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THURSDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11541 May 7, 2020 Ramadan 14, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Enjoy double speed with Ooredoo ONE while you’re at home #Hadaya_Ooredoo *Terms and conditions apply Qatar Airways will fl y to 80 destinations by June-end

zNational carrier plans to operate 52 destinations by end-May and 80 in June in a phased approach

atar Airways has announced the best fi t for expected demand on the airline will begin a phased each planned route. Qapproach to expanding its By the end of June, the aim is to network in line with passenger de- have 80 destinations in the schedule mand evolution and the expected re- including 23 in Europe, four in the laxation of entry restrictions around Americas, 20 in Middle East/Africa the world. and 33 in Asia-Pacifi c. Many cities The national airline will do “phased will be served with a strong schedule HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani witnessing the signing rebuilding” of network to an initial 52 with daily or more frequencies. of the agreement between the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and the French Thales Group. The agreement was destinations by end-May and 80 in The gradual expansion will focus signed by HE the Minister of State Ahmed bin Mohamed al-Sayed, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the June, subject to regulatory approval. initially on strengthening connec- QFZA, and Chairman and Chief Executive (CEO) of Thales Group Patrice Caine, at a virtual ceremony in Doha and Paris Having maintained fl ights to at tions between the airline’s hub in through video conference. least 30 destinations where pos- Doha with the global hubs of its part- sible during this crisis and to most ner airlines around the world includ- Amir, Canadian PM continents, helping to take over 1mn ing London, Chicago, Dallas and Hong discuss Covid-19 crisis people home, the airline has been in of the only carriers to operate globally Kong along with reopening many ma- a unique position to closely monitor in recent months. With entry restric- jor business and leisure destinations His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim QFZA, Thales sign deal to set global passenger fl ows and booking tions constantly evolving, accurately such as Madrid and Mumbai. bin Hamad al-Thani held a telephone trends to confi dently begin planning predicting future travel is challeng- Currently, the airline continues to conversation with Canadian Prime the gradual reintroduction of addi- ing. However, while the expectation operate fl ights to more than 30 desti- Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday up Digital Competence Centre tional fl ights and destinations to its is that short haul travel will rebound nations around the world. evening. During the call, they network. fi rst, business between large global By the end of May, subject to regu- reviewed bilateral relations and Qatar Airways Group Chief Ex- cities will pick up more gradually and latory approval, the airline plans to prospects of strengthening them, zNew facility to be a hub for software development ecutive HE Akbar al-Baker said: there will be a move towards visiting grow its network back to over 50 des- besides discussing eff orts related “Throughout this crisis our passen- family and friends following months tinations resuming services to cities to combating the novel coronavirus gers have been at the centre of our of lockdowns. such as Manila, Amman, and Nairo- (Covid-19) pandemic. The Canadian atar Free Zones Authority Thales and QFZA will also investi- focus. Our airline has implemented Qatar Airways will take full advan- bi. A further number of destinations prime minister expressed his thanks (QFZA) and Thales Group last gate the opportunity to create a start- industry-leading hygiene practices tage of its diverse and effi cient fl eet are planned to be added by the end of and appreciation to the Amir for the Qnight signed a co-operation up incubator and research partner- and commercial policies enabling our with the right aircraft size to ensure June. role of Qatar Airways in bringing back agreement to establish a Digital Com- ships to grow a local/international passengers to book and travel with Canadian nationals from various petence Centre in the Qatar Free Zones. ecosystem and explore in the future confi dence. parts of the world to Canada during HE the Prime Minister and Minister the development of other activities in “We have maintained a fl exible and Destinations operating by June-end the Covid-19 crisis. The call also of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Thales’ areas of expertise. agile network to help take over 1mn discussed regional and international Abdulaziz al-Thani witnessed yesterday HE Ahmad bin Mohamed al-Sayed people home through our state-of- (subject to regulatory approval) (TRV), Islamabad (ISB), Karachi developments, particularly security evening the signing of the agreement said, “We look forward to working with the-art hub in Doha and to transport (KHI), Lahore (LHE), Melbourne and stability in the region. by HE the Minister of State Ahmad bin Thales, already a key player in Qatar more than 100,000 tonnes of essen- Africa: Addis Ababa (ADD), Cape Town (MEL), Perth (PER), Sydney (SYD) Mohamed al-Sayed, also chairman of Free Zones, to set up this hub for in- tial medical and aid supplies to where (CPT), Johannesburg (JNB), Lagos Europe: Athens (ATH), Budapest Amir, Ukraine leader in QFZA, and Thales Group chairman and novation and technological explora- they are needed. (LOS), Nairobi (NBO), Tunis (TUN) (BUD), Moscow (DME), Istanbul talk on combating virus CEO Patrice Caine at a virtual signing tion. The Centre will be able to support “As we follow the indicators of the Americas: Chicago (ORD), Dallas (IST), Amsterdam (AMS), Stockholm ceremony in Doha and Paris. a very exciting range of projects, and global travel market on a daily basis, (DFW), Sao Paulo (GRU), Montreal (ARN), Barcelona (BCN), Brussels His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim The centre will be a hub for software provide leading technological sup- we continue to focus on our mission (YUL) (BRU), Paris (CDG), Copenhagen bin Hamad al-Thani held a telephone development and facilitate large-scale port for other companies in Qatar Free - how we can enable mobility for our Asia-Pacific: Guangzhou (CAN), (CPH), Dublin (DUB), Edinburgh conversation yesterday evening projects including events and security Zones, and across the country. Today’s customers and provide them with Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN), (EDI), Rome (FCO), Frankfurt (FRA), with Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr solutions, playing a key role in Qatar Free agreement builds on the strategic col- seamless connectivity to their fi nal Tokyo (NRT), Beijing (PEK), Shanghai London (LHR), Madrid (MAD), Zelensky, during which they Zones’ growing technology ecosystem. laboration agreement we signed re- destination. We have built a strong (PVG), Bangkok (BKK), Jakarta Manchester (MAN), Munich (MUC), discussed bilateral relations and ways In the short term, this includes pro- cently with Google Cloud to launch level of trust with passengers, gov- (CGK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Manila Milan (MXP), Oslo (OSL), Berlin to boost them. Ways of combating viding development support for large a new Cloud region in Doha, based in ernments, trade and airports as a reli- (MNL), Singapore (SIN), Ahmedabad (TXL), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH) the pandemic of the new coronavirus applications such as FAN ID, to manage Qatar Free Zones, as well as our exist- able partner during this crisis and we (AMD), Amritsar (ATQ), Bangalore Middle East: Amman (AMM), Beirut (Covid-19) and prevention to curb its spectator fl ows and access during large ing cooperation with Microsoft. These intend to continue delivering on this (BLR), Mumbai (BOM), Calicut (CCJ), (BEY), Baghdad (BGW), Basra spread, besides areas of co-operation sporting events. Over the longer term, agreements are key pillars in our strat- mission as we gradually expand our Kolkata (CCU), Colombo (CMB), (BSR), Erbil (EBL), Teheran (IKA), in this regard, were also discussed QFZA and Thales expect the centre egy to localise agreements and inter- network.” Kochi (COK), Dhaka (DAC), New Sulaymaniyah (ISU), Kuwait (KWI), during the phone call. to support projects in areas including national centres and to further develop While the situation remains hugely Delhi (DEL), Goa (GOI), Hyderabad Muscat (MCT), Mashad (MHD), Najaf counter-UAV, airport security and op- our leading technology ecosystem, for dynamic, Qatar Airways has made a (HYD), Kathmandu (KTM), Chennai (NJF), Sohar (OHS), Salalah (SLL), QC donates QR500,000 erations optimisation, large event secu- the benefi t of Qatar and all our inves- number of assumptions based on its (MAA), Male (MLE), Trivandrum Shiraz (SYZ) for QRCS Covid-19 drive rity, mobility and experience solutions. tors.” To Page 4 unique perspective, having been one Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has received a donation of QR500,000 Five private clinics 85-year-old Qatari woman from Qatar Charity (QC) to support closed for violating the former’s coronavirus control cured of Covid-19 campaign, as part of the government’s Measures taken to curb Covid-19 rules eff orts to fight the virus, protect the community against infection and The Ministry of Public Health has treat the patients at hospitals and spread of Covid-19 will closed down five private medical quarantine facilities. Page 2 centres and referred them to the Health Prosecution for violating the decision Repatriation of stranded to suspend some non-emergency Indians from May 9 continue, says Cabinet health services in private health facilities, as part of precautionary The repatriation of Indian citizens he precautionary measures notaries empowered with require- measures to combat the Covid-19 stranded in Qatar due to the taken in Qatar to combat the ments to combat money laundering epidemic and to ensure the safety of lockdown in India and flight TCovid-19 pandemic will con- and terrorist fi nancing, and to issue patients and medical workers. restrictions prompted by the spread tinue, the Cabinet has affi rmed, the rules for the obligations of lawyers The off icial Qatar News Agency of Covid-19 has been rescheduled offi cial Qatar News Agency (QNA) with the requirements of combat- (QNA) said the ministry detected the and will now begin on Saturday, reported. ing money laundering and terrorist violations during its inspection visits May 9, instead of today. Under the This came after the Cabinet, at the fi nancing. to health facilities in the country. original plan, the first repatriation beginning of its regular meeting yes- The meeting approved a draft de- At its weekly meeting on April 29, flight - from Doha to Kochi - was terday, heard the explanation given cision of HE the Minister of Com- 2020, the Cabinet decided to extend scheduled for today. Page 3 by HE the Minister of Public Health merce and Industry on the execu- suspension of non-emergency Staff from Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Communicable Disease on the latest developments and steps tive regulations of Law No 1 of 2019 medical services in private health Center (CDC) gathered this week to say goodbye to ‘a very special patient’ - taken to curb the spread of Covid-19. regulating non-Qatari capital in eco- facilities, including dental clinics, an 85-year-old Qatari woman. She is believed to be the oldest person in the RAMADAN THOUGHT After HE the Prime Minister and nomic activity. dermatology and laser clinics, plastic country to have recovered from Covid-19, HMC tweeted. In mid-March, after Minister of Interior Sheikh Kha- “The Ministry of Commerce and surgery clinics and surgeries, with complaining of fever and cough, the woman was diagnosed with Covid-19 and lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al- Industry has prepared a draft of that the exception of emergency cases. admitted to the CDC. Earlier this week, she was discharged from the hospital Invoke your Lord with humility Thani chaired the meeting held last decision within the framework of the It also decided to extend the after two consecutive tests confirmed that she had been cured of the virus, and in secret. He likes not the evening through a video conference, implementation of the provisions of suspension of services of diet and HMC said in an accompanying video. HMC’s Dr Muna al-Maslamani, Dr Muna aggressors. And do not do HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Law No 1 of 2019 referred to,” QNA nutrition centres, physiotherapy al-Rashid and Dr Mohamed Abu Khattab were among the group of doctors, mischief on the earth, after Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs said. clinics, complementary (alternative) and nurses who gathered to say goodbye to “this very special patient”. A total it has been set in order, and Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi gave The Cabinet then approved the medicine, home healthcare services, of 2,070 people had recovered from Covid-19 in the country until yesterday, invoke Him with fear and hope. the details of the proceedings. provisions of Law No 24 of 2002 except for long-term nursing according to figures released by the Ministry of Public Health. Surely, Allah’s Mercy is (ever) The Cabinet approved a draft law regarding retirement and pensions contracts, and health centres for near unto the good-doers. amending some provisions of Law No for some departments, while also people with special needs. (Qur’an 7:55-56) 1 of 1986 regarding the registration approving an agreement on mutual The Cabinet decided that HE the of pharmaceutical companies and exemption from visa requirements Minister of Public Health may permit Covid-19 recoveries reach 2,070 in Qatar Prayer times their products. It also gave its nod to for holders of ordinary passports be- any of these private health facilities a draft law amending some provisions tween the governments of Qatar and to provide some of their medical The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) a statement that most of the new Fajr....3.31 Zuhr....11.30 Asr....2.58 of Law No 12 of 1998 organising the Azerbaijan. services if possible through modern announced yesterday the registration cases are among expatriate workers Maghrib.....6.10 Isha.....7.40 Central Municipal Council and re- The Cabinet reviewed the results means of communication. of 830 confirmed new cases of the infected with the virus as a result of ferred it to the Shura Council. of the extraordinary meeting of the On March 28, 2020, the Ministry novel coronavirus (Covid-19) as contact with individuals who have Fasting times Further, the Cabinet approved GCC Committee of Labour Min- of Public Health issued a circular well as 146 new recovered cases been previously infected. These Iftar today ...... 6.10pm draft decisions by HE the Minister isters, which was held on April 15 requiring all private health facilities in the last 24 hours bringing the cases have been identified as a result Suhoor tomorrow ...... 3.30am of Justice to issue rules for the ob- through a video conference, and took in the country to suspend non- total number of recovered cases in of investigations carried out by the ligations of real estate brokers and the appropriate decision. emergency services. Qatar to 2,070. The MoPH said in ministry. Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 7, 2020 QATAR

Malaysian FM meets Qatar’s envoy Shura Council attends parliamentary meeting on World Bank’s confl ict resolution strategy

QNA gether with senior experts from Doha the World Bank Group to review the latest World Bank strategy on the fragility of confl ict, con- he Shura Council partici- fl ict and violence and work in the pated in a parliamentary Sahel. Tmeeting held today within Discussions focused on meas- the framework of the partner- ures that parliaments can take ship between the Parliamentary to improve action in fragile and Assembly of the Mediterranean confl ict-aff ected countries with the World Bank and the In- through focused legislation, en- ternational Monetary Fund, via hanced oversight and fi nancing video conference. The meeting for development. was held under the title “Parlia- The Shura Council was repre- mentary Meeting on the World sented in this meeting, in which Bank Strategy on the Fragility of more than 110 parliamentarians Malaysian Minister of Foreign Aff airs Hishammuddin Hussein met Qatar’s ambassador Fahad bin Confl ict and Confl ict and Vio- from all over the world partici- Mohamed Kafood, yesterday in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting dealt with bilateral relations, in addition lence”, where legislators, civil pated, by HE Ali bin Abdulla- to joint issues of joint interest. servants and parliamentarians tif al-Misnad al-Mohannadi, from all over the world got to- member of the Council. HE Ali bin Abdullatif al-Misnad al-Mohannadi attending the meeting. Qatar Charity donates QR500,000 to Covid-19 recovery cases reach 2,070 in Qatar support QRCS’s virus control eff orts he Ministry of Public Health and expand the search for people (MoPH) announced yester- infected by conducting extensive Tday the registration of 830 and proactive investigations of atar Red Crescent Soci- solidarity between NGOs and confi rmed new cases of the novel large numbers of contacts with ety (QRCS) has received a the Government of Qatar in such coronavirus (Covid-19) as well as people who have recently been Qdonation of QR500,000 an emergency”, a press statement 146 new recovered cases in the last confi rmed with the disease. from Qatar Charity (QC) to sup- notes. 24 hours bringing the total number The number of daily tests per- port the former’s coronavirus “This support embodies of recovered cases in Qatar to 2,070. formed depends on the number control campaign, as part of the co-operation between QC The MoPH said in a statement of contacts individuals con- government’s eff orts to fi ght the and QRCS in the global main- that most of the new cases are fi rmed to be infected with the vi- virus, protect the community stream of fighting this pan- among expatriate workers in- rus have had, as well as the ran- against infection and treat the demic,” said al-Kaabi. “Since fected with the virus as a result dom tests that are taking place in patients at hospitals and quar- the crisis broke out, we have of contact with individuals who diff erent parts of the country. antine facilities. been at the forefront of ex- have been previously infected. According to a tweet from the The handover of the cheque tending support to all the gov- These cases have been identifi ed MoPH, with a total of 3,201 peo- was attended by Mohamed ernment bodies and NGOs. as a result of investigations car- ple tested for Covid-19 in the Rashid al-Kaabi, assistant CEO Let’s pray for an end of the ried out by the ministry. last 24 hours, as many as 112,963 for Communication and Re- pandemic. May Allah protect The remainder of new Covid-19 have been tested so far in Qatar. source Mobilisation at QC, and Qatar and its people.” Mohamed Rashid al-Kaabi and Abdullah Sultan al-Qatan at the handover of the cheque. cases in Qatar have come from There are 17,972 positive cases Abdullah Sultan al-Qatan, exec- Al-Qatan appreciated the citizens and residents who con- to date in Qatar and 15,890 cur- utive director of Medical Aff airs support from QC, which re- able locally and internationally, to get out of this “They deserve every form of tracted the virus from members of rently undergoing treatment. at QRCS. fl ected their belief in the com- he added. serious emergency”. support from us, by donating to their families, who in turn got the The total number of Covid-19 This funding “contributes to mon humanitarian values and He stressed the importance “There are women and men the anti-coronavirus initiatives virus through their workplaces or deaths so far in Qatar is 12, ac- QRCS’s ongoing services de- goals. It built upon a long legacy of concerted efforts from eve- making considerable sacri- and following the instructions of other places where they had been cording to the tweet. signed to reduce the spread of of working together on numer- ryone to complement the he- fi ces and working hard for us to the government to avoid causes exposed to infected people. The MoPH called on all mem- the virus, driven by a spirit of ous operations for the vulner- roic endeavours of the country be safe at our homes,” he said. of infection.” All the new infected cases have bers of society to stay at home been quarantined where they are and not go out except in cases of receiving the necessary medi- necessity and to implement pre- Justice ministry transactions cal care. The MoPH notes that ventive measures and maintain the current period will see a fl uc- physical distancing, including in The Ministry of Justice has completed more than tuation in the number of cases of the workplace and public places. 8,228 transactions to the public since the beginning infection due to several reasons, The Ministry reminded people to of March through its electronic platforms and including that the outbreak of the use a face mask as recommended external service centres, and more than 69,517 virus is in the peak stage, before and avoid social visits to reduce subscribers have been registered on Sak application, the number of infections begin to their risk of contracting the virus. as part of the ministry’s eff orts to provide its services descend gradually. The ministry also urged the public to the public without being aff ected by precautionary The ministry has also recently to regularly visit its website to view measures. The transactions submitted to the public stepped up eff orts to track the the latest information and instruc- were divided between services related to real estate transitional chains of the virus tions related to Covid-19.- QNA registration and documentation services. - QNA

Compass International School to host fi rst Virtual Open Day on May 13

ompass Inter- and admissions teams. national School Families will have the C(Compass) will opportunity to fi nd out host its fi rst Virtual more about Compass’ Open Day on May 13 at four campuses, the en- 10am for prospective gaging British and In- families to learn more ternational curricula on about the school. off er, unique collabora- The live-stream will tions with world leading include videos and organisations like Mas- pre-recorded interview sachusetts Institute of presentations from the Technology (MIT) and executive principal and The Juilliard School and senior members of the the school’s personal- academic team fol- ised approach to learn- lowed by a Q&A session ing that ensures children where questions will be love coming to school. answered live by mem- Families can register bers of the academic now at cisdoha.com Georgetown Data Portal launched to support Covid-19 research

he Center for Inter- is being experienced in real parative perspective. tinue to emerge over time,” national and Regional time, with updates made on Dr Mehran Kamrava, di- explained Dr Kamrava. “And TStudies (CIRS) at a regular basis to a crisis that rector of CIRS, said: “As part by leveraging our in-house Georgetown continues to unfold. of Georgetown here in Edu- expertise as well as GU-Q’s Univer- This digital compilation cation City, the Center has network of regional and sity in Qatar of data and statistics on built its scholarship on the international scholars, we (GU-Q), a Covid-19 provides a focused region and is ideally placed hope to draw attention to QF partner understanding of how the to undertake a project fo- the issues that will become institu- six countries of the Gulf Co- cused on the experience and increasingly important in tion, has operation Council, as well as the needs of Qatar and the the coming period.” Key launched Iraq, are being aff ected by Gulf.” areas of interest include the Covid and responding to the ongo- The regularly updated the state of the health sec- Project, a Dr Mehran ing global crisis. data portal will also feature tor, challenges for Gulf mi- data portal Kamrava Through dynamic graphs, expert analysis by GU-Q grants, Islamic ethics, the to support the site presents aggregat- scholars and global experts impact on family life, mar- research into the societal, ed data on each country’s in economics, political sci- riage, birth and death, and economic, cultural, reli- health system that builds a ence, health and social national development plans. gious, and political conse- profi le of their health ca- policy, through a series of The Covid Project can be quences of the pandemic in pacity. In addition, the por- analytical articles, panel viewed on the CIRS website, Qatar and the region. tal includes a collection of discussions, and podcasts. and on GU-Q’s Covid-19 The portal will serve as an the various policy measures “The unprecedented im- microsite, which includes important tool for analysis these seven states are un- pact of the current crisis health guidance, contact and a deeper understanding dertaking to limit the spread will require a multidiscipli- information, and academic of how the novel corona- of Covid-19 and off ers a way nary approach to the com- updates for the school com- virus (Covid-19) pandemic to view these from a com- plex issues that will con- munity. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 3 QATAR Flight from Doha to Kochi Over 135 shops at DHFC now rescheduled to Saturday well-equipped By Joseph Varghese we close on Wednesday (5pm), Staff Reporter we will try to help them on Thursday,” he explained. Videos and images from ICC to receive he repatriation of In- showed that social distancing dian citizens stranded norms were followed as people Tin Qatar due to the lock- waited for their turn to pay for down in India and fl ight restric- and collect their tickets. tions prompted by the spread of Another fl ight is expected to orders digitally, Covid-19 has been rescheduled take a group of 200 passengers to and will now begin on Saturday, Thiruvananthapuram on May 10. instead of today. The details of its operation will Under the original plan, the be made available later. fi rst repatriation fl ight - from About 40,000 Indians have says offi cial Doha to Kochi - was scheduled registered for repatriation on for today. the Indian embassy website and The Indian embassy in Qa- those with the most urgent need By Joey Aguilar tar yesterday clarifi ed that “the for repatriation were shortlisted Staff Reporter fl ight that was scheduled for May for the special fl ights that have 7 has been rescheduled to May 9 been announced until now. (Saturday)”. No reason was, how- Yesterday, the embassy said etailers have been able ever, cited for this. it had resumed collection of to make full use of Qa- According to an embassy of- data about people request- Rtar’s expansive infra- fi cial, Air India has opened a ing repatriation to India due structure and high-speed counter on the Indian Cultural to the “continuing demand for technology with the onset of Centre (ICC) premises in Abu registration”. the novel coronavirus (Cov- Hamour so that shortlisted pas- The embassy had earlier said it id-19) pandemic, bringing sengers for Kochi can buy their would take time to accommodate shopping into people’s homes, tickets. all the requests and complete the Doha Festival City (DHFC) The fare for a ticket to Kochi process. The shortlisted passen- Shortlisted passengers at the ICC off ice yesterday. general manager Robert Hall is INR16,000 (around QR766). gers will have to bear the cost of has said. Air India is now scheduled to fl y the air ticket. Embassy resumes collection of data for repatriation “Some retailers have already Robert Hall, general manager, to Kochi on Saturday evening All the requirements for quar- developed online trading plat- Doha Festival City. with about 200 passengers, it is antine after reaching India as The Indian embassy in Doha yesterday said it has have resumed collection of data.” forms, such as 6th Street, learnt. well as the medical requirements resumed collection of data about people requesting Those seeking repatriation have to fill a form, others will take advantage of “In addition to ICC president Manikantan A P for travel from Doha will be con- repatriation to India due to the “continuing demand which is available at https://docs.google.com/ Qatari entrepreneurs develop- Monoprix and the yesterday said most of the pas- veyed to them and have to be ac- for registration”. forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYgQkLLvA0GvHh5dm_ ing brands such as Emporium, pharmacies, which sengers for Kochi had already cepted by every passenger. As reported by Gulf Times, the embassy had QEDSzqI6S8TuYGJ49JsByTnOlZ6EcA/ E Butler and Snoonu to assist are still receiving bought their tickets and eff orts The Indian government has carried out a similar exercise earlier and viewform with a retailer online portal,” shoppers while were on to help the remaining allocated 64 fl ights to make about 40,000 people had registered for “The form is to be filled for a single individual at a he said. implementing all the shortlisted persons get theirs travel arrangements for Indians repatriation. time,” the embassy stressed. Hall was highlighting the necessary protective on time. “In certain cases, some stranded around the world in In an announcement on social media yesterday, the The first repatriation flight, from Doha to Kochi, has importance of having an on- measures, the vast passengers need some certifi - the fi rst week of the repatriation embassy said: “The Government of India has taken a been rescheduled from Thursday to May 9, Saturday. line presence in the market majority of our cates from the embassy. If they process, which begins today at a decision to commence limited special flights to India. Another flight, for Thiruvanathapuram, is scheduled amid this current situation retailers in all sectors are not able to reach us before number of places. Due to the continuing demand for registration, we on May 10. by using modern technology, now off er online particularly Qatar’s strong shopping and home Information and Commu- delivery services” nication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. City looks forward to welcom- He said more than 135 shops ing back our many customers and boutiques at DHFC are and providing a safe shopping QAC off ering now well-equipped to receive experience in our renowned orders digitally and deliver wide malls, there is little doubt them to various locations us- that the consumer now has a ing the fastest, most conven- new avenue in which to tour ient and safest methods such the virtual world of internet extended as orders through websites, shopping and I for one, have phone, WhatsApp and other little doubt, that this mar- service apps. ket will continue to achieve For Ramadan, DHFC retail- remarkable growth in the ers have announced exclusive coming year,” Hall said. warranty on online shopping and dining DHFC also launched a se- off ers that cater to everyone ries of initiatives supporting to enjoy from the comfort of the operations of its retail- their homes. ers during these challenging Many businesses in the times such as easing access Fuso vehicles country have started adjust- to customers through its on- ing and looking for ways to line shopping service portal, adapt to the changing busi- promoting their off ers on all atar Automobiles Com- between March 15 to May 15, ness dynamics brought about our marketing channels, and pany, the authorised 2020, now has an addition- by measures to prevent the off ering technical assistance Qdistributor of Mitsubishi al two months of warranty spread of Covid-19, it is learnt. when it comes to implement- Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation coverage. “In addition to Monoprix ing precautionary measures in Qatar, has launched extended “Qatar Automobiles Company and the pharmacies, which are inside the mall. warranty to its customers, it was continues to raise the benchmark still receiving shoppers while Following the announce- announced yesterday. on customer value proposition A range of Fuso vehicles on display. implementing all the neces- ment by Qatar Government’s The extension is part of a and are pleased to introduce the sary protective measures, the Supreme Committee for Cri- Fuso worldwide assistance pro- extended warranty for Fuso ve- accomplish mutual interest,” he and well-being of its customers, safeguard society’s well-being. vast majority of our retailers sis Management, Hall noted gramme designed to help meet hicles in Qatar to support cus- added. business partners and employ- Meanwhile, Fuso continues to in all sectors now off er online that DHFC owners, Bawabat the challenges imposed by the tomers during the pandemic,” CEO of Mitsubishi-Fuso, ees, Fuso has rolled out this pro- ensure the safety of custom- shopping and home delivery Al-Shamal Real Estate Com- current global situation which said general manager Hesham Hartmut Schick, further gramme to assist customers in ers and employees at service services,” Hall said,adding, pany, has made a substantial has resulted in extremely trying AlSahn. commented: “Our custom- tackling the increased demands locations that remain open. “These include restaurants contribution by off ering up times for businesses and indi- “We reaffi rm our commitment ers are working tirelessly. We on transport, supply, delivery Full details of the additional and cafes, fashion stores, to three months’ rent re- viduals alike. to support our community with want to give them our fullest and emergency support, which warranty coverage may be had home décor outlets and a vari- lief for retailers meeting the Any Fuso truck, bus or en- all means so we can together support”. are paramount to communi- by contacting Qatar Automobiles ety of speciality brands.” eligibility criteria. gine with a warranty expiring overcome those challenges and Prioritising the safety, health ties and the vital services that Company customer services. He pointed out that while He said DHFC also support- the development of the inter- ed retailers through facilitat- net and online shopping inter- ing their stock moving and the nationally has been well docu- process of preparing orders mented, in Qatar, retailers have from their stores during mall in the main enjoyed a ‘face to operating hours. face’ consumer approach. “We have been actively pub- Roads linking Workers Accommodation However, Hall said that the lishing collection catalogues pandemic provided an oppor- for each brand on our website tunity for retailers to maxim- in order to support customers ise the use of online platforms in their shopping experience and benefi ted from Qatar’s which in turn contributed to Community in Umm Ghuwailina completed ICT base. the very high demand on those “While of course, Festival services,” Hall said.

he Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed 5.3km of roads linking Work- Ters Accommodation Community in Umm Ghuwailina, according to an offi cial tweet. The road provides safe and separate access to the area allocated for temporary workers’ quaran- tine facilities. The initiative comes within eff orts to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for workers’ communities. Ashghal has so far completed the roads and in- frastructure works for the 31,000-person capacity Integrated Workers Complex (IWAC) in West Umm Slal (Bu Garn). Ashghal also announced opening of the roads in the area to traffi c. The project serves the needs of the workers’ accommodation and the logistics city in the area and connects them with the existing road network. It was set up as part of the Authority’s ef- forts to serve the workers accommodation facilities and to ensure a safe, healthy living environment in their communities. Ashghal accelerated the work in conjunction with the allocation of one of the accommodation facili- ties to serve as a temporary quarantine facility for around 4,000 workers. Ashghal also expedited the commissioning of the drainage network in order to discharge the sewage fl ows from this area to the existing plant in Doha North, about 10km from the DHFC retailers have exclusive online shopping and dining off ers A view of a section of the road completed by Ashghal. project area. this Ramadan. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 7, 2020 QATAR WCM-Q celebrates graduation in online ceremony

eill Cornell Medicine Hamad al-Thani, and the leader- who are working in hospitals in - Qatar (WCM-Q) cel- ship of Qatar, for their ambition and Qatar and across the world. The Webrated the graduation leadership, Dr Sheikh paid tribute latest cohort of doctors will now of its Class of 2020 comprising to the graduates and told them their begin their residencies – the fi rst 38 doctors at a virtual ceremony future work will need great self- stage of their careers – in leading yesterday. discipline but will also bring them hospitals in Qatar and the US. There are 13 Qataris among great fulfi lment. Student speaker and Class of the graduates. The batch has 13 “The recent events have under- 2020 graduate, Dr Fawzi Saleem diff erent nationalities and 23 fe- lined for all of us and for you what Zghyer said being a doctor took males. They are the fi rst class to you already knew - that medicine more than academic excellence. have completed WCM-Q’s six- makes more demands on people “To attend to those who suff er year medical programme, which than almost any other profession and in need, you have to be more combines both pre-medical and - but all of us answer this calling than a doctor. You have to be a heal- medical curricula. for a reason,” Dr Sheikh said told er. And to be a healer, not only do you The ceremony was held online the new graduates. have to put on a white coat, but you to observe physical distancing “Being a doctor takes single- have to know when to take it off . Lis- rules due to the novel coronavi- minded discipline and life-long ten actively, empathise, refl ect, and rus (Covid-19) pandemic. The dedication. While it can be ex- act. Make your patients your one graduates’ friends and family tremely challenging at times, it and only priority and be their advo- along with faculty and staff from also brings far greater fulfi lment cate. Talk to your intubated ICU pa- WCM-Q dean Dr Javaid I Sheikh and the graduates from the Class of 2020 during the virtual ceremony yesterday. WCM-Q, logged in to watch each than any other profession that I tients; they may be able to hear you. of the new doctors receive their can think of. You are ready now to Reassure but never give false hope. that doctors and other healthcare around the world – on such a large in the Mena region,” he said. to use the talents and abilities you degrees virtually from Dr Javaid I go out and be the healers for those Be kind, be you,” he said. professionals have in society. scale – while we have the technol- “You are graduates of Weill Cor- have shown us to shape the ‘new Sheikh, dean of the college. in need of your help; all of us wish Dr Augustine Choi, dean of “You are graduating at such ogy to gauge its impact – in real nell Medicine in Qatar, and it’s in normal’ and to fi nd novel ways to Thanking Qatar Foundation you the very best in this most no- Weill Cornell Medicine in New an important and unprecedented time. But long after this pandemic your DNA. You’ve received excep- help patients. Be bold and innova- Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha ble of endeavours.” York, joined the ceremony online moment in history. At no other is over, you have the potential to tional training from leading doctors tive. Think big and fi nd creative Moza bint Nasser, Vice Chairper- With this graduation, WCM-Q and said that the Covid-19 pan- time has there been a disease that make a real and lasting impact on and scientists, and you are poised ways to be the best doctor that you son and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint has now produced 422 doctors, demic highlights the vital role has aff ected so many countries medicine and science, especially for success. Now I challenge you can be,” he added.

QFZA, Thales sign deal

From Page 1 misation, and mobility. Thales is Caine said: “Innovation and proud to be contributing further digital transformation are at the to the growth and expansion plans heart of Thales’ strategy. Our vi- of the State of Qatar by creating sion is aligned with Qatar National highly skilled jobs and establishing Fawzi Zghyer Maryam al-Jaidha Mohamed Nasser al-Abdulla Sara Mohamed Priyamvada Pillai Vision 2030 to develop local com- a hub for innovation in Qatar.” petencies in digital and innovate Since it started its operations for the future of the country’s in- in 2019, Qatar Free Zones has ap- dustrial ecosystem. proved projects worth a total of “We are honoured to launch this more than $1bn from a wide range strategic collaboration with Qa- of leading local and global compa- tar Free Zones in order to provide nies focused on the new economy, leading technological support as internet of things, sustainabil- well as groundbreaking solutions ity, IT, big data, communications, New medical graduates in diff erent areas including large transport, logistics, medical serv- events security, counter-UAV, ices, aviation, cybersecurity, and airport security, operations opti- agritech. look at life after Covid-19 Wakra Municipality conducts 1,031 inspection tours in April

By Joseph Varghese “I am also fi lled with a sense of is planning to join soon. demic. Yes, it is slightly disap- down and benefi t diff erent sectors Staff Reporter duty to serve, especially in these “Graduating during a pandemic pointing but it has only given me of our lives,” he said. tough times that require health- means that we are going to get more strength to pursue this no- “As a Qatari physician, my focus care practitioners to do everything our feet wet from day one. It also ble profession. This pandemic has will be on the local aspect of health everal graduates from Weill to save the country. When we re- highlights that we are going into taught us all a lot. It has given us sector, and how I will be able to Cornell Medicine – Qatar solve this crisis, I believe that I will this profession when we are im- insight on the true heroes around provide to my patients the best S(WCM-Q) shared their ex- fi ll in a vital role as a physician and mensely needed. I am hopeful that us. As the world grapples with service and care that they deserve. periences at the university, future a public health specialist. My pas- we should see the light at the end Covid-19, I am eager to join hands I will continue to develop myself, plans and thoughts about life after sion is to serve my country to the of the tunnel. I take upon the moral with my fellow colleagues at the as medicine progresses and in turn Covid-19 as the university held the best of my ability. I look forward obligation to serve the community frontline as I continue my journey provide the most modern benefi - graduation of Class of 2020 yes- to joining the frontline soon, and wherever I am. I will always be at in New York Presbyterian Hospital cial approach to the community,” terday. spend time and eff ort to support hand to help the people with all my as an internal medicine resident.” he said. Qatari graduate Maryam al- healthcare in Qatar,” she explained. knowledge,” he said. Another Qatari graduate, Mo- According to Sara Mohamed, Jaidha who plans to do her mas- Fawzi Zghyer, from Palestine, Priyamvada Pillai feels WCM- hamed Nasser al-Abdulla, feels WCM-Q helped her get a high lev- ter’s in public health and specialise termed his life at WCM-Q as a Q has taught not only the art of that his time at WCM-Q has been el of education and fulfi l her dream in dermatology, said she cherished ‘beautiful experience’. medicine but also about the fi nest exceptional. of becoming a physician. Al Wakra Municipality’s Health Control Section conducted 1,031 each moment of her time with her “I came here from Palestine im- art of humanity. “Graduating in a time like this, “My journey had a lot of chal- inspection tours in April on various food facilities and outlets, and peers and faculty at WCM-Q. mediately after high school. This “Education City became my in a pandemic that only happens lenges but it was overall a won- 44 violation reports issued according to law no 8 for 1990 on the “Covid-19 has made me take place prepared me for my life. second home and I will always rarely, poses its own challenges, derful and fulfi lling experience regulations of food control. As many as 33 violations were resolved the initiative to get my master’s Though there were several ups cherish the memories. Qatar but at the same time it provides us and rewarding moments, thanks through reconciliation after those concerned paid the fines and degree in public health which will and downs, I was able to overcome Foundation and WCM-Q pro- with opportunities to better pre- to the support from my family five others referred to the police to take the necessary procedures. equip me with the necessary arse- them all beautifully,” he said. vided us with the best quality of pare ourselves for the future. Huge and friends. I am going to join the The section received 13 related complaints which were addressed nal to make sure my beloved coun- Zghyer will specialise in internal education and care,” she said. advances in medicine are hap- residency programme at Virginia immediately. The section also supervised the slaughtering of 18,404 try is well prepared for any such medicine at Johns Hopkins Uni- “But never in a lifetime did I pening on a daily bases, and many Commonwealth University in livestock at the automated slaughterhouse. Besides, the director situation,” she said. versity in Baltimore, Maryland and expect to graduate amidst a pan- of these changes will soon trickle paediatrics,” she added. of the municipality issued 11 administrative decisions to shut some violating food outlets. Further, one food sample was taken and sent to the central laboratory. Remote complaints Medical certificates to be issued online In light of the rapidly evolving Cov- qa/Runtime/Runtime/Form/Re- id-19 pandemic, the Primary Health leaseInformationRequest/) avail- Care Corporation ( PHCC) has able on the PHCC website, using helping simplify launched a set of remote access the health centre number. channels as new virtual healthcare This service is available to all services have been developed to PHCC registered patients. The ensure the safety of everyone. medical certificates are for procedures: MoI These include issuing medical patients requiring confirmation of certificates online, PHCC has said. chronic illnesses or pregnancy to The new service will allow patients to be submitted to employers during he Ministry of Interior (MoI) the MoI reduces the time of com- request for a certificate online. They the prevailing Covid-19 situation. has reiterated that the “remote munication and simplify proce- will be issued a medical certificate PHCC has stressed that it will Tcriminal complaints service dures for the public in the light electronically via the PHCC website. continue, in collaboration with key through the Metrash2 application of the precautionary measures The patient can download the stakeholders, providing quality helps report complaints easily and against Covid-19,” the ministry medical certificate through a medical care to the people of Qatar simplify the procedures”. had said. link (https://eservices.phcc.gov. in a timely and accurate manner. This was tweeted by the ministry In another tweet yesterday, the yesterday. MoI noted that most of the services The MoI had recently announced off ered by the General Directorate of the launch of the new service, ena- Traffi c are available on Metrash2 and bling people to fi le criminal com- the ministry’s website. Closure on G-Ring Road plaints at security departments “These can be completed without through the Metrash2 application. visiting the Traffi c Directorate or MoI “This new service launched by Services Centre,” it added.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a closure on G-Ring Road for those coming from Al Majd Road towards Hamad International Airport between Bul Yuwabi Interchange and Al Bahiya Interchange today from 9pm to 4am tomorrow. The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic is to complete installation of ITS Gantries. Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists of the closure and has urged all to follow them and abide by the existing speed limit to ensure safety. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 5 QATAR Qatar Charity distributes food baskets to Jabra Hospital’s staff in Sudan

atar Charity, through its office in the concerned Sudanese authorities to Sudan, provided food baskets to the receive and isolate those infected with the Qmedical staff and all other employees coronavirus (COVID-19). of the Jabra Hospital for Emergency The distribution of the food baskets ‘Feed a Fasting and Injuries, which was designated by came as part of the ‘Feed a Fasting Person’ Project’ a seasonal project implemented regularly by Qatar Charity through its offices, targets 24,475 beneficiaries during this season in Sudan.

project implemented by Qatar Charity through its offices and partners worldwide. The director of the hospital, Dr. Zainab Jadin thanked benefactors in Qatar for providing food baskets to the employees of the hospital in the blessed month of Ramadan, noting that it was great moral support for them in this month. Young volunteers from the Jabra neighborhood supervised the delivery of food aids to beneficiaries in accordance with the precautionary medical regulations that Qatar Charity and the hospital are keen to maintain. The director of the Sudan office Mr. Hussein Karmash said, due to the coronavirus, the Iftar tables were cancelled this Ramadan, and the ‘Feed a Fasting Project’ a seasonal project implemented regularly by Qatar Charity through its offices, targets 24,475 beneficiaries during this season in Sudan. With QFFD support, Qatar Charity provides healthcare to pregnant Syrian refugees

he same place brought great economic hardship, and Fifty dollars are given to the them together, and their her husband, who was working women for all checkups, and Tstories were similar, in a mechanic shop, is now if the delivery is normal, $100 although they differed in some unemployed. If this project was is provided. However, if the details. not available, she could not carry delivery is a c-section, the project They are women, and like out the necessary checkups due offers the woman $ 250 after other mothers, they are waiting to her economic circumstances. birth. The project also provides for the birth of their newborns. Basic Services an incubator at an estimated cost However, the difficult economic of $800. situation and the conditions of Qatar Charity implements the There are similar stories the asylum life have turned the Pregnant Women Care Project of other women visiting the joy of receiving the newborns into with funding and support from health project for checkups and a state of fear due. The spread of the QFFD, in cooperation with receiving the required treatment the coronavirus (COVID-19) has several clinics in various places in light of this difficult economic brought further difficulties to of Lebanon, providing full health and health situation. They them. care for pregnant women. Some talked about their compelling Manal, a 27-year-old Syrian 4,000 women benefit from circumstances, but they all refugee from Idlib, is currently the project that also provides agreed that the medical project living in the Arsal camps under prenatal and postnatal services. has alleviated their psychological many economic hardships and These clinics are located and economic suffering. challenges, as her husband is in Beirut, Bekaa, Arsal, Doctors and all other currently unemployed due to the Shebaa, Saida, Aaramoun, and medical staff closely monitor coronavirus outbreak. Ketermaya. their condition, and provide the The project includes four A Glimmer of Hope necessary psychological support basic services, as it provides two and health care for the mother Manal was not able to bear the prenatal and postnatal checkups, and expected child. In addition costs of childbirth in these difficult in addition to giving medicines to providing safe treatment, circumstances. However, there and nutritional supplements to masks, gloves and sanitizers are is always a glimmer of hope, no pregnant women. distributed. matter how severe the difficulties. Besides, an amount of money She found a life buoy in the is provided to pregnant women. Pregnant Women Care Project that will protect her and her expected child, as she is among the registered beneficiaries of this health project funded by Qatar Charity (QC) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). This project provides services to underprivileged Syrian female refugees during pregnancy. “The project has eased burdens upon her by providing checkups and natural and caesarean childbirth services free of charge,” says Manal, adding that “the project, in cooperation with the UNHCR, will bear all costs of childbirth, and the baby will be provided with an incubator, if needed, in addition to providing medicines and some nutritional supplements.” The story of Nouf is not different from Manal. She is also a Syrian, whose family lives in Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 7, 2020 QATAR/RAMADAN Supplications from the Qur’an Hassad move helps meet slam attaches great importance from whom You will. You bring honour are certainly failures (losers).” [Qur’an to supplicating, as it is the direct to whom You will and You let whom 7:23] means through which the slave You will be disgraced. In Your Hand Allah Says (what means): “Our Icommunicates with his Lord. is all the good, for You are Powerful Lord, bestow on us Mercy from As Muslims we do not need any over everything. You cause the night Yourself, and dispose of our aff airs for local egg, chicken need mediators between us and Allah. In to gain on the day, and You cause the us in the right way”. [Qur’an 18:20] this article we will highlight some day to gain on the night. You bring the Allah Says (what means): “Our supplications that were mentioned living out of the dead and You bring Lord, we do believe, so forgive us and assad has completed the first operations and increase its produc- in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the the dead out of the living, and You give have mercy on us, for You (Allah) are phase of the twin-phased ex- tion. The first phase has concluded Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. sustenance to whom You will without the most Merciful of any who show Hpansion in Arab Qatari Com- successfully, which led to an in- Allah Says (what means): “Our measure”. [Qur’an 3:26-27] mercy”. [Qur’an 23:109] pany for Poultry Production - Al crease in the local poultry produc- Lord, condemn us not if we forget or Allah Says (what means): “Our Allah Says (what means): “Our Waha, in which it owns 46% stake, tion to 10mn frozen chicken a year fall into error. Our Lord, lay not on us Lord, truly You know what we Lord, Your reach is over all things whereby the latter is able to meet from 7mn. Moreover, the company a burden like that you laid on those conceal, and what we reveal, and in mercy and knowledge, so forgive 70% and 40% of the market demand finalised the expansion of the layer before us. Our Lord, lay not on us nothing is hidden from Allah whether those who repent and follow Your way for chicken and table eggs respec- section, which doubled the table what we have no strength to bear. Blot on Earth or in Heaven”. [Qur’an 14:38] and preserve them from the torment tively. eggs production to 110mn units a out our sins, and forgive us, and have Allah Says (what means): “Our of the blazing Fire. Our Lord, grant The move by Hassad, Qatar’s year. mercy on us, You are our Protector, so Lord, forgive my parents and the them that they enter Paradise which premier investor in the food sector The second phase of Al Waha’s give us Your help against the faithless faithful (people) when, the Day of You have promised them and the comes as part of efforts to ensure expansion would increase the local people.” [Qur’an 2:286] Judgment comes. Our Lord, avert righteous of their fathers, and their self-sufficiency in the local poultry poultry production to 16mn a year - Allah Says (what means): “Our from us the wrath of Hell, for its wrath wives, and their posterity for You are sector. the additional 6mn chicken will be Lord, not for naught have you created is indeed a grievous affl iction. It is Exalted in might, full of wisdom. And “It is our pleasure to announce allocated to frozen poultry produc- that (Heavens and Earth and what is such a bad place to stay and abide”. preserve them from ills, for one whom the completion of the first opera- tion lines and cuts. The company’s between] Glory be to You, so shield us [Qur’an 25:65] You preserve from ill – on that Day tions phase in Al Waha’s expansion, production of table eggs would from the penalty of the Fire. Our Lord, Allah Says (what means): “Our of Judgment – You bestow mercy on where we were able to cover 70% of reach 130mn a year. whom you admit to the Fire, you have Lord, in You we trust, and to You we him, and that is the supreme success”. the market demands from chilled Since Hassad took over the proc- covered them with shame. Our Lord, return in repentance, to You is the [Qur’an 40:7-9] poultry, as well as cover 40% of the ess of supervising Al Waha’s op- forgive us our sins, and blot out from destination (of all Your creation).” Allah Says (what means): “Our table eggs needs,” said Mohamed erations after the blockade, it has us our iniquities, and gather us with [Qur’an 60:7]. Lord, let not our hearts deviate after al-Sadah, Hassad chief executive. Hassad chief executive Mohamed developed an expansion plan to in- those righteous (in the Hereafter). Our Allah Says (what means): “Our You have guided us, And grant us The company is currently work- al-Sadah. crease the company’s capacity and Lord, grant us what you promised us Lord, forgive us our sins, and anything Mercy from Your own presence, for ing in full capacity to operate the develop its production processes, through Your Messengers, and do not we may have done that transgressed You are (Allah) Granter of bounties second phase of the expansion, levels, he said. Hassad developed to satisfy the market needs in order shame us on the Day of Resurrection. our duty, and establish our feet fi rmly without measure. Our Lord, You are which would see a noticeable in- an expansion plan that comprised to support the country in achieving Truly You, Allah never break Your (when facing Your enemies) and help He that will gather all the people crease in local poultry production two phases to develop Al Waha’s self-sufficiency, al-Sadah added. promise.” [Qur’an 3:191-194] us against those that resist faith”. together against a day which there is Allah Says (what means): “Our Lord, [Qur’an 3:147] no doubt, for Allah never break his You are the Master of the Kingdom, Allah Says (what means): “Our promise”. [Qur’an 3:8-9] You grant the Kingdom to whom You Lord, we have wronged our own souls, Article source: http://www. will, and expropriate the Kingdom and if You do not forgive us, then we islamweb/emainpage/ Green Tent stresses role of social The most hope-inspiring verses in the Qur’an Scholars, may Allah have mercy This verse was revealed in relation forgive people who wrong you, Allah responsibility amid coronavirus upon them, have spoken a lot about to Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, may Allah will forgive you – Abu Bakr said, the most hope-inspiring verses in be pleased with him, when he took “Yes! By Allah, we like You (O Allah) the Qur’an which opens the door oath not to fi nancially support Mistah to forgive us.” Then, he resumed his QNA the Ministry of Public Health to support and help quaran- of hope wide before sinners like us, ibn Uthaathah, may Allah be pleased support to Mistah and said, “By Allah, Doha tined people. Al-Kuwari added that Ooredoo will continue and their hearts will soften with the with him, a relative of Abu Bakr, I will never stop this support,” the to educate the community through direct messages to users remembrance of Allah The Almighty. after Mistah had been involved in opposite of his previous statement in of communication lines and the Internet, by urging them to First verse the incident of slandering ‘Aa’ishah, which he declared that he would never articipants in a symposium held by the Green Tent of follow precautionary measures and use available electronic ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, may Allah be pleased with her, the help Mistah again. “A Flower Each Spring” programme called for a leg- alternatives in addition to other volunteer initiatives in co- said: “The most hope-inspiring verse daughter of Abu Bakr. This is why Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, Pislation requiring all commercial establishments with operation with specialists to overcome this ordeal. in the Qur’an is the verse in which When Allah The Almighty revealed may Allah be pleased with him, capital exceeding a certain limit to contribute a percentage Executive Director of the Qatari Red Crescent Society Allah The Almighty Says (what means): the innocence of ‘Aa’ishah, the was (known as) the most truthful. of their profi ts annually to aspects of social responsibility. (QRCS) Ibrahim al-Malki reviewed the QRCS’ eff orts and {And whatever strikes you of disaster - Mother of the Believers - may Allah ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubaarak, may Allah At the online symposium under the title, ‘Social respon- strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Public Health it is for what your hands have earned; be pleased with her, and the situation have mercy upon him, said: “This sibility in the time of coronavirus’, they said that the condi- and tracking the health status of the infected since the be- but He pardons much.} [Qur’an 42:30] became stable and those who were is the most hope-inspiring verse in tions the world is witnessing require a concerted eff ort and ginning of the crisis, pointing to QRCS’ contributions in Then, he commented, ‘If He expiates involved in the slander had received the Qur’an.” Some scholars said that co-operation between all government and private institu- supporting the health sector in the country by providing my sins by affl ictions and pardons the due corporal punishment, Allah this is the most hope-inspiring verse tions to overcome the crisis, pointing to the need to estab- training courses for volunteers in the health sector and the much, so what should remain after His The Almighty started softening the clarifying the kindness of Allah The lish a joint fund in which private sector institutions that participation of QRCS’ doctors in the Ministry’s eff orts to expiation and pardon?’” heart of Abu Bakr, may Allah be Almighty towards the slandering have made major gains during the crisis as a moral obliga- combat the epidemic. Second verse pleased with him, towards his relative sinners. tion to serve all segments of society without discrimination He said the QRCS attracted more than 18,000 volunteers Allah The Almighty Says (what Mistah ibn Uthaathah who was his Finally, we have to do two things: until such legislation is issued. and trained them in all languages to serve the health sector means): {And let not those among maternal cousin. First, we should thank Allah The Head of the programme Dr Saif bin Ali al-Hajri said that in quarantine and logistical support, in addition to sup- you who are blessed with graces and Mistah, may Allah be pleased with Almighty for His vast mercy and social responsibility is one of the concepts inherent in Is- porting those aff ected by the crisis by providing social and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their him, was poor and had no means forbearance. lamic civilisation, and has been promoted by religious texts health assistance and others. relatives and the needy and those who of livelihood except the fi nancial Second, we should remember that and followed by the righteous predecessors. Dr Khaled Muftah, a member of the faculty at the Com- left their homes for Allah’s Cause. Let support of Abu Bakr. He was one of just as merciful Allah The Almighty He pointed out that the Islamic religion attached impor- munity College, pointed out that the legal texts in the Qur’an them pardon and overlook. Would you the Muhaajiroon (Emigrants). He is, He is also severe in punishment. tance to societal responsibility at the individual and collec- and Sunnah established the concept of social responsibility, not like (it) that Allah should forgive made a mistake and received the due Allah The Almighty Says (what tive level, indicating that social responsibility is a civilisa- linking people with the values of justice and righteousness you? And Allah is Forgiving and punishment for it. Abu Bakr, may means): {[O Muhammad], inform tional aspect that is established to build a society with full to achieve the higher and partial goals of Shariah purposes. Merciful.} [Qur’an 24:22] Allah be pleased with him, was known My servants that it is I who am the cultural, social and economic environmental elements and He highlighted the foundations of social responsibility, This verse calls for the utmost for his charitable deeds and generosity Forgiving, the Merciful. And that it is others. Dr al-Hajri noted that social responsibility has be- including good work and integration between the individual kindness and benevolence to kindred. towards relatives and non-relatives. My punishment which is the painful come imperative. An institution that understands its role and the state. A number of the participants in the sympo- It commands Muslims to forgive the So, when this verse was revealed until punishment.} [Qur’an 15:49-50] in serving society is an institution worthy of growth and sium talked about the importance of obligating institutions faults of their brothers. This is an the part of {Would you not like that Thus, the hearts of believers stand progress, he said, adding it is not surprising to fi nd an in- to contribute to community development because it is the aspect of the forbearance, generosity Allah should forgive you? And Allah between the two states of fear and creased understanding among most institutions of their basis of its existence and continuity, noting that the con- and kindness of Allah The Almighty is Forgiving and Merciful.} which hope. social roles, which ultimately leads to support sustainable tributions of individuals in many countries exceed those of to His slaves, despite their wronging indicates that the reward will match Article source: http://www. development. governments towards their societies. themselves. the deed -- in other words, as you islamweb.net/emainpage/ Ooredoo Director of Public Relations Sabah Rabia al- They added that it is a social responsibility to work to Kuwari talked about the role of the company in supporting reduce prices in times of crisis in order to reduce the suf- social responsibility in the country by expanding the use fering of people, praising the role of the State in supporting          of technology and leading the digital transformation in the the private sector, which suff ers due to low oil prices and the           ministries as well as providing a strong infrastructure for precautionary measures. They also addressed the legal di- communications and the Internet, pointing to the pioneer- mension of the pandemic and its impact on contracts and         ing initiatives launched by the company in co-operation the need for legislation to address the problems caused by with the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management and the crisis.                  Zakat Fund gives QR10.6mn aid to needy       QNA The Zakat Fund provided the “Bas- other seasonal aid projects related to Doha kets of Goodness” to the families before the holy month of Ramadan and Eid                 the holy month of Ramadan. The “Bas- al-Fitr, such as Zakat al-Fitr and other         .          ket of Goodness” is one of the seasonal Eid requirements, which in turn will  (161)             he total assistance provided by projects that the Zakat Fund has been help reduce the burden on benefi ciary                                          the Zakat Fund at the Ministry carrying out since its establishment, in families. (16            (162)      Tof Awqaf and Islamic Aff airs order to help the benefi ciary families by The Zakat Fund at the Ministry of                                               for the “Basket of Goodness” project depositing fi nancial sums in their bank Awqaf and Islamic Aff airs distributes amounted to QR10,617,700 and ben- accounts, so as to help them purchase the assistance to benefi ciary families  .   efi ted 3,886 families in the State of the basic and consumer needs during who meet the Shariah conditions, af- Qatar, in accordance with the Funds the month of Ramadan. ter carefully examining the requests     policy and Shariah regulations. Within the framework of the sea- in order to ensure that the Zakat of The estimated number of the mem- sonal assistance provided by the Za- the people of Qatar are distributed to  bers of these families is 21,005. kat Fund, the Fund will be announcing those who are most in need.          Food outlets shut over safety violations                                                 . .                                                (               (46                     Al Daayen Municipality’s Health Control Section conducted 306 inspection tours and two joint inspection campaigns in April, in addition to withdrawing two food products from the market. Such inspections resulted in issuing 21     violation reports, according to Law no 8 for 1990 on the regulations of human food control. During the same period, the director of the municipality issued three administrative decisions to shut food outlets and facilities for handling food unfit   for human consumption or preparing food in unhealthy conditions. Besides, the section received five related complaints and dealt with them immediately.     Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 7 HOL STIC Your front line Wellbeing defence isn’t masks Easiest trick to a healthier start dant components that prevent and gloves: its health cell damage and support immu- nity.

weight were the ‘elephant in the Fresh Breath room’ (meaning it’s never spoken Why not help reduce bad about, but should be) and that it breath by letting the lemon take needs to be addressed as a major eff ect in your mouth as soon as factor behind the deaths from the you wake up, after a meal, be- coronavirus. fore you sleep? Lemon is said to Countries with typically high obes- stimulate saliva and water in your ity rates such as the US and the mouth in order to help prevent UK have seen some of the highest dry mouth and bad breath. death rates from Covid-19 in the By Reem Abdulrahman Jassim world, which are likely to correlate al-Muftah Mental and Physical Health with unhealthy lifestyles — and this Supporting and improving By Ghanim al-Sulaiti is a message we must learn from, your overall health, no mat- even here in Qatar. ave you ever heard of ter how or what you are doing, As most of the world continues to If you are smoking cigarettes, a drinking lemon water as a directly has an eff ect on your remain in some form of ‘lockdown’ potentially deadly ‘habit’ which is Hmorning ritual? Because mental health. I cannot forget amid the coronavirus pandemic, incredibly damaging to the human of my own personal experience of to mention that drinking lemon a person’s health and hygiene has body and brain with, or without a maintaining this daily ritual for water in a consistent manner also never been more in the spotlight. global pandemic — studies already years now, I am a strong believer improves your athletic perform- Every single day, we are hearing amply show that cigarette smoking in its benefi ts and this is why I detoxify by producing more bile consistently support the acidic tion well. This further supports ance. Lemons are also high in po- about the importance of wearing weakens the immune system and continuously urge all my readers which helps move food through environment required for your the idea of creating a routine and tassium leading better nerve and masks, using disposable gloves cor- compromises the function of the and supporters to start adding your body smoothly. Lemons are enzymes to work to digest. This applying healthy tricks along brain function. rectly, and maintaining a safe social lungs. A new study has clearly this simple little trick into their also considered an alkaline form- in turns lead to better diges- your daily routine. Simply hav- distance from others — but there’s a shown what we already safely as- schedules; not only in the morn- ing food which helps support tion and weight maintenance. ing it in the morning once a day Boosts Immunity fundamental message I feel has not sumed: such patients who smoke, ing but hopefully all the time. So your health and balances your Think about it, if you get bored can prevent kidney stones too. From all perspectives, lemons been conveyed enough internation- vape, or use shisha might have a what are the benefi ts? body’s pH (power of hydrogen). of drinking water, lemon water is The citrate found in citric acid in and lemon water aid your over- ally and requires extra emphasis: tougher time resisting an attack of the next best thing. Studies have lemons potentially breaks down all health and have proven to be your health. Covid-19. In fact, some medics have Supports and Improves Di- Supports Weight Loss and shown how drinking lemon water small stones and makes urine less signifi cant support to your im- Until the vaccine is available, our questioned whether unexpectedly gestion: Control: in a consistent manner supports acidic. mune system. They also have immune systems will need to adapt high numbers of younger people Our stomach need to be some- You don’t have to necessarily weight loss and improves sugar anti-infl ammatory eff ects that to be able to fight off Covid-19. who have become seriously ill with what acidic to digest our food in replace all your morning drinks levels. Vitamin C complement your body’s daily The immune system is the body’s the coronavirus are connected to the best manner, therefore, lem- with hot water and lemon but Drinking more water (with or Lemons contain Vitamin C functions. multi-level defence network against the smoking or shisha trend. on water helps support the acidic think of potentially removing without lemon) automatically and other benefi cial nutrients potentially harmful bacteria, viruses A group of scientists are now stat- environment required to metab- one or all of them as a possibil- makes you feel more full and our bodies need to function So yalla, its Ramadan and it’s and other organisms. Basically, a ing that if a country was to adopt a olise. Let’s not forget to mention ity. Reduce the amount of coff ee helps support smaller portions well, helping your immune sys- the time for that change, try healthy lifestyle not only helps an healthier diet and lifestyle, not only the fact that this helps prevent you have a day by replacing your besides the major benefi t of hy- tem function and protect your breaking your fast with lemon immune system to be in the best would everyone’s front line defence constipation and improves your early morning cup of coff ee with drating your body. health. We all know how Vitamin water and waiting 15 minutes shape possible to tackle pathogens, be much stronger, but the popula- bowel movements. In general, it. Possibly reduce the amount C fi ghts colds. Did you know that to start your meal?! Trust me, but it’s helps stop them entering tion may not need to lockdown next drinking lemon water helps kick- of sugar you are injecting into Hydration Vitamin C also works wonders in the long run, you will be very the body in the first place — and this time we have an outbreak. start your digestive system and your body with juices or other Incorporating a glass of water, for your skin? happy! Have a great weekend. part is very important. A global pandemic, with a con- get it moving. Not only does it drinks you might be enjoying. regardless of the lemon, supports While there are all kinds of claims tagious disease that’s spreading get it moving, it also helps pre- Not only can you drink this in the your hydration levels and the re- Antioxidant Properties online, the fact is the only diet that without a vaccine available needs vent from getting blocked by tox- morning but you can also drink a quired amount of water per day Lemons contain phytonutri- „ The author is a wellness advocate is genuinely full of vitamins and action from every single individual. ins. It tricks your liver to start to glass before and/or after meals to your body ideally needs to func- ents that have amazing antioxi- and infl uencer @keys2balance. minerals essential for boosting Your own measures can’t stop with your immune system is a plant just the use of masks and gloves, based diet. In fact plant-based diet it must go beyond this, and we contains 64-times the amount of need recognition from our health immunity-boosting antioxidants ministries that the majority of our Social Distancing? compared to a diet that includes population is in urgent need of diet meat and dairy. changes to strengthen immune sys- We’re hearing constantly about tems, and cut out all of the rubbish distancing is all about. The six feet Now we see the importance of so- hand sanitiser and other protection that is causing so many people to apart rule is a concept derived to cial media, video calls, and other equipment — but these do not form be categorically ‘vulnerable’ in this enhance social distancing as you interactive media. It is like technol- part of our front-line defence, and I pandemic. Continue to wash your reduce your odds of spreading the ogy was made for such times, and call on organisations and off icials to hands, use protective equipment, virus by staying at least six feet the gaps that cannot be filled due further explain the following: and stay home as much as possible from the other person. to the restrictions and measures A poor diet is a major cause behind — but the key to your own health put in place can be filled with vari- the Covid-19 deaths — this is a fact is in your hands, and it starts with Other measures that were put in ous forms of communication. that a leading cardiologist in the UK what your diet. place to enhance social distancing In such times, between the fear, has cautioned. Dr Aseem Malhotra, include: tough economic times, and the who is a frontline medic and also a „ The author is an expert in vegan loneliness, it is easy to fall into professor of evidence based medi- wellbeing and health. Instagram 1- Working from home instead of depression. Sharing what we feel, cine, said that obesity and excess handle: @Ghanim92  the normal workplace setting. talking to the people we love and 2- Many learning institutions were interacting with the rest of the By Hala Bader al-Humaidhi closed, and students were encour- world can spare us the worry and aged to take online classes. the possibility of health break- 3- Public places were marked out down. With the surfacing of Covid 19, of bounce, parks, and beaches It is relatively clear that social Wellness Meal Plan many vocabularies and terms were closed to limit human inter- distancing doesn’t have to bury have originated amidst all the actions. the emotional aspect. We still can chaos and we are still taking a 4- Meetings and other confer- intact and share what we feel and minute to grasp what we should ences were to be held online on think, only that we can’t do it in do. I mean, with phrases like quar- platforms like skype, not in physi- the typical face to face manner. antine, self-isolation lockdown, cal locations. and, at the centre of it all ‘social rest of the world isn’t one of them. events ensures that the spread of Now we know the importance of distancing’, it only makes sense if the coronavirus is under control No doubt that we are social be- social distancing: we confuse or alter the meaning What is social and physical as the virus is highly contagious. ings, and isolation is not a thing 1. Reduces the risk of the spread of of these terms and that is why this distancing? Many people would be infected, for all of us. We miss the social the virus. article aims at shading light and It is so disappointing to hear and the death rate would be much gatherings and the boredom in 2. Reduces the possibility of cutting across social distancing the cancellation of many global more of what we see today if such confined rooms away from friends spreading the virus. and what it entails. events such as sports, festivals, measures were not put in place. and even family is messing us 3. Hospitals will have low addition What is social distancing? Does it cruises, and other gatherings Hospitals would be flooded with a up. Some people were caught far rates due to slow infection rates. mean we separate ourselves from that help in strengthening our lot of patients, and the healthcare away from home, and they have the rest of the world and be alone ties as human beings. However, department would be under pres- to wake up each morning away In a nutshell, the virus has hit the like in an island in the middle it is not just a decision that was sure due to the limited resources. from their loved ones. Don’t get whole world; it means as humans, of the sea? Does it expect us to made to alienate people from The cancellation of such events me wrong; social distancing has we have a thing in common, a connect with others or not? I can’t one another; instead, after careful that are likely to draw masses of nothing to do with our emotions common enemy, and if we have blame you in case you have been health assessments, many health people is an example of social dis- towards each other, I mean, we are never been united, then we have a asking yourself these questions, it practitioners agreed anonymously tancing, and therefore, we deliber- just avoiding unnecessary physi- reason to right now! is a diff icult time, and everybody that any event of any sort, and ately increase the physical space cal interactions and not shutting cares about their health and get together should be cancelled between one person to the other down our feelings completely. „ The author is a consultant in would do anything to stay alive, to reduce the physical contact in a bid to prevent the spread The good news is; technology is Public Relations and Personality but alienating yourself from the between people. Cancelling these of the virus, that is, what social there to off er us a hand in all this. Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill

Baked Pakoras: Isolation Impact

Ingredients: • Juice of 1 lemon • Olive oil to grease went to the hospital I discovered • 1 medium potato, peeled and • Salt to taste my Vitamin D level had dropped sliced in thin, small slices • 2 tbs chopped coriander bleaves drastically. We usually get most of • 1 sliced onion • 1 tsp chilli powder the Vitamin D we need from the • 1 tsp carom seeds • 1 tsp cumin powder sun. But as we approach week 8 • 2 tbs chopped mint leaves • 1/2 tsp baking soda of lockdown, many of us are not • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder • 1/2 cup of water spending as much time outdoors • 6 tbs chickpea powder as we need to. As well as protect- ing our bones and teeth, Vitamin For the yogurt dip: • A handful of finely chopped mint D also helps to prevent us from • Juice of 1/2 lemon getting sick, something which is • 1 cup of yogurt • 1 grated cucumber vital during a pandemic. Our skin naturally makes Vitamin D when it By Shefa Ali is exposed to the sun. Method: tins, if that is more convenient Some studies suggest avoiding Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. for you. Bake for 20 minutes in a deficiency helps our resilience to Add one spoon of water at a time preheated oven on 250 Celsius. Are we starting to see the impacts common colds and flu, although while you are mixing. You want of social isolation on our bodies there is no evidence that Vitamin thick consistency. Make medium For the yogurt dip all you need to and minds? First off, it’s impor- D boosts the immune system. sized-pancake-shaped pakoras on do is mix all the ingredients tant to remember that isolation So this week I would just like to a baking tray covered with bak- together and Enjoy The Taste of doesn’t just numb your brain, peo- remind you to try and get some ing paper, or you can use muff in Eating Right! ple start getting lethargic when Vitamin D via sunlight in the early they don’t have positive inputs hours of the morning, even if that into our small worlds. I was okay means sitting in your garden, at the beginning of lockdown, but your balcony or standing outside now I’ll admit it’s kind of taking a of your house. toll on me. If you have a very well defined period of time in which you are isolated, people tend to „ The author is a consultant and do pretty well up until the halfway situation like we are now, when will be asked to maintain social I was starting to feel restless and coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ point, but when you are in a you are not certain how long you distance, it creates anxiety. kind of achy in my legs. When I shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times 8 Thursday, May 7, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD Hamas positions hit Playtime after Gaza rocket

AFP/Reuters killed 14 fi ghters and are pre- government deal has been con- without elaborating on the agen- Jerusalem sumed to have been carried out tested in Israel’s top court. Fresh da. The US State Department by Israel. No Gaza group took construction for the settlement had no immediate comment.The responsibility for yesterday’s of Efrat was approved on land newspaper Israel Hayom quoted he Israeli army attacked rocket fi re. that could accommodate around US Ambassador to Israel David military positions of the Separately yesterday morn- 7,000 housing units, Defence Friedman as saying that sover- THamas movement early ing, Hamas’ military wing an- Minister Naftali Bennett’s of- eignty in the West Bank and the yesterday after fi ghters in the nounced the death of a fi ghter fi ce said yesterday. “The build- Jordan Valley was “an Israeli is- Palestinian enclave fi red a rock- killed when a tunnel he was ing momentum in the country sue” and adding: “We are ready.” et at the Jewish state, the army working in collapsed in Gaza the must not be stopped, even for In separate remarks to the said. previous day. a second,” tweeted Bennett, a Jerusalem Post newspaper, “A rocket was fi red from the Meanwhile, Israel announced religious-nationalist in Netan- Friedman reiterated a call for Gaza Strip towards Israeli ter- a plan for thousands of new Jew- yahu’s current caretaker govern- Israeli-Palestinian peacemak- ritory,” the army said in a state- ish settlement homes in the oc- ment. ing: “The expectation is that ment. “In response, an (army) cupied West Bank as Washing- The settlements are deemed the prime minister will agree to tank targeted three Hamas mili- ton voiced readiness to back de illegal by most world powers and negotiate and, if the Palestin- tary posts in the northern Gaza facto Israeli annexations there. condemned by the Palestinians, ians show up, he will negotiate in Strip.” US Secretary of State Mike who see all the West Bank, which good faith based on this (Trump) A security source in Gaza Pompeo plans to visit Israel next Israel captured in a 1967 war, as plan.” confi rmed three positions had week, a source said, a sign that theirs for a future state. The Palestinians say the plan been damaged, but reported no he is weighing in on a territorial The United States has off ered is biased against them, and have casualties. The Gaza rocket hit issue that has been a centrepiece to recognise Israeli sovereignty boycotted Washington’s media- an open fi eld near the border, of Prime Minister Benjamin in the West Bank as part of a pro- tion eff orts since it recognised with no immediate reports of Netanyahu’s coalition-building posal President Donald Trump Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in casualties or damage, a military eff orts, Reuters reported from unveiled in February, which also late 2017. “The Trump Admin- spokeswoman said. Jerusalem. envisages talks on founding a istration’s Annexation plan en- Yesterday’s rocket was the Netanyahu wants to ally with Palestinian state in up to 70% of dorses everything that the illegal fi rst since March 27, and came political rival Benny Gantz and the territory. Israeli colonial-settlement en- as Israel was lifting restrictions start cabinet discussions on July Pompeo planned to visit Is- terprise is about: A racist narra- imposed during the coronavirus 1 about declaring Israeli sov- rael for one day next week and tive, violations of international outbreak. ereignty over settlements and meet Netanyahu, a conservative, law and the perpetuation of the It also followed strikes on the strategically key Jordan Val- as well as the centrist Gantz, a denial of Palestinian rights,” Pal- Palestinian children ride on a swing near their home, east of Gaza City, yesterday. militias and allies in Syria that ley in the West Bank. The unity person briefed on the trip said, estinian offi cial Saeb Erekat said. Kuwait reports 485 new Iran blasts US N-pullout, virus cases, two deaths warns over arms ban QNA/Reuters signed to stop the spread of the new coronavi- Kuwait rus, Reuters reported. Bahrain shuttered non- AFP essential shops and businesses in late March Tehran and barred entry of foreign visitors, but did not he Kuwaiti Ministry of Health reported yes- impose a curfew, unlike some other Gulf states. terday, 485 new coronavirus (Covid-19) in- Health Ministry officials told a news confer- ran’s president said yes- Tfections in the last 24 hours, bringing the ence yesterday that employees and customers terday the United States tally to 6,289. must wear face masks and practice physical Imade a “stupid mistake” by Deaths reached 42 following two new deaths distancing as restrictions are relaxed. abandoning a nuclear deal and that occurred. Cinemas, sports facilities and salons remain warned of severe consequences Earlier, Health Minister Sheikh Dr Basel al- closed. The nation has reported 3,720 infec- if its allies agree to extend an Sabah announced the recovery of 187 patients as tions with eight deaths from the Covid-19 res- arms embargo. the total came to 2,912 recoveries. piratory disease. The United States is waging The Kuwaiti News Agency quoted Health Min- In Saudi Arabia, where malls and wholesale a campaign to extend the ban istry spokesperson Dr Abdullah al-Sanad as say- shops reopened last week, authorities an- on selling conventional weap- ing that laboratory and radiological tests have nounced stringent new penalties for residents ons to Iran, which is set to be proven that these cases have recovered from the and citizens found to violate measures still in progressively eased starting in coronavirus and will be transferred to the reha- place to limit the spread of the virus. October. bilitation wing of the hospital designated to re- Citing a royal decree signed on Tuesday, the The ban is to be lifted in ac- ceive those infected with the virus, in prepara- Interior Ministry spokesman said curfew vio- cordance with UN Security tion for their discharge from the hospital during lators could be fined up to 100,000 riyals and Council Resolution 2231, which the next two days. face up to a year in prison. blessed the landmark interna- OMAN REVEALS 168 NEW CASES Those found to violate quarantine rules could tional agreement that placed The Omani Ministry of Health announced yes- be fined up to 200,000 riyals and face up to two limits on Iran’s nuclear pro- terday 168 new cases of Covid-19 in the Sultan- years in prison, while those found to intention- gramme in 2015. ate, QNA reported from Muscat. ally spread the virus could face a fine of up to US President Donald Trump Among those, 127 new cases were of expats and 500,000 riyals and up to five years in prison. withdrew from the accord — 41 of Omanis. The total cases in the country has Non-Saudi offenders would also be deported known formally as the Joint now touched 2,903, including 888 recoveries and and permanently barred from re-entering the Comprehensive Plan of Action, A handout picture provided by the Iranian presidency yesterday, shows cabinet members wearing 13 deaths, the ministry said. country. or JCPOA — in 2018 and began protective masks against the coronavirus Covid-19 during a session with President Hassan Rouhani in Shops and industrial enterprises in Bahrain The number of new infections in the king- reimposing sanctions on the Is- the capital Tehran. can open from today while restaurants will stay dom continues to hover around 1,600 per day. lamic republic. closed to in-house diners, the Health Ministry Saudi Arabia has recorded 31,938 cases in total “America made a very stu- scaled back its commitments said, as the Gulf state eases restrictions de- with 209 deaths so far. pid mistake by abandoning this to the JCPOA in retaliation to Govt warns of ‘rising trend’ as cases top 100,000 agreement,” his Iranian coun- the US pullout and what it sees terpart, Hassan Rouhani, said as European inaction to salvage Iran warned of a “rising trend” ment’s slow response. “We at a televised cabinet meeting. the accord. in its coronavirus outbreak are witnessing a rising trend Rockets strike military complex near Baghdad airport “The wise thing for the US Iran’s Supreme National Se- yesterday as it said 1,680 in the past three or four days, is to return to the JCPOA...but curity Council secretary, Ali new infections took its overall which is significant,” health Three Katyusha-type rockets early yesterday struck The high-security complex also hosts US diplomats those in charge today won’t Shamkhani, warned Sunday caseload beyond the 100,000 ministry spokesman Kianoush a military complex near Baghdad’s international air- moving in and out of the country. ever reach such wisdom,” he that the deal would “die forev- mark. Jahanpour told a televised port that is used by US troops and diplomats, Iraq’s Baghdad’s airport has been closed since mid-March added. er” if the embargo is extended. The Islamic republic has news conference. military said, without reporting casualties. as part of a nationwide lockdown to contain the Rouhani said the lifting of the Tehran has in the past threat- struggled to contain the Mid- The rise was “based on our The attack was the first time American installations coronavirus pandemic. embargo was “an inseparable ened to retaliate against any re- dle East’s deadliest Covid-19 behaviour, especially in the in Iraq have been targeted since late March, after It has coincided with a relative lull in tensions part” of the nuclear accord. imposition of UN sanctions by outbreak since announcing its past two weeks, considering around six months of rocket attacks that killed US, between the US and Iran after a particularly tense “If it is ever reimposed...they withdrawing from the nuclear first cases in mid-February. that a part of society has UK and Iraqi troops. few months. know well what severe conse- Non-Proliferation Treaty. Concerns were raised last apparently had a change of It also comes hours before Iraq’s parliament is set In January, Washington carried out a drone strike quences and what historical Washington has said it would month about the threat of a attitude,” he added. The newly to vote on a long-awaited new government, five that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and top defeat awaits them if they make use a legal argument based on “second wave” of the virus reported infections brought months after the current cabinet resigned. Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at the such a mistake.” an interpretation of Resolution in a report by parliament the country’s overall number Iraq’s security forces said in a statement that the Baghdad airport. Rouhani did not elaborate 2231 that it remains a “par- that criticised the govern- of confirmed cases to 101,650. rockets hit near the airport around dawn and that It then began planning for a widespread bombing on the consequences but said ticipant” in the deal despite re- military units found the launching pad in an area of campaign against pro-Iran groups in Iraq that it they were detailed in a letter nouncing it, and can extend the west of Baghdad. blamed for the rocket attacks on its forces. sent previously to the remain- arms embargo on Tehran or see over its 2018 withdrawal. too, that Iran will in no way ac- “The target was the headquarters of the Counter- Iran, in turn, launched missiles at US troops ing parties to the deal — Britain, more stringent sanctions reim- “There is no longer a JCPOA cept a violation of Resolution Terrorism Service, where American troops are stationed in west Iraq and has vowed to oust all China, France, Germany and posed. for America,” Rouhani said. 2231”, while stressing that lift- based,” a security source said. American forces from the Middle East. Russia. Iran, for its part, accuses the He added that the US “should ing the embargo is Iran’s “inal- Tehran has progressively US of violating the resolution know, and some other countries ienable right”. Lebanon urges unity to tackle crisis, says time is short

Reuters Monetary Fund (IMF) for aid. The situation is very painful, and state, President Michel Aoun. defaulted on its sovereign debt Beirut Diab was speaking at a meet- the chance to rectify (the situ- Leading politician Saad al-Har- in March. ing of Lebanon’s fractious sec- ation) will not last long,” Diab iri, a former prime minister, did Addressing the meeting, Fi- tarian leadership to review the told the meeting convened at the not attend the meeting. Neither nance Minister Ghazi Wazni said ebanese must set aside plan, which maps out vast losses presidential palace. did Druze leader Walid Jumblatt Lebanon had started negotia- their diff erences as the in the fi nancial system. He urged political parties, though Aoun’s Maronite rival, tions to restructure its sovereign Lcountry has no time to lose President Michel Aoun said economic syndicates and the Samir Geagea, attended. debt two weeks ago. in tackling its major fi nancial the IMF was a “mandatory path” banks to set aside diff erences. The crisis is seen as the great- The benefi ts of going to the crisis, Prime Minister Hassan for recovery. There was no place for score- est risk to stability since the IMF included boosting inter- Diab warned yesterday, saying a The government proposals settling, he said, adding that 1975-90 civil war. The local cur- national confi dence in Lebanon government recovery plan was have encountered strong criti- trading accusations would be rency has lost more than half its and the provision of fi nancial not a sacred text and could be cism from the commercial bank- “costly for all”. value since October and deposi- support of $9-$10bn for the amended. ing sector which, according to Diab’s government was ap- tors have largely been shut out treasury, he said. A handout picture provided by the Lebanese photo agency Dalati and The government approved the the plan, is set to sustain losses pointed in January with back- of their savings as dollars have The plan adopts a fl exible ex- Nohra yesterday shows Lebanon’s (from left) Parliament Speaker Nabih plan last week, announcing that of some $83.2bn. ing from the powerful, Hez- become ever more scarce. change rate in the coming phase Berri, President Michel Aoun, and Prime Minister Hassan Diab meeting it would form the basis of nego- “Time is very precious. The bollah and its allies including Infl ation, unemployment and but in “a gradual and studied” together at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut. tiations with the International accumulated losses are very big. the Christian Maronite head of poverty have soared. Lebanon way, Wazni said. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 9 AFRICA

SAFE DISTANCE WEATHER HEALTH HELPING HAND DIRE STRAITS Embassy files complaint Almost 200 dead in month Virus patients protest in Federer fund donates $1mn SA against liquidation of on behalf of worker as Kenya combats floods north Nigeria to crisis-hit African families national airline

Heavy rains in Kenya have caused floods and A group of coronavirus patients have staged a The Roger Federer Foundation will use $1mn South Africa does not want a fire sale of the assets landslides that have left 194 dead and destroyed protest outside an isolation centre in northern to feed families who are aff ected by the of troubled national airline SAA nor for the carrier crops since the deluge began last month, Nigeria to demand increased medical attention coronavirus crisis in Africa, the Swiss tennis star’s to be liquidated, Public Enterprises Minister complicating the fight against the coronavirus, and food, off icials and residents said yesterday. philanthropic organisation announced yesterday. Pravin Gordhan said yesterday. Gordhan told a the government said yesterday. The heavy Twenty patients on Tuesday walked out of the The money will be used to fund meals for 64,000 parliamentary committee that the government flooding comes after similarly deadly rainfall at facility on the outskirts of the city of Gombe and young children and their families while schools was in talks with rescue specialists in charge of the end of last year, and brings with it a second blocked a nearby highway, regional information are closed because of the pandemic. Such state-owned South African Airways (SAA) on wave of locusts with massive swarms forming in commissioner Alhassan Ibrahim Kwami said. closures have left some 300mn primary school how best to save the airline, which entered a Kenya and elsewhere in East Africa. A statement “Their complaint was that they were kept in the children around the world are missing out on form of bankruptcy protection in December. “In from the presidency said that people were being isolation centre without being administered school meals on which they depend for nutrition, our view, if this wind-down process the business evacuated from flood-prone areas in several any drugs,” Kwami said. But he insisted the according to the UN World Food Programme. The practitioner team seem to be on at the moment counties, with major dams having reached their patients did not require any drugs as they Roger Federer Foundation has been supporting continues as they proposed, it will not serve the Customers social distance on chairs outside a maximum capacity. “So far, 194 people have were asymptomatic. Local residents said they educational projects in Botswana, Malawi, original objective that we set for the business store in Johannesburg. been killed by floods,” said the statement. watched the protests from a distance. Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. rescue process,” Gordhan said. Zuma says ‘people trying to kill me’ poisoned his son

AFP ligence services of plotting to kill him. they then went to the young man and... Johanneburg His son Nhlakanipho Vusi Zuma was interfered with his treatment in order to suff ering from lupus when he died at the poison (him).” age of 25 on July 1, 2018. The former president did not provide outh Africa’s embattled ex-pres- In a 45-minute video conversation any evidence to support the claim. He is ident Jacob Zuma said yesterday with another son, Duduzane Zuma, the accused of allowing his cronies to plunder Sthat “people who were trying to ex-president alleged that Nhlakanipho state coff ers and infl uence government kill me” instead poisoned and killed his was poisoned by his enemies. appointments during his time in offi ce. Surfers bump elbows as they protest against the nationwide lockdown regulations that allow exercise but not water son in 2018. “Here was a young man (who) had an He is also facing trial for allegedly en- activities at Muizenberg beach in Cape Town. Zuma claims he was the victim of sev- ailment that you can control until you riching himself over a $3.4bn arms deal eral plots and assassination attempts are very old. But he passed away very in 1999, when he was deputy president. during his nine-year rule, which was suddenly,” Zuma said in the video, which The 78-year-old former president has marred by graft allegations and dwin- was released yesterday. consistently denied any wrongdoing. dling popularity. “I now know that it was people who His next court appearance — initially South African ‘virtual safaris’ liven up At a corruption inquiry in July 2019 were trying to kill me or to reach me, but scheduled for yesterday — has been — one year after he was forced to resign who were fi nding it diffi cult,” he added. postponed to June 23 due to the corona- — Zuma accused unnamed foreign intel- “It was a failure to take my life, that virus outbreak. lockdown with jackals, leopard cubs

Kenya seals off By Tim Cocks and Shafiek Tassiem, whatever animals the guides spot as ing people fall in love with nature,” Reuters they zoom around game reserves — he said. “They start seeing those Johannesburg they’ve fi lmed 200 spots across east animals as individual beings. That is hotspots in two Zimbabwe granted $7mn and southern Africa since founding the moment that the viewer empa- it in 2006. thises,” he said. big cities ost visitors wanting to see A 24-hour camera perched over Whether it is commutes to work, to fi ght coronavirus big game in Africa jet in a watering hole in South Africa’s long-haul business travel or sight- enya’s health minister yesterday Mfrom faraway places, so Djuma Game Reserve also shows live seeing, the Covid-19 shutdown has a announced that one suburb of the when the new coronavirus grounded images of whatever comes there to lot of people thinking about whether Kcapital Nairobi, as well as a part Reuters trust and another $2mn would be di- fl ights and put the world into lock- drink. they need to always rush from place of the port city of Mombasa, will be cor- Harare verted from funds meant to help the down, the legendary African safari Highlights include a pack of jack- to place, or whether a virtual inter- doned off due to skyrocketing cases of country recover from a devastating died. als and African wild dogs fi ghting action would sometimes do just fi ne. coronavirus in those areas. cyclone in 2019. But for South African company over a kudu carcass, a leopard cub Wallington said the crisis had cre- Cases of the virus have crept up slowly he World Bank will grant $7mn The amount is nowhere near the WildEarth — which brings virtual jumping out of a tree, a mother chee- ated “a real opportunity for people to in Kenya, as in many other African coun- to Zimbabwe to help it fi ght $200mn that Finance Minister Mthuli safaris to your living room via a cam- tah playing with her kids and close generate money by creating virtual tries, however in recent days it has be- Tthe new coronavirus pandemic Ncube said the country would need to era that their guides drive around encounters with elephants, hippos, experiences.” come clear the virus is fast spreading in that is expected to worsen an already fi ght Covid-19 in his letter to interna- in an open top vehicle — it is boom lions, baboons and giraff es. From an environmental point of several hotspots. struggling economy and food crisis, a tional lenders. time. In all, the guides narrate the trials view, it also cuts back on carbon Eastleigh, a suburb in Nairobi with a bank spokesman said yesterday. The World Bank did not imme- “We’ve seen a dramatic rise in of the animals as they follow them emitted by fl ights, and could help large Somali population, has recorded 68 Zimbabwe’s fi nance minister wrote diately say whether its grant was in our viewership of our live safaris,” around. popular spots, like East Africa’s Ser- cases, while Mombasa’s Old Town has 64 to global lenders last month warn- response to the fi nancial request by founder Graham Wallington told Re- The footage is free to access. engeti, recover from over-tourism. infections, out of a total 582 cases in the ing that the country was being driven Zimbabwe. A Zimbabwe treasury uters. “A fi vefold increase in the fi rst WildEarth makes revenue from “If our mission was just to bring country. There have been 26 deaths na- towards a health and economic ca- spokesman did not respond to ques- two weeks in March.” selling premium video to broadcast- more and more tourists, we would tionwide. tastrophe by the coronavirus because tions from Reuters. Wallington said they are cur- ers, from merchandise and a small destroy the thing we want to save,” Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said for its debt arrears mean it cannot access “The bank’s senior management rently attracting up to 3mn viewers amount of advertising, Wallington he said. the next 15 days, “there shall be cessation foreign fi nancing. has underlined the need for addi- a month, with an individual virtual said, declining to give fi gures on In the coming weeks, they plan of movement” in and out of Eastleigh and That is because the country is more tional trust fund fi nancing to ensure safari hooking in as many as 200,000 turnover. to start paid-for private tours with Mombasa’s Old Town. than $1.2bn in arrears to the World that Zimbabwe and the small group of at their most watched. The main benefi t for conservation currently out-of-work guides via a “Let me be clear, there will be no move- Bank, African Development Bank and other countries in arrears can receive Twice a day, viewers can watch eff orts is that the videos are “mak- Zoom video call. ment to or out of the two places from European Investment Bank, making it support as part of our global eff ort to 7pm today. Within those areas people are ineligible for funding or debt forgive- help countries respond to the Cov- free to move but we encourage people to ness from global lenders. id-19 crisis,” the World Bank spokes- stay in their houses.” No such measures The World Bank spokesman said man said. were announced for the informal settle- that while Zimbabwe and other coun- The impoverished southern African Malawi opposition leaders fi le bids for election re-run ment Kawangware, where 24 cases of the tries indebted to the lender could not nation has only recorded 34 cases and virus have been recorded. access regular fi nancing, they could four deaths from the coronavirus but The Kenyan government also an- get money from its trust funds to fi ght analysts say its fragile health system alawi’s two main opposi- vote and called for fresh polls, citing nomination papers in Blantyre today. nounced yesterday that it will shoulder all the coronavirus that has slowed down will not be able to handle any surge in tion fi gures yesterday pre- widespread irregularities. Both the president and the elec- the costs of quarantine, as citizens have the global economy. infections. Msented nomination papers Supporters came out in the streets toral commission have appealed resisted taking free tests out of fear that if “We recognise this is a global crisis Before the coronavirus outbreak, for a re-run in July of elections that of Malawi’s second city Blantyre as against the election annulment. they are positive they will have to pay for that impacts every country and we Zimbabwe was already in the grips of saw President Peter Mutharika con- main opposition party leader Laza- Mutharika has denounced the their own isolation and treatment. cannot leave anyone behind in our re- its worst economic crisis in a decade, troversially returned to offi ce. rus Chakwera and opposition candi- landmark ruling as a “serious mis- Several stories of patients in quaran- sponse,” the spokesman said. marked by severe shortages of food, The southern African country date Saulos Chilima went to present carriage of justice” and an “attack tine being held as they are unable to pay Zimbabwe would get $5mn from the foreign exchange, medicines and made history in February when its their nomination papers. on the foundations of the country’s their bills have circulated in local media. World Bank’s global fi nancing facility electricity. top court overturned last year’s Mutharika is scheduled to present his democracy”. Round-the-world cyclist stranded, scorned in Guinea

By Carol Valade and Emmet “They didn’t let me in because After a plea on Facebook, way to travel the whole world,” Linvingstone, AFP I am Asian,” he said by phone, ex- somebody eventually put Lee in he said, explaining that he could Conakry plaining that he was turned away touch with a guesthouse which stop whenever and wherever he from seven or eight hotels. agreed to take him, and where he liked. “It was pretty messed up,” he estimates he will have to stay for After struggling over moun- aymond Lee had been added. “I personally never expe- months. tains in Italy and Spain, Lee cy- travelling the world by bi- rienced any racism in my entire Unfazed, Lee said that Co- cled into Morocco and then into Rcycle for two years when life, this is the fi rst time”. nakry is full of good people and the vast desert, where, despite the coronavirus erupted and he In spite of abundant natural that far worse could have befallen harsh conditions, the cycling was suddenly found himself stranded resources, Guinea is a poor coun- him during his round-the-world smooth. in the poor West African state of try where the fragile health sys- odyssey. “In the middle of the desert it Guinea. tem is causing concern in the face “I wasn’t shocked,” Lee said. was nothing but endless horizon After cycling through Europe of the pandemic. “We expect so many unex- for days, weeks, months,” he said. and then across the Sahara, the The nation of some 13mn peo- pected things,” he added, refer- For now, Lee is whiling away 33-year-old South Korean was in ple also has one of the worst out- ring to nomads such as himself his days in his Conakry guest- Guinea, heading south, when the breaks in the region, with about who pedal around the world. house, reading and watching tel- government shut the borders in a 1,300 confi rmed cases and seven His predicament is preferable evision series. bid to curb the spread of the virus. fatalities. to a traffi c accident or serious But when the restrictions lift, “When I was in Guinea this Lee began asking around on illness, he said, both of which he plans to continue to Ivory thing became really serious,” said the street for a place to stay — are real possibilities when on the Coast, and from there perhaps to Lee, a former fl ight attendant only to be swindled by a man who road. South Africa — a journey he said with an easy smile and a shock of agreed to host him for 50 euros Lee started his journey in New could take longer than one year. long hair. ($55) a month, but who vanished Zealand in March 2018 — where “I just want to go to as many Now stranded, he was repeat- after receiving the money. he started a YouTube video di- countries as I can while I feel able edly turned away from hotels in With nowhere to stay and liv- ary — before fl ying to Australia to to do it,” Lee said. the seaside capital Conakry, in ing off savings, he found a room work and save money, and then “I’ve been travelling for two what Lee described as a preju- in an upmarket hotel which he on to Europe. years and I don’t think that is Cyclist Raymond Lee poses for a photograph in Conakry. diced reaction to the pandemic. could not aff ord for long. “Bike travelling is the best enough”. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, May 7, 2020 AMERICAS

CLEANING SPREE HEALTH MOURNED CARSCAPE JUSTICE Ginsburg back in court Canada honours six killed 5-yr-old pulled over while Woman jailed for refusing after medical treatment in Greece helicopter crash driving off to California to shutter her hair salon

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, at 87 the US Canada was yesterday honouring six A police off icer of Utah was stunned after A woman in Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to Supreme Court’s oldest member, yesterday took members of its armed forces killed last week stopping what he thought was an impaired seven days in jail after she refused to comply part in arguments in two cases a day after being in a helicopter crash with a ceremony and driver on a highway only to find a five-year-old with court orders to shutter her hair salon, in hospitalized to undergo treatment for a benign motorcade that was to look much diff erent from behind the wheel. The Utah Highway Patrol said line with the state’s lockdown orders. During a gall bladder condition, the latest in a series of past tributes due to the coronavirus outbreak. the boy told the trooper who pulled him over on court hearing on Tuesday, Shelly Luther, owner medical issues. Her participation in the two One body was recovered and five are missing Monday that he left home following an argument of Salon A La Mode, was told she could avoid arguments, conducted by teleconference amid and presumed dead after a military helicopter with his mother who had refused to buy him a jail time if she apologised, admitted she was the coronavirus pandemic, marked the latest flying from the warship Fredericton crashed in Lamborghini. “He decided he’d take the car and acting selfishly and shuttered her business. “I New York City police off icers clear train cars instance in which the liberal justice withstood the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Greece go to California to buy one himself,” the Highway have to disagree with you, Sir, when you say of passengers at the last stop the Coney a health scare. Ginsburg asked a number of a week ago during a training exercise. Prime Patrol said in a tweet. “He might have been short that I am selfish, because feeding my kids is not Island station in Brooklyn, New York. The New questions and her voice sounded hesitant at Minister Justin Trudeau and some family on the purchase amount, as he only had $3.” selfish,” Luther told Judge Eric Moye, according York City subway system is being suspended times but largely remained firm. Ginsburg was members and friends of the victims were to Police said the boy, who was not identified, had to video of the court proceedings broadcast in between 1am and 5am so that trains may be treated for her condition at Johns Hopkins attend a repatriation ceremony at a large managed to drive about 5km from his home local media. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a staunch cleaned to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Hospital in Baltimore. military base in Trenton, Ontario. before he was stopped and his parents contacted. conservative, called the ruling “nuts”.

Democrats claim Trump court pick too inexperienced

Trump says crisis worse Reuters Washington

federal judge who is a pro- tege of Senate Republican ALeader Mitch McConnell and Supreme Court Justice Brett than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 Kavanaugh is too inexperienced to sit on a powerful federal appeals AFP/Reuters AGAIN. We may add or subtract people court in Washington, Democratic Washington to it, as appropriate.” lawmakers said yesterday. He added: “The Task Force will also Democratic opposition to Pres- be very focused on Vaccines & Thera- ident Donald Trump’s nomina- resident Donald Trump said yes- peutics.” tion of Justin Walker to the US terday that fallout from the novel The task force to date has included Court of Appeals for the District Pcoronavirus pandemic has hit the medical professionals focused on bat- of Columbia Circuit coalesced as United States harder than Pearl Harbor tling the pandemic, some of whom have the Republican-controlled Senate in World War II or the 9/11 attacks. at times off ered guidance at odds with Judiciary Committee began the “This is worse than Pearl Harbor. This Trump’s, including on when to ease judge’s confi rmation hearing. is worse than the World Trade Center. stay-at-home orders and lockdowns on “After serving just six months as And it should have never happened,” he the economy. a district court judge he has now told reporters at the White House. Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top been nominated to the DC Circuit,” The surprise Japanese attack in 1941 infectious disease expert and most said Senator Dianne Feinstein, the on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii high-profi le member of the task force, top Democrat on the committee. drew the United States into World War II. acknowledged in a CNN interview that “In his short time on the bench, The September 11, 2001 terrorist at- he was losing the argument against reo- Judge Walker, just 37 years old, has tacks killed about 3,000 people, mostly pening the country too quickly. had virtually none of the experience in the World Trade Center in New York, “There are counties and cities in which one would expect of a district court triggering two decades of US wars and you can do that safely now, but there are judge before elevation to the circuit.” anti-terrorism operations in Iraq, Af- others that if you do that, it’s really dan- Walker, a former academic and ghanistan and other countries. gerous,” he said on Tuesday night. a federal judge in Kentucky since Trump said he would announce new White House guidelines say that the October, is close to McConnell. members of his coronavirus task force number of new cases must be trending He was also a vocal ally of Ka- by Monday, as its focus turns to medi- downward for 14 days and that vastly vanaugh during his confi rmation cal treatments and easing restrictions expanded coronavirus testing and oth- Hospital staff look on as the United States Navy Blue Angels pass over Medical City Dallas. The flypast over the Dallas-Fort battle in the Senate in 2018. on businesses and social life. er safeguards must be put in place be- Worth area was conducted as a show of support for healthcare workers and first responders. After Trump, a Republican, The Republican president said at a fore the shutdowns can be phased out. nominated Kavanaugh to the Su- White House event honouring National A number of US states saw a record Lance Bottoms, who has clashed with Democratic governors of states hard- turn to activity before the number of preme Court, Walker frequently Nurses Day that he thought he would be increase in cases on Tuesday, includ- Georgia Republican Governor Brian est hit by the outbreak have at times cases recedes. appeared on cable TV, including able to wind down the task force soon- ing Kentucky, Minnesota, Oregon and Kemp over his moves to reopen, said been at odds with the Republican De Blasio said in television interviews Fox News, talking up the nomi- er, but had no idea how popular it was. Wisconsin, while Arizona, Illinois, and she saw people partying and celebrat- Trump over easing restrictions. yesterday that he was hopeful the coun- nee’s conservative credentials. Trump said the task force would fo- Mississippi reached new record deaths. ing on the annual Cinco de Mayo holi- But even California Governor Gavin try’s largest city had turned the corner, “Justice Kavanaugh is a friend cus on medical treatments and easing More than 71,000 people in the Unit- day on Tuesday. Newsom, a Democrat, was feeling the but that he did not expect to reopen until and a mentor,” Walker said during restrictions on businesses and social ed States have died from Covid-19, the “It was disappointing. And what was urge to get back to normal. September after shutting down with the yesterday’s hearing. life and perhaps with diff erent advisers. disease caused by the virus, and more very clear was that people didn’t get On Monday, Newsom announced rest of New York state on March 20. Walker defended his qualifi ca- Trump had said on Tuesday he than 1.2mn people have been infected, anything past the message that we were plans to relax some restrictions start- “My message is: learn from how much tions, saying “there is a long and rich planned to replace the task force with according to a Reuters tally. open up for business,” she told CNN ing on Friday if the data allows and said eff ort, how much discipline it took to fi - tradition of academics being nomi- “something in a diff erent form.” State governors who have started yesterday. he would allow some communities with nally bring these numbers down and fol- nated” to federal appellate courts. In a series of tweets yesterday, how- lifting restrictions have said business “They didn’t get to the part that said low incidence of infections to reopen low the same path until you’re sure that Walker would replace Thomas ever, Trump said that because of its reopenings will be gradual and that that this was still a deadly virus and earlier than others. it’s being beaten back,” de Blasio told Griffi th, who was appointed by success, “the Task Force will continue people should continue to observe so- that you needed to continue to socially New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, CNN. “Or else, if this thing boomerangs former president George W Bush and on indefi nitely with its focus on SAFE- cial distancing and other guidelines. distance and wear masks, and I think whose city has been the hardest hit in you’re putting off any kind of restart or has announced that he is retiring. TY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY But the mayor of Atlanta, Keisha that’s the shortcoming of this order.” the country, warned against a swift re- recovery a hell of a lot longer.” Although based in Kentucky, where he has taught at the Uni- versity of Louisville’s law school, Walker has Washington ties. He clerked for Kavanaugh on the DC Circuit, where Kavanaugh US fi nds creative ways to mark graduations in virus lockdown served for 12 years. He also clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, By Charlotte Plantive, AFP cancelling the ceremony because of the again. “I was so happy, when I saw how his wife will give a speech for the “class will interrupt their programs to pay who Kavanaugh replaced in 2018. Washington pandemic, he was overwhelmed. proud my mom and dad were, that’s of 2020” on June 6 at a virtual ceremo- tribute to the 3.7mn new graduates. If approved by the Judiciary “I was so kind of hurt, I went lying on where I lost it.” ny on YouTube, which will also be at- But some are taking the idea of cross- Committee, Walker’s nomination my bed and I cried,” Johnson, the fi rst The moment — followed by two tended by singer Lady Gaga and Nobel ing the fi nish line a little more literally. would go to the full Republican- speech by Barack Obama, a pho- in his family to earn a university degree, hours of feverish dancing, is caught Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. In Florida, newly-minted high school controlled Senate for a vote. to fi nish at Daytona, or a wild, told AFP. on the video that the young man, who “I’ve always loved joining com- graduates will drive across the famed Day- The DC Circuit is considered Alivestreamed party in the fam- Johnson’s mother promised his fam- begins a residency in internal medicine mencements — the culmination of tona Speedway’s fi nish line in their family the second most powerful court ily living room: Americans are dream- ily would do “our best to make it as spe- in June at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, years of hard work and sacrifi ce,” he cars on May 31 to mark the passage. in the country, in part because it ing up creative ways to celebrate their cial as possible,” he said. posted online. tweeted. In the same vein, the Texas Motor handles many high-stakes chal- graduates, deprived of traditional di- They hung two red tablecloths from Since that weekend, it has been “Even if we can’t get together in per- Speedway is hosting a “drive-in” grad- lenges to federal regulations. ploma ceremonies by the coronavirus the wall, strung up golden balloons retweeted nearly half a million times, son this year, Michelle and I are excited uation ceremony later this month. Four of the current nine justices pandemic. spelling out “2020”, and put the music which delighted the new graduate. to celebrate the nationwide Class of Across the United States, graduates on the Supreme Court were previ- High school and university gradua- on at their home in Orlando, Florida. “I hope this video inspires other 2020 and recognise this milestone with are cheered on as they parade through ously DC Circuit judges. tion ceremonies are much-anticipated A friend livestreamed the festivities graduates to celebrate their accom- you and your loved ones.” neighbourhoods in lines of honking ve- Democratic senators said the rites of passage in the United States, on multiple platforms, so that fam- plishments. Even if it is from their par- Oprah Winfrey, champion gymnast hicles by parents and teachers waving hearing should not have been pri- almost “as important as weddings or ily and friends could watch as he ap- ent’s living room. This ending does not Simone Biles and singer Miley Cyrus balloons, pom-poms and pennants. oritized and that their time would births,” says 29-year-old Trent Johnson. peared in the room dressed in his cap negate our journey,” Johnson said. will do the same on Facebook and In- Signs have begun to sprout on lawns be better spent addressing the So when, after four years of medi- and gown. It is a sentiment shared by former stagram on May 15. and entryways emblazoned with pic- pandemic, which has killed more cal school, he received an email telling It felt real, Johnson said — and sud- president Barack Obama. And the next day, the major televi- tures of the new graduates, and always than 71,000 people in the United him that his university, Ohio State, was denly the moment overwhelmed him He has just announced that he and sion channels ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC the same message: “Congratulations.” States.

Trump renews partisan pandemic commentary as Texas moves to ease shutdown

Reuters of removing him in retaliation for have begun in recent weeks ease on Monday in predicting nearly Most of the workers were Phoenix concerns he tried to raise about stay-at-home orders that have 135,000 Americans would die wearing masks. the coronavirus threat in January. paralysed their economies. from Covid-19 by early August, Trump clarifi ed yesterday he A spokeswoman for Bright said Texas, one of the largest, al- almost double previous projec- did not wear a mask during the resident Donald Trump on he would testify before a House lowed restaurants, retail stores tions. tour on Tuesday after consulting Tuesday accused Demo- panel on May 14. and shopping malls to resume The research model from the the company’s chief executive, Pcrats of hoping his corona- Debate over how and when business on a limited basis last University of Washington’s In- although he said he tried one on virus response fails “so they can to ease restrictions on com- Friday. stitute for Health Metrics and backstage. win the election,” as the Repub- merce and social life have grown On Tuesday, Governor Greg Evaluation has become a closely The president wore safety gog- lican governor of Texas moved to increasingly politicized, with Abbott, a Republican, announced watched data point often cited gles during the factory tour but further relax business shutdowns Trump and his supporters agi- he was expanding that partial by the White House and public did not wear a mask, even though aimed at quelling the pandemic. tating to loosen social-distanc- reopening to hair salons, bar- health authorities in gauging the production workers at the facil- Trump’s latest partisan com- ing measures more swiftly than ber shops and nail parlours this coronavirus crisis. ity did and a sign was visible that mentary on the public health cri- medical experts deem prudent. Friday, to be followed by fi tness In Arizona, marking his fi rst read: “Attention: Face Mask Re- sis and resulting economic melt- Democratic governors of states clubs and offi ce buildings on May trip in weeks beyond the greater quired in this Area. Thank You!” down engulfi ng his presidency hardest hit by the outbreak have 18, subject to occupancy restric- Washington area, Trump visited Trump was speaking to reporters came hours before he visited a taken a more cautious stance, tions and workplace social-dis- a Honeywell International Inc yesterday at a White House event face-mask factory in Arizona, abiding by public health offi - tancing. aerospace facility in Phoenix that marking National Nurses Day. where he defi ed infection-con- President Donald Trump tours a Honeywell International factory cials — and guidelines from the He also recommended individ- is making protective N95 face Arizona, a battleground state trol guidelines by not wearing a producing N95 masks in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday. White House itself — warning uals 65 and over, as well as people masks for healthcare workers. that could decide the election mask himself. that vastly expanded coronavirus with chronic health conditions, But the president, who has outcome, has also joined the At the plant, Trump said he phase focusing on the aftermath was time to wind down the task testing and other safeguards be largely remain at home. consistently declined to wear ranks of partial economic reo- planned to wind down the White of the outbreak. force. put in place fi rst. Widespread relaxation of so- a mask in public despite White penings, after protesters rallied House coronavirus task force led “We can’t keep our country Dr Rick Bright fi led a whistle- But dozens of US states, many cial-distancing measures was a House guidelines urging people in the capital Phoenix demand- by Vice President Mike Pence closed for the next fi ve years,” blower complaint on Tuesday ac- led by Republicans in the South, key factor cited by an infl uen- to do so, showed up at the facility ing Republican Governor Doug as the country shifts into a new Trump said, when asked why it cusing the Trump administration Midwest and mountain West, tial coronavirus mortality model without any face covering. Ducey loosen restrictions. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 11 ASIA

Strong Indonesia Indonesia delays regional undersea quake polls amid Covid-19 fears causes Reuters 2.3%, down from 5.02% last epidemiological curve in the panic Jakarta year, or under the govern- coming weeks. ment’s worst-case scenario President Joko Widodo yes- contract -0.4%. terday ordered his cabinet to use Reuters ovid-19 has set Indone- Indrawati said authorities “whatever means” necessary Jakarta sia’s poverty eradication expected cases of the coronavi- to ensure Indonesia’s infection Ceff orts back by a decade, rus to peak in late May and ta- curve of the coronavirus out- its fi nance minister said yes- per off in the following month, break goes down in May, to reach powerful earthquake terday, after regional elections if the country was successful in a low in cases by July. struck eastern Indonesia were postponed amid con- avoiding a second wave. Regional elections, a huge Ayesterday, causing some cerns about the spread of the Despite an offi cial ban on logistical undertaking in an ar- residents to fl ee their homes, but coronavirus. ‘mudik’, the annual exodus at chipelago of more than 260mn there were no immediate reports Finance Minister Sri Mulyani the end of Ramadan, which this people that were scheduled to of damage and the country’s me- Indrawati told parliament 2mn year falls in late May, many have run in September, have been of- teorology agency ruled out the people had lost their jobs in since returned to their home- fi cially postponed because of the risk of a tsunami. the last six weeks in South East towns and villages across the coronavirus. The magnitude 6.9 eathquake Asia’s biggest economy. country. Widodo signed a presidential struck in the Banda Sea, the “All of our achievement in re- “It turns out preventing peo- decree late on Tuesday to delay European Mediterranean Seis- ducing the poverty rate between ple from going back to home the elections until at least the mological Centre (EMSC) said, 2011 and 2020 is reversed,” villages is nearly impossible,” end of year. and was at a depth of 117km (73 Indrawati said. said Indrawati, referring to fears Indonesia reported yesterday miles). The US Geological Survey Indonesia’s poverty rate was travellers from the capital could 23 more people had died af- gave a preliminary magnitude 12.36% in 2011, with nearly spread the virus. ter contracting Covid-19 in the of 6.8. 30mn people considered poor. The government has ap- South East Asian nation, taking The earthquake was not capa- The rate was 9.22% in September peared optimistic about trying the number of deaths from the ble of generating a tsunami af- last year, with 24.79mn people to revive economic activity, but respiratory disease the corona- fecting the Indian Ocean region, counted as poor. Indrawati said these decisions virus causes to 895, the highest the Indonesia Tsunami Service Indonesia expects economic would be based on how well In- death toll in East Asia outside Medical staff wearing protective suits prepare for a rapid test session, amid the coronavirus disease Provider said. growth this year could slow to donesia manages to fl atten the China. (Covid-19) outbreak in Jakarta yesterday. A resident on the island of Kisar in Maluku province said they felt the earthquake for a few minutes and said people ran out of the houses in panic. “People were asleep, we screamed. People ran because of Bangladesh charges 11 for spreading virus ‘rumours’ the quake, beds shook,” said Oce Karmomyana, who said there had been no damage. AFP used to suppress criticism of the The number of new “Life in the Time of Corona” man rights activist Rezaur Rah- sorry for that. But the number Indonesia is situated on the Dhaka government’s handling of the Covid-19 infections in cartoon series that included car- man Lenin said after the latest of deaths is still low compared to so-called Pacifi c Ring of Fire, contagion. Bangladesh rose by 790 icatures of ruling party leaders charges. other nations,” Health Minister which is frequently hit by earth- The impoverished South yesterday, the highest and allegations of health sector “The government should in- Zahid Maleque said on Tues- quakes that are sometimes Bangladeshi cartoon- Asian nation has reported 11,719 daily increase since corruption. stead nurture a free press ... day as he acknowledged that accompanied by tsunamis. ist was among 11 people virus cases and 186 deaths so far, March 8 Ahmed has been a vocal online which can greatly help in curb- the re-openings could drive up The most devastating in re- Acharged yesterday for but experts say limited testing by critic about the alleged shortage ing the pandemic.” infections. cent Indonesian history was on “spreading rumours” on social authorities means the true fi g- dermining the image” of the late of protective gear for doctors. Bangladesh reported 790 new Bangladesh has also lifted re- Dec 26 in 2004, when a magni- media about the coronavirus ures could be much higher. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the fa- They were charged under the infections yesterday - its fourth- strictions on people congregat- tude 9.5 earthquake triggered outbreak in the country, where The 11 have been charged with ther of current Prime Minister Digital Security Act passed in straight one-day record of fresh ing in mosques for prayers from a massive tsunami that killed experts say offi cial fi gures like- “spreading rumours and mis- Sheikh Hasina and the nation’s 2018 which critics say is a se- cases. Thursday. around 226,000 people along the ly understate the scale of the information on Facebook about founding leader. rious threat to freedom of ex- The government on Monday Places of worship are to pro- shorelines of the Indian Ocean, health crisis. the coronavirus situation,” Two of the 11 - cartoonist pression in the nation of 168mn extended its nationwide lock- vide hand sanitiser and devo- including more than 126,000 in Police have arrested at least Dhaka Metropolitan Police As- Ahmed Kabir Kishore and writer people. down to May 16, but has allowed tees should wear face masks and Indonesia. 40 people in recent weeks un- sistant Commissioner Shamim Mushtaq Ahmed - were arrested “It is seen as an assault to factories and some shops to re- use their own prayer mat, the In 2018, a tsunami hit the city der controversial digital security Ahmed said. yesterday, police said. freedom of expression, to the open to kick-start the economy. religious aff airs ministry said of Palu in Sulawesi island, killing laws that activists say are being They are also accused of “un- Kishore was working on a right to life and livelihood,” hu- “There are deaths. We are yesterday. thousands. Nepal economy in tatters as remittances start dwindling

IANS enable his return but to no avail. by 22% due to the coronavi- accommodation since he was Kathmandu “The embassy offi cials are not rus outbreak and a related oil laid off along with two dozen responding,” said the 30-year- price crash as lockdowns, travel other workers. old, who has been working for a bans, and social distancing have No Nepalese workers have radeep Raj Lamsal, who multinational retail chain. brought global economic been able to migrate abroad works in the Middle East, Lamsal’s crisis has cut off activities to “a near standstill”. since March 24, when the coun- Pwas in for a rude shock the lifeline to his family of fi ve On April 14, some Gulf coun- try sealed its borders, an unprec- when his company asked him in Nepal. He used to send them tries, including the UAE, urged edented halt in migration in at not to come to the offi ce for at $500 monthly out of his salary other nations to repatriate their least two decades. least six months after he was of $750. citizens as the pandemic had “With the International Mon- told to stay home without pay in “Now it’s diffi cult to man- hit their economies. There are etary Fund (IMF) projecting a March when a coronavirus lock- age the family expenses as all around 225,000 Nepalese contraction in economies of the down was enforced in the region. income sources have dried up,” citizens in the UAE alone. Gulf countries in 2020, hun- Lamsal, like other hundreds he said. “(Almost) all have decided to dreds of Nepalese are expected of thousands of Nepalis work- Plunging remittances have return home. I’m waiting for the to lose their jobs and return ing abroad, is preparing to re- threatened small economies of governments of Nepal and the home. This will aff ect the infl ow turn home as the tiny landlocked developing countries like Nepal UAE to lift the lockdown so I can of remittance,” Gunakar Bhatta, Police personnel check motorists during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive Himalayan nation braces for one that partially depend on money board a plane,” Narayan Bhanda- the spokesperson of Nepal Ras- measure against the coronavirus, on a deserted road in Kathmandu yesterday. of the biggest losses to its econ- sent home by migrants. ri, who moved to the UAE seven tra Bank, - the central bank of omy as the spread of the Cov- According to the World Bank, months ago, told EFE. Nepal - said. been working abroad in just fi ve some time,” said Jeevan Baniya, should see the mass return of id-19 pandemic has decimated Nepal received remittances His employer fi red Bhandari, The World Bank has said that countries: Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi a labour and migration expert at workers as an opportunity. jobs and dwindled remittances worth $8.64bn or 27.3% of its a taxi driver hailing from south- the economic slowdown is likely Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. the Nepalese think-tank Social “The government should in- from migrant workers, Efe news GDP in 2019, among the highest west Nepal, in late March. He to aff ect remittance outfl ows This is in addition to the Science Baha. troduce targeted schemes for reported. in South Asia. said he had sold land worth to South Asia from the United 3-4mn Nepalis in India, although “Even when the lockdowns them ... to make the country “I’m running out of money. However, a recent World Bank Rs300,000 ($2,500) to move to States, the United Kingdom, the the unoffi cial estimates vary are relaxed, they are not likely self-suffi cient in food produc- I’m in big trouble,” Lamsal told report warned that this year re- the Middle East. European Union, apart from the widely. to be employed as a result of the tion. They and their skill should EFE on the phone from Dubai. mittances could drop as much as “Now I have to return empty- oil crash linked outfl ow from the “Some employers have al- global recession triggered by the be mobilised in the agriculture He said he had fi lled a form 14% or $1.2bn. handed,” said Bhandari, who has Gulf countries and Malaysia. ready started laying-off employ- coronavirus.” sector which is suff ering from on the website of the Nepa- The bank said remittances depended on the Nepalese di- According to offi cial data, ees whereas others have asked However, economist Rame- the shortage of manpower,” he lese embassy in the UAE to across South Asia could slump aspora in the UAE for food and around 1.5mn Nepalis have them to stay on unpaid leave for shore Khanal said that Nepal said. Bangkok’s millionaires’ club enjoys lockdown luxury By Dene-Hern Chen, AFP a grim sign of an economic con- Concierge services kick in as A butler - wearing white Restrictions on Bangkok’s Bangkok traction forecast at more than part of a rewards programme gloves - can also come along restaurants were eased Sunday 6% this year - the worst since when bank account holders have to set the table and present allowing customers to eat-in the Asian fi nancial crisis in 1997. “at least $1mn”, he explained. the food. with social distancing. ourmet take-out de- For rich Bangkokians the His company launched White As part of the fi ght against But with alcohol off the menu, livered by a butler in a pandemic has brought the in- Glove Delivery after their con- Covid-19, White Glove also many food businesses are still re- Gblack sedan - Thailand’s convenience of restricted move- cierge business took a nose donates 1,000 meals a day to lying on delivery for an income. super-rich have not forgone ment - with an overnight curfew dive as global business travel frontline workers in hospitals, Dalian, a Chinese restaurant luxury during a pandemic which still in place despite some busi- staggered to a halt. Jakkapun said. in downtown Bangkok, makes has locked the country down, nesses reopening - but no end to Wagyu beef, seafood and dim Thailand has 27 billionaires, 3,000 baht a day ($90), an 80% crushed the economy and left the lifestyle of plenty. sum are on off er from 20 res- according to Forbes, with the drop from before the pandemic, millions unemployed. Concierge company the Sil- taurants, some housed in luxury Chearavanont family who head said manager Jay, who declined Thailand is one of the most ver Voyage Club has retooled hotels or listed on the Michelin agro-industrial conglomerate to give a last name. unequal nations in the world its services to meet the cravings Guide. CP Group topping the list worth The restaurant is turning to and the chasm between rich of the elite, delivering high- Clients include corporate an estimated $27.3bn. delivery apps to reach custom- and poor is widening as the end meals from the top-tier diners and celebrities, their They pledged $29mn to the ers who are mainly still stay- coronavirus eviscerates jobs, restaurants. meals delivered in carefully government last month the same ing at home, despite their high leaving 22mn registering for a “Our top clients are... high- packaged boxes to their house- day premier Prayut Chan-o-cha commission of around 30%. An employee from luxury food delivery service White Glove Delivery government cash hand-out. net-worth individuals who keepers in upscale Bangkok called for the country’s super- “(The commission) is quite a collecting an order from high-end Thai restaurant At-Ta-Rote for a Hundreds line up daily for are VIP from the banks,” said neighbourhoods or to company rich to dig deep to help stave off lot, but we don’t have another client in Bangkok yesterday. food donations across Bangkok, founder Jakkapun Rattanapet. headquarters. economic ruin. way to go,” he said. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, May 7, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

China says Hong Kong will never be calm unless violent protesters removed

Reuters colony, while a lockdown to pre- country-two-systems’,” the of- Protesters said Beijing was The arrests of 15 activists in jing’s top offi cial in Hong Kong 1974, as the coronavirus pan- Beijing vent coronavirus infections has fi ce said in a statement yesterday. seeking to erode the “one coun- April, including veteran politi- urging the local government to demic dealt a heavy blow to busi- largely kept their movement off “As long as the protesters are try, two systems” style of gov- cians, a publishing tycoon and work to enact national security ness activity, already in decline the streets. not removed, Hong Kong will ernance that guarantees broad senior barristers, thrust the pro- legislation “as soon as possible”, following the anti-government hina’s Hong Kong aff airs The Hong Kong and Macau Af- never be calm,” it said. The Asian freedoms for Hong Kong since its test movement back into the fuelling worries over what many protests. offi ce warned yesterday fairs offi ce warned that China’s fi nancial hub was rocked in 2019 return to Chinese rule in 1997. spotlight and drew condemna- see as encroachment on the ter- The Hong Kong and Macau Af- Cthat the city will never be central government will not sit by months of massive, and some- Beijing rejects criticism that tion from Washington and inter- ritory’s freedoms. fairs offi ce said that while there calm unless “black-clad violent idly by “with this recklessly de- times violent, political protests it is seeking to encroach on the national rights groups. Fear that Beijing is fl exing its were many factors contributing protesters” were all removed, mented force in place” and that over a now-withdrawn extradi- city’s much-cherished freedoms. Beijing’s top representative muscle over Hong Kong risks a to Hong Kong’s economic woes, describing them as a “political China’s central government tion bill that would have allowed Hong Kong riot police dispersed offi ce in Hong Kong on Saturday revival of anti-government pro- the main problem was anti-gov- virus” that seeks independence has the greatest responsibility people to be sent to mainland a crowd of 300 pro-democracy condemned what it described as tests after months of relative ernment protests. from Beijing. in maintaining order and safe- China for trial. activists, some wearing black, extreme radicals for holding il- calm amid social distancing rules “Hong Kong’s biggest trou- The strongly worded state- guarding national security. Many young protesters late last month - the fi rst sizeable legal assemblies over the Labour to curb the spread of the corona- ble comes from within, that is ment comes amid mounting “The scorched-earth action of dressed in black fought running protest since the government im- Day holiday and accused them of virus. the violent forces openly calling concerns among democracy ac- the black-clad violent protesters battles with Hong Kong police as posed a ban on public meetings at undermining the rule of law. Hong Kong’s economy record- for and engaging in ‘lanchao’,” tivists that China is tightening is a political virus in Hong Kong the demonstrations evolved into the end of March to curb corona- A war of words has intensifi ed ed in the fi rst quarter its deepest said the offi ce, referring to a its grip over the former British society and a big enemy to ‘one- calls for greater democracy. virus infections. in the past few weeks, with Bei- annual contraction since at least scorched-earth tactic.

Pompeo has no evidence about virus lab leak: The Wuhan lab at China heart of US-China Students back to China hit back yesterday at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his claims that the coronavirus spat coronavirus originated in a lab in Wuhan, saying he “doesn’t have any” evidence. Washington and AFP Beijing have clashed repeatedly Beijing school in Wuhan over the virus, which emerged in China late last year but has since AFP spiralled into a global pandemic. he Chinese laboratory accused by top American offi cials of being Beijing Conspiracy theories that the the source of the coronavirus pandemic conducts research on the virus came from a maximum- Tworld’s most dangerous diseases. Here are some key questions security virology lab in Wuhan about the Wuhan Institute of Virology: hinese youngsters in the have swirled since earlier this global virus epicentre year, but were brought into the What do its researchers do? Cof Wuhan fi led back to mainstream last month by US Work by the lab’s scientists helped to shed light on the Covid-19 class yesterday, wearing masks government off icials. pathogen in the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan. In February, they and walking in single fi le past Pompeo said on Sunday that published work concluding that the new virus shared a 79.6% sequence thermal scanners. Senior school there was “enormous evidence” identity to the Sars coronavirus, and that it was 96% identical at the students in 121 institutions were to show that the new coronavirus whole-genome level to a coronavirus found in bats. The lab’s research- back in front of chalk boards and originated in a Chinese lab. ers had already conducted extensive investigations on the links between digital displays for the fi rst time “I think this matter should bats and disease outbreaks in China, and had highlighted the need to since their city - the ground zero be handed to scientists and prepare for viruses potentially spreading out of their natural reservoirs of the coronavirus pandemic - medical professionals, and not into human communities. shut down in January. politicians who lie for their own Scientists think Covid-19 originated in bats and could have been “School is fi nally reopening!” domestic political ends,” said transmitted to people via another mammal like a pangolin, but there is posted one user of Weibo, Chi- foreign ministry spokeswoman no defi nitive answer so far. na’s Twitter-like short messag- Hua Chunying at a regular press ing platform. briefing. “Mr Pompeo repeatedly What does it handle? “This is the fi rst time that I’m spoke up but he cannot present The Wuhan institute houses the largest virus bank in Asia which pre- so happy to go back to school, any evidence. How can he? serves more than 1,500 strains. The complex contains Asia’s fi rst max- although I have to sit a monthly Because he doesn’t have any,” imum-security lab equipped to handle Class 4 pathogens (P4) such as examination on the 8th.” Teen- she said. Ebola. The 300mn-yuan ($42mn) P4 lab opened in 2018. A P3 lab has agers sat at individual desks Most scientists believe the new been in operation since 2012. While the US intelligence community said spaced a metre (3.3 feet) apart, virus jumped from animals to it had concluded the coronavirus was not human-made, it added that it seeing their teachers in the A teacher and senior high school students wearing face masks are seen inside a classroom on their first humans, with suspicion around would continue to investigate if the outbreak started from contact with fl esh after months of distance day of returning to campus following the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Wuhan, China, yesterday. a market in Wuhan that sold infected animals or from “an accident” at the Wuhan lab. learning. Wednesday’s back- wildlife for meat. US President to-school was the latest step in media. Thermal scanners greet- Donald Trump has been Could there be a leak? a gradual normalising of life in ed everyone walking through increasingly critical of China’s US diplomatic cables seen by The Washington Post earlier said that Wuhan and surrounding Hubei school gates, and anyone with management of the outbreak, offi cials were concerned about inadequate safety standards related to province. a high temperature was not al- saying last week he had seen researchers’ handling of Sars-like bat coronaviruses in the high-secu- The city, where the corona- lowed in. evidence linking the virus to the rity lab. The institute has said it received samples of the then-unknown virus appeared late last year be- State-run China Daily said Wuhan lab and threatening new virus on December 30, determined the viral genome sequence on Janu- fore spreading around the world, some places arranged staggered trade tariff s against Beijing. The ary 2 and submitted information on the pathogen to the WHO on Janu- was locked down for 76 days and arrival times for teachers and United States is the worst-hit ary 11. Shi Zhengli, one of China’s leading experts on bat coronaviruses only reopened last month. students. Armed police offi cers country in the world, with more and deputy director of the Wuhan P4 lab, said she would “bet her life Only the province’s old- were seen standing guard at the than 70,000 deaths. Beijing that (the new coronavirus) had nothing to do with the lab”, according est students were present on entrance of Wuhan No 17 Mid- has accused the US of trying to to Chinese state media. And in an interview with Scientifi c American, Wednesday - vocational stu- dle School, with offi cers also divert attention from its domestic Shi said the Sars-CoV-2 genome sequence did not match any of the bat dents and seniors who are due to pictured outside other schools handling of the outbreak. “We coronaviruses her laboratory had previously collected and studied. take the make-or-break univer- around the province. urge the US to stop ... shifting sity entrance exams. Elsewhere in China, schools the focus to China,” Hua said. What do scientists know about the virus? Return dates have generally that have been closed or online- “It should handle its domestic Researchers have noted that while there is no proof for the lab ac- not been confi rmed for junior only since January began gradu- aff airs properly first. The most cident theory, there is also no clear evidence that the virus came from and middle school students, al- ally reopening last month, with Police off icers stand guard at an entrance of a high school in Wuhan. important thing now is to control the Wuhan market. A study by a group of Chinese scientists published though some localities have al- Beijing and Shanghai letting the US’ domestic pandemic in The Lancet in January found that the fi rst Covid-19 patient had no lowed their return as well. some students return last week. reported in Hubei province for enhanced safety measures in- spread and think of ways to connection to the market, and neither did 13 of the fi rst 41 confi rmed Offi cials in Wuhan say stu- China’s major cities are gradual- over a month. Over a fi ve-day cluding temperature screening save lives.” The World Health cases. Professor Leo Poon of The University of Hong Kong said the sci- dents and staff must all have had ly returning to normal after im- holiday to start the month, there and social distancing. Organisation has said US claims entifi c community’s consensus was that the virus is not human-made. virus tests before going back to posing strict travel restrictions were 115mn domestic trips, with However, most foreigners are about the origin of the virus “We need to look at the origin of this virus. It is important, because school, and campuses have been and closing huge swathes of the many tourist sites reopening - still banned from entering the were “speculative”. The top US from a public health point of view, we want to know how it happened, disinfected and cleaned. economy to control the spread although with limited attend- country as China works to con- epidemiologist Anthony Fauci and (if we can) learn from this,” he said. David Heymann, professor of In preparation for reopening, of the virus. ance. tain infections being brought in has echoed the WHO’s statement, infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and some schools spaced out their In recent months infections Shanghai Disneyland will re- from overseas. Chinese nation- telling National Geographic that Tropical Medicine, added: “We have a hypothesis that it came from a desks and organised smaller nationwide have dwindled, and open next week, the entertain- als returning home must under- all evidence so far “strongly live animal market, and I haven’t seen anybody provide evidence that class sizes, according to local there have been no new cases ment giant said Tuesday, with go 14 days of quarantine. indicates” a natural origin. shows to the contrary.” Rain brings cheer for Aussie farmers South Korea returns largely to AFP a long way to go to harvest, and for that support won’t go away Tamworth, Australia Mother Nature can turn around either,” Warlters added. The very quickly,” said Tongue. resilience of some locals has Still, farmers like him are for been bolstered by steady beef normal as outbreak controlled he coronavirus has the fi rst time in a long while and lamb prices, Tamworth brought new challenges confi dent enough to plant Mayor Col Murray said, in part Tfor Australia’s drought crops. because herds have diminished. AFP and bushfi re-stricken farmers, Analysts at Rabobank Aus- “The drought has been ex- Seoul but recent sustained rainfall tralia are predicting a profi t- traordinary, the impacts of that and green shoots are now spur- able year for the sector despite will last for a number of years ring hope of better times ahead. global uncertainty, with farm- to come, but that sense of opti- outh Korea returned largely to normal Kevin Tongue eyes his fi eld in ers helped by a weak Aus- mism now is quite amazing and yesterday as workers went back to offi c- the country’s water-deprived sie dollar that makes exports also quite refreshing,” Murray Ses, and museums and libraries reopened southeast as lambs pick at fresh cheaper. said. under eased social distancing rules after new blades of grass fi nally punching It has been a rough run for The coronavirus has forced coronavirus cases dropped to a trickle. their way through the soil. Tongue and his community, lockdowns across Australia - The South endured one of the worst early “The turnaround from where with farmers suff ering not closing industries and prompt- outbreaks of the disease outside China and we were 12 months ago...” just the drought but the worst ing thousands to queue for gov- while it never imposed a compulsory lock- Tongue told AFP. “It was bar- bushfi res in recorded memory, ernment welfare. down, strict social distancing had been widely ren.” “What we’ve got now fl ash fl ooding and now a global Prime Minister Scott Mor- observed since March. mate is just amazing, the way pandemic of unknown dura- rison this week welcomed Employees were urged to work from home the country has responded to tion. the fact the drought is start- where possible while the new school term was that rain.” “That’s just a totally unprec- ing to break but warned that postponed from its March start. Scores of The worst drought in liv- edented set of circumstances “when restaurants and cafes events - from K-pop concerts to sports sea- ing memory created years of that have impacted across the are closed, they are not buying sons - were delayed or cancelled, while mu- pain for rural Australia — farms country and impacted agricul- from those producers like they seums and galleries were closed and religious People wearing face masks walk through an underground shopping area in Seoul. went to the wall, towns ran dry, ture producers in particular,” were before”. services suspended. But the South appears and land lay fallow. But around said Rural Aid chief executive Tongue says day-to-day life to have brought its outbreak under control ing, and the fi rst visitors of the day - a married poster. Another tweeted: “I feel like my holi- the city of Tamworth — fi ve John Warlters. has changed little amid the thanks to an extensive “trace, test and treat” couple - were given a bouquet of fl owers by days are now over.” hours drive from Sydney — re- Hay to help feed livestock, pandemic. For many farmers in programme that has drawn widespread praise. staff . “Many of our colleagues also came back The South reported two new infections cent rainfall and predictions of water deliveries and fi nancial this enormous country-cum- In a population of 51mn, its death toll is little to work today, so we are very excited about yesterday, taking the total to 10,806, the Korea above average levels to come assistance are all needed, he continent, it was already a rela- more than 250, and new cases have slowed to the reopening, we are very happy,” museum Centers for Disease Control said. Some pro- may be enough to ensure the said, but just as important is tively isolated existence even just a handful - 13 in the past three days, all of spokeswoman Lee Hyun-ju told AFP. Some fessional sports, including baseball and soccer, community’s survival, even mental health support. before social restrictions. them arriving international passengers. More workers were bittersweet about going back to are starting their new seasons this week after through the global virus pan- “Even when it rains, the need “This kind of pandemic than 90 of the South’s imported cases are re- the offi ce. being postponed over virus fears, although the demic. for that sort of support doesn’t hasn’t actually aff ected agri- turning citizens. “I wanted to go home as soon as I sat down matches will be played behind closed doors. “We just don’t want to get go away, and when the Covid culture, we’ve remained work- At least 100 people visited the National Mu- at my desk in the offi ce today. But there is also Schools are to reopen in stages starting from carried away, you know, there’s restrictions are lifted the need ing,” he said. seum of Korea in Seoul on Wednesday morn- this weird sense of stability,” wrote one Twitter May 13. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 13 BRITAIN Govt’s ex-virus adviser escapes police action for fl outing rules

Guardian News and Media resign, Matt Hancock told Sky further action would be taken Telegraph revealed that Antonia He said he had supported been an important part of what guidelines must be followed by London News. against Ferguson. Staats had crossed London from the Scottish police warning to we’ve listened to, and I think he law and were “there to protect us Hancock said: “I back the A Met police statement criti- her family home to visit him on Dr Catherine Calderwood, the took the right decision to resign,” all”. He said Ferguson’s resigna- police here. They will take their cised his behaviour as “plainly at least two occasions, on March Scottish chief medical offi cer Hancock added. tion had been “an appropriate he health secretary has decisions independently from disappointing” but ruled out 30 and April 8, since lockdown who visited her second home He said he would not have course” because other people said he would back the ministers, that’s quite right, it’s issuing a fi ne because he “has measures were imposed. during lockdown. fought for Ferguson to keep his had tried so hard to stick to the Tpolice in any action they always been like that. taken responsibility” after re- The scandal was revealed on He described Ferguson’s de- job. lockdown, even though it had wish to take over Prof Neil Fer- “Even though I have got a clear signing. Tuesday, when fi gures showed cision to fl out lockdown rules Earlier, another senior minister been hard not to see loved ones. guson breaking social distancing answer to what I think, as a min- The police declined to say the UK’s offi cial death toll from as “extraordinary” and one that urged people to stick unequivo- In a round of broadcast inter- rules by having a woman visit ister the way we run the police whether offi cers had spoken di- coronavirus had exceeded that had left him “speechless”. Asked cally to the coronavirus lockdown. views, Brokenshire stressed it him at his home. is that they make decisions like rectly to Ferguson. of Italy to become the highest in whether he was speechless by James Brokenshire, a Home Offi ce was still important to follow the Ferguson, an epidemiologist this. So I give them their space to Ferguson, who works with an Europe. the presenter, Kay Burley, he minister, said Ferguson had made lockdown rules before today’s who has helped shape the gov- make that decision, but I think Imperial College London team Hancock said physical dis- said: “I am.” an “error of judgment” and was review of whether they should ernment’s response to coronavi- he took the right decision to re- whose modelling infl uenced the tancing rules were very impor- “Prof Ferguson is a very, very right to resign. be extended, and any decision rus and who advocated the lock- sign.” government’s decision to move tant and everyone should follow eminent and impressive scien- He stressed that the gov- to ease them would be “careful, down, made the right decision to Scotland Yard said later no to a lockdown, resigned after the them. tist and the science he’s done has ernment’s physical distancing cautious and thoughtful”. London moves Lockdown will to boost walking, be loosened cycling

AFP on Monday, London

ondon’s mayor yesterday announced plans to widen Lpavements for pedestrians and increase the number of cycle signals Johnson routes, to ease pressure on buses and trains forced to limit num- Guardian News and Media Starmer, Johnson also made a palling statistics not just in this bers because of coronavirus. London new commitment to carrying country but around the world”. But “The capacity of our public out 200,000 tests a day by the he insisted that it was not possible transport will be dramatically end of this month. to make accurate scientifi c com- reduced post-coronavirus as a oris Johnson has signalled The Labour leader highlight- parisons of death rates around the result of the huge challenges we that some lockdown ed the UK having fallen back in world, despite the government’s face around social distancing,” Bmeasures will be eased on testing below the 100,000 target own slides showing the UK in the Sadiq Khan said. Monday, as he set a new target of reached at the end of last week, worst position in Europe. “Many Londoners have redis- 200,000 tests a day by the end of and questioned why the govern- “At this stage, I don’t think covered the joys of walking and the month. ment abandoned community that with international compar- cycling during lockdown and, In his fi rst prime minister’s testing early in March. isons the data is there to draw all by quickly and cheaply widen- questions since recovering from Johnson responded with a new the conclusions that we want,” ing pavements, creating tem- coronavirus, Johnson said he pledge to ramp up testing even he said, stressing that ministers porary cycle lanes and closing would give a statement on Sun- further, saying: “The ambition “were governed by overriding roads to through traffi c we will day on plans for an “unlock- is to get up to 200,000 tests a principles to save lives and pro- enable millions more people to down”, with a view to making day by the end of this month and tect the NHS”. change the way they get around changes on Monday. then go higher. A testing regime “Of course there will be a time our city.” Possible areas for change is going to be critical to our long- to look at decisions we took and The number of people using could be allowing more outdoor term economic recovery.” if we could have taken diff erent buses and trains in the capital activities and making clear ways The government claims to decisions,” he added. Starmer has plummeted since a nation- in which businesses could get have hit a previous target of went on to challenge Johnson wide stay-at-home order was employees back to work with 100,000 tests by the end of April, over the UK having been slow introduced six weeks ago to slow looser physical distancing. but the tally has fallen back since into lockdown, slow on testing, the spread of Covid-19. A review of the lockdown then, and tens of thousands of slow on tracing and slow on PPE. London has been the epicentre will be carried out today, but those were tests sent out by post In response, the prime minis- of the outbreak in Britain, which the prime minister said the data that had not been completed. ter acknowledged that it had been has now recorded the second- which would contribute to the Following the exchanges limited capacity for testing that highest number of deaths in the easing of physical distancing in the Commons, Starmer’s led the UK to abandon widespread world, with more than 32,000. measures was still coming in, spokesman said: “We will hold testing early on. “It’s easier to do Prime Minister Boris Johnson which was why he had decided to him to that commitment and now on the way out than it was as is expected to set out on Sunday release information to the public ask that the prime minister sets the epidemic took off . And I think plans to gradually ease the lock- over the weekend. out a previous commitment to most people with common sense down, while still keeping people He said people needed to 250,000 tests a day.” can see the particular problems apart in order to avoid new in- know the day before what would Johnson took a conciliatory tone we had at the time.” fections. change on May 11. overall, as Starmer challenged the Starmer also pressed Johnson Transport for London (TfL), Johnson said there would be the prime minister to explain “how on the crisis in care homes, say- which runs the capital’s public opportunity for the Commons to on earth” he could claim the UK’s ing: “Why hasn’t the government transport network, says social debate and interrogate him or the coronavirus response had been got to grips with this already?” distancing measures mean it government at a later date – in a successful when it had the highest Johnson said he “bitterly re- may only be able to cope with hint that he may try to dodge ap- number of deaths in Europe. gretted” the outbreaks causing a fi fth of pre-virus passenger pearing before parliament to an- Starmer, who was elected La- thousands of deaths among the numbers. swer questions himself next week. bour leader last month, said it vulnerable elderly but insisted It also expects a 10-fold in- However, a spokesman for could not be counted as “success there had been a “palpable im- crease in kilometres cycled and Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, or apparent success” that 29,427 provement” in the last few days. up to fi ve times the amount of said: “We are very clear that the had died, exceeding the tolls of On the government’s prob- walking on pre-virus levels. PM should be making a state- Italy, France and Spain.“Can the lems with sourcing and distrib- Ashok Sinha, chief executive ment to the Commons. It is his prime minister tell us how on earth uting personal protective equip- of the London Cycling Cam- plan, his proposal and it should did it come to this?” he asked. ment (PPE), the prime minister paign, said the outbreak pre- Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends Prime Minister’s Question time (PMQs) in the House of Commons in be him. We will be expecting him Johnson said every death was said it had been “enraging” but sented an opportunity to change London yesterday as the parliament continues with social distancing measures in place. Some MPs took in the chamber on Monday.” a tragedy and that Starmer was domestic production was now habits. part in the proceedings remotely by videolink, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Under questioning from “right to draw attention to the ap- increasing. TV stars make lockdown Wage-subsidy scheme dramas with help of family While most drama productions director, we had a director of around world have stopped photography. We also had a first shooting during the assistant director,” said Pope. is set to end in July coronavirus pandemic, a team The episodes feature actors in Britain headed by Oscar including Sheridan Smith, nominee Jeff Pope filmed a whose fiance did the filming; Guardian News and Media Sources indicated that a fi - programme at the end of June, series of four short stories Robert Glenister, whose actor London nal decision has yet to be made, warning that it risks becoming for television that are already son is in the episode and who but the Treasury was working a “waiting room” for redundan- being aired. Isolation Stories are was filmed by his wife; Eddie closely with No 10 as Boris John- cies otherwise. currently running on free-to-air Marsan, whose wife did the he Chancellor, Rishi Su- son prepares to outline plans on Sunak used a television in- commercial broadcaster ITV shooting; and actors Darren nak, is preparing to wind Sunday to gradually lift lock- terview on Monday to promise and deal with diff erent aspects Boyd and Angela Griff in. Boyd Tdown the coronavirus down restrictions. there would be no cliff edge. of life under lockdown. “Dramas had no one with him at home wage-subsidy scheme for work- After more than a month of He told ITV: “I’m working, as can be normally... a year, year- in London and so set the ers from July as part of govern- tight controls on social and busi- we speak, to fi gure out the most and-a-half, two years from first equipment up himself to make ment plans to gradually remove ness activity across Britain and in eff ective way to wind down the idea to screen. So we had to his episode Mike and Rochelle. lockdown measures. other countries around the world, scheme and to ease people back find a way of short-circuiting He plays an actor self-isolating In a sign of the mounting costs the UK is on the brink of the deep- into work in a measured way.” that,” Pope said in an online while on tour and who is to the exchequer with almost a est recession in living memory. Figures released this week by interview. struggling to cope. He seeks quarter of employees in Britain Sunak is expected to an- HMRC showed that a total of In this case the process took help from his friend Rochelle furloughed in the past fortnight, nounce details of the plan before 6.3mn jobs have been temporar- just a month. ITV was keen to (Griff in), a part-time therapist. the chancellor is expected to an- the middle of May, because em- ily laid off by 800,000 compa- get stories of ordinary people Boyd used several smart nounce that the Covid-19 job ployers making more than 100 nies, as fi rms across the country dealing with isolation on the air phones that he set up using retention scheme will be stead- staff redundant must run a 45- fl ock to take advantage of the job while the public was still under tripods and piles of books. ily scaled back as restrictions on day consultation before making subsidy scheme. lockdown. “(ITV) commissioned “By day two...you find a routine business activity are lifted. any job cuts. Launched on April 20, the pro- very quickly... And everybody and you...lean into each other The Treasury is understood With the furlough scheme due gramme involves the Treasury just really went for it.” as much as, if not more, than to be examining several options to close at the end of June, fi rms paying 80% of the wages of work- To make the 15-minute ever. And if anything, it was for tapering the scheme, includ- will need to start making deci- ers up to a maximum of £2,500 dramas, cameras and other more of a collaborative and a ing cutting the 80% wage sub- sions from as early as next week, per month to prevent them being equipment were delivered to team eff ort than ever.” sidy paid by the state to 60% piling pressure on the chancellor laid off by their employers. actors’ homes, and their family The series was produced by and lowering the £2,500 cap on to provide refreshed guidelines or Given rapid take up of the members shot the scenes with writer and producer Pope and monthly payments. face a wave of potential job losses. scheme, the costs to the public the help of a production team the factual drama team at ITV Another option promoted by Employers groups have called purse have steadily spiralled into A worker wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) including a connected to the ‘set’ using Studios. employers’ groups to allow fur- for the chancellor to make ur- the billions. face mask and gloves as a precautionary measure against Covid-19, Zoom. “It was funny. After a “What’s amazing is I think the loughed staff to work, but with a gent changes to the scheme to HMRC said the total value of unload boxes of disposable gloves from an aircraft, after it landed few minutes, it felt very like quality of what we’ve been able smaller state subsidy, is also un- remove the risk of a “cliff edge” claims so far amounted to £8bn at Bournemouth airport in southern England, yesterday with a a normal film set...we had a to achieve,” Pope said. der consideration. closure to the wage subsidy by May 3. cargo of 10mn pairs of gloves onboard. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, May 7, 2020 BRITAIN Businessman dies after water buff alo attack in Wales

Guardian News and Media 19-year-old man was taken to to diversify the farm. He said: “The fi rst I knew of it On its website, the company men and a woman were attacked cal and she has been taken to the London hospital with critical injuries and “I think he had about a dozen was when I saw the police heli- says: “We make our soap with by a water buff alo. Royal Gwent hospital for treat- a 22-year-old woman sustained a buff alo at the farm and had bred copter and the air ambulance the milk from our herd of Medi- “A 57-year-old man from the ment. serious leg wound. a couple of calves over the past buzzing around.” terranean water buff alo. Around Gwehelog area was pronounced “The water buff alo has been 57-year-old man who suf- Both are believed to be mem- year or so.” Val Smith, a county council- the world this buff alo breed is dead at the scene by paramed- destroyed. Offi cers received as- fered fatal injuries when bers of Jump’s family. Another neighbour said they lor, said: “It’s a lovely quiet area, famous for its dairy products ics from Wales ambulance serv- sistance from the national police Ahe was attacked by a water Neighbours said Jump ran the were a “charming” family. He lots of smallholdings and small such as mozzarella, gelato and ice. A 19-year-old man from the air service at the scene.” buff alo at his farm in south Wales farm as a sideline to his main said: “It’s a terrible tragedy. They farms. This is a dreadful thing to ice cream. The richness of the Gwehelog area sustained critical Police have not named any of was a successful businessman business, and members of his are a delightful family, couldn’t happen. My sympathies to all in- milk makes it ideal for making injuries during the incident. He those involved. who reared the animals as a side- family produced craft soap from be nicer people.” volved.” a creamy, luxurious and gentle has been taken to the University Water buff alo are bred in the line. the buff alo milk. It is thought the buff alo es- Jump was managing director soap which leaves the skin feeling hospital for Wales for treatment UK for their meat and milk and The man, named locally as One neighbour said: “Jon caped its pen and attacked Jump of a company supplying heating soft and moisturised.” by the Welsh air ambulance. sometimes as part of conserva- Ralph “Jon” Jump, was pro- approached us last year about as he attempted to get it back in. equipment. A statement from Gwent po- “A 22-year-old woman from tion projects and in 2002 were nounced dead at the scene of buying some hay for his buf- A neighbouring farmer said he The buff alo milk soap was sold lice said: “We received a report the Gwehelog area sustained a introduced on to the Teifi Marsh- the incident near the town of falo. We asked him what he was had been told the buff alo went on through a business called The of an incident at a commercial serious injury to her leg. Her in- es in Pembrokeshire, south-west Usk, Monmouthshire, while a doing and he said he was trying the rampage. Bufalina Soap Company. property in Gwehelog, after two juries are not thought to be criti- Wales. Boy takes Flouting rules govt to court for denying family benefi ts

No recourse to public funds’ of the Unity Project, said: “The policy puts migrants at pandemic has made the situation increased risk in pandemic, for families like this one more ur- boy argues gent and desperate. “The destitution of these fami- Guardian News and Media lies directly impacts on their abil- London ity to take public health precau- tions, increasing their exposure to the virus and their potential to n eight-year-old boy is tak- spread it.” ing the Home Offi ce to the The legal challenge comes on Ahigh court over its policy of the same day the Children’s Soci- denying families like his access to ety released a report highlighting the welfare safety net. the plight of these families and The boy, who cannot be named, calling for a suspension of NRPF is arguing that the Home Offi ce’s conditions during the pandemic. no recourse to public funds policy The report points out that many is unlawful and that during the parents in this situation are on People are seen relaxing in front of City Hall in London yesterday. Despite coronavirus lockdown rules people continued to flock to popular market, shops and parks in Covid-19 pandemic the policy in- zero-hours contracts and some the capital – including St James’ and Regents Park. creases the risk of families becom- have lost their jobs as a result of ing destitute as well as heightening the pandemic but cannot access public health risks as people are benefi ts such as universal credit or forced into overcrowded accom- child benefi t. modation or onto the streets. Haringey Migrant Support Centre has also compiled a report “The destitution of these documenting concerns about the families directly impacts failures to protect migrant rough on their ability to take sleepers with no recourse to public public health precautions, funds during the pandemic. Stewart pulls out of race increasing their exposure The report warns: “Failure to to the virus and their protect the most vulnerable is a potential to spread it” failure to protect us all.” It states that too many migrants The NRPF policy was intro- are still sleeping rough despite a duced in 2012 as part of the gov- government promise to “bring ernment’s so-called “hostile en- everyone in”, and that London to be next London mayor vironment”. It aff ects diff erent boroughs have adopted an incon- groups of migrants, some of whom sistent approach to this call from Guardian News and Media Tory leader and then losing the according to the polls, behind ever fi nd another role in the world another opportunity in the fu- have leave to remain and some government, which is not under- London party whip over Brexit. Khan and the Tory candidate, which would be as exciting or sat- ture to contribute in some way. It who do not. pinned by statutory instrument. He resigned as an MP before the Shaun Bailey. isfying as that. just didn’t seem fair or realistic to The policy can prevent both The Home Offi ce says on its last election. Khan is strongly expected to “It would have been a great, (continue).” groups from accessing benefi ts website: “This government is ory Stewart has withdrawn Speaking to the Evening Stand- win a second term. great privilege. There is no city Stewart was one of the fi rst to and other forms of social support. committed to doing whatever it his independent bid for the ard, Stewart said he could not The capital had been due to go like it in the world. sound the alarm about govern- The boy’s mother arrived in the takes to support everyone through RLondon mayoralty after the compete with the Labour and to the polls today. “If I had been lucky enough to ment slowness to order a lock- UK in 2009 and was granted leave this crisis. We have brought for- contest was extended by a year Tory machines, which have bigger Local council elections have be elected, I would much rather down over the coronavirus crisis, to remain. ward numerous measures in re- because of coronavirus. budgets for another year. also been postponed. have done (this) than being prime urging the prime minister to shut She works as a low-paid carer sponse, many of which can be ac- Stewart, a former Conservative “The point about an independ- Stewart said: “We were on our minister.” schools and cancel major events in for mentally disabled people and, cessed by those with no recourse cabinet minister, said he could not ent campaign is it needs to be a way to a great battle this time He told the Standard he wanted early March. as a single parent, struggles to to public funds. ask his volunteer campaigners to sort of quite quick insurgency round, I thought. One of the team to stay in public life and maybe At that time the government support herself and her son. “We are committed to protect- keep going for another 12 months where you really build excite- just said: It’s like one of those drag write a book about politics, but he and its scientists were saying it The boy, who was born in the ing vulnerable people and are con- as he sought to challenge Labour’s ment over a few months,” he said. races – we built our car but we would not rejoin the Tories. was not necessary and former UK, has been forced to move fi dent that we have measures in Sadiq Khan for the top job in the “But you can’t beat these huge never really got to race it properly. He said: “I would like to stay Tory colleagues accused him of schools fi ve times due to the pre- place to support those who have capital. machines if you’re pushed into a “It’s been a very diffi cult de- in some form of public service … “sensationalising” the crisis for carity of his mother’s situation. no recourse to public funds at this He had launched his campaign nearly two-year campaign.” cision. It’s a job I really, really so maybe some charities or uni- political ends. Caz Hattam, the co-ordinator time.” after failing in an attempt to be Stewart had been in third place, dreamed of. I don’t think I will versities and see if there will be Harry and Meghan mark Sugar rapped for son Archie’s fi rst birthday ‘misleading’ fans Daily Times ber 9, 2019, stated: “If you know London someone who’s longing for whiter Reuters their son has no title. on social media to mark the oc- teeth, this is the perfect gift for London The family are now living in casion. them”. Los Angeles after Harry and “Wishing Archie a very happy ord Sugar has been censured “It included a link to the Styls- Meghan stepped down from fi rst birthday today!” Kensing- for misleading millions of mile website and there was also an rchie Mountbatten- their royal roles at the end of ton Palace, the offi ce of Prince LTwitter followers with a embedded tweet from the brand Windsor, the son of March to forge new careers. William, said on Twitter. promotion for a teeth whitening itself promoting the Stylsmile APrince Harry and his Their exit caused a crisis in Archie’s birth at London’s kit. teeth whitening kit.’ American wife Meghan, cel- the royal family, and came after Portland Hospital last May was The tycoon promoted a prod- The ASA said: ‘We considered ebrated his fi rst birthday yes- a reported rift with Harry’s elder shrouded in secrecy after the uct launched by a winner from his that although Lord Sugar was a terday, with his parents marking brother Prince William and couple declined to disclose any BBC show The Apprentice with- well-known investor, it was not the occasion with a video of his growing hostility to the media’s details beforehand and then only out declaring it was an advertise- immediately clear to all consumers mother reading him a story. intense coverage. allowed a small, select group of ment. that he had a commercial interest In footage posted on the In- A spokesman for the couple, media access for a brief photocall It came despite repeated warn- in Stylsmile UK from the tweet it- stagram page of the Save the who had to give up their Sus- to show him off two days later. ings to high-profi le fi gures from self. Children charity, Meghan reads sexRoyal Instagram page and While the couple wanted the Advertising Standards Au- “We therefore concluded that giggling Archie, who is pictured branding as part of the deal to the birth to be a private matter, thority (ASA) about the need to be the commercial intent behind the wearing a simple white bodysuit, exit their royal duties, said they newspapers, for whom stories honest when pushing their com- tweet was not made clear up front one of his favourite books, “Duck! had chosen to publish Archie’s about the royals are popular mercial interests on social media. and it was not obviously identifi - Rabbit!”. The video was recorded video on the charity’s page to with many readers, felt that as The row was triggered after able as a marketing communica- last weekend by Harry, who can highlight its campaign to sup- members of the British royal Lord Sugar posted a tweet sug- tion.” be heard chuckling and cheering port children impacted by the family, they needed to recognise gesting followers buy the Stylsmile The watchdog banned the ad from behind the camera. Covid-19 pandemic. that the public which funded the teeth whitening toothbrush kit, and Stylsmile UK and Lord Sugar Archie is the seventh-in-line “As they celebrate this family institution had a right to know which costs £149.99, as a Christ- to “ensure that they made clear the to the British throne and Queen moment, the Duke and Duch- about it. mas present. commercial intent of their posts in Elizabeth’s eighth great-grand- ess wanted to continue to raise The criticism over Archie’s What the 73-year-old did not future, for example by including a child. awareness around the urgency birth marked the fi rst overt de- make clear is that he is a co-owner clear and prominent identifi er on His parents, who have become of bringing food and learning re- terioration in the couple’s rela- of the company that makes the their social media posts such as huge global celebrities since sources to millions of children,” tions with the press, which ulti- product, along with Tom Peller- #ad.” their star-studded wedding in the spokesman said. mately was a key factor in their eau – who won The Apprentice in Lord Sugar and Stylsmile denied 2018, are offi cially known as the Members of the royal family decision to step back from their Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, holds her son Archie, in 2011. The ASA said: “A tweet from there was any attempt to cover up Duke and Duchess of Sussex but posted messages and pictures royal lives. California, US, in this screen grab taken from a handout video. Lord Alan Sugar, seen on Decem- his link to the company. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 15 EUROPE

90,000 health workers infected with Covid-19 worldwide: nurses group

Reuters of Nurses (ICN) said yesterday. bal pandemic sparked by a novel ters in its lakeside offi ces. age health worker infection rate, and will cost more lives,” Catton, that some 22,000 health work- Geneva The respiratory disease caused coronavirus that emerged in the The 90,000 estimate is based about 6% we think, is applied to a Briton, added. ers were thought to have been by the coronavirus has killed central Chinese city of Wuhan on information collected on 30 that, the fi gure globally could be The World Health Organisa- infected. more than 260 nurses, it said in late last year. countries from national nursing more than 200,000 health work- tion (WHO), which is co-ordi- The ICN said it now believes t least 90,000 healthcare a statement, urging authorities “The fi gure for healthcare associations, government fi gures er infections today. nating the global response to those “shocking” fi gures to sig- workers worldwide are to keep more accurate records workers infections has risen from and media reports. “The scandal is that govern- the pandemic, says that its 194 nifi cantly underestimate the re- Abelieved to have been in- to help prevent the virus from 23,000 to we think more than The ICN represents 130 na- ments are not systematically member states are not providing ality. fected with the Covid-19 respi- spreading among staff and pa- 90,000, but that is still an un- tional associations and more collecting and reporting on this comprehensive fi gures on health “This failure to record both in- ratory disease, and possibly twice tients. der-estimation because it is not than 20mn registered nurses. information.” worker infections while they fection rates and deaths among that, amid reports of continuing The Geneva-based associa- (covering) every country in the Catton, noting that 3.5mn cas- “It looks to us as though they grapple with the unprecedented healthcare workers is putting shortages of protective equip- tion said a month ago that some world,” Howard Catton, ICN’s es of Covid-19 have been report- are turning a blind eye which we crisis. more nurses and their patients in ment, the International Council 100 nurses had died in the glo- chief executive offi cer, told Reu- ed worldwide, said: “If the aver- think is completely unacceptable The WHO last said on April 11 danger,” the statement said. Spain’s state of emergency is extended by two weeks Germany eases Reuters Madrid

panish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez secured Senough parliamentary lockdown, with votes yesterday to extend a state of emergency for two more weeks from Sunday, allowing the gov- ernment to control people’s movements as it gradually relax- es a national lockdown. The extension, which will be- gin on Sunday, was passed with ‘brake’ on hand 178 votes for, 75 against, and 97 abstentions. Reuters/AFP In theory Germany’s reopen- tact than was the case up to now.” The strict lockdown has Berlin ing is immediate, but in practice “We are following a bold path. brought the outbreak under con- the 16 federal states will make We can aff ord to be a bit bold but trol, with a daily death toll of 244 separate announcements. we must remain cautious.” recorded yesterday – far below hancellor Angela Mer- Under measures agreed with Like elsewhere, Merkel’s gov- peaks of nearly 1,000 registered kel has announced steps Germany’s federal state lead- ernment is walking a tightrope at the beginning of April. Cto ease the coronavirus ers, people from two households between preventing new deadly But it has devastated the econ- lockdown in Germany but at the will be allowed to meet, and more outbreaks of the virus and con- omy and led to huge job losses. same time launched an “emer- shops will open, provided hy- taining the already devastating The parliamentary wrangling gency brake” mechanism allow- giene measures are in place. impact of the lockdown meas- on how to orchestrate the exit ing for renewed restrictions in However, guidelines on people ures. from the lockdown underlines case infections pick up again. keeping a distance of 1.5m (fi ve With the economy now in a the divisive political environ- Declaring an end to the fi rst feet) from each other and wear- deep recession and the ranks of ment in a country that has faced phase of the pandemic in Ger- ing mouth and nose masks on jobless swelling, complaints are four national elections in four many, Merkel said that there is public transport will remain in Merkel: We have to be careful growing against Merkel’s con- years and where the government still a long way to go in the battle place. that we don’t lose control of this servative approach – which won must battle for any backing. against the virus, which has bat- Germany’s Bundesliga soccer thing. her a rise in support in the early “Lifting the state of emergency tered Europe’s largest economy. league can resume in the second days of the pandemic. would be a total, unpardonable The government will decide half of May, Merkel said. rather we will act locally,” Merkel In recent days, many state pre- mistake,” Sanchez said in a par- on an economic stimulus pack- Schools would gradually start said. miers have brazenly ignored her liamentary speech, adding that age in June, Merkel said, adding reintroducing all pupils and She said she had a good feel- pleas for caution on easing coro- the billions in state aid to help this was a “very ambitious” time emergency care for kindergar- ing about yesterday’s decisions, navirus restrictions. businesses and individuals hit frame. ten-aged children would be ex- particularly given the emergency On the eve of her discussions by the lockdown were released Germany went into lockdown panded, with details to be regu- brake, but warned: “We have to with regional leaders, Germany’s thanks to the emergency decree. A woman walks past a closed shop in Madrid. in March to contain coronavirus lated by the states. be careful that we don’t lose con- biggest state Bavaria pre-empted The decree will be the fourth contagion. People in care homes may trol of this thing.” federal measures by announcing two-week extension to the state iards, under strict confi nement However, in a sign of how the Its reproduction rate – R0 – has again receive regular visits from The number of confi rmed that its restaurants would open of emergency. since mid-March to control the lockdown has wreaked havoc on been falling for several days, and “a permanent contact person”, coronavirus cases in Germany from May 18 and hotels and guest Sanchez’s weak coalition gov- outbreak that has killed nearly Spain’s economy, service sec- Merkel said it was now consist- Merkel said after talks with re- increased by 947 to 164,807, houses from May 30. ernment secured the support of 26,000 people, are now allowed tor executives reported a further ently below 1 – meaning a person gional leaders. data from the Robert Koch Insti- State premier Markus Soeder the regional Basque national- out of their houses for exercise. plunge in activity in April from with the virus infects fewer than Their plan includes an “emer- tute (RKI) for infectious diseases said “the time has come for a ist party PNV, in addition to the “People are very responsible. March’s record low as businesses one other on average. gency brake”, a fail-safe under showed earlier. cautious reopening”, pointing to centre-right Ciudadanos party, I stand back and they stand a shuttered and people stayed in- “We are at a point where our which restrictions would be re- The reported coronavirus the “success” in containing the which said it would back an ex- metre away and pay with debit doors. goal of slowing the spread of the introduced if an area registers death toll rose by 165 to 6,996. spread of the virus. tension. cards,” said Madrid stationery The economy shrunk by its virus has been achieved and we more than 50 new infections per The federal and state govern- Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg- This guaranteed enough votes shop owner Paola Rodriguez, biggest amount on record, 5.2%, have been able to protect our 100,000 inhabitants within sev- ments will wait and see how the Western Pomerania, Saarland to approve the decree despite who has been letting customers in the fi rst three months of 2020 health system ... so it has been en days. easing measures pan out, Mer- and Saxony-Anhalt have also an- losing the support of the con- in two at a time since reopening due to the impact of the crisis. possible to discuss and agree on “If something happens locally, kel said, adding: “We now face a nounced their own plans, cover- servative opposition People’s this week. The government predicts the further easing measures,” she we won’t wait until it has spread phase in which there will be a lot ing everything from restaurants Party (PP), which abstained. She said she had expected tourism-dependent economy told reporters. through the whole republic, but more (person-to-person) con- to care homes. The state of emergency, which most small shops to reopen on could shrink as much as 9.2% expires on Saturday night, gives Monday but had noticed many this year. the government powers to con- had not, partly, she thinks “due The European Commission trol peoples’ movements. to fear”. said yesterday that Spain would “Just as we are beginning to In a further move back to nor- be one of the countries’ hardest Russian WWII veteran, 97, follows UK see the light, beginning to see the mality, soccer players from Bar- hit by the economic eff ects of the end of the road, politics cannot celona FC and Real Madrid re- pandemic. be the missing link in that chain,” turned to their training grounds Spain’s GDP will contract by Sanchez told parliament. yesterday to undergo testing for 9.4%, the third highest in the captain with own medical fundraiser Small businesses such as hair- the coronavirus as La Liga soc- EU after Greece and Italy, while dressers started to open this week cer clubs plan a return to action its defi cit will be 10.1%, up from with restrictions while Span- in June. 2.8% in 2019. Reuters Russia usually celebrates the Moscow event with a military parade Italy’s govt looks across Red Square, but it has been postponed this year be- to reverse flood of 97-year-old Russian cause of the pandemic. Macron throws France’s mafiosi leaving jail World War II veteran has One video on YouTube shows Ataken inspiration from the Korneva knitting a pair of socks Elderly mobsters recently let out record-breaking charity eff orts for Moore before folding them culture sector a lifeline of jail over fears they might catch of British centenarian Captain into a parcel with a letter due to the new coronavirus in Italy’s Tom Moore and raised $27,500 be delivered to him. overcrowded prisons may soon for the families of doctors who “My children and grandchil- Reuters quirement for artists to receive be put back behind bars, Justice died of Covid-19. dren showed me a video clip of Paris those stipends until August next Minister Alfonso Bonafede said The coronavirus causes the Tom Moore. I watched it and I year. yesterday following an outcry. Covid-19 respiratory disease. really liked the idea. I decided to “Many intermittents cannot Some 376 mafiosi and drug Zinaida Korneva, who reached take up this question in Russia,” rench President Emmanuel make up their hours,” Macron dealers have been allowed to the rank of senior sergeant in the Korneva said, wearing a jacket Macron has promised said in a video conference call leave jail since March and placed Red Army and served in the So- adorned with medals. Fguaranteed stipends for with their representatives and under house arrest after off icials viet Union’s anti-aircraft forces, As in many other countries, out-of-work actors and money his fi nance and culture ministers. decided that inmates aged over has also knitted a pair of socks as Russia’s doctors have been dis- for fi lmmakers whose produc- He also promised a compensa- 70 could be released if they had a gift to Moore. proportionately hit by the coro- tions have been cancelled, as part tion fund for fi lm-makers whose health issues that made them The British war veteran, who navirus. of a bailout for an arts industry shoots had been cancelled, and a vulnerable to the virus. turned 100 last month, gained The total number of confi rmed shut down by the coronavirus. four-month exemption on social Amongst those allowed to return international fame when he cases in Russia rose by more than His government had been un- security payments for writers. home were Franco Cataldo, 85, completed 100 laps of his garden 10,000 yesterday for a fourth der fi re for failing to act quickly Freelance workers in the cul- member of an infamous gang with the help of a walking frame consecutive day and now stands enough to shield France’s thea- ture sector would be eligible for who strangled and dissolved to raise funds for the National at 165,929, although at 1,537, the tres, libraries and concert halls support from a multi-billion in acid the 15-year-old son of a Health Service’s fi ght against the Korneva poses with her medals in Saint Petersburg in this handout death toll remains far lower than from the turmoil wrought by the euro solidarity fund. turncoat in 1996. coronavirus. image obtained by Reuters. in many other countries. pandemic. For decades, the French state In an eff ort to quiet growing He has earned over £30mn Korneva said she had de- Like other European coun- has been among Europe’s most dismay over the mass release, ($37mn), having originally set together in 1945. And now we’re laps of the garden, is recounting cided to direct her fundraising tries, France has launched a lavish patrons of culture, pouring Bonafede told parliament that out to raise £1,000. battling this virus together.” her war stories on YouTube. campaign towards the bereaved programme to pay most of the money into showcase projects his ministry is drawing up a “You’re a strong person and a Korneva, who fought with So- The clips will be uploaded families of doctors because her salaries of many employees sent such as the Louvre’s glass pyra- decree that will let judges put the real soldier,” Korneva told Moore viet forces in Stalingrad, has set a regularly ahead of May 9, when daughter and granddaughter home during the lockdown. mid as well as the country’s rap criminals back in their cells. in a video addressed to him on fundraising target of 3mn roubles Russia marks the Soviet victory were doctors and she knew the But that has not covered many music, cinema and literature. “Judges will be allowed to review YouTube. “We defeated fascism ($40,187) and, instead of doing in the Second World War. strain they were under. in the arts, who often work from But bailing out the arts sec- ... the release of high-security gig to gig. tor has been tricky so far under prisoners in light of the latest Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to create ‘travel bubble’ from May 15 France has around a quarter government programmes mainly health situation,” the minister of a million actors, musicians, designed to safeguard the jobs of said, referring to a recent decline Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia will open their coronavirus spread across the continent. the situation is very bad, which did not take dancers, set designers and other full-time employees. in coronavirus cases. borders to each others’ citizens from May 15, Citizens of the three countries will be free to measures to control the virus spread.” artists on short term contracts. Even as France looks to emerge The decision to free the mobsters creating a Baltic “travel bubble” within the EU travel within the region, but anyone entering Poland and Finland could be the next Such workers, known as “in- slowly from the lockdown from was taken by judges using amid an easing of pandemic restrictions, their from outside will need to self-isolate for countries to join the free travel bloc, said termittents”, receive state sti- Monday, cinemas, theatres and guidelines put forward by the prime ministers said yesterday. 14 days, Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis. pends to help cover costs be- concert halls will remain closed prisons department, and the “It’s a big step towards life as normal”, Estonian Skvernelis said. The European Commission has recommended tween jobs provided they work at for longer. minister could not directly Prime Minister Juri Ratas wrote on Twitter. “We showed a good example by stating, very that internal border controls between all least 507 hours per year. Cultural events that bring intervene. The Baltic travel area would be first of its clearly, that only countries which successfully member states should be lifted in a co- With venues shut due to the more than 5,000 people together However, opposition politicians kind in the bloc, where most countries dealt with the situation can open themselves ordinated manner, once their virus situation virus, Macron said he would will not take place until Septem- have attacked him for not moving restricted entry to non-nationals and imposed up,” he added. “I think we will keep to this converges suff iciently, the commission’s off ice waive the minimum work re- ber. sooner. quarantine on incoming travellers as the principle when dealing with countries where in Lithuania said. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, May 7, 2020 EUROPE

Lithuanian capital holds ‘Mask Fashion Week’ Lithuania’s capital Vilnius is holding a special kind of fashion week suited to this time of coronavirus – no catwalks, just Polish opposition gears billboards and no fancy costumes on display, just face-masks. Twenty-one billboards dotted around the Unesco World Heritage city feature photographs of men, women and children wearing masks as part of a so-called “Mask Fashion Week”. up to block postal ballot All Lithuanians are required to wear masks outside as a Reuters tion party, the Civic Platform preventative measure against Warsaw (PO), also told its lawmakers to the spread of Covid-19, the highly be physically present during the infectious respiratory disease vote in the Sejm, even though caused by the new coronavirus. oland’s opposition leaders members of parliament have The designs were selected by urged their lawmakers to been able to vote virtually during members of local Facebook Prush to Warsaw yesterday the coronavirus outbreak. group “Mask Your Fashion”, to reject legislation that would “We want to be sure that in launched by designer Julija Janus allow a presidential election to any case one of our members to share novel designs for masks go ahead on May 10 by postal isn’t robbed of the ability to vote and tips on how to make them at ballot amid concerns over the due to technical issues with the home. coronavirus pandemic. connection,” PO spokesman Jan “A mask is a good way to display Poland’s nationalist ruling Grabiec told Reuters. your creativity, to express Law and Justice (PiS) party has Opposition parties accuse PiS yourself. And it’s a good activity ignored calls to postpone the of putting their narrow political to do when you’re sitting at home election. interests ahead of public health with the kids,” said the 50-year- Incumbent Andrzej Duda, a concerns and the integrity of the old designer. PiS ally, is for now ahead in opin- democratic process. The billboards display both ion polls but the party fears they They want the government to custom-sewn masks from scratch will lose support as the corona- declare a state of emergency or and surgical masks with designs virus crisis drives the Polish, and of natural disaster, which would painted on them, she said. wider European, economy into a then allow it legally to delay the Those depicted in the photos deep recession. vote till later this year. include local artists, musicians, PiS says a postal ballot is a A junior partner in the ruling people chosen randomly from safe way to hold the election, but coalition, Accord, has signalled the street and even the mayor of opposition parties, election ob- it might side with the opposition Vilnius, Remigijus Simasius. servers and the European Union in the vote on the postal ballot One of the models is Sandra say such a vote would lack trans- legislation, though its lawmak- Police off icers check the Bruzaite, 23, who goes outside parency and fairness. ers are split. documents of people holding in a full costume dressed as a The upper house of parlia- Election offi cials say that Po- a banner which reads ‘Betrays mediaeval plague doctor, which ment, the Senate, rejected the land is not technically ready to homeland, who breaks her includes a leather beak believed postal ballot bill on Tuesday but hold a traditional election with highest law’ at a rally yesterday to protect from disease. the Sejm lower house, where the polling stations on Sunday if in front of the parliament in “When this current plague government has a narrow ma- lawmakers reject the legislation. Warsaw, during the started, I was wondering if jority, could overturn that ver- The PiS-nominated speaker parliamentary session anyone would try walking around dict in a vote expected today. of the Sejm, Elzbieta Witek, determining the shape of the in the mediaeval mask. Then a If the Sejm also rejects the said on Tuesday that she would upcoming presidential election. photographer off ered me one, bill, the prime minister’s chief of ask the Constitutional Tribunal and that person turned out to be staff , Michal Dworczyk, warned whether she could postpone the harm the economy, and with it me,” Bruzaite told Reuters. yesterday of “a very serious po- election till May 23 at the lat- support for the government’s “Some people like it, some don’t. litical crisis”, saying that Poland est, the ruling party’s preferred agenda and its preferred presi- Some approach me to give a might have to hold a snap parlia- option if the postal ballot is dential candidate, a lawmaker compliment or take a selfie,” she mentary election. blocked. from a party allied with PiS, Ta- added. On the postal ballot legisla- Critics say the Tribunal can- deusz Cymanski, told Reuters: Lithuania shut most shops, tion, much will hinge on how not rule on the issue. “In the autumn ... people will restaurants and customer-facing many lawmakers turn up to vote. Although parliament holds be more tired. They might be ir- businesses on March 16. “Today all of our members are most power in Poland, PiS needs ritated.” coming to the Sejm so we can ... the support of the president to “The results of such a crisis together oppose this bad legisla- push through more reforms of are most felt after some time,” Dutch police find tion,” said Krzysztof Gawkowski, the judiciary that the EU has said he said. head of the Left’s parliamentary undermine democratic norms. As of yesterday, the new coro- €12.5mn in cash caucus. Commenting on how the navirus had infected 14,647 peo- in hidden room The centrist main opposi- coronavirus lockdown might ple and killed 723 in Poland. Police in the Dutch city of Eindhoven said yesterday that they had discovered €12.5mn ($13.5mn) in cash in a hidden Preschools drawn into row over room of an apartment. The find is the highest amount ever discovered in one place in Poland’s presidential election the Netherlands, police said in a statement, adding that they had A deserted kindergarten playground in Warsaw. arrested a 35-year-old man on By Alan Charlish and tor,” she said. “(We have) to in the week before the election suspicion of money laundering. Marcin Goclowski, Reuters measure the temperature of the which the ruling Law and Jus- fi ce worker from the northern Poland, a country of 38mn, unblock the economy,” he told The money, which was collected Warsaw parent, measure the temperature tice (PiS) party wants to hold as port city of Gdynia who has two has reported 14,740 cases of the Reuters. in notes valued between €5 and of the child ... (have a) specifi c a postal ballot, critics said the daughters aged fi ve and two, also coronavirus and 733 deaths. He said the decision was in- €500, weighed a total of 255kg number of children in the rooms timing might not be a coinci- thinks the election infl uenced When asked about the al- formed by a stabilisation in the and had to be removed from arsaw preschool di- and all the time have to disinfect dence. the decision. legations that election con- number of infections and the the scene in a number of large rector Beata Mizerska everything.” “The plan to open up the “I think that it’s mainly due to siderations had infl uenced the needs of parents who want to shopping bags. Wsays she understands Nevertheless, she says she economy ... seems to be a bit the elections ... our government decision to reopen preschools, work. Investigators also recovered why the city’s liberal local coun- feels “immense sadness” at not haphazard and a bit political, is trying to show us as much as Education Minister Dariusz “I think it is essential (to open firearms and a money counting cil ordered her nursery to stay being able to welcome the chil- in a sense that I think that the possible that the situation has Piontkowski said the move was preschools) so we are able to go machine. closed, despite Poland’s con- dren back. government wants to prove be- become normal but it’s not in my part of the government’s eff orts to work,” said Gdynia resident Police said they believe the servative government allowing “We really miss the children, yond any doubt that it is possi- opinion,” she said. to restart the economy, which and mother of two Justyna Gab- money to be proceeds from nurseries to reopen yesterday, we miss that noise, that cry of ble to organise elections in May,” Trzaskowski said he plans to has been brought to a virtual ka, 34, who runs an optician’s organised crime. four days before a presidential joy as a welcome,” she said. said the mayor of Warsaw, Rafal reopen preschools later in May. standstill by the pandemic. shop. No further details were given election. When Prime Minister Ma- Trzaskowski, of the liberal op- “We are concerned about “We want to avoid serious It was unclear yesterday how about the suspect or the “It is a very short time to put teusz Morawiecki said on April position party Civic Platform safety and here three of four economic problems and as long many preschools opted to reo- investigation, which is still in place all of the procedures 29 that shopping centres, hotels (PO). weeks makes a hell of a diff er- as some families don’t go back pen, as councils in some regions ongoing. from the chief sanitary inspec- and preschools could reopen Marta Jagodzinska, 37, an of- ence,” he said. to work it will be diffi cult to told them to stay closed.

Black hole found 1,000 light years from Earth Finnish basic income

Object found in HR 6819 The black hole is unusual. that in the Milky Way there are scheme lifted mental system is the closest to Earth “The hallmark of this black between 100mn and 1bn black yet known – and is unusually hole is that it is truly black,” he holes,” said Baade. “We are fi nd- dark said. “Almost all the other black ing a tip of an iceberg.” well-being: study holes that we know are in the The discovery could shed light By Nicola Davis Milky Way – and there are only on an unusual system in the con- Guardian News & Media two dozen of them – shine very stellation Gemini called LB-1. Reuters “They also had a more posi- brightly in X-rays.” This system has previously Helsinki tive perception of their eco- Baade said the other black been suggested to be composed nomic welfare,” the study re- stronomers say they have holes each had a companion star of a star and a tremendously ported. discovered a black hole on that feeds them with gas. massive black hole – a fi nding inland’s basic income Finland – the world’s hap- Aour doorstep, just 1,000 However, this does not appear that has foxed experts. scheme, which paid the piest country for three years in light years from Earth. to be the case for the newly dis- Baade noted LB-1 appears to be Funemployed a small sal- a row, according to the United It was found in a system called covered black hole and its nearby very similar to HR 6819. ary regardless of whether they Nations – is exploring alter- HR 6819, in the constellation star. “This star is not so massive He said that suggests LB-1 also found work, did little to natives to its social welfare Telescopium. that it loses a lot of gas and there- could be a triple system, meaning encourage recipients into em- model. The system appears through fore the black hole is starving and its “dark object” would be a black ployment as hoped, but it did The trial was watched close- a telescope as a single bright that makes it so dark.” hole of a more normal mass, or help their mental well-being, ly by other governments who star, but telltale signs in the light He said only a handful of simi- possibly a neutron star. a fi rst major study of the trial see a basic income as a way of emitted have previously revealed lar black holes had been found Dr Ziri Younsi, an expert on found. encouraging the unemployed there to be two stars present. previously, and they merited fur- black holes at University College The two-year scheme, to take up often low-paid or Now experts say they have fur- An artist’s impression of the orbits of the objects in the HR 6819 triple ther scrutiny. London, who was not involved which ran from 2017-18 saw temporary work without fear ther analysed the data to discover system, made up of an inner binary with one star (orbit in blue) and “It may also be the fi rst ever with the research, said: “It’s re- 2,000 Finns, chosen randomly of losing their benefi ts. there is another body within the a newly discovered black hole (orbit in red), as well as a third star in a [black hole of this kind],” he said. markable that a black hole has from among the unemployed, That could help reduce de- system: a black hole with a mass wider orbit (also in blue). Baade added that HR 6819 – or been found so close to Earth”, become the fi rst Europeans to pendence on the state and cut over four times that of our sun, rather, its stars – can be seen by noting for context that the cen- be paid a regular monthly in- welfare costs, especially as and the closest to Earth found so to understand that period and so-called “hierarchical triple the naked eye. tre of our galaxy is about 25,000 come of €560 ($605.42) by the greater automation sees hu- far. the very large [velocity] of 60km system”, which he explained by “If you want to see it really light years from Earth. state that was not reduced if mans replaced in the work- “We realised that one could per second with a mass fi ve times reference to a child’s mobile. overhead, you need to be at the “This new study hints at the they found work. force. not describe what we saw with that of the sun was to infer that “On the one branch of the mo- southern tip of South America,” exciting prospect of a whole The study said receiving a The study published yester- just two stars,” said Dietrich there is another very massive bile you have two stars hanging, he said. population of stellar-mass black basic income caused Finns to day echoed researchers’ initial Baade, an emeritus astronomer body which, however, is not vis- one of which is not visible, which The new work, which is pub- holes lurking in our galaxy,” describe their well-being more comments from early 2019, at European Southern Observa- ible.” is black – that is the black hole. lished in the journal Astronomy Younsi said. “It also off ers a po- positively than others. shortly after the trial fi nished, tory (ESO) and a co-author of the In other words, a black hole – And these two objects are orbit- & Astrophysics, is based on data tential new means to detect many “The basic income recipi- but also showed that those on study. an object typically formed from ing each other,” he said. “And the collected using telescopes at the more systems comprising such ents were more satisfi ed with basic income worked slightly “One of the stars is moving the gravitational collapse of a other branch of the mobile you ESO’s La Silla Observatory in quiescent black holes in our ga- their lives and experienced less more days than those in the periodically, with a period of 40 massive star. have one star which is much far- Chile. lactic neighbourhood in the near mental strain than the control control group of unemployed days,” he said. “And the only way The upshot, said Baade, is a ther away from the other two.” “Theoretical models suggest future.” group. people. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 17

INDIA Virus spreads among police enforcing lockdown Reuters board city buses to reach their due to the virus,” the offi cer said liceman, who was attacked while his last name. “At least in those Mumbai villages, making a mockery of so- on condition of anonymity. trying to enforce the lockdown in cases we can see the enemy.” cial distancing. Control rooms were being set northern Punjab. In Gujarat, at least 155 police India has been under lockdown up exclusively to deal with health Six senior police in at least and some paramilitary personnel undreds of police have since March 25 and has con- issues faced by police in Mahar- six states said dozens of police had been infected, according to a tested positive for the fi rmed nearly 50,000 coronavi- ashtra, according to the state’s in their states were seeking sick senior offi cial. Hcoronavirus in recent rus cases and some 1,694 deaths. Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. leave, fearing becoming infected. The police commissioner of days, raising alarm among an A senior offi cer in Maharashtra Police fi red tear gas at a crowd An offi cial with the federal the state’s main city, Ahmeda- over-stretched force as it at- said the number of cases had near- of protesting migrant workers in Home Ministry said it was aware bad, told Reuters that 95 police tempts to enforce the world’s ly doubled in the police force in the the neighbouring state of Gujarat of the matter and was monitoring and paramilitary members had largest lockdown. western state in the last week. this week and launched baton the situation. been hospitalised with Covid-19. Some 3mn police are trying to Maharashtra, the hardest-hit charges against hundreds queu- “Patrolling and crowd con- A senior federal Home Min- ensure that the vast majority of state, has reported a total 15,525 ing at stores in New Delhi, even trol in Covid-19-aff ected ar- istry offi cial said he feared that India’s 1.3bn people stay home, cases as of Tuesday. as the fi rst steps were being taken eas is becoming more dangerous thousands more police could with TV footage early in the cri- “More than 450 people from to relax the lockdown. than fi ghting criminals,” said test positive and spread the vi- Police off icers march on a street in Dharavi, Mumbai, after the exten- sis showing police beating back the state police force have now Last month, doctors had to re- Salunkhe, a Mumbai policeman rus among their families in police sion of the lockdown. migrant workers as they tried to tested positive and four have died attach the severed hand of a po- who agreed to be quoted using housing. Aviation ministry website crashes as stranded citizens rush to register

Agencies about social distancing on the New Delhi fl ights, with the Times of India quoting Puri as saying that keep- ing middle seats vacant on the he Civil Aviation Minis- aircraft was not viable. try’s website crashed yes- The offi cial said that pas- Tterday as panicked citi- sengers would be given masks, zens abroad rushed to register for gloves and sanitisers to wear and a repatriation of almost 15,000 use on board. nationals from 12 countries on Upon arrival, passengers planes and naval ships. are set to be quarantined for a India banned all incoming in- minimum of 14 days, present- ternational fl ights in late March ing a large challenge to already as it imposed one of the world’s stretched authorities. strictest virus lockdowns, leav- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi ing hundreds of thousands of Vijayan said that the state was workers and students stranded “fully prepared” and that “all ar- abroad. rangements are in place for test- Under the fi rst phase of the ing and quarantining”. mass eff ort announced on Tues- In the fi rst fi ve days, 2,250 Airport staff cleans the arrivals terminal at the Cochin International Airport ahead of the arrival of an evacuation flight, yesterday. day, two ships were heading to- people are expected to land at the wards the Maldives to evacuate state’s airports Kochi, Kozhikode some 1,000 Indian citizens while and Thiruvananthapuram. another was headed for the Gulf. Kochi port was also set to re- The fi rst of 64 fl ights over the ceive all three ships. fi rst week were due to leave the Vijayan said that 442,000 United Arab Emirates and Qatar. people wanted to come back to In total 26 fl ights will bring In- Kerala, and that the central gov- dians home from the Gulf region, ernment had “only” approved First ‘rescue’ fl ight set while others will operate from the return of 80,000. Southeast Asia, Britain and the Vijayan also voiced concerns United States. over the risks of not testing peo- Civil Aviation Minister Har- ple for the virus before bringing deep Puri has said that 200,000 them home. Indians abroad had registered “There will be around 200 for repatriation and that the fi nal passengers on each fl ight. If two to leave for Singapore number could be twice that. or three of them are carriers, it His ministry blamed the would aff ect everyone on that IANS sources, the Delhi-Singapore airlines will operate 64 fl ights in the west to the Philippines in the ala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vi- crashing of its website on “un- fl ight,” he said. New Delhi flight will be the first in the 64 seven days to bring back 14,800 east. jayan said non-resident Keralites precedented traffi c” and urged The government has come special flights which will be op- stranded Indians from 12 coun- Under the plan, 10 fl ights will returning from abroad and from people to check the website of under fi re because those be- erated by the airline and its sub- tries. be operated to the United Arab within the country will remain in Air India, which is operating the ing fl own back have to pay, with ational carrier Air India sidiary Air India Express from Overall, more than 190,000 Emirates, two to Qatar, seven each state-run quarantine centres for fl ights, for details. prices reportedly ranging from will operate the fi rst spe- today until May 13. Indian nationals, who would to the US and Malaysia and fi ve to a week. “This is easily the most com- Rs12,000 for a ticket from Dubai Ncial fl ight from New Delhi The Singapore fl ight will also have to pay one-way fares, are Saudi Arabia, among others. However, pregnant women prehensive, complicated and to Rs100,000 to fl y back from the to Singapore today, under India’s be the only one to be operated expected to be brought back in an Lately, despite its precarious and children are exempted. challenging programme I have United States. massive ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ today. airlift operation that might last a fi nancial position, the fl ag car- Flights bringing them will seen in my career,” said Puri. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to bring back its citizens stranded “There is no delay in our fl ight few weeks. rier has emerged as one of the few arrive at the Thiruvanan- Kerala is the biggest source of said in a letter to Prime Minister abroad. operations, we are following all In comparison, three dec- airlines in the world that have thapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode Indians in the Gulf. Narendra Modi that many could Following the laid-down the set guidelines, which were ades ago, Air India led a group evacuated more than 9,000 pas- airports. O V Mustafa, the director of “ill aff ord” to bear the costs. Standard Operating Procedures released only yesterday. of airlines which included In- sengers during the Covid-19 cri- The Kannur airport is not on Norka Roots, a government wel- A Jemford, who works for the (SoPs) which were released on In such a short time we have dian Airlines and Aeroflot as sis. The airline so far has carried the list, but would be added in fare body for non-resident Keral- non-profi t Agaram Foundation Tuesday, the airline has tested achieved readiness and are only well as the Indian Air Force to out massive fl ight operations to the second schedule. ites, said that those abroad were in Tamil Nadu state, tweeted that its pilots and crews for Covid-19 awaiting the fi nal test report,” a rescue an estimated 111,711 In- China, Japan and Europe to bring “The exception from quaran- “desperate” and in a “panic”. the repatriation eff ort was “only and is expecting their reports by source told IANS. dians from the Gulf, after Iraq back Indians, mostly students tine is only for pregnant women An offi cial said on Twitter that for the rich”. today afternoon. India will launch one of the invaded Kuwait in 1990. and pilgrims. and children, who can remain all passengers would be screened One Indian in a Gulf country The aircraft has been readied world’s largest air rescue opera- The 59-day operation involved Additionally, the airline has in isolation at their homes. This for virus symptoms and given an whose wife is six months preg- and Air India has also taken care tions from today, when Air In- 488 fl ights and was conducted been instrumental in repatriat- is the rule for all those arriving antibody test at the departure nant said that he registered with of all other logistical aspects to dia and Air India Express start before the fi rst Gulf war. ing foreigners to Israel, UK and from outside the country and airport. the embassy last week but has embark on this mission. the first phase of the mission. This time, the exercise will Germany. those from within the country,” There were also concerns heard nothing since. According to highly placed According to plans, the two encompass fl ights to the US in In a related development, Ker- Vijayan said. Karnataka halts trains to keep Paracetamol API to migrant workers on the job be exported to Europe Reuters quirements, Dua said. Reuters ities from last week. In an open letter to the Karna- New Delhi India, the world’s main sup- Bengaluru “We registered at the local taka government, labour rights plier of generic drugs, has police station, were promised a campaigners, charities and citi- shipped 1.9mn tablets and other ticket to go back home, and now zens questioned the decision, ndia will supply Europe with forms of paracetamol to 31 coun- he Karnataka government suddenly everything has been which they said was “taken solely about 1,000 tonnes of the tries, the foreign ministry said yesterday halted trains cancelled,” electrician Rakesh to appease the lobby of builders Iactive pharmaceutical ingre- late last month, adding that con- Ttaking stranded migrant Kumar Yadav, 22, told the Thom- and contractors”. dient (API) for common pain re- signments of anti-malaria drug labourers home so that work on son Reuters Foundation. “Neither migrant workers nor liever paracetamol, a top exports hydroxychloroquine and para- construction sites could restart, “I have told my contractor that trade unions representing them body said, easing export controls cetamol were being sent to 87 a move widely condemned as I will not return to work because were consulted,” said the letter. on over-the counter medicines countries on a commercial basis. amounting to forced labour. I am scared of contracting the N Manjunatha Prasad, the state used to cope with Covid-19 Europe is India’s biggest buyer Authorities in the state can- disease. Right now, I just want to offi cial handling migrant issues, symptoms. of paracetamol APIs and imports celled 10 trains for migrant work- go home,” said Yadav, a native of declined to comment. The government in March put around 12,000 tonnes annually, ers as Chief Minister B S Yediy- Bihar. Federal Labour Ministry of- a hold on exports of several drugs according to Pharmexcil esti- urappa appealed to them to stay, Antony Raju, a consultant for fi cials did not respond to e-mail including paracetamol to secure mates. saying construction projects halt- the charity Cividep which is pro- and telephone calls. supplies for its people after the The common pain reliever is ed due to a coronavirus lockdown viding aid to migrant workers in India’s lockdown, now ex- coronavirus outbreak disrupted also sold as acetaminophen. would resume. Bengaluru, said the decision was tended until May 17, has taken a the industry’s supply chain glo- The novel coronavirus out- Many of India’s estimated “totally unacceptable”. toll on the migrant workers who bally. break has killed more than a 100mn migrant workers were “Most workers want to go back fuel large parts of the economy, Europe has sought up to 800 quarter of a million people and left stranded with no food, shel- because the last 40 days have from manufacturing to con- tonnes of paracetamol APIs Europe has accounted for 57% of ter or income when the govern- been traumatic for them,” he said. struction. every month, said Dinesh Dua, the global death toll. ment imposed the world’s big- “Besides being scared of con- It has triggered an exodus from chairman of the Pharmaceuticals India has so far reported more gest lockdown to try to stop the tracting the disease and strug- cities and sparked protests by Export Promotion Council of In- than 49,000 cases of Covid-19. spread of the coronavirus in the gling to access aid, they feel workers wanting to go home. dia (Pharmexcil). The outbreak has not shown country. stripped of their dignity each time Many states have been worried “We have been under immense any signs of slowing despite a se- Some walked long distances they have to queue up for food.” about the “reverse migration” of pressure from the European Un- vere lockdown that has confi ned home after the lockdown was Supreme Court advocate Karu- workers, with builders and manu- ion for the last 10 days,” Dua said. its population of 1.3bn to their imposed in late March, but na Nundy tweeted that the state facturers raising concerns about Indian authorities have asked homes since late March. others were hoping to get back government decision had “ele- labour shortage as India eases Stranded migrant workers arrive to board a train to return to their drugmakers to ensure the coun- Health experts warn a surge to their villages on special bus- ments of compulsion” and was lockdown restrictions and allows homes at Sabarmati Railway Station on the outskirts of Ahmedabad try is adequately stocked for up of infections can overwhelm the es and trains put on by author- prohibited by the constitution. industries to function. yesterday. to four months of domestic re- country’s medical services. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, May 7, 2020 INDIA

INVESTIGATION VACATION EXPLANATION EDUCATION JUDICIARY ED files charge-sheet May 11-June 30 summer Bats found dead IIM announces Court seeks police’s against Rana Kapoor break for Delhi schools were electrocuted free online courses response on bail plea

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday filed Amid a coronavirus lockdown, the Delhi Setting at rest panic, the Indian Veterinary The Indian Institute of Management-Udaipur has A Delhi court yesterday issued a notice to a charge-sheet against Yes Bank founder Rana Directorate of Education yesterday announced Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly has stated announced 18 management courses free of cost the police seeking their reply on the bail Kapoor nearly two months after he was arrested, summer break for its schools between May 11 that the death of eight bats in Meerut’s on its online learning platform Coursera to ensure application of Shahrukh Pathan, who had off icial sources said. Kapoor has been charged and June 30. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Mehroli village on April 29 was due to a uninterrupted learning during the nationwide allegedly opened fire at a policeman in under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act schools have been shut since March 12. “The “strong electric current”. The recovery of lockdown for its batch of 2019-21. The courses are northeast Delhi area during riots in February. (PMLA). The ED is probing allegations of paying lockdown has been extended up to May 17, the carcasses had generated panic since off ered as elective and voluntary under domains The 23-year-old Pathan was arrested on March Rs600 crore to a company controlled by Kapoor as per directions of the Delhi government. bats are now being linked to the spread of such as Operations, HR, Marketing, Finance 3 from Shamli district in Uttar Pradesh after and his family, by a firm linked to the scam- This year also, the summer vacation in the coronavirus. The bats were found dead on and Analytics, among others. The coronavirus he was caught on camera waving a gun at tainted Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL). government and government-aided schools two consecutive days near a pond in Mehroli scare had disrupted the functioning of business an unarmed Delhi policeman Head during Kapoor, his wife and their three daughters will be observed as usual from May 11 to June village, situated on the outskirts of Meerut schools, delayed internships of students, and the riots. He was also seen firing rounds of allegedly got huge sums in kickbacks through 30,” the DDE said. To check the spread of city. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Aditi disturbed their academic calendars. Against shots. He was booked for offences such as the companies owned by them for sanctioning coronavirus, the government announced on Sharma, said: “Earlier, we had thought that this backdrop, IIM-Udaipur has taken the lead attempt to murder, criminal force to deter a massive loans to some corporate entities March 12 that all schools and colleges where excessive spraying of pesticides on fruit trees in demonstrating the institute’s strong faculty- public servant, and possession of a dangerous which later turned non-performing assets. no examinations were being help would be in the nearby orchards could have caused driven culture, ensuring students continue their weapon. Later, charges for rioting and DHFL founders Kapil Wadhawan and Dheeraj shut. Days later, it cancelled the examinations these deaths. We had sent the viscera to learning. The institute said students could pick unlawful assembly were also added to the Wadhawan were arrested last month by the and on March 23 the central government the IVRI, which has attributed the deaths to one off ered course/bundle of courses from the case. A 350-page charge-sheet was filed in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). announced the lockdown. strong electric shock.” set of credit courses. Karkardooma court on May 1. No breach in coronavirus tracking app, say offi cials

Agencies location and stores them on a has identifi ed the defi ning fea- New Delhi server in a “secure, encrypted, tures that distinguish the coro- anonymised manner.” navirus mutations possessing the “We fetch the tracing data ability to infect human beings. here has been no secu- of users after they have turned A Sars coronavirus protein rity breach in a Covid-19- Covid-19 positive.” named Spike forms a crown- Ttracking app that the gov- “The app user can change the like appearance “corona” that Workers wearing facemasks pack pre-ordered vegetables for distribution at the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Centre in Chennai yesterday. ernment has made a mandatory latitude/longitude to get the specifi cally binds to human an- download for anyone stepping data for multiple locations. Get- giotensin converting enzyme-2 out of their homes to go to work, ting data for multiple latitude/ (ACE-2) receptor. A crucial offi cials said yesterday. longitude this way is no diff er- question addressed is what “No personal information of ent than asking several people of changes might have occurred in any user has been proven to be their location’s Covid-19 statis- Sars coronavirus genomes and Next two-three weeks could at risk,” according to a statement tics”. the spike proteins during evolu- from the creators of the app, All this information is already tion that made the virus capable named Aarogya Setu. public for all locations and, of causing human infection. They were responding to con- hence, “does not compromise on Guruprasad at the university’s cerns raised by a French hacker, any personal or sensitive data,” School of Chemistry, arrived at be vital in virus fi ght: experts Robert Baptiste, who goes by the said the app team. her fi ndings after analysing com- name Elliot Alderson on Twitter The team encouraged us- plete genomes and spike protein IANS the country’s fi ght against the the country is 49,391 and 1,694 ange and especially red zones, and tries to alert groups to po- ers who see any vulnerability to sequences of several Sars coro- New Delhi coronavirus, he said. people have died of Covid-19. we don’t let our guard down and tential problems. come forward and inform them. naviruses from bat, civet, human “On the one hand we have a Avi Kumar, a consultant at social distancing and hygiene The app launched by the gov- “We are continuously testing and human Sars coronavirus-2. lockdown and on the other we see Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, norms are strictly followed. ernment on April 2 evaluates and upgrading our systems,” it Her study revealed that “three ust a week ago, it seemed serpentine queues outside some said, “After an increase in test- Otherwise, the gain made in the users’ risk of infection based on added. sequence regions and a disul- that coronavirus cases were shops. Also, why did the govern- ing, we have seen a rise in posi- last fi ve weeks might be lost,” their medical and travel history Alderson indicated on Twitter phide bridge are present only Jstarting to plateau, as the ment allow labour migration at tive as well as negative cases. Sachar said. and their location. that he was not convinced by the in Sars coronavirus spike pro- central government claimed this stage. They could have been The recovery rate has also im- zThe Chandigarh adminis- The app uses GPS and Blue- response. teins that bind ACE-2 receptor, that its growth had been more asked to stay back till the end of proved. But throwing social tration yesterday came up with tooth services to trace a users’ “I will come back to you to- whereas, these sequences are or less linear and not exponen- lockdown,” Kumar said. distancing norms out of win- a novel way – sounding of a si- contacts. There have been an es- morrow,” he posted. absent in bat Sars coronaviruses tial. “All these factors are bound dow and allowing migration of ren – to remind residents about timated 90mn downloads so far. The app is developed by the that are incapable of causing hu- Yet, as many as 3,900 new to play a major role in the in- people would tend to have a role the end of partial relaxation pe- The federal Home Ministry National Informatics Centre man infection”. cases and 195 deaths were re- crease in coronavirus cases. Of in the spurt in cases.” riod in the evenings. on May 1 said the app was com- (NIC) that comes under the The fi ndings could help in de- ported on Tuesday. course, we are also testing more He stressed the Kerala model To remind people to be in- pulsory for all public and private Ministry of Electronics and In- veloping vaccines that are more Medical experts says that it’s than before, which would lead of re-quarantine and chalking doors by 7pm daily, a siren will sector workers. formation Technology (MeitY). effi cient. a signifi cant spike, which could to identifi cation of more cases.” out a model of home delivery be sounded, the union terri- It has also been made manda- It is aimed at augmenting the “Instead of being very vague, have emerged from increased Kumar said it’s the real in- to maintain social distancing tory’s adviser Manoj Parida tory for delivery personnel and initiatives of the central govern- we’re able to precisely pin- testing, migration of people crease in number which could among people. tweeted. couriers. ment, particularly the depart- point the motifs or sequence across states and fl outing of so- be due to the movement of peo- “After this migration of peo- “Don’t fi ght with the police Delhi-based digital rights or- ment of health, in proactively regions in the proteins and say cial distancing guidelines. ple and increase in testing. ple, the next two-three weeks if you are caught outdoors after ganisation Internet Freedom reaching out to and informing that these protein regions in the In major cities, the corona- It could continue for three to will play a major role in deciding siren,” he said. Foundation has said the app runs the users regarding the risks, spike are required for interaction virus is spewing fi re and the six weeks after the migration of whether we have fl attened the The administration on May risks of institutionalising mass best practices and relevant advi- with ACE-2. So if you’re able to bump in cases is pronounced. people. curve or hit the peak,” said Kumar. 2 decided to lift the curfew in surveillance in the absence of sories pertaining to the contain- design antibodies only on the Arvind Kumar, chairman of The trend undermined the Sourabh Sachar, a senior the city from May 3, while the any robust data protection law ment of Covid-19. basis of those regions and not the Centre for Chest Surgery and largely held notion that things resident at Safdarjung Hospi- lockdown period was extended in India. In other developments, a fac- any other parts, then there’ll be director at the Institute of Ro- were under control, he added. tal, said the disregard to social till May 17. Aarogya Setu creators said they ulty member of the University greater probability of a better botic Surgery in Sir Ganga Ram Explaining the spike, the distancing norms in the last few Markets in diff erent sectors had contacted the hacker after he of Hyderabad (UoH) has made a vaccine because we know that it Hospital, said something had Health Ministry said some days had potentially contrib- will open from 10am to 6pm posted: “A security issue has been crucial discovery that can help in is not any region but these par- gone wrong in the past one week. states were not reporting cases uted to the spike in cases along daily. Vehicles will be allowed found in your app. The privacy of the design of antibodies capable ticular regions that are respon- The spurt in the number of in a timely manner. The total with increased testing. to run without passes from 7am 90mn Indians is at stake.” of combating the coronavirus. sible for the interaction,” Guru- cases was not a good sign in number of coronavirus cases in “It’s imperative that in or- to 7pm. They said the app collects user Professor Lalita Guruprasad prasad said. Top militant leader killed Notorious bandit in Kashmir gun battle Mohar Singh dies AFP After Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh he sur- Agencies were killed in another gun battle passes issued on or before May rendered Srinagar nearby yesterday, Kumar added. 5 have been cancelled and that to police Naikoo, 35, had joined the fresh passes would be issued af- notorious bandit who in 1972 militants in 2012, two years after ter two days. spent years rampaging with his roops killed four militants around 100 people were killed by Security forces hold Naikoo Aacross central India’s im- gang of in gun battles in Jammu and troops during a restive summer responsible for holding the Hiz- poverished badlands before try- 140 bandits, he spent eight years TKashmir yesterday, includ- marked by protests and violence. bul together after Zakir Musa ing his luck as a Bollywood actor in jail before securing an early ing the commander of the biggest A former maths teacher with a broke away to form his own and politician has died aged 92, release, the Times of India re- rebel group, a police offi cial said. bounty of Rs1.2mn on his head, splinter group. police said yesterday. ported. Hundreds of soldiers launched Naikoo was an aide to Hizbul Musa split from the Hizbul in Mohar Singh (pictured), once Drawn to the arclights, he an operation late on Tuesday af- Mujahideen commander Burhan 2017 and formed his own group one of the most feared men in starred in a 1982 Bollywood fi lm ter receiving intelligence that Wani who was killed in July 2016, called Ansar Ghazwatul Hind the Chambal region accused of called Chambal ke Daku and ran Hizbul Mujahideen commander leading to months of unrest. that claimed to be the Indian af- hundreds of murders, kidnap- unopposed in local elections in Riyaz Naikoo was hiding in a vil- “It is a major success for the fi liate of the Al Qaeda. pings and other crimes, died on the 1990s. lage in south Kashmir’s Pulwama troops in Kashmir”, Kumar said. Musa was killed in Dadsara Tuesday, a senior police offi cial In his fi nal years, Singh, whose district. Villagers threw stones at se- area in Tral in an encounter with in Bhind district said. head once carried a Rs300,000 Authorities also disabled mo- curity forces as soon as news of security forces on May 23, 2019. Despite having 315 cases bounty, campaigned to restore bile Internet across Kashmir Naikoo’s death spread. Naikoo then launched massive against him, including 89 mur- ancient temples in Chambal, early yesterday to forestall large Naikoo was wanted for several campaign asking Kashmir po- ders, he cultivated a Robin writing letters to Prime Minister crowds from gathering in the killings, including of policemen licemen to give up their jobs and Hood-like image among the Narendra Modi. streets to mourn his killing. and informers, a police source said. join the Hizbul ranks. poor, district superintendent of The sparsely-populated re- “He was trapped in a house A video conference was report- He also urged militants to police Nagendra Singh said. gion in Madhya Pradesh state and early today a gun battle took edly held earlier between senior stage gun salutes at the funeral “He was an old-school gang was long seen as India’s “Wild place during which he and his offi cers of the federal Home Min- of their colleagues. People gather near a building where two militants including leader, targeting mainly business- West”, teeming with bloodthirsty associate were killed,” Kashmir’s istry and Kashmir’s top brass. He also planned abduction of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo were killed in a gun men and rich landlords and dis- gangs looting feudal landlords, Inspector General of Police Vi- In Srinagar city, the authori- families of police offi cers who battle with Indian soldiers at Beighpora village in south Kashmir’s tributing the loot among the poor carrying out kidnappings and jay Kumar said. Two militants ties announced that all curfew did not shun the force. Pulwama district yesterday. to win popularity,” Singh said. robbing trains. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 19

LATIN AMERICA

For Haitians, die of hunger today or coronavirus tomorrow?

AFP infancy in Haiti, where staying On the hilltops east of Port- Cereals constitute two-thirds Minister Joseph Jouthe said dur- Long before the coronavirus year by those living abroad, to- Port-au-Prince at home and social distancing are au-Prince, in the Petionville of the daily caloric intake of the ing an annual fi nance summit pandemic crippled the global talling about a third of the na- unattainable luxuries for many suburb, merchants took a stand average poor Haitians. held online this year. economy, the United Nations tion’s GDP, offi cial fi gures show. who make their living in the in- for the latter option, protesting However the price of one such Half of all Haitian jobs are in warned that 40% of Haitians “Haitians depend on remit- hen the novel corona- formal economy. in the streets against a rule limit- staple — rice — has more than agriculture, even though the sec- would need emergency humani- tances for food, education and virus fi rst appeared in In an attempt to stem the ing their commercial activities to doubled in some markets com- tor accounts for only 21% of the tarian assistance in 2020. even funerals,” Haitian econo- WHaiti authorities and spread of the virus the govern- three days a week — a town hall pared with 2019. country’s GDP, according to Hai- The estimate projected that mist Kesner Pharel said. humanitarian experts panicked, ment of Haiti — the poorest directive mainly issued in vain. Infl ation has accelerated since tian economist Etzer Emile. starting in March nearly 3mn However, the diaspora, mainly worried about the country’s de- country in the Americas — an- Consumer panic that followed March, and the sharp rise in Poor workers who own tiny Haitians would be facing “severe based in the US, is now facing a crepit health system — but the nounced that wearing a mask the March 19 announcement that prices linked to the coronavirus farms watch their incomes melt food insecurity,” a UN classifi ca- wave of massive unemployment pandemic’s economic conse- would be compulsory in all public Covid-19 had arrived on Haitian pandemic will only worsen a re- away in the lean season between tion just below famine. sweeping the world’s largest quences could prove yet deadlier places beginning May 11. shores has subsided, and cus- cession which began about 1.5 harvests, making preparations Haiti’s diaspora has long kept economy. for the nation’s poor. Masks aside, for many Hai- tomers are now making more years ago. for the next harvest ever more the country from plunging into Haiti’s ministry of economy With just eight offi cial vi- tians the main question remains: measured purchases, particularly “With the looming crisis, we diffi cult, especially in certain even deeper poverty by sending and fi nance predicts that the fi - rus fatalities as of Saturday, the Die of hunger today or coronavi- considering their often limited expect a decline of almost 4%,” regions already threatened by money home: More than $3bn nancial aid will drop by almost a Covid-19 pandemic is still in its rus tomorrow? means. of gross domestic product, Prime drought. is transferred back to Haiti each quarter in the coming months. Husband-wife doctors fi ght coronavirus at work, home

AFP The Sztajnboks met, fi ttingly Sao Paulo enough, during another epidemic: a measles outbreak in 1997. They live in a big, plant-fi lled either of the Sztajnboks apartment in the chic neighbour- is getting much sleep hood of Pinheiros with their chil- Nthese days. Dr Jacques dren, Ana, 12, and Daniel, 10. Sztajnbok, head of intensive care Ana said she does not wor- at one of the main coronavirus ry about her parents, because hospitals in Sao Paulo, Brazil, “they’re not in the high-risk says the stress of being on the group.” front line of the pandemic often Daniel, meanwhile, thinks their wakes him up in the middle of the work is “cool and courageous.” night. “At dinner we always talk about His wife, Dr Fabiane Sztajnbok, what happened during their shifts. an infectious disease specialist in It’s really interesting,” he said. the hospital’s emergency room, The Sztajnboks say they feel the Stranded Venezuelan citizens remain outside Venezuela’s consulate in Santiago, Chile, as they wait for a solution after the borders were closed due to the new coronavirus pandemic. says the same. need to talk about their days more He spends his sleepless hours than ever. trawling through scientifi c stud- “It helps us get through to know ies, hoping to fi nd something that we have the same objective, to will “add a piece to the Covid-19 know we’re in this together,” said puzzle,” he said. Fabiane. She awakens simply because But it can be hard to draw a line she is “worried and anxious,” she between work and home. said. They set a rule early on: evening The Sztajnboks work at the time is to unplug and be together Peru strains under Emilio Ribas Infectious Disease as a family. Institute in Brazil’s biggest city, But sometimes it gets broken. the epicentre of Covid-19 in Latin On Jacques’ 55th birthday, America. he came home from work and The pandemic has changed changed into fl ip-fl ops and shorts, life in big and small ways for their all set to relax. family of four. But he could not help looking 50,000 virus cases Jacques, 55, and Fabiane, 47, no constantly at his phone, following longer hug or kiss their children the progress of his patients and in- Reuters been uncovered in food mar- reach 10,000, according to a Re- also detected among the long cadets in a police academy, the when they get home. fected colleagues. Lima kets, at mines, in prisons, among uters tally. The fi rst death from queues of people that formed government confi rmed. Instead, they fi rst shed their As the family gathered around a homeless communities and po- Covid-19 came on March 19 and outside banks seeking the cash The country’s key mining sec- potentially contaminated clothes computer screen for a virtual cel- lice forces, laying bare the patchy a month later the fi gure had risen subsidies announced by govern- tor has also been hit. and head straight for the shower. ebration with relatives, Jacques he number of new corona- enforcement of government-or- to 348, quadrupling again two ment for those left destitute by Last week, Antamina copper Jacques has not taken a day off got a piece of welcome news on his virus cases confi rmed in dered social isolation measures. weeks later. job losses or income sources dis- mine, controlled by BHP Group since mid-March. phone. TPeru soared above 50,000, Protective equipment shortag- Ciro Maguiña, an infectious appearing. and Glencore, said it had de- “I’m responsible not only for One of their patients, an obese highlighting the country’s strug- es have sparked protests at hos- disease specialist and vice-dean “The population has not ad- tected 210 cases after conducting my patients’ health, but that of my woman in serious condition, had gle to tamp down the virus’ pitals while poverty has compli- of Peru’s College of Physicians, hered to (the isolation measures) 600 Covid-19 tests. team,” he said. doubled her respiratory capac- spread with the infection rate yet cated eff orts to persuade people said the “worst stage” of the out- and you can’t blame them be- Three sources said the mine His intensive care unit’s 11 beds ity after Jacques had her turned to reach its peak, a medical expert to stay home. break was still ahead. cause many people are poor, un- failed to follow national lock- have been full since mid-April, all over onto her stomach to help her said. Peru’s President Martin Viz- “I calculate that we should employed, migrant or in informal down regulations in mid-March, with Covid-19 patients. breathe. Copper-rich Peru was one of carra announced that the to- enter the peak of cases in mid- employment and still have to fi nd only suspending operations a On average, one has been dying Happy, Jacques read the mes- the fi rst Latin American coun- tal number of people infected May,” he told Reuters. ways to eat,” said Maguina. month later. each day. Several of his colleagues sage aloud to his family several tries to implement a shutdown amounted to 51,189, up 3,817 Peru’s ability to contain the Police cracking down on those When Vizcarra took the fi rst have also gotten sick. times. “This disease is very com- when coronavirus landed, but from the previous day; while 100 virus has been hampered by its breaking the rules have detained measures in March to curb the “Whenever my phone rings, I plicated. Not all patients respond cases have doubled in the last 10 more dead took the tally to 1,444. high poverty rate. thousands of people. virus and soften the blow for the think, ‘Do we have another doc- to the same treatment. We have to days. Peru recorded its fi rst corona- About 21% of its 33mn people But they often operate without country’s poorest, his approval tor who’s gotten sick?’ And that’s tailor our treatment to every case. Peru ranks only behind Brazil virus case on March 6 and within live on less than $102 a month, protective equipment and some rating jumped to 87% — its high- a worry we’ve never had before, That’s why I can’t bring myself to for contagions in the region. 25 days hit 1,000 infections. offi cial statistics say. 2,000 have themselves con- est level at since he took offi ce in even in other epidemics,” he said. stop working,” he said. Signifi cant outbreaks have It took just 14 more days to Hot zones for contagion were tracted the virus, along with 510 early 2018, Ipsos said.

Economists back Argentina’s Captured Ministers to be grilled debt restructuring proposal in Bolsonaro probe AFP curity Minister Augusto Heleno, Reuters tional Monetary Fund and Paris could risk a painful default, with Brasília chief of staff Walter Braga Netto Buenos Aires Club of country-to-country a grace period to pay around and secretary of government Luiz lenders, as Argentina struggles $500mn of interest on three Eduardo Ramos. to keep up with payments. separate dollar bonds set to ex- hree top ministers to Brazil- Several media outlets mean- group of 138 economists The country was already in pire on May 22. ian President Jair Bolsonaro while published a leaked summary from 20 countries, in- recession before going on lock- The prospect of securing an Twill face questioning in a of Moro’s own eight-hour deposi- A cluding Nobel laureates down against the coronavirus on agreement by tomorrow dark- potentially damaging probe on tion Saturday before investigators. Joseph Stiglitz and Edmund March 20. ened after a trio of major credi- whether the far-right leader ob- In it, Moro mentioned the S Phelps, urged Argentina’s Argentine Economy Minister tor groups rejected the off er, structed justice, after the Supreme three ministers who are now due bondholders to take a “con- Martin Guzman worked with and Guzman acknowledged that Court granted investigators’ re- to be questioned as witnesses to structive approach” to the gov- Stiglitz at Columbia University reaching a consensus had “prov- quest for access. and mediators in his discussions ernment’s debt restructuring in New York before returning en diffi cult.” The case stems from accusa- with the president on replacing proposal. to his native country to man- The letter says both Argen- tions by former justice minister then-federal police chief Mauricio “The onus is on private credi- age the restructuring and im- tina and its bondholders would Sergio Moro, who resigned in pro- Valeixo. tors to act,” said the open letter plement policies aimed at bol- benefi t from negotiating a sus- test last month after Bolsonaro The document says Moro told signed by Nobel Prize winners stering Latin America’s No.3 tainable debt revamp deal as the fi red the federal police chief. investigators Bolsonaro wanted Stiglitz and Phelps along with economy. coronavirus pandemic drives In a scathing last press con- him to ensure a new federal police other well-known experts in- “Argentina has presented a down global economic activity ference, Moro, a popular anti- superintendent would be named cluding Jeff rey Sachs, Carmen responsible off er to creditors and the ability of the govern- corruption activist, accused Bol- in Rio de Janeiro, the president’s Reinhart and Thomas Piketty. that refl ects the country’s ca- ment to pay their debts. sonaro of improper interference in hometown, where his son Carlos, a Key creditors have balked at pacity to pay and is in line with “The Covid-19 pandemic is police investigations. city councillor, is reportedly under Argentina’s proposal to impose the IMF’s technical analysis,” driving an unprecedented global He did not say which ones, but investigation over allegations he large reductions on coupons, a the economists’ letter said. crisis. The tragic loss of life and the federal police are reportedly oversaw a fake-news campaign to three-year payment hiatus and “A constructive approach to economic activity has pushed investigating several cases involv- benefi t his father. push back maturities into the Argentina will show that the humanity toward the worst glo- ing Bolsonaro and his sons. The police document quotes next decade. international fi nancial commu- bal recession in modern times. Supreme Court justice Celso Moro telling investigators that Bondholders have until to- nity can resolve a sovereign debt “Pressure on public fi nances A puma is captured by employees of the Chilean Agricultural de Mello granted a request from Bolsonaro sent him “basically the morrow to respond. crisis in an orderly, effi cient and has become enormous, particu- and Livestock Service (SAG) in Santiago, Chile. The SAG said investigators probing Moro’s alle- following message: ‘Moro, you It is part of a broader sover- sustainable manner,” it added. larly in developing countries severe drought is forcing the cats to enter the city in search gations to question three infl uen- have 27 police superintendents eign debt restructuring with If the government fails to gain that were already highly indebt- of food. tial military generals who serve in (across Brazil). I only want one: Rio creditors, including the Interna- enough support for its deal, it ed,” the letter says. Bolsonaro’s cabinet: Internal Se- de Janeiro.’” Gulf Times 20 Thursday, May 7, 2020 PAKISTAN

Karachi’s coronavirus facilities can only Pakistan producing take 76 serious cases

Internews ventilators, offi cials said, adding Karachi that in case of emergency, half a dozen more ventilators could be spared for the critically-sick pa- key equipment for arachi, a city of around tients at the CHK. 20mn people, has only 76 The Jinnah Postgraduate Med- Kventilators or intensive ical Centre (JPMC), which bears care unit (ICU) beds at the seven the brunt of most of the seri- public and private hospitals for ous patients in the province, has patients who require life-sup- converted one of its ICU wards port after contracting the coro- into Covid-19 isolation ward, navirus, it was learnt yesterday. where it has 12 ventilators while Covid-19 treatment Similarly, there are only 321 the remaining are HDU beds, of- isolation beds at these seven fi cials said. Internews stan will not just have suffi cient that we do not produce such eye protection shields, personal Pharmaceutical companies hospitals, where patients with They said that in case of ur- Islamabad ventilators to meet local demand, basic items and were importing protection equipment (PPE) and have also expressed an interest mild to moderate symptoms are gency, the number of ventilators but will be in a position to export them. Since Pakistan is a major Covid-19 testing equipment ac- in manufacturing these kits, he kept and, in case of deteriora- could be enhanced to 18 in the these lifesaving machines,” he exporter of raw ethanol, an im- cording to World Health Organi- said. tion in their condition, stable isolation ward. akistan has begun manu- said. portant ingredient in sanitisers sation (WHO) standards. Chaudhry said that local engi- patients are removed from the The Ojha Campus of the facturing oxygenators that Chaudhry said that this mo- and sprays, the Pakistan Coun- “After China came under pres- neers in major cities have also as- ventilator and serious patients DUHS, which also has been P80% of Covid-19 patients ment of crisis has made it clear cil for Scientifi c and Industrial sure during the pandemic, it hit sisted the ministry of science and put on life support. treating Covid-19 patients since require as part of their initial that the role of scientifi c research Research (PCSIR) was tasked to us, like most countries, that we technology in making 163 venti- Offi cials of the Sindh Health the outbreak in Karachi, has a treatment, along with mak- and development has been un- produce sanitisers and disinfect- should manufacture these items lators operational again. Department and private hospi- 50-bed isolation unit with 14 ing ventilators using indigenous dermined in Pakistan in the last ant sprays. locally and become self-reliant,” “In several private and public tals said that for people in other ventilators. technology, Minister for Science decade. “In two months, Pakistan is Minister Chaudhry said. “Private hospitals, staff were unable to cities of the province, there are The Dr Ziauddin Univer- and Technology Fawad Chaudhry He said Pakistan is the only not just self-suffi cient but is in companies were asked to manu- operate more than 300 ventila- no more than 105 ventilators at sity Hospital offi cials said they said. country in the world to cut fund- a position to export these prod- facture PPE kits locally. Now we tors. specialised wards for Covid-19 had a 20-bed isolation ward for He described oxygenators as “a ing for research and development ucts,” he said. are also self-suffi cient by manu- “These engineers passed on patients, meaning that there are Covid-19 patients and 10 beds simpler form of ventilators that after 2007 from 0.67% of GDP to The PCSIR now has the capac- facturing these products indig- knowledge to these hospital staff only 181 ventilators for such pa- equipped with ventilators. help Covid-19 patients who have 0.24%. ity to produce 1,000 litres of san- enously.” members, who are now learning tients in the entire province. They added that if required, diffi cult breathing”. Cities in the country ran short itiser a day, which is available at He said that the Nust is in the how to operate these lifesaving The coronavirus causes the they could spare as many as 20 The Pakistan Engineering of hand sanitiser, disinfectant utility stores, Ziaur Rehman from fi nal stages of introducing Cov- machines,” he said. Covid-19 respiratory disease. more ventilators for coronavirus Council has also received 53 ven- and masks immediately after the the PCSIR said. id-19 test kits, which would be In response to a question, “Although the number of all patients. tilator designs, of which it has fi rst two cases of the coronavirus The School of Biomedical and available in the market within a Chaudhry said that Pakistan is the ventilators or ICU beds at At the Gadap Hospital, nine shortlisted 13. were detected in Pakistan, be- Engineering and Sciences and week. already exporting cotton masks public, private and charity hos- ventilators were installed after Seven of these designs have tween February 26 and March 5, the Attaur Rehman School of The Drug Regulatory Author- to European countries. pitals in Karachi is 541, only the entire hospital was reserved been approved and are in the last the minister said. Applied Biosciences, both con- ity of Pakistan (DRAP) has ana- He gave the example of a seven of these hospitals are cur- for coronavirus patients at the stage of licensing following Eu- The Covid-19 respiratory dis- stituent colleges of the National lysed results from clinical trials Faisalabad-based textile com- rently attending to Covid-19 pa- start of the outbreak in Sindh, ropean Union benchmarks. ease is caused by the coronavirus. University of Science and Tech- of the kits and is in the last stages pany that has orders for $8-$10m tients. but very soon, all the machines “In six to seven months, Paki- “That is when we realised nology (Nust), has begun work on of approval. worth of cotton masks. “These hospitals have around from the newly-established 200 ventilators altogether, but health facility were removed as for Covid-19 patients, the com- there were no staff available to bined strength of vents is only operate them. Fruit market 76,” a health department offi cial “The Indus Health Network said. (IHN) had procured nine ventila- PM warns The seven hospitals are the tors, which were installed at the Indus Hospital Karachi, the Gadap health facility, but as we Aga Khan University Hospital failed to fi nd trained intensiv- world about (AKUH), the Civil Hospital Kara- ists and technicians to run these, chi (CHK), the Jinnah Postgradu- they were removed from the hos- ate Medical Centre (JPMC), the pital,” an offi cial said. neighbour’s Ojha Campus of Dow University Five of these ventilators were of Health Sciences (DUHS), the donated to the Indus Hospital Sindh Institute of Urology and Karachi while remainder were agenda Transplantation (SIUT), and the given to the Civil Hospital Kara- Dr Ziauddin Hospital. chi, the offi cial of the health de- Giving details of the Covid-19 partment added. Imran Khan calls upon isolation wards, the offi cial said Health department offi cials media to highlight Islamic the Indus Hospital has a 20-bed revealed that there are only 105 values based on respect for isolation ward, where 10 beds are ventilators available at the Cov- humanity equipped with ventilators, while id-19 isolation wards at various the remaining 10 beds are high hospitals in the other Sindh cit- Internews dependency unit (HDU) beds. ies. Islamabad The SIUT said that they had a “We have 18 ventilators at the 50-bed isolation ward and a 10- Liaquat University of Medical bed Covid-19 ICU with ventila- and Health Sciences (LUMHS), rime Minister Imran Khan tors, which remained full most of 10 ventilators at the Civil Hos- has warned the world the time these days with corona- pital Khairpur, 14 ventilators Pabout India’s continuing virus patients. at Nawabshah, and only three eff orts to fi nd a pretext for a false Karachi’s most prestigious ventilators at the Civil Hospital fl ag operation targeting Paki- private hospital, the AKUH, Sukkur,” a health department of- stan. which treated the fi rst Covid-19 fi cial maintained. In a tweet, he said latest base- patient in the country in the last He said that in Larkana there less allegations by India of “in- week of February this year, has a are 22 ventilators for Covid-19 fi ltration” across the Line of 56-bed Isolation ward, while it patients, 20 ventilators at the Control (LoC) are a continuation has eight ICU beds with ventila- Gambat Institute of Medical Sci- of this “dangerous agenda”. tors, according to offi cials. ences (GIMS), fi ve ventilators He said the indigenous Kash- Sindh’s largest public sector in Kotri, eight ventilators in Se- miri resistance against “Indian Vendors off ering watermelons for sale are seen at a fruit market in Peshawar. hospital, Civil Hospital Kara- hwan, and only fi ve at the Badin Occupation” is a direct conse- chi, has a 65-bed isolation ward hospital managed by the Indus quence of India’s “oppression and a 12-bed ICU equipped with Health Network. and brutalisation of Kashmiris”. Khan said that the interna- tional community must act be- fore India’s moves jeopardise peace and security in South Asia. The prime minister has also Medical offi cer partly faulted for Dr Haq death called upon media to highlight Islamic values based on respect for humanity and compassion. Internews jad alleged that Dr Haq needed ability of at least nine intensive vice, Dr Haq planned a visit to the investigation report says. the patient eventually went to Speaking with Senator Faisal Karachi to be put on a ventilator, but care unit (ICU) beds. the Sindh Institute of Urology “Patient left in the ambu- (DOW University’s) Ojha cam- Javed Khan in Islamabad yester- could not fi nd the facility despite However, the report also and Transplantation (SIUT) in- lance and went home instead of pus where he was announced to day, Prime Minister Khan said having visited several hospitals states that the patient was re- stead, on the advice of his col- any other hospital. On reaching be ‘brought in dead’,” the report that communication tools play special committee in the city. luctant to be admitted to any league Dr Amir. home, his condition worsened says. a pivotal role in highlighting formed by the Sindh Following these allegations hospital. However, when an Aman am- and he was then taken to Trimax “The committee is of the view Islamic teachings, civilisation, A province government to on Monday night, Sindh gov- Recounting the events that bulance arrived, it took Dr Haq Hospital – which is where he that there was a serious lack of history and social values. investigate the death of Dr Fur- ernment spokesperson Senator led to Dr Haq’s death, the report to the CHK, rather than the worked privately,” the report communication. The patient He said that Islam teaches us qanul Haq who became the third Murtaza Wahab announced that says that he was diagnosed with SIUT. adds. should have been admitted by to help the suff ering and trou- member of the medical frater- a committee had been formed to the coronavirus on May 1, fol- At the CHK, Dr Haq was The doctor who examined Dr Dr Jagdesh in the CHK since he bled humanity in diffi cult times. nity in Karachi to have died from investigate the matter and pro- lowing which the Sindh Health transferred by the emergency Haq at Trimax was of the opin- was in no state to travel to Ojha The prime minister said that the coronavirus, concluded in duce a report “within 24 hours”. Department through a rapid re- staff to the coronavirus control ion that he required specialist or any other hospital.” Pakistanis, wherever they live, its report that “misjudgment” According to the committee’s sponse team was in contact with room, where he was examined care with possibility of ventila- The report also recommends stand by their countrymen in on part of the medical offi cer at report, issued yesterday morn- the patient until May 2. by Dr Jagdesh, the medical of- tion. initiation of disciplinary pro- diffi cult times, and that this Civil Hospital was the cause of ing, the on-duty doctor at Civil On May 3, the doctor’s condi- fi cer on duty. At this point, the report says, ceedings against Dr Jagdesh for spirit of serving humanity is the his death. Hospital Karachi (CHK) who ex- tion worsened and he was ad- “Instead of admitting him, he Dr Haq was once again taken “his misjudgment”, “an act of real strength and virtue of our After he died on Sunday, Paki- amined the Dr Haq showed neg- vised to go to Indus Hospital by (Dr Jagdesh) advised Dr Haq to home after being “fed up”. omission rather than deliber- society. stan Medical Association (PMA) ligence when he failed to admit his niece, Dr Nida. contact the concerned doctor “The family of the patient was ate” due to which a patient lost secretary-general Dr Qaiser Saj- him to the hospital despite avail- However, foregoing this ad- who had arranged a bed for him,” not available for comments but his life. National Assembly Recommendations made on easing lockdown restrictions session to be The National Command and Operation implementation of standard operating procedures held on Monday Pakistan, Oman ministers in talks Center (NCOC) of Pakistan has made multiple (SOPs), opening phase-II of the construction sector, recommendations to ease lockdown restrictions in reopening of retail outlets, and operationalisation of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood the country, which were imposed to curb the spread selective outpatient departments in Islamabad. Qureshi has announced that a Internews est situation in Pakistan as well the impending locust attack of the coronavirus. The participants of the meeting also proposed National Assembly session will Islamabad as the steps being taken by the in the Middle East and South The recommendations were made during meeting extending shops timings from 9am-5pm, and then be held in Islamabad on Monday government to cope with the Asia and emphasised the need chaired by Minister for Planning, Development and 8pm-10pm. at 3pm. challenge. for co-ordinated response to Reforms Asad Umar in Islamabad. They also decided to bring no change in the SOPs for The minister was talking to media oreign Minister Shah He also expressed gratitude maintain collective food secu- The recommendations include opening of the religious congregations in the second half of the outside Parliament House in Mahmood Qureshi held for repatriation of Pakistan na- rity. inter-provincial transportation with proper month of Ramadan. Islamabad. Fa telephone conversation tionals from Oman. He also expressed concern Qureshi said that the decision with his Omani counterpart While underscoring impor- over spread of the coronavirus Decision on reopening Peshawar shops due on Saturday has been made in the meeting of Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah to tance of Prime Minister Imran in Indian-administered Kash- parliamentary parties chaired by exchange views on the corona- Khan’s call for Global Initiative mir as well as the campaign al- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will make a extended to other cities and towns in the province Syed Fakhar Imam. virus pandemic and its reper- for Debt Relief for developing legedly targeting Indian Mus- decision on opening business outlets after a meeting gradually. The session of the lower house cussions. countries, Qureshi reiterated lims in the context of the spread of the National Co-ordination Committee (NCC), They said that shopkeepers would give an of parliament will continue with a Qureshi appreciated eff ective the need for close co-operation of the coronavirus, emphasis- which is scheduled to meet in Islamabad on May 9. undertaking to the district administration that they pause of one day. measures being taken by Oman to mitigate the impact of the ing that it should be rejected by Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair the NCC would follow the standard operating procedures Qureshi said that the meeting to control the spread of the dis- economic slowdown and devote the international community. meeting. (SOPs). also decided that quorum will ease. more resources to manage the Abdullah lauded Pakistan’s Off icials said that the provincial government is likely An off icial said that leaders of traders associations not be pointed out during the The minister briefed his Om- crisis. eff orts in combating the pan- to announce opening of businesses for pre-Eid in Peshawar had already been taken on board in this session. ani counterpart about the lat- The minister also highlighted demic. shopping in Peshawar on May 9, which would be regard. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 21 PHILIPPINES

Gunmen shoot Lawmakers pledge to get dead radio journalist broadcast giant back on air Reuters Manila DPA Manila hilippine legislators pushed yesterday to get Filipino radio broadcaster Pthe country’s biggest was shot dead in the cen- broadcaster back on air, amid Atral Philippines, in the widespread shock and dismay latest attack on the press in the over an order by the industry country, police said yesterday. regulator for the station to cease Cornelio Pepino was on his operations after its 25-year li- way home with his wife on a cence expired. motorcycle when two gunmen Aides to President Rodrigo opened fi re at him on Tuesday Duterte sought to distance him evening in Dumaguete City in from Tuesday’s move against Negros Oriental province, 634 ABS-CBN Corp, insisting his kilometres south of Manila, a offi ce was as surprised as any- police report said. one and the mercurial leader no Pepino, a 48-year-old re- longer had an axe to grind with porter of a community radio the station, despite past griev- station, suff ered multiple gun- ances. shot wounds to his body and was Celebrities, entertainers and dead on arrival at a nearby hos- fans expressed sorrow on social pital, the report said. media and labour, business and His wife was unhurt in the media groups urged interven- attack, which happened hours tion to spare thousands of jobs, after the Philippines’ largest protect free speech and guaran- broadcast network went off the tee access to vital public infor- air after regulators ordered its mation amid the coronavirus shutdown because lawmakers epidemic. did not renew its franchise. Po- The National Telecommu- lice were still investigating the nications Commission’s (NTC) killing to determine if the attack decision has puzzled many was related to his work. lawmakers and commentators, Pepino is the 16th journalist prompting allegations by Du- killed in the country under Pres- terte’s critics that his allies are ident Rodrigo Duterte’s admin- exploiting a strict lockdown and istration since 2016, according trying to intimidate the media Ron Cruz, anchor of ANC, a subsidiary of ABS-CBN, is seen during an afternoon newscast at its to the National Union of Jour- using legal and regulatory proc- studio at the station headquarters in Manila, yesterday. The ABS-CBN network headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila. nalists of the Philippines. esses. The Philippines has been ABS-CBN had no comment It shut down most of its radio general said it had cautioned the fi led a resolution yesterday to ogised. ABS-CBN shares have conversation that he is neutral ranked as one of the world’s yesterday about what its next and TV stations on Tuesday just NTC against allowing ABS to get ABS-CBN an interim li- lost more than half their value and to let his allies know that he most dangerous places for jour- move would be. before 8pm, leaving only a few broadcast without a licence. cence. Senate President Vice- during Duterte’s presidency, will not hold it against them,” nalists by press freedom groups, Trading of its shares was sus- channels with separate licences The NTC said yesterday it nte Sotto said that if the lower which began in 2016. Roque said. including the New York-based pended yesterday and its main operating. stood by its decision and that house failed to do that, his Duterte’s legal counsel Salva- Both were speaking on ANC, Committee to Protect Journal- rival GMA Network Inc surged The NTC had in March indi- ABS-CBN could seek a tem- chamber could get the job done. dor Panelo said anyone accusing the cable news channel of ABS- ists. In 2009, 32 media workers to a one-year high, closing up cated that ABS-CBN could re- porary restraining order from a “Bring it to the Senate, we will him of involvement was “bark- CBN, which operates under a were among more than 50 peo- 23.7% having spiked 50% dur- main on air pending its licence court. Rufus Rodriguez, a pro- approve it!,” he said on Twitter. ing up the wrong tree” because separate licence. ple killed in a local politician’s ing trading. renewal by the lower house of Duterte congressman, said it ABS-CBN has been on ten- Duterte had forgiven ABS-CBN. The hashtag #notoabscbn- convoy heading to a rally in the ABS-CBN, a 66-year-old Congress, which only returned was pointless asking the NTC to terhooks for several years be- His spokesman, Harry Roque, shutdown attracted more than southern region of Mindanao. entertainment and media con- from recess on Monday and has change its mind. cause of Duterte’s repeated said the president wanted his 17,000 posts on Instagram by Ten years after the killing, glomerate, employs nearly been criticised for dragging its “We can’t depend on the NTC threats to thwart its renewal supporters in Congress to know yesterday afternoon and 10,000 a Philippine court convicted 7,000 people, operates 21 radio heels on the renewal. anymore. We have to make sure bid, his anger stemming from that he would not be upset if posts on Twitter under #ab- members of an infl uential politi- and 38 television stations na- There was no indication why in this one month we are in ses- its failure to air some of his paid they backed ABS-CBN’s licence scbnsigningoff , trending third cal clan for the worst election- tionwide and distributes online the regulator changed its stance, sion, we can give a provisional election campaign commer- renewal. behind news on American and related killing in the country. content. but the offi ce of the solicitor- franchise,” said Rodriguez, who cials, for which it recently apol- “He kept on reiterating in our Korean celebrities. Covid-19 cases top 10,000 Education dept plans Television school opening in August network as drug set for clinical trial By Jan Arcilla School year 2020-2021 will shutdown Manila Times end on April 30, 2021. The start of the school year DPA “Our case-doubling time has is usually set during June, but ‘costs jobs’ Manila slowed down from two to three he Department of Edu- Republic Act (RA) 7977 allows days to fi ve days,” she said.”In cation (DepEd) has an- it to take place “not later than other areas, it’s 7.5 days. This Tnounced it would move the last day of August.” By Divina NJD Cruz he number of Covid-19 is a good indication that we are the opening of classes in public Briones said teachers and Manila Times cases in the Philippines starting to fl atten the curve, but elementary and high schools other school personnel would Thas topped 10,000, the it is too early to say that we have from June to August for school be expected to report to work government said yesterday, as fl attened the curve.” year 2020-2021 because of physically or virtually on June ice President Maria Le- it announced that 100 patients Vergeire said experts stressed the coronavirus disease 2019 1, the start of enrolment. onor “Leni” Robredo will join a clinical trial using the that the Philippines needs to (Covid-19) pandemic. From June to August, Bri- Vlamented the closure of anti-fl u drug Avigan in treating step up its testing capacities to Education Secretary Leonor ones said teachers would un- television network ABS-CBN, the highly contagious disease. at least 15,000 Covid-19 tests Briones explained that the dergo online training and sem- and its importance in dissemi- The Department of Health per day to determine the ac- decision was based on con- inars to cope with the “new nating information amid the said 320 new confi rmed cases tual state of the outbreak in the sultations with local offi cials normal.” coronavirus disease (Covid-19) were added to the national country. and partners of the agency as Meanwhile, the Education pandemic. tally of coronavirus infections, “We still need to be careful well as the result of the online department will implement Robredo released a statement bringing the total to 10,004. and observe physical distanc- survey conducted with over various approaches, such as on- in reaction to the cease and de- Twenty-one additional mor- ing,” she added. 700,000 respondents in April. line learning and offl ine meth- sist order of the National Tel- talities were recorded, pushing The country has so far only “We chose August 24 as the ods like take-home readings ecommunications Commission the death toll to 658. tested 119,774 individuals for school opening date,” Briones and activities, in delivering ed- that eff ectively shut down its The department was prepar- Covid-19, according to the de- said in a virtual press briefi ng. ucation for the next school year. operations on Tuesday. ing a protocol to choose the pa- Residents wearing face masks aboard their wooden boats wait for partment. But she explained that not Undersecretary Nepomuceno Robredo said that in these tients to be included in the trial passengers in a submerged village in suburban Manila yesterday, Of this number, 10.4% have all teachers and students Malaluan said the department times of crisis, the public relies for the drug Avigan from Japan, to earn a living during an enhanced community quarantine as part tested positive for the corona- would be required to physical- was holding talks with diff er- on the free fl ow of reliable and Health Undersecretary Maria of the government’s eff orts to combat the spread of the Covid-19 virus. ly report to their schools once ent telecommunication compa- relevant information to identify Rosario Vergeire said. coronavirus. The government is aiming to classes begin. nies to ensure that they would and locate those in need to de- “We have the go signal to operate at least 78 testing labo- Briones said the Inter- provide support to learners and termine the right course of ac- conduct the clinical trial in the Inclusion in the trial will be Vergeire said that, accord- ratories all over the country by Agency Task Force for the teachers. tion. coming days,” she said.”The voluntary, Vergeire added. ing to data, the Philippines ap- the end of the month. Management of Emerging In- “We clarify that it is not just “This free fl ow of informa- Japanese government is pro- The Philippines is also par- pears to have slowed down the There are currently 22 facili- fectious Disease (IATF-EID) online platforms because what tion literally saves lives. Closing viding supply for 100 patients. ticipating in solidarity trials of spread of the coronavirus since ties certifi ed by the Health De- would decide whether classes DepEd will give is a menu of down ABS-CBN costs lives, on We already have the clearances the World Health Organisation a lockdown was imposed on the partment, while 58 labs are in would be held online or in learning delivery options both top of unnecessarily burdening from diff erent institutions in for four other medicines against country’s most populous is- diff erent stages of the accredi- classrooms based on the status online, printed and digital,” the thousands who will lose their the country.” Covid-19 and some vaccines. land, Luzon, in mid-March. tation process. of provinces. Malaluan said. jobs,” she said.

Church offi cials urge govt to allow public mass with precautions

By William B Depasupil Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bro- ices” during this time of coro- many Filipinos for it gives them tion of public masses and other homes); and, other measures as can pray anywhere, there is no Manila Times derick Pabillo, apostolic admin- navirus pandemic. “So when strength, especially in diffi cul- liturgies should be gradually deemed opportune. place like the church and no cel- istrator of the Archdiocese of the decision makers consider ties. He noted that during times resumed, particularly in Covid- He said that if going to the ebration like the Mass,” Ayuban Manila, and Fr. Elias Ayuban, the essential services to be al- of disasters, one of the fi rst free provinces, while practising market or grocery store is al- said. atholic Church offi cials superior of the Claretian con- lowed, they should also consid- things that people would save the necessary precautions, such lowed, where social distancing Ayuban clarifi ed though that called on the govern- gregation in the Philippines, is- er the opening of the churches are their religious images and as social distancing, wearing is more diffi cult to implement, he was just expressing his hum- Cment to allow the re- sued the calls amid encouraging and its services as important,” Bibles. of face masks, communion by “I see no prevailing reason why ble and personal position. sumption of public masses and reports that existing health pro- Pabillo said. “Allowing people to go back hand, no holy water at the en- an organised Sunday gathering The holding of public mass- other services, assuring higher tocols and quarantine measures “Of course, necessary pre- to Church to thank the Lord, trance, but instead, sanitisers; in a cathedral or spacious parish es and related Church activi- authorities of continued com- imposed by the government cautions should be taken, like to ask for his protection and to no touching of images; regu- church, where physical separa- ties were among those ordered pliance with the health protocol were leading toward the fl atten- the proper social distancing and implore his help, are deemed lar disinfection of the benches tion can easily be executed, is suspended by the government guidelines of the Department ing of the curve. the sanitation practices to be very important by the people,” and liturgical vessels; non- not permitted.” following the outbreak of Cov- of Health (DoH) to prevent the In making his appeal, Pa- done in the churches,” he added. he said. participation of children, eld- “It is about time to reopen the id-19. Instead, the Church does spread of coronavirus disease billo pointed out that “religious The prelate stressed that re- For his part, Ayuban ex- erly and sick people (the latter doors of our churches for people it through livestreaming on so- 2019 (Covid-19). services are also essential serv- ligion was very important to pressed belief that the celebra- can receive communion in their to pray. While it is true that we cial media. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Inaccurate widespread testing won’t help US end Covid-19 pandemic

A surge of new coronavirus antibody tests, some of them used in studies that appear to show a far greater rate of infection and recovery than we’d imagined, has set the world to dreaming. Maybe so many people have been infected that the actual fatality rate from Covid-19 is too low to justify closing down so much of people’s day-to-day lives. Or maybe a positive antibody test could be used as a kind of “passport” to work and normal life, since that person theoretically couldn’t be sickened and couldn’t pass the virus on to others. Or better yet, maybe people are nearing herd immunity, in which high Conservative groups advising numbers of immune people keep the disease from sickening the population at large, enabling the public to be set free from their homes. For now, sorry to say, those are just dreams. Unlike the diagnostic “PCR” tests that measure whether White House push reopening someone has contracted Covid-19, antibody tests look at a body’s immune system for evidence that an individual has Reuters would be reached “very soon,” his top on such issues because of their diff ering “unreasonable day care licensing requirements” that raise costs and limit been exposed to and defeated the disease. The US is awash in Washington coronavirus testing offi cial, Assistant situations. Secretary of Health and Human Services “It’s really important that we get the return-to-work options. more than 120 antibody tests for the novel coronavirus that Brett Giroir, told Time magazine on economy open as safely and quickly as Some Trump administration were approved by the Food and Drug Administration without onservative groups advising Tuesday that there was “absolutely possible and the continued lockdown officials have emphasised that getting requiring the usual verifi cation of accuracy. The agency was the White House have issued no way on Earth, on this planet or any will have profoundly negative impact on the virus under control is the only way attempting to get the tests out quickly and avoid a repeat of an array of coronavirus eco- other planet, that we can do 20mn tests Americans’ health and their well being,” to restore consumer and economic nomic reopening plans with a day, or even 5mn tests a day.” Moore told Reuters. confidence. the unconscionable delays in producing the PCR tests, which C a common theme — Americans should Since the coronavirus was discovered A post on the FreedomWorks “I for one am incredibly focused on remain in too short supply. go back to work immediately to halt the in the United States in January, more website argues that businesses “will testing. As we roll out more testing, But having plenty of economic and societal damage from than 1mn have been infected while over use common sense discretion” in I think that this is something that is Having plenty tests won’t help if they’re prolonged lockdowns. 6mn people have been tested. reopening and those who do not run going to get people more and more The Trump administration’s response The United States, with the most their operations safely will fail in the comfortable,” US Treasury Secretary of tests won’t inaccurate, and some of to the coronavirus has coalesced in virus fatalities in the world at over marketplace. Steven Mnuchin told reporters on the antibody tests have recent days around the same message — 71,000, lags most countries hit hard According to the White House, states Wednesday. help if they’re unacceptably high rates of the need to reopen quickly. by the virus on tests per positive case must have “robust testing” programmes New York University’s Paul Romer is false positives. Such mistakes The White House did not renew discovered, according to a Reuters tally in place for at-risk healthcare workers among the economists who have rolled inaccurate federal guidelines on social distancing from offi cial websites. before reopening, but state governors out their own reopening plan. give people the dangerous that expired April 30. A coalition of groups including including New York’s Andrew Cuomo His, with assistance from the belief that they’re safe from the disease and an even more Just as the virus has infected the FreedomWorks and Tea Party Patriots, say they neither have the budget nor the Rockefeller Foundation, focuses dangerous belief that they can’t infect others. Those who states unevenly, some state and local which have supported return-to-work supplies to do so. solely on testing as a way to restore show up at a medical offi ce for antibody testing are unlikely governments are opening malls, movie protests at state capitals, calls for the South Korea, among the fi rst confi dence, advocating $100bn in theatres and hairdressers while others administration to “immediately reopen countries to bring a major coronavirus federal up-front spending on tests. to know exactly which test they’re being given and what its remain in the stay-at-home posture the economy while implementing the outbreak under control, is relying on The former World Bank chief accuracy rate is. that at one point kept most of America’s best workplace practices to protect the a intensive, central-government run economist argues that lifting the Even with very accurate tests, the presence of antibodies 320mn people indoors. health of our citizens.” contact tracing and testing campaign lockdowns without a clear containment doesn’t necessarily mean immunity; too little is known Both the White House and the The “Save Our Country Coalition” to keep the virus under control without strategy will keep consumers in fear groups advising it are missing detailed, counts economist and tax cut advocate lockdowns. and will do little to recoup the $500bn about the resistance that antibodies provide to reinfection. If centralised plans for virus testing Arthur Laff er, a Trump favourite and The Heritage Foundation, whose per month in lost output that the US that immunity exists, it’s also unclear how long it will last. and containment, which many health mentor to White House economic current president, Kay Coles James economy is now suff ering. The studies that purportedly showed that vastly more offi cials, historians, and economists adviser Larry Kudlow, as its honorary and former president, Jim DeMint, Romer told Reuters that he sees people have been infected _ such as one conducted by say are needed to avoid a new surge of chairman. have both been named to Trump’s economists and policy advisers on the infections and longer-term economic The group published a list of reopening task force, mentions testing left and right “looking at this through Stanford University that concluded the number of infected damage. principles that also emphasise halting in a reopening plan, but rejects calls for a kind of psychological lens of denial” residents in Santa Clara County, California, was 50 to 85 On Tuesday, Trump said The White massive US rescue spending, cutting universal, federally-backed testing as a and “don’t want to come to terms with times what had been reported so far _ have come under House coronavirus task force will taxes and protecting states’ rights and condition of lifting restrictions. reality that our options right now are criticisms for alleged shortcomings in their methodology. wind down as the country moves into individual liberties. James chairs the conservative think much worse than a year ago.” a second phase that focuses on the There are no recommendations on tank’s offi cial-sounding “National He said the options were allowing It’s not easy to fi nd a random sample of people for antibody aftermath of the outbreak. how coronavirus testing and tracing Coronavirus Recovery Commission,” the coronavirus to sweep through testing; Stanford recruited via social media, and the people Trump confi rmed the plans after should be done to ensure that work which recommends that testing be done the population to achieve so-called who volunteered might be skewed toward those who had Vice-President Mike Pence, who leads and public spaces are kept safe. by random sample to determine the herd immunity that could lead to 1mn suff ered Covid-19-like symptoms or who knew they had the group, told reporters the White “Any widespread testing programs prevalence of the virus within specifi c deaths in the next year, fear that drives House may start moving co-ordination must strictly adhere to and embody communities. consumers to pull back long term, or been exposed. The results also were released before the study of the US response on to federal Constitutional protections,” the list Workplace testing regimes should mass testing to boost confi dence. had been peer-reviewed, which is happening a lot these days agencies in late May. says. be developed by individual companies, “The only way to reduce the fear because of the pressure to learn more about this new virus. “Mike Pence and the task force have Stephen Moore, a conservative with employers paying the costs. is to have a credible plan for testing,” But even if that many people had been infected, and even done a great job,” Trump said during a commentator who is a member of Save The group also included some Romer said. “I’m not going to go to my visit to a mask factory in Arizona. “But Our Country and of Trump’s economic longstanding demands, such as dentist if I’m worried about the dentist if they had immunity as a result, and even if that immunity we’re now looking at a little bit of a recovery task force, said it was recommending states make public infecting me with the virus, and vice could be counted on to last at least several months still diff erent form and that form is safety important that US states take the lead education funding portable and repeal versa.” the US would be woefully short of what’s needed for herd and opening and we’ll have a diff erent immunity. group probably set up for that.” Asked if he was proclaiming “mission And even if Covid-19 has a signifi cantly lower fatality rate accomplished” in the fi ght against the than originally thought, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t kill a coronavirus, Trump said, “No, not at lot of people. Given that the virus is easily spread through all. The mission accomplished is when casual contact and there are no known treatments, if there is it’s over.” Trump said Anthony Fauci and no broad-based social distancing, a fatality rate of less than Deborah Birx, doctors who assumed a 1% could still exact a horrendous toll. high profi le during weeks of nationally Antibody tests could still play an important role in televised news briefi ngs, would remain understanding the spread of Covid-19. But as with so advisers after the group is dismantled. Fauci leads the National Institute of many aspects of the disease, more attention to science and Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Birx verifi cation are needed. - Tribune news Service was response co-ordinator for the force. “We can’t keep our country closed for the next fi ve years,” Trump said, when To Advertise asked why it was time to wind down the task force. [email protected] Trump acknowledged there might be Display a resurgence of the virus as states loosen the restrictions on businesses and social 44466621 44418811 life aimed at curbing its spread. “It’ll be a fl ame and we’re going to put Classified the fl ame out.” 44466609 44418811 A Harvard University study published last week argued that 5mn tests per day Subscription by early June would be needed to deliver a “safe social reopening.” Such testing [email protected] would need to ramp up to 20mn a day to fully remobilise the economy, the researchers said. © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved While Trump has said that number Protesters hold signs during the Re-Open America rally on May 1 in Commack, New York. Gulf Times Thursday, May 7, 2020 23 COMMENT In city of Taj Mahal, coronavirus resurgence carries warning signs

By Devjyot Ghoshal As India grapples with around telling residents to stay indoors. Tablighi group showed up at an Agra Agra 42,000 coronavirus infections, second That diff ered from other Indian hospital and later tested positive for only to China in Asia, Agra’s tangle cities, many of which failed to isolate Covid-19, offi cials said. with the virus off ers lessons for big patients or track down their contacts, The disease spread rapidly among n February 25, a day after cities in India and elsewhere. allowing the infection to spread, patients and staff who went on to US President Donald Trump It all began with a shoemaker who according to health authorities. infect their families and relatives. and his wife Melania posed visited a trade fair in Italy. Weak lockdowns allowed potential New cases also popped up in Agra’s Ofor pictures outside the After fl ying home via Austria, carriers to slip through containment other healthcare facilities. Taj Mahal on an offi cial visit to India, Kapoor, 44, who lives about 10km cordons, they added. Worst hit was Paras Hospital, the Sumit Kapoor returned to his nearby away from the Taj Mahal, fi rst learned More than 1,300 people have died source for at least 92 coronavirus home from a trip to Italy. he might be infected on March 1, when from the virus in India. cases, Singh said. Kapoor, a partner in a shoe his brother-in-law who travelled with Agra was celebrated for appearing to One staff member infected 14 others manufacturing fi rm, tested positive him came down with a fever and tested have contained the virus. in a two-room home, he said. a week later for the new coronavirus, positive in New Delhi. On April 11, Lav Agarwal, a senior In another case, a patient from the becoming the fi rst confi rmed case in A state offi cial called Kapoor the offi cial in India’s federal health hospital infected 32 others in a nearby the northern Indian city of Agra and next day and told him to get tested at ministry, held up Agra as an example of town, he added. the origin of the country’s fi rst big the Agra District Hospital. how India was working “to defeat the The hospital was sealed off on April 6. cluster of the virus. He was positive — and so were his pandemic.” Late last month, a chart tracking The city of 1.6mn people, famous father, mother, son, wife and brother. But a resurgence was already in the contacts of positive patients linked to for its 17th-century marble-domed Taj All six were moved to a hospital in works. the facility still stood next to Singh’s Mahal, moved fast. New Delhi, about 200km to the north. Children play on the roof of their houses as historic Taj Mahal is seen in the In late March, a gathering of the desk. It set up containment zones, “My brother and I had a sore throat background during a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus Islamic missionary group Tablighi Agra now has around 600 screened hundreds of thousands of and the other four didn’t have any disease (Covid-19), in Agra, in this April 23 photograph. Jamaat in New Delhi had become a coronavirus cases and 14 deaths, residents and conducted widespread symptoms,” Kapoor told Reuters. source for hundreds of new infections according to local authorities. contact tracing. Later, Kapoor’s accountant in Agra 2014, have clearly demarcated starting, Meanwhile, epidemiologists nationwide. As of the end of April, there were 39 By early April, the city thought it and his wife also tested positive for middle and end points for surveying from the federal government’s India Federal authorities sent offi cials in infection hotspots and tests had been had the virus beat, containing cases Covid-19, while other unrelated cases an area, Chandel explained, allowing Epidemic Intelligence Service arrived Agra a list of attendees to track down, conducted on 6,848 samples, with to under 50, while new infections started showing up around the city. teams to work their way through any in Agra to help with containment, Singh said. some people tested multiple times. exploded in other Indian cities. Singh, the district magistrate, neighbourhood effi ciently. contact tracing and analysing data, Agarwal did not respond to requests Singh says he’s confi dent the city Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and his team attempted to establish “Once we zeroed down on the said Dr Anshul Pareek, who leads the for comment by Reuters. will defeat the virus, thanks in part to government lauded the “Agra Model” containment zones as the virus area, we used the polio microplans to city’s coronavirus rapid response team. District police chief Babloo Kumar its aggressive contact-tracing system. as a template for the country’s battle spread across the city, but they ran execute,” he said. As the number of cases grew, said he used police investigation “The good part is that for all the against Covid-19, the disease caused into a problem: how to quickly screen Local authorities identifi ed an authorities sealed off infection tactics and cell phone data to identify cases, we know the source,” he said. by the coronavirus. thousands of households. epicentre for each cluster of infections hotspots — typically groups of houses Tablighi Jamaat members and their Still, eradicating Covid-19 in Agra’s Now, as the city and its hospitals Dr Brajendra Singh Chandel, a and drew three-kilometre-wide or parts of a street — and cordoned off contacts. crowded neighbourhoods will remain battle a second wave of infections, surveillance medical offi cer with containment zones around them. adjoining neighbourhoods holding as Eventually, 104 people from this diffi cult, particularly without testing Agra is a model of a diff erent kind, the World Health Organisation in They surveyed residents in those many as 10,000 people. group tested positive in Agra. large groups of people, said Dr Rajib illustrating how the coronavirus can Agra, said he pulled out vaccination areas, looking for those who had In a control room used to manage The eff ort was helped by the Dasgupta, an epidemiologist who roar back even after a swift lockdown “microplans” that had been developed contact with people who tested traffi c, offi cials monitored camera nationwide lockdown on March 25 teaches at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal and elaborate containment measures. for polio control by the WHO, using positive for the coronavirus or who feeds from across the city to ensure the that stopped all public transport, shut Nehru University. “If it hadn’t spread in the hospitals, them alongside Google Maps to plot were showing symptoms. lockdown was enforced. businesses and kept residents at home. “Even within a containment zone, we would have been able to contain it,” target areas. Nearly 3,000 workers screened some Thousands of police were deployed “Without a lockdown, we could not for some conceivable time, it’s not said Agra’s top local offi cial, District The detailed household-level plans, 165,000 households, according to a to hotspots and checkpoints. have done anything,” Singh said. going to go away very rapidly,” said Magistrate Prabhu N Singh. which helped India eradicate polio in government presentation. Loudspeakers blared messages By early April, a patient linked to the Dasgupta. - Reuters

Lessons from the economic-epidemiological frontier Three-day forecast

TODAY By Christopher Pissarides, Pietro unemployed workers and fi rms lead governments are justifi ed in requiring mandated restrictions might lead to productive job matches, and thus some degree of social distancing, rather to a longer recession and require Maximum Temperature : 370c Garibaldi, and Espen R Moen Minimum Temperature : 270c London/Turin/Oslo to a transition from unemployment to than allowing for voluntary changes in more law enforcement, the eventual employment. behaviour on the part of the public. We herd-immunity state will be one in FRIDAY There is a very important diff erence, believe they are, for at least two reasons. which fewer people were infected, Maximum Temperature : 360c ovid-19 has led economists however, between contacts that First, although an individual hospitalised, or killed by the disease. Minimum Temperature : 260c to turn to the models used spread disease and those that lead might choose to restrict her social To be sure, complete herd immunity SATURDAY by epidemiologists as they to productive jobs. Whereas a single interactions, her exposure when she under strict social-distancing Maximum Temperature : 380c Cstruggle to understand the infected person in an epidemic can does enter public spaces (such as a measures may take several years to Minimum Temperature : 280c dynamics of the pandemic and its infect many more people, an employer grocery store) will depend on the extent achieve. Late in this process, the Fisherman's forecast likely costs. The original epidemic with a job vacancy can extend an to which everyone else also has chosen government might decide that the model, commonly known as SIR, was off er to only one worker. In economic to restrict their interactions. Hence, population is close enough to the fi nish WARNING introduced by William Ogilvy Kermack terms, job vacancies are “exhaustible,” the level of contact – and of contagious line to start relaxing its restrictions, Inshore : Strong wind expected and Anderson Gray McKendrick almost while an infectious disease is “non- risk – might be much higher than such as by reopening schools or certain at some places a century ago. It divides the population exhaustible.” what the individual actually chose. kind of businesses. But if people Offshore : Expected Storng wind into those susceptible to the disease (S), Exhaustibility introduces a dynamic In labour economics, this dynamic is realise that they can still be infected, and high sea WEATHER those infected with it (I), and those who that has not been studied in the akin to the possibility of “increasing they might still choose to distance Inshore : Hot daytime with have either recovered or died from it (R). epidemiological literature. If news returns” from employment-matching themselves from others, by working scattered clouds and In this standard model, an epidemic arrives that public places are now technology – an outcome that has yet from home, keeping their children out chance of light rain at places at first and slight dies out when those exiting from host to people with an infectious to be confi rmed in labour markets, but of school, and so forth. dust to blowing dust the I cohort exceed the number of disease, others will avoid interpersonal that seems very likely when applied to At that point, should governments at times, and mild by those entering it, owing to a declining interactions, causing an economic an epidemic. reverse their social-distancing policies night. WIND stock of susceptible individuals. One downturn and reducing the infection Second, during epidemics, to the point of actually enforcing Inshore : Northwesterly-Norther- key feature of the literature is “herd rate. The lower infection rate, in turn, governments might need to intervene more activity than individuals ly 10-20/25 KT immunity,” which allows for the will reduce the number of people being to reduce the risk of medical services might otherwise choose, such as by mandating school attendance? That is Offshore : Northwesterly 12-22/28 number of infected people to fall to infected to below what it would have being overwhelmed. It is up to KT zero before the number of susceptible been with the parameters of the SIR the state to “fl atten the treatment a diffi cult question; unfortunately, it Visibility : 4-8/3 KM people does (meaning that there are model held constant. curve,” because individuals generally will most likely be a long time before some individuals who will avoid the Fewer infections implies that will ignore the impact that seeking policymakers have to answer it. – Offshore : 4-7/9 FT disease altogether). convergence toward herd immunity treatment might have on others. Project Syndicate Around the region Economists have studied will be slower. But, by applying the The main message that emerges Weather unemployment dynamics using similar techniques of labour economics to from combining economic and zChristopher A Pissarides is Weather tomorrow transitions from one state to another, the epidemiological literature, we can epidemiological insights is that Professor of Economics at the London today Max/min Max/min Baghdad Sunny though this work came much later conjecture that the eventual herd- the population is better off when School of Economics. Sunny 32/18 36/22 Kuwait City Sunny and was developed independently immunity state reached by people herd immunity is delayed through zPietro Garibaldi is Professor of Sunny 33/23 35/26 Manama Sunny of the epidemiologists’ models. A avoiding contact with one another will enforced social distancing, even Economics at the University of Turin. Cloudy 31/27 32/27 Muscat Sunny typical contribution is the Diamond- be one that maximises the number of though people’s natural reaction to an zEspen R. Moen is a research Sunny 36/32 38/30 Tehran Sunny Mortensen-Pissarides matching people who escape infection altogether. epidemic also will tend to reduce the professor at the Norwegian Business M Sunny 23/13 26/15 model, wherein contacts between Even so, one might ask whether infection rate. Though government- School. Live issues Genetic mutation study fi nds new

Around the world Covid-19 spread swiftly in late 2019 Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Athens P Cloudy 21/12 Sunny 24/11 Reuters That suggests that the virus was the virus emerged in late 2019, Balloux month before France confi rmed its Beirut Sunny 22/17 P Cloudy 24/17 Bangkok London already being transmitted extensively said, before quickly spreading across fi rst cases. P Cloudy 36/29 P Cloudy 36/29 around the globe from early on in the the globe. The World Health Organisation said Berlin P Cloudy 18/06 P Cloudy 21/07 epidemic. The study was not able to confi rm the French case was “not surprising” Cairo Sunny 32/20 M Sunny 35/17 genetic analysis of samples “All viruses naturally mutate. the exact starting point or location. and urged countries to investigate any Cape Town M Cloudy 23/14 Sunny 23/13 from more than 7,500 people Mutations in themselves are not a bad Balloux’s team screened the other early suspicious cases. Colombo T Storms 31/26 T Storms 30/26 infected with Covid-19 sug- thing and there is nothing to suggest genomes of more than 7,500 viruses Balloux said the 198 small genetic Dhaka S T Storms 35/25 S T Storms 34/24 gests the new coronavirus Sars-CoV-2 is mutating faster or from infected patients around the changes, or mutations, that the Hong Kong P Cloudy 28/24 S T Storms 28/24 A Istanbul spread quickly around the world late slower than expected,” said Balloux. world. study identifi ed appeared to have P Cloudy 16/11 S Showers 17/18 last year and is adapting to its human “So far we cannot say whether Sars- Their results add to a growing body independently occurred more than Jakarta S T Storms 33/26 S T Storms 33/25 hosts, scientists said yesterday. CoV-2 is becoming more or less lethal of evidence that Sars-CoV-2 viruses once. Karachi Sunny 37/27 M Sunny 34/27 A study by scientists at University and contagious.” share a common ancestor from late These may hold clues to how the London P Cloudy 22/11 P Cloudy 24/12 College London’s (UCL) Genetics More than 3.68mn people have been 2019, suggesting this was when the virus is adapting and help in eff orts to Manila P Cloudy 36/28 P Cloudy 37/28 Institute found almost 200 recurrent reported to be infected by the novel virus jumped from a previous animal develop drugs and vaccines. Moscow S Showers 21/09 Cloudy 13/07 genetic mutations of the new coronavirus globally and 256,000 have host into people. “A major challenge to defeating New Delhi Sunny 36/23 Sunny 38/26 coronavirus — Sars-CoV-2 — which the died, according to a Reuters tally. This means it is most unlikely the viruses is that a vaccine or drug New York M Sunny 19/09 S Showers 14/03 researchers said showed how it may be Infections have been reported virus causing Covid-19 was in human might no longer be effective if the Paris P Cloudy 22/11 M Cloudy 24/14 evolving as it spreads in people. in more than 210 countries and circulation for long before it was fi rst virus has mutated,” Balloux said. Sao Paulo S Showers 16/12 P Cloudy 19/11 Francois Balloux, a UCL professor territories since cases were fi rst detected, Balloux said. “If we focus our efforts on parts Seoul P Cloudy 26/11 Cloudy 22/13 who co-led the research, said results identifi ed in China in December 2019. A study by French scientists of the virus that are less likely to Singapore S T Storms 31/28 T Storms 32/28 showed that a large proportion of the The UCL team’s fi ndings, published published earlier this week found a mutate, we have a better chance Sydney M Cloudy 23/13 Sunny 26/16 global genetic diversity of Sars-CoV-2 is on Wednesday in the journal Infection, man there was infected with Covid-19 of developing drugs that will be Tokyo Clear 22/13 Clear 22/11 found in all of the hardest-hit countries. Genetics and Evolution, confi rm that as early as December 27, nearly a effective in the long run.” Gulf Times 24 Thursday, May 7, 2020 QATAR

The embassy’s support included the provision of daily meals to the frontlines of medical cadres, doctors, nurses and paramedics for several days in a row. Qatar’s embassy in France pitches in for medical staff

QNA French society and look after tributed carried the solidar- Paris the infected. The embassy’s ity banner launched by Qatar’s Sections of the Industrial Area yesterday. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam support included the provision ambassador to France Sheikh of daily meals to the frontlines Ali bin Jassim al-Thani. The atar’s embassy in France of medical cadres, doctors, banner bears the word “Soli- has provided support to nurses and paramedics for sev- darity” in French to symbolise Qthe association of ‘Paris eral days in a row, as the as- Qatar’s solidarity with France Industrial Area back to Hospitals — France Hospitals’ sociation distributed meals to and to support the eff orts of and its medical apparatus, as the medical staff at Argenteuil doctors and paramedics work- part of the campaign launched Hospital and de La Fontaine ing to combat the spread of the by the embassy under a ban- Hospital in appreciation of the Covid-19. ner of solidarity with France great and courageous role that The embassy staff off ered normality with caution and as an encouragement to the medical personnel play every their condolences to the fami- huge medical sector eff orts and day through their handling of lies of the victims and wished its maximum capacity to fi ght this situation. a speedy recovery for the in- the coronavirus (Covid-19) in The meals that were dis- fected. esidents of the Industrial Area, as well as employ- Rers and workers engaged Garangao tonight in various businesses located there, have welcomed the gov- The Ministry of Culture and Sports ernment’s move to reopen the is all set to celebrate Garangao night closed part of the area with re- today while ensuring that all necessary organised exit and entry proce- Covid-19 precautionary and preventive dures. measures are followed. While there are still restric- With the participation of diff erent sports tions in place and the area is not clubs, the ministry will use a convoy of accessible to all due to the new buses that will visit diff erent places to procedures, the people there distribute properly sanitised and sealed feel the regulations will ensure Garangao bags full of sweets and nuts public safety and is for the good among children. of all. Taking place after Iftar, the celebration The closed part of the In- will see the buses start from 10 sports dustrial Area, right up to Street clubs: Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, Qatar Sports 32, was reopened yesterday and Club, Al Khor, Al Shamal, Al Arabi, Al there were signs of normality Gharrafa, Umm Salal, Al Ahli and Al slowly returning to the sprawl- Wakra, along with the participation of ing area. Streets 1 and 2 and Al a Theatre Aff airs Centre bus, which will Wakalat Street were reopened start from the Qatar National Theatre. earlier and business resumed The buses will be fitted with operations there. loudspeakers, through which joyful The new procedures allow Garangao songs will be played in the following groups to enter Inspections will be intensified to make sure that all laws and procedures are implemented. order to highlight the local heritage and exit the area: employers and introduce children to the A shop with Garangao goodies in Souq Waqif. PICTURE: and employees who work there the Ehteraz mobile app, which traditions of their ancestors — all in a Shaji Kayamkulam but live outside, and people is mandatory for exit from and festive mood. who live in the area but work entry to the Industrial Area. Aisha al-Mahmoud, director of Public outside. Inspections will be intensified Relations and Communications at the In addition, companies op- to make sure that all laws and ministry, stressed that the initiative erating in the area will be al- procedures are implemented, comes within the framework of the lowed to transport materials such as providing adequate ac- ministry’s keenness to keep the popular and equipment by submitting, commodation, reduction in the heritage alive through activities that in advance, an application to number of workers transported comply with the measures undertaken the Ministry of Commerce and by bus to half the capacity of in the prevailing circumstances. Industry and the Ministry of a vehicle, providing sanitisers Kids will receive the goody bags at Administrative Development, and masks, and that all work- their doorsteps, and the organisers will Labour and Social Affairs. ers are using them properly in ensure that the recommended social Employers are required to en- line with the instructions of the and physical distancing and all other sure that all workers download Ministry of Public Health. relevant safety measures are followed. Goody bags to be distributed by the ministry. Maternity in the time of pandemic s the world remains in a my baby.” Advised to stay inside The World Maternal Mental Health Day was observed state of uncertainty, preg- and work from home, and with Anant women are facing malls and shops closing at short yesterday. Here’s how new and expectant mothers are perhaps one of the biggest mental notice, she was faced with an ar- coping with mental health challenges during this most health struggles during the Cov- ray of challenges in acquiring ne- id-19 pandemic. While surprises cessities to prepare for her baby’s unusual crisis and challenges are a part of every arrival and her own postpartum woman’s journey through preg- needs. The biggest impact, how- nancy and birth, dealing with the ever, was being unable to meet her strain of a global pandemic was family and parents for extended not something they would have periods of time. anticipated. El-Akoum was diagnosed with World Maternal Mental Health gestational diabetes at the start Day, which takes place on May 6, of her pregnancy, which meant usually sheds light on women’s she had to be extra-cautious. “It perinatal and postnatal struggles. was quite a stressful time for me This year, it has a wider meaning – having a high-risk pregnancy and relevance, Qatar Foundation and being told to limit visits to the (QF) has stressed in a statement. doctor was not easy,” she says. Arpi Abouhanaian, who gave birth at the end of December 2019. “Not only is there a lack of in- “Any symptom is usually a formation on how Covid-19 af- cause for concern, so being un- fects expectant mothers, but the able to see my doctor made it that infectious nature of the disease much harder. But I’m so grateful also puts them at risk during every for the measures being taken and visit to the doctor,” it notes. understand that it’s for my own Apprehension about potential safety and that of my baby. It also changes to birth plans, fewer fam- helped that I was able to virtu- Dr Felice Watt, division chief of Adult Psychiatry for Women’s Mental Health at Sidra Medicine. ily members being present dur- ally connect with my doctors for ing delivery, and general anxiety checkups or unforeseen changes positive and understand that distance from other people, really during the Covid-19 pandemic. are all now part of the experience in my condition.” crises happen. “During volatile helps. And just because we have “Anxiety is a normal response to for women around the world cur- Coping with the situation has times like these, it’s imperative to stay at home doesn’t mean we a diffi cult, stressful or threaten- rently getting ready to give birth. been hard for El-Akoum, but she that we trust that it will end and can’t be with our loved ones vir- ing situation, and there are some Maha El-Akoum, a fi rst-time keeps her spirits high by staying focus on the positive,” she says. tually. I think every mother who’s basic things that we can all do to mother-to-be who is due to give in constant touch with loved ones She has been advised by doc- currently expecting or has re- maintain our mental and physical birth at Sidra Medicine, a mem- virtually and limiting how much tors to stay at home as much as cently given birth should make it a well-being during this pandem- ber of QF, says she is “quite over- information she takes in about the possible to protect the health of point to stay connected to friends ic,” Dr Watt says. come” by the unexpected back- pandemic on a daily basis. She’s her baby and stay safe. “I’ve been and family.” “In addition to proper hand drop to her pregnancy. also taken up hobbies to keep her- working from home, which helps Dr Felice Watt, division chief washing and applying social and She describes herself as a self occupied and her stress lev- with the anxiety and any over- of Adult Psychiatry for Women’s physical distancing measures, it meticulous planner, and says: els low. Arpi Abouhanaian, who whelming feelings that come from Mental Health at Sidra Medicine, is important that pregnant wom- “When this situation unfolded, gave birth at the end of Decem- staying inside with a newborn,” said: “While pregnancy and the en or women who have recently I suddenly found myself thrown ber 2019, has also found that the she explains. “I’ve also been ex- period after having a baby is an given birth, are getting adequate into the deep end. I could no long- postpartum experience during a ercising a lot, which really helps emotional time, we have noticed sleep, eating well and exercising er plan for the next day or the next pandemic is a particularly unique boost my mental health and is so increased levels of anxiety in regularly. The support of fam- week, let alone the remainder of one. Being a fi rst-time mother, important. Going out for a walk, many pregnant and postpartum ily members is critical during this Maha El-Akoum, a first-time mother-to-be who is due to give birth at my pregnancy and the delivery of she fi nds it important to remain even alone and maintaining my women as well as their families time.” Sidra Medicine.