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Vol. 02 Issue 17 April 16, 2020
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Coronavirus Cases in top 10 numbers and deaths some at glance till paper deadline
Rohingya refugees rescued off Bangladesh after two months at sea starving
SITUATION IN NUMBERS Total (new cases in last 24 hours)
Globally 1914916 confirmed (70082) 123010 deaths (5989)
European Region
977596 confirmed (34324) 84607 deaths (3895)
Region of the Americas TL Bureau, Worldwide COVID-19 still takes over the world with total cases of 1,918,138 and deaths of totaled 123,126. Top 10 countries are United States with 578268 cases & 23476 deaths, Spain 172541 & 18056, Italy 162488 & 21069, Germany 127584 & 3254, France 102533 & 15708, United Kingdom 93877 & 12107, China 83749 & 3357, Iran 76389 & 4777, Turkey 65111 & 1403, Belgium 31119 & 4157, The Netherlands 27419 & 2945, Canada 26146 cases & 823 deaths. Australia with a total of 6416 cases and 61 deaths, Singapore with 3252 cases & 10 deaths and India with 11439 cases and 377 deaths till then WHO updated data. The number of COVID-19 related deaths have risen to 34 in South Africa, with infections now at 2 506. This comes after Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Wednesday confirmed seven more deaths. Mkhize confirmed the increase during a press briefing in which the government received muchneeded personal protective equipment from Multichoice, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer
Chiefs. Confirmed cases overnight rose to 2 506 from the 90 515 cases since the country began conducting tests. The total number of the new Coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 5988.In a statement, the National Center for Monitoring Coronavirus Developments in Pakistan said that the death toll from Coronavirus reached 107 while 1446 cases have been recovered. The death toll from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Morocco rose during the past 24 hours to 2,024 cases, after recording 136 new cases, while the death toll reached 127 after one death was recorded. In a statement, the Moroccan Ministry of Health said that the total number of recovered cases reached 229. The Ministry of Health of Jordan announced today 4 new cases of the new Coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases to 401. In a statement, Jordanian Health Minister Dr. Saad Jaber said that 15 cases were recovered, bringing the total recovered cases to 250. The UK Health Department announced today 761 new deaths related to Coronavirus, bringing the total number to 12,868. In a statement, the British Health Minister Matt
673361 confirmed (28404) 27336 deaths (1785)
Western Pacific Region 124204 confirmed (1399) 4201 deaths (40)
Eastem Mediterranean Region 107389 confirmed (3751) 5395 deaths (140)
South-East Asia Region 20287 confirmed (1624) 936 deaths (107)
African Region 11367 confirmed (580) 523 deaths (22)
WHO RISK ASSESSMENT Global Level
Very High
Hancock said that it is too early to release the UK from lockdown. Spokesperson of the Coronavirus Monitoring and Follow-up Committee of Algeria Jamal Furar announced today 90 new cases of the Coronavirus, bringing the total number to 2160. In the daily press conference, he said that 10 new deaths were recorded, bringing the death toll to 336. He added that 708 recoveries were recorded.
TL Bureau, Dhaka The coast gatekeeper of Bangladesh says it has safeguarded at any rate 382 starving Rohingya outcasts who had been floating adrift for almost two months. In excess of two dozen individuals kicked the bucket on the pontoon, which was attempting to arrive at Malaysia, authorities said. A few reports said the pontoon had been turned around by Malaysia in view of the coronavirus pandemic. It is hazy whether the displaced people had left from Bangladesh or from Myanmar, where they are initially from. In 2017, a crackdown by the Myanmar military left a large number of Rohingya Muslims dead and drove more than 700,000 to escape to neighboring Bangladesh. Myanmar Rohingya: What you
have to know What anticipates exiles who return? “We have saved at any rate 382 Rohingya from a major packed angling trawler and carried them to a sea shore close Teknaf,” coast watch representative Lt Shah Zia Rahman disclosed to AFP news office. “They were starving. They were gliding for 58 days and in the course of the most recent seven days [the boat] was moving in our regional waters.” Lt Rahman said specialists propelled a threeday scan for the pontoon in the wake of accepting a tip-off and discovered it around evening time off the south-east coast. Pictures via web-based networking media demonstrated gatherings of thin individuals, for the most part ladies and youngsters, remaining on a sea shore.
IOM Launches USD 499 Million Expanded COVID-19 Response Plan to Help Address Critical Socio-Economic Impacts of Pandemic
TL Bureau, GENEVA
As the number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases continues to rise, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expanded the scope of its Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) to include far-reaching interventions that aim to mitigate the dire health and socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. A revised appeal was launched today for USD 499 million to support vital preparedness, response and recovery activities in over 140 countries. The newlylaunched SPRP – an update to the previous IOM appeal for USD 116.1 million – broadens
the Organization’s approach to encompass COVID-19 mitigation efforts in humanitarian settings and numerous other contexts where people on the move are likely to be gravely affected by the pandemic’s impacts. These initiatives are being pursued collectively with all concerned governments, UN partners and the NGO community. “IOM is calling for greater commitment from international donors that will allow us to better alleviate the dire effects that COVID-19 is having on some of the world’s most vulnerable communities,” said IOM’s Director General António Vitorino, while expressing gratitude for the contributions to date.
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ndia extend its lockdown till May 3, 2020 to hope that may be things getting better in coming days. Australia says we will not start schools for coming term 2 as we will continue studying from home for students. Chinese Wuhan city started its normal life last week and come back on track some countries around the world although thing and opined their suggestions that it’s still a threat to start normal life for the world but see you cannot intervene another countries working. Today US president Trump stated that Peak is passed and US to reopen very soon. Germany said that we will ease lockdown measures. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has declared designs to gradually ease limitations acquired to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Social separating rules will remain set up until in any event 3 May, with Ms Merkel additionally prescribing the utilization of face veils in shops and on open vehicle. In any case, as of one week from now shops under a specific size could open their entryways. Also, schools will slowly begin to revive from 4 May. Ms Merkel said the nation had accomplished “delicate halfway achievement” through the severe measures. The chancellor said the nation “must prop centered and keep up”, including that they “don’t have a ton of space for move”. Enormous open social events including strict administrations will stay prohibited until 31 August. Bars, bistros, eateries, films and music scenes will all stay shut. As per Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the nation has 127,584 affirmed cases and has revealed 3,254 passings. Ms Merkel’s declaration makes Germany the most recent European country to begin facilitating limitations: Denmark has revived schools and nurseries for youngsters up to the age of 11 Development and assembling work is back under route in Spain A huge number of littler shops in Austria revived on Tuesday, and the nation will permit open air game, for example, tennis, golf and sports from 1 May A few districts in Italy have revived bookshops and kids’ attire stores France, be that as it may, has
Is Corona now going down or it’s just a misunderstanding amongst some nations.
expanded its lockdown measures for four additional weeks until 11 May. Belgium will keep up its limitations until in any event 3 May. What’s more, in Russia, veterans bunches have called for President Vladimir Putin to delay the World War Two 75th commemoration triumph march made arrangements for 9 May, on account of the hazard it could posture to members. What did Ms Merkel state? After a video meeting with the leaders of Germany’s 16 states, Ms Merkel reported the slow slackening of the severe lockdown measures. Schools can revive “bit by bit and gradually” after 4 May, she stated, with new wellbeing measures for breaks and school transports, and need given to those understudies with tests. “It will be an extraordinary strategic exertion and it needs exceptionally cautious arrangement,” she said. Shops of up to 800 square meters (8,600 sq ft) might restart their organizations from Monday, if they have “plans to look after cleanliness”, she said. Vehicle vendors, bike shops and book shops would all be able to revive, paying little heed to their size. Beauticians will be permitted to open their entryways from 4 May, gave they also go along exacting cleanliness measures. In any case, the lockdown is a long way from being done. The chancellor firmly suggested individuals wear defensive face veils while shopping and keeping in mind that taking open vehicle, saying this “will assist with ensuring others”. It makes Germany the most recent nation to give direction on face veils
in broad daylight - in spite of the fact that Ms Merkel didn’t make it required.Europe’s greatest economy entered a downturn in March, its economy service stated, refering to “falling worldwide interest, interference of supply chains, changes in purchaser conduct and vulnerability among speculators”. The German government a month ago passed an upgrade bundle worth €750bn (£653bn; $816bn) in an offer to help facilitate the impact of the infection. Financial analysts and governments are progressively stressed over the effect of the worldwide pandemic. The leader of the International Monetary Fund has cautioned that the world faces its most noticeably terrible financial emergency since the Great Depression during the 1930s. A week ago the EU concurred a €500bn salvage bundle for part states hit hard by the episode. European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen set out a guide on Wednesday for a slow lifting
editorial
of limitations over the 27-state alliance, however clarified it was anything but a sign to act right away. She set out key conditions including a huge diminishing in the spread of Covid-19, limit in the wellbeing framework, reconnaissance and observing. A givers’ gathering will occur online for governments and associations to promise cash looking for an immunization, Mrs von der Leyen included. US President Donald Trump has been intensely scrutinized for ending financing for the World Health Organization (WHO) in the midst of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Altruist Bill Gates, a significant funder of the WHO, said it was “as perilous as it sounds”. President Trump said on Tuesday that the body had “bombed in its fundamental obligation” in its reaction to coronavirus. The leader of the WHO said it was surveying the cuts’ effect “to guarantee our work proceeds with continuous”. “We lament the choice of the President of the United States to arrange an end in the subsidizing to the WHO,” Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a question and answer session, including that the US has been “a long-standing and liberal companion... furthermore, we trust it will keep on being so”. Some opined that till July the virus will be finished from world. Some says it will take some time to diminish from this humanity. Let’s hope for the best and stay safe and at home and cooperate the government and health authorities and listen and watch what they are doing for us..
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Scaling up crisis measures for jobs and businesses TL Bureau, Helsinki
The Government will present the proposals to the Riksdag in an additional amending budget in mid-May. The proposals are based on an agreement between the Swedish Social Democratic Party, the Centre Party, the Liberal Party and the Green Party.
Scaling up the system of short-term layoffs
It is proposed that the system of short-term layoffs be temporarily reinforced. The proposal means that employers will now be able to reduce their employees’ working hours by up to 80 per cent and that central government will cover a clear majority of the cost. This reinforcement of the system will apply for three months from 1 May 2020.
Employer’s costs to be
The Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party are now presenting further measures to alleviate the impact of the virus outbreak on jobs and the economy in Sweden. The ongoing pandemic is having a major impact on the Swedish economy. significantly reduced
The new system means that costs will be reduced even more for employers. The wage costs for an employee will be reduced by over 70 per cent while workers retain almost 90 per cent of their original wage. Combined with the reduced employers’ social security contributions, employers can be unburdened from up to 86 per cent of total wage costs during May and June.
Significant increase in control mechanisms
A higher compensation rate also requires greater control. The Government will provide resources equivalent to 130 members of staff to the Swedish Tax Agency to check businesses that receive support for short-term layoffs. This will be achieved through more unannounced checks of staff registers, for example.
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Statement on the 5th meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee for Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 14 April 2020
TL Bureau, Geneva
The 5th meeting of the Emergency Committee, convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) to review the current Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), took place on Friday, 10 April 2020, from 12:30 to 14:15 Geneva time (CEST) and on Tuesday, 14 April from 12:30 to 14:05 Geneva time (CEST). The Committee’s role is to give advice to the Director-General, who makes the final decision on the determination of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and issues temporary recommendations as appropriate. The Secretariat
welcomed the Committee and thanked them for their support. The Director General welcomed the Committee and expressed strong determination for addressing the current resurgence of EVD cases. Representatives of WHO’s legal department and the department of compliance, risk management, and ethics briefed the Committee members on their roles and responsibilities. Committee members were reminded of their duty of confidentiality and their responsibility to disclose personal, financial, or professional connections that might be seen to constitute a conflict of interest. Each member who was present was surveyed and no conflicts of interest were judged to be relevant to the meeting.
COVID-19 outbreak: Council approves Southeast Asian leaders vow to cooperate in coronavirus fight Bureau, HANOI (ASEAN) over the past month have soared “None of us in ASEAN can be truly safe financial assistance for EU fishermen TLSoutheast to more than 20,000 from fewer than 840. unless the entire region is safe,” said Asian leaders agreed at their first TL Bureau, Brussels
EU ambassadors today agreed the Council’s position on a proposal to help tackle the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the fishery and aquaculture sector. The proposal will amend the regulation on the European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF) and the regulation on the common market organisation (CMO). “We have to ensure that the current crisis does not cause irreparable damage to communities where fishery and aquaculture are the main economic activities. The proposal endorsed today will provide financial support to EU fishermen and aquaculture farmers to help them overcome the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.” Marija Vučković, minister for Agriculture of Croatia The proposal introduces the following specific measures: support in relation to the temporary cessation of fishing activities with a maximum co-financing rate of 75 % of eligible public expenditure support in relation to the temporary suspension or reduction of aquaculture production and sales
support to producer organisations and associations of producer organisations for the storage of fishery and aquaculture products increasing the quantities eligible for storage aid to 25 % of the annual quantities of the products concerned The Council position agreed today adds the following amendments to the proposal: inclusion of fishermen on foot (mostly women) as eligible for support in case of temporary cessation derogation for temporary cessation for new vessels flexibility in order to use 10% of the budgetary funds allocated to Union Priority 3 The specific EMFF measures in the proposal are complemented by an amendment to the CMO regulation which makes possible the resort to the storage mechanism if member states have not set and published trigger prices, and allows aquaculture producer organisations to benefit from the storage mechanism. The proposal also provides for expenditure for the operations supported under these measures to be eligible as of 1 February 2020.
Nordic cooperation vital post COVID-19 TL Bureau, Helsinki
The Nordic Ministers of business met on Friday April 3 2020, to discuss ways to focus on a cross-Nordic approach to re-energising the trade, industries, tourism, service sectors and innovative fo-cused companies in the Nordic countries following the COVID-19 pandemic. All the Nordic countries have been dealing with the challenges presented by COVID-19, economical as well as
social. The actions taken now will be decisive in how the Nordic countries will succeed in moving on once this demanding period passes and we are back to business as usual. The world as we know it may be changed forever, but the Nordic Ministers are confident that the Nordic countries can take a leading role in adapting to this new reality relying on our common Nordic values as well as our unwavering focus on sustainability and integration.
video conference summit on Tuesday to fight together against the “gravest public health crisis” in 100 years to make the region safe again, Reuters reported. Coronavirus cases in countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
The death toll has grown to 866 from 14. “COVID-19 is the gravest public health crisis ... in a century. It’s critical for us and ASEAN to mount a united response because of how connected and interdependent our countries are,” Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told the meeting.
Lee. The meeting, chaired by Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, agreed member states should “enhance cooperation” to combat COVID-19 in the region and ensure regional supply chains remain open, Vietnamese state broadcaster VTV reported.
Syria coronavirus threat sparks broad UN containment effort
TL Bureau, UN HQ “Having seen the trajectory of other countries, it is certain enormous challenges are ahead”, said Imran Riza, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, stressing that nine years of crisis also has resulted in a fragile health system, too few qualified health personnel and essential infrastructure that lies in ruins across most of the country. For the millions of people living in camps, social distancing and regular handwashing are luxuries that are impossible to enact on a wide scale, he said. As the lead agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with local health authorities and partners. In line with its global recommendations, the UN has prioritized support to rapidly enhance laboratory and case investigation capacity across Syria. WHO measures to keep coronavirus at bay To this end, said Mr. Riza, WHO has supported extensive rehabilitation of the Central Public Health Laboratory in Damascus, trained dozens of laboratory technicians and rapid response team members in testing and sample collection, and procured critical
diagnosis equipment - including five polymerase chain reaction machines and multiple shipments of testing kits. Testing capacity has already quadrupled. In addition, WHO is supporting the training of laboratory technicians to staff three new laboratories in Aleppo, Homs and Latakia governorates, with testing due to begin soon. “This is an important first step towards the Ministry of Health achieving their goal of a working laboratory in each of Syria’s 14 governorates,” he explained. Aid from UNICEF, UNHCR, other agencies To protect frontline health workers, WHO and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have distributed nearly a million pieces of personal protection equipment - masks, goggles, gloves and disinfection kits - and provided training in their proper use. Work is ongoing to support training of health workers in case management and to bolster hospitals, clinics and isolation facilities. The Humanitarian Coordinator said many UN agencies and partners, led by UNICEF, are also engaging with communities to raise awareness about COVID-19, noting that by the end of April, more than 2 million soap bars will have been distributed.
4 China-Africa friendship rock-solid: Chinese FM TL Bureau, Addis Ababa
The China-Africa friendship is rock-solid and will not be affected by a single incident, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday. During a phone conversation with Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, Wang said China and Africa, as comprehensive strategic cooperative partners, should strengthen coordination and cooperation in response to the common challenge of COVID-19.
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SA receives medical supplies from China TL Bureau, Johannesburg
South Africa has received medical supplies from China to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. At 7pm on Monday, 13 April, a Boeing 777 aircraft, which flew more than 24 hours from Guangzhou, China, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport with a consignment of medical supplies and equipment donated by China. The cargo is currently going through accelerated clearance, with the assistance of the South African Revenue Service. Items donated include 11 000 N95 masks, 50 000 surgical masks, 3 000 sets of protective suits, 500 portable infrared thermometers, 3 000 goggles, 11 000 pairs of surgical gloves and 11 000 pairs
of medical shoe covers. The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, together with his Deputy Dr Joe Phaahla and International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, received the consignment from Chargé d’affaires Li Nan at OR Tambo International Airport. Welcoming the donation at a briefing on Tuesday, the Health Minister said the medical equipment will go a long way to protect healthcare workers at the frontline of the country’s fight against Coronavirus. “We are sensitive about the protection of our professionals, so this donation is going to contribute quite significantly to ensuring that we are able to get our staff protected against infection. “This for us indicates a contribution
CORONA CRIMES: MULTI-MILLION FACE MASK SCAM FOILED BY POLICE ACROSS EUROPE TL Bureau, The Hague
As part of a case coordinated by Europol and Interpol, financial institutions and authorities across Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have foiled an attempt to cheat health authorities out of millions of euros by selling them non-existent face masks.
A chain of referrals
In mid-March, the German health authorities contracted two sales companies in Zurich and Hamburg to procure €15 million worth of face masks. With a global shortage on medical supplies complicating usual business channels, the buyers followed new leads in the hopes of securing the masks. They first got in touch with what appeared to be a legitimate website in Spain selling face masks. Unbeknownst to the buyers, the site was a fake and their legitimate email addresses had been comprised. Through email correspondence, the company initially claimed to have 10 million masks, only for
the delivery to fall through. As consolation, they then referred the buyers to a ‘trusted’ dealer in Ireland. The Irish middleman promised to put them in touch with a different supplier, this time in the Netherlands. Claiming to have a strong commercial relationship with the company, the man provided assurances that the alleged Dutch company would be able to supply the 10 million face masks. An agreement for an initial delivery of 1.5 million masks was made, in exchange for an up-front payment of €1.5 million. The buyers initiated a bank transfer to Ireland and prepared for delivery, which involved 52 lorries and a police escort to transport the masks from a warehouse in the
Netherlands to the final destination in Germany. Just before the delivery date, the buyers were informed that the funds had not been received and that an emergency transfer of EUR 880 000 straight to the Dutch supplier was required to secure the merchandise. The buyers sent the wire transfer and the masks never arrived. It turns out the Dutch company existed, but their website had also been cloned. There was no official record of the order.
Chasing the money
When the buyers realised they had been duped, they immediately contacted their bank in Germany, setting off an international race to intercept the funds and follow the money trail. Europol made full use of the possibilities offered by its financial intelligence component to support the case. Key members of the Camden Asset Recovery InterAgency Network (CARIN) were mobilised, and private partners of the Europol Financial Intelligence Public Private Partnership (EFIPPP) alerted.
to a kind of commodity that is highly needed inside the department, particularly as we deal with the issue of COVID-19. “We want to express our gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their continued support and assistance that they have given us,” said Mkhize. Upon clearance, the Health Department will distribute the medical equipment across the country. The donation comes as the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 2 415, as of Tuesday with 87 022 tests conducted to date. “Truly, China has exhibited that it is only together that we can stop this virus,” said Pandor. Another batch of medical supplies for donation is being assembled in
Shanghai, China, for collection by chartered South African aircraft. This next batch of donations is set to arrive in South Africa during the course of this week. China’s Ambassador to South Africa, Li, said the donation of medical supplies demonstrates brotherhood between the two countries. “This batch of medical supplies arrived in South Africa just five days after President Xi Jinping’s telephone call with President Cyril Ramaphosa, which represents an important concrete step to implement the consensus reached by our two Heads of State. “It fully demonstrates the comprehensive strategic partnership and the special brotherhood that exists between China and South Africa,”
On 8 April 2020, the Prime Minister’s Office appointed a working group tasked with preparing a plan for Finland’s way out of the COVID-19 crisis and deciding on measures to deal TL Bureau, Helsinki
With regard to the first task of the mandate, the preparation group will report by 1 May on measures to limit the economic and social damage in the immediate crisis stage and on how to move away from the measures now decided in a timely manner. With regard to the second task, the preparation group will report by 31 May on the post-crisis measures and how to prepare for their introduction in the various sectors of society. The preparation group consists of the Permanent Secretaries of the ministries, with Martti Hetemäki from the Ministry of Finance as Chair and Kirsi Varhila from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health as Vice-Chair. The group is supported by a secretariat whose members are appointed
by the ministries. To support the preparation group, a scientific panel will be set up consisting of researchers/experts from different fields of expertise, such as social policy, education policy and economic policy as well as the environmental and climate sciences. The proposal for the experts to be invited to the panel will be prepared by representatives from the scientific community (Universities Finland UNIFI, the Consortium of State Research Institutions Tulanet and the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters). During its work, the preparation group will consult with representatives of the business community, municipalities, civil society organisations and environmental organisations on a broad basis.
SANDF records four COVID-19 cases The Government presents the
TL Bureau, Western Cape
The Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force says the SANDF has recorded its first four positive cases of the COVID-19. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Surgeon General said three of the cases were in the Western Cape, while the fourth was recorded in Gauteng. “None of these members are uniformed members nor members deployed in support of the SAPS. It is imperative to note that the military community is bigger than the South African National Defence Force (SANDF),” read the statement. The military community is inclusive of dependants of the serving, retired soldiers and others eligible for care by the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS).
All COVID-19 cases are treated and managed as per COVID-19 prescribed protocol. Frontline workers, among them emergency medical teams, nurses, doctors, porters and soldiers patrolling the townships, have been issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), the Surgeon General said. “Other preventative measures include thermal screening, hand sanitising and wearing of surgical masks by Department of Defence personnel. In addition, the SA Military Health Service continues with COVID-19 awareness campaign by educating DOD members on correct use of the surgical masks, maintaining good basic hygiene principles and social distancing,” said the SANDF in the statement.
2020 Spring Fiscal Policy Bill TL Bureau, Stockholm
During the spring, the Government presented a large number of measures to stop the spread of the virus and mitigate the economic effects on society of the outbreak. The measures are intended to provide greater security for those affected by the pandemic by limiting the spread of the virus, combating the effects on businesses and jobs and providing financial security and transition opportunities for those who become unemployed. They are also intended to create the conditions for recovery after the crisis. Amendments to the current budget. The spread of the virus must be limited.
Everyone working in health care and infectious disease control must have the tools and resources needed to manage and limit the spread of the virus. Through their responsibility for health and social care, the regions and municipalities have a crucial role in fighting the spread of the virus. The local government sector is therefore being given funding, both targeted and general, to deal with the immediate additional costs resulting from the outbreak. The performance requirements in the waiting list billions are being removed temporarily, and funds are being set aside to rapidly increase the number of tests. Government agencies participating in action to
limit the outbreak must also have the resources they need. The risk of health care overload decreases the more the spread of infection is limited. The sick pay standard deduction and the medical certificate requirement during a sick pay period have been removed temporarily and the resources for disease carrier’s allowance have been increased.The impact on Swedish jobs and businesses must be pushed back. The economic impact of the coronavirus is hitting the business sector very hard. Many business owners are experiencing great uncertainty and do not know whether their business will survive or what will happen to their employees.
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UK
UK to receive nearly 3 million packets of paracetamol
Getting PPE to those who need it
TL Bureau, London
Organisations and individuals across the country are doing all they can to help health and care workers get the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to do their jobs safely. The Sellafield workforce is no different. Union campaign The 3 unions representing Sellafield Ltd employees have joined together to raise funds for the NHS. Unite the Union, GMB Union and Prospect are fundraising for personal protective equipment for the West Cumberland Hospital and for community nursing teams in Copeland and Workington. Since being launched earlier this week, they have already raised more than £21,000 from union members and the public. They have already delivered personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer across West Cumbria. You can donate online or search for Sellafield unions PPE. Michael Ashbridge from Unite the Union, said: We have been blown away by the response to our campaign, which has been just amazing. We are working hard to procure as much equipment as possible, and will distribute this throughout West Cumbria. Thank you to everyone who has helped to support the campaign.
An update on work being done by Sellafield Ltd, our employees 2,800,000 packets of paracetamol will be distributed and trade unions to help get PPE to health care workers. TL Bureau, London to leading UK supermarkets and retailers. The government of India has approved the export of 2,800,000 packets of paracetamol to the UK. The medicine will be distributed to leading UK supermarkets and retailers. International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss MP: Coronavirus is the largest threat we have all faced in decades, so it’s
imperative that we work together to continue global trade and keep supply chains open. This will mean nearly 3 million more packets of paracetamol on British supermarket shelves. I’d like to extend a big thank you to officials both in the UK and India who worked hard on this agreement and I look forward to working with India and other countries soon to ensure we beat COVID-19.
Commission on Human Medicines advice on ibuprofen and coronavirus (COVID-19)
Expert Working Group concludes there is currently insufficient evidence to establish a link between use of ibuprofen and susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 or the worsening of its symptoms. TL Bureau, London The Commission of Human Medicines (CHM)Expert Working Group on coronavirus (COVID-19) has concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence to establish a link between use of ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 or the worsening of its symptoms. Patients can take paracetamol or ibuprofen when self-medicating for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever and headache, and should follow NHS advice if they have any questions or if symptoms get worse. Taking ibuprofen Patients should always read the patient information when taking over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, and follow the instructions on how to take the medicines. Prescribing ibuprofen Healthcare professionals should consider a patient’s individual risk factors, including any history of
cardiovascular and gastrointestinal illness, when prescribing ibuprofen. Additionally, ibuprofen should be used with caution in patients with known renal impairment. The lowest effective dose of ibuprofen should be used for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms. Patients who have been prescribed NSAIDs as a treatment for a longterm condition, such as arthritis, should keep taking these medicines as normal. Adult patients who take low-dose 75 mg aspirin regularly for prevention of heart attacks or for vascular disease should continue to do so. Healthcare professionals, patients and carers should report any suspected side effects from a medicine including those purchased over-the-counter to the Yellow Card Scheme.
Anyone who wants to get involved can contact Michael Ashbridge on Michael.ashbridge@unitetheunion. org. Cumbria-wide approach Sellafield Ltd is part of the Cumbria-wide approach to coordinate requests for, and donations of, PPE. This is being managed by the Cumbria Resilience Forum who work to ensure that PPE is delivered to where it is needed most in the country. The forum includes all organisations and agencies involved with emergency response in our communities – including the NHS. Businesses and organisations who have a request for PPE should contact the Multi-Agency Support Team in the first instance. This group is coordinating requests. Email mast@cumbria.gov.uk. Companies who have spare PPE
they would like to donate can also contact the MAST by email. Mark Neate, Director of Environment, Safety and Security said: As the largest employer in West Cumbria, we are doing all we can to support the community response to the pandemic. It became clear that one of the simplest and most effective things we could do would be to share personal protective equipment. We are working with other key partners and businesses in Cumbria to ensure that our response is coordinated with everyone else’s. 3D printing of PPE Sellafield employees and supply chain partners – both in Cumbria and Warrington are also working to produce bespoke 3D printer PPE like protective visors that can be distributed to health and care workers who need these.
Government provides construction sector certainty by confirming ‘Notice to proceed’ on High Speed 2 TL Bureau, London
High Speed 2 (HS2) project reaches its next stage as joint venture companies receive approval to begin detailed design and construction phase ‘Notice to proceed’ process marks formal approval for main construction works to begin, following decision earlier this year to proceed with the project construction to begin in line with
Public Health England advice during the coronavirus outbreak Following the decision to proceed with HS2 earlier this year, HS2 Ltd has today (15 April 2020) marked the next step for the project after issuing ‘Notice to proceed’ to the companies that will undertake construction on Britain’s new railway. After careful consideration of the independent Oakervee review, the Prime Minister confirmed to Parliament in February 2020 that the
project should go ahead, to deliver vital improvements to capacity and connectivity across the Midlands and North, alongside a reform package to improve governance at HS2 to ensure the project is delivered better and more efficiently. ‘Notice to proceed’ marks the formal approval for the project to begin the construction phase and HS2 Ltd is now entering Stage 2 of the main works civils contracts, with each held by a specific joint-venture.
Homes England ramps up development pipeline to support the housing market Homes England, the government’s housing agency, has revealed that it acquired 19 sites in the last financial year worth £180 million, with the land having the capacity for 5,000 new homes across the country.
TL Bureau, London
Homes England, the government’s housing agency, has revealed that it acquired 19 sites in the last financial year worth £180 million, with the land having the capacity for 5,000 new homes across the country. Of these, several major acquisitions were completed in the lead up to financial yearend, demonstrating how the agency is taking a long-term view of housing demand in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing to develop a strong pipeline of projects to support the recovery of the housebuilding sector. In its role as a master developer, Homes England is able to acquire challenging or stalled sites which have been unable to progress without public sector intervention and use its resources and expertise to unlock them for development and bring them back to market, ultimately resulting in much-
View of Homes Egland land acquisition from above Homes England has acquired 19 sites in the last financial year worth £180 million. The land has the capacity for 5,000 new homes across the country. Several major acquisitions were completed in the lead up to financial year-end, demonstrating how the agency is taking a long-term view of housing demand in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
needed new homes. The recently acquired sites include the 37-hectare Panshanger Aerodrome in Welwyn Garden City, which will bring forward one of the region’s largest housing developments with the capacity for 815 homes. It is
expected that 30% of the new homes will be affordable and the development will also include a new primary school, a community centre and self-build plots. Homes England will deliver the infrastructure on site before marketing the site to developers in parcels, accelerating the delivery of new homes.
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7
IFC Invests in Private Equity Fund to Boost Growth in MENA Amid Economic Disruption
TL Bureau, Cairo
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is investing up to $20 million into a newly independent, institutionalized private equity fund manager operating in MENA, to help small and mid-cap companies in the region improve their access to institutional capital and boost growth. The Fund, SPE AIF I is managed by SPE Capital Partners and will focus mainly on Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, where access to equity is especially constrained because of the macro-economic and political challenges. While private equity has emerged as a critical source of equity financing for smaller cap companies globally, the penetration rate is just 0.02 percent in North Africa, compared to 0.11 percent in emerging markets, according to EMPEA EMPEA, data as of September 2018. data. Nabil Triki, Managing Partner and CEO of SPE Capital said: “With IFC’s support, we hope to not only provide growth capital, but
Saudi Aramco Has Not Made Any Offers of Extended Payment Terms to Crude Oil Sales TL Bureau, Dhahran
Saudi Aramco Company has denied some media reports with regard to payment terms to crude oil sales. In a statement issued, the company stated that “Contrary to a recent media report, Aramco has not made any offers of extended payment terms to crude oil sales.”
Wall Street Closing TL Bureau, New York
U.S. stocks surged Tuesday. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 558.99, or 2.4 percent, to 23,949.76. The broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 84.43, or 3.1 percent, to 2,846.06. The technology-heavy Nasdaq composite index rose 323.31, or 3.95 percent, to 8,515.74.
also industry and value-creation expertise, which are all currently limited in MENA with focus on North Africa. There is growing demand for such support because businesses are increasingly recognizing the benefits of institutional ownership and professional management.” The investment is part of IFC’s strategy to partner with selected fund managers in key regions to meet the needs of fast-growing companies, to help mobilize additional institutional capital in high growth sectors and ultimately strengthen capital markets. “By backing an experienced fund manager focused on the MENA market, IFC’s support will help signal the continued viability of private equity in the region,” said Beatrice Maser, IFC’s Regional Director for MENA. “Greater access to such financing can help spur private sector development and job creation, which are both still much needed in the region.” Lack of risk capital hinders economic growth and thwarts entrepreneurship across MENA.
By providing capital private equity and venture capital can play a critical role in development, helping to build the dynamic, job-creating companies that drive prosperity, provide essential goods and services, and strengthen the middle class. In FY20, IFC has invested a total of $40.5 million in private equity and venture capital funds to support businesses in MENA. About IFC IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
TL Bureau, Canberra
to grow by 6.1 per cent in 2021, faster than the economies of the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The Morrison Government has taken decisive action to protect Australians and the economy from the effects of the coronavirus, with Government support for the economy totalling $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP. The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep more Australians in jobs as we tackle the significant economic impact from the coronavirus. In the absence of the JobKeeper payment, Treasury estimates the unemployment rate would be 5 percentage points higher and would peak at around
BUSINESS
Demand spikes for CBA’s Benefits finder as Aussies seek out digital welfare support during coronavirus crisis TL Bureau, Parramatta
The number of Australians seeking to access to welfare support and unclaimed cash through Commonwealth Bank’s digital feature ‘Benefits finder’ more than doubled the month after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic[2], according to new data released today by the bank. Monthly claims started by customers for federal and state government-offered benefits shot up from 39,000 to 78,000[3] as Australians searched for easy ways to access their entitlements. The top claims started through Benefits finder in the CommBank App in the four weeks to April 5 were: • Unclaimed Money (34,000) • Unclaimed Super (7,000) • Power Saver Bonus (6,300) • Coronavirus and Job Seeker Payments (5,900) • Family Tax Benefit (2,800) • Rent Assistance (2,700) Released nationally in September 2019, Benefits finder’s aim is to
The number of customers looking for additional help through CommBank’s Benefits finder has doubled in the last month[1] An additional 15 benefits for customers in financial hardship will be available in Benefits finder this week More than $10 billion goes unclaimed each year by eligible Australians help connect customers with their share in billions of dollars worth of unclaimed government rebates and benefits. Since launch, more than 500,000 claims have been started through Benefits finder with 1.5 million customers visiting it in the app.
IMF expects Australia’s economic growth to rebound
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects economic growth in Australia to rebound despite the global economy facing a downturn “far worse than during the 2009 global financial crisis” as a result of the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The IMF is forecasting the global economy to fall by 3.0 per cent in 2020 which compares to a fall of 0.1 per cent in 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis. Economic growth in Australia is projected by the IMF to fall by 6.7 per cent in 2020 as the world deals with the economic fallout from the coronavirus. However, the IMF is forecasting Australia
15 per cent in the September quarter. The IMF also notes that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) responded quickly to worsening risk sentiment by injecting $90 billion into the financial system to support small and medium businesses to deal with the economic challenges that are being caused by the spread of the coronavirus. Our disciplined economic and budget management saw Standard and Poor’s last week reaffirm Australia’s AAA’s credit rating, noting that “while fiscal stimulus measures will soften the blow presented by the COVID-19 outbreak and weigh heavily on public finances in the immediate
future, they won’t structurally weaken Australia’s fiscal position.” Australia approaches this crisis from a position of economic strength. The Federal Budget returned to balance for the first time in 11 years and Australia’s debt to GDP is about a quarter of what it is in the United States or United Kingdom, and about one seventh of what it is in Japan. Our measures are temporary, targeted and proportionate to the challenge we face and will ensure Australia bounces back stronger on the other side, without undermining the structural integrity of the budget whilst maintaining our commitment to medium term fiscal sustainability.
Tourism needs the help to rebuild from scratch TL Bureau, Canberra
Australian Chamber – Tourism welcomes the announcement by the Government to open access to loans of between $250,000 and $50 million under a new capital facility to be administered by Export Finance Australia. “This facility for Australian exporters will save some assets vital to restarting Australian tourism when the time is right,” Australian Chamber – Tourism Executive Chair John Hart said. “The many previously profitable tourism businesses who, due to COVID-19, are unable to gain finance from commercial sources need a facility such as this. Tourism will be rebuilding from a standing start once
the COVID restrictions are wound down and will need strong products and supply chains to restart.” “In our letter last month to the Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham, we stressed the importance of core tourism assets and businesses too important to fail. We need to do everything we can to ensure these businesses stand ready to offer their tourist-drawing attractions once again.” “The devastating state of Australian tourism is demonstrated by Overseas Arrivals and Departures as at February released by the ABS today. While February was only at the start of the COVID-19 border closures, the data shows a decrease of 26% compared to the same month a year ago.
8
FEATURE
More than 117 million children at risk of missing out on measles vaccines, as COVID-19 surges Statement by the Measles & Rubella Initiative: American Red Cross, U.S. CDC, UNICEF, UN Foundation and WHO TL Bureau ATLANTA/GENEVA/NEW YORK “As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, over 117 million children in 37 countries may miss out on receiving life-saving measles vaccine. Measles immunization campaigns in 24 countries have already been delayed; more will be postponed. “During this challenging period, the Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&RI) expresses solidarity with families, communities, governments and emergency responders and joins our global immunization and health partners, including those within Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in our collective focus and fight against the threat of COVID-19. The pandemic sweeping the globe requires a coordinated effort and commitment of resources to ensure frontline health workers around the world are protected, as they face and respond to this new threat. At the same time, we must also champion efforts to protect essential immunization services, now and for the future. “The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines endorsed by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization -- to help countries to sustain
immunization activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines recommend that governments temporarily pause preventive immunization campaigns where there is no active outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. M&RI partners, which include the American Red Cross, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the United Nations Foundation and WHO, strongly agree with these recommendations. We also urge countries to continue routine immunization services, while ensuring the safety of communities and health workers. The recommendations also ask governments to undertake a careful risk-benefit analysis when deciding whether to delay vaccination campaigns in response to outbreaks, with the possibility of postponement where risks of COVID-19 transmission are deemed unacceptably high. “If the difficult choice to pause vaccination is made due to the spread of COVID-19, we urge leaders to intensify efforts to track unvaccinated children, so that the most vulnerable populations can be provided with measles vaccines as soon as it becomes possible to do so. While we know there will be many demands on health systems and frontline workers during and beyond the threat of COVID-19, delivering all immunization services, including measles
vaccines, is essential to saving lives that would otherwise be lost to vaccinepreventable diseases. “The M&RI supports the need to protect communities and health workers from COVID-19 through a pause of mass campaigns, where risks of the disease are high. However, this should not mean that children permanently miss out. Urgent efforts must be taken now at local, national, regional and global levels to prepare to close the immunity gaps that the measles virus will exploit, by ensuring that vaccines are available and that they reach children and vulnerable populations, as quickly as possible, to keep them safe. “Despite having a safe and effective vaccine for over 50 years, measles cases surged over recent years and claimed more than 140,000 lives in 2018, mostly of children and babies – all of which were preventable. Against this already dangerous backdrop, preventive and responsive measles vaccination campaigns have now been paused or postponed in 24 countries to help avert further spread of COVID-19. Campaigns expected to take place later in 2020 in an additional 13 countries may not be implemented. Together, more than 117 million children in 37 countries, many of whom live in regions with ongoing measles outbreaks, could be impacted by
the suspension of scheduled immunization activities. This staggering number does not include the number of infants that may not be vaccinated because of the effect of COVID-19 on routine immunization services. Children younger than 12 months of age are more likely to die from measles complications, and if the circulation of measles virus is not stopped, their risk of exposure to measles will increase daily. “The M&RI salutes the heroism of health and emergency workers across the globe, and we recognize the vital role they play in delivering clear, trusted information, as well as preventive and supportive care within their communities. We must invest in health workers and ensure they are protected from infection and empowered as part of sustainable and functioning primary health systems. They are the first line of defense against global epidemics. We also recognize the role of parents and caregivers in ensuring their children are vaccinated by following physical distancing recommendations in line with national guidance. Finally, we call on countries and local leaders to implement effective communication strategies to engage communities, ensure supply and demand for vaccination remains strong, and help assure a healthy life for every child especially in this challenging time.”
First UN solidarity flight departs Addis Ababa carrying vital COVID-19 medical supplies to all African nations
TL Bureau, Addis Ababa
T
he first United Nations “Solidarity Flight” is scheduled to leave Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, today - from there, the aircraft will transport the vital medical cargo to all countries in Africa, where supplies are desperately needed to contain the spread of COVID-19. WHO cargo is being transported by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and includes face shields, gloves, goggles, gowns, masks, medical aprons and thermometers, as well as ventilators. The cargo also includes a large quantity of medical supplies donated by the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Jack Ma Foundation Initiative to reverse COVID-19 in Africa. The African Union, through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is providing technical support and coordination for the distribution of the supplies. “Commercial flights are grounded and medical cargo is stuck. We can stop this virus in its tracks, but we’ve got to work together. WFP is committed to getting vital medical supplies to front lines and
shielding medical workers as they save lives,” said David Beasley, WFP’s Executive Director. “Our air bridges need to be fully funded to do this, and we stand ready to transport frontline health and humanitarian workers as well as medical cargo,” he added. “The Solidarity Flight is part of a larger effort to ship lifesaving medical supplies to 95 countries,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “I would like thank the African Union, the governments of UAE and Ethiopia, the Jack Ma Foundation and all our partners for their solidarity with African countries at this critical moment in history.” The crucial WHO cargo includes one million face masks, as well as personal protective equipment, which will be enough to protect health workers while treating more than 30 000 patients across the continent and laboratory supplies to support surveillance and detection. “The African Union values the efforts of our partners – the World Health Organization, the World Food Programme, the Jack Ma Foundation/Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed – in supporting the African
continental strategy for COVID-19 response. The medical supplies are much needed at this critical time that medical commodities are in short supply worldwide,” said Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. “The African Union will continue to provide the coordination needed as well as resources to ensure that our Member States are able to meet the need for healthcare services during this pandemic,” he added. “We have seen time and again our health workers fall victim to infectious diseases as they work in hospitals and sometimes pass away,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “This is unacceptable. This personal protective equipment will help keep them safe. WHO is committed to protecting those on the front-lines of health care.” WHO’s logistics hub in Dubai, staffed by a team of seven, has been working around the clock to dispatch over 130 shipments of PPE and laboratory supplies to 95 countries across all six WHO regions. “Thanks to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its generous support of this operation, WHO’s
regional logistics hub in Dubai has played a key role in making sure these supplies are prepared and shipped to where they are most needed. This is by far the largest single shipment of supplies since the start of the pandemic, and will ensure that people living in countries with some of the weakest heaths systems are able to get test and treated, while ensuring that health workers on the frontlines are properly protected,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. The WFP and WHO extend thanks to the Government of Ethiopia, which helped WFP set up the Addis Ababa Humanitarian Air Hub this week, to help transport protective equipment, medical supplies and humanitarian workers across Africa for the COVID-19 response, as well as ensuring medical evacuations for humanitarian responders. A team of 25 WFP aviation and logistics staff is based at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, managing the 24-hour operation. They manage warehouse space for dry bulk, temperaturecontrolled and cold storage cargo and its onward transport by air.
WFP also provides dedicated cargo tracking, warehouse management and customer service to countries across Africa in collaboration with the Africa CDC. “The medical supplies are timely as the continent still has a window of opportunity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective and fast actions as exemplified by the Solidarity Flight are therefore critical,” said John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa CDC. As part of a global appeal to raise a US$2 billion for the COVID-19 response, launched by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on 25 March, WFP is calling for US$350 million to establish vital humanitarian hubs around the world to facilitate the storage and dispatch of essential medical cargo, set up air transport links for cargo and personnel, contract charter vessels for shipping services, and provide passenger air and Medevac services for humanitarian and health workers. This includes such Solidary Flights through Addis Ababa. Currently, WFP has received only 24% (US$84 million) of the US$350 million it requires to provide these vital common services to the global humanitarian community.
9
life and real estate
Surge of Returnees to Ethiopia, UN calls for a Pause Amidst Increased in Covid-19 Enforcement
TL Bureau, Addis Ababa
The unexpected arrival of more than 5,000 returnees to Ethiopia over the past two weeks without prior health screenings has added to the challenges the country faces strengthening measures to curb COVID-19. The UN has called for a temporary suspension of flights to give Ethiopian authorities time to safely organize the migrants’ repatriation. “Cooperation and open dialogue between border management agencies is critical at this time to ensure everything is being done to halt the spread of COVID-19 and that the movements of people are safe, orderly and regular,” said Maureen Achieng IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission. “Pre-departure health screenings that are in line with the WHO’s recommended best practices are a key aspect of a unified approach to dealing with the pandemic” Last week, IOM and other development partners, working with Dire Dawa city administration, received 2,019 Ethiopian returnees from Djibouti who came through the Dewale border entry point. Another group of 331 arrived at Moyale entry point from Kenya, with a significant number of infants, children and pregnant and lactating women. Close to 2,900 returnees have arrived in Addis Ababa from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the enactment of mandatory quarantine, with an average of 250 returns planned every day in the coming weeks. Ongoing negotiations between the two countries are likely to temporarily put these movements on hold. These returns are occurring at a time IOM had scaled down Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) movements due to
TL Bureau, Sydney
increased risk of transmission of the coronavirus disease. Ethiopia recorded its first COVID-19 case on 13 March and the latest update issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), on 13 April, confirms 74 cases and two fatalities. A nationwide state of emergency was declared last Wednesday, buttressing a series of enforcement measures announced last month. These include the closing of schools, bars and nightclubs, regulations on large gatherings and physical distancing, closing land borders, and a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arriving passengers at hotels, and at designated facilities for deportees. The government, working with partners, is also preparing 30 quarantine sites to cater for the returnees, and since last week IOM is assisting to make the four in Addis Ababa ready to host returnees. The arrivals from Djibouti are now accommodated at the University of Dire Dawa, which has been dedicated as a 14day isolation facility. They were screened for COVID -19 by the
Health Bureau, with six suspected individuals now quarantined. “We provided food and palatable bottled water for the first four days, hand washing facilities, and sanitary pads for women,” said Aaron Manyumbu, head of the IOM sub office in Dire Dawa. “IOM will continue to provide bottled water, hygiene kits (clothes inclusive), and onward transportation to respective regions until the end of the 14 days of isolation,” he added. Arrivals from Saudi Arabia are currently housed at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University quarantine centre, where IOM donated 2,000 blankets, 1,500 bed sheets and 720 packets of soap. Working with the government and other partners, IOM will continue to provide support at the site, including registering arrivals and identifying vulnerable returnees, such as unaccompanied migrant children, for further assistance after quarantine. IOM Ethiopia’s COVID-19 preparedness and response covers interventions in health, WASH and community engagement, site management support, AVRR, and Displacement
Sustainable finance: Council adopts a unified EU classification system
TL Bureau, GENEVA
The EU is putting in place a common classification system to encourage private investment in sustainable growth and contribute to a climate neutral economy. The Council today adopted a regulation setting out an EUwide classification system, or “taxonomy”, which will provide businesses and investors with a common language to identify those economic activities which are considered environmentally sustainable. The taxonomy will enable investors to refocus their investments on more sustainable technologies and businesses. It will be key to enabling the EU to become
IOM, the International Organization for Migration, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UNICEF, the UN Children’s Fund today welcomed the relocation of 12 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children from Greece to Luxembourg. The children, who had been living in overcrowded reception and identification centers for several months on the islands of Lesvos, Samos and Chios, arrived safely in Luxembourg this afternoon. Germany is in the process of relocating another group of unaccompanied children from Greece, who are due to arrive this weekend. These are the first relocations under a European Union initiative for 1,600 unaccompanied children in which ten Member States and Switzerland have pledged to participate. The three UN agencies greeted the arrival as an encouraging start in a larger effort to relocate vulnerable
TL Bureau, Brussels
Special Commission of Inquiry into Ruby Princess
climate neutral by 2050 and achieve the Paris agreement’s 2030 targets. These include a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, for which the Commission estimates that the EU has to fill an investment gap of about 180 billion EUR per year. The future framework will be based on six EU environmental objectives: • climate change mitigation; • climate change adaptation; • sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources; • transition to a circular economy; • pollution prevention and control; • protection and restauration of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Tracking Matrix (DTM) reporting. Under health, IOM has seconded medical staff to EPHI, strengthened points of entry and exit (PoE), engaged in Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), and surveillance, including supporting mobility mapping to help identify potential hotspots and mobility routes. WASH activities have included, among others, distribution of 3,750,000 pieces of 120 gm anti-bacterial soap among 625,000 individuals and 500 handwashing buckets and soap at health centres, waterpoints, and other communal locations. 50,000 leaflets and 10,000 posters in Amharic, Oromiffa, Somali, and Tigrigna on COVID-19 awareness and mitigation measures have also been produced and distributed. IOM has also supported the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and EPHI in developing a guideline for COVID-19 outbreak preparedness and response for refugees, IDPs and Returnees in Ethiopia, based on guidelines developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) in March 2020.
A special commission of inquiry will be established to investigate the events surrounding the Ruby Princess cruise ship. Premier Gladys Berejiklian will appoint leading barrister Bret Walker SC as Commissioner for the inquiry, which will report back to the government in three to four months. “It is important that answers are provided quickly for the people of NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said. “As I have said before, we will leave no stone unturned until we find out exactly what happened.” Mr Walker will have the extraordinary powers of a special commissioner to examine all matters involving the cruise ship, including its departure and arrival, and the actions of all agencies and parties involved. “Discussions with the Police Commissioner and the State Coroner have made clear to me their expected investigation timelines, and I have decided that the quickest path to answers is through a powerful and independent inquiry,” Ms Berejiklian said. Police and the State Coroner will continue their respective investigations. The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess will begin promptly. Further updates will be provided shortly.
UN Agencies Welcome First relocation of unaccompanied children from Greece
children from Greece in the coming weeks. The Agencies highlighted that the progress made by Greece, Luxembourg and Germany to relocate unaccompanied children is in line with the children’s best interests, considers their international protection needs and takes into account existing family ties. The relocation efforts are humane, concrete demonstrations
of European solidarity. The European Commission’s coordination role has also been crucial to help find Regionwide durable solutions for these particularly vulnerable children. The Agencies noted that there is a need to move beyond one-off relocation exercises and establish more predictable arrangements for relocation within the EU, for longer-term impact.
10
SPORTS
Sim racing international: BMW Group România resurrects the legendary BMW M3 E30 DTM – virtually.
TL Bureau, Munich.
Sim racing in Romania? Yes, sim racing in Romania! A country that plays a supporting role in traditional racing compared to great nations such as Germany, Italy, England or France is in the fast lane in the currently booming field of sim racing. BMW Group România is Title Partner of the increasingly popular Racing League România and is helping get a real BMW legend back on the racetrack. The car in action is the most successful touring car ever built: the BMW M3 E30. Roberto Ravaglia (ITA), Johnny Cecotto (VEN), Steve Soper (GBR), Eric van de Poele (BEL), Harald Grohs (GER) were some of the biggest names in touring car racing in the 80s. They sat behind the wheel of the legendary BMW M3 E30 in the golden age of the DTM, picking up countless wins and titles with the car and securing the drivers their permanent spots in the BMW Motorsport history. It is, however, definitely the car that deserves pole position in the ancestral portrait gallery. Even now, just the sight of the design of the BMW M3 E30 and the unrivalled sound of its engine is enough to make the heart of every BMW Motorsport fan leap, be it at a BMW Group Classic event, or when the car is in action as a race taxi in the DTM support programme. Just wonderful memories at a time in which no real-life motorsport is possible? Not at all, since thanks to BMW Group România and Racing League România, the BMW M3 E30 DTM is making an impressive comeback in sim racing at the moment. The extremely popular virtual race series is currently in its fifth season in Romania. It is supported by BMW Group România
as Title Partner. They stream all the events live on the BMW Romania Facebook page, and the events are also shown on TV and attract tens of thousands viewers more each weekend. “We don’t see ourselves as a sponsor in this project, but as a real partner with the goal of growing together and giving the championship a platform with high visibility and interaction,” said Andreea Ciglenean, Marketing Manager, BMW Group România. “When we entered into discussions with Racing League România, we had no idea that this season would be taking place at a time in which no real-life racing is possible. Now our project is a perfect example of how you can act safely and stay at home without having to miss out on racing altogether. That is an important aspect at the moment, and the BMW M3 E30 DTM is the perfect car for our race series.”
The Olympian
A total of 30 cars line up on the starting grid in each race, but these days more than 150 sim racers take part in qualifying for these events, including Romanian tennis ace Florin Mergea, former ATP doubles top-ten player and now a passionate sim racer. The platform for the Racing League România is the popular racing simulation Assetto Corsa. “The Racing League România has been organising events for the sim racing community for over a decade now, but as real-life racing is no longer possible, virtual races are a hot topic in Romania,” said Alexandru Siclovan, promoter of Racing League România. “We are proud that we are able to provide a suitable media product that with its emotive commentary and interaction brings the best of both worlds together, a professional storyline like in real-life racing, and the breath of fresh air of a younger target audience into the mix.”
Every bit as legendary as the BMW M3 E30 DTM are the racetracks on which the Racing League România holds its virtual events. The last two race weekends took place on the virtual versions of the Norisring (GER) and the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (GER). The season got underway on 15th March and comprises ten stops, each with two 30-minute races. Other tracks on the race calendar include the Virginia International Raceway (USA), Circuit Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), Circuit Park Zandvoort (NED), Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (RSA) and the Brands Hatch GP Circuit (GBR) for the season finale being held on 17th May. There is still plenty of opportunity for real fans of the BMW M3 E30 DTM to reminisce and relive the emotions of the glorious history of the car during this difficult time. It is definitely worth watching the upcoming races of the Racing League România.
“So I find that having my paramedic job is such a great balance... you realise that you can overtrain and do too much, so it’s taught me about having quality sessions and quality efforts, and just doing things a different way. So it’s four years on (from) when I was gonna retire and I’ve just qualified for the Olympic team (in the K4 500). It’s actually quite amazing.’’ Just as these are extraordinary times. For Brigden-Jones, that meant packing up her Sydney rental apartment in preparation for a move to a temporary training base on the Gold Coast before the Queensland border closed. By the following Tuesday, when the Games were postponed until 2021, she was staying home, rescheduling her retirement party by a year and working out what it all meant for her Olympic farewell.“To wrap your head around the massive changes, it is pretty big, because you plan your life meticulously for everything to happen, it’s set out the way you
want, and I think you’ve got to accept that that’s not gonna happen and make changes,’’ says Brigden-Jones. “Everyone’s just got to work out a new game plan from here.’’ Through it all, she has retained an enduring commitment to help others. Brigden-Jones is an AIS Lifeline Community Custodian - having last year become one of 21 elite athletes helping to raise awareness of suicide and mental health, reduce stigma and encourage vulnerable people to seek help. She will soon be announced as an ambassador for another of the Institute’s programs in the health and wellbeing space, as someone with close-up experience of issues that affect so many. “The hardest thing is making that first step, making that first phone call,’’ she says, stressing that may be to friends/family or to Lifeline. “The person on the other end of the phone really might be able to make a difference and get the ball rolling to help you get through that difficult situation.’’
giving back
Jo Brigden-Jones moves between her contrasting but complementary lives as an Olympic sprint kayaker and a paramedic, the ability to perform under pressure common to both. Her philosophy: stay calm, think clearly, stick to the basics and trust your body to get the job done, however challenging that may be. TL Bureau, (By Linda Pearce on SportsAus) Sydney It took Jo Brigden-Jones 18 years to fulfil her dream to become a paramedic; the girl from Sydney’s northern beaches having, at the age of 10, developed a fascination with ambulances. In the past four years, her job has ranged from saving lives in emergency situations to showing compassion and lifting spirits during more mundane moments. Amid the current health pandemic, it also included transporting one of Australia’s earliest confirmed coronavirus patients to hospital. Yet when the former registered nurse started with NSW Ambulance in 2016, five weeks after contentiously missing selection for the Rio Games, Brigden-Jones was ready to hang up her paddle for good. A 2001 world championships silver medallist, her career highlight had come in London, 2012 - making her Olympic debut in front of 20,000 in the K4 500, fangirling Novak Djokovic in the dining
hall and walking thrillingly close to Usain Bolt at an unforgettable opening ceremony. But she would not go to Rio. The end - or so it seemed. Within months, Brigden-Jones was drawn back to the water to stay fit and exercise with her friends. Just once a week and for fun, initially, until a return to racing beckoned the veteran of 16 years of national representation and two shoulder reconstructions. Thus, after retaining her national title, an unexpected tilt at Tokyo 2020 was inevitably added to a to-do list that would be scary if it was not all so well planned. “Even now I fully believe that if I didn’t have my job as a paramedic that I wouldn’t still be paddling, because the world of being an elite athlete can be quite intense,’’ she says. “You’re in quite a big bubble (and) if that’s the only thing you’re doing you get so caught up in it and everything revolves around your paddling and training.
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Bugatti has suspended production of its vehicles such as the Chiron1 and Divo2 in Molsheim. Nevertheless, many employees are continuing to work from home, taking into account the recommendations of the relevant authorities, international experts and government measures. Lars Fischer, head of chassis testing and application at Bugatti, and Sven Bohnhorst, chassis setup engineer, are continuing to test the extraordinary hyper sports cars from Molsheim.
TL Bureau, Molsheim
48-year-old engineer Fischer has been working for Bugatti since 2011 and is responsible for the testing department. “Although we are not working in the office at present, we are constantly developing the vehicles further and driving numerous kilometres at the test sites and on public roads. This means we are still on schedule,” he says. There are nevertheless some differences compared to the usual daily routine. “At the moment, we agree every morning on which applications we want to test over the next two days so that we can react quickly to new situations. Normally we would plan our tasks in advance on a weekly basis,” he says. The engineers work directly with and on Bugatti vehicles such as the Chiron and Divo, so they are dependent on other teams and test sites. “We always have to check how the other employees are working and whether any legal regulations have changed,” explains Fischer. If there is no possibility of test drives and trial runs on roads, the engineers work on their calculation and simulation models at home thanks to modern and highly developed digital work processes. Communicating via Skype is a change, but so far it has worked out well. Currently only solo hyper sports car test drives “Normally, we always have two engineers working on test drives in the Chiron or Divo so that the tests can be driven according to a set checklist and the data can be saved to a computer in real time,” explains Sven Bohnhorst. The 31-year-old has specialised in steering and damper calibration since 2014 at Bugatti and has helped to develop cars such as the record-breaking Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. “Since we always maintain the recommended safe distance from our colleagues and this is not possible in a car, we are currently driving solo,” he says. For example, he now has to stop to use the computer so that he can change certain test parameters. This means that calibration takes more time – up to 30 percent longer – as some test facilities have only a few stopping points. “But the data obtained is as accurate as ever,” he says. The engineers are currently working in shifts, alternating between three vehicles, sitting in the car for up to seven hours so as to additionally comply with the currently applicable occupational safety regulations. But even though the tasks require concentration, they are still enjoyable. “Working with a hyper sports car like the Chiron with 1,500 PS is a great job that I
enjoy doing every single day and one that fills me with pride,” says Bohnhorst. Development work is teamwork However, he misses the personal and direct communication with other experts. “We usually discuss the often subjective handling aspects, and seek out better solutions together as a team. At the moment we have to make do with written summaries,” explains Bohnhorst. Lars Fischer also relies on personal and visual contact in his work. “Although many things can be explained in telephone conferences, face-to-face communication directly in the car is easier when dealing with complex topics,” says Fischer. To give him a better understanding of the views of team members, he usually travels as a passenger on the final test drives – but at the moment he is driving solo instead. Bugatti is still testing its vehicles on the high-speed track
at Ehra-Lessien and on public roads. Trips to the Nürburgring or Bilster Berg are also possible as long as they do not take more than a working day, as overnight stays in hotels are not possible at the moment for safety reasons. This also applies to test drives in Southern Italy or France, the home of Bugatti. “However, these tests are still important and we hope that we will be able to drive in Southern Europe again soon when the restrictions have been lifted,” explains Bohnhorst. As he does not have to head out on long business trips at the moment, he now has time to work on his historic Porsche 911 Carrera. “My little workshop is a great retreat where I can recharge my batteries,” explains Bohnhorst. But he is already looking forward to working on the vehicle with the whole team again, sitting in the car together in order to achieve maximum benefit for customers.
12 NATO defence ministers to discuss pandemic’s impact on missions TL Bureau, Brussels
NATO defence ministers are set to hold a video conference on Wednesday to discuss how the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic will affect its joint military missions, dpa reported. Jens Stoltenberg, the secretarygeneral of trans-Atlantic defence alliance, has emphasized NATO’s combat readiness despite the global outbreak and said the protection of member states’ nearly 1 billion inhabitants remained its top priority. Another topic on the agenda at the meeting, set to take place at 3 pm (1300 GMT), is NATO’s role in countering the proliferation of disinformation surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. The transAtlantic alliance has already helped deliver emergency supplies to its worst-hit members, such as Italy and Spain, while national armed forces are supporting domestic measures to combat the global health crisis
SECO - Consumer sentiment at record low TL Bureau, Bern
Provisional data shows that the coronavirus has caused consumer sentiment in Switzerland to hit a historic low. Respondents are anticipating a severe recession. Their expectations regarding their own financial situation are at their worst since the 1990s.
Switzerland Reports 502 New Coronavirus Cases and 73 Deaths TL Bureau, Zurich
Switzerland reported today 502 new cases of the novel Coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 26,336. In a statement, the Ministry of Health of Switzerland said that the deaths toll reached 973.
Seven new cases of coronavirus registered in Rwanda TL Bureau, Kigali
Rwanda recorded seven new cases of the Corona pandemic, bringing the total number to 134 confirmed cases in the country. Rwanda has taken several measures to limit the spread of the virus
UAE announces 412 new cases of COVID-19 , 81 recoveries TL Bureau, ABU DHABI
The United Arab Emirates has conducted over 32,000 additional COVID-19 tests among citizens and residents over the past few days, in line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s plans to intensify virus screening in order to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The accelerated investigative measures resulted in the detection of 412 new coronavirus cases among various nationalities, all of whom are in a stable condition and receiving the necessary care. The total number of infections in the country is now 4,933 according to a MoHaP’s statement. The Ministry also revealed the
death of three patients suffering from COVID-19. The deceased are Asian nationals and had preexisting chronic illnesses. The total number of deaths has now reached 28. The Ministry also announced the full recovery of 81 new cases after receiving the necessary treatment, taking recoveries to a total of 933 in the UAE
Kuwait Reports 50 New Cases of Novel Coronavirus, 30 Recoveries
Oman Announces 97 New Cases of COVID-19, One Recovery
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health has reported 50 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of registered cases in Kuwait to 1405, while the number of deaths remained 3. Spokesman for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad pointed
The Omani Ministry of Health has announced 97 new cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the number of infections in the country to 910, while the number of deaths remained 4. The ministry also announced the full recovery of one additional patient from coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of recovered cases in Oman to 131
TL Bureau, Kuwait
out that 43 cases were in contact with previous infected cases, while the other 7 cases are under epidemiological investigation. Earlier this morning, Kuwaiti Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah has announced the full recovery of 30 additional patients from the novel coronavirus, raising the country’s total recoveries to 206.
TL Bureau, Muscat
29 new positive COVID-19 tests results over the past 24 hours TL Bureau, Tallinn Over the past 24 hours, 1709 COVID-19 virus tests were analysed in Estonia, of which 29 tests (1.7%) showed positive results. In total, 33 967 tests have been analysed in Estonia, of which 1400 (4.1%) have shown positive results. According to the
latest data from the morning of 15 April, 147 patients require hospitalisation in Estonia due to the novel coronavirus, of whom 10 are on ventilation. 117 people have been discharged from hospitals. Due to COVID-19, over the last 24 hours 3 people died in Estonia: a 79 year old woman being treated at the Ida-
The United States Issues an Advisory on North Korean Cyber Threats TL Bureau, Washington D.C.
On April 15, the U.S. Departments of State, Homeland Security, and Treasury, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued an advisory to raise the awareness of the cyber threat posed by North Korea. The advisory highlights North Korea’s malicious cyber activities around the world, identifies U.S. government resources that provide technical and threat information, and includes recommended measures to counter the cyber threat. North Korea’s malicious
cyber activities threaten the United States and countries around the world and, in particular, pose a significant threat to the integrity and stability of the international financial system. The United States works closely with likeminded countries to focus attention on and condemn disruptive, destructive, or otherwise destabilizing behavior in cyberspace. It is vital for foreign governments, network defenders, and the public to stay vigilant and to work together to mitigate the cyber threat posed by North Korea.
Viru Central Hospital, an 81 year old man at the Kuressaare Hospital, and a 65 year old man at the Pärnu Hospital. In addition, it has been determined that an 83 year old man, who died of complications on 10 April, was in fact COVID-19 positive. In total, 35 people have died due to the coronavirus in Estonia.
COVID-19 Death Toll Rises to 10 in Mali TL Bureau, Bamako
The death toll from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) rose today to 10 in Mali. The health authorities of Mali announced that the number of the COVID-19 cases rose to 123, adding that 6 cases have recovered.
Netherlands reported today 734 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total cases in the country to 28,153. In a statement, the National Institute for Public Health of the Netherlands said that the total number of deaths reached 3,134.
Working group to draft proposals for sustainable recovery in terms ofchaired climate and natural environment by Director Mari Pantsar temporary regeneration actions for TL Bureau, Helsinki
The Government jointly decided today to restore its funding for the World Health Organization to the 2015 level, which was EUR 5.5 million. The WHO is leading the global effort to prepare for and respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday 15 April, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Krista Mikkonen appointed a working group to draft proposals for regeneration measures after the coronavirus crisis to respond to the climate crisis and decline in biodiversity. The group will be
from the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and Permanent Secretary Hannele Pokka from the Ministry of the Environment. The task of the group is to prepare proposals for measures to be included in the Government’s strategic plan and for targeted, fast-working and
Morocco Reports 100 New Cases of COVID-19, One Death TL Bureau, Rabat
Morocco reported today 100 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and one death. This brings the total number of coronavirus infections in the country to 1,988, and the death toll to 127. The Moroccan Ministry of Health said in a statement that total number of recovered cases reached 218, adding that Casablanca has recorded the highest rate of infection until now
Over 3,000 new coronavirus cases in Russia TL Bureau, MOSCOW
Russia’s coronavirus response centre on Wednesday confirmed 3,388 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s tally to 24,490, Reuters reported. The centre said that 198 individuals had died as a result of the pandemic, an overnight rise of 28
Philippines reports 14 new coronavirus deaths, 230 more infections TL Bureau, MANILA
The Philippines’ health ministry on Wednesday reported 14 new coronavirus deaths and 230 additional infections, Reuters reported. In a bulletin, the health ministry said coronavirus deaths have reached 349 while total confirmed cases have increased to 5,453, keeping the Philippines as the country with the most infections in Southeast Asia. But 58 patients have recovered, bringing the total to 353, it added.
WBG, IMF Welcome G20 Initiative to Ease Burdens of Netherlands Reports 734 Debts of the Poorest New COVID-19 Cases Countries during TL Bureau, Amsterdam COVID-19 Pandemic
Government agrees to increase funding for WHO TL Bureau, Helsinki
world
the supplementary budget. The group will also examine longerterm actions to boost the transition into a carbon-neutral circular economy and outline actions to be taken on the EU level that are in line with the European Green Deal.
TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva and President of the World Bank Group (WBG) David Malpass issued today a joint statement welcoming the Group of Twenty (G20)’s new agreement to ease burdens of debts through allowing the poorest countries to suspend repayment of official bilateral credit. In a message to the G20 leaders, the IMF Managing Director said that the International Monetary Fund urgently seeks to obtain USD 18 billion from the IMF new resources to reduce poverty and growth for the poorest countries in addition to discussing the possibility of assistance in using special drawing rights.
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