www.thepeninsula.qa Wednesday 13 May 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8256 20 Ramadan - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 06 SPORT | 12

Growth forecast Classifieds Eto’o to go live on cuts ‘very likely’ and Services Instagram with as virus hits section Generation economies hard included Amazing

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minutes from home with Qatarna 5G #Hadaya_Ooredoo *Terms and conditions apply EU welcomes Qatar Airways’ Amir issues initiative to offer 100,000 free directives to send medical assistance tickets to health professionals to Albania, Congo

QNA — DOHA and Angola

The European Union (EU) has QNA — DOHA welcomed the initiative EU efforts to repatriate announced by Qatar Airways Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin to offer 100,000 free tickets to stranded citizens could Hamad Al Thani issued health professionals. not have achieved yesterday a directive to send In a statement to Qatar News medical assistance to the Agency, the Ambassador of the the same impressive Republic of Albania, the Demo- European Union to Qatar, H E Dr. results without support cratic Republic of the Congo, Cristian Tudor said: and the Republic of Angola, in “The EU welcomes the ini- from international support from the State of Qatar tiative announced by Qatar airlines, notably Qatar for the efforts of the friendly Airways to offer 100,000 free Airways. countries in combating the tickets to health professionals novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide. Health professional H E Dr. Cristian Tudor, epidemic. are making the difference in the fight against the coronavirus Ambassador of the Ramadan Timing pandemic and they deserve our European Union Deputy PM and Minister of State for Defence meets wholehearted, unreserved to Qatar praise.” Commander of US Air Forces Central Command Today's Iftar: He added: “EU efforts to 6:13pm repatriate stranded citizens Airways, which have continued The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al could not have achieved the to operate flights to Europe Attiyah met yesterday with the Commander of the US Air Forces Central Command, Lieutenant General same impressive results during the most difficult weeks H E Joseph Gustella. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation, and ways to enhance Tomorrow's without support from interna- of the pandemic, often and develop them. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officers of the Armed Forces. tional airlines, notably Qatar incurring economic losses.” Imsak: 03:16am Qatar launches ‘Group of Friends of Solidarity Zakat Al Fitr is for Global Health Security’ to combat COVID-19 QR15 for each The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister towards a targeted strategy seeks to highlight social and eco- focusing on the major threats individual this year among UN member states. nomic problems caused by the posed by the epidemic to inter- of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed His Excellency stressed the coronavirus pandemic that has national peace and security, and QNA — DOHA bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, affirmed the commitment of the State of caused and exacerbated many calls on the United Nations to Qatar to the exchange of best problems in the field of human play a central role in stimulating The Zakat Fund of the Ministry commitment of the State of Qatar to work with practices and lessons learned, rights, in addition to the global and coordinating a strong global of Endowment and Islamic the Group of Friends of Solidarity for Global expressing his hope that the economic downturn, which response to the epidemic while Affairs has urged the public to State of Qatar will help in poses an unprecedented chal- emphasizing the urgent need pay Zakat Al Fitr on time, Health Security to become a major platform strengthening the collective lenge to the development efforts for action-oriented interna- pointing out that it is a duty for exchanging views on how to effectively response and encouraging sol- of the international tional cooperation among all required of every Muslim, respond to COVID-19 through various forms idarity among member states. community. member states of the United whether male or female, minor At the end of the message, The group works towards Nations. or adult as long as he/she has of multilateral cooperation. H E the Deputy Prime Minister the means to do so. and Minister of Foreign Affairs This came in a statement stressed that the battle with the issued by the Fund in this regard, QNA — DOHA very important. COVID-19 pandemic is one the Qatar, South Korea, in which it specifies the amount His Excellency affirmed the world cannot afford to lose, and Canada, Denmark of Zakat Al Fitr for this Ramadan Qatar, South Korea, Canada, commitment of the State of will not win unless everyone season 1441 H (equivalent to Denmark and Sierra Leone Qatar to work with the Group of work together and rebuild and Sierra Leone QR15) and that it should be given launched yesterday the Group Friends of Solidarity for Global better. His Excellency stressed jointly launched before the Eid Al Fitr prayer, so of Friends of Solidarity for Health Security to become a that the group has an oppor- the new initiative. that the Fund can deliver it to Global Health Security to major platform for exchanging tunity to benefit from the clear the poor who deserve it. combat the coronavirus views on how to effectively lessons and from what can be Foreign ministers of South The Fund indicated that the pandemic (COVID-19), in a respond to COVID-19 through done to respond to global health basic principle of Zakat Al Fitr virtual event to launch the various forms of multilateral emergencies in the future. Korea, Canada, Denmark is to take it out from most of the group at the United Nations cooperation. Foreign ministers of South and Sierra Leone partici- people’s food, which is rice, and headquarters in New York. His Excellency said that the Korea, Canada, Denmark and pated in launching the the amount is 2.5kg, with the The Deputy Prime Minister COVID-19 pandemic high- Sierra Leone participated in possibility of paying it in cash at and Minister of Foreign Affairs, lighted the importance of pre- launching the initiative. initiative in a virtual event. a value of QR15 as previously H E Sheikh Mohammed bin paring for epidemics as soon as The group aims to provide mentioned, and the Zakat Fund Abdulrahman Al Thani possible, stressing in this an unofficial platform for inter- The group aims to provide an unofficial receives the value of Zakat Al expressed in a video message context the need to enhance ested UN member states to platform for interested UN member states to Fitr from the generous public in the delight of the State of Qatar multilateral cooperation. His exchange views on how to effec- cash and distributes it to those to participate with the Republic Excellency added that the group tively respond to COVID-19 and exchange views on how to effectively respond who are entitled to it as of Korea, Canada, Sierra Leone will examine emerging health other challenges to global health to COVID-19 and other challenges to global appointed according to the and Denmark, in launching this issues of global importance, security through various forms health security. Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace initiative, which he considered innovative ways and work of multilateral cooperation as it Be Upon Him). `P2 QA Cargo boosts capacity for Scandinavian cities QNTC offers online tourism certification program to residents SACHIN KUMAR statement posted on its website. cargo such as insulin and perish- demand for exports. The entire THE PENINSULA With approximately 140 cubic ables as well as mail and general team at Qatar Airways Cargo is THE PENINSULA — DOHA metres volumetric weight on every cargo are the main exports on these working hard in ensuring conti- Qatar Airways Cargo continues to A350 flight, the cargo carrier is flights. nuity of global trade,” said Guil- Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) is offering support global trade and facilitate helping exporters in Denmark to “Solidarity and support are laume Halleux, Chief Officer residents the chance to participate in the country’s supply chains across the world ship their cargo to Kuala Lumpur, paramount during such times and Cargo. tourism sector by sponsoring a limited number of amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sydney, Seoul, Johannesburg and we are proud to support the Scan- In Oslo, Norway, the airline has scholarships to the IE University|UNWTO Tourism cargo carrier has boosted its other destinations on its global dinavian countries with additional introduced two additional fre- Online Academy. capacity to Scandinavian countries network. Temperature sensitive cargo capacity to meet the high quencies of Boeing 777 and Airbus As a founding sponsor of the Academy, QNTC to meet the high demand for A330 freighters to its existing six will be awarding 10 scholarships to the Academy’s exports. The airline has introduced weekly freighter flights and three Certification Program, enabling participants to additional flights to and from Scan- The airline has introduced additional flights freight only passenger flights. obtain high quality education and training in the dinavian cities Copenhagen, Oslo Recently, the carrier announced it historically resilient tourism sector. and Stockholm, offering freight to and from Scandinavian cities will operate its Boeing 747-8F every With one in 10 jobs related to tourism globally, capacity for local exports amidst the Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, offering Thursday in May, supporting the the Academy provides individuals with the skills coronavirus pandemic. demand for imports and exports. and know-how to work in the dynamic and ever- Five additional Airbus A350 freight capacity for local exports amidst the The airline also operated one evolving tourism sector. freight only passenger aircraft coronavirus pandemic. Boeing 777 freighter from The Certification Program is aimed at profes- have been introduced each week Stockholm, Sweden last week, sionals, managers and anyone else seeking to deepen to the carrier’s existing thrice- with 103 tonnes of freight con- their learning or update their knowledge in tourism weekly belly-hold passenger sisting of automotive cargo, sector management. Focused on Travel and Tourism, flights in Copenhagen, Denmark, general cargo and pharmaceu- Hospitality and Destination Management fields, bringing the total weekly cargo ticals destined to China, Australia, QNTC has previously made scholarships available capacity to more than 500 tonnes Japan and other countries within to professionals in the tourism industry exclusively. each way, said the airline in a the Qatar Airways network. `P3 `P4 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.26 am SUNRISE 04.50 am o o Hot daytime with slight dust to blowing dust at some places 28 C 37 C at times mild by night. ZUHR 11.30 am ASR 02.57 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 07:35–21:48 LOW TIDE 04:56 – 14:45 MAGHRIB 06.13 pm ISHA 07.43 pm W ALRUWAIS: 28o↗30o W ALKHOR: 26o↗36o W DUKHAN: 28o↗32o W WAKRAH: 27o↗36o W MESAIEED 27o↗36o W ABUSAMRA 26o↗34o

Qatar's envoy Qatar conducts over 135,000 COVID-19 tests OFFICIAL NEWS supports Paris THE PENINSULA — DOHA COVID-19 QATAR UPDATES ON 12 MAY 2020 with precautionary measures, Qatar partakes in the most important of which is hospitals in The Ministry of Public Health NEW physical distancing by staying telemeeting of Arab RECOVERIES 179 GLOBALLY COVID-19 fight (MoPH) yesterday announced at home and avoiding social culture ministers 1,526 new confirmed cases of ACTIVE TOTAL POSITIVE visits. All the new infected cases COVID-19, and 179 new CASES 22,116 have been quarantined where Doha: The State of Qatar par- QNA — PARIS recovered cases, bringing the 4,215,514 they are receiving the necessary ticipated on Monday in the total number of recoveries in NEW CASES medical care. extraordinary meeting of the Min- ANNOUNCED Ambassador of the State of Qatar to 3,019. 1,526 TOTAL DEATHS The Ministry of Public isters of Cultural Affairs in the Qatar to the French Republic, The total number of positive TOTAL 287,809 Health recently launched a Arab World organised by ALECSO H E Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al COVID-19 cases recorded in RECOVERIES 3,019 community study to learn more through video conferencing. Thani has provided support to Qatar to date stands at 25,149. TOTAL RECOVERED about how the COVID-19 is During the meeting, Qatar's Min- TOTAL the “Paris Hospital Authority” There are 22,116 active cases transmitted within the com- ister of Culture and Sports, H E DEATHS 14 1,471,496 Association (APHP), and its under treatment. So far, 14 munity and cases of infection Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, touched medical staff in their difficult people have died from the coro- that do not show symptoms. on the experience of the State of battle against the COVID-19. navirus in Qatar. were previously infected, in among citizens and residents, The reasons for the high Qatar in the cultural, youth and The move comes as a con- The Ministry conducted addition to recording new cases as a result of contact with numbers of new cases are due to sports fields to face the chal- tinuation of the solidarity cam- 4,250 tests yesterday, taking the of infection among groups of infected family members, who the Ministry’s redoubling of its lenges posed by the coronavirus paign launched by the Embassy total number of tests done so workers in different regions, had been infected with their efforts in tracking the transitional (COVID-19) crisis. The meeting of the State of Qatar to the far to 135,294. during investigations con- roles in the workplace or chains of the virus and expanding dealt with the direct effects of French Republic, and an The Ministry clarified that ducted by the research and through visits and family gath- the circle of searching for the emerging crisis of the coro- encouragement of the efforts of the new cases are due to investigation teams of the Min- erings . infected people through intensive navirus outbreak on the cultural the medical sector to fight the persons from the expatriate istry, which contributed to early The Ministry said high and proactive investigations of sector, the most important pre- spread of the virus in French labour force who were infected detection of cases. number of infections among cit- large numbers of contacts with cautionary measures taken by society and care for the infected. with the virus as a result of Cases of infection with the izens and residents is due to people who have been confirmed the Arab countries to confront The support comes within contact with individuals who virus have also increased lack of compliance by some with the virus recently. this crisis and plans for the post- the framework of the contin- epidemic stage. - QNA uation of the existing cooper- ation between the State of Qatar and the Parisian Hos- MoCI eases restrictions Qatar’s envoy pital Authority, which includes for several years assistance participates in programs, cooperation, on restaurants, cafés training of doctors, and Maduro's press exchange of expertise. THE PENINSULA — DOHA located in malls are exempted The Qatari Embassy in from this decision and are briefing virtually Paris provided daily meals for The Ministry of Commerce and allowed to only process delivery the front lines of medical Industry (MoCI) has issued orders. The exempted outlets QNA — CARACAS cadres, doctors, nurses and Circular No. 22 of 2020 on are prohibited from handing paramedics for several days easing restrictions on the activ- over orders to customers both Ambassador of the State of in a row, where the Paris Hos- ities of restaurants and cafés. inside and outside the Qatar to the Bolivarian pital Authority Association dis- This came, in line with the workplace. Republic of Venezuela, H E tributed meals to the medical previously adopted decisions All restaurants and cafés Rashid bin Mohsen Fetais, has staff at Bicetre Hopital and measures to curb the shall fully comply with the pol- participated in a video press Hospital. spread of COVID-19, and in icies and the measures that conference of H E President The meals that have been order to protect the health and should be taken in the work- Nicolas Maduro of the Boli- distributed carried the solidarity safety of citizens and place and staff housing, in order varian Republic of Venezuela, slogan launched by H E the residents. to protect employees and limit during which he presented Ambassador, titled “Solidarity” Restaurants and cafés the spread of the coronavirus. new matters regarding the of the State of Qatar with the (coffee shops) have been Violators of the decision will failed maritime incursion. French Republic, as an allowed to resume delivering face legal accountability. The The press conference was expression of solidarity with all or handing over orders to cus- Ministry will intensify inspection attended by ambassadors healthcare workers who are tomers outside the business campaign to ensure compliance accredited to Venezuela, and a sacrificing to fight the place. with this decision and to crack number of Venezuelan ambas- pandemic. Restaurants and cafés down on any violations. sadors around the world. Telecom sector successfully met COVID-19 challenges: CRA President

QNA — DOHA high-quality telecom services during these exceptional cir- President of the Communica- cumstances. He pointed out tions Regulatory Authority that, the service providers have (CRA), H E Mohammed Ali Al doubled the speed of the fixed Mannai, has affirmed that the internet connections, as part of telecommunications sector in CRAs initiative to help cus- Qatar has demonstrated great tomers to cope with more con- technical and business capacity gested networks. in dealing with the repercus- This measure was bene- sions of the novel coronavirus ficial, so that in March the (COVID-19) crisis. He added average download speed was that the sector, with all its 95 Mbits, which is well above components, was able to the global average (75 Mbits). CRA President, H E Mohammed successfully deal with the The speed of the mobile Ali Al Mannai changes imposed by the current Internet connections which situation. reached 78 Mbits, is also well In an interview with QNA, of Transport and Communica- above the global average (30 he said that since the outbreak tions (MoTC), the Ministry of the Mbits), he said adding that this of the coronavirus crisis in Interior (MOI), and the Per- information demonstrates the Qatar, CRAs first priority was manent Committee for Emer- quality of the networks in Qatar ensuring telecom networks gency, to develop appropriate which are coping well with technical and business conti- plans and processes to antic- these exceptional nuity. This was crucial to keep ipate disasters, he added. circumstances. essential services running Thanks to these constant He noted that both service without affecting the quality of efforts, the service providers providers, Ooredoo Qatar and service provided to the con- are handling additional traffic Vodafone Qatar, have doubled sumers, which continued to without affecting the quality of the speed of fixed Internet for benefit from the best possible the services provided to existing residential customers quality of service and price. In consumers. and doubled the mobile data for addition, measures were intro- The CRA is also continu- residential and business cus- duced to guarantee that the ously communicating with the tomers, free of additional employees relevant for service providers to monitor the charges, in addition to having ensuring the technical and status of their networks, he said. made an effort to connect more business continuity are pro- The President of CRA noted customers to the Internet tected and stay healthy. that service providers were services, either waiving the He added that the CRA con- highly cooperative and have connection fees or introducing tinues to engage with the demonstrated a strong com- new affordable mobile service providers, the Ministry mitment to the provision of broadband services. Zakat Al Fitr is Ministries provide computers to QR15 for each quarantined Mekaines Labor City

individual THE PENINSULA — DOHA FROM PAGE 1 communicate with their fam- ilies and friends in their According to Islamic tra- The Ministry of Administrative countries. dition (Sunnah), Ibn ‘Umar said Development, Labor and Social Pamphlets about the that the Prophet Muhammad Affairs and Ministry of awareness of coronavirus in a (PBUH) made Zakat Al Fitr Transport and Communica- number of languages were also compulsory on every slave, tions in cooperation with Qatar distributed among the workers freeman, male, female, young Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and they were educated about and old among the Muslims; have provided 1,136 computers the State's preventive and pre- one Saa of dried dates or one to quarantined Mekaines Labor cautionary measures to curb Saa of barley. City under ‘Better Connections’ the spread of COVID-19. Those wishing to pay Zakat initiative. Better Connections is a Al Fitr can proceed to the main The computers will enable social integration initiative for collection offices. the workers in quarantine to migrant workers in Qatar. WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 HOME 03 Cuba proud to contribute 730 health workers to COVID-19 fight in Qatar

SIDI MOHAMED Special thanks to the Ministry of "What is at stake is not only THE PENINSULA Public Health, for the seriousness with the individual health of each one of us, but also that of our The Ambassador of Cuba to which they have been handling this family members and of society Qatar, H E Eumelio Caballero epidemic and the quality of the medical as a whole. Rodríguez, has said that Cuba "The longer this situation is proud to contribute 730 assistance that is being offered to the infected continues, the more we will health professionals to Qatar’s people, which is reflected, among other things, suffer and the more the eco- fight against COVID-19 nomic and social life of the outbreak. in the high number of patients recovered and country will be affected.” “Cuba, whose historical the low number of deaths reported." The Ambassador empha- relations of friendship and sised that the Qataris, like the cooperation with the State of Cubans, are very lucky to have Qatar are well known, is proud a responsible government, to be able to contribute 730 distancing in all over the world to share with them the familiar which spares no effort and health professionals to the fight due to COVID-19 pandemic. and friendly gatherings of Iftar resources, when it comes to that the government of Qatar is “In our case, for the officials and Suhoor, either in hotels, taking care of the people’s carrying out against the pan- of the Embassy of Cuba in Qatar, other social places or in their health. Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar, H E Eumelio Caballero Rodríguez demic, including all the per- the situation will not be dif- majlises, thus allowing me to "Special thanks to the Min- sonnel of the Cuban Hospital of ferent from that of Qatari cit- appreciate the spiritual life and istry of Public Health, for the Dukhan, which was converted izens and Muslim expatriates, great human values of the with your friends and beloved being taken by the Qatari seriousness with which they into a hospital center for the since all of us should strictly Muslim religion.” ones to enjoy friendship and authorities to protect all of us,” have been handling this epi- assistance of COVID-19 respect the protocols in force to “Although this year I am not spiritual atmosphere that char- the Ambassador said. demic and the quality of the patients,” said the protect our health,” the Ambas- participating in these nice and acterise the Holy Month of He further said that, “We medical assistance that is Ambassador. sador said. sensible traditional Ramadan Ramadan,” he said. must have a sense of responsi- being offered to the infected In a statement to The Speaking about how pre- gatherings, we are going In this regard, “I take the bility and enough conscience to people, which is reflected, Peninsula, Eumelio Caballero vious Ramadan was different through a very unique expe- opportunity to make a fervent understand that we are facing among other things, in the high said that the Holy month of compared to this year, he said, rience which allows us to draw appeal to all Qatari citizens and an invisible enemy and we all number of patients recovered Ramadan is special this year “Last year, we received many out conclusion that it is not nec- expatriates residing here to fully have to contribute to its defeat and the low number of deaths due to necessary social invitations from Qatari friends essary to be in physical contacts support the successful measures as soon as possible. reported." Municipalities Sheikh Hamad Award extends deadline to August 15 QA Cargo boosts continue food capacity for QNA — DOHA to give an opportunity for trans- Doha in 2015. It is an interna- creativity, uphold the highest inspection drive lators from around the world tional prize run by a board of moral and ethical standards, Scandinavian The Steering Committee of to compete in the award trustees, a steering committee and spread the values of THE PENINSULA — DOHA Sheikh Hamad Award for categories. and independent panels of diversity, pluralism and cities Translation and International For this year, SHATIU chose judges. openness. FROM PAGE 1 The municipal inspectors have Understanding (SHATIU) has the Persian language as a The total value of the award The Award also aspires to recorded a number of viola- extended deadline for submis- second major language is $2m. The Award seeks to inculcate a culture of On Sunday, the cargo tions of some provisions of sions for the sixth edition of the alongside English, and chose honour translators and knowledge and dialogue, carrier announced to health rules at the food outlets award until August 15, 2020. five new languages in the acknowledge their role in promote Arab and Islamic introduce an air bridge during ongoing inspection In a statement yesterday, achievement category, which strengthening the bonds of culture, develop international between Vietnam and France. campaigns for the holy month the Committee noted that its are: Pashto, Bengali, Swedish, friendship and cooperation understanding, and encourage Through this arrangement, of Ramadan. decision considered the condi- Korean and Hausa. amongst peoples and nations mature cross-cultural inter- eleven Boeing 777 freighters The Health Monitoring tions the world is going through Sheikh Hamad Award for of the world. action between Arabic and will operate from Hanoi in the Section of Al Sheehaniya as a result of the coronavirus Translation and International It hopes to reward merit other world languages through month of May and four weekly Municipality took action (COVID-19) pandemic in order Understanding was founded in and excellence, encourage the medium of translation. freight-only Boeing 777 pas- against 15 food outlets senger aircraft will operate including groceries and from Ho Chi Minh City until eateries for running without Ooredoo delivers June for its customer, Bollore licenses in labour camps at Al Logistics. Zabra, said the Ministry of Ramadan gifts In April, Qatar Airways Municipality and Environment Cargo had introduced freighter (MME) in release. to Ehsan Centre flights to Australia that brought The legal action was taken the combined weekly capacity against the violators. The in and out of Australia to more municipal inspectors at Al THE PENINSULA — DOHA than 550 tonnes. Sheehaniya Municipality are With global air freight conducting inspection cam- Qatar’s leading telecommuni- capacity declining, Qatar paigns on a daily basis to cations operator announced Airways Cargo has increased ensure the outlets are com- yesterday that it has delivered operations to ensure the con- plying with the law. Ramadan gifts to the Ehsan tinuity of global trade and The Health Monitoring Centre as part of its CSR movement of essential medical Section of Doha Municipality programme, in spite of the and aid supplies. The airline conducted 220 inspection logistical challenges presented continues to operate a signif- campaigns on food outlets by the ongoing COVID-19 icant cargo schedule with across the municipality during outbreak. almost 175 flights per day. past two days. Ooredoo arranged delivery It has worked closely with The municipal inspectors of the gifts to the Ehsan Centre, governments and NGOs to recorded 16 violations most of the Centre for Elderly empow- transport over 100,000 tonnes them were related to carrying erment and Care, in order to of medical and aid supplies to activities which were not continue its longstanding tra- impacted regions around the Officials of Ooredoo and Ehsan Centre during the event. allowed under outlets' com- dition of carrying out CSR activ- world on both scheduled and mercial registration. ities in the community during charter services. To continue Other violations include Ramadan. All necessary pre- the event: “This visit was the work, not just during Ramadan, responsibility strategy is at the to fulfil demand the Group’s operating workers without cautions were taken to ensure ideal way for us to show our but also throughout the year. heart of our operations, and we cargo division is also utilising health certificates and taking the safety of delivery staff and gratitude to, and appreciation We are proud to do what we are determined to continue to passenger aircraft to carry food items without details of gift recipients. and respect for, our elders. We can to continue our CSR pro- support our local communities freight-only to destinations in the products. Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, would also like to thank all gramme in these difficult times. during the Holy Month of China, Europe, India and the The Municipality issued Director PR at Ooredoo, said of Ehsan Centre staff for their hard Our corporate social Ramadan in any way we can.” Middle East. administrative decisions to close three food outlets — two restaurants in Bin Mahmoud and a grocery in Industrial Night-time vegetable markets Area. The Health Monitoring Section of Al Shamal Munici- pality conducted 22 inspection popular with customers campaigns on shops and food outlets across the municipality THE PENINSULA — DOHA according to the action plan for the holy month of The winter vegetable markets which are operating at night during the holy month Ramadan. of Ramadan, have attracted a large number of customers. The municipal inspectors Over 3,556 tonnes of vegetables were sold out at the winter vegetable markets checked 47 slaughtered located in Al Sheehaniya, Al Mazrouha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor-Al Zakhira and Al animals at Al Shamal Slaugh- Shamal in April, said the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in a statement. terhouse and 3,150kg fish at The markets open from 7:30pm to 12 midnight seven days a week throughout fish market. The inspectors the holy month of Ramadan. As much as 847 tonnes of fruits and 16.5 tonnes of also ensured the implemen- local fish were also sold at the markets in the last month. tation of health rules and pre- The markets also sold 1,516 country chickens and 2,396 carats eggs. As much ventive and precautionary as 310 kg honey also sold out at the markets. The winter vegetable market at Al measures at food outlets. Mazrouah sold 2,396 head of goats and sheep in April. MME urges adherence to law prohibiting workers’ camps in family residential areas

QNA — DOHA The Ministry said in workers' gatherings in families' resi- case of any inquiries or dential areas in the city of Al Khor. The Ministry of Municipality and Envi- These campaigns resulted in the ronment (MME) called yesterday on comments, people can issuance of 72 violation tickets and owners and tenants of real estate, contact the unified call 72 warnings in accordance with the citizens and residents, to adhere to provisions of law No. (15) of 2010 on the provisions of the Law prohibiting center on 184. the prohibition of workers camps workers housing camps within family within family residential areas residential areas, and the ministerial amended by Law No 22 of 2019. decision defining family residential Ministerial Decision No. (105) of 2020 The Ministry said these inspection areas and to clear all violating defining family residential areas and campaigns will continue on a daily basis workers’ housing in order to avoid what is considered workers camps to restrict and evacuate the workers’ legal accountability. within those areas, in addition to housing gatherings within the geo- The Ministry stated that in case of determining those excluded from this graphical range of Al Khor and Al Dha- any inquiries or comments, people decision. Al Khor and Al Dhakhira khira Municipality, noting that 20 houses can contact the unified call center on Municipality represented by the Tech- were vacated by the tenants and owners 184 or via its website or Aoun nical Control Section of the Municipal after the issuance of the recent minis- application. Control Department implemented terial decision defining the areas of fam- In a related context, and based on intensive inspection campaigns on ilies housing in the municipalities. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 CAM-QU conducts e-seminar to discuss QRCS, QFFD sign MoU material sciences and COVID-19 crisis to support displaced

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Al Nuaimi periodic measurements at the Syrians in Idlib Center. — DOHA Qatar University’s Center for detailed the Dr. Kamel Eid, a researcher THE PENINSULA Al-Kuwari. “We seek to build Advanced Materials (CAM-QU) most important at the Center, shed light on col- their capacity to withstand the organized an e-seminar to laboration with Dr. Abu Bakr Qatar Red Crescent Society impact of the crisis, establish discuss the materials sciences, challenges facing Abdullah, another researcher (QRCS) and Qatar Fund for peace and justice, and ensure a engineering and the novel modern societies at Center, to desalinate drinking Development (QFFD) have better future for them”. COVID-19 crisis via WebEx on water using capacitive tech- signed a memorandum of He noted that the project is Sunday. in general in nology to remove different salt understanding (MoU) to provide related to the health sector, a Dr. Nasser bin Abdullah Al ions. The method uses new lifesaving medical support for main focus of QFFD. It is Juffali Al Nuaimi, Director of confronting similar carbon nanomaterials inlaid Syrian children and women important not only because it (CAM-QU), started the opening circumstances with ultra-fine materials to under the Quest Health Initiative. provides primary health care session with remarks on mate- desalinate seawater by using The $4m MoU was signed by services, but also because it rials sciences and their impor- such as COVID-19 electricity produced at the Khalifa bin Jassem Al Kuwari. focuses on medical support and tance in various areas. He also pandemic. Center. Director General of QFFD, and capacity-building to save the shed light on the role of the The patent right has been Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Sec- lives of Syrian children and Center in building a sustainable registered in the United States. retary-General of QRCS. The women. community through con- Dr. Nasser bin Abdullah Al Juffali Al Nuaimi, Director of CAM– QU Dr. Abdullah also gave a short signing ceremony was attended Al Hammadi commended fronting the challenges brought brief clarifying the effectiveness by officials from both parties. the strategic partnership by this pandemic. Whether in most important challenges companies. of scientific research in general In his remarks, Al Kuwari between QRCS and QFFD, which terms of advice, education, facing modern societies in He also commented on the and the importance of materials said, “We value the ongoing grew over the years and trans- training and guidance for the general in confronting similar current collaboration with the science in the prevention and efforts by our strategic partner, lated into numerous humani- Qatari community or the circumstances such as this pan- Qatar Electricity and Water protection from the novel QRCS, to make these projects tarian interventions in countries planning and implementation demic. He appreciated the col- Company, represented by its COVID-19. possible in spite of the compli- affected by disasters and con- at the academic and research laboration with various institu- General Manager and Man- He also pointed to the latest cated situation on the ground. flicts. These operations helped levels locally and tions and companies within aging Director Eng. Fahd Al research proposals and efforts We at QFFD are proud of our millions of affected and dis- internationally. Qatar and beyond including Muhannadi. The Center has addressing coronavirus partnership with QRCS in pro- placed persons and made a dif- Dr. Al Nuaimi detailed the international universities and established a water tech- detection and treatment, as well viding aid across the board, ference in their lives, particularly nology unit to mutually as the expected timeframe for towards the Sustainable Devel- in Middle East countries like benefit from the Center’s developing a vaccine or opment Goals (SDGs) and com- Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Iraq. research potentials and the treatment for COVID-19. prehensive development of “This project is inspired by Company’s capabilities and Prof. Syed Zaidi, QAFAC needy countries”. the State of Qatar’s firm com- support in areas of water Chair and Professor of “This support falls under the mitment towards our Syrian desalination. Chemical Engineering at the Quest Health Initiative, a brothers and sisters,” said Al Cooperation would be Center, discussed the role and program launched by QFFD to Hammadi. “It builds on QRCS’s through the currently applied importance of technology in help our affected Syrian humanitarian contributions for technologies, or by introducing dealing with COVID-19 for brothers and sisters both in the benefit of displaced Syrians new water desalination water treatment. Syria and in the host neigh- and the Syrian refugees in methods which are cost- Dr. Zaidi also discussed the boring countries,” said Mr. neighboring countries." effective and more efficient. It new initiative of the Center for would also ensure the efficiency the establishment of Water of the methods currently used Technology Unit, which will QNTC offers online tourism to produce, store drinking water help build capacity and local and their compliance with local expertise to support water certification program to residents A file photo of Qatar University building. and international quality spec- desalination and treatment ifications by conducting industry in Qatar. FROM PAGE 1 The initiative is part of a coordinated effort by the Council to launch a series of programs and workshops to build local capacity Ashghal completes construction works on roads in the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. QNTC Secretary General and Qatar Airways Group Chief Exec- utive, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “As Qatar continues to develop surrounding new Umm Al Juwashin petrol station its tourism industry, we are seeking the best and brightest indi- viduals to join us on this remarkable journey. In the coming years, THE PENINSULA — DOHA Stadium, which is one of the sta- we will require a constant stream of talented professionals that diums hosting 2022 FIFA World are trained and up to date with the latest industry practices. We The Public Works Authority Cup. are therefore very pleased to offer this unique opportunity to pro- (Ashghal) has announced the Eng. Al Marri added that the fessionals from any career background who wish to enhance their completion of the construction completion of construction skills, advance their careers, and join a field that showcases our of the roads surrounding the works on the roads surrounding country to the world.” recently-opened Umm Al Umm Al Juwashin petrol station Launched in September 2019, UNWTO Online Academy is the Juwashin petrol station, located has gained more importance world’s first online tourism academy, meeting a mounting demand on the intersection of Al Majd after the opening of the petrol for flexible career development programs. Road with Dukhan Road and station, since the new roads To qualify for the Certification Program, interested individuals between Umm Al Juwashin and cater to the needs of the must first complete the Academy’s free introductory program. Umm Al Afaei Interchanges. The increasing number of vehicles QNTC will then select the top 10 candidates from the intro- recently-completed 4km of on Al Majd Road and Dukhan ductory program to be eligible for certification, a more compre- roads will provide safe access Road, as well as provide safe hensive program including a course on Fundamentals of Tourism to the petrol station for access to the station. Industry Management. motorists. Furthermore, Ashghal has Scholars will learn about the latest trends in tourism industry Eng. Rashed Al Marri, Project installed 93 street lighting poles, management, including Strategy, Digital Marketing, Operations, Engineer in the Roads Projects and conducted road markings Finance and Innovation and Digital Transformation—amounting Department, pointed out Ash- and road signs work, in addition to approximately 48 hours of online education that can be com- ghal’s keenness to accelerate the opening. The completed works Jeehaniya area, Jery Al Daby to interlock works. The project pleted at an enrollee’s chosen pace. delivery of the roads surrounding serve roads users in Umm Al area, Al Duhailiyat area and Leh- has also included the con- To be eligible for one the scholarships offered by QNTC, inter- Umm Al Juwashin petrol station Juwashin area, as well as the sainiya area, and accommodate struction of roadside ditches for ested individuals should enroll in Introduction to Tourism Industry and the completion of works areas in close proximity such as: the traffic of those heading to surface water drainage and a Management by May 31, 2020. Selected scholars will be announced ahead of the petrol station’s Umm Al Afaei area, Rawdat Al Mall of Qatar and to Al Rayyan water lagoon. in mid-June. GMC Qatar offers brand’s freshest 2020 lineup with starting price of QR89,900

THE PENINSULA — DOHA This Ramadan, customers customers and encourage social personnel for all customer looking to take home the new distancing during these unprec- queries. In addition, customers GMC Middle East alongside its 2020 Terrain, Acadia, the edented times, GMC is offering can request test drives, and local partners in Qatar, Mannai imposing Yukon or the leg- shoppers a fully virtual buying have the vehicle delivered to Autos, are celebrating the holy endary Sierra pick-up truck can experience complete with mul- their home to try it out before month of Ramadan by now easily celebrate the ease tiple digital touchpoints — such making the purchase. re-opening and offering the and comfortable online as digital communication Daniella D’Souza, Head of diverse range of the GMC shopping experience through through a number of messaging, Brand GMC Middle East, said: premium vehicles with starting various channels. voice calls and video confer- “The Holy Month of Ramadan, price of only QR89,900. To further support encing applications with sales is an occasion for us to get closer to the Qatari community and celebrate together the month of generosity. More than ever, this year, the safety of our customers and staff is our biggest priority. With the support of our long-standing dealer in Qatar, Mannai Autos, this Ramadan we are providing our customers a fresh 2020 line-up that they can virtually purchase to limit unnecessary face-to-face contact, thanks to This Ramadan, a mind-blowing starting from our digital buying customers looking to price of QAR 119,900 plus experience.” available in-house financing. Customers can also take home the new Customers who will now own benefit from a free service 2020 Terrain, Acadia, this incredible SUV can also and maintenance for up to 5 the imposing Yukon benefit from 4 years’ roadside years or 100,000 KMs or the legendary assistance and 3 years or (whichever is reached first) 60,000 km (whichever comes on Denali trims. Not just that, Sierra pick-up truck first) free service and customers can take advantage can now easily maintenance. of the 4 years’ roadside celebrate the ease In compliance with Qatar assistance. To further facil- and comfortable Government’s directives on itate the purchase, customers safety and social distancing, can benefit from the in-house online shopping strict hygiene measures and finance and flexible payment experience through contactless procedures are plans too. various channels. carefully being followed to Pick-up truck lovers will be ensure the safety of customers happier than ever as Mannai has and the dealers’ staff. now made available the full and All-New 2020 GMC Acadia For more information, cus- range of the most iconic pick-up is equipped with the latest tech- tomers can reach out to Mannai trucks. nologies and GMC’s top of the Automotive hotline Last but not least, the bold range infotainment system with 800-1808. WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 MIDDLE EAST 05

Iran holds funeral Turkey accuses 5 nations of forming ‘alliance of evil’ for 19 sailors AGENCIES — ANKARA Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami unsettled Libya and destroyed the Iran-aligned Houthi martyred in Yemen." movement. It reduced its Turkey yesterday accused Aksoy said the five countries were pursuing The UAE did not immedi- presence in Yemen last year but navy accident Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, France “regional chaos and instability” in the eastern ately respond to Cavusoglu's remains a member of that and the United Arab Emirates criticism. alliance. AP — TEHRAN of seeking to form an “alliance Mediterranean and sacrificing Libyans’ “hope Ties between Turkey and Cavusoglu also accused the of evil” after these countries for democracy for the reckless aggression of the United Arab Emirates have UAE of supporting Al Shabab Iran held a funeral yesterday issued a joint declaration dictators.” been strained by Ankara's militants in Somalia, where for 19 sailors killed when a denouncing Ankara’s policies support for Qatar after four Turkey has a military base and missile fired during an Iranian in the eastern Mediterranean Arab countries including the is training Somali troops. military training exercise this and Libya. UAE imposed sanctions on The UAE had trained hun- week mistakenly struck a In a strongly-worded Mediterranean, as well as the Cavusoglu told Turkish broad- Doha in 2017 over its alleged dreds of Somali troops since naval vessel, the state TV statement, Turkish Foreign situation in Libya. caster Akit TV that the United support for Islamist militants, 2014 as part of an effort reported. Ministry spokesman Hami The five nations denounced Arab Emirates, along with Egypt which Qatar denies. boosted by an African Union The ceremony took place Aksoy said the five countries what they said was Turkey’s and other countries he did not In Libya, where the UN says military mission to defeat an at a naval base in the south- were pursuing “regional chaos sixth attempt in less than a year name, were "trying to desta- it has supplied aircraft and mil- Islamist insurgency until western port city of Chah- and instability” in the eastern to “illegally conduct drilling bilise the whole region", but he itary vehicles to Haftar, the Somalia disbanded the pro- bahar, about 1,400km Mediterranean and sacrificing operations in Cyprus’ maritime singled out Abu Dhabi for par- UAE called on all parties last gramme in 2018. southeast of the capital, Libyans’ “hope for democracy zones.” ticular criticism. month to commit to a UN- He made his comments after Tehran. for the reckless aggression of Turkey has dispatched "If you are asking who is supervised political process to the foreign ministry in Ankara Mourning families and rel- dictators.” warship-escorted vessels off destabilising this region, who is end the war. condemned Monday's statement atives of the killed soldiers, The foreign ministers of the Cyprus to drill for gas, insisting bringing chaos, then we would The United Arab Emirates by the five countries, and along with military and gov- five countries held a telecon- that it’s acting to protect its say Abu Dhabi without any hes- was also a leading power in an accused France of "attempting ernment officials, attended the ference on Monday to discuss interests. itation," he said. "It is a reality alliance which intervened in to be the patron of this axis of ceremony, the report said. the situation in the eastern Foreign Minister Mevlut that they are the force that Yemen five years ago against malice". The bungled training exer- cises took place on Sunday in the waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The missile Turkey sends medical hit the navy vessel Konarak off the port of Jask in the Gulf of Oman. The Konarak, a Hend- supplies to Balkan ijan-class support ship taking part in the exercise, came too close to a target and the missile countries and Peru struck it, state TV had said. The Konarak had been putting ANATOLIA — ANKARA Airbase for Republic of North targets out for other ships to Macedonia and Albania,” the attack. A Turkish military plane ministry had said on Twitter. Fifteen Iranian sailors were carrying medical supplies Foreign Minister Mevlut also wounded in the incident, arrived in North Macedonia Cavusoglu last week said some which raised new questions yesterday to support the coun- two-thirds of the nations of the about the readiness of the try’s battle against the corona- world requested medical sup- Islamic Republic’s armed forces virus pandemic. plies from Turkey to fight coro- amid heightened tensions with “Turkish Armed Forces air- navirus, and nearly half of these US, just months after they acci- craft carrying medical supplies requests were met. dentally shot down a Ukrainian for use against COVID-19 has The countries included the jetliner near Tehran, killing all arrived at Republic of North worst-hit ones such as the US, 176 people onboard. Macedonia,” the Turkish Italy, Spain, and the UK, while Iran regularly holds exer- Defence Ministry said on Turkey remains the world’s third- cises in the Gulf of Oman, Twitter. largest provider of humanitarian which is close to the Strait of Earlier in the day, the air- aid during the pandemic. Turkish Ambassador to Skopje, Hasan Mehmet Sekizkok; North Macedonia Deputy Minister of Labor Hormuz, the narrow mouth of craft left from the capital North Macedonia has and Social Policies, Gonul Bayraktar, and other officials welcome Turkish military cargo plane carrying the Persian Gulf through which Ankara to carry medical reported 1,664 cases and 91 medical aid at Skopje International Airport in Skopje, North Macedonia, yesterday. 20 percent of the world’s oil equipment to North Macedonia deaths so far, according to data trade passes. and Albania. compiled by John Hopkins Uni- is battling the coronavirus TIKA in a statement said significance of cooperation while President Donald Trump “Turkish Armed Forces air- versity in the US. In Albania, pandemic. Peru’s Foreign Minister Gustavo combating the outbreak and withdrew the US from craft, carrying the medical sup- there are 872 cases of virus, The Turkish Cooperation Meza-Cuadra and Tumbes expressed his gratitude to Turkey Tehran’s nuclear deal with plies prepared at the direction with 31 deaths. and Coordination Agency Regional Governor Wilmer for its support. The medical sup- world powers two years ago, of President Recep Tayyip Meanwhile, Turkey’s state- (TIKA) in cooperation with Florentino Dios Benites attended plies are to be used to provide launching a maximum Erdogan by Turkish Red run aid agency also sent Peruvian International Coop- the handover ceremony of the necessary health care for the pressure campaign against Crescent (Kizilay) for use medical supplies to Peru yes- eration Agency (APCI) sent medical supplies. people living in the region, espe- Iran that has recently pushed against the COVID-19 outbreak, terday to help the South medical supplies to the Regional Speaking at the ceremony, cially patients admitted to the two countries to the brink took off from Ankara Etimesgut American country as the world Hospital of Tumbes. Meza-Cuadra stressed the intensive care units of an all-out conflict. Lebanon to shut down again Turkish nurse defiant after beating coronavirus for another ANATOLIA — ANKARA But that morning was beverages, while family negative twice for the virus, she help patients in need. daifferent than usual as she still members were vigilant as well,” rushed back to her employer, Turkey’s Health Ministry has four days The struggle of health personnel felt tired and experienced a loss she said. “They would leave the urging her superiors to re-assign registered nearly 140,000 coro- often goes unnoticed by many, of smell and taste — symptoms items at the door and leave. Then her to coronavirus patients. navirus cases so far, with recov- REUTERS — BEIRUT who see it as part of their job. common among coronavirus I’d take them inside.” But she was turned down as eries nearing 96,000. The But it is perhaps high time that patients. Although not suffering from coronavirus cases had signifi- authorities have eased corona- Lebanon’s government has we paid more attention to the “I requested a coronavirus test any major health problems, cantly declined in Turkey and virus measures while travel bans ordered most of the country sacrifices and commitment they on April 14 and it was positive,” Serife had nightmares about her efforts were no longer in many major cities continue to shut down again for four demonstrate amid the corona- she said, adding it was likely that death for a brief period. She said required in that field and she along with weekend curfews. days, effective yesterday, as it virus pandemic. she caught the coronavirus while she was aware that she was was transferred to another Serife called on people to seeks to ward off a corona- The medical labour force working on virus duty as she lived unlikely to die from the virus department of the hospital. remain committed to adhering virus resurgence after easing working at the frontlines and alone and had almost no contact but could not help questioning Serife explained her moti- to the measures suggested by the some restrictions. risking infection deserve nothing with other people. the possibility for a while. vation to return to virus duty Health Ministry such as social The country has been less than respect, including Upon learning of her con- Her constant contact with with a single word: “empathy.” isolation and stay-at-home pol- under lockdown since mid- Serife Tabak, a 24-year-old dition, health authorities family members and passion for “Our job requires one to have icies while paying extra attention March to rein in an outbreak Turkish nurse who caught the quickly moved to provide drawing kept her mind busy an occupational conscience and to wearing gloves and masks that has infected 870 people virus and upon recovering asked essential medical care. and eased the recovery process, to adopt an understanding when going outside. and killed 26. Lebanon started her superiors to be reassigned “I was referred to a hospital which was assisted by a primary based on empathy. After all, the “Let us not think this disease lifting restrictions last week to the virus duty. right away and stayed there for care physician on call 24/7. person in intensive care could is done,” she warned, adding as part of a longer-term plan, On April 12, following a four days. Then I was told to self- “I was not in a terrible situ- be me or somebody I love.” She collective irresponsibility could letting restaurants, hair tiresome shift, Serife returned isolate at home. I got discharged ation and had seen much worse went on to say that she was trigger a second wave of salons, construction sites and home with pain in her back and and went straight home,” she cases (on duty),” she said. inspired by the courage of her infection among the people - an others re-open at lower legs and went to bed to prepare said.“Thank God my colleagues After completing her iso- colleagues who do not hesitate issue recently raised by author- capacity. for the next day. provided me with food and lation period and testing to rush to the frontlines and ities across the globe. But the Cabinet agreed yesterday on the “full closure” for four days to curb a rise in new infections in recent days, Israeli soldier killed after a drop in cases which the government had hailed as a success. during West Bank raid “This achievement is at risk of collapsing” because AP — JERUSALEM completed their mission and some people did not comply were leaving the village of with the guidelines, Prime An Israeli soldier was killed Yaabed when the soldier was Minister Hassan Diab was yesterday morning during a struck. He said the soldier was quoted as saying during the West Bank arrest raid when a wearing a protective helmet meeting. rock thrown off a rooftop struck and was quickly evacuated for Information Minister him in the head, the military medical treatment but later Manal Abdel Samad said the said, capping a surge in violence died of his wounds. four-day closure, which ahead of a visit to the region by Prime Minister Benjamin excludes supermarkets and the US secretary of state. Netanyahu sent condolences to pharmacies, would also allow The military typically the soldier’s family and vowed that teams from the health ministry carries out such predawn raids “Israel’s long arm would reach the to conduct more testing. in the West Bank, occasionally terrorist” behind the attack. She added that the gov- encountering local resistance, Yesterday’s raid was aimed ernment would re-evaluate its but the killing of a soldier is at arresting four Palestinians original five-stage plan for rare and this marked the first wanted for stone-throwing at gradually reopening the military casualty of the year. Israeli vehicles and other recent econaomy. The military said 21-year- attacks. It comes a day after Beirut airport has been old Staff Seargeant Amit Ben- Israeli forces demolished the closed for nearly two months, Yigal was on routine “opera- home of a Palestinian accused except for flights bringing tional activity” near the West of being behind a deadly blast thousands of expatriates Bank city of Jenin when a large in the West Bank last year. home, adding to the rise in Iraq sterilises coronavirus treatment centre rock was thrown off a rooftop The uptick comes as US Sec- infections. and struck him on the head. A retary of State Mike Pompeo is The lockdown already A medical staffer wearing full personal protective equipment performs a sterilisation at the entrance search was on for the attacker. expected to arrive today for a includes an overnight curfew, of an isolated section for coronavirus disease treatment, while a man wearing a face mask stands Lieutenant Colonel quick visit to discuss Israeli plans with security forces patrolling behind the glass pane, at a hotel in the sports city of Iraq’s southern city of Basra. Jonathan Conricus, a military to annex large parts of the West some streets. spokesman, said the forces had Bank as early as this summer. 06 AFRICA WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 42,000 flee violence in northwestern Nigeria AFP — ABIDJAN around Lake Chad, where the Ongoing violence borders of Cameroon, Chad, Over 40,000 people have fled in parts of Niger and Nigeria converge. violence in recent weeks by northwestern Nigeria The area around Diffa, a city armed groups in northwestern of around 200,000 people Nigeria near the border with forced an estimated located near the Nigerian Niger, a region prone to 23,000 people to border, has been repeatedly communal clashes between attacked by fighters of Boko herders and farmers, the UN seek safety and Haram and the Islamic State refugee agency said yesterday. security in Niger last West Africa Province (ISWAP), The UN agency said the ref- a Boko Haram splinter group. ugees, “mainly desperate month,” the UN High The Diffa region shelters women and children”, were Commissioner for more than 300,000 Nigerian being allowed to seek pro- refugees and internally dis- tection in Niger despite border Refugees (UNHCR) placed people. closures as a result of the new said in a statement. Overall, Niger hosts more coronavirus pandemic. than half a million refugees, “Ongoing violence in parts from Mali and Burkina Faso as of northwestern Nigeria well as Nigeria, according to a Migrants in Libya get food aid forced an estimated 23,000 essentially an insurgent army recent UN report. people to seek safety and of thousands. Boko Haram’s insurgency Migrants walk between food packages distributed by UNHCR, following the coronavirus disease security in Niger last month,” The flight to Niger takes the has claimed more than 36,000 outbreak, during the holy month of Ramadan in Tripoli, Libya, yesterday. the UN High Commissioner for total number of refugees lives since it began in north- Refugees (UNHCR) said in a fleeing that part of Nigeria to eastern Nigeria in 2009 and statement. more than 60,000 since the displaced nearly two million “Fearing and fleeing the first influx in April last year, it from their homes. EU renews call for end to Libya violence same insecurity in the border said. Around 4,000 people were areas, an additional 19,000 The latest influx follows killed in Mali, Niger and AFP — BRUSSELS week and Borrell — in a Operation Irini aims to halt Niger nationals have become bloodshed in the Nigerian states Burkina Faso last year in statement issued in the name the flow of arms into Libya, displaced inside their own of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, jihadist violence, which is often The EU yesterday demanded an of all 27 countries — vowed to where the UN-recognised Gov- country,” it added. the agency said. intertwined with inter-com- end to fighting in Libya and said make it work. “The European ernment of National Accord “Those fleeing speak of In the worst single day of munity tensions, according to it was “determined” to enforce Union remains determined to (GNA) in Tripoli is under attack extreme violence unleashed violence, on April 18, bandits a UN estimate. a UN arms embargo on the see the UN arms embargo in from the forces of strongman against civilians, murders, kid- riding more than 100 motor- Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Cam- oil-rich but wartorn state. Libya fully respected,” he said. Khalifa Haftar, who controls nappings for ransom and pil- bikes killed 47 people in coor- eroon and Chad, have set up a As defence ministers from He said further efforts were swathes of the country’s east. laging and looting of villages,” dinated pre-dawn raids on multinational joint task force the 27 EU countries held video needed to “ensure the full and Operation Irini now has a the statement said. several farming villages in aimed at rolling back jihadists talks on the coronavirus pan- effective implementation” of the French frigate patrolling the Gangs of mainly Fulani Katsina State. in the region with the help of demic’s impact on European embargo, particularly through eastern Mediterranean to look for herders, in frequent conflict The bandits were thought local self-defence units. security, the bloc’s foreign Libya’s land and air borders. arms shipments, backed up by with farmers over land and to be members of criminal But Chad, considered the policy chief Josep Borrell Libya has been mired in aerial and satellite surveillance. water rights, started cattle rus- gangs specialising in cattle theft best fighting force in the region, renewed a call to halt the civil chaos since the ouster and But critics have warned that tling and small-scale crimi- and kidnap for ransom in the said last month it would fight war raging in Libya. killing of long-time dictator by focusing on sea shipments, nality decades back. area. jihadists only within its own The EU’s new naval mission Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with the new EU mission may Lately, they have exploited Niger is also beset by borders after suffering heavy to block the flow of arms to rival administrations in the east deprive the Tripoli government a security vacuum to become jihadist violence, notably troop losses. Libya by sea got under way last and west vying for power. of weapons but not Haftar.

Angola police ‘accidentally’ kill Zimbabwe, with China’s help, managing pandemic better ANATOLIA — HARARE John Mangwiro said. The Democratic Republic guidelines, taking from what the allow businesses to start oper- man in social South Africa is the worst of Congo and Tanzania are Chinese did in Wuhan and other ating, but testing of all workers gathering dispersal The Zimbabwean government virus-hit country in the some of the countries in the regions.” is mandatory while a new law is managing the COVID-19 Southern African Development region with high number of He added: “As the gov- that criminalise non-wearing pandemic better than other Community region with 10,652 COVID-19 cases, according to ernment, it’s our duty to let of a mask is now in place. AFP — LUANDA regional countries owing to the confirmed cases, 4,357 recov- the WHO. people know the truth, our After originating in China assistance from China, eries and 206 deaths. But despite its health figures are coming from proper last December, COVID-19 has An Angolan citizen has been according to officials. Zambia confirmed 267 delivery system battling with tests and the results are there spread to at least 187 countries shot dead by police enforcing “We have a good rela- cases, 117 recovered and seven shortages of medical supplies, for all to see.” and regions. Europe and the US social distancing measures tionship with China and the deaths and their graph keeps personal protective equipment Zimbabwe closed its are currently the worst-hit against the coronavirus in the moment we heard about the pointing upwards, while Zim- for health professionals, and borders and airports on March regions. capital Luanda, the government pandemic, we started moni- babwe registered 37 confirmed even salaries for doctors and 30 when it announced its first The pandemic has killed and a witness said. toring closely. cases, 12 recoveries and four nurses, Zimbabwe is doing 21-day lockdown with restricted over 286,300 worldwide, with Antonio Domingos Vulola, “We got medical expert deaths so far. much better. movements and a ban of total infections more than 4.17 21, was gunned down on Sat- advise and some Chinese Zimbabwe maintained a Referring to the reason of church, sports, and leisure million, while recoveries urday after police clashed with handbook, that’s why we clean sheet for an entire week the country’s low numbers, gatherings. exceeded 1.46 million, a group of people caught seem to be doing better than on April 30-May 7, before new Mangwiro said: “All we are The lockdown was later according to figures compiled flouting a nationwide curfew other regional countries,” COVID-19 cases were doing is to follow the World extended for another 14 days by the US’ Johns Hopkins and a ban on social gatherings Deputy Health Minister Dr. recorded again. Health Organizations (WHO) with a relaxed approach to University. in Luanda’s impoverished Huambo neighbourhood. “The citizens showed resistance and set out to attack Ethiopia’s only ventilator the forces of law, throwing sticks stones and bottles,” an interior ministry statement expert races to train said late on Monday. “In defence of their own others as virus spreads physical integrity, law enforcement officers fired REUTERS — ADDIS ABABA respiratory technician being shots that accidentally hit the supervised by him, he added. citizens in question.” The vic- As the coronavirus epidemic Dr Jannicke Mellin-Olsen, tim’s brother said that Vulola gains a foothold in Ethiopia, president of the London-based was shot in the head while Habtamu Kehali’s skills in World Federation of Societies fleeing the scuffle. “The police operating a ventilator may, for of Anaesthesiologists, said arrived and started hitting increasing numbers of patients, doctors and nurses could easily (even) those with masks,” Joao mean the difference between give oxygen to patients using Antonio Vulola recalled. life and death. masks or nasal tubes. “My brother had no mask... As the country’s only respi- But sedating and intubating so he decided to flee and it was ratory therapist, Kehali is them — putting tubes into their from there that the agent shot rushing to train others to run windpipes to push air from a three bullets: one in the air and the machines used to keep ventilator into their lungs — two at my brother’s head, who severely ill COVID-19 patients was far trickier, “particularly died on the spot.” The interior breathing. for COVID patients because ministry has opened an investi- “We only have few patients they have so many pathological gation into the incident. Angola who are under intensive (coro- changes in their lungs,” she told has recorded 43 cases of corona- navirus) care but if the number Reuters. virus, including two deaths. One-of-a-kind volunteer nurse in Nairobi is going to increase there is a “This is advanced and spe- President Joao Lourenco risk that we might see misman- cialised medicine — you can declared a state of emergency in Volunteer nurse, Anita Thumbi (left), who is also an elected Member of County Assembly in the agement of ventilators,” he told easily risk doing more harm March, banning public gath- Nairobi County Government, looks on as a nurse tends to a patient at a facility used to train the public Reuters. than good.” Habtamu has erings and restricting movement on infection prevention and management at a local health centre in Waithaka, a Nairobi suburb “The patient might be toured Ethiopian hospitals to to limit the spread of COVID-19. yesterday, on International Nurses Day. exposed to side-effects such as review their preparedness for infection and die.” Ethiopia has operating ventilators and, since 250 confirmed cases of the the end of March, put 78 other disease, a tally that has almost health workers through two COVID-19 confirmed in UN-run camp in South Sudan doubled over the past eight days of training, condensed days, with five fatalities. from an original one-week AP — JUBA The health ministry’s emer- coronavirus’ spread to refugee camps. The country’s health The World Health Organi- course. gency preparedness manager, and displaced persons’ camps in system relies on NGOs for sation says around five percent “We can see that there is a For the first time, COVID-19 has Dr. Mathew Tut, said the two Africa, the Middle East and Asia almost all health services. of COVID-19 infections are significant gap in the clinical been confirmed in a crowded infected people were South has alarmed health and other aid Most of the infected people severe enough to require application of these machines... civilian protection camp in Sudanese and in their 20s. officials as often remote locations, so far have been treated at intensive care and mechanical We are trying to narrow that South Sudan’s capital, the South Sudan was one of the last travel restrictions and shortages home instead of being isolated ventilation. gap,” he said. United Nations said yesterday, countries in Africa to confirm a of medical supplies make any at the Dr. John Garang Infec- Health Minister Lia Tadesse His trainees can now serve a worrying development in a case of the disease and now has containment and treatment tious Diseases Unit, which the said that Ethiopia had 435 ven- as support staff, but could not country that’s one of the world’s 174. extremely challenging. WHO has said is being tilators and planned to buy operate ventilators with full least prepared for the virus’ As of mid-April more than As of late April, almost none expanded from 24 beds to 80. more, and that around 800 confidence on their own, he spread. 190,000 people were still shel- of the 10 million people packed Last week the South Sudan health professionals could said, and coronavirus-related The UN is aware that the tering in several UN-run civilian into such camps around the world Doctors’ Union expressed operate them. travel restrictions mean health health ministry and World protection camps acraoss South had been tested for the virus. concern over the government’s However, Habtamu said workers from outside the Health Organization have con- Sudan, more than a year after Aid workers in South Sudan decision to partly relax virus only very few had the nec- capital Addis Ababa can no firmed the two cases in the a peace deal ended a five-year have warned there is little more lockdown measures, saying it essary specialist skills. Ethiopia longer attend training. camp in Juba, said Francesca civil war. Nearly 30,000 are than isolation centres in place “does not see urgency” in doing had only 12 students on the “The training is not suffi- Mold, a spokeswoman with the sheltering in Juba. to treat people if the virus so as the number of cases are country’s first course for the cient and we often get this UN mission in South Sudan. The prospect of the begins to spread in the crowded rising. entry-level qualification of feedback,” he said. WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 ASIA 07 India’s PM announces $270bn stimulus package

The package — worth about 10 percent of over 20 million passengers a India’s GDP — came as the country was set day—resumed yesterday. More than 54,000 tickets to mark its 50th day in the world’s biggest for an initial 30 services sold out lockdown as the number of virus cases topped online within three hours on Monday, reports said. 70,000 with 2,200 deaths. Prime Minister Two trains left New Delhi Narendra Modi said the next stage of the on Tuesday afternoon with lockdown, which is due to be lifted on May 18 2,300 people on board. Others left different cities including after being extended twice, “will be different in Mumbai. many ways”. The government has not set out a programme for a time- table beyond May 20, but Modi was due to address to the nation AFP — NEW DELHI bank, Modi said. later Tuesday when he might Finance Minister Nirmala announce a further relaxation India’s Prime Minister Narendra Sitharaman would unveil of lockdown restrictions. Modi unveiled yesterday a further details in the next few There were limited special $270bn stimulus package for days, he added. The gov- train services laid on after the labourers and small businesses ernment credits its strict lockdown was imposed to ferry to boost flagging growth as the shutdown of almost all activity home some of the millions of country grapples with the in the country of 1.3 billion poor migrant workers left impact of the coronavirus and people for limiting the number jobless and destitute by the weeks-long lockdown. of virus cases and deaths. shutdown. The package — worth about But the livelihoods of tens Many people, however, 10 percent of India’s GDP — of millions of people have been Migrant workers travelling atop a truck as they return to their hometowns after the government were forced to walk hundreds came as the country was set to badly hit, particularly the poor eased a nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19, on the outskirts of of kilometres to get home. Some mark its 50th day in the world’s and migrant workers, many of Allahabad, yesterday. died on the way, including 14 biggest lockdown as the number whom have lost their jobs. workers crushed by a goods of virus cases topped 70,000 “Day labourers, migrant said, adding that an late March, which Prime Min- Whole industries have been train in Maharashtra last week. with 2,200 deaths. workers have suffered much in announcement would be also ister Narendra Modi’s gov- devastated from tea plantations Passengers in face masks “This economic package is this period. It is our duty now made in coming days. ernment has credited with to diamond-polishing and there or handkerchiefs over their for India’s self-reliant to do something for them,” the Meanwhile, India’s keeping cases to a modest are fears of food shortages, mouths queued outside New movement. It is for the cottage, prime minister said. enormous railway network ten- 70,000, with around 2,300 while a ban on flights has left Delhi station yesterday, waiting small and medium scale indus- Modi said the next stage of tatively ground back to life yes- deaths. hundreds of thousands of to be screened for coronavirus tries,” Modi said in a televised the lockdown, which is due to terday as a gradual lifting of the But the lockdown, which Indians stranded abroad. symptoms. address. The funding includes be lifted on May 18 after being world’s biggest coronavirus enters its 50th day today, has Restrictions have been Ajay Dewani, a photog- a $2bn relief package extended twice, “will be dif- lockdown gathered pace even torpedoed the economy, steadily eased, however, par- rapher stranded in Ghaziabad announced at the start of the ferent in many ways”. as new cases surged. snatching the livelihoods of tens ticularly in rural areas, and with a ticket for Chattisgarh lockdown in late March and “It will be based on sugges- The country of 1.3 billion of millions of people and hitting some Indian trains — on a state said he walked for four stimulus efforts by the central tions received from states,” he imposed a strict shutdown in the poor the hardest. network which normally carries hours to get to the station. Internet restored in Fire damages 674 shanties in Bangladesh Rohingya camp majority of Kashmir ANATOLIA — DHAKA Commissioner (RRRC) Mahbub and businesses. “The UNHCR “Above 500 of our houses Upazila at around 9 am local. after four days Alam Talukder said. mobilized emergency response were fully damaged and some Four firefighting units from More than 670 makeshift No casualties were reported teams and coordinated with our other houses were partially Ukhia, Rampu, Teknaf and ANATOLIA — SRINAGAR dwellings for Rohingya refugees so far, he said. “The UNHCR [UN partners,” she said, adding that damaged,” Karim added. Cox’s Bazar rushed to the scene in a camp across Bangladesh’s refugee agency] will repair the Rohingya refugees themselves He said: “Five people of us and were able to bring the blaze Indian authorities restored low southern district of Cox’s Bazar damaged tents soon.” had been the first responders. have been wounded during the under control after two hours, the speed internet in majority of were damaged in a fire last Speaking to Anadolu “Thankfully, no loss of life has rescue works. Two or three Daily Star newspaper reported, Kashmir on Monday midnight. morning, according to officials. Agency, UNHCR communi- been reported.” people are still missing.” citing local fire department offi- Mobile telephones and “We’ve been confirmed cation officer in Bangladesh Rahmat Karim, a Rohingya Meanwhile, local media cials. The fire might have orig- internet were shut immedi- about the fire incident and are Louise Donovan said that a total victim whose house was also reports said that at least 100 inated from a gas cylinder, it ately after the killing of Riyaz now assessing the extent of of 312 shelters were destroyed, damaged in the incident, told makeshift tents were damaged said, adding that the extent of Naikoo, operational head of damages officially,” Bangladesh’s with 362 more partially Anadolu Agency that more than in a fire at the Kutupalong losses could not be assessed militant outfit Hizbul Muja- Refugee Relief and Repatriation damaged, as well as small shops 500 houses had been damaged. Rohingya camp in Ukhia immediately. hideen, in southern Kashmir on Wednesday. During the next two days, a civilian was killed and UNSC to discuss violence, several others suffered bullet and gun pellet wounds when coronavirus in Myanmar government forces fired on protesters agitating against Naikoo’s killing in his native AFP — UNITED NATIONS and Arakan Army rebels Beighpora village, police and demanding more autonomy for health officials said. The UN Security Council the state’s ethnic Rakhine (UNSC) will hold a videocon- population. ference to discuss the esca- United Nations Secretary- American pilot lation of violence in Myanmar’s General Antonio Guterres Rakhine state and the effect of strongly condemned the attack. dies after light the coronavirus pandemic in He called for “a full and trans- plane crashes the country, diplomatic sources parent investigation” and for said. the perpetrators to be brought AP — JAYAPURA, INDONESIA The closed-door meeting, to justice, his spokesman said planned for tomorrow, was in a statement. An American pilot died after requested by the UK. The UN The attack came amid her light plane crashed into a envoy for Myanmar, Switzer- increasing calls for a global lake yesterday while deliv- land’s Christine Schraner Bur- ceasefire and protection for ering humanitarian supplies gener, is scheduled to give civilians displaced by the in Indonesia’s easternmost comments. pandemic. province of Papua, police At the end of April, a The last Security Council said. Myanmar government health meeting on Myanmar was in The pilot, Joyce Chaisin Lin, Lockdown scene worker was injured and his February. China, which backs 40, apparently had technical Stalls are seen at a market along a pedestrian area during a government-imposed lockdown as a driver — who worked for the Myanmar and regularly problems two minutes after preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. World Health Organization opposes UN intervention in the takeoff from Sentani airport in (WHO) — was killed when country, prevented the the provincial capital of their United Nations-marked adoption of a joint statement Jayapura, Papua police vehicle was ambushed as they by the 15 Council members. spokesman Ahmad Musthofa carried COVID-19 test samples Scores have been killed in Kamal said. Malaysia seizes hundreds of in conflict-ridden Rakhine Myanmar, hundreds injured He said she sent a distress state. and tens of thousands displaced call and requested to return to The country’s northwest since fighting erupted at the the airport, but the control migrants in latest lockdown raid has been embroiled in an beginning of last year, with tower then lost contact with increasingly brutal civil war both sides trading allegations her. The cause of the crash was REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR the arrests as necessary to pre- dormitories. between Myanmar’s military of abuses committed. not immediately clear. serve law and prevent the Last week, the United Malaysia has detained 1,368 migrants from travelling. Nations urged Malaysia to avoid undocumented migrants in an With 6,742 cases and 109 detaining migrants and release area under lockdown in the deaths, Malaysia eased all children and their car- latest such raid despite fears movement curbs earlier this egivers, warning that packed the crackdown could push month but has kept tight detention centres heightened vulnerable people into hiding restrictions on several areas infection risks. and increase the risk of coro- where there have been new The Immigration Depart- navirus infection in over- outbreaks of the COVID-19 ment’s director general Khairul crowded detention centres. disease. The Asia Pacific Refugee Dzaimee Daud said in the The people from Indonesia, Rights Network (APRRN) said statement that all of those India, Pakistan, Myanmar and many of those arrested on screened and detained after Bangladesh were rounded up Monday were asylum-seekers Monday’s raid tested negative. in an area near a large market not formally registered by the The area round the Selayang just outside the Malaysian United Nations’ refugee agency Wholesalers’ Market, where capital of Kuala Lumpur, the UNHCR. many migrants work, has been Immigration Department said “It really puts them in a under lockdown since April 20, in a statement. precarious situation because with businesses closed and res- The raid on Monday, which they are simply categorised as idents confined to home, after included 261 women and 98 undocumented migrants when a new cluster of cases was children, followed a similar they are fleeing from imminent reported there. roundup last week, which danger,” APRRN programme Malaysia has about two alarmed the United Nations and officer Rachel Tan said. million registered foreign rights groups. Around the world, migrants workers, but authorities say The migrants’ offences have been particularly vul- many more are there without Migrant workers return to Myanmar included lacking proper iden- nerable during the pandemic. proper documents. Malaysia Migrant workers returning from China sit at the Myanmar border gate in Muse in Shan state, yesterday. tification, overstaying, and In neighbouring Singapore, does not formally recognise ref- Hundreds of migrant workers, who had been trapped in China as a result of the novel coronavirus holding false papers, author- thousands of infections have ugees, regarding them as illegal pandemic, have been steadily returning to Myanmar. ities said. They have defended been linked to migrant worker migrants. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI 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 [email protected]

Belgian nurses with trays of pastries that they received to celebrate the International Nurses Day, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, EDITORIAL at the Erasme Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. Unique gesture by Qatar Airways The crucial difference between QATAR is writing history yet again. Fighting COVID-19 has been an unprecedented challenge for every country in the world. Qatar has been extending much needed help to every part of the globe through supplying the 1918 flu and COVID-19 essential medical supplies and other relief material to the needy nations. The country has been instrumental people were infected (about (August 27) - all major mil- supplying those soldiers on in repatriating hundreds of thousands of people stranded 30 percent of the global pop- itary port cities. The Great the front lines. “Social dis- in different countries to their home countries, which ulation), and conservative War kept soldiers in close, tancing” was impossible to attracted wide-spread appreciation from every corner estimates count 50 million infectious quarters and con- properly enact while fighting of the world. deaths. While our data on the stant movement around the a world war, and postwar cel- On Monday, Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of the number of cases and deaths globe, carrying the pandemic ebrations of peace further country, announced that it will give away 100,000 free from COVID-19 are very with them. exacerbated these problems. tickets to frontline healthcare professionals as token of JIM HARRIS likely too low because of con- Hospitals were over- In Britain, therefore, large extending thanks to their selfless service during this debil- THE WASHINGTON POST tinued limited testing, it is still whelmed and operating with public gatherings were not itating pandemic. This came as a surprise to most of the unlikely that we will reach very limited medical personnel banned until late November, as airlines in the world as the industry is passing through such catastrophic levels of thanks to the many deployed in the pandemic was already the most difficult period since the beginning of the avi- Scientists and scholars have loss today. the military medical services. peaking. The United States, an ation industry. While all of them are trying their level best spent the last few months Why? Because unlike the The remaining civilian doctors ocean away from the immediate to shore up their fast slipping revenue, the award-winning scouring the past for prece- influenza pandemic a century and nurses could not keep pace threats of the war, was more Qatar Airways offering 100,000 free tickets is not only a dents to offer suggestions for ago, the world is not at war. with the volume of influenza proactive in enacting some real surprise but something which is worth imitating by how to safely and successfully The first cases of the 1918 patients. Permelia Murnan social distancing measures, other giants in the industry. respond to the COVID-19 flu pandemic most probably Doty, the executive secretary of beginning in September, but This is not the first time that the Qatari flag carrier is crisis. The result has been occurred in early March 1918 the New York Nurses Emer- these varied by region. grabbing headline since the pandemic began. The airline almost daily references to the at Camp Funston in Kansas, gency Council, described in late Cities that were proactive has been at the frontline of global efforts to repatriate global influenza pandemic of where 54,000 US soldiers 1919 how nurses had been in introducing social dis- stranded passengers by maintaining 24/7 operations in 1918-1919, with its massive were gathered for basic responsible for at least double tancing measures, such as recent months, including the provision of over 100 charter ramifications across the globe, training before their their usual number of patients, New York City, where quar- flights to repatriate over one million people from every part including in the United States. deployment to Europe. Within many of whom were fighting antine measures were imple- of the globe. While the aviation industry is faced with chal- While we can draw many the month, 1,100 of these sol- off the flu. mented before “the surge” in lenge of risk in keeping the airlines flying during the pan- useful lessons from the 1918- diers were admitted to the Pulmonary complications influenza deaths, kept their demic, Qatar Airways has been more bothered about the 1919 experience in terms of hospital with influenza. The appeared more frequently, death rates (452 per 100,000) humanitarian aspect which it considered as a duty to the how to minimize cases, we pandemic then followed the contributing to a mortality low. Here, too, however, the world. Hence the airline was brave enough to take the plunge must be cautious about an movement of these and many rate 25 times as high as during war played a role in what hap- and help out its valued travellers held up in far-flung areas imperfect analogy. other soldiers around the a normal influenza outbreak. pened. A two-mile parade on of the globe, whether it is in Asia or Africa. During the 1918-1919 pan- globe as the Allies rushed to Influenza fatalities peaked in Sept. 28 to boost morale and In addition to transporting travellers, the airline has demic, upward of 500 million deploy American troops to November 1918 just as the funds for the war attended by been ensuring the vital food and medical supply chain Europe to stop the last German war was coming to its end - 200,000 citizens in Phila- works without disruption by establishing air bridges During the 1918-1919 offensive in the spring of 1918. and this timing had major delphia left the city with the between countries, operating exclusive cargo service While the number of soldiers ramifications for the unenviable record of one of between exporting and importing countries and car- pandemic, upward who contracted an “offseason” outbreak. the highest death tolls among rying vital supplies in bellyhold, which offered a much of 500 million people summer flu was considerable, The war shaped public US cities (748 per 100,000). needed breather to countries across the world. most patients recovered health responses, which Like influenza in 1918, People around the world are fast-recognising the selfless were infected (about quickly, leading doctors to varied nationally or even COVID-19 has spread across and brave service the medical professionals right from doctors 30 percent of the describe this as nothing more regionally. Sir Arthur News- the globe, with disastrous to hospital attendants are rendering. Different countries were global population), than a “three-day fever” holme, the foremost public consequences. adopting different measures to appreciate their contribution worthy of little cause for health expert in Britain, told As of May 10, more than in diverse ways, some by arranging flypasts by military air- and conservative concern amid the ongoing Britons to simply “carry on.” A 4.07 million people craft, some others by showering hospitals and healthcare estimates count 50 war. quarantine, the only tried and worldwide have been infected workers with flower petals from the sky etc. But the gesture In late August, however, true method to contain past and 281,287 have died. by Qatar Airways is a unique one which salutes the valour million deaths. the flu came back, beginning flu pandemics, would have Jim Harris is a historian of the real COVID-19 soldiers across the world. The healthcare its far more deadly second been too detrimental to the of modern Britain and the professionals around the world will consider it as a moti- wave almost simultaneously war economy. The war neces- history of science, medicine vation and they will definitely cherish this offer with in Brest, France (August 22); sitated tremendous domestic and the environment, with a gratitude. Freetown, Sierra Leone efforts to keep factories and focus on the history of public (August 24); and Boston supply lines operational, health and infectious disease. Asia’s pandemic stimulus may slow the demise of coal D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] JOE BROCK Japan will steer recovery funds of dollars to cross-country The global long-term REUTERS into struggling coal-focused electricity transmission lines. outlook for coal power is EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 state financers, equipment China’s coal imports in gloomy. Governments, banks FAX: +974 4455 7758 Coal power plant construction suppliers and construction April surged 22% from a year and energy companies - will push ahead in Asia firms. That could create a earlier, as traders jumped on under public and investor MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 despite falling electricity short-term jolt at the cost of low prices to build stockpiles pressure - are dropping the demand and environmental efficiency and environmental and prepare for a recovery in fossil fuel, which is seen as the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 concerns as policymakers damage, analysts say. “China domestic demand. greatest risk to the 2015 Paris prioritise boosting economies and other governments may Coal power infrastructure agreement to cap global LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 crippled by the coronavirus be tempted to invest in coal in Asia relies heavily on state- warming at 1.5 degrees pandemic, analysts say. power to help their economies backed financing from China, Celsius. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Fossil fuel demand will recover after the COVID-19 South Korea and Japan. That goal already looks plummet this year as lock- pandemic,” said Matt Gray, Japan and South Korea out of reach, environmental SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 downs sap electricity use, the co-head of power and utilities are expected to continue to experts say, partly because of International Energy Agency at Carbon Tracker, a climate fund coal plants in developing new coal plants being built in ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 said in a report last month. think tank. “This risks locking countries like Vietnam and Asia, the biggest energy-con- email: [email protected] The European Union, in high-cost coal power that Indonesia to support state- suming region and largest International Monetary Fund will undermine global climate backed industries hurt as growth market. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 and the United Nations have targets.” domestic coal operations About 500 gigawatts of email: [email protected] said that marks a once-in-a- China, which produces wind down to meet carbon- coal power capacity is generation opportunity to and consumes about half of emission commitments, ana- planned or under con- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 launch a ‘green recovery’, the world’s coal, has in recent lysts said. struction around the world, FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] which includes Asia joining weeks said it would allow Many planned coal-fired with an investment cost of the global trend of ending more provinces to start plants are not economically $638 billion, according to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 support for coal power. building coal power plants viable and will burden gov- Global Energy Monitor, an email: [email protected] But there are already signs starting in 2023. It also accel- ernments with stranded NGO supporting fossil fuel that China and other Asian erated the construction of five assets and billions of dollars phase-out. More than 80% of SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 giants like South Korea and plants and committed billions of debt, analysts said. that is in Asia. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar There are few words that can do justice to the horrors we have witnessed in Afghanistan. To target /Peninsula_Qatar and kill mothers, newly born babies and nurses, as well as bereaved and mourning families, are acts of /ThePeninsulaNewspaper evil and show an appalling degree of inhumanity. +974 6698 6188 Josep Borrell, EU Foreign Policy Chief WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 ASIA 09 Newborns among 16 dead in Kabul hospital attack; 24 killed in funeral bombing

REUTERS — KABUL If the Taliban cannot control the violence, or Gunmen disguised as police their sponsors have now subcontracted their attacked a hospital in the terror to other entities then there seems little Afghan capital, Kabul, point in continuing to engage Taliban in ‘peace yesterday, killing 16 people including two newborn babies talks’, tweeted Hamdullah Mohib. from a maternity clinic run by the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without regional leader in the capital. throwing grenades and Borders. The violence, as the country shooting, government officials In a separate attack the battles the coronavirus pan- said. Security forces had killed same day, a suicide bomber demic, risks derailing momentum the attackers by the afternoon. struck the funeral of a police towards US-brokered peace talks The 100-bed government- commander, attended by gov- between the Taliban and an run hospital hosted a maternity ernment officials and a member Afghan government long scep- clinic run by Doctors Without Afghan security forces stand guard outside a hospital which came under attack in Kabul, yesterday. of parliament, in the eastern tical of the insurgents’ renunci- Borders, also known by its province of Nangahar, killing at ation of attacks. French name Médecins Sans out of the compound, some “The unconscionable war responsible for several attacks least 24 people and injuring 68. “If the Taliban cannot Frontières (MSF). wrapped in blood-stained crimes in Afghanistan today, in Kabul including one on a Sikh Authorities said that toll could control the violence, or their MSF confirmed in a tweet blankets. Officials said 100 targeting a maternity hospital temple in March. A roadside rise. sponsors have now subcon- that the hospital had been people in total were rescued, and a funeral, must awaken the blast in the capital on Monday, There was no immediate tracted their terror to other attacked. Just hours before it including three foreign world to the horrors civilians which wounded four civilians, claim of responsibility for either entities — which was one of our had tweeted a photo of a nationals. continue to face,” the group was claimed by the group. attack. The Taliban, Afghani- primary concerns from the newborn at the clinic in his The neighbourhood is home tweeted. “There must be Afghanistan is also facing stan’s main insurgency group beginning — then there seems mother’s arms after being to many members of Afghani- accountability for these grave violence around the country which says it has halted attacks little point in continuing to delivered safely by emergency stan’s Hazara community, a crimes.” from the Taliban, even as the on cities under a UStroop with- engage Taliban in ‘peace talks,” caesarean section. mostly Shia Muslim minority Foreign powers including United States tries to usher in drawal deal, denied tweeted Hamdullah Mohib, the Interior and health ministry that has been attacked by Sunni the United Kingdom, Germany, peace talks after signing a troop involvement in both. government’s national security officials said that mothers, militants from IS in the past, Turkey and Pakistan released withdrawal agreement in Feb- The IS militant group advisor. nurses and children were including at a Kabul ceremony statements condemning the ruary with the militants. The operates in Nangahar and has The Kabul attack began in among the dead and wounded. commemorating the death of violence. Taliban say they are holding carried out a number of high- the morning when at least three Photos from the Ministry of one of its leaders in March. Last week, security forces back from attacking urban profile attacks in Kabul in gunmen wearing police uni- Interior showed two young Rights group Amnesty Inter- killed and arrested several centres and their operations are recent months. On Monday, forms entered the Dasht-e- children lying dead inside the national condemned both members of an Islamic State cell aimed at government security security forces arrested its Barchi hospital, hospital. Soldiers ferried infants attacks. that authorities said was forces. China urges US working on more funds for France to scrap Pakistan to fight pandemic Taiwan arms deal INTERNEWS — LAHORE health partnership to stop the AFP — BEIJING spread of virus. We are taking The United States will new steps together to protect China called on France contribute $15m to new funding those most vulnerable.” yesterday to cancel a weapons in its joint efforts with Pakistan He said first, the US was contract with Taiwan, warning to fight COVID-19 and its making a new contribution of that the deal with the self- economic impacts. $5m to support Pakistan’s ruled island could harm diplo- “The US has now com- Ehsaas Emergency Cash Pro- matic relations between Paris mitted nearly $15m in new gramme, which would provide and Beijing. funding to our joint efforts to almost 70,000 eligible families Taiwan’s navy said last fight coronavirus and its eco- extra support to buy food and month it would upgrade the nomic impacts,” says US essentials. 25-year-old missile inter- Ambassador to Pakistan Paul Besides, the US had ference system of French-built Jones in a letter to PML-N Pres- delivered 336 metric tonnes of Lafayette frigates, whose sale ident and National Assembly ready-to-use therapeutic food three decades ago had raised Opposition Leader Shahbaz for children diagnosed with diplomatic tensions. Sharif. acute malnutrition, and Taiwanese media said the “We are actively working equipment for 50 health facil- deal was worth over $26.8m with Pakistani authorities on ities to treat malnutrition, in to buy the Dagaie MK2 decoy additional contributions to collaboration with Unicef and launcher from a unit of French meet urgent needs.” the government of Pakistan. group DCI. Jones said President Trump “Our previously announced Nurses pose for pictures during an event held to mark the International Nurses Day, at Wuhan Tongji A source close to the and Prime Minister Imran Khan joint efforts include mobile labs Hospital in Wuhan, in Hubei province, yesterday. matter said that the Taiwanese recently discussed a coordinated for coronavirus hotspots, defence ministry has a con- response to coronavirus. training for health care tract to modernise its six “The United States and workers, upgrades of provincial French-made frigates. Wuhan to restart mass COVID-19 test efforts Pakistan are actively collabo- emergency operations centers, “China has expressed deep ANATOLIA — ANKARA COVID-19 break was first also sacked in Wuhan over the rating to mitigate the economic and support for refugee and concern to France,” the foreign reported there in December recent new infections. fallout, while expanding our host communities. ministry in Beijing said. “We Chinese authorities in Wuhan 2019. Zhang Yuxin was removed oppose all weapons sales or are poised to launch a mass “About three to five million from his posts for poor man- military and security exchanges novel coronavirus testing residents have been tested and agement over the closing-off with the Taiwan region”. effort after the city reported six proved healthy, and thus and control of the local com- “We urge France to cancel new cases over the weekend, Wuhan is capable to test the munity, Xinhua News Agency this planned weapons sale to state-run media reported remaining 6 to 8 million in 10 reported Taiwan in order to avoid yesterday. days,” the Global Times quoted Life in Wuhan, the pro- harming Sino-French rela- According to Global Times, Yang Zhanqiu, deputy director vincial capital of Hubei and the tions,” it added. the city’s officials have asked of the pathogen biology initial epicenter of the virus, France sold the six frigates districts to submit a plan to department at Wuhan Uni- gradually returned to normal to Taiwan for $2.8bn in 1991, carry out city-wide testing of versity, as saying. after the government lifted causing a freeze in diplomatic all their residents. However, Yang did not months-long restrictions in relations between Paris and The decision came after support the mass testing move April. Beijing. Wuhan reported six new local and said it was unnecessary. Yesterday, the Chinese Beijing still claims the self- cases after remaining infection- “You’ll never know if people mainland reported a single new governing island as part of its free for weeks due to strict were infected after testing neg- case.So far, 4,633 people in territory awaiting reunifi- lockdown. ative [...] It’s essentially an epi- China died after contracting the cation, by force if necessary, Wuhan, a city of over 11 demiological investigation to virus among nearly 82,919 who People sit while maintaining social distancing for food distribution even though the two sides million people, had already determine the current situ- tested positive, while 78,171 after the government eased a nationwide lockdown imposed as a have been ruled separately for tested around three to five ation,” he added recovered, according to the more than seven decades. million in the city after the On Monday, an official was commission. preventive measure against COVID-19, in Quetta yesterday.

Some areas in Philippines to remain Malaysian vessel leaves South China Sea after standoff

REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR under lockdown, says Duterte exploration activities in the area, the a tense standoff in Vietnamese BLOOMBERG — MANILA measures to stem the outbreak. “It has to An oil exploration vessel contracted sources said. They did not want to waters last year. balance between health and economy,” by Malaysian state energy company be named as they were not The Washington-based Asia President Rodrigo Duterte said some Galvez said. Petronas that was involved in a authorised to speak to the media. Maritime Transparency Initiative areas in the Philippines will remain on Gross domestic product fell 0.2 standoff with a Chinese survey Petronas’ contract for the vessel (AMTI) has said the China-Malaysia lockdown as the nation can’t afford to percent in the first quarter compared to vessel in the South China Sea left with offshore drilling company standoff has been going on for have a second nor third wave of corona- a year ago, its first contraction since 1998 the disputed waters yesterday, three Seadrill was scheduled to end this months. virus infections. amid the lockdown that shut businesses security sources and the vessel month. China has denied reports of a Duterte, at a briefing aired yesterday, and sapped consumption in the Philip- operator said. Malaysia’s foreign ministry and standoff, saying that the Haiyang said areas with high infection rate will be pines’ key economic engine Petronas has been conducting Petronas did not immediately Dizhi 8 was conducting normal kept under a stay-at-home order known Metro Manila, as the capital region is exploration activities near an area respond to a request for comment. activities. locally as enhanced community quar- known, makes up about 36 percent of the claimed by Malaysia and Vietnam Seadrill’s communications The incident prompted the antine after it’s scheduled to end on May country’s economy. Given its density, it as well as by China since late last director Iain Cracknell confirmed United States to call on China to stop 15. He didn’t identify the areas. His also has the concentration of COVID-19 year. In mid-April, the Haiyang that the West Capella has left the area its “bullying behaviour” in the dis- spokesman Harry Roque said he will give infections, accounting for 64% of the Dizhi 8 - the Chinese government after completing its planned work. puted waters. more details at his briefing. country’s 11,086 cases as of May 11, and survey vessel — started operating The Chinese government vessel, China claims almost all of the The nation’s capital region of 13 72 percent of the 726 fatalities. in the area, escorted by coast guard the Haiyang Dizhi 8, was still in the energy-rich South China Sea, also million people and nearby central and The government will revive its infra- and China Maritime Militia vessels. area — about 371 km offshore a major trade route each year. The south Luzon areas have been on a structure push as part of an economic Three American warships and Malaysian Borneo, data from ship Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, lockdown since mid-March, an order that recovery program to stimulate con- an Australian frigate conducted a tracking website Marine Traffic Malaysia and Taiwan have over- was already extended twice. sumption, Finance Secretary Carlos joint exercise near the site of Pet- showed. lapping claims. The government will gradually ease Dominguez said at the briefing. More than ronas’ operations amid the standoff The data showed the vessel has The US has also accused China curbs as the nation can’t afford to be on 2 million employees have been displaced last month. been moving within Malaysia’s of taking advantage of the dis- a quarantine for a long period, said Carlito by the virus outbreak, the labor The West Capella, the vessel exclusive economic zone in a hash- traction of the coronavirus pan- Galvez, the chief implementer of department said. contracted by Petronas, left the shaped pattern consistent with car- demic to advance its presence in the waters as it has finished its rying out a survey, as it did during South China Sea. 10 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020

UK royals pay Deaths from virus top 40,000 in UK tribute to Figures published by the Office for National Statistics for England and Wales brought the nurses across United Kingdom’s official death toll to 38,289 the world as of May 3, according to a tally of death LONDON registrations that also includes Scotland and REUTERS — Northern Ireland. Since then, at least 2,251 Queen Elizabeth and other people have died from COVID-19 in English senior members of Britain’s royal family joined together hospitals, bringing the true death toll as of yesterday to thank nurses yesterday to just over 40,000. around the world for their efforts in the COVID-19 REUTERS — LONDON pandemic. The leaders of the devolved In calls to mark Interna- nations — Scotland, Wales and tional Nurses Day, the royals The death toll from COVID-19 in Northern Ireland — said that posted videos and chatted to the United Kingdom now exceeds advice given by Johnson only healthcare workers from Aus- 40,000, by far the worst yet applied to England. They told tralia and India to Africa and the reported in Europe, raising more people to stay at home still. Caribbean. questions about Prime Minister Such a high UK death toll “This is rather an important Boris Johnson’s handling of the increases the pressure on day,” the 94-year-old queen coronavirus crisis. Johnson. Opposition parties say told Professor Kathleen Figures published by the he was too slow to impose a McCourt, President of the Com- Office for National Statistics for lockdown, too slow to introduce monwealth Nurses and Mid- England and Wales brought the mass testing and too slow to get Nurses who work at central London hospitals protest with placards outside Downing Street in wives Federation, saying nurses United Kingdom’s official death enough protective equipment to central London, yesterday, calling for improved conditions and pay for nursing staff on the occasion have “obviously had a very toll to 38,289 as of May 3, hospitals. of International Nurses Day 2020. important part to play recently”. according to a tally of death reg- The data painted a grim Royal commentators said it istrations that also includes picture in care homes, which sector through this pandemic has scenario was a death toll of has been quicker to publish was the first time during her Scotland and Northern Ireland. have been especially hard hit by always been a priority, and we 50,000. comprehensive data on 68-year reign that audio of a tel- Since then, at least 2,251 the virus. are doing everything in our Even after adjusting for COVID-19 deaths than other ephone call involving the queen people have died from COVID-19 “Care homes (are) showing power to ensure they have all population, Britain still ranks European countries. had ever been released. in English hospitals, according to the slowest decline, sadly,” ONS they need to look after those in among the countries worst They say excess mortality Buckingham Palace said the the latest daily data, bringing the statistician Nick Stripe told BBC their care.” affected by the pandemic, a list — the number of deaths from royals had spoken to nurses and true death toll as of yesterday to TV. A report published last week that includes Belgium, Spain all causes that exceed the healthcare workers in Britain, just over 40,000. “For the first time that I can showed care homes bore the and Italy. average for the time of year — Australia, India, Malawi, Sierra While different ways of remember, there were more brunt of policy designed to shield In Italy, the next worst-hit is more meaningful because it Leone, Bahamas, Cyprus, and counting make comparisons with deaths in total in care homes than its hospitals from COVID-19, country in Europe and whose is internationally comparable. Tanzania. other countries difficult, the there were in hospitals in that leaving many of the weakest population is about 90 percent Early evidence, though, sug- “You’re a huge inspiration figure confirmed Britain was week.” Care homes now account exposed. of Britain’s, the death toll stood gests Britain is faring badly on to everybody. A huge thank you among those hit worst by a pan- for a third of all COVID-19 deaths Unlike the daily death toll at 30,739 as of Monday, that front too. from us all here,” said Kate, the demic that has killed more than in England and Wales. announced by the government, according to a measure based So far this year, there have Duchess of Cambridge, during 285,000 people worldwide. “It is a relief to see the yesterday’s ONS figures include solely on confirmed cases been more than 50,000 excess one of seven calls she made The data came a day after number of deaths in care homes suspected deaths from COVID-19, rather than suspected cases. deaths compared to a five-year with Sophie, the Countess of Johnson set out a gradual plan to falling, but they sadly they con- the respiratory disease caused by Broadly comparable British average, ONS statistician Stripe Wessex, wife of the queen’s get Britain back to work, tinue to make up a significant the novel coronavirus. data yesterday showed 32,692 said. The ONS said deaths from youngest son Prince Edward. including advice on wearing proportion of coronavirus related In March, Britain’s chief sci- deaths. all causes decreased for a Other royals who took part home-made face coverings - deaths and our work is not done,” entific adviser said keeping Ministers dislike compar- second week running as of May included heir to the throne though his attempt to lift the minister for care Helen Whately deaths below 20,000 would be isons of the headline death toll 1, but 8,012 more people than Prince Charles and his wife coronavirus lockdown prompted said in a statement. a “good outcome”. In April, the because Britain’s performance average died in the 18th week Camilla, the queen’s daughter confusion. “Supporting the social care government’s worst case in part reflects the fact that it of 2020. Princess Anne and the queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra. “From the bottom of my heart thank you for everything Northern Ireland reveals five-stage lockdown exit plan you’re doing,” said Kate’s husband Prince William in a call REUTERS — DUBLIN and Wales, Northern Ireland’s roadmap and, like in Dublin, 500km border with Northern pro-British Democratic to staff at a hospital in London. regional government said now the Belfast executive will Ireland on Monday but not in Unionist Party (DUP) displayed “I hope you know how Northern Ireland laid out a is not the time to lift stay-home decide on whether to move the north. a united front yesterday. appreciative everyone is of what five-stage roadmap for the restrictions, contrary to from one stage to the next Northern Ireland operates “Now we know some will you’re all doing.” On Monday easing of its coronavirus Johnson encouraging some every three weeks. under a devolved power- want us to set a date for lifting night, a giant image of Florence lockdown similar to Ireland’s, people to return to work this However, Ireland intends sharing government, mainly restrictions, but we will not be Nightingale was projected onto but its omission of any dates week. to enter phase one next week made up of pro-British politi- driven by a timetable and we the buildings of Guys and St for action raised the chances The Northern Irish plan with its final phase set for cians who wish to remain part know that some will be disap- Thomas’ hospitals in central of different parts of the island bores closer resemblance to August 18, meaning con- of the UK and Irish nationalists pointed by that,” First Minister London to mark 200 years since reopening at different times. Ireland’s five-stage approach struction sites will likely open seeking a united Ireland. Arlene Foster of the DUP told her birth and her legacy to Like leaders in Scotland than Johnson’s three-step on the south side of the open The pro-Irish Sinn Fein and the regional assembly. modern nursing. Spain orders two-week quarantine for incoming travellers from Friday REUTERS — MADRID importation of cases. We would be back in the situation we had Spain ordered a two-week quar- in February. We have to do pre- antine for all travellers arriving vention efforts until other coun- from abroad from this Friday in tries reach the level of control a bid to curb the coronavirus as that we have achieved,” he said. London honours the country emerges from a One official order published national lockdown, a move that yesterday said incoming trav- Tom Moore, 100, will further harm a tourist ellers would have to remain industry already reeling from the locked in and will only be who raised $40m epidemic. allowed to go out for grocery Health ministry data showed shopping, to visit health centres, for health service the daily death toll rising to 176 or in case of “situation of need”. yesterday from Monday’s seven- Prior to the new rules, REUTERS — LONDON week low of 123 and bringing the arriving travellers had to abide total to 26,920. But the number by the general restrictions, British World War Two veteran of diagnosed cases rose by just which kept people largely con- Tom Moore (pictured), who has 594 overnight to 228,030 — its fined to their homes. Passengers pick up protective face masks from a police officer upon arriving at Adolfo Suarez Barajas become a national hero after smallest daily rise in about two The quarantine will be Airport, in Madrid, yesterday. raising more than $40m for the months. enforced for all people coming health service, was awarded Health emergency coordi- to Spain between May 15 and at the ancient honour of the nator Fernando Simon said now least May 24, when the state of An extension of the order Toledo and Granada. imposed restrictions on trav- Freedom of the City of London that Spain had managed to bring emergency is due to end. would severely hurt Spain’s The measures applies to all elling from outside the open- yesterday. the outbreak under control and The order can be extended tourism industry which repre- travellers, including Spanish cit- border Schengen Area which Moore, 100, struck a chord was relaxing its internal restric- jointly with possible state of sents about 12 percent of gross izens returning to the country. includes most of the European with locked-down Britain by tions on movements, it was time emergency extensions. Spain, domestic product. Only truck drivers, airplane and Union countries and other walking around his garden to control people coming from which is just emerging from one About 80 million tourists ship crews, cross-border European states such as Norway. with the help of a walking other countries. of Europe’s strictest coronavirus visit every year, enjoying a range workers and health staff who are Prior to the new rules, travellers frame to raise almost 33 “In many countries globally lockdowns, has so far extended of attractions from beach hol- entering Spain to work are had to abide by the general million pounds for the transmission will continue, the its restrictions four times since idays on coastal resorts to exempt from the quarantine. restrictions, which kept people National Health Service. His greatest risk will be the mid-March. exploring historic cities such as The government had largely confined to their homes. endeavour spread joy amid the grim news of the coronavirus outbreak. In a bizarre online cer- Government rejects Paris mayor’s bid to open parks emony, Moore, wearing his war medals, was awarded the AFP — PARIS needs of Parisians, because Saint-Martin, police had to many schools, parks and the minister said. freedom of the City of London Paris is a very dense city”. intervene to break up groups of gardens shuttered, and a ban on “It can be all to tempting by the chamberlain, wearing The French government shot Access would be conditional people violating the rules with gatherings of more than 10 with the sun out, for people to a ermine-trimmed gown, and down a request by the Paris on everyone wearing a face celebratory gatherings. people. Masks are compulsory gather in groups that are too the Lord Mayor, who wore a mayor yesterday to reopen mask, which the mayor said France started cautiously on public transport nationwide, large... and to not respect the tricorne hat trimmed with parks and public gardens, a day should also become compulsory lifting a strict two-month home and for teachers, but not in social-distancing measures,” he black ostrich feathers. after merrymakers in the capital on the streets of Paris. confinement on Monday, but other public spaces. said. “Today we are paying flouted strict distancing rules to Her request came a day remains on high alert with Health Minister Olivier France has recorded over tribute to a very special man,” celebrate the beginning of the after Parisians were seen gath- heightened precautions in place Veran rejected Hidalgo’s 26,000 deaths due to the coro- said Peter Kane, who occupies end of the coronavirus ering in droves in public spaces in so-called “red zones” of the request to reopen parks, navirus outbreak so far, with the ancient office of Cham- lockdown. laughing, hugging and sharing country — including Paris and without referring to her bid to 263 new fatalities reported berlain of the City of London. Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on meals despite the government the wider Ile-de-France region make masks compulsory. Monday. “Just an incredible Twitter she had renewed a urging people to maintain social — where the virus remains “No, we will not open parks And the country fears a achievement — we could run request to open parks and distancing to limit the spread of active. and gardens in Paris and in Ile- second infection wave as busi- out of adjectives trying to gardens closed since mid- the virus. These measures include de-France, nor in the other nesses start reopening and describe this.” March, “taking into account the On the banks of the Canal keeping cafes, restaurants, regions classified as red” zones, people return to work. WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 WHO sees ‘positive data’ in treating virus REUTERS — GENEVA Solidarity Trial of drugs against Clinical data released lopinavir-ritonavir, the hepatitis COVID-19 vaccines are being early on, were not seen as the disease. drug ribavirin, and the multiple developed, including several in warnings about a very serious, The World Health Organisation “We do have potentially pos- last month on sclerosis treatment interferon clinical trials. The WHO said in lethal disease.” (WHO) said yesterday that some itive data coming out but we need remdesivir raised beta, with a control group given April a vaccine would take at She restated that the WHO, treatments appear to be limiting to see more data to be 100 hopes it might just the HIV drug. least 12 months. which has come under criticism the severity or length of the percent confident that we can say A malaria treatment cham- Harris said that the Americas especially from the United States COVID-19 disease and that it was this treatment over that one,” she be an effective pioned by US President Donald were the current “centre” of the for its handling of the pandemic, focusing on learning more about added, saying more research was treatment. Several Trump as a “game changer” in pandemic, although she also would conduct an “after-action” four or five of the most promising needed and planned. the fight against the coronavirus noted rising cases in Africa. review that would include a ones. Harris did not name the studies looking at again failed to show a benefit in However, she said the continent “free and frank” discussion on The Geneva-based WHO is treatments. Gilead Science Inc combinations of patients hospitalised with had a “big advantage” over other its performance. leading a global initiative to says its antiviral drug remdesivir COVID-19, a study this month countries with little experience US President Donald Trump develop safe and effective vac- has helped improve outcomes for antiviral medicines found. of infectious disease outbreaks. is working to reopen the cines, tests and drugs to prevent, COVID-19 patients. have also suggested While the study had certain “They often have very good economy quickly against recom- diagnose and treat COVID-19. Clinical data released last limitations, doctors reported that contact tracing infrastructure and mendations from health experts The respiratory illness has month on remdesivir raised they may help the use of hydroxycholoquine a deep, deep, deep memory and to move cautiously to avoid a infected 4.19 million people hopes it might be an effective patients fight off the neither lessened the need for understanding of why we take a resurgence of the virus that has around the world, according to a treatment. Several studies virus. patients requiring breathing new pathogen very, very seri- so far killed more than 80,000 Reuters tally. looking at combinations of anti- assistance nor the risk of death. ously,” she said, singling out people in the United States, the “We do have some treat- viral medicines have also sug- In Geneva, the WHO official South Africa for its effective highest death toll in the world. ments that seem to be in very gested they may help patients mild to moderate COVID-19 sounded a note of caution around testing and contact tracing. He said he acted early to prevent early studies limiting the severity fight off the virus. infection and swiftly reduced the expectations for a vaccine, saying Asked about the reasons for the spread of the disease. or the length of the illness but we Results of a trial in Hong amount of virus in their bodies. coronaviruses in general are high case loads in the United Brazil has registered a total do not have anything that can kill Kong released this month The trial, which involved 127 “very tricky viruses” that are “dif- States and Brazil, Harris said: of 168,331 confirmed cases of the or stop the virus,” spokeswoman showed a triple drug combination patients, compared those given ficult to produce vaccines “Around the world we have seen virus and 11,519 deaths, the most Margaret Harris told a briefing, of antiviral medicines helped the combination drug, made up against”. that the warnings we put out deadly outbreak in an emerging referring to the body’s so-called relieve symptoms in patients with of the HIV medicine More than 100 potential right from the start, very, very market nation. Migration issue opens Five die in fire at Russian rift in Italy’s coalition hospital amid COVID-19 crisis AFP — SAINT PETERSBURG Five people died in a fire in a AGENCIES — ROME but has appeared reluctant to hospital for coronavirus patients adopt the more moderate in Russia’s second city of Saint Italy’s coalition parties quar- approach of its new partners. Petersburg yesterday, with relled yesterday over a move to “The latest draft of the some victims attached to venti- grant permits to irregular decree still includes an amnesty lators, officials said. migrants working in farms and for those who admit to previous Another 150 people were as carers, in a row that delayed illegal employment practices... evacuated after the blaze broke the approval of a stimulus We won’t back down on this,” out on the sixth floor of the Saint package for the coronavirus-hit said 5-Star leader Vito Crimi, George hospital, the emer- economy. adding this would help those gencies ministry said, one of a The anti-establishment who had exploited poor workers. string of fires in care facilities 5-Star Movement is against Farmers have said crops will and clinics in Russia in recent giving temporary work papers rot in the ground unless they can days. to migrants, saying it will benefit attract more labourers. The hospital had been unscrupulous bosses. Its centrist Some 560,000 of the 6.2 repurposed to treat coronavirus and leftist allies, the Democratic million migrants living in Italy patients and some of the dead Party (PD), Italia Viva and LeU, in 2019 did not have any work Healthcare workers applaud as they attend a performance by Italian violinist Fiamma Flavia Paolucci patients had been connected to support the measure. or residency papers, according at Tor Vergata Hospital, in Rome, yesterday. ventilators when the fire began. The scheme is aimed at to the Ismu Foundation, a think Windows near the top floor helping key sectors after the tank which specialises in in Italy. The government imposed early yesterday through in Italy, increasingly mobsters of the hospital were blackened COVID-19 epidemic cut the flow migration issues. a shutdown on most businesses Palermo, the alleged crime have sought to buy up hotels, with soot as firefighters worked of cheap labour from abroad. It Prime Minister Giuseppe and the country could face its clans’ power power base, as restaurants, pharmacies, car outside. Four patients died in an also looks to protect workers by Conte’s office said yesterday that worst recession since World War well as in several regions in dealerships and other busi- intensive care ward, the city’s giving them easier access to ministers had reached a deal on Two. northern Italy. nesses for years now. They were Vyborg district attorney Pavel healthcare should they catch the the migrant permits on Sunday. The government has Investigators contend mob- doing this in an Italian economy Danilov said, adding that the disease. However, it said 5-Star law- promised to approve a $59.82bn sters were laundering extortion that was stagnant even before cause of death of the fifth person Migration is a politically sen- makers had reservations about package to bolster the economy and drug trafficking revenue lockdown measures caused tens was being clarified. sitive issue in Italy where rightist the accord and wanted more and wanted to include the new and were preparing to use ill- of thousands of business owners “Everyone is shocked by parties, including Matteo Sal- time to review it. The delay infu- permit rules in the decree. gained cash to buy struggling to shut down for weeks. what happened,” said Svetlana vini’s League, have surged in riated the PD, with party sen- Meanwhile, Italian police businesses which have been The crime clans targeted in Stepanova, a pensioner popularity because of their ators issuing denouncing the have arrested 91 suspected shuttered during the COVID-19 yesterday’s raids had moved receiving treatment at the hardline policies aimed at pre- 5-Star position as “absurd”. mobsters in a probe of money- containment lockdown. some of their crime bosses into hospital. venting an influx of migrants Last week, Agriculture Min- laundering and extortion in a “’Look, we pay cash’” for Milan years ago, where, among “A fire in the hospital is a from northern Africa. ister Teresa Bellanova, a member bid to thwart Sicily’s Cosa ailing businesses, Palermo Chief other businesses, they con- nightmare,” she said. The 5-Star governed with of former prime minister Matteo Nostra from exploiting eco- Prosecutor Lo Voi said suspects vinced cafes in Italy’s financial Saint Petersburg governor the League until last August and Renzi’s small Italia Viva party, nomic woes triggered by the were heard saying in inter- capital to buy coffee from a Alexander Beglov, citing prelim- embraced Salvini’s anti-migrant threatened to resign if the permit pandemic. cepted conversations. company controlled by the inary information, said a short stance. It subsequently forged proposal was rejected. COVID-19 Hundreds of Financial While loan-sharking is still Sicilian Mafia, investigators circuit was believed to be the an alliance with the centre-left, has killed almost 31,000 people Guard police officers fanned out an activity of organized crime said. cause of the fire. “A ventilator has caught fire,” his office said in a Virus kills 111 statement. Polish oppn threatens to block plans for rescheduled poll Russia’s Investigative Com- medical staff, REUTERS — WARSAW opponents over how to hold the Witek, to set the electoral cal- not amended to hand more mittee, which examines serious vote amid the coronavirus endar, Jan Grabiec, a spokesman power to the electoral com- crimes, said it had launched a infects 8,544 Poland’s main opposition pandemic. for centrist opposition party Civic mission to organise the electoral probe into the incident. grouping threatened yesterday The ruling nationalist Law Platform (PO), said. calendar. A fire at a Moscow hospital in Mexico to block planning for a delayed and Justice party (PiS) wants to PiS blames the opposition- PiS needs opposition support treating coronavirus patients presidential election after the hold the election as soon as pos- controlled Senate, the upper to ensure the electoral com- last week killed one person and ruling coalition proposed a bill sible, fearing that its ally, Pres- house, for scuppering the May 10 mission has enough time to forced hundreds of others to AP — MEXICO CITY to allow both voting in-person ident Andrzej Duda, risks losing vote as it chose to take the full 30 organise the vote safely. evacuate. and by postal ballot in a drive to his leading position in opinion days permitted to analyse legis- “If these changes run counter On Monday, a fire broke out The death toll from the novel organise the vote quickly. polls as the economic fallout lation that would have allowed to the constitution, then I doubt in a retirement home in the coronavirus among medical The presidential election had from the pandemic worsens. the election to go ahead by postal the Senate will accept it at Moscow region, killing nine personnel in Mexico has been due to take place on May The new legislation is uncon- ballot only. lightning speed, just like with the people. Two more people died reached 111, and the virus has 10 but planning for it collapsed stitutional as it gives too much PO threatened to use the last proposal... which eventually in hospital later, officials said- infected between 8,500 and at the last minute over rifts within power to the PiS-nominated same delaying tactic again in the led to the ruling party’s need to yesterday, bringing the total 15,000 hospital staffers, offi- the coalition and with its speaker of parliament, Elzbieta Senate if the new proposal were cancel the election,” Grabiec said. death toll to 11. cials said Monday. Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell said the dead included 66 doctors, 16 nurses and 29 other hospital Deaths from virus in Canada top 5,000 staff, including support per- sonnel, dentists and lab techs. ANATOLIA — TRENTON introduced their own schedules There are 8,544 confirmed to slowly ease restrictions COVID-19 cases among health Canadian deaths from designed to reopen the professionals in Mexico, and COVID-19 reached the grim economy. another 6,747 suspected cases, figure of 5,000 on Monday, the In Ontario, Canada’s most many of which are awaiting same day individual provinces populated province, retail test results. relaxed some restrictions on outlets that have entrances The country’s total coro- retail businesses and Quebec facing streets to allow curbside navirus case load has reopened elementary schools. delivery of merchandise were increased to 36,327 cases, with Meanwhile, Finance Min- allowed to open, and the 3,573 deaths, though officials ister Bill Morneau introduced province also lifted the ban on have acknowledged the true new federal aid for Canada’s visiting parks but during day- number is probably much largest employers. light hours only. higher. During his daily press con- In Quebec, thousands of Some cities in Mexico have ference on Monday, Prime Min- elementary schoolchildren seen a lot of cases but are ister Justin Trudeau commented were allowed to return to tapering off. Others like Mexico on the new corporate finance school except in Montreal City appear to be at their peak. aid and stressed the funds are where the city has been hard And still other cities have not loans only and “not bailouts.” hit by the virus. seen many cases at all. The pandemic has now But attendance is not man- For that reason, López- infected 70,895 Canadians, with datory and strict rules set the Gatell said the plan for a 32,486 recovered and 5,000 class size at a maximum of 15 partial re-opening of Mexico deaths, according to a running students and the desks are set expected later this week would tally by US-based Johns so that an individual is six feet be different in each region, Hopkins University. from classmates. noting “it no longer makes While the number of virus Quebec also opened day- sense to have a safe-distancing cases and deaths continues to cares and many retail busi- policy on a national level.” rise, the 10 provinces have each nesses outside of Montreal. Anti-lockdown protesters march through the streets of Vancouver, in Canada. 12 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2020 Early end to US lockdowns could cause US Apex Court judges needless ‘suffering and death’: Fauci appear divided on Fauci, Director of the Trump’s quest to shield National Institute of Allergy and Infectious financial records Diseases, told a US REUTERS — WASHINGTON Mazars for similar information, including tax returns, as part of Senate panel that the US Supreme Court justices a grand jury investigation into virus epidemic is not yesterday appeared divided Trump being conducted by the over President Donald Trump’s office of Manhattan District yet under control in bid to prevent Democratic-led Attorney Cyrus Vance, a areas of the nation. congressional panels from Democrat. obtaining his financial records The court has a 5-4 con- REUTERS — WASHINGTON but seemed more sympathetic servative majority, including toward a New York prosecu- two justices appointed by tor’s attempt to access similar Trump. Lower courts in Wash- Leading US infectious disease records. ington and New York ruled expert Anthony Fauci yesterday In a major showdown over against Trump in all three warned Congress that a presidential powers, the court’s cases. premature lifting of lockdowns conservative majority signalled Liberal Justice Elena Kagan could lead to additional concern about improper har- told Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow outbreaks of the deadly corona- assment of the Republican that a “fundamental precept of virus, which has killed 80,000 president by Democratic law- our constitutional order is that Americans and brought the makers in the House of Repre- the president is not above the economy to its knees. sentatives seeking Trump’s law.” Fauci, Director of the records. But questions asked by Conservative Justice Neil Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is seen in a National Institute of Allergy and the conservative justices indi- Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, frame grab from a video feed as he testifies remotely from his home during a US Senate Committee Infectious Diseases, told a US cated skepticism toward argu- questioned why the court Senate panel that the virus epi- for Health, Education, Labour, and Pensions hearing on the coronavirus, in Washington, DC, yesterday. ments by Trump’s lawyers in would give Trump immunity in demic is not yet under control in the New York case. a criminal investigation when areas of the nation. The veteran doctor, who has largely concentrated on the risks have come into contact with The justices asked tough it did not give Democratic “I think we’re going in the worked under Republican and of opening the US economy now, either of two members of the questions of an attorney for former President Bill Clinton right direction, but the right Democratic administrations and while Republicans downplayed White House staff who were Trump and a Justice immunity in a harassment direction does not mean we have is a coronavirus adviser to the that notion, saying a prolonged diagnosed with COVID-19. He Department lawyer who both lawsuit in the 1990s. by any means total control of this current White House, noted shutdown could have serious noted that he may go to the sought to justify the president’s In that instance, lawyers for outbreak,” Fauci said during the progress some in the fight against negative impacts on people’s White House if needed. quest to block subpoenas by the plaintiff wanted Clinton to 3-1/2-hour hearing. a virus that the medical world is health and the health of the Medical researchers have three House for financial be questioned while in the He urged states to follow still trying to understand. economy. been scrambling to find not only records held by third parties. Trump case the information is health experts’ recommendations He mentioned a slowing in Asked whether college stu- an effective vaccine for corona- But several justices also sought from third parties, to wait for signs, including a the growth of cases in hotspots dents can feel safe if classes virus but also drugs to treat it pressed a lawyer for the House Gorsuch noted. declining number of new infec- such as New York, even as other resume on campuses in late until a vaccine comes to market. to explain why the subpoenas Sekulow responded that tions, before reopening. areas of the country were seeing August or early September, Fauci Fauci noted only “modest” were not simply presidential criminal cases result in a loss President Donald Trump has spikes. said that expecting a treatment results in tests of Gilead Sciences harassment and whether Con- of liberty and are very different been encouraging states to end Some states already have or vaccine to be in place by then Inc’s remdesivir drug on hospi- gress should be limited in from civil lawsuits that could a weeks-long shuttering of major begun reopening their economies would be “a bridge too far.” talised patients. issuing subpoenas so as to not lead to monetary damages. components of their economies. and others have announced plans Instead, schools and stu- “All roads back to work and distract a president or frustrate Conservative Justice But senators heard a sobering to phase that in beginning in mid- dents would have to depend back to school run through the carrying out of his official Samuel Alito challenged Seku- assessment from Fauci, when May, even as opinion polls show upon expanded testing for coro- testing and that what our country duties. low’s assertion that a grand asked by Democrats about a pre- most Americans are concerned navirus, tracing of those who has done so far on testing is The nine justices heard an jury’s subpoena cannot be mature opening of the economy. about resuming such operations have been in contact with impressive, but not nearly oral argument lasting more enforced against a sitting “There is a real risk that you too soon. infected people and safe hygiene enough,” Lamar Alexander, the than 90 minutes by telecon- president in a case in which will trigger an outbreak that you The hearing was more practices, witnesses said. Republican chairman of the ference in two cases involving waiting for a president to may not be able to control and, cordial than many of Congress’s The COVID-19 respiratory Senate committee, told the the House subpoenas seeking leave office would undermine in fact paradoxically, will set you undertakings have been in recent disease caused by the new coro- hearing. Trump’s financial records from a criminal prosecution. back, not only leading to some years, with members of the navirus has infected more than Alexander, who is self-quar- Mazars LLP, his long-time Liberal justices seemed suffering and death that could be Senate Health, Education, Labor 1.3 million Americans and killed antining in his home state of accounting firm, and two more sympathetic toward the avoided, but could even set you and Pensions Committee more than 80,600. Tennessee for 14 days after a banks, Deutsche Bank and House position, although they back on the road to try to get eco- addressing the non-partisan Fauci, 79, testified remotely member of his staff tested pos- Capital One. also raised concerns about the nomic recovery,” Fauci said of health experts politely. in a room lined with books as he itive, chaired the hearing The justices then held an potential lack of limits on law- premature steps. Democrats on the committee self-quarantines after he may virtually. oral argument in a third case in makers’ ability to subpoena which Trump is seeking to the president’s personal Over 5,000 deaths from virus in NYC uncounted: Report block a subpoena issued to records.

ANATOLIA — WASHINGTON Prevention’s report found over updated on Sunday afternoon tested falsely negative, or five thousand “excess deaths” found 14,753 confirmed COVID- became infected after testing The novel coronavirus’s true that could have been caused by 19-related fatalities and nearly negative, died out- side of a death toll in New York City may the outbreak. 5,200 probable deaths. health care setting, or for whom be far higher than official counts From March 11 through May In explaining the disparity, COVID-19 was not suspected by from the state and city currently 2 a total of 32,107 deaths were the public health body listed a a health care provider as a cause indicate, according to a report reported in the city, 24,172 more number of factors that could of death,” the CDC said. released on Monday that than what researchers would make up the difference, SARS-CoV-2 is the scientific suggests thousands of deaths expect for the season. That including faulty tests and a lack name for the coronavirus. may have gone uncounted. figure is nearly 5,300 higher of testing. Most people who contract The city is already the than the official coronavirus “The counting of confirmed the virus will display only mild known epicentre of the US out- tally that counts both lab con- and probable COVID-19-asso- symptoms, but it can be partic- break with the highest number firmed and probable COVID-19 ciated deaths might not include ularly fatal for the elderly and of deaths and infections deaths. deaths among persons with for individuals with pre-existing nationwide, but the Centres for Official data from the city’s SARS-CoV-2 infection who did conditions such as hypertension, A view of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Disease Control and health department that was not access diagnostic testing, diabetes and asthma. Georgia A-G seeks US govt officials worry about return of dual probe of prosecutors citizens if Mexico’s pandemic worsens REUTERS — WASHINGTON live in Mexico, according to a in Arbery death case US Department of State US government officials are estimate, many of them retirees. AP— ATLANTA a statement yesterday. concerned that dual US-Mexico Mexico’s foreign ministry Carr also appointed a black citizens may flee to the United did not immediately have Georgia’s attorney general has district attorney from suburban States if the coronavirus comment on whether the issue asked state law officers to inves- Atlanta on Monday to take over outbreak in Mexico gets worse, of dual nationals had been tigate allegations of misconduct the case, making her the fourth putting more stress on US raised by the United States. The by local prosecutors in the prosecutor in charge of a case hospitals, especially near the DHS did not respond to a killing of a black man who was that’s prompted a national border, three officials familiar request for comment. chased by a white father and outcry over suspicions that race with the matter said. Carlos González Gutiérrez, son, the Georgia Bureau of played a role in delaying arrests. The worries, which have not the Mexican consul general in Investigation announced Carr also has asked federal been previously reported, come San Diego, said some public yesterday. authorities to investigate how as hospitals in the San Diego officials in the United States The GBI said Attorney local police and prosecutors area in southern California have “mischaracterise the situation General Chris Carr requested the handled the case. Justice pressed the Trump adminis- at the border with regards to the investigation of how the district Department spokeswoman tration to do more to limit the foreign-born population for attorney offices in Brunswick Kerri Kupec said in a statement threat of the virus crossing into short-term, electoral Volunteers load groceries into a vehicle during a drive-through and Waycross handled the Feb- that Carr has been asked to the United States. purposes.” food bank, in Syracuse, New York, yesterday. ruary 23 killing of 25-year-old “forward to federal authorities While senior US In the Trump administration Ahmaud Arbery. More than two any information that he has.” Department of Homeland discussions, US officials have months passed before the Federal prosecutors are also Security officials have outbreak overwhelms health level since the Great detailed several scenarios that arrests of Gregory and Travis considering hate crimes charges, expressed their concerns about facilities there, according to the Depression. could trigger a flood of people McMichael. They were charged Kupec said. This would allow for dual nationals in daily depart- sources. Trump’s opponents accuse trying to cross the southern with felony murder and aggra- a separate federal case against mental calls, there are no plans President Donald Trump him of exploiting the pandemic border. vated assault after video of the the gunmen. at present to bar entry to them has suspended non-essential to expand his drive to restrict One could be an shooting appeared online and Cobb County District or make other changes to travel across the US land legal and illegal immigration to improvement in the US prompted outrage. Attorney Joyette M Holmes takes border operations, according to borders with Canada and the United States in an election economy as Mexico confronts “Unfortunately, many ques- over the case from prosecutor a senior DHS official, who like Mexico, saying the restrictions year. worsening economic fallout tions and concerns have arisen Tom Durden, who the state’s others requested anonymity to are necessary to protect the Leon Rodriguez, a former from the pandemic and the col- regarding, among other things, attorney general said asked to discuss the matter. United States. director of US Citizenship and lapse of world oil prices, the communications between be replaced by a prosecutor with “I don’t think there is any So far, fears of a deluge have Immigration Services under according to two US officials. and actions taken by the District a large staff as “this case has interest in telling American cit- not been realized. The United President Barack Obama, said Another could be the suc- Attorneys of the Brunswick and grown in size and magnitude.” izens that they can’t come in,” States has the highest number that any move to prevent US cit- cessful development in the Waycross Circuits. As a result, Holmes is based in metro the official said. of coronavirus deaths izens from entering the country United States of a vaccine or we have requested the GBI to Atlanta, more than 300 miles The issue has come up in worldwide and the U.S. would raise “serious constitu- therapeutic to treat COVID-19, review in order to determine from the coastal Georgia com- discussions about a potential economy has gone into a tional issues,” a sentiment the disease caused by the new whether the process was under- munity in Glynn County where surge of migrants if Mexico’s tailspin, with the unem- echoed by several experts. coronavirus, one of the officials mined in any way,” Carr said in the shooting happened. economy worsens or the ployment rate at the highest About 1.5 million US citizens said.