News from World, Worldwide readership. Vol. 03 Issue 31 June 01, 2020
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George Floyd death: Lawyers calls as ‘premeditated murder’
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TL Bureau, Washington D.C. State and nearby governments all through the United States expanded National Guard nearness on Sunday in light of continuous fights started by the police-included killing of George Floyd. Head of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Joseph Lengyel declared that around 5,000 National Guard individuals had been actuated in 15 states and Washington, D.C., on Sunday with roughly 2,000 remaining by. “Reacting to common agitation is the hardest crucial National Guard does. Our one of a kind longstanding associations with neighborhood regular citizen people on call mean we are consistently prepared, consistently there to help, when required, where it’s required,” said Lengyel. Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia have just enacted the National Guard. About 62,000 National Gaurd warriors and pilots have been enacted in 24 states to react to
common aggravations, including the fights, national catastrophes and the coronavirus pandemic, however the number is relied upon to develop as common agitation proceeds in the wake of Floyd’s demise, the National Guard said in
an announcement. President Donald Trump approached Philadelphia and different urban areas and states drove by Democratic pioneers to initiate the National Guard in a progression of tweets on Sunday depicting the dissenters as “rebels.”
coronavirus have been affirmed far and wide, as indicated by information from Johns Hopkins University. About 372,000 individuals have
kicked the bucket, remembering more than 104,000 for the United States. At any rate 2.64 million have recouped all inclusive. Japan may revive its fringes to guests from nations with low degrees of coronavirus disease including Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and New Zealand, neighborhood media provided details regarding Monday. Hong Kong’s Center for Health Protection (CHP) is examining two new privately affirmed instances of coronavirus - one of every a 34-year-elderly person and the other in a 56-year-elderly person. Individuals in the Russian capital
Some countries move to ease lockdowns: Russia & UK are one of them
TL Bureau, Worldwide
Occupants of Moscow will be permitted to go out for a stroll without precedent for over two months, on Monday, while the UK is likewise getting ready to loosen up its lockdown in spite of worries among the administration’s logical warning body. Latin America’s loss of life has now surpassed 50,000 with somebody million cases revealed over the locale. The majority of the passings have been in Brazil, where supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro showed up at a
convention on Sunday against the nation’s top court, which is researching the conservative chief. More than 6.15 million instances of
will be permitted to go out for a walk or run, and a few shops will revive, as Moscow moves to release a lockdown that has been in power since late March. Inhabitants will be permitted out for strolls three times each week on a calendar connected to where they live. Individuals will likewise have the option to go for a run somewhere in the range of 5am and 9am, as parks open their doors once more. North Korea will begin reviving schools in stages from this month giving severe enemy of coronavirus measures are set up.
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his is not the first time in US history that this kind of thing happens but the issue is this that cruelty on the basis of colour is not good and all humans have right to live in this society fear free. Law enforcement authorities have no doubt the power for safety of society but that kind of misuse of power by police is not good. There are lot of countries in the world who misused their powers and made cruelty. It’s not in the best interest of country or society to save the interest. The Police force are not good in all over the world. But in terms of cruelty and worsted some countries are like US India Nigeria DR Congo Kenya Uganda Pakistan Burma Iraq Somalia Afghanistan Sudan Haiti Mexico Russia are amongst those nations who are some of them in terms of worsted but not restricted to these nations. There are some other countries police who have shown the best examples of cruelty in terms of other inhumanity like Austria Belgium and in some others nations of Europe. The legislative leader of Minnesota, where fights have emitted over police fierceness and the demise of George Floyd during the most recent week, has completely activated the National Guard to Minneapolis without precedent for state history. Representative Tim Walz said the sending comes as a component of a push to help control the fights, which have regularly begun serene before diving into disorder, with discharge and plundering - brutality he to a great extent accused on outcasts. “We don’t have the numbers,” Walz said. “We can’t capture individuals when we are attempting to hold ground.” Minnesota National Guard General Jon Jensen said all the state’s sentries had been enacted, and somewhere in the range of 2,500 individuals were relied upon to be prepared by noontime. “It implies we’re all in,” Jensen said. It is the “biggest household arrangement in the Minnesota’s National Guard’s 164-year history,” the National Guard said on Twitter. The organization comes over four days after the killing of George Floyd, which has set off furious fights over the United States against police fierceness and the treatment of African Americans. Friday saw showings and walks, some of the time savage, in Minneapolis, Louisville, Kentucky, Atlanta, Georgia, Houston, Texas, Washington, DC, and somewhere else. Floyd kicked the bucket on Monday after Derek Chauvin, a white official, stuck the Black man’s neck to the cold earth with his knee for about nine minutes. An onlooker video of the occurrence shows Floyd arguing for help, over and again saying: “I can’t relax.” Floyd in the long run goes unmoving, and Chauvin keeps on bowing on Floyd’s neck for about three minutes in spite of requests by onlookers to get off of him, as indicated by court records. The four officials included, including Chauvin, were terminated on Tuesday. Chauvin was captured and accused of third-degree murder and homicide
Cruelty against humanity on peak as in United States on Friday, multiple postponements after the episode. Representative Walz said he anticipated that Saturday’s fights in Minneapolis should be the most extreme yet. Dissenters have recently advised media they intend to remain in the boulevards until in any event every one of the four officials have been captured and charged, in spite of daily curfews and the nearness of the National Guard. “They would not require the [National Guard] on the off chance that they would simply tune in to the individuals,” said Aman Mohamed, another Minneapolis inhabitant. It’s unsure what precisely it will bring for things to quiet down, however Layla Ahmed, another inhabitant, told Al Jazeera “having one individual captured isn’t sufficient. We need every one of the four.” Family arranges free dissection, In a joint articulation with the group of Floyd, Benjamin Crump, a noticeable social equality legal counsellor whose firm is speaking to their case, called the capture of Chauvin “a greeting however late advance headed straight toward equity”. Crump and the family likewise communicated frustration with the charge itself. “We expected a first-degree murder accusation,” they said. “We need a first-degree murder allegation. Also, we need to see different officials captured.” The way that the three different officials, distinguished as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J Alexander Kueng, held on while Chauvin stuck Floyd with his knee for just about nine minutes “exhibits a breakdown in preparing and approach by the city” the announcement said. “We completely hope to see different officials who never really ensure the life of George Floyd to be captured and charged soon.” The bail for Chauvin has been set at $500,000, as indicated by an official report gave by CNN. Whenever indicted, he could look as long as 25 years in jail. Notwithstanding more captures, Crump and the family said it is basic that Minneapolis “intently looks at and changes its policing approaches and preparing systems to address for their absence of legitimate field management; the
utilization of suitable, non-deadly limitation procedures; the capacity to perceive clinical signs related with the limitation of wind current, and the lawful obligation to look for crisis clinical consideration and stop a social liberties infringement.” Crump additionally said the family had recruited an autonomous clinical inspector to direct their own postmortem examination, following the discharge by the starter post-mortem report by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office. The report said there were “no physical discoveries that help a finding of horrible asphyxia or strangulation”. Floyd likely passed on from “the consolidated impacts of … being controlled by police, his basic wellbeing conditions and any potential intoxicants in his framework,’’ the report included. Reacting to the report, Floyd’s family stated: “We are not astounded, yet we are grievously frustrated in the primer dissection discoveries discharged today by the clinical inspector. We trust this doesn’t reflect endeavors to make a bogus account for the explanation George Floyd passed on.” In the mean time, in south Minneapolis on Saturday morning, network individuals tidied up from the earlier night’s fights as National Guardsmen kept on showing up in the city. “It doesn’t appear [the National Guard] contained a lot,” said Stefanie
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Rangel, 27, who sorted out the tidy up group that has been getting “parcels and parts” of broken glass in the expectations that youngsters can stroll around securely. Wahab T, an inhabitant of 25 years, who said he knows half of the entrepreneurs in the region from living only a couple of squares away, is irresolute about the National Guard’s association. “They’re here to help,” he said. The awful part, he believes, is that children need to see patrols strolling around with weapons. “They think this is a combat area.” Another long-term occupant, Marvin Smith, who depicts himself as a quiet onlooker that was at the Plymouth fights of 1966 in North Minneapolis, said the Guard “ought to have been here”, however that “you can’t advise individuals not to fight 400 years of bad form.” Smith said he “trusts it’s serene everlastingly,” that it was out of line to contrast physical structures with “hard work”. He said he accepted there is as yet far to go before ethnic minorities have indistinguishable chances and opportunities from white individuals. “The possibility this will leave when the revolting stops is idiotic.” Notwithstanding the National Guard, the Pentagon on Saturday requested the Army to put military police units on alert in the event that they are mentioned in the city, The Associated Press news office revealed. US President Donald Trump, who allegedly mentioned the uncommon move by the Pentagon, has - without giving proof - accused the viciousness for “radical left” dissenters. Be that as it may, Minnesota Governor Walz said on Saturday specialists trust a portion of the savagery in Minneapolis is crafted by a “firmly controlled” gathering of pariahs, including racial oppressor gatherings and medication cartels. He didn’t detailed. Layal Ahmed, an occupant, additionally had her doubts. “I accept these flames are not being begun by the young,” she stated, “I trust it’s being begun by individuals originating from suburbia, or even racial oppressors,” she included. “Individuals that live here affection this city, yet we don’t represent foul play.”
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3 Report on the use of face coverings to prevent coronavirus infections TL Bureau, Helsinki
In accordance with the relevant government resolution, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has drawn up a report on the use of face coverings to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. The report has now been published and submitted to the Government. The report contains an overview of the relevant research evidence, the recommendations issued by international health organisations and a summary of the policies adopted by certain other countries. International practices and reasoning for decisions vary The World Health Organization (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) have all stated that the primary means of preventing coronavirus infections are avoiding close contact with others (maintaining a distance of at least 1–2 meters from other people and avoiding unnecessary time in public places), washing one’s hands according to the guidelines and practicing good hygiene when coughing and sneezing.
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EU DRUG MARKETS: IMPACT OF COVID-19
EMCDDA and Europol analyse impact of pandemic on EU drug markets. New report provides window onto EU drug market changes during COVID-19 TL Bureau, The Hague What effect is COVID-19 having on the largest criminal market in the EU? This question is explored in EU Drug Markets: Impact of COVID-19, a new report out today from the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) and Europol.The analysis reports higher prices, local shortages and reduced purity for some drugs, while noting continued violence among suppliers and distributors. It also shows how organised crime groups remain active and resilient, by ‘adapting transportation models, trafficking routes and concealment methods’, even during the pandemic. The two EU agencies have joined forces to improve understanding of drug market developments under COVID-19 and their impact on internal security and public health in the EU. The findings are based on opinions collected through a targeted EMCDDA online survey of drug experts in the EU Member States, Europol’s operational
Update: air strikes against Daesh
The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
TL Bureau, London The Royal Air Force has conducted four sets of air strikes against Daesh this month, as the UK Armed Forces continue to support the Iraq Government’s fight against the terror group. The strikes, which were conducted over northern Iraq, were all successful in hitting their targets and come after two similar operations in April, which were the UK’s first such activity in seven months. Since liberating the last territory held by Daesh, in March 2019, the RAF has flown daily armed reconnaissance patrols to prevent the violent extremists from reestablishing footholds in Iraq or Syria, and remain ready to strike whenever required. Precision strikes result from the
Summary
Friday 8 May – Reaper destroyed a Daesh bunker in northern Iraq. Sunday 10 May – Typhoons successfully struck Daesh targets in northern Iraq. Wednesday 13 May – Reapers hit two Daesh bunkers in northern Iraq. Saturday 23 May – Reaper destroyed a group of Daesh terrorists in northern Iraq. patient and methodical production of actionable intelligence, and are only conducted after thorough surveillance of the target and surrounding area for any signs of civilians, ensuring they are not placed at risk.
intelligence gathering on organised crime and structured monitoring of open source information. According to the report, disruption to the drug trafficking supply chain is seen mostly at the distribution level, due to social distancing measures within the EU. With street dealing severely affected by restrictions on movement, consumers and dealers are increasingly turning to alternative methods, including the use of darknet markets, social media platforms and encrypted communication apps, with cashless
payments and fewer face-to-face interactions. But while the logistics may have changed, the movement of bulk quantities of drugs between EU Member States has not ceased, despite border controls, due to the continued commercial transportation of goods across Europe. There is less evidence of disruption at the wholesale importation level. Drug trafficking by maritime shipping continues at levels similar to the pre-pandemic period, although there has been a marked disruption in smuggling
by air passenger transport. Cocaine trafficking via maritime shipping containers continues at levels comparable to 2019 and the number of cocaine seizures in some countries has increased. Heroin trafficking appears to continue along many of the known routes (e.g. Balkan route). COVID-19 has exacerbated already ongoing disruption to the cannabis resin supply chain from Morocco into the EU. This, along with stockpiling of herbal cannabis by consumers, has led to some cannabis shortages and rising prices. Localised shortages of heroin have also been reported, which could lead to a switch to alternative substances (e.g. synthetic opioids). While the demand for cannabis and heroin remain largely stable, demand for synthetic drugs used in recreational settings has ‘significantly diminished’, due to the closure of clubs, nightlife settings and music events. Despite this, the production of synthetic drugs has continued.
Village festivals can go ahead this summer if they are organised in accordance with the public health guidelines. The Corona Advisory Group can provide advice and guidance on practical arrangements. Bars and nightclubs Bars and nightclubs continue to be advised to close before midnight. The Government is currently considering options for enforcing this as a compulsory restriction.
Recommendations for personal conduct The Government urges people to continue to maintain a personal distance of at least one meter. Everyone is strongly advised to wash and sanitize their hands well and often and to respect the recommended personal distance.If we make these sensible safeguards a part of our daily routine, we will be much better protected if the infection returns.
Reopening the Faroe Islands
TL Bureau, Faroe Islands
The Government has announced plans to further increase activity in the Faroe Islands. This includes some easing of the self-quarantine requirements for people arriving in the Faroe Islands and a relaxation of some travel restrictions. Further details will be announced as soon as possible prior to 15 June, outlining the specific practical measures that will apply to travellers from these three countries, including clear information on what people will be advised to do, shorter and more flexible quarantine arrangements and more testing. Music festivals The advice remains that no music festivals should be held for the time being. This recommendation applies until 31 August 2020. Further announcements will be made as soon as circumstances allow. Festival organisers will be entitled to reimbursement for the financial loss according to the same rules that apply to the business sector. Summer village festivals
UK establishes voting rights treaty with Poland TL Bureau, London/Warsaw
The UK and Poland have signed a treaty that secures the right of British and Polish citizens to stand and vote in local elections in each other’s countries following the UK’s exit from the EU. This ensures that British people living in Poland and Polish citizens living in the UK have the right to choose who represents them in local government in the country where they reside. The treaty was signed by the UK’s Ambassador to Poland, Jonathan Knott and the Polish Secretary of State for Legal
and Treaty Affairs, Piotr Wawrzyk, today (Friday 29 May) in Warsaw.
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Peacekeepers exemplify ‘service, sacrifice and selflessness’, in face of pandemic
TL Bureau, UN HQ
At a related event, he upheld that while the COVID-19pandemic has changed almost everything the Organization does, it has not inhibited the powerful sense of “service, sacrifice and selflessness”, of the more than 95,000 women and men serving in 13 peacekeeping operations worldwide. “Every day, our peacekeepers continue to protect vulnerable local populations, support dialogue and implement their mandates while fighting COVID-19”, said the UN chief. “They are doing everything they can to be an integral part of the solution to this crisis while keeping themselves – and the communities they serve – safe”. Saluting women in blue helmets Under this year’s theme, “Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace”, Mr. Guterres emphasized how women help improve all aspects of UN peacekeeping, saying it is “more effective for everyone when we have more women peacekeepers at all levels, including in decisionmaking”. “We will continue to do everything we can…to reach this goal”, he stated. During an awards ceremony, the Secretary-General formally bestowed the ‘2019 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award’ on Commander Carla Monteiro de
Castro Araujo, a Brazilian naval officer serving with the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and to Major Suman Gawani from India, who served in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). As UN peacekeeping has evolved to better reflect the populations it serves, women have become increasingly more involved, generating positive impacts in areas ranging from servicing in a police or military role, as well as civilian. In all areas, women have proved that they can perform the same roles, to the same standards and under the same difficult conditions, as their male counterparts, bolstering women’s rights at the
No parent should worry about a child getting an avoidable disease UK Gov Media, Harare
When my daughter was six weeks old, she was exposed to measles. I was in the UK at the time, where coverage rates for routine childhood vaccinations like measles and polio are high. Still, not everyone follows Public Health England advice to get their child immunised against these debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases. Too young for her first vaccination, my child was exposed to measles through another child whose parents had decided not to get their child immunised. My fear was compounded by the memory of a school friend. She caught measles aged 1 - not in the UK, I should add. That eventually led to encephalitis at the age of 14 - the swelling of the brain, a terrible potential complication of this disease. As teenagers, my friends and I watched this amazing young woman slowly deteriorate in front of us. She died at the age of 19. I will never forget what she and her family went through. Thankfully, my daughter did not contract measles, as doctors gave her immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin can provide short-term, immediate protection against measles. It’s a substance
In Defense of Democracy in Venezuela TL Bureau, Washington D.C.
The United States reaffirms our commitment to Venezuela’s legitimate National Assembly and the 100 deputies across all party lines under interim President Guaido’s leadership, who daily face threats and intimidation by the illegitimate former Maduro regime. We strongly condemn the illegitimate former Maduro regime’s most recent attempt to destroy Venezuela’s last remaining democratic institution, the National Assembly, and depose National Assembly President and interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaido.
Seizure by Malta of $1.1 Billion of Counterfeit Libyan Currency TL Bureau, Washington D.C.
The United States commends the Government of the Republic of Malta’s announcement May 26 of its seizure of $1.1 billion of counterfeit Libyan currency printed by Joint Stock Company Goznak-a Russian state-owned company-and ordered by an illegitimate parallel entity. The influx of counterfeit, Russian-printed Libyan currency in recent years has exacerbated Libya’s economic challenges. same time. Women peacekeepers serving in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission
in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) work to strengthen social cohesion.
COVID-19: New plan for summer travel advice based on caution
The Government today presented a plan for travel advice during the summer of 2020 TL Bureau, Copenhagen
made from the blood plasma of humans who’ve already produced antibodies to the disease. But immunoglobulin is only a last resort since it has its own risks and isn’t routinely available in many countries for measles prophylaxis. That means that parents rightly have to rely on mass immunisation programmes to protect their children, and other people’s children, against measles and other diseases like polio and typhoid. I’ve visited mass immunisation programmes in several countries during my career. One of the last I saw was in Senegal on a trip with World Bank board members. As a mother, I too winced at the momentary pain of the children vaccinated. But I was doubly in awe of the commitment I saw in the health workers doing the vaccinating. They knew how much this matters.
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As part of the plan, on 15 June the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark will revise the travel advice for Germany, Iceland and Norway, enabling Danes to gradually resume international travel. The travel advice for these countries will be changed from risk level ‘orange’ to ‘yellow’. This means that Danish citizens will be permitted travel to these countries, but they are advised to continue to exercise caution and keep up to date on the current situation. The travel advice will continue to advise against travel to the rest of Europe and the world until 31 August.
“I am glad that we can cautiously begin opening up for international travel from Denmark to a small group of our neighbouring countries where the spread of COVID-19 is deemed to be the best under control. Danes are passionate about travel and want to explore and experience the world. But the global pandemic is far from over, and there is a long way to go before the world truly begins to open up. We have thus taken a cautious approach in the development of our plan. As far as possible, we want to avoid a situation where Danish travellers can bring infection back to Denmark or become stranded abroad due to local restrictions.
The United States Continues to Lead the Global Response to COVID-19 TL Bureau, Washington D.C.
The United States continues to lead in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrated by recent announcements of new foreign assistance that are made possible through the American people’s generosity and the U.S. Government’s action. Months into fighting this pandemic at home and abroad, the United States continues to lead a global response-building on decades of investment in life-saving health and humanitarian assistance. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. Government has committed more than $1 billion in State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) emergency health, humanitarian, economic, and development assistance specifically aimed at helping governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fight the pandemic.
Council adopts conclusions on the Afghanistan peace process and future EU support for peace and development in the country
TL Bureau, Brussels
The Council adopted conclusions reaffirming the EU’s political commitment to support the people of Afghanistan on their path towards peace, security, stability, democracy, prosperity and self-reliance. The EU will condition its future political and financial support to ensure that the republican, democratic and values-
based principles are protected and further promoted. The conclusions also reiterate the EU’s support for a negotiated political settlement leading to lasting peace and reconciliation, which must build on the democratic and human rights achievements of the past 19 years. In its conclusions, the Council calls on the Taliban to build trust and confidence allowing the prompt start of intra-Afghan negotiations on the basis
of the sufficient numbers of prisoners already released. The Taliban should respect both the spirit and letter of their bilateral Agreement with the government of the United States signed in Doha on 29 February 2020. In this regard, the EU strongly condemns attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel and facilities, including the horrific attack at the Dasht-e-Barchi hospital in Kabul of 12 May.
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australia
Almost $1 million of illicit drug cash forfeited after AFP investigation
TL Bureau, Perth
A total of $949,500 seized from a Perth drug trafficker has been forfeited to the Commonwealth after an Australian Federal Police proceeds of crime investigation. The Supreme Court of Western Australia has ordered the forfeiture of the cash, which the now convicted man handed to undercover police officers to purchase illicit drugs in suburban Perth early last year (2019). As part of the investigation, the AFP’s Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) successfully applied to the courts to have the cash restrained as suspected proceeds of crime. The CACT investigation resulted in the Supreme Court on Thursday (28 May 2020) ordering the $949,500 be forfeited to the Commonwealth pursuant to section 49 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth). The court further ordered that the Commonwealth has leave to deal with the forfeited property immediately. The financing of the drug operation remains under investigation by CACT. AFP Detective Superintendent
Investigations Timothy Underhill said the case showed the huge amounts of money involved in the illicit drug trade. “Seizing cash linked to the distribution of drugs is an integral part of the AFP’s strategy to combat organised crime and prevent these harmful substances reaching our communities,” he said. “Most serious and organised crime is motivated by greed and when you take away the profits you hit the offenders where it hurts most. “A key objective for the AFP is to remove the financial incentives from crime and prevent offenders funding future illegal activities. “In this case we also prevented illicit drugs reaching our community. “This should send a strong message that we are working tirelessly to make Western
Australia as hostile as possible for anyone who preys on our communities to make money.” The seized funds will be deposited into the Confiscated Assets Account, which is managed by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) on behalf of the Commonwealth. The funds can be used to benefit the community through crime prevention, intervention or diversion programs, or other law enforcement initiatives. The AFP-led CACT taskforce, which includes staff from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, Australian Border Force and the Australian Taxation Office, was formed in 2011 as part of a multiagency crackdown on criminal assets.
Changes to the Income Compliance Program TL Bureau, Canberra
The Morrison Government takes its responsibility for upholding the integrity of Australia’s welfare system seriously. The Income Compliance Program was developed to make identifying welfare overpayments more efficient. It assisted with reviews where customers did not respond, or fully engage, with requests to clarify discrepancies between income earnings reported to Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In November last
year, changes were made to the way debts from welfare payments were raised as part of the Income Compliance Program. From that time, debts were no longer raised wholly or partially using averaged ATO income data. From July this year, Services Australia will refund all repayments made on debts raised wholly or partially using income averaging of ATO data. Refunds will also be made for any interest charges and/or recovery fees paid on related debts. Services Australia has identified 470,000 debts raised wholly or partially using income
Lower subsidies = strong agriculture: ABARES analysis finds investment, open market trade
TL Bureau, Canberra
An Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) analysis of government support for Australia’s farmers has found they are among the least subsidised in the world. Australia has one of the lowest levels of agricultural support across the 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries - and when compared to major emerging economies. Report author and ABARES’ Head of Forecasting and Trade Dr Jared Greenville said keeping subsidies low was important for both Australian producers and international markets. “Australia’s reform experience
shows that deregulating the agriculture sector and removing distorting forms of support spurs overall sector growth, increasing participation in global markets and the contribution that agriculture makes to the rural and national economy,” Dr Greenville said. “Recent OECD research also points to the fact that countries that have lower subsidies have agricultural sectors that perform better, seeing farm incomes grow faster over time than heavily subsidised ones. “The costs of increasing distortions to trade and subsidies are also felt more in countries that implement these policies than elsewhere.” Dr Greenville said there were no targeted subsidies provided to Australian producers of our most traded products—beef and veal and grains (which includes barley).
averaging of ATO data. Refunding of eligible debts will commence in July and will continue through the 2020-21 financial year. The total value of refunds including fees and charges is estimated at $721 million. Services Australia will now put in place the mechanisms needed to start making refunds, including how affected customers are advised of next steps. Consultation will occur with stakeholders, including the Commonwealth Ombudsman, and clear communication is a priority, so people understand what it means for them.
State Of Emergency Extended To Keep Slowing The Spread
TL Bureau, Melbourne
The State of Emergency in Victoria will be extended for another three weeks to slow the spread of coronavirus and keep people safe as restrictions are cautiously eased across the state from tomorrow. Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today announced the State of Emergency will be extended until 11.59pm on 21 June 2020. This extension will allow the Victorian Government to continue to enforce strict physical distancing and isolation requirements, as well as other directions from the Chief Health Officer relating to businesses, working from home, mass gatherings and recreational activities. Through this pandemic, the advice to Victorians has remained the same: stay home. As we begin to settle into a new normal, the message is: stay safe. That means continuing to maintain physical distance from others, take
appropriate hygiene precautions, avoid crowds, stay home and get tested if you’re unwell. A vital part of this is continuing to work from home if possible – to limit the number of people moving around our state and help protect those who do have to go to work. Under a State of Emergency, officers authorised by the Chief Health Officer can act to eliminate or reduce a serious risk to public health by detaining people, restricting movement, preventing entry to premises, or providing any other direction an officer considers reasonable to protect public health. Police have strong powers to enforce directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses. People who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000.
Government partners with industry to secure brighter rail future
TL Bureau, Canberra
Federal and State and Territory Governments will partner with key members of the rail industry to lift the productivity and safety of Australia’s rail network. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the National Transport Commission (NTC) had established three industry and Government working groups to deliver the National Rail Action Plan, agreed by the Transport and Infrastructure Council last year. “Through the National Rail Action Plan, we will ensure we have the skills and labour required to build and operate an
efficient and safe rail network,” Mr McCormack said. “We are improving Australia’s rail system by continuing to align and harmonise operating rules, infrastructure and operational standards and systems across the national network. “These working groups are the latest step to getting on with the job and implementing the vision as part of the partnership with experienced and respected industry and Government professionals. “The Australian Government is committed to delivering critical rail infrastructure and improving the safety and productivity of rail operations and we are overseeing a major wave of investment in rail.
For those who have lost a job or are worried their business may go under because of the economic downturn, the impact on family and career is significant, and the uncertainty hard to deal with. But it is important to recognise the measures put in place to try to reduce the negative effects. These have included significant initiatives to support employment and maintain financial security. However, although addressing economic and financial stressors is imperative, there is also a significant role for the health system in providing care and support to assist recovery. The Australian Government has made significant investments in mental health and suicide prevention prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continued to do so as part of Australia’s evolving response, with an estimated additional $500 million having been channelled
into mental health services so far this year. As the responsibility for the mental health system is shared across all Australian governments, the states and territories have likewise made significant contributions. This has led to several positive developments for those needing support, most notably, that clinical services have developed greater capacity to use telehealth and to reach out to those difficult to engage, and that assertive aftercare has been bolstered. The actions of the Commonwealth, states and territories are being coordinated and consolidated by a National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan that was adopted by the National Cabinet earlier this month. This plan recognises the central importance of improving the way we monitor the mental health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The mental health impact of COVID-19 TL Bureau, Canberra
As we continue to work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been considerable discussion in the media about the impact the virus is having on our mental health – and may have on our suicide rates. For some Australians, the restrictions governments have rightly put in place to combat COVID-19 have been a catalyst for relationships to be strengthened and reaffirmed, including developing new ways to work together. We have seen the renewal and importance of reaching out and being socially connected even while physically separated. However, for many of us, while physical distancing is helping to prevent people from contracting the coronavirus, it has also created other problems, including isolation, loneliness and anxiety.
6
NZ AND OTHER OCEANIA
Wetlands and waterways gain from 1BT funding
TL Bureau, Wellington
The Government will invest $10 million from the One Billion Trees Fund for large-scale planting to provide jobs in communities and improve the environment, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Forestry Minister Shane Jones have announced. New, more flexible funding criteria for applications will help up to 10 catchment groups plant landscapes at a whole of catchment scale, enabling them to achieve the greatest environmental outcomes. “The funding changes are designed to increase planting and improve waterways. They are a practical example of how this Government is listening to and working with people to support them in their desire to make environmental and freshwater improvements,” Shane Jones said.
“Importantly, as we look to support those affected by the economic fallout from COVID-19, these large-scale planting and restoration initiatives will also provide employment in their communities and support the plant nursery sector.” Catchment groups will also be able to apply for funding for associated costs such as land preparation, labour and pest control. The revised funding criteria has been expanded to include suitable plants such as grasses and shrubs, and planting of areas of less than 1ha, to support planting along waterways and in wetlands. The funding is in addition to the up to $100m from the Provincial Growth Fund Shane Jones announced recently for waterway fencing, riparian planting and stock water reticulation. Alongside this work, the Ministry
Queen’s Birthday Honours highlights Pacific leadership capability in Aotearoa
TL Bureau, Wellington
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List provides an abundance of examples that Pacific people’s leadership capability is unquestionable in Aotearoa. “The work and the individuals we acknowledge this year highlights the kind of visionary examples and dedicated community leadership that we need to help lead our COVID-19 responses, recovery and the rebuilding of our Pacific economy. “The Pacific recipients have all demonstrated excellence in areas which have made an impact in Pacific communities, including the arts, youth, education, the volunteer sector and most importantly in
health,” says Aupito William Sio. “Throughout COVID-19, key health messages were translated in 9 Pacific languages with the help of community leaders and Pacific clinicians, and it’s fitting we have four recipients receiving honours for their efforts in the health sector supporting Pacific communities. “Dr George Ngaei, has been a strong advocate for Pacific peoples in Invercargill and has been appointed as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to health and the Pacific community. “His leadership would have been an important part of the Pacific DHB Managers and Regional Stakeholders Group that helped with the COVID-19 health response.
The Government is backing a new $27 million project aimed at boosting sustainable horticulture production and New Zealand’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. “Our horticulture sector has long been one of New Zealand’s export star performers, contributing around $6 billion a year to our economy. During and post lockdown they’ve become a lifeline for a number of redeployed workers from industries such as tourism, forestry and hospitality,” he said. “Our growers and producers will play a critical role in our economic recovery. The Government knows this which is why in Budget 2020 we committed $38.5 million to help
the sector seize further opportunities for future growth. This adds to that investment. Mr O’Connor said A Lighter Touch is a collaboration between government and industry. The aim is to create new growing methods and crop protection measures that reduce chemical use, and spur greater production. “Our high-value overseas consumers want to know the story behind their food. They want greater assurances that the food and fibre they buy is produced in a sustainable way – and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. “We have a great story to tell because our growers are among the most efficient and sustainable in the world. There is an opportunity for New Zealand to become the world’s preferred supplier of plantbased food products. This project
TL Bureau, Wellington
of Primary Industries is also working with a wide range of catchment groups around New Zealand to support their work to lift freshwater quality and farming practice, Damien O’Connor said. “We have a goal to reach up to 2200 farmers over the next three years. “Catchment groups provide wonderful opportunities for famers to support and learn from each other. They also provide an avenue for collaborative, grass-roots action to resolve local issues, including improving sustainability and improving water quality. “MPI’s extension work is funded through the $229m Productive and Sustainable Land Use package announced in Budget 2019, which includes more than $35m for onthe-ground support via extension services. “So far, through this package, we have supported a group of 1000
Southland farmers and growers through funding the Thriving Southland project and 300 King Country farmers through funding to King Country River Care. More are in the pipeline, we’re looking to support a further six catchment and community groups through extension projects in the coming weeks. “Together, the One Billion Trees Fund and the Productive and Sustainable Land Use package work together to achieve the environmental goals the Coalition Government has set”, Damien O’Connor said. The purpose of the One Billion Trees Fund is to provide support and incentives for tree establishment in partnership with landowners and communities. The programme aims to ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place for the right purpose.
Again today, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report in New Zealand. This is the 9th consecutive day of no new cases. Our total number of confirmed cases remains at 1,154, which is the number we report to the World Health Organization. Our combined total of confirmed and probable cases remains at 1,504. The number of recovered cases is unchanged at 1,481. Only one case remains active. There are no additional deaths to report. There is no one in New Zealand receiving hospital-level care for COVID-19. Yesterday our laboratories completed 2,111 tests, bringing the total number of tests completed to date to 280,983.
TL Bureau, Wellington
caring responsibilities all impact on women. “Many NGOs that support women have reduced income and volunteer numbers due to the impacts of COVID-19, and at the same time, they have many more people needing their support and/or services. “I particularly want to encourage groups that work with wāhine Māori to apply. “We welcome applications to improve outcomes for women and girls which have not been covered by other government funds. This may include initiatives such as opening a community centre for an additional day in order to provide extra services, or supporting a women’s centre to deliver counselling services.
Organisations will be able to apply for funding to support the government priorities of healthy and safe communities, reducing family and sexual violence, and improving child wellbeing. “This funding supports NGOs and women’s organisations to be sustainable and make the difference we need in communities to empower women and girls in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Julie Anne Genter. Applications will be available for the fund from the Ministry for Women from today, and will close on Monday 15 June. More information on the fund can be found at https:// women.govt.nz/news/covid19-and-women/covid-19community-fund
New fund for women now open
Organisations that support women are invited to apply to a new $1,000,000 fund as part of the Government’s COVID-19 response. “We know women, and organisations that support women, have been affected by COVID-19. This new money will ensure funding for groups that support women and women’s rights,” said Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter. “Issues related to gender equality can take a backseat during emergencies and crises, and this results in worse outcomes for women and girls. Greater loss of income, increased instances of domestic violence, and increased
Govt backing horticulture to succeed TL Bureau, Wellington
No new cases of COVID-19
will help us seize that opportunity, create more demand, generate higher export returns, and grow rural communities with new jobs.” Horticulture New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Chapman said the importance of biological methods and increasing production was reflected in the investment from the different sectors. “Our growers want to take greater care of the environment but there are only a few viable options for pest and disease control currently. “This is why this project is so critical. It will speed up development of agro-ecological crop protection techniques that are both environmentally sound and effective. We are excited by what this project will be able to deliver for the different sectors involved and New Zealand’s economy.”
Applications open for forestry scholarships
TL Bureau, Wellington
Applications have opened for 2021 Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships, which will support more Māori and women to pursue careers in forestry science, says Forestry Minister Shane Jones. “I’m delighted Te Uru Rākau is offering Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships for the third year running. These scholarships are increasing diversity in the forestry sector,” Shane Jones said. According to the recently released Forestry and Wood Processing Workforce Action Plan, Māori make up only 22 per cent of the forestry workforce, while only 17 per cent of this workforce is female. The Forestry Scholarships help
address this imbalance. Whether these graduates become forestry scientists, forest engineers or pursue the range of other careers in forestry, the scholarships are making the sector more diverse. Eight scholarship recipients will receive $8000 per year for four years to help with tuition and living costs while studying forestry science degrees at the University of Canterbury – either a Bachelor of Forestry Science or Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, majoring in Forestry Engineering. Scholars will also gain experience through paid annual summer internships in the forestry sector. “Aotearoa’s forestry industry is world-leading when it comes to research and technology.
7
Sberbank launches its physical commodities trading company in Switzerland
TL Bureau, Moscow
Sberbank continues to expand its presence in commodities markets and opens its trading company in Zug, Switzerland. Sber Trading Swiss AG will become the main hub of Sberbank’s international physical commodity trading. The opening of the office in Zug has become a key addition to the existing physical Commodity trading infrastructure in precious metals (PAO Sberbank), and the local physical trading house (OOO SB Commodities Trading). Sber Trading Swiss AG will focus on international physical commodity trading in oil and oilproducts, coal, base metals, bulk and agriculture products. The company’s strategy is to build on existing customer relationship between Sberbank and commodity producers and consumers in Russia and the CIS. It will allow Sberbank Group to scale up and diversify its presence in physical commodities markets.
• Sber Trading Swiss AG will become an essential international addition to the existing local physical commodities infrastructure of Sberbank Group. • Sber Trading Swiss AG will focus on physical commodities trading in oil and oil products, coal, base metals, bulk and agriculture.
• Anatoly Popov, Deputy
World Bank Group: Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond TL Bureau, Washingtion D.C. World Bank Group President David Malpass today delivered the following remarks at the United Nations’ High-Level Event on Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond: “I’d like to acknowledge the UN Secretary-General, Heads of State and all the fellow panelists and Excellencies who are participating in today’s UN event. I’d particularly like to commend Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, for her leadership, energy and results. Our two institutions, the IMF and the World Bank Group, are working closely together on financial and economic challenges, including – and especially – those affecting the world’s poor. The reduction of extreme poverty and the achievement of shared prosperity and faster, sustainable growth is the mission of the World
Bank Group. Our offices around the world, including in many of the most fragile countries, are working on a daily basis with the IMF to find specific paths to better development outcomes. I encourage everyone participating today to look for active steps they can take to help in this effort. A lot of energy has gone into discussing development goals in this forum. I worry that many of the goals are not being met, and I would like to see much more focus, time and energy spent on taking action. Beginning in March, the World Bank Group launched exceptional financing to respond to COVID-19. We aimed to achieve fast, broad action around the world, recognizing that COVID-19 needs to be addressed everywhere. Last week, we were able to announce a milestone – we have emergency health operations approved and up and running in over 100 developing countries.
Childcare an essential service for women in small business
TL Bureau, Canberra
Sber Trading Swiss AG is offering its clients the following products: • International purchase and sale of physical commodities, including storage, transportation and distribution; • International commodity financing through prepayment and deferred payment structures; • Monetization of reserves (Commodity REPO) for oil and crude oil products, base metals, bulk and agricultural products.
BUSINESS
“By opening our own International trading company we have moved to a new level in physical commodity trading. We expect Sber Trading Swiss AG to strengthen our position as one of the largest providers of solutions for our clients in international and local commodity trading, structural financing and strategic hedging. The company will focus on international trading in oil and oil products, coal,
work primarily with the Sberbank clients, producers and consumers of raw materials in Russia and the CIS countries, and expect the first transactions to be conducted in the third quarter of this year”. Denis Lunin was appointed as CEO of the company. Previously Denis was responsible forphysical commodities and fixed income business development in a number of Russian and international banks.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says childcare is an essential service for women in small businesses, calling for ‘free childcare’ to continue beyond the June 30 expiry date. “Women make up more than a third of Australia’s small business owners (35%) and more than 5 million women work in these businesses,” Ms Carnell says. “The latest ABS labour force data shows women have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis, with the female workforce participation rate falling to 58.4% in April. “Many of the women who are still working and running their
SECO and the U.K. Government’s Good Governance Fund. IFC will work with the National Bank of Ukraine, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Digital Transformation, local financial institutions, and payment providers to develop digital financial services and strengthen confidence in the financial sector. Around 40 percent of Ukraine’s adult population lacks an account at a financial institution, according to the World Bank Group’s Global Findex database. IFC’s advice will enhance the regulatory framework to protect the rights of consumers, modernize credit informationreporting systems, boost the use of digital financial services, and promote financial education. The project will introduce new
approaches and financial products that will address the needs of individuals and SMEs. It will also strengthen information flows from and to lenders and borrowers to ensure they both can make the right decisions. “Responsible finance solutions can lead to breakthrough opportunities for Ukraine, enabling individuals and businesses to access muchneeded financial services. It is also crucial to achieving sustainable growth,” said Jason Pellmar, IFC Regional Manager for Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. “Building on our global experience, IFC will help Ukraine to expand access to finance to underserved segments by improving and promoting the use of credit information and digital financial
services.” The World Bank Group (WBG) has supported its clients to implement responsible interventions to deepen financial outreach and expand product offerings sustainably. To date, the WBG has helped over 65 institutions worldwide to implement responsible finance solutions across microfinance, insurance, housing finance, sustainable energy finance, mobile banking, agri-finance, and credit reporting. Supporting responsible and inclusive financial services is an important part of IFC’s strategy in Europe and Central Asia. Since 2004, IFC has committed over $3.3 billion in long-term financing in Ukraine across a diversified portfolio of projects—of which $1.1 billion
Chairman of the Executive base metals, bulk and agricultural products. We are planning to Board, Sberbank,
businesses are relying on JobKeeper payments, which will not cover childcare fees if they are reinstated in full from July 1. “This could force mothers out of their jobs, which is detrimental to working families and even worse for the economy. “Now is the time for the government to be considering innovative ways to increase participation rates for women to ensure productivity gains and to benefit businesses. “There are a number of ways for government to do this, including making childcare taxeffective or by phasing in an expanded subsidy scheme as recommended by the Grattan Institute, estimated to deliver an $11 billlion boost to the economy.
IFC, Switzerland and the United Kingdom Launch New Project to Promote Better Access to Finance in Ukraine
TL Bureau, Kyiv
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is launching a new advisory project in Ukraine aimed at increasing support to the financial sector, broadening the base of bank account holders, and expanding access to credit for small businesses, while also creating a framework for the introduction of more innovative financial services. This is part of IFC’s continuing effort to attract private investment into Ukraine’s financial sector and to fuel the country’s economic growth. IFC’s four-year Financial Inclusion for Growth Project will be implemented in partnership with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland
was mobilized from partners— and implemented a wide-ranging advisory program. In addition, we have supported more than $1.2 billion of trade through IFC’s Global Trade Finance program. About IFC : IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2019, we invested more than $19 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
8
FEATURE
Flood Victims in Burundi Receive Assistance from IOM amid COVID-19 Pandemic
TL Bureau, Bujumbura
Over 2,100 victims of severe flooding and mudslides in Burundi are receiving help from IOM, the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Weeks of torrential rain have hit Burundi affecting 45,000 people and sweeping away thousands of homes and businesses, leaving 18,000 people newly displaced. Three large displacement sites for victims have emerged around Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, where thousands are living in temporary or makeshift accommodations. There are concerns the new displacement sites could increase their risk of contracting COVID-19, due to their overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. IOM under the coordination of OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and other UN agencies here are moving to reduce risk of potential exposure to COVID-19 during distributions of shelter, hygiene kits, and other types of emergency support. Violette Nshimirimana, a mother of four and widow is among those receiving emergency help. With the support of IOM, she’s been given emergency shelter, after her home was destroyed by the floods. “We are farmers. We couldn’t save anything,” she explained. “We just took our children and left. Our houses fell on all our belongings after we escaped. We need a small plate to eat
on, a small pot to cook with and small mats to sleep on with our children. We have nothing at the moment.” IOM Burundi is also planning to provide non-food items (NFIs) such as blankets, kitchen supplies and mosquito nets and additional shelter to another 300 displaced families. “The destruction we have seen here is unlike any other recent disaster and has left thousands of vulnerable people without homes, at a time when having a safe place to shelter is essential for
slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Sam Derbali, IOM Burundi’s Emergency Coordinator. IOM and other humanitarian organizations are calling on partners to increase efforts to provide additional shelter, food, hygiene and sanitation facilities. “It is our collective duty to ensure that displaced people have access to hygienic living conditions and that all responses are consistent with humanitarian principles,” said Derbali.
IOM also is helping to identify those at high risk of exploitation and organizing information sessions related to protection issues for victims of flooding. IOM is being supported by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The supported activities are in line with Clean Water and Sanitation and Sustainable Cities and Communities SDGs.
IOM, EU Bolster Response to Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Returning Migrants Across West and Central Africa
TL Bureau, Dakar
The suspension of “non-essential activities” to limit the spread of COVID-19 in West and Central Africa has had a heavy socioeconomic impact on some 34,000 returning migrants. Many already have set up microbusinesses as part of their reintegration assistance under the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration. To measure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on returning migrants assisted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa launched a needs assessment survey in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, and Senegal – with a sample of 100 returnees in each country. The data gathered reveal that 89 per cent of beneficiaries reported their financial situation has worsened since the COVID-19 outbreak. Rising food costs and movement restrictions are adding to returnees’
struggles. “Sometimes I sit here all day and not a single person enters my shop. Then I wonder if the business I chose will work or not,” said Christopher, a Ghanaian returnee. Another side-effect of the crisis: most of the 14 per cent of respondents who reported relying on remittance payments from relatives abroad reported they were
no longer receiving remittances or were receiving a lower amount. Many explained relatives living in Europe and North Africa are losing jobs or are unable to travel to work. Based on the data, Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso – where 30 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively, used to rely on remittances – are the countries most affected by
this downward remittance trend. Moreover, one-third of the beneficiaries interviewed reported additional financial costs due to COVID-19 shutdowns. These additional expenses include having to prepare more meals at home to replace school feeding programmes or being unable to go to work due to lack of childcare. One returnee
in Cameroon complained, “The children are eating twice as much, while their expenses have doubled.” IOM is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in West and Central Africa and helping migrants most affected by the socioeconomic blows. Thanks to the support of the EU, a one million plus Euro COVID-19 emergency fund was made available under the EU-IOM Joint Initiative to assist with the voluntary return of migrants when humanitarian corridors are granted by countries of origin. To enhance the availability of basic medical supplies across the region, IOM is mainstreaming COVID-19 related activities into existing initiatives. As part of their reintegration assistance, returning migrants are producing thousands of protective equipment items for frontline immigration and border officials. IOM also is developing alternative assistance schemes. In some countries, for example, IOM is planning to use reintegration assistance to provide cash grants to returnees for three months.
9
life and real estate
BRITISH AIRWAYS 777 INTERIORS RECONFIGURED TO INCREASE CARGO CARRYING CAPABILITY
Two grounded British Airways 777-200 aircraft have had their seats removed and interiors stripped to carry more cargo First flight of revamped aircraft is to Beijing this afternoon to collect PPE for the NHS
TL Bureau, London
The airline, with IAG Cargo, has operated more than 80 cargo charter flights carrying tonnes of PPE British Airways has removed the seats and stripped the interiors of two of its grounded 777-200 fleet so the aircraft can operate as freighters and carry even more crucial cargo around the world. The first voyage of one of these aircraft in its new configuration will be to Beijing this afternoon where it will collect PPE for the NHS. The aircraft will also be used to carry other essential goods like food and medicine to the UK where required, alongside regular commercial shipments. With demand for passenger travel still very low, working with IAG Cargo, British Airways is trying to use its grounded aircraft in creative ways to support in the global fight against Covid-19. In March, the airline began operating cargo-only services with no passengers, carrying cargo solely in the hold. In April, British Airways started carrying cargo on its seats, while these recent changes – removing all passenger seats and stripping the interiors – will mean these aircraft now have space for an extra 100m³ of cargo on each flight. John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Cargo said: “During this time, we’ve worked with our customers to provide solutions that keep vital goods moving around the world. Solutions that include the opportunity to charter our planes.
Together with British Airways, we’ve been pleased to boost the cargo capacity of these aircraft, supporting our customers, including the NHS, to
transport more critical supplies. With their seats removed these 777s now have an additional 100m³ of space available for essential cargo.”
British Airways, and its sister company IAG Cargo, continue to play an important role in moving supplies around the world. They have already operated more than 80 cargo charter flights carrying tonnes of PPE and ventilators for the NHS, in partnership with the UK government. This is alongside the airline’s continued repatriation effort of UK residents, and keeping other routes open for essential travel. The aircraft that have had their seats removed are G-YMMK and G-YMMG.
RESTRICTIONS ON TOURISM TRAVEL STARTING TO EASE BUT CAUTION REMAINS, UNWTO REPORTS
TL Bureau, Madrid
The world is slowly opening up again, new research from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) indicates, with destinations cautiously easing travel restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19. As the United Nations specialized agency releases its Global Guidelines for Reopening Tourism, signalling a transition into gearing up for stronger and better recovery, 3% of all global destinations have now taken steps to ease travel restrictions. UNWTO has been monitoring the global response to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The fourth edition of its COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions: A Global Review for Tourism report, released today, again looked at the measures of 217 destinations worldwide as of 18 May 2020. The research shows that 7 destinations have eased travel restrictions for international tourism purposes. At the same time, several more destinations are engaged in significant discussions about the re-opening of borders.
Caution Remains The report notes that 100% of all destinations worldwide continue to have some form of COVID19-related travel restrictions in place. Furthermore, as of 18 May 75% continued to have their borders completely closed for international tourism. In 37% of all cases, travel restrictions have been in place for 10 weeks, while 24% of global destinations have had restrictions in place for 14 weeks or more. UNWTO
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The timely and responsible easing of travel restrictions will help ensure the many social and economic benefits that tourism guarantees will return in a sustainable way. This will contribute to the livelihoods of many millions of people around the world. The sector is a driver of sustainable development and a pillar of economies. UNWTO stresses the need for vigilance, responsibility and international
cooperation as the world slowly opens up again.” Mr Pololikashvili also welcomed the growing confidence in the global tourism sector, noting it stands ready to return to growth. While tourism has been the hardest hit of all the world’s major economic sectors, UNWTO has led a joint response and last week released its Global Guidelines to Reopen Tourism. These guidelines outline the steps governments and the private sector can take
to accelerate recovery in the months ahead. Tourism-Dependent States Locked Down Looking into global travel restrictions more closely, the UNWTO research shows that, the more important tourism is to the economies of individual destinations, the more likely they are to have introduced complete border closures. In the case of SIDS destinations (Small Island Developing States), 85% continue to have their borders completely closed for tourism purposes. All UNWTO regions have more than 65% of their destinations completely closed to tourism: Africa (74%), Americas (86%), Asia and the Pacific (67%), Europe (74%) and the Middle East (69%). The COVID-19Related Travel Restrictions report also breaks down the level and type of travel restrictions in place, including prevalence of flight suspensions and measures including compulsory selfisolation and quarantine of tourist arrivals. This report and past editions can be accessed through the UNWTO website.
10
SPORTS
Realistic down to the smallest detail:
how the virtual version of the BMW M4 GT4 came about.
TL Bureau, Munich.
After about half a year of intensive development work, the BMW M4 GT4 is set to make its virtual debut on the sim racing platform iRacing in June. To make sure that the BMW M customer racing car is as realistic as possible, iRacing developers are working as intensively with the BMW Motorsport engineers as if they were working on a real racing car. Maximum transparency is the key to an optimum result. We explain the journey of the BMW M4 GT4, from the signing of the licence agreement to being ready to race. It’s time in just a few days. The BMW M4 GT4 will be another current BMW racing car after the BMW M8 GTE to make its sim racing debut on the iRacing platform. When the users contest their first races in June, the iRacing developers and BMW Motorsport engineers will have a phase of intensive collaboration behind them. “I can’t wait for it to get started,” said Kevin Bobbitt, Director of Marketing at iRacing, emphasising “The openness with which BMW Motorsport met us in this project is fantastic. The communication channels were very short, and you could tell by their involvement that this project is really important to them.” For some time now, sim racing has been one of the pillars in the BMW Motorsport portfolio. Those responsible had identified the potential of virtual racing before it experienced a boom during the current break from realworld racing. “BMW Motorsport knows the difference between a standard racing game and a real racing simulation, and values it,” said Bobbitt. “A simulation as realistic as this also benefits the manufacturer, because many more people can test the cars and in the
best-case scenario might even go on to buy one.” As head of vehicle development, Rudolf Dittrich is also responsible for the field of sim racing at BMW Motorsport. He confirms the strong customer focus behind the BMW M4 GT4 project. “We want to give our customer teams the opportunity to experience the BMW M4 GT4 virtually,” he said, explaining the advantages, “they can upload and use their own liveries with their own sponsors. Their drivers can also practice on their own in the current break. And potential new customers might even develop a taste for it and think about racing with a BMW M4 GT4 in real life.” How the collaboration between BMW Motorsport and iRacing works. Maximum authenticity requires the virtual car to be as close as possible to its real-life counterpart which was the joint mission of BMW Motorsport and iRacing. What do you need for that? “We need three things from the car: the laser scans, the CAD data and photos as a reference,” explained Brian Simpson, Senior Art Manager at
iRacing. “The collaboration with BMW Motorsport was easy in that respect, because we got precisely the data that we needed. I didn’t have to start time-consuming research myself like for other cars, I could simply use the material I was provided with.” Dittrich explains the data transfer process: “Everything starts with the licence agreement, which is the basis for the transfer of confidential data. Then the developers receive two large data packages of several gigabytes each. Firstly the CAD data with all the specifications of the car parts. That is exactly the same data that a supplier gets from us to produce the real component. iRacing also scanned a real car, in this case the Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT4. The second large data package contained all the information on driving dynamics. We use the same data set to do a lap time simulation or to operate our BMW Motorsport simulator, for example. This data includes damper curves, engine performance curves, axle kinematics, weight distribution, aerodynamic values: any figures that we had calculated for the car we passed
on to iRacing.” Dittrich’s conclusion of the collaboration is that “iRacing now know as much about the car as our customer teams do.” Steve Reiss: “The initial feedback is very positive.” The first impression is that this transparency has paid off. “The more real vehicle data we receive, the closer we get to the real driving dynamics. In the case of our BMW M4 GT4 the initial feedback from people who have driven the real car is very positive,” said Steve Reiss, Senior Vehicle Dynamics Engineer at iRacing. It goes without saying that the driving dynamic plays the crucial role in user satisfaction, but even the most minute of details are important for realism. “First, our designers parse the data provided and use it to make the basic car. Once we’ve got that, it’s time for the details such as spinning wheels, displays and much more,” explained Simpson. “In that respect BMW Motorsport is incredible. They even sent us information on in which situations which lights on the steering wheel come on, and what information is displayed when, which buttons the driver presses
when, and what happens when they do. I really enjoy working on those displays right down to the last detail.” First major race event for the BMW M4 GT4 planned for 13th June. At the end of a continuous development period of about six months, BMW Motorsport inspect the virtual car which is also no different from reality. “The idea is to inspect the virtual car in exactly the same way as a real car,” said Dittrich. “This ranges from the external appearance, through handling, to details such as cable routing in the interior, light or texture of the dashboard. After all, we are ultimately responsible for the virtual BMW M4 GT4 meeting all the requirements that we and our customers have for a real racing car.” For virtual customers the H&R 3-hour race in the Digital Nürburgring Endurance Series powered by VCO on 13th June will be the first major event that they can contest in the BMW M4 GT4. As soon as the car is up for sale on iRacing, the sim racers – and the BMW customer teams involved in sim racing – can download it, kit it out with their personalised designs and test it thoroughly.
SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL SEASON TO START
Five-star Bayern Edge Closer to 30th League Title
The 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season will begin on Saturday 1 August with the league committed to completing a full 60-match season. While the fixture for the season is still being finalised, the confirmed season start date means teams have been given the green light to begin group training together, within the government guidelines in each state, from tomorrowMonday 1 June. Clubs have agreed to training guidelines to ensure competitive balance, as well
Bayern Munich moved closer to a record-extending 30th league title after their Polish striker Robert Lewandowski ended a personal jinx in a 5-0 drubbing of struggling Fortuna Duesseldorf in the Bundesliga on Saturday, Reuters reported. The result left leaders Bayern, who are chasing an eighth successive league title, top of the standings on 67 points from 29 games, 10 ahead of closest rivals Borussia Dortmund who visit bottom team Paderborn on Sunday.
TL Bureau, Fitzroy
as the health and safety of all athletes and staff. Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington said the season start represents a significant step forward on the road to getting back on court. “We’re thrilled that a season start date has been locked away, now all our stakeholders have a date to work towards and fans can start to get excited for the start of the season. We are planning to play out a full home and away season, and we are confident that our start date gives us the best opportunity
to achieve that,” he said. “Our guiding principles throughout this process have never changed, those being the health and wellbeing of the community alongside the financial viability of our sport. There has been a collective commitment to those principles from the whole system including players, teams, partners and broadcasters and we will continue to take that approach as we look to get our season underway. “I would like to thank our dedicated members and fans who have stuck by their teams
and the sport through an incredibly challenging period. We look forward to showcasing our world class athletes once again from August 1.” From 1 June, players will continue to be paid in line with the current agreement of 12 hours per week, with full pre-season training currently earmarked for late June where athletes will return to their normal 23 hours of training a week. Suncorp Super Netball will continue to provide updates as further detail in relation to the season format is confirmed.
TL Bureau, Munich
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tech/auto
Lamborghini enters eSports arena for the first time with The Real Race
TL Bureau, Sant’Agata Bolognese
Automobili Lamborghini enters the burgeoning eSports world, courtesy of its inaugural virtual one-make series The Real Race in partnership with Assetto Corsa Competizione by Kunos Simulazioni. The tournament starts on 29 May with five qualifier weekends, before culminating in a live final at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. The Real Race will be Lamborghini’s first official entry into eSports, delivering a new sim racing championship blending the real and virtual worlds of racing. Assetto Corsa Competizione was developed alongside car manufacturers and provides a dynamic platform for Lamborghini’s latest racing series. The game is also used by official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test and race drivers in their real-world preparations. The luxury super sports car brand will fuel the sim racing community by creating an immersive eSports competition at the wheel of the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO: the three-times winning car of the Daytona 24 Hours. Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, its in-house design department, has created an exclusive race livery, which is customizable in 12 different versions by competitors, with each car displaying the trademark logos of long-standing Lamborghini Squadra Corse partners, Pertamina, Pirelli and Roger Dubuis. The top three players from the tournament’s live finals will enjoy a three-day experience in Italy, the home of Lamborghini. Players will have a chance to train alongside Lamborghini Squadra Corse drivers and to drive a real Lamborghini race car at an internationallyrenowned racetrack. The competition is open to all experience levels. Registration opens today, allowing to play Assetto Corsa Competizione for free over the weekend of 29-31 May. Five qualifier weeks take place from 29 May to 2 August. The top three players from first and last qualifier weekend and top two players from second, third and fourth weekend, will be whisked away by Lamborghini to the live final on 18 September, where the best drivers will be determined. Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, comments: “Sim racing is
one of the fastest growing sectors in eSports, with eSports increasingly important to younger generations. I also follow it closely! This is an opportunity for us to combine the excitement of virtual racing with the appeal of Lamborghini cars and our motorsports program. ESports creates an environment where race heroes and top drivers can be challenged by anyone. This encourages wider engagement with real-life racing, reflected by Lamborghini’s investment in this new sports platform.” “I’ve paid close attention to the rise of eSports. Seeing the realism of racing games and how drivers are using racing simulators to practice, or professional eSports players going from simulation to the real thing, is just incredible,” said David Coulthard MBE, former Formula One racing driver, who will be the studiobased commentator for the live event. “The Real Race is designed to portray realism and professionalism. Skills in sim racing are so transferable, which is why Lamborghini wants to give players an opportunity to test drive the real thing as part of the prize. There’s nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of a Lamborghini.” The first qualifier week starts today with the first race taking place on 7 June. Follow @Lamborghini or visit esports.lamborghini for more information.
The Real Race Timing Partner: Roger Dubuis
The brainchild of two daringly disruptive visionaries, Roger Dubuis has been all about mindset since 1995. Its bold spirit continues to shatter all watchmaking clichés. Building on powerful savoir-faire and total mastery of intricate horological complications, it is sustained by an integrated Manufacture enabling total independence. Expressed through boundary-pushing technical sophistication and extravagance, the Maison is driven by an innovative spirit inspired by other cuttingedge industries and out-ofthe-box designs. Symbolised by its signature skeleton, its unleashed creativity enables Roger Dubuis to create bold, non-conformist timepieces that are daringly expressive and unmistakably contemporary. This, along with a firm belief in the value of living larger than life, showcasing excess at every level, a resolute determination to ensure its clients can expect the unexpected at every turn make Roger Dubuis unquestionably the most exciting way to experience Haute Horology.
The Real Race Technical Partner: Pirelli
Established in 1872, Pirelli is among the world’s leading tyre producers. It is the only pure consumer tyre company that includes car, motorbike,
and bicycle tyres as well as associated services. Pirelli has a distinct positioning in high value tyres, characterised by an advanced technology with more than 2,700 homologations obtained, thanks to partnerships with the most prestigious car manufacturers in the world. In order to achieve the highest levels of performance, safety and containment of environmental impact, Pirelli has always been strongly committed to research and development, in which it invested 6.1% of revenue from high-value products in 2019. Involved in motorsport since 1907, Pirelli has been the exclusive official tyre partner of the Formula 1™ World Championship since 2011 and has just renewed the agreement until 2023.
The Real Race Technical Partner: Pertamina
PT Pertamina Lubricants is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina (Persero) which manages the automotive and industrial lubricants and base oil business on the Indonesian and international markets
spread across Asia, Africa and Australia. Pertamina Lubricants operates three production units in Indonesia and one production unit in Thailand with a total capacity of more than 535 million liters per year. Pertamina Lubricants products have gained recognition from the international community, as proven by its superior product Pertamina Fastron, which continues to strengthen its presence on the global market by being a Main Technical Partner of Lamborghini Squadra Corse, the motorsport department of the world supercar manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini. As a Main Technical Partner of Lamborghini Squadra Corse, Pertamina Lubricants has jointly worked with the motorsport department to develop the 10W-60 Fastron Platinum racing variant, a product specifically formulated to improve the performance of the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo and GT3 V10 engines, and currently used during the Lamborghini Super Trofeo onemake championship.
12 Malaysia Reports 57 New Coronavirus Cases
TL Bureau, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia reported 57 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 7819, Reuters reported. The Malaysian health ministry also said that no new deaths were recorded, with the number of fatalities remaining unchanged at 115.
Singapore’s Health Ministry Confirms 518 More Coronavirus Cases TL Bureau, Singapore
Singapore has confirmed 518 more coronavirus infections, the health ministry said on Sunday, taking its tally to 34,884, according to Reuters. Migrant workers living in dormitories make up the vast majority of the new cases, the ministry said in a statement.
Russia says coronavirus infections pass 400,000 TL Bureau, Moscow
Russia on Sunday reported 9,268 new cases of the novel coronavirus, raising the national tally to 405,843, according to Reuters. Officials said 138 people had died of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, in the last 24 hours, pushing to nationwide toll up to 4,693.
India Reports 8380 New COVID-19 Cases TL Bureau, New Delhi
India reported 8380 COVID-19 new cases in the previous 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 182143 cases, according to Reuters. The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its daily release that the number of deaths increased to 4971 after 193 new deaths were recorded.
COVID-19 blog, 31 May: 4 new positive test results in 24 hours
TL Bureau, Helsinki
Over the past 24 hours, 694 tests were analysed for the COVID-19 causing SARS-CoV-2 virus, of which 4 (0.6%) showed positive results. Based on data from the population register, four new positive tests were found in Harju County (3 in Tallinn).
According to the latest data from the morning of 31 May, 25 patients require hospitalisation in Estonia due to the coronavirus, there are no patients on ventilation. Over the past 24 hours, an 83 year old woman died at the Pärnu Hospital. In total, the coronavirus has caused the deaths of 68 persons in Estonia. 334 persons have been discharged
Kuwait confirms 851 new coronavirus infection cases, 7 deaths
TL Bureau, Kuwait
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health on Sunday announced 851 new infections of the coronavirus (COVID-19), raising the total to 27,043, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. Seven deaths from Covid-19 took the death toll to 212, said the Ministry’s Spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad in his daily press briefing.
Currently, there are 200 patients receiving medical care at intensive care wards, Dr. Al-Sanad revealed. Meanwhile, the health authorities conducted 3,349 swabs, in past 24 hours, raising whole count of such tests to 293,362, Dr. Al-Sanad added. Earlier, Health Minister Dr. Basel Al-Sabah announced the recovery of 1,230 people from the coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the tally to 11,386
from hospitals and 346 disease cases have been closed. To date 1624 persons have recovered from the disease. 1257 (77.4%) of these cases have been closed and in the cases of 367 persons (22.6%), more than 28 days have passed from receiving a positive test result and they are not hospitalised.
Three families who have escaped from the al-Hol camp have arrived from Turkey to Finland this afternoon. Children and women were interned in the al-Hol camp in Syria which they left in the spring. The families’ children are under ten years of age. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has consistently recommended that no one try to leave the camp in the war zone on their own. The Finnish authorities take particular caution when dealing with matters concerning minors due to the protection of privacy and security. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has assisted Finnish children and their guardians in accordance with the Consular Services Act. They have been granted travel documents at the Embassy of Ankara and their return to Finland has been arranged
in cooperation with the Turkish authorities. All Finnish citizens have the right to return to Finland. It is the duty of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finnish embassies abroad to provide the essential official services, such as travel documents, to enable return to Finland. A total of 30 Finnish children and 10 Finnish mothers have been held in the al-Hol camp. A number of Finnish children and mothers still remain in the camp. It has not been possible to proceed with the planned repatriation because the local authorities managing the camp have temporarily suspended cooperation due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Public authorities have a constitutional obligation to repatriate the children in the camp, insofar as this is possible. On 19 December 2019, the Finnish Government issued a
network of diagnostic testing facilities in British history. The
capacity of NHS and Public Health England labs has been more than
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 286 to 181,482, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday, Reuters reported. The reported death toll rose by 11 to 8,500, the data showed.
Indonesia reported on Sunday 700 new coronavirus infections, taking the tally in the Southeast Asian nation to 26,473, said health ministry official Achmad Yurianto, according to Reuters. Yurianto reported 40 new deaths from COVID-19, taking the total to 1,613, while 7,308 have recovered
TL Bureau, Bangkok
TL Bureau, Jakarta
resolution on the repatriation of Finnish children from the al-Hol camp. The competent authority in this matter is the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Special Representative appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs directs both the activities of the authorities and the cooperation between the authorities, and makes the repatriation decisions under Finnish law. This work will continue as long as Finnish children remain in an emergency. The authorities have received the children and adults arriving in Finland. For example, questions concerning child welfare, health checks, quarantine arrangements and possible criminal investigations will be answered by the competent authorities in Finland. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs cannot disclose personal data concerning the children or adults, or all details of the official activities.
Following the rapid expansion of coronavirus testing, the UK reached the 200,000 capacity target on Saturday 30 May, including capacity for 40,000 antibody tests a day
The extensive capacity now available makes this one of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities. To achieve this more than 150 drive through and mobile testing sites have been set up across the UK and the new NHS Test and Trace service has been rolled out to ramp up the coronavirus response The UK-wide target to build testing capacity to 200,000 tests a day has been reached. The rapid expansion of testing capabilities has led to the largest
TL Bureau, Berlin
Thailand reports 4 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths
UK reaches 200,000 coronavirus testing capacity target a day early TL Bureau, London
Germany’s Confirmed Coronavirus Cases Rise by 286 to 181,482
Indonesia Reports 700 New Coronavirus Cases
Three families to Finland from al-Hol camp via Turkey TL Bureau, Helsinki
world
doubled, over 150 drive through and mobile testing units are in operation, and new innovative testing solutions such as home testing kits and labbased antibody tests have been introduced from scratch. The 200,000 testing capacity target was reached yesterday, at 205,634 (Saturday 30 May). The increased testing capacity has now allowed for the rollout of the new NHS Test and Trace system, which will identify and isolate new cases of the virus, controlling its spread and helping to gradually and safely ease lockdown measures.
Thailand reported four new coronavirus cases on Sunday and no new deaths, taking the total number of infections to 3,081 with 57 deaths since January, Reuters reported. Local infections have slowed and over the last two weeks, around 80% of new cases were Thais who had returned from abroad, said Panprapa Yongtrakul, a spokesperson for the government’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration. Thailand will on Monday begin reopening more businesses classified as medium to high risks, including cinemas and gyms.
Oman Reports 1,014 New Cases of COVID-19 TL Bureau, Muscat
The Omani Ministry of Health reported today 1,014 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Sultanate of Oman to 11,437. Oman News Agency (ONA) quoted the ministry as saying that 371 cases are for Omanis, while 643 cases are for non-Omanis, adding that the total deaths reached 46, while the total recoveries from the virus reached 2,396
Ministry of Health: 1,877 New COVID-19 Cases Reported in Saudi Arabia TL Bureau, Riyadh
The Ministry of Health said in a statement today that 1,877 new confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number to 85,261 cases, including 22,316 active cases receiving necessary medical care. Of these, there are 453 critical cases, while the health condition of the rest is stable. As many as 3,559 cases have recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 62,442
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