The Life News Australia. May 16, 2020

News from World, Worldwide readership.

Vol. 03 Issue 30 May 16, 2020

Philippine Ambo’s 6th landfall as torrential rain, damaging winds TL Bureau, Manila

Hurricane Ambo, otherwise called Vongfong, made the 6th of various anticipated landfalls over the eastern Philippines on Friday.

Despite the fact that the tropical framework has started to lose wind force, it will in any case manufacture a way of devastation over the nation’s northern islands as the weekend progressed.

Ambo fortified during the time as it followed over the warm waters of the Philippine Sea and turned into the principal named tropical framework in the Northern Pacific Ocean of 2020. On Thursday

evening, the previous storm had wind speeds around 96 mph, making it proportionate to a Category 3 tropical storm in the Atlantic and East Pacific bowls.

In spite of the fact that Ambo has lost breeze force and is not, at this point a storm, it despite everything represents a huge flooding danger over the northern Philippines.

Subsequently, the PAGASA has substantial precipitation admonitions and flooding warnings gave across locales of Luzon, remembering a red admonition for Metro Manila on Friday evening. An aggregate of 3.66 crawls of downpour fell in parts of the city on Friday.

DOPING TRAFFICKING RING WITH PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES DISMANTLED IN ITALY

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Many proxy babies abandoned in Ukraine in the midst of lockdown

TL Bureau, Kyiv

Babies in Ukraine destined to substitute moms for outsiders are abandoned in light of the fact that the nation’s fringes are shut under coronavirus limitations, keeping guardians from the United States, Europe and somewhere else from heading out to gather them.

Ukraine’s human rights ombudswoman has engaged specialists to discover an answer.

“Around 100 youngsters are now sitting tight for their folks in various focuses of regenerative medication.

What’s more, in the event that isolate is broadened, at that point it won’t be around hundreds, however around thousands,” said Lyudmila Denisova. Ukraine has a flourishing proxy industry and is one of only a handful not many nations that lawfully permits the administration for outsiders. Concern is high that a long outskirt conclusion will put a weight on centers and pain the guardians. The issue pulled in wide

consideration after BioTexCom, the nation’s biggest proxy activity, posted a video indicating many infants in bassinets displayed in close columns in two huge rooms of its Hotel Venice where the facility sets up customers.

At BioTexCom, a substitute mother gets somewhere in the range of $15,000 and $17,000 for bringing forth an infant.

Rafa Aires from Spain figured out how to get in before the lockdown. He was joined with his girl Marta yet can’t leave as Kyiv has suspended practically all flights and he needs to complete

the administrative work.

“Attendants and clinical work force in this inn are awesome.

They make my life simpler,” he said. BioTexCom’s video, which intended to console missing guardian that their little ones were getting acceptable consideration, demonstrated medical attendants washing and touching them and prodded the legislature energetically. “The issue stays uncertain, however we are building up an instrument to escape the circumstance,” said Denisova, who met with remote service agents on Thursday.

MIGRANT SMUGGLERS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKERS TO BECOME MORE RUTHLESS; REPORT

TL Bureau, The Hague The Italian Carabinieri Corps (NAS Carabinieri), supported by Europol, targeted a criminal network trafficking illegal medicines and doping substances.

On the action day on 14 May 2020, Italian law enforcement authorities arrested four suspected traffickers. The Carabinieri carried out 210 house searches targeting 74 competitive athletes registered to sports federations, 11 gym owners and 4 owners of food supplement stores, located all over Italy. Italian authorities are investigating another 64 individuals for their suspected involvement in

the criminal activities; 30 others have been charged with less serious crimes. The seizures included 936 packs of medicines used for doping purposes, 4 437 tablets and 7 778 vials of various doping products for a total estimated value of more than €100 000.

The operation was a follow-up of a previous investigation into bodybuilders from Turin who were found in possession of a large amount of anabolic drugs, which were advertised on mobile apps. When first using the app, the potential clients were directed to an encrypted chat to complete the purchase. All payments were made via money transferring services.

TL Bureau, The Hague

Enhanced border control measures and travel restrictions put in place throughout the EU have led to a shift in the smuggling activities from air to land and sea routes. Small boats are increasingly being used to cross river borders. Migrants are also smuggled hidden in concealments in freight vehicles and cargo trains which still move across borders. The closing of establishments offering sexual services in countries where these activities are regulated may also increase sexual exploitation.

The travel restrictions may also complicate the employment of seasonal labour in the agricultural sector and increase the demand for

trafficked third-country migrants already present in the areas. ‘Early in 2020, the European Union’s Member States and partner countries in and outside the Schengen Area were struck by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This crisis will have a lasting impact on our societies and economies.

The same is true for the organised crime environment where not only

cybercrime, fraud and organised property crime is thriving in the wake of this crisis, but the dynamics of migrant smuggling and human trafficking are changing too. To counter this threat, we have to use the great advantage of shared intelligence to target these types of international organised crime and Europol plays a key role.’

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ithuania, Latvia and Estonia opened their outskirts to one another at the stroke of 12 PM on Friday, making the principal “travel bubble” inside the European Union in an offer to kick off economies separated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents and occupants of the three by and large meagerly populated Baltic countries will be allowed to go inside the locale, however anybody entering from outside should self-disengage for 14 days.

“The Baltic Travel Bubble is an open door for organizations to revive, and a hint of something better over the horizon for the individuals that life is returning to ordinary,” Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said in an announcement.

The move by the Baltic neighbors comes as the European Commission, the official part of the EU, looks to urge the 27 part states to revive inner fringes and restart more extensive travel, but with security estimates, for example, face veils on planes. New coronavirus diseases in the three Baltic republics have now eased back to a stream with none of the nations revealing in excess of seven new cases on Wednesday, and specialists have released lockdowns since late April.

The locale all in all has recorded less than 150 passings from the illness - far beneath individual

Baltic’s opened their borders in this Pandemic... hopes for best bigger eurozone nations, for example, Italy, Spain, France or Germany.

“The Baltic states are close accomplices, have a comparative epidemiological circumstance and their economies are all around coordinated, so the free development of individuals just as products is significant for the area,” said Arnoldas Pranckevicius, the European Commission delegate in Lithuania.

“Opening the fringes is up to the part states, and the European Commission anticipates that them should converse with one another, to arrange their activities and to not oppress nationals of other EU individuals.”

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - the three most unfortunate individuals from the eurozone anticipate that their economies should contract by somewhere in the range of seven

and eight percent this year, in accordance with the remainder of the cash association.

Lithuania has cautioned of a “twofold digit” drop if economies are not revived by the late spring.Estonia has given a crisis credit of 100 million euros ($108m) to Baltic Sea delivering firm Tallink, gravely hit by the area’s lockdowns, while Lithuania is setting up a state-run office to give advances or accept resources of key organizations on the off chance that

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they don’t endure the emergency.

The Baltic nations rushed to close their outskirts and force lockdown measures to slow the spread of the infection.

“There is no motivation to expect that opening the fringe will cause the spread of the infection,” Estonian Interior Minister Mart Helme said. Travel limitations were facilitated among Finland and Estonia, just as among Poland and Lithuania, this week, however just for those progressing for business or instruction. Be that as it may, neither Poland nor Finland are hurrying join the full “travel association” with their Baltic neighbors up ‘til now, in spite of a challenge to do as such.

“From the outset, I feel that, for example, Poland and Finland would be intelligent and conceivably great upand-comers,” Latvian Prime Minister Arturs Krisjanis Karins said.

Poland and Finland have additionally announced moderately low quantities of coronavirus diseases and passings.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy: The law on banking should protect the Ukrainian economy

TL Bureau, Kyiv

At an extraordinary session of the Verkhovna Rada, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on parliamentarians to support the bill improving the mechanisms regulating banking activities. People’s deputies approved this document by 270 votes.

“Today there is an issue of protecting our economy. I think that during my term and, most importantly, during your term, there will be several important, historical laws that should unite the whole country, unite all parties.

And I would like such voting to take place today,” the Head of State said, addressing the people’s deputies.The President noted that the country needs to adopt the draft law “On Amendments to Certain

The Council today adopted a decision extending for one more year, until 18 May 2021, the restrictive measures framework against cyber-attacks which threaten the EU or its member states.

The European Union will therefore keep its ability to impose targeted restrictive measures on persons or entities involved in cyber-attacks which cause a significant impact, and constitute an external threat

Legislative Acts of Ukraine to Improve Some Mechanisms Regulating Banking Activities” as soon as possible.

“I address you with respect and I would like you to support this bill, which should protect the Ukrainian economy and help

to the EU or its member states.

Restrictive measures can also be imposed in response to cyberattacks against third states or international organisations where such measures are considered necessary to achieve the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

The underlying purpose remains that of deterring and responding to cyber activities directed against the EU or its member states. Restrictive measures include a ban on persons travelling to the EU, and an asset

Substantial investment needed to avert mental health crisis

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the need to urgently increase investment in services for mental health or risk a massive increase in mental health conditions in the coming months, according to a policy brief on COVID-19 and mental health issued by the United Nations today.

“The impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health is already extremely concerning,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “Social isolation, fear of contagion, and loss of family members is compounded by the distress caused by loss of income and often employment.”

Depression and anxiety are increasing Reports already indicate an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety in a number of countries.

A study in Ethiopia, in April

Plastics in the environment: FOEN publishes overview of current knowledge TL Bureau, Bern

Ukraine right now,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

In addition, the President thanked the doctors who treat patients with coronavirus, as well as the military who defend Ukraine.

“Health workers protect the lives and health of our Ukrainians.

Council extends cyber sanctions regime until 18 May 2021

TL Bureau, Brussels

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2020, reported a 3-fold increase in the prevalence of symptoms of depression compared to estimates from Ethiopia before the epidemic.

Specific population groups are at particular risk of COVID-related psychological distress. Frontline health-care workers, faced with heavy workloads, life-or-death decisions, and risk of infection, are particularly affected. During the pandemic, in China, healthcare workers have reported high rates of depression (50%), anxiety (45%), and insomnia (34%) and in Canada, 47% of health-care workers have reported a need for psychological support.

Children and adolescents are also at risk. Parents in Italy and Spain have reported that their children have had difficulties concentrating, as well as irritability, restlessness and nervousness. Stay-at-home measures have come with a heightened risk of children witnessing or suffering violence and abuse.

freeze on persons and entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed.

The decision comes just a few days after a declaration of the European Union and its member states on malicious cyber activities which exploit the coronavirus pandemic that noted the EU’s determination to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to malicious cyber activities, including as a part of its wider response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The servicemen protect our sovereignty, territorial integrity and the lives of all Ukrainians.

They are heroes,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The people’s deputies thanked the health workers and the military with applause.

Plastics do not belong in the environment. Nevertheless, around 14,000 tonnes of plastics end up in Switzerland’s soil and waters every year – primarily due to the abrasion and decomposition of plastic products and improper disposal of plastic waste. On 14 May 2020, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) published an overview of the environmental pollution caused by plastics. As a next step, the FOEN, together with the industries affected, will propose measures to reduce this pollution. The Swiss parliament has approved a number of initiatives on the subject of plastics.

The United States Condemns Attempts by PRC-Affiliated Actors to Steal American COVID-19 Research TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The United States condemns attempts by cyber actors and non-traditional collectors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to steal U.S. intellectual property and data related to COVID-19 research, as announced in a May 13, 2020 warning by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The United States calls on the PRC to cease this malicious activity. As the

May 13 warning notes, “The potential theft of this information jeopardizes the delivery of secure, effective, and efficient treatment options.” The PRC’s behavior in cyberspace is an extension of its counterproductive actions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While the United States and our allies and partners are coordinating a collective, transparent response to save lives, the PRC continues to silence scientists, journalists, and citizens, and to spread disinformation, which has exacerbated the dangers of this health crisis.

Instructions to support the safe organisation of contact teaching and the use of premises

TL Bureau, Helsinki

The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have issued instructions that allow the return to early childhood education and contact teaching, taking care of safety and reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection. The latest instructions concern general upper secondary education, vocational education and training, universities, universities of applied sciences and liberal education. The instructions on early childhood education and primary and lower secondary education have also been partly harmonised to match these instructions.

Contact teaching in early childhood education and care and in primary and lower secondary education

will resume on Thursday 14 May. For general upper secondary schools, vocational education and training institutes, universities and universities of applied sciences, as well as for educational institutions that provide liberal education and basic adult education, the Government recommends that distance learning be continued until the end of term. Once the restrictions have been lifted on 14 May, it will also be possible to resume contact teaching, and at the levels of upper secondary and above, the education providers themselves can decide how much contact teaching they wish to provide, if it is deemed necessary.

In basic art education, too, the education providers themselves decide on the continuation of distance learning and on the

transition to contact teaching.

The Finnish National Agency for Education, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare support the safe organisation of early childhood education care and teaching during the COVID-19 epidemic.

It is important to follow hygiene guidelines, avoid and reduce unnecessary close contacts and to organise teaching areas more spaciously than usual, among other things. Large gatherings, such as graduation ceremonies, should not be organised. Based on the instructions, education providers and early childhood education providers can make arrangements that suit their own needs the best in order to resume contact teaching safely.

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Reopening Faroese society-Phase 3

TL Bureau, Faroe Islands

On Thursday 14 May 2020, the Government of the Faroe Islands announced the third phase in the reopening of Faroese society.

The need to follow the public health guidelines for hygiene and personal distancing continue to be stressed, and all travellers to the Faroe Islands continue to be advised to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Personal distancing The guidelines for personal distancing will be amended from 2 meters to 1 meter. This means you should keep a distance of at least one meter from other people in public places. A distance of 2 meters should still be kept in situations where special care should be taken, such as around vulnerable people and where the risk is higher due to an increased spread of droplets, such as where singing, shouting and sporting activity takes place.

Larger groups can gather People can now gather in groups of up to 100, while also maintaining the recommended physical distance.

Schools and education All levels of primary and secondary school will return to school. This means that pupils in grades 6, 7, 8 and 10 should return to school as soon as possible. The University of the Faroe Islands, the Centre of Maritime Studies and Engineering and colleges can also resume normal activities.

Spectators at sporting events Spectators can now attend rowing races, football matches and other sporting events, but under

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Government to introduce a new form of support to businesses to cover costs TL Bureau, Helsinki

In negotiations held on 13 May 2020, the Government decided to introduce a new form of support to businesses in all industries to cover their costs. The support is intended for companies that have experienced a marked decrease in turnover due to the coronavirus epidemic, and have costs that are difficult to adjust. Support is allocated to companies and

sectors most severely affected by the coronavirus.

“With this new support for business costs we aim to prevent a wave of bankruptcies and job losses. We want to help companies get back on their feet after the coronavirus crisis and avoid layoffs turning into redundancies. This short-term arrangement helps to keep businesses going,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.

United States Publishes a Global Maritime Advisory to Counter Sanctions Evasion by Iran, North Korea, and Syria TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the U.S. Coast Guard issued a global advisory to alert the maritime industry, and those active in the energy and metals sectors to deceptive shipping practices used to evade sanctions, with a focus on Iran, North Korea, and Syria.

The advisory includes a detailed set of best practices for private

conditions designed to minimise the risk of infection.

Dance venues and bars Dance venues and bars are still advised to close by 22:00.

Bus services SSL buses will now resume their normal schedule on all routes, with no requirement for prior booking.

Some restrictions will still apply.

A maximum of 22 passengers can travel with the larger buses, 10 with the medium size buses and 5 with people with the small buses.

Festivals and larger cultural events The recommendation remains that no festivals or larger cultural events should be held before 30 June. The situation will be assessed and a new announcement made towards the end of May. Travel to the Faroe Islands Tourists continue to be urged not to travel to the Faroe Islands before 30 June. All people arriving in the Faroe Islands should selfquarantine for 14 days.

industry to consider adopting to mitigate exposure to sanctions risk. The deceptive shipping practices discussed in this report may create significant sanctions risk for individuals and entities involved in these industries.

The advisory updates and expands upon previous advisories issued by the U.S. government. The advisory highlights common deceptive shipping practices used with respect to countries like Iran, North Korea, and Syria.

First Flight for Repatriating Saudi Citizens from Australia Departs TL Bureau, Sydney Upon the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Crown Prince to facilitate the return of citizens from abroad to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and with follow-up from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the first batch of Saudi citizens departed Australia this morning heading for King

Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Saudi Ambassador to Australia Musaed bin Ibrahim Al-Saleem expressed thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince for their unlimited support for citizens at home and abroad and harnessing the necessary capabilities in light of these difficult circumstances to ensure their safety and facilitating their return.

North West Health officials Prime Minister announces appointment of new placed on suspension Associate Chief Justice of Her Majesty’s Court

TL Bureau, Cape Town

The North West Department of Health has suspended four senior officials over allegations of tender irregularities.

Health MEC Madoda Sambatha said two of the officials are directors attached to the Infrastructure Development Technical Support chief directorate, including one director responsible for Infrastructure Planning and another responsible for Infrastructure Delivery. The directors were suspended on 23 April 2020, due to allegations of irregular payments of departmental funds to service providers arising from a bid for additions and alterations to existing Mmabatho Nursing College, including all related site works.

The principal building agreement for construction works at Mmabatho Nursing College commenced on the 02 November 2015.

It is alleged that the officials within the Infrastructure Development and Technical Support chief directorate facilitated irregular insertion of the “contract price adjustment

Provision”, which resulted in the contractor receiving undue enrichment in payments.

“The value estimated on this one amounts to R10 959 472 35, excluding VAT of adjustment/ escalation. This followed a preliminary investigation,” said the MEC at a media briefing on Wednesday. The other two senior officials, including the department’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a director responsible for Supply Chain Management (SCM) were also suspended on 8 May 2020, due to allegations of irregularities at SCM arising from a security tender. “The appointment letter of the successful bidders allegedly contained the prices which materially varied from what those bidders had bid for thus inflating prices and causing the department serious financial loss. The value of the financial loss is not yet know, as investigations are to start after their suspension,” Sambatha said.

The suspensions are intended to allow the department to investigate the allegations, which are of a serious nature.

of Queen’s Bench for Manitoba

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Gwen B. Hatch, a judge of Her Majesty’s Court of Queen’s Bench for Manitoba (Family Division), as the new Associate Chief Justice of Her Majesty’s Court of Queen’s Bench for Manitoba (Family Division).

Associate Chief Justice Hatch replaces the Honourable Marianne Rivoalen, who was appointed to the Federal Court of Appeal on September 20, 2018.

Quote “I wish the Honourable Gwen

B. Hatch continued success in her new role as Associate Chief Justice of the Family Division of Her Majesty’s Court of Queen’s Bench for Manitoba. Justice Hatch brings almost 40 years of experience in family law, wills, and estates litigation, including nearly seven as a judge on the province’s superior court. I trust that she will serve Manitobans well.”

The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada Quick Facts Justice Hatch was appointed to Her Majesty’s Court of Queen’s Bench for Manitoba (Family Division) on June 6, 2013.

Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts.

Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General, on the advice of Cabinet and on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Her Majesty’s Court of Queen’s Bench for Manitoba deals with the most serious criminal trials and civil claims adjudicated in the province.

The Court’s specialized Family Division hears cases exclusively in the area of family law and child protection.

Common Security and Defence Policy: Council extends the mandates of four Heads of civilian Missions

TL Bureau, Brussels

The Council today decided to extend the mandates of four Heads of Common Security and Defence Policy civilian Missions, following a

proposal by the High Representative and the endorsement of the Political and Security Committee. They are: Mr Lars-Gunnar Wigemark as Head of Mission of EULEX KOSOVO until 30 June 2021.

The EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo was launched in 2008 with the overall mandate to assist the Kosovo authorities in establishing sustainable and independent rule of law institutions.

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600000 jobs have been lost in Australia

TL Bureau, Canberra

Australians have lost 600,000 jobs till date as Australian Prime Minister said in a press conference, “This is a tough day for Australia, a very tough day. Almost 600,000 jobs have been lost, every one of them devastating for those Australians, for their families, for their communities. A very tough day. Terribly shocking, although not unanticipated. We knew there would be hard news as the pandemic wreaks an impact on Australia as it is on countries all around the world. And so it has been the case. And in the months ahead, we can brace ourselves and must brace ourselves for further hard news for Australians to take. But it’s important on a day like today that we remember to support each other again, but also to seek to take heart. And to encourage each other in hope. Almost 600,000 Australians losing work can disappoint that hope. It can break hearts. But it is important as a country that we

stand firm and we stand together, the plan that the government has been pursuing from the outset of this outbreak has been to fight this war on two fronts, to fight the virus and to fight the economic devastation that the virus brings. It has always been a battle on each of these that has been critically important.

On the virus, of course, we’ve made great progress. We’re winning, but we have not won.

When it comes to our economy we anticipated that this would be the impact. And so we did not wait to put in place the economic support and lifelines that would be needed, this was done many, many weeks ago and at record levels with both the expansion of JobSeeker to support those who could not stay with their employers. And for the first time for so many of them, they would seek unemployment support or indeed the JobKeeper program, which is doing exactly that. Keeping people in their jobs.

A program of a scale this country has never seen before and I hope

All WA students to return to school from next week

TL Bureau, Perth

School students required back at school from Monday, May 18, based on health advice Students who are medically vulnerable can continue to learn at home ATAR written exams to go ahead as scheduled from November 2 Vulnerable staff members should continue to seek medical advice Students at residential facilities can return home on weekends subject to the discretion of the Principal or residential manager All Western Australian school students will be required to return to school from Monday, May 18, following a review of the current arrangements and health advice.

Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the return to normal school operations after consultation with stakeholders and health experts.

There are exceptions for students who are medically vulnerable or those who have a family member with chronic health issues. These students will be assessed and can continue to learn from home and will be supported by their schools and the Department of Education.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advises of a relatively low risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools. Additional measures, such as the $43 million investment in extra cleaning at public schools, will continue to reduce the risk further. Ahead of Term 2, the WA

Chief Health Officer provided advice that schools were safe for face-to-face learning.

Should they remain away without good reason, they will no longer be provided with learning packages and their absence will be marked as unauthorised.

Up to 20 additional teachers will be employed to support students who have been medically referred to learn from home and up to 36 additional staff will be employed to help students who need additional support to re-engage with their school.

Teachers and school staff who are aged over 70 and those aged over 65 with a health condition, should seek medical advice before returning to work.

Drop off and pick up arrangements that restrict parents and carers, and non-essential visitors, from entering school grounds remain in place. These arrangements will be reviewed as part of Phase 3 of the McGowan Government’s WA roadmap. Whole school assemblies, camps and interschool activities will still not be permitted.

Students in residential facilities will be now permitted to return home at weekends at the discretion of the principal or residential manager. The health advice remains that visits home should be reduced.

For Year 12 students, the 2020 ATAR course written exams will go ahead as scheduled from November 2. Written examinations will take the same form as previous years, with a three-hour duration.

never has to see again, to respond to such a weighty economic blow as we’ve seen occurring in these recent months.So those supports were there. They were put in place in anticipation of this day because we knew it would come, and more will follow. And these supports will remain vital in the months ahead as Australia works its way through. But a key component of the plan is not just to have the supports and fight the virus, but to reopen our economy.

And that is happening. A national initiative. States and territories working together to reopen our economies, to get Australians back into the jobs, to get the hours back, to get the incomes back, and to get the Australian economy into a COVID safe environment, where the economy can support them and take them forward. And that confidence will build as we are already seeing occurring. The surveys, whether it’s from Westpac or from ANZ or others, which shows that rebound occurring as Australians see the plan and can see the road ahead.

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New emergency leave provision for aged care residents

TL Bureau, Canberra

Senior Australians won’t be penalised or disadvantaged for moving out of an aged care facility during crisis under emergency leave legislation amendments today adopted by the Morrison Government.The emergency leave mechanism will be activated in volatile situations including natural disasters or health epidemics.

Eligibility for emergency leave will be backdated to 1 April this year, so people impacted by the current COVID-19 crisis are not disadvantaged.

Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the recent bushfires and the virus pandemic had highlighted the need to protect leave entitlements of aged care residents. Under current legislation, permanent residents are entitled to be away from their aged care residence for up to 52 days a year for non-hospital related reasons — known as social leave.

If a resident takes more than 52 days social leave, the Government does not provide its subsidy to the aged care home for that person for the extra days.

This cost is usually passed on

Olive Downs mine approval welcomed

TL Bureau, Canberra/Brisbane

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt has welcomed the approval of the Pembroke Olive Downs Mine in Queensland under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

“This is great news for regional jobs and businesses in the important coal mining area around Moranbah.

It is important for the Queensland economy and for the national economy,” Minister Pitt said.

“The Olive Downs metallurgical coal mine will be part of our journey of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It will add to the strength of the resources sector as it leads Australia’s economic recovery”.

The 15 million tonnes per annum mine will provide at least 500

construction jobs and around 1000 new operational jobs. It will add to Australia’s strong position as the world’s largest met coal exporter.

“Importantly, Pembroke Resources has also signed an agreement with the traditional owners, represented by the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, to provide employment opportunities at the mine along with other benefits,” Minister Pitt said.

Minister Pitt welcomed Environment Minister Sussan Ley’s approval of the mine. “This is a common sense decision – good for the environment and good for mining,” Minister Pitt said.

“Pembroke has met every requirement asked of the company at state and federal levels, including a commitment to contribute $1 million over 10 years to a regional environmental fund.

Senior Australians won’t be penalised or disadvantaged for moving out of an aged care facility during crisis under emergency leave legislation amendments today adopted by the Australian Government.

to the resident.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, some aged care residents have temporarily relocated to live with family, to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus,” Minister Colbeck said. “Most of these residents are likely to exhaust their 52 days before the pandemic passes, leading to extra costs on them or their families.“The Government recognises that this isn’t fair or desirable. We have amended the Aged Care Act to give aged care residents the option of taking additional leave during an emergency.”

NT Training Awards 2020 nominations extended TL Bureau, Darwin

The Department of Trade, Business and Innovation is pleased to announce the Northern Territory Training Awards will proceed in 2020, with nominations extended until 19 June.

Now in its 65th year, the NT Training Awards celebrate the achievements of Territorians in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and recognises the outstanding contributions made by our local employers and training providers.Senior Executive Director for Business and Workforce, Cathy White said that the nomination entry process had been extended for one month so that Territory businesses, organisations, apprentices, and trainees have time to prepare their nominations whilst adjusting with going back to work and school.

Ancient Geology Reveals Future Tech Materials TL Bureau, Melbourne

Beneath the plains of Western Victoria, known geologically as the Stavely Arc, could lie the minerals needed to boost the State’s supply of advanced technologies.

Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes today announced that Earth Resources Regulation (ERR) has issued Victorian-based Westrock Minerals a Minerals Exploration Licence for an area approximately 35 kilometres east of Hamilton and north of Warrnambool.

Major work over the last decade by the Geological Survey of Victoria

and Geoscience Australia led to the 2018 Stavely Ground Release, which is expected to encourage an investment in minerals exploration of over $20 million with potential for more to come.

The third licence issued following the Stavely Ground Release is expected to generate more than $7.5 million in local expenditure.

Geologists believe that 500 million years ago Western Victoria was on the border of a super-continent called Gondwana, giving it a similar geological environment at the time to the copper-rich Andes in South America. One new mineral

discovery has already been made on the back of renewed interest in the region’s geological setting.

Westrock Minerals has been supported by the Victorian Government with a $500,000 cofunded exploration grant from the TARGET Minerals Exploration Initiative program to help with early-stage exploration activity.

Further afield, ERR has also recently granted two Retention Licences to Stavely Minerals to allow it to conduct more targeted exploration and potential resource development on ground near Ararat.

6

NZ AND OTHER OCEANIA

Tailored help supports new Budget 2020: type of job seeker - report Jobs and opportunities for the

$19.3 $128

$45.3 $14.9 $20.2 $5.4

primary sector

million to help attract and train recently unemployed New Zealanders and grow the primary sector workforce by 10,000 people.

million for wilding pine and wallaby control, providing hundreds of jobs. over four years to help horticulture seize opportunities for future growth. million to reduce food waste by redirecting food to people in need million to help rural and fishing communities recover from COVID-19. million for critical resources to identify and manage animal welfare issues.

TL Bureau, Wellington Budget 2020 makes major investments in the primary sector that will support more than 10,000 people into jobs, says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

“Our farmers, growers and producers will play a critical role in New Zealand’s economic recovery so we’re making a $232 million investment to boost jobs and opportunities in the primary sector and rural New Zealand.

“This is a significant investment which will grow and transform the primary sector.

“Together, as a nation, we are rebuilding from an economic shock not seen since the Great Depression.

But there is a clear path through

and the Government is committed to getting New Zealand working again. “There are significant employment opportunities in our primary industries and we’re going to be training people to have the skills they need for the jobs we have.

There are a lot of opportunities in front of us, we now need a skilled workforce to help us seize them.

“To that end, we’re investing $19.3 million in a range of initiatives that will partner and support more than 10,000 New Zealanders in primary sector jobs by rapidly retraining and absorbing workers displaced from other sectors like hospitality, tourism and aviation. It will be a big change for some, so we’ll be creating familiarisation courses to help new workers settle into

A modern approach to night classes

TL Bureau, Wellington

New funding to boost Government-funded Adult and Community Education (ACE) will give more than 11,000 New Zealanders more opportunities to learn, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said.

“This includes a modern approach to rebuilding night classes, which were slashed in the middle of our last economic crisis in 2010,” Chris Hipkins said. “Budget 2020 included a $16 million boost to Adult and Community Education to help providers meet the increased needs for training and upskilling. “It will expand courses to better support people displaced from work and facing barriers to entering the labour market, and people experiencing social isolation.

“It’s the Government’s strong view that people of all ages deserve opportunities to learn throughout their lives.

“With this funding boost, New Zealanders will have access to more courses throughout

the country, including night classes. “This could include courses that build digital knowledge – which is increasingly essential in the modern world, foundational courses that give people opportunities in areas with skills shortages, and courses for people who can feel isolated.

“ACE is accessible, inclusive and tends to be relatively inexpensive, which reduces barriers to participation and provides pathways to employment and further education and training.

“Based on current levels of funding and the number of learners currently accessing Government-funded ACE, we expect this initiative to benefit up to 11,300 New Zealanders.“The funding will also support the ongoing operation of ACE Aotearoa who play an important leadership and co-ordination role across the sector and will help ensure the effective implementation of this initiative throughout New Zealand,” Chris Hipkins said.

primary sector roles and lives.”

Mr O’Connor said $128 million committed to control wilding pines and wallabies would protect farmers from costly pests and provide hundreds of jobs for people most affected by COVID-19.

“These projects are getting a once in a generation boost which gives us a real opportunity to get on top of these invasive pests while also giving people a new career opportunity. “The wilding pine funding will be a game changer in our fight against a pest that is a $4.6 billion threat to our economy, while providing up to 600 jobs. The programme will expand nationally, including areas hit hardest by COVID-19 such as Northland, Queenstown, Mackenzie, Kaikoura, and Marlborough.

“Around $28 million for Wallaby control will focus our efforts against this destructive pest and provide dozens of jobs.

“There is also a $433 million package to fund 4,000 jobs over five years in regional environmental projects.

“The initiatives in this package will support the Government’s objectives in its Action for Healthy Waterways. These initiatives show how environment-related actions can make a meaningful contribution to the post-COVID-19 economic recovery.”

TL Bureau, Wellington

The Government’s expanded services to support people into jobs will help an emerging cohort of New Zealanders impacted by COVID-19. The impacted group are relatively younger, have a proportionately low benefit history and have comparatively higher incomes than most who seek support, as captured in a report published today from MSD. ‘Composition of Jobseeker workready grants during lockdown in NZ’ highlights a greater cross section of society affected by COVID-19. The report covers jobseeker data over the period of April 2020, most of which was in lockdown Level 4, compared to the previous year.

Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said New Zealand was not immune to the global economic shock caused by COVID-19 and had acted quickly to respond to greater welfare needs.

“At every step in our response we’ve taken an evidence-based approach: to fight the virus, keep people connected to jobs, rebuild our economy, and provide welfare support and interventions that work for those who need it.

“This analysis further underpins our work to deal to the virus quickly and get New Zealand moving again.” Of the 38,960 new job seekers during the lockdown: 46% had little or no previous benefit history, compared to 26% last year

They were higher earners – those earning $585 a week or more outstripped those earning less or with no previous income 4,718 were New Zealanders returning home as the virus swept the globe, compared to 424 last year – that’s a 10-fold yearly increase 65% were NZ European, Other, or unspecified ethnic groups, compared to 48% last year Maōri job seekers decreased as a proportion of job seekers to 27%, compared to 42% last year 45% were in their 20s, compared to 37% last year “While these numbers may continue to be dwarfed by the 1.6 million jobs supported by the nearly $11 billion wage subsidy, they will continue to grow, following an international trend we’ve seen in the likes of the US, UK and Australia,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

“This is why we have increased our focus on employment services in all our service centres, across New Zealand. Under the move to Level 2, 120 sites will offer the same functions as the 35 employment centres under alert levels 3 and 4.

“MSD has recorded 6,648 exits into employment in March and 3,065 in April and so far, to date 1509 in May much of which were under alert levels 3 and 4.

“The Keep New Zealand Working online job recruitment tool on the MSD website that connects workers and employers directly has been visited by 91,000 people, with over 7,300 jobs listed so far.

Christchurch Call: One year Anniversary

Joint statement: the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister of New Zealand and His Excellency Emmanuel Macron President of the French Republic.

TL Bureau, Wellington

One year since we launched, in Paris, the Christchurch Call to Action, New Zealand and France stand proud of the progress we have made toward our goal to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online, and are committed to continuing progress.

For one year, and for the first time, governments, major tech companies and civil society representatives have been working cooperatively together to stop and prevent attacks like the one we saw in Christchurch being broadcast and spread online.

48 countries, the European Commission, two international organisations, and eight tech companies are now actively contributing to the implementation of the Call commitments, together with an Advisory Network of

44 international civil society representatives, which include non-governmental organisations, academia, think-tanks and others who focus on human rights (including freedom of expression and digital rights), counterradicalization, victim support and public policy.

The multistakeholder collaboration of the Christchurch Call has enabled significant progress over the past year: When the Christchurch terror attack was livestreamed across social media just over one year ago, its reach was amplified by a network of malicious actors working together to deliberately and relentlessly modify the footage to avoid the existing safety checks of online platforms. Thanks to the Christchurch Call to Action, we now have the means to coordinate

across governments and tech companies to respond to attempts to use the internet as a terrorist weapon; Tech companies have reformed the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) into an independent organisation with dedicated resources, a 24/7 crisis management function, and an enhanced governance structure.

The reformed GIFCT now includes an Independent Advisory Committee to guide its work, scheduled for launch mid-2020, and composed of governments and civil society organisations.

A crisis response protocol has been adopted and already been used: in October 2019 and February of this year, the GIFCT companies demonstrated a far quicker and more efficient response to realworld attacks that had the potential to develop into online crises.

7 BusinessNZ

welcomes investment in apprenticeships and trades training TL Bureau, Wellington

Apprenticeship and trades training support will help firms get the skills they need and position New Zealand well for the future, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope.

“The suite of trades training initiatives supports a range of different models to help people get the skills they need. The Budget package provides a real opportunity for companies and education providers to work together to find ways to turbo charge the skills development New Zealand needs.

“A skilled and adaptive workforce will be an important part of the economic recovery, and position New Zealand well for the future. Being able to get the people and skills they need to thrive is critical for New Zealand businesses. It is good to see the Government acknowledge the critical role that industry leadership needs to play in our skills system.”

$400m for tourism recovery

TL Bureau, Wellington The government has announced a $400m tourism recovery package to support the industry recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investment will go over and above the government’s broad-based support and help businesses identify their future, support Māori tourism, protect iconic tourism assets and secure long-term sustainability for the sector.

The industry’s recovery and distribution of the package will be overseen by a new Tourism Recovery Ministers Group.

BUSINESS

Getting back to work safely and creating new jobs is key to our recovery

TL Bureau, Canberra

Jobs figures released today are a stark reminder of the challenges everyday Australians face through the COVID-19 pandemic, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“Economic data is more than just numbers in a spreadsheet. This is about people’s lives. These numbers show that almost 600,000 people have lost their jobs, that people are working 9 per cent fewer hours and over 210,000 more young people are out of work – that means they have less money in their pockets and less choices for their future.

“Behind every figure in today’s labour force numbers are over one million anxious and uncertain Australians who have just lost a job or don’t have the hours of work they need to cover their bills.

“We have to get back to basics, everything we do over the next six months has got to be focused on whether it will get people back to their jobs safely and create new jobs. “Every choice we make over the next six months should be considered through this lens: Will this get someone back to work safely? Does this create a new job? Will it open a business or make it easier to create a new one? Or will it give someone the

skills they need to find a new job?

“The government’s JobKeeper program has helped keep millions of Australians employed, now securing a strong recovery will depend on getting people back to work and creating new jobs.

“The best way to deliver new jobs and secure work is with secure businesses that can invest and grow. “Thanks to the hard work of our entire community, Australia is better placed than most to recover but we will need a growing economy to avoid a long tail of unemployment.

“Improving the living standards and opportunities Australians have built over the past 30 years will

To save jobs, wages must not change TL Bureau, Canberra

ACCI will argue that minimum wages should be maintained at current levels through to mid-2021 in a formal submission to the Fair Work Commission to be lodged in the coming weeks.

“With Australia facing an unprecedented economic and jobs crisis, we simply cannot afford to increase the price of retaining and regaining jobs in 2020,” ACCI CEO James Pearson said.

“We cannot afford to place even more jobs at risk by making the cost of employment higher – 2020 is one of those extraordinary years in which our minimum wages simply should not be increased.

“We should take stock of yesterday’s confronting unemployment and underemployment figures. This is not time to be talking about wage increases when hundreds of thousands of Australians have lost their jobs or can’t get enough hours of work.”

Australia has one of the very highest minimum wages in the world. Minimum wages have consistently risen by more than

require more than simply returning to our pre-COVID-19 levels of investment and growth.

“Businesses are ready to work with governments, unions, employees and suppliers to get to work on the reform Australians desperately need. “Together we can give Australians the best skills in the world, strengthen our workplace relations system so it works for employees and employers, as well as make it easier to invest and do business but only with shared purpose.

“Australians simply can’t afford for us to waste the unprecedented level of co-operation we have achieved to date.”

SMEs crucial to economic rebuild TL Bureau, Wellington

prices for a decade, particularly in the past three years. Even with no increase in 2020, employees on minimum wages will retain increased purchasing power, and all indications are that inflation will remain low.

“Australian businesses, particularly small businesses, simply cannot afford another “business as usual” increase in minimum wages during this pandemic,” Mr Pearson said.

“We must not confuse what government can do to stimulate the economy with what we can ask of small businesses. For people in small businesses that are already struggling with personal debt and making enormous sacrifices to keep their staff on, having to find more money to fund a wage increase

at this stage is untenable.

“And in particular we cannot afford a 4 per cent increase, which would be the highest increase in a decade, as has been proposed by the ACTU. “It is disturbing we could even consider the highest annual increase in minimum wages in a decade as we confront the worst jobs and economic crisis in living memory. “The Government made the right decision to introduce the JobKeeper payments; it has helped thousands of businesses retain millions of jobs – but we cannot afford to undo this good work by increasing the price of employment on the very threshold of restarting businesses and getting down to the hard work of recovery.”

A range of announcements in today’s Budget confirms the Government is backing SMEs to rebuild the economy in the face of global recession.

The Government will provide a more than $200 million boost to NZ Trade and Enterprise to expand the scope and intensity of support provided to firms. In addition, a $10 million fund is being set up to provide incentives and grants to encourage e-commerce, train more digital advisors and provide information and support for SMEs wanting to incorporate e-commerce into their business models.

Budget 2020 also sets aside $80 million to encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to develop new products by enabling them to claim tax deductions for unsuccessful or abandoned assets. BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope says small to medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of New Zealand’s economy. “We are glad to see the Government provide further support to small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship.

strategies, while achieving development impact goals,” said Anshula Kant, Managing Director and World Bank Group Chief Financial Officer. “We are delighted to share this first-ever impact report on the entire portfolio of World Bank bonds, which promote disclosure and transparency and the power of capital markets to connect global savings to sustainable development finance.

I want to thank our investors for their continued trust in the World Bank’s financial strength and ability to deliver support to the people who need it most, including our recent work to support countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Impact Highlights section maps

results to the SDGs for 71 IBRD projects completed in fiscal year 2019 and provides forward looking information for the 84 projects that were approved and started disbursing in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 – the period for which IBRD introduced detailed use of proceeds language for its bonds. The impact report was prepared in consultation with investors and other capital market stakeholders, as an integral part of the process, to ensure the report met investor expectations.

In addition to providing information on results, the report outlines the World Bank’s operational processes and safeguards and alignment of its bond issuance with market frameworks, namely

the Sustainability Bond Guidelines coordinated by the International Capital Market Association.

About the World Bank The World Bank (IBRD), is an international organization. Created in 1944, it is the original member of the World Bank Group and operates as a global development cooperative owned by 189 nations. The World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middleincome and other creditworthy countries to support the SDGs and to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. It also provides leadership to coordinate regional and global responses to development challenges.

World Bank Launches Inaugural Sustainable Development Bond Impact Report TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) today published its first impact report covering all bond issuances and the entire portfolio of IBRD’s development activities. The Sustainable Development Bond Impact Report 2019 describes how IBRD bond proceeds support sustainable development across a variety of sectors and how projects support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

World Bank bonds support the financing of sustainable development projects and programs

in member countries. A key priority for the World Bank’s capital markets’ engagement is building strategic partnerships with investors to promote the role of private sector financing in sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Bond Impact Report is a key part of the World Bank’s efforts to engage market participants to support capital markets with strong transparency and disclosure standards and improve market participation to direct greater capital flows to sustainable purposes.

“World Bank Sustainable Development Bonds help investors implement environmental, social, and governance investment

8

FEATURE

Deadly gas leak in India, grim wake-up call for global chemical industry: UN rights expert Last week’s deadly toxic gas leak at a Korean-owned polymer plant in south-eastern India, is a grim wake up call for the chemical industry to acknowledge and fulfil its responsibility to respect human rights, the UN independent expert who monitors the issue, said on Thursday.

TL Bureau, Washington D.C./New Delhi Twelve people reportedly died and more than 1,000 fell sick after styrene leaked from the LG Chem plant near Visakhapatnam, in Andhra Pradesh state, on 7 May. Styrene is used to make plastics, but it can also cause cancer and neurological damage. It can also harm reproduction and its impacts may go unnoticed for years after exposure.

“The latest disaster has rightly drawn parallels to the toxic gas leak that killed thousands in Bhopal, India, in 1984”, said Baskut Tuncak, Special Rapporteur on hazardous substances and wastes.

‘Rampant consumption’ “It also illustrates the range of human rights infringements brought by our rampant consumption and production of plastics”, he said, welcoming the start of an investigation and possible homicide charges.

In a statement, he recalled that the Visakhapatnam and Bhopal incidents both involved transnational corporations – LG Chem, based in the Republic of Korea, more often known as South Korea, and Union Carbide of the United States, in the case of Bhopal.

“It is yet another reminder that

around the world, mini-Bhopal chemical disasters continue to unfold with shocking regularity”, Mr. Tuncak said.

Reiterating his call last year on the 35th anniversary of the Bhopal disaster for the industry to implement human rights due diligence, he urged authorities to be fully transparent and ensure those responsible are held to account. “I am concerned about ensuring that the victims of exposure who develop diseases or disabilities later in life are provided an effective remedy”, Mr. Tuncak continued.

“I urge Indian and South Korean authorities, and the businesses implicated, to avoid the same mistakes and abuse of judicial procedures that have denied justice to the victims of the Bhopal disaster, who are still suffering to this day.”

Responsible care initiative In the wake of the Bhopal disaster, the global chemical industry adopted a Responsible Care initiative in an effort to prevent further human rights abuses by chemical manufacturers.

“Yet this industry initiative’s principles contain no mention

Forced returns of migrants must be suspended in times of COVID-19

TL Bureau, Geneva

The United Nations Network on Migration is concerned by reports of States in many regions using forced return of migrants as a measure in response to COVID-19. The Network calls on States to suspend forced returns during the pandemic, in order to protect the health of migrants and communities, and uphold the human rights of all migrants, regardless of status. Successfully tackling the pandemic cannot be achieved without upholding human rights.

When temporary border closures and movement restrictions are deemed necessary to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, they must be implemented in a way that is non-discriminatory and proportionate to achieving the public health aim pursued.

Such closures should incorporate health protocols and processes to guarantee fundamental rights at all times. Keeping everyone

safe means ensuring that no-one faces the risk of refoulement by being returned to places where their life, safety or human rights are threatened.

It means that collective expulsions, such as arbitrary pushbacks of migrants and asylum-seekers at borders, must be halted; that protection needs must be individually assessed; and that the rule of law and due process must be observed. It also means prioritizing protection, including every child’s best interests. These are obligations in international law that can never be put on hold and are vital to any successful approach to combatting COVID-19 for the benefit of all.

Many health systems are already stretched and lack capacity to protect returnees and their communities, including through testing upon arrival and quarantine and self-isolation measures that preserve family unity and ensure the best interests

of children. Returnees may face additional risks during transfer and upon return, such as lack of access to adequate health care, poor water and sanitation systems, halted ground transportation, additional restrictions on movement and violent discrimination and stigma in communities of return. In some contexts, returned migrants and asylum-seekers may also be at risk of experiencing protracted displacement, trafficking in persons, and extreme financial hardship with increases to already high levels of unemployment due to COVID-19.

The United Nations Network on Migration recalls the commitments made by States in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to uphold the human rights of all migrants, regardless of migratory status, and to improve migration governance, including by cooperating to save lives and to keep migrants out of harm’s way.

of human rights and fail to require that industry respects human rights in practice as required under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”, the Special Rapporteur said.

Endorsing his appeal was the Human Rights Council’s fivemember Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, as well as Danius Pūras, UN independent rights expert on human rights and the environment.

News reports say that LG Chem

has sent an eight-member team to India to investigate the gas leak.

The plant used styrene monomer to make polystyrene products which would go on to become consumer items such as cups, cutlery and electric fan blades.

UN Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system. The experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and nor do they receive a salary for their work.

Workers and COVID-19: Access to healthcare, now ‘a matter of life and death’

TL Bureau, UN HQ The report on Social protection responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries, describes social protection as “an indispensable mechanism for delivering support to individuals during the crisis”. It looks at response measures introduced in some countries, such as the removal of financial barriers to quality health care, and protecting incomes and jobs, among other interventions.

The ability to access affordable, quality, healthcare has become “a matter of life and death”, the UN labour agency brief says.Coronavirus, one deadly threat among others. It cautions policy makers against a singular focus on

COVID-19, which could reduce the ability of health systems to respond to other conditions that kill people daily. According to its data, 55 per cent of the world’s population – 4 billion people – lack social insurance or social assistance. Only 20 per cent of unemployed people are covered by unemployment benefits.

The second brief - Sickness benefits during sick leave and quarantine: Country responses and policy considerations in the context of COVID-19 – warns that gaps in sickness benefit coverage, results in anxious workers being forced to go to work when they are ill, or should self-quarantine, increasing the risk of infecting others.

9

Air New Zealand details safety in the sky Air New Zealand has revealed the ways it is planning to keep customers and employees safe with more flights taking to the skies when the country enters Alert Level 2.

TL Bureau, Wellington The airline plans to operate around 20 percent of its usual domestic capacity (compared to pre-COVID-19 levels) during Alert Level 2, with flights to the majority of its domestic airports.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Nikki Goodman says the airline is looking forward to welcoming more people onboard again and has been looking at all stages of the customer journey to reassure those travelling in the coming weeks that they can do so safely.

“We’ll be encouraging customers to check in for their flight via the Air New Zealand app, but for those checking in at our larger airports, every second self-service kiosk will be operating to support social distancing. There will also be floor markers for queuing at our check-in counters, service desks, bag drops and departure gates, and we’ll be boarding and disembarking fewer customers at a time.

“Inflight, we’ll be allocating seating to allow an empty seat between customers travelling alone. We’ll do our best to keep families and some travelling companions together, so you may notice some people sitting together with no additional space.

Food and beverage services will not be available until at least 25 May on our flights within New Zealand to minimise contact between customers and cabin crew, and you won’t see our inflight magazine Kia Ora in seat pockets or our iconic lolly inflight just yet.

“High touch surfaces will be cleaned regularly, and we are taking extra steps to ensure all our aircraft, lounges and airports are cleaned throughout the day. Our jet aircraft are fitted with hospitalgrade air systems that filter out viruses. Hand sanitiser will also be available across the airport, kiosks, service desks and all our aircraft for both customers and staff to use as they wish.

“Our domestic lounges and valet will re-open from 25 May. In

accordance with government regulations our self-service buffet will not be available in lounges.

However, we will offer packaged snacks along with beverages and our popular coffee station.

“Finally, it would be appreciated if customers could exercise a bit of patience as everyone gets used to this new way of travelling. We’d also advise allowing a little more time to navigate through the airport process and be mindful of social distancing requirements. Customers should not travel if they are unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms – flights can be changed free of charge if needed.”

Customers can find details on how to download the Air New Zealand app here. Further details on the customer journey for Alert Level 2 can be found on the COVID-19 hub on the Air New Zealand website.

Customers travelling in the coming weeks will receive an email on their day of travel outlining what to expect before they fly and while onboard.

life and real estate

ITU leads global efforts to commemorate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day amid COVID-19 pandemic

TL Bureau, Geneva ​​​

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) marks the anniversary of the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 17 May 1865, when the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris.

The theme of this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is “Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. It reaffirms ITU’s commitment to connecting all the world’s people while showing how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can contribute to accelerating the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development across its 17 goals.

With just 10 years to go, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a ‘Decade of Action’ last January to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. In the months since, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the fundamental

RESEARCH SHOWS STRENGTH OF TOURISM SECTOR’S SUPPORT FOR WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES Employers from across global tourism are taking the lead in supporting their workers and helping the communities in which they operate, research carried out into the sector’s response to COVID-19 has found.

TL Bureau, Madrid As the sector faces up to an unprecedented challenge, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (a subsidiary of the World Tourism Organization) has analysed the steps being taken by businesses and trade associations to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Studying the actions taken by Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) in 25 countries, the research revealed that, in spite of staff furloughs, employers across the sector are stepping up their support for workers and for communities.

Tourism ‘going beyond its responsibilities’ Committee Chairman Pascal Lamy touched base with the GCET Signatories to learn about the mitigation actions being championed by tourism companies and trade associations. Mr Lamy said: “It is evident that the sector’s engagement goes beyond symbolic CSR actions. The GCET signatories, although hit terribly hard by the crisis like their colleagues across the tourism sector, have shown that they indeed care for the

societies they operate in while striving to keep their businesses afloat”.Tourism administrations also need to communicate to the general public what the sector is doing for the society in these troublesome times. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the initiative of the tourism sector while at the same time calling on governments to work with private employers to safeguard jobs and livelihoods. He said: “Governments should not abolish the resources already allocated to tourism in their budgets for 2020. Tourism administrations also need to communicate to the general public what the sector is doing for the society in these troublesome times.”

Solidarity with Tourism Workers and Communities The survey found that many companies are providing 24-hour psychological help for their employees, while also maintaining medical insurance and facilitating platforms with motivational videos, medical updates and training. Many are also offering free lodging and food for stranded international staff and

their families.

Monetary donations have been given to city councils, underprivileged families and rural communities, and food and supplies have been sent to frontline workers and vulnerable groups.

Some businesses chambers are working with public, real estate, financial and legal entities to provide SMEs with funding and identify guarantors for those unable to receive a loan.

Associations have engaged in local pandemic committees to flag up the most pressing issues and better articulate their support.

Hotels have donated thousands of gift nights to medical staff for their holidays and remained open for them and COVID19 patients whenever necessary. Guides offered virtual tours for voluntary contributions donated to hospitals, and transportation companies offered their channels to bring critical emergency equipment to save lives. Volunteer platforms also have been set up to create youth loans. Virtual solidarity groups gathered hundreds of travel agents with multiple jobs to exchange goods and support their livelihoods.

Connect 2030 Agenda puts information & communication technologies center to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

importance of ICTs to economies and societies everywhere, showing the world that nobody is safe until we are all safe – and that we will not be able to use the full potential of ICTs until we are all connected.

This year, ITU will hold a high-level virtual event to address the importance of enhancing collaboration and cooperation among countries, companies, the UN family and others to strengthen the role of ICTs as we embark on the ‘Decade of Action’ to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and at the same time advance the role of ICTs in the global response to COVID-19.

Live from AUS – Let’s bring Australian tourism a-live TL Bureau, Canberra

The Australian Tourism Industry Council and its thousands of tourism SME member businesses, including many regional-based firms are strongly behind the success of Tourism Australia’s innovative ‘Live from AUS’ domestic campaign.

The mainstream media, as well as digital and online execution, launches this evening through broadcast media and then through TA’s highly popular Facebook page and YouTube channels.

Executive Director of ATIC, Simon Westaway said: “Enthusiastically we wish Tourism Australia well with this bold and innovative campaign approach.

Importantly we observe it includes a focus on how Australia’s tourism SME’s from all corners of the country deliver their compelling offering and how it can and will strongly appeal to local audiences to hit the road and holiday here this year.“Domestic tourism is the well-known backbone of our sector. Pre the COVID-19 pandemic Australians were spending $100 billion annually inside our domestic visitor economy, which like our international visitor and spending numbers, were running at record levels.

10

SPORTS

RETURN OF COMMUNITY NETBALL

TL Bureau, Fitzroy

Netball Australia has today released Return to Netball Guidelines to support state and territory member organisations in bringing a safe return to community netball.

In line with the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, the guidelines provide a minimum baseline of standards for ‘how’ reintroduction of netball activity will occur in a cautious and methodical manner.

The guidelines, which focus on a return to training, have been developed in consultation with member organisations and medical advisors. They aim to provide the netball community with clarity about what type of netball activities can resume and how best to create a safe training environment depending on the differing levels of restrictions imposed by state and federal governments.

Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner said the priority is to preserve public health by minimising the risk of community transmission as netball resumes.

“It’s exciting to be preparing for the return of community netball across the country. Netball plays such a key role in the lives of more than one million Australians and we’re delighted that training,

and eventually matches, will be beginning to take place around Australia in the coming weeks,” she said.

“We’ve been focused on ensuring that any return to play is safe and in line with state and territory government restrictions, and that associations and clubs across the country feel well supported as they start to return to the courts.

We all have a role to play in ensuring we limit the spread of COVID-19 as we return to sport, and these guidelines provide a solid framework for associations and clubs.”

The principles of the Return to Netball Guidelines are in four key areas: Education to all participants (players, parents/guardians, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, spectators and netball organisations) about COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies Assessment and preparation of the netball environment Assessment of participants prior to the resumption of netball training and competition Delivery and ongoing management of netball training and competition applying a ‘get in, train/play and get out’ philosophy

Board nominations complete ahead of General Meeting

TL Bureau, Auckland

Nominations have been completed for members of the new Tonga Ma’a Tonga Rugby League (TMTRL) board, which will now be elected by the members in general meeting.

Representatives from the rugby league clubs have ensured compliance with governance recommendations approved by the clubs following a broad consultation with Tongan rugby league instigated by the sport’s governing body, International Rugby League.

The meeting will confirm the adoption of a new TMTRL constitution, elect an independent chair and finance director, as well as the election of two player directors (already confirmed as Sika Manu and Will Hopoate) and five club directors, one of whom will serve as deputy chair.

Once the board has been ratified, it is expected to apply for membership of IRL.

Current TMTRL President, Mr Saia Penitani, said: “We at TMTRL look forward to our AGM on Friday where we will elect and appoint our new board of directors and implement a new governance structure for our organisation.

“We are grateful to the Implementation Committee for their support and assistance throughout this process.

We congratulate the four nominated candidates for the two independent Director positions and thank them for their willingness to be a part of our organisation.

“We, the club membership in Tonga, have nominated from amongst ourselves individuals who we think would serve the whole of Tongan rugby league best on the board. All our nominees have been long standing supporters of rugby league in Tonga.

“We thank Kristian Woolf and his team for their support of this process and

we look forward to fielding a strong and experienced team at international level should TMTRL be granted membership of IRL. We are excited as we see this process as a leap forward for rugby league in Tonga and for renewed relations based on unity between everyone involved with Tongan rugby league.”

Further, media reports in Tonga on Wednesday 13 May suggested that the IRL has been issued an injunction by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following an appeal lodged with CAS by Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL), the former governing body of rugby league in Tonga, which was expelled from IRL in March 2020.

IRL has confirmed these reports are categorically untrue. It has also confirmed that TNRL’s appeal, which IRL will contest at CAS, is against the international federation alone.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe: 2020 FIBA confirms dates for FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments Season Begins at Misano Adriatico TL Bureau, Mies (Switzerland)

TL Bureau, Sant’Agata Bolognese

Lamborghini Squadra Corse has announced the new 2020 Super Trofeo Europe calendar, which will feature five rounds and 10 races in accordance with the revised GT World Challenge Europe Powered

by AWS schedule.

The Super Trofeo Europe season will kick off at Misano Adriatico on the weekend of 7-9th August, while the remainder of the season will run as follows, in support of the GT World Challenge Europe by AWS calendar. The Nürburgring will host the second round of the year on the first weekend in September, while Barcelona maintains its place on the schedule and will take place on 9-11th October.

Spa-Francorchamps occupies the penultimate round on the weekend of October 22-24thfollowing the postponement of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, with Circuit Paul Ricard, which had been initially scheduled for the final weekend in

May, now becoming the final round on November 13-15th. Alongside the 12th Super Trofeo season, the Lamborghini Young Driver and GT3 Junior Driver programmes are also due to take place this year. The selected drivers will be assessed throughout the season, under the watchful eye of Raffaele Giammaria, Head of the Squadra Corse training programmes, and his team supported by five-time Le Mans 24 Hour winner Emanuele Pirro.

The most impressive drivers within the programmes will be invited to participate in a final selection shoot-

out held in Italy at the end of the season. The best drivers of each programme during the three-day evaluation will go on to receive official support from Lamborghini Squadra Corse for the 2021 season.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Calendar Round 1: Misano Adriatico, 7-9th August Round 2: Nürburgring, 4-5th September Round 3: Barcelona, 9-11th October Round 4: Spa-Francorchamps, 2024th October Round 5: Circuit Paul Ricard, 1315th November

After discussions with the International Olympic Committee, FIBA has confirmed that the rescheduled men’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will be played from June 29 to July 4, 2021.

FIBA has been involved in a consultation process with the IOC regarding these four tournaments, in which the players’ workload, the national team preparations and the national league calendars were all considered. The IOC has exceptionally approved these dates due to these factors and also the extraordinary circumstances that have occurred with the rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

FIBA President Hamane Niang and Secretary General Andreas Zagklis have expressed their thanks to the IOC President Thomas Bach and the IOC Executive Board.

The four FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments are to be played

in Canada, Croatia, Lithuania and Serbia, with the National Federations being awarded the hosting rights in 2019 by FIBA’s Executive Committee.

In total, 24 men’s national teams are set to compete in these four qualifying tournaments of six teams each, with seven teams already qualified directly for the Olympics from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, along with Japan as hosts.

The draw for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments was confirmed during a ceremony at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball, FIBA headquarters in late November 2019. The draw results can be found here.

The winners of the four tournaments will qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games, now taking place from July 23 to August 8, 2021.

The competition schedule for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will be updated accordingly.

IOC approves a financial envelope of up to USD 800 million to address the COVID-19 crisis

TL Bureau, Tokyo This number includes the cost for the organisation of the postponed Games of up to USD 650 million for the IOC, and an aid package of up to USD 150 million for the Olympic Movement, including the International Federations (IFs), the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the IOCRecognised Organisations, to enable them to continue their sports, their activities and their support to their athletes. Today, the IOC Executive Board (EB) approved this financial plan.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) anticipates that it will have to bear costs of up to USD 800 million for its part of the responsibilities for the organisation of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, its own extended operations and the support for the wider Olympic Movement. This amount will be covered by the IOC itself, including any funding from the Olympic Foundation.

At the moment, the IOC is undergoing a deep analysis process to evaluate and assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on all of its operations. This is a complex exercise

because of the constantly changing factors which have to be considered in the current environment.

The IOC, as the leader of the Olympic

Movement, is playing a critical role in supporting its stakeholders during the COVID-19 outbreak. To stand in solidarity with the Olympic Movement, it has also put together an aid package of up to USD 150 million, from which the IFs, NOCs and IOC-Recognised Organisations can benefit.

This funding is meant to help them continue their mission to develop their sports, prepare for the Olympic Games and support their athletes. The IOC and its stakeholders are still going through the analysis process to assess the needs on a case-by-case basis.

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tech/auto

BMW Welt is opening up again for all visitors and is showing its confidence with a lighting display.

TL Bureau, Munich.

From May 15, BMW Welt will once again be open for all visitors.

To mark the reopening, the Double Cone will be illuminated from 10 pm to midnight each evening from May 14 to 24 with a special message: a pulsating heartbeat in light, symbolic of the revival of BMW Welt and a sign of confidence. “In recent weeks, large parts of public life have come to a complete standstill.

We are very pleased that life is cautiously starting to return to normal and that we are allowed to open up again for visitors. With our lighting display we want to create a symbol of hope and togetherness during this openingup phase,” said Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Welt.

For the time being, BMW Welt

will be open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. All the exhibition areas including the public area of the new Junior Campus, the vehicle collection area and the BMW

Welt Lifestyle & Accessory Shop will be open to visitors.

Catering facilities, including Cooper’s Bistro, the Bavarie and the two-star EssZimmer

Automobili Lamborghini launches its first collector’s digital stamp in collaboration with Bitstamps, dedicated to the Huracán EVO RWD Spyder

restaurant, will also be available to visitors from May 25. In the meantime, Cooper’s offers a food and beverage to-go service.

From May 16, there will be

opportunities to test-drive the all-electric MINI SE on the forecourt of BMW Welt Every day between 10 am and midday and between 2 pm and 4 pm, visitors can sit behind the wheel of the fully electric MINI SE and take it for a test drive subject to prior registration and compliance with all hygiene regulations.

Registration is completed directly on site.

Of course, the health of our visitors and employees continues to be the main priority. For this reason, the reopening will take place in compliance with all official regulations and measures.

The vehicle collection service, the sales rooms and the showrooms at BMW Welt have been open to visitors since May 4, with everyone adhering to the safety measures.

Adjustments to Domestic Production in June 2020 (as of May 15) TL Bureau, Tokyo Due to the effects of COVID-19 on the current market and the decline in demand of new vehicles globally, Toyota intends to continually make gradual adjustments in production operations at all plants for completed vehicles in Japan.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to our suppliers and people in those regions.

Specifically, We have decided to halt production at all plants for completed vehicles

in Japan for four days, on June 5 (Fri), 12 (Fri), 19 (Fri), and 26 (Fri). (We plan to reflect the operation days on alternative dates.)

Takaoka Plant, production line #2 and Toyota Industries Corporation, production lines #301 and #302 to operate during these four days (producing RAV4).

In addition to the above nonoperating days, we plan to halt production as well as reducing operation time from double shifts to a single shift for some of the plants and production lines as

Production suspension for 10 production lines at seven plants (Among a total of 28 lines at 15 plants)

Plant

Period of production Production vehicles suspension Tsutsumi Plant production line <4 clays> 4 (Thu), 11 (Thu), Allion, Premio, Prius, #1 18 (Thu), 25 (Thu) Prius PHV Tahara Plant production line #1 <3 days> 4Runner, Land Cruiser 4 (Thu), 11 (Thu), 18 (Thu Prado, LC200, Lexus GX Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc. <7 days> 3 (Wed), 4 (Thu), Aqua, C-HR (TMEJ) Iwate Plant 10 (Wed), 11 (Thu), 17 production line #1 (Wed), 18 (Thu), 25 (Thu) production line #2 <2 days> 4 (Thu), 11 (Thu) Yaris Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc. <2 days> 4 (Thu), 11 (Thu) Sienta, Corolla Axio/ (TMEJ) Ohira Plant Fielder Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. <2 days> Noah, Voxy, Esquire Fujimatsu Plant, production 11 (Thu), 18 (Thu) line #2 Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd. <7 days> Coaster production line #2 3 (Wed) 4 (Thu), 10 (Wed), 11 (Thu), 17 (Wed), 18 (Thu), 25 (Thu) Hino Motors, Ltd. Hamura <2 days> Land Cruiser Prado, FJ Plant, production lines #1, #2, 11 (Thu), 18 (Thu) Cruiser, Dyna, Toyoace, and #4 HMV (High Mobility Vehicle)

TL Bureau, Sant’Agata Bolognese Automobili Lamborghini together with Bitstamps is launching a digital stamp via an App designed to create and collect digital stamps. The first collaboration is dedicated to the Huracán EVO RWD Spyder, the model Lamborghini unveiled at the beginning of May 2020, following the company’s reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown.

The stamp is part of a themed series dedicated to the history of the Sant’Agata Bolognese company and over 20 of its most iconic cars: The Automobili Lamborghini Collection. The Huracán EVO RWD Spyder stamp is available from today

by downloading the Bitstamps App, and will be issued in a limited and numbered edition of 20,000 pieces.

Each stamp is a “single” digital object: its history and uniqueness are guaranteed by Blockchain technology. The stamp can be purchased, collected, or resold exactly like a paper stamp.

Within their collection album, Lamborghini fans will be able to admire their stamps, check the progress of their collection and the stamps not yet acquired, decide whether to give them as a gift by sending them with an e-card, or resell them on the Marketplace that will open in the next few months.

Reduction of operation to a single shift for five production lines at three plants (Among a total of 28 lines at 15 plants) Plant

Tahara Plant production lines #1 and #3 Hino Motors Ltd. Hamura Plant, production line #1 Gifu Auto Body Co. Ltd. production line #1 production line #2

Period of reduction of operation to a single shift May-June (Employees to continue working double shifts) May-July (No second shift)

Production vehicles

4 Runner, Land Cruiser Prado LC200, Lexus GX/ LS/NX/IS/RC,RC-F Land Cruiser Prado, FJ Cruiser

June-July (No second shift) Hiace May-August (No second shift)

Coaster

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Extension of temporary entry ban to the EU via Sweden due to COVID-19 Today the Government decided to extend the temporary entry ban to the EU via Sweden until 15 June. The decision was taken following a recommendation of the European Commission. The aim of the entry ban is, as previously, to mitigate the effects of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and reduce the outbreak of COVID-19.

TL Bureau, Stockholm The temporary entry ban began to apply on 19 March and initially applied for 30 days.

It was subsequently extended until 15 May in accordance with the recommendation of the Commission. The Government has now decided on a further extension of the entry ban until 15 June.

There have been no material changes to the entry ban. In the same way as before, the entry ban essentially applies to all foreign citizens travelling to Sweden from all countries except EU Member States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Swedish citizens are not affected by the entry ban. Nor does the

entry ban prevent travel within the EU. In addition, there are two important exemptions to the entry ban. Firstly, EU citizens and people who have a residence permit in Sweden may still enter the country for the purpose of returning to their homes. Secondly, people with particularly urgent needs or who are to carry out essential functions in Sweden may

enter the country. This may be healthcare professionals, staff transporting goods or people with imperative family reasons, for example. For more information on how the ordinance on a temporary entry ban to Sweden is to be interpreted and which exemptions there are, please contact the Swedish Police Authority or visit its website.

See the adjacent link.

1st COVID-19 British Minister for Middle East Affairs Thanks Kingdom for case detected Contribution of $ 500 Million to Develop COVID-19 Vaccine of State for Foreign Affairs, participated in leading the TL Bureau, London in Rohingya Adel Al-Jubeir, to renew the conference of the global British Minister for Middle importance of regional stability pledge to respond to the Corona camps in East Affairs, James Cleverley and international cooperation pandemic with the participation Bangladesh thanked the Kingdom of to face international challenges. of the European Union, Canada, TL Bureau, Dhaka

The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in the crowded camps for Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh, where more than 1 million refugees are sheltered.

The person from the Rohingya community and a local person who lives in the Cox’s Bazar district who also tested positive have been isolated, Mahbub Alam Talukder, the country’s refugee commissioner said. Teams have been activated for treatment of the patients as well as tracing people they may have encountered and quarantining and testing of those contacts, Louise Donovan, a spokeswoman for the U.N. refugee agency, told The Associated Press. Nationwide, Bangladesh has confirmed 18,863 cases, including 283 fatalities

Portugal’s economy tanks 3.9% in first quarter amid pandemic TL Bureau, Lisbon Portugal’s economy contracted 3.9% in the first quarter from the preceding three-month period as the coronavirus epidemic and subsequent restrictions on movement started taking their toll mainly in March, official data showed on Friday. The National Statistics Institute also said in its flash estimate that the country’s gross domestic product shrank 2.4% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to Reuters.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the economy grew 0.7% quarter-onquarter and 2.2% year-on-year.

Saudi Arabia for its generous contribution to the development fund for a vaccine against COVID-19.

Cleverley said in a statement yesterday evening that he spoke with the Saudi Minister

“I reiterate our thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the generous contribution of $ 500 million to help develop a vaccine to treat COVID-19,” Cleverley added.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and Norway. The conference succeeded in raising donations amounting to 7.4 billion euros to meet the urgent need to face COVID-19

world

President gives Eastern Cape COVID-19 response the thumbs up TL Bureau, Cape Town

President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the Eastern Cape’s preparations to deal with the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic the thumbs up.

“I’m particularly happy that you have awoken to the danger of this and are now putting in place a clear health strategy that is going to address this,” said the President.

The President paid a visit to Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape on Thursday to assess the provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Eastern Cape has 1534 confirmed COVID-19 cases and accounts for 13.3 % of infections nationally.

The oversight visit comes as government prepares to ease the lockdown and reopen the economy.

With consultations on easing the lockdown further to level 3 set to get underway on Friday, the President indicated the country could move to level 3 of the lockdown even before the end of May.

MHA to States/UTs: Ensure Migrant Canadian Prime Minister Workers do not have to walk back home announces support for Special Trains being run by the Government specifically for this purpose

Foreign Correspondent, New Delhi Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on 11.05.2020, wrote to all States/UTs to facilitate faster movement of stranded migrant workers to their native places, through buses and ‘Shramik’ special trains being run by the Government specifically for this purpose.

The communication highlighted the situation wherein migrant workers are walking on the roads and on railway tracks.

All States/UTs were advised that in case they are found in such condition, they should be appropriately counselled, taken to nearby shelters and provided with food, water, etc. till they are facilitated to board the ‘Shramik’ special trains or buses to their

native places.

However, instances of migrant workers walking on roads, railway tracks and travelling in trucks are still being reported from different parts of the country. In view of this, MHA has again written to all States/ UTs to ensure that these migrant workers do not have to walk back home.

The communication states that Ministry of Railways is running more than 100 ‘Shramik’ special trains per day and is ready to arrange additional trains, as per requirement. People need to be made aware about these arrangements and counselled

by State/UT governments to not travel on foot, when they can travel in buses/trains being specially run by the government to facilitate their journey.

German economy shrinks 2.2% in 1st quarter TL Bureau, Berlin

The German economy shrank by 2.2% in the first quarter compared with the previous three-month period as shutdowns in the country and beyond started to bite, official data showed Friday, AP reported.

The figures from the Federal Statistical Office offered a first glimpse of the damage caused by the coronavirus crisis to Europe’s biggest economy, which the government is trying to limit with a raft of rescue programs.

The decline in the January-March period was the biggest since 2009

research staff in Canada

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

From life-saving cancer treatments to clean technologies that protect our environment, thousands of research staff in Canada are driving discoveries and innovations that support our well-being and our economy. When we need them the most, many members of Canada’s academic research community have been forced to temporarily suspend their work due to COVID-19. To ensure they can keep their jobs, safeguard their research, and continue their important work after this crisis, the Government of Canada is stepping up to support them.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced $450 million in funding to help Canada’s academic research community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investment will:

Provide wage supports to universities and health research institutes, so they can retain research staff who are funded from industry or philanthropic sources and are unable to access some of the government’s existing COVID-19 support measures. This would apply even if their work has been temporarily suspended.

The government will provide up to 75 per cent per individual, with a maximum of $847 per week.

Support universities and health research institutes to maintain essential research-related activities during the crisis, and to ramp back up to full research operations once physical distancing measures are lifted. This will cover up to 75 per cent of total eligible costs, and will support activities such as the safe storage of dangerous substances, and restarting data sets that were interrupted during the pandemic.

Coronavirus: Easing of travel restrictions between Austria, Germany and Switzerland TL Bureau, Bern-Wabern The borders between Switzerland, Germany and Austria are to open again for unmarried couples in long-term cross-border relationships, and for those wishing to visit relatives

or attend important family events. Restrictions will also be lifted for people who own a property for personal use, tend allotments, or maintain agricultural or hunting land or woodland. People needing to care of animals may also cross the border.

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