SHAABAN 23, 1441 AH THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020

20 Pages Max 31º Min 17º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18108 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Trump freezes WHO funds as world weighs easing lockdown 50 new cases in Kuwait • Bahrain car park becomes ICU • 2,228 US deaths in 24 hrs

KUWAIT/WASHINGTON: US President ordered a freeze on funding for the World Health Organization for “mismanaging” the coron- avirus crisis, as world leaders weighed easing lock- downs that threaten to tip the global economy into a second Great Depression. The death toll from the needed until 2022 pandemic has topped 125,000, with nearly two mil- WASHINGTON: A one-time lockdown won’t lion people infected by the disease that has upend- halt the novel coronavirus and repeated periods ed society and changed lives for billions confined to of social distancing may be required into 2022 their homes around the globe. to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed, The health ministry yesterday reported 50 new Harvard scientists who modeled the pandemic’s coronavirus cases in Kuwait, raising the total to trajectory said Tuesday. Their study comes as 1,405 cases and three deaths. Of the new cases, 32 the US enters the peak of its COVID-19 case- are Indians. Of the 1,196 patients receiving treat- load and states eye an eventual easing of tough ment, 31 are in intensive care, including 15 cases in lockdown measures. critical condition. The ministry also announced 30 The Harvard team’s computer simulation, new recoveries, raising the total number to 206 which was published in a paper in the journal recoveries, while 2,285 people have been dis- Science, assumed that COVID-19 will become charged from quarantine. seasonal, like closely related coronaviruses that World leaders are agonizing over when to lift RIFFA, Bahrain: Medical staff are seen in the newly-inaugurated intensive care unit for COVID-19 patients at cause the common cold, with higher transmis- lockdown measures to jump-start devastated the Bahrain Defense Force Hospital on Tuesday. — AFP sion rates in colder months. But much remains economies but still avoid a second wave of infections. unknown, including the level of immunity And with the world battling to get on top of the pan- broke out late last year, charged Trump. Beijing hit ed a record of 2,228 victims over the past 24 hours, acquired by previous infection and how long it demic, Trump fired a broadside at the WHO and halt- back, saying the move was bad for the global fight. according to Johns Hopkins University. Nevertheless, lasts, the authors said. ed payments that amounted to $400 million last year. “The current global epidemic situation is grim. It is Trump vowed to reboot large sections of the world’s “We found that one-time social distancing Funding would be frozen pending a review into the at a critical moment. This US decision will weaken top economy “very soon”, saying the US would measures are likely to be insufficient to main- WHO’s role in “severely mismanaging and covering WHO’s capacities and undermine the international reopen “in beautiful little pieces”, with the hardest-hit tain the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 within the up the spread of the coronavirus,” said Trump, who cooperation against the epidemic,” said Chinese areas such as New York taking slightly longer. limits of critical care capacity in the United accused the Geneva-based body of putting “political foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. The International Monetary Fund laid bare the States,” lead author Stephen Kissler said in a correctness above life-saving measures”. Trump also earned a rebuke from the head of the scale of the economic catastrophe, saying the call with reporters. The outbreak could have been contained “with UN and entrepreneur Bill Gates who tweeted that cut- “Great Lockdown” could wipe $9 trillion from the Continued on Page 16 very little death” if the WHO had accurately ting funding was “as dangerous as it sounds”. The global economy in its worst downturn since the assessed the situation in China, where the disease president’s controversial attack came as the US count- Continued on Page 16 2 Established 1961 Thursday, April 16, 2020 Local Ministry asks for payrolls to confirm teachers’ payments Department received March salary nonpayment complaints

By Faten Omar navirus outbreak. In light of the complaints department of the ministry of education/Public ed to pay employees their wages according to received by the general administration of private Authority for Manpower).” their work contracts during the period of suspen- KUWAIT: The private education department of education from a number The ministry of educa- sion in the private schools, including their entitle- the ministry of education sent an official letter of employees at private tion issued on April 2, ment to salaries during the summer break. asking schools that have been reported for viola- schools regarding failure 2020 a circular, accord- On April 5, the private education department launched tions to send records of their payrolls to confirm to pay their salaries for ing to law no. 6 of 2010, a website (https://privateeducationkw.com/cor2/) to that all teachers have received their full wages. The March 2020, the general Legal action giving the ministry receive any complaints or inquiries from schools, parents, letter sent by Private Education Department administration of private authority to take legal, or teachers. Regarding failure to pay salaries, the depart- Director Sanad Al-Mutairi was based on com- education has requested in case of financial and administra- ment noted that the complaint must be filed seven days plaints the department received against some the payrolls for the month tive measures if private after the actual date of payment. schools. of March from private nonpayment schools failed to pay Hundreds of expatriate teachers in Kuwait con- The letter reads: “Implementation of the circular schools to review and wages to their employees. tacted Kuwait Times following the closure of issued by the ministry of education represented by audit in preparation for The ministry’s private schools to report failure of their schools to pay the private education department on April 1, 2020 taking the necessary legal education sector will take wages or to note that schools were cutting salaries regarding commitment to pay the wages of work- actions against the legal action against any or paying late. Kuwait Times previously reported ers in private schools during the suspension schools that are proven to be in violation, in coor- school failing to pay the wages of its employees. that all private schools are required to pay teachers according to the Cabinet decision due to the coro- dination with the relevant authorities (financial The circular affirmed that the schools are obligat- through August as per the terms of their contracts.

participate in online work teams with other stu- ACK launches dents. Depending on the nature of individual cours- es of study, faculty can choose between pre-taped or live online classes and as appropriate with e-learning program Power point slides with voice commentary. Intensive electronic training programs have been KUWAIT: In line with recent decisions by the arranged for all academic and administrative staff Council of Ministers, Ministry of Education, and to ensure that students are fully supported in their the Private Universities Council (PUC), the transition from in-class to online learning and Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) has launched assessment. A special Web link has been estab- its distance learning (e-learning) program that is lished as an ongoing resource to students in using open to all students for all programs of study. This the distance learning structure. In addition, all fac- initiative is part of ACK’s efforts to reduce educa- ulty and Student Affairs staff are available elec- tional delays for students in light of the difficult tronically on-a-one to one basis to chat online with present situation caused by the coronavirus. The students and work through any challenges associ- distance learning program will enable participat- ated with either their learning progression or gen- ing students to immediately resume their spring eral concerns regarding their life as a student. semester of 2019/2020 and conclude the semester Prof Zabalawi emphasized that the program will before the planned August continuation for live particularly benefit students in their final semester classes on campus. so they can graduate on time. However, he also The distance learning (e-learning) program encouraged all students to participate in this officially commenced on April 12, 2020 and the online learning opportunity, adding that digitiza- first week is a trial period for students to decide if tion will continue to permeate all aspects of our they feel comfortable with this means of learning. lives, communication, work and learning. Those who remain with the online program will Therefore, those students who gain experience in conclude their semester on June 9, 2020. online learning now will be better prepared to Professor Isam Zabalawi, President of ACK, pre- take advantage of growing employment and self- productively and maintain their momentum with electronic learning program. Further, a live stream sented an online speech to ACK students and par- employment opportunities associated with elec- their studies during this period of isolation. He will be held on Instagram to answer any questions ents to introduce the program. Prof Zabalawi high- tronic work environment nationally and interna- commented, “Many companies are now looking to or concerns from students and parents regarding lighted the efforts by ACK in working with its inter- tionally. In this regard, Prof Isam referred to the hire those with the ability to work from home, and the distance learning (e-learning) program. The national partners and the PUC to maximize the exponential growth in demand for online products therefore we feel that learning online is a step- session will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2020, at benefits of the program to students. He explained and services during the pandemic and once con- pingstone to graduates to work from 12:00 pm and extracts from the streams are now that ACK carefully prepared the associated tech- sumers develop relationships with their electronic home.” on social media. Students and parents are also nological infrastructure so that students could log suppliers then many of these dealings will contin- The ACK website, portal and social media invited to send emails with any queries to stu- on from home and be fully linked to faculty through ue beyond the virus crisis. Accordingly, Prof accounts are constantly being updated with infor- [email protected] and replies will be sent as a range of electronic learning mediums and also Zabalawi urged that all students use their time mation to ensure a sound understanding of the quickly as possible.

Pandemic Diaries it until March 29, before eventually suspending schools patients should send a WhatsApp to the numbers for the Coronavirus in Kuwait: until August for grade 12 and October for other stages. hospitals and medical centers as listed below. The patient Kuwait suspended issuing entry permits and visas should include their name, Civil ID number, hospital or A day of ‘staying at home’ What we know so far unless those issued through diplomatic missions. State clinic file number, mobile phone number and the medicine departments have been on high alert to take precautions needed to the following numbers: KUWAIT: Kuwait has so far recorded 1,405 cases infect- against the potential spread of the virus. The Ministry of l Amiri Hospital: 50880699 ed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), in addition to Commerce and Industry has taken measures to make l Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital: 50880755 three deaths. With the exception of 31 cases in intensive sure that facial masks, hand sanitizers and other goods l Farwaniya Hospital: 50880852 care, all infected cases are in stable condition and are remain accessible to the public. l Adan Hospital: 50880908 By Jamie Etheridge recovering in quarantined locations designated by the l Jahra Hospital: 50881066 government for this purpose, while hundreds have been Amnesty l Sabah Hospital: 97632660 discharged from quarantine after exhibiting no symptoms The Interior Ministry issued an amnesty allowing resi- l Jaber Hospital: 96992079 during their 14-day quarantine period, the Ministry of dency violators to leave the country between April 1 and l Ibn Sina Hospital: 99613948 [email protected] Health confirmed. Meanwhile, 206 people have recovered April 30 without paying any fines or airfare with a chance l Chest Hospital: 99258749 completely after previously being infected with the virus, to return to Kuwait later. The amnesty was issued in view l Razi Hospital: 97633487 the ministry said. There are 1,196 people receiving treat- of the circumstances the country is currently going l Kuwait Cancer Control Center: 96735242 ment and 1,367 quarantined as of yesterday. Kuwait is through and as part of the precautionary measures taken l Psychiatric Hospital: 97350113 am: Wake up and make coffee. Start break- taking measures to test Kuwaitis coming from infected to fight the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Individuals l Physiotherapy Hospital: 99824037 fast and check the news. Nearly 2 million areas for potential infection, as it has already tested thou- desiring to procure valid residencies in Kuwait and are l Maternity Hospital: 98559531 confirmed COVID-19 cases around the 6 sands of people. Meanwhile, Kuwait requires all expatri- willing to pay the fines without being subjected to inves- l As’ad Al-Hamad Dermatology Center: 98514508 world, almost half a million recoveries. 126,000+ ates who arrived from travel on March 1 and beyond to tigations will be allowed to pay the fines and legalize their l Zain Hospital: 97552031 deaths. I try not to think about their families, the visit Kuwait International Fairground where the Ministry status if they meet the required conditions. l NBK Hospital: 96931761 ones who died. The dads and moms with little of Health has set up a center at Hall 6 to test people for Special centers in Farwaniya were allocated to accommo- l Al-Rashed Allergy Hospital: 94162470 ones at home. The breadwinners who supported possible infection. date violators who finalize their papers pending departure. l Infectious Diseases Hospital: 96989164 their families. Male violators are received at Al-Muthanna primary school l Palliative Care Hospital: 94024786 7 am: Start work from home. Get online. Read Curfew for boys, Farwaniya, block 1, street 122, while female violators l Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center: 90952469 and respond to emails. Check the news again for Kuwait enforced a country-wide curfew from 5:00 are received at Farwaniya primary school for girls in l KFH Addiction Treatment Center: 94169363 latest updates and get going. Write the column, pm to 6:00 am until further notice. The government also Farwaniya, block 1, street 76. Violators are received from 8 Meanwhile, all licensed pharmacies in Kuwait deliver- talk with reporters. Plan the day. locked down Mahboula and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh in a bid am till 2 pm according to the following dates and nationalities: ing medicine are allowed to continue their services 24 The US leads the league tables with more than to contain the spread of the virus and enable health Philippines (April 1-5, 2020), Egypt (April 6-10), India (April hours a day. 612,000 confirmed cases, nearly 50,000 recover- workers to test inhabitants. Earlier, the government 11-15), Bangladesh (April 16-20), Sri Lanka (April 21-25), oth- The Ministry of Health is also asking doctors and ies and almost 26,000 deaths. It’s expected to decided to close all shopping malls, beauty salons and er nationalities (April 26-30, 2020). The Interior Ministry lat- nurses affiliated with the private medical sector to volun- worsen before it gets better. barber shops as part of its measures to prevent the er opened two new locations in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh to teer in order to contribute to the fight against the virus. 8 am: Wake up the children and get them ready spread of the coronavirus. The government also allowed receive residency violators from all nationalities: Female Volunteering is available through the link: http://volun- for e-learning. They have breakfast, dress and supermarkets, restaurants and shops to host a maximum violators are received at Roufayda Al-Aslameya School - teering.q8-ehealth.com. The ministry had closed all pri- head to their study desks. of five people at a time and in case there are lines, the Block 4 - Street 200, while male violators are received at vate clinics and medical centers effective March 22, 2020 Kuwait begins bringing home more than distance must be at least one meter between people. The Naeem bin Masod School - Block 4 - Street 250. until further notice. 50,000 citizens from abroad. The infections here Ministry of Commerce launched a website have been rising exponentially for the past week (www.moci.shop) to enable people to book appoint- Hotlines Mental health assistance but yesterday’s numbers were promising. Only 55 ments to shop at co-operative societies in their areas. The l The Ministry of Health has set the following hotlines The Kuwait Psychological Association (KPA) is pro- new infections. Hope this is the start of a down- Public Authority for Industry also announced that com- to receive inquiries about the coronavirus 24/7: viding consultation through the phone for people suffer- ward trend in new infections. panies can apply to evacuate their workers from Jleeb Al- 24970967 - 96049698 - 99048619. ing from the psychological impacts of coronavirus. 9 am-5 pm: Work. Actually work happens all Shuyoukh and Mahboula. To do so, they must fill a ‘work- l The Education Ministry set the following hotlines to Different doctors are working on the hotline in different day long from waking to sleeping but I need some ers evacuation form’ available on www.pai.gov.kw, and receive inquiries on school closures related to the anti- timings as follows: sort of structure so this is what I tell myself. I often send the form via email to: [email protected]. coronavirus measures: l Dr Rashed Al-Sahl: on Monday and Wednesday forget to take breaks, to get up from my computer. l 24970967 (24/7 hotline) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Call 9797-6168. The news is mostly heartbreaking. Precautions l 51575591 (Capital Educational Zone) l Dr Fahad Al-Tasha: daily from 8:00 pm - 12:00 am. Small businesses in Kuwait start to go under. An Kuwait halted all commercial flights until further l 51576117 (Hawally Educational Zone) Call 9904-8258. estimated 250,000 people here are now out of notice, and has sent special flights to repatriate Kuwaitis l 51576576 (Farwaniya Educational Zone) l Dr Othman Al-Asfour: daily 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Call work, have lost their jobs or had their salaries cut. back home from countries affected with the virus’ spread. l 51577055 (Jahra Educational Zone) 9938-5350. We’re only one month into the lockdown. All arrivals to Kuwait from all countries are to be placed l 51577655 (Ahmadi Educational Zone) l Dr Mohammed Al-Khaldi (head of this team): daily 6 pm: Dinner and family time. We play under compulsory institutional quarantine for 14 days, l 51577951 (Mubarak Al-Kabeer Educational Zone) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Call 9903-6470. Pictionary and the girls draw stick figures cough- during which the person is monitored, and prescribed l 51578171 (Religious Studies Department) l Dr Ahmad Al-Khaldi: daily 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Call ing into their elbows. I pretend not to notice. health procedures are applied, the health ministry said. l 51588599 (Private Education Department) 9910-7965. Some places are starting to plan reopening, uti- Meanwhile, the Cabinet announced on April 9 the opera- l 51592515 (Services Department) l Dr Muneera Al-Qattan: Monday and Wednesday lizing the twin Ts of testing and tracing to locate tion of all airline flights for expats who are wishing to l 51594544 (Public Relations Department) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Call 9953-3108. and lock down pockets of outbreaks and keep the return back to their countries. Authorities also announced l Dr Zainab Al-Saffar: Sunday and Thursday 7:00 pm economy open. Praying that this works. a public holiday in the country from March 12 to April 23, Medicine delivery - 9:00 pm. Call 9954-9908. 9 pm: Bedtime for the children. I check the news with work resuming on April 26, while entities providing Kuwait’s Ministry of Health (MOH) launched a new l Dr Sameera Al-Kandari: Tuesday 9:00 pm - 12:00 again, do more work. Wait for statements from the vital services will remain open. Meanwhile, the Ministry medicine delivery service for people in Kuwait, which am. Call 6770-9434. l Cabinet. Wait for normal life to return. of Education has suspended classes for March at all pub- they can use to order medications to be delivered during Dr Kawthar Al-Yaqout: Monday and Wednesday 10 pm: Another day passed. Stay at home orders lic and private schools (for both students and teaching curfew hours. The medications will be delivered within 72 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Call 5521-0088. l obeyed. Doing our part to flatten the curve. staffs); first from March 1 to March 12, and later extended hours after the order is submitted. To place an order, For information and other concerns, call 9401-4283. 3 Local Thursday, April 16, 2020 Kuwait GDP at $130 billion in 2019, economy grew 0.4 percent Services accounted to 18.6 percent of the GDP

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti economy grew 0.4 percent same value in Q3 2019, amid bullish oil prices and in 2019 compared to 2018 where gross domestic production increase. product amounted to KD 39.4 billion ($130 billion), Manufacturing industries, including oil deriva- Kuwait Central Statistical Bureau said in a state- tives, accounted to 6.5 percent of the GDP and 6.7 ment Tuesday. The GDP, by current rates, shrank percent by the fixed prices. Retail and wholesale three percent in Q4 2019 com- trade declined in Q4 2019 by 2.6 pared to the same period in percent compared to the same 2018. It also grew by 2.6 per- period in 2018, where added cent, by fixed prices, compared GDP down value of this sector amounted to to Q3 2018. Oil sector con- KD 363.2 million ($1.2 billion), tributed to the GDP, by fixed 3% in Q4 with a contribution estimated at prices, with KD 4.5 billion 3.6 percent of the quarterly ($14.8 billion), 43.9 percent, and 2019 GDP. Meanwhile, added value of this stake rose to KD 5.2 billion financial brokerage, also by ($17 billion), with a 52.8 percent fixed prices, fell by 0.2 percent contribution. Non-oil domestic in Q4, posting KD 805 million product, by fixed prices, grew in Q4 2019 by 0.6 ($2.6 million) compared to the same period in 2018. percent, compared to the same period in 2018, Services, including education, health, restaurants, while growth was at 3.5 percent compared to Q3 hotels and real estate, accounted to 18.6 percent of 2019. Contribution of the crude oil and natural gas the GDP, with the value standing at KD 1.8 billion production, comparing Q4 2019 with correspon- ($5.9 billion). Value activity of the public adminis- ding period 2018, fell from 53.6 percent to 52.8 per- tration and defense amounted in Q4 to KD one bil- cent-also by steady rates. Added value of this lion ($3.3 billion), growing by 2.4 percent in contrast activity grew by 3.2 percent as compared to the to the same period last year. — KUNA

System predicts Kuwait Vehicles, machinery entering Kuwait sanitized COVID-19 cases to start falling by mid-May

By Meshaal Al-Enezi to contain infection since day one, including suspending schools and KUWAIT: A team of researchers closing restaurants and shopping from the Dasman Diabetes Institute malls, as well as applying institu- and Kuwait University managed to tional and home quarantine, which develop a model and a study on the has greatly and effectively isolated spread of COVID-19 in Kuwait infected cases arriving from outside under the title of ‘Predictive Mathe- Kuwait. The study also showed that matical Model of SARS-CoV-2’. in view of the current indicators of Dasman Diabetes Institute General the natural course of the pandemic, Manager Dr Qais Al-Duwairi ex- cases will increase until the second plained that the model is based on half of May, then start falling. Kuwait the SEIR system with special modi- has recorded over 1,000 cases in- fications to match the situation in fected with the novel coronavirus Kuwait, adding that the model (COVID-19), in addition to three KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Service Directorate stands for installment at the land border KFSD officers. Kuwait has taken a series of proved the effectiveness of the deaths, since the outbreak started in (KFSD) is installing jetting machines at land points, Al-Nwaiseeb and Al-Salmi, as well preventive and protective measures against measures taken by the government the country in early March. checkpoints and the airport to sanitize in- as Kuwait International Airport. They will be the novel coronavirus outbreak. It observes coming trucks and hardware. Personnel at employed to sanitize incoming trucks and a nighttime curfew amid suspension of busi- the KFSD vehicles and equipment depart- machines, the KFSD said in a statement on nesses and various transports inside, to and ment have manufactured the disinfecting Tuesday. These stands are manned by from the country. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mariam Al-Aqeel took a tour on Tuesday at a makeshift co-operative society branch set up in Mahboula to serve area residents. The area has been put under total lockdown along with Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat 4 Established 1961

Thursday, April 16, 2020 Local

KUWAIT: The Awazem charity foundation distributed food to laborers and families in need in Salwa impacted by the effects of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

LAPA opens In my view online workshops Coronavirus once again KUWAIT: Within its social responsibilities and out of its keenness on providing youth with opportunities to fruitfully make use of their free time during the cur- rent curfew, LOYAC’s Academy for Performance Arts By Abdellatif Sharaa (LAPA) resumed its LAPA Talent Club workshops for children online as an alternative to traditional learning. LAPA’s new creative online lessons will be interac- tive ones prepared in collaboration with local and international trainers using enjoyable applications that [email protected] help students assimilate information in a better way. The lessons include training courses on playing several musical instruments and singing supervised by he coronavirus, which surfaced in a maestro Yousif Bara, the head of the music depart- Chinese seafood and poultry market late ment, Nisreen Nasser and a group of professional “Tlast year, has spread to at least 177 local and international musicians. The music depart- countries, killing more than 75,000 and sickening ment also provides the ‘Family singing program’ for all more than one million in a matter of weeks. The family members. World Health Organization has declared the situa- The club also provides dancing and performance tion a pandemic”, reported lessons by trainers, Mohammed Al-Eidan, Teni earlier in the year, and of course the numbers now Matyan, Zoki, Sanslas Kumar and Anna Muskiza. In are approaching two million cases and the death addition, the club provides formative arts course toll is rising at a scary rate! supervised by formative artist, Amira Bahbehani as I really tried hard to stay away from getting into well as drama and acting lessons supervised by Sara the subject of the coronavirus, but found it very Attallah. In this regard, LOYAC’s chairperson Fare’a hard to do so, especially since we are facing some- Al-Saqqaf said that the aim of those online work- thing invisible, and if neglected, it can be highly shops is to help children utilize their time fruitfully invasive. Once it reaches its destination - the respi- ratory system - it takes a foothold, and fighting it is during the current curfew. Saqqaf added that further a real struggle and a long and painful process. online programs would soon be launched for youth as Statistics show how dangerous the number of the curfew hours are times ought to be utilized in cases are in five developed European countries and communicating with children and youth in new man- the US - infections reached 1,220,584 by Tuesday ners to help them develop their skills. morning and deaths 90,484 for the same period. The danger of this disease is that the people may be infected with it for 1 to 14 days before starting to feel the symptoms, such as fever, tired- ness and dry cough, while 80 percent of people may recover without needing special treatment. But even asymptomatic patients can infect others. We must note that older people and people with medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) may be more vulnerable to becom- ing very ill. Please remember that you can avoid the virus and prevent it from reaching others by first wash- ing your hands frequently with soap and water cor- rectly, and keep a sanitizer close so you can use it when necessary. Remain at least 1.5 meters away from the person close to you, even farther if the person seems to be unwell, and the best of all is to stay home and not be out for longer periods. Please do not touch your mouth, eyes or nose and even your ears until after you wash your hands. It is very important to remember that it is not exactly known how long the virus stays viable out- side the body, though specialists say it may survive for hours or up to several days. We must not get bored with the daily routine to stay healthy and keep those around us healthy. There will be a day when the coronavirus will be no more, so let us prepare to celebrate that day without having regrets or bad memories. Let us be among those who say “we did”, not “if we had done”! A final word: “Many of life’s failure are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” —Thomas Edison 5 Local Thursday, April 16, 2020 Kuwait FM chairs meeting of committee charged with citizens’ repatriation

Foreign minister discusses COVID-19 with Tunisian, Jordanian counterparts

KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of a commit- Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting for the ministry’s tee charged with the implementation of a plan to repatriate Kuwaiti citizens. — KUNA emergency committee.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Foreign Minister Sheikh developments connected with the coron- Hassan Al-Ansari who handed a written letter Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah avirus and the upcoming measure to repa- from King Salman bin Abdulaziz to His High- chaired Tuesday a meeting of a committee triate Kuwaitis abroad. ness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- charged with the implementation of a plan Meanwhile, Sheikh Dr Ahmad received a Jaber Al-Sabah. In the letter, the Saudi King to repatriate Kuwaiti citizens, due to begin phone call from his Tunisian counterpart touched on issues of bilateral relations and on April 19. The committee members dis- Noureddine Erray, discussing with him is- recent regional and international develop- cussed completion of measures among rel- sues connected with bilateral ties. The two ments. The ceremony to hand the letter was evant state departments to bring back officials also touched on the latest develop- attended by Ambassador Ayham Al-Omar, Kuwaiti nationals. The meeting was at- ments concerning the spread of the novel head of the Deputy Foreign Minister’s office. tended by Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled coronavirus (COVID-19). Sheikh Dr Ahmad Separately, Kuwait’s Directorate General Al-Jarallah, President of the Directorate also received a telephone call from his Jor- for the Civil Aviation announced that two General of Civil Aviation Sheikh Salman danian counterpart Ayman Al-Safadi, dis- Turkish Airways and Qatar Airways took off Sabah Al-Sabah, chairman of Kuwait Air- cussing the close bilateral relations and from the Kuwait International Airport on ways Yusuf Al-Jassem and foreign ministry means of boosting cooperation against Tuesday, heading to Istanbul and Doha car- officials. Sheikh Dr Ahmad had earlier spread of the novel coronavirus. rying expatriates. The two flights are part of chaired a meeting for the ministry’s emer- In other news, Deputy Foreign Minister the DGCA plan to facilitate travel of expatri- gency committee, in presence of Jarallah Khaled Al-Jarallah received, Tuesday, the ates who are willing to leave Kuwait, the di- Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah meets with the charge d’affairs and senior ministry officials, to discuss the charge d’affairs of the Saudi embassy Dr rectorate said in a press statement. — KUNA of the Saudi embassy Dr Hassan Al-Ansari.

KUWAIT: Kuwait National Guard set up a field hospital in Mahboula to start receiving area residents for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) tests. The area has been put under total lockdown along with Jleeb Al-Shuy- oukh as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat InternationalEstablished 1961 THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020 Unrest fears rise as Lagos extends Firm offers spouses apartments to avoid ‘coronavirus divorce’ COVID lockdown Page 8 Page 8

JAKARTA: Family members of a victim of the COVID-19 coronavirus walk past burial sites at a cemetery in Jakarta yesterday. — AFP Virus ‘tracing’ by smartphone Researchers ramp up research on potential solution

WASHINGTON: Can an app contain the pandemic? has been used in Singapore. interviews,” Benedetti said. A digital system is more ef- panded testing and other steps. Benedetti said a func- Interest is growing in smartphone technology as a po- This could lead to “alerts” sent to anyone in close con- ficient because “it doesn’t rely on people’s memory, tioning tracing system “can help decision makers de- tential key to ending lockdowns and reopening tact with a person who is infected, or who later confirms and it can determine contacts with people who don’t termine what is safe to open.” Over time, the system can economies around the world. Digital “contact tracing” an infection, and allow those people at risk to self-quar- know each other.” generate “heat maps” and gather data on how the virus would allow mobile systems to log instances where antine. The Apple-Google is transmitted, enabling “a more selective quarantine” people have been in proximity with an infected person collaboration could make this How does this help? that does not require everyone to remain in place. and send alerts where appropriate. Researchers and easier by allowing apps to Researchers say digital health agencies around the world have been ramping cross over the two dominant tracing can be effective - but What are the limitations? up research on the potential solution, which could get mobile systems. The compa- A key to only if significant numbers of A major limitation is that any contact tracing plan a boost from a joint initiative by Google and Apple to nies said that their technology reopening people download the app must reach a critical mass: People need to download an make tracing more effective. Here are some answers to could enable an app’s “digital and report symptoms. Such app and update their status. Some experts suggest 60 the most common questions about tracing: key” to monitor contacts for the society? a system “can achieve epi- percent adoption could help turn the tide of the pan- a 14-day period. demic control if used by demic, said Tina White, a researcher and co-founder of What is contact tracing? A smartphone system enough people,” Oxford the volunteer group Covid Watch which is developing Under the smartphone version of contact tracing, could effectively replace the University researchers an app and is working with Oxford University scientists. people would download mobile apps and update their lengthy “manual” tracing by wrote in Science Magazine. “A lot depends on messaging and how it is presented,” COVID-19 status should they come down with the interview currently handled by medical staff, said Efforts are underway to study or implement contact White said. “If people understand this is something that virus. The apps would use a phone’s Bluetooth wireless Francesco Benedetti, a research scientist on the Mas- tracing in France, Germany, Britain and elsewhere. protects them, they will use it.” Benedetti said a tracing signals to determine if a given user had crossed paths sachusetts Institute of Technology team working with In the United States, presumptive Democratic pres- app could still have a “high impact” with 40 percent with an infected person. A number of research teams more than 30 governments and health agencies on idential nominee cited contact tracing as part adoption, but that effectiveness would depend on other have been developing such systems, and at least one contact tracing. “Doctors waste a lot of time in these of a plan “to safely reopen America” along with ex- safety measures implemented. —AFP

that has killed nearly 25,000 people in the Obama endorses United States. With President Donald Row in Gaza Trump’s handling of the outbreak under the Biden for spotlight, Obama signalled he believed Biden-with four decades of government ex- over arrests for president perience-would be a far more capable manager of the US response. chat “Joe helped me manage H1N1 (influenza) WASHINGTON: Barack Obama endorsed and prevent the Ebola epidemic from be- Joe Biden’s White House bid on Tuesday, coming the type of pandemic we’re seeing GAZA: A fierce dispute has divided the saying his longtime vice president can unify now,” Obama said. Biden, 77, promptly ex- Palestinian community after Gaza’s rulers, and “heal” a nation struggling through some pressed his thanks in a tweet. “Barack-This Hamas, arrested six local activists for chat- of its darkest moments. The formal backing endorsement means the world to Jill and ting by video conference with left-leaning by perhaps the most popular politician in me,” the Democratic stalwart said. “We’re campaigners in Israel. Islamist group Hamas America is the latest boost for Biden’s surg- going to build on the progress we made to- bans all communications with Israel and last ing candidacy, and a further sign that Dem- gether, and there’s no one I’d rather have week arrested the six members of the Gaza ocratic leaders are rallying around the party standing by my side.” Youth Committee on charges of “treason” flagbearer more than six months before Biden is the Democratic Party’s pre- and “normalization” of relations with the November’s election. “Joe has the character sumptive nominee to challenge Trump, after Jewish state. and the experience to guide us through one his lone remaining opponent Bernie The arrests have sparked a fierce free- RAFAH: A full moon is pictured in the sky over Rafah town in the southern Gaza of our darkest times and heal us through a Sanders dropped out of the race last week. speech row that has drawn in a former Strip.—AFP long recovery,” Obama said in a 12-minute The leftist US senator from Vermont en- Gaza-based contractor with human rights video. “I believe Joe has all the qualities we dorsed his ex-rival Monday, saying it was group Amnesty International who had crit- need in a president right now.” time for Americans to “come together” be- icized the activists online. In the two-hour call via video conference service Zoom - leged act of “normalization” with Israel. lance contract worker” who helped docu- The cherished endorsement comes at a hind Biden. Two-term president Obama also Khoudary tagged several Hamas officials in ment protests in Gaza last year, but said she time of deep national anxiety, with the vast praised Sanders as a progressive champion the latest in a format they have called “Skype with your enemy” - the participants the online post, ensuring Aman’s Zoom call no longer works for the organization. majority of Americans under stay-at-home whose energy and enthusiasm inspired would come to their attention. Gaza’s inte- “We absolutely condemn arrests of in- orders due to the coronavirus pandemic young voters by the millions. — AFP had discussed their daily lives and ex- pressed hopes for better leadership for both rior ministry has however denied that dividuals because of practicing their right Israelis and Palestinians. Khoudary’s posts tipped them off to the to peaceful expression and assembly,” said Rami Aman, 36, the founder of the Gaza video call. Saleh Hijazi, Amnesty’s deputy director for Youth Committee, and the five others were “It is not true what was published, say- the Middle East. Former Human Rights detained, accused of “treason”, after speak- ing citizens or journalists publishing posts Watch official Peter Bouckaert removed ing to the dozens of Israeli activists online. on Facebook and social media were re- Khoudary from an online group and told Gaza’s Hamas-run interior ministry said that sponsible for the arrests,” ministry her she should be “ashamed” of herself. “establishing any activity or communication spokesman Iyad al-Bozm said. “Rami UN Watch, a Geneva-based organization with the Israeli occupation under any ex- Aman and his group are under surveillance originally set up to confront alleged anti- cuse is a crime punishable by law, and is all the time by the security services. “Un- Semitism at the United Nations, however treason against our people”. Hamas, which fortunately, Rami tried to carry out activi- praised Aman as a “courageous Gaza is considered a terrorist group by Israel and ties that violate the law and the culture and peace activist”. most Western states, seized control of Gaza customs of our people.” Khoudary herself was detained by Hamas in a 2007 near civil war. Since then the Jew- Khoudary told AFP she did not regret last year for posts supporting Gaza street ish state has fought three devastating wars her posts and did not oppose Aman’s arrest, protests. Aman was briefly detained two in Gaza while maintaining a crippling block- while stressing that she was not responsible years ago on similar charges. Debate has ade on the coastal strip, arguing it must iso- for his detention. “I didn’t make a mistake,” flared on social networks, with some Pales- late Hamas. she said, criticizing him over what she de- tinians condemning the latest arrests and scribed as his attempt to speak on behalf of others congratulating Khoudary for working ‘Not a mistake’ all Palestinians. “As a Palestinian, before I against normalization. Collaborating or even A key player in the row has been the for- became a journalist, I am against normaliza- communicating with Israelis is controversial WASHINGTON: In this file photo, US Vice President Joe Biden wipes away tears as he walks past tion,” said Khoudary. Amnesty confirmed among Palestinians, with many seeing such President Barack Obama after he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. — AFP mer Amnesty activist Hind Khoudary, who on Facebook criticized Aman over the al- that Khoudary had been a “short-term free- dialogue as a waste of time. — AFP Established 1961 7 Thursday, April 16, 2020 International COVID-19 hits ‘like a bomb’ as toll rises in Ecuador’s business capital ‘There is no space for either the living or the dead’

GUAYAQUIL: Ecuador’s economic capital there were no controls like they should have been if Guayaquil is reeling from the most aggressive out- we had known that this was already coming by air. break of COVID-19 in Latin America after the pan- And the city of Guayaquil simply convulsed. “ demic hit the city “like a bomb,” its mayor said. Too late, the city went into lockdown as authorities Cynthia Viteri has emerged from her own bout with imposed a 15-hour curfew and bodies began to ac- the virus to battle the worst crisis the port city of cumulate in homes, and even on the streets. “The nearly 3 million people has known in modern times. health system was obviously overwhelmed, the “There is no space for either the living or the dead. morgues overflowed, the funeral homes overflowed.” That’s how severe the pandemic is in Guayaquil,” Vi- Guayaquil’s authorities “are not the villains of the teri told AFP in a phone in- world,” Viteri insisted. “We terview Monday. are the victims of a virus Mortuaries, funeral homes that came by air” that she and hospital services are Guayaquil said echoed the yellow fever overwhelmed, and Viteri that devastated the city said the actual death toll reeling from when it came over the sea from the virus is likely from Panama in 1842. “A much higher than the offi- aggressive bomb exploded here. Other cial national figure of 369. places received only the Guayaquil accounts for outbreak shock waves. But the crater more than 70 percent of remained here in Ecuador’s 7,600 infections Guayaquil.” since February 29. Counting the dead ‘Unprepared’ Viteri said the number of coronavirus deaths in the The 54-year-old mayor admitted the city was “un- city is likely far higher than the official figure “for a GUAYAQUIL: A pick-up truck carries coffins as its drives past the IESS Hospital Los Ceibos in Guayaquil, prepared” for the onslaught: “Nobody believed that single reason-because there are no tests to determine Ecuador during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. — AFP what we saw in Wuhan, people falling dead in the how many people are actually infected in the city and streets, would ever happen here.” Now authorities in the country.” She continued: “Patients are dying are forecasting a death toll of more than 3,500 in the without ever having had a test. And there is no space, to give birth, people are still being run over, people monitor positive cases. city and its hinterland in the coming months. time or resources to be able to carry out subsequent still have diabetes and hypertension.” “For me there is no other way,” she said. “We have Guayaquil proved especially vulnerable to the virus examinations and to know whether or not they died She said just last month alone “100 people” had to look after the living, and provide a decent burial because of its air links to Europe, Viteri said. from the coronavirus. died because they were unable to get dialysis treat- for the dead. We are living in a war. Responding to a The first case of infection-Ecuador’s “patient “In the month of March alone, there were 1,500 ment. “Why? Because there is no space. Because spate of nightmarish media stories about bodies ac- zero”-was of an elderly Ecuadoran woman who ar- more deaths than in the month of March last year. we are stretched to breaking point, our doctors cumulating in hospitals, homes and streets, the city rived from Spain. “This is where the bomb exploded, “The true number will be known once this tragedy, have fallen sick too.” Around 50 people from her was making two new cemeteries available to bury the this is where patient zero arrived, and since it was va- this nightmare, ends.” People are continuing to “col- own municipal staff had died, she said. Viteri said dead and relieve pressure on city morgues. “The bod- cation time, people traveled abroad, some to Europe lapse in their houses, in the hospitals, all over the her task now was to bring all the city’s financial re- ies are being collected daily,” Viteri said. “But this is or the United States, and our people who lived in Eu- place,” she said, because the normal medical services sources to bear on buying test kits, with $12 million very hard because it means there is mourning every rope came here,” Viteri said. “And when they arrived are overwhelmed. “There are still women who need already earmarked, to be able to detect, isolate and day in Guayaquil.” — AFP

diers, or airmen, or sailors, you know A long Texas COVID-19 or not, discipline is a fundamental function of our force,” Milley told reporters. “And Marines need for many, many years the United States road trip for military has had hair standards.... Yes, I think Marines should get haircuts. “ 525,000 masks their buzz cuts Milley cited the legendary US Marines’ assault on the Japanese-held island of WASHINGTON: While coronavirus Iwo Jima during World War II in early HOUSTON: All it took was one little call to sequestering has millions sporting 1945. “That Marine victory was the re- spur Tom Banning into action, undertaking a longer locks as they go without hair- sult of incredible discipline,” he said. “It giant mission across a very large state - dis- cuts, that’s not going to happen for one may seem superficial to some, but get- tributing 525,000 masks to health care group: the US Marines. From their boot ting a haircut is part of that discipline.” providers around Texas, a sprawling landmass camp buzz cuts to the “high and tight” Defense Secretary Mark Esper, roughly the size of France. In mid-March, style standard for the Marine Corps, a who is already dealing with nearly amid the emerging US coronavirus outbreak, spartan trim is inseparable from their 600 COVID-19 infections aboard an the doctor was contacted by a golf buddy war-fighting discipline, Pentagon Joint aircraft carrier and 4,769 cases in who had come into possession of hundreds Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley total across some 150 military instal- of thousands of professional-grade masks said Tuesday. lations, said it was one of myriad is- from Mexico and wondered whether Banning This US Navy handout photo shows US Navy Chief Personnel Specialist Erica Campos, Milley was asked whether social sues as they try to both protect the knew anyone who might be in need. “The from Houston, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG distancing practices, which have pre- US forces and maintain battle readi- whole state is looking for this PPE!” Banning 100) sewing fabric to make cloth face masks for the crew. — AFP vented many worldwide from keeping ness. “There’s no doubt in my mind said, using the acronym for personal protec- their barber appointments, should be that you could go to any camp, fort, tive equipment - vital everyday items such as cargo - lo and behold a moving van filled with on the phone and immediately started calling implemented in the US military, after a base, you name it and find somebody masks and gowns that health care profession- 350 boxes, each containing 1,500 high-quality some practices that I knew were seeing high video surfaced of about two dozen of not following the guidance,” he said. als depend on to protect themselves. masks similar to the N-95 masks recom- volumes of potentially COVID-19 patients,” Marines lined up for their regular cut at “That’s something I would not have Banning, who is also CEO of the Texas mended by American health authorities. Thus Banning said. Jumping in his car, with his 12- Camp Pendleton in California. While thought of putting into the guidance, Academy of Family Physicians, had an address began the equipment’s odyssey to a constel- year-old son along for the ride, Banning most were keeping their distance, it the haircut policy,” he added. To book brimming with doctors about to close lation of far-flung Texas cities, from San An- headed to Houston, in east Texas, to drop off was not the recommended six feet, and which Milley jumped in: “Don’t take their clinics for lack of such items. The next tonio to Dallas, with a number of rural a shipment to the team of caregivers tending none had masks on, the video showed. that as guidance yet. (There are) a lot day, Banning went to examine the precious hospitals in between - and all in one day. “I got to the city’s first declared cases. — AFP “Whether they are marines, or sol- of ways to do haircuts.”— AFP

their ability to work, but because it would mit the disease to my coworkers, to the pa- Heartbreak, fear not be fair.” tients who don’t already have it,” he added. With more than 195,000 confirmed cases of Ecuador: The morgues are full COVID-19 and around 10,000 deaths, New for staff on In the Pacific port city of Guayaquil in York state is the epicenter of the pandemic Ecuador, a sick nurse makes no attempt to in the US, the worst affected country so far. the frontline hide her anger: 80 of her colleagues have been infected and five have already died. Philippines: Doctors playing God Ecuador is one of the worst affected coun- The doctors at Manila’s San Lazaro ROME: Doctors, nurses and healthcare tries in South America, with hundreds of hospital, a specialist centre for infectious workers have become the unwitting heroes dead bodies lying inside homes because the diseases, are used to battling humanity’s of the coronavirus pandemic, winning ap- morgues are full. “We went to war without nastiest contagions-but they’ve never seen plause from balconies and streets around any weapons,” said the 55-year-old nurse, anything like COVID-19. Suspected coro- the world. From Yaounde to Rome to New who spoke on condition of anonymity. navirus cases have died at triage, terrified York, the pandemic has infected more than “The necessary equipment was not patients grow outraged when they can’t 1.9 million people and claimed 118,000 lives. ready when this (the pandemic) was already get tested immediately and the doctors Hospital workers are dealing with a huge in- happening, devastating Europe,” said the have to manage the anxiety they could be flux of patients, while also facing a lack of nurse, who is resting at home as there is no carriers too. “It’s a living nightmare,” said equipment in many cases and the fear of be- space in the hospitals. Patients with “severe doctor Ferdinand de Guzman, who at 60 coming infected themselves. Often, they face symptoms” were arriving at her emergency years old is himself in a high-risk group. BIREUEN, Indonesia: Indonesian doctors wearing protective gear hold newborn ba- heartbreaking decisions while treating their department, “but due to a lack of tests, they With a limited number of intensive care bies wearing face shields as protective measures amid the COVID-19 coronavirus patients. AFP journalists spoke to healthcare were treated as if they had the flu and sent rooms and ventilators, the doctors are bur- pandemic at a clinic in Bireuen, Aceh province. — AFP workers around the world to find out what home.” “We had no personal protective dened with horrific judgments. “We don’t it’s really like to be on the frontline in the equipment (PPE) but we could not refuse to like to play God,” de Guzman said. “Clini- Early studies have shown that chloro- it’s probably the last time they’ll see them” coronavirus pandemic. treat the patients,” she said. cians just have to make decisions.” Many quine, may be effective in the treatment and since funeral ceremonies have been banned, are afraid to go home after work. “We are prevention of COVID-19, though more evi- he said. “If it was a member of my family, I Italy: ‘We can’t get sick’ US: Lack of equipment worried about our families,” de Guzman dence is needed. “We are afraid, like the rest wouldn’t be able to stand just sitting there In Italy, one of the worst affected coun- In the United States, Judy Sheridan- said. “We always reserve one or two beds of the population. Afraid that our masks or and seeing them behind the door,” Alvarez tries, dozens of doctors and nurses have Gonzalez, president of the New York State for (hospital) employees. We never had this suits are not fitted properly when we are said. “It’s a very difficult situation.” died from COVID-19 and thousands of Nurses Association, also complained about problem before, ever.” dealing with a patient who is showing “Everyone is working like crazy, as healthcare workers have become infected. the lack of protective gear for medical symptoms,” the doctor said. “We’re obvi- though it was a war,” said Nuri Aydin, di- Silvana de Florio, nursing coordinator in the workers.”We don’t have the arms and the Cameroon: ‘We are afraid’ ously afraid of catching it. When you get up rector of the Cerrahpasa Faculty of Med- COVID-19 intensive care unit of the Tor armour to protect ourselves against the Roger Etoa, a doctor in Cameroon, one in the morning and you have a bit of a icine at Istanbul University. “The Vergata Hospital in Rome, underlined the enemy,” she said at a recent protest outside of the worst-affected countries in sub-Sa- headache, you ask yourself, ‘What if this is atmosphere here is not like a normal importance of being appropriately kitted a hospital. Benny Mathew, a 43-year-old haran Africa, admits that fear of catching the it? What if it’s our turn to get the virus?’” workplace, but a battlefield,” he said dur- out with masks, visors, gloves, scrubs and nurse in New York, said he caught the virus disease also affects healthcare workers. “I ing a visit to the hospital. Istanbul, a me- suits to avoid contagion. after caring for at least four patients without live with my wife and children,” the 36-year- Spain: Patients left alone tropolis with some 15 million residents and “We don’t set aside a specific amount of adequate medical dress. Not long after- old said. “When I arrive in the evening I rush Antonio Alvarez, a nurse in the intensive Turkey’s economic capital, has around 60 time for it, but we have estimated that for a wards, when his fever had subsided, the hos- to the shower, but it is difficult to stop the care unit at Vall d’Hebron, the biggest hos- percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases in seven-hour shift, about 40-50 minutes is pital asked him to come back to work. children from jumping on you.” Etoa is the pital in Barcelona, described the heart- the country. Many healthcare workers are spent just on getting dressed,” she said. “In “They told me if you don’t have fever you director of a healthcare centre in Douala, the breaking daily task of phoning a family sleeping in hotels or converted student terms of hand washing and hand deconta- can come on work-that was their only cri- capital of Cameroon. As a precaution, he’s member to say goodbye to their loved ones- dormitories, afraid of infecting their fami- mination, we are talking about 60-75 min- teria,” he said. “I was told to wear a mask started taking chloroquine, a drug used to from behind the protective glass.”It’s diffi- lies. “What they are doing is superhuman. utes per day,” she said after scolding a care and come to work. We don’t have enough treat malaria. “We don’t yet know if it works cult to see patients who are alone and have There’s no price for the work of health- worker for not wearing a mask. “Medical staff so I think it was my duty to come back. preventively or even curatively, but I prefer no family with them,” the 33-year-old said. care workers, they’re in the service of hu- staff can’t get sick-not so much because of “But I was worried that I was going to trans- (to take it) just in case,” he said. “They’re saying goodbye from the door and manity,” Aydin said. — AFP 8 Established 1961 Thursday, April 16, 2020 International Anger in Africa over coronavirus ‘stigma’ in China amid concerns Controversy coincides with a Chinese charm offensive in Africa

ABUJA: African countries are seething over district, known as “Little Africa”. Five were accounts that Africans are battling stigma and dis- Nigerian nationals who sparked widespread anger crimination in China over the coronavirus pandemic, after reports surfaced that they had broken a apparently linked to a cluster of cases in the mandatory quarantine and been to eight restau- Nigerian community in the southern city of rants and other public places instead of staying Guangzhou. The African residents say they have home. suffered forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and Several Africans told AFP they had been mass coronavirus tests and face discrimination in forcibly evicted from their homes and turned away restaurants and hotels. by hotels. One said he had been sleeping under a “We saw images of Nigerians in the streets with bridge for four days and could not find a store their possessions and this was of course extremely that would allow him to buy food. On Sunday, as distressing for us at home,” Nigerian Foreign international pressure mounted, the foreign min- Minister Geoffrey Onyeama told Chinese ambassa- istry in Beijing issued a statement saying the dor Zhou Pingjian on Tuesday. He said the situation country attached “great importance to the life and was “unacceptable” to health of foreign nation- Nigeria’s government and als” and rejected all people, and demanded “racist and discriminato- “immediate action” from ry” remarks. The US fast- the Chinese authorities. food chain McDonald’s The African Union on AU expresses apologized after a sign in Saturday expressed its its extreme one of its restaurants in “extreme concern” about Guangzhou told black the situation in concern people they were banned Guangzhou and called on from entering. Beijing to take immediate corrective measures. Embarrassment The controversy coin- The global pandemic GUANGZHOU: File photo shows people gathering on a street in the ‘Little Africa’ district in cides with a Chinese charm offensive in Africa. was caused by a novel form of coronavirus that Guangzhou, the capital of southern China’s Guangdong province. —AFP Diplomats said around 20 African countries are scientists say leapt the species barrier to humans drawing up a joint letter to Beijing to say that mass through a live animal market in the Chinese city of virus tests and quarantines imposed specifically on Wuhan. China has reacted furiously to any refer- spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing The hugely appreciated gestures include a Africans amount to “racism”. The draft letter, a form ences that it says could spur xenophobia because that Washington “has taken advantage of this team of 15 doctors who arrived in Abuja last week of diplomatic correspondence called a note verbale, of the virus’s origins. The US assistant secretary issue to try and drive a wedge between China aboard a plane filled with anti-coronavirus gear describes this as a “clear violation of human rights”, of state for African affairs, Tibor Nagy, tweeted and African countries.” He said the “friendship including a consignment of 50,000 masks and the sources say. that the reports from Guangzhou “are appalling”, between China and Africa is deeply rooted... and 11,000 rubber gloves that landed Tuesday morn- adding: “Abuse and xenophobia has no place in it is unbreakable.” In the context of Africa, the ing in South Africa, the continent’s worst-hit Racism issue our fight against this global pandemic. Chinese affair is diplomatically embarrassing for China, as country. The United States in recent years has Local authorities in Guangzhou, a city of 15 authorities must do more to stop these attacks it has sent doctors, medical equipment and other seen its clout in Africa wane as China has thrown million, said at least eight people diagnosed with against Africans living and working in China.” help to impoverished countries in Africa imper- open the credit spigot, providing billions in loans coronavirus had spent time in the city’s Yuexiu In response, Chinese foreign ministry illed by the virus. for Chinese-made infrastructure projects. —AFP

News in brief residents live in slums. “Locking up people in the ‘Starve or get sick’: slums will be the last option. A lot needs to be done before that,” a high-ranking security official told Policeman killed in Cairo Africa’s COVID-19 AFP on condition of anonymity. CAIRO: An Egyptian policeman was killed and three ‘Unenforceable and unsustainable’ others wounded in a shootout Tuesday with armed mili- lockdown dilemma The coronavirus arrived late in Africa, but is tants in Cairo, the interior ministry said in a statement. A slowly taking hold with over 15,000 cases and “terrorist cell” was intending to attack Christians in NAIROBI: Women and children fell to the ground, 800 deaths across the continent. While much of southern and eastern Cairo during their Easter celebra- bloodied and trampled in a desperate surge for food the developed world waited weeks to begin tak- tions, the statement said. Coptic Orthodox Christians, being handed out in a Nairobi slum, as police fired ing action, countries in Africa rapidly shut bor- who make up around 10-15 percent of Egypt’s 100 mil- teargas and men with sticks beat the hungry. As ders and banned mass gatherings. Mauritius, lion population, celebrate Orthodox Easter on 19 April. Rwanda and Tunisia were the first to impose full African countries grapple with the coronavirus pan- NAIROBI: Christian Winnie Njenga (left) pray with her The ministry said the cell was “neutralized” with seven demic, observers warn that the traumatic scenes lockdowns-with Mauritius going so far as to shut militants killed. Six rifles and a cache of ammunition were sons at home as they follow the live broadcasting of a which played out last Friday will not be the last if supermarkets and bakeries for 10 days. service on television from the All Saints’ Cathedral in recovered from the scene and other weapons that were governments fail to help millions of urban poor who South Africa is the biggest economy on the Nairobi, Kenya. —AFP “to be used in their terror plan” were found in a nearby live hand-to-mouth. continent to completely confine its citizens, while warehouse. Private television channel CBC Extra News “I give them (the government) one to two weeks Nigeria imposed lockdowns on Lagos-the conti- showed footage of the gunfire, as residents of Al- before things get worse. Not in terms of coron- nent’s largest city-and its capital Abuja, which on ‘Make ends meet’ Amiriyah suburb were warned to stay inside their homes avirus, but in terms of hunger,” said Kennedy Monday were extended for another two weeks. In sub-Saharan Africa, Liberia and Zimbabwe have away from windows and doors. —AFP Odede, who runs Shining Hope For Communities Both have millions of people packed tightly in also imposed full lockdowns. However most nations (SHOFCO), a grassroots movement which works in urban slums. across the continent have stopped short of forcing all the Nairobi slum Kibera and other informal settle- “The inevitable reaction has been to follow of their citizens to stay indoors. Madagascar and Virus hits Jewish community ments in Kenya. “If it continues like this, we might what the rest of the world is doing,” said Jakkie Ghana have completely locked down selected regions be playing with fire.” Kenya has so far cordoned Cilliers at the Pretoria-based Institute for and towns, while Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, Mali, RABAT: Morocco’s small Jewish community has been hit off the capital and parts of its coastline and Security Studies (ISS), who has called for Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Niger have imposed hard by the coronavirus, losing 12 of its members after a imposed a night-time curfew and other social dis- Africans to come up with a “unique solution” to states of emergency and night-time curfews. Like wedding and a religious ceremony last month - 10 per- tancing measures. stave off the virus. “A lockdown is unenforceable Kenya, Benin has cordoned off key cities-preventing cent of the kingdom’s total deaths. In early March, days Many of these restrictions are having a wrench- and unsustainable across much of Africa. You are movement in and out-while the capitals of Ivory Coast, before the country announced a lockdown to stem the ing impact, causing loss of jobs among the poor, trying to do something that is not possible and Burkina Faso and Niger are also cut off. Ethiopia, with spread of the virus, members of the community attended said Odede. While President Uhuru Kenyatta has you are condemning people to a choice between a population of over 100 million, has closed borders a wedding in the coastal city of Agadir, “along with wielded the threat of a full lockdown to get citizens starving and getting sick. “It’s not possible for 10 and schools and discouraged large gatherings, but has guests from abroad”, said community leader Serge to comply with the rules, officials admit it is an ago- people living in a tin shack... to not go outside for yet to restrict citizens’ movement. —AFP Berdugo. “A few days later, they met again to celebrate nizing choice, especially as 60 percent of Nairobi’s three weeks.” the festival of Purim in Casablanca, and it was a tragedy,” he said. The 12 who died included an 83-year-old rabbi, Shalom Edelman, and three relatives of the head of frenetic economic hub of 20 million, where more then Israel’s Labor party, Amir Peretz. Peretz confirmed their Unrest fears rise half rely on daily earnings to survive, complain they deaths on his Facebook page and wrote that the pan- have been left facing crippling economic hardship and demic had prevented him from visiting Morocco to rising crime. attend their funerals. —AFP as Lagos extends ‘I was so scared’ COVID lockdown In recent days, inhabitants in a string of districts Trump halts WHO funding across Lagos and neighboring Ogun state have LAGOS: Bus driver Christian did not sleep at all last reported a surge in gang attacks. “The criminals have WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced night after Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari been taking undue advantage of the lockdown to dis- Tuesday that swaths of the United States could lift coro- ordered an extension to the lockdown in his sprawl- possess people of their valuables,” community leader navirus shutdowns “very soon” and made peace with ing home city Lagos to halt the coronavirus. A few Mufu Gbadamosi said. He has organized people in his Agbado area of Lagos into groups to man checkpoints state governors after being accused of acting like a king. hours before the announcement on Monday evening, LAGOS: A man searches in a bag for his clearance and screen people coming into their neighborhood While defusing an extraordinary domestic row, Trump word spread that over a hundred youths from a crim- document at the main gate to Omole Estate, whose however opened a new front on the international stage inal gang were swarming through his neighborhood after dark. “We shall continue to hold the night vigil occupants were attacked by armed bandits capitaliz- when he announced a freeze in US funding to the World of Alimosho on a robbing spree. “Everybody was until the end of the restriction,” he told. Local resident ing on the lockdown in Lagos. —AFP Health Organization because he said it had been biased scattering for their lives. We ran away and I locked Dotun Alabi said it was the hunger and desperation to China. According to Trump, the WHO prevented myself inside the house,” he told AFP, refusing to give caused by the lockdown that appeared to be pushing transparency over the COVID-19 outbreak when it his surname. people into crime. said insecurity had grown in the past two weeks and appeared in China, costing other countries crucial time “When it was calmer, with the men on my street, we “When we arrested two boys, they told us that they ratcheted up dramatically over the weekend. to prepare, delaying decisions to stop international trav- organized ourselves. We didn’t sleep all night. We pre- took to robbery in order to find something to eat,” he “Now it’s three times, 10 times worse,” she said. She had tried to go out with her husband to get sup- el. “Had the WHO done its job to get medical experts pared weapons, collected knives, what we could find.” said. Inhabitants in the overcrowded neighborhoods of plies but dashed back when she saw a group of young into China to objectively assess the situation on the The authorities insist that extending the shutdown in Lagos’ poor-where millions live squeezed together- men brandishing iron bars, machetes, and homemade ground and to call out China’s lack of transparency, the Africa’s biggest city to one month is vital to stop a are no strangers to gang violence as criminals fre- firearms. “I was hearing gunshots yesterday evening, I outbreak could have been contained at its source with virus that has so far caused 343 confirmed infections quently fight for upper hand. But Chioma Okoro, who was so scared,” she said. —AFP very little death,” he said. —AFP and 10 deaths in Nigeria. But residents in the usually has bunkered down in her home in the Agege district,

like fully-furnished units as “temporary shelters” for a legal official. “Among the users of this service are Vietnam ‘fake news’ fines Firm offers spouses people to escape the family, whether to work or just a wife who said she fled after having a big fight with get some peace and quiet. her husband, and a woman who said she wants time HANOI: A new decree took effect in Vietnam yesterday Japan’s government has declared a state of emer- to herself as she is tired of taking care of her chil- introducing fines for the dissemination of ‘fake news’ or apartments to avoid gency in seven regions over the virus outbreak. dren who are at home all day because of school clo- rumors on social media, amid the rapid spread of com- While the measures do not include prohibitions on sures, while her husband works remotely at home,” ment online about the novel coronavirus in the Southeast ‘coronavirus divorce’ going out, people have been asked to avoid unnec- Amano said. Asian country. The first COVID-19 cases were detected essary outings, schools are closed and many people “We don’t have solid data showing divorce is on in Vietnam this January and the health ministry has TOKYO: Worried about a “coronavirus divorce”? are working from home. For those finding that the rise, but media reports that divorce rates are reported 267 infections so far with no deaths, numbers An enterprising Japanese short-term rental firm is arrangement onerous, Kasoku is offering apart- rising in China and in Russia after lockdowns there well below those seen in some other Asian countries. marketing its empty apartments as a way for ments priced at 4,400 yen ($40) a day. led us to come up with this service,” he added. Local authorities have already fined hundreds of people stressed couples to get some time apart during the Spokesman Kosuke Amano told AFP the compa- While the firm is marketing the apartments in a for posting what they described as “fake news” about the virus lockdown. “Please consult with us before ny has had 20 customers since it began the cam- tongue-in-cheek fashion, the service has also virus, using the term popularized by US President Donald thinking about ‘coronavirus divorce’,” the Tokyo- paign on April 3. The service also comes with the attracted users facing serious problems, including a Trump, based on existing legal provisions. —Reuters based Kasoku urges customers, offering its Airbnb- offer of a free 30-minute divorce consultation with woman fleeing domestic violence. —AFP Established 1961

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020 Business

Chinese economy contracts for Al-Ahli Bank of Oil in the age of coronavirus 10first time in decades: Survey 11 Kuwait holds AGM 11 and a US shale bust

WASHINGTON, DC: A corner of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) building is viewed in Washington, DC. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, will adopt a “virtual format” for their spring meetings instead of convening in person in Washington, DC. — AFP Mideast economy set for deep slump: IMF Pandemic causing severe global recession, it could get worse

DUBAI: The Middle East and North Africa economy will headed for a fall of 4.7 percent. Only Egypt is projected to two million people worldwide and killed close to 120,000, contract by 3.3 percent this year, the biggest slump in four stay in positive territory with 2.0 percent growth although bringing travel to a standstill and forcing businesses, decades, hammered by the coronavirus and low oil prices, MENA economy that is way down from the 6.0 percent projected before shops and restaurants to close. the IMF said Tuesday. the coronavirus crisis hit. “Much worse growth outcomes are possible and In its World Economic Outlook, the International will contract by As a whole, the Middle East and North Africa econo- maybe even likely,” the report cautioned, “if the pandemic Monetary Fund said the damage would be much worse 3.3% this year my, which grew by just 1.0 percent last year, is projected and containment measures last longer... or if widespread than the region’s last major shock, the 2008-09 global to rebound by 4.2 percent in 2021, the report said. But the scarring effects emerge due to firm closures and extended financial crisis, when it managed to post modest growth. IMF noted that “extreme uncertainty” surrounds its fore- unemployment.” The region, which includes all Arab countries and Iran, will cast because the economic fallout of the pandemic suffer its worst economic performance since 1978 when it depends on factors that are hard to predict-including the ‘The Great Lockdown’ was convulsed with unrest and shrank by 4.7 percent, vent the spread of the disease, disrupting local economies. pathways of the disease and the intensity of containment The report, released ahead of the virtual spring meet- according to World Bank data. The IMF said that all the Years of bloody conflicts in several Arab countries includ- efforts. ings of the IMF and World Bank, said “The Great Arab countries apart from Egypt will see their gross ing Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Libya have already battered Lockdown”-as the IMF dubbed the global downturn-is domestic product (GDP) fall this year. their economies and created widespread poverty. Deep recession the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. It also Saudi Arabia, the region’s heavyweight which is just And many Middle Eastern countries, notably the Gulf The coronavirus pandemic is pushing the global econ- is the first contraction since 2009 during the global finan- emerging from an oil price war with Russia that saw crude states plus Iraq and Iran, depend heavily on oil revenues omy into its deepest recession in a century, cutting world cial crisis, but that episode hardly bears comparison. prices crash, is headed for a 2.3 percent contraction. to finance their budgets. “These developments are output by three percent this year, and the crisis could get Though the effects lingered, the decline amounted to just “The fast deterioration of the global economic outlook expected to weigh heavily on oil exporters with undiversi- worse, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday. The 0.1 percent, and large emerging market economies were as the epidemic has spread and the breakdown of the fied revenues and exports,” said the IMF, adding that low- downturn will slash $9 trillion from the world economy, still growing at a solid pace. OPEC+ agreement among oil suppliers have weighed er oil prices will meanwhile benefit oil-importing nations. IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath told reporters as she This year, the only economies expected to be spared heavily on commodity prices,” the global lender said. Its The IMF said that the latest oil output cut will further presented the latest forecasts in the World Economic from recession are China-where the virus originated-and report was prepared before the OPEC+ grouping-which dampen the prospects of the Saudi economy, which grew Outlook. If the virus is contained and economies can India, but even those countries will see only relatively pal- takes in OPEC producers and allies-reached agreement by just 0.3 percent in 2019. The United Arab Emirates’ begin operating again, 2021 should see a rebound of 5.8 try growth of 1.2 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively. In on Sunday to cut output by nearly 10 million barrels per economy, the most diversified in the region, is projected to percent, according to the IMF. But the authors acknowl- the depression nearly a century ago, the global economy day, the largest in history. contract by 3.5 percent, while Qatar, the third-largest in edged the difficulty in making an accurate forecast amid contracted by about 10 percent while advanced From mid-January to end-March, oil prices dropped the Gulf, is expected to slide 4.3 percent. Iran’s economy, the rapidly changing situation. economies shrunk by 16 percent from 1929 to 1932. The by 65 percent or $40 a barrel and natural gas prices the second largest in the Middle East, is forecast to shrink With much of the global economy shut down amid IMF now expects advanced economies to shrink by six declined by 38 percent, the IMF said. It also projected 6.0 percent in 2020 for its third contraction in a row. In efforts to contain the virus and keep health systems from percent in 2020. The US economy is expected to contract prices to remain below $45 a barrel through 2023, around 2018 and 2019, it shrank by 3.6 percent and 7.6 percent collapsing, the IMF warned that there are “severe risks of by 5.9 percent but see growth recover by 4.7 percent 25 percent below the average last year. respectively. a worse outcome” due to the “extreme uncertainty next year. However, the forecasts assume the pandemic Iran has been hit hard by the coronavirus, reporting around the strength of the recovery.” will fade in the second half of the year. The IMF projects ‘Extreme uncertainty’ more than 73,000 cases and 4,585 deaths. “The cumulative loss to global GDP over 2020 and drops of 7.2 percent in France and 6.5 percent in Britain, Arab countries, which have reported more than The economy of Lebanon, which has defaulted on its 2021 from the pandemic crisis could be around $9 trillion, but the governments in those countries are even more 20,000 coronavirus cases along with over 700 deaths, mountain of debt, is expected to contract by a massive 12 greater than the economies of Japan and Germany com- pessimistic, projecting contractions of eight percent and have resorted to sweeping lockdowns and curfews to pre- percent, while Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest producer, is bined,” Gopinath said. The coronavirus has infected nearly 13 percent, respectively.—AFP

Ives said Apple is likely to be able to sell 20 mil- ested features such as cameras, screens, and battery New iPhone lion to 25 million of the new devices before a new life and less interested in “gimmicks” prized by early flagship iPhone 12 is ready to ship. Any new smart- adopters, Milanesi maintained. phone release would be without the splashy unveiling “This is not a response to coronavirus for sure; it may be coming for which Apple is known, and would rely on online just seems to suit the market better,” she said. SAN FRANCISCO: Is now the time to launch a new sales with most retail stores closed. Apple has remained mum on any iPhone plans. iPhone? Google has been known to introduce devices at its Despite a pandemic-induced global economic cri- Consumers seeking upgrades annual developers conference, which was slated for sis, Apple is widely believed to be set to release a South Korean colossus Samsung last week intro- next month but cancelled due to the pandemic. reduced-priced handset that aims to fill a gap in its duced new smartphones that included a model The likely entry for Google would be a Pixel 4A-a lineup, as early as this month. designed to work on much-hyped new-generation 5G successor to its reduced-price sibling for its flagship Google could also follow a similar path, after mobile networks and priced less than $500. “People Pixel smartphone. Analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Samsung last week unveiled new devices costs less might have less money to spend, but at the same time Insights and Strategy said Apple and others are Despite a pandemic-induced global economic crisis, Apple is than $500. Reports suggest that the new Apple they want better technology,” said Creative being forced to consider the economic upheaval. Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi. widely believed to be set to release a reduced-priced handset “Forced to choose between buying a new iPhone handset, to be called iPhone SE or iPhone 9, could that aims to fill a gap in its lineup. — AFP have a starting price under $400, and generate some “In the US, where it was very high-end or cheap and eating, people will chose to eat,” Moorhead said. growth with the timetable uncertain for a new flag- smartphones and the middle had disappeared, that “It’s important for Apple to just not lose iPhone ship smartphone for the California giant. mid-tier has come back.” Milanesi said these new ic, meaning makers are locked into model specifica- sales.” It remains to be seen if the new devices can “While launching a mid-cycle budget/entry-level phones could have some appeal to financially tions. “We are getting into the season,” Milanesi said generate traction during the deep economic slump. smartphone into the backdrop of a consumer global strained consumers, as some high-end devices reach of escalating rumors that Apple and Google are The new models will be arriving at a time of surging lockdown and unprecedented pandemic will be head dizzying prices as much as $1,500. poised to announce new handsets. use of desktop or laptop computers by people stay- scratcher to some, we note that Apple is viewing this But some of the new devices may end up being ing home instead of being out and about relying on as a low volume, low touch release with little fanfare Tis the season timely in appealing to budget-minded consumers smartphones, according to Milanesi. “A lot of people as the phones are already ready to ship,” Wedbush Design and production of smartphones launching seeking an upgrade or replacement. A mid-priced are home, so mobility is not a top priority,” the ana- Securities analyst Daniel Ives said in a research note. this year began long before the coronavirus pandem- iPhone has potential to appeal to users more inter- lyst said. — AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Thursday, April 16, 2020 Chinese economy contracts for first time in decades: Survey GDP may shrink to 1.7%, a dramatic drop from 6.1% expansion of last year

BEIJING: China’s economy contracted for the first The IMF said the pandemic will cut world output time in around three decades in the first quarter as the by three percent this year. Economists differed on the coronavirus crisis brought the country to a standstill, impact of the coronavirus on China’s economy, with according to an AFP poll of economists. first-quarter contraction estimates ranging from 4.6 The world’s second-largest economy tanked in the percent to 15 percent. first three months of the year as factories closed, con- sumers were compelled to stay home and the virus Larger fall than expected spread to other countries. Analysts from 14 institutions China’s downturn is “more disappointing than any- expect China’s economy to have shrunk 8.2 percent from one expected”, said Moody’s Analytics economist Xu a year ago in the first quarter-the first contraction since Xiaochun. He also noted that China’s workforce quarterly data started to be reported in the early 1990s. returned to work slower than anticipated, pointing to a significant contraction in the first quarter. While labor supply will not be an issue in April and greater fiscal and monetary support for the economy Worst annual is expected, “it will not be enough to overcome the heavy drag from suppressed world demand for the growth rate remainder of the year”, he added. The slow return to since 1976 work also bodes badly for jobs, and the unemployment rate has already risen from last December. Economists at ANZ Research noted in a recent report that double-digit contractions in economic indi- LIANYUNGANG: Containers stacked at a port in Lianyungang in China’s eastern Jiangsu cators for the first two months had not been followed province. China’s foreign trade fell again in March even as businesses returned to work after by a strong bounce-back in March. Labor flows were the coronavirus outbreak, with the global pandemic weighing on the manufacturing power- They also forecast that full-year gross domestic also not back to pre-virus levels, especially in major house’s outlook. — AFP product (GDP) growth will come in at 1.7 percent, a production bases, they said. “This is despite the cen- dramatic drop from the 6.1 percent expansion logged tral government’s efforts in encouraging workers to last year and well below the pre-coronavirus predic- return to the cities where they work, such as the relax- fears over imported cases will probably cause a slower be seen as a mere trade contraction. tion. If the forecast is accurate, it would represent the ation of travel restrictions,” they added. return to normal life, delaying the recovery of China’s “US-China trade tensions last year showed us that worst annual growth since 1976, the year Communist service consumption and domestic demand, Zhu an external demand shock can rapidly lead to a mate- Party Chairman Mao Zedong died. Difficult recovery added. rial deterioration in domestic demand growth,” he said. The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday gave Although the virus situation in China has largely Raphie Hayat, senior economist at Rabobank, The hit to supply chains is “deeper and more an even more dire estimate of 1.2 percent growth in improved, JP Morgan chief China economist Zhu added that the short-term impact of COVID-19 is sprawling” this time, he added. “As we are now fore- 2020. While many businesses in China have resumed Haibin said: “External risks will likely restrain the expected to be “greater than the Great Financial Crisis casting a contraction or very weak growth in almost all work, the coronavirus pandemic has brought other expected second-quarter recovery in China’s export- of 2008/2009”, with the fallout hurting China’s Asian countries this year, the impact of the headwinds economies to their knees around the world with many related manufacturing activity.” Lockdowns in other growth. HSBC chief China economist Qu Hongbin this year for China could be much deeper and more key trading partners under lockdown. countries could disrupt global supply chains, while warned that the shock to external demand should not broad-based compared with last year.” — AFP

Investment OBG special report strategies in current Kuwait’s coordinated response to COVID-19 environment KUWAIT: Kuwait’s experience of Middle East DUBAI: As recently as mid-February, equity markets Respiratory Syndrome, a strain of coronavirus that were near all-time highs, oil prices were above $50 first emerged in 2012, has stood it in good stead to per barrel, volatility was low and credit markets were respond effectively to the current COVID-19 pandem- functioning well. Since then, the global market selloff ic. Several of the Gulf state’s hospitals already featured across all asset classes has been sharp, driven by out- triage units specialized in respiratory illnesses, with look uncertainty and the search for liquidity. With ventilation systems designed to prevent health care major indices plunging to new lows amid the news of workers from becoming infected. the effect COVID-19 has had on global economies, Building on this head start, Kuwait implemented investors are looking for ways to isolate risk and cap- strict precautionary measures after its first cases of italize on investment opportunities. Covid-19 were recorded in late February. All non-cargo flights in and out of Kuwait were sus- What lies ahead? pended as of March 13, making it the first Gulf state to lending from local banks. The CBK also cut capital ‘emerging market’ status in May this year. However, While the bad news about COVID-19 is likely to ground all passenger flights. On this date mosques and adequacy requirements by 2.5 percent, and eased the while the Kuwaiti equity market continues to meet all continue over the next couple of weeks as countries public spaces such as parks and beaches were also risk weighting for SMEs, down to 25 percent from 75 the criteria, in light of Covid-19 this has been pushed brace for a surge in numbers, equity markets could closed, while on March 22 a nationwide curfew was percent. back until November. Another major development that continue to get hit in the near-term before the posi- imposed. Schools and universities were likewise sus- “The recently-announced stimulus package will has been postponed is the acquisition of Bahrain’s Ahli tive impact of major stimulus packages takes root. pended, with the date set for their re-opening pushed provide a very robust and effective defence against United Bank by Kuwait Finance House. The merger Each recent policy decision taken by governments back until August 4 at the earliest. All state institutions the short-term damage caused by the coronavirus,” was given final approval in April, but will now take and central banks to support their economies has will be closed until at least April 25. Alok Chugh, Partner, Government and Public Sector place in December this year. consequences for assets and securities. “In such Meanwhile, the five-star Al-Kout Beach Hotel and Leader MENA at Ernst &Young, told OBG. “SMEs tumultuous circumstances it is easy to lose conviction Al-Khiran resort have been repurposed as quarantine have been at the center of the CBK’s vision, and the Participation in regional and global efforts in the fundamental principles of investing, but these centers, and the International Fairgrounds in Mishref reduction of the credit-risk weighting from 75 percent More broadly, and despite the disruption caused to will certainly survive this crisis just as they have all are being used as a field hospital and testing center. to 25 percent has enabled banks to substantially global commerce and travel, Covid-19 has provided previous ones,” says Georg Elsaesser, Senior These coordinated responses are intended to slow the increase their lending to SMEs and thus provide them Kuwait with an opportunity to strengthen international Portfolio Manager, Invesco Quantitative Strategies. spread of the pandemic: Kuwait recorded its first with very effective support during this crisis.” ties. In mid-March Kuwait announced it was to pro- “We need to keep a balanced perspective.” Covid-19 fatality on April 4, while as of April 14 it had vide financial assistance to regional neighbors Iraq, One of the basic principles of investing is that registered a total of 1355 cases and three deaths. Short-term headwinds Palestine and Iran in their responses to the virus. securities markets are always forward looking. This The CBK has underlined that it is well placed to Parallel to this, Kuwait donated $40m to the World principle is embodied in the dividend discount model, Stimulus and SME support implement significant measures: following the global Health Organization to support its efforts to combat which is a quantitative method used to predict the In tandem with efforts to boost the resilence of the economic crisis of 2008, the bank put in place protec- the pandemic. price of an asset based on the sum of its future cash health care sector, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) tive policies that have given rise to a strong capital Then, on April 7, Chinese ambassador Li Minggang flows discounted by an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. has been taking steps to mitigate the economic and basis and substantial reserves. Nevertheless, in late met Abdullah Al-Afasi, the undersecretary of the While small changes in the expectations of future cash social fallout from the pandemic. On March 16 the March Moody’s placed Kuwait’s Aa2 rating on review Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to dis- flows or the discount rate can induce the same impact CBK cut its benchmark interest rate by 100 basis for a downgrade, in light of a significant decline in cuss cooperation between the two nations over Covid- on return, the resulting long-term effects are different. points, to 1.5 percent. The bank also asked lenders to government revenues. 19, and how Kuwait could obtain medical supplies Negative shocks to returns driven by an increase in postpone loan repayments from companies particular- Standard & Poor’s likewise downgraded Kuwait’s from China. Four days later, following a conversation discount rate tend to be more transitory, whereas ly affected by the crisis. long-term sovereign credit to “AA-” from “AA”. The between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his negative shocks driven by cash flows could have a Then on April 2 the CBK announced it was launch- ratings agency cited both the global fall in oil prices counterpart in Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al- longer-term impact on companies. A factor approach ing a substantial stimulus package. and the relatively slow pace of fiscal reform in the Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, a rapid response team of can help, whether the crisis gets much worse or ulti- Geared towards supporting key sectors and small country. It also noted that the pandemic had highlight- 15 doctors and healthcare professionals was sent from mately proves less severe than expected. and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the package ed Kuwait’s lack of a sovereign debt law. India to the Gulf state. The team is expected to stay for modified regulations and macroprudential policy tools, In a much-anticipated development, MSCI had two weeks, supporting testing and treatment and How to proceed as well as making available $16.5bn for additional been set to upgrade Kuwait from ‘frontier market’ to training personnel. With global markets in turmoil, factor investing provides a method for investors to screen for oppor- tunities by scanning securities for attributes that seek businesses, including restaurants, have shifted to online to increase exposure to factors, or quantifiable char- Coronavirus sales, economists say the volumes are insufficient to close acteristics, that the investor believes will deliver the the gap from social distancing measures. best risk-adjusted returns. Due to the low correla- knocking US tion factors have with each other, diversifying across Difficult month factors is one way to weather different economic The drag on sales from social restrictions is expected environments, as some factors are less sensitive to retail sales to far outweigh an anticipated surge in receipts at online economic shocks than others. “For instance, we have retailers like Amazon, and grocery stores and pharmacies WASHINGTON: US retail sales likely suffered a record as consumers stocked up on household essentials such as found that the equity factors producing the best drop in March as mandatory business closures to control returns in the equity market downturn have been food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and medication. the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak depressed “March was likely a difficult month for retail sales as quality, low volatility and momentum, whereas other demand for a range of goods, setting up consumer spend- factors have exhibited greater sensitivity such as val- the country adjusted to stay-at-home and social distanc- ing for its worst decline in decades. The report from the ing policies related to COVID-19,” said Ben Ayers, a sen- ue, size and yield,” comments Elsaesser. A diversified Commerce Department on Wednesday would come as multi-factor portfolio provides an inherent hedge if ior economist at Nationwide in Columbus, Ohio. “Many millions of Americans are thrown out of work, and car dealerships closed down operations altogether, while the crisis were to worsen or the recovery occurs strengthen economists’ conviction that the economy is in WASHINGTON: US retail sales likely suffered a record drop more swiftly. in March as mandatory business closures to control the those that remained open have seen fewer customers than deep recession. States and local governments have issued normal despite on-line activity.” “stay-at-home” or “shelter-in-place” orders affecting spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak depressed demand for a range of goods, setting up consumer Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials Impact on local investors more than 90 percent of Americans to curb the spread of Zainab Kufaishi, Head of Middle East and Africa, spending for its worst decline in decades. — AFP and food services, retail sales are forecast decreasing 2.0 COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, and percent in March, which would be the largest fall since Invesco, comments: “Current market prices are abruptly stopping the country. reflecting the near-term effects of coronavirus. December 2018. These so-called core retail sales were “The economy is almost in free fall,” said Sung Won will reflect depressed receipts at car dealerships, with unchanged in February. Core retail sales correspond most Whether we have witnessed the bottom of the market Sohn, a business economics professor at Loyola light vehicle sales crashing in March. With millions at is yet unknown. Uncertainty is still high, so volatility closely with the consumer spending component of gross Marymount University in Los Angeles. “We will see the home and crude oil prices collapsing amid worries of a domestic product. With March’s anticipated decrease, is likely to remain high. But to the long-term investor, bottom when the coronavirus infection rates stabilize. deep global recession, gasoline prices have dropped, this effect is one of disruption, not damage. The vast economists are forecasting consumer spending plunging It’s going to be a pretty deep bottom from which to which is expected to have weighed on sales at service at an annualized rate of at least 5.0 percent in the first majority of our investors in the Middle East have a come up.” stations last month. long-term horizon with their investments, and should quarter, which would be the weakest performance since According to a Reuters survey of economists, retail In addition, the closure of non-essential retailers prob- the second quarter of 1980.Consumer spending accounts not try to foresee which factor will do well in the sales probably plunged 8.0 percent last month, sig- ably knocked sales at clothing, sporting goods and furni- short-term. It is important not to forget the basic for more than two-thirds of US economic activity. It grew nalling the biggest decline since the government started ture stores. Steep declines are also expected at restau- at a 1.8 percent pace in the fourth quarter, with the over- framework of diversification, discipline and time in tracking the series in 1992. Retail sales fell 0.5 percent rants and bars, which stopped in-person service and factor investing.” all economy expanding at a 2.1 percent rate over that in February. Last month’s anticipated drop in retail sales moved to take-out and delivery service. Though some period. —Reuters Established 1961 11 Thursday, April 16, 2020 Business Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait holds AGM ABK continues to perform well with operating income levels increasing

KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 14th April, at 10 am, with a quorum of 84.4 percent, to discuss the bank’s performance and AGM agenda, subsequent to releasing its financial results for the year ended 31st December, 2019. For the Annual General meeting, ABK took a number of precautionary measures in line with the guidance of the Ministry of Health, aimed at pro- tecting the health of attendees and shareholders, as these measures are of utmost importance during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Talal Mohamed Reza Behbehani, Chairman of ABK, opened the Annual General Meeting by wel- coming the attendees and thanked them for their Talal Mohamed Reza Behbehani attendance despite the difficult circumstances the country is going through due to the coronavirus shore booking office for local and regional cor- pandemic. He presented the directors’ report for the porates, regional loan syndications, and large financial year 2019, noting that overall the Bank project finance transactions. continued to perform well with its operating income ABK’s Structured Finance Division was actively levels increasing. The reduction in net profit wit- engaged in government projects in areas such as nessed in 2019 was the result of a very conservative power, waste and infrastructure, as part of Kuwait’s provisioning policy, which was applied on fully 2035 plan. ABK recently signed on behalf of a con- secured but non-performing legacy credits. The KUWAIT: Talal Mohamed Reza Behbehani welcoming the attendees during the annual general meeting sortium of banks, the PPP agreement for the Umm (AGM) on Tuesday. Group’s asset quality remains very robust, with the Hayman Waste Water Project for $650 million. ABK NPL ratio at 1.46 percent and NPL provision cover- was also the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger for age of 365 percent. The Capital Adequacy Ratio is a ALAFCO’s $600 million syndicated loan. equitable society. More details can be found in the cent (seven percent) of the nominal value per share healthy 18.6 percent, comfortably exceeding the Behbehani stated that despite the current chal- CSR booklet accompanying the Annual Report and (i.e. seven fils per share), to the shareholders regis- regulatory ratio, with shareholders’ equity at KD lenges everyone is facing with coronavirus, the on ABK’s website, eahli.com. tered in the Bank’s shareholders’ records as at the 599 million. Bank will continue imple- The Bank will continue to invest heavily in local close of business on Monday 4/5/2020. ABK Group continued menting its ‘Simplify & talent development through training and recruit- The cash dividends shall be distributed to the to maintain its strong rat- Transform’ strategy, with ment initiatives, and will look to offer further oppor- entitled shareholders, as of Sunday 10/5/2020. ings of A+ (stable) and A2 the aim of delivering new tunities for Kuwait’s youth to develop successful l Approval to authorize the Board of Directors (stable) from International Strong ratings customer experiences, careers in the banking sector. The General to buy, sell, or dispose of no more than 10 percent rating agencies Fitch and digital transformation and Assembly then moved on to discuss the agenda, and (ten percent) of the Bank’s own shares, according to Moody’s, making ABK the of A+ (stable) operational efficiency. In approved all agenda items. The most important the controls and conditions stipulated by the law, second best rated conven- and A2 (stable) order to meet the ever- items were as follows: decisions, regulations, and instructions of the regu- tional bank in Kuwait, evolving needs of increas- l Approval of the Directors’ Report on ABK latory authorities in this regard, and that this man- reflecting its strong capi- ingly “tech-savvy” cus- financial year ended 31st December 2019 and date continues to apply for a period of eighteen tal position, resilient earn- tomers, ABK launched a approval of the External Auditors’ Report on ABK months from the date of this Annual General ings capacity, stable fund- range of digital initiatives, for the financial year ended 31st December 2019. Meeting. ing and liquidity sources. some of which were first l Approval of ABK Financials inclusive of its l Approval to authorize the Board of Directors Domestic operations remain very much central to the market, designed to make accessing banking Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account for the to issue bonds of all kinds in Kuwaiti Dinars or any to ABK’s success, with more than 75 percent of services simpler, easier and more convenient. The financial year ended 31st December 2019. other currency it deems appropriate inside and / or its total assets based in Kuwait, partially insulat- Bank also launched the Tasdeed service for Point- l Approval to stop the deduction for the com- outside the State of Kuwait and determining the ing the Bank from external geopolitical risks. Of-Sale (POS) and e-Com Online Payment Gateway pulsory reserve account for the financial year end- terms and conditions of these bonds. The Board of ABK’s International operations contributed 30 transactions related to the Kuwait ministries and ing December 31, 2020 which stood at KD 81,010 Directors may seek the assistance of those it deems percent of the Group’s Operating Income. ABK- government authorities during the year. thousand, with the addition of KD 1,512 thousand necessary to issue bonds after obtaining the Egypt had another very successful year with During 2019, ABK embarked on a range of from the profits of the financial year ended 2019. approval of the regulatory authorities. Operating Income up 40 percent and Net Profit Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, as The amount in the compulsory reserve account as l Approval to deal with subsidiaries, associates and increasing 52 percent, while ABK’s UAE opera- part of the Group’s commitment to make a differ- at 31st December 2019 is more than half of the other related parties during the financial year 2020. tions also performed well with an increase in both ence in the communities it operates in. These efforts Bank’s issued and paid up capital of KD 161,917 l Approval to grant loans and advances and to Operating Income and Net Profit. ABK’s DIFC were strongly supported by ABK staff, who actively thousand. provide guarantees and other credit facilities to its branch has been extremely successful since engaged in volunteer programs. Through CSR ini- l Approval of the recommendation of the Board client during the financial year 2020, in accordance opening in 2018 and continues to provide vital tiatives, ABK advocates inclusive, social and sus- of Directors to distribute cash dividends for the with the regulations and conditions that the Bank services to customers, offering a convenient off- tainable development and the creation of a more financial year ended 31/12/2019 at the rate of 7 per- applies to third parties.

a revolution in the energy industry over the past Oil in the age of decade that made the United States the world’s top producer. Across the United States, up to 240,000 oil- Trump says coronavirus and related jobs will be lost this year, about a third of the onshore and offshore oilfield workforce, esti- a US shale bust mates consultancy Rystad Energy. The US oil boom close to plan to died on March 6, the day Saudi Arabia and Russia HOUSTON/DENVER: Texas oilman Mike Shellman ended a four-year pact that curbed output and gave reopen economy has kept his MCA Petroleum Corp going for four shale a price umbrella. Shale firms have accrued decades, drilling wells through booms and busts and hefty debt during the years of expansion, leaving WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said on always selling his crude to US oil refiners. them exposed to the price crash that followed. In Oil fields from Texas and New Mexico to Oklahoma Tuesday he is close to completing a plan to end the But now the second-generation oilman has aban- March, US oil futures tumbled to $20 a barrel, a and North Dakota are going quiet as drilling halts and coronavirus shutdown and reopen the battered US doned drilling any new wells this year and post- third of the January price and less than half what tens of thousands of oil workers lose their livelihood. economy with some parts of the country likely to poned some maintenance amid a sharp drop in many require to cover production costs. The March be ready to go before May 1. Standing in the White global oil prices and brimming storage tanks. He is drop led dozens of shale producers to cut spending House Rose Garden, Trump said he would “autho- considering shutting most of his production down, and several retained debt advisors. “We’ve never had a time when we couldn’t sell rize” governors - despite doubts from some for the first time ever. Oil fields from Texas and New “As soon as the virus hit and oil prices dropped, the oil we produce. And that’s going to happen this experts that the presidency has such powers - to Mexico to Oklahoma and North Dakota are going they sent everybody home,” said Joel Rodriguez, time,” said Wilkes. Average daily US oil production implement plans in their states at the appropriate quiet as drilling halts and tens of thousands of oil chief administrator of La Salle County, home of this year will fall 500,000 bpd, to 11.8 million bpd time. He said he would speak to all 50 governors workers lose their livelihood. Fuel demand has Texas’s second-most productive oilfield. and sink another 700,000 bpd next year, the about the plan, probably on Thursday by video plunged by as much as 30 million barrels per day Shale oil producers face well closures and Energy Information Administration estimated. conference. (bpd) - or 30 percent - as efforts to fight the coron- “industry wide financial distress” even after the Production cuts are too late for workers like Jeremy Trump’s coronavirus task force has recommend- avirus pandemic have grounded aircraft, reduced OPEC cuts, said Artem Abramov, head of shale at Davis, a 36-year-old who in March lost his business ed people across the country follow strict social dis- vehicle usage and pushed economies worldwide consultancy Rystad Energy. In some fields, he development job at Advanced BioCatalytics, which tancing guidelines through the end of April. Opening toward recession. expects regional prices will hit single-digits per makes chemicals for hydraulic fracturing. some states before that would go against the guide- “What scares me is not even being able to sell barrel, he said. Spending on oil field services will fall “They won’t be fracking many wells for the rest lines in their current form. Trump, facing re-election the product,” the grizzled oil hand said from his 21 percent to $211 billion this year, the lowest since of the year,” said Davis, who after 16 years in the on Nov. 3 and under pressure to get the economy firm’s San Marcos, Texas, headquarters. Refiners 2005, according to researcher Spears& Associates. oilfield would now consider work outside the oil going again after millions have been made jobless and other buyers are warning they may refuse his Unlike the 2014-2016 oil bust, lenders are not business. “I can’t wait around for the industry to by the shutdown, said some states should be able to oil once contracts expire this month, he said. Or making more financing available to producers, said come back,” he said. Wall Street investors had reopen soon, based on a low rate of infections. they may offer to buy at a price below his costs, so Raoul Nowitz, head of restructuring at SOLIC already pulled back on the shale sector over the “We think that some of the governors will be in he is preparing to dip into retirement savings to pay Capital Advisors. He predicts up to 60 oil producers past couple of years because of poor returns, leav- really good shape to open up even sooner” than the employees, he said. will seek protection from creditors this year, and ing producers with limited options for refinancing, end of April, Trump said. “Others are going to have The governments of global oil producers and many will not emerge under new owners. Some said industry executives and analysts. to take a longer period of time.” consumers are seeking to make unprecedented cuts banks are setting up operations to take over and “There is no more lifeline,” said Lance Loeffler, Trump had initially said he hoped to reopen the to overall supply of some 19.5 million bpd. US run failed producers. the finance chief at top U.S. fracking service economy by Easter in mid-April, but the mounting President Donald Trump heralded the deal to cut provider Halliburton Co. PayZone Directional toll of infections and projected deaths forced him to supply as one that would save hundreds of thou- Layoff and shut-ins Services, a Denver-based driller, threw in the towel extend federal guidelines for 30 days to the end of sands of US jobs. OPEC’s cuts may not be deep enough for oil pro- last month. April. Some medical experts question whether the But oil prices fell again this week, dropping as ducer Texland Petroleum, which operates 1,200 wells “We could have stayed open and run until the country will be ready by then. much as 10 percent on Tuesday, because even those in the Permian Basin, the top US oilfield. US refiner money was gone but sometimes you just have to The president drew fire from governors for say- cuts may fail to stem the glut. Prices remain far and pipeline operator Phillips 66 asked President know when to cash in your chips and leave the ing on Monday at a contentious briefing that he has below production costs for many US producers, Jim Wilkes to reduce his deliveries by 15 percent, table,” said Beth Thibodeaux, chief executive “total authority” to order them to reopen. including those in the US shale fields - the scene of and another buyer canceled his contract outright. officer. —Reuters Constitutional experts have doubted he has such authority but Trump has not backed down. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, New York Wells Fargo Chief Executive Charlie Scharf told Eyeing 20% unemployment Governor said he would not follow JPMorgan, Wells analysts on a conference call. JPMorgan Chief Financial Officer Jennifer orders from Trump to reopen his state if it would “There’s more downside than upside given the Piepszak said the projections are a best guess in a endanger New Yorkers, arguing any such move uncertainty in this environment.” cloudy landscape due to the uncertain evolution of would create a constitutional challenge that pits Fargo profits hit The reserves led to staggering drops in first- the virus and the unknowable potential lift from US states against the federal government. quarter profits at both banks. Bank of America, stimulus programs. “That’s absolutely the hardest “And the worst possible thing he could do at this WASHINGTON, DC: Earnings plunged at Goldman Sachs and other large banks report later thing to try to predict right now,” she said during a moment - to act dictatorial and to act in a partisan, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo Tuesday as both this week. Like other key US sectors, banks had briefing with reporters, “the path of the virus and divisive way,” Cuomo said, referring to the presi- US banking giants set aside billions of dollars to enjoyed relatively prosperous conditions until gov- the path for the economy and when and how it dent’s reelection bid. “Keep the politics out of it.” cover loans vulnerable to the economic devastation ernment officials instituted a series of lockdown reopens.” Trump said he would not press states to re-open, from coronavirus shutdowns. Pointing to what Chief measures beginning in March to try to limit the JPMorgan’s economists currently project US and indicated each state would have its own individ- Executive Jamie Dimon called the “likelihood of a spread of the coronavirus, shocking the economy unemployment will reach 20 percent in the second ual date for starting the process. “If we’re unhappy fairly severe recession,” JPMorgan booked reserves and sending millions into unemployment. quarter before recovering in the latter half of the with a state, we’re going to let them know we’re of nearly $8.3 billion, including a build of $6.8 bil- Both banks are granting relief in the wake of year, Piepszak said. unhappy,” Trump said, adding that he would take lion in the first quarter. downturn, with JPMorgan allowing a 90-day grace Dimon hopes the economy can be ramped up action if health data changed. If numbers went in the Wells Fargo announced a reserve build of $3.3 period on mortgage or credit card payments and soon, but told analysts, “It won’t be May. You talk wrong direction, he said, “We’ll have to do some- billion. Like their counterparts at JPMorgan, Wells Wells Fargo suspending property foreclosure sales. about June, July, August, something like that.” The thing that’s ... very serious. We’ll have to maybe Fargo executives signaled the number could rise But the reserves announced Tuesday reflect the biggest US bank by assets, JPMorgan reported prof- close ‘em up and start all over again. But I don’t further. “If confidence does deteriorate and the banks’ current assessment of where they could its of $2.9 billion for the quarter ending March 31, think we’re going to have to do that.” —Reuters shelters-in-place stay on for longer, it wouldn’t sur- suffer defaults as the economy struggles to find its down 69 percent from the year-ago period. Revenue prise me if the loss estimates would have to go up,” footing. dipped three percent to $28.3 billion. —AFP 12 Established 1961 Health & Science Thursday, April 16, 2020 Ahead of the curve: S Korea’s evolving strategy to prevent a virus resurgence

SEOUL: A smartphone tracking app for new air- use tracking bracelets. The database was designed bands would only be used if patients consent. suading Koreans that it is not a virtue to show up at port arrivals. A “smart city” database of thousands to share information between cities on things like work when sick, Yoon Tae-ho, director general for of people infected by the new coronavirus and their traffic and pollution. Health authorities plan to lever- Testing foreign arrivals public health policy at the health ministry said. In a contacts. Electronic bracelets that track people age that network to reduce the time it takes to find Another key to the South Korean virus contain- glimpse of what could become long-term practices, breaking quarantine laws. South Korea, among the and isolate coronavirus cases. ment strategy is stepping up border controls. the KCDC last week outlined preventive measures first countries to bring a major coronavirus out- The database will be operated by the Korea Around half of new cases in recent weeks have been for schools, churches and some entertainment facili- break under control, is now taking steps to control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found in people arriving from overseas, according ties that included disinfection schedules, guidelines the disease well into the future, relying heavily on (KCDC), giving epidemiological investigators real- to the KCDC. Rather than outright bans, South on how close people can be to each other and tem- technology and its hyper-connected society. time data feeds on patients, including their where- Korea is using widespread testing and technology- perature checks. The aim is to reinvigorate Asia’s fourth-largest abouts, times spent at specific locations, CCTV enabled tracking to allow people to travel to the “Our goal is to be able to control infections in a economy and keep it humming by building on the footage, and credit card transactions. That could cut country. Mandatory testing and quarantines now way that our health and medical system, including country’s success identifying and tracking cases the time needed to trace a patient’s movements from apply to nearly all arrivals from overseas, including personnel and sickbeds, can handle them at usual without imposing major mandatory lockdowns or about one day to around ten 10 minutes, according citizens. levels,” Park, the health minister, said. South Korean requiring businesses to keep employees working to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and South Korea installed walk-through facilities this officials say that means keeping new cases under 50 from home, officials say. “Without resorting to lock- Transport, or MOLIT, which originally set up the month at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport to per day, a level first reached last week. On Tuesday, downs or bans on movements, we have been able to “smart city” initiative. test anyone who arrives with symptoms. Those who South Korea reported 27 new cases. The country is keep our factories running to a large degree, and Along with information uploaded by the KCDC, don’t show symptoms will also be tested within also stepping up efforts to improve testing and this is instilling the idea to the world that we are a the system compiles data from the National Police three days. All arrivals must download a government boost resources for hospitals. safe and transparent production base,” President Agency, the Credit Finance Association of Korea, app that tracks their location and requires users to Hospitals are testing all pneumonia patients, and Moon Jae-in said last week. three telecommunications companies and 22 credit report any symptoms. Then everyone, regardless of staff at places like nursing homes and medical facili- South Korea’s evolving playbook is being closely card companies. Lee Soo-young, a director of the nationality or whether they tested negative, must ties will be regularly tested. Authorities have desig- watched in Europe and the United States, where Korea Advanced Institute of Science and self-isolate for two weeks. After the two-week peri- nated two new hospitals and are building a third to governments are hoping to quickly bounce back Technology’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence, said od, the app shows a message saying users are free specialize in treating infectious diseases. The gov- from the crisis. “We are in a lengthy tug of war with the technology would help investigators track cases to delete it from their phones. ernment, in a supplementary budget, has allocated the coronavirus,” Health Minister Park Neung-hoo more efficiently, even if it raised privacy issues. an extra 135 billion won ($111 million) to build 120 said last week. The battle could last months or even However, MOLIT said that investigators will Adapting distancing additional isolation rooms, buy more medical equip- years, he said. need to obtain police approval to see information, Health officials say they are also looking to adapt ment and specialized ambulances, cover the costs of and access to the database will be restricted to a the social distancing policies they called for early in medical staff handling coronavirus cases, and pre- Supercharged tracking small number of authorized users, ensuring the con- the crisis - urging people to avoid large gatherings pare for future epidemics. South Korea’s virus-containment strategy will fidentiality of unrelated personal information. or leave their homes, but imposing no actual “stay New regulations also designate supplies like face build on an intensive contact tracing and testing MOLIT also said the database information would home” orders - in coming weeks. The government masks, safety goggles, disinfectants, protective campaign that experts say has been instrumental in be deleted when the outbreak was contained. A plans to develop more practices in homes, offices, clothing, and infrared cameras to detect fevers as uncovering webs of infections that might otherwise coalition of 17 human rights groups has expressed and public places to reduce the risk of another strategic items that will be stockpiled by the gov- have gone undetected. Besides the testing kits and privacy concerns about the adoption of the tracking large outbreak, while allowing economic and social ernment, the Ministry of Interior and Safety said. tracing techniques that have already been rolled wristbands for people who violate quarantines, cit- life to resume. “We will have to step up our daily hygiene and dis- out, South Korea plans to build out a “smart city” ing potential discrimination against patients. In Some of the long-term policies being discussed ease prevention standards,” Yoon said. “It will be a database and get quarantine violators to agree to response, the authorities have said that the wrist- include making workplaces less crowded, and per- tedious battle, but we have to do this.” — Reuters 13

Thursday, April 16, 2020

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Thursday, April 16, 2020 Lifestyle Features

Piano teacher Evan Kam, 28, wearing a face mask, arrives at the village of his Alfred Tang (left), 10, and his sister Yoyo Tang (right), 6, are seen in their bed- Piano teacher Evan Kam (left), 28, wears a face mask as he gives hand sanitizer students in a ëpiano truckí in Hong Kong. — AFP photos room before Alfred plays music after they had their piano lesson in a ‘piano to two of his students, Alfred Tang, 10, and his sister Yoyo Tang, 6, before a les- truck’ in Hong Kong. son in a ‘piano truck’ in Hong Kong.

oyo, 6, frowns with concentration as transport. Inspired by mobile libraries, the Yshe plays the piano in the back of a company rented three trucks and fitted them truck — still able to practice thanks to into mobile music classrooms, complete with an innovative Hong Kong music school keep- air-conditioning and soundproof boards. ing lessons going during the coronavirus “We wanted to keep our colleagues pandemic. While Hong Kong’s infections employed. That’s why we wanted to step out remain comparatively low — just over 1,000 of our comfort zone and see how far we can cases and four deaths — schools have been go,” said Jessica Lam, the firm’s business shut since late January and authorities have development manager. “We like to offer our ramped up social distancing measures in services directly to where the students live to recent weeks.nSchools and tutoring services shorten their travelling time,” she added. Last have had to switch to online lessons. But week Kam’s truck was in Ha Tsuen, a remote music tutors like Evan Kam are trying to village in northwest Hong Kong, close to the keep personal lessons going — whilst reduc- border with China. After parking, he cleaned ing the risk of infection for both teachers and the keyboard, set up an air purifier, sprayed a students. doormat with disinfectant, and prepared “Video teaching doesn’t suit us well as hand sanitizer for his students. Soon Alfred piano fingerings and gestures are better Tang, 10, and his sister Yoyo arrived. instructed with a teacher by your side,” the Both beginners, Alfred played a gentle “It’s convenient for us, as we can just go Yoyo Tang, 6, plays piano as 28-year-old told AFP. The tutoring centre ballad called “Proud of You”, while Yoyo per- downstairs and take lessons,” she told AFP. her mother (right) listens, in where Kam works saw business plunge by fected a rendition of the notoriously catchy “My children mostly just stay at home as their bedroom, after Yoyo 70 percent in February when infections first “Baby Shark”. Their mother, who declined to schools have been suspended and we don’t and her brother Alfred, 10, crossed into Hong Kong from mainland give her first name, said the lessons were a go into town that much.”—AFP (not seen) had their piano Piano student Yoyo, 6, wears a face mask during a piano China. Many students stopped attending highlight for the youngsters, who are lesson in a ‘piano truck’ in lesson in a ‘piano truck’ in Hong Kong. because they did not want to take public cooped-up at home for most of the week. Hong Kong.

Cannes film festival difficult to hold ustria had hoped the year 2020 would be dedi- Acated to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of composer Ludwig van Beethoven, ‘in original form’ ive of the world’s biggest luxury watchmakers, who died in Vienna in 1827. But confronted with the Fincluding Rolex, Patek Philippe and Chanel, coronavirus pandemic, one of the world’s music capi- t will be difficult to hold the Cannes film festi- announced Tuesday they would withdraw from tals has been silenced, leaving an entire sector fearing Ival in its original form in 2020 due to the coro- Baselworld to create a new watch fair. Also joined by for its future. Although Austria on Tuesday started navirus outbreak, organizers said Tuesday, jeweler Chopard and Rolex subsidiary Tudor, the easing strict confinement measures with shops open- adding they were looking at new ways of hosting brands that for decades were considered pillars of the ing again, resuming cultural life for now is still out of the world’s biggest annual celebration of cinema. iconic fair in the northern Swiss city of Basel have the question. “The Vienna State Opera usually resem- The festival had already been postponed from its decided to leave and instead create an annual event in bles an anthill where 1,000 people are busy,” opera original mid-May dates to late June and early Geneva, starting in April 2021, the Foundation High director Dominique Meyer tells AFP. “Now the place July. But organizers said this is “no longer an Horology (FHH) said in a statement. “This departure is silent, and it is emotionally very trying.” option” after President Emmanuel Macron said follows a number of unilateral decisions made without Normally not a day goes by in Vienna when there In this file photo taken on March 11, 2020 a skateboarder cultural festivals could not resume until mid-July consultation by Baselworld management,” the state- isn’t an orchestra performance to listen to or an skates his board past the closed State Opera in Vienna, at the earliest. “It is clearly difficult to assume ment said. operetta to admire or a festival to attend. But it all Austria.—AFP that the Festival de Cannes could be held this It criticized the fair organizers for, among other came to an abrupt halt a month ago, with concert halls opera singers and conductors. year in its original form,” the organizers said in a things, unilaterally deciding to cancel the 2020 edition, among the first to shut their doors when the govern- statement, adding they were exploring “all con- which had been scheduled to kick off at the end of ment banned large gatherings to fight the spread of ‘Cannot be silenced’ tingencies” to realize Cannes 2020 “in one way April, amid concerns over the novel coronavirus pan- the new coronavirus. Usually “Vienna offers a cultural Postponing productions scheduled years in or another”.—AFP demic. It also slammed the organizers’ “inability to program comparable to that of a metropolis of five advance is difficult or even impossible, so set decora- meet the brands’ needs and expectations.” The new million inhabitants though only 1.8 million live in the tions and costumes become useless. “When a project show, which will be organized in cooperation with FHH, city,” tourist office director Norbert Kettner says. falls through, an entire microcosm collapses,” opera will take place in early April 2021 at Palexpo in Geneva, “This is what attracts three quarters of the eight mil- director Benjamin Prins says. “Technicians, lighting it said. “We have taken part in Baselworld since 1939,” lion annual visitors,” he adds. Three operas, two con- designers, singers: they have given six months of their Rolex chief Jean-Frederic Dufour, who is also a board cert halls: usually some 10,000 people crowd these lives for rehearsals without a penny as generally, they member of Montres Tudor, said in the statement. temples of music each evening. And people have to don’t get paid until the evening of the premiere.” In “Unfortunately, given the way the event has evolved... wait as many as 14 years before hoping to get a sub- the absence of unemployment insurance systems, the and in spite of the great attachment we had to this scription to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Austrian government has put in place some support, watch show, we have decided to withdraw,” he said. allowing artists to obtain at least 1,000 euros ($1,100) The MCH Group which organizes Baselworld said in ‘Vital economic lung’ per month for 16 weeks. lgerians stuck in pandemic lockdown and dis- a statement that it had received the news of the For the city of carefree waltzes composed by musi- Beyond this, the highly internationalized sector Amayed with their government are tuning into an exhibitors’ departure with “great surprise and equally cians like Johann Strauss, the cultural machine’s halt remains dependent on governments’ decisions to re- irreverent online broadcaster that is keeping great regret.” It stressed that the decision to push the spells the worst financial disaster since the end of open their borders, as well as Austria’s announcement their protest spirit alive: Radio Corona Internationale. next edition of its show back to January had been World War II. “The Vienna State Opera usually gener- to re-launch its cultural life. But the government has Created in an expatriate’s dining room in the United decided “jointly with leading exhibitors”, and that “the ates 131,000 euros ($143,000) daily in revenue from already said public events are cancelled until at least States, RCI offers a cocktail of political talk, caustic companies now ‘migrating’ — including Rolex — spoke ticket sales,” Meyer says. “It is a vital economic lung end of June. The Alpine nation of 8.8 million people humor and popular music to give listeners rare out in favor of a postponement to January 2021.” The that fills six or seven nearby hotels and a lot of restau- has reported more than 14,000 cases with more than moments of freedom amid the gloom of confinement. companies in question “are also represented on the rants after performances.” Among those also hit hard 380 deaths so far, though the surge in new infections The one-hour show airs live via Facebook on Tuesdays Exhibitors’ Committee, where the future vision of are the artists themselves. has subsided. “I’m starting to tell myself that there and Fridays, the weekdays when “Hirak” anti-govern- Baselworld has been discussed on several occasions “I was to play Arabella in May, go to Toronto, to won’t be any shows before September,” says Kettner ment protesters would take to the streets for the past and has met with a positive response,” it said. “The Istanbul, to Paris,” tenor Michael Schade tells AFP. “I of the tourist office, adding that “culture is in the DNA year until organizers suspended the rallies because of intention to move to Geneva has never been mentioned. will not sing Schubert; 30 concerts are cancelled,” of people — we can’t do without it”. Artists like COVID-19. The MCH Group must therefore conclude that the rele- baritone Florian Boesch says. “Performance venues Boesch vow to keep signing, even without a stage in a Its host is well-known Algerian broadcaster vant plans have been in preparation for some time and are invoking force majeure. We don’t receive any concert hall. “There has never been so much music Abdellah Benadouda, 49, who fled his homeland in that the discussions concerning the financial arrange- compensation at all.” Contracts are left to expire with- online,” he says. “We cannot be silenced.”—AFP 2014 after falling out with the powerful inner circle ments for the cancellation of Baselworld 2020 are now out any offer of compensation — or sometimes termi- around former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. “I being put forward as an argument.” nated abruptly, says Laurent Delage, an agent for missed the revolution,” says Benadouda with regret, Baselworld was long considered the signature event referring to last year’s unprecedented popular uprising of the year for the watch industry, but the organizers that ended the two-decade reign of the ailing leader. have in recent years faced a range of criticisms, includ- Since then, the protests had continued, demanding the ing over high costs, prompting several large brands to wider dismantling of the political “system” that has bid it adieu. Swatch Group, which includes brands like held a tight grip on the North African country — until Omega, Longines and Tissot, slammed the door last the pandemic put a halt to them last month. Benadouda year to create a new event in Zurich. – AFP said that ever since the Hirak movement started in February 2019, “only my body is here in Providence,” the capital of the US state of Rhode Island. The online station is “a way to reinvent the Hirak in the time of confinement,” he said, vowing to keep broadcasting even after the end of the public health crisis that has claimed almost 300 lives in Algeria. Benadouda is a former public radio journalist and pre- senter of the offbeat news show “Systeme Dz” on the private channel Dzair TV. He left Algeria fearing retri- bution after a dispute with Dzair TV, which is owned by Ali Haddad, a powerful businessman who was seen In this file photo visitors listen as Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra during as close to the Bouteflika clan and who is now in the “New Year’s Concert 2020” at the Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria.—AFP prison for corruption. —AFP Established 1961 15 Lifestyle Features Thursday, April 16, 2020

lgerian author Abdelouahab Aissaoui on Court” is a historical novel that relates the power ance that grow against it,” said Muhsin Al-Musawi, They said one aim of the prize, conceived in Abu ATuesday won a prestigious prize for Arabic fic- struggle between Ottoman and French colonial powers chair of the prize’s five-member judging panel. “With Dhabi in 2007, is to promote the translation of Arabic tion with his novel “The Spartan Court”. Backed in Algeria at the start of the 19th century. its deep, historical narrative structure, the novel does literature into English. Due to movement restrictions by the UK’s Booker Prize Foundation, the International Born in the northern Algerian city of Djelfa in 1985, not live in the past, but rather it challenges the reader imposed by UAE authorities to stem the spread of the Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) is financed by Abu Aissaoui graduated in electromechanical engineering to question present reality,” he added, in remarks pub- coronavirus pandemic, the winner was announced Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Aissaoui before devoting himself to writing, penning several lished on the IPAF website. “The Spartan Court” was online. Abu Dhabi, capital of the emirate of the same will receive $50,000 and funds will be provided to books and receiving many awards. The Spartan Court chosen from a shortlist of six novels. The five other name, has become an increasingly significant cultural translate the book into English, the organizers said on “invites the reader to gain a greater understanding of authors, from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria will each hub and hosts the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum. — AFP their website. Published by Dar Mim, “The Spartan live under occupation and the different forms of resist- receive $10,000, the organizers said.

Mural artists Sulis Listanto (right) and Junaidi Sofyan (left) posing next to thier artwork. Mural artist Mujiono posing with his artwork. Mural artist Dache Samant posing next to his artwork.

rom scythe-wielding mon- ing a cat-like monster carrying a Fsters to a globe fending off scythe with the words “Covid-19”. coronavirus with an umbrella, Fellow mural artist Yahya — who a group of Indonesian artists has like many Indonesians goes by one Mural artist Junaidi Sofyan posing next to his artwork. turned to wall murals to help stem name — was inspired to paint a a growing number of infections. colorful montage advising people The Jakarta-area artists saw orders to stay at home. “We used to paint for their work dry up as the pan- murals at schools or cafes, but we demic hit and decided to use that don’t have any jobs now,” he said. extra time to paint the walls of their “Through this work we’re urging neighborhoods and educate the people to stay at home and to public about the deadly disease. appreciate health workers.” “We “This unnecessary panic moved me tried to make the murals colorful to do these murals. I wanted to and bright so they can radiate pos- rebuild our spirit so we’ve got the itive energy and keep people opti- positive energy back to fight mistic in this difficult time,” he said. against coronavirus,” said artist As of Tuesday, 459 people had Sulis Listanto. “It’s easier to edu- died of the virus with more than cate people through pictures.” 4,800 confirmed cases, according So Listanto painted a globe to Indonesia’s government.—AFP being attacked by the virus with the words “Save the world”. Mural artists Mastantio (left) and Yahya (right) posing with their artwork. Another had a darker tone featur- Mural artist Ray Andree posing next to his artwork.

Mural artist Sulis Listanto posing next to his artwork as local artists join Mural artist Liong Fadilah posing next to his artwork. Murals created by local artists. the campaign in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in Depok, West Java.—AFP photos

round the world countries are hitting their More sick days Toilet lids and better plumbing n Italian woman who took her pizza- Acoronavirus peaks and starting to grapple with “Staying at home if you are sick may be encour- Workplaces will continue to hammer home the Asized turtle out for a walk has been questions about when and how to reopen their aged vs discouraged,” said Brandon Brown, a message to wash hands regularly and thoroughly, said fined 400 euros ($440) by the Roman economies. But those people fortunate enough to University of California Riverside epidemiologist. Brown. Often touched surfaces will be cleaned more police for breaking strict coronavirus confine- have not lost their jobs should be prepared for a “new The US has a famously brutal work culture driven in frequently, but greater attention will need to be ment rules. Italians need a justifiable reason to normal” when they finally go back to work, say part by the fact there is no federally mandatory sick placed on keeping bathrooms clean and improving be out on the street in the middle of a pan- experts. Here is a preview of what to expect. leave. As a result, people tend to power through plumbing, since there is some evidence that the coro- demic that has officially claimed more than despite illness: an October 2019 nationwide survey navirus can be spread via feces. A recent Lancet 20,000 lives in the Mediterranean country No handshakes, fewer meetings of 2,800 workers by the accounting firm Robert Half paper recommended “do not ignore unexplained foul since February. Taking your dog out for a walk Handshakes are out “indefinitely,” said Tom found that 33 percent always go in when sick. That smells in bathrooms, kitchens, or wash areas” and is viewed as a good enough reason to leave Frieden, the former director of the US Centers for may change. included tips for improving plumbing like having your home. But it seems taking your turtle out Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Next, offices Telework may become more common for many, functioning U-bends that prevent the outflow of for one is not. will need to start thinking about practical measures. especially as people have learned during enforced sewage gases. The Roman police said “the 60-year-old “Can we have doors that don’t have to be opened by lockdowns that it is possible. “One thing that we One step toward mitigating the risk is flushing the woman was caught outside her home with- people? Should we be taking the temperatures of all found out from this pandemic and sheltering in place toilet with the lid down, since a flush can release up out a justifiable reason” and fined. “The people who enter?” he said in a call with reporters. at home, is that in-person meetings are not always to 80,000 contaminated droplets and leave them woman was walking with a turtle,” the police No-touch hand sanitizer dispensers will become necessary. Virtual meetings should be an ongoing suspended in the air for hours if it’s not covered, statement said. Roman police spokesman common. Steps may be taken to reduce overcrowding option from here on out,” added Brown. according to a recent Hong Kong study. But many Nunzio Carbone told AFP that the woman in common spaces, and computers and phones may toilets in modern workspaces lack lids — a trend that was fined 400 euros because it was “not a no longer be shared. Mask use will be encouraged, Counseling provided? may be reversed. justifiable excuse”. Italian authorities report- and some workplaces may provide them. The pandemic has already extracted a devastat- ed issuing a record 16,545 fines on Easter Businesses like supermarkets are already keeping ing death toll, particularly in the hardest-hit region Who returns first Monday — a national holiday in the largely down the number of people who can enter, placing New York, and the onus for providing counseling People over the age of 65 or who have underlying Catholic country. Another 13,756 fines were clear plastic barriers between employees and cus- may fall to great extent on employers. “Don’t forget conditions like heart disease or diabetes are at higher issue on Sunday. Italians have been joking tomers and enforcing physical distancing — this a lot of people are gonna go back to work having risk for complications arising from COVID-19 — and on social media about renting out their dogs could be extended to all shops, cafes and face-to- lost family members,” said Marc Wilkenfeld, a doc- their return to offices will come later. “When people to anyone who was going stir crazy and face engagements. Offices may also stagger employ- tor who specializes in occupational medicine at start to go back to work, I think that it’s going to be needed a good excuse to go out. Carbone ee hours and have workers come in on different days NYU Langone Health. “I think the bigger compa- that not everyone goes back at the same time,” said the turtle was “as big as a pizza” but not so that fewer people are present at a given time — nies or even the smaller companies are going to Wilkenfeld said.—AFP wearing a leash.—AFP and cut meetings. “One of the positive impacts of need to address these issues, because you do want COVID I hope will be fewer meetings, because there a workforce coming back healthy, physically and are just too many meetings,” added Frieden. mentally.” 16 Established 1961 News Thursday, April 16, 2020

A person walks past a mural thanking healthcare personnel, shopkeepers, French national security, post office staff members and farmers in Paris on Tuesday amid a lockdown in France to stop the spread of COVID-19. —AFP Why has the OPEC-led deal failed to energize oil prices?

LONDON: Global oil traders have shrugged off Global oil supplies are currently outstripping Sunday’s historic output-cutting deal by OPEC and global demand by as much as 30 million barrels per its allies, with prices languishing not far from recent day, according to Alfa Energy chairman John Hall. two-decade lows. The market failed to win traction “What we have to remember is that the supply- from the deal, which fell short of expectations and demand imbalance could be as high as 30 mbpd,” resulted from Easter weekend video-conference Hall told AFP. “A recent figure from OPEC has talks led by the Organisation of the Petroleum warned of a figure of 14.7 mbpd, so this cut - Exporting Countries. although the largest ever - is probably not even half way to what is actually needed to supposedly re- Where are oil prices now? balance the market.” In late afternoon European deals, international Rystad Energy predicts oil demand will hit 28 benchmark London Brent North Sea oil stood at million barrels per day (mbpd) in April and 21 mbpd $31.04 per barrel, compared with $34.36 last in May. That is far below “normal” demand of 100 Thursday before talks began. US benchmark West mbpd, according to Rystad. The IMF meanwhile Texas Intermediate crude meanwhile traded at $21.81 forecast Tuesday that oil prices will likely remain a barrel on Tuesday, down from $26.80. Both con- below $43 throughout 2023 due to “persistently tracts had crashed late last month on virus-linked weak demand” in a deep global recession sparked demand fears and a Saudi-Russia crude price war. by coronavirus. However, the IMF did also admit that WTI had slumped as low as just $19.27 per barrel on the rapidly falling cost of oil - which greases the March 30, when Brent had also nosedived to $21.65 wheels of the global economy - should nevertheless per barrel. Those levels were last witnessed in 2002. give a big boost to consumer nations. The collapse prompted top producers to tighten the taps to stop hemorrhaging precious oil revenues. Will OPEC deal be respected? OPEC producers dominated by Riyadh, and their Compliance among OPEC member nations over allies led by Moscow, thrashed out a compromise the cartel’s production quotas has long been a con- polls yesterday with a big turnout expected despite deal on Sunday to cut production by 9.7 million bar- troversial topic, analysts agree. “We should not for- Trump freezes the disease. Examples of human resilience and gen- rels per day from May. Yet traders remain doubtful get how difficult OPEC found it to comply with the erosity continued to lift the spirits. While a 99-year- over the impact because the cuts nevertheless fell production quotas in the past three years,” said old British World War II veteran raised millions for short of expectations, amid fears over plunging Commerzbank analyst Eugen Weinberg. “In fact, WHO funds as... health workers by walking lengths of his 25-metre demand on COVID-19 fallout. “The OPEC+ deal has compliance was achieved mainly thanks to involun- garden using a strolling frame, a man of the same received the underwhelming reception it deserves, tary production outages and over-compliance on Continued from Page 1 age beat the virus in Brazil. “It was a tremendous frankly, with producers delivering right at the bot- the part of Saudi Arabia.”

fight for me, greater than in the war. In war, you kill tom end of expectations after days of talks,” said ING analyst Warren Patterson added: “The group 1930s Great Depression. Underlining the point, or live. Here, you have to fight in order to live, and OANDA analyst Craig Erlam. “This may be the has agreed on historic cuts, and now we have to see Europe’s powerhouse, Germany, has been in reces- you leave this fight a winner,” said Ermando Piveta. largest ever cut but we are living through an whether they will stick to them. “Unlike previous sion since March, the government there said yester- Meanwhile, Bahrain has turned a car park near unprecedented event and demand has fallen off a deals, it is hard to see the likes of Saudi Arabia cut- day. The virus-hit Chinese economy, second only to the capital Manama into an intensive care unit with cliff.” ting output by more than their quota, in order to the US in size, likely contracted for the first time in 130 beds for patients infected with the novel coron- Futures briefly bounced Tuesday after US make up for shortfalls from others, given the scale around three decades in the first quarter, according avirus, in a first in the Gulf. The new ICU in the cov- President Donald Trump tweeted producers were that they have already agreed to cut.” to an AFP poll of economists. ered car park was set up as a precautionary meas- considering cutting 20 million barrels per day. With tentative hope the pandemic could be past ure in case of a spike in cases of the COVID-19 res- Influential Saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz What next? its peak in some European hotspots, many countries piratory disease, officials said. The small Gulf coun- bin Salman also indicated cutbacks by OPEC and its Many industry experts expect the global oil market are gradually lifting restrictions - to mixed recep- try, whose population stands at 1.5 million, has allies, together with pledges from other G20 nations will remain caught between plentiful crude and virus- tion. Italy, one of the hardest-hit nations, allowed recorded more than 1,500 cases, of whom seven and purchases by strategic reserves, could remove ravaged demand for the foreseeable future. “With the bookshops, launderettes, stationers and children’s people have died and 645 have recovered. 19.5 mbpd from the market. “There is still a lot coronavirus-led slowdown taking a toll on the global clothing retailers to re-open, but many business According to official statistics, only three people uncertainty over whether the reduction in output oil demand, the supply side news could be rapidly for- owners chose to stay shut. “Open in a desert? are currently in critical condition. “The new ICU is a will be enough,” said Markets.com analyst Neil gotten,” said Swissquote Bank analyst Ipek Why? Opening a business where no one walks by precautionary step in case there are any develop- Wilson. “Most think OPEC and allies have not done Ozkardeskaya. “The historic cut did not spark the is dangerous from every point of view,” said ments,” Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al-Khalifa, the Royal enough to prop up prices in the near term, albeit market reaction that oil producers were hoping for. Cristina Di Caio, a bookshop owner in Milan. Medical Services commander, told reporters at the they do seem to have shown a willingness to prevent “Wide controversies among oil producer nations hint- Spain has allowed work to restart in some facto- inauguration on Tuesday. “We are able in record a complete collapse.” ed that a further action is probably unlikely.” — AFP ries and construction sites, Denmark opened time, in seven days, to establish this unit with 130 schools yesterday after a month-long closure while beds... working day and night. “This is the first time Germany was expected to ease some lockdown that such an equipped (temporary) unit has been how strong a previously infected person’s immunity measures. Also Wednesday, the European Union is established in the Gulf.” Social distancing is and how long it lasts. poised to suggest a coordinated “road map” for The Gulf emirate of Dubai is meanwhile setting At present the best guesses based on closely- member states to exit the lockdown. up a field hospital in the World Trade Centre which related coronaviruses are that it will confer some Citizens elsewhere, however, braced for several once hosted events and business conferences to needed... immunity, for up to about a year. There might also more weeks of restrictions - including in India, prepare for any potential surge of the virus. The be some cross-protective immunity against whose 1.3 billion people will remain in lockdown hospital will have 3030 beds, 800 of which will be Continued from Page 1 COVID-19 if a person is infected by a common until May 3 despite uproar from millions of unsup- allocated to the ICU, according to Ali Abdulqader, cold-causing betacoronavirus. One thing however is ported poor. As the virus appeared to be on the director of engineering at the center. The United “What seems to be necessary in the absence of almost certain: the virus is here to stay. The team retreat in some parts of richer Europe, it is slowly Arab Emirates has so far recorded more than 4,500 other sorts of treatments are intermittent social dis- said it was highly unlikely that immunity will be taking hold in Africa, which has seen 15,000 cases cases of coronavirus, including 25 deaths. tancing periods,” he added. strong enough and last long enough that COVID-19 and 800 deaths continent-wide - with fears over Bahrain’s new ICU was set up by the defense Widespread viral testing would be required in will die out after an initial wave, as was the case growing hunger and possible social unrest. ministry in cooperation with other government bod- order to determine when the thresholds to re-trig- with the SARS outbreak of 2002-2003. “A lockdown is unenforceable and unsustainable ies, on the third floor of a military hospital which ger distancing are crossed, said the authors. The Antibody tests that have just entered the market across much of Africa,” said Jakkie Cilliers at the had served as a parking lot. The beds were lined up duration and intensity of lockdowns can be relaxed and look for whether a person has been previously Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS). in three rows as medical staff tested respiratory as treatments and vaccines become available. But in infected will be crucial in answering these vital “You are trying to do something that is not possible, equipment on Tuesday. Some 800 doctors and their absence, on and then off distancing would give questions about immunity, they argued, and a vac- and you are condemning people to a choice nurses have been training to deal with infected hospitals time to increase critical care capacity to cine remains the ultimate weapon. Outside experts between starving and getting sick,” he said. “It’s not patients in critical condition since February, when cater for the surge in cases that would occur when praised the paper even as they emphasized how possible for 10 people living in a tin shack... to not Bahrain recorded its first cases, according to Nayef the measures are eased. much remained unknown. go outside for three weeks.” Lori, director of the ICU project. “By permitting periods of transmission that reach “This is an excellent study that uses mathemati- A similar crisis is emerging in Ecuador, where Bahrain has taken strict measures to curb the higher prevalence than otherwise would be possi- cal models to explore the dynamics of COVID-19 hunger trumps fear of the virus for residents in run- spread of the novel coronavirus, including ble, they allow an accelerated acquisition of herd over a period of several years, in contrast to previ- down areas of the badly affected city of Guayaquil. restricting movement and halting all flights. The immunity,” said co-author Marc Lipsitch. ously published studies that have focused on the “The police come with a whip to send people run- bridge connecting Bahrain with Saudi Arabia - Conversely, too much social distancing without coming weeks or months,” Mark Woolhouse, an ning, but how do you say to a poor person ‘Stay which has the highest number of cases in the Gulf respite can be a bad thing. Under one modeled sce- infectious disease epidemiologist at the University home’ if you don’t have enough to eat?” said Carlos with nearly 5,000 infections - has been closed for nario “the social distancing was so effective that of Edinburgh said. “It is important to recognize that Valencia, a 35-year-old teacher. weeks. Although many measures remain in place, virtually no population immunity is built”, the paper it is a model; it is consistent with current data but is However, in parts of the world that saw early out- Bahraini authorities loosened some restrictions said, hence the need for an intermittent approach. nonetheless based on a series of assumptions - for breaks, things were gradually returning to some last week by allowing some retail stores to open The authors acknowledged a major drawback in example about acquired immunity - that are yet to semblance of normal - South Korea headed to the their doors. — Agencies their model is how little we currently know about be confirmed.” —AFP Established 1961 17 Stars Thursday, April 16, 2020

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) This could be a day of technical glitches and mal- This could be a rather intense day for you, functions, Aries. It's frustrating, to be sure, but a little bit funny, Libra. Your mind is filled with plots for novels you want too. Everything you touch, from computer to washing to write and ideas for ways to streamline production at machine, seems to groan and shudder before finally breaking. work. Don't you have an "pause" switch? You'd benefit Apparently, today you have the opposite of the Midas touch. from taking some much-needed time off. You'll find Don't take it personally. Instead, use it as an excuse to do that you can quiet your mind simply by sipping some something out of the ordinary with your time. tea and being still for ten minutes.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Today is filled with socializing, with a strong This is one day for you to be as flexible as pos- emphasis on the exchange of information. If you're attending sible, Scorpio. It may be that you begin with a specific list a party this evening, Taurus, be receptive to anyone you meet. of items that absolutely must be done, but get distracted It's likely that someone new will arrive who will have a signifi- by some news from a friend or co-worker. What had cant impact on your life. It might be that he or she tips you off seemed so important is no longer so, and your day shifts about a professional opportunity at work. It's even possible to accommodate this new piece of information. You'll be that this person will turn into a romantic interest. rather surprised by but no less satisfied with how the day turns out. Find the way

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You might want to make an extra effort to tidy up You can overcome the intensity of today's plane- the house this morning, Gemini. It's likely that you'll tary energies by making a conscious effort stay have some unexpected guests. Some neighbors could drop by positive, Sagittarius. Distract yourself with necessary household unannounced, or an old friend could call from her car and say chores and errands. Don't forget to take some time out for fun, she's on her way over. Take it all in stride. Even though you had a too. As you work around the house, stop to indulge yourself every lot planned for the day, it will be much more enjoyable if you few hours. A cup of hot chocolate or a chat on the phone will add spend it socializing with friends. a welcome grace note to the day.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

You'll have to let go of your usual drill-sergeant Don't take any information you receive today at manner and simply let the day unfold as it will. Try as you might, face value, Capricorn. Technical glitches will likely plague you even you won't be able to direct events today, Cancer. You throughout the day. Your bank statement could be incompre- could find your attention diverted from one project to another. hensible. Bills could show up with an extra zero tacked on. It isn't an unpleasant day but a disjointed one. Stay open to all Don't panic. Make some phone calls and get all the facts. possibilities. You could be surprised by the way things turn out. Whatever you do, don't let this ruin your day. Everything will get sorted out.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You work hard to reach your goal of financial inde- Don't take anything you read or hear today pendence, Leo. All signs indicate that you're well on your way. at face value, Aquarius. It's possible that you'll receive Today you could receive some news that makes you realize you some rather distressing news, but before you react in aren't there yet. Perhaps a relative calls to say you're no longer frustration, read the fine print. The news may not real- his/her sole beneficiary. Maybe your investment statement shows ly be so bad. In fact, it may not even be true! Take a a poor return. This isn't what you expected, but you're still on the deep breath and heave a sigh of relief, then get back right track. It just might take a bit longer to reach your destination. to your normal routine.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20)

You're bound to be busy but happy today, Virgo. It's likely that you'll receive some unpleasant You'll likely spend the morning doing chores and generally news today, Pisces. Perhaps there are changes occurring at puttering around the house. Don't be surprised if a friend work that you read about in the morning newspaper. Or it drops by unexpectedly in the afternoon with some important could be that you get a phone call and receive some upset- news to share. Your evening could be occupied doing ting news about an old friend. You'll need to take the informa- research at the library or on the computer. It seems your tion in stride and not let it ruin your day. With the intensity of friend's news piqued your curiosity about a particular subject. the planetary energies at play, you're at risk of overreacting.

Join the dots Crossword 18 Established 1961 Thursday, April 16, 2020 Sports

Photo of the Day NHL tells players to self-quarantine through April 30

NEW YORK: The National Hockey League, which suspended play on March 12 amid the coronavirus pandemic, on Tuesday extended its self-quarantine recommendation to players until April 30. The league had previously advised players to stay at home until yesterday. The NHL said in a statement it was extending the guidelines “following consulta- tion with our medical experts, as well as with repre- sentatives of the NHLPA”. The recommendation means team facilities will re- main closed to players. It comes a day after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is con- tinuing to explore multiple options for resuming play. “When we’ll have an opportunity to return de- pends on things that we have absolutely no control over, because it all starts with everybody’s health and well-being,” Bettman said. “And until there’s a sense that people can get together, not just to fill our arenas but even our players to get together to work out, we don’t know when we can come back. “But it’s something we’re monitoring on a daily basis.” He said the league believed players would need two to three weeks to prepare for a resumption of play once on-ice training could resume. “As much as we may worry about keeping every- body, not just our players or the NHL family, but everybody, safe from the coronavirus, we also want to make sure that our players don’t jeopardize their health by coming back too soon and not being in game shape,” he said. Bettman reiterated that the league was consider- ing all sorts of possibilities, such as playing games without fans or at neutral sites. “So we haven’t ruled LATVIA: Pavel Petkuns, freerunning athlete, performs in Latvia. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com anything in, we haven’t ruled anything out, and we’ll be prepared to go in whatever direction makes sense at the time.” — AFP World Wars, doping scandals: The Tour de France has survived hard times before

World’s love affair with the Tour was sorely tested

PARIS: The coronavirus pandemic has thrown this clared war on Serbia, setting the stage for the out- summer’s Tour de France into a state of frantic reor- break of the first World War. For the record Belgian ganisation, but the cycling epic has had to contend Philippe Thys won the Tour that year, the last time it with testing situations over its 116-year history. was held until 1919. French President Emmanuel Macron’s announce- ment on Monday outlawing mass gatherings until 20 YEARS ON mid-July has left organisers scrambling to find a new The 1939 Tour embarked without the German, start date for the 2020 edition originally scheduled Italian or Spanish riders and avoided the north and to get underway in Nice on June 27. the west regions altogether. It ended less than five Here AFP takes a brief look at some previous hur- weeks short of the declaration of war made by dles the Tour has had to negotiate in its more than a France and England on Nazi Germany. The Tour was century long history: not raced again until 1947.

SHOTS AND ROAD BLOCK SKULDUGGERY In 1982, some 300 In the Saint-Etienne re- steelworkers striking over gion during the second edi- Testing job losses in the northern tion of the race in 1904 French town of Denain supporters of local situations blocked the road for the favourite Alfred Faure team time-trial, causing physically assaulted his ri- the stage’s cancellation. NIMES: File photo taken on July 23, 2019 France’s Julian Alaphilippe (front centre), wearing the overall vals. Shots were fired to re- The Tour has been tar- leader’s yellow jersey and cyclists cross the Pont du Gard during the sixteenth stage of the 106th edi- store order in riotous geted many times by tion of the Tour de France cycling race between Nimes and Nimes, in Nimes. —AFP circumstances. There was strikers but had never lost so much skulduggery going on the top four finishers a stage before or since. However, in 1978 the first were all disqualified. Henri Desgrange, the founder of a two-part stage was annulled when the riders cials stopped a vehicle laden with doping products. tested in the ensuing years when cycling fell under of the Tour, said at the time: “The Tour has been themselves put their foot down and refused to con- There was a media storm as police raids and arrests the spell of US Postal’s Texan rider Lance Armstrong, killed by the passions it has aroused”. tinue over a lack of rest time, stopping just short of led to the Festina team being thrown off the race as who won from 1999-2005. Armstrong was eventually the finish line. the peloton staggered into Paris on a Tour that stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after ad- WORLD AT WAR ended under a cloud and at one time looked unlikely mitting to doping. The American is seen widely as a The day the 1914 Tour de France began, Archduke DOPING to finish. pariah not only because of the doping but also be- Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in Sara- While France was celebrating winning the World cause of how he used his power and influence at the jevo. The Tour would make it to Paris on July 26 just Cup in 1998 cycling was struck in the heart by the PARIAH top of the sport to intimidate others whilst trying to two days before the Austro-Hungarian Empire de- so-called Festina doping affair when customs offi- The world’s love affair with the Tour was sorely keep a lid on the matter. — Agencies

to contain him. Ionescu to shine Kareem, one The rule change only made him better, as he perfected the “skyhook” and won three consecutive national titles. In 1968 in WNBA draft of NBA game’s Alcindor stirred controversy when he boycotted the Olympic Games in an anti- greatest stars racism protest, converted to Islam and NEW YORK: Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu is privately changed his name to Kareem set to seize the spotlight in Friday’s virtual Abdul-Jabbar, which means “noble one, WNBA draft, as players and coaches stay NEW YORK: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is servant of the Almighty”. behind closed doors amid the coronavirus often overlooked in the debate over who He was selected first overall in the pandemic that forced the postponement of is the greatest NBA player of all time as 1969 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks the league’s upcoming season. names like Michael Jordan, Wilt Cham- and in his rookie season averaged an as- Ionescu, the first NCAA player to score berlain, Bill Russell, LeBron James and tonishing 29 points and 15 rebounds per 2,000 career points, 1,000 rebounds and Kobe Bryant dominate the discussion. game, an unthinkable feat for any first- 1,000 assists, is all but assured to become Abdul-Jabbar, however, undoubtedly year player in today’s game. the first overall pick, with the disciple of the deserves his place in the pantheon of the In only his second season he led the late Lakers great Kobe Bryant set to be- game’s greats. His inscrutable nature, Bucks to a championship, was named the come a force in the league. which led him to shun the spotlight early league MVP and the finals MVP. Abdul- “She’s got everything you want in the in his career, made it easy for some to Jabbar was traded to the Lakers in 1975 skill set but the number one thing people discount his jaw-dropping on-court pro- and had one of the greatest seasons in talk about is her competitiveness and com- Sabrina Ionescu duction. Yet when he retired in 1989 he NBA history in his first year with the petitive fire,” ESPN analyst and hall of had etched his name into Los Angeles team. He averaged 28 points, 17 rebounds famer Rebecca Lobo told reporters Mon- Lakers folklore as the league’s all-time and 4 blocks per game and won the MVP day. “That’s the thing that can separate the language as they take that feedback,” Hop- two players who they talk about - their draft leading scorer who won six champi- award despite the Lakers missing the great ones.” kins told reporters. stock skyrocketed throughout the course of onships and a record six MVP titles. playoffs that season. The guard is expected to land with the “It’s not easy to be that type of a leader the NCAA tournament,” said Lobo. “We Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. was born Once paired with point guard Magic New York Liberty, who limped their way to because you have to be doing everything didn’t have a chance to see those players or on April 16, 1947 in New York City and, Johnson, the duo became one of the most a 10-24 record last season and are looking you’re saying in order to have the credibil- have those experiences. as a shy fourth grader, began practicing electrifying tandems in NBA history as to rebuild at their new Barclays Center ity.” Her coronation will occur as much of “There’s always a player who can make what would later become his unstop- the “Showtime” Lakers made eight finals home in Brooklyn. Liberty head coach Walt the pro sports world is on hold and with the her mark in big moments and we missed out pable “skyhook” shot. appearances and won five titles while Hopkins praised the 22-year-old for her annual NCAA tournament wiped from the on all of that.” The Women’s National Bas- The 7-foot-2-inch (2.18m) center dominating the league in the 1980s. “phenomenal” leadership skills. schedule last month, leaving one fewer op- ketball Association earlier this month an- gained national recognition in college, Abdul-Jabbar also became more out- “She’s not somebody who just stands portunity for under-appreciated players to nounced it would push back the start of its where he scored 56 points in his varsity going, making a memorable turn as the back and says what to do - she’ll come distinguish themselves. regular season, which was originally sched- debut at UCLA en route to a 30-0 sea- co-pilot in the 1980 comedy “Airplane!” down on teammates but it’s in a way that’s “Usually this time of year, when we’re uled to run from May 15-Sept. 20 due to the son and a national title. That led the and appearing in other television shows constructive and you can watch their body talking to coaches or GMs, there’s one or coronavirus.— Reuters NCAA to ban the slam dunk in an effort and movies. — Reuters Established 1961 19

Thursday, April 16, 2020 Sports Hammers boss Moyes fears injury pile-up if Premier League resumes MLS says mid-May return ‘unlikely’, season could be shortened

LONDON: West Ham manager David West Ham are only above the relegation league said in a statement. Moyes fears a rash of injuries to players zone on goal difference but Moyes, in his “Although we hoped to return to play in should there be a desperate rush to com- second spell in charge of the east London mid-May, that is extremely unlikely based plete the Premier League season if the club, was optimistic about their long-term on the guidance of federal and local public coronavirus relents sufficiently to allow the prospects. health authorities. “Our goal remains to resumption of football. “I want to build a new, energetic, young play as many games as possible, and while The Premier League has now ditched team and I think we’ve just started that,” we currently have enough dates to play the plans to get back underway at the start said the 56-year-old Scottish boss. “With entire season, we recognize at this time of May and a further complication is that the signings we’ve brought in January, try- that it may become difficult to do so.” a number of players will be out of con- ing to freshen it up and given us a lot more MLS suspended play on March 12 as tract in June. the coronavirus pandemic was shutting It has been suggested that clubs may down sports worldwide. need to play up to three games a week On March 19 MLS said it would re- in order to finish this season before the main suspended for eight weeks, which 2020/21 campaign gets going. would have brought them back on May Moyes would prefer a four-week Four weeks 10. With competition on hold indefi- build-up on the training ground before nitely, the league has also imposed a the current Premier League season re- would be ideal training moratorium for all clubs, which sumes, should lockdown restrictions be was scheduled to last through April 24. relaxed and the Hammers boss fears the In an interview with ESPN, Garber consequences if, as seems likely, clubs said that moratorium would be ex- have less preparation time. tended “at least a couple weeks”. Gar- “I think that four weeks would be ber also said that MLS is exploring David Moyes ideal. But I think three weeks will be youthfulness and direction.” alternative formats for completing the sea- the maximum we get,” Moyes told Major League Soccer said Tuesday it’s son. “From tournament formats and neutral beIN Sports on Tuesday. “Everybody’s hoped for return in mid-May looked “ex- locations, ultimately playing an abridged American league are monitoring their weeks regarding when we can return to now talking about the injuries we’re li- tremely unlikely,” acknowledging it might regular season, but doing everything to get counterparts in England and Germany as play,” the league statement said. able to pick up either during the three- not be possible to play its full season. as many games,” Garber said. they implement testing and training proto- “As we have throughout this process, week preparation time or during the “Major League Soccer continues to He said that if play does resume he cols amid the pandemic. we will update our fans with every deci- period where it looks like we’ll have to regularly evaluate the impact of the thinks it would likely be without fans in “We continue to learn more every day sion, and we thank them for their support play an awful lot of games in a short COVID-19 pandemic, including how it will what he called “MLS Studio” games. The from the medical experts, and we expect and understanding during this extremely period of time.” affect our plans for the 2020 season,” the commissioner said officials of the North to have additional details in the coming challenging time.” —Agencies

Tsitsipas ‘trying to learn’ French during lockdown Curran ‘can’t wait’ ATHENS: Greek tennis star Stefanos the measures. to play under Dhoni Tsitsipas said on Tuesday the coron- “We do have the opportunity to avirus pandemic lockdown has given change habits and come out of this trial him a chance to brush up on his French. stronger. People will understand the amid virus threat The 21-year-old ranked sixth in the importance of a healthy lifestyle and LONDON: England all-rounder Sam Curran world has returned home with the might even discover exercise again, said Tuesday he still hoped to play under India global season on hold due to the even if at home, and even light jogging, great MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League COVID-19 outbreak. things that are allowed under the cir- — and get one over older brother Tom — de- “It’s an opportunity to stay a little cumstances,” Mitsotakis said. spite the coronavirus pandemic. longer with my family and do things I The premier said if April goes Curran, 21, was the most expensive England didn’t have time to do before,” he said smoothly with measures against the ill- player in November’s initial IPL auction, being during an online chat with Greek Prime ness, the gradual return to normalcy sold to the Chennai Super Kings, captained by Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. may begin in May, “which will include Dhoni, for £590,000 ($742,000) after a suc- “Specifically, right now on a daily an increase in sports activities.” cesful 2019 stint with the Kings XI Punjab. basis I’m trying to learn a little bit of Greece’s world number 20 Maria Meanwhile the 25-year-old Tom, also of French, it’s something I’ve always Sakkari thanked and congratulated Surrey and England, was signed by the Ra- wanted but I didn’t have time to deal Mitsotakis and his government for Stefanos Tsitsipas jasthan Royals. But the spread of COVID-19 with and it’s an opportunity now,” Tsit- the positive results in the fight has led to the suspension of all major cricket sipas said. against the virus. worldwide. This year’s IPL was meant to start Mitsotakis had a teleconference “We all understand that it is not 24-year-old Sakkari said. of things for us.” on March 29 before being delayed until with outstanding Greek athletes such easy, it is something very difficult, we Olympic pole vault champion Kate- “We are in a difficult time from now Wednesday to coincide with the end of an ini- as Tsitsipas to thank them for their are all grateful. I think I am speaking rina Stefanidi, 30, said things are very on, but I think everyone is doing what tial Indian government lockdown. contributions in encouraging people on behalf of everyone, it is something difficult and “the more we sit, the more they can at home, on the street, a little But with Prime Minister Narendra Modi an- to exercise at home while observing admirable that you have achieved,” it will take us to return to the normality on the beach,” Stefanidi added. — AFP nouncing Tuesday an extension of the lock- down — the world’s biggest covering over 1.3 billion people — until May 3, there is no cer- Dundee had done or meant to do, the Dens Park club said tainty about when, or indeed if, the 2020 IPL they were still undecided despite “positive discussions” Scottish football in IPL cricket made will take place. “No-one knows,” Sam Curran about possible league reconstruction. told reporters in a conference call with Tom on “Given our discussions and considering all aspects, we Tuesday. “It (the IPL) might happen this year, limbo as Dundee don’t feel we are in a position to comment further on the to wait as India it might be cancelled, but we have to follow the resolution that was put forward,” said a Dundee statement. government guidelines.” “We understand that this may bring more questions delay drags on extends lockdown Chennai are one of the IPL’s most success- than answers and we will look to give a much more sub- ful teams, having won the tournament three stantial account of the past few days at the conclusion of times before a dramatic one-run loss to Mum- this process.” Inverness chief executive Scot Gardiner said GLASGOW: Dundee said Tuesday they were still not yet NEW DELHI: India’s cricket board remains bai Indians in last year’s final. ready to cast what threatens to be a deciding vote on a Dundee representative had told several Championship optimistic about playing the lucrative IPL rivals they had submitted a ‘no’ vote eight minutes before plans to cut short the Scottish season because of the coro- later this year, a team official told AFP yes- ‘CHENNAI LEGENDS’ the suggested deadline. But SPFL chairman Murdoch navirus. According to the Scottish Professional League, terday, as an extended national lockdown left “I was very excited to move franchises,” MacLennan, in a letter written to clubs on Sunday and the second-tier side gave an “unequivocal instruction” not the competition in limbo. said Sam. “Chennai is a great franchise with all later released to the media, insisted he had been told by to count their ballot after a technical problem held up the In line with other sports events world- the big names and I can’t wait to play under Dundee to disregard any such vote. delivery of their vote ahead of a suggested deadline of wide, the 13th edition of the Indian Premier MS Dhoni. “Hopefully I will play against Tom, This saga could in fact drag on for three more weeks 1600 GMT on Friday. League, the world’s richest Twenty20 tour- hit him everywhere and then hit his stumps. as regulations state clubs do in fact have 28 days to cast a Soon afterwards, the SPFL released the results on a nament, had already been pushed back from “Dhoni exudes calm,” added Sam, who said ballot. Soon after Gardiner made his comments, Rangers, resolution that said the three lower leagues would finish its original start date of March 29. only Virat Kohli, Dhoni’s successor as India second in the Premiership behind leaders Celtic, urged in the positions they stood at when play was halted be- Officially it was postponed until yester- captain, could rival him in terms of superstar that SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and legal advi- cause of the pandemic in March. A decision on the Scot- day but with India and much of the world in status in cricket crazy India. sor Rod McKenzie both be suspended, with the Glasgow tish Premiership would be taken at a later date if the first lockdown, preventing players from travel- “Chennai is quite an older squad so there giants accusing the league of “farcical” conduct. proposal was passed. ling and fans attending matches, the tour- are quite a few legends who have made it in Rangers insisted Sunday clubs would be “shocked” to The Premiership and clubs in League One and Two nament remains on hold. the game,” said Sam. “Hopefully they will be know the SPFL has the power to issue loans to cash- have backed the plan with the required majority of 75 per- After India extended the lockdown on looking to give tips to the younger players, so strapped teams. The league has repeatedly said the sea- cent. But the Championship remains finely balanced, with Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket that’s something I’m really looking forward to.” son must be completed before prize money can be seven clubs having voted for the plan and two against. in India (BCCI) told the eight franchises Sam had been preparing for a “massive” distributed. — AFP Following days of claim and counter-claim as to what that the tournament has been deferred three-month stint in Asia after being selected indefinitely. for England’s tour of Sri Lanka, which was “During that period, as you might expect any business “Yes, they have informed us that the IPL abandoned before the start of the Test series. MLB’s Manfred says would, we have engaged in contingency planning. We stands suspended for the moment,” a team Tom insisted, however, the lack of cricket thought about how we might be able to return in various official told AFP on condition of anonymity. was “nothing in the grand scheme of things” scenarios but again the key is the improvement in the pub- “However it is said that they will find a win- even though it was a “shock to the system”. public health ‘key’ lic health situation.” dow in the later end of the year to do it.” Sam added: “But you have to appreciate the The 2020 MLB season was scheduled to open on There was no announcement on the IPL’s time off is quite refreshing. to baseball’s return March 26, but has been postponed amid the COVID-19 future from the Indian board. At the week- “Hopefully I’m not one of the players who pandemic that has idled sports leagues worldwide. end, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had has let themselves go and comes back for the In the meantime, ESPN reported Tuesday that MLB shied away from giving a prediction. county season 10 kg too big.” LOS ANGELES: Major League Baseball Commissioner teams will take part in a “massive” study that will test up “Practically speaking, when life has The lockdown has seen several England Rob Manfred said Tuesday that the season won’t open until to 10,000 people for coronavirus antibodies, which could come to a standstill everywhere in the players involved in charity initiatives, with Sam officials are sure it won’t be a detriment to public health. offer researchers a better sense of how widespread the world, where does sport have a future in having raised nearly £10,000 for Britain’s Na- Manfred, speaking on the Fox Business program “Morn- disease is in major metropolitan areas in the United States. this?” he said. The league is a huge revenue tional Health Service, although he downplayed ings with Maria,” said MLB officials continue to ponder a Scientists involved told ESPN the study, which is earner for the BCCI and is estimated to his efforts by saying “the smallest thing we can variety of scenarios for the resumption of sports in the being run by Stanford University, the University of generate more than $11 billion a year for do is raise some money for the NHS”. wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Southern California and the Sports Medicine Research the Indian economy. The Currans live separately from one an- With so many unknowns, he said, they are more “ideas” and Testing Laboratory, wouldn’t necessarily hasten the Foreign stars have been pushing for an other and Tom, asked if he was missing seeing than plans. “The only decision we have made, the only real return of the games. IPL start with Australia’s Steve Smith say- Sam, replied: “Nah, nice break. Only joking, of plan that we have, is that baseball is not going to return But the tests, which rely on blood drawn via pinprick, ing he hopes the league will be held “at course I’m missing the man.” until the public health situation is improved to the point can confirm if people had contracted coronavirus, even if some stage”. When cricket resumes the brothers, the that we’re comfortable that we can play games in a manner they never displayed symptoms. Doctor Jay Bhattacharya Former cricketers including England’s sons of the late Zimbabwe all-rounder Kevin that is safe for our players, our employees, our fans and in of Stanford said MLB’s speedy willingness to participate Kevin Pietersen have suggested the glitzy Curran, hope to fulfil a “dream” by following a way that will not impact the public health situation ad- and the fact that they could marshal a wide range of people tournament be shortened from its normal their Surrey predecessors Adam and Ben Hol- versely,” Manfred said. — from players and executives through concession work- eight-week duration and played behind lioake as siblings playing Test cricket in the “Right now, it’s largely a waiting game,” he added. ers — made them a solid partner in the study. — AFP closed doors. — AFP same England side. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020

World Wars, doping scandals: The Tour Ionescu to shine Tsitsipas ‘trying to learn’ 18de France has survived hard times before 18 in WNBA draft 19 French during lockdown

Asian football tournaments to go ahead

ARSTA: AC Milan’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) attends a training session of Swedish league team Hammarby IF at Arsta IP on April 13, 2020 in Stockholm. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia’s top football competitions June due to the virus. world, including in China where the virus first until further notice,” an AFC statement said. “As one will go ahead this year despite the coronavirus pan- The Champions League, the region’s premier club emerged, but where football shows no sign of return- of the first confederations in world football to under- demic, a senior official told AFP, although games may competition, and the second-tier AFC Cup were both ing despite optimism the outbreak is under control. take precautionary measures in light of the COVID- have to be played behind closed doors. halted in March as the pandemic’s spread forced gov- Asia’s extended shutdown, announced on Tuesday, 19 outbreak, the latest decision reinforces the AFC’s Windsor John, general secretary of the Asian Foot- ernments to impose strict travel restrictions. Both also affects the two-legged women’s Olympic quali- commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of ball Confederation (AFC), said he was confident that tournaments are on an increasingly tight schedule, fying play-off between China and South Korea, which players, participating teams, officials, fans and all the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup would with the 32-team Champions League needing to had already been moved to June 1 and 9. stakeholders.” both be completed. Both tournaments, featuring complete four rounds of The region’s premier club Less than two of the six rounds of group-stage teams from throughout Asia, Central Asia and the group-stage matches in July competition was put on hold in matches have been completed so far, meaning the Middle East, are on hold until at least the end of June before the postponed knock- March as the pandemic spread, competition will face severe congestion even if it re- after COVID-19 shuttered professional sport world- out phase begins in August. and the latest reshuffle means turns in July. wide. “Both will be played this year. We still have The group phase of the the 32-team group stage will The extended shutdown also affects the two- time,” John told AFP, adding that new dates for the AFC Cup will also have to be We still have to be completed in July legged women’s Olympic qualifying play-off between competitions may be known by the end of April. How- completed in a rush once before the already-postponed China and South Korea, which had already been ever, John did not rule out matches being played matches resume. The finals for have time knock-out rounds start a month moved to June 1 and 9. June qualifiers for the men’s without fans “if that’s what the health authorities both tournaments — which later. “Following the continued 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup had already need”. The AFC is determined for both tournaments traditionally take a break in preventive measures and travel been postponed. to go ahead “for sporting reasons and to fulfil com- July, to avoid the worst of the restrictions put in place by sev- Football was one of the first sports affected by mercial obligations”, he said. His comments came Asian summer heat — are scheduled to take place eral governments, the Asian Football Confederation travel restrictions prompted by the coronavirus, after the AFC on Tuesday announced the indefinite in November. has decided today to postpone all matches and com- which has now forced the blanket stoppage of pro- postponement of all matches scheduled for May and Domestic leagues remain on hold around the petitions scheduled to take place in May and June fessional sporting events worldwide.— AFP

closed to the general public.” On Monday, WWE ‘Essential’ WWE aired a live episode of its weekly series “Raw” from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund putting its Orlando production facility. Possible Saudi up most of the cash. “As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of The Wall Street Journal suggested the Saudi resumes live society, WWE and its Superstars bring families to- group, led by Staveley and backed primarily by gether and deliver a sense of hope, determination and takeover of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wealth broadcasts perseverance,” the company said in a statement, from the oil-rich state, had been in discussions with adding that it would take “additional precautions” to Newcastle closer Ashley for around four months. guard the health and safety of performers and staff. While there is no mention of any Saudi partici- MIAMI: World Wrestling Entertainment, a US media WWE’s move could conceivably open the door for pation in the latest Companies House documents, group whose wrestlers body-slam their opponents other sports in Florida. Even before the order, Major LONDON: A potential takeover of English Pre- the involvement of Britain’s billionaire Reuben into oblivion, has resumed live broadcasting of bouts League Baseball was reportedly mulling a plan to miership side Newcastle by a Saudi Arabian- brothers, David and Simon, has been recorded. after gaining “essential services” status in Florida. hold regular-season games at training facilities in backed group appeared to move closer on Tuesday After the collapse of Staveley’s highly-publi- With sports and entertainment events shut down Florida and Arizona in a bid to get the season delayed after legal documents were lodged with the UK’s cised previous takeover bid three years ago, Ashley worldwide amid the coronavirus pandemic, WWE by the pandemic underway. regulator of companies. insisted all such future negotiations would take wasted no time after Florida’s emergency manage- Ultimate Fighting Championship, the mixed martial But several other proposed bids to buy the club place in private. ment director confirmed it provided an essential serv- arts organization that has been trying in vain to find from Mike Ashley have all come to nothing during A Saudi purchase of Newcastle would be a ice — along with hospitals, firefighters, grocery a venue to stage a fight amid virus lockdowns, owns the controversial British businessman’s 13 years as major development in the state’s increasing in- providers and mental health care workers. event space in Florida. owner of the northeast side. Those include a 2017 volvement in sport that has seen it stage the re- A memo sent Friday, based on an executive order UFC boss Dana White was thwarted in his bid to proposal put forward by Amanda Staveley’s PCP cent world heavyweight title between Anthony from governor Ron DeSantis, confirms essential hold UFC 249 without fans on April 18 at an undis- Capital Partners, who are the firm involved in the Joshua and Andy Ruiz and announce plans for a services now include “employees at a professional closed location, reportedly a Native American tribal latest possible purchase. new Formula One racetrack that will host a Grand sports and media production with a national audi- reservation in California. Documents filed at Companies House last week Prix in 2023. ence - including any athletes, entertainers, produc- The move met with resistance from California Sen- came to light on Tuesday, with the papers provid- But critics have accused Saudi Arabia of ‘sports tion team, executive team, media team and any ator Dianne Feinstein and White said that he finally ing a framework for talks between PCP and Ashley. washing’, saying the government is using sport as others necessary to facilitate including services sup- postponed the event at the request of broadcasters In January, Ashley was reported to be in talks to a way of distracting attention from its human rights porting such production - only if the location is ESPN. — AFP sell Newcastle for £340 million ($429 million), with record. — AFP