State Counsellor Discusses Ground Situation with COVID-19 Fighters from Ayeyawady Region

“ANY KIND OF HATE SPEECH, INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE HAS NO PLACE IN A CIVILIZED SOCIETY PAGE-8 (OPINION)

Vol. VII, No. 5, 14th Waning of Tagu 1382 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Tuesday, 21 April 2020

All ministries, their agencies, departments and offices shall further encourage all personnel to participate in and support anti-hate speech activities

Republic of the Union of Myanmar 1. The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a mul- nities on the basis of common values of mutual Office of the President ticultural society. We believe that every human understanding and mutual respect for each other. Directive No. 3/2020 being has a right to a dignified life, to be treated 2. Proliferation of hate speech may lead to discrimi- 13th Waning of Tagu, 1382 ME with respect, and to live without fear of violence, nation and violence within our communities. This (20 April 2020) intimidation, or discrimination based on group undermines our aspirations to live with dignity Prevention of incitement to hatred and violence identity or personal characteristics. Therefore, and to build a peaceful and harmonious society. (or) Prevention of proliferation of hate speech we must strive to bring together diverse commu- SEE PAGE-2

State Counsellor discusses ground situation with COVID-19 fighters from Ayeyawady Region

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi holds the video conference with personnel working to prevent, control and treat Coronavirus disease in Ayeyawady Region. PHOTO: MNA

TATE Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu tive materials in the containment of the The following persons participated village-tract administrator U Saw Win SKyi, in her capacity as Chairperson of pandemic, in her videoconference call in the video conference with the State Tun Naing in Zalun Township, and Red the National Central Committee for COV- from the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Counsellor: Midwife Daw Phyu Phyu Latt Cross deputy company leader Daw Sandi ID-19 Prevention, Control and Treatment, Taw yesterday with front line workers in from the duty station at Bantbwegone ru- Htike from Mawlamyinegyun Township. emphasized the importance of protec- Ayeyawady Region. ral clinic in Myanaung Township, Pettan SEE PAGE-3

Total number of COVID-19 cases reaches 117 on Monday

Update on COVID-19 surveillance released at 8:00 mens on 20-4-020 where 6 tested positive for COVID-19 3. There have been 117 people who tested positive pm on 20-4-2020 and 175 tested negative. for COVID-19 as of 8:00 pm on 20-4-2020. 1. The National Health Laboratory (Yangon) re- 2. The 6 new COVID-19 positive patients will be leased the test results of the first batch of 181 lab speci- transferred to appropriate hospitals. SEE PAGE-3

INSIDE TODAY

NATIONAL NATIONAL NATIONAL BUSINESS World Bank to lend $50 mln in Ministry of Health UN vehicle carrying swabs from Covid-19 delays trade flow Fast-Track Financing for Fighting and Sports speed up COVID-19 suspects attacked by ULA/ to India despite adequate COVID-19 in Myanmar COVID-19 processes AA group in Rakhine, two injured supplies of mung bean PAGE-4 PAGE-4 PAGE-4 PAGE-5 21 APRIL 2020 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

All ministries, their agencies, departments and offices shall further encourage all personnel to participate in and support anti-hate speech activities

FROM PAGE-1 ures to denounce and prevent all forms of hate Incitement to violence may constitute hate speech. Moreover proliferation of hate speech hampers our speech. All ministries, their agencies, departments well-being, diminishes our dignity and undermines and offices shall further encourage all personnel 5. Each ministry as well as region and state govern- our virtue. to participate in and support anti-hate speech ment shall report to the Office of the President on activities. the measures it has taken and the progress made 3. Therefore, all Ministries and all Regions and States with respect to the above-mentioned. Governments are to ensure that its personnel, 4. Hate speech refers to communications of any kind officers, staff — whether military or other security that denigrate or express animosity towards a By order, forces, or civil services — and local people under person or a group on the basis of religion, ethnicity, Khin Latt its control or direction shall take all possible meas- nationality, race, gender or other identity factor. Permanent Secretary

Disaster management committee to expand Myanmar Competition measures against COVID-19 Commission issues restrictions on increasing sales

MYANMAR Competition Com- prohibited. mission issued Order (2/2020) on (c) The use of language, 25 March, exercising its power symbols, images and data that conferred under Article 56-(b) may either damage the reputa- of the Competition Law. tion of another business, neg- The order is directed at atively affect their benefit or businesses (excluding the ser- hinder their work processes is vice industry) and aims to foster prohibited. free and fair competition, devel- (d) The use of language, op fair competition in the market symbols, images and data that unilaterally, receive equitable imitates or can be confused with benefits and protect the public other businesses is prohibited. interest by issuing the follow- (e) Businesses that wish to Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye holds the video conference on COVID-19 pandemic while carrying out ing compulsory restrictions on advertise the support or accred- disaster management plans in upcoming monsoon season. PHOTO: MNA increasing sales. itation of a certain organization THE National Disaster Manage- Meteorology and Hydrological rains, landslides, deficiency of ir- (a) Advertising or the use need to possess genuine data ment Work Committee discussed Department, the Chairman of rigation water and strong winds. of other methods to increase of support or be able to submit prevention, containment and re- Natural Disaster Management They also discussed the sales need are required to use upon request. sponse plans for COVID-19 in Advisory Board, its secretary COVID-19 measures concern- language, symbols, images All businesses are required their preparations for original and members. ing the disaster management in and data that assures correct to adhere to the compulsory activities in the upcoming mon- In his discussion, the Union the areas included in quarantine responsibility or certain guar- rules mentioned above. Failure soon season. Minister highlighted the need and stay at home schemes to antee. to comply will result in either During the meeting on video to prepare for actions on COV- exercise rules and guidelines (b) The use of language, managerial action or penaliza- conferencing yesterday, Union ID-19 pandemic while carrying for the pandemic. symbols, images and data that tion from the Myanmar Com- Minister for Social Welfare, Re- out disaster management plans Deputy Minister U Soe Aung may mislead, misinform, coerce, petition Commission.—MNA lief and Resettlement Dr Win in upcoming monsoon. and Director-General Dr Ko Ko deceive or confuse the public is (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) Myat Aye, in his capacity as the The meteorological and hy- Naing from the Natural Disaster chairman of work committee, drological experts also held talks Management Department held held a meeting with his deputy on possible weather conditions talks on implementation and co- minister and the directors-gen- in the monsoon period, shortage ordination in the works. —MNA eral, the Director-General of of drinking water, floods from (Translated by Aung Khin)

SWRR ministry provides soap, masks to IDP camps THE Ministry of Social Welfare, camps in Namkham Township, Relief and Resettlement is co- Shan State. operating with relevant depart- Similarly, the ministry pro- ments and organizations to vided 135 bars of soap and 270 prevent, contain and respond to face masks for 135 households in the spread of COVID-19 in IDP 2 IDP camps in Kutkai Township, camps. On 19 April, the ministry Shan State. They also provided provided 498 bars of soap and 498 228 bars of soap to people recently face masks for 249 households pardoned from prison sentenc- combined in 4 IDP camps situ- es currently residing in facility ated in Waingmaw, Kachin State quarantines in Sittway Township, and 20 bars of soap and 40 face Rakhine State.—MNA Officials from Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement offering boxes of face masks and soaps at the masks for 20 households in 2 IDP (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) Internally Displaced Persons camp in Kachin State yesterday. PHOTO: MNA 21 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 “People are the key” State Counsellor discusses ground situation with COVID-19 …

FROM PAGE-1

They held discussions on quarantine activities, public health awareness activities, requirements for medicines, the need for temperature monitoring equipment which are of good quality, the use of loud speakers to inform the people about instructions released by the Ministry of Health and Sports, collaboration efforts with the township Social Welfare department to disseminate health education pamphlets and also to provide comfort and moral support, accommodation for health workers, difficulties in awareness pro- grammes, timely availability of guidelines, deployment of adequate security personnel at the toll gates, sufficient designated quarantine centres, the fact that some people were more interested in rumours than health bulletins, and also about the situation in which people find it difficult to stay at home because they need to work for their daily survival. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi holds the video conference with personnel working to prevent, control and treat Coronavirus disease in Ayeyawady Region. PHOTO: MNA The State Counsellor spoke about the and other staff as soon as possible; that this manner things that needed to be done medicines and materials as well as man- for the whole country have emerged; good … the government would help as much as power needs would be fulfilled as much as ideas were gained; the reason I connect possible; and also that ways and means with the people in this manner is to get ide- possible to alleviate the worries of the people would be found to ensure that the people as. In meeting the challenge of COVID-19 with regard to food and livelihood issues. would accept with great interest the health in whatever possible way, we need to think awareness messages regarding the fight of new ways to overcome this problem. against COVID-19. She continued that the people also need to need for the public to follow the guidelines be possible to overcome the current prob- The State Counsellor expressed her cooperate with the government; she appre- and advice of health workers and increas- lem immediately; and that was why it was thanks to the front-liners in the contain- ciated and recognized the efforts being put ing health awareness campaigns. In this important to reduce anxiety and stress. ment of COVID-19; she told them that if in to contain the COVID-19 virus. She said regards, she also spoke about the plans She also spoke about the necessi- they were able to do the things that needed she regarded all of them as very valuable being undertaken by the Union Govern- ty of sufficient protective gears for the to be done in the best possible way, it would resources for the country and that she ment to see to the needs of the people as personnel of administrative, health and become a moral strength for them and wanted them all to continue the good work. soon as possible and as much as possible. humanitarian organizations who were par- give them satisfaction; she wanted them She ended the discussions by saying that In her concluding remarks, she ticipating in the fight against COVID-19, to understand that doing what needed to she wanted to wish them all good health pledged the government would help as and the fact that you can help others only be done for the welfare of others should and well-being and that all their good much as possible to alleviate the worries if you protect yourself. be regarded as a strength. wishes would be fulfilled in the New Year. of the people with regard to food and live- She added that suitable accommoda- She added that she had already noted —MNA (Translated by Aung Khin and lihood issues; she added that it would not tions would be arranged for health workers down everything; by having discussions in Kyaw Myaing) Total number of COVID-19 cases reaches 117 on Monday

FROM PAGE-1 20-4-2020, making the total number of hospital discharges currently. Two patients are under intensive care in 4. Nine of the positive patients are now free of the 6 (Case-003, Case-004, Case-007, Case-009, Case-021 and Waibargi Specialist Hospital and the other patients are virus and four of them were discharged from hospitals on Case-015). They are quarantined for a definite period all in stable health conditions.

Contact History with COV- COVID-19 lab Case no. Age Gender Address of travel Name of hospital transferred Remark ID-19 posi- test result abroad tive cases 112 29 Female Tachilek Township, Shan State (East) Yes No General Hospital, Kengtung Positive All persons are quarantined in 113 65 Female Tiddim Township, Chin State Yes No General Hospital, Tiddim Positive designated loca- 114 52 Male Kalay Township, Sagaing Region Yes No General Hospital, Kalay Positive tions. 115 19 Male Kalay Township, Sagaing Region Yes No General Hospital, Kalay Positive 116 17 Male Kalay Township, Sagaing Region Yes No General Hospital, Kalay Positive 117 10 Female Kalay Township, Sagaing Region Yes No General Hospital, Kalay Positive Ministry of Health and Sports (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) 21 APRIL 2020 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Ministry of Health and Sports speeds up COVID-19 processes

UNION Minister for Health and The Union Minister said it is Sports Dr Myint Htwe held a important to prepare for manag- video conference with state/re- ing monitoring and quarantining gional authorities concerning of Myanmar nationals returning COVID-19 on 18 April. from abroad and the number In his address to the meet- of lab specimens acquired from ing, the Union Minister said this quarantine locations have in- meeting will analyze and review creased. He said research is processes related to the protec- increased to strengthen and tion, containment and treatment improve public health and treat- of COVID-19 to uncover what is ment. effective and what needs to be The Union Minister his strengthened. ministry does not leave out any He said the health ministry information related to COVID-19 had prepared for protection and and disseminates it to the public containment of COVID-19 since in a timely and transparent man- 4-1-2020 and have constantly ner. He said the public must be revised their strategies in line armed with genuine information with the changes in the virus’ to prevent the spread of the virus infection pattern. or infection from it and to place The Union Minister said his greater emphasis on protection ministry has designed and im- Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe addresses the video conference with state, regional authorities concerning processes. plemented guidelines, rules, reg- COVID-19 on 18 April. PHOTO: MNA The meeting then com- ulations and virus containment menced with the Deputy Min- action plans during the earlier tiveness. He said the treatment discuss completed, ongoing essary. ister, medical personnel and part of the year. He said the min- of COVID-19 positive patients and future processes and the The Union Minister said the COVID-19 related committees istry has closely monitored and and contact tracing with posi- challenges and difficulties faced cooperation of many organiza- discussing their areas of im- reviewed the epidemiological sit- tive cases is the first priority. He in implementation. He said they tions in practical containment plementation, difficulties faced uation and will revise strategies said cooperation from the public scientifically calculate the usage of the virus is good but it is im- and future processes related to if necessary and will prioritize by and civil society organizations is rate of available medical sup- portant to systematically coor- their respective state or region. state/region as seen fit. paramount in contact tracing. plies and equipment, personal dinate with them and to share —MNA He said this will reduce The Union Minister urged protective equipment and order relevant information between expenditure and ensure effec- meeting attendees to openly additional supplies when nec- all key players. (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

UN vehicle carrying swabs World Bank to lend $50 mln in from COVID-19 suspects Fast-Track Financing for Fighting attacked by ULA/AA group in COVID-19 in Myanmar Rakhine, two injured

THE World Bank said it has Yangon office. (EHSAP), which since 2015 A WHO vehicle carrying swabs pended. They were taken to the approved a US$50 million The project primari- has been supporting over from the patients receiving for Minbya People’s Hospital. credit for the Myanmar ly focuses on upscaling of 12,000 primary health care COVID-19 quarantine in town- The World Health Organi- COVID-19 Emergency Re- Intensive Care Units (ICU) facilities across the country. ships in Rakhine State for test zation’s vehicle was left in the sponse Project, as part of at selected hospitals, along In the fight against COV- in Yangon’s national laboratory scene and plans are underway global emergency support with capacity building of ID-19, funds under EHSAP came under attack on Monday in to bring it back on 21 April. operations through a dedi- health staff and officials, are also being mobilized to Minbya Township, Rakhine State, While the world is combatting cated fast-track COVID-19 and community engagement assist capacity building and leaving two staff injured. the COVID-19 global pandemic facility. activities throughout the operational costs to intensi- The two staff- a driver and a by preventing, containment and “This fast-track financ- country. Eight central level fy surveillance and testing health worker- were in the WHO treatment of the coronavirus ing will help Myanmar fill hospitals and 43 Region and activities in all states and re- vehicle with number plate UN- disease, the attack on the WHO a critical gap in its contin- State level hospitals, across gions, establish a function- 5/34 when they were attacked by vehicle with UN emblem and staff gency plan to urgently in- all Regions and States, will ing information and report- ULA/AA group near Yarmaung on their global pandemic mission crease hospital prepared- be covered, with implemen- ing system for all suspected Bridge in Minbya around 5 pm by the ULA/AA group occurred, ness and surge capacity in tation rolled out in a phased cases, facilitate engagement while they are on the way to and the attack reflects the ULA/ order to reduce the spread manner, starting with the with basic health staff - in- Yangon as the airlines were sus- AA group’s inhuman acts. —MNA of COVID-19, protect health most at-risk areas, such as cluding Ethnic Health Or- workers, and minimize the densely populated areas and ganizations - for community severity of illness and asso- areas with frequent travel surveillance, disseminate ciated deaths”, said Mariam and migration. guidelines to health staff Sherman, World Bank Coun- This emergency re- and community volunteers, try Director for Myanmar, sponse project complements and, develop public Informa- Cambodia and Lao PDR, in the World Bank-financed tion, Education and Commu- a statement released yes- Myanmar Essential Health nication materials for risk terday by the World Bank’s Services Access Project communication.—GNLM

Call Thin Thin May, 09251022355,09974424848 The two staff of WHO injured in the attack by ULA/AA group. PHOTO: MNA 21 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 5 Covid-19 delays trade flow to India despite adequate supplies of mung bean

By Nyein Nyein As India has market re- quirement on beans, especially MYANMAR assures adequate mung bean. India imposed a na- supplies of mung bean for In- tionwide restriction as of mid- dia’s market, yet the Covid-19 April and extended it to slow the consequences slow the trade spread of Covid-19. As a result flow, Secretary U Min Ko Oo of of this, supply chain disruption Myanmar Pulses, Beans and affects trade. Upon the licenced Sesame Seeds Merchant As- traders seeking request to ex- sociation (MPBSSMA) told the tend the period, India notified Global New Light of Myanmar extension of import quota by 15 (GNLM) on 20 April. May. “The supplies of mung For the current fiscal, India beans in the domestic market is has increased the quota limit enough for export. Now, the port from 150,000 to 400,000 tonnes started to reopen on 20 April. to reach the market’s demand, Nevertheless, the agents are according to a trade notice re- still not active for trading, cou- leased by the Directorate Gen- pled with other problems. The eral of Foreign Trade under In- goods are not delivered as the dia’s Ministry of Commerce and time it was supposed to arrive at Industry on 12 December 2019. Merchants evaluate quality of pulses at the Mandalay wholesale market last year. PHOTO: MIN HTET AUNG the port, owing to the disruption India has earlier stated that and delay in trade flow, Corona- the further increased quota of India experienced a low K960,000-970,000 per tonne dur- Myanmar is the main suppli- virus-preventative restrictions 250,000 tonnes has to arrive at yield of mung beans due to er- ing the post-Thingyan period. er of mung beans to India. Con- in India and in Yangon," said U India’s port by 31 March 2020. ratic weather last year. Under Moreover, India’s Com- cerning other types of beans, My- Min Ko Oo. Due to the Covid-19 impacts, the provincial government’s ap- merce Department has issued anmar has to compete against India has earlier extended they made the extension two proval, more mung beans are an announcement on 17 March Australian and African markets, the period for import quota of times. purchased beyond the previous to import 400,000 tonnes of mung according to Myanmar Pulses, 250,000 tonnes of mung beans At present, more than quota limit, driving up the mung beans for the 2020-2021FY as per Beans and Sesame Seeds Mer- by April-end and made a further 150,000 tonnes of mung beans bean price up to above K1.3 mil- the amended 2015-2020 Foreign chants Association. extension to 15 May, due to Cov- have been shipped, according lion per tonne. Trade Policy of the Central Gov- (Translated by Ei Myat id-19 impacts. to the association. Mung bean is priced around ernment. Mon)

MEODA initiates online service for cooking oil Mandalay depot to allow export, import licence during Covid-19 crisis only members for entry MYANMAR Edible Oil Dealers’ to the association’s fund account supply in the local market, the Association (MEODA) will pro- (KBZ- 005-304-00501821101, import of quality palm oil is being amidst Covid-19 vide online service while seeking AGD- 3040202000034019). processed. Palm oil producers the association’s approval to ap- The association has urged -- Malaysia and Indonesia -- are MANDALAY depot will allow pot. If a certain person wants ply for export and import licence the public not to make panic buy- regularly operating their oil mills only its members for entry in to enter the depot, they need during the Covid-19 crisis. ing to maintain the stability of the and conducting export process. order to contain the spread of to carry the member card or This move aims to prevent cooking oil market. MEODA strictly adheres to Covid-19 when it is reopened other specified persons. This person-to-person contact and There is self-sufficiency in the health guidelines by the Min- on 22 April. The members way can reduce the number slow the spread of the virus. Re- the market with local production istry of Health and Sports. It will also need to comply with the of entries by two-third at the garding the online service, the and imports from foreign coun- release real-time information of health guidelines, said depot depot," he added. documents must be sent to me- tries. The association is trying to edible oil milling, import and dis- vice president U Chun. The depot was tempo- [email protected] and office ensure the supply and maintain tribution. — GNLM “At first, all those people rarily closed starting from 11 Viber (959 444437295) in pdf or fair price, it stated on 19 March. need to wash hands outside the April and will be reopened on jpeg format. The fund can be paid To ensure the adequate (Translated by Ei Myat Mon) depot. They will be taken tem- 22 April. The officials of the perature measurement. Third, depot went around the city they will be registered. The and sold the chickpeas in or- traders will be advised to take der to reduce anxiety and pan- at least 3 feet distance between ic-buying due to the Covid-19 them. To reduce the unneces- negative impacts. Hteik Htar sary risks, only the members Naing (IPRD) (Translated by are allowed to enter the de- Ei Myat Mon)

A woman shopper choosing an oil bottle in a supermarket in Yangon. PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR 21 APRIL 2020 6 LOCAL NEWS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Statement of the Myanmar National Human Rights

ACTING CHIEF EDITOR Aye Min Soe Commission (MNHRC) on the Presidential Pardon [email protected] Statement No. (3/ 2020) SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Kyaw Myaing 1. The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar maintaining friendship and goodwill with their countries and SENIOR EDITOR pardoned prisoners serving jail terms in various correc- humanitarian concerns as well. The Commission regards Aungthu Ya tional facilities across the country on 17 April 2020 under the conduct of medical check-up and COVID-19 prevention SENIOR TRANSLATORS Order 11/2020, Order 12/2020 and Order 13/2020 of the Office awareness raising before their release is a far-sighted Zaw Htet Oo of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to preventive action that will allay the concerns of the public Aung Khin mark the Myanmar New Year, to ensure the peace of mind over the potential spread of COVID-19. Moreover, dry ration of the people and considering the humanitarian concerns. as humanitarian support is provided on the day they are INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR Ye Htut Tin, 2. In view of the threat of Coronavirus (Covid-19) confronting released. Aung Htein, humankind, including Myanmar, this is an extremely signif- 4. As a national level institution, vested under section 43 of the [email protected] icant action from humanitarian and human rights perspec- MNHRC Law, with the mandate to inspect prisons, jails, tives, which the Commission hopes will bring many benefits detention centres, and places of confinement in order LOCAL NEWS EDITORS Tun Tun Naing (Editor), to the prisoners themselves, the people and the State. The to ensure that persons imprisoned, detained or confined [email protected] released prisoners can now reunite with long-separated are treated humanely and in accordance with international families and loved ones and have the opportunity to uplift and national human rights laws, the Myanmar National TRANSLATORS their morale in these difficult times. Less-crowded prisons Human Rights Commission whole-heartedly welcomes Hay Mar Tin Win, may contribute to effective social-distancing in prisons, the reduction of prison terms and the unconditional Ei Myat Mon, Kyaw Zin Lin, and consequently may help to some extent the overall release of prisoners as the situation in the prisons across Kyaw Zin Tun efforts of the National Central Committee for COVID-19 the country will become much improved as a result of re- Prevention, Control and Treatment. lease of a large number of prisoners. The Commission will REPORTER 3. Under the Presidential Pardon, death sentences and longer continue to fulfill this mandate in close cooperation with Nyein Nyein Ei, [email protected] prison terms were commuted; a total of 24,896 prisoners the relevant ministry. serving various terms have been given unconditional pardon PHOTOGRAPHER respectively. In addition, 87 foreign prisoners have been giv- Dated: 20 April 2020 Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar en the same unconditional pardon and deported in view of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Kyaw Zeya

COMPUTER TEAM Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Hnin Pwint, Kay Khaing Win, Sanda Hnin, Thein Htwe, Workers can file complaints unless employers Nyi Lin Thu

EDITORIAL SECTION comply with health guidelines (+95) (01)8604529, Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305 period, the workers can make a complaint to the respective CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, departments”, said CTUM as- Hotline - 09 974424114 sistant general secretary Daw Phyo Sandar Soe. The CTUM ADVERTISING & MARKETING urged the workers engaged in ( +95) (01) 8604530, Hotline - 09 974424848 factories and workplaces to file [email protected] complaints to the Factories and [email protected] General Labour Laws and In- spection Department when they Printed and published at the Global New Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at were forced to work. No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan The combined team con- Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light sisting of officials from the of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. Ministry of Health and Sports, 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. the Ministry of Labour Immi- [email protected] gration and Population (MoLIP) www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com and the experts will conduct the www.facebook.com/TheGNLM inspections in order of priority; pharmaceutical factories, food production factories, factories, workplaces and departments that are ready for re-operating Textile workers sewing on production line at a garment factory in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone in in line with health instructions, Yangon. PHOTO : PHOE KHWAR factories and workplaces with WORKERS can make a com- sume their operations, in line the labour unions and the work- more than 1,000 workers, and plaint if they are forced to work with the regulations and guide- ers. A committee comprising the other factories, workplaces and Write for us during the mandatory inspection lines on Covid-19 issued by the experts and officials concerned departments, in Hlinethaya,

We appreciate your feedback and period of factories and workplac- Ministry of Health and Sports, will go on inspection to the fac- Shwelinpan, Shwepyitha, Thadu- contributions. If you have any comments es, said an official of the Con- stated the Ministry of Labour, tories. If the factories and work- kan, North Dagon, South Dagon, or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please email federation of Trade Unions in Immigration and Population in places are found to be compliant North Okkalapa, Shwepaukkan [email protected] Myanmar (CTUM). its announcement. with health guidelines, they can and other townships. The facto- with your name and title. Due to limitation of space we are only The factories and workplac- “The statement is a move to be reopened. Having said that, ries and workplaces located in able to publish “Letter to the Editor” es in the respective industrial reduce the spread of Covid-19. they are not allowed to open at other regions and states are also that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit a text longer than 500 words zones across the country will We asked the labour officials the present time. If the employ- included in this statement, the please be aware that your letter will be undergo mandatory inspection about the statement. I’d like to ers force the employees to come MoLIP said.—Myint Soe edited. between 20 and 30 April to re- thank the ministry on behalf of into work during the inspection (Translated by Ei Myat Mon) 21 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR COVID-19 CURRENT SITUATION 7

STRAIGHTFORWARD ‘Nothing Hidden from USA’: WHO Says Has Been Warning about Dangers of Coronavirus from Day 1

TEDROS Adhanom Ghebreye- the US national health protec- sus, head of the World Health tion agency, detailed specifically Organization (WHO), empha- to work with the organisation on sized during his news confer- its COVID-19 response. ence on Monday that no infor- “Having CDC staff means mation has been “hidden” from there is nothing hidden from any member state in regards to the US, from day one. Because the coronavirus pandemic. these are Americans working World Health Organization with us. It just comes naturally chief Tedros Adhanom Ghe- and they tell what they are do- breyesus on Monday insisted ing,” said Tedros. the UN agency had not hidden “WHO is open. We don’t from the United States any in- hide anything. Not only for formation it had about the coro- CDC, them sending messages, navirus pandemic. or others -- we want all coun- He said the presence of tries to get the same message embedded US government immediately because that helps secondees working at the WHO countries to prepare well and to headquarters in Geneva “means prepare quickly. there is nothing hidden from Tedros also urged leaders the US, from day one”, adding: US President Donald Trump (C) holds a picture of the coronavirus with US Health and Human Service not to exploit the pandemic for “There is no secret in WHO.” Secretary Alex Azar (2nd L), CDC Director Robert Redfield (2nd R), and CDC Associate Director for Laboratory their own political capital. The agency further said it Science and Safety (ADLSS) Dr. Steve Monroe (R) during a tour of the Centers for Disease Control and “Don’t use this virus as an had been warning from the very Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 6, 2020. (PHOTO BY JIM WATSON / AFP) opportunity to fight against each start about the dangers of the other or score political points,” novel coronavirus, which has Ghebreyesus told a virtual The virus, which emerged the victims in Europe, according he said. killed more than 1,64,000 people briefing in Geneva, after facing late last year in the Chinese city to an AFP tally. “It’s like playing with fire. globally. scathing criticism from Wash- of Wuhan, has so far infected The WHO said that since It’s the political problem that “We have been warning ington which has accused the more than 2.4 million people January 1 there were 15 staff may fuel further this pandemic.” from day one that this is a dev- agency of initially downplaying globally and killed more than from the Centers for Disease il that everyone should fight,” the pandemic. 165,000, with nearly two thirds of Control and Prevention (CDC), SOURCE: AFP WAR “HEROES” HEALTHCARE WORKERS Italy says COVID-19 vaccine may be given to current virus health workers for emergency use first cases fall for the first time months, according to the World have entered into the second Health Organization, meaning stage of clinical trials, which ITALY on Monday reported its the vaccine will not be devel- are developed by Wuhan Insti- first symbolic drop in the num- oped until the end of the year tute of Biological Products of ber of people currently suffer- or early next year. China National Pharmaceutical ing from the novel coronavirus But given the trends world- Group and a Beijing-based unit since it recorded its first infec- wide, the first vaccines may be of Sinovac Biotech. tion in February. given to healthcare workers by Many have turned to the The civil protection service the end of the year for emergen- prospect of a vaccine as the said 108,237 people were either cy use, once they proved effec- COVID-19 pandemic contin- being treated in hospital or were tive on clinical trials, Gao said, ues to sweep the world, with recovering at home after testing noting that it is not intended for hundreds of thousands of new positive—down 20 from the total general public use. infections being reported every reported on Sunday. Vaccines are one of the day. “For the first time, we have ways for people to develop herd According to the latest data seen a new positive develop- A staff member displays samples of a potential COVID-19 vaccine at community, which occurs when by Johns Hopkins University, ment: the number of current- Sinovac Biotech Ltd., in Beijing, capital of China, Mar. 16, 2020. a sufficient portion of a popu- confirmed cases have exceed- ly positive has declined,” civil PHOTO: XINHUA lation is immune to a specific ed 2.4 million globally, with the protection service chief Ange- disease so that it can make the death toll surpassing 160,000. lo Borrelli told reporters. The BASED on the analysis of cur- vealed on Monday at a welcome spread from person to person Compared to the normal Mediterranean country’s death rent coronavirus situation glob- ceremony held for the returned unlikely. standard, which usually takes toll still rose by 454 to 24,114— ally, the first vaccines may be medical staff who have been sent “But both drugs and vac- eight to 20 years to develop a second only to the United Sates. inoculated to the healthcare to Hubei Province, the epicenter cines take time to develop, it’s new vaccine, 18 months is al- But most Italian doctors be- workers by the end of the year for of the COVID-19 in China. not just lip service,” Gao told. ready considered a breakneck lieve the country’s deaths and emergency use, Gao Fu, director Under a normal timetable, China has decided on five speed for launching a new one. infections are far higher than of the Chinese Center for Dis- the period for a vaccine to be COVID-19 vaccine develop- those officially reported. ease Control and Prevention re- available is at least 12 to 18 ment options, two of which SOURCE: CGTN SOURCE: AFP 21 APRIL 2020 21 APRIL 2020 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 9

"Any kind of hate Fourth-year performance of Ministry of Natural Resources and President’s Office continues announcement of illegal drug speech, incitement to Environmental Conservation arrests, seizures action on tip-offs violence has no place THE Office of the President has issued Press Release No Ten fiscal year plan on Myanmar Reforestation and Rehabilitation Programme (2017-2026) (MRRP) has been laid down 14/2020 yesterday, publicly announcing the Ministry of Home Affairs’ arrests and seizures in the fight against illicit drug in a civilized society beginning 2017 with 19 diverse agendas, and that the implementation is ongoing: Union Minister U Ohn Win trafficking up till 18 April. The ministry made the arrests, acting on information, sent to the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department of By Nandar Win production functions in harmony, based upon a policy the Office of the President as of 18 April. HILE we are experiencing the rapid spread of the Photo: Tar Yar of sustainable utilization of valuable forest resources, The full text of the press release will be reported in the 22 coronavirus throughout our country, the infectious the protected forest areas, the reserve forest areas, April issue of The Global New Light of Myanmar. — GNLM disease should not be used as an excuse for racial and the “Biodiversity and Conservation of Protect- Wdiscrimination and animosity towards a person or ed Area” have been earmarked and planned in the any group on the basis of religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, country. gender or other identity factors. A total of (30) per cent is targeted for protected No doubt, we need strong, well informed public responses, forest land and the reserve forest land, and that (10) Announcement to recheck in the face of the global pandemic. Equally, we have to ensure per cent is intended to set up for the “Protected Areas these responses respect everyone’s human rights and do not and Biodiversity Conservation”. systematic registration of SIM cards disproportionately affect certain groups in society. In the fourth year performances, (26) reserve Hate speech is "usually thought to include communications forest land with (304,593) acres have been consoli- 1. The Department of Post and Telecommunications, under of animosity or disparagement of an individual or a group on dated, covering (25 point 49) per cent of the nation. the Ministry of Transport and Communications, announced account of a group characteristic such as race, color, national During the period, two vast land with (43,605) through state-owned newspaper and social media on 23-2- origin, sex, disability, religion, or sexual orientation". acres have been organized as the “Protected Areas 2020 that mobile operators are helping users to re-register Incitement to violence may constitute hate speech. and Biodiversity Conservation”. So far, a total of (45) their SIM cards and urged the public to check if their regis- Our country is a union with a multicultural society. We believe vast land in (9 point 8) million acres covering (5 point tration is correct, and to use their mobile operator’s online that every human being has a right to a dignified life, to be treated 85) per cent of the country has been consolidated. services or vendor services to correct their registration with respect, and to live without fear of violence, intimidation, or Ten fiscal year plan on Myanmar Reforestation within the designated period. discrimination based upon and Rehabilitation Programme (2017-2026) (MRRP) 2. Legally issued identification (NRC/guest national/proof of group identity or personal Union Minister U Ohn Win. has been laid down beginning 2017 with (19) diverse national verification), passport registration for expatriates characteristics. agendas, and that the implementation is ongoing. for more than 2 SIM cards and SIM cards registered with Union Minister U Ohn Win observing the pearls at the Myanmar Pearl Exhibition. We would like Therefore, we must QUEST of sustainable development of the In the fourth year implementation, many areas false information will be blocked for all outgoing calls after strive to bring together di- INvast sector in the areas of forestry and min- have been established such as that of the commercial 30-4-2020 except to contact call center and will be perma- to urge all My- verse communities on the ing in the country along with the environmental forest areas; that of convergence forest areas; that live in peace and dignity for the remainder of their Q: Please share us on the natural environ- nently shut off after 30-6-2020. anmar people basis of common values of conservation of the nation, the Ministry of Natural of tidal forest areas; that of village fuel forest wood lives. mental conservation in balanced approach. 3. The public is urged to swiftly check whether their current mutual understanding and Resources and Environmental Conservation is shoul- areas; that of private teak forest areas; and that of During (2019 – 2020) to (2028 – 2029) period, the A: President U Win Myint announced the two SIM card is registered with correct information and to to avoid hate mutual respect for each oth- dering the onerous tasks in top gear. private hardwood forest areas. At the dire needs of the projects are being laid down for the establishment new policies - - - the National Environmental Policy resolve the issue if not. er. Through the interviews to Union Minister U local population, private bamboo forest plantations of wildlife sanctuaries, and that (25 point 97) per cent and the Myanmar Climate Change Policy - - - at an Department of Posts and Telecommunications speech and Whenever our country Ohn Win and the departmental heads, all aspects have allocated to (106) entrepreneurs. has been completed so far. event marking World Environment Day in the capital is facing difficult situations, of the achievements, performances and develop- With a view to facilitate the requirements of the With a view to reduce the extraction of wood in Nay Pyi Taw. to “live united including this COVID-19 ments during the fourth year are presented to the local population, necessary directives with regard to the rural areas, (38,182) energy sufficient stoves have With regard to climate change and to reduce within diversi- crisis, intolerance and dis- esteemed readers. the forestry sector have been supplemented in May been distributed in collaboration with the interna- carbon emission, the relevant policies, strategies and Deadline for electricity payment for crimination are not only un- 2019, and the forest strategy (2018 – 2020) for the local tional organizations. main work programs were being released. March extended ty”, especially acceptable, but also counter- U Ohn Win, population has been accorded. For recreational purpose, and as there are many Waste management and recycling discarded productive. Union Minister, MONREC A total of (648) Forest Users Association have retired and old elephants available in Myanmar, items are being taken into consideration and that in this difficult Article 364 of Myanmar’s Q: Kindly share us the most satisfactory been formed with (14,744) memberships covering many elephant camps have been established across Myanmar National Level Main Working Programme 1. Electricity and Energy Ministry’s offices in townships are 2008 constitution prohibits achievements in the forestry sector during the (87,302) acres. the country. for 2018 – 2020 have been rolled out. collecting monthly fee for electricity usage from the people. time. the “abuse of religion for po- fourth year period. A wildlife sanctuary is a place of refuge where Q: Please explain us on the mine industry Q: Kindly explain us the most salient points 2. On the bills, people were urged to pay the electricity fee for litical purposes” and “any act A: Successfully performed its protection and abused, injured and abandoned captive wildlife may sector. with regard to biodiversity conservation. March to their respective township office not later than 20, which is intended or is likely A: Mining was suspended in 2016 due to con- A: Our ministry would step ahead in line with 22, 24, 26 and 28 April. to promote feelings of hatred, enmity or discord between racial or cerns over the environmental damage caused by the policies, strategies, directives laid down by the state 3. Those who gathered outside of the offices have to follow religious communities or sects”. It allows for the “promulgation industry and legal confusion. Myanmar’s Ministry of and with the directives of the state leaders in the health guidelines including washing hands and receiving of laws to punish such activity”. Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation management of forestry, mining and natural conser- screening to prevent the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COV- Authorities and citizens need to speak out against hate speech (MoNREC) has announced that local and foreign in- vation matters. We are working in cooperation and ID-19) declared by the World Health Organization-WHO as that is triggered by today’s pandemic. vestment in mining operations in the country will be collaboration with relevant ministries. At this junc- a global pandemic, caused crowds outside the offices. In these difficult times, we need to join forces to build robust permitted, following an assessment of the industry’s ture, I would like to request the people to participate 4. To reduce the crowds, the ministry has extended the defences against hate speech and to curb its impact through environmental impacts, with the new mining law and in the endeavor for the environmental conservation deadline for paying the fee for the March consumption to strong legislation, effective equality bodies, ambitious action bylaw. for the greater good of the nation. 20 May. plans and inclusive education. At the moment, with the recommendations of 5. No actions would be taken against the people for the delays. Not only governmental bodies, but civil society and com- the regional and state governments, total of (158) U Khin Latt Gyi 6. The staff of the offices will do their duties without off days, munity organizations also have an important role to play in applications for new exploration and extraction sites (Director-General, Department of Mining) and the deadline for the paying for the fee for April would combating prejudice. would be approved soon. Q: Tell us on the development with regards be announced later. We would like to urge all Myanmar people to avoid hate In the fourth year implementation, the approvals to laws and bylaws. Ministry of Electricity and Energy speech and to “live united within diversity”, especially in this were accorded such as that of the mining survey and A: Following the passing of the amendments difficult time. exploration including foreign investment and local to the Myanmar Mines Law of 1994 through the en- All Myanmar people are advised to avoid hate speech and investment; that of the extension of foreign invest- actment of Law No. 72/2015 on 24 December 2015 the to “live in unity within diversity”. Strong actions must be taken ment permits and local investment permits; that of "Mines Law Amendments", the Ministry of Natural against those who “make” hate speech. large, medium and small exploration and extraction Resources and Environmental Conservation passed We would like to urge every citizen to uphold the rule of law new permits and extension of permits. the much anticipated Myanmar Mines Rules under and also make clear that any kind of hate speech and incitement Myanmar Jade and Gems Emporium and Auc- Notification No. 13/2018 dated 13 February 2018 the to violence has no place in a civilized society. tions were held during the fourth year period and "Mines Rules", repealing the previous mines rules Thin Thin May, fetched Euro (506 point 914) million; MMK (12) billion; passed in 1996. Call 09251022355,09974424848 Officials collecting data on forest conservation in Mindone Township, Hayet District. while pearl fetched Euro (2,680,892). SEE PAGE-10 21 APRIL 2020 10 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Fourth-year performance of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation

FROM PAGE-9

Q: Kindly explain the implementation of mining industry in the context of national planning objectives. A: National Planning Objectives in- volve the implementation of the mining sector, the jade sector, the gems sector, and the pearl sector. In this regards, the targeted income was set at MMK (592,885 point 534) million and that the MONREC realized MMK (821,314 point 559) million, accounting to (138 point 53) per cent of the estimated total proceeds.

Dr. Nyi Nyi Kyaw, (Director-General, Department of Forest) Q: Please share us with the most salient performances of your department. Surveyors measuring the GPS of MraukU archaeological area by Real Time Kinematic System. (FILE PHOTO) A: So far, we have successfully consolidated (25 point 49) per cent of the We are also working for the conservation on the gems and jewellery to the country as permanent forest land. The tion of migratory birds. In 2020, the famous U Hla Maung Thein, public. consolidation of forest land is aimed at Inlay Lake has been designated as resting (Director-General, Department of En- A: Myanmar is proud to have motley sustainable natural resources conserva- place for the birds. vironmental Conservation) assortments over (75) varieties of gems tion of the country, including its utilization. Q: Please tell us about the current Q: Please share us about the sig- and over (100) diverse and varied pre- Q: Kindly explain the participation implementation of the Department of nificant development of the Department cious stones, including the famous ruby, of the local population in the forest con- Forest. of Environmental Conservation. sapphire and jade. They are being proudly servation tasks. A: Due to the high deforestation in A: According to the Myanmar Sus- displayed in Myanma Gems Museums in A: There are many steps in the forest Myanmar, the country is implementing a tainable Development Plan - - MSDP, it Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon. conservation, and that the local population 10-year plan of reforestation and rehabili- has been expressed that the natural en- Q: Please share us on the sustain- is residing in the same areas. Therefore, tation of its forest across the country. The vironment conservation is the basic and able development plans. we need to consider that there is no harm project covers 32,400 to 40,500 hectares a core foundation. A: With a view to sustainable devel- to the daily livelihood of the local people in year to establish forest, nurseries and to The Myanmar Climate Change Strate- opment in the management over the Myan- connection with the forest conservation. replant trees in forest reserve land. This gy (MCCS) 2018-2030 has been formulated ma gems for the posterity, an appropriate Q: Please share us over the sus- rainy season would witness the planting and adopted to provide a roadmap for My- gem policy is in the process for pragmatic tainable biodiversity in the context of of (68) million trees by the private sector, anmar to strategically address climate-re- application in the country. forestry sector. the civil society organizations and the local lated risks, and also seize opportunities, Q: Kindly explain us on the gem A: When we talk about the forest population. The Department of Forest has over the next 13 years and beyond. and jewelry market status. resource, it covers the topic of biodiver- formed the community based “Commu- Q: Please explain on the moni- A: The work programme includes sity. One of the tasks in the fourth year nity Monitoring and Reporting System toring and evaluation in the context of such as that of the upgrading of finished implementation include the project to re- – CMRS” to reduce the illegal logging. As environmental degradation. products using modern technology; that of establish the wildlife sanctuaries as much a result, (49,782 point 35) tons of illegal A: During 2019, a total of ( 113 ) study the creation of (100) per cent development as possible in their original habitats. logs have been arrested along with (4,531) reports on environmental degradation on of jewellery market in the country. The plans include such as that of the offenders, including (28) foreigners. A to- socio-economic and investment develop- Q: Kindly apprise us on the em- conservation of the original habitats; that of tal of (2711) transport vehicles have been ment projects in the domains of the infra- poriums and auctions. making the safe passages in the forest are- seized. In this regards, the participation structure, the hotels, the transportation, A: Since 1964, a total of (95) Myanma as; that of the cooperation and coordination of the local population is very much vital. the industry, the energy, the agriculture, gems, jade and jewellery emporiums and with other ministries in avoiding harm and Another vital task is the Inle Lake the livestock breeding, the forestry, and auctions were successfully held, which damage to the wildlife sanctuaries due to Conservation and Rehabilitation Project, the mining have been approved, and that fetched and yielded foreign cash for the construction of new infrastructures. which is rolling ahead in speed. (623) reports have been initially checked government coffer. and duly replied. Q: Please share us with gems and A total of (1,237) ground inspection jade production in the fourth year. trips on the projects to check water, air A: During the fourth year period, the and soil pollution have been successfully extraction of raw jade was (29,445 point conducted. 446) kilos in thousands; the extraction of Q: Kindly explain on the future gems and stones was (220 point 128) carets, tasks over environmental conservation. which brought in MMK (10,934 point 329) A: All the environmental conserva- million. tion tasks in the context of climate change Q: In conclusion, kindly share us would be implemented with the coopera- on the activities with regards to Myan- tion and participation of the governments, ma Gems Law. the organizations and the entire people. A: In accordance with the 2019 My- anma Gems Law, the regional and state U Minn Thu, governments have the authority in the (Managing Director, Myanmar Gems management and supervision over the Enterprise) works of small scale businesses and em- Q: Please tell us on the arrange- ployees, individuals and groups. Elephants seen at the Moe Makha Elephant Conservation Camp. (FILE PHOTO) ments in passing the relevant informa- Translated by UMT (Ahlon) 21 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 11

TRACKING COVID-19 CASES COVID-19 in the USA: a question of time

ITH more than Precious time 753 000 confirmed As Anthony Fauci, director cases and close to of the National Institute of Al- W27 000 deaths, the lergy and Infectious Diseases, USA has become the current has suggested, sluggish decision centre of the global coronavirus making by the federal govern- disease 2019 (COVID-19) pan- ment at the outset of the COV- demic. Fewer than 3 months ID-19 crisis lost precious time: have elapsed since the first had “you started mitigation ear- severe acute respiratory syn- lier, you could have saved lives”. drome coronavirus 2 infection in It was not until late February, Washington State was confirmed 2020, after local transmission by the US Centers for Disease of COVID-19 was established in Control and Prevention (CDC). additional clusters in Oregon and Initially appearing slow moving New York states, that the CDC and constrained in contrast to updated guidance to authorise the scale of outbreaks in China testing for individuals who had and Italy, COVID-19 has given not travelled recently, substan- way to a nationwide public health tially widening the scope of cases catastrophe. For the first time that could be detected. During in US history, a disaster decla- the brief window when contain- ration has been put in place for ment of the virus might have all 50 states and most US ter- been a possibility, the CDC re- The US Navy’s USNS Comfort is a mammoth floating hospital that was last dispatched to aid New York City ritories, and 95% of Americans tained control of all testing, pre- after 9/11. PHOTO: AFP are at least temporarily under venting external academic and some form of stay at home or- commercial test development, and effective prophylaxis against pists, and health-care advocacy nomic havoc—at least 17 million der. The increasing gravity of the and processing only about 100 COVID-19 has been hampered groups to source equipment, of- Americans are unemployed, a situation in the USA has drawn samples per day. The US Food and delayed by Trump’s prevari- ten directly competing with the number that could ultimately public health and infectious and Drug Administration has cation. Dynamic models predict- federal government for goods. surpass the Great Depression, disease experts, policy makers, also created barriers through ing the rates of mortality and Anticipating a protracted fight and take years to correct. A new and partisans across state and its requisite approval scheme hospital admission, such as the against COVID-19 that could in- impasse is forming around the federal government into a fitful for all diagnostics. Even with the IHME COVID-19 projections volve multiple waves of outbreak, Trump administration’s eager- clash for control and direction of slow scale-up of testing, private as well as previous pandemic reinforcing that availability and ness to boost the economy by the COVID-19 response. Putting facilities and laboratories tasked preparedness plans, have been equitable distribution of essen- lifting restrictions, just as mit- the USA at odds with the inter- with processing samples have available to help states get ready tial medical supplies should be igation efforts by the states are national community and global been severely overwhelmed with for surge responses, through in- the priority of existing federal yielding results. The degree to pandemic strategy efforts, Pres- thousands of backlogged cases. creasing the number of hospital agencies. which the USA stalled in taking ident Trump announced his in- Point-of-care and clinic testing beds and ventilators available. aggressive action to curtail the tention to withdraw funding from for active infections is still press- Yet shortages and inadequate Economic havoc spread of COVID-19 is directly WHO (about 22% of its budget). ing, especially in regions where personal protective equipment In hard-hit states such as the product of an administration Caught amid the chaos are the outbreaks are predicted to occur, have and continue to put front- New York, although hundreds of marked by consistently poor tim- American people grappling with but there must now be a shift in line health-care workers at great COVID-19 deaths are still occur- ing, intent on making decisions the fear of a deadly and poorly urgency to develop and expand risk. After sparring with gover- ring daily, hospital admissions in favour of economic interests understood virus, conflicting testing capacity for previous nors over access to the Strategic appear to have plateaued. Credit instead of those that are guided messaging around their protec- COVID-19 infections. National Stockpile, Trump has might be due to effective physical by science and to protect health. tion and safety, fear of financial not invoked the Defense Produc- distancing measures that limit The rush to reopen the country fallout, absence of a cohesive Effective prophylaxis tion Act, ordering private busi- community mobility. But pro- puts dollars over deaths. national strategy, and volatile, Testing might rely on the nesses to manufacture needed gress in preventing the spread SOURC: The Lancet Jour- incompetent leadership. ability to innovate, but simple goods, leaving states, philanthro- of COVID-19 has come with eco- nal

REDEFINING VULNERABILITY Coronavirus exposes ‘weaknesses’ in health systems: G20 HE coronavirus pan- to address the pandemic. The worldwide death toll demic has exposed “Health Ministers recog- from the novel coronavirus pan- “systemic weakness- nised that the COVID-19 pandemic rose to 164,016 on Sunday, Tes” in global health demic has highlighted systemic according to a tally from official systems, the G20 said Monday, weaknesses in health systems,” sources compiled by AFP. but there was no mention of they said in a joint statement. More than 2,363,210 de- Washington’s contentious deci- “It also has shown vulnera- clared cases have been regis- sion to halt World Health Organ- bilities in the global community’s tered in 193 countries and ter- ization funding. ability to prevent and respond to ritories since the epidemic first The statement came after pandemic threats. emerged in China in December. health ministers from the 20 “Ministers addressed the The novel coronavirus has most advanced economies held need to improve the effective- upended the lives of billions a virtual meeting on Sunday ness of global health systems by of people as nations imposed hosted by the group’s current sharing knowledge and closing lockdown measures to curb its A medical staff prepares an isolation ward at a government hospital in president Saudi Arabia following the gap in response capabilities spread, sending the global econ- Kerala, India. PHOTO : AFP criticism the institution was slow and readiness.” omy into a tailspin.— AFP 21 APRIL 2020 12 WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Australia to force Google, Facebook to pay for news content

CANBERRA — Australia will (and) it is about delivering a force Google and Facebook level playing field,” Frydenberg to pay media outlets for their said. content, the government an- “It is about keeping jobs nounced Monday, vowing to in journalism and it is about lead the world in making the ensuring a fair outcome for all.” tech giants share lucrative ad- Google and Facebook have vertising revenues with tradi- had a huge impact on Austral- tional media. ia’s news industry, capturing Treasurer Josh Fryden- two-thirds of online advertising berg said a mandatory code of spending. conduct -- to be fully unveiled by In response to falling rev- July and made law soon after -- enues, Australian news outlets will require the US-based firms have slashed 20 per cent of jobs to reimburse Australian media in the last six years. companies for using their news If Australia is successful Japanese carrier ANA has sharply downgraded its profit forecasts over the coronavirus pandemic. and other content. in its efforts to ensure more PHOTO : AFP/FILE “It is about holding these advertising revenue flows to tech titans to account, about publishers, it would be the first ensuring genuine competition, country to do so.—AFP ANA slashes profit forecast by 71% because of pandemic

TOKYO — Japanese airline ANA at 60 billion yen, compared with said, with travel demand declin- Holdings on Monday slashed its an earlier expectation of 140 ing especially sharply in March. annual net profit forecast by 71 billion yen. Sales are now pro- The company was expecting per cent over massive falls in jected to fall to 1,970 billion yen, strong sales but also higher costs demand and major cancellations compared with 2,090 billion yen. as it prepared to expand servic- caused by the coronavirus pan- The company is scheduled es in the greater Tokyo region demic. to officially release its full-year ahead of the 2020 Olympics. For the past fiscal year to earnings later this month. But the pandemic has forced March 2020, the firm said it now The downgrade was forced the Games to be delayed by a expects a net profit of 27 billion by “entry restrictions in various year and severely damaged Ja- yen ($194 million), down from countries and reduced domestic pan’s tourism sector, while many an earlier projection of 94 billion travel in Japan due to the spread countries have cancelled or lim- Australia has said it will begin forcing Google and Facebook to pay news yen. of the coronavirus during the ited international and domestic companies for content. PHOTO : AFP/FILE Operating profit is now seen fourth quarter”, the company travel.—AFP Uber expands delivery options for retail, personal items

WASHINGTON — Uber un- more difficult. get their items delivered right veiled plans to expand delivery of “We’ve heard from retail- to their doorstep -- without con- groceries and other goods from ers and manufacturers around tact.” retailers as part of its response the world looking to introduce The new Uber service is to the global coronavirus lock- delivery through Uber, as an working with the retail startup downs. operationally efficient way to Cabinet to deliver over-the-coun- The ridesharing giant said reach their customers or man- ter medicines and other items in a new service called Uber Di- age internal delivery needs,” San New York. rect would focus on grocery and Francisco-based Uber said in a It also will partner with Por- convenience store deliveries -- statement late Sunday. tugal’s postal service to deliver Uber will put some of its delivery operators to work for groceries, where social distancing and oth- “Shoppers can now place parcels, and in Australia with pet medicines and other items in response to the coronavirus er obstacles have made shopping orders from select retailers and supply retailers.—AFP lockdowns. PHOTO : AFP/FILE Virgin Atlantic may fold without state help: Branson LONDON — British tycoon Rich- can to keep the airline going but Airlines around the world are pay it back,” he added after the ment support and many have al- ard Branson has warned that his we will need government support on the financial ropes as govern- billionaire faced criticism follow- ready received it,” Branson add- part-owned airline Virgin Atlantic to achieve that in the face of the ment lockdown orders and bor- ing the airline demanding that ed. “Without it there won’t be any will collapse unless it receives severe uncertainty surrounding der closures have forced them staff take unpaid leave during the competition left and hundreds of financial aid from the UK govern- travel today and not knowing how to ground most of their planes. COVID-19 outbreak. thousands more jobs will be lost, ment to weather the coronavirus long the planes will be grounded “This would be in the form of “The reality of this unprece- along with critical connectivity crisis. for,” Branson said in a letter to a commercial loan -- it wouldn’t be dented crisis is that many airlines and huge economic value,” the “We will do everything we employees seen by media. free money and the airline would around the world need govern- letter went on.—AFP 21 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECON / AD 13 Hong Kong jobless rate soars amid coronavirus pandemic

HONG KONG — Hong “The labor market to boost the economy, total- Kong’s jobless rate soared showed further sharp ing HK$287.5 billion (US$37 to a nine-year high as con- deterioration as the COV- billion), but most of the sumption and the tourism ID-19 pandemic severely measures were criticized and construction sectors disrupted a wide range of for focusing more on em- were strongly hit by the economic activities,” Sec- ployers than employees. coronavirus pandemic, retary for Labor and Wel- The Fitch Ratings according to government fare Law Chi-kwong said. agency said Monday it figures released Monday, “(It) will continue to face downgraded Hong Kong’s although with no new significant pressure from long-term foreign-curren- infection cases were re- the economic fallout.” cy issuer default rating by ported. The food and bever- one level to “AA-” with a The unemployment age service sector and the “stable” outlook, taking rate rose from 3.7 per cent construction sector were into consideration the fi- in the December to Febru- the hardest hit with jobless nancial strain brought by ary period to 4.2 per cent in rate at 8.6 per cent and 8.5 the coronavirus pandemic the January to March peri- per cent, respectively. and the uncertain business od, while total employment The government has environment due to an- dropped by around 48,800 announced two rounds of ti-government protests.— Hong Kong has been weathering months-long protests that have driven the economy into a to 3.72 million. financial relief measures Kyodo recession, before the coronavirus crisis hit. PHOTO: AFP Oil collapses to under $11 as Virus brings Japan convenience store world awash with crude sales to over 9-year low in March LONDON — US oil prices West Texas Intermediate The June contract was TOKYO — Sales at con- tomers dropped 8.2 per virus. dived to 22-year lows under (WTI) crude for May de- down 9.7 per cent at $22.60. venience stores in Japan cent from a year before Average spending $11 Monday after crash- livery sank to $10.77 — the “The real problem of fell 5.8 per cent in March to 1.28 billion in March, the per customer rose 2.5 ing 40 per cent in a mar- lowest level since 1998. the global supply-demand from a year earlier, the sharpest fall since compa- per cent to 649.0 yen in ket flooded with crude as Trade, however, was imbalance has started to largest decline in over rable data became availa- the reporting month, re- demand evaporates in the also technically driven as really manifest itself in nine years, as people re- ble in 2005, although most flecting strong demand face of the coronavirus pan- investors closed out their prices,” said Rystad Ener- frained from going outside convenience stores across for cooked and frozen food demic. Ahead of Wall Street positions ahead of the May gy analyst Bjornar Tonhau- amid the coronavirus out- the country remained items while people stayed opening the US benchmark contract expiry Monday. gen. “As production contin- break, an industry group open despite the spread home longer, the business ues relatively unscathed, said Monday. of the pneumonia-causing body said.—Kyodo storage is filling up by the Same-store sales of day. The world is using less seven major convenience and less oil and producers store operators totaled now feel how this translates 833.90 billion yen ($7.7 in prices.” billion), marking the first The European bench- decline in three months, mark contract, London the Japan Franchise As- Brent North Sea oil for sociation said. June delivery, was down The 5.8 per cent de- 6.5 per cent at $26.27 per crease in the same-store barrel. Signs that the coro- sales was the deepest navirus may have peaked since October 2010 when in Europe and the United they fell 5.9 per cent fol- US crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate is plunging as the contract expires — demonstrating investors don’t States failed to lift Asian lowing a tobacco tax hike, File photo taken May 29, 2019, shows the logo of want to accept delivery of the oil. and European financial it said. FamilyMart convenience store on one of its storefronts in PHOTO : AFP/FILE markets generally.—AFP The number of cus- Tokyo. PHOTO : KYODO

CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE M.V MCC HALONG VOY. NO. (016W) M.V YANTRA BHUM VOY. NO. (1040 W/E) M.V SERENE OCEAN Consignees of cargo carried on M.V MCC Consignees of cargo carried on M.V YANTRA Consignees of cargo carried on M.V SERENE HALONG VOY. NO. (016W) are hereby notified that BHUM VOY. NO. (1040 W/E) are hereby notified that OCEAN VOY. NO. (-) are hereby notified that the vessel the vessel will be arriving on 21-4-2020 and cargo will be the vessel will be arriving on 20-4-2020 and cargo will be will be arriving on 20-4-2020 and cargo will be discharged discharged into the premises of MITT/TMT where it will discharged into the premises of MIP where it will lie at the into the premises of WILMAR where it will lie at the lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. and conditions of the Port of Yangon. and conditions of the Port of Yangon. Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel. from the Vessel. from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY AGENT FOR: M/S SEALAND MAERSK ASIA AGENT FOR: M/S REGIONAL CONTAINER AGENT FOR: M/S WILHELMSEN SHIPS PTE LTD. LINES SERVICES PTE LTD . Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301928 21 APRIL 2020 14 ASIA THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR India partially eases lockdown, but effort falters

some manufacturing and con- they couldn’t comply with strin- struction — industries where gent workplace requirements for shifts can be run and workers returning workers and feared be- isolated, and which employed mil- ing blamed if staff fell ill. lions of hard-hit poorer Indians. Others said the lack of de- The relaxation came as In- mand for their goods made it dia reported its highest daily in- pointless to restart operations. crease of infections — 1,553 new Many out of work, mean- cases for a total of 17,265, and while, said they were struggling 543 deaths. to feed themselves and their A senior railway official in families. Kolkata told AFP that although “We were told that on some a third of staff were told to return sectors will open up, but the re- Monday, attendance was poor as ality is different,” said cable TV most employees simply couldn’t repairman Rohit Sharma in Noi- get to work. da city, near Delhi. Several factory operators, “Now, what can we do? We meanwhile, said they had diffi- can earn money only if we are culty resuming operations be- allowed to work.” cause so few staff showed up, State and territory borders and supply chains had also been remain closed across the coun- A sweeper cleans the floor of the General Post Office in Kolkata after some lockdown restrictions were relaxed. disrupted. “With no raw material, try, preventing migrant labourers PHOTO AFP a ban on transportation, and the from travelling. non-availability of manpower, I Hundreds of thousands of NEW DELHI — Absent staff and tionwide shutdown to stop the sectors could resume operations have not been able to operate,” labourers headed to their home broken supply chains scuppered spread of coronavirus. under strict conditions in a bid to said Ritesh Srivastava, who villages when the lockdown was efforts by some Indian industries Although the national lock- stop the economy from hemor- makes homoeopathic medicines ordered, some walking hundreds to restart Monday, weeks after down has been extended until rhaging further. in Lucknow. of miles and with little money or the government ordered a na- May 3, officials said certain key They include agriculture, Some smaller factories said food.—AFP

Viet Nam sees Malaysia reports lowest daily increase in new coronavirus cases 214 COVID-19 KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia urged the public not to be com- Myanmar who died on Friday, to avoid a situation like the one cases cured, no on Monday reported 36 new placent even if the 6-week partial the same day he was admitted happening in Singapore, where a new confirmed coronavirus infections, its lowest lockdown is lifted on April 28. to the hospital. huge spike in the number of cas- daily increase since March 12. The number of cases may Hisham added, authorities es has been seen among foreign cases in 4 Since last Wednesday, the rise again over the next two decided to act fast and target workers living in dormitories.— consecutive nation has seen its daily tally of weeks, he warned, since author- the migrant workers in that area Kyodo cases drop from triple digits to ities are still actively tracking days double digits. The total number down cases, especially among of positive cases stood at 5,425 as Malaysians who have returned HANOI — Viet Nam has seen of Monday, the Health Director from abroad, and in localities 214 out of its 268 confirmed General Noor Hisham Abdullah under a total lockdown due to COVID-19 cases cured as of told a media briefing, making a spike in the number of cases. Monday evening and reported it the Southeast Asian country The latest area placed under no new cases in four days after with the fourth-highest number complete lockdown announced it confirmed the latest one on of infections after Singapore, on Monday surrounds a Kua- last Thursday, VietNam News Indonesia and the Philippines. la Lumpur wholesale market Agency reported. There were no fatalities re- in the Selayang district, where There are 568 suspected ported on Monday, the first time many migrant workers and ref- cases and nearly 63,000 being in a month. The total number ugees, like the Rohingyas, live monitored and quarantined of deaths from COVID-19, the and work. in the country, with no deaths illness caused by the novel coro- Hisham said, so far, 2,064 from the disease reported as of navirus, remained at 89. people have been tested in that A shopping complex in Malaysia’s Johor Bahru is closed on March 18, Monday evening, according to But Hisham reiterated that area, with 28 found to be positive, 2020, after the country imposed a two-week nationwide lockdown to its health ministry.—Xinhua “the war is not over yet” and including a 36-year-old man from curb the spread of the new coronavirus. PHOTO : KYODO

Japan’s e-commerce giant Rakuten starts selling COVID-19 testing kits TOKYO — Japanese e-com- kits have been developed by Gen- determine whether an employee, respiratory disease, COVID-19, ing instead on tracking group merce giant Rakuten Inc. said esis Healthcare Co., a leading ge- for example, should self-isolate caused by the coronavirus. infections. on Monday it has started selling netic testing and research com- so as not to potentially spread The kits will cost 14,900 yen Healthcare officials here COVID-19 testing kits to busi- pany in Tokyo in which Rakuten the pneumonia-carrying virus. (138 U.S. dollars) per person and have voiced concern that this nesses in Tokyo and four sur- owns an undisclosed stake. The online retail behemoth the minimum order has been set could mean that asymptomatic rounding prefectures. Rakuten said the kits will said the testing kits are not de- at 100 kits. Rakuten plans to of- patients or those displaying only Rakuten said the testing kits be available to companies and signed for official medical diag- fer them in other parts of Japan very mild symptoms of the virus are being sold as a “risk assess- organizations in Tokyo, Saitama, nosis, but by taking a nasal swab, from May with the move coming could be unknowingly passing on ment option to those who show Chiba, Kanagawa and Ibaraki the sample can be assessed at a amid concerns that the Japa- the deadly virus, while not being no specific symptoms but are prefectures. laboratory in about three days to nese government has not been included in the health ministry’s concerned about the spread of The testing kits, Rakuten see if the sample contains the conducting as many coronavirus official figures for those infected the virus.” The self-assessment said, are supposed to be used to genetic sequences specific to the tests as other countries, focus- with the virus.—Xinhua 21 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR WORLD 15 Europe takes cautious steps to ease virus lockdowns

BERLIN — Germany and other with death rates dropping in Italy, In Norway, Silje Skifjell parts of Europe took tentative Spain, France and Britain. dropped off her boys Isaak and steps to ease lockdown measures The hope is tempered by Kasper at a nursery in the north on Monday but officials warned fears of new waves of infections, of the capital Oslo. the battle against the coronavirus warnings that life will not be back “He was so excited we had pandemic was far from over. to normal for many months and to leave the house early to come Some shops reopened in deep concern over the devastat- here and see the other children,” Germany and parents dropped ing impact the virus is having on she said of four-year-old Isaak, their children off at nurseries the global economy. her eldest. in Norway as tight restrictions But even the smallest return “I almost cried, he was so in place for weeks were lifted in to normality was welcome. happy to see his friends.” parts of the continent. In the German city of Leip- Governments around the After being hit hard by the zig, fashion store owner Manuela world are mulling how and when virus that first emerged in China Fischer said she was “incredibly to ease lockdowns that have kept Germany, which has been hailed for keeping fatalities low despite a late last year, Europe has seen happy” to be welcoming shoppers more than half of humanity con- significant number of cases, allowed smaller shops to reopen in some encouraging signs in recent days, again. fined to their homes.—AFP regions. PHOTO: AFP Germany to cover costs of Laughter fills Norway’s foreign virus patients nurseries as they reopen OSLO — Most were itching dropped off him and his young- to meet their friends, others a er brother Kasper. little wary about leaving their “I almost was crying, parents: the youngest Norwe- he was so happy to see his gians started returning to pre- friends,” she said. schools on Monday, a month Staff wearing reflective after being sent home over the vests were on site to receive new coronavirus. the children at the gate, as en- Breaking the silence of the try to the building is banned to past five weeks, laughter once the public to limit the risk of again filled the playground contamination. of Espira Grefsen Stasjon, a But neither parents nor nursery school in the north of employees were wearing Norway’s capital Oslo. masks. Bundled up in jackets and Along with Austria, Den- warm caps, the toddlers ar- mark and Germany, Norway rived under a deceptive spring is among the first countries to The German state of Saxony responds to a request for help and admits Corona patients from Italy. PHOTO: DPA/AFP sun on Monday morning. start easing restrictions, which Some were reluctant to let were announced on March 12. BERLIN — Germany will cover taken in patients — mainly from Their treatment has so far go of their parents’ hands, but The Nordic country, with the cost for treating novel corona- France — to relieve pressure on cost about 20 million euros ($21.7 most were impatient to run and a population of around 5.4 virus patients taken in from Euro- their overburdened healthcare million), according to Spahn. join their friends in the sandpit. million, has registered 7,068 pean Union neighbour countries systems. “Germany will cover the “He was so excited we confirmed cases of the new as a gesture of goodwill, Health A total of 229 foreign patients treatment costs of these patients, had to leave the house early coronavirus and 154 deaths, Minister Jens Spahn said Mon- have been treated in Germany, a that is what we understand by to come here and see the other and has reported a significant day. Germany has been spared spokesman for the foreign min- European solidarity,” Spahn said kids,” Silje Skifjell said of her drop in new hospital admis- the worst of the coronavirus cri- istry said Monday — 130 from ahead of a meeting of ministers eldest child Isaak, after she sions.—AFP sis seen in some of its hard-hit France, 44 from Italy and 55 from tackling the virus crisis on Mon- European neighbours, and has the Netherlands. day.—AFP

Vijay Mallya’s Appeal against Extradition to India Dismissed by UK High Court

NEW DELHI — Embattled challenged in the UK High Court he does not, under the India-UK liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya on his extradition from the country. Extradition Treaty, it would then Monday lost his High Court ap- The dismissal of the High be expected to formally certify peal against his extradition order Court appeal effectively clears the court order for Mallya to be to India in relation to charges the decks for Mallya’s extradi- extradited within 28 days. of fraud and money laundering tion to India to face the charges “We have held there is a pri- amounting to an alleged Rs 9,000 in the Indian courts, with 14 days ma facie case both of misrep- crore. for him to apply for permission to resentation and of conspiracy, The 64-year-old former appeal to the UK Supreme Court. and thus there is also a prima Kingfisher Airlines boss, want- If he does apply, the UK facie case of money launder- ed in India on alleged fraud and Home Office would wait for the ing,” the High Court concluded. Norwegian children started to return to pre-schools, a month after a money laundering charges, had outcome of that appeal. But if —ANI coronavirus shutdown sent them home. PHOTO : AFP 21 APRIL 2020 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Shan United’s midfielder signs for Yangon United MFF president gives aids understanding. And I admit that I will grab the sweet success of to hospitals in Yangon to the team.” Yan Naing Oo started his fight pandemic career in Zeyya Shwe Myay FC starting from 2015. Then, he moved to Shan United and CHAIRPERSON U Zaw Zaw of cently decided to aid further player for the club from 2016 to the Myanmar Football Feder- contributions to South Okkal- 2020 half-season of Myanmar ation, who is also chairman of apa Hospital and Waibargi National League. the Ayeyarwady Foundation is Hospital after meeting with Not only Yan Naing Oo giving aids through the foun- officials from the hospitals on showed his great form in MNL dation to Waibargi Hospital 17 April. but he was a star player of My- and South Okkala Hospital in Further K20 million was anmar national football teams. Yangon to combat the Covid-19 donated to Waibargi Hospital The young Myanmar mid- global pandemic, according to after its first cash donation of Midfielder Yan Naing Oo (left) holds the insignia of Yangon United as fielder played for the U-19 My- the yesterday’s statement with K50 million to the same place part of his arrival to the Yangon United. PHOTO: YUFC anmar National Team to win the the foundation. last month, stated the foun- King’s Cup of Brunei. In 2015, Ayeyarwady Foundation dation. MIDFIELDER Yan Naing Oo feeling that “I’m very happy to Yan Naing Oo participated in has already donated K30 mil- Chaired by MFF presi- from Shan United has signed join Yangon United. I will do my U-20 World Cup in New Zealand lion to South Okkalapa Hos- dent U Zaw Zaw, the Ayeyar- for Yangon United on a two-year best for the football club.” and he scored the very first goal pital for the daily expense of wady Foundation is making contract, according to the yes- He added: “There are many for Myanmar team and showed hospital and already arranged contributions to quarantined terday’s statement released by co-players in Yangon United his best form in the World Cup. to send food boxes from Novo- sites in Yangon since the the Yangon United. and they’re well known for their He was afterwards selected tel Yangon and Max Hotel to previous month to fight the Upon his arrival, midfield- playing style. I am also believing as Myanmar National Football the hospital. global pandemic Covid-19. er Yan Naing Oo expressed his that we can play with best of Team. — Lynn Thit (Tgi) The foundation has re- —Lynn Thit (Tgi) Premier League’s transfer market bubble set to burst Djokovic against LONDON — The financial est league is facing economic lead to a curb on commercial squeeze put on Premier League meltdown. revenue. compulsory coronavirus clubs by the coronavirus crisis Premier League matches Rather than the usual arms could be felt across the conti- have been suspended indefi- race for talent, Premier League vaccination nent in the coming months as nitely with no return expected clubs are fretting about just the well to fund massive transfer before mid-June at the earliest. meeting their wage bills for the fees runs dry. Broadcasters could be next few months. “Many clubs For each of the past four due a rebate worth a reported could be threatened by insolven- summers, Premier League £762 million if the season is not cy and transfer plans came to a clubs have flexed their financial completed and, even when the standstill for most clubs because muscle to splurge over £1 billion games do recommence, they of the many uncertainties,” said ($1.3 billion) on transfers. are likely to be behind closed Matthias Seidel, founder of That has helped spread the doors, quashing income from Transfermarkt, a website spe- wealth of television contracts gate receipts. cialising in transfer values. worth billions across Europe Moreover, a number of ma- According to Transfer- and crucially down the divisions jor sponsors such as airlines and markt, 1.8 billion euros ($2 bil- to cash-strapped clubs in Eng- gambling companies have been lion) has already been wiped land. just as badly hit by the COVID-19 off the value of Premier League Now even the world’s rich- shutdown, which is expected to squads.—AFP Djokovic not in favour of compulsory vaccinations. PHOTO: AFP

BELGRADE — Novak Djok- year said. “If it (vaccination) will ovic has said he would be against become compulsory what will a compulsory coronavirus vac- happen? I will have to take a cination if it became a require- decision,” on whether to get a ment for tennis players to travel vaccine or not, he said. to tournaments. “This is my opinion at the “Personally I’m against moment. Whether it will change vaccination. I wouldn’t like that I don’t know.” There is current- someone forces me to get a vac- ly no vaccine for the virus that cine in order to be able to travel,” has claimed some 165,000 lives the world number one said late around the globe, though labs Sunday. around the world are racing to The Serbian star was speak- develop a treatment. Like the ing from Spain, where he is in rest of the sporting world, tennis lockdown with his family, in a has been on pause since early video conference held on his March, with the ATP and WTA Facebook for Orthodox Easter. Tours suspended until mid-July “We (players) will have at the earliest and Wimbledon Harry Maguire’s £80 million move to Manchester United was the biggest transfer as Premier League clubs to travel. I think it will be the cancelled for the first time since spent £1.4 billion last summer. PHOTO: AFP number one challenge,” the 32- World War II.—AFP