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Vol. 02 Issue 23 April 01, 2020
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COVID- 19 More than 754,900 cases confirmed with more than 36,571 deaths worldwide and numbers increasing day by day. But it’s not a time for worldwide panic, some are recovering as well.
TL Bureau, Worldwide
More than 754,900 cases have been confirmed worldwide from this COVID-19 worldwide with more than 36,571 deaths confirmed till March 31, 2020 night this pandemic spread in around 202 countries, areas and territories, according to WHO report. The UN chief launched on Tuesday a new plan to counter the potentially devastating socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling on everyone to “act together to lessen the blow to people”. According to data provided by WHO, United States stands on top list for highest number of positive cases with 140640, Italy with 101739 and third is Spain with 85195. As far is Australia is concerned is with 4557, Singapore with 879 and UK with 22145. In some of the countries, territories and regions are implementing nationwide lockdowns, curfews and closing their places with minor or more restrictions in order to break the chain to combat this pandemic for spreading more. Some still reluctant while giving ease or
some expanding their tenure. No new countries/territories/ areas reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. As reported by WHO in his status activity report out at night on March 31, 2020. As mentioned by the DirectorGeneral in his regular media briefing yesterday, ensuring free movement of essential health products is vital for saving lives and curbing the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. WHO is working intensively with partners to increase access to life-saving products, including diagnostics, PPE, medical oxygen, ventilators and more. Operations support and logistics continues to monitor critical markets and in partnership with the Pandemic Supply Chain Network, has increased engagement and coordination with private companies. Since the beginning of the outbreak, OSL has shipped more than 800 000 surgical masks, 54 000 N95 masks, 873 000 globes, 15 000 goggles and 24 000 face shields to 75 countries. OSL has also shipped COVID-19 testing kits to 126 countries.
Countries, areas or territories with Cases
United States of America : 140640 Italy : 101739 Spain : 85195 China : 82545 Germany : 61913 Iran (Islamic Republic of) : 44606 France : 43977 The United Kingdom : 22145 United States of America : 140640 Italy : 101739 Spain : 85195 China : 82545 Germany : 61913
France : Iran (Islamic Republic of) : Switzerland : Belgium : Netherlands :
This case was sparked by the Belgian East Flanders Federal Judicial Police (Federale Gerechtelijke Politie Oost-Vlaanderen) after more than 9 million pictures and videos of the abuse of thousands of children from around the world were found there during a house search. The vast majority of this footage had never been seen in circulation before by law enforcement. Suspecting they were producing their own, the Belgian investigators launched Operation GARGAMEL together with Europol across Europe and beyond . The image
10827 9786 9618 6408 6317 22145 4831 4557 4256 4226 4028 3002 2910 2626 2577
Image Snapshot and data Courtesy, WHO
90 SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED IN MAJOR ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE OPERATION
TL Bureau, The Hague
43977 44606 15412 11899 11750
Turkey : Republic Of Korea : Austria : Portugal : Canada : The United Kingdom : Israel : Australia : Brazil : Norway : Sweden : Czechia : Ireland : Malaysia : Denmark :
and video data seized during this investigation has been used for Victim Identification Task Forces hosted by Europol through which 70 children and 30 suspects have been identified.
The Rights and Health of Refugees, Migrants and Stateless Must be Protected in COVID-19 Response TL Bureau, GENEVA
In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we are all vulnerable. The virus has shown that it does not discriminate - but many refugees, those forcibly displaced, the stateless and migrants are at heightened risk. Three-quarters of the world’s refugees and many migrants are hosted in developing regions where health systems are already overwhelmed and under-capacitated. Many live in overcrowded camps, settlements, makeshift shelters or reception
centers, where they lack adequate access to health services, clean water and sanitation. The situation for refugees and migrants held in formal and informal places of detention, in cramped and unsanitary conditions, is particularly worrying. Considering the lethal consequences a COVID-19 outbreak would have, they should be released without delay. Migrant children and their families and those detained without a sufficient legal basis should be immediately released.
OCLC 1101190095
2
C
oronaviruses are a gathering of related infections that cause ailments in warm blooded creatures and flying creatures. In people, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract diseases that can be gentle, for example, a few instances of the basic cold (among other potential causes, dominatingly rhinoviruses), and others that can be deadly, for example, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. Side effects in different species fluctuate: in chickens, they cause an upper respiratory tract illness, while in dairy animals and pigs they cause loose bowels. There are yet to be immunizations or antiviral medications to forestall or treat human coronavirus diseases.
Coronaviruses
establish the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae, in the family Coronaviridae, request Nidovirales, and domain Riboviria. They are encompassed infections with a positive-sense singlestranded RNA genome and a nucleocapsid of helical evenness. The genome size of coronaviruses ranges from around 27 to 34 kilobases, the biggest among known RNA infections. The name coronavirus is gotten from the Latin crown, signifying “crown” or “radiance”, which alludes to the trademark appearance suggestive of a crown or a sun oriented crown around the virions (infection particles) when seen under two-dimensional transmission electron microscopy, because of the surface being shrouded in club-formed protein spikes. Coronaviruses were first found during the 1930s when an intense respiratory contamination of tamed chickens was demonstrated to be brought about by irresistible bronchitis infection (IBV). During the 1940s, two progressively creature coronaviruses,
COVID-19...
Don’t panic as it’s rising Day by Day, but Positive are recovering as well mouse hepatitis infection (MHV) and transmissible gastroenteritis infection (TGEV), were confined. Human coronaviruses were found during the 1960s. The soonest ones contemplated were from human patients with the basic cold, which were later named human coronavirus 229E and human coronavirus OC43. Other human coronaviruses have since been recognized, incorporating SARS-CoV in 2003, HCoV NL63 in 2004, HKU1 in 2005, MERS-CoV in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 of every 2019. The majority of these have included genuine respiratory tract diseases.
Coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19)
In December 2019, a pneumonia episode was accounted for in Wuhan, China. On 31 December 2019, the episode was followed to a novel strain of coronavirus, which was given the break name 2019nCoV by the World Health Organization (WHO), later renamed SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. A few analysts have proposed that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market may not be the first wellspring of viral transmission to people. Starting at 1 April 2020, there have been at any rate 42,107 affirmed passings
and in excess of 750, 890 affirmed cases in the coronavirus pneumonia pandemic till March 31, 2020. The Wuhan strain has been recognized as another strain of Betacoronavirus from bunch 2B with roughly 70% hereditary closeness to the SARS-CoV. The infection has a 96% likeness to a bat coronavirus, so it is generally suspected to start from bats too. The pandemic has brought about movement limitations and across the nation lockdowns in a few nations. According to WHO latest list top county with highest positive cases are; United States of America 142000. You know it’s not about that everyone who is positive is positively dying from it. People are recovering as well from it. Even some countries have a
editorial
data for doubled recovered patients as compare to positive patients. Using available preliminary data, the median time from onset to clinical recovery for mild cases is approximately 2 weeks and is 3-6 weeks for patients with severe or critical disease. First of all make sure to get all updates from Government and WHO as the world wide organisation for coping this pandemic worldwide. Wash your hands at every touch or meet. Maintain the social distancing of at least 1.5 meter to 2 meter. Stay home and avoid any meetings, jobs, business. Stay updated. Use hand sanitizers at every touch and after touch. Don’t go outside. Clean your house and all corners of regular touch with sanitizers etc. sterilize you’re regular used items and follow updates from your Government and WHO. So don’t panic so first of all prevention is better than cure. Always follows updates from your country’s National or Local Government News and informative messages on internet, social networking platforms, TV news channels and Newspapers or informative brochures or pamphlets by Government or authorized sources. And if in doubt call your Doctor immediately for next steps.
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world
Government cracks down on spread of false coronavirus information online
Egypt condemns Houthi militia’s firing of two ballistic missiles Specialist units are operating to combat misinformation about coronavirus on Riyadh and and five to ten incidents are being identified and tackled each day. Jizan TL Bureau, London disinformation which undermines it media companies this week to thank official government guidance - the TL Bureau, Cairo
Egypt condemned in the strongest terms the Houthi terrorist militia’s firing of two ballistic missiles, which targeted the cities of Riyadh and Jizan, wounding two civilians. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry - in a statement on Sunday- expressed sincere wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured, stressing Egypt’s solidarity and support for the Kingdom in all necessary measures to maintain its security and stability.
Mexico Reports 145 New Cases of Novel Coronavirus, 4 Deaths TL Bureau, Mexico City
The Mexican Ministry of Health has reported 145 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and four deaths during the past 24 hours. Mexico’s total tally of confirmed Coronavirus cases reached 993, while deaths reached 20
Kuwait announces recovery of additional five COVID-19 patients TL Bureau, KUWAIT
Kuwaiti Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah on Monday announced the recovery of five additional people from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, raising the country’s total number of recoveries to 72. The minister pointed out that the recovered individuals were five women - three Kuwaitis and two residents, noting that they will be admitted to a rehabilitation ward before discharging them from hospital.
Thailand: 136 New Coronavirus Cases TL Bureau, Bangkok
Thailand reported today 136 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) infections. Thailand Ministry of Health stated that the total tally of confirmed Coronavirus cases increased to 1524, while deaths reached 9.
COVID19 cases top 1,000 in India TL Bureau, New Delhi
The overall number of COVID19 cases in India crossed the 1,000 mark on Monday, dpa reported. The total number of positive cases climbed to 1,071, with 92 new cases, according to the federal Health Ministry. Of these, 29 had died while 99 had been cured.
Morocco Reports 37 New Cases of Novel Coronavirus, One Death TL Bureau, Rabat
The Moroccan Ministry of Health reported 37 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and one death. In a statement, the ministry said that the total tally of confirmed Coronavirus cases reached 510 and deaths reached 27, while the number of recovered cases is 13.
Specialist units across government are working at pace to combat false and misleading narratives about coronavirus, ensuring the public has the right information to protect themselves and save lives. The Rapid Response Unit, operating from within the Cabinet Office and No10, is tackling a range of harmful narratives online - from purported ‘experts’ issuing dangerous misinformation to criminal fraudsters running phishing scams. Up to 70 incidents a week, often false narratives containing multiple misleading claims, are being identified and resolved. The successful ‘Don’t Feed the Beast’ public information campaign will also relaunch next week, to empower people to question what they read online. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: We need people to follow expert medical advice and stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. It is vital that this message hits home and that misinformation and
is knocked down quickly. We’re working with social media companies, and I’ll be pressing them this week for further action to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours which could cost lives. When false narratives are identified, the government’s Rapid Response Unit coordinates with departments across Whitehall to deploy the appropriate response. This can include a direct rebuttal on social media, working with platforms to remove harmful content and ensuring public health campaigns are promoted through reliable sources. The unit is one of the teams feeding into the wider Counter Disinformation Cell led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, made up of experts from across government and in the tech sector.The Cell is engaging with social media platforms and with disinformation specialists from civil society and academia, to establish a comprehensive overview of the extent, scope and impact of disinformation related to coronavirus. The Culture Secretary will be contacting social
them for their good efforts to date, assess the progress made and discuss what other potential measures can be put in place to ensure accurate, honest information consistently reaches users of their platforms. Penny Mordaunt, Paymaster General said: Holding your breath for ten seconds is not a test for coronavirus and gargling water for 15 seconds is not a cure - this is the kind of false advice we have seen coming from sources claiming to be medical experts. That is why government communicators are working in tandem with health bodies to promote official medical advice, rebut false narratives and clamp down on criminals seeking to exploit public concern during this pandemic. But the public can also help with this effort, so today we implore them to take some simple steps before sharing information online, such as always reading beyond the headline and scrutinising the source. The public can help stop the spread of potentially dangerous or false stories circulating online by following
‘SHARE’ checklist (see further information). This includes basic but essential advice such as checking the source of a story and analysing the facts before sharing. Certain states routinely use disinformation as a policy tool, so the government is also stepping up its efforts to share its assessments on coronavirus disinformation with international partners. Working collaboratively has already helped make the UK safer, providing ourselves and our allies with a better understanding of how different techniques are used as part of malicious information operations - and how to protect against those techniques more effectively. These measures follow recent advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which revealed a range of attacks being perpetrated online by cyber criminals seeking to exploit coronavirus earlier this month. This included guidance on how to spot and deal with suspicious emails related to coronavirus, as well as mitigate and defend against malware and ransomware.
Prime Minister announces new partnerships 856 coronavirus tests were analysed in the with Canadian industries to fight COVID-19 past 24 hours, 36 new positive cases added
TL Bureau, Ottawa
Canadian businesses and manufacturers are stepping up to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada is working with these companies to ensure our health care workers have the tools they need to care for Canadians across the country. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced progress under Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19, which increases Canada’s ability to respond to the outbreak with necessary medical equipment and supplies. The Government of Canada is investing $2 billion to support diagnostic testing and to purchase ventilators and protective personal equipment, including for bulk purchases with provinces and territories. Personal protective equipment includes things like more masks and face shields, gowns, and hand sanitizer. On March 20, 2020, the Government of Canada called on Canadian businesses
and manufacturers to help deliver critical health supplies. Since then, the government has spoken directly with almost 3,000 Canadian companies that have offered their expertise and capacity to meet the country’s need for personal protective equipment and critical health supplies. The Government of Canada has signed new procurement agreements with Canadian companies Thornhill Medical, Medicom, and Spartan Bioscience to purchase and boost capacity to manufacture equipment and supplies including portable ventilators, surgical masks, and rapid testing kits. The government has ordered millions of supplies to ease the pressure on health care facilities. It has also signed letters of intent with five companies – Precision Biomonitoring, Fluid Energy Group Ltd., Irving Oil, Calko Group, and Stanfield’s – to produce additional test kits, hand sanitizer, and protective apparel including masks and gowns.
TL Bureau, Tallinn
From 29 to 30 March, 856 coronavirus tests were analysed in Estonia, and 36 tests (4%) came back positive. According to the population register, over the 24 hour period, the highest number of coronavirus cases were found in Saare County (17), followed by Harju County (8), Ida-Viru County (5), Järva
County (2), and Rapla County (3). One new positive case was found Tartu County and in Valga County. In total, over 11252 coronavirus tests have been performed in Estonia, of which 715 (6%) have shown positive results. Results of the analyses show that the highest numbers of infected persons were found in the above 60 (23%), 4049 (10,5%) age group and the 50-59 age group (10,5%).
FSO - Over 4000 persons in professional education are reimbursed CHF 16.3 million inthecourse costs TL Bureau, Neuchâtel first year of the new funding Since 2018, persons who complete preparatory courses for a federal professional examination (levels 1 and 2) have received financial support directly from the Confederation. 50% of the course fees are reimbursed. For
regime, 4096 applications for federal subsidies were approved and a total of CHF 16.3 million paid out. These are the results of the new statistics on subject-based funding in professional education from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
4 Nigeria Reports 97 New Cases of Coronavirus, One Death TL Bureau, Abuja
Nigeria announced 97 new confirmed cases of Coronavirus and one death till March 30. In a statement, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a suspension of travel for 14 days in Lagos and Abuja as precautionary measure against the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus.
Sudan Reports Second Death from Coronavirus TL Bureau, Khartoum
Sudanese Ministry of Health reported today the second death of a Sudanese national infected with the new Coronavirus, bringing the number of deaths from the Coronavirus to two deaths, and five confirmed cases till March 30. The Ministry said that the deceased, a 60-year-old man, arrived in Sudan from the UAE on March 13.
UAE Reports 41 New Cases of Novel Coronavirus and Recovery of 3 Cases TL Bureau, Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates reported here today 41 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) belonging to various nationalities, in addition to two deaths due to complications from the infection of the virus belonging to a 48-year-old Arab national who was suffering from heart diseases, blood pressure and diabetes. The second death of a 42-year-old Asian was also suffering from heart disease, bringing the total number of deaths to 5. A spokesperson of the health sector in the UAE Dr. Farida Al-Hosani explained that the new cases are subject to the necessary health care in the country’s hospitals, except for two cases that are subject to intensive care, and that the total number of infections reported in the country reached to 611 cases till March 30. Al-Hosani confirmed the recovery of 3 new cases of those infected with the COVID-19 and their full recovery from symptoms of the disease. Thus, the total number of cures is 61 cases.
UK Announces 180 Deaths of COVID-19 TL Bureau, London
The health authorities in UK announced today 180 deaths till March 30, of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The total number of COVID-19 death toll in UK is 1408.
Italy Reports 812 New Deaths to Coronavirus
TL Bureau,Rome The Italian Civil Protection Agency clarified today that the number of new deaths due to the spread of Coronavirus increased 812 on March 30, bringing the total number to 11,591. In a statement, the number of new infected cases rose to 4,050, bring the total number to 101,739 with the recovery of 14,620 cases
world
EU-Vietnam: Council gives final green light to free trade agreement
TL Bureau, Brussels
The Council today adopted a decision on the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and Vietnam. This decision clears the path, on the EU side, for the entry into force of the agreement. Once the Vietnamese National Assembly also ratifies the FTA, the agreement can enter into force, most likely in early summer 2020. “This agreement is the second one we are concluding with a Southeast Asia country, after Singapore. It is also the most ambitious free trade agreement ever concluded with a developing
country. We are opening up new trading opportunities, but we are also creating new tools to give impetus to the enforcement of basic freedoms and labour rights in Vietnam.” Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister for Foreign and European affairs of Croatia The FTA provides for the almost complete (99%) elimination of customs duties between the two blocks. 65% of duties on EU exports to Vietnam will disappear as soon as the FTA enters into force, while the remainder will be phased out gradually over a period of up to 10 years. As regards Vietnamese exports to the EU, 71% of duties will
disappear upon entry into force, the remainder being phased out over a period of up to 7 years. The FTA will also reduce many of the existing non-tariff barriers to trade with Vietnam and open up Vietnamese services and public procurement markets to EU companies. The EU-Vietnam trade deal also contains important provisions on intellectual property protection, labour rights and sustainable development. The FTA includes commitments to implement International Labour Organisation core standards and UN conventions relating for example to the fight against climate change or the protection of biodiversity.
Government extends measures related to emergency conditions until 13 May TL Bureau, Helsinki
Today, the Government decided to extend until 13 May 2020 the duration of the previously imposed restrictions to slow down the spread of coronavirus infections and to protect those at risk. The Government will issue new decrees on the use of powers under the Emergency Powers Act to Parliament tomorrow. A decision on the extension must be made this week so that it can be processed in Parliament in time. The restrictions on early childhood education, teaching and education and training will be extended by one month until 13 May at
different levels of education. At the same time, preparations will be made for extending the exceptional arrangements in education until the end of term, if this is deemed necessary for containing the epidemic. Due to the epidemic, the Government also decided to swiftly begin preparing tighter limits to traffic at the national borders in the north and west, and to terminate the carriage of passengers in sea transport, with the exception of goods and freight transport. The Government also decided to further increase sampling and testing in Finland to identify cases of coronavirus and to curb the epidemic. Healthcare and social
welfare personnel must always be tested if there is even the slightest suspicion of illness. Tomorrow, the Government will submit a decree to Parliament on the closure of restaurants, cafés and premises where alcohol is served. The purpose of the closures is to protect the population and to safeguard the functioning of society. The restrictions on opening hours are effective until 31 May 2020, but takeaway food services are permitted. The Government also decided to strengthen the composition of the Coronavirus Coordination Group (VN COVID-19) in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Support available to sole entrepreneurs from municipalities for coronavirus-related reasons
TL Bureau, Helsinki
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities have prepared a financing model for sole entrepreneurs to help them cope in the conditions caused by the coronavirus. Sole entrepreneurs will be able to apply for financing from municipalities to address difficulties caused by the coronavirus. Financing will be made available as soon as details regarding the model and its implementation have been resolved. “Sole entrepreneurs are important for Finnish society. I am extremely pleased that a solution has been identified to support them. The objective of the financial support to sole entrepreneurs is to make
sure business activities can continue after the interruption caused by the coronavirus. Municipalities are familiar with the situation of their local sole entrepreneurs, and have a good contact network with the business service providers,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. Businesses that were profitable before the coronavirus-induced interruption will be eligible for support. The support would consist of a fixed sum, which could be used for any business expenses, particularly fixed costs such as rents. The support scheme would run for a fixed term and be in effect for 6 months. “Helping profitable businesses get over this difficult period not only supports entrepreneurs, but
KSrelief signs an agreement with WHO to support it in combating novel Coronavirus TL Bureau, Riyadh
In implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to provide financial support amounting to $ 10 million U.S. dollar to the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the novel Coronavirus “COVID19” in response to the Organization’s urgent appeal to all countries to intensify efforts to take global action
to combat the spread of Coronavirus, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) signed at its headquarters here today an agreement with the Organization to support it in combating the Coronavirus. The agreement was signed by Assistant Supervisor General of the Center for Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Bayez and WHO Representative in the Kingdom Dr. Ibrahim Al-Zeeq.
helps us to maintain the vitality of municipalities. Municipal business services make support available quickly and efficiently to those who need it,” says Minna Karhunen, CEO of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities. The municipality granting the financing will ensure that the support is not excessive given the scope of the business activities in question. Municipalities have a sufficient mandate to provide the financing and no new legislation is required to implement the model. Municipalities will make all the necessary arrangements to perform this duty with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Municipalities can also perform the duties jointly.
US Health Department Allows Hospitals to Use Chloroquine to Treat COVID-19 Cases TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The US Department of Health announced in a statement today: “the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine drugs are to be used as the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment at the hospitals only.” In a statement issued today, the US department added that the two drugs are anti-malarial, adding that doctors can prescribe it to teen and adult patients with Covid-19 who are hospitalized only. The US health authorities have warned of taking the medication outside hospitals
Pakistan: 21 Deaths and 1,625 Infections of COVID-19
TL Bureau, Islamabad Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for Health Dr. Zafar Mirza has announced that the death rate of the novel Corona virus (COVID-19) in Pakistan has risen to 21, with the number of those infected reaching 1625 cases till March 30. In a press conference held today in Islamabad, he explained that 5 deaths were reported during the past twenty-four hours, the highest so far since COVID-19 1st reported case in Pakistan. He added that local infections have started to increase rapidly in Pakistan, stressing that the government is doing its utmost efforts to limit the spread of this deadly virus.
Iraq Reports 83 New Cases of COVID-19 TL Bureau, Baghdad
Iraq has reported 83 confirmed new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the number of infections to 630 till March 30. According to the Iraqi Ministry of Health, new infections are distributed in Baghdad 14, Basra 10, Najaf 18, Sulaimaniya, 14 Karbala, Al-Muthanna 3, Erbil 12 and Duhok 10 cases. 4 new deaths have been reported today, 2 in Najaf and 1 in both Wasit and Diyala, while 9 cases of have been recovered.
Coronavirus Cases and 2,572 Deaths Reported in US TL Bureau, Washington DC The United States recorded today the highest number of the Coronavirus cases around the world, while the number of cases on March 30, until 10:00 am local time in Washington were 143,532 while the number of deaths were 2,572 and the number of recoveries were 4,865.
COVID-19 - Council adopts measures for immediate release of funds
TL Bureau, Brussels The EU is taking swift action to make available money to help tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council today adopted two legislative acts to quickly release funding from the EU budget for tackling the COVID-19 crisis. One of the acts amends the rules of the structural and investment funds, while the other extends the scope of the EU Solidarity Fund. The Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative will give
member states access to€37 billion of cohesion money to strengthen healthcare systems, as well as support small and medium-sized enterprises, short-term working schemes, and community-based services. Of the total, about €8 billion will come from unspent pre-financing in 2019 under the structural funds. The new measure allows member states to spend unused money to mitigate the impact of the pandemic instead of returning it to the EU budget.
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Singapore
MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY CHAN CHUN SING PARTICIPATES IN G20 TRADE MINISTERS VIDEOCONFERENCE
TL Bureau, Singapore
Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing represented Singapore at the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting held via videoconference today. Singapore was invited by Saudi Arabia, which holds the 2020 G20 Presidency, to participate in the meeting. The videoconference was attended by Ministers from G20 member countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as representatives from global organisations such as the WHO, WTO, OECD, World Bank Group and UNCTAD. During the meeting, the Ministers
TL Bureau, Singapore
agreed on the importance of coordinated trade and investment measures to counter the negative impact of COVID-19 on global demand and supply. They also affirmed their commitment to restore confidence and continuity of trade, by facilitating the flow of goods and
services and reducing the risk and disruption to global health supply chains. Mr Chan said, “The consensus by G20 members to free and open trade during this critical time is a significant boost in our global fight against COVID- 19. As
IPOS APPOINTS IP ADJUDICATORS TO ADVANCE SINGAPORE’S DEVELOPMENT AS A GLOBAL IP DISPUTE RESOLUTION HUB
TL Bureau, SINGAPORE
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) today announced the appointments of five distinguished legal and intellectual property (IP) professionals to its panel of IP Adjudicators, to hear IP disputes at IPOS, bringing the panel to a total of seven members. These appointments will take effect from 1 April 2020 for a term of two years. The IP Adjudicators bring diverse experience to the panel, allowing disputing parties the opportunity to have their cases heard by legal experts with valuable commercial, legal and academic expertise and perspectives. Past IP Adjudicators have in turn found the experience helpful, as the role allows them
ACRA, MAS AND SGX REGCO UPDATE GUIDANCE ON GENERAL MEETINGS
to gain insights to better act for their clients. IPOS Panel of IP Adjudicators 2020 Of the seven-member panel, three members were reappointed: Ms. Cheng Pei Feng, Senior Assistant Registrar, Supreme Court of Singapore, Professor David Llewelyn, Professor of Law (Practice), School of Law, Singapore Management University, Dr. Burton Ong, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore, Two new appointees with vast private sector experience will join the panel: Mr. Tony Yeo, Managing Director, Intellectual Property, Drew & Napier LLC.Mr Adrian Tan, a 29-year veteran recognised for his litigation work in technology,
intellectual property, real estate and shareholder disputes, said: “Singapore is fast becoming a role model for other jurisdictions when it comes to innovative ways to resolve disputes. Businesses will benefit greatly from having their intellectual property disputes resolved by trained and experienced IP Adjudicators, in an environment that is efficient and transparent.” Prior to his appointment to the bench, District Judge Sheik Umar Bin Mohamed Bagushir spent 12 years in private practice at some of the top law firms in Singapore including Allen & Gledhill, Rajah & Tann Asia and Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow, where he handled arbitration, building and construction, oil & gas, probate, IP and IT disputes.
an international community, we must continue to ensure the flow of vital medical supplies, essential agricultural products, and other goods and services across borders, and speedily resolve disruptions to global supply chains to support the health and well-being of our people.”
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) have updated the guidance for issuers on safe distancing measures when conducting general meetings. SGX RegCo had previously announced that issuers are able to defer AGMs to after 30 April 2020. This updated guidance allows issuers that choose to proceed with general meetings before 30 April 2020, to be able to do so by, amongst others, providing opportunities for shareholders to ask questions, the meeting to be shown by “live” webcast and allowing proxy voting (Please see Annex for the updated guidance).
CCCS issues Proposed Infringement Decision against three companies for bid rigging in swimming pool and water feature maintenance tenders TL Bureau, Singapore
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCCS”) has, on 31 March 2020, issued a Proposed Infringement Decision (“PID”)1 against three companies for infringing section 34 of the Competition Act (Cap.50B) 2 by engaging in bid rigging conduct relating to tenders called for the provision of maintenance services for swimming pools, spas, fountains and other water features to privately-owned developments in Singapore. The three companies, namely CU Water Services Pte. Ltd. (“CU Water”), Crystalene Product (S) Pte. Ltd. (“Crystalene”) and Crystal Clear Contractor Pte. Ltd. (“Crystal Clear”) (each a “Party” and together the “Parties”), provide maintenance and cleaning services for swimming pools, spas,
fountains and other water features. CCCS’s Investigation In September 2017, CCCS commenced its investigation into alleged bid rigging of tenders relating to the provision of maintenance services for swimming pools, spas, fountains and other water features to privately-owned developments, including but not limited to condominiums and hotels, in Singapore. Investigations revealed that there were bilateral agreements and/or concerted practices between (i) CU Water and Crystalene, and separately between (ii) CU Water and Crystal Clear, to collude by bid rigging tenders for the provision of maintenance services for swimming pools, spas, fountains and other water features to privately-owned developments, including but not limited to condominiums and hotels, in Singapore.
Wishing Well Beauty Centre and Ruby Beauty Pte Ltd to cease unfair trade practices following CCCS’s investigation
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Participates in Second Extraordinary G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Virtual Meeting
Following an investigation by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCCS”), two beauty parlours --- Wishing Well Beauty Centre (“Wishing Well”) and Ruby Beauty Pte Ltd (“Ruby Beauty”) --- were found to have breached the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (“CPFTA”) by engaging in various unfair trade practices that misled consumers into purchasing beauty services. In 2019, CCCS initiated investigations into Wishing Well and Ruby Beauty. The investigations revealed that the staff of both beauty parlours would loiter in the vicinity of Bencoolen Street and approach consumers to entice them with a one- time offer of a discounted
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat, participated in the Second Extraordinary G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Virtual Meeting on 31 March 2020. The video conference was co-chaired by Saudi Arabian Finance Minister, Mr Mohammed Al-Jadaan, and Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, Mr Ahmed Alkholifey. G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors discussed the outcomes of the 26 March 2020 Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit, including the development of a G20
TL Bureau, Singapore
facial treatment at $38 and/ or mole/skin growth removal service at $5 per removal. When a persuaded consumer arrives in the beauty parlour for the service, the staff would not provide the service as agreed earlier. Instead, without the consumer’s consent, the staff would perform unsolicited services such as removing other moles or skin growths so as to charge a higher price for the services, or a more expensive facial treatment without revealing the price difference until after commencement of the treatment. Faced with such circumstances, the consumer would end up purchasing beauty packages ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, which were considerably higher than the prices originally quoted and which the consumer did not know or agree
to when approached earlier by the staff along Bencoolen Street. llandRubyBeautyhaveengagedin the following unfair trade practices as specified in the Second Schedule of the CPFTA:i. Charging a price for goods or services that is substantially higher than an estimate provided to the consumer; ii. Representing that a transaction involving goods or services involves or does not involve rights, remedies or obligations where that representation is deceptive or misleading; iii. Omitting to provide a material fact to a consumer, using small print to conceal a material fact from the consumer or misleading a consumer as to a material fact, in connection with the supply of goods or services; and iv. Purporting to assert a right to payment for the supply of unsolicited goods or services.
TL Bureau, Singapore
Action Plan to strengthen and coordinate the international response to address the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to enhance financial resilience and financial stability. At the virtual meeting, DPM Heng said: “The COVID-19 outbreak will change the way we view globalisation. Temporary border and other restrictions may be necessary to contain the virus. But we must not make such walls permanent, nor turn inwards. Collaboration is the best and only way to overcome the crisis. This is also our opportunity to evolve a new form of globalisation that works for all countries, so let’s work together so that we can all emerge stronger”.
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MALAYSIA & NEARBY
Malaysia: 140 New Cases of Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected Novel Coronavirus, 6 Deaths scheduled dried shark fins. TL Bureau, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia reported today 140 new coronavirus cases, 6 deaths. Malaysian Ministry of
Health said in a statement that the total tally of coronavirus infections in the country has reached 2766, while deaths reached 43.
Fatal traffic accident in Kwun Tong TL Bureau, Hong Kong
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Kwun Tong this morning (March 31) in which an 81-year-old woman died. At 7.31am, a medium goods vehicle (MGV) driven by a 51-year-old man was travelling along Kai Tin Road southbound. When approaching near Kai Tin Shopping Centre, it reportedly knocked down the 81-year-old
woman who was crossing the road. The woman was trapped under the MGV and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious head injuries, she was rushed to United Christian Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.54am. The MGV driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for further enquiries. Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon East is underway.
TL Bureau, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 31) seized about 392 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $110,000 from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Morocco for inspection and found the batch of suspected scheduled shark fins mix-loaded with non-scheduled shark fins inside the container. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for
follow-up investigation. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing
or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
engineering services, financial services, tourism and travel related services and transport services. Under the IA, the Philippines will provide Hong Kong enterprises investing in its area with fair and equitable treatment of their investments, physical protection and security of their investments as well as the assurance of the free transfer of their investments and returns. In case of expropriation or investment loss owing to war, armed conflict or similar event, the Philippines will also provide compensation to Hong
Kong enterprises investing in its area according to the agreed standard as specified under the IA. With the entry into force for the part relating to the Philippines, there will be a total of seven ASEAN member states (viz. Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) for which both the FTA and the IA have taken effect. The dates of entry into force for the remaining three ASEAN member states (viz. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia and Indonesia) will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN take effect for the Philippines
TL Bureau, Hong Kong
A Government spokesman said today (March 31) that the part relating to the Philippines under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Investment Agreement (IA) between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will take effect on May 12. On trade in goods under the FTA, the Philippines will progressively eliminate and reduce customs duties on goods originating from Hong Kong. The tariff commitments made by the Philippines cover different kinds of Hong Kong
commodities, including jewellery, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, watches and clocks and toys. To enjoy the preferential tariff treatment for exporting Hong Kong goods to the Philippines under the FTA, Hong Kong traders need to comply with the relevant preferential rules of origin and fulfil the related requirements. Applications for certificates of origin should be made to the Trade and Industry Department (TID) or Government Approved Certification Organizations of Hong Kong. For details, please refer to the relevant
trade circulars issued by the TID at www.tid.gov.hk/ english/aboutus/tradecircular/ coc/2020/coc2020.html. On trade in services, Hong Kong service providers will enjoy better business opportunities and legal certainty in market access for a comprehensive range of services sectors in the Philippines under the FTA. These include services sectors in which Hong Kong has traditional strengths or has potential for development, including business services, telecommunications services, construction and related
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BUSINESS
We face unprecedented change as a result of COVID-19 and I am writing today to share an update on what is happening across CEDA’s program and to provide information on how you can continue to access our discussions and research on critical issues at this uncertain time. TL Bureau, Canberra the crisis presents, the government’s It’s been a week since my last update, but I am sure you will agree that a week feels like an awfully long time at the moment. The health and economic situation is evolving rapidly both here and overseas, casting an unprecedented level of uncertainty over all that we do. I hope you are continuing to manage the challenges before you both, personally and professionally, as well as can be expected. The team and I here at CEDA have settled into new working routines and we are very grateful to our hardworking IT team for enabling us to do so. Like most, we are juggling many challenges on a daily basis and trying to do so with some humour and understanding (my makeshift home recording studio as revealed on Twitter ahead of my interview with Patricia Karvelas last week is a case in point – check out that interview here). Despite these challenges, CEDA’s work continues apace as we strive to provide up to date and topical briefings and discussions for our members, drawing from our wide network of experts and leaders. Can I take this opportunity to say a big thank you to those that have found the time to contribute their thoughts and insights. This week as part of that program we are delivering two livestreams, addressing cybercrime and ethics through a COVID-19 lens. The first of these livestreams, Cybercrime - what are the new threats?, will be held tomorrow. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the community and corporate Australia have seen a spate of cybercrime activity, including email spam, malware and ransomware, which is adding to the growing threat to organisations, infrastructure and the national economy. This livestream, from 3-4pm (AEDT), will examine how organisations can
CBA to deliver more support measures to help more businesses TL Bureau, Parramatta
Commonwealth Bank (CBA) has expanded its range of support measures for business customers impacted by coronavirus, announcing additional loan repayment deferrals, automatic merchant fee waivers, and tailored assistance for larger businesses. By expanding its suite of support, CBA will provide repayment relief of up to $3.6 billion for its business customers, delivering around $600 million back into business cash flows each month. More than 99 per cent of CBA’s business customers are now eligible for loan repayment deferrals. Approximately $1 billion of the relief will benefit CBA’s commercial property customers. The new support measures include: · Expanding the offer of six month loan repayment deferrals to businesses with lending limits of up to $10 million (it was previously for businesses with lending limits up to $5 million). · Automatically waiving merchant fees for three months for 70,000 small business customers. CBA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Comyn, said: “The economic, physical and personal impact of the coronavirus will be severe. We are dealing with a health crisis which is precipitating a significant economic shock, and the most vulnerable in our community are especially in need of our collective support.”
remain vigilant and protect themselves in these uncertain times. You can still register here. The second livestream this week, The ethics of decision-making in a crisis, will stream on Thursday 2 April between 121pm (AEDT) and will include speakers such as The Ethics Centre Executive Director, Dr Simon Longstaff; EY Fellow for Trust and Ethics and Honorary Fellow, The University of Melbourne, Clare Payne; and IAG Managing Director and Chief Executive, Peter Harmer. You can register here. While you need to register to participate, all livestreams are free to CEDA members, with low cost tickets available for nonmembers. As we transition to our new digital events, we have experienced some technical issues with registrations. My apologies for that and thank you for your patience and understanding. We hope all issues have now been resolved, but you can contact us directly here if you have any problems registering for these or future events. Other new content available to help keep you informed during this period includes: Listen: Late last week I spoke with Wesfarmers CEO, Rob Scott. Our wide-ranging discussion covered how Wesfarmers is addressing the challenges
Employers and Unions co-operate on Restaurants Award to address COVID-19 challenges
economic policy response, the importance of protecting the mental well-being of employees, and how the lessons Rob learned from managing Wesfarmers through the Christchurch earthquakes apply now. You can listen here or read the transcript here. Read: This week on our blog, Professor of Health Economics, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Julie Ratcliffe, argues that pitting the health risks of COVID-19 against the economic costs of isolation is a false choice and that the crisis has only shown how inextricable the links between health and the economy really are. You can read more here. Also, Griffith University Associate Professor, Tim Nelson; Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) Senior Economist, Dr Alan Rai; and AEMC Economist, Ryan Esplin, argue that policy tweaks can make renewable energy production subsidies a useful tool in Australia’s aims to lower emissions. You can read more here. Participate: As the Australian partner for the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, we are calling on business leaders to contribute to this year’s Executive Opinion Survey for the Yearbook. It is now more important than ever to measure our competitiveness, and the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook may, in a small way, help governments map the path ahead. I encourage you to contribute by completing the survey here. Results of the yearbook, based on hard data and the executive opinion survey, will be released mid-year. On a final note, I want to express our great appreciation to the new CEDA members who have signed up and our existing members that have renewed during March. Thank you for supporting the important work of CEDA, despite the current difficult and uncertain circumstances.
In a landmark deal struck this morning, employers and unions have collaboratively lodged an application this afternoon with the Fair Work Commission to amend the Restaurant Industry Award 2010 to help businesses stay open and workers stay in jobs. The special conditions contained in the application and agreed between the United Workers Union, the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Australian Industry Group, provide flexibilities around hours of work and annual leave to facilitate businesses and their employees being in the best position possible to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic, and remain in jobs and connected to their employer, while retaining the rates of pay for work performed. The application seeks to: Provide flexibility around the range of duties that employees can perform, provided it is safe to do so and the employee has the necessary qualifications, such as a Responsible
Serving of Alcohol certificate. Employees performing higher duties will be paid at the higher rate; Allow for a temporary reduction in working hours for full and part time staff (providing 60 per cent of full-time or regular part-time hours) to ensure a spread of hours across the workforce, while also ensuring minimum shift rules apply; Allow employers to direct employees to take annual leave with notice and/ or enable annual leave periods to be extended and pay to be averaged over the longer period; Allow employers to close down operations while employees are on leave, or direct employees to take leave having regard to their personal circumstances; and Ensure there is consultation with employees when new working hour arrangements are implemented. Importantly, employees will continue to accrue their entitlements on the usual basis if their working hours are reduced, and any unpaid leave taken during a close down will count as service.
and part-time workers as well as casuals who have been employed for 12 months is fair. We must safeguard as many jobs as we can to prevent long periods of joblessness and poverty. “Once the worst passes, workers and businesses doing it tough will now be in a better position to rebound. Businesses, big and small, are the glue that keep communities together. We cannot afford to let businesses shut up shop today, because there is no guarantee they will re-establish
once this crisis passes. “Business is leading the way with the highest possible safety standards to keep the economy going and people in jobs. Companies are doing everything they can to keep their workers safe and employed. “Businesses working with governments are keeping supply lines open, our finance system functioning, producing and manufacturing going to keep the shelves stocked and our mining resources sector operating. Supermarkets are open and the
crucial retailing that people rely on is running. We are keeping the lights on and the telecommunications system working. “All of these things are the foundations of our economy and they are essential to our capacity to function, be safe, live, and ability to bounce back. “We have reason to be confident. We have the knowhow, resilience, resources and the will to collectively stare down these challenges and reboot the economy as the country recovers.’’
TL Bureau, Canberra
employees to casuals who have been on the books for more than a year, is an effective approach and will stave off imminent job losses. “Including businesses of all sizes also sends a clear-cut message that not only do all jobs matter, but that small businesses and sole traders are dependent on big businesses and vice versa. “It should shorten the length of the jobseeker queue as it is an incentive for businesses to not only think again before letting staff go but also to rehire those already laid off. “We would now urge every employer who has had to lay someone off due to the economic impact of the coronavirus, to look
hard at their numbers, rethink, and rehire wherever possible. “Through collaborative efforts with the ACTU and Ai Group, we have also been able to urgently deliver changes to the award system; this means together with today’s announcement, small business employers and employees are starting to have more options to stay in business and retain jobs. “We’d like to thank the Federal Government for taking a consultative approach to wage subsidies and we’d also like to acknowledge all the support we have received from employer groups, unions and the public for our initial wage subsidy proposal.”
TL Bureau, Canberra
Job Keeper payment to keep Australians in working
TL Bureau, Canberra
We commend the Morrison Government’s JobKeeper payment for workers which will keep Australians in jobs and keep them connected to their workplaces so we can bounce back when we emerge from this challenge, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said today. “This crisis will end and when it does Australia will need businesses and workers that are ready to ramp back up quickly, today’s announcement will make sure they can. Crucially, today’s announcement will deliver assistance to all Australian workers that need it regardless of the size of their employer. “This huge package will keep people in jobs and vitally make sure Australia is ready to rebuild quickly once this challenge passes. It is a fair and common-sense way of ensuring employees can remain connected to their employers, who have been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 fallout. “The government has made the right choice to work through the systems we already have in place to get assistance where it is needed as soon as possible. “Applying this wage subsidy to full
Job Keeper payment will save jobs: ACCI
The Federal Government’s unprecedented new Job Keeper payment will save jobs in businesses of all sizes and industries and will maintain crucial employer-employee relationships in the essential recovery phase to come. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO James Pearson said today’s $130 billion package targeted some of the economy’s most damaged businesses. “Today’s announcement is a game changer when Australia needs it most,” Mr Pearson said. “Allocating $1500 per fortnight for all employees, from permanent
8
FEATURE
Migrant Workers Stream Home as Thailand’s Economy Goes into Covid-19 Lockdown
TL Bureau, Bangkok
As Thailand curtails economic activity and begins to close its borders to limit the spread of the COVID-19, thousands of jobless migrant workers from neighbouring Myanmar, Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic are returning home. The announcement of wide-ranging business closures by Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang on 21 March and the subsequent Emergency Decree announced by the Thai Government on 26 March has also triggered a mass movement of Thai migrant workers from Bangkok to their home provinces. The movements come at a time when Thailand and its neighbours are encouraging people to stay at home and enforcing social distancing to contain the virus, and could have unintended consequences, according to IOM Regional Migration Health Specialist Dr. Patrick Duigan. “There is a risk that these returns could lead to the seeding of new clusters of the virus in areas of return, transmission among returnees during crowded buses and border crossings, and among those held in collective settings for quarantine,” he said. “Many of them come from rural communities in Myanmar, Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which are relatively unprepared for monitoring, testing or treating COVID-19 cases. Unlike the patterns from other countries where the majority of cases start in urban areas, in these three countries of return, rural areas may drive transmission,” he added. IOM is monitoring border movements in the region and providing assistance to the migrants and governments, despite limited resources. While official crossing points are increasingly closed, some returns continue via unofficial crossing points. Thailand’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus have included shutting down nonessential businesses across the country and limiting travel both within the country and between Thailand and other countries. Most Thai border checkpoints are now closed for people. An emergency decree bans entry to non-Thais, with the exception of drivers, diplomats, shippers, pilots and others with explicit permission. At the Myanmar border, only Thai and
Myanmar nationals have been allowed to cross the border since last weekend. On Monday and Tuesday over 6,200 migrants crossed into Myanmar from the Thai border town of Mae Sot. Over 400 of those migrants now are in a 14-day quarantine in Myawaddy on the Myanmar side of the border. Myanmar’s Department of Labour has asked IOM for support with data collection, and helping authorities to meet immediate needs on return, including shelter, food, non-food relief items, health support and risk communication. In Poipet on the Thai-Cambodian border, IOM worked through last weekend to help overstretched Cambodian officials process over 800 returnees, who submitted to two health screenings by Cambodian officials before being allowed to travel on to their final destinations. Returnees were advised to self-monitor for 14 days after returning home. IOM, which operates a TB screening project at the Poipet (migrant) Transit Centre, provided the returnees with health and hygiene information, food and hygiene kits. Sleeping mats and mosquito nets also were being pre-positioned at the centre for migrants needing to stay overnight. Despite
the closure of the border, the centre continues to receive returnees. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is also seeing large numbers of returnees at its three major international border checkpoints with Thailand - two in the south of the country and one close to the capital, Vientiane. On Tuesday over 15,000 migrants returned from Thailand. On Wednesday quarantine centres were set up at the border crossing points for migrants with COVID-19-like symptoms.
They will remain quarantined for 14 days. IOM Lao People’s Democratic Republic has been asked to provide support with food distribution, community risk awareness raising, and data collection, with a focus on identifying provinces of return. This will enable community health workers provide necessary services in destination communities. IOM has appealed for USD 116 million to assist migrants affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
9
life and real estate
10
Tonga Rugby League Implementation Committee begins search for directors TL Bureau, Auckland
An implementation committee has been formed to help with the preparation of an application for Tongan membership of International Rugby League (IRL). The move, which follows the expulsion of the previous governing body from the membership, was initiated by 20 Tongan clubs who are keen to ensure the kingdom returns to full membership of the sport’s international federation. The four-strong committee includes two independent members from Tonga. Ikani Taliai provides a good understanding of the local clubs and sporting landscape, whilst Suliana Mone is a constitutional lawyer. Konrad Hurrell will represent the national playing group and Gareth Holmes will be an Asia-Pacific Rugby League representative. IRL Global Operations Manager Danny Kazandjian said: “Over the past six months, IRL has sought the opinions and views of the various constituencies that make up the Tongan rugby league community, through surveys, faceto-face and phone interviews and a consultation phase. The response shaped a consensus for the next steps to stabilise Tongan rugby league. The suggestions IRL originally
made to the previous governing body in December, were a result of those stakeholder interventions and intended to strengthen governance of the sport in the country. “The bulk of Tongan clubs who participated in the consultation have now requested that IRL works closely with them to help them to immediately enact the recommendations. The first of those recommendations was the formation of the implementation committee, which is now coordinating efforts between the various parties.” On behalf of the committee, Gareth Holmes said: “The implementation committee is now inviting candidates of unimpeachable integrity and the highest ethical standards to apply for the roles of independent chair and independent finance director. Once the roles are filled the new organisation will be in position to prepare and present its application for membership of IRL.” Candidates should express their interest by emailing gholmes@ aprl.com.au by Monday 13 April 2020. Please refer to the below criteria when applying for any of the available positions: Chair: • Fluent in oral and written Tongan and English
• Firm understanding of the Tongan cultural and sporting landscape • Experience in leadership and with proven ability to lead diverse organisations with multiple stakeholder groups • Ability to implement and deliver on strategic goals • Proven ability to liaise with international organisations • A firm understanding of rugby league in Tonga and the place of Tongan rugby league on an international level • Demonstrate ability to ensure unity of all stakeholder groups in Tonga whilst simultaneously maintaining good relations with international stakeholders and garnering the trust and support of all these parties Finance/Compliance Director • Appropriate financial qualifications and professional experience • Experience in having kept accounts and/or financially advised incorporated societies or other equivalent organisations • Budget management, forecasting and auditing experience • Experience in negotiation, grant sourcing and relationship with government
SPORTS
FIBA officially updates FIBA 3x3 World Tour season calendar
TL Bureau, MIES (FIBA 3x3) Following its decision to suspend all FIBA competitions on March 12 and confirmed at the FIBA’s Central Board on March 26 and 27, FIBA announced on March 31 that the FIBA 3x3 Doha, Manila, Chengdu, Mexico City and Utsunomiya Masters have been rescheduled. The first 5 Masters in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2020 season have been postponed to the second semester due to the current situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and in order to protect the health and safety of players, coaches, officials and fans. The Doha, Mexico City and Utsunomiya Masters will not take place as originally scheduled. A new date will be announced at a later stage. The Manila and Chengdu Masters are now planned for August 15-16 and October 1718 respectively. Regarding the two FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, the Central Board
announced FIBA will continue its discussions with the IOC in order to find the best solution for the scheduling of the remaining six Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (two for 3x3 and four for men’s basketball). FIBA will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis and evaluate the options for the lifting of the suspension of competitions when the situation allows for it. Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups.
IOC, IPC, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and Tokyo Metropolitan Government announce new dates for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
TL Bureau, Tokyo
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Government of Japan today agreed new dates for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, in 2021. The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be celebrated from 23 July to 8 August 2021. They also agreed on new dates for the Paralympic Games, which will be celebrated from 24 August until 5 September 2021. The leaderships of the key parties came together via telephone conference earlier today, joined by IOC President Thomas Bach, Tokyo 2020 President Mori Yoshirō, Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko and Olympic and Paralympic Minister Hashimoto Seiko, and agreed on the new schedule. This decision was taken based on three main considerations and in line with the principles established by the IOC Executive Board (EB) on 17 March 2020 and confirmed at its meeting today. These were supported by all the International Summer Olympic Sports Federations (IFs) and all the National Olympic Committees (NOCs): 1. To protect the health of the athletes and everyone involved, and to support the containment of the COVID-19 virus. 2. To safeguard the interests of the athletes and of Olympic sport. 3. The global international sports calendar. These new dates give the health authorities and all involved in the organisation of the Games the maximum time to deal with the constantly changing landscape and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new dates, exactly one year after those originally planned for 2020 (Olympic Games: 24 July to 9 August 2020 and Paralympic Games: 25 August to 6 September 2020), also have the added benefit that any disruption that the postponement will
cause to the international sports calendar can be kept to a minimum, in the interests of the athletes and the IFs. Additionally, they will provide sufficient time to finish the qualification process. The same heat mitigation measures as planned for 2020 will be implemented. In a call on Tuesday 24 March 2020, based on information provided by the WHO at the time, IOC President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzō concluded that the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would be held in their complete form and not later than summer 2021. The Prime Minister reiterated that the government of Japan stands ready to fulfil its responsibility for hosting these successful Games. At the same time, IOC President Thomas Bach stressed the full commitment of the IOC to successful Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Following today’s decision, the IOC President said: “I want to thank the International Federations for their unanimous support and the Continental Associations of National Olympic Committees for the great partnership and their support in the consultation process over the last few days. I would also like to thank the IOC Athletes’ Commission, with whom we have been in constant contact. With this announcement, I am confident that, working together with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japanese Government and all our stakeholders, we can master this unprecedented challenge. Humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel. These Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 can be a light at the end of this tunnel.” Andrew Parsons, the President of the IPC, commented: “It is fantastic news that we could find new dates so quickly for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The new dates provide certainty for the athletes, reassurance for the stakeholders and something to look forward to for the whole world. When the Paralympic Games do take place in Tokyo next year, they will be an extra-special display of humanity
uniting as one, a global celebration of human resilience and a sensational showcase of sport. With the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games 512 days away, the priority for all those involved in the Paralympic Movement must be to focus on staying safe with their friends and family during this unprecedented and difficult time.” The President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, Mori Yoshirō, said: “IOC President Thomas Bach and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee held a conference call today to discuss in detail the revised dates of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Hashimoto Seiko and Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko joined the call. I proposed that the Games should be hosted between July and August 2021, and I really appreciate that President Bach, having discussed this proposal with the various international sports federations and other related organisations, kindly accepted my proposal. A certain amount of time is required for the selection and qualification of athletes and for their training and preparation, and the consensus was that staging the rescheduled Games during the summer vacation in Japan would be preferable. In terms of transport, arranging volunteers and the provision of tickets for those in Japan and overseas, as well as allowing for the COVID-19 situation, we think that it would be better to reschedule the Games to one year later than planned, in the summer of 2021. Notwithstanding the postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in history, and various other issues that have already been highlighted, the event schedule is the cornerstone of future preparations, and I am convinced that taking this decision promptly will help speed up future preparations. I would like to thank all the stakeholders, including the host city Tokyo and the Government of Japan, for their hard work during this short period. The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee will continue to work hard for the success of next year’s Games.”
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Reliable test results enable differential diagnosis in under 2.5 hours
Bosch CEO Dr. Volkmar Denner: “Bosch’s rapid COVID-19 test will help contain the spread of the pandemic and break the chain of transmission more quickly.” Bosch is helping medical facilities such as doctors’ offices, hospitals, laboratories, and health centers with its new COVID-19 rapid test. The rapid test can diagnose ten respiratory pathogens simultaneously for differential diagnosis and meets the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO). Bosch Healthcare Solutions, together with Randox Laboratories Ltd., has developed one of the world’s first fully automated molecular diagnostic tests.
TL Bureau, Stuttgart, Germany – The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is posing major challenges for healthcare systems and medical institutions worldwide. An ability to rapidly diagnose the virus is of invaluable help in curbing its exponential spread in many countries. Bosch’s new, fully automated rapid test for COVID-19 can help medical facilities such as doctors’ offices, hospitals, laboratories, and health centers make fast diagnoses. The rapid molecular diagnostic test runs on the Vivalytic analysis device from Bosch Healthcare Solutions. “We want the Bosch rapid COVID-19 test to play a part in containing the coronavirus pandemic as quickly as possible. It will speed up the identification and isolation of infected patients,” says Dr. Volkmar Denner, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.
Faster certainty, slower spread
Developed in just six weeks, the rapid test can detect a SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection in patients in under two and a half hours – measured from the time the sample is taken to the time the result arrives. Another advantage of the rapid test is that it can be performed directly at the point of care. This eliminates the need to transport samples, which takes up valuable time. It also means patients quickly gain certainty about their state of health, while allowing infected individuals to be identified and isolated immediately. With the tests currently in use, patients must usually wait one to two days for a result. “Time is of the essence in the fight
against coronavirus. Reliable, rapid diagnosis directly on site with no back and forth – that is the great advantage of our solution, which we see as another example of technology that is ‘Invented for life,” Denner says.
Differential diagnosis: diagnosing ten respiratory pathogens simultaneously
Bosch’s rapid test is one of the world’s first fully automated molecular diagnostic tests that can be used directly by all medical institutions. What’s more, it allows a single sample to be tested not just for COVID-19 but also for nine other respiratory diseases, including influenza A and B, simultaneously. “The special feature of the Bosch test is that it offers differential diagnosis, which saves doctors the additional time needed for further tests. It also provides them with a reliable diagnosis quickly so they can then begin suitable treatment faster,” says Marc Meier, president of Bosch Healthcare Solutions GmbH. The newly developed test will be available in Germany starting in April, with other markets in Europe and elsewhere to follow. Bosch’s rapid COVID-19 test is the result of collaboration between the company’s Bosch Healthcare Solutions subsidiary and the Northern Irish medical technology company Randox Laboratories Ltd. “Together with our partner Randox, we have succeeded in developing this innovative rapid test within a very short time frame, and we are now in a position to
offer it to the market. The Bosch Vivalytic analysis device evaluates the test safely and reliably directly in the hospital, in the lab, or in the doctor’s office, guaranteeing the best possible protection for patients and medical staff,” Meier says. The company is currently examining how it can help doctors and nursing staff in medical facilities such as the Robert Bosch Hospital get tested promptly so they can be fit to work for as long as possible – with no risk of infecting others.
Easy application at the point of care
In various laboratory tests with SARSCoV-2, the Bosch test delivered results with an accuracy of over 95 percent. The rapid test meets the quality standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). A sample is taken from the patient’s nose or throat using a swab. Then the cartridge, which already contains all the reagents required for the test, is inserted into the Vivalytic device for analysis. During the analysis, medical staff can devote themselves to other tasks, for example treating patients. The Vivalytic analyzer is designed to be so user-friendly that even medical personnel who have not been specially trained on it can reliably perform the test. A Bosch Vivalytic analyzer can perform up to ten tests in the space of 24 hours. This means it takes just 100 devices to evaluate up to 1,000 tests per day. Given the dynamic spread of the coronavirus SARSCoV-2, laboratories are already working beyond capacity. The Bosch Vivalytic will thus help to increase available testing capacities.
tech/auto BMW Group uses Blockchain to drive supply chain transparency TL Bureau, Munich
The BMW Group is using innovative digital technologies to optimise its processes. A good example of this is Blockchain, a technology that enables tamperproof data sharing, with potential applications throughout the entire automotive value chain. The BMW Group is using this technology in purchasing to ensure the traceability of components and raw materials in multi-stage international supply chains. “In 2019, we conducted a successful pilot project for purchasing front lights. This year, we want to expand the project to a large number of other suppliers,” said Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. The automotive industry’s international supply chains are highly complex. They generally involve numerous players at different delivery stages and often undergo rapid changes. For this reason, considerable effort can be needed to clearly track a component’s origin or supply route, for instance. Up until now, it has been customary for the many partners to manage their own data separately. The companies’ respective IT systems have not always been able to communicate consistently with one another. For the BMW Group’s purchasing experts and its suppliers, ensuring transparency therefore involved considerable manual effort. The BMW Group initiated the PartChain project to ensure seamless traceability of components – more or less “at the push of a button” – and provide immediate data transparency in complex supply chains for all partners involved going forward.
Connected and Sanitized Mobility Services for Healthcare Workers Introduced by Toyota Mobility Foundation in Support of the Fight Against COVID-19
TL Bureau, Bangkok
Under the unprecedented backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on human lives and every aspect of daily life, Governments around the world are trying to find the best approach to manage the situation, such as medical interventions, lockdowns and travel restrictions that are aimed at “flattening the curve.” In the battle against the disease, healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, hospital administrative staff, including cleaning and transportation staff, are on the frontlines, putting their professionalism and expertise at the fore, to fight for the rest of our health. This is true across the globe, including in Thailand. Respecting the contribution of these heroes, Toyota Mobility
Foundation (TMF), an independent not for profit foundation aimed at enabling mobility for all, announced its intention to provide 10 connected and sanitized shuttles that would be made available free of cost to certain hospitals (details now under confirmation) that are treating COVID-19 cases. These shuttles will be equipped with software that allow the commuters to book seats on routes that are dynamically generated to ensure that the most effective route is designed for the passengers requesting rides. The passengers will have certainty on the pick-up location and time to ensure that they can get to work at a designated time and transportation when they leave. The “Just-in-Time” software is designed by Singaporebased SWAT Mobility, a company that provides demand-responsive,
ride-sharing solutions. Representing TMF, Mr. Pras Ganesh, Program Director for Asia Region, said, “The aim of TMF is to provide the best possible mobility solution which allows the healthcare workers to have a safe, convenient and free commute which also allows peace of
mind at this uncertain time. Based upon the Bangkok experience, we also aim to roll this service out in some South East Asian countries. Once standardized, the operating procedure, will also be made available to anyone who would like to provide similar services.”
The services will be rolled out with operational support from Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd., (TMT) and Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd., (TDEM) and aims to start from Mid-April and operate for a period of at least three months. About the Toyota Mobility Foundation TMF was established in August 2014 as an independent foundation to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world.
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Telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump
Vladimir Putin and President of the United States of America Donald Trump had a lengthy conversation during a call initiated by the US. TL Bureau, Moscow
Moscow The two presidents expressed serious concern over the scale of the spread of the coronavirus in the world and informed each other about measures taken in Russia and the United States to counter this threat. Opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries on this problem were discussed. They also exchanged views on the current state of the global oil market and agreed that Russian and American energy ministers should hold consultations on this topic.
world
Crisis package for jobs and transition
The Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party are now presenting further measures to alleviate the impact of the virus outbreak on jobs and the economy in Sweden. TL Bureau, Stockholm
The ongoing virus outbreak is having a major impact on the Swedish economy and many people have become, or risk becoming, unemployed. To alleviate the impact on the labour market, a crisis package for jobs and transition is now being presented. The Government will shortly present the proposals to the Riksdag in an additional amending budget and in the coming spring amending budget. The proposals are based on an agreement between the Swedish Social Democratic Party, the Centre Party, the Liberal Party and the Green Party. Temporary reinforcement of unemployment insurance Even with the powerful measures taken so far to combat the economic impact of the virus outbreak, unemployment is expected to rise sharply. This means that unemployment insurance will have to be adapted. The requirements concerning who can receive money from an unemployment insurance fund will be temporarily relaxed in terms of how much people need to have worked and how long people need to have been a member of a fund. At the same time, it is proposed that both the highest and the lowest amounts paid out by an unemployment insurance fund be raised temporarily to alleviate the economic impact on people who become unemployed. It is also proposed that the six initial qualifying days be removed and that the unemployment insurance funds receive funding for administration.
Forest fire kills 19 in China’s Sichuan province TL Bureau, BEIJING
A forest fire that is threatening an LPG storage site and two petrol stations has killed 19 people, including 18 firefighters, in southwest China’s Sichuan province, state news agency Xinhua and city officials reported on Tuesday. The fire started on Monday at a farm and spread to nearby mountains because of strong winds, burning 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) as of midnight that night, the report said.
Xinhua did not say how the fire was started, according to Reuters. The fire now directly threatens major facilities in downtown Xichang, including a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage station, two gasoline stations, four schools and the city largest department store, Xichang’s city government said on its social media account. Around 690,000 people live in the city, which is about 340 km (210 miles) southwest of provincial capital Chengdu.
The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic reported 184 new cases of novel coronavirus
to the public. Anyone who is given notice of the termination of their contract will be able to use these courses to quickly begin knowledge acquisition. To compensate for increased workload, it is also proposed that the Swedish Council for Higher Education and the Swedish Board of Student Finance receive increased funding. More opportunities for vocational education and training throughout the country At a time when unemployment is expected to rise, there will be a need for better opportunities for further education/training throughout the country. It is proposed that funding to regional vocational adult education increase, with the surplus enabling full central government financing of education. It is proposed that vocational higher education be reinforced with new places, short courses and course packages, as well as various kinds of pilot projects so that more people can complete their qualification. It is proposed that folk high school be expanded, with full financing from central government. In addition, improved possibilities are proposed for distance learning, partly through additional support to education providers in vocational higher education in terms of distance teaching, and partly by making more distance courses available via study associations. Removal of income ceiling for student aid So that health and medical care students can help out in the health care sector without their student aid being reduced, it is proposed that the income ceiling for all those receiving student aid be temporarily removed.
Very serious situation for the global economy and the Swedish economy
Minister for Finance Magdalena Andersson presents the new forecast from the Ministry of Finance today.
(COVID-19). The ministry stated that the total tally of coronavirus infections in the country has reached 3001, while the deaths reached 23
The virus outbreak has had a serious impact on economic growth, both in Sweden and around the world. This is a combined shock to supply and demand, with knock-on effects between countries. The level of uncertainty in the forecast is very high. This assessment is based on analyses of how different sectors are affected by the measures taken to limit the spread of the virus and how the economy has reacted in previous crises. The global economy, like the Swedish economy, is
expected to enter a recession with strongly negative GDP growth in 2020. Swedish GDP is expected to drop by 4 per cent in 2020, which is on a level with the drop during the financial crisis. The negative growth rate and the considerable numbers reported so far of people who have been given notice of the termination of their contracts reinforce the expectation that the labour market will become significantly worse, with falling employment and rising unemployment. The employment rate is expected to fall clearly to just below 67 per cent, compared with
68.3 per cent in 2019, and unemployment is expected to rise to 9 per cent in 2020. The recovery phase is expected to last for several years, with resource utilisation far below its normal level in the coming years.The comprehensive fiscal policy measures and falling tax revenues are expected to result in large deficits in public finances. It is estimated that general government net lending will drop this year to -3.8 per cent of GDP. However, with a debt ratio at a historically low level Sweden has a stronger initial position than many other countries.
had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 282 patients (149 male and 133 female, aged 3 to 86) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting
criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients. There are 637 patients under isolation currently. So far, 128 patients who had
COVID-19 confirmed or probable infections have been discharged upon recovery. The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre
for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.
Coronavirus Cases in Czech Top 3000 TL Bureau, Prague
More active labour market policy To better address a development in which more people are expected to become unemployed, it is proposed that increased funding be paid to Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish public employment service) and labour market policy programmes. It is proposed that the period during which a person may have an ‘extra job’, a new start job or an introductory job be extended by an additional year for those who already have such jobs. It is also proposed that the maximum time for support for starting a business be extended from six to twelve months. In addition, it is proposed that municipalities receive grants for more summer jobs for young people and funding for green jobs to enable subsidised employment, primarily in the area of nature and forest conservation. More places and more distance learning at higher education institutions To increase opportunities to study at higher education institutions, it is proposed that the number of places be increased. A general expansion of the number of places is proposed, as are more places on summer courses and a foundation year so that unemployed people, and others, have the opportunity to obtain eligibility to enter into further education/training, for example in health care professions. In addition, increased funding is also proposed to strengthen capacity and develop work on distance learning at higher education institutions. Funding will also be allocated for internet-based education, also known as MOOCs (massive open online courses), which is free of charge and open
TL Bureau, Stockholm
Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19
TL Bureau, Hong Kong
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: As at noon today (March 31), public hospitals
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