s Australian tions, the forced closure of event augment healthcare capacities. islands off Sumatra and south of 16-hectare premise. sector received a fresh blow from newspaper title. “The corona- venues and dine-in restaurants Indonesia has recorded 1,677 Singapore, the new hospital Amid a lack of proper pro- a COVID-19 advertising virus crisis has created unprec- in the wake of the coronavirus cases of coronavirus as of April includes 360 additional hospital tective equipment, some downturn. edented economic pressures and emergency, “ he added. 1, and 157 deaths — the highest beds, isolation facilities and healthcare workers in Indonesia News Corp said papers in the we are doing everything we can Many Australian media mortality rate in Southeast Asia. helipads, and will be used to treat have worn raincoats to treat states of New South Wales, Vic- to preserve as many jobs as groups have already been Yet some health experts and coronavirus patients and as a coronavirus patients. toria, Queensland and South possible.” shifting to focus to online content. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 Virus deaths in Spain top 9,000; epidemic slows

AFP — MADRID Spain has the world’s Maria, a doctor working at a hospital in Madrid but who did Spain’s death toll surged over second-highest not want to give her family name, 9,000 yesterday as infections death toll after Italy, said they had seen a drop in passed the 100,000 mark, but the numbers in recent days. rate of new cases continued to with the virus so “Last week, we were getting slow, suggesting the epidemic far claiming 9,053 between 30 to 40 per day. Today, may be peaking, health chiefs we’ve had 20. It’s going down, said. lives after a record little by little so we’re on the right Spain has the world’s second- 864 people died over track,” she said. highest death toll after Italy, with the past 24 hours, In one of the hospital’s the virus so far claiming 9,053 centres, they were currently lives after a record 864 people while the number treating 446 people of whom 63 died over the past 24 hours, while of conﬁrmed cases were in intensive care, she said, the number of confirmed cases describing it as “the lowest figure reached 102,136. reached 102,136. we’ve seen since the start of the But on a day-to-day basis, the epidemic”. rate of new infections continued Simon said. Officials said the “Unfortunately this epidemic its week-long downward trend. figures gave a “very positive” has shown us that we are not at And most importantly, the indication that the unprece- all prepared to deal with this number of people in hospital and dented lockdown put in place on number of people.” those intensive care was falling, March 14, confining Spain’s pop- Spain’s health care system suggesting the epidemic had ulation of nearly 47 million to has been stretched to its limit by reached its peak, said Fernando their homes, was working. a massive influx of seriously ill A volunteer of a nonproﬁt organisation delivers food for a woman who cannot leave her home in Simon, head of the health minis- Crunching the numbers, yes- patients, and last weekend, the Basque Spanish city of San Sebastian, yesterday. try’s emergency coordination terday’s figures showed new Simon warned that even if the unit. cases increasing by just over eight epidemic peaked, the pressure “This is important,” said percent, compared with nearly on the intensive care system 30-year-old nurse at Madrid’s La are shortcomings due to human yesterday’s figures raising the Simon, who himself was diag- 11 percent on Tuesday and 20 would be subject to a lag of at Paz hospital, said the situation error, and organisational failures death toll to 3,865, with the nosed with the virus this week. percent a week ago. least a week. was “heartbreaking”. resulting from cutbacks and pri- region suffering close to 30,000 “Right now the central issue They also showed the death Spain is also struggling with “There are so many patients vatisation, it is so frustrating,” cases, leaving hospitals and mor- is not whether we have reached rate increasing at a rate of 10.6 a worrying rise in cases among that, before the virus, would have said del Barrio. tuaries overwhelmed. the peak or not, it seems we’re percent compared with 27 healthcare personnel, with some just been put in intensive care, “Emotionally, it takes a toll on On the upside, the number of already there, and the numbers percent a week ago, with Dr 12,300 infected. and now we just can’t,” he said, you when you see patients dying people recovering has been are going down.” Maria Jose Sierra from the emer- And thousands of others are referring to the lack of beds and who in other circumstances steadily growing, rising to 22,647 The main priority now was gencies coordination unit saying also struggling with the psycho- equipment. would have a much better chance yesterday after another 3,388 to ensure that the health system the recent fatalities were those logical burden of being on the “When a natural disaster of recovering.” were declared virus-free. Nearly was capable of guaranteeing ade- “who were infected two or three front line. happens, you just deal with it and Madrid has been by far the half of that number are in the quate coverage for all patients, weeks ago”. Guillen del Barrio, a do what you can. But when there Spain’s worst-hit area, with Madrid region. Prince Charles UK govt promises says it is more virus tests as distressing time for nation death toll jumps REUTERS — LONDON

AFP — LONDON introduced on March 23 will Britain’s Prince Charles, who then start to show. has recovered after testing Britain yesterday recorded its But questions are growing positive for coronavirus, biggest day-on-day increase in about how long Britons will be praised the selfless devotion coronavirus deaths, as the asked to stay at home, amid a of healthcare workers government came under lack of mass testing. yesterday and said it was a renewed pressure for its failure Britain has tested 153,000 strange and distressing time to mass test frontline medical people so far. It reached 10,000 for the nation. staff, let alone the wider a day on Tuesday, and is aiming Heir-to-the-throne community. for 25,000 a day by mid April. Charles, 71, came out of self- A total of 2,352 people with Germany is currently testing isolation on Monday after suf- COVID-19 have now died, up 70,000 a day. fering what he said were 563 on the previous day, out of The vast majority of those “luckily... relatively mild 29,474 confirmed cases, an being tested in Britain are A medical professional stands behind a patient inside a hospital in north London, yesterday. symptoms” and his office said increase of 4,324, health min- patients in hospital, and there he was now in good health. istry figures showed. are concerns about the lack of Government minister overstretched after years of tight essary risk.” In a video address, the Prime Minister Boris tests for frontline medical staff. Michael Gove has said the budgets,” Labour’s health In response, Sharma said prince said although he had Johnson, Health Secretary Matt Even media normally loyal response had been hampered by spokesman Jonathan Ashworth that “over the past two weeks, recovered, he was still in a Hancock and the heir to the to the governing Conservative a lack of “chemical reagents” said. we have delivered over 390m state of social distance and throne, Prince Charles, have all party are now calling the situ- needed for tests. A joint statement from trade PPE products”, while a dedicated general isolation. tested positive for COVID-19. ation a “shambles”. But the UK chemical unions representing health and hotline had been set up for His wife Camilla, 72, who The youngest victim was just At the government’s daily industry has rejected the claim social workers yesterday reit- anyone who needed more. had tested negative, is 13. Ismail Mohamed Abdulwa- press briefing, Business Sec- while the main opposition erated concerns about a lack of Britain’s total of confirmed remaining in self-isolation hab’s family yesterday paid retary Alok Sharma said Labour party said the gov- protective clothing. cases and deaths only cover hos- until the end of the week in tribute to the “gentle and kind” increasing capacity was the “top ernment needed to explain why “It’s now clear that the lack pital admissions. The Office for case she develops symptoms. teenager, who they said had no priority”. there was such a difference with of personal protective National Statistics suggested on “As we are all learning, this underlying health issues. Earlier, a spokesman for other countries. equipment for frontline workers Tuesday the true death toll could is a strange, frustrating and Officials have said they Johnson said more than 2,000 “NHS staff are rightly asking has become a crisis within a be 24 percent higher, after ana- often distressing experience expect a surge in cases in the staff in the state-run National if we’ve left it too late to buy the crisis,” it said. lysing data for deaths in the when the presence of family coming days, but hope the Health Service (NHS) had been kits and chemicals we need, or “Workers are being exposed community where COVID-19 is and friends is no longer pos- effects of a nationwide lockdown tested so far. whether our lab capacity is too to unreasonable and unnec- suspected. sible and the normal structures of life are suddenly removed,” he said. “At such an unprece- 509 more deaths in France raise toll to 4,032 dented and anxious time in all our lives, my wife and I are AFP — PARIS French Prime Minister wing opposition. thinking particularly of all Edouard Philippe told a parlia- But France is hoping to those who have lost their France yesterday reported its mentary committee yesterday greatly ramp up testing in the loved ones in such very dif- highest daily number of deaths that when the confinement coming days and weeks with the ficult and abnormal circum- from COVID-19 since the coro- finally came to an end, it would arrival of serology blood tests and stances, and of those having navirus epidemic began, saying likely be a step-by-step process. then rapid tests that can provide to endure sickness, isolation 509 more people had died in He said it would probably not results in minutes. and loneliness,” Charles said hospital to bring the toll to 4,032. be “all at once, everywhere and The government’s strategy is from his home in Scotland. There are now 24,639 people for everyone” indicating it could aimed at limiting the peak of the The prince’s mother, hospitalised in France with to subject to where people live, epidemic so that the health 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth, COVID-19, with 6,017 of them in testing and their age. system is not overwhelmed. is currently with her husband intensive care, health official The possibility in the coming Hospitals have been under Prince Philip, 98, at her Jerome Salomon told reporters weeks and months of stepped- immense stress in the east of the Windsor Castle home, west of in his daily update. The death toll up testing would allow the gov- country -- one of the worst hit London. Buckingham Palace on Tuesday had risen by 499. ernment to ascertain “the pro- areas -- but also in the region has said she too is in good The French figures include portion of our fellow citizens who around Paris. One hundred more health. only those who died in hospital have been contaminated” and patients will be transferred from Charles also paid tribute A medical staff member speaks to a patient at a medical centre, and not those who died at home thus the degree to which the Paris to elsewhere in France on to doctors, nurses and other in Paris, yesterday. or in old people’s homes. French population has immunity, Thursday. staff on the front line in the The number of confirmed he said. Interior Minister Christophe National Health Service, cases also rose by 4,861 to 56,989. number of people in intensive since March 17 in a bid to slow France is currently carrying Castaner warned residents to whom he said were under Many cases however go unreg- care was already above France’s the spread of the epidemic and out 30,000 tests a day, far fewer write off any travel plans for enormous strain and risk, istered because of a lack of pre-crisis intensive care capacity officials have repeatedly warned than in neighbouring Germany, school holidays starting this adding their “utter, selfless testing equipment. of around 5,000. it will take time for the measures a weakness that has been weekend, promising to punish devotion to duty” made the Salomon noted that the France has been in lockdown to bear fruit. repeatedly noted by the right- any unwarranted movement. nation proud. Italy doctors warn of ‘bio bombs’ from patients sent to care homes AFP — ROME possible, and those unable to 600 in the hard-hit Bergamo that risk turning care homes into already been transferred to care foreign press association on convalesce in isolation at home region alone — though firm data ‘biological bombs’ that spread homes in Lombardy, the epi- Monday that regional data Italian doctors and unions have are being moved to care homes are impossible to find, with the virus,” Raffaele Antonelli centre of the crisis, while the showed a significant proportion warned that a government policy or requisitioned hotels. many victims reportedly going Incalzi, head of Italian geriatric Marche region in central Italy of those discharged from hos- to send patients discharged from The virus has already infil- untested, experts say. society SIGG, said. and Sicily in the south have pital still had the virus. hospital but still positive for coro- trated assisted living facilities They have voiced serious “Widely using care home begun following suit, said SIGG. The government has said navirus to care homes is like across the nation, in what is concerns over the safety of the beds to ease pressure on hos- Figures for the numbers of strict rules apply to which facil- priming “biological bombs”. being dubbed the “silent 300,000 or so residents in Italy’s pitals... would put the elderly patients involved nationally had ities can be used to ensure no With over 28,000 people in massacre”. 7,000 care homes. residents at risk, and they are the not yet been compiled, it said. contamination takes place, from hospital including more than Hundreds of people in care “In a war like this, we can’t weakest link in this pandemic,” Matteo Villa, research fellow physical distancing, to training 4,000 in intensive care, beds homes are feared to have suc- expose ourselves to the danger he said. at the Italian Institute for staff and equipping them with need to be freed up as soon as cumbed to the disease — over of a recurrence of new outbreaks Some 2,000 patients have Political Studies (ISPI), told the protective gear. THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 EUROPE 13 Moscow unveils tracking app as cases near 2,800 in Russia

REUTERS — MOSCOW President Putin is developed a smartphone app working remotely for residents who have con- President Vladimir Putin is tracted the virus that would taking precautions to protect after a doctor who allow officials to monitor himself against coronavirus, the shook the President's their movements. The app Kremlin said yesterday, as will be available from today, Moscow authorities launched hands last week the official, Eduard Lysenko, a smartphone app designed to was diagnosed with told the Ekho Moskvy radio track people who have been COVID-19. station. ordered to stay home because The Russian capital is also of the virus. preparing to roll out a QR-code Putin will due to hold a gov- system where each resident ernment meeting later yes- Russia expanded its coro- that registers online will be terday by video conference, the navirus lockdown yesterday to assigned a unique code that Kremlin said, a day after a cover more of its sprawling ter- they can show to police officers Boxes with medical equipment and masks to help fight COVID-19 are seen on board a Russian military doctor who met him last week ritory as the official tally of if stopped when going to the transport plane ahead of its departure to the US, at an aerodrome outside Moscow, yesterday. said he had been diagnosed infections rose to 2,777, a shop or the chemist, he said. with the highly infectious virus. one-day increase of 440. Both measures appeared in Denis Protsenko last week Twenty-four people have so far an unconfirmed draft blueprint gave Putin a tour of Moscow’s died in Russia, authorities say. for a city-wide surveillance Russia sends supplies to US for virus fight main coronavirus hospital and Moscow, a bustling system that was circulated shook hands with the Russian metropolis of more than 12.5 online this week. Kremlin AFP — MOSCOW near Moscow early yesterday fever, but Italian media have leader. Protsenko is now self- million that has become the critics said it risked turning morning. reported that much of the aid isolating in his office. epicentre of Russia’s outbreak, Moscow into a “digital concen- A Russian military plane The delivery came after was not useful in the fight The Kremlin, which has said has come to an eerie standstill tration camp”. carrying medical equipment Russian President Vladimir against the virus. that everything is fine with since announcing a partial Lysenko said that anyone has departed for the United Putin spoke with US coun- Last month, Russia said it Putin’s health, said the Pres- lockdown on Sunday. without a device that is able to States, the defence ministry in terpart Donald Trump on had sent nearly 1,000 corona- ident was now keeping his dis- Residents can leave their download the tracking app Moscow said yesterday. Monday. virus testing kits to ex-Soviet tance from other people and homes only to buy food or med- would be lent one by city The Antonov-124, “with Russia has previously sent states and countries including preferred to work remotely. icine nearby, get urgent medical authorities that they would later medical masks and medical medical supplies and experts to Iran and North Korea. Asked if Putin had changed treatment, walk the dog or return. equipment on board”, left for coronavirus-hit Italy as part of Kremlin spokesperson the way he greeted people and empty their bins. Red Square Eight southern Russian the US overnight, a statement a humanitarian effort that ana- Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday was now keeping a distance, was largely empty on Tuesday regions rolled out lockdown said, without providing further lysts said carried geopolitical that Putin expected the US to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry except for police who stopped measures similar to Moscow details. overtones. return the gesture if Russia Peskov said: “Of course, now occasional passersby to check yesterday, meaning that over Video released by the min- Moscow said the aid for faces a similar crisis and US everyone is maintaining a social their papers. two thirds of Russia’s more than istry showed the cargo plane Italy included some 100 virus producers have increased their distance. Everyone is doing A Moscow city official said 80 regions are now in a state of loaded with boxes preparing to specialists with experience capacity to produce medical this.” yesterday authorities had partial lockdown. take off from a military airbase dealing with Ebola and swine supplies. Switzerland to expand emergency aid programme as toll mounts Hungary’s Orban seeks backing of REUTERS — ZURICH EU right Switzerland is preparing more help for businesses flattened by AFP — BRUSSELS the coronovirus epidemic, the government said yesterday, Hungarian Prime Minister topping up the biggest economic Viktor Orban is seeking aid package in Swiss history as conservative backing to remain the human toll mounted. within Europe’s main centre- Deaths from the corona- right political bloc despite virus rose by five to 378, while concerns over his adoption of the number of people with pos- emergency powers to rule by itive tests in Switzerland sur- decree. passed 17,000, the federal The nationalist leader health agency said. argues he needs unchecked The government instructed authority to combat the coro- Aircraft of the Swiss Airlines, the Edelweis Air and the Helvetic Airways are parked at an airbase in Duebendorf, Switzerland, esterday.y the finance ministry to come up navirus epidemic, but oppo- with a proposal by Friday for nents accuse him of launching expanding an emergency economy through the crisis. It cautioning it would be unable Government ministers guard down now,” Economy a power grab under cover of liquidity programme for coro- is now looking to do even more. to cover all claims for lost urged people to stay home and Minister Guy Parmelin told a the crisis. navirus-hit businesses. That could include helping income. work from there if possible as news conference in Bern, dis- Brussels has expressed Banks within days have lent protect start-ups from bank- From expensive watches to a way to curb the spread of the tancing himself from calls from concern and vowed to monitor out more than half of the 20 ruptcy and expanding financial chocolates and cement, Swiss highly infectious respiratory his right-wing People’s Party developments, as calls mount billion Swiss francs ($20.69bn) support to cover more self- industry is being battered by the illness that has hit neighbours and some businesspeople to for the European People’s Party set aside for state-backed loans employed individuals who have pandemic. Italy and France hard, with draw up an exit plan from tough (EPP) to throw the Hungarian at no or low interest under a suffered massive losses. The purchasing managers’ almost 16,000 deaths between restrictions on public life. leader’s governing Fidesz party programme set up last week. Further measures are under index for manufacturing sank them. These include a ban on out of their group. The government has so far consideration to cover travel to its lowest in more than a “We are engaged in a long gatherings of more than five Orban has contacted set aside 42 billion francs to agencies, culture and sports, the decade in March, while the battle, the population must people and closure of schools leading EPP figures — including help the export-driven government said, while services sector hit a record low. know that we cannot let our and restaurants. head of Germany’s CDU, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer — appealing for support, party Georgian PM figures said. Opposing him is COVID-19 deaths in the Netherlands increase to 1,173 EPP president and former pledges $606m Polish leader Donald Tusk, who REUTERS — AMSTERDAM coronavirus outbreak rather prefer setting up a new support diseases said yesterday that is lobbying the affiliate parties to help economy than issue joint bonds or tap the fund rather than having coun- measures to limit the corona- in the EU member states to The number of deaths in the Eureopean Union's bailout fund. tries use the European Stability virus outbreak in the Nether- reconsider their support for REUTERS — TBILISI Netherlands resulting from the In a debate in the Dutch Mechanism (ESM). lands appear to have halved the Fidesz’s place in their ranks. new coronavirus has risen by parliament, Rutte said he hoped "If you do (support) from the rate of infection, “Donald Tusk seems to Georgia will put 2 billion lari 134 to 1,173, health authorities to repair diplomatic ties with ESM, then it's a loan and a loan The average number of align himself to the rhetoric of ($606m) from its state budget said yesterday. Italy and Spain after drawing must be paid back," he said. "If people infected by someone the European liberals and left, towards helping the economy Confirmed cases increased criticism for a perceived lack of you do it as a gift, then it's: carrying the coronavirus has expressing unfounded con- through the coronavirus by 1,019 to 13,614, the Nether- empathy during EU crisis con- 'Listen, you guys have been hit dropped below 1 in the Nether- cerns about the democratic pandemic, its Prime Minister lands' National Institute for versations last week. hard, but together with a lands since mid-march, the commitment of some of our Giorgi Gakharia said. Health (RIVM) said. Rutte repeated that the number of wealthier countries, head of the Dutch Public Health parties,” Orban told The South Caucasus Dutch Prime Minister Mark Netherlands opposed the idea we're prepared to bear the Institute Jaap van Dissel said in Kramp-Karrenbauer. country of 3.7 million people Rutte yesterday said he would of "coronabonds" as a form of direct costs of the coronavirus a briefing to parliament. “Those who are unable to had reported 115 coronavirus prefer to make a "gift" to debt-sharing among EU crisis'." “The measures seem to help should at least refrain cases as of yesterday, with no European countries in financial members in response to the Meanwhile, the country’s work. It is now crucially from hindering the efforts of deaths. distress as a result of the crisis. He said he would also top official for infectious important to continue them." others,” he complained. “This is the help that will be directed to the maintenance of jobs, to the maintenance of companies, to the ongoing US calls on Kosovo to drop production of companies and to the maintenance of current restrictions on Serbians businesses,” Gakharia said during a briefing. REUTERS — PRISTINA The US Embassy in Kosovo Georgian authorities have said it opposed the new said that the coronavirus crisis The United States criticised measures because they will is likely to threaten the former yesterday a move by Kosovo create more problems. Soviet country’s economic making it harder for Serbians “Kosovo should drop all growth forecast of 4.5% this to enter the country, despite its tariffs and not create new bar- year, but not by how much. removal of 100% tariffs on riers because these policies The economy expanded by goods produced by its hurt the people of Kosovo and 3.7% year-on-year in January- neighbour. strangle Kosovo’s own February, down from 4.1% in Under pressure from the economy,” it said in a the same period of 2019, European Union and the US, statement. although this does not reflect which last month halted $50m Kosovo introduced the Georgia’s measures aimed at in economic aid to Kosovo, tariffs in 2018 after Serbia preventing the spread of the prime minister Albin Kurti said blocked its former province’s coronavirus, which were the tariffs would be removed membership of international implemented in March. from April 1, with an evaluation organisations including Interpol Gakharia said that an addi- of the situation on June 15. and Unesco, prompting Bel- tional 351 million lari for the But trucks and cars with grade to walk out of EU- healthcare system would be Serbian licence plates will now mediated talks with Pristina allocated from the state Partial lockdown in Greece need temporary ones to enter aimed at normalising relations. budget. The World Bank has Kosovo, Serbians will need a The measures reciprocate those already approved a ¤45m loan A nearly-deserted waterfront in Thessaloniki, Greece, during a partial lockdown of the city aimed at special permit as their docu- applied in Serbia to travellers to support the country’s eco- curbing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Greece authorities are banning access for promenade as ments will not be recognised from Kosovo, a country Bel- nomic growth and help mit- thousands of people ignored appeals for social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. and all trade documents should grade still considers part of its igate the impact of the coro- treat Kosovo as an independent territory having refused to rec- navirus crisis. country. ognise its independence. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 Bolsonaro calls virus Historic Peruvian Brazil’s biggest test bullring converted to virus shelter in a generation AFP — LIMA Lima has converted an 18th century bull BLOOMBERG — BRASILIA On Tuesday, Brazil ring into a homeless shelter to protect its most vulnerable people from the corona- President Jair Bolsonaro took recorded 42 deaths virus pandemic, despite protests from bull- to airwaves on Tuesday night from coronavirus to fighting activists. in an apparent bid to calm “We have to give them the best quality political tensions, shifting gears raise the nation’s toll so that we can ensure they aren’t exposed to assure Brazilians that his to 201, with 5,717 to an infection situation and don’t infect main concern “was always to other people either,” said Lima’s mayor save lives.” confirmed cases Jorge Munoz. In a nationally-televised nationwide. The shelter opened on Tuesday in the address, the President called capital, the worst affected city in Peru by for a unified effort by the “We have to avoid any loss the virus, and will initially host 30 people, federal government, states, of human life as much as pos- rising progressively to 150. Congress and society in face of sible, but at the same time, we They will receive food, health services the pandemic. must avoid the destruction of and security. “We have a mission: to save jobs, which is already causing With a population of nearly 10 million, lives without loosing jobs,” he a lot of suffering for Brazilian Lima had registered 718 of the country’s said in the course of his eight- workers,” Bolsonaro said. 950 cases by Monday, according to official minute speech. On Tuesday alone, Brazil figures. An aerial view of the shelter set up at the bicentennial Acho Bullring in Lima, on Tuesday. On a familiar note, Bol- recorded 42 deaths from coro- The Plaza de toros de Acho, opened in sonaro once again sought to navirus to raise the nation’s toll 1776, is the oldest bull ring in the Americas. that bullfighting is “cultural heritage” and Peru has declared a state of emergency make the case for more flexible to 201, with 5,717 confirmed For the duration of its time as a that the arena does not meet the necessary and the country has been on lockdown social distancing protocols, cases nationwide. homeless shelter it will be known as “Eve- sanitary levels for a shelter. since March 16. citing World Health Organi- The President’s address was ryone’s House,” the city said. The association has complained about Its borders and schools are closed, and zation Director General Tedros followed by another night of It is due to serve as a shelter until April Munoz to the culture ministry, arguing that business has been suspended except for Ghebreyesus’s comment that Brazilians banging pots and 12, during the nighttime curfew that has there are other, more suitable sites for a food stores, pharmacies and banks. “each individual is important pans from open windows, bal- been imposed in Peru — from 6:00 pm to homeless shelter. Just over a month ago, Peru’s top court and is affected by our actions.” conies and roof tops — a tradi- 5:00 am. In the days leading up to its “Due to its use, the Plaza de Acho — rejected a lawsuit brought by animal rights At the same time, the Pres- tional form of popular protest opening, authorities fumigated the arena mainly in the arena and its surroundings activists hoping to ban bull and cock ident struck a far more mod- in the region that has flared up and laid a protective flooring, erected a — has lots of bacteria that will affect the fighting. Peru has animal rights laws but erate tone in relation to the as Brazilian unease over Bol- giant tent and brought in beds. health of people that set up to live inside also a clause exempting bull and cock pandemic that he only recently sonaro’s handling of the crisis The move has angered Peru’s Cultural it,” the association said in a statement fighting as it considers them “cultural referred as “a little flu.” mounts. Bullfighting Association, which has argued shared on Twitter. shows.” Brazil confirms Coronavirus infects 29 medical workers at Mexico hospital first indigenous REUTERS — MEXICO CITY to levels seen in Europe. the department said. low number of tests that might Mexico declared a health COVID-19 case The health department at He was hospitalized late mean many more cases are emergency earlier this week Nearly 30 medical workers at the northern border state of last week and is currently in an undetected. and issued stricter rules aimed in the Amazon a hospital in northern Mexico Coahuila said 29 medical and isolated area of the intensive Like elsewhere in the at containing the fast- have been infected with coro- nursing staff of the publicly care unit. It said no patients world, scores of Mexican spreading coronavirus after the REUTERS — BRASILIA navirus, the regional health owned IMSS General Hospital have been affected so far. healthcare workers have held number of cases surged past department said on Tuesday, in Monclova had tested positive Coahuila’s health protests against the lack of pro- 1,000 and the death toll rose An indigenous woman in a in one of the worst outbreaks for coronavirus as of late department said the Monclova tective gear as they battle the sharply. village deep in the Amazon to hit the country’s healthcare Tuesday. hospital’s supplies are cur- virus outbreak. It has one of the world’s rainforest has contracted the system so far. The outbreak began when rently being reviewed. Earlier this week, medical highest rates of both obesity novel coronavirus, the first Mexico has so far reported one of the hospital’s doctors Critics say the government workers at a public hospital in and diabetes, and experts have case reported among Brazil’s 1,215 coronavirus cases and 29 contracted coronavirus from a of President Andres Manuel Torreon, which is also in Coa- recently sounded the alarm more than 300 tribes, the deaths, and officials have patient at his private practice Lopez Obrador has acted huila, rallied to denounce the that its population could Health Ministry’s indigenous warned that hospitals and earlier this month, and then slower than other countries in lack of gloves, protective suits, therefore be more vulnerable health service Sesai said clinics could be overwhelmed that doctor spread the virus to the region to combat the virus and high-quality face masks, than its relatively young yesterday. if the number of infections rise his colleagues while on duty, and has carried out a relatively local media reported. average age might suggest. The 19-year-old woman from the Kokama tribe tested positive for the virus in the district of Santo Antonio do Içá, Colombia reports first located near the border with Colombia some 880km up the coronavirus cases among Amazon river from the state capital Manaus. “Unfortunately, we have indigenous people an indigenous person with the virus,” said a Sesait spokes- REUTERS — BOGOTA About 2 million indigenous woman by telephone. people live in Colombia in 115 The patient, whose name The first two cases of the coro- different groups from the coun- was not made public, is a navirus were confirmed among try’s northern mountains to the medical worker who had Colombia’s indigenous people Amazon rainforest in the south. traveled upriver to several vil- on Tuesday, local authorities The 56,000 indigenous lages, including the town of said, fanning fears that the families who live near cities Tabatinga, and returned home highly contagious disease could and towns are particularly at with fever, a sore throat and decimate vulnerable tribal risk as are those living in border chest pains, the O Globo news- communities. areas, the ONIC said. paper reported. The cases were found in The city of Cucuta, where Four cases of coronavirus two people from the Yukpa the indigenous cases were have been confirmed in the group who live in dire poverty found, has been a major entry same district, including a Bra- in a cluster of makeshift point into Colombia for Vene- zilian doctor who tested pos- shelters and tents in the zuelans fleeing political turmoil itive last week, raising fears northern border city of Cucuta, in their homeland.. that the epidemic could spread Guatemala City disinfects streets according to the National Members of the Yukpa tribe to remote and vulnerable Indigenous Organization of live in both countries. Municipal workers wash the streets as a preventive measure against the spread of the new coronavirus, indigenous communities with Colombia (ONIC), the country’s Colombia has closed its in Guatemala City, yesterday. Guatemala has 39 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, including devastating effect. leading indigenous authority. borders with Venezuela, The doctor, whose name one death and 10 recovered. Health experts said they Ecuador, Peru, Panama and was not made public, had fear the coronavirus could Brazil, but people can cross returned from vacation in spread rapidly among tribes undetected. “It puts everyone southern Brazil to work with Cuba suspends May Day parade over pandemic who have little immunity to at grave risk,” said Londono. the Tikunas, one of the largest diseases common in the As some tribes only number tribe in the Amazon with more AFP — HAVANA together more than one million decided by the country’s general population. a few dozen people or less, than 30,000 people who live people in the capital Havana Political Bureau, presided over Their immune systems deaths from the coronavirus in the upper Amazon near the Cuba on Tuesday announced a each year, according to by Communist Party leader often are weakened as well by mean some communities could borders with Colombia and rare suspension of its May Day authorities. Raul Castro. malnutrition, hepatitis B, dia- face extinction, according to Peru. parade, a fixture of the coun- It was last called off in 1994 Diaz-Canel asked the betes and respiratory diseases the ONIC and indigenous rights Health experts warn that try’s political calendar since the and 1995 when Cuba faced a Workers Central Union of Cuba, like tuberculosis, experts say. groups. the spreading virus could be 1959 Communist revolution, as severe economic crisis, known which organizes the event, to “We are very concerned,” Earlier in March, indig- lethal for Brazil’s 850,000 a precaution against the coro- as the “special period,” after the offer alternatives — suggesting Maricela Londono, ONIC press enous leaders across Colombia indigenous people. navirus pandemic. collapse of the Soviet Union. the hanging of flags outside officer, said. told communities to lock down, The colorful Labor Day President Miguel Diaz- homes or a substitute “virtual Several other possible cases keep outsiders away, parade is a major showpiece Canel told ministers in a parade.” Cuba has recorded 186 are being closely watched in implement social distancing El Salvador event for the island’s gov- meeting carried on state TV that cases of the COVID-19 illness, Colombia’s indigenous and suspend schools and announces first ernment and typically brings this year’s suspension was with six deaths. reserves, she said. meetings on ancestral lands. COVID-19 death Indigenous leader from threatened tribe shot dead in Brazil ANATOLIA — BUENOS AIRES REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO FUNAI. statement issued yesterday. December, two others were especially the leaders that fight El Salvador announced its first Brazil’s President, Jair Bol- “We are mourning his gunned down, and a teenager to defend their territories death from the novel corona- A leader of a protected tribe in sonaro, has encouraged eco- death. We’re protecting the was found stabbed to death. against invaders,” said APIB in virus on Tuesday. the Amazon has been found nomic development in the forest for all humanity, but Federal police were a statement. President Nayib Bukele dead, authorities said, marking Amazon to lift indigenous powerful forces are out to kill notified, and the state gov- Zezico was an indigenous conveyed the news on Twitter, the fifth violent death in six groups from poverty and us.” ernment of Maranhao has teacher and a supporter of the saying the victim is a 60-year- months in a region rife with improve the lives of 30 million The Guajajara, one of Bra- launched an investigation into Guardians of the Forest, and he old woman who recently conflict between illegal loggers Brazilians who live there. zil’s largest indigenous groups Zezico’s death, officials said. had a history of receiving death returned from the US. and indigenous people. But invasions of protected with more than 20,000 Brazil’s indigenous people’s threats, according to APIB. He offered his condolences The body of Zezico Gua- forest reserves by illegal loggers members, is known for pro- association, APIB, which rep- “The loggers are desperate to the family and friends of the jajara, a member of the Gua- and miners have increased tecting the forest against illegal resents many of the country’s to get rid of the Guardians, tar- deceased and called on people jajara tribe, was discovered since he took office last year, loggers and miners with a 900,000 native people, urged geting them one by one,” said to stay home. with bullet wounds near an leading to violent clashes. Guardians of the Forest patrol federal police to investigate as Sarah Shenker, a campaigner El Salvador, which has a indigenous reservation on “We have lost another created several years ago. well. with Survival International, a population of around 7 million, Tuesday in Maranhao state, part fellow warrior — a man who In November, a Guardians “This fact is evidence of the non-profit that helps indig- has 32 confirmed cases of of the Amazon region, said Bra- defended life,” said indigenous of the Forest member was killed worsening violence and vulner- enous communities, in a COVID-19. zil’s indigenous affairs agency leader Olimpio Guajajara in a by illegal loggers, and in ability of the indigenous people, statement. THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020 AMERICAS 15

US puts federal Virus deaths jump prisons on lockdown over to over 1,900 in outbreak fears New York state AFP — WASHINGTON The US confined all its federal As hot spots ﬂared around the country in inmates, nearly 170,000 places like New Orleans, Detroit and Southern people, to their cells and wards yesterday for at least two California, New York City was the hardest hit weeks to prevent an outbreak of them all, accounting for the majority of of coronavirus, an especially dire concern in the country the state’s deaths, with bodies loaded onto with the world’s largest prison refrigerated morgue trucks by gurney and population. forklift outside overwhelmed hospitals. So far 29 inmates and 30 guards throughout the 122 US Army National Guard personnel distributing boxes of free preferred meals to residents in the federal penitentiaries have East Harlem section of Manhattan in New York City, New York, US, yesterday. AFP — NEW YORK been infected with COVID-19, York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. according to the latest count New York authorities rushed to “I want answers. The answer is Johns Hopkins University, Health care workers who sound of ambulances on our from the Bureau of Prisons. bring in an army of medical nobody knows for sure.” though the real figures are have hit the ground already, quiet streets because that meant A 49-year-old man serving volunteers yesterday as the Across the US, Americans believed to be much higher many brought in by staffing there were survivors, but we a drug trafficking sentence in statewide death toll from the braced for what President because of testing shortages, agencies, have discovered a didn’t hear those sounds, and it a Florida prison died Saturday, coronavirus surged past 1,900 Donald Trump warned could be differences in counting the dead hospital system becoming was heartbreaking. Today, I becoming the first US inmate and the wail of ambulances in “one of the roughest two or and large numbers of mild cases overwhelmed.“I have never hear an ambulance on my killed by the disease. the otherwise eerily quiet three weeks we’ve ever had in that have gone unreported. seen so many human beings strangely quiet street and my Previously, only inmates streets of the big city became our country.” The White House The US recorded over in an ER at one time in my heart breaks, too,” said 61-year- who had been in contact with the heartbreaking soundtrack projected 100,000 to 240,000 190,000 infections and more entire life,” said Liz old Meg Gifford, a former Wall infected people were quaran- of the crisis. deaths in the US before the out- than 4,100 deaths. Schaffer, a nurse from St. Streeter who lives on Manhat- tined. Most visits and transfers As hot spots flared around break is over. In New York, at least 78,000 Paul, Minnesota, who had her tan’s Upper East Side. had also been suspended. the country in places like New In a remarkable turnaround, people have volunteered as first shift Tuesday at Mount The region rushed to set up That changed yesterday. Orleans, Detroit and Southern rich economies where virus medical reinforcements, Sinai Hospital. extra hospital capacity at the “For a 14-day period, inmates California, New York City was cases have exploded are wel- according to state officials. The “Shoulder to shoulder. It is mammoth Javits Convention in every institution will be the hardest hit of them all, coming help from less wealthy group includes recent retirees a sight I never thought I would Center, on a Navy hospital ship secured in their assigned cells/ accounting for the majority of ones. Russia sent medical who are willing to go back to see. Patients are dying every and in the indoor tennis center quarters to decrease the the state’s deaths, with bodies equipment and masks to the US. work, health care professionals day. Every single day.”With that hosts the U.S. Open. spread of the virus,” the bureau loaded onto refrigerated Cuba sent doctors to France. who can take a break from their New York on near-lockdown, Elsewhere in the U.S., said in a statement. morgue trucks by gurney and Turkey dispatched masks, regular jobs and people the normally bustling city federal, state and local officials Such lockdowns are forklift outside overwhelmed hazmat suits, goggles and dis- between gigs. Few have made streets are so empty that a tried to end a standoff over usually only implemented to hospitals, in some cases in full infectants to Italy and Spain. it into the field yet, as author- single siren, to some, is no whether two cruise ships with quell prison unrest. This time, view of passing motorists. And Worldwide, about 900,000 ities vet them and figure out longer the easily ignored urban sick and dead passengers may the move “is based on health the worst is yet to come. people have been infected and how to use them, but hospitals background noise. dock at Port Everglades, Florida. concerns, not disruptive “How does it end? And over 44,000 have died, are expected to begin bringing “After 9/11, I remember we More than 300 U.S. citizens are inmate behavior,” the people want answers,” New according to a tally kept by them in later this week. actually wanted to hear the on board. statement said. It said that, “to the extent practicable,” inmates would still have access to programs Many coronavirus patients in New York are young such as education and mental health treatment; while “limited group gathering” BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK The young man, who had no France were falling ill. Now, the too many situations with too of patients in intensive care last would still be allowed to facil- underlying medical conditions, trend has shown up in the U.S. much density by young people,” week were under age 50, itate access to showers and Younger adults in New York was short of breath with a fever, “So many patients are not Cuomo said at his daily press according to a worker who was commissary, among other City are being hospitalized with and his oxygen levels were fitting the picture that we’ve briefing Wednesday. “They can providing direct medical care services. COVID-19 infections at surpris- dropping rapidly. He’d come to been told from China or Italy. get it, and they’re putting their to them. A handful were in their Rights activists strongly ingly high rates, said doctors the hospital’s emergency This is not just elderly patients; lives at risk. This can kill young 20s, and one was just 7 years criticized the measures. and other health-care workers department four days earlier it’s anyone,” Jackson said. A people, rare circumstances, but old. The hospital declined to “Solitary confinement is not treating them, undermining but was told to go home, drink confidential U.S. intelligence it can.’ provide exact numbers of a solution. Solitary con- earlier assumptions about water, take Tylenol and self- report has raised doubts about A lack of widespread testing Covid-19 patients, details about finement is torture,” said who’s most at risk from the new isolate. Now he was back and China’s reporting of the out- for the virus in the U.S. has made their ages or whether they had Scott Hechinger, a New York coronavirus. his condition was deteriorating. break, including under- it difficult for health officials to underlying health conditions, public defender, on Twitter. New York has more con- “The level of fear in his eyes counting cases. As many as 20% know which groups are most at citing patient privacy. Similar measures taken firmed cases than anywhere stood out to me,” Jackson, an of confirmed cases at the hos- risk. But doctors and other health In China, which was hit first due to the virus have led to else in the US, and about 1 in 5 emergency medicine physician, pital have been under age 50, workers who spoke to Bloomberg by the virus, just 4.3% of deadly riots in prisons in hospitalizations are occurring recalled in an interview Jackson estimated. Many described surprising numbers of patients age 40 to 49 were hos- Italy and Jordan, and in people under age 44, Tuesday. “He was extremely younger doctors in their 30s are younger patients who needed pitalized after developing escapes in Venezuela and according to data released by scared. And he was so young.” watching healthy patients their life-saving care. Covid-19, according to a report Brazil. the city’s health department. For months, the message age being admitted into the hos- “It’s young folks, previously published in the journal Lancet The US has more than 2.2 Globally, moderate-to-severe from authorities had been that pital and needing to be put on healthy,” said Eric Wei, an Infectious Diseases. It was even million people are behind bars, cases have occurred in 10% to older people were at the highest a ventilator. emergency room doctor and lower for younger people, with more than any other country 15% of adults under age 50, risk. It was a belief so strongly “People are scared. These chief quality officer at NYC just 1% of those in their 20s and in the world — the vast according to the World Health held that health officials took are patients where you’re Health + Hospitals, the city’s 3.4% of those age 30 to 39 majority in state penitentiaries Organization. to chastising people in their 20s thinking: ‘This just shouldn’t be public hospital system. “They requiring hospitalization, the or local jails. On Friday at Manhattan’s and 30s to stay home-not to happening to you. You’re so look like they have the flu. report found. Since the beginning of the Mount Sinai Morningside Hos- protect themselves, but to avoid young. Why is this Within hours, they need oxygen. Those gaps could be made epidemic, which has now pital, a previously healthy transmitting the disease to older happening?”New York Gov- Within a few more hours they up of differences in demo- infected more than 200,000 32-year-old male patient populations. That changed in ernor Andrew Cuomo said too need a ventilator.” graphics, the share of people people and killed nearly 4,500 turned to doctor Kaedrea mid-March, when a top White many young people haven’t At NYU Langone Health’s with pre-existing conditions or in the US, there have been calls Jackson and asked: “Am I going House health official warned gotten the message that they Medical Center overlooking the differing medical practices or to reduce the prison to die?” that young people in Italy and can be infected.”’You still see East River in Manhattan, dozens resources. population. Democrats want health center, road funds in next stimulus bill BLOOMBRG — WASHINGTON Clyburn, of South Carolina, said borrowing at currently low the virus response should focus interest rates, which would be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on “equitable” recovery, unlike about the same as Democrats’ said the next coronavirus stimulus measures to respond plan if spread over 10 years. stimulus bill should include at to the 2008 recession and the Democrats, who took least $760bn over five years for Great Depression. control of the House last year, water projects, broadband and “I am very concerned that have generally been more transportation — plus $10bn for things are going to get worse in interested in federal infra- community health centers and rural and poor areas” that don’t structure projects than the more for housing and education have internet access or com- Republicans who controlled —as a way to strengthen US munity health centers, Clyburn both chambers of Congress for infrastructure and the said.The total cost for this part the first two years of the Trump economy. of Democrats’ phase-four virus administration. Trump had “We need to invest in our proposal would exceed the pledged in his 2016 campaign infrastructure to address some $760bn infrastructure plan they to seek $1 trillion in infra- of the critical impacts and vul- released in late January, by structure spending and called nerabilities that have been laid adding $10bn for health care on Congress in his 2018 State Charlotte and Calvin George wave with their parents as a car drives past their home to celebrate bare by the coronavirus,” Pelosi centers and additional funds of the Union address to ded- their ﬁfth birthday while isolating amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in St-Eugene, Ontario, said on a call with reporters. for housing and education, icate $1.5 trillion in new Canada, yesterday. Pelosi has said the $2.2 Pelosi said. Neither plan spec- investment.“We are so pleased trillion package signed into law ifies how to pay for it, which that the president has returned last week, Congress’s third has been the subject of talks to his interest in it,” Pelosi said Toronto cancels city-led events until June 30 virus-related bill, was aimed at between House Ways and Wednesday of Trump’s infra- AP — TORONTO gatherings of more than five distancing is critical. The rescuing the U.S. economy as Means Chairman Richard Neal structure tweet. people. The province has not decision to cancel was made in businesses close and people and Treasury Secretary Steven Infrastructure talks stalled Canada’s largest city, Toronto, said how long that will be in consultation with Toronto’s stay home amid the widening Mnuchin. last year after Democrats said announced it is canceling all force though. Toronto city Medical Officer of Health. outbreak. The next measure -- Democrats said they want the White House would release city-led and permitted events spokesman Brad Ross said Toronto has at least 628 the fourth phase of virus to invest $40bn to improve a plan to pay for as much as $2 through June 30 amid the coro- games in arenas or stadiums confirmed cases of the new response, which Congress plans local water quality and $86bn trillion in infrastructure. That navirus pandemic. fall under the mass gathering coronavirus, including eight to take up after April 20 -- will to expand broadband access. discussion broke down when Mayor John Tory said that order issued by the province. deaths. be intended to stimulate an Their plan would also include Democrats said Trump includes Pride Toronto in late “We have cancelled events “Many of these events of economic rebound, she said. funds to modernize the demanded that they halt inves- June. Don Peat, a spokesman that are City-led or need course involve thousands of Pelosi and other Democrats electric grid and rebuild roads, tigations of the president and for the mayor, said it applies to permits to the end of June. people, sometimes hundreds of raised concerns Wednesday bridges and public transit. his businesses. events that get city permits like These are, primarily, events thousands of people, and it is that the epidemic will exac- The House speaker said her Democrats have been parades and festivals and does that have been planned or are doubtful that the health envi- erbate inequality, both in access proposal is “probably in the reluctant to release a plan to not include sports events like being planned to give organ- ronment will be where it needs to health care and in the ability same ballpark” of what Pres- pay for infrastructure without the Blue Jays, Raptors and izers certainty,” Ross said. to be on the original scheduled of people to keep working or ident Donald Trump called for the White House also assuming Maple Leafs.. Tory said the health and spring dates if these events are going to school while following on Tuesday. He said he wants some political risk for what But Ontario already has a safety of residents has to be the to happen in a healthy safe and social distancing guidelines. a $2 trillion infrastructure would be an expensive province wide ban of priority and said physical stress free way,” Tory said. House Majority Whip Jim package, financed by proposal. 16 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

04.08 am 05.25 am o o Relatively hot daytime with scattered clouds and slight dust FAJR SUNRISE 24 C 32 C at times. ZUHR 11.38 am ASR 03.06 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 07:35– 23:43 LOW TIDE 05:18 – 16:05 MAGHRIB 05.53 pm ISHA 07.23 pm W ALRUWAIS: 21o↗31o W ALKHOR: 22o↗30o W DUKHAN: 19o↗35o W WAKRAH: 20o↗30o W MESAIEED 20o↗32o W ABUSAMRA17o↗37o

Lindsay Lohan JK Rowling starts ‘Harry Potter to make a At Home’ online collection comeback with new music single REUTERS — LONDON French, Italian, German and leaving many parents simulta- Japanese, with the version per- neously working from home REUTERS — LOS ANGELES British author JK Rowling is formed by British actor Stephen and looking after their children. hoping her much-loved Harry Fry accessible in North America Britain is in its second week Actress Lindsay Lohan, whose Potter series will work its magic for the first time. of lockdown, after Prime Min- promising movie career on bored children stuck at home A new online hub, Harry ister Boris Johnson announced crashed a decade ago in a during the coronavirus Potter At Home, will be aimed on March 23 that people would string of legal woes, on lockdown. at younger children and only be allowed to leave the Tuesday announced she was Harry Potter and the Philos- launched on WizardingWorld. house when absolutely nec- making a comeback with a opher’s Stone, the first book in com, the official website for essary, such as to buy food. new music single. the series about the boy wizard, fans of Harry Potter and the “The teachers, parents and “I’m back!,” the 33-year- will be available for free spin-off film series Fantastic carers working to keep chil- old star of “Mean Girls” posted A handout photo shows illustration of Hogwarts school on the ‘Harry worldwide as an ebook and Beasts. dren’s lives as normal and on social media, with a video Potter At Home’ website as JK Rowling has announced initiatives audiobook throughout April, as Each week “Wizarding happy as possible while we’re compilation of news clips from part of an initiative to help Wednesdays” and an email all on lockdown deserve a bit to help children, parents, carers and teachers conﬁned at home the ups and downs of her parents, carers and teachers newsletter will provide creative of magic,” Rowling said. during the coronavirus disease outbreak. career. entertain housebound children, activities, quizzes and ideas. “I hope these initiatives will Lohan also posted a link Rowling announced The coronavirus pandemic give children and even adults a an unprecedented worldwide world. It sold more than 500 for fans to pre-save her single yesterday. has seen more and more coun- happy distraction during their phenomenon in children’s lit- million copies in 80 languages on a music streaming platform. The audiobook will be tries limiting citizens’ move- enforced stay-at-home time.” erature, enthralling a gener- and sparked a $7 billion movie She offered no title, release available in English, Spanish, ments, closing schools and The Harry Potter series was ation of readers around the franchise. date, or other details. Her surprise announcement quickly Sports streaming became a top trending item on Disney to debut India streaming without fanfare Twitter but caused mixed service DAZN to reactions. BLOOMBERG — NEW DELHI on April 3. Disney joins rivals is crucial for Disney to advance be an “opportune moment.” “Sorry sis, we are in the stop paying fees such as Netflix Inc. and Amazon. its position in the south Asian But Disney, which was middle of a global pandemic,” Walt Disney Co. will start its com Inc.’s Prime Video in trying country, where Hotstar — an looking to the sports tie-in to tweeted user CaliRae, referring to leagues streaming service in India later to tap a potential surge in users asset the firm acquired along make a big splash, is now to the coronavirus that has this week, after a coronavirus at a time when millions of with 21st Century Fox — is entering the market without all upended life around the world REUTERS — NEW YORK lockdown upended its previous Indians — stuck at home — already a leader thanks to the the eyeballs it would otherwise and killed more than 40,000 plans in one of the world’s browse for entertainment. popularity of cricket. get through its Hotstar platform. people. Streaming service DAZN biggest emerging markets for Being one of the largest Streaming live matches to As the Covid-19 health crisis Other Twitter users won- Group has told sports leagues online video. open markets in Asia, India has avid fans of the English sport, rages around the world, there’s dered if Lohan was pulling an it will not pay rights fees for The US entertainment giant become a battleground for Hotstar says it has 300 million no certainty the IPL tournament April Fool’s Day stunt. any suspended or cancelled planned to kick off Disney+ in major streaming companies as monthly users, though not all will start on April 15. Lohan, once one of Holly- games amid the coronavirus India at the start of the wildly well as domestic players. are paying subscribers. The Disney+ debut follows wood’s most-sought after pandemic, according to a popular Indian Premier League Boston Consulting Group esti- Disney Chairman Bob Iger launches in the US and Europe. young actresses, went to rehab source familiar with the cricket season on March 29. mates the Indian video- told investors in February that It includes original pro- six times between 2007 and matter. That big-bang event has streaming market could grow Hotstar’s premium services in gramming, such as the hit Star 2013. While best known as an The streaming service is been put off for two weeks due to $5bn by 2023 from $500m India would be rebranded as Wars spinoff “The Mandalorian,” actress, Lohan last released a the first media company oper- to the pandemic. Disney said on in 2018. Disney+ Hotstar, and that the and films ranging from “Frozen single, the dancy “Bossy,” in ating in the United States that Tuesday the service will launch The new streaming platform Indian Premier League would II” to “The Avengers.” 2008. has decided to withhold fees, which are paid to sports leagues for the right to air events, as broadcast networks Edinburgh festivals cancelled have traditionally continued to pay the fees when games for first time in 70 years have not aired. The move was first reported earlier on AFP — EDINBURGH “heartbreaking”. Tuesday by Sports Business “However, having taken Journal. DAZN will also not pay Edinburgh’s international advice and considered all the for future seasons until the festivals were cancelled for the options, we collectively believe company is given an update first time in 70 years yesterday this is the only appropriate on when those seasons will because of the coronavirus response,” she added. begin, the source said. pandemic, organisers said, in The festivals provide a DAZN did not want to con- the latest blow for Britain’s platform for both professional tinue paying the fees because thriving arts scene. and amateur performers and it has no clarity on when sports Theatres, galleries and are estimated to be worth seasons will resume, and is museums have been shut and around £300m to the local focused on defraying costs, the music festivals such as Glas- economy. source added. tonbury called off, in line with They comprise more than The streaming service is government measures to cut 5,000 events in Scotland’s available in nine countries close-contact transmission of capital every August, featuring including the United States and the virus at mass gatherings. some 25,000 artists, writers Canada. It streams boxing and In Edinburgh, Fringe and performers from 70 coun- mixed martial arts in the Society chief executive Shona tries, and audiences of 4.4 United States and holds McCarthy said the decision to million. The International Fes- streaming rights for the Caring for animals cancel The Fringe, Interna- tival, which sees musicians National Football League and tional Festival, Jazz and Blues began in 1947 as a way to rec- A municipal worker leaves food for stray cats and dogs near Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul, Major League Baseball in Festival, Book Festival and Mil- oncile people and nations yesterday, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan. itary Tattoo was through art after World War II. Mass disinfections to combat coronavirus pose another health hazard REUTERS — SURABAYA, INDONESIA/ long in the environment and people “Disinfecting roads is clearly not SINGAPORE do not generally touch the ground.” A going to be impactful,” said Christopher spokesman for Surabaya’s mayor said Lee, a former deputy director general A drone dispersed clouds of disin- the use of drones for disinfection was in Malaysia’s health ministry and an fectant in the sky above Indonesia’s necessary in areas with confirmed infectious disease specialist. “Waste of second-largest city Surabaya on cases because the virus “can be resources and man hours.” Tuesday, a response to the coronavirus anywhere”. Malaysia’s director-general of pandemic which is catching on around Febriadhitya Prajatara compared health Noor Hisham Abdullah said on the world despite warnings from health the benzalkonium chloride disin- Tuesday the government would be experts. fectant, which can cause skin irrita- issuing guidelines to local authorities Mass disinfections, often by tions in high concentrations, to “soap” to make sure disinfection operations workers in protective gear resembling and said it would help “weaken the are carried out properly. characters from the comedy film virus so it won’t enter our body”. Back in Indonesia, telephone box- Ghostbusters, have become a common Coronavirus is a contagious respi- shaped disinfection chambers are sight — from Turkey’s Grand Bazaar ratory disease that spreads through being set up across the capital Jakarta, to bridges in Mexico and migrant droplets from the nose or mouth via offering passers-by a quick blast to rid workers in India. coughing or sneezing. their clothes and skin of potential But the visually impressive People can also become infected germs. measures taken to contain the fast- by contacting something contaminated “I think it’s good...I feel sanitized A police riot control vehicle sprays disinfectant amid the coronavirus outbreak spreading virus which has killed over before touching their own nose, mouth after touching a lot of things from the in Surabaya, Indonesia. 37,000 people globally, have been crit- or eyes. Surabaya local Ali Sarwono bus...I feel well-protected,” said Jakarta icised by disease specialists as a health welcomed the city’s initiative. resident Fany Anisa after exiting one hazard as well as a waste of time and “Using a drone is very effective, it disinfecting. from cities to the countryside risked of the chambers outside a bus stop in resources. can disinfect everywhere, including the “It (spraying) is probably a cheap spreading the virus. central Jakarta. “It’s a ridiculous image seen in rooftop. If it is done manually (by and visible way of doing it, but careful In Malaysia, under nationwide The private initiative being rolled many countries,” said Dale Fisher, an workers), all they can reach is the top attention to personal and environ- lockdown due to the virus, authorities out with the support of local author- infectious diseases expert in Singapore of the fence,” he said. mental hygiene is probably more have gone on a disinfection spree in ities has been criticised by one expert who chairs the Global Outbreak Alert Paul Tambyah of the Asia Pacific effective,” said Tambyah. areas with high case numbers to reduce who is advising the government’s and Response Network coordinated Society of Clinical Microbiology and Indian health workers caused the risk of further transmission. virus-fighting taskforce. by the World Health Organization. Infection said handwashing and tar- outrage on Monday when they used But images of plumes of disin- “It is not good for skin, mouth and “I don’t believe it adds anything to geted cleaning of commonly touched hose pipes to douse migrant workers fectant spray fired from trucks into the eyes, it will cause irritation,” said Wiku the response and could be toxic on surfaces like elevator buttons offered in the northern state of Utter Pradesh, air or from spray guns on to roads have Adisasmito, a public health professor people. The virus does not survive for better protection than mass amid fears the movement of people riled health experts. at the University of Indonesia.