www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 13 March 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8195 18 Rajab - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 15 SPORT | 20

Airline crisis worsens Al Sadd seek as US puts Europeans revenge against in quarantine Al Wakrah in for a month quarter-final

FREE Wi-Fi device! Ooredoo FREE installation! Full fun! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply Amir hailed by Kyrgyz President First batch of quarantined for Afghan mediation efforts individuals discharged THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Ministry of Public cautionary measure. Many who were released The Ministry of Public Health Health said that they from the quarantine thanked (MoPH) discharged the first are expecting to the government and health batch of 121 individuals who officials for the efforts taken were evacuated from Iran and discharge the first to bring them back to the subjected to quarantine in a patients of COVID-19 country and for the facilities hotel in Doha yesterday after provided during the quarantine testing negative for Coronavirus in Qatar soon. period. (COVID–19). The Ministry also Nine cases of confirmed said that they are expecting to people to be released from quar- COVID-19 were found among discharge the first patients of antine. These 121 people were the group of people repatriated COVID-19 in Qatar soon. evacuated from Iran by a gov- from Iran. The patients at The individuals released ernment plane, and then quar- present are receiving treatment from the quarantine have been antined and tested. They have and are in stable condition. receiving care throughout the undergone three tests all of They are expected to be dis- quarantine period. They were which proved that they are free charged soon, the MoPH said. released after ensuring that of COVID-19. We have also pro- Separately, the health they were free from COVID-19, vided them with the necessary authorities said that the country said Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin health advice,” he added. has all the capabilities available QNA — DOHA Hamad Al Thani, Director of The MoPH has advised the to prevent the spread of the joint action between the two countries in all Public Health at MoPH. 121 individuals to further isolate virus from various detection fields, as well as at the international level. “This is the first batch of themselves for a week as a pre- devices, laboratories. `P3 Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani H E the Kyrgyz President expressed during held via telephone a conversation with Pres- the call his congratulations to H H the Amir on ident of the Kyrgyz Republic, H E Sooronbay the success of the efforts made by the State of Jeenbekov (pictured right). Qatar that culminated in the signing of the During the call, they discussed the bilateral peace agreement between the United States of relations and ways of supporting and devel- America and the Afghan Taliban in Doha on oping them. They agreed to continue to enhance February 29. First tranche of Amir grant to Gaza’s Nusseirat fire victims distributed

QNA — GAZA market in central Gaza Strip the committee’s staff, and will last week. continue until all those affected The first tranche of the grant Qatar Committee for the receive the grant. of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Reconstruction of Gaza has The first tranche includes Hamad Al Thani was started the process of distrib- 161 of the affected people of the distributed yesterday to assist uting the grant to its benefici- relatives of martyrs as well as those affected by the fire that aries through the post offices in the wounded and affected broke out in Nusseirat camp Gaza under the supervision of shops and vehicles owners. Quarantined people leaving the facility after ensuring they are free from COVID-19. Doha Metro, public transit services suspended for weekend Cinemas, wedding halls SACHIN KUMAR COVID-19 prevention precau- on its official twitter account. services on this weekend. THE PENINSULA tionary measures taken in the These measures follows “In view of precautionary and gyms to be closed country, we would like to similar announcement by other measures taken in the country, Taking precautionary measures inform you that Doha Metro ministries and departments to it has been determined that the to limit the spread of Corona- preview service, public transit limit movement of public in Doha Metro preview service will from today, says GCO virus, the Ministry of Transport bus service and Metrolink public places. Museums, play be suspended from Thursday 12 and Communications yesterday service have been temporarily areas in parks, workshops and March 2020 at 22:00,” said THE PENINSULA — DOHA wellbeing and that of the announced suspension of Doha suspended starting this evening other such public events and Qatar Rail on its official twitter community. Metro, Metrolink and public Thursday, March 12, 2020 at activities have either been closed account, yesterday. Government Communications The MoPH also advises that transit bus service on weekend. 22.00. The service will resume or cancelled to discourage people In a short period of time, Office (GCO) said yesterday that elderly people, and people with These services will resume from on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at to gather in public places. Doha Metro has become very cinemas, theatres, children’s play chronic health conditions, avoid Sunday, said the Ministry. 06.00,” said the Ministry of Qatar Rail also informed its popular among the residents. areas, gyms and wedding venues going out unless absolutely nec- “In view of Coronavirus Transport and Communications users about suspension of One of the main factors which will be closed from today. essary, as they are more suscep- have made Doha Metro popular “In continuation of the pre- tible to infections. among residents is the conven- cautionary measures taken by MoPH continues to take all ience and affordability. Doha the State of Qatar to prevent necessary measures to limit the Metro has started Metrolink and contain the spread of Coro- spread of the virus and calls service which connects different navirus (COVID-19), new pre- upon all members of society to locations to metro stations. cautionary measures have been take care and apply simple, Metrolink is a feeder bus announced to safeguard the preventive measures to protect network providing first and last health and wellbeing of the against infection. mile connectivity to Qatar Rail public. These measures include This includes, washing your customers within 2 to 5km closing: cinemas, theatres, chil- hands often or using hand san- radius of the Doha Metro dren’s play areas, gyms and itisers and keeping a distance of stations. wedding venues, including at least one metre from people Over 185,000 passengers those in hotels. These measures who have symptoms of illness. chose Doha Metro to reach dif- are effective Friday 13 March, You are also advised to use your ferent destinations on this until further notice,” said GCO sleeve to cover your nose and year’s Qatar National Sport Day. in a statement yesterday. mouth when coughing and Similarly, over 333,000 pas- The Ministry of Public sneezing or use tissue paper and sengers had used Doha Metro Health (MoPH) called upon all dispose of it appropriately. network on December 18 last citizens and residents to avoid The COVID-19 contact year to reach different destina- crowded places and postpone centre at MoPH is accessible tions holding Qatar National holding social gatherings for around the clock for any Passengers boarding a Doha Metro train. PIC: ABRAHAM AUGUSTHY/THE PENINSULA Day celebrations. the time being, for their own reports or inquiries. No need for panic buying, enough stock available: Official

SIDI MOHAMED Ministry maintains a strategic works within a compre- shortage. The supply of food of any emergency, we have availability of products,” THE PENINSULA reserve of food items that are hensive strategic plan to items is regular and there is a contracts with alternative Assistant Undersecretary said sufficient to meet the needs of ensure the smooth flow of strong follow-up by the Min- sources from many in a video posted on a twitter Allaying the concerns of some residents for longer periods. imports of food items to the istry of this process on a daily countries. account. residents who are rushing to Speaking from one of the local market in sufficient basis. “Our advice to the con- About the prices, he clar- stores for panic buying, storage facilities of the Min- quantities, at reasonable About the national sumers is to buy as per the ified that there is also a price Assistant Undersecretary for istry about the state’s strategic prices, and with high quality. products, he said that such need and the rush we saw in control that cannot be Consumer Affairs at the reserve for food items, he said Assistant Undersecretary products are present in the the last two days is unjustified breached and there is no need Ministry of Commerce and that the Ministry in cooper- pointed out that the food items market and have high quality and unnecessary. Goods are to rush to purchase and store Industry, Sheikh Jassim bin ation with the competent are present at retail outlets in with competitive prices. available and anyone can visit because in the end it is a loss Jabor Al Thani, said that the authorities in the country, abundance and there is no He further said that in case the market to see the for the consumers. 02 HOME FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR04.30 am SUNRISE 05.46 am o o Misty at some places at first becomes moderate temperature daytime with some clouds and relatively cold by night. ZUHR 11.43 am ASR 03.08 pm 17 C 26 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 06:39 – 19:38 LOW TIDE 01:50 – 14:24 MAGHRIB 05.44 pm ISHA 07.14 pm W ALRUWAIS: 15o↗26o W ALKHOR: 16o↗25o W DUKHAN: 14o↗29o W DOHA: 17o↗26o W MESAIEED 15o↗25o W ABUSAMRA 12o↗29o

Ministries take measures OFFICIAL NEWS Amir condoles with family of Sheikh Isa against coronavirus spread bin Rashid Al Khalifa SIDI MOHAMED The preventive measures include closure of children’s THE PENINSULA play area in the parks, postponing the training Doha: The H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent condolences Within the framework of sessions and workshops, carrying out cleaning and to the family of H E Sheikh Isa bin preventive measures taken by sterilisation campaigns in many markets. Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, pray- the government to limit the ing to the Almighty Allah to have spread of the coronavirus mercy on his soul and to rest it in (COVID-19), several ministries Ministry said that this came in the from any diseases. paradise, and to grant patience and and entities have announced of framework of preventive Al Daayen Municipality has solace to his family and the family many measures. measures taken by the State of implemented a joint cleaning of Al Khalifa. -QNA The steps include closure of Qatar to reduce the spread of the campaign for three days that Cleaning campaign being carried out at a public place. children’s play area in the parks, coronavirus. include cleaning and washing Amir greets President postponing the training sessions Al Shamal Municipality has containers, spraying pesticides, Health has urged all citizens and also announced the post- of Mauritius and workshops, carrying out intensified inspection cam- and cleaning and washing public residents to take preventive ponement of all courses and cleaning and sterilisation cam- paigns on the abattoirs and facilities in parks. The campaign measures to protect against training workshops at the Insti- Doha: The H H Sheikh Tamim bin paigns in many markets. markets. The relevant will continue to cover all areas. infection and to contact the min- tute’s headquarters, due to the Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of The Ministry of Municipality department at Municipality has The Ministry of Endowment istry’s Coronavirus call centre for current situation and for the safety greetings to the President of the and Environment has decided to carried out a number of and Islamic Affairs has sus- the latest information regarding of the trainees and employees. In Republic of Mauritius, H E Roopun close the children’s play area in measures to ensure the health pended the study in the Quran the virus using the toll-free a tweet yesterday, the Institute Prithvirajsing, on the occasion of the parks, in order to ensure the and safety of all workers in teaching centres until further phone number (16000). added that the new dates will be his country’s National Day. -QNA safety and health of visitors. The stores and to keep them free notice. The Ministry of Public Al Jazeera Media Institute announced as soon as possible. COVID-19: Qatar Museums cancels Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club offers members initiatives, limits entry to museums RAYNALD C RIVERA any one time has been limited, tier status extension of up to six months THE PENINSULA it added. “Due to the evolving nature As various sectors join hands of situation, we will continue THE PENINSULA — DOHA personalised offer at qmiles. to them,” he said. to coronavirus, customers can in the country’s fights against to review and revise our plans com and must login and reg- “While we understand that visit its dedicated new the coronavirus, Qatar and processes, and follow Qatar Airways’ loyalty ister to claim it by March 24, some members may need or microsite: qatarairways.com/ Museums (QM) has announced guidance from the MoPH. We programme, Privilege Club, is 2020. wish to change their travel travelwithconfidence. it would cancel some of its initi- will keep you updated on offering its members the Qatar Airways Chief Com- plans, we want to assure them Qatar Airways’ Privilege atives and limit the number of further developments,” it said. opportunity to extend or mercial Officer Simon that when they do travel with Club recently announced visitors to the museums. Meanwhile, the Cultural reclaim their tier status for Talling-Smith said: “As a Qatar Airways, they can travel even more benefits for Silver, In an e-mail sent to its Village Foundation (Katara) has memberships due to end before result of the current situation with confidence. Our fleet is Gold and Platinum members, Culture Pass members yes- announced that the Katara January 31, 2021. regarding coronavirus, which one of the cleanest in the skies, with preferred seating guar- terday, QM said the move was Beach Volleyball Cup 2020, Members will be able to has led to travel restrictions and we have introduced new anteed for free for Gold or part of the action it was taking which began on Monday and retain their current tier benefits and flight reductions policies to provide all customers Platinum members or at a 25 “to safeguard the health of our concludes today, “will continue such as upgrades, Shop & Pay worldwide, many of our Priv- with maximum flexibility to suit percent discount for Silver visitors, Culture Pass members, its competitions without spec- with Qmiles, extra baggage, ilege Club members have not their travel plans,” he said. members. partners and staff.” tators,” for people’s health and lounge access, and more, for up travelled as frequently as Qatar Airways recently Privilege Club launched in “The measures taken in safety and following gov- to six months, with personalised they usually would. launched a new commercial 2000 as a form of appreciation accordance with directions ernment procedures. offers. “Such restrictions are policy to allow all passengers to Qatar Airways’ loyal pas- from the Ministry of Public Volleyball fans, however, This is one of the many outside of our control as an that have booked or will book sengers, offering them the Health (MoPH) include the can- can still watch livestream of the steps that Qatar Airways is airline, but we do not want our flights to travel up to June 30, opportunity to earn Qmiles cellation of the following initi- games as well as get updated taking to ensure its customers members to lose their hard- 2020 the flexibility to change when travelling on Qatar atives until further notice: MIA via Katara’s social media can travel with confidence. earned membership tier status their travel plans free of Airways, oneworld airlines, or Bazaar and NMoQ Baraha platforms. Qatar Airways’ Privilege as a result. That is why we are charge by altering the dates of any of the airlines’ partners. Bazaar, school visits, work- Organized by the Qatar Club has introduced the honouring the loyalty our their booking or exchanging Qmiles has since served as shops, lectures, tours, educa- Volleyball Association (QVA) in offers in recognition that members have shown us by their ticket for a travel another convenient means of tional programming, and public cooperation with Katara, the some of its members will be offering to extend their tier voucher valid for one year, up payment at the award-winning events,” it said. sports event has seen the par- impacted by travel restric- membership and retain their to three days prior to Qatar Duty Free outlets, located While the museums con- ticipation of some of the best tions and flight reductions current benefits. Offers will be departure. This policy includes in both the departure and tinue to operate, the libraries volleyball teams from 28 coun- resulting from COVID-19 personalised to each member award flights. For full details arrival halls of Hamad Interna- have been closed and the tries which also include Qatar’s (coronavirus). to ensure that they receive the of all the steps that Qatar tional Airport, and at Oryx Gal- number of visitors allowed at very own team. Members can view their benefit options most relevant Airways is taking in response leria in Doha. closed to the public until further notice QF announces THE PENINSULA — DOHA providing online alternatives to our temporary closures events and programs via digital plat- To reduce the chance of infection and forms, so please continue to visit our of public spaces transmission of coronavirus (COVID website and follow us on social -19) Qatar National Library is closed media for updates,” the Library THE PENINSULA — DOHA to the public until further notice. further said. However, the Library’s Online While the Library is closed, all (QF) has curtailed Resources remain available 24/7 for borrowed items will be automatically certain activities and closed many of its members everywhere. They offer free renewed until further notice, and no public places and facilities at Education access to ebooks, journals, magazines fines or penalties will apply during City until further notice, to help slow and newspapers, streaming video and this time. While those with a Library infection and transmission of coronavirus music, and books and online activities membership are not obligated to (COVID-19) in Qatar and contribute to for children and young adults. The return items. But they can still use the safeguarding public health. Qatar Digital Library and Digital Repos- drive-thru book drop on the road The measures QF has taken include itory are also accessible to all users. outside the Library 24/7 and the auto- closing of Multaqa ( Research, study or general ques- matic return station inside the Student Center) and shops and food and tions can be asked through the “Ask Library’s main entrance. Thin books, beverage facilities within the center and Our Librarians” service. your safety and health as our top pri- time,” the Library said in a notification DVDs and CDs can be returned at an the Minaretein building is fully closed “The decision to close Qatar ority, and we appreciate your under- to the members. additional dedicated returns bin at to the public, including the Education National Library has been made with standing during this challenging “We are also working on the Library’s main entrance. City Mosque. Also the Oxygen Park is closed to the public and services on the Education City Tram are suspended until further notice. Migrant community All sports and community activities and programs at Education City, including leaders participate in those run in cooperation with external third parties such as F45, are suspended Women’s Day celebration and the is closed to the public. QF recreation facilities, including the RAYNALD C RIVERA leaders representing mainly QF Recreation Centre and Education City THE PENINSULA the construction sector, Club House, are closed. domestic work and hospi- Education City Golf Club is not cur- Women leaders of migrant tality sector. They were from rently offering group sessions. Individual communities from seven African, Southeast Asian and sessions can be scheduled as normal. countries took part in the South Asian countries. Public are strongly encouraged to first-ever International The participants shared check for updates at http://statements. Women’s Day celebration experiences on the issue of qf.org.qa before traveling to Education City organized recently by the women participation and to participate in activities or visit its public Women Committee of leadership in building com- facilities and spaces. Women leaders of migrant communities at the first-ever International Women’s Day celebration Bayanihan ng Manggagawa munities of migrants. QF will continue to operate its core organised recently by the Women Committee of BMKQ and BWI in Doha. sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar “Today, women members business functions, with many being per- (BMKQ) and Wood Workers’ in our organization continue formed remotely. The investments that International (BWI) in Doha. to increase. But I must tell you Laja urged the participants She also urged them to against gender discrimination we have made in innovative work prac- BMKQ is an association of sisters; this is a result of res- to continue conversations on help in the development and and violence,” she said. tices and digital infrastructure have Filipino migrant workers in olute action. Women will Convention 190 to deepen implementation of training Through a phone patch, Jin enabled us to be prepared for a situation the construction sector of never be a part of the table understanding of this interna- programs for women leaders. Sook Lee, the Global Cam- like this. The steps we are taking ensure Qatar, while BWI is global unless we organize ourselves. tional instrument as a tool to “We are envisioning a paigns Director of BWI, con- QF will continue to operate while also union federation in the In most cases, as some would eliminate harassment and vio- training program that will veyed her message of solidarity reflecting the fact that protecting the building, building materials, tell, women must create our lence in the workplace. “Let result to more active partici- to the women leaders in health of our community and the wider wood, forestry and allied own table. We are mainly on us continue cooperating with pation of women in migrant attendance. She shared a few public is our top priority. sectors. the side-line, not having the the government of Qatar with community organizations, points on the work of BWI in Students will be continuing classes at Dubbed as “Women power to be a part of the end in view of getting this more women leaders getting Qatar and the initiative to gal- QF schools using online learning plat- (Only) Night Out”, the event decision-making,” said Mags convention translated into elected into office and the vanize the solidarity of women forms. All QF business travel arrange- witnessed the participation Laja, Chairperson of BMKQ concrete policies and pro- institution of internal policies migrant workers in the con- ments, and QF events, have been cancelled of women Women Committee. grams,” she added. within our own organizations struction and other sectors. until further notice. FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 03

Deputy PM and QU continues educational system through virtual learning Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulates THE PENINSULA — DOHA Malaysian FM Doha: The Deputy Prime Minister and Qatar University (QU) continues Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh regular classes through virtual Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani learning system, as the held yesterday a telephone conversa- Government Communications tion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Office announced, the of Malaysia, H E Hishammuddin Hus- suspension of classes in public sein. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and private schools and univer- congratulated the Malaysian Minister sities for all students in the State of Foreign Affairs on his assumption of of Qatar, to limit the spread of the new position, wishing him success. the coronavirus (COVID-19) and During the call, they also reviewed bilat- to ensure the safety of students eral cooperation relations, in addition in all public and private educa- to issues of common concern. -QNA tional institutions. QU administration has First batch of delivered many workshops on quarantined the techniques for distance edu- cation and directed all pro- individuals discharged fessors to start using them from FROM PAGE 1 March 15. A number of faculty Dr. Omar Al Ansari, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Qatar University. RIGHT: A professor recording a lecture for students. members expressed the impor- They added that field tance of the efforts made by Instructions issued by Vice fessors through this portal.” Commenting on the launch University’s development teams operating around the University on distance -President, confirmed that the Prof. Ibrahim Alkaabi, Dean of virtual education, Dr. towards virtual education, Dr. clock, emphasising that the education. course professor is responsible of General Studies, QU, said that Mohamed Diab, Dean of College Mona Al-Marzouqi, Assistant spread of the virus is limited Dr. Omar Al Ansari, Vice- for following up students’ The College has started applying of Pharmacy QU, said: “The Dean for Research and and has appeared among con- President of Academic Affairs attendance as well as for their the virtual education in foun- activation of the distance Graduate Studies, confirmed tacts of previous cases and in at QU, issued clear instructions academic performance. The dation programmes and general learning system comes in that Law School has intensified a specific place. which must be taken into con- faculty is also advised to us the requirements according to the response to the statement its efforts to use the distance The health authorities also sideration for the success of this electronic platforms in order to course. issued by the government in education system. The faculty said that the increase in the educational system; by attend communicate to their fellow As for the College of Arts order to reduce the spread of members of the Faculty of Law number of reported cases was training workshops for distance colleagues. and Sciences, the science Corona Virus, QU has planned have begun giving their lectures due to the early and distin- education platforms held by Commenting on the new department has already begun a comprehensive plan, College remotely to students at the same guished monitoring carried out Center for Excellence in virtual educational system, Dr. to study and communicate with has started to implement the time and in order to continue by the MoPH. The Ministry Teaching and Learning on Khaled Kamal Naji, Dean of university students through new system which will help stu- education. continues to remind the public regular basis; attending the lec- College of Engineering QU virtual educational system, while dents in managing their course It has now become the to follow preventive measures tures according to the academic said: “The College is following other departments will start the respectively.” alternative way of delivering the to ensure their safety and schedule; providing the students the direction issued by Uni- functioning from 15 March. Dr. Ibrahim Al Ansari, Dean lectures at QU, this system will prevent the spread COVID- with links to their lecture in versity administration, cur- Dr. Adam Fadlallah, Dean of the College of Sharia QU also help students have interactive 2019. The Ministry urged the advance; respect the privacy rently we are conducting of College of Business and Eco- held a meeting on the same day communication with professors. public to visit the website www. while using these interactive workshops for faculty to nomics QU, emphasised that the announcement was made by This technique allows students moph.gov.qa for all the latest platforms and students will be familiarize themselves to this College has started to function the government and issued to ask questions by voice information and developments informed that the lectures will system. We are focusing on the under this system which has several preparatory measures recording and writing. This about COVID-19 available in be recorded and uploaded on new system which can help given us the ability to continue to all the staff and students. system aims to enrich academic several languages, or contact the the software being used. students interact with pro- working on regular basis. Commenting on the experience at Qatar University. free hotline 16000. KAWS launches groundbreaking AR artworks

Celebrated American contemporary artist for 24 hours or 10 days at a time Brian Donnelly, more famously known as and can share their experiences through social media. KAWS, is familiar in Doha for his colossal Commenting on the launch, “Small Lie” sculpture unveiled at the Jacob De Geer, CEO, Acute Art, said: “Acute Art will revolu- Hamad International Airport two years ago. tionise the way AR art can be KAWS recently marked his first Middle East experienced. KAWS, an artist with an unparalleled global fan museum exhibition at the Fire Station. base, is the perfect artist to launch the Acute Art app. His RAYNALD C RIVERA enormous potential of AR, cre- editions will demonstrate that THE PENINSULA ating new ways to own, trade, works of art in virtual space can and live with art via the Acute be just as precious and sought- Doha is one of the cities where Art app. after as those in our physical celebrated American contem- “When I realised the quality surroundings. In fact, they are porary artist Brian Donnelly, that could be achieved and even more exciting when more famously known as experienced in AR, I was imme- shared with audiences across KAWS, launched his ground- diately drawn to its potential. I the globe on social media. For breaking augmented reality have been creating objects and collectors, this means their art KAWS’ augmented reality (AR) sculptures launched yesterday can be viewed at the Museum of Islamic (AR) works yesterday. exhibiting works in public can travel with them in their Art Park via the Acute Art app. Known in Doha for his spaces throughout my career, pocket wherever they go. These colossal “Small Lie” sculpture and this allows me to expand prized artworks can be enjoyed unveiled at the Hamad Inter- on that in a whole new arena. and locations in Africa, Asia, Paris, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Taipei, capture, and document these and traded globally with the national Airport two years ago, The possibilities of locations Australia, Europe, Middle East, Tanzania, and Tokyo. AR works at different locations push of a button.” KAWS recently marked his first and scale are endless, and I’m North America, and South For art enthusiasts in using the Acute Art app. Owners Daniel Birnbaum, Artistic Middle East museum exhibition excited to start a new dialogue America. Using cutting-edge Doha, the AR sculptures can can keep the AR sculptures Director, Acute Art, said:“With at the Fire Station. in this medium,” said KAWS. technology, this project repre- be viewed at the Museum of private or make them publicly this project KAWS breaks new In collaboration with Acute Yesterday’s global launch sents a new exhibition model Islamic Art Park through the available for anyone who has ground but also returns to his Art, KAWS has produced works included three components that reduces transportation and Acute Art app. downloaded the app. beginnings. With roots in called“Expanded Holiday,”which namely a public exhibition and travel for a global artworld. The Also launched yesterday The open edition three public interventions as well as convey a sense of mischievous two editions. exhibition runs for two weeks, was an edition of 25 1.8m AR 45cm AR sculptures called “At late emanations of Pop Art, humour through the juxtapo- “Companion (Expanded)” is from yesterday until March 26 sculptures called “Companion This Time (Expanded)” is KAWS has created new global sition of physical and virtual a global exhibition of 12 monu- in 11 key cities around the world (Expanded) available to acquire available for time- based acqui- audiences. There is no artist worlds. These works launched mental AR sculptures available including Doha, Hong Kong, via the Acute Art website. sition via the Acute Art app. more talked about today than yesterday demonstrate the for audiences in major cities London, Melbourne, New York, Owners will be able to place, Audiences can keep the works KAWS.” Moscow prepares inter-Palestinian conference Ministry of Endowment and ANATOLIA & QNA — MOSCOW disputes in the Middle East where he pro- transferred to hospitals for treatment while Islamic Affairs announces posed a patchwork Palestinian state boxed the majority of the wounded protesters Russia wants to organise an inter-Pales- in by illegal Israeli settlements as well as were treated in the field. several precautionary measures tinian conference to address reconciliation recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the On Tuesday, the Palestine Liberation issues between different Palestine political West Bank and Jerusalem as Israel’s “undi- Organization (PLO)’s Anti-settlement forces, Russian Foreign Ministry spokes- vided capital.” Authority called for protesting at Mt. Arma QNA — DOHA measures related to the woman Maria Zakharova said yesterday. The so-called “peace plan” unilaterally on Wednesday to prevent settlers guarded prayer, as it is decided to “Since the end of February this year the annuls previous UN resolutions on the Pal- by Israeli officials from controlling the The Ministry of Endowment decrease the waiting time Foreign Ministry’s leadership has been con- estinian issue and suggests giving Israel mountain. (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs between the call to prayer and ducting very intensive contacts with rep- almost everything it demanded. Dozens of Palestinians have staged a announced on yesterday a its performing to five minutes resentatives of various Palestinian move- Meanwhile, a delegation of the Pales- sit-in for almost a month on the mountain number of precautionary and for all prayer times, in ments,” towards that effort, she said at a tinian Islamic Jihad Movement arrived in following calls by settler groups to demon- preventive measures to addition to closing mosques news conference in Moscow. Moscow on Wednesday to meet Russian strate there and capture it to establish a ensure the safety of prayer afterwards each prayer within “We expect a new all-Palestinian con- officials. Jewish settlement. attendees of mosques. 15 minutes but to open with ference in Moscow as a result of these con- The delegation is led by the group’s chief The Israeli occupation forces continued The ministry said in a each prayer’s call. tacts. In our view it should help to reach Ziyad Al Nakhalah and other leading yesterday arresting Palestinian citizens statement, in light of the official On pursuant to the Islamic agreements on the restoration of national members. The visit comes “in response to from different areas in the West Bank, while efforts to curb an outbreak of norm of (prevention of dete- unity on the political platform of the Pal- an official invitation by the Russian Foreign the violations increased over their coronavirus (COVID-19), it has rioration is preceded on estine Liberation Organization,” she said. Ministry,” the movement said without dis- properties. issued a circular to all mosques, attracting interests), the cir- Moscow sees overcoming the split closing further details. A Hamas delegation In Nablus, the Israeli occupation forces about taking extra measures cular included a guidance to between Ramallah and the Gaza Strip a key arrived in Moscow on March 2 and held arrested three young men from Huwara regarding the hygiene of the prayer attendees who show condition to establish sustainable, direct talks with Russian officials including town, south the city. The occupation forces mosques that suits with the symptoms of cold or flu to quit Palestinian-Israeli talks, reaching a com- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. also arrested a young man from Tubas city, nature of the disease. going to mosques during their prehensive settlement of the Palestinian- Meanwhile, Israeli army on Wednesday after raiding his parents’ home. It will be through stressing illness period, the statement Israeli conflict on the basis of generally rec- injured dozens of Palestinians in the Within the framework of their on the hygiene inside mosques, added. ognized international legislation, including occupied West Bank with live and rubber repressive practices, the Israeli occupation and removing all what could The Ministry advised wor- relevant resolutions of the UN Security bullets and tear gas, according to forces demolished a house in an area east contribute in transmitting the shipers to make sure to do Council and General Assembly, and Arab eyewitnesses. of Bethlehem. infection, such as cups in refrig- their Wudu at home and not peace initiative, added Zakharova. Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that Head of the Wall and Settlement erators, soap bars and waste- to gather with other wor- The leaders of Fatah, Hamas, Pales- an Israeli military force raided Mount Arma, Resistance Committee Hassan Breijieh baskets, the statement added. shippers for talks after the tinian National Initiative and Islamic Jihad near Beta town in Nablus city, and fired live stated that the occupation forces demol- The statement said that prayer in the mosque. The have so far visited Moscow she said, and and rubber bullets as well as tear gas can- ished a one-story house with an area of 130 mosques will be ventilated daily Ministry also advised all cit- other Palestinian political forces are isters to disperse protesters gathered at the square meters. The house was belonged to by opening the ventilation izens and residents to comply expected to arrive in the near future. mountain to prevent settlers from con- a citizen from Fureidis town. windows before and after each with the health guidance US President Donald Trump unveiled trolling it. Dozens of Palestinians were The occupation forces also stormed prayer. issued by the competent on January 28, his so-called “Deal of the injured, including people who were affected Jenin city and carried out wide search oper- Furthermore, the Ministry authorities and cooperate with Century” to end one of the longest-running by tear gas, and a number of them were ations, without reports of arrest. stressed on some of the them. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 Iran asks for billions in loans as virus deaths climb to 429 AP — TEHRAN Kuwait virus cases soar to 80 Iran said yesterday it had asked for an emergency $5bn loan ANATOLIA — KUWAIT CITY from the International Monetary Fund to help fight the Eight more cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Kuwait spread of a new virus that’s on Wednesday, bringing the total number to 80, according to swept across the country, the country’s Health Ministry. Abdullah Al Sanad, a ministry infecting more than 10,000 spokesperson, said five of the 80 victims had recovered so far. people and killing hundreds. Earlier this week, the Kuwaiti government announced a Iran’s Health Ministry series of measures to curb the outbreak. These included closing spokesman Kianoush down academic institutions for two more weeks, and suspending Jahanpour announced in a all sports activities until further notice. now-daily televised news con- The Gulf nation has also stopped issuing visas to countries ference that 75 people had died affected by the virus. in the past 24 hours and more than 1,000 new cases of Zarif has urged countries to and multiple nations cutting infection had been confirmed, assist Iran with N95 face masks, travel links with Iran, including pushing the death toll to 429 ventilators, surgical gowns, shipping in some cases, which and confirmed cases to 10,075. testing kits, portable digital is affecting imports, as well. In a tweet yesterday, Iran’s X-ray machines and other Zarif tweeted that the fight Foreign Minister Mohammad needed medical supplies. The against the virus had been Javad Zarif urged the IMF to World Health Organisation “stymied by vast shortages “stand on right side of history recently sent a shipment full of caused by restrictions,” a ref- & act responsibly” by releasing medical gear to Iran, including erence to the US sanctions. the funds through the interna- 1,100 virus testing kits that can Because the there is still no tional lender’s Rapid Financial test more than 105,000 people. vaccine for the infectious Instrument. Iran’s Central Bank Iran’s economy has been disease, countries are imple- Nurses walk in front of a makeshift coronavirus testing centre in Kuwait city, Kuwait, yesterday. chief Abdolnasser Hemmati battered by US sanctions, which menting tough measures to said yesterday he made the have choked Tehran’s ability to restrict its spread, as well as the request for $5bn last week in a sell its oil. The recent outbreak impact an outbreak could have letter to IMF chief Kristalina of the virus there has com- on emergency rooms and Coronavirus death toll in Iraq rises to 8 Georgieva. The IMF has said it pounded its economic woes, intensive care units. stands ready to support coun- with all of Iran’s neighbours Multiple top officials in Iran ANATOLIA/AP — BAGHDAD fight against the disease. kept open for returning Iraqi tries battling the virus. closing their borders to Iranians — from its senior vice-president In a related development, citizens. to Cabinet ministers, members The local health directorate of the Iraqi government On Tuesday, the Kurdish of parliament, Revolutionary Karbala city confirmed on announced a decision to totally Regional Government Guard members, health Wednesday a new death from close land borders with Iran announced it will totally close workers and health ministry the novel coronavirus, taking and Kuwait as of March 16 to the border with Iran for indi- officials - have contracted the the toll to eight across Iraq. limit spread of the viduals from March 16 until virus. Some of those officials “The deceased patient was coronavirus. April. Trade movement will have died. 68-year-old and passed away The decision will block continue at terminals without There are concerns that the last night, hours after he was movement of people and goods. the Iranian vehicles being number of infections across transferred to the hospital,” the “Iraqis will be given a allowed into the region. Iran is much higher than the directorate said in a statement. chance to return until March 15, Meanwhile, a third Leb- confirmed cases reported by “Lab analysis confirmed on before the land border with Iran anese man died from the coro- the government, which is strug- Wednesday that he was and Kuwait is completely navirus, state-run National gling to contain or manage its infected with COVID-19,” closed,” the Border Ports News Agency said yesterday. It spread. The rising casualty according to the statement. Authority said in a statement said the man’s immune system figures each day in Iran suggest The local directorate stated without giving the reopening was impaired because he had the fight against the new coro- that “the family of the deceased date of borders. cancer. Local media reported navirus is far from over. will be subject to quarantine.” In late February, Iraq the man was 79 years old and Outside of Iran, only Iraq, Last week, Baghdad shut down barred entry for Iranians via that the virus was transmitted Egypt and Lebanon have schools and universities for 10 land crossings before sus- to him from the first man who Workers disinfect an ATM to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, recorded deaths from the virus days and banned travel to pending trade movement on had died in Lebanon earlier this in Lebanon’s southern city of Saida, yesterday. in the Middle East. virus-hit states as part of its March 8, however borders were week. Putin, Erdogan hail ‘decrease in Three US, British personnel killed in Iraq rocket attack AFP — BAGHDAD Al Halbussi condemned a “ter- Muhandis’s death in their own tensions’ in Idlib rorist attack” which targeted way. Iraqi and United Nations offi- “Iraq and its security”. Within hours of Wednes- AFP — MOSCOW cials scrambled yesterday to The UN mission in Iraq day’s attack, an air strike near contain the fallout from an called for “maximum restraint the Syrian-Iraqi border town of Russian President Vladimir unprecedented rocket attack on all sides”. Albu Kamal killed 26 Iran- Putin and his Turkish coun- that killed three US-led “These ongoing attacks are aligned Iraqi fighters, the Syrian terpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan coalition members and a clear and substantial threat to Observatory for Human Rights hailed yesterday a “significant threatened yet another esca- the country, and the risk of said. decrease in tensions” in Syria’s lation of Iran-US tensions. rogue action by armed groups The US-led coalition denied Idlib and pledged to continue Within hours of the attack remains a constant concern,” it carrying out any raids overnight working together, the Kremlin on Taji air base, north of said. “The last thing Iraq needs on either Syria or Iraq. Post- said. Baghdad — the deadliest in is to serve as an arena for ven- Saddam Iraq counts years of The two leaders, who last years on a base used by US dettas and external battles.” close ties with both Iran and the week agreed a ceasefire in forces in Iraq — an air strike Wednesday’s attack was the United States, and Baghdad has Syria’s north-western Idlib killed more than two dozen 22nd on US interests in Iraq been put in an increasingly dif- region, “are satisfied to note a Iran-aligned fighters in neigh- since late October. ficult position by the spiralling significant decrease in ten- bouring Syria. It saw a volley of 18 rockets tensions between its allies. Fighter of the Hashed Al Shaabi paramilitary force personnel in sions in the Idlib de-escalation It marked a dramatic uptick slam into the Taji base, one of In January, Iraqi lawmakers Iraq's Anbar province, on November 12, 2018. zone,” the Kremlin said in a in violence less than three about a dozen facilities across voted to oust all foreign troops statement after Putin and months after rockets killed a US Iraq where coalition forces are from Iraq in reaction to the Erdogan spoke by phone. contractor in northern Iraq, posted. The coalition confirmed hardline faction within Iraq’s carried out air strikes on killing of Soleimani and The two leaders “con- unleashing a round of tit-for- three of its personnel were Hashed Al Shaabi paramilitary western Iraq that killed 25 of its Muhandis. Some 5,200 US firmed the importance of con- tat attacks between Washington killed and around a dozen more alliance, hailed the attack and fighters. troops are stationed in Iraq as tinuing close joint work... to and Tehran on Iraqi soil. wounded. its perpetrators, without saying Days later, a US drone strike part of the coalition formed in ensure a sustainable ceasefire Fearing an even bloodier One of the dead was a they were behind it. killed senior Iranian com- 2014 to fight the Islamic State regime and further stabili- flare-up this time, Iraqi officials member of the Royal Army Kataeb Hezbollah also crit- mander Qasem Soleimani and group. sation of the situation,” it said. and the United Nations were Medical Corps, Britain con- icised “those who were quick Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi While IS has lost all of the Moscow and Ankara quick to condemn the coalition firmed. A US military official to denounce and express their Al Muhandis near Baghdad territory it once held in Iraq and agreed to a ceasefire that came deaths. said the other two were a US sympathy”, in a hint at top Iraqi airport. Syria, sleeper cells remain into force in the Idlib on March Iraq’s military command soldier and an American officials who had condemned Iran then launched its own capable of carrying out attacks 6. The agreement includes said it was “a serious security contractor. the rocket attack. strikes on a western Iraqi base, on both sides of the border. joint patrols by Russian and challenge” and pledged to open There was no immediate In late December, the US leaving dozens of US troops suf- On Sunday, two US soldiers Turkish militaries in the area. an investigation. word on Iraqi casualties and no accused Kataeb Hezbollah of fering from brain trauma. were killed north of Baghdad President Barham Saleh and group claimed responsibility. killing an American contractor Hashed factions have while helping Iraqi forces battle parliament speaker Mohammed Kataeb Hezbollah, a at a base in northern Iraq and repeatedly pledged to avenge IS remnants. Troops staying put in Idlib, says Iran to hand over downed Turkish Minister jet’s black boxes to Ukraine ANATOLIA — ANKARA AFP — MONTREAL commitment to finally share Turkey’s armed forces the black boxes, saying this was maintain their presence in the Iran pledged on Wednesday at “a step in the right direction by province of Idlib, Syria, just a meeting of UN civil aviation Iran.” “I take Iran at their across Turkey’s southern agency to hand over black word,” he said, “but I would border, said the Turkish boxes from downed Flight 752 rather judge their actions once defence minister yesterday. to Ukraine or France for the black boxes are in Europe Rebuffing any claim that analysis — a move welcomed and we have our own experts Turkey has withdrawn from by Canada and Ukraine. who have been able to analyse the region of northwestern Iran’s representative at the (them).” Syria, Hulusi Akar told International Civil Aviation Ukraine’s ambassador to reporters in the capital Ankara Organization in Montreal, Canada, Andriy Schevchenko, that “our elements maintain Farhad Parvaresh, said the in a tweet said his country also their presence.” devices would be sent to Kiev, “welcomes Iran’s decision” to On talks between Turkish sources confirmed. hand them over, adding that “if and Russian military officials They are expected to additional expertise is needed,” on starting joint patrols in contain information about the the flight data recorders would Idlib, Akar said: “The Russian last moments before the be forwarded to France for military delegation arrived and Ukraine International Airlines analysis. talks continue. jetliner was struck by a missile Iran has admitted that the "We reached a great deal Syria's war entering 10th year and crashed shortly after taking two black boxes were damaged of agreement.” “Our forces off from the Tehran airport on and that it lacked the technical A Syrian man drives his vehicle past destruction in the once rebel-held Aghiour neighbourhood in have been ordered to act January 8. ability to extract data from Aleppo on March 10, 2017. Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions accordingly if the cease-fire is Canadian Foreign Minister them, but for two months it has at home and abroad since it started on March 15, 2011, with anti-government protests. violated and attacks continue,” Francois-Philippe Champagne waffled about what to do with the minister added. “welcomed” Iran’s them. FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 ISLAM 05 Coronavirus: An Islamic perspective companions said they should go back We must return to Allah but some said they should proceed. Then and seek refuge in him one companion said he knew a hadith and ask his protection. A where the Prophet (PBUH) said, “If you hear that this disease exists in a country, do not Muslim is patient in trials; travel to that country.” So Umar decided he knows Allah will never that they should go back. Another com- forsake him, nor will Allah panion asked him whether he was running away from qadr. Umar replied burden him with a trial that that they were moving away from one qadr is more than what he can to another qadr. handle. The Prophet (PBUH) also taught us how to protect ourselves by main- taining our adhkar (rememberance of ADIL SALEEM Allah) from the Sunnah. One such dua that he taught us was: “In the name of llah has blessed us with a Allāh with Whose name nothing can religion that is complete harm on earth or in heaven, and He is and perfect for all times and the All-Hearing, All-Knowing” places. Allāh tells us in the Always have a positive outlook Quran: regardless of the situation you’re in, A“This day I have perfected for you this is what our Prophet Muhammad your religion and completed My favor (PBUH) taught us, when he told us: upon you and have approved for you "Amazing is the affair of the Islam as your religion” believer, verily all of his affairs are We also have in the Prophet (peace good and this is not for no one except be upon him), the best of examples, as the believer. If something of good hap- Allāh says in the Quran: piness him, he is grateful and that is “Surely there was a good example good for him. If something of harm for you in the Messenger of Allāh” befalls him, he is patient and that is Whatever problem or issue a Many of health guidelines are normal practices for Muslims good for him.” He also said: “There are Muslim is facing, he returns back to no omens, but the best of it is optimism” Allāh and his Messenger for guidance; When we look through the seerah there is nothing that happens in the life henever there is a problem, a challenge, or any The Prophet (PBUH) would cover his mouth when he we find many examples of the Prophet of a Muslim except that his religion has Whardship which we can remove, overcome, solve, sneezed. This basic etiquette can take big part in the (PBUH) being optimistic event though a solution to it. or minimise, we must do so. Many of the health guidelines stopping of the spread of viruses he was in a dire situation. We recently heard about the coro- are in fact normal practices for Muslims, some of which “Whenever the Messenger of Allāh (PBUH) sneezed, The Muslims in the battle of Ahzāb navirus which is spreading to a number are as follows: he would cover his mouth with his hand or a piece of cloth.” were surrounded by the enemy from of countries, affecting the lives of many 1. Washing hands: This is a part of ablution, a Muslim’s 4. Quarantine in times of viruses which can spread. every direction, they were in a state of people, causing death to others. daily ritual of purity. The Prophet (PBUH) gave instructions on what to do loss, the Prophet (PBUH) commanded There are a number of thoughts 2. General cleanliness if there is an outbreak. Abd Al Rahmān ibn Awf (may Allah them to build a trench around the city of that should cross the mind of a Muslim The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Cleanliness is part of faith” be pleased with him) said: Madinah to protect themselves, as they when they hear something like this. Keeping our surroundings tidy, cleaning up after our- “I heard the Messenger of Allāh (PBUH) say: “If you were digging the trench they came across Below are some points that a person selves, and wiping surfaces down are all aspects of clean- hear that it (the plague) is in a land, do not go there, and a huge rock and struggled to break it. must remember and internalise when liness which must be adhered to in these situations. if it breaks out in a land where you are, do not leave, fleeing The Prophet (PBUH) took the they see or hear of such incidents: 3. Covering your mouth when sneezing from it.” sledgehammer from Salman Al Farisi. He struck the rock saying, “Bismillah”. Trials and tribulations One third of the rock broke. He said, Trials and tribulations are part of nor will Allah burden him with a trial virtue of patience is shown to us in the from Allāh, makes dua to him, and “Allahu Akbar! I was given the keys of life, this is something that Allāh informs that is more than what he can handle. Prophet Ayyūb (peace be upon him) relies upon him; he asks Allāh for good Damascus”. He struck it again and us of and warns us so that when we through some of the most dire situa- to come from it. After the situation, if more broke and he said “I was given are afflicted, we remember that it is This is not something new tions that one can come across in life. the result was positive and good the the keys of Persia” and he did so the ultimately Allāh who controls of our Illnesses and viruses such as the person thanks Allāh. If the event had third time until he had broken it and affairs. It is He who will provide help coronavirus are not something new, Qadr a negative outcome the person is said “I was given the keys of Yemen!” and His knowledge of our affairs sur- nor is the fact that people are afflicted The concept of pre-destination is patient because he knows that Allāh At a time when morale was low, passes our restricted intellect. As He with illnesses. The companions once extremely important for a Muslim to will never forsake him even if it seems the Prophet (PBUH) remained opti- says in the Quran: asked the Prophet (PBUH): understand. When incidents such as the the result is negative, because indeed mistic. The companions were “Do you think that you will enter “Oh Messenger of Allāh, who from coronavirus occur, a Muslim should know Allāh is the best of planners. astounded thinking that they under Paradise without such trials as came amongst the people were tested the that this is what Allāh had decreed 50,000 siege with no way out, yet the Prophet to those who passed away before you? most? The Prophet (PBUH) responded years before the creation of the universe. Taking necessary precautions (PBUH) was talking about conquering They were afflicted with severe poverty and said, the Prophets, then the next The Prophet (PBUH) explained: “Allāh had A Muslim should not overreact; at Damascus, Persia, and Yemen! How and ailments and were so shaken that best and then the next best.” written the ordained measures (and due the same time he should not be true was the Prophet (PBUH) when even the Messenger and those who We see the great Prophet of Allāh, proportions) of the creation, fifty thousand oblivious about a situation and do eventually these lands were conquered, believed along with him said, ‘When Ayyub (peace be upon him), was tested years before the creation of the heavens nothing! Taking the necessary means optimism in the face of adversity, and will the Help of Allāh come?’ Yes! Cer- with a great illness. His story is synon- and the earth…” (Sahih Muslim) and then relying upon Allāh is some- optimism in the face of pessimism. tainly, the Help of Allāh is near!” ymous with patience. He lost every- All good and bad is from Allāh, as thing which is emphasised in Islam. We should also not blame others Allāh sends us tests to see how we thing; his family, wealth, and health. is mentioned in the Hadeeth of Jabir: “One day Prophet Muhammad or ridicule them because they are from will react and handle them. How are Some narrations say he was bedridden ‘No slave of Allāh will truly believe until (PBUH), noticed a Bedouin leaving his a certain country or they have come we going to respond? When you hear for 18 years, tested with a great illness, he believes in Al Qadr; its good and bad camel without tying it. He asked the from a part of the world that has been the news that your umrah trip is can- yet we find he did not give up hope in from Allāh, and until he knows that what Bedouin, ‘Why don’t you tie down your affected by the virus. Unfortunately, celled because of this virus, how will you Allah and turned to him in this great trial. has befallen him was not going to miss camel?’ The Bedouin answered, ‘I put we have seen physical attacks on respond? When you hear your flights Some scholars have said that his illness him and that what missed him was not my trust in Allāh’ The Prophet then people, racist remarks made, and have been cancelled, your loved ones was so severe that his flesh dropped from going to befallen him.’ (Tirmidi)Allah will said, ‘Tie your camel first, then put your people making a joke and mocking the have fallen ill, how will you respond? his body and nothing remained on him never harm us nor does he want evil to trust in Allāh’ (Tirmidi). situation people are in. Allah says in the Quran: “And We except his bones and muscles. befall us. We may think something is bad We also find in the incident of The coronavirus is a reminder to will surely test you with something of Allāh tells us his story in the Quran: for us due to our restricted view of life, Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be us all of our weak state. Regardless of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth “And Ayyub, when he called to his but there is always good in a situation. pleased with him) taking necessary our social standing and our financial and lives and fruits, but give good Lord, saying ‘Harm has inflicted me and Allāh tells us that perhaps you hate a precautions is a must when you know position, we are helpless. Allāh says: tidings to the patient” So how do we You are the Most Merciful” thing but it is in fact good for you, and of a harm or potential danger that “Mankind was created weak” respond to a calamity? Allāh tells us “So We answered him and removed perhaps you love a thing when in reality could afflict you. Umar was traveling Situations like this remind us to immediately after the previous āyah: his affliction and We gave him his and it is bad for you, yet Allāh knows with a group of companions during his turn back to Allāh. Allāh controls eve- “Who, when disaster strikes them, family and the like of them with them, while you know not! reign. They approached a town in rything and he is the one that can say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allāh, and as a mercy from Us and a reminder to A believer has two positions when which it was said had a contagious/infec- relieve us from our difficulties, we must indeed to Him we will return.’” Worshippers.” The story of Prophet it comes to pre-destination: One is tious disease. Umar asked his group return to Allāh and seek refuge in him A Muslim is patient in trials; he Ayyub (peace be upon him) is one filled before the situation occurs, and one is whether they should proceed or return and ask his protection. knows Allah will never forsake him, with lessons for us to ponder over. The after. Before the situation he seeks help to Madinah. The majority of the Source: Islam21c.com Woman and her position in the light of the Holy Quran MANSOOR ALAM created you out of one living unto Allah, and women who what they earn". (4:32) for men to marry more women their lives. Caliph Umar ibn entity, and out of it created its surrender, and men who The Quran also tells that to satisfy their lust and/or to Khattab (may Allah be pleased ho can question the mate, and out of the two spread believe and women who women are equal participants have more children. For this the with him) proudly proclaimed vital role played by abroad a multitude of men and believe, and men who obey and in enjoining what is right and fault lies with us as interpreters that an old woman taught him Wthe mother in a women." (Holy Quran 4:1) women who obey, and men forbidding what is wrong (Amr and not with the Quran. the meaning of word Khilafah. family? From the moment of Contrary to the popular who speak the truth and women bil M‘aroof-and-Nahya ‘Anil But unfortunately the Khilafat conception to birth and to belief woman was not respon- who speak the truth, and men Munkar). Obviously, this implies Woman as a witness was turned into a hereditary rearing, it is the mother who sible for man’s first act of diso- who persevere (in right- women’s right to participate in Another prevailing miscon- kingship by Umayyads and spends most of her time with bedience and his subsequent eousness) and women who per- public life. ception is that, in Islam, two Abbasids who treated women and carries most of the burden expulsion from the paradise: severe, and men who are "As for the believers, both women’s witnesses are equal more like objects of pleasure of the baby. The child’s early "But Satan caused them humble and women who are men and women they are close to one man’s witness. This is than human beings. As a con- development is shaped pri- both to stumble therein, and humble, and men who give unto one another: they [all] related to verse (2:282) of the sequence, women lost their marily by the mother. To thus brought about the loss of alms and women who give enjoin the doing of what is right Holy Quran which says that in position of dignity and self- acknowledge the mothers’ fun- their erstwhile state." (Holy alms, and men who fast and and forbid the doing of what is matters of contracting a loan if respect. For the sorry state that damental role in building the Quran 2:36) women who fast, and men who wrong". (9:71) one cannot find two men as wit- continues to the present day, worldwide community of the guard their modesty and nesses then one can bring one Muslims alone are responsible, faithful, the Quran uses the Equality of man & woman women who guard (their Polygamy man and two women. The not Islam. word Ummah, a derivative of As a whole, the Quran treats modesty), and men who Only one verse (4:3) in the Quran itself has given the The truth is men and word Umm meaning mother. man and woman on an equal remember Allah much and Quran allows polygamy, but reason for this that if the women are like the two wheels And the Prophet (peace be upon basis. But the roles assigned to women who remember - Allah that too, in special circumstance woman who is giving witness of a cart. Each wheel is called him) is reported to have said each of them is not the same but hath prepared for them for- when there are a large number forgets or gets confused (tadilla) Zauj of the other in Arabic. If that heaven lies under the feet rather complementary. giveness and a vast reward". of widows and orphans left then the other woman may one wheel dominates the other, of the mother. The women are Allah has made one of them (Holy Quran 33:35) after war. The context of the remind her. That is, only one the cart will not move properly. honoured in the Quran by to excel the other. (4:34) And according to the Quran, verse is to address this situation. woman gives witness. The other This cart of life will move having chapter Al Nisa (The The reality and significance the opportunity for good deeds The verse is very explicit in that woman is just for moral smoothly along the straight path Women) after them. But mis- of the above verse has yet to and their reward exists equally a man may marry more than one support. (Siratul mustaqim) only if the understandings and misconcep- sink in the minds of those men for both men and women: "If from among the orphans/widows In light of all of the above, two wheels are equal and bal- tions about women are abound. who habitually and traditionally any do deeds of righteousness, (fil-yatama) only on the condition do we still need to believe that anced and one wheel does not Here are a few of them: assign an inferior status to - be they male or female - and that justice is done among all (up woman is inferior to man; that try to dominate the other, Did the product of a crooked women. Based on research we have faith, they will enter to a total of four) wives. If not, she cannot lead, govern, or which means there can be no rib cause man’s fall from know that men surpass women Heaven, and not the least then only one wife is allowed. decide critical matters in an real Islam until women (con- paradise? in mechanical skill and women injustice will be done to them". Thus polygamy is permitted but Islamic government as the pro- stituting half of humanity) The Quran does not support surpass men in linguistic ability. (4:124) only under very strict conditions ponents of man-made Shariah regain their God-given human the story that woman was How could this be clearer And on the subject of own- and is more like a sacrifice on the would have us believe? rights of dignity, self-respect, created from man’s rib. than the following verse of the ership rights: part of both men and women to During the early period of and equality with men in all "O Mankind! Be conscious Quran: "To men is allotted what address a societal issue in a dig- Islam, men and women enjoyed walks of life. of your Sustainer, who has "Lo! men who surrender they earn, and to women nified manner. It is not a licence equal rights in all respects of www.islamcity.org 06 AFRICA FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 UN Security Council slams increasing threat from terrorism in Africa AP — UNITED NATIONS The African Union’s UN menace,” she said, without elaborating. The UN Security Council Ambassador, Fatima Mohammed said the tools strongly condemned the Kyari Mohammed, used by terrorists are becoming increasing threat to peace and warned the council increasingly sophisticated, citing security in Africa from as an example “drone ter- terrorism on Wednesday and that “terrorism and rorism.” She said that “terrorist urged all countries “to consider violent extremism groups have also perfected the mobilising more predictable art of recruitment, facilitated by resources and expertise” to are assuming the use of cyber platforms” and strengthen African efforts to unprecedented scales are attracting people vulnerable counter terrorism and violent because of poverty and “ethnic extremism. of expansion and and religious fissures.” A Chinese-sponsored pres- intensity within and A statement from the coun- French, Algerian foreign Ministers meet idential statement approved by cil’’s three African members — all 15 council nations also urged beyond the African Tunisia, Niger and South Africa French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (left) and Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum the 193 UN member states and continent.” — said foreigners who fought walk before a meeting in Algiers, yesterday. the United Nations system to with the Islamic State in Iraq take measures “to address all and Syria “are increasingly drivers of violent extremism Islamic State group’s continuing relocating into the continent,” conducive to terrorism.” The operations in Libya despite mainly to areas where gov- Algerian ex-diplomat eyed as council encouraged countries recent setbacks, adding that “it ernment presence is weak. to foster quality education and is restructuring and empow- Such fighters exploit local provide employment opportu- ering its affiliates in eastern, grievances, poverty and lack of next UN Libya envoy: Sources nities and vocational training southern and central Africa.” public services and security and for young people and include She said Islamic State affil- they also “resort to the use of bar- AFP — ALGIERS Union commissioner for peace bring about a ceasefire in Libya them in all levels of decision- iates and splinter groups baric force against populations and security from 2008 to 2013. after eastern-based military com- making, saying “such efforts including Boko Haram “con- and they engage in cross border Former Algerian foreign He has been a mediator in mander Khalifa Haftar launched contribute to countering tinue to terrorize local popula- criminal activities,” said the minister Ramtane Lamamra is several African conflicts, an offensive last April to seize the recruitment to terrorism.” tions and attack security forces” statement, which was also signed being considered as UN envoy notably in Liberia. capital Tripoli, seat of the UN-rec- UN political chief Rosemary in the Sahel and Lake Chad by the Caribbean nation of Saint to Libya, diplomatic sources Stephanie Turco Williams of ognised Government of National DiCarlo told the council that basin. Vincent and the Grenadines. said on Wednesday, after the United States will be acting Accord (GNA). terrorism and violent The African Union’s UN The statement added that Ghassan Salame resigned from envoy “until the appointment of A January ceasefire bro- extremism continue to grow in Ambassador, Fatima Kyari some al-Qaida and IS groups the post earlier this month. a successor for Ghassan Salame,” kered by Turkey and Russia has various part of the continent Mohammed, warned the “appear to be working together When asked if UN Sec- Guterres said in a statement on repeatedly been violated. despite efforts to prevent and council that “terrorism and and coordinating attacks to retary-General Antonio Wednesday evening. Salame, a Lebanese counter it. violent extremism are assuming grab large swaths of territory.” Guterres had put forward Williams has been Deputy appointed in 2017, struggled to She pointed to Al Shabab unprecedented scales of DiCarlo said the U.N. “cannot Lamamra, a diplomatic source Special Representative for organise elections and bring extremists threatening security expansion and intensity within overemphasize the importance said, “You’re right”. Political Affairs at the UN rival parties together for talks in Somalia and East Africa and and beyond the African of support” for the the G5 Sahel Two other diplomats — one Mission in Libya since 2018 and on ending the conflict. affiliates of the Islamic State continent.” Force established by Burkina African and one European — has more than 24 years’ expe- Libya has been mired in and Al Qaida extremist groups “In addition to the situa- Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and likewise said Lamamra’s name rience in government and inter- turmoil since the 2011 over- collaborating to stage increas- tions in the Sahel, Lake Chad Mauritania to fight terrorism. had been proposed. Both spoke national affairs. throw and death of longtime ingly sophisticated attacks in basin and the Horn of Africa, She reiterated Secretary- on the condition of anonymity. Salame announced his res- dictator Moamer Kadhafi. It has West Africa, especially in terrorism is now spreading to General Antonio Guterres’ call Lamamra, 67, served as ignation on March 2, citing since become divided between Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. other parts of the continent, for international funding and Algeria’s foreign minister from health reasons. the GNA and rival authorities DiCarlo also pointed to the previously spared by this military support for the force. 2013 to 2017 and as African He had worked for months to based in the country’s east. African leaders Supercomputer helps in tracking East Africa locust outbreak seek to clear AP — KAMPALA insects have been particularly sighted in Djibouti, Eritrea, Tan- the only effective control method. “In this way they are more way for Libyan destructive, the supercomputer zania, Congo and South Sudan, In Uganda, where the locust efficient in allocating their A supercomputer is boosting system “produces extensive a country where roughly half infestation has recently spread resources, allocating the efforts in East Africa to control weather forecasts to predict the the population already faces to more than 20 districts in the financial capacity to control the dialogue a locust outbreak that raises high winds, rainfall, and hunger after years of civil war. country’s north and northeast, desert locust. It is a very inno- what the UN food agency calls humidity that provide ideal The threat from the locusts soldiers have been battling vative and new way of using AFP — OYO, CONGO “an unprecedented threat” to breeding conditions for locusts “remains extremely alarming” swarms using hand-held spray technology to solve a real-life the region’s food security. so climate experts can predict in the Horn of Africa, where pumps because of difficulties in problem like the desert locust.” Three African heads of state, The computer, a donation their next destination,” the UK’s “widespread breeding is in getting aircraft as well as the rec- Kenneth Mwangi, a satellite the African Union chief and a from Britain, uses satellite data Department for International progress and new swarms are ommended pesticide. information analyst at the senior UN envoy met to track locust swarms and Development said in a starting to form, representing Officials in Kenya’s capital, center, said the team can run yesterday in Congo in the predict their next destination. statement. an unprecedented threat to food Nairobi, where the supercom- better prediction models in an latest attempt to broker talks Quickly sharing the information “By improving early security and livelihoods at the puter is based, said the tech- outbreak where the spread of over Libya’s crisis. of the locusts’ movements with warning systems we are helping beginning of the upcoming nology will boost their efforts locusts “has been very rapid.” The meeting is the second regional authorities is key to charities and African govern- cropping season,” according to in tracking locust swarms. The UN recently raised its aid in the Congo since a summit controlling the outbreak, as ments to take rapid action to a warning issued this month by “The forecast is quite useful appeal relating to locusts to in Berlin in January where even a small swarm of locusts protect vulnerable the UN Food and Agriculture because it helps them to focus $138m, up from $76m, saying the world leaders agreed to halt in a single day can move nearly communities.” Organisation. their efforts in the areas that are need for more help is urgent. foreign interference in Libya 100 miles and consume the Kenya, Somalia and Uganda Locust swarms, sometimes most likely to be affected by the Experts have warned that if the and impose an arms embargo. amount of crops that would have been battling the worst as large as some cities, can desert locust in the coming say, number of locusts is unchecked Tripoli’s UN-recognised otherwise feed 35,000 people. locust outbreak that parts of destroy crops and devastate 10 days,” said Abubakr Salih they could grow 500 times by government is battling eastern Based in a regional climate East Africa have seen in 70 pasture for animals. Aerial Babiker, a climate scientist at June, when drier weather is commander Khalifa Haftar in centre in Kenya, where the years. Swarms have also been spraying is generally considered Nairobi’s regional climate centre. expected in East Africa. the latest factional fighting since the 2011 fall of long-time dictator Muammar Gadhafi. International efforts to end Coronavirus slow to the conflict have stumbled and Libya’s African neighbours have been seeking a wider role spread in Africa, but in resolving the North African nation’s crisis. At the talks in Oyo town, Republic of Congo President cases creep up Denis Sassou Nguesso urged an “unequivocal message” to AP — JOHANNESBURG spreading locally worries South prepare a conference on national Africa, other African countries reconciliation for Libya. The new coronavirus has been and health experts who say Nguesso was joined by slow to spread in Africa but many of Africa’s national health South Africa’s Presidents Cyril cases are increasing on the systems are weak. With a rel- Ramaphosa, Chadian leader continent, with South Africa atively low number of cases Idriss Deby Itno, AU com- reporting 17 confirmed infec- across the continent — fewer mission chief Moussa Faki tions yesterday, including its than 140 and almost all of them Mahamat and Algerian Prime first transmitted locally. imported — the current strategy Minister Abdelaziz Djerad. Across Africa, 12 of the con- is to try to contain the virus. Algeria’s government has tinent’s 54 countries have reg- The vast majority of people said it would be ready to host a istered COVID-19 cases, the recover from the new virus. comprehensive dialogue among most recent being Ivory Coast The number of COVID-19 cases Libyan parties and joined other announcing one case. worldwide has surpassed African nations in urging an end Algeria’s president ordered 120,000, and 60,000 people to foreign interference in Libya. all schools closed immediately have already recovered. “It’s time to unite the Libyan yesterday after the North According to the World Health A vendor sorts garlic bulbs at a central market in Tunis, yesterday. people so that they can be rec- African country saw its first Organisation, people with mild onciled,” Djerad said. death from the virus. Algeria illness recover in about two The meeting in Oyo comes Virus remedy rumour sends Tunisia garlic price soaring has 25 cases so far. weeks, while those with more in the wake of the resignation South Africa reported its severe illness may take three of the UN special represent- AFP — TUNIS is around 600 dinars. Garlic is often used to help first case a week ago. Since to six weeks to recover. ative on Libya, Gassane “Before, I used to buy five kilos ward off the flu, whose then, the number of people Africa’s hospitals may not be Salame, whose efforts towards The price of garlic has shot up (of garlic) for eight dinars a kilo and symptoms can be similar to there to test positive for the adequately prepared to care for a settlement were commended in Tunisia amid a buying rush would sell it for 12, but now I can’t those of COVID-19. virus has crept up. The coun- large numbers of people who by the African leaders. as consumers hope it will help buy it anymore because the price But some online websites try’s health minister announced may need intensive care and His resignation came after protect against the new coro- has gone up so much”, said and online posts have incor- four more yesterday, including ventilators, say health experts. months of work to bring a navirus, despite caution from Khames Nabli, a shopkeeper in the rectly suggested the bulb can a man who became ill after “It will have a huge impact ceasefire since Haftar the World Health Organisation. south of the capital. protect against the novel coro- contact in South Africa with a on a number of things... travel... launched an offensive in April In Tunisia’s central market Tunisia has registered six navirus, which the WHO has Chinese businessman. our economy. It is already to seize the capital Tripoli. this week, and in supermarkets cases of the novel coronavirus, declared a pandemic. Previously, all the cases in showing signs of a negative The unity government in and other stores, the price of garlic most in people who had been The WHO has sought to the country involved people impact on tourism,” South Tripoli is supported by Turkey, has risen to around 20-25 dinars in Italy. A seventh person combat rumours about the who returned to South Africa African President Cyril Ram- while Haftar is backed by ($7-$8.85) a kilo, in a country infected with the virus has virus, including the effect of after travelling in Europe. aphosa said after the first case Russia. where the average monthly salary returned to France. garlic The new coronavirus was confirmed. FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 ASIA 07 S Korea contains smaller virus outbreaks as new cases slow REUTERS — SEOUL The new cases personal and material support on the area.” South Korea yesterday reported bring South Korea’s Seventy-three of the new 114 new coronavirus cases and total to 7,869, with cases were from the city of six more deaths, a relative Daegu, the epicentre of the decline in new cases that raised 67 deaths, the country’s outbreak. tentative hopes the epidemic Korea Centres for Yoon urged South Koreans was slowing despite the emer- across the country to avoid gence of new clusters. Disease Control and public gatherings and to keep a Health officials were trying Prevention said. distance from other people. to track down and contain a The government also said it number of new clusters of The numbers are far would expand fever screening infections, including at a call lower than the peak and other monitoring measures centre in the capital Seoul. of 909 cases reported for people arriving from certain The coming days will be European countries. crucial, authorities said. on February 29, South Korea is one of “It is too early to say we are and health officials several countries affected by a overcoming the disease,” Yoon new US Defence Department Tae-ho, director general for said the trend does decision announced yesterday public health policy, said at a appear to be slowing. to restrict travel by its troops briefing. and their families for the next “We are still witnessing spo- 60 days. About 28,500 US radic outbreaks so we cannot in the call centre and 200 resi- troops are stationed in South lower our guard.” dents of the building have been Korea, along with thousands of Workers wearing protective gear spray disinfectant to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus The new cases bring South tested, Seoul Mayor Park Won- civilian employees and family at a subway station in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. Korea’s total to 7,869, with 67 soon said. members. deaths, the Korea Centres for “Containing the spread from At least nine people con- Disease Control and Prevention health officials said the trend government will press its efforts Seoul, where at least 102 people the call centre is decisive in nected to the US military in South said (KCDC). does appear to be slowing in to prevent new clusters from working at a call centre have blocking additional trans- Korea have tested positive for the The numbers are far lower what has been the largest out- spreading. tested positive for the mission of the coronavirus,” virus, and bases have imposed than the peak of 909 cases break in Asia outside of China. Nineteen of the new cases coronavirus. Park said. some restrictions and additional reported on February 29, and Still, authorities said the reported yesterday were in Nearly 800 people working “We will focus all necessary screening at their gates. Suspected Dutch tourists quarantined in Vietnam as virus spreads remains of US

AFP — HANOI confirmed 25 Dutch were Anh said. State-run Voice of quarantine in Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines flight from WWII servicemen among dozens of travellers Vietnam radio earlier reported although state media has London to Hanoi. A group of 25 Dutch tourists are quarantined in an education a total of 38 foreigners in quar- reported dozens were put under Authorities are chasing repatriated among dozens of foreigners facility in the tourist town of Hoi antine in Hoi An, including quarantine in state-managed down anyone linked to the quarantined in communist An after taking a domestic flight people from Belgium, Ireland, facilities or hotels across the infected patients, who include AP — MANDALAY Vietnam as the Southeast Asian with a COVID-19 patient. Switzerland and Finland. country. a rich Vietnamese woman, a nation tightens measures to “The condition there is not The country’s ministry of Vietnam has granted limited state official and several British The US military yesterday prevent the spread of corona- as good as in the hotels, but we health has said nearly 25,000 access to visitors from China tourists. repatriated what may be the virus. will try to provide them with people have been put under and South Korea — another Several major tourism spots remains of service personnel Hanoi says a total of 39 some essential things especially quarantine at government con- major coronavirus hotspot — in the country — such as Halong who were lost in action in people, the majority of nationals suitable food upon request,” trolled centres or at home, since since the outbreak began at the bay and islands — have been Myanmar during World War and British visitors, have tested said Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, the country raised its alert on start of 2020, imposing a 14-day closed to visitors. II (WWII). positive to the virus which has director of Hoi An city’s pre- the deadly virus early quarantine at government-con- It is not yet clear if Viet- The remains from Myan- spread panic across a country vention healthcare centre. February. trolled centres. nam’s first-ever Formula One mar’s central Sagaing region of 96 million people. There have “Several felt uncomfortable No complete figure is Last weekend, a cluster of Grand Prix, a street race to be were repatriated at a cer- been no deaths reported so far. at the beginning, but later they available on the number of for- infections was discovered held in Hanoi, will proceed in emony at Mandalay Interna- Yestersday, authorities complied with the situation,” eigners currently under among 201 passengers on a on the first weekend in April. tional Airport after being recovered in a mission carried out by the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the US India tightens measures Department of Defence, the US Embassy said. “Over 75 years ago, brave as novel coronavirus Americans gave their lives on a river bank in Sagaing, fighting for peace, justice and cases rise to 73 freedom far from home,” the US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of ANATOLIA — CHANDIGARH The initial focus of the Indian Mission George Sibley said at government is on “bringing back the ceremony. The total number of coronavirus pilgrims, mostly stranded in The remains will be flown cases in India rose to 73 Qom” he said, referring the badly to the agency’s laboratory in yesterday, as fresh cases were affected Iranian city. Hawaii for analysis and reported from different parts of Coronavirus outbreak is a potential identification. the country, the Health Ministry “matter of concern,” news broad- There are 505 US service said. caster NDTV quoted the minister members still unaccounted in According to the ministry’s as saying in the parliament. Myanmar, which was known website, of total 73 confirmed “Exceptional situations Travellers wear face masks as a preventive measure against coronavirus at a railway station in as Burma during World War cases, 56 are Indian nationals. require exceptional response,” he Guwahati, Assam, yesterday. II. The remains of 23 have been The ministry said the highest said, adding that “travel at this identified after three recovery number of cases were reported time is not recommended as it further spread of coronavirus. visas of foreign nationals already quarantined for a minimum missions carried out in 2003 from the southern state of Kerala only heightens risks”. The order will come into force in India remain valid. period of 14 days on their arrival and 2004 and nine since 2013. (17), while more than 1 million The northern Haryana state from 1200 GMT on March 13. For the travellers who are in India,” the advisory said. The remains repatriated passengers have been screened declared the coronavirus Soon after the government presently abroad, the immi- While several Indian states yesterday are thought to be at airports. infection an “epidemic,” announcement, country’s Bureau gration office asked them to have closed the education insti- related to a B-25G bomber Meanwhile, India’s External according to the state’s Health of Immigration also issued a avoid non-essential travel. tutions and cinemas, the author- with a crew of seven that was Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Minister Anil Vij. On Wednesday, detailed advisory related to travel “Indian nationals presently ities have also closed borders at lost in February 1944. Jaishankar informed the par- the Indian government had and visa restrictions related to the abroad are advised to avoid non- few places as precautionary Myanmar was then a British liament yesterday that “6,000 announced that it will suspend coronavirus, officially known as essential travel. They are hereby measures to prevent further colony occupied by Japan’s Indians are stranded in Iran.” most visas till April 15 to prevent COVID-19. It however said that informed that they can be spread of the disease. armed forces. Indian father takes on govt after children adopted by US couple

REUTERS — MUMBAI me or ask me. Did they give them globally or other institutions are away or did they sell them? I not orphans, according to the An Indian father is fighting for the don’t know,” the 35-year-old charity Lumos, but they can be return of his children as he said autorickshaw driver said by lucrative for trafficking networks, they were adopted without his phone from Bhopal. leading many “origin” countries consent, boosting calls for a ban A spokesman for SOS Chil- to ban international adoptions. on inter-country adoptions to dren’s Villages said the charity “These children were made stop child trafficking. told the government’s child ‘legally free’ in 2017. We are Jay Prakash Ahirwar said his welfare department in 2016 not finding out if there was a criminal mother took his three children to put the children up for intent in doing so,” said Tarun in 2015 to the local Child Welfare adoption as their father was alive. Kumar Pithode, district head of Committee (CWC), which pro- Ahirwar never visited his Bhopal. tects vulnerable children, after children and efforts to contact the Some 2,500 children have his wife died — only to discover family at their address and via been adopted overseas since last month that a US couple had newspaper adverts failed, the 2015, according to the Central adopted them. spokesman said, so in 2017 they Adoption Resource Authority, Caution over coronavirus The CWC placed the children, were included in a list the charity which regulates adoptions. Ssecurity personnel wearing face masks stand guard as people pass by the entrance of Sri Lanka’s then aged 3, 5 and 7, with the SOS gave the CWC of all the children “This is a big racket. It vali- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, near Colombo, yesterday. Children’s Villages in Bhopal, in their facility. dates our demand to stop inter- capital of Madhya Pradesh state, The CWC then declared the country adoptions,” said Arun where the charity runs a group children as “legally free” for Dohle, director of Against Child foster home as part of its work to adoption as the newspaper Trafficking, a charity which has Indonesia busts virus-mask smuggling by Malaysians support 25,000 vulnerable adverts had elicited no response. reunited dozens of inter-country children across India. “The adoption process was adoptees with their birth AFP — MEDAN the pair’s bags as they were neighbouring Malaysia to guard “I wanted to take my children carried out on the directive of mothers. about to board a flight to Kuala against coronavirus infections. home for Holi festival last year, CWC and the specialised India tightened up its Indonesia has detained two Lumpur on Wednesday evening, The masks were confiscated but (SOS Children’s Villages offi- adoption agency,” said adoption rules after cases Malaysians for allegedly trying authorities said. and the suspects would be cials) said they were getting good Sudarshan Suchi, India director emerged of parents being to smuggle some 12,000 virus They were detained on sus- deported, they added. education and I should not spoil of SOS Children’s Villages, a coerced or tricked to give up their face masks back to their home picion of hoarding, police said, “We didn’t find criminal their lives. I thought maybe they global charity supporting children for inter-country adop- country, police said yesterday. and when questioned the 44-and conduct after questioning them were right,” said Ahirwar. children without parental care tions. But the slow pace of the Officials at the international 42-year-old suspects claimed so they will be sent back,” said “When I went last month, I and families at risk. tightly-regulated process has airport in Sumatra’s Medan city they were planning to distribute police spokesman Tatan Dirsan was told they were adopted by a About 80 percent of some 8 fuelled baby trafficking, activists became suspicious and searched the masks to children in Atmaja. US family. They did not inform million children in orphanages say. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Foxton Harding and Adison Pucci, both 12, who both attend Northshore Middle School in the Northshore School District, which hasmoved [email protected] to online only schooling for two weeks due to coronavirus concerns, work on school assignments at their home in Bothell, Washington. EDITORIAL Online classes, video meetings: Can Efficient control of COVID-19 coronavirus spur low-carbon habits? DISCHARGE of 121 individuals from quarantine yes- terday was a positive news everyone was waiting for transport, schools and sporting all have urged or allowed staff to after the unexpected increase in the number of positive events worldwide, it is also work remotely. COVID-19 cases reported a day before. nudging people toward new “There’s definitely a tele-com- These 121 individuals, who were evacuated from behaviours and technologies that muting movement going on, not Iran in a chartered plane, were shifted to quarantine may have lasting impacts on the just at the university but all around immediately after they arrived in the country and closely emissions driving climate change. Seattle,” Schnee said. monitored by the healthcare professionals for any Not all are positive. The threat When classrooms shut for at symptoms and underwent three tests to confirm that LAURIE GOERING of contracting the virus, for least two weeks starting on they are virus-free. REUTERS instance, is pushing some public Monday at the University of Wash- A few persons from the group were found with the transport users into taxis to avoid ington, “it was so sudden a lot of coronavirus and were shifted to the Communicable As coronavirus sweeps the Seattle crowds - though others are taking students felt at sea and a lot of Disease Center at the Hamad Medical Corporation and area, with more than 20 deaths so to bicycles and other green means faculty were scrambling”, he said. is being treated in isolation. The officials, while briefing far in one of the worst outbreaks in of getting around. But three days on, “there’s the media, had said that they are all recovering well and the United States, the University of And a global slowdown in air much less scepticism (among pro- are in stable condition. They are expected to be dis- Washington this week shuttered travel, which has curbed emissions fessors), and an acceptance that charged soon. Recently, its classrooms in a bid to contain so far this year, could bounce back even though it’s not their normal The recent report of 238 new cases was not on some of the the spread of the disease. But with a delayed surge in demand experience they can pull it off”, the expected lines as before that Qatar had only a few cases lecturer Ian Schnee’s philosophy for flights if the virus tails off, lecturer said. and this sudden surge in numbers showed that this university’s class for 300 students took place climate experts warn. But as They might even acquire the strain of virus spreads unlike earlier viruses. The country 40,000 students as scheduled on Monday - just organisers of conferences, political skills to be comfortable continuing has put in many measures to control the spreading of online. Eighty tuned in live, with negotiations and classes scramble with it, he predicted. the coronavirus such as stopping services of Doha and professors more expected to watch the to switch to digital events - and Kelly Levin, an emissions spe- Metro, public buses and closing children’s play area have been recording later. even doctors consult online to try cialist with the Washington-based for a few day to name a few. The Ministry of Public exploring Schnee’s other teaching also to avoid spreading the virus - huge World Resources Institute (WRI), Health has urged people to follow precautionary happened virtually, with 20 stu- amounts of emissions from travel, said the coronavirus experience measure like washing hands often. options to curb dents joining a video-streaming in particular, are being avoided, could spur a rethink about There is a lot we could be careful about such as planet-warming chatroom to share answers to logic creating a knock-on effect that whether big international avoiding crowded places and making sure to use a problems and ask questions before could persist. meetings are worth the huge envi- proper sanitiser or washing hands for at least 20 seconds emissions, in upcoming exams. Japan is one example of a ronmental and financial costs. before eating or after returning from a public place. part through “I could share my desktop and country getting its first real taste of “This is giving us some space More importantly avoid travel if not essential and report other students could share theirs”, working from home, in a culture to pause and re-evaluate,” she to a medical facility if you develop any of the symptoms. greater use the same as with the office white- that has never adopted that option. said, noting virtual meetings also World Health Organization said yesterday that the of video- board, he said. “Doing it virtually “Japan doesn’t have a ‘working can benefit some groups, from dis- new coronavirus outbreak is a controllable pandemic was a pretty rich experiment.” at home’ policy. People go to work abled participants to those who if all countries step up measures to tackle it. WHO conferencing Recently, some of the univer- whether they are sick or not,” said can’t travel for family or other Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had technology. sity’s 40,000 students and pro- Niklas Höhne of the German- reasons. said earlier that the global outbreak of the new corona- fessors have been exploring based NewClimate Institute, which Colin Marshall, who organises virus could now be considered a pandemic -- a disease options to curb planet-warming supports action to address climate seminars for the University of actively spreading globally. emissions, in part through greater change. Washington’s philosophy “To save lives we must reduce transmission. That use of video-conferencing tech- “But now with coronavirus, department, said a pre-virus com- means finding and isolating as many cases as possible nology. But restrictions triggered they can’t do that, so they are mitment to begin having 15% and quarantining their closest contacts,” he said. by coronavirus have swiftly turned learning to work at home - and “virtual” speakers had allowed Qatar has set in motion procedures for treating pos- ideas into a large-scale, real-time they might continue doing it. It them to land an April guest they itive cases as they come and is also quarantining people trial. might lead to a consistent change had otherwise failed for years to who came in contact with those who were tested pos- “It’s become de facto a massive in behavioural patterns and lower attract. Technology offers the pos- itive to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the experiment in education,” Schnee emissions,” said the emissions sibility “to make academia more community. told Reuters by telephone. “It’s like reductions expert. equitable and just better”, he said. As global community is fighting the outbreak with a crash course in new technology.” In virus-hit Seattle, big “More people will be in a position all their might, let us hope a treatment will be found As a growing coronavirus pan- employers such as Amazon, to be involved in things that soon to tackle the COVID-19. demic shuts down conferences, Microsoft, Facebook and Google weren’t before.” What would an Olympics cancellation cost Japan?

AFP But the actual costs for the outlays, most notably on con- foreign visitor expenditures D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR country have been hotly struction of new sporting making up just 0.9 percent of Japan and Olympic organisers debated, with a widely publi- venues, has already been fac- GDP in 2018, according to eco- EMAIL: [email protected] are at pains to insist this cised audit report estimating tored into GDP in recent years. nomic research organisation summer’s Games in Tokyo are national government spending But a cancellation would CEIC. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 on, despite the new corona- from the bid in 2013 until 2018 be a drag on tourism, as well as But with domestic FAX: +974 4455 7758 virus outbreak, but what would at 1.06 trillion yen, nearly 10 general consumption in the spending already weak, the hit a cancellation cost the world’s times the budget. country, already under from a cancellation could MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 third-biggest economic power- Japanese businesses have pressure after a controversial ripple through and further house? also poured money into the sales tax hike last year. depress local purchasing. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 With a dearth of reliable event in sponsorships, paying Tourism in Japan was What would the impact figures, opinions vary, yet out a record 348 billion yen already hit before the virus, on GDP be? Economists at LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 experts all agree on one point: ($3.3 billion). And that figure amid a diplomatic spat with research firm Nomura already Games or no, the main risk to doesn’t include the partner- South Korea that prompted predict a 0.7-percent con- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 the Japanese economy this year ships signed between major boycott calls. Visitors from traction in GDP for the 2020 is a prolonged global corona- companies and the Interna- South Korea previously made calendar year, but warn that SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 virus epidemic. tional Olympic Committee for up the second largest con- could be up to 1.5 percent if the What has the Games cost rights to sponsor several tingent of tourists to Japan, Games are cancelled. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Japan? At the end of 2019, Games. Among those are giants behind only China. Takashi Miwa, an econ- email: [email protected] organisers estimated the total including Japan’s Toyota, And with the virus out- omist at the firm, told AFP the cost of the Games at around Bridgestone and Panasonic. break, Japan has seen a further main impact would be on PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 1.35 trillion yen ($12.6 billion). Which sectors would be fall in South Korean numbers, domestic spending, because a email: [email protected] That is divided between affected? According to ana- as well as a plunge in travellers cancellation of the Games the city of Tokyo, which is lysts at Capital Economics, one from China, which together “would badly affect Japanese ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 paying 597 billion yen, the Jap- key factor to consider in terms accounted for nearly half the consumer confidence”. It could FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] anese organising committee, of how a cancellation might hit 31.9 million foreign visitors to also deprive the country of 240 which contributes 603 billion Japan’s economy is that most of the country in 2019. billion yen ($2.28 billion) in CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 yen and the central gov- the spending has already Japan has an industrialised spending from foreign spec- email: [email protected] ernment, which is paying 150 happened. and diversified economy not tators expected to attend the billion yen. That means the effects of heavily reliant on tourism, with Games, he added. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar All of us face a common threat, the /ThePeninsulaQatar coronavirus. Today's declaration of /Peninsula_Qatar a pandemic is a call to action - for everyone, everywhere. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 ASIA 09 Virus pandemic ‘could be over by June’ if countries act, says Chinese adviser

REUTERS — BEIJING Chinese authorities “I am confident that the Chinese people will be able to The global coronavirus credit strict measures overcome this epidemic and pandemic could be over by June they have taken, achieve their intended eco- if countries mobilise to fight it, nomic and social development a senior Chinese medical including placing goals.” adviser said yesterday, as China Hubei under near Zhong, an 83-year-old epi- declared the peak had passed demiologist renowned for there and new cases in Hubei total lockdown, helping combat the SARS out- fell to single digits for the first with preventing big break in 2003, said viruses in time. outbreaks in other the same family typically Around two-thirds of global became less active in warm cases of the coronavirus have cities, and say other months. been recorded in China’s central countries should learn “My estimate of June is Hubei province, where the virus based on scenarios that all first emerged in December. But from their efforts. countries take positive in recent weeks the vast measures.” Medical staff at an isolation ward for patients infected with novel coronavirus at a hospital in Wuhan, majority of new cases have Later on yesterday, Zhong in China’s central Hubei province, yesterday. been outside China. firm measures, it could be over held a teleconference with a Chinese authorities credit worldwide in a matter of months. group of US medical experts, province announced a further outside Hubei, including six from hospitals, but over half strict measures they have taken, “My advice is calling for all including from Harvard Uni- loosening of travel restrictions imported from abroad. were still under observation at including placing Hubei under countries to follow WHO instruc- versity, state television and will also allow some indus- While only 85 of the cases so-called “recovery stops” — near total lockdown, with pre- tions and intervene on a national reported. Zhong and his team tries to resume production. in China have come from quarantine venues repurposed venting big outbreaks in other scale,” he said. shared their experiences of Hubei’s economy, driven by abroad, the rising number of from hotels and student cities, and say other countries “If all countries could get quickly testing and containing manufacturing and trade, such incidences has prompted dormitories. should learn from their efforts. mobilised, it could be over by the virus, difficulties in including a sizable auto sector authorities to shift their focus Hubei’s health authority “Broadly speaking, the peak June.” treatment, and cooperation in in the provincial capital, on containing the risk of said the post-discharge quar- of the epidemic has passed for Speaking to UN Secretary- clinical research, the report Wuhan, had been virtually shut imported cases. antine was a precautionary China,” said Mi Feng, a General Antonio Guterres, Pres- added. The United States is now down since January 23. The total number of cases measure, after a few discharged spokesman for the National ident Xi Jinping similarly facing its own virus crisis as the While the virus is spreading recorded in mainland China patients tested positive again. Health Commission. expressed confidence, state tel- number of infected people rises. quickly globally, its progress in was 80,793. As of Tuesday, As of the end of Wednesday, “The increase of new cases is evision reported. With the marked slowdown China has slowed markedly in 62,793 people had recovered the death toll in mainland China falling.” Zhong Nanshan, the gov- “After hard work, China has of the spread of the virus in the past seven days. In all, 15 and been discharged from hos- had reached 3,169, up by 11 from ernment’s senior medical adviser, shown a trend of continuous China, more businesses have new cases were recorded in pital, or nearly 80 percent of the the previous day. Hubei told reporters that as long as improvement in epidemic pre- reopened, with authorities cau- mainland China on Wednesday, infections. In Wuhan, the epi- accounted for 10 of the new countries take the outbreak seri- vention and control,” the report tiously easing strict con- down from 24 the day before. centre of the outbreak, 34,094 deaths, including seven in ously and are prepared to take cited Xi as saying. tainment measures. Hubei Seven of the new cases were patients had been discharged Wuhan. Singapore to Pakistani apex court close mosques for cleaning to seeks record of cases fight virus dealt by military courts

AFP — SINGAPORE INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD its appeal which showed malafide on the part of the Singapore will temporarily The Supreme Court of Pakistan ministry. They contended that close all the country’s has sought from the Ministry of except confessional statement mosques for deep cleaning Defence complete record of the accused, no evidence from today after two men pertaining to the allegations was produced before the court. contracted the coronavirus against the persons convicted “Hence punishment like while attending an Islamic by the military court and the death sentence cannot be gathering in neighbouring details of the evidences awarded on mere confessional Malaysia, authorities said. supporting the convictions, statement of an accused,” the About 10,000 people from local media reported. lawyer contended, adding that Customers wearing protective face masks visit a food market also known as bazaar, in Almaty, several countries took part in A three-member bench of neither there was any proof of Kazakhstan, on Wednesday. the February 28 to March 1 the apex court headed by Justice eye witness of place of incident event at a mosque near the Mushir Alam heard an appeal nor any type of testimony Malaysian capital, Kuala filed by the Ministry of Defence recorded against the accused. Lumpur. Kazakhstan suspends all public against the verdict of the Meanwhile, the court After discovering two men Peshawar High Court (PHC) adjourned the hearing for yes- who attended the event were acquitting some 70 individuals, terday directing the defence infected, Singapore author- events over coronavirus outbreak convicted by the military courts. ministry to submit complete ities immediately closed four During the course of record pertaining to the alle- mosques which they had REUTERS — ALMATY ensure a steady supply of food Alikhan Smailov as saying the hearing, counsels appearing for gations levelled against the visited after returning. and other necessities, President June World Trade Organisation the accused persons submitted accused persons in military The remaining 66 Kazakhstan is suspending all Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wrote ministerial conference in Kaza- before the court that the mil- courts. mosques in the city-state will public events and closing schools on Twitter, urging officials to khstan had been cancelled. itary court had awarded pun- It is pertinent to mention be shuttered from today for and colleges in response to the minimise the impact of the pan- However, the trade and inte- ishment to the accused after here that on November 2, 2018 at least five days to be disin- coronavirus outbreak, author- demic on small- and medium- gration ministry said no decision conducting one-sided the apex court had restrained fected, the Islamic Religious ities said yesterday. sized businesses. had been made so far with proceedings. the jail authorities to release 70 Council of Singapore said. The Central Asian country, Kazakh officials told a regards to the WTO conference. They submitted that the terror suspects, convicted by “These are temporary which borders China, has so far briefing that the spring break at None of the Central Asian nations accused were not given an military courts, involved in dif- measures to proactively min- reported no coronavirus cases, schools would start a week have reported coronavirus cases, opportunity of defence and ferent terrorist activities in the imise the possible spread of but Kazakh authorities have said earlier and be extended to April but all have restricted travel to deprived of getting a fair trial country. COVID-19 in our mosques,” the arrival of the disease 5, and colleges and universities and from the most heavily hit in a transparent manner. The A two-member bench of the council said. appeared imminent. would switch to distance countries. counsels further submitted that the apex court headed by “(The council) seeks the In Kyrgyzstan, which borders learning. Cinemas and theatres A third, Tajikistan previously after convicting the accused, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed had support and the under- both countries, the government will also close. Kazakhstan is closed mosques and cancelled their family members were not heard appeals of the defence standing of the Muslim com- said yesterday it was also sus- reducing the frequency of flights public festivities linked to the informed, but they came to ministry against the verdict of munity for such preemptive pending all mass gatherings, to Western European nations, the Nowruz holiday celebrated on know through media. Peshawar High Court, measures to safeguard public although it stopped short of United Arab Emirates and March 21-25. Uzbekistan, the The lawyers further sub- acquitting all the 68 terror sus- health and the well-being of closing schools and enter- Belarus, officials said. most populous nation in the mitted that the ministry of pects released by military all communities in tainment venues. The Interfax news agency region, has so far announced no defence did not provide com- courts due to lack of Singapore.” The Kazakh government will quoted deputy prime minister such restrictions. plete record of the matter with evidence. Philippine capital on lockdown to contain spread of coronavirus REUTERS — MANILA Philippines. It follows confir- coronavirus, and would know his mation on Saturday of the Phil- result tomorrow. Six cabinet min- Philippine President Rodrigo ippines’ first domestic trans- isters, 16 lawmakers, six Manila Duterte yesterday announced mission of the virus, and a sub- mayors and the central bank gov- strict immigration curbs and a sequent rise in cases daily to 52, ernor were undergoing self- halt on domestic land, sea and air among those five deaths, quarantine as a precaution. travel to and from Manila, in what resulting in the Manila lockdown. Despite having relatively few he called a “lockdown” of the “We do not want to use that confirmed infections, health capital to arrest the spread of (term). But it is a lockdown,” authorities are keen to halt the coronavirus. Duterte said in a televised spread of the virus, having last Duterte approved a reso- announcement. year dealt with major outbreaks lution allowing a raft of measures “There is no struggle of of dengue and measles, and the including bans on mass gath- power here. It is a matter of first cases of polio in two decades. erings, a month of school closures defending and protecting you The biggest concern is and community quarantining, from COVID-19.” Manila, an urban sprawl of 16 and threatened to jail local offi- The curbs on travel and scope cities fused together, known for People wearing protective face masks following an outbreak of coronavirus rush to get into a bus in cials who defied government for mass quarantining would be its overcrowded slums, limited Manila, Philippines, yesterday. orders. among the strictest domestic open spaces and horrendous The firebrand leader, who coronavirus restrictions outside traffic congestion. underwent a test himself yes- China and Italy, which have com- Its population is officially The resolution advises where there are outbreaks in “It is a serious one, it is terday due to possible exposure, bined more than 90,000 con- nearly 13 million, but the real quarantining urban commu- different districts.Duterte said true,” he said. said the measures would include firmed cases. number is believed to be far nities where there are con- it was possible the measures “Do not kill yourself with banning foreigners travelling Duterte last week attended greater due to unchecked firmed cases in two separate “could create public distur- worry because government is from countries with domestic the same event as an official who migration and millions of households, and extending that bances or disorder”, but hoped doing everything possible to transmissions from entering the later tested positive for the informal settlers. to municipalities and cities people would see sense. make it at least controllable.” 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 Britain steps up battle against coronavirus

REUTERS — LONDON Johnson warned that least seven days. In the next few weeks that advice would British Prime Minister Boris many more families change to entire households Johnson stepped up the would see their being asked to stay at home if response to the coronavirus one person has symptoms. outbreak yesterday, moving to loved ones die from “This is the worst public the so called “delay phase” coronavirus, as the health crisis for a generation,” which includes the option of he said. more stringent measures government’s chief The number of confirmed designed to slow down the scientific adviser cases of coronavirus across the spread of the virus. United Kingdom rose 29 Johnson warned that many said Britain likely has percent percent to 590 over the more families would see their as many as 10,000 past 24 hours. Ten people with loved ones die from corona- people infected. coronavirus have died in the virus, as the government’s chief UK. scientific adviser said Britain “There are currently about likely has as many as 10,000 with the British public — more 590 cases identified in the UK people infected. families, many more families and there are more than 20 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (centre) attends a news conference addressing the government’s At a meeting of the govern- are going to lose loved ones patients on intensive care response to the novel coronavirus in London, yesterday. ment’s emergency committee before their time.” units,” chief scientific adviser yesterday, Johnson moved Brit- The British government has Patrick Vallance said. ain’s response to the outbreak faced questions over why it is “If you calculate what that predicted the peak of corona- delay and mitigation. spreads. Whitty said at some to the so-called “delay phase”, not taking the more far- really means in terms of the virus cases in Britain may be at The delay phase includes point social interaction for old aimed at putting off the peak reaching measures seen in total number, it is much more least 10 to 14 weeks away. consideration of so-called and vulnerable people would until the summer months, many other countries. Johnson likely that you have some- England’s chief medical social distancing measures need to be reduced, but not yet. ending a phase of outright defended his approach, saying where between 5,000 and adviser Chris Whitty said not such as more home-working, “People start off with the containment. the government was following 10,000 people infected at the all suspected cases of the virus reducing large scale gatherings best of intentions but enthu- “It’s going to spread scientific advice and would “do moment.” would be formally tested, with and closing schools. siasm at a certain point starts further,” Johnson said at a news the right thing at the right Vallance said Britain was the government focusing on Johnson said Britain was to flag,” Whitty said. conference, flanked by the gov- time”. currently on a trajectory about those in hospital. not cancelling major public “So we do need to do it at ernment’s top scientific and He said those showing even four weeks behind Italy, which The British plan for dealing events and schools would stay the last point it is reasonable... medical advisers. mild symptoms of having the has reported more than 15,000 with the outbreak has three open for now but that advice to get through what will be “I must level with you, level virus should self-isolate for at cases and 1,000 deaths. He main phases —containment, could change as the virus quite difficult things to do.” EU condemns Trump travel ban from Europe as virus spreads Ireland to shut schools and AP — BRUSSELS Wednesday that all European President Ursula von der Leyen The measures announced by Trump defended his decision travel would be cut off. said in a joint statement. Trump don’t apply to the United to not notify all European Union universities over European Union leaders US officials later said the “The coronavirus is a global Kingdom, where the number of leaders before he announced the yesterday lashed out at President entry ban only would apply to crisis, not limited to any con- confirmed cases has reached temporary travel restrictions. coronavirus Donald Trump’s decision to most foreign citizens who have tinent, and it requires cooper- almost 460, with eight deaths, “When they raise taxes on restrict travel from Europe to the been inside Europe’s passport- ation rather than unilateral or Ireland, which isn’t part of us, they don’t consult us,” Trump REUTERS — DUBLIN United States because of the new free travel zone during the 14 action,” the two said. Schengen, and has 43 cases. said. coronavirus, calling the the days prior to their arrival in the Europe’s passport and visa- Trump is an ally of Prime “I think that’s probably one Ireland will shut schools, pandemic a global crisis that United States. free Schengen travel area com- Minister Boris Johnson and sup- in the same.” universities and childcare facil- “requires cooperation rather than “The European Union disap- prises 26 countries including EU ported Britain’s departure from The ban on travellers from ities until March 29 and restrict unilateral action.” proves of the fact that the US members France, Italy, the EU. Europe was the latest action mass gathering to slow the Trump, who had called decision to impose a travel ban Germany, Greece, Austria and Around 400 flights cross the taken by Trump since he came spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19 a “foreign virus” and was taken unilaterally and Belgium, where the bloc has its Atlantic from Europe to the to office that appears to target acting Prime Minister Leo claimed that European travellers without consultation,” European headquarters, but also others United States each day, the EU, a major trading partner Varadkar said yesterday. “seeded” infection clusters in the Council President Charles Michel like Switzerland, Norway and according to flight tracker with several member countries Ireland’s chief medical United States, said late and European Commission Iceland. FlightAware. that are also US allies in NATO. officer said the government had turned to measures to try to delay the spread, rather than simply contain it, following Germany designates fresh case information late on Wednesday. Ireland confirmed its first radical wing of far-right death of a patient diagnosed with the coronavirus on AfD as ‘extremist entity’ Wednesday as the number of confirmed cases of the virus REUTERS — BERLIN long ago even though it is rose to 43 from 34 a day earlier. groundless and motivated There are also 18 cases in Germany will step up surveil- purely by political considera- Northern Ireland, the British lance of a radical wing of the tions,” Kalbitz said. region which shares an open far-right Alternative for “We will exhaust all judicial border with the Irish republic. Germany (AfD) party after the means available to fix this “From 6 pm today, the fol- domestic intelligence agency mistake.” lowing measures are being put designated it as an extremist Hoecke has condemned an in place and they will stay in entity that threatens attack at shisha bars in western place until March 29: schools, democracy. Germany last month by a racist colleges and childcare facilities Yesterday’s decision by the gunman who shot dead nine will close from tomorrow, BfV intelligence agency to people before killing his mother where possible teaching will be increase monitoring of “Der and himself. He also condemned done online or remotely,” Var- Fluegel” — The Wing — deals attacks in October by a gunmen adkar said in statement. a blow to Germany’s biggest in the city of Halle against a syn- Within an hour, long queues opposition party, undermining agogue and a kebab restaurant formed at supermarkets in its efforts to fend off accusa- that killed two. Hoecke issued central Dublin despite repeated A traveller wearing a face mask as a precaution against virus at Barajas Airport, in Madrid, yesterday. tions that it harbours racist a statement with other AfD offi- calls by ministers not to resort views. cials on Wednesday clarifying to panic buying. The AfD has ridden a wave earlier comments about for- “Our advice is that all indoor of anger at Chancellor Angela eigners and the Holocaust that mass gatherings of more than Spain cabinet, royals tested Merkel’s 2015 decision to had caused controversy, appar- 100 people and outdoor mass welcome almost 1 million ently in anticipation of the BfV gatherings of more than 5,000 asylum seekers, and the BfV findings. people should be cancelled. You as minister infected with virus decision follows fatal attacks The deadly attacks shat- need to continue to go to work on Jews, Muslims and a liberal tered Germans’ sense of if you can, but where possible AFP — MADRID some 120,000 people through a televised press conference politician in Germany. security, renewed fears of far- you should work from home.” Madrid for International without any journalists present, “Today I inform you that right violence and prompted Varadkar encouraged people to Spain’s cabinet and the royal Women’s Day. answering questions posed via The Wing has been upgraded mainstream parties to accuse limit social interactions and for family underwent coronavirus She and her partner Pablo WhatsApp. to an extremist entity,” BfV AfD politicians of contributing offices to stagger break times testing yesterday after a minister Iglesias went into quarantine, an Spain has seen the number chief Thomas Haldenwang told to an atmosphere of hatred that and hold meetings remotely to tested positive and was quaran- official statement said. Gov- of infections spiral since the start a news conference, calling its encourages violence. limit contact. While restaurants tined with her partner, the ernment ministers all underwent of the week, becoming one of leaders “right-wing An investigation against the can stay open, they should look second deputy prime minister. testing on yesterday, it added. the worst-hit countries in extremists.” The Wing, which AfD as a whole is still under way. at how to operate social dis- Equality Minister Irene Spain’s King Felipe VI and Europe. is headed by Bjoern Hoecke, Haldenwang said the BfV esti- tancing, he added. Montero’s positive test coincided Queen Letizia were also tested Madrid has borne the brunt the AfD’s leader in the eastern mates 20 percent of the AfD’s Public transport will con- with infections nationwide for the virus after taking part in of the crisis, clocking up 1,388 state of Thuringia, had already 35,000 members belong to The tinue to operate and shops will jumping to 2,968 cases by 1200 an event with the minister infections and 38 deaths by yes- criticised the decision to Wing. The designation of The remain open with plans in place GMT, from 2,140 yesterday several days ago, the palace said. terday morning. conduct a 14-month review of Wing as extremist enables the to ensure supply chains will not evening, and deaths leaping to A special cabinet meeting to “To beat the virus as quickly its activities. Another of its BfV to deploy additional espi- be interrupted, he said. 84 from 48 within the same discuss an emergency plan to as possible, responsibility and leaders, Andreas Kalbitz, dis- onage methods to monitor its On Monday, Ireland can- timeframe. respond to the crisis went ahead social discipline is essential. This missed the BfV’s conclusions activities. celled all St Patrick’s Day Writing on Twitter, Montero, and was attended by Prime Min- requires big changes in our yesterday as politically Haldenwang said the agency parades which draw hundreds 32, said she had tested positive ister Pedro Sanchez and 14 other habits,” said Sanchez who will motivated. estimates that some 20 percent of thousands of revellers, on Wednesday, three days after ministers. conduct all future meetings by “This is no surprise because of AfD’s 35,000 members belong including tourists from around appearing at a mass march of Later yesteray, Sanchez gave video conference. the political decision was made to The Wing. the world, each March. Russia-Europe Mars mission delayed to 2022 over coronavirus AFP — MOSCOW postpone the launch to 2022,” Officials at the European and components of the spacecraft for any margin of error. More veri- miological” situation had ham- said Dmitry Rogozin, head of Russian spaces agencies said they the Mars adventure need more fication activities will ensure a pered the scheduled launch. A joint Russian-European Russia’s Roscosmos agency. agreed to delay the mission until time to complete,” the statement safe trip and the best scientific The Mars mission has been mission to Mars has been post- The unmanned ExoMars August or September 2022 to said. results on Mars,” he said in a marred by a series of technical poned for two years, the Russian mission aims to place a robot on carry out further tests. European Space Agency statement that did not mention problems and delays. and European space agencies the Red Planet to find out Following recommendations director general Jan Wörner said the virus. In August last year, the ESA said yesterday, citing the novel whether life is present. by European and Russian both sides wanted to be “100 Rogozin specifically pointed identified problems with the mis- coronavirus and technical issues. It was scheduled to launch inspectors, “ExoMars experts percent” sure of a successful to the impact of the outbreak of sion’s parachute system, raising “We have made a difficult but later this year after experiencing concluded that the tests nec- mission. the coronavirus in Europe saying questions over whether the well-weighed decision to several delays. essary to make all the “We cannot allow ourselves the “exacerbation of the epide- launch would go ahead in 2020. FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11

Putin may extend Romania’s PM designate withdraws just before vote term over threats AFP — BUCHAREST attempts to name an executive President Iohannis must now call for Florin Roman. Before Citu within 60 days. stepped down, Alfred Simonis, to Russia, virus Romania’s designated prime President Klaus Iohannis consultations with the political parties and leader of the Social Democrats minister Florin Citu withdrew had picked Orban again for the make another nomination, who must win the in parliament’s lower chamber, AFP — MOSCOW from his post yesterday just role of prime minister but he support of a fragmented parliament. said the opposition could back minutes before a parliament withdrew before a vote in the government. Russian President Vladimir vote on his cabinet, prolonging Romania’s highly fragmented “There’s a trend in our party Putin has approved legislation a political crisis as the country parliament where no party has riding high in the polls, but their rather than actually forming a to support this government until allowing him to stay in power faces the coronavirus outbreak. a majority and alliance building plan was scuppered by the government. the crisis generated by the virus beyond 2024 due to global The political gridlock is key. courts. While critics had seen Citu’s passes,” he said. instability and threats against worsened on February 5 when Iohannis’s next choice was Last month, the constitu- nomination largely as another Citu said that his resignation Russia, including the new a government led by Ludovic Citu, 47, a PNL senator and tional court questioned Orban’s political move to force an “must be interpreted in the coronavirus, the Kremlin said Orban, chief of the National finance minister, an option seen reappointment saying any nom- election, chances of reaching a current context”, but gave no yesterday. Liberal Party (PNL), was toppled as another attempt by the ination had to be aimed at deal over a new government further explanation. During a rare and following a no-confidence vote Liberal party to trigger a new forming a parliamentary now appear to have increased President Iohannis must unscheduled appearance in after just three months in office. election because of opposition majority. because of the coronavirus now call for consultations with parliament on Tuesday, Putin Under Romania’s consti- resistance to his nomination. Opposition Social Demo- epidemic. the political parties and make stunned both the general tution, the President can dis- A snap poll has been a major crats said the court ruling “A captain doesn’t leave the another nomination, who must public and the establishment solve parliament and call a snap political ambition of the showed Iohannis had been battlefront in the middle of a win the support of a fragmented by agreeing to a last-minute election if he fails in two Iohannis’ Liberals, who are trying to trigger an election battle,” said Liberal senator parliament. proposal to reset his constitu- tional term-limit clock to zero. This would allow him to run for president again after EU to offer migrants money his fourth and last Kremlin term expires in 2024. to go back from Greece Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said yesterday AFP — ATHENS refugees who arrived during a that Putin had changed his two-week surge after Turkey mind due to a “totality” of The European Union and Greek said on February 28 that it factors, including the spread officials yesterday said 5,000 would no longer prevent of the novel coronavirus, a asylum seekers on Greek people from trying to reach the possible global recession and islands would be given European Union. regional conflicts. financial incentives to return As a result of the surge, “The situation around the home to relieve pressure on Greece has announced it will world has become less stable,” overwhelmed camps. not accept new asylum appli- Peskov told reporters. The plan, available for a cations until April. He said the novel corona- month only and based on a Hundreds of people have virus “has quite serious con- ¤2,000 ($2,260) stipend, is arrived by sea on Greek islands sequences for the global only open to those who arrived near Turkey where there are economy already now and in Greece before January 1. already more than 37,000 potentially may have more “We have now agreed on a asylum seekers in camps orig- serious consequences for the special temporary assisted vol- inally built to house around global economy” in the future. untary return scheme...for a 6,000. He also appeared to hit out period of one month,” EU home Lacking space, Greek at Western sanctions against affairs commissioner Ylva authorities have put over 450 Russia, saying they “run Johansson said after talks in migrants on a navy ship docked counter to international law”. Athens. at the Lesbos port of Mytilene, Chile anti-government protest “We think it will be an open where conditions are already Students clashing with riot police during a protest against Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera's opportunity for 5,000 described as poor. government on the second anniversary of his term, in Santiago, on Wednesday. Polish court again migrants,” she said. In May, Greece is to host a The money is designed to conference on the hundreds of defers verdict on help asylum-seekers start unaccompanied minors who afresh in their countries of are most at risk among asylum Russia sends virus test kits to, ex-USSR, Iran, N Korea legality of new origin, she said. seekers, Johansson said. “It’s clear that we are facing Seven EU states have AFP — MOSCOW Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, as major outbreak in neighbouring judges a national emergency and we already pledged to take at least well as to Iran, North Korea and South Korea. need to protect our borders,” 1,600 unaccompanied minors Russia said yesterday it has sent Mongolia. Russia has already supplied AP — WARSAW said Greek migration minister and children, she added. test kits for the novel corona- Iran received 500 kits 10 countries with test kits which Notis Mitarachi. “We are not well-prepared virus to countries including which can be used to carry out have been used to identify cases Poland’s constitutional court Voluntary returns would be enough. We are still lacking a Iran, North Korea and former 50,000 tests, the watchdog in Belarus and Armenia, the yesterday deferred for the carried out with help from the common policy for European Soviet states. said, adding that these were watchdog said. second time its ruling on International Organisation for migration and asylum,” The state health watchdog supplied free of charge. So far, Russia has confirmed whether recent appointments Migration and EU border Johansson said, adding that she said in a statement that Moscow North Korea has not con- 28 cases of coronavirus, most of judges under new regula- agency Frontex. would present proposals next had sent 800 test kits to ex- firmed a single case of of them people who had tions introduced by the right- The offer does not apply to month. Soviet states including COVID-19, although there is a recently visited Italy. wing government are legit- imate. The Constitutional Tri- Finland jails bunal debated the matter but Caribbean tries to resolve vote dispute in Guyana then put off its verdict without Sierra Leone setting a date for the next AP — GEORGETOWN, GUYANA parties that contested the poll,” Guyanese. US and other observers saw session. man in Liberia the Community said in a A court was expected to “flawed tabulation” in the The postponement comes Several Caribbean prime statement. rule this week on the election, election and “any government amid moves in the country to war crimes case ministers travelled to Guyana The regional bloc said its whose results have yet to be sworn in on the basis of that fight the spread of the new on Wednesday to try to help delegation includes current formally announced. result would not be legitimate,” virus by shutting down schools AP — HELSINKI resolve an election crisis in the chair and Barbados Prime Min- The dispute had led to according to Michael Kozak, and cultural centres and South American country, ister Mia Mottley, Keith Rowley street protests, mostly by the US State Department’s banning mass events. A Finnish court has jailed in a where rival factions are of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith opposition supporters, in the acting assistant secretary of Poland had its first fatality custody hearing a 50-year-old competing for control of Mitchell of Grenada, Roosevelt past week. Police shot and state for Western hemisphere from the virus Thursday, while Sierra Leone man suspected massive oil revenues expected Skerrit of Dominica and Ralph killed a coastal village teenager affairs. 48 other patients are being of committing serious war in years to come. Gonsalves of St. Vincent and who they said had attacked This year’s elections have treated for the COVID-19 crimes and crimes against The 15-nation Caribbean the Grenadines. officers with a machete. been widely viewed as the illness it causes. humanity from 1999 through Community was intervening in The governing coalition led Several others were injured most crucial since inde- Amid widespread criticism 2003 during Liberia’s bloody a dispute that erupted after by retired army General David by shotgun pellets. Other pro- pendence from Britain in 1966, of the changes that the ruling second civil war. March 2 elections in which Granger said it won the elec- testers burned tires, blocked largely because the country is Law and Justice party has been The man is suspected of both of the main political tions by two seats in the highways and threw stones at one of the world’s newest pro- making to the judiciary, the several murders, gross human groups claimed victory, 65-seat parliament, while the school buses, injuring several ducers of oil and could earn government asked the tribunal rights abuses in exceptional prompting street unrest in main opposition People’s Pro- students. billions in revenues. to decide if the recent appoint- circumstances, and aggravated which at least one person was gressive Party, or PPP, said it Both sides have appealed Guyana recently sold its ments were lawful. The tri- war crimes, said the Pir- killed. won by three seats. for calm. The protests have first million barrels to markets bunal largely recruits from kanmaa District Court during The political instability The factions are mainly faded for now. in the Far East and southern judges backed by the ruling yesterday’s hearing in the comes as the country of fewer divided along ethnic lines, with The United States and other US states. party. southern city of Tampere. than 1 million people faces the Granger’s coalition supported Western nations have warned It will get four more similar Critics in Poland and The man wasn’t publicly prospect that oil revenues in by the Afro-Guyanese popu- against the swearing-in of any sized shipments this year worth European Union bodies say the named but the Finnish news- the next decade could make it lation and the PPP opposition president pending court chal- about $300m as part of pro- government politicized the paper Iltalehti, citing court one of the wealthiest in the backed by the Indo-Guyanese lenges and verification of duction-sharing arrangements appointments, in violation of documents, identified him as hemisphere. community. ballots. Counting and verifi- with a consortium led by Exx- judicial independence and of Gibril Ealoghima Massaquoi, “The delegation will meet There is also a smaller cation of ballots have been onMobil, along with Hess Oil of the democratic system of a citizen of Liberia’s neighbour with the leadership of all number of indigenous stopped since March 5. the US and Nexen of China. checks and balances. Sierra Leone who had lived in Finland for more than 10 years. Official charges against Coronavirus cases rise Massaquol need to be filed by the end of January 2021, the Finnish court said. to 183 in Latin America Massaquoi was arrested on AGENCIES — ANKARA Tuesday by Finland’s National the South American country Bureau of Investigation, or The number of confirmed cases announced yesterday. NBI, in his hometown of of the novel coronavirus has The 52-year-old Guyanese Tampere, a key Finnish indus- risen to 183 in Latin America, woman, who traveled from trial and university town, according to data from the New York, died on Wednesday, where according to Iltalehti he US-based Johns Hopkins Deputy Chief Medical Officer has a regular job and a family University and media outlets. Karen Gordon-Boyle said. with children. In Argentina, where the The woman’s family has Aamulehti, another Finnish first death from the virus been quarantined and efforts newspaper, said Massaquoi occurred in the region, 19 were underway to trace pas- had lived “a modest life” in a people have been diagnosed. sengers who travelled on the dire financial situation in Chile has 23 confirmed cases, same flight. “All of that is being Tampere over the past years Ecuador has 17, Brazil 52, done now, all the contact but stressed the African Mexico eight, Peru 13, Costa tracing,” Gordon-Boyle said. “wasn’t hiding.” It wasn’t Rica 22, Colombia nine, Family members and others immediately clear how he Panama eight, Paraguay five, who had come into contact ended up living in the Nordic the Dominican Republic five with the woman were being nation of 5.5 million. and Honduras two. subjected to “house quar- Finnish police first became Meanwhile in Guyana, a antine,” the health official said. aware of accusations against woman who tested positive for President David Granger People coming from Venezuela wearing protective face mask as a precautionary measure to avoid Massaquoi in 2018 through the coronavirus after arriving has advised against public contracting the new coronavirus, show their documents on the border at Simon Bolivar International information provided by a from the United States a week gatherings and non-essential Bridge, in Cucuta, Colombia, yesterday. Finnish NGO. ago has died, health officials in travel. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 Trump defends ban on travel from Europe as virus worsens AFP — WASHINGTON to move quickly”, while con- Italy is in the grip of a ceding the measures would lockdown never before seen US President Donald Trump have “a big impact” on the in peacetime. It has ordered yesterday defended his decision economy. the closure of all stores except to impose a 30-day ban on His remarks came as news pharmacies and food shops in travel from mainland Europe emerged that he met at the a move that has emptied over the coronavirus pandemic weekend with the Brasilian world-famous tourist sites in that sent markets into a tailspin president’s communications Rome, Venice and Florence. and sparked panic among chief who has tested positive Italy is not the only country stranded travellers. for the virus. to take unprecedented measures. The US leader doubled But the White House Slovakia and the Czech Republic down on his shock move as the insisted there was no need for banned travellers from a host of number of cases and fatalities Trump to get tested for the countries on Thursday, while surged in Europe, prompting virus. Ireland closed all its schools after governments to roll out even Markets nosedived yes- recording its first death this tighter restrictions on travel terday, with London, Paris and week. and public gatherings. Frankfurt recording their worst Other countries in the The virus has quickly day in decades, even as the region readied for the worst, spread across the continent European Central Bank including Britain which said US President Donald Trump meets with Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office of even as cases in Asia have lev- unveiled a host of measures to the real number of cases on its the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. elled out in recent days. support the economy. soil could reach 10,000 — it China even claimed “the The downturn was a has 590 confirmed cases. peak” of the epidemic had “horror show” sparked by the Hollywood superstar Tom passed on its shores, as the travel ban, which heightened Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson Trump and Irish PM skip the handshake number of infections and “the likelihood of a global are in isolation in Australia deaths jumped dramatically in recession,” said Connor after testing positive for the AP — WASHINGTON a bit odd welcoming the Irish that he and the President opted Italy, Spain and Iran Campbell, an analyst at virus, joining the ranks of pol- leader without a handshake. for something similar to the yesterday. Spreadex. iticians and sports stars that President Donald Trump and “You know, it’s sort of a Indian greeting, putting their The virus has so far infected The chaos extended to have come down with the Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo weird feeling.” hands together in prayer and more than 130,000 people glo- Europe’s airports, where con- infection. Varadkar found themselves in He joked during yesterday’s slightly bowing. bally and killed over 4,900, fused travellers scrambled to The NBA on Wednesday an awkward moment: How do Oval Office meeting that India “It almost feels impersonal. according to an AFP tally. redraw their plans. suspended the season after a you a greet a fellow world and Japan — both nations he It feels like you’re being rude,” Trump’s sweeping travel Europe is struggling to keep Utah Jazz player tested positive leader in the midst of a global has visited as President — are Varadkar said of forgoing the ban — which notably excluded a lid on the virus, with Italy and for the virus, while Spain sus- viral pandemic? The two made “ahead of the curve” because handshake. “But we just can’t Britain and Ireland — drew an Spain emerging as hotspots in pended top flight football the mutual decision upon their cultures generally don’t afford to think like that for the angry response from EU chiefs recent weeks. matches for two weeks as Real Varadkar’s arrival yesterday for involve handshakes. Trump next few weeks.” Ursula von der Leyen and Italy clocked a grim mile- Madrid went into quarantine. the Irish leader’s annual visit to even did a quick demonstration Even as he avoided shaking Charles Michel who rebuked his stone yesterday as its death toll Questions are also the White House not to shake from his seat of the Japanese hands with Varadkar, the Pres- “unilateral action” and called passed 1,000 — with more than mounting about the fate of the hands. ojigi and the Indian namaste, ident continued to play down for cooperation to fight the 15,000 infections — while Tokyo Olympics, though “We looked at each other both of which involve slight concerns that he may have pandemic. Spain’s infections neared organisers have said they are and said, ‘What are we going to bows. already been exposed to indi- But Trump defended the 3,000, with more than 80 confident that the Games will do?’” said Trump, acknowl- Varadkar, whose father was viduals infected by the move, saying yesterday “we had deaths. begin as scheduled in July. edging to reporters that he felt born in India, demonstrated coronavirus. US Congress US in crisis mode as 38 dead from coronavirus Up to 150 million votes to restrain Americans could REUTERS — WASHINGTON district or its subway system, a Trump on Iran vital transportation link. get coronavirus: The United States went into He also announced the AFP — WASHINGTON crisis mode yesterday to contain closure of two schools in the US projection a coronavirus outbreak that has city due to a student’s “self-con- The US Congress on played havoc with businesses, firmed” positive case of AFP — WASHINGTON Wednesday gave its final shuttered schools and univer- COVID-19. Hollywood has post- approval to a bid to restrain sities and severely disrupted the poned the release of several The physician for the United President Donald Trump from sports and entertainment world. movies and movie theaters States Congress expects attacking Iran, a sign of The number of US corona- around the world have been between 70 to 150 million lawmakers’ alarm after virus cases has risen steadily to closed over the health crisis. people in the country to even- soaring tensions. 1,311, with 38 deaths, according US health officials have tually get infected with the A month after the reso- to a tally by Johns Hopkins Uni- struggled to quickly expand novel coronavirus, a lawmaker lution cleared the key hurdle versity in Baltimore. testing capacity to make said yesterday. of the Senate, which is con- Fears of a recession grew as screening for the virus widely Congresswoman Rashida trolled by Trump’s Republican US cases of the virus that causes available, and have acknowl- Tlaib made the remarks during Party, the Democratic-led the sometimes fatal COVID-19 edged that it is not easy for a hearing of the House of Rep- House of Representatives respiratory illness rose and the those possibly exposed to the resentatives with members of A member of a cleaning crew checks a coworker’s protective gear voted 227-186 to approve the Trump administration prepared virus to get tested. the President’s coronavirus before entering the Life Care Center of Kirkland, a long-term care measure that bars any military to roll out restrictions that “The system is not really task force, confirming what facility linked to several confirmed coronavirus cases, in Kirkland, action against Iran without an threaten to cripple the travel geared to what we need right was reported earlier by US explicit vote from Congress. industry. Washington, US, yesterday. now,” Anthony Fauci, the top media outlets including Axios But the resolution is vir- US stock markets cratered US official on infectious dis- and NBC News. tually certain to be vetoed by again after trading opened, with states, were trying to balance New York City Mayor Bill de eases, said at a congressional “Congress’s attending phy- Trump, and the coalition of major indexes entering bear- the need to protect the public Blasio told CNN that “more and hearing. “The idea of anybody sician told the Senate that he most Democrats and a handful market territory. while stopping short of actions more restrictions” were likely getting it (testing) easily the way expects between 70 to 150 of war-skeptic Republicans Officials in the hardest-hit that could freeze the daily lives on the way, though he said people in other countries are million people to eventually lacks the votes to override him. parts of the country, including of millions of people and stop there were no plans to shut doing it, we’re not set up for contract the coronavirus in the “If President Trump is New York and Washington economic activity. down the city’s famous theater that.” United States,” Tlaib said. serious about his promise to Citing two sources, Axios stop endless wars, he will sign had reported that doctor Brian this resolution into law,” said Monahan conveyed the pro- Senator Tim Kaine, the Dem- Canada PM self-isolates as jection to Senate senior staff ocrat who spearheaded the on Tuesday, telling them they move. wife is tested for virus should prepare for the worst Supporters of the reso- and offering advice on how to lution said they wanted to REUTERS — OTTAWA flu-like symptoms including a remain healthy. ensure that Congress has the low fever late last night,” the The upper end of the pro- unique power to declare war, Canadian Prime Minister Justin statement from the prime min- jection is about 46 percent of as outlined in the US Trudeau and his wife Sophie ister’s office read. the US population of 327 Constitution. Gregoire are in self-isolation “She immediately sought million people. By comparison “There are a lot of coun- after she came down with medical advice, and is being German Chancellor Angela tries in the world where one flu-like symptoms and was tested for the COVID-19 virus. Merkel warned this week that person makes the decision. tested for the new coronavirus, She is self-isolating at home up to 70 percent of her coun- They’re called dictators,” said according to an official awaiting test results, and her try’s population could get the Representative Steny Hoyer, statement yesterday. symptoms have since sub- virus. the second highest-ranking The 48-year-old Liberal sided.” The statement does not Asked by Tlaib whether he Democrat in the House. leader is exhibiting no mention whether their three believed the projection was “Our Founding Fathers did symptoms and will continue to children are staying home as accurate, Anthony Fauci, head A file photo of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his not want dictators running work from home until the well. of the National Institute of wife Sophie Gregoire in Ottawa, Canada, on September 11, 2019. America,” he said. results of his wife’s test comes Trudeau’s announcement Allergy and Infectious Dis- Representative Mike in, the statement said. However, comes as the spread of the new eases, said: “We really need to McCaul, the top Republican on face-to-face meetings with pro- coronavirus appears to be gath- Manitoba and New Brunswick the virus. Indigenous Services be careful with those kinds of the House Foreign Affairs vincial premiers scheduled for ering steam and as authorities reporting their first presumptive Minister Marc Miller said that predictions because that’s Committee, denounced the Thursday and Friday will cancelled major events to try to cases in the past 24 hours, six the rest of the cabinet had not based on a model.” He added resolution and said that it instead be held by phone. limit contagion. of Canada’s 10 provinces have been instructed to self-isolate. that “all models are as good as should instead state that the “Having recently returned Canada had just over 100 recorded coronavirus cases. Trudeau’s move is “a pre- the assumptions that you put killing of Iranian commander from a speaking engagement in confirmed cases of the new Two other ministers with cautionary measure, and should into the model” and that with Qassem Soleimani made London, UK, the Prime Minis- coronavirus as of Wednesday, flu-like symptoms have gone Canadians find themselves in a containment and mitigation Americans safer. ter’s wife Sophie Grégoire more than double the number into self-isolation in recent days similar situation, that is the rec- the upper end of the projection “The enemies of our Trudeau began exhibiting mild from a week ago. With as they awaited test results for ommendation,” Miller said. could be avoided. country are watching this debate right now. They need to know darn well that if you kill Americans, you will pay Pentagon warns ‘all options on the table’ after Americans killed in Iraq the price,” McCaul said in a floor speech met with loud AFP — WASHINGTON discussed the situation on Taji.” General Mark Milley, the American contractor was killed “Let me be clear, the United cheers from Republicans. Wednesday night. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of in a similar rocket attack, the States will not tolerate attacks Six Republicans and six US Defense Secretary Mark Esper blamed the attack — Staff, said 30 rockets were fired, US retaliated with an air strike against our people, our interests Democrats crossed party lines Esper warned yesterday that a barrage of rockets that struck 18 of which hit the base. Besides that killed 25 fighters of the or our allies,” Esper said. in the House. In the Senate, “all options are on the table” a the Taji air base, killing two US the three killed, another 14 coa- Iraqi group Kataeb Hezbollah. “All options are on the table eight Republicans had bucked day after three US coalition soldiers and a member of the lition members were injured, Days later, a US drone strike as we work with our partners their leadership. members, including two US British Royal Army Medical five of whom were in serious killed senior Iranian com- to bring the perpetrators to Trump has vowed to pull troops, were killed in a rocket Corps — on Iranian-backed Shia condition, he said. mander Qasem Soleimani near justice and maintain deter- troops around the world and attack in Iraq. militia groups. “We have pretty Within hours of the attack, Baghdad airport. rence,” he said. “As we demon- recently sealed a deal with Esper told reporters Pres- good confidence we know who an air strike killed more than Iran then launched its own strated in recent months, we Afghanistan’s Taliban insur- ident Donald Trump had given did this,” he said, insisting they two dozen Iran-aligned fighters strikes on a western Iraqi base, will take any action necessary gents for withdrawal of US him “the authority to do what were “clearly targeting coalition in neighboring Syria. leaving dozens of US troops suf- to protect our forces in Iraq and troops from Afghanistan. we need to do,” when they and partner forces on Camp In late December, after an fering from brain trauma. the region,” he added. 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CHANGE OF NAME

I, Sadman Sakib Md Ashek Ali, holder of Bangladesh Passport No. BR0119231 (Qatar ID No. 30305000254) hereby change my name to SADMAN SAKIB. Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Cheremie Marvic Miranda Dizon, I, Pikkarra Joyce Lim Villa, holder of Philippines Passport holder of Philippines Passport I, Ethyl Aquino Civico, I, Mara Salto Delostrico, No. EC3748135 No. EC6285547 holder of Philippines Passport holder of Philippines Passport (Qatar ID No. 29060815694) (Qatar ID No. 29260803876) No. EC5968034 No. EC7549854 hereby change my name to hereby change my name to (Qatar ID No. 28260813699) (Qatar ID No. 29160802392) hereby change my name to hereby change my name to CHEREMIE MARVIC DIZON PIKKARRA JOYCE ETHYL CIVICO SARMIENTO. MARA DELOSTRICO SALTO. DAYRIT. BRIGGIETTE LIM VILLA. Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. publication of this notice. publication of this notice. publication of this notice. I, Rina Marie Yunson Parba, I, Jacquline Makasakit Tagle, I, Mohammed Sahvl Ahmeed, holder of Philippines Passport I, Rosita Clemente Costales, holder of Philippines Passport holder of India Passport No. P8439845A holder of Philippines Passport No. P3219599B No. H7740931 (Qatar ID No. 27860809887) No. EC6320268 (Qatar ID No. 28260821419) (Qatar ID No. 25235603543) hereby change my name to (Qatar ID No. 27360812269) hereby change my name to hereby change my name to hereby change my name to RINA MARIE PARBA JACQUELINE MAKASAKIT MOHAMAD ALI SAHUL ROSITA COSTALES SAURE. SABALLA. TAGLE. HAMEED. Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. publication of this notice. publication of this notice. I, Mehreen Inamdar Arshad Ibrahim, I, Zainab Bibi Khan Sahib Khan, I, Mohammad Nasir, I, Thamima Sharaf, holder of India Passport holder of Pakistan Passport holder of India Passport holder of India Passport No. Z2841093 No. LM3091393 No. H7349471 No. J1993850 (Qatar ID No. 29735600903) (Qatar ID No. 29658600607) (Qatar ID No. 27035611807) (Qatar ID No. 29535600225) hereby change my name to hereby change my name to hereby change my name to hereby change my name to MEHREEN ARSHAD ZAINAB AZIZ ABDUL AZIZ NASIR HUSAIN. THAMEEMA SHARAF. INAMDAR. FAZAL. Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration publication of this notice. publication of this notice. and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. publication of this notice. I, Salamat Shah Shah Kiramat, holder of Pakistan Passport I, Minira Mohammed, I, Safia Mohamedazam, I, Alix Rosie Kimber, No. NR5146514 holder of Pakistan Passport holder of Pakistan Passport holder of UK Passport (Qatar ID No. 28058603325) No. BU0727032 No. SW0154932 No. 575702519 hereby change my name to (Qatar ID No. 30158600192) (Qatar ID No. 28558600599) (Qatar ID No. 29482600369) hereby change my name to hereby change my name to hereby change my name to SALAMAT SHAH KIRAMAT MUNIRA MOHAMMAD AMIN. SAFIA MOHAMMAD AZAM. ALIX ROSIE WALL. SHAH. Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. publication of this notice. publication of this notice. publication of this notice. I, Chloe Mandy Ellen Marie Romain, holder of UK Passport I, Qasim Khan Farman Ullah, I, Kalite Adam Mahamat, I, Mohamad Atam, No. 518280468 holder of Afghanistan Passport holder of Chad Passport holder of Nepal Passport (Qatar ID No. 29282600616) No. 781278 No. R0437029 No. 08334823 hereby change my name to (Qatar ID No. 28558603195) (Qatar ID No. 28614800015) (Qatar ID No. 27952407409) hereby change my name to hereby change my name to hereby change my name to CHLOE MANDY ELLEN MARIE MOHAMMAD QASIM SUBAT. MAHAMAT KALITE ADAM. MOHAMAD AJAM. JEMAA. Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. publication of this notice. publication of this notice. publication of this notice. BUSINESS FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 15 BUSINESS | 16 BUSINESS | 16 European Central Stocks, oil plunge Bank deploys as Trump travel stimulus to ease ban fans virus damage recession fears

IMF urges Oil falls 6% after Lebanon to US surprises world implement reforms with travel curbs AFP - WASHINGTON

REUTERS — LONDON Lebanon should move quickly Brent crude was to implement reforms to sta- Oil prices fell more than 6 bilise the country’s economy, percent yesterday after US down $2.29, or 6.4 the International Monetary President Donald Trump unex- percent, at $33.50 Fund said yesterdayday. pectedly announced restric- Lebanon is facing its tions on travel from Europe in a barrel by 1501 worst economic crisis since an attempt to halt the spread its 1975-1990 civil war, and of coronavirus after the World GMT. US crude was Prime Minister Hassan Diab Health Organization described suspended payment of a the outbreak as a pandemic. down $1.66, or 5 $1.2bn Eurobond maturity The slump in oil is being due on Monday and is seeking compounded by the threat of percent, at $31.32. debt restructuring because of a flood of cheap supply after UK earmarks fund to fight COVID-19 dwindling foreign currency Saudi Arabia and the United Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak (centre) visits the pathology labs at Leeds General reserves. Arab Emirates said they would Infirmary, to show how yesterday’s budget is supporting those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), “Given the severity of raise output in a stand-off with The six-month Brent con- in Leeds, Britain, yesterday. The chancellor has pledged £30bn of extra spending in a number of economic conditions in Russia. tango spread from May to sweeping measures to protect the economy against the coronavirus in the budget. Lebanon, it’s important that Brent crude was down November widened to as low the government designs and $2.29, or 6.4 percent, at $33.50 as $6.40 a barrel, a level not implements promptly a com- a barrel by 1501 GMT. US crude seen since February 2015. prehensive package of was down $1.66, or 5 percent, Contango is where the reforms to effectively address at $31.32. futures price of a commodity QSE index closes at 8,230.41 points the economic challenges and Global equities were also is higher than the spot price, improve Lebanon’s economic hit after President Trump said prompting traders to fill THE PENINSULA - DOHA QNA. Banking and Financial From the 47 listed companies prospects,” IMF spokesman the United States would tankers with oil to store for Services sector led traded value 5 ended last week higher, while Gerry Rice told reporters. suspend all travel from Europe, later delivery. Qatar Stock Exchange’s (QSE) last week with 46.97 percent of 41 fell and one remained While the country has not except Britain and Ireland, as The cost to transport oil on benchmark index lost 1,078.98 the total traded value. Consumer unchanged. requested aid from the Wash- he unveiled measures to supertankers soared as major points, or 11.59 percent last week Goods and Services sector QNB led trading value during ington-based crisis lender, contain the coronavirus. producers scrambled to secure when the bourse closed yes- accounted for 16.10 percent. last week accounted for 19.6 “We stand ready... to assist The oil market was taking vessels to ship more crude in terday at 8,230.41 points. The Industries sector accounted for percent of the total traded value. the authorities in those the decision very negatively an effort to regain market share sharp weekly decline in the main 12.90 percent and Real Estate Masraf Al Rayan accounted for efforts.” because of the expected impact and buyers took advantage of index, understandably due to sector accounted 11.38 percent. 10.87 percent and Qatar Fuel Lebanon’s debt burden, on jet fuel demand, business plunging oil prices. apprehensions related to the Real Estate sector led traded accounted 9.03 percent. long among the largest in the activity and economic growth, As many await to see who global outbreak of the COVID-19, volume last week with 33.83 When compared on daily world, is now equivalent to said Bjoernar Tonhaugen, head will break first in the Saudi- wiped-out about QR59bn from percent of the total traded basis, the QSE index dropped nearly 170 percent of its gross of oil markets at energy con- Russia price war, Ehsan the market. volume. Banking and Financial 382.95 points, or 4.45 percent domestic product. sultant Rystad. Khoman, head of MENA Trading value during last Services sector accounted for yesterday compared to Wednes- The value of the Leb- “It leads to further loss of research and strategy at MUFG, week increased by 39.75 percent 21.37 percent. Industries sector day’s closing. anese pound has plummeted confidence in governments’ said: “We believe that both to reach QR2.06bn compared to accounted 17.94 percent and The volume of shares traded by more than a third on the handling of the fallout and sides have enough financial QR1.47bn at the end of previous Consumer Goods and Services increased to 196.82 million from black market, prices have increases uncertainty about the capacity and sufficiently week. Trading volume increased sector accounted 14.63 percent. 180.97 million on Wednesday risen, and many businesses extent of the virus impact on divergent goals to sustain the by 94.64 percent to reach 899.19 Banking and Financial and the value of shares increased have been forced to close. the overall economy, reflected oil price war for many quarters, million shares, as against 461.96 Services sector led traded to QR426.42m from QR359.18m Diab also announced in sharp falls in risk assets not months.” million shares, while the number number of transactions last week on Wednesday. plans to slash state spending across the board this morning.” The US Energy Information of transactions rose by 46.11 with 37.58 percent of the total Indices of all sector ended in and downsize an inflated The two benchmarks are Administration (EIA) and the percent, to reach 47,335 trans- number of transactions. Indus- red zone yesterday. QSE Total banking sector. down about 50 percent from Organization of the Petroleum actions as compared to 32,397 tries sector accounted for 17.42 Return Index decreased 4.31 An IMF team has met highs reached in January. They Exporting Countries have cut transactions. percent. percent to 15,527.70 points and with Lebanese officials, and suffered their biggest one-day forecasts for oil demand Market cap fell by 11.35 Consumer Goods and QSE Al Rayan Islamic Index is now waiting to see their declines since the 1991 Gulf because of the coronavirus out- percent to reach QR461.25bn as Services sector accounted 15.02 down 3.25 percent to 3,130.84 plans “on how to tackle the War on Monday after Saudi break and now expect demand compared to QR520.30bn at the percent and Real Estate sector points. QSE All Share Index lost economic challenges they Arabia launched a price war. to contract this quarter. end of previous week, reports accounted for 13.82 percent. 4.33 percent to 2,524.83 points. face,” Rice said. Airline crisis worsens as US puts Europeans Ministerial conference in in coronavirus quarantine for a month June ‘not feasible’: WTO AGENCIES — GENEVA REUTERS — PARIS Germany. Among them, potential support measures, a American Airlines could be rela- company spokeswoman said. The World Trade Organi- Airlines bore the brunt of a dra- tively spared by its alliance with EU airlines have seized on zation said yesterday that a matic expansion of the corona- British Airways (BA) and higher the crisis to push back on green planned ministerial con- virus crisis yesterday, as US travel share of UK traffic, while Air taxes designed to help the bloc ference in Kazakhstan in June curbs on much of continental France-KLM partner Delta and meet climate goals - including would “not be feasible” due Europe deepened the sector’s Lufthansa ally United Airlines are proposals to end current tax to the coronavirus misery and piled more pressure likely to suffer more, analysts say. exemptions on jet fuel. pandemic. on governments to offer emer- US Vice-President Mike “New fiscal burdens should “It is our considered view gency support. Pence defended the travel curbs be postponed until the industry that holding MC12 (the 12th The 30-day restrictions will yesterday, after the European is back on a sound operational Ministerial Conference) as badly disrupt transatlantic traffic Union complained they had been and financial footing,” lobby previously agreed from 8-11 key to the earnings of major imposed “unilaterally and group Airlines for Europe said. June will not be feasible,” European carriers and their US 9.1 percent at 1506 GMT, with without consultation”. The latest travel clampdown WTO chief Roberto Azevedo one of its staff members con- airline partners, analysts warned, British Airways parent IAG down The virus has taken root in could make coronavirus worse (pictured) said in a note cir- tracted the new as the move hit travel stocks 10.7 percent and Lufthansa 11.5 the United States after spreading than previous aviation crises culated to member states and coronavirus. already battered by the virus out- percent lower. Troubled Nor- from China to Italy, South Korea, including the 9/11 attacks of 2001, sent to the media. Given the worsening sit- break. Those routes account for wegian Air and US-dependent Iran and elsewhere. UK-based consultant John WTO said it had reached uation in Switzerland, where 20-30 percent of large European Icelandair both plunged more Airlines had already been Strickland said. the conclusion after consul- more than 800 people have operators’ revenue and a majority than 20 percent. scrambling to respond to a global “It’s coming at the end of the tations with the government been infected and four have of profit, Credit Suisse analyst Neil The US curbs on travel from travel slump that looks increas- northern hemisphere winter, of Kazakhstan, who had died, that suspension could Glynn warned, “highlighting the the 26-country Schengen Area - ingly likely to require government which is a weak period for airline asked that members “revisit easily be prolonged. damage to revenue lines for the which excludes Britain and aid to avoid widespread insol- finances (when) they should be the decision” to hold the con- Kazakhstan authorities coming weeks and potentially Ireland - are similar to restrictions vencies. The EU will publish new sowing seeds of a strong summer ference in its capital Nur- yesterday announced the sus- well into the summer.” on China that took effect on Feb. state-aid guidelines today. season by getting the bookings Sultan in June. pension of all public events Glynn added: “A ban on 1 and do not apply to US residents Germany may extend loans in,” he said. The final decision will and closing schools and col- travel to the US will likely mean or their immediate family. and other support to airlines, a Air France-KLM and meanwhile be up to member leges in response to the coro- heavier cuts” than the drastic “The ban effectively stops government official said yes- Lufthansa said they were still states, and the WTO said a navirus outbreak. The Interfax capacity reductions already travel from the Schengen Area to terday. The French government studying the implications of the special General Council news agency quoted deputy ordered as airlines scrapped the USA,” said Bernstein analyst also stands ready to help Air US move for flight schedules. IAG meeting would be held “as prime minister Alikhan flights - first to China and then to Daniel Roeska - predicting a France-KLM, Finance Minister is potentially less impacted soon as conditions permit” to Smailov as saying the June other destinations including Italy “more substantial” earnings Bruno Le Maire (pictured) said. thanks to BA’s Heathrow base. discuss “how to proceed with World Trade Organisation as the virus spread. Shares in impact than European carriers “There is a need for measures There were panicky revised arrangements for ministerial conference in European and US airlines had suffered from the earlier from many governments,” said European airport scenes as trav- MC12.” Kazakhstan had been can- slumped in turn to new lows, with China flight suspensions. Norwegian pilots’ union president ellers scrambled to fly to the That could meanwhile celled. However, the trade Delta and United Airlines down US airlines had already cut Yngve Carlsen. “This could lead United States before the restric- take a while. Earlier this and integration ministry said more than 13 percent and flight schedules to Italy and will to a total meltdown.” tions take effect late on March 13. week, the global trade body no decision had been made American Airlines 7.2 percent take another hit from lower Scandinavian carrier SAS is The fallout is also spreading said it would suspend all so far with regards to the lower. demand for flights from major in talks with the Swedish and fast from travel and tourism to meetings until March 20 after WTO conference. Air France-KLM was down destinations such as France and Danish governments about aerospace and other industries. 16 BUSINESS FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 European Central Bank deploys stimulus to ease virus damage

AP — FRANKFURT unveiled Thursday were “almost of GDP. surgically” targeted at areas Financial markets continued The European Central Bank is where monetary policy tools to slide after the ECB’s announce- deploying new stimulus could help. ments, with major indexes down measures to cushion the eco- The central bank, she said, almost 10 percent amid global nomic pain inflicted by the virus was “determined to support concerns that authorities can do outbreak, but avoided cutting households and firms in the face little to ease the damage wrought interest rates in a situation where of the current economic disrup- by the virus outbreak. economists say monetary policy tions and heightened The European Central Bank can do little more than limit the uncertainty.” said it was also providing more damage. But she added that a stronger cheap, long-term loans to banks more than cushion the blow to The central bank for the 19 response from eurozone govern- to make sure they have the the economy from the corona- countries that use the euro ments was needed to prevent the liquidity they need. And the ECB virus,” said Andrew Kenningham, decided yesterday to buy up to eurozone from falling into will temporarily ease some chief Europe economist at Capital €120bn ($132bn) more in bonds recession: “An ambitious and capital requirements for banks Economics. “Monetary policy is this year. coordinated fiscal policy to help them keep lending. powerless to prevent a deep The money is newly created response is required to support It’s all aimed at helping busi- downturn and, unlike in the US and injected into the financial businesses and workers at risk.” nesses get the financing they and China, it has little scope to system. It comes on top of pur- She repeated the phrase at need and stimulating activity to support the recovery chases worth 20 billion euros a the start of her statement, and offset the downturn from all the afterwards.” month it is already carrying out, when asked if the eurozone faced closings and restrictions due to The move comes as the and would be aimed at corporate a recession, said that depended the virus outbreak. eurozone is forecast to slide into bonds, which should help keep “on the speed, the strength of the The central bank did not cut recession and financial markets credit available to companies. collective approach” by all interest rates as many analysts keep falling over concerns about ECB President Christine players. had expected. Rates are already the virus outbreak’s hit to the Lagarde (pictured) said the She said currently announced low and economists have said economy. Concerns deepened economy was facing a “major fiscal measures were only €27bn, deeper cuts might not help much. after the US decided to halt travel shock” and that the measures or about a quarter of one percent Thursday’s steps “will do no from 26 European countries. Stocks plunge as Trump travel ban fans recession fears

AFP — LONDON further heightened the likelihood “The crux of the matter ... is of a global recession... investors that all of the efforts being made Stock markets tumbled across the fled,” said Connor Campbell, to curtail the spread of the coro- globe and oil prices slumped yes- market analyst at Spreadex trading navirus are going to produce neg- terday after President Donald group. ative economic outcomes that will Trump banned all travel from The carnage on stock markets weigh far and wide on earnings mainland Europe to the United spread to Europe, with losses prospects since they are also cur- States for a month to fight the accelerating in Paris and Frankfurt, tailing consumer and business coronavirus pandemic, ramping which both fell more than 10 spending,” said market analyst up fears of worldwide recession. percent after the ECB unveiled a Patrick J O’Hare at Briefing.com With the market panic having series of measures to shore up the “Travel restrictions equal already wiped away more than $11 crisis.Tokyo closed down 4.4 eurozone economy, but it did not slower global economic activity, trillion in global value, the head of percent, putting it in a bear market lower interest rates like central so if you need any more coaxing the World Health Organization after slumping more than 20 banks elsewhere. to sell... after a massively negative said the COVID-19 outbreak “is a percent from a recent high. The European Central Bank signal from trading in US markets controllable pandemic” if coun- Hong Kong shed 3.7 percent, ramped up its super-cheap bank it just fell in your lap,” said Axi- tries stepped up measures to tackle though Shanghai was off 1.5 lending programme, vowing to Corp’s Stephen Innes (pictured). it. percent as China continues to see “support bank lending to those The coronavirus outbreak has “We are deeply concerned infection rates slow. affected most by the spread of the left virtually no sector untouched, that some countries are not Manila crashed nearly 10 coronavirus, in particular small though travel and tourism have approaching this threat with the percent -- sparking a brief trading and medium-sized enterprises”, been particularly hard-hit as level of political commitment halt -- after it emerged Philippines as well as spend an additional 120 countries institute travel bans and needed to control it,” WHO President Rodrigo Duterte would billion euros ($135 billion euros) quarantine requirements, with director-general Tedros Adhanom undergo a precautionary test for this year buying up government Italy in a country-wide lockdown. Ghebreyesus told diplomats in the virus. In the Gulf, Saudi and corporate bonds. The coronavirus market crash Geneva, according to a statement. dumped 3.0 percent in value, On Wall Street, the stocks has wiped off $11.3 trillion from Following an overnight slump, Dubai tumbled 8.0 percent and resumed their slide lower. The global valuations as of the end of Sydney tumbled 7.4 percent yes- Qatar shed 4.5 percent. Dow tumbled 7.4 percent in the Wednesday, according to Howard terday to suffer its worst session “Taking the view that the first minute of trading, having Silverblatt, a senior analyst at S&P since the 2008 global financial president’s travel ban has only fallen 5.9 percent on Wednesday. Dow Jones Indices.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Angrezi Medium (2D/Hindi) 2:15, 9:00 & 11:30pm Angrezi Medium (2D/Hindi) 3:00 & 7:00pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:00, 6:30 & 11:30pm Bloodshot (2D/Action) 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:15pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:15 & 11:30pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 3:00 & 5:00pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:15 & 11:30pm Walter (2D/Tamil) 4:15pm Kapella (2D/Malayalam) 9:30pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm I Still Believe (2D/Drama) 7:00pm Kapella (2D/Malayalam) 5:00pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Bloodshot (2D/Action) 7:15, 9:15 & 11:15pm Angrezi Medium (2D/Hindi) 4:45, 7:40 & 10:35 Misbehaviour (2D/Drama) 9:00pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 7:00 & 10:00pm Bloodshot (2D/Action) 12:50, 2:00, 3:00, 4:10, 5:10, 6:20, 7:20, LANDMARK 8:30, 9:30, 10:40, 11:40pm & 12 midnight Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 12:20, 4:30 & 8:40pm Kapella (2D/Malayalam) 5:15pm I Still Believe (2D/Drama) 12:50 & 7:30pm; Misbehaviour (2D/ Chal Mera Putt 2 (2D/Punjabi) 2:00pm Drama) 3:15 & 9:50pm; Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 12:40, Angrezi Medium (2D/Hindi) 2:30 & 6:30pm 2:45pm; The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 12:55, 3:00, 2:30, 6:40 & Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 3:00 & 5:00pm 10:50pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 3:50, 5:20, 8:00, 10:10pm, 0:20am Misbehaviour (2D/Drama) 7:00pm I Still Believe (2D/Drama) 9:00pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 4:15pm Bloodshot (2D/Action) 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm ASIAN TOWN Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 9:00pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 5:30, 10:30PM & 01:00am Walter (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 3:00 & 8:45pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 12:45, 6:00 & 11:15pm ROXY Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 5:30pm Angrezi Medium (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm; Dharala Prabu (Tamil) 3:30 & Angrezi Medium (2D/Hindi) 10:30, 12:30, 1;30, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30, 10:30pm 11:45pm; Walter (Tamil) 12:45 & 9:00pm; Kapella (2D/Malayalam) Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 7:00 & 10:00pm 12:30, 3:30, 6:15, 8:45pm, 12:00midnight & 02:00am Bloodshot (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:30, 1;20, 2:40, 3:10, 3:40, 4:30, 5:00, 7;40, 8:10, 9:00, 9:30, 10;10, 10:30, 11:20 & 11:40pm AL KHOR Dharala Prabu (Tamil) 8:40, 11:30 & 11:40pm Angrezi Medium (2D/Hindi) 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 7:00, 8:40, 10;00 & 11:30pm & 12:00midnight; Kapella (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, Bloodshot (2D) 11:15am, 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15 & 8:30, 9:00 & 11:00pm 11:45pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12;30, Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 3:30 & 8:45pm 6:00, 6:30 & 7:20pm Kapella (2D/Malayalam) 1:00, 6:15 & 11:30pm Stardog & Turbocat (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:00, 3:00, 4:30, 5:00pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 1:00, 2:30, 5:30 & 6:50pm Walter (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 3:10 & 5:50pm

CHAL MERA PUTT 2 Friendship and love between illegal immigrants struggling and facing challenges. Showing us that when it comes to the struggle of life, no border can divide human hearts and the love inside. FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 BUSINESS 17 FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 18

CRICKET FOOTBALL It's so difficult to play a side like this. I don't understand Y’S First ODI Amir Cup with the quality they have the football they play: Jurgen A Australia vs New Quarter-final Klopp hits out at Atletico Madrid's defensive approach after D Zealand Al Sadd vs O ACTION

Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League. TODAY’S T in Sydney Al Wakrah Tokyo 2020 torch lit behind closed doors in ancient Olympia

ATHENS — REUTERS Greek actress Xanthi Georgiou, playing the role of High organisations around the world announce drastic measures. Priestess, lights the flame during the Olympic flame lighting taking significant measures to US President Donald The Tokyo 2020 Olympics ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, yesterday. contain the spread of the coro- Trump suspended travel from torch relay got under way navirus,” IOC President Europe, except for the UK, for yesterday when the flame was Thomas Bach said. 30 days starting Friday, and lit by the rays of the sun in “The Tokyo Games are hard-hit Italy tightened its ancient Olympia in a scaled- delivered by an all-star, all- lockdown. down ceremony over- Japan team with outstanding As of Wednesday, Japan shadowed by the coronavirus support and cooperation on all had 620 cases and 15 deaths, pandemic. levels of government,” he told excluding people on a cruise Actress Xanthi Georgiou, in a small crowd of invited guest ship that was quarantined near the role of high priestess, used on a sun-drenched morning Yokohama last month, a parabolic mirror at the site of inside the ancient stadium, according to the health min- the ancient Greek Olympics to nestled in the western istry. Experts say the tally may ignite the torch, before handing Peloponnese. be deceptively low due to the it to Greek Olympic shooting The ceremony was the limited number of tests in champion Anna Korakaki, the first since 1984 to be held Japan compared with many first woman to ever launch an without spectators on the other countries. Olympic relay. grassy slopes of the stadium, Tokyo Games chief Yoshiro Korakaki subsequently lit and only a few dozen Mori has called any talk of the torch of Japanese runner accredited officials were postponement “outrageous”, Mizuki Noguchi, the 2004 allowed to watch the lighting while yesterday Tokyo Gov- Olympic marathon champion. at the nearby Temple of Hera. ernor Yuriko Koike said she The torch will be handed over The World Health Organi- believed cancellation was not to Tokyo Games organisers in well as the International amid mounting speculation that “Nineteen weeks before the zation (WHO) described the an option, although she Athens on March 19 after a Olympic Committee (IOC) have they could be cancelled or post- opening ceremony of the coronavirus outbreak as a pan- acknowledged that the pan- seven-day relay in Greece. insisted the Games will go ahead poned as the virus spreads games we are strengthened in demic for the first time, demic label would affect future Tokyo Games organisers as as planned on July 24- Aug. 9, rapidly across the globe. our commitment by many... prompting more countries to discussions.

Russian federation fined F1: Australian Grand Prix in $10m for breaching chaos as McLaren pulls out anti-doping rules REUTERS — MOSCOW be once again suspended if AFP — MELBOURNE Russia fails to pay half of the The Russian athletics feder- $10m fine by July 1, World McLaren pulled out of the ation has been fined $10m Athletics said. season-opening Australian for breaching anti-doping That followed the pro- Grand Prix yesterday after a rules and a maximum of 10 visional suspension of the team member tested positive for Russian track and field federation’s president at the coronavirus, throwing the race athletes will be allowed to time, Dmitry Shlyakhtin, into chaos. compete at the Tokyo and six other people for The employee was among at Olympics as neutrals, World having provided false least five Formula One personnel Athletics said yesterday. explanations and forged -- four from Haas -- who went Russia’s athletics feder- documents to justify missed into isolation this week after ation was suspended in 2015 doping tests by high jumper showing flu-like symptoms after a report commissioned Danil Lysenko. typical of the virus. by the World Anti-Doping World Athletics President “The team member was Agency (WADA) found evi- Sebastian Coe said the body’s tested and self-isolated as soon dence of mass doping among council had felt “severely let as they started to show track and field athletes in the down” by the federation’s symptoms and will now be country. previous administration and treated by local healthcare Yet some of its officials that it had approved new cri- authorities,” McLaren said in a and senior coaches have teria for its reinstatement, statement, adding that he would since then been involved in including additional over- be quarantined. doping scandals, under- sight by international experts “The decision (to withdraw) mining the country’s efforts based in Russia. has been taken based on a duty to have the ban lifted. In recent months Russia of care not only to McLaren F1 Mechanics push the car of McLaren’s Carlos Sainz Jr. down the pitlane during practice in this file photo. World Athletics, the has stepped up its efforts to employees and partners, but also sport’s global body gov- have its athletes cleared to to the team’s competitors, ference packed with media. Asked why he felt the race “We’ll cross that bridge when erning, said yesterday it was compete internationally, Formula 1 fans and wider F1 “It seems that the rest of the was still on, Hamilton replied: we get to it,” he said. limiting to 10 the number of including with the stakeholders.” world is already reacting a little “Cash is king.” Australia has reported 150 Russians who could be eli- appointment of a new fed- Results of the tests for the bit late, but you have seen this Four-time world champion cases of coronavirus so far, gible to compete in track and eration president and the Haas staff have yet to be morning with (President Donald) Vettel said it was difficult to including among fans who field as neutrals at this year’s resignation of its executive revealed. Trump shutting down the border judge what to do as the virus attended the women’s T20 Tokyo Olympics. committee. McLaren’s decision to pull to Europe to the States, the NBA continues its spread. Cricket World Cup final and a It also reinstated the Russia is also in the out casts doubt over whether the suspended, yet Formula One “Obviously we have to trust Super Rugby match, both in Mel- process by which Russian process of appealing a four- race will be run without a full continues to go on. the FIA (International Auto- bourne last week. athletes can apply to year ban from competing complement of teams, and “It’s a concern I think for the mobile Federation) to take pre- European countries that are compete internationally as under its flag in many sports whether others will follow suit. people here. It’s quite a big circus cautions as much as they can, but home to many of the F1 teams neutrals after demonstrating at major international events World champion Lewis Ham- that’s come here, it’s definitely I think the answer that nobody and journalists at the grand prix that they train in a doping- as punishment for having ilton earlier yesterday said he concerning for me.” can give you at the moment is have had far more cases. free environment. provided WADA with doc- was “very surprised” that it was The Mercedes star, who is how much you can control what Despite concerns, fans That vetting process will tored laboratory data. going ahead as fears mount gunning to match Michael Schu- is going on,” he said. flocked to Albert Park yesterday about the spread of the disease. macher’s record seven world “As a matter of fact, we are for a Supercars qualifying World Athletics, the sport’s global body “I am really very, very sur- crowns this season, sat alongside here so you just try to take care session. governing, said yesterday it was limiting to 10 prised that we’re here. I don’t Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and as much as you can.” “I’m not worried, I’m washing the number of Russians who could be eligible think it’s great that we have races Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo in the Haas team principal Guenther my hands and that’s the best to compete in track and field as neutrals at this but it really is shocking that we’re media session, but a large open Steiner said they had not yet dis- thing to do,” said spectator year’s Tokyo Olympics. all sitting in this room,” he said space separated them from the cussed what to do if any of their Robert Clarke as he used a hand- at an official pre-race press con- press. employees tested positive. sanitiser station. ATP suspends men’s tour for six weeks

REUTERS — LONDON this time in order to protect the all and we must all do every- health and safety of our players, thing we can to reduce its The ATP suspended its profes- staff, the wider tennis com- spread. sional men’s tennis tour for six munity and general public The International Tennis We believe this is the weeks yesterday, citing health in the face of this global Federation (ITF) postponed all concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. its events until April 20 fol- responsible action outbreak, which has disrupted Impacted events include the lowing the ATP’s announcement needed at this time sports events across the globe. Clay Court Championships in and will review the situation on The announcement came Houston, the Grand Prix Hassan a weekly basis. in order to protect moments after Miami-Dade II in Marrakech, the Monte Carlo “The ITF is taking the pre- the health and safety County said it would suspend Masters, the Barcelona Open cautionary measure to postpone the Miami Open and following and the Hungarian Open. all ITF-owned and sanctioned of our players, staff, Sunday’s last-minute cancel- Players praised the ATP’s events, across the men’s and the wider tennis lation of the Indian Wells tour- announcement and voiced women’s ITF World Tennis nament in Southern concern over the coronavirus Tour, the ITF World Tennis Tour community and California. outbreak on social media. Juniors, the Wheelchair Tennis general public health The decision was not taken “The wisest decision at times Tour, ITF Beach Tennis World lightly, ATP Chairman Andrea like these,” Argentine player Tour and ITF Seniors Tour,” it in the face of this Gaudenzi said in a statement, Diego Schwartzman said on said in a statement. global pandemic: adding that the suspension rep- Twitter. The ITF on Wednesday post- resents a great loss for players “Do not take it lightly,” poned the inaugural edition of ATP Chairman and fans. Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas the multi-nation Fed Cup finals A “Tennis Event Cancelled” sign flashes outside the Indian Wells Andrea Gaudenzi “We believe this is the Tweeted. scheduled to be held in Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. responsible action needed at “The coronavirus affects us Budapest next month. FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 SPORT 19 Thrilling battles expected in last round of QSTK600, QTCC THE PENINSULA – DOHA looking forward for this weekend. In the Trophy category, although the take the QTCC 2K championship title," and do my best," commented Al Sulaiti. "I am very excited for the last round, title is also not decided, there is an said Al Maadheed. Al Khelaifi is very excited to be back The fifth and last round of Qatar Super- for sure it is going to be full of action as important gap between Jeremy Parola For the QTCC M240 category, three racing after the break. "Technical issues stock 600 (QSTK600) and Qatar always. Again, this season, the cham- and Rayad Al Emadi as the French rider drivers are fighting for the title, Hamad and race retirements costed me a lot Touring Car Championship (QTCC) will pionship will be decided in the last is 30 points ahead of Al Emad, so Parola Al Sulaiti, Abdulla Al Khelaifi and Nasser this season and to come back on top, a take place this weekend, on Match 13 round and I am sure that everybody will has high chances to clinch the Saadon Al Kuwari. Al Sulaiti is leading miracle has to happen since winning and 14 at the Losail International Circuit. push and give a great show for eve- championship. with 82 points, followed by Al Khelaifi both races will not be enough if Hamad The championship title for the ryone. In the end of the day, everybody For the Qatar Touring Car Champi- with 74 points and Al Kuwari with 64 still finishes behind me. At the end this QSTK600 will be decided this weekend is a winner, this championship is great onship, in the QTCC 2K category, points. is racing and everything can happen. between Saeed Al Sulaiti, Abdulla Al and we can see that all the riders are Ghanim Al Maadheed is leading with The championship leader, Al Sulaiti Important thing is to stay focused and Qubaisi and Mishal Al Naimi. improving and pushing a lot," men- 108 points in front of Ibrahim Al knows that this weekend will be very to give it all. In general, very happy with Al Sulaiti is leading the champi- tioned Al Sulaiti. Abdulghani who is second with 89 tough. "This round will be the hardest the close competition and the increased onship with 169 points, only six points "Last round was not as I expected points. Nasser Al Ahbabi is third with one of the whole championships cars on grid this season," said Al Khelaifi. ahead of Al Qubaisi, who has 163 points. and I lost valuable points for the cham- 67 points. because three of us are very close with Qatar Superstock 600 and Qatar Al Naimi has less chances to get the title pionship. From the last round, I have "In the last two rounds, the car was the points. I am leading the champi- Touring Car Championship are as he has 142 points. trained hard to reach this last round well very good and didn’t have any issue so onship only by 8 points and if I don’t get organized by Losail Circuit Sports Club Al Sulaiti, the title holder and prepared and fight for the title," said Al hopefully, all remains the same and I good results I can lose the championship and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle three times QSTK600 Champion is Qubaisi. can get good results in both races and but I will push very hard this weekend Federation.

Euro 2020 Paris St Germain’s Neymar celebrates with team-mates Marquinhos and Pablo Sarabia after scoring their first goal against Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League Round of 16 second leg match at the Parc des Princes in Paris, on Wednesday. QGF postpones warm-up event Doha Artistic in Qatar called off Gymnastics AFP – PARIS World Cup A four-team international tournament featuring THE PENINSULA – DOHA European champions Portugal, World Cup finalists Croatia, The Qatar Gymnastics Federation Belgium and Switzerland in (QGF) yesterday announced the Qatar this month has been postponement of the 13th FIG called off. Artistic Gymnastics Individual Appa- The Belgian FA said ratus World Cup, citing concerns over Wednesday it had “received the spread of coronavirus outbreak. the info from Qatar that due The event, which was scheduled to the current situation to be held at Doha's Aspire Dome worldwide the... tournament from March 18 to 21, will now take will have to be cancelled”. place from June 3 to 6 at the same The March 26-30 tour- venue, QGF said yesterday. nament was to be used as a Over 250 gymnasts from 59 warm-up event for Euro 2020. countries confirmed their partici- pation in the event, during which the QGF, headed by Ali Al Hitmi will Real Madrid in celebrate its 20th anniversary. According to the QGF, the quarantine as decision to reschedule the event is in line with the recommendations La Liga halted of the Ministry of Public Health to avoid gatherings in public places AFP – MADRID PSG sink Dortmund in empty and to implement the decisions issued by the National Pandemic Real Madrid went into quar- Preparedness Committee. antine yesterday as La Liga announced Spain’s top two stadium to reach quarters divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks over the REUTERS – PARIS and lost to Manchester United hamstring injury, while PSG pressed high after Rain washes coronavirus. on away goals after beating Kylian Mbappe started on the the break while Erling La Liga authorities made Paris St Germain beat the English side 2-0 at Old bench after suffering from a Haaland, who scored a out first ODI the decision after Real Madrid Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in an Trafford 12 months ago. sore throat. double in the first leg, never confirmed its senior football empty stadium due to coro- Over 3,000 ultra fans PSG dominated pos- looked likely to add to his 10 between India team is in quarantine after one navirus fears on Wednesday gathered near the Parc des session and had the first clear Champions League goals this of the club’s basketball players to reach the Champions Princes before kickoff after chance when Edinson Cav- season. and South Africa tested positive for the virus. League quarter-finals 3-2 on being granted authorisation ani’s cross shot from Di Thorgan Hazard and Axel Real Madrid’s football and aggregate. by the police - demonstra- Maria’s through ball was Witsel made way for Julian REUTERS – DHARAMSALA basketball players share facil- Neymar and Juan Bernat tions being considered an deflected by keeper Roman Brandt and Giovanni Reyna ities at Ciudad Real Madrid, the scored before halftime to exemption to the ban of gath- Buerki. as Dortmund coach Lucien The first one-day international club’s training ground in overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit erings of more than 1,000 as Neymar put the hosts Favre looked to freshen up his between India and South Africa in Valdebebas. and send the French cham- French authorities try to ahead in the 28th minute as attacking line and PSG were the northern Indian city of Dhar- A club statement read: “A pions into the last eight for the contain the coronavirus, he headed home Angel Di suddenly on the back foot. amsala was called off without a ball player from our basketball first first time since 2016 as which has infected 2,281 Maria’s free kick for his 35th A brawl erupted two being bowled due to incessant rain team has tested positive for the Dortmund finished with 10 people and killed 48. goal in 57 matches, making minutes from time after Can yesterday. COVID-19 coronavirus. men after Emre Can was sent They lit firework and their his presence count after fouled Neymar and pushed While several international off in the dying minutes. chants could be overheard in missing the return leg against the Brazilian to the ground. sporting events have been cancelled PSG made it past the last the stadium. “Our only virus United through injury last Can was sent off while Di or postponed due to the coronavirus Juventus' 16 after painful exits at the is Paris SG,” a banner in the season. Maria picked up a yellow outbreak, the two cricket boards same stage in the last two empty arena read. Bernat doubled the lead card which means the decided to go ahead with three Rugani 'fine’ years. They let slip a 4-0 PSG were without captain on the stroke of halftime by Argentine will be suspended one-day internationals despite advantage in a 6-5 aggregate Thiago Silva, who had not flicking Sarabia’s attempt past for the first leg of PSG’s concerns. after being defeat by Barcelona in 2017 fully recovered from a Buerki. quarter-final. Yesterday, the Indian gov- ernment said it wanted the national tested positive cricket team’s upcoming matches to be played in empty stadiums - an REUTERS – MILAN unheard-of occurrence in a country where the sport is a national Juventus defender Daniele obsession. Rugani said he was fine But a sizeable crowd none- yesterday, shortly after his club theless gathered in the Dharamsala said he had tested positive for ground, with local match organisers coronavirus, the first player in saying they had not received the Serie A to do so. government directive. The Turin side are one of Europe’s biggest clubs with a squad that includes five-times Karachi beat world player of the year Cris- tiano Ronaldo, who is currently Lahore; PSL in his native Madeira. A source close to Juventus matches to be said the entire squad will have to spend two weeks in quar- played without fans antine, meaning they would not be able to face Olympique AP – KARACHI Lyonnais in the second leg of their Champions League round Karachi Kings delighted more than of 16 tie on March 17. 25,000 supporters with a thumping 10-wicket victory over Lahore Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente scores their second goal against Liverpool. Qalandars yesterday in the last EPL matches to Pakistan Super League match in Karachi to be played in front of fans. be played in The Pakistan Cricket Board decided that the remaining games empty stadiums Atletico eliminate holders Liverpool at the National Stadium will be played without spectators because REUTERS – LONDON AP – LIVERPOOL 94th-minute goal when its in its bid to reach a third As for Atletico, another of the coronavirus outbreak. That backup goalkeeper, Adrian, straight final, having beaten run in the Champions League includes Karachi’s last two league All Premier League and lower Atletico Madrid ended Liver- made a poor clearance three Tottenham for its sixth is making up for a disap- matches on Saturday and Sunday. division matches in England pool’s title defense in the minutes later that led to European Cup title last year pointing season in La Liga, Peshawar Zalmi also play their last are to be played without spec- Champions League with a 3-2 Llorente rolling in a finish. after losing to Real Madrid the where the team is in sixth league game on Friday against tators amid the coronavirus win at Anfield on Wednesday That meant Atletico was previous season. place. Multan Sultans at the National outbreak, the Times reported thanks to two goals by Marcos leading on the away-goals rule Jurgen Klopp’s team will Llorente is in his first Stadium. on Wednesday. Llorente in extra time and but Llorente gave the Spanish have to be content this season season at Atletico after a con- On the field, the opening pair of The report said the season another by fellow substitute team more breathing space with winning the English troversial move from fierce Sharjeel Khan (74 not out) and will not be postponed and that Alvaro Morata. with his second goal on the league championship for the local rival Real Madrid in the Babar Azam (69 not out) hit brisk the games behind closed doors Atletico advanced 4-2 on counterattack just before the first time in 30 years. That offseason last year. half centuries and carried Karachi will not be shown in pubs “to aggregate in the round of 16. end of the first extra-time could happen as early as next His father, Paco, and great to 151-0 with 17 balls to spare. avoid congregation of people”. Roberto Firmino had just period. week, with the Reds holding uncle, Francisco Gento, are Lahore were earlier restricted to About 450 people in Britain put Liverpool 2-0 ahead on Liverpool couldn’t a 25-point lead and needing greats at Real. 150-5 after Karachi skipper Imad have been infected by corona- the night - and 2-1 up on engineer another memorable just two more wins to clinch Morata is also a former Wasim won the toss and elected to virus and eight have died. aggregate - with a Anfield turnaround and failed the title. Real Madrid player. field. SPORT

FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 UEFA to Al Markhiya make Amir Cup semis decide on fate of Euro 2020, with stunning win over Al Rayyan Champions FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA League AFP – PARIS Second division side Al Markhiya shocked six-time champions Al UEFA will hold a crisis meeting Rayyan 1-0 to reach the semi- next week, European football’s finals of the prestigious Amir governing body announced Cup at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday, as the coronavirus yesterday. pandemic threatens to force Al Markhiya’s Omani mid- the postponement of Euro fielder Ahmed Mubarak scored 2020 and wreaks havoc with the all-important in a 82nd the ongoing Champions minute penalty, giving his side League. a memorable victory in the A videoconference will be second quarter-final, which was held “to discuss European foot- played behind closed doors to ball’s response to the outbreak” prevent the spread of next Tuesday “in the light of the coronavirus. ongoing developments in the Al Markhiya, coached by spread of COVID-19 across Younes Ali, were paid for their Europe and the changing solid defence throughout the analysis of the World Health match, which saw the ‘Lions’ Al Markhiya’s Ahmed Organisation.” The meeting will dominating the proceedings Mubarak (centre) celebrates involve representatives from with an aggressive display. after scoring the only goal all 55 national associations and Al Rayyan, however, were of the match against Al club and player bodies. unfortunate not to score yes- Rayyan during yesterday's One possible solution for terday despite creating Amir Cup quarter-final at the European Championship numerous chances with some the Al Sadd Stadium. could be to delay the tour- of the referee’s decisions going nament by a year until 2021. against them. A source close to UEFA told The team, coached by Uru- Anthony Bassey. Al Markhiya’s Players vie for the ball AFP that everything is on the guayan Diego Aguirre, seemed Hamad Saeed found himself in possession during yesterday's table, from postponing the they will open the floodgates in perfect position to score but his quarter-final. tournament and changing the the first half as they started hit was well blocked by Al format to even changing the attacking Al Markhiya’s goal Rayyan’s South Korean star Lee venues. right from the start. Jaeik, who dived to deflect the Similarly, according to the But, Al Markhiya, who begun ball off target. source, all possibilities are the match with a defensive As the match gathered more being considered for the approach did well to hold the pace, Al Rayyan were unlucky ongoing European club com- former champions. not to get a goal when Tabata’s petitions, including playing The first 15 minutes saw Al furious strike from outside the one-off ties instead of two legs. Rayyan taking control of the box struck the goal post. UEFA have postponed next match completely making Referee Meshari Al Tuesday’s Champions League repeated attacks. Shamari’s decision to award last 16, second legs between Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo penalty in favour of Al Rayyan Manchester City and Real Tabata’s free hit outside the box in the 38th minute was over- Madrid, and between Juventus was on target but Al Markhiya turned by VAR after replay and Lyon. goalkeeper Mohamed Said did showed Al Markhiya captain Real, who lost the first leg well to block the attempt. Aden Ali’s tackle against Alex- 2-1 at home to City, announced Besides doing well in ander was clean. yesterday that their squad has defence, Al Markhiya also made The decision allowed Al been placed in quarantine after a few attacks but Al Rayyan Markhiya to go into the breather one of the club’s basketball continued the dominating without any deficit as more Al players tested positive for the display. Rayyan attacks went without a virus. Euro 2020 is due to kick In a 26th minute attack, Al goal being scored. calling back Alexander in the Markhiya who found the winner. in his response. Al Rayyan off in three months and the Rayyan’s Yohan Alexander had In the second half, Al Rayyan 63rd minute. A decision by VAR adjudged created more chances to find the final four qualifying spots are a good opportunity to score but again came as a dominant side Referee turned down Franck a handball by Abdelaziz Hatem equaliser with Soria also making due to be decided in play-off he struck a cross right in hands pushing for a goal but Al Kom’s appeal of a handball inside the box during an attack a couple of attempts. However, matches scheduled to be of Al Markhiya goalkeeper, when Markhiya defenders continued against Al Markhiya defender on by Al Markhiya, who were then it was Al Markhiya’s day who played at the end of this month. there was just one defender to block their way, with Mubarak his attempt in a 72nd minute handed a spot kick. went away victorious with a his- UEFA has also cancelled present. receiving a caution for one of corner, just handing one more Mubarak was on target with toric win. upcoming matches in the men’s Just a minute later, Al those tackles. corner to the ‘Lions’. a right-footed hit, though Al Today, Al Sadd and Al and women’s under-17 and Markhiya got their first realistic Looking for a goal, Al Rayyan Star Sebastian Soria then Rayyan goalkepeer Fahad Wakrah will clash in the third under-19 European Champi- chance to score a goal in an coach Aguirre sent Mohammed came off the bench as Al Rayyan Younis dived in the right quarter-final at Abdullah Bin onships, due to take place attack initiated by Nigerian Juma Al Awai in play while struggled for a goal but it was Al direction but he was a little late Khalifa Stadium. between March 14 and April 14. Al Sadd seek revenge against Al Wakrah in quarter-final

CHINTHANA WASALA Al Wakrah players in action during THE PENINSULA a practice session yesterday.

Al Sadd, with 15 Amir Cup titles under their belt, will be targeting a place in the semi-finals of this year’s tournament as they seek sweet revenge for their League loss against Al Wakrah at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium today. Coach Xavi Hernandez and his Al Sadd team began the Al Sadd's coach season by winning the Qatar Cup Xavi Hernandez and later made it to the semi- finals of the AFC champions League. However, they are not having the same dream run which they had last season of the QNB Stars League and have lost Al Sadd's players in action to Al Wakrah 1-2 in their last during a practice session Al Wakrah’s coach meeting. yesterday. Marquez Lopez Despite that, the Barca legend yesterday said they are ready to give their best against have an excellent coach and today’s match have been hit by important to us and winning it “It will be very difficult, as two or three key players, but Al Wakrah and move into the great players. We are trying to several injury lay-offs, including will make this an excellent season Al Sadd is a strong team and we depend on the team play semis as they look for a place in reach the final and to give our national team captain Hassan Al for us,” Xavi said. we know what their capabil- style, and our plans depend on the title clash. best performance,” Xavi said. Haydos, Pedro Miguel, Salem Al Al Sadd qualified for the ities are,” Lopez said the team as a group and not as “We are ready for the match “We are performing well but Hajri and Tareq Salman, but Xavi quarter-finals by defeating Al yesterday. individuals. Therefore we will against Al Wakrah. Our goal is we are not winning, and this is is confident that they can get past Kharaitiyat in the round of 16 Lopez said: “We know that not be affected by absences,” to compete for title as our situ- football. We give our everything their opponents in today’s clash. with a 3-1 margin while Al there will be several players the Spaniard added. ation in the league is bad. We in matches. This is how we play “The game against Al Wakrah Wakrah qualified at the expense absent from the ranks of Al “It is a very important tour- have had intense training to and we must now be effective. I is like a final. As for this season of Al Shahaniya by winning it on Sadd for injuries, but they still nament for us, and we will do prepare for this match. The Amir only worry when we do not so far, we have been doing well, penalties 10-9 after the scores have good players who can fill our utmost to continue the Cup Championship means a lot create opportunities, when we winning the Qatar Cup and read 0-0 at the final whistle. that void. However, we journey and reach the semi- to us,” Xavi said during a press possess and dominate, but not reaching the AFC Champions Al Wakrah’s coach Marquez believe we can challenge finals, and we will strive to win conference yesterday. score. We must improve our per- League semi-final. We are only Lopez yesterday said his team is them in tomorrow’s and overcome the obstacle of “Al Wakrah defeated us in formance,” Xavi said. in a difficult spot in the League. determined to face the strong Al quarter-final.” the star-studded Al Sadd team the QNB Stars League and they Al Sadd’s preparations for The Amir Cup title is very Sadd outfit. “Al Wakrah are also missing even,” Lopez added.